Out-Law News

New G-Cloud framework gives government IT buyers access to more than 1,000 suppliers


Government departments and other public sector IT buyers can choose between products and services on offer from more than 1,000 suppliers under the new 'G-Cloud' procurement framework.

G-Cloud 5 went live with 1,132 suppliers listed last week and is the latest version of the G-Cloud framework to be launched. The G-Cloud system allows public sector bodies to gain access to cloud-based IT services being offered by a selected list of pre-approved suppliers during a set period.

The Cabinet Office said that more than 17,000 services can now be procured through the 'CloudStore', the online marketplace where IT buyers in the public sector can search for available services.

In total, public sector organisations have spent £175 million using the G-Cloud frameworks since they were first launched in February 2012, with 60% of what has been spent going to SME suppliers.

The UK government's 'cloud first' policy requires central government departments to consider IT solutions offered through the cloud before they consider alternatives. The departments can only deviate from using cloud-based IT solutions where they can show that alternative offerings offer "better value for money" than the products and services available through the CloudStore.

Tony Singleton, G-Cloud and digital commercial programme director at the Cabinet Office, said earlier this year that government departments are making approximate 50% savings by procuring IT services through the G-Cloud.

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