Partner Article

Government CloudStore engages SMEs and public authorities

CloudStore, the Government’s G-Cloud framework for cloud-based ICT services opened for business at the weekend.

The site is set to offer a faster route for the public sector procurement of IT services, including system hosting, electronic records management and office productivity applications.

Public Sector organisations will be able to buy “off-the-shelf” IT services from CloudStore on a pay-as-you-go basis, rather than having to develop their own systems.

The idea is to save money by avoiding duplication of services that cannot be shared, and level the playing field for SMEs to win business that may traditionally have been the preserve of larger IT companies.

Announcing the CloudStore, Francis Maude, Minister for the Cabinet Office, said: “The launch of CloudStore is an important milestone in the Government’s ICT strategy to deliver savings and an IT system fit for the 21st century.

“Simply stated, purchasing services from CloudStore will be quicker, easier, cheaper and more transparent for the public sector and suppliers alike.”

For the initial catalogue offering, the Government received bids from nearly 300 suppliers, offering roughly 1,700 services which are undergoing assurance and accreditation.

Service details and pricing are viewable on CloudStore, allowing buyers to compare services and encourage competition.

Mr Maude added: “By creating a competitive marketplace, the G-Cloud framework will constantly encourage service providers to improve the quality and value of the solutions they offer, reducing the cost to taxpayers and suppliers.

“And it gives SME suppliers of niche products the same opportunities as bigger organisations supplying services.

“Using cloud solutions that have already been secured and accredited will almost always be less expensive, and we will only pay for what we use.

“We will also know from the outset the cost of the product and, importantly, the cost of exit from contracts that will be no longer than 12 months.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .