Government develops cloud computing catalogue

Government develops cloud computing catalogue

The government has invited suppliers to apply to be listed in a cloud computing catalogue which has been developed for its acquisition of IT services.

The government wrote a blog on the HM Government website which detailed the launch of the ‘G Cloud iii’ – so called as it is the third framework of its type to be launched.

“Today we can confirm the launch and timetable of the next procurement round for applications to join G-Cloud… Since the start of G-Cloud, our intention has always been to run procurements every 3-6 months, so as to encourage a regular influx of new suppliers and refreshed services," Peter Middleton wrote on behalf of the government.

“We believe this is the best way to drive competition, provide greater choice and flexibility for buyers, and help the public sector to deliver better value and more responsive services for citizens and businesses across the UK,” Mr Middleton added.

Under the framework, public bodies will be entitled to spend up to £200 million on the necessary IT services to support the organisation’s work.

The Government said that ‘Suppliers of identity services; service integration and service management; software support; and business process automation’ are especially encouraged to put themselves forward to be a listed provider under the G-Cloud framework.

This is due to the fact that a recent government review revealed that there was a need to ‘strengthen representation on the G-Cloud framework of suppliers of such services,’ Out-Law.com reported the government as saying.

Public sector bodies will be able to access the listed suppliers’ services through the G-Cloud system during a set period of time.

Businesses looking to move services into the cloud, should evaluate the performance of their existing network and consider setting up a leased line or MPLS network.