G-Cloud iii is the third version of the UK Government framework, and is designed to promote the adoption of cloud computing in the public sector. The framework includes CloudStore, an online catalogue which displays cloud services and gives public sector organisations the option to choose services which best fit their needs. This makes the procurement process faster, more cost-effective and more transparent.
The latest G-Cloud framework ties in with the Government’s launch of Cloud First, a mandate which makes it compulsory for all central government ICT procurement departments to consider and fully evaluate cloud solutions before looking at ‘on-premise’ options.
Neil Cross, Managing Director of Advanced 365 says: “Advanced is proud to have been selected to be able to offer its services on the latest G-Cloud iii. The new framework allows us to extend our cloud offerings to public sector organisations, and enables them to procure IT services without a lengthy tendering process, which will importantly allow them to become more efficient.
“As the demand for cloud continues to grow, more organisations than ever before are investing in cloud-based solutions and requiring the services of industry leading experts such as Advanced.”
Government Minister, Francis Maude said, “G-Cloud brings a step change in the way government buys IT. It’s quicker, cheaper and more competitive, open to a wider range of companies, including a majority of SMEs, and offers more choice and innovation.
“Many government departments already use G-Cloud, but IT costs are still too high. One way we can reduce them is to accelerate the adoption of Cloud across the public sector to maximise its benefits. The Cloud First policy will embed the skills a modern civil service needs to meet the demands of 21st-century digital government and help us get ahead in the global race.”