Microsoft services reappointed to G-Cloud Framework v4
The Government Procurement Services reappointed Microsoft to the G-Cloud Framework v4, following the completion of the Official Journal European Union bid process. Microsoft’s appointment to the framework covers all four lots: Infrastructure as a Service, Platform as a Service, Software as a Service and cloud consulting services. In addition, a number of Microsoft partners have also won a place on the framework, including more than 120 UK small- and medium-sized enterprises.
The G-Cloud approach is part of the Government’s commitment to see public cloud services account for 50% of new Government ICT spending by 2015. Microsoft’s key public cloud online services, including Windows Azure, Office 365, Dynamics CRM Online and Microsoft Consulting Services, will help deliver the objectives of the Government’s Strategic Implementation Plan.
Microsoft recognises the strategic importance of the G-Cloud Framework as the most effective purchasing route for cloud services and is proud to be a supplier on the framework. Microsoft is currently one of the top G-Cloud Suppliers, providing a number of public sector customers, such as Hampshire County Council with IL2-accredited Office 365, or NHS with IL2-accredited Azure. These services provide the benefits of unprecedented economies of scale, with over 70,000 public sector seats of e-mail, collaboration and unified communications services, as well as low-cost Dynamics CRM, and Azure compute cloud services. For example, Azure recently provided low cost scalable compute power for the UCAS clearing service, with over 300,000 users in the space of one day.
Commenting on the successful bid, Derrick McCourt, General Manager Public Sector, Microsoft UK, said: “Today’s re-appointment demonstrates Microsoft’s on-going commitment to the Government’s Cloud First strategy and vision for cost reduction and business transformation. We will continue to build on the business we have already secured in previous iterations of the Framework and continue to be delighted to see so many Microsoft partners, mostly UK SMEs, successfully bid to be part of the framework. These SMEs are all building cloud solutions on Microsoft cloud platforms or providing services to help our Public Sector customers move to the cloud as quickly as possible.”
Want to learn more about how the products and services available on G-Cloud can help your organisation deliver? Check out our website for information about IL2 accreditations and free trials.