Among the 257 companies whose software will be available on CloudStore are major cloud vendors such as Microsoft and Google, major IT suppliers such as HP and IBM, service providers such as BT, C&W and Virgin Media, specialist cloud operators such as Virtustream, open source companies such as Red Hat and some British providers such as Memset and Logica. A full list of providers is available from the G-Cloud website.
The Cloudstore – built by UK SME SolidSoft on Microsoft Windows Azure – will enable public sector organisations to purchase off-the-shelf IT services on a pay-as-you-go basis. As part of the government's transparency agenda, and to encourage competition, the service details and pricing information are open to all on CloudStore, and contracts for services should be no longer than one year.
The government anticipates the G-Cloud framework will transform the way that the public sector procures ICT services.
“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,” said Francis Maude, Minister for the Cabinet Office and figure behind the launch."
"Purchasing services from Cloudstore will be quicker, easier, cheaper and more transparent for the public sector and suppliers alike."
