The UK Government has given the green light to a contract valued at up to £1 billion ($1.3 billion) to facilitate the transition of public sector organizations to cloud-based services.
The Crown Commercial Service, a division of the Cabinet Office, recently unveiled this contract as part of the G-Cloud 14 framework, the latest installment of its cloud computing procurement initiative.
As reported by The Register, this new contract, falling under Lot 4 of the G-Cloud 14 framework, involves 42 suppliers that will offer services to assist public and third-sector entities in embracing cloud technology. These services encompass planning, setup, migration, and support for various cloud services.
Key capabilities include workload consolidation and transfer of emails, files, calendars, applications, user permissions, and more. Additionally, the framework includes security services, quality assurance, performance testing, and training to ensure a seamless transition to the cloud.
Notable companies among the contract winners include Capgemini, Ernst & Young, Deloitte, CGI, as well as SMEs like Aire Logic and Version One Solutions. The Lot 4 award follows previous awards for Lots 1 through 3, with a combined value of up to £6.5 billion ($8.2 billion). The competition for these services commenced in February, demonstrating the government’s dedication to modernizing its IT infrastructure.
While the G-Cloud framework offers significant advantages, it has also faced scrutiny. Concerns raised by the Cabinet Office’s Central Digital & Data Office (CDDO) include vendor lock-in and risks that could compromise the government’s bargaining power. These challenges emphasize the importance of balancing innovation with strategic oversight.
The transition to G-Cloud 14 showcases the UK’s ongoing commitment to digital transformation, superseding the G-Cloud 13 framework, which engaged over 5,000 suppliers, with 91% of them being SMEs.
Following a government reshuffle in July, the CDDO will move from the Cabinet Office to the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology. This shift may signal a heightened emphasis on technological innovation in public-sector cloud adoption.
Aligned with the UK’s ‘Cloud First’ policy, regular reviews will aim to enhance vendor selection and adhere to the latest industry standards. The G-Cloud 14 framework is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of public sector IT.
[Photo by Unsplash]
Check out more: UK government embarks on £366 million cloud migration for core systems
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Tags: cloud, cloud adoption
