The G-Cloud is a framework set up by the Government to streamline the procurement process for cloud-based products and services for the public sector.
The system eliminates the need to run a full tender or competition procurement process. G-Cloud stores the products on the Digital Marketplace: an online store for all the digital services covered by the G-Cloud framework.
If you are a public sector organisation and want to invest in cloud services, G-Cloud is the first place to look. The system is designed to support smooth digital integration for everyone from regional bodies to central government.
There are many advantages, but here are five of the most significant.
Choice
One obvious benefit of G-Cloud’s procurement services is the level of choice. Altogether, the framework offers around 25,000 products. Whether you’re looking for cloud hosting, cloud software or cloud support, G-Cloud should have a product to suit your needs.
The range of options on G-Cloud is also a significant advantage when it comes to creating a dynamic marketplace. As there are approximately 3,500 individual suppliers, innovation is encouraged through competition. This means you can make sure you get the right product at the right price.
Flexibility
The scale of any services procured through G-Cloud can be increased quickly if needed. It can also be decreased rapidly if needed. This flexibility allows cost-saving measures, and guarantees public money is not wasted on a service or product that isn’t used. It also ensures efficiency, as this provides the option to make greater use of a helpful product or service.
Budget
On the subject of cost-saving, using cloud-based services will save money. The G-Cloud was set up to move public sector and governmental bodies into the cloud, because it is cheaper and more effective than running your own data centre. Organisations no longer have to negotiate every contract individually as they can rely on the framework.
Furthermore, the Digital Market encourages suppliers to offer prices that are cheaper than commercial prices, thus saving the public sector money. It is also commodity-based, which means you wouldn’t be paying for more than you use.
Security
The products and suppliers found on Digital Marketplace are all GDPR-compliant and subject to the framework’s terms and conditions. Any organisation that wants to register their product on the marketplace must complete a series of security statements on their compliance. This includes fair and transparent use of data, as well as adequate data protection measures.
The registered companies are already trusted by other governmental or public sector organisations. This means you can be comfortable and secure with the cloud servers and services procured. To find out more about digital security, check out our article on keeping your data secure.
Accessibility
The installation process and procurement process of G-Cloud is fast. Due to the elimination of a tender or competition procurement, any cloud-based product bought is quickly installed. This means there is little to no time wasted on waiting around for a product.
One key advantage of digital transformation is the efficiency of software over paper. Technology should make things easier, not harder. The Digital Marketplace is an easy, convenient way to procure cloud services.
It’s so easy, in fact, that these are the steps you would take to find Convene:
Step 1) When you enter the Digital Marketplace website, you will be given a choice “Find technology or people for digital projects in the public sector”. Pick “Find cloud hosting, software and support”.
Step 2) Start a “New Search”.
Step 3) Convene is a “Cloud Software” so select this option.
Step 4) Search “Azeus Convene”.
Or, if you want to compare with other Board Portals, search “Board Portal”. You can then continue to refine the search with “Project management and planning” and again further with “task management”.
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