What are the benefits of buying from G-Cloud?

Wondering whether you are better off procuring digital services through traditional open tender or the UK government’s G-Cloud framework? 

You have probably already heard about G-Cloud, the online buying marketplace built for the public sector and managed by the Crown Commercial Service (CCS). But did you know it can save buyers valuable time and money? Especially useful when you’re working to strict budgets and tight timescales to provide public services.

Launched in 2012 and now in its 13th iteration, G-Cloud enables the UK Government and public sector to procure services from a list of approved cloud-based suppliers. In recent years, G-Cloud has made it possible for SMEs to appear on the framework, giving you a wider range of organisations to procure from.

The benefits of cloud computing over traditional rack servers (cost, scalability, resilience, amongst others) are well-versed in any IT department. G-Cloud’s aim is to encourage greater adoption of cloud services across the public sector by making the procurement process more transparent and straightforward. Suppliers must meet strict criteria to be approved onto the framework, giving buyers a level of quality assurance.

G-Cloud has standardised the procurement process for public sector organisations both contractually and by increasing transparency between buyers and suppliers as pricing and terms and conditions are agreed ahead of awarding the contract.

Services are split into three categories or ‘lots’*:

Lot 1: Cloud hosting (IaaS) and (PaaS)
Lot 2: Cloud software (SaaS) – this is where you’ll find Orlo
Lot 3: Cloud support

Using the online Public Procurement Gateway (the replacement for the Digital Marketplace) you can find the right supplier by searching for keywords such as your required service (e.g., social media management) and filtering by certain certifications (e.g., Cyber Essentials Plus or ISO 27001).

G-Cloud has transformed how public sector bodies access innovative cloud-based IT solutions with sales, through the framework, reaching £17.3 billion* and growing.

So what are the benefits to the public sector?

Cost savings

G-Cloud offers pre-negotiated pricing agreements with suppliers – often with discounts. This can result in cost savings compared to traditional procurement methods.

Easier to choose the right supplier

From SMEs to global vendors, the framework offers a diverse range of cloud services, giving organisations access to a variety of innovative solutions to meet their needs. Each supplier must provide detailed information in a standardised format to help buyers review and compare services. This transparency helps ensure accountability and value for money.

Saves time

Not only is it quicker to find the right supplier, but G-Cloud uses standardised contracts and service level agreements, reducing administrative paperwork and legal negotiations so organisations can benefit from cloud computing sooner.

Information security and compliance

Not only is it quicker to find the right supplier, but G-Cloud uses standardised contracts and service level agreements, reducing administrative paperwork and legal negotiations so organisations can benefit from cloud computing sooner.

Reduce risk

To qualify for G-Cloud, all suppliers must undergo a stringent application process, minimising the risk of selecting unqualified or unreliable suppliers.

Flexibility

In addition to preferential pricing, the framework often provides better commercial terms, making it easier for buyers to scale services up or down as needed without lengthy contract negotiations.

Overall, G-Cloud’s pre-approved catalogue of suppliers provides public sector organisations with a more efficient, cost-effective, and streamlined approach to procuring cloud services. The framework enables them to focus on their core objectives while leveraging the benefits of cloud technology in our digital age.

At Orlo, we recognise the positive impact that the G-Cloud is having on both public and private sector businesses by fostering competition among suppliers, encouraging innovation and driving improvements in service quality and value for money.

As the only UK-based supplier of social media management and citizen engagement software that’s designed for the public sector, being on G-Cloud enables us to support even more partners to create stronger and more resilient communities through digital channels.

You can find us on G-Cloud or get in touch here.