G-Cloud (Government Cloud)

What is G-Cloud (Government Cloud)?

G-Cloud (Government Cloud) is a U.K. government program to promote government-wide adoption of cloud computing.

The G-Cloud procurement framework supports the U.K. government's Cloud First policy, which was introduced in 2012 to encourage public sector organizations to evaluate and pursue cloud-based services rather than on-premises alternatives.

G-Cloud procurement framework

To find technology suppliers and purchase services that are affiliated with the U.K.'s G-Cloud, public sector organizations can use Digital Marketplace.

Government agencies can buy services via Digital Marketplace from cloud computing providers, including AWS, Microsoft, Google, IBM and Oracle. These providers must supply a self-attestation of compliance.

Within the G-Cloud procurement framework, organizations can choose from three categories of cloud services:

1. Cloud hosting. Infrastructure-as-a-service and platform-as-a-service offerings.
2. Cloud software. Software-as-a-service applications.
3. Support services. Support and maintenance services for cloud hosting and software.

As of the 12th iteration of the G-Cloud procurement framework, buyers can enter into a contract with their chosen service provider for a maximum term of 24 months with the option to extend.

Beyond G-Cloud, public sector organizations can use Digital Marketplace to purchase services that fall under two other frameworks from the U.K. government:

1. Digital Outcomes and Specialists framework. Provides digital outcomes, digital specialists and user research services.
2. Crown Hosting Data Centres framework. Provides physical data center space.