G-Cloud asks for supplier feedback

Government's cloud services framework seeks input on how it can improve

The government has given suppliers and buyers 10 days to lodge feedback on how it can improve its G-Cloud programme.

Last month, the Cabinet Office revealed that 99 purchases had been conducted through the G-Cloud as it launched the second iteration of the pubilc sector cloud services framework.

G-Cloud II features 458 suppliers, up from the 280 suppliers of SaaS, IaaS, PaaS and ‘other' cloud services listed on G-Cloud I.

Writing on its blog, G-Cloud's Nicola Westmore said its mantra was to "not be afraid" and act on the feedback it receives, as she launched a request for feedback from both suppliers and public sector customers.

Interested parties have until 30 November to give their verdict.

"We are keen to have comments from both suppliers and public sector buyers, and anyone else who has an interest - we will treat all comments equally," Westmore said.

Westmore added that, eventually, the plan is to get G-Cloud to a point where it has static framework terms that can be rolled over. "This will make it easier and clearer for both buyers and suppliers," she said.

There is no official word on when G-Cloud III might be out, but speaking at a CRN event in October, G-Cloud engagement manager Eleanor Stewart suggested it could be as soon as next month.

At the bottom of the blog, one supplier said G-Cloud was doing a good job of cutting supplier paperwork but complained that 64-page contracts were still a "daunting prospect" for the very SME suppliers it is seeking to attract.

"You need to ensure that you help suppliers to clearly understand what their obligations are," they wrote.

As of last month, some £2.2m of sales had been conducted through G-Cloud, 70 per cent of which were inked by SMEs.