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  • Written by TomSnee
Name:Tom
Last name:Snee
Email address - Fake email bounces will result in articles being trashed:tom@realwire.com

Cloud computing industry champion EuroCloud UK (http://eurocloud.org.uk/) has called on vendors and government to work much closer together to ensure the future success of the G-Cloud framework for public sector purchases of cloud computing. Two former G-Cloud insiders have joined the non-profit trade body to help drive the new initiative, which begins today, with the launch of a draft Manifesto for G-Cloud.

Dave Denton and Peter Middleton, former members of the G-Cloud team, who between them have taken the G-Cloud vision and message to thousands of buyers and vendors, have taken a co-shared seat on Eurocloud UK's 12-member executive board and will head up a working group drawn from the UK membership of more than 60 cloud industry businesses. A third of EuroCloud UK’s members currently participate in G-Cloud, ranging from SMBs to larger players such as Amazon Web Services, Fujitsu Huddle and IBM, with many more planning to join in the next round (G-Cloud 6).

The seven-point Manifesto calls for:

  1. Ongoing commitment to G-Cloud from the Cabinet Office and Crown Commercial Service as a way of enhancing public sector IT procurement and delivering proven benefits of cloud adoption including cost savings, rapid deployment, greater choice and agility.
  2. Vendors and buyers to publicly share best practices and celebrate success stories.
  3. A more aggressive programme of resources and education for public sector buyers demonstrating how to maximise the benefits of using the framework and drive the transition to cloud computing services. Government must take the lead but should actively enlist the help and support of the industry.
  4. Industry to work with government to develop and provide much-needed resources and education for vendors on how to be productive and successful as a G-Cloud supplier.
  5. Greater collaboration among vendors and with public sector buyers to fill gaps in market needs through enhanced and improved G-Cloud offerings, including development of innovative new services.
  6. Open dialogue with the Government Digital Service and Crown Commercial Service to ensure the framework iteratively improves, taking account of industry and buyer needs and feedback on its operation through the Digital Marketplace.
  7. Promoting and adapting best practices and products developed for G-Cloud to the private sector business market.

David Denton and Peter Middleton said:
"We’re delighted to be able to take up this role with EuroCloud to galvanise industry support, education and collaboration to build on the success G-Cloud has already achieved. Our aim is to use the invaluable insights and first-hand experience we’ve gained from two years of working in the G-Cloud programme to help the industry to positively influence how G-Cloud evolves and grows as it moves forward into the future.

"The public sector needs suppliers who understand the vision and principles that support G-Cloud and who can gain the confidence of buyers. Cloud based IaaS, PaaS and SaaS suppliers can make a huge contribution to help achieve greater value for money and deliver better public services.”

Chair of EuroCloud UK Phil Wainewright said:
"G-Cloud is a great UK success story that deserves the support of the industry to help it achieve even more in the future. With our broadly based membership drawn from across the breadth of the UK cloud industry, EuroCloud is uniquely placed to co-ordinate these efforts and maximise the benefits to public sector organisations and the taxpayers who support them.”

Launched in 2012, the G-Cloud framework provides a simplified mechanism for public sector organisations to procure cloud computing services and applications listed in the UK government's Digital Marketplace. The UK public sector has now spent over £270 million via the framework, resulting in estimated savings of an equivalent amount.

Membership of EuroCloud UK is open to all businesses involved in the provision of cloud services in the UK. Reflecting its maturity after five years in operation, the organisation is set to almost triple its annual membership fees for new members after its annual general meeting on December 3rd. Businesses that become members before this date will avoid the increase.

Founded in 2010, EuroCloud (http://www.eurocloud.org/) is the first pan-European network of cloud vendors and industry experts, with a presence today in more than 24 European countries. Its annual Awards program promotes best practice and innovation by cloud providers across Europe. EuroCloud UK (http://www.eurocloud.org.uk/) brings together companies engaged in cloud business activity to network together, share best practice and build the profile of the industry.