UK puts £14B cloud framework in place with SMEs promised a bigger slice

The UK government has introduced a new G-Cloud procurement framework, named G-Cloud 15, aimed at boosting cloud services for the public sector. The £14 billion (approximately $18.9 billion) framework over four years will primarily benefit small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with 90% of the awarded places going to SMEs. The National Cloud, overseen by the Government Commercial Agency (GCA), consolidates three previous frameworks into a single marketplace, simplifying procurement for public sector buyers.

G-Cloud 15 introduces measures to reduce barriers for smaller suppliers, including a modernized classification system. However, concerns remain about whether the government's SME agenda will succeed, given the dominance of large vendors like Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure in the UK's cloud market. Critics argue that the 90% SME target is unrealistic unless the government streamlines the application process and provides clear guidance for smaller providers.

G-Cloud 15 is set to open for public sector purchases on September 17, with existing call-offs on the older framework remaining operational until October 28.