Hey you, get on my Cloud, Government tells IT firms
TWO West Midland technology firms have been accepted onto a Government supplier framework for IT services.
The decision means both Birmingham-based Digi2al and Networks First, from Redditch, will have the opportunity to win contracts across the public sector.
Both firms have secured places on the G-Cloud supplier framework which allows government departments and the wider public sector to buy the IT services they need when they need them, ready for use from CloudStore, the online marketplace for Cloud IT services.
The framework is designed to allow firms to keep up to date with advances in technology and avoid lock-in to long, expensive contracts with single suppliers. At the same time, less red tape in the application process makes it simpler and cheaper for smaller companies to get on the framework.
The launch of the third G-Cloud framework came as the Government announced that, in future, public sector buyers should consider buying computing solutions from the Cloud before any other option. This should boost business through the CloudStore and create more opportunities for SMEs everywhere.
Sales are said to be rising steadily, with cumulative spend through G-Cloud now over £25m – nearly two-thirds of it with SMEs.
Digi2al is new to public sector work. The firm produces software solutions that allow customers to rationalise legacy systems, integrate new and existing technology, automate processes, exploit data and move to Cloud services.
John Blackman, Digi2al Managing Director, said: “We’d been put off public sector work in the past by the long procurement cycle for very large projects, so instead we chose to focus our expertise in the financial services sector. However, earlier this year, Colin Campbell joined us to lead the Digi2al business, bringing with him a wealth of experience in public sector ICT.
“We’re delighted to have been accepted on to the framework, which will enable us to provide excellent software solutions to the public sector, as well as grow our business and create opportunities both in the Midlands and the North East. We are particularly committed to creating IT jobs for younger people and are building links with local further education facilities.”
Set up more than 23 years ago, Networks First is an independent advisor in secure converged networks. Around 40% of the firm’s business is with the public sector, with clients in education, health, local government and the emergency services. Networks First provides clients with project consultancy, new product supply and deployment, multi-year support services and management contracts.
The company’s Network Operations Centre (NOC), based at the firm’s Redditch HQ, provides full-time, 24/7 service desk and monitoring services.
Stephen McAdam, Networks First Account Manager, said: “While we have a broad spectrum of clients across sectors and industries, our public sector work and relationships are very important to us. As an SME, being accepted on to the G-Cloud framework means we can demonstrate that we have the necessary skills and expertise to deliver when competing against larger companies. With services which have been ratified against government standards in areas covering security, quality management and service delivery, this verifies us as a credible organisation to do business with, both in the public and private sector.”
Cabinet Office Minister Francis Maude said G-Cloud had brought a step change in the way the government bought its IT, making the whole process quicker, cheaper and more competitive.
“Many government departments already use G-Cloud, but IT costs are still too high. One way we can reduce them is to accelerate the adoption of Cloud across the public sector to maximise its benefits while, at the same time, supporting innovation and growth in this country’s vibrant technology sector,” he said.
