The transition from Cloud Compute to Cloud Compute 2

The Cloud Compute framework was initially introduced by Crown Commercial Services (CCS) to provide government departments and public sector organisations with access to cloud computing services. It aimed to simplify cloud procurement and reduce costs by combining demand. We have now seen the second release of Cloud Compute, with new benefits and some great improvements.

Cloud Compute 1

The first iteration of Cloud Compute featured a select group of suppliers who were pre-qualified to provide cloud services. These suppliers were made up of major cloud providers like AWS, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud, alongside Oracle, IBM, Fordway and UKFast. The framework only had one ‘Lot’, or group of services, covering all Cloud Compute services from the above suppliers.

Offering terms and conditions tailored for the hyperscale services, the framework provided a variety of ways organisations could procure core compute services with diverse competition and Direct Award – with a maximum call-off contract length of five years.

The aim of this first Cloud Compute was to complement other frameworks such as G-Cloud, by offering a route to transact directly with hyperscalers and reduce the need to purchase compute services every two years through G-Cloud. 

Services offered under Cloud Compute

Cloud Compute allowed organisations to procure a wide range of cloud services, including Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Software as a Service (SaaS). It offered flexibility in contract lengths and pricing models, allowing organisations to choose the best fit for their specific requirements.

The original Cloud Compute framework was established for an initial term of two years, ending in May 2023. This was extended to May 2024 to provide a route to market for organisations whilst the second iteration was tendered for.

Cloud Compute 2

Cloud Compute 2 was introduced as a successor to the original framework, building on its success and addressing the evolving needs of government entities in the digital age - particularly the need for added value services such as optimised billing, cloud adoption, cloud development and independent consultancy services. Cloud Compute 2 was aimed at bolstering and complementing the core services of hyperscalers to ensure organisations could extract maximum value from compute services.

Expanded supplier base

CCS expanded the pool of suppliers in Cloud Compute 2 to provide more options to organisations. Upon award, new suppliers, including hyperscalers, resellers and specialised cloud service providers, will be added to enhance competition and innovation.

Enhanced services and options

Cloud Compute 2 brought an expanded array of cloud services, including emerging technologies like edge computing and containerisation, in addition to traditional cloud offerings. Unlike the original framework, Cloud Compute 2 will be broken down into a number of different Lots:

- Lot 1 Core Services – providing core Cloud Compute services directly from awarded hyperscalers. Organisations can Direct Award, undertake a Further Competition, or go through a Desktop Evaluation of awarded suppliers’ scores to streamline Further Competitions under this Lot.

- Lot 2 Value Added Ancillary Services – organisations can use this Lot to contract compute services through awarded nominated resellers for each Cloud Service Provider that is awarded to Lot 1. Organisations can then make use of the reseller’s added value services to optimise costs, billing and consumption for their compute services – as well as enterprise support and a host of other services and consultancy. Organisations can Direct Award, undertake a Further Competition, or go through a Desktop Evaluation of awarded suppliers’ scores to streamline Further Competitions under this Lot.

- Lot 3 Professional Services – under this Lot, organisations can take independent consultancy and professional services directly from awarded resellers. This covers enterprise support, SFIA and DDaT roles such as data architects and cloud solution technicians. Organisations can only undertake a Further Competition under this Lot.

- Lot 4 Secure Cloud – provides Core Compute Services delivered in accordance with the UK SECRET Classification. Awarded suppliers under this Lot must own the underlying infrastructure and have List-X and List-N capabilities. Organisations can only undertake a Further Competition under this Lot.

With the addition of resellers and IT Solution providers such as Softcat, public sector organisations can also procure value-added and professional services (consultancy) such as Cost Optimisation. This framework also places a greater emphasis on environmental sustainability, encouraging suppliers to meet green and sustainability standards. Cloud Compute 2 has been designed with a longer initial term, typically spanning four years, providing greater stability for organisations seeking long-term cloud solutions.

Cloud Compute 2: enhanced efficiency, diversity and sustainability

The transition from Cloud Compute to Cloud Compute 2 represents CCS's commitment to adapting to the changing landscape of cloud computing and the increased need to optimise costs and management of compute agreements. While both frameworks aimed to streamline procurement and provide cost-effective cloud services, Cloud Compute 2 goes further by diversifying the supplier base, expanding service offerings and focusing on sustainability.

Please contact your Softcat Account Manager or get in touch with our Sales team if you’d like to find out more, including how Softcat can help.