The Softcat News Team
Softcat is pleased to announce its recent award of the OCRE 2024 framework contract, marking a significant milestone in our commitment to the education sector. This framework, operated by GÉANT in partnership with Jisc in the UK, runs until February 2030, creating a robust five-year partnership aimed at enhancing commercial cloud services in Research and Education institutions in 39 countries across Europe.
A significant milestone
Being part of this framework for the first time allows Softcat to extend our award-winning customer service to the education sector's cloud requirements. It will enable us to support all levels of education, from adoption assessments to advanced cloud usage.
Softcat's extensive range of skills and accreditations, such as Azure Expert MSP and AWS APN Premier Tier Services Partner, positions us uniquely to help customers adopt, migrate, consume, and control cloud costs efficiently.
Research and Education institutions in the UK can now purchase IBM cloud services through Softcat, benefiting from direct awards without competition. Additionally, AWS and Azure offerings, for which Softcat was awarded second and third position, are also available through Softcat under specific conditions. This streamlines procurement, reduces costs, and shortens timescales, allowing quicker implementation of essential solutions.
“We are thrilled to be awarded a spot on the OCRE 2024 cloud services framework. This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality cloud solutions that support the evolving needs of the Higher Education sector. By being part of this prestigious framework, we are better positioned to offer our customers enhanced access to reliable, cutting-edge technologies that will empower their institutions and foster innovative learning environments. We look forward to deepening our partnerships within the education community and driving impactful outcomes for students and educators alike.” Rachel Clay, Head of Education and Non-Profit Organisations
"The GÉANT Cloud Framework OCRE 2024 is a real kickstarter and driving force for digital transformation and innovation in European research and education. Together with the innovative service providers selected in the framework, such as Softcat, we anticipate greater acceptance of commercial cloud services in the Research and Education community, ultimately fostering the digitisation of education, advancing global research and science, and transforming the way institutions access and utilise resources.” Jakob Tendel, DFN and co-lead of the GÉANT project’s Cloud Team
The OCRE 2024 Framework
The OCRE 2024 framework is designed to facilitate and streamline consumption of cloud services across European research and education institutions, especially focusing on Azure, AWS, and IBM. Softcat proudly stands as one of the three selected suppliers for Azure and AWS in the UK, and the exclusive supplier for IBM in the UK.
In the UK, the framework caters to three primary groups:
- Jisc and its membership
- Education and research customers outside of Jisc, including private universities, university medical centres, libraries, museums, and schools
- Government bodies associated with Jisc
Softcat is excited about this opportunity to enhance cloud services in the education sector and looks forward to a fruitful partnership under the OCRE 2024 framework.
For inquiries about accessing the OCRE 2024 framework, please reach out to our education team at education@softcat.com.