Node4, has been awarded a place on G-Cloud 9, the UK Government’s cloud services procurement framework.

Node4’s N4 Private Cloud, Cyber Security Services, NetApp Private Storage as a Service (NPSaaS), Storage as a Service (STaaS), Backup as a Service (BUaaS), Disaster Recovery as a Service (DRaaS), Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) powered by Cisco and Amazon Web Services (AWS) solutions are listed on the framework, making these available to UK public sector organisations.

“A number of public sector organisations are increasing their use of cloud services due to its flexibility and cost savings. G-Cloud 9 makes it easier for organisations to check which types of suppliers meet the Crown Commercial Service’s (CCS) approval criteria and readily engage with them. Being a G-Cloud9 supplier means that public sector services have better access to Node4’s solutions to run mission-critical systems and services,”

said Paula Johnston, Head of Public Sector at Node4.

Node4’s presence on the G-Cloud 9 directory of suppliers means that its services are available and can now be accessed by organisations across the UK public sector without the need for a full tender or competition procurement process.

These organisations include central government, local government, health, education, devolved administrations, emergency services, defence and not-for-profit organisations.

The CCS, which oversees the G-Cloud framework and Digital Marketplace, acts on behalf of the Crown to drive savings for the taxpayer and improve the quality of commercial and procurement activity. This agreement supports the Government’s policy to centrally manage the procurement of common goods and services through an integrated commercial function at the heart of government.

Organisations can access the G-Cloud 9 list through the Government’s Digital Marketplace.

G-Cloud 9 is a procurement framework within the Digital Marketplace which allows the public sector to buy cloud-based services from specialised suppliers. These suppliers have been through a rigorous tender process to meet the minimum standards required by the public sector. Products and services can be procured quicker and with considerable more ease than traditional procurement frameworks. The framework is regularly refreshed so public sector organisations can always access the most up to date and cutting-edge cloud solutions.

Suppliers are showcased in the Digital Marketplace, a web-based shop window offering a large range of services divided into four categories: Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Specialist Cloud Services (SCS), with clear definitions and transparent price structures.