The government has officially launched CloudStore, it’s collection of 1700 pre-authorised cloud-based services, ready for government departments to purchase for 258 suppliers. It is divided into four categories: Infrastructure, platform, SaaS and consultancy services.

Francis Maude stated: ““Using cloud solutions that have already been secured and accredited will almost always be less expensive, and we will only pay for what we use. We will also know from the outset the cost of the product and, importantly, the cost of exit from contracts that will be no longer than 12 months.”

Chris Chant, G-Cloud Programme Director, said “The Public Sector will benefit immediately from this framework allowing them to adopt a range of Cloud services at reduced costs and improved agility without compromising performance or security. Costs that were previously averaging between £900 to £1500 per server per month, will be reduced to £150 or lower.”