Converged Communication Solutions has gained supplier status in the latest version of the UK Government’s public sector G-Cloud initiative, G-Cloud 12.
This is the second consecutive year in which the Aberdeen-headquartered company has achieved supplier status in the G-Cloud framework. The initiative is designed to support public sector organisations in upgrading IT systems to the latest cloud computing services and strengthening cyber security systems by easing the procurement process.
Operated by the Crown Commercial Service (CCS), an executive agency and trading fund of the Cabinet Office of the UK Government, the G-Cloud 12 framework is an agreement between the government and suppliers of cloud IT services. Inclusion in the framework allows Converged to supply cloud support services to public sector organisations throughout the UK via the government’s digital marketplace, an approved online supplier directory.
As the suppliers have been thoroughly vetted, the G-Cloud initiative enables public sector organisations – including central, regional and local governments, educational establishments, housing associations, NHS trusts, and police forces and emergency services – to find, compare and purchase services without running a full tender or procurement process. This means that acquiring services through the framework is more efficient for the purchasing organisation.
The G-Cloud 12 framework provides the purchaser with access to a wide range of off-the-shelf, pay-as-you-go cloud-based computing services. These are grouped into three categories covering cloud hosting, cloud software and cloud support.
Under the terms of the framework Converged can supply cloud support services, which come within Lot 3 of the scheme. This includes CyberEssentials Plus and IASME Gold guidance and assessment, cyber awareness training, bespoke phishing campaigns, vulnerability scanning and penetration testing, firewall and networking, and back-up and disaster recovery.
Robbie Ross, chief security officer with Converged, said: “We are very pleased to continue to support the public sector with our extensive cyber security solutions, which are designed to mitigate risk to cloud services. Cyber security continues to be a major issue within all organisations, and it is good to see its importance being emphasised as part of G-Cloud 12.
“We are exceptionally proud of our continued inclusion on the G-Cloud framework as it demonstrates the high standards we uphold and our proven expertise in the cloud security arena. Our dedicated cyber team, in-house qualified engineers, CyberEssentials and IASME experts look forward to building new partnerships through the G-Cloud 12 framework.”
Crown Commercial Service supports the public sector to achieve maximum commercial value when procuring common goods and services. In 2019/20, CCS helped the public sector to achieve commercial benefits worth over £1bn – supporting world-class public services that offer best value for taxpayers.
