CloudStore version two coming in May

CloudStore version two coming in May

Second iteration of CloudStore cloud computing catalogue available after short delay, says G-Cloud director Chris Chant

A second, more user-friendly, version of the CloudStore will be available in first or second week in May.

The new version of the government cloud computing catalogue will be launched a couple of weeks later than originally planned, according to Chris Chant, programme director for G-Cloud in the Cabinet Office.

The second CloudStore will allow users to comment on services included in the catalogue, Chant told the Socitm spring conference in London.

After an initial rush of interest in CloudStore following its launch in February , by March it had settled down to 8,000 visits, 5,500 unique visits and 72,000 page views for the month, he said.

About 30 organisations have now made purchases from the CloudStore, with values ranging from a few hundred pounds up to over £1m.

Chant said interest in CloudStore ranged across all sectors and included local government, the NHS, major departments such as the Department for Work and Pensions , and much smaller bodies.

"I met some guys from Ireland the other day who had bought services, not actually from the G-Cloud framework, but found them there and gone to the company direct to buy services. That is a side effect that we weren't anticipating."

In addition, Chant said he has seen also examples where one supplier has joined forces with another in the framework, united their services and offered a "fresh, more comprehensive, service".

He told delegates of the "strange" situation of some large suppliers offering services, which they are already selling elsewhere in government through a long term deal, more cheaply via the CloudStore.

Chant leaves his post at the end of the week when he will hand over his G-Cloud programme responsibilities to Home Office head of IT Denise McDonagh.