Clouds gather pace

G-Cloud appears to be gaining momentum as HMRC becomes the latest to use the CloudStore, signing a deal with Skyscape Cloud Services for centralised data storage in the Cloud.

According to HMRC's CIO, Phil Pavitt, the shift to cloud, "Will save over £1 million a year in running costs and will increase reliability and security of HMRC's internal IT services.

"The Skyscape contract is a major step for HMRC in moving away from traditional ways of working with large service providers. And it's a great example of how we're exploring smarter, more innovative solutions that make life simpler for us and help us provide a better deal for our customers."

Data currently stored in local offices will be moved to cloud storage by early spring 2013 using the Public Services Network (PSN) as a conduit - a first in the use of cloud over PSN. It is also the first purchase via the G-Cloud framework for a major government department.

The move to cloud storage is a bid to provide 'cheaper, more secure and greener data storage for HMRC'. It will also help the department to move forward with its deployment of the Government End User Device Strategy as it works to increase efficiency and improve front-line services.

G-Cloud: http://gcloud.civilservice.gov.uk/
Public Service Network: http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/content/public-services-network