OCRE 2024 cloud framework
An EU-compliant procurement framework for cloud infrastructure as a service (IaaS), platform as a service (PaaS) and associated software as a service (SaaS).
Procuring from a cloud provider on your own can be complex and time-consuming. By purchasing services via the OCRE (Open Clouds for Research and Education) 2024 framework you get predictable, safe and cost-effective access to a portfolio of cloud providers.
The OCRE 2024 framework is the latest iteration in GÉANT’s flagship series of public cloud frameworks. It aims to simplify the procurement process so you can find the EU-compliant solution you need.
Why procure via the framework?
By accessing services via the OCRE 2024 framework, you can:
Save time and money
- Quickly find compliant suppliers, saving resources compared to the time and money involved in procuring a service in-house
- Cost-effective pricing - purchasing power is increased because demand is aggregated across the UK and Europe
- Network traffic costs are limited, with egress charges either discounted or free
Get peace of mind
GÉANT conducted appropriate due diligence throughout the tender process, providing reassurance in terms of compliance and, where possible, better legal conditions than you are likely to find by approaching suppliers independently. A standard, negotiated call-off contract applies to all suppliers on the framework.
You can also be assured that data handling and storage will meet European and national regulations.
Make the most of our world-class Janet Network
Suppliers and services on the framework are connected to the Janet Network, either directly or via GÉANT, so you make full use of the high-capacity, low-latency Janet Network.
Benefit from the simplicity of single sign-on
If you're a member of the UK Access Management Federation, your users can use their home organisation login to access the portals of some of the cloud providers on the framework – using eduGAIN, which interconnects identity federations around the world.
Like the UK Access Management Federation, eduGAIN uses the de facto standard protocol, SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language).
Eligibility
Higher education institutions, further education colleges and Research Council establishments in the UK are eligible to use the framework. Services are also available to other organisations, such as local authorities and other bodies who are members of higher and further education purchasing consortia.
Services available via the framework
Each supplier provides their own cloud management portal, giving you a centralised view of your accounts and helping you understand how cloud services are used across your organisation. They also provide dashboards showing you full details of metering, billing, analytics and reporting. The services available through the framework include but are not limited to the following:
How to access the services
The 2024 framework offers multiple suppliers for many of the platforms, providing more choice to customers seeking the most appropriate solution for their needs.
| Sub-Lot | Rank | Provider |
|---|---|---|
| AWS | 1 | Sparkle |
| AWS | 2 | Softcat Plc |
| AWS | 3 | SoftwareOne |
| Azure | 1 | Phoenix Software |
| Azure | 2 | Bechtle AG |
| Azure | 3 | Softcat Plc |
| Exoscale | 1 | VSHN |
| Google Cloud | 1 | SoftwareOne |
| Google Cloud | 2 | Sparkle |
| Google Cloud | 3 | Academic Software bv |
| IBM | 1 | Softcat Plc |
| Ionos | 1 | Bechtle AG |
| CloudFerro cloud platform | 1 | CloudFerro |
| OVHcloud Public Cloud | 1 | OVHcloud |
| Setcor cloud platform | 1 | Setcor doo |
| Oracle Cloud | 1 | DSP |
| Oracle Cloud | 2 | Quistor Enterprises |
Start using the framework
To find out more about the OCRE 2024 framework, contact your relationship manager and view the buyer's guide (pdf).
In addition, the OCRE Cloud Catalogue provides details of the suppliers available in each country under the framework.
Service level description
Service description
The OCRE 2024 framework is an easy, safe, cost-effective, predictable and EU-compliant solution which gives you access to a portfolio of IaaS cloud providers across Europe.
Charges
Jisc applies a 3.5% administration fee for using the framework.
Your responsibilities
Selection of supplier: by using the framework, you can make a direct award to any top-ranked supplier. Alternatively, a mini-competition may be run to compare the suppliers for any given platform or across all platforms.
Hours of service
The enquiry service is available during the business day. The business day is defined as Monday to Friday. It excludes 24-31 December and all English public holidays.
Request for service
Telephone 0300 300 2212 or via email to cloudframework@jisc.ac.uk
Service delivery time
An initial response to an enquiry sent to Jisc will be given within 24 hours. Your reseller will be able to advise on delivery times for services and products requested.
Terms and conditions
Organisations wishing to use the OCRE 2024 framework will need to sign an access agreement form before Jisc can supply the cloud provider’s contact details and price list.
Escalation
If you have issues that you wish to escalate, please see the complaints page for details.
Please refer to Jisc's behaviours for an overview of our roles under the framework.
Service description
The OCRE 2024 framework is an easy, safe, cost-effective, predictable and EU-compliant solution which gives you access to a portfolio of IaaS cloud providers across Europe.
Charges
Jisc applies a 3.5% administration fee for using the framework.
Your responsibilities
Selection of supplier: by using the framework, you can make a direct award to any top-ranked supplier. Alternatively, a mini-competition may be run to compare the suppliers for any given platform or across all platforms.
Hours of service
The enquiry service is available during the business day. The business day is defined as Monday to Friday. It excludes 24-31 December and all English public holidays.
Request for service
Telephone 0300 300 2212 or via email to cloudframework@jisc.ac.uk
Service delivery time
An initial response to an enquiry sent to Jisc will be given within 24 hours. Your reseller will be able to advise on delivery times for services and products requested.
Terms and conditions
Organisations wishing to use the OCRE 2024 framework will need to sign an access agreement form before Jisc can supply the cloud provider’s contact details and price list.
Escalation
If you have issues that you wish to escalate, please see the complaints page for details.
Please refer to Jisc's behaviours for an overview of our roles under the framework.
Jisc's OCRE roles and behaviours
Jisc’s mission is to empower our members with the technology and data they need to succeed. To achieve this mission we want to afford choice and value to our members, ensuring support for members’ access to the highest quality services and technology providers.
Jisc is the operator of the OCRE 2024 framework for the UK. As such we have an important role to ensure that eligible users of the framework can be reassured and have absolute confidence in the impartiality and quality of the advice and guidance that they receive from Jisc.
Jisc’s role encompasses supporting services to members that include those that are sold and delivered directly by Jisc; sold and delivered through direct partnerships with suppliers; and also those services that are sold independently of Jisc but delivered by the nominated partners of technology platforms, available frameworks and other means.
At Jisc we are absolutely committed to ensuring that members have unbiased, impartial and fair access to all of these services not favouring one over the other. That there are no barriers to members obtaining the best possible support from suppliers and their partners accessible via frameworks or other routes.
With respect to the OCRE 2024 framework these are the behaviours you can expect to see from Jisc:
- Promote the cloud platforms that are available on a fair basis
- Advise members impartially about the available cloud platforms and suppliers on the framework, taking into account their stated preferences and requirements
- Be transparent about why a particular piece of advice has been given
- Involve the cloud platform providers and resellers in conversations with members where this has been requested by the member or where the platform providers and reseller are able to answer a member question more directly
- Use our in-house capability and credibility to reciprocally reinforce the value of the framework and help grow understanding of the benefits of public cloud platforms with members
- Provide advice and consultancy to members that is couched in terms of their requirements that is nonbiased with respect to ensuring the best possible outcome for the member
- Privileged and/or commercially sensitive information that is shared with respect to the framework consumption and other commercial information or with respect to suppliers will be with be handled with confidence and discretion and only shared with other parties at the mutual agreement of the respective owners of that data. Jisc will use privileged information only with respect to the context that the information has been provided
Jisc’s mission is to empower our members with the technology and data they need to succeed. To achieve this mission we want to afford choice and value to our members, ensuring support for members’ access to the highest quality services and technology providers.
Jisc is the operator of the OCRE 2024 framework for the UK. As such we have an important role to ensure that eligible users of the framework can be reassured and have absolute confidence in the impartiality and quality of the advice and guidance that they receive from Jisc.
Jisc’s role encompasses supporting services to members that include those that are sold and delivered directly by Jisc; sold and delivered through direct partnerships with suppliers; and also those services that are sold independently of Jisc but delivered by the nominated partners of technology platforms, available frameworks and other means.
At Jisc we are absolutely committed to ensuring that members have unbiased, impartial and fair access to all of these services not favouring one over the other. That there are no barriers to members obtaining the best possible support from suppliers and their partners accessible via frameworks or other routes.
With respect to the OCRE 2024 framework these are the behaviours you can expect to see from Jisc:
- Promote the cloud platforms that are available on a fair basis
- Advise members impartially about the available cloud platforms and suppliers on the framework, taking into account their stated preferences and requirements
- Be transparent about why a particular piece of advice has been given
- Involve the cloud platform providers and resellers in conversations with members where this has been requested by the member or where the platform providers and reseller are able to answer a member question more directly
- Use our in-house capability and credibility to reciprocally reinforce the value of the framework and help grow understanding of the benefits of public cloud platforms with members
- Provide advice and consultancy to members that is couched in terms of their requirements that is nonbiased with respect to ensuring the best possible outcome for the member
- Privileged and/or commercially sensitive information that is shared with respect to the framework consumption and other commercial information or with respect to suppliers will be with be handled with confidence and discretion and only shared with other parties at the mutual agreement of the respective owners of that data. Jisc will use privileged information only with respect to the context that the information has been provided
Get involved
Visit our cloud blog for the latest OCRE news, events and case studies.