OCRE 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).
For enquiries contact:
About the OCRE cloud framework
When you need access to cloud services – such as infrastructure as a service (IaaS), platform as a service (PaaS) and complementary software as a service (SaaS) – you want a simple, compliant solution that gets you up and running quickly and cost-effectively.
Procuring from a cloud provider on your own can be complex and time-consuming. By purchasing services via the OCRE cloud framework you get predictable, safe and cost-effective access to a portfolio of cloud providers across Europe – so you can find the EU-compliant solution you need.
The framework is based on the previous GÉANT IaaS framework with an expanded scope, established by the OCRE (Open Clouds for Research Environments) project consortium led by GÉANT, to help accelerate cloud service adoption in the education and research community.
Services available via the framework
The services available through the framework include but are not limited to the following:
- Artificial intelligence
- Blockchain
- Compute
- Containers
- Databases
- Developer tools
- Internet of Things
- Migration and transfer
- Networking and content delivery
- Quantum Technologies
- Security, identity and compliance
- Serverless
- Storage
- Virtual reality and augmented reality
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.
How to access the services
To simplify the purchasing process, OCRE has designated one supplier for each respective cloud platform per country. You can purchase the Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud Platform, IBM Cloud, Microsoft Azure and Oracle Cloud services through their respective resellers (see table below), as well as from a variety of original infrastructure providers (OIPs).
| Platform | Supplier |
|---|---|
| 100 Percent IT cloud platform | 100 Percent IT |
| Amazon Web Services | Jisc |
| Blue Safespring cloud platform | Blue Safespring |
| City Network cloud platform | City Network |
| CloudFerro cloud platform | CloudFerro |
| CloudSigma cloud platform | CloudSigma |
| Exoscale | To be confirmed |
| Google Cloud Platform | Sparkle |
| IBM Cloud | SoftwareONE |
| Ionos | Bechtle |
| Layershift Jelastic PaaS | Layershift |
| Microsoft Azure | Phoenix |
| Oracle Cloud | Quistor Enterprises |
| Orange cloud platform | Orange |
| Proact cloud platform | Proact |
| Setcor cloud platform | Setcor |
| T-Systems cloud platform | T-Systems |
Why procure via the framework?
By accessing services via the OCRE cloud framework, you can:
Save time and money
The framework helps you make resources go further:
- Quickly find compliant suppliers, saving resources compared to the time and money you’d spend procuring a service in-house
- Cost-effective pricing - purchasing power is increased because demand is aggregated across Europe
- Network traffic costs are limited, with egress charges either discounted or free
Get peace of mind
OCRE conducts due diligence on contracts, providing peace of mind 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 agreement applies to all suppliers on the framework
You can also be assured that data handling and storage will meet European and national regulations.
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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.
Start using the framework
To find out more about the OCRE cloud framework, contact your account manager and view the buyers' guide (pdf).
You can also read a list of frequently asked questions (pdf) regarding the framework, contracts, and adoption funding.
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 cloud 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 participating supplier. Alternatively, you can run a mini-competition if something other than standard services is required.
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 cloud 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 and escalation page for details.