IT and cloud services provider Softcat has won a UK place on the OCRE 2024 framework contract for the education sector. The framework is operated by communications infrastructure services provider GÉANT, in partnership with education network provider Jisc in the UK, and runs until February 2030.
The pan-European framework aims to enhance commercial cloud services across research and education institutions in 39 countries.
“Being part of this framework for the first time allows Softcat to extend our award-winning customer service to the education sector's cloud requirements. It will enable us to support all levels of education, from adoption assessments to advanced cloud usage,”
Softcat's accreditations include Azure Expert MSP, and AWS APN Premier Tier Services Partner.
Research and education institutions in the UK can now purchase AWS, Azure, and IBM cloud services through Softcat. This streamlines procurement, reduces costs, and shortens timescales, allowing for quicker implementation of essential solutions, promised the provider.
Softcat is now one of only three selected framework suppliers for Azure and AWS in the UK, and is the exclusive supplier for IBM in the UK.
Rachel Clay, head of education and non-profit organisations at Softcat, said: “By being part of this prestigious framework, we are better positioned to offer our customers enhanced access to reliable, cutting-edge technologies that will empower their institutions and foster innovative learning environments. We look forward to deepening our partnerships within the education community, and driving impactful outcomes for students and educators alike.”
Jakob Tendel, DFN and co-lead of the GÉANT project’s cloud team, added: "OCRE 2024 is a real kickstarter and driving force for digital transformation and innovation in European research and education. Together with the innovative service providers selected in the framework, such as Softcat, we anticipate greater acceptance of commercial cloud services in the research and education community, ultimately fostering the digitisation of education, advancing global research and science, and transforming the way institutions access and utilise resources.”
