In March 2015, the Crown Hosting Data Centres framework was formally added to the Digital Marketplace – and since then all central government departments, arm’s length bodies, the wider public sector and charities have been able to buy physical colocation data centre space for their legacy systems. In just one year, Crown Hosting Data Centres, targeted with delivering huge cost-savings, real commercial flexibility, operational agility and measurable security improvements, has delivered significantly more than anyone expected, achieving critical savings but also operational improvements at scale for government and wider agencies. And this is just the start.

In an environment of uncompromising cost pressure and escalating expectations, Crown Hosting Data Centres is delivering public sector data centre and colocation provision that is without compromise on service, cost reduction, security and agility. It is proving its ability to enable all bodies to transition to the cloud in line with Cloud First policy, while also providing the secure space required where data is particularly sensitive or where legacy systems need to be maintained.

Crown Hosting Data Centres delivers savings and success at scale

Since Crown Hosting Data Centres services became available on the Digital Marketplace, they have achieved measurable results at scale, with savings of millions of pounds – calculated by comparing current annual running costs with costs under Crown Hosting Data Centres – delivered for 14 departments such as:

• Department of Work and Pensions
• Highways Agency
• Home Office
• Cabinet Office

And other regional and central government organisations.

Delivering unprecedented service, without compromise, for the public sector

How can Crown Hosting Data Centres achieve the levels of savings and service we deliver? The key is the use of flexible contracts, which give public sector organisations uncompromising levels of agility and flexibility:

• A simple, clear and transparent route to mission-critical data centres for legacy systems
• A flexible, pay-for-what-you-use model
• The ability to enter into shorter contracts
• A secure data centre space for data, which enables smooth transition to the cloud
• Pre-assured for any security level requirement
• Leading environmental performance
• Savings in procurement time and cost – no OJEU needed; no delays in realising benefits.

In just one year, Crown Hosting Data Centres is not just delivering results in the UK public sector, but delivering them at scale and with certainty. In 2016 we’re looking to help more and more public bodies of all kinds to underpin their transformation journey – and the question is: how can we help you?

By Steve Hall