Suffolk-based systems integration specialist Smart421 is hoping to win more business from Government departments with the launch of a new catalogue of “components” required for cloud-based digital technology projects.

Smart421, which is based at Felaw Maltings in Ipswich and is part of the KCOM group, says its approach is new to the digital market in that it allows departments to deliver technology projects on a subscription basis.

The company has launched its Digital Enablement Service Catalogue (DESC) after being awarded a framework agreement by Crown Commercial Services for the provision of services under the latest electronic public procurement system, usually referred to as G-Cloud 6

Smart421 has been delivering Cloud systems design and architecture, implementation and managed services since 2010. The new catalogue means the expertise it has developed in the private sector is now available to Government departments, but without any long-term “lock-in” arrangement.

DESC involves a full range of components which can be combined to form a fully managed platform for the deployment of applications.

It includes leading open source SaaS (software as a service) components from leading vendors such as CA Technologies for management of Application Programme Interfaces (APIs) and ForgeRock for Identity and Access Management (IAM).

All SaaS and PaaS (platform as a service) components are built upon Skyscape Cloud Services, the infrastructure provider that is already in use by central Government departments such as the Cabinet Office and with which Smart421 has held a partnership since 2013.

Neil Miles, managing director at Smart421. said: “We’ve been committed to the G-Cloud since the beginning but now the range of componentry has matured significantly.

“With our Digital Enablement Services Catalogue we apply all our skills acquired in private sector enterprise IT to benefit the public sector, promoting innovation, agility and attractive financial models.”

Robin Meehan, chief technology Officer at Smart421, added: “Government departments are mandated to follow a ‘cloud first’ policy.

“By making our Digital Enablement Services Catalogue available on the digital marketplace, we enable Government departments to procure from a set of entries that are clearly components of a full cloud stack, but can be bought individually.

“That may mean a single managed component, for example a database for a specific use or project, through to a full departmental critical solution.”

Simon Hansford, chief executive of Skyscape Cloud Services, said: “The G-Cloud programme has made significant progress to date in creating a fairer marketplace for all, boosting opportunities for innovative SMEs and challenging the dominance of inflexible incumbents, while supporting the UK public sector with agile and cost-effective IT solutions.

“We welcome the latest iteration and look forward to continuing our partnership with Smart421 on G-Cloud 6 as the framework continues to deliver transformational benefits to the UK public sector.”