Magazine
Cloud Storage
Enterprise Storage

Select G-Cloud 14 Approved Cloud Storage Suppliers with Sovereign, Predictable Solutions

20.11.2025

10

Minutes
Christian Kaul
CEO Impossible Cloud
Navigate the G-Cloud 14 framework by prioritising data sovereignty, cost transparency, and operational resilience to meet UK public sector demands.

The UK Government's G-Cloud 14 framework streamlines access to over 46,000 cloud services for public sector bodies. This initiative aims to simplify procurement, reduce costs, and prevent vendor lock-in. For IT leaders, selecting a cloud storage supplier involves more than ticking a box; it requires a strategic approach to data sovereignty to avoid foreign jurisdiction, ensure GDPR compliance, and maintain predictable budgets. An ideal G-Cloud 14 supplier offers a solution that is not only technically proficient but also structurally aligned with the principles of European data control and financial transparency, safeguarding public data against emerging regulatory challenges.

Key Takeaways

  • When selecting G-Cloud 14 approved cloud storage suppliers, prioritise providers offering true data sovereignty with UK-only data centres and governance to avoid foreign jurisdiction.
  • Choose suppliers with a transparent, predictable cost model featuring zero egress fees and no API call charges to align with G-Cloud's goal of reducing total cost of ownership.
  • Ensure any chosen solution is enterprise-ready with full S3-API compatibility, immutable object storage for ransomware protection, and an 'Always-Hot' architecture for immediate data access.

Align with G-Cloud 14's Core Principles of Transparency and Efficiency

G-Cloud 14 is designed to provide a quick and easy route to market for over 4,000 suppliers. The framework mandates clear, upfront pricing to ensure public sector buyers can make direct awards based on transparent commercial information. This eliminates hidden charges that inflate the total cost of ownership over a typical 36-month contract term. For buyers, this means prioritising suppliers who offer predictable economic models from day one. A core benefit is avoiding the vendor lock-in that plagues many legacy IT systems. True freedom of action requires a partner whose commercial terms support, rather than penalise, data mobility. Learn more about avoiding cloud vendor lock-in in the public sector. This focus on clarity and flexibility is central to the framework's goal of modernising public IT infrastructure efficiently.

Demand True Digital Sovereignty Beyond Geolocation

Data sovereignty requires that data is subject only to the laws of the country where it is stored. Storing data in a UK data centre owned by a non-EU entity does not guarantee protection from foreign laws like the US CLOUD Act. This is a critical distinction for public sector data, as some providers cannot guarantee sovereignty for this information. A truly sovereign solution operates exclusively in certified European data centres under strict EU governance. This ensures data remains shielded from non-UK jurisdictional overreach, a key criterion for many EU decision-makers. Impossible Cloud provides country-level geofencing to enforce these boundaries. Explore our insights on how to protect UK business data. This architectural commitment provides the legal certainty required for sensitive government workloads.

Eliminate Unpredictable Costs with a Zero-Egress Fee Model

Budget predictability is a constant challenge for public sector IT, with egress fees for data retrieval often causing costs to spiral. G-Cloud 14's emphasis on transparent pricing documents is a direct response to this industry-wide issue. A storage solution with zero egress fees, no API call costs, and no minimum storage duration provides the financial clarity needed for long-term planning. This model allows organisations to pay for exactly what they use, enabling scalable services without financial penalties. This approach directly supports the framework's goal of reducing the total cost of ownership for government bodies. Consider these key financial benefits:

  • Complete cost transparency for budget forecasting.
  • No penalties for accessing or moving your own data.
  • Simplified billing without complex calculations for API requests.
  • Freedom to scale usage up or down with zero financial friction.
  • Predictable margins for MSPs serving public sector clients.

This economic model is fundamental for achieving the cost-efficiency goals of the One Government Cloud Strategy.

Ensure Enterprise-Ready Performance and Security for Public Data

Public sector workloads demand robust, enterprise-grade features that ensure data is always available and secure. Full S3-API compatibility is essential for protecting investments in existing tools and workflows, enabling smooth migrations that take hours, not months. An "Always-Hot" storage model ensures every piece of data is immediately accessible, eliminating the restore delays and API timeouts common with complex tiering systems. This operational simplicity is vital for disaster recovery and business continuity. For ransomware protection, Immutable Storage with Object Lock provides an unchangeable copy of your data, a critical defence for local councils and government agencies. Read more about immutable ransomware protection. These features form the bedrock of a resilient and modern cloud storage strategy.

Future-Proof Your Strategy with Advanced Regulatory Readiness

Compliance is not a static target; it evolves with regulations like the EU Data Act and UK NIS Regulations. The EU Data Act, effective from September 2025, mandates data portability and interoperability, reinforcing the need to avoid vendor lock-in. A compliant storage platform is designed for easy data export, including all metadata and versions, preserving your long-term freedom of action. Similarly, UK NIS Regulations requires continuous security processes and supply-chain assurance. Choosing a partner with these principles built into their operations is a competitive advantage. This proactive stance on compliance ensures your organisation is prepared for the next wave of data governance standards. Discover more about enterprise cloud storage solutions. This readiness demonstrates a commitment to the highest standards of data stewardship.

Leverage a Partner-Ready Ecosystem for G-Cloud Success

Managed Service Providers and resellers are key to delivering specialised services to the public sector via the G-Cloud 14 framework. A cloud storage provider with a strong channel focus simplifies this process. Predictable margins, driven by the absence of egress and API fees, allow partners to build sustainable and defensible service offerings. Key features for partners should include:

  1. A multi-tenant console for streamlined client management.
  2. Robust automation capabilities via API and CLI.
  3. Granular reporting for billing and compliance.
  4. Fast and simple onboarding processes.
  5. Localised support through UK distributors like Northamber plc.

This partner-centric model accelerates the delivery of sovereign cloud solutions to government clients. With a growing distribution network, including api in Germany, access to compliant storage is becoming more localised. This ecosystem empowers partners to meet the specific needs of secure UK cloud backup.

FAQ

How do I find G-Cloud 14 approved cloud storage suppliers?

Public sector organisations can find approved suppliers through the official Crown Commercial Service (CCS) Digital Marketplace. The platform allows buyers to search for services across different lots, including Cloud Hosting and Cloud Software, and review detailed service definitions and transparent pricing from thousands of vetted providers.

What is the difference between data residency and data sovereignty?

Data residency refers to the geographical location where data is stored (e.g., a UK data centre). Data sovereignty is a legal concept meaning the data is subject only to the laws of that country. A non-EU company storing data in the UK offers residency, but a European company storing data in the EU offers true sovereignty, protecting it from foreign legal access requests.

Can I use a G-Cloud 14 supplier for ransomware protection?

Yes. When selecting a supplier for cloud storage, look for features like Immutable Storage or Object Lock. This feature prevents data from being altered or deleted for a set period, providing a secure, unchangeable copy of your data that can be used to recover from a ransomware attack.

Are there costs other than storage to consider?

Yes. Many cloud providers charge for egress (data retrieval), API requests (the commands your applications use to manage data), and have minimum storage durations. To ensure cost predictability, seek a G-Cloud 14 supplier that explicitly states it has zero egress fees, no API call costs, and no minimum terms.

Is it difficult to switch cloud storage providers under G-Cloud 14?

G-Cloud 14 is designed to make changing service providers easier. To ensure a smooth transition, choose a supplier that uses open standards like the S3 API, has a transparent pricing model with no egress fees, and provides clear offboarding support in their service definition document.

How does Impossible Cloud support UK public sector partners and MSPs?

Impossible Cloud is partner-ready, offering a multi-tenant management console, automation via API/CLI, and predictable margins due to its zero-egress fee model. Through its UK distributor, Northamber plc, it provides local access and support for MSPs and resellers delivering sovereign cloud solutions to the public sector.

Would you like more information?

Send us a message and our experts will get back to you shortly.