As for HP, it claimed IT PRO had taken Wilson's words out of context, despite our interview transcript.
"What he did say was that the first priority for Government was to look at data centre consolidation, after which topics like G-Cloud would be addressed," HP said in a statement.
"Nick's main point was that CIOs in the public and private sector are looking at hybrid models, with some use of cloud alongside traditional IT systems. HP continues to have fruitful dialogue with the Government on topics such as G-cloud and data centre consolidation."
However, Wilson said, when directly talking about the G-Cloud project, it had been "canned," whilst pointing out the Government would only eventually move to the cloud.
In the short term, it would focus on data centre consolidation, whilst in the long-term it was likely Government would be looking at hybrid cloud models, Wilson said.
He did not go on to say the G-Cloud project would be looked at again in the future.
Having recorded the conversation, here is the transcript of where we discussed G-Cloud:
IT PRO We were listening about the G-Cloud today and obviously HP...
Wilson You went and had a look did you? [referring to HP Labs' G-Cloud demo]
IT PRO Yes.
Wilson We've shown everyone in Government that, everyone.
IT PRO That's an area I'd be interested in to see how it can progress with that...
Wilson Well they've canned the project.
IT PRO So they've canned G-Cloud?
Wilson They've put it out.
IT PRO But they have a cloud vision to use cloud services?
Wilson What they've done instead of G-Cloud is that they're looking in the short term, in terms of more practicality, they're looking at data centre consolidation.
IT PRO So that's it for the minute with cloud?
Wilson No, no. So they will go to the cloud, but they thought the cloud was a bit too much nirvana so in the short term, the projects that are being looked at are data centre consolidation. They have about, what, 120, 130 data centres. Our belief would be that they need 10, 12.
We will post any further updates to the story when the Cabinet Office returns our request.
-
"There needs to be an order of magnitude more effort": AI security experts call for focused evaluation of frontier models and agentic systemsNews Evaluating the risks of dynamic, evolving AI networks is slow work for cybersecurity analysts
-
Kaseya targets IT efficiency with new AI-powered toolsThe cyber security firm unveiled its new Kaseya 365 Ops and Kaseya SIEM offerings at its Connect 2025 event in Las Vegas
-
Starmer bets big on AI to unlock public sector savingsNews AI adoption could be a major boon for the UK and save taxpayers billions, according to prime minister Keir Starmer.
-
UK government targets ‘startup’ mindset in AI funding overhaulNews Public sector AI funding will be overhauled in the UK in a bid to simplify processes and push more projects into development.
-
UK government signs up Anthropic to improve public servicesNews The UK government has signed a memorandum of understanding with Anthropic to explore how the company's Claude AI assistant could be used to improve access to public services.
-
The UK’s AI ambitions face one major hurdle – finding enough home-grown talentNews Research shows UK enterprises are struggling to fill AI roles, raising concerns over the country's ability to meet expectations in the global AI race.
-
US government urged to overhaul outdated technologyNews A review from the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) has found legacy technology and outdated IT systems are negatively impacting efficiency.
-
Government urged to improve tech procurement practicesNews The National Audit Office highlighted wasted money and a lack of progress on major digital transformation programmes
-
Government says new data bill will free up millions of hours of public sector timeNews The UK government is proposing new data laws it says could free up millions of hours of police and NHS time every year and boost the UK economy by £10 billion.
-
Three giant tech challenges the UK’s new government faces right nowOpinion Five years starts now, and there’s not a second to waste
