The seventh iteration of the framework – which forms part of the Digital Marketplace – was launched on Monday.

The number of suppliers is up 11.2% on the 1,453 suppliers appointed when the sixth iteration was launched in February.

Commenting on the process, Deborah Saunby, sales and marketing director at G-Cloud 7 supplier Software Europe, said: “The process for joining the G-Cloud framework has been simplified since our previous successful submission in 2011.

The online multiple choice questions made for a speedier completion, although there was still a couple of security questions that didn't seem to fit with the type of service we were applying for and were too ‘black or white’.

“As a company with several cloud products, the new ability to copy products and services between sections also greatly aided in the overall submission process."

G-Cloud 5 services expired on 22 November, and G-Cloud 6 is due to end at the beginning of February 2016.

However, the Crown Commercial Service said that it may be extended to ensure that G-Cloud 6 suppliers have time to apply for a place on the G-Cloud 8 framework.

Purchases in the local authority category of G-Cloud – including councils, housing associations and other local government bodies – totalled £1.90m in September, up from £1.75m in August.

G-Cloud 7 supplier list

Lot 1: Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)

Lot 2: Platforms as a Service (PaaS)

Lot 3: Software as a Service (SaaS)

Lot 4: Specialist Cloud Services