G-Cloud Service Search
Find and compare G-Cloud services on the UK Digital Marketplace with live search integration.Command
Description
Searches the UK Digital Marketplace for G-Cloud services that match your project requirements. Performs live marketplace search, analyzes service matches, and provides recommendations with direct links to service pages.Arguments
- Search query: Description of service needed (e.g., ‘cloud hosting NHS’, ‘SOC Lot 1’)
When to Use
- For procuring off-the-shelf cloud services
- Cloud hosting, IaaS, PaaS needs
- SaaS platforms and tools
- Cloud support services
- No custom development - just service procurement
Required Context
- Requirements (ARC--REQ-.md) - MANDATORY
- Architecture Principles (ARC-000-PRIN-*.md) - Recommended
Features
Live Marketplace Search
The command performs real-time search on:- https://www.digitalmarketplace.service.gov.uk/
- Filters by G-Cloud framework
- Extracts service details, pricing, compliance
- Parses supplier information
Requirements Analysis
Automatically identifies service needs from:- INT-xxx: Integration requirements → cloud services needed
- NFR-xxx: Performance, availability, DR requirements
- FR-xxx: Platform and hosting needs
Service Categories
- Cloud Hosting: IaaS, VMs, containers, Kubernetes
- Cloud Software: SaaS platforms, tools, applications
- Cloud Support: Managed services, monitoring, backup
- Specialized Services: Email, CDN, databases, analytics
Output
Creates:projects/{project}/procurement/ARC-{PROJECT_ID}-GCLD-v1.0.md
Includes:
- Service requirements specification
- Live search results from Digital Marketplace
- Service comparison table
- Detailed analysis of top 3-5 services
- Recommendation with rationale
- Direct links to all service pages
Example
- Cloud hosting services
- Kubernetes capability
- NHS-compliant providers
- UK data residency
- Service names and suppliers
- Feature comparison
- Compliance certifications
- Pricing information
- Recommendation
Evaluation Criteria
Services evaluated on:Functional Fit (50%)
- Must-Have coverage (30%)
- Desirable features (20%)
Reliability & Performance (25%)
- SLA guarantees (10%)
- Performance specs (10%)
- DR/BC capabilities (5%)
Security & Compliance (15%)
- Security certifications (5%)
- Data protection (5%)
- Compliance standards (5%)
Cost & Support (10%)
- Pricing model (5%)
- Support availability (3%)
- Contract flexibility (2%)
Related Commands
arckit gcloud-clarify- Generate clarification questions for shortlisted servicesarckit evaluate- Score suppliers after receiving responsesarckit requirements- Define service needs before searching
Next Steps
After finding services:- Visit service pages on Digital Marketplace
- Verify MUST requirements with suppliers
- Run
arckit gcloud-clarifyfor gap analysis - Request detailed pricing quotes
- Schedule technical demos
- Complete due diligence checklist
- Award contract via Digital Marketplace
G-Cloud vs DOS
Use G-Cloud for:- Off-the-shelf cloud services
- SaaS platforms
- Cloud infrastructure
arckit dos) for:
- Custom development
- Hiring specialists
- Bespoke solutions