Skip to Main Content

Want to stay up-to-date with the latest IT news?

Subscribe to our mailing list to hear the latest news, events, free resources, and more for your industry.

Sign up now
Blog

We’re the number one supplier for the OCRE Framework! 

4 minute read

Kelsey Smith

January 28th, 2025

We’re the number one supplier for the OCRE Framework! 

4 minute read

Kelsey Smith

January 28th, 2025

Team Phoenix is thrilled to announce that we’ve once again been awarded the number one supplier position for the OCRE Framework following a lengthy tender process. Find out how this supports schools, colleges, research institutes, and universities now.  

As the main supplier for the OCRE Framework, a position we’ve proudly held for the past four years, we’re committed to delivering the most cost-effective and innovative ways to consume Microsoft Azure workloads. 

For the next five years, we’ll continue to supply our education customers with Microsoft Azure solutions to improve scalability and collaboration while minimising cost and complexity.  

What is OCRE?

The OCRE framework, available to GÉANT members, allows over 10,000 universities and research institutions, served by 40 National Research and Education Network (NREN) organisations across Europe, to access: 

  • Discounted Azure services 
  • Ready-to-use, compliant contracts 
  • Reduced network traffic costs 

What’s new for OCRE?

This year’s framework goes beyond discounted cloud consumption, offering a range of services designed to: 

  • Simplify Azure adoption 
  • Enhance delivery efficiency 
  • Strengthen security 
  • Reduce procurement costs by utilising Azure Marketplace 

What does Phoenix’s OCRE standing mean for you?

Phoenix has been the go-to OCRE Supplier for years, supporting educational institutes across the country with ready-to-deploy, cost-effective Azure solutions.  

Our strong Education Team and Microsoft Solutions Team have significant experience supporting organisations like yours with Microsoft solutions to innovate and transform.  

“I’m absolutely delighted that Phoenix has once again been named the main supplier for Azure on the OCRE Framework. It’s a real testament to the hard work we’ve put into understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by education institutions across the UK.  

Microsoft has been one of our key strategic partners for over 35 years, and together, we’re making it easier for schools, colleges, research institutes, and universities to innovate and succeed with Azure. I’m genuinely excited about the opportunities this brings to support even more institutions on their journey to the cloud.” 

Tom Connolly, Head of Education at Phoenix 

Webinar: Updates to the OCRE Framework: hear from the number one supplier

Join us on Thursday 27th February to hear all about the new OCRE commercial terms direct from Phoenix and Microsoft specialists.  

Whether you’re already utilising OCRE and wanting to find out how the changes to the framework affect you, or you’re a new customer wanting to find out more, join the webinar to find out everything you need to know. 

Talk to us about the OCRE Framework and Microsoft Azure

Get in touch with us today to talk to our specialists about Azure implementation through the OCRE framework.  

Contact us
Image of a smiling IT support professional talking on a headset
Headshot of Kelsey Smith

About the author

Kelsey joined Phoenix in late 2022 as the Content and Social Media Apprentice, moving into Content Executive in 2024 after working closely with the Marketing Team to develop her skills in digital marketing. Kelsey’s passion lies in content creation, which is reflected in her contributions across all areas of the business, from external and internal campaigns to our social media accounts.

Kelsey is not only keen to learn about marketing, but also the challenges organisations face and how Phoenix helps them overcome these.