Shared Data Centre Framework
Framework Description
Jisc's Shared Data Centre Framework provides off-site data centre space for its members, hosted by Virtus from data centres in the Slough area, with data halls dedicated to Jisc members. It sits alongside Jisc's separate data centre referral service. The framework is not divided into lots and runs until 13 July 2029, with no extension option. This framework is used by Jisc and APUC.
Context & Use Case
Universities, colleges and research bodies use it to move servers and high-performance computing out of campus machine rooms, cutting power, cooling and maintenance costs and freeing space for teaching and research. The halls connect directly to the Janet Network, can be ring-fenced for collaborations, and offer chargeable 'smart hands' on-site support. Members arrange space through their Jisc relationship manager.
Scope of Services
Colocation rack space in dedicated Jisc data halls Hosting for high-performance computing and standard servers Direct Janet Network connectivity Ring-fenced space for research collaborations On-site 'smart hands' support (chargeable)
Lots
See framework link
Who Can Apply
The framework is already awarded, with Virtus hosting, so other data centre operators cannot join now. Operators with energy-efficient colocation capacity, high-density power and Janet connectivity should prepare for the re-tender, likely ahead of 13 July 2029.
Buyer Benefits
Members get pricing and discounts already negotiated by Jisc, flexible rack footprints that grow with demand, and room for power-hungry research kit that a campus data centre can't support. Sustainability matters too: moving to efficient off-site halls helps institutions meet their environmental targets.
Next Steps
If you operate data centres, use the remaining term to build your case for the re-tender: Janet Network connectivity, energy efficiency, high-density power for HPC and education references. Watch jisc.ac.uk from 2028 for early market engagement. Jisc's referral service, which already includes Kao Data in Harlow and Equinix in Manchester, shows the standards Jisc checks for.
How Athena Can Help
With the current award in place until July 2029, Athena would help a data centre operator get ready for the next competition. Our bid strategy and pricing support covers win themes on sustainability and connectivity, how you are likely to score against the incumbent, and a price model that holds at sector scale.
We'd set the timing and resourcing through early bid planning, and our framework opportunity mapping can find other public sector hosting frameworks that open sooner.
