To share the story of the new OCRE2024 project—the new pan-European tender uniting 39 National Research and Education Networks (NRENs) and their participating entities on procuring cloud services for the future. This initiative exemplifies the power of community collaboration in navigating the complexities of cloud procurement. GEANT, acting as the EU central purchasing body, is at the heart of this effort, coordinating and facilitating collaboration across a diverse array of stakeholders.

Highlighted will be: the Power of Collaboration; Strength in Numbers; Knowledge and Expertise Sharing; Privacy, Security and Compliance with Local Flavour; Innovation and Future-Readiness. This collaboration is unique and allows the community already for years to streamline procurement processes, reducing redundancy and administrative burden for participating entities. Continuously improving its procedures and documentation, adapting to current times, requirements, developments and dynamics in (EU) legislation. The new OCRE2024 initiative highlights the transformative potential of community collaboration in cloud procurement. By joining forces, we achieve better outcomes and create a more resilient, future-proof and innovative research and education ecosystem in Europe. GEANT’s central role is crucial in harnessing our community’s collective power while honouring the unique needs of each participating entity.

Together, we are not merely procuring cloud services; we are building a stronger, more connected future for research and education across Europe.