AKITA SYSTEMS LIMITED

Microsoft 365 Enablement Services

Akita provides Microsoft 365 Enablement Services delivered as a managed SaaS offering. The service covers core Microsoft 365 workloads including Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, OneDrive and Teams. Akita manages configuration, user access, security settings, updates and operational support, enabling buyers to use Microsoft 365 securely, effectively with consistent service performance.

Features

• Managed Microsoft 365 tenant configuration and administration
• User identity and access management via Microsoft Entra ID
• Exchange Online, SharePoint and Teams service management
• Security policy configuration and enforcement
• Ongoing platform updates and change management
• Centralised monitoring and service health oversight
• Audit logging and compliance configuration
• Browser-based access to Microsoft 365 services
• Secure remote access for all users
• Integration with Microsoft 365 admin portals

Benefits

• Use Microsoft 365 securely without internal specialist resources
• Improve collaboration across email, files and meetings
• Reduce operational risk through managed security settings
• Maintain consistent service performance and availability
• Simplify user onboarding and access changes
• Support remote and hybrid working models
• Reduce administrative overhead for IT teams
• Ensure services remain current and supported
• Improve governance and audit readiness
• Scale usage as organisational needs change

• Education pricing available

Service documents

• Pricing document

  PDF

• Service definition document

  PDF

• Terms and conditions

  PDF

Request an accessible format

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need versions of these documents in a more accessible format, email the supplier at info@akita.co.uk. Tell them what format you need. It will help if you say what assistive technology you use.

Framework

G-Cloud 15

Service ID

562242566064590

Contact

Akita
0330 058 8000
info@akita.co.uk

About the service

• Service categories:

  Applications

  Collaborative

  • Email
  • Enterprise community
  • Team collaboration
• Multi cloud support: No

Service scope

• Software add-on or extension: Yes, but can also be used as a standalone service
• What software services is the service an extension to: Microsoft 365 services including Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, OneDrive and Microsoft Teams. The service integrates with these platforms to manage configuration, security and ongoing operation while remaining usable as a standalone managed SaaS service.
• Cloud deployment model: Public cloud
• Service constraints: The service is delivered as a Microsoft multi-tenant SaaS platform and is subject to Microsoft planned maintenance and update schedules. Internet connectivity is required for access. Service functionality depends on supported Microsoft 365 licences and tenant configuration. Customisation is limited to Microsoft-supported features. Support is provided remotely and relies on buyer environment configuration and user access permissions.
• System requirements:
  • Microsoft 365 tenant and valid licences
  • Supported web browser and internet connection
  • User identities managed through Microsoft Entra ID
  • Modern desktop or mobile operating system

User support

• Email or online ticketing support: Yes
• Support response times: Support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for contracted customers. During standard business hours, Monday to Friday, initial responses are prioritised based on issue severity. Requests logged outside standard hours are triaged and responded to in line with incident severity and contracted support arrangements
• User can manage status and priority of support tickets: Yes
• Online ticketing support accessibility: WCAG 2.2 AA
• Phone support: Yes
• Phone support availability: 9 to 5 (UK time), Monday to Friday
• Web chat support: No
• Onsite support: Yes, at extra cost
• Support levels: Akita provides remote support for Microsoft 365 Enablement Services delivered as a managed SaaS offering. Standard support includes email, ticketing and phone support during UK business hours, with requests prioritised by incident severity. Support covers user access issues, configuration guidance, service monitoring, incident investigation and liaison with Microsoft where required.; ; Enhanced support options can be agreed at call-off. These may include extended support hours, faster response targets, proactive service reviews, and a named technical contact. Costs for enhanced support are defined per customer and depend on the agreed scope, response times and service hours.; ; Akita provides access to experienced cloud support engineers with Microsoft 365 expertise. Where agreed, a named technical account manager can be assigned to provide service oversight, coordinate support activity, act as an escalation point and support ongoing service optimisation.; ; Out-of-hours and extended support is available for contracted customers based on agreed support arrangements and incident severity.
• Support available to third parties: Yes

Onboarding and offboarding

• Getting started: Akita helps users start using Microsoft 365 Enablement Services through a structured onboarding process. This includes initial tenant configuration, user setup, access controls and security baseline configuration aligned to buyer requirements. Online documentation and Microsoft-provided guidance are made available to support self-service learning.; ; Akita provides remote onboarding sessions for administrators and users to introduce core Microsoft 365 features such as email, file sharing and collaboration tools. Where required, tailored training sessions can be delivered for administrators or user groups. Onsite training can be provided by agreement and at additional cost.; ; Ongoing support and guidance is available through Akita’s support channels to help users adopt the service effectively and align it with their operational needs.
• Service documentation: Yes
• Documentation formats:
  • HTML
  • PDF
• End-of-contract data extraction: When the contract ends, users can extract their data directly from Microsoft 365 using Microsoft-supported tools and interfaces. Data can be exported through the Microsoft 365 admin portals, service-specific interfaces, synchronisation tools or APIs. Email, files, documents, sites and associated metadata can be downloaded or transferred in commonly used formats.; ; Akita supports buyers by providing guidance on data extraction options, access permissions and export processes. Where required, Akita can assist with planning and executing data exports, including validating that data has been successfully retrieved. Data remains accessible to the buyer for the duration of the contract and any agreed exit period, ensuring an orderly transition and continued access to information prior to service termination.
• End-of-contract process: At the end of the contract, Microsoft 365 Enablement Services are transitioned in line with the agreed off-boarding process. Buyer access to Microsoft 365 remains available until the contract end date, allowing time for data extraction and transition planning. Akita supports an orderly exit by providing guidance on access management, data export and service closure.; ; Standard contract pricing includes access to the managed SaaS service for the agreed term, remote support during the notice period and reasonable assistance with exit-related queries. Data remains accessible to the buyer throughout this period.; ; Additional support, such as extended access beyond the contract term, assisted data migration to alternative platforms, bespoke reporting or onsite support, can be provided by agreement and at additional cost. All exit activities are carried out in line with security, data protection and contractual requirements.
• Documentation accessibility standard: WCAG 2.2 AA

Using the service

• Web browser interface: Yes
• Supported browsers:
  • Microsoft Edge
  • Firefox
  • Chrome
  • Safari
• Application to install: No
• Designed for use on mobile devices: Yes
• Differences between the mobile and desktop service: The mobile service provides access to email, documents, files and collaboration features through mobile browsers and supported Microsoft applications. Desktop access offers full administrative functionality, configuration options and advanced management features. Some complex administration, reporting and configuration tasks are only available through the desktop interface.
• Service interface: Yes
• User support accessibility: WCAG 2.2 AA
• Description of service interface: The service is accessed through web-based interfaces provided by Microsoft 365, including user portals and administration centres. Users interact with email, documents, files and collaboration tools through browser-based dashboards and menus. Administrators manage users, security settings, service configuration and monitoring through Microsoft 365 and related admin portals.
• Accessibility standards: WCAG 2.2 AA
• Accessibility testing: Microsoft 365 interfaces are designed and tested by Microsoft to meet WCAG 2.2 AA accessibility requirements. Testing includes the use of assistive technologies such as screen readers, keyboard-only navigation, high-contrast modes and accessibility settings built into supported operating systems. Akita supports buyers by configuring services in line with Microsoft accessibility guidance and responding to accessibility-related issues raised by users through standard support processes.
• API: Yes
• What users can and can't do using the API: Microsoft 365 provides APIs through Microsoft Graph and service-specific endpoints. Users can authenticate via Microsoft Entra ID and use APIs to manage users, groups, licences, mailboxes, files, sites and permissions. APIs can be used to automate configuration tasks, retrieve service information and integrate Microsoft 365 with other systems and workflows.; ; Users cannot bypass Microsoft security controls, licensing requirements or tenant governance through the API. Core platform architecture, service limits and data residency settings are managed by Microsoft and cannot be altered. API usage is subject to permission scopes, throttling limits and Microsoft service policies.
• API documentation: Yes
• API documentation formats: HTML
• API sandbox or test environment: Yes
• Customisation available: Yes
• Description of customisation: Users can customise Microsoft 365 Enablement Services within Microsoft-supported boundaries. Customisable elements include user accounts, licences, mailboxes, sites, document libraries, permissions, security policies and retention settings. Collaboration settings for email, files and meetings can also be configured.; ; Customisation is performed through Microsoft 365 and service-specific administration portals, supported configuration tools and approved automation methods. Changes follow defined governance and security controls.; ; Customisation is typically carried out by authorised administrators or delegated users with appropriate permissions. Akita supports buyers by managing configuration changes on their behalf or providing guidance where buyers retain administrative control. This ensures flexibility while maintaining security and compliance.

Scaling

• Independence of resources: Microsoft 365 Enablement Services are delivered on Microsoft’s multi-tenant SaaS platform, designed to operate at scale. Microsoft manages compute, storage and network resources dynamically to balance demand and maintain service performance across tenants. Built-in monitoring, throttling and service controls are used to prevent individual tenant activity from impacting others. Microsoft resilience and service management processes are applied to ensure consistent availability and performance for all users.

Analytics

• Service usage metrics: Yes
• Metrics types: Microsoft 365 Enablement Services provide usage and activity metrics including user activity, email usage, storage consumption, file access, collaboration activity and service health status. Metrics are available at tenant and service level to support governance, capacity planning, adoption monitoring and ongoing service management.
• Reporting types:
  • Real-time dashboards
  • Regular reports
  • Reports on request
• Resource tagging: Yes
• FOCUS resource tagging: No

Supplier type

• Supplier type: Not a reseller

Staff security

• Staff security clearance: Conforms to BS7858:2019
• Government security clearance: Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS)

Asset protection

• Knowledge of data storage and processing locations: Yes
• Data storage and processing locations: United Kingdom
• User control over data storage and processing locations: Yes
• Datacentre security standards: Complies with a recognised standard (for example CSA CCM version 4.0)
• Penetration testing frequency: At least once a year
• Penetration testing approach: ‘IT Health Check’ performed by a CREST-approved service provider
• Protecting data at rest:
  • Physical access control, complying with SSAE-18 / ISAE 3402
  • Encryption of all physical media
• Data sanitisation process: Yes
• Equipment disposal approach: Complying with a recognised standard, for example CSA CCM v4.0, CAS (Sanitisation) or ISO/IEC 27001
• Data sanitisation type:
  • Deleted data can’t be directly accessed / Cryptographic Erasure
  • Physical Destruction / Hardware containing data is completely destroyed

Data importing and exporting

• Data export approach: Users export data from Microsoft 365 using Microsoft-supported tools and interfaces. Data can be exported through Microsoft 365 administration portals, service-specific interfaces, synchronisation tools or APIs. Exports can be performed for email, files, documents, sites and associated metadata, with data retained in commonly used formats where supported.
• Data export formats:
  • CSV
  • Other
• Other data export formats:
  • DOCX, XLSX and PPTX
  • PDF
• Data import formats:
  • CSV
  • Other
• Other data import formats: DOCX, XLSX, PPTX and PDF

Data-in-transit protection

• Data protection between buyer and supplier networks: TLS (version 1.2 or above)
• Data protection within supplier network: TLS (version 1.2 or above)

Availability and resilience

• Guaranteed availability: Microsoft 365 Enablement Services are delivered on Microsoft’s SaaS platform with a financially backed availability SLA. Microsoft commits to a monthly uptime of at least 99.9% for Microsoft 365 services, measured in line with Microsoft’s published SLA definitions.; ; If Microsoft fails to meet the availability commitment, service credits may be applied in accordance with the Microsoft Online Services SLA. Any applicable credits are calculated and issued by Microsoft against the buyer’s service charges. Akita supports buyers by monitoring service availability, managing incidents, liaising with Microsoft during outages and assisting with SLA reporting and service credit requests where required.; ; Availability is dependent on factors including planned maintenance, buyer network connectivity and correct service configuration.
• Approach to resilience: Approach to resilience; Describe how your service is designed to be resilient.; Include how your datacentre setup is resilient. If you don’t want to make this information public, you can say that it’s available on request. Read about the government’s 2nd cloud security principle: ‘Asset protection and resilience’ (link opens in a new tab).; ; You have 200 words remaining
• Outage reporting: Microsoft 365 Enablement Services report outages through Microsoft service health capabilities. A public service health dashboard provides visibility of current incidents, advisories and planned maintenance. Administrators can access detailed service health information through the Microsoft 365 admin centre.; ; Outage notifications and service advisories can be delivered by email to nominated administrators. Service status information is also available via Microsoft APIs for monitoring and integration purposes. Akita monitors service health information and supports buyers by interpreting incident updates, providing guidance and managing escalations during service disruptions.

Identity and authentication

• User authentication needed: Yes
• User authentication:
  • Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
  • Identity federation with existing provider (for example Google Apps)
  • Username or password
• Access restrictions in management interfaces and support channels: Access restrictions in management interfaces and support channels; Describe how you restrict access in management interfaces and support channels.; You have 100 words remaining
• Access restriction testing frequency: At least once a year
• Management access authentication:
  • Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
  • Identity federation with existing provider (for example Google Apps)
  • Username or password

Audit information for users

• Access to user activity audit information: Users receive audit information on a regular basis
• How long user audit data is stored for: At least 12 months
• Access to supplier activity audit information: Users contact the support team to get audit information
• How long supplier audit data is stored for: At least 12 months
• How long system logs are stored for: At least 12 months

Security governance

• Named board-level person responsible for service security: Yes
• Security governance certified: Yes
• Security governance standards: ISO/IEC 27001
• Information security policies and processes: Akita operates an information security management framework aligned to ISO/IEC 27001. Information security policies cover access control, data protection, incident management, risk management, supplier security, asset management and business continuity. Policies are approved at board level and apply across all services.; ; Overall responsibility for information security sits with a board-level director, supported by senior management and operational teams. Clear reporting lines are in place to escalate security risks, incidents and compliance issues. Security incidents are logged, investigated and reviewed, with corrective actions tracked through to completion.; ; Compliance with information security policies is enforced through role-based access controls, documented procedures and mandatory staff training. Policies and controls are reviewed regularly and updated to reflect changes in risk, technology and regulatory requirements. Internal reviews and management oversight are used to monitor effectiveness and drive continual improvement.
• Software Security Code of Practice: Yes

Operational security

• Configuration and change management standard: Complies with a recognised standard, for example CSA CCM v4.0 or SSAE-18 / ISAE 3402
• Configuration and change management approach: Akita follows formal configuration and change management processes aligned with ISO/IEC 27001. Service components and configurations are documented and tracked throughout their lifecycle. Changes are recorded, reviewed and approved before implementation, with audit records maintained.; ; All changes are assessed for potential security impact, including access, data protection and service availability considerations. Where required, changes are tested and validated prior to deployment. Emergency changes follow controlled processes with retrospective review to maintain compliance.
• Vulnerability management type: Complies with a recognised standard, for example CSA CCM v4.0 or SSAE-18 / ISAE 3402
• Vulnerability management approach: Akita operates a vulnerability management process aligned with ISO/IEC 27001. Potential threats are identified through vendor security advisories, Microsoft security bulletins, industry guidance and internal reviews. Vulnerabilities are assessed based on risk, severity and potential impact.; ; Patches and mitigations are prioritised and deployed in line with criticality, with urgent security updates applied promptly. Changes follow controlled change management processes. Ongoing monitoring is used to identify emerging threats and ensure vulnerabilities are addressed in a timely manner.
• Protective monitoring type: Complies with a recognised standard, for example CSA CCM v4.0 or SSAE-18 / ISAE 3402
• Protective monitoring approach: Akita identifies potential security compromises through log monitoring, service alerts and incident reporting aligned with ISO/IEC 27001 controls. Alerts are reviewed by authorised personnel and assessed for severity and impact.; ; When a potential compromise is identified, incidents are logged, investigated and escalated through the incident management process. Containment and remediation actions are taken promptly, with response times prioritised based on risk and service impact. Monitoring outcomes are reviewed to improve controls and prevent recurrence.
• Incident management type: Complies with a recognised standard, for example, CSA CCM v4.0 or ISO/IEC 27035:2011 or SSAE-18 / ISAE 3402
• Incident management approach: Akita operates defined incident management processes aligned with recognised standards. Pre-defined procedures exist for common service and security incidents to ensure consistent handling and escalation. Users report incidents via phone, email or the support ticketing system.; ; Incidents are logged, prioritised and managed based on severity and impact. Status updates are provided during investigation and resolution. Post-incident reports can be provided on request, detailing the incident, actions taken, resolution and any preventative measures implemented.
• Post-quantum cryptography secure: No

Secure development

• Approach to secure software development best practice: Independent review of processes (for example CESG CPA Build Standard, ISO/IEC 27034, ISO/IEC 27001 or CSA CCM v4.0)

Public sector networks

• Connection to public sector networks: No

Pricing

• Discount for educational organisations: Yes
• Free trial available: No

Discount percentage by annual call-off contract value (excluding VAT)

• Less than £250,000: 0%
• Between £250,000 and £500,000: 0%
• Between £500,001 and £1,000,000: 5%
• Between £1,000,001 and £2,500,000: 7%
• Between £2,500,001 and £5,000,000: 10%
• Over £5,000,001: 10%

Standards and certifications

• ISO/IEC 27001 certification: Yes
• ISO/IEC 27001 accredited by: British Assessment Bureau (UKAS accredited)
• ISO/IEC 27001 accreditation date: Friday 18 January 2019
• What the ISO/IEC 27001 doesn’t cover: The ISO/IEC 27001 certification does not cover customer-owned systems or infrastructure not managed by Akita Systems Limited, physical security controls at customer premises, end-user devices not under Akita management, or non-IT business activities outside the defined scope of IT support, cloud services, and hosted and recovery services.
• ISO 28000:2022 certification: No
• ISO 9001 certification: Yes
• ISO 9001 certification accredited by: British Assessment Bureau (UKAS accredited)
• ISO 9001 accreditation date: Thursday 23 April 2015
• What the ISO 9001 doesn’t cover: The ISO 9001:2015 certification does not cover activities outside the defined scope of IT service delivery, including non-IT business operations, customer-owned systems or processes not managed by Akita Systems Limited, services delivered entirely by third parties outside Akita’s quality management system, and physical site operations at customer premises where Akita does not have operational control.
• Quality management systems (QMS): Yes
• CSA STAR certification: No
• PCI certification: No
• Cyber essentials: Yes
• Cyber Essentials Certificate Number: 56073cca-376a-486b-a991-0f76b99f23b2
• Cyber essentials plus: Yes
• Cyber Essentials Plus Certificate Number: Cc55b424-1c83-4f89-8550-44e6b24ec430
• Other security certifications: No

Social value

• Mission: Make Britain a clean energy superpower:

  To cut bills, create jobs and deliver security with cheaper, zero-carbon electricity by 2030, accelerating to net zero

  Policy Outcome 4: Sustainable procurement practices: Reducing carbon footprints, minimising waste, and promoting the use of clean energy and green technologies.

  • Understanding of opportunities for additional environmental benefits delivery in the performance of the contract, including working towards net zero carbon emissions and use of clean energy and green technologies
  • Understanding of how to influence staff, suppliers, customers, communities and/or any other appropriate stakeholders through the delivery of the contract to support climate and nature protection and improvement

Service documents

• Pricing document

  PDF

• Service definition document

  PDF

• Terms and conditions

  PDF

Request an accessible format

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need versions of these documents in a more accessible format, email the supplier at info@akita.co.uk. Tell them what format you need. It will help if you say what assistive technology you use.