BESTPATH LIMITED

Cisco Unified Networking As A Service

BestPath via Cisco provides Unified Network as a Service using Cisco networking and security technologies, covering secure WAN connectivity, cloud-delivered security, and integrated network protection. The service supports on-premises, cloud, hybrid, and remote user environments and is delivered as a managed service.

Features

• Secure Access Service Edge
• Wide Area Network
• Local Area Network
• Cloud Access Secuirty Broker (CASB)
• SD-WAN (Software Defined Networking)
• Network Secuirty
• Wifi connectivity
• Coverage Heat mapping
• Consistent user network experience

Benefits

• consistent best in class network security
• Extend your data controls
• define and manage network risk
• proactive alerting and troubleshooting tool
• BYOD management
• flexbility for integration with exisiting network tools and products
• single pane of glass visibility
• ease of management for device deployment

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 james@bestpath.io. Tell them what format you need. It will help if you say what assistive technology you use.

Framework

G-Cloud 15

Service ID

730273554936426

Contact

James Williamson
02045742337
james@bestpath.io

About your service

• Service categories:

  Systems Infrastructure Software

  Network

  Network infrastructure software

  • Network application delivery
  • Software-defined networking (SDN)

  Network management

  • Network performance management (NPM)
  • Network operations management (NOM)
• Multi cloud support: Yes

Service scope

• Software add-on or extension: No
• Cloud deployment model:
  • Public cloud
  • Private cloud
  • Hybrid cloud
• Service constraints: There are very few constraints on the use of our services. This is primarily for tyhe delivery of secure networking connectivity to users and services, empowered by Cisco's secure networking solutions.
• System requirements:
  • Supported Operating System
  • Agreed Scope of Engagement/Works
  • Access to the exisiting network estate and/or configs

User support

• Email or online ticketing support: Yes
• Support response times: Phone, chat, and email support can be provided as required for customers. BestPath handle 1st and 2nd line support, with quick direct access to our engineering team. 3rd and 4th line support can be provided by both BestPath and Cisco engineers depending on the nature of the ticket request.
• User can manage status and priority of support tickets: Yes
• Online ticketing support accessibility: WCAG 2.2 AA
• Phone support: Yes
• Phone support availability: 24 hours, 7 days a week
• Web chat support: No
• Onsite support: Yes, at extra cost
• Support levels: BestPath can provide on site engineering and technical architect resources as required by the client. This can also take the form or longer engagements with FTEs working alongside in house or contractor teams at the client's offices or remotely. Cisco can provide dedicated technical resources as needed as well.
• Support available to third parties: Yes

Onboarding and offboarding

• Getting started: Client onboarding begins with an initial engagement to confirm requirements, scope, and service options. This is followed by service design and configuration using standard Cisco networking and security capabilities. Once configured, the service is transitioned into operational support and monitoring.; ; Onboarding is planned to minimise disruption and can be delivered remotely where appropriate. The service can be onboarded incrementally, allowing sites, users, or services to be added in phases.
• Service documentation: Yes
• Documentation formats:
  • HTML
  • PDF
• End-of-contract data extraction: As part of service offboarding, BestPath, working with Cisco technologies, can support customers with the extraction of relevant service data in line with agreed requirements. This may include configuration information, service reports, logs, and operational data generated during service delivery.; ; Data extraction is performed using standard tools and capabilities provided by the underlying platforms and is coordinated to ensure continuity of service during transition. BestPath will work with the customer to agree scope, format, and timing, supporting an orderly exit and transition to an alternative service or operating model.
• End-of-contract process: At the end of the contract, BestPath works with the customer to plan and execute an orderly transition of network service management. This includes agreeing a handover plan, timelines, and responsibilities with the customer and the incoming service provider or internal team.; ; BestPath can support the handover by:; ; Providing relevant service documentation and configuration information; ; Supporting knowledge transfer and operational walkthroughs; ; Coordinating access changes to ensure continuity of service; ; Assisting with the extraction and transfer of agreed operational data; ; The service is transitioned in a controlled manner to minimise disruption. Once handover activities are complete and agreed, BestPath withdraws operational access and confirms service termination in line with contractual and security 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: Yes
• Compatible operating systems:
  • Android
  • IOS
  • Linux or Unix
  • MacOS
  • Windows
  • ChromeOS
• Designed for use on mobile devices: Yes
• Differences between the mobile and desktop service: The service supports secure access from both desktop and mobile devices by integrating network connectivity and security controls at the network and access layers.; ; On desktop devices users connect through secure wired or wireless networks. Network access, traffic routing, and security policies are applied centrally to ensure consistent performance and protection when accessing on-premises, cloud, or SaaS applications.; ; On mobile devices the service enables secure remote access over public or private networks. Security and access policies are enforced regardless of user location, supporting remote and hybrid working scenarios.
• Service interface: Yes
• User support accessibility: WCAG 2.2 AA
• Description of service interface: Cisco provides a web dashboard for the monitoring of devices, licenses and other solutions which covers the consoles of the different sdervices that a client may need as part of their secure networking. BestPath can monitor and manage these consoles and dashboards either for or alongside the cleint's team memebers.
• Accessibility standards: WCAG 2.2 AA
• Accessibility testing: N/A
• API: No
• Customisation available: Yes
• Description of customisation: Customers can customise the service to align with their organisational requirements, operating model, and technical environment. Customisation is applied through configuration rather than bespoke development.; ; Customers may tailor:; ; Network connectivity to support specific sites, users, and cloud environments; ; Security and access policies to align with organisational security requirements; ; Service scope and support model, including fully managed or co-managed delivery; ; Monitoring, reporting, and alerting to meet operational and governance needs; ; Scalability options, allowing services to increase or reduce over time; ; Customisation is delivered using standard capabilities of Cisco networking and security platforms, ensuring consistency, supportability, and compliance. The service does not require bespoke software development and can be adapted through agreed configuration and service options.

Scaling

• Independence of resources: The service is designed to scale in line with customer demand, allowing network capacity, users, sites, and security services to be increased or reduced as requirements change. Scaling is achieved through configuration and service adjustments rather than redesign of the underlying network.; ; Customer resources are logically separated to ensure independence and secure operation. Each customer’s network and service configuration is managed independently, supporting isolation of traffic, policies, and operational data. This approach enables customers to scale their service without impacting other users of the platform.

Analytics

• Service usage metrics: Yes
• Metrics types: Custom metrics can be agreed with the account team but detailed information on license usage, request volumes, performance are always available
• Reporting types:
  • Real-time dashboards
  • Regular reports
• Resource tagging: Yes
• FOCUS resource tagging: No

Resellers

• Supplier type: Reseller providing extra support
• Organisation whose services are being resold: Cisco

Staff security

• Staff security clearance: Conforms to BS7858:2019
• Government security clearance: Developed Vetting (DV)

Asset protection

• Knowledge of data storage and processing locations: Yes
• Data storage and processing locations:
  • United Kingdom
  • European Economic Area (EEA)
  • Other locations
• 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: Another external penetration testing organisation
• Protecting data at rest:
  • Physical access control, complying with another standard
  • Encryption of all physical media
  • Scale, obfuscating techniques, or data storage sharding
• Data sanitisation process: Yes
• Equipment disposal approach: A third-party destruction service
• Data sanitisation type:
  • Explicit overwriting of storage before reallocation / Secure Erase
  • Physical Destruction / Hardware containing data is completely destroyed

Data importing and exporting

• Data export approach: The service supports data export as part of normal operations or service exit, using standard capabilities of the underlying platforms. Data that can be exported may include service configuration information, operational reports, usage data, and relevant logs generated during service delivery.; ; Data export is carried out in agreed formats and timescales to support customer operational and governance requirements. BestPath works with the customer to confirm scope, method, and timing, ensuring data is transferred securely and in line with contractual and security obligations.
• Data export formats:
  • CSV
  • ODF
• Data import formats:
  • CSV
  • ODF

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: Cisco networking equipment is renowned for high reliability, often achieving "five nines" (99.999%) availability in well-architected enterprise environments. This translates to roughly 5.26 minutes of unplanned downtime per year.
• Approach to resilience: The service is designed for resilience by using distributed network architectures, redundancy, and continuous monitoring. Core network and security components are configured to avoid single points of failure and to support continued operation in the event of component or connectivity issues.; ; Resilience is achieved through:; ; Redundant network paths and connectivity options; ; Distributed, cloud-delivered service components where applicable; ; Continuous monitoring and alerting to detect and respond to incidents; ; Managed change and configuration controls to reduce operational risk; ; The service leverages standard resilience capabilities of Cisco networking and security platforms, combined with BestPath’s operational management, to maintain availability and support service continuity.
• Outage reporting: Proactive account management, Public dashboard, and email alerts

Identity and authentication

• User authentication needed: Yes
• User authentication:
  • Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
  • Public key authentication (including by TLS client certificate)
  • Identity federation with existing provider (for example Google Apps)
  • Username or password
• Access restrictions in management interfaces and support channels: Access to service management and support channels is restricted to authorised personnel only. Role-based access controls are applied to ensure users have the minimum level of access required to perform their duties. Administrative access is limited to approved BestPath staff and is protected through authentication and access management controls.; ; Support access is provided through controlled channels, with permissions granted based on role and support requirements. Access rights are reviewed regularly and revoked promptly when no longer required. All access activities are logged and monitored to support accountability and security oversight.; ; This approach aligns with ISO/IEC 27001 principles.
• Access restriction testing frequency: At least once a year
• Management access authentication:
  • Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
  • Public key authentication (including by TLS client certificate)
  • Identity federation with existing provider (for example Google Apps)
  • Username or password

Audit information for users

• Access to user activity audit information: You control when users can access audit information
• How long user audit data is stored for: At least 12 months
• Access to supplier activity audit information: Users have access to real-time 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: Information security governance for the service is underpinned by documented policies, procedures, and controls aligned to Cyber Essentials and ISO/IEC 27001 principles. These frameworks provide a structured approach to managing risk, protecting information assets, and ensuring ongoing compliance.; ; Governance includes:; ; An information security policy defining roles, responsibilities, and accountability; ; Risk assessment and management processes to identify and treat security risks; ; Access control and authentication policies to protect systems and data; ; Incident management processes for identifying, reporting, and responding to security events; ; Change and configuration management processes to reduce operational risk; ; Supplier and third-party security considerations where applicable; ; Security governance is reviewed regularly to ensure continued effectiveness and alignment with organisational and regulatory requirements. Controls are supported by operational procedures and staff awareness to maintain consistent security practices across the service.
• 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: Configuration and change management for the service is governed by documented processes aligned with Cyber Essentials and ISO/IEC 27001 principles. These processes ensure that configurations are controlled, secure, and auditable throughout the service lifecycle.; ; Changes are planned, reviewed, and approved before implementation. Changes are assessed for impact to security, availability, and service performance. Changes are scheduled to minimise disruption and are implemented using standard, supported platform capabilities.; ; Configuration baselines are maintained to support consistency and security. Changes are logged and documented to provide traceability and support operational oversight. Post-change verification is performed to confirm successful implementation and service stability.
• Vulnerability management type: Complies with a recognised standard, for example CSA CCM v4.0 or SSAE-18 / ISAE 3402
• Vulnerability management approach: Vulnerability management is based on documented processes aligned with Cyber Essentials and ISO/IEC 27001. Potential threats are identified using vendor security advisories, recognised vulnerability databases, and operational monitoring. Risks are assessed based on severity, exploitability, and potential service impact.; ; Critical and high-risk vulnerabilities are prioritised and patched as soon as practicable following validation. Lower-risk updates are scheduled through controlled change management. Threat information is sourced from trusted providers, including Cisco security advisories, with remediation actions tracked for audit and assurance.
• Protective monitoring type: Complies with a recognised standard, for example CSA CCM v4.0 or SSAE-18 / ISAE 3402
• Protective monitoring approach: The service includes proactive monitoring to maintain availability, performance, and security. Network and security components are continuously monitored for faults, performance issues, and potential security events. Alerts are triggered when thresholds are exceeded, enabling timely investigation and response.; ; Monitoring data is reviewed to identify trends and support preventative actions such as capacity planning and optimisation. Standard monitoring and telemetry capabilities from Cisco platforms are used to detect issues early and reduce the risk of service disruption.
• 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: Incident management is delivered through documented processes aligned with Cyber Essentials and ISO/IEC 27001 principles. Incidents are identified through proactive monitoring, alerts, and customer notifications. Each incident is logged, prioritised based on impact and urgency, and assigned for investigation.; ; BestPath works to restore service as quickly as possible, applying temporary mitigations where needed and permanent fixes through controlled change management. Incident progress and resolution are documented, and post-incident reviews are conducted where appropriate to support continual service improvement.
• Post-quantum cryptography secure: Yes

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: No
• 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: 0%
• Between £1,000,001 and £2,500,000: 0%
• Between £2,500,001 and £5,000,000: 0%
• Over £5,000,001: 0%

Non-mandatory Standards and certifications

• ISO/IEC 27001 certification: Yes
• Who accredited the ISO/IEC 27001: Planned Link Limited
• ISO/IEC 27001 accreditation date: Thursday 5 December 2024
• What the ISO/IEC 27001 doesn’t cover: N/A
• ISO 28000:2022 certification: No
• ISO 9001 certification: Yes
• Who accredited the ISO 9001 certification: Planned Link Limited
• ISO 9001 accreditation date: Thursday 5 December 2024
• What the ISO 9001 doesn’t cover: N/A
• Quality management systems (QMS): No
• CSA STAR certification: No
• PCI certification: No
• Cyber essentials: Yes
• Please provide your Cyber Essentials Certificate Number: 2d7a4444-0c58-4bbd-9fe9-1d0a984a1621
• Cyber essentials plus: No
• Cyber Essentials Alternative: In relation to the services you do not have a current and valid Cyber Essentials Plus certificate which has been awarded by one of the government approved Cyber Essentials accreditation bodies but you are working towards gaining it, and will be in a position to confirm that you have been awarded a current and valid Cyber Essentials Plus certificate by one of the government approved accreditation bodies within 12 months of the date of award.
• Other security certifications: No

Social value

• Section B - Commitment for Future: Delivery:

  • Mission: Kick start economic growth. To secure the highest sustained growth in the G7 - with good jobs and productivity growth in every part of the country making everyone, not just a few, better off.

    Policy Outcome 1: Fair work: That offers fair wages and good working conditions. Help people get a job, stay in work, and progress in their careers, with good employment opportunities across the country. Notes: Where there is a large proportion of labour costs in the contract, commercial teams should consider MAC in Outcome 1 as a priority

    • New or retained jobs on the contract workforce in the relevant area that meet the criteria set out in MAC 1b, 1c and 1d
    • Providing opportunities for, and measuring and monitoring of, staff workforce conditions over time, including employee engagement, involvement in decision-making and satisfaction and adapting to any changes in the results, with clear processes for acting on issues identified
    • Plans to engage the contract workforce in deciding the most important workplace issues to address
    • Ensuring new workers are informed of their right to join a trade union
    • Monitoring of employee engagement rates (by protected characteristic) and, where necessary, the development of actions to ensure all voices are heard across the diversity of the workforce
    • Employment contracts that reflect actual hours worked; steps taken to ensure employees understand their contracts and have the ability to review and adjust them if actual hours regularly exceed contracted hours
    • Activities that support an environment where staff are educated about, and feel empowered to, address their physical wellbeing
    • Activities that support an environment where staff are educated about and feel empowered to report and address bullying and harassment
    • Activities to cascade good practice on fair working conditions throughout the supply chain
    • Offer a pay and leave entitlement to all eligible staff who become kinship carers, ideally equivalent to statutory adoption pay and leave
    • Payment of more than the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage (as appropriate) to the contract workforce
    • Monitoring and reporting of gender and ethnicity pay gaps and plans to address them where necessary
    • Entitlement to sick pay for the contract workforce, with provision in place for any staff who do not meet the earnings threshold for statutory sick pay, payment of sick pay from day one of absence and payment of staff on the contract workforce who are off sick a replacement income of 100% of their usual earnings for as long as possible
    • Plans for an appropriate income replacement policy for staff who are required to spend time away from work to care for a sick dependent or close relative
    • Understanding of in-work progression issues affecting the market, industry or sector relevant to the contract, and in the supplier’s own organisation and those of its key sub-contractors
    • Measures to support in-work progression to help people in the contract workforce, to move into higher paid work by developing new skills relevant to the contract
    • Support for the contract workforce by providing career advice, and providing opportunities for staff working on the contract with in-work progression career development into known skills shortages or high growth areas
    • Support for educational attainment relevant to the contract, including training schemes that address skills gaps and result in recognised qualifications
    • Volunteering opportunities for staff
    • Understanding of the modern slavery risks and issues affecting the market, industry, sector or country (of origin or of source) relevant to the contract, and the workforce in the supplier’s own organisation and those of its key subcontractors
    • Measures to identify, mitigate and manage modern slavery risks relating to the contract and how these will be implemented
    • Outline policies and practices to be applied to or put in place for the contract to mitigate and manage modern slavery risks, including: Pre-employment checks, recruitment practices. Workplace conditions, safeguarding plans and processes in place and regular monitoring with relevant groups considered, which may include sampling
    • How these flow down the supply chain and are monitored Illustrative examples include reporting, site visits, audits, etc.
    • How to ensure business decisions re: price/cost, short lead times, payment timescales do not create modern slavery risks in the supply chain
    • How the supplier will work with NGOs, trade unions or other businesses to address modern slavery risk
    • Means of influencing staff, suppliers, customers, communities and/or any other appropriate stakeholders with respect to modern slavery risks relating to the contract

  • Mission: Kick start economic growth. To secure the highest sustained growth in the G7 - with good jobs and productivity growth in every part of the country making everyone, not just a few, better off.

    Policy Outcome 2: Skills for growth: Supporting growth sectors and addressing skills gaps.

    • Understanding of employment and relevant skills issues, and of the education and training issues relating to the contract. Illustrative examples: demographics, skills shortages, new opportunities in high growth sectors, geographic/local community and skills/employment challenges
    • Support for educational attainment relevant to the contract, including training schemes that address skills gaps and result in recognised qualifications
    • Activities to support relevant sector related skills growth and sustainability in the contract workforce. Illustrative examples: careers talks, curriculum support, literacy support, safety talks and volunteering
    • Delivery of apprenticeships, supported internships and T Level industry placement opportunities (Level 2, 3 and 4+) in relation to the contract

  • Mission: Kick start economic growth. To secure the highest sustained growth in the G7 - with good jobs and productivity growth in every part of the country making everyone, not just a few, better off.

    Policy Outcome 3: Resilient, innovative and flexible supply chains: Support economic growth through enabling resilient businesses, opportunities for small businesses and voluntary, community and social enterprises

    • Understanding of the types of businesses in the market and the level of participation by new businesses, entrepreneurs, start-ups, SMEs, VCSEs and mutuals
    • Activities to identify opportunities to open up sub-contracts under the prime contract to a diverse range of businesses, including new businesses, entrepreneurs, start-ups, SMEs, VCSEs and mutuals
    • Plans for engaging a diverse range of businesses in engagement activities prior to appointing subcontractors (including activities prior to award of the main contract and during the contract term)
    • Activities that demonstrate a collaborative way to work with a diverse range of businesses as part of the supply chain
    • Advertising of supply chain opportunities openly and to ensure they are accessible to a diverse range of businesses, including advertising all subcontracting opportunities on Contracts Finder
    • Ensuring accessibility to contracting and subcontracting opportunities for disabled business owners and employees
    • Structuring of the supply chain selection process to ensure fairness (e.g. anti-corruption) and encourages participation by a diverse range of businesses, including with regard to new businesses, entrepreneurs, start-ups, SMEs, VCSEs and mutual
    • Understanding of local demographics, needs and opportunities for the co-design of the goods, services and works to be delivered under the contract
    • Methods for engaging with different parts of the community (including the education system and charities representing the community) and how communities come together to inform decisions, strategy and projects to leave a positive legacy for future generations
    • Measures to involve local stakeholders and/or users in design (e.g. in the design of services, systems, products or buildings)
    • Plans for positive actions with community groups.
    • Measures for making facilities used in the delivery of the contract available for community groups, education or training
    • Measures to engage users and communities and build relationships to increase community integration build trust and influence how the contract is delivered
    • Plans to respond flexibly and adapt approaches to community engagement and initiatives
    • Support for community-led initiatives relevant to the contract. Illustrative examples: improving transport links; reducing loneliness; helping with English language proficiency; and facilitating social mixing among people with different backgrounds
    • Collaborating with anchor institutions and community groups to make facilities available for education, training or community events

  • 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
    • Collaborative ways of working with the supply chain to deliver additional environmental benefits in the performance of the contract, including working towards net zero carbon emissions and use of clean energy and green technologies
    • Delivery of additional environmental benefits through 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
    • Activities to reconnect people with the environment and increase awareness of ways to protect and enhance it

  • Mission: Break down barriers to opportunity: By reforming our childcare and education systems, to make sure there is no class ceiling on the ambitions of young people in Britain

    Policy Outcome 6: Employment and training: For those who face barriers to employment

    • Understanding of employment and skills issues, and of the skills and employment shortages of high growth sectors relating to the contract
    • Creation of employment opportunities particularly for those who face barriers to employment, such as prison leavers, care leavers and/or who are located in deprived areas, and for people in industries with known skills shortages or in high growth sectors
    • Advertising, promotional and outreach activities designed to raise awareness of the offer to reach the target cohort

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 james@bestpath.io. Tell them what format you need. It will help if you say what assistive technology you use.