SYMPOSIUM IT LTD

Smart Cloud Health Check for Azure

Smart Cloud is an AI-driven cloud optimisation platform, surfacing deep analytics and powerful actionable insights to help you make the most of your Microsoft Cloud investment.​

Features

• Advanced Tagging Capability
• FinOps-Aligned Menu
• Automated Risk Alerts
• In-depth Usage Analytics
• Continuous Optimisation Tools

Benefits

• Enhanced Financial Clarity
• Efficient Data Access
• Reduced Financial Risk
• Optimised Resource Utilisation
• Ongoing Improvement Support

£459.00 to £1,480.00 a unit a day

• Education pricing available

Service documents

• Pricing document

  PDF

• Skills Framework for the Information Age rate card

  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 Joshua.ashton@symposium-it.co.uk. Tell them what format you need. It will help if you say what assistive technology you use.

Framework

G-Cloud 14

Service ID

112549096391075

Contact

Joshua Ashton
01613273471
Joshua.ashton@symposium-it.co.uk

Planning

• Planning service: Yes
• How the planning service works: Smart Cloud Health Check streamlines cloud cost optimization aligned with the FinOps framework through Inform, Optimise, and Operate phases, ensuring efficient cloud investment.; ; Inform Phase: We begin by analyzing your current cloud spending to identify inefficiencies and improvement areas. This provides insights into usage and expenditures, laying the groundwork for effective cost reduction strategies.; ; Optimise Phase: Using insights from the Inform phase, we tailor solutions to improve cloud resource utilization. This includes rightsizing services, removing underutilized resources, and selecting cost-effective pricing models. Our security measures ensure compliance and protect assets while optimizing costs.; ; Operate Phase: We implement and monitor optimization strategies to confirm cost reduction and efficiency enhancements. Continuous performance testing and cost analysis validate the effectiveness of our approaches. We also offer ongoing support and training for your team to maintain cost-efficient operations.; ; Smart Cloud Health Check is available as a monthly advisory or fully managed service, adapting continuously to meet your needs and the dynamic nature of cloud costs, embodying FinOps principles for continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Planning service works with specific services: Yes
• Hosting or software services the planning service works with:
  • Azure
  • Microsoft 365
  • Office 365
  • Co-Pilot

Training

• Training service provided: Yes
• How the training service works: We will provide training on all training within the Symposium IT portfolio. We are also AWS ATPs so can provide training on AWS Specific training.
• Training is tied to specific services: No

Setup and migration

• Setup or migration service available: Yes
• How the setup or migration service works: In the context of the service description for Smart Cloud Health Check, although the primary focus is on cost optimisation and management within existing cloud environments, it can indirectly support migration strategies by identifying more efficient configurations. For example, Smart Cloud Health Check evaluates current Microsoft cloud usage and suggests efficiencies by recommending switching between different Microsoft subscriptions or relocating workloads to more cost-effective solutions.; ; This process aligns with the FinOps principles of continuous improvement and operational excellence. By analysing detailed usage data and expenditure (Inform Phase), the service provides actionable insights into how switching subscriptions or adjusting workload distributions can reduce costs and enhance performance (Optimise Phase). Finally, during the Operate Phase, Smart Cloud Health Check helps implement these recommendations and monitors their impact, ensuring that the operational changes lead to the expected financial benefits and maintain compliance with industry standards.; ; This approach can serve as a strategic guide for organisations looking to optimise their existing cloud setups or considering minor migrations within their current cloud provider's offerings, rather than extensive migrations to new cloud platforms.
• Setup or migration service is for specific cloud services: Yes
• List of supported services:
  • Azure
  • Microsoft 365
  • Office 365
  • Co-Pilot

Quality assurance and performance testing

• Quality assurance and performance testing service: Yes
• How the quality assurance and performance testing works: Symposium IT collaborates closely with clients to implement necessary technology, organizational, process, and contract changes to enhance their cloud operations. This collaboration could involve conducting a Proof of Concept (POC) to demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of proposed changes before rolling out a full transformation program. A POC helps ensure that the adjustments are aligned with the client's specific requirements and expected outcomes, providing a controlled and evidence-based approach to large-scale implementation. This strategic approach reduces risks and ensures that the transformation is both effective and tailored to the unique needs of the organisation.

Security testing

• Security services: Yes
• Security services type:
  • Security strategy
  • Security risk management
  • Security design
  • Cyber security consultancy
  • Security incident management
  • Security audit services

Ongoing support

• Ongoing support service: Yes
• Types of service supported: Hosting or software provided by your organisation
• How the support service works: Symposium IT offers a strategic advisory service for proactive public cloud management, available as a fully managed service or monthly reporting.; ; Initial Consultation and Onboarding: We start by understanding client needs and setting up the management framework.; Strategic Monitoring: Continuous monitoring identifies optimization opportunities, aligning with best practices.; Advisory and Recommendations: Clients receive tailored recommendations for improving efficiency and reducing costs.; Implementation Support: For fully managed services, we execute recommended changes to ensure effective enhancements.; Regular Reviews and Reporting: Clients get periodic reports with performance metrics and strategic advice, tailored to their evolving needs.; Training and Capacity Building: We equip client teams with the knowledge to effectively manage their cloud environment.

Service scope

• Service constraints: Support is provided remotely or on site as the client wishes

User support

• Email or online ticketing support: Email or online ticketing
• Support response times: 4 hours
• User can manage status and priority of support tickets: Yes
• Online ticketing support accessibility: WCAG 2.1 AA or EN 301 549
• Phone support: Yes
• Phone support availability: 9 to 5 (UK time), Monday to Friday
• Web chat support: Web chat
• Web chat support availability: 24 hours, 7 days a week
• Web chat support accessibility standard: WCAG 2.1 AA or EN 301 549
• Web chat accessibility testing: Through the Symposium IT or web portal
• Support levels: Support provided 9 to 5, weekdays only

Resellers

• Supplier type: Reseller providing extra support
• Organisation whose services are being resold: Azure, AWS and M365

Staff security

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

Standards and certifications

• ISO/IEC 27001 certification: Yes
• Who accredited the ISO/IEC 27001: Alcumus Isoqar - stage 1 booked
• ISO/IEC 27001 accreditation date: 14/05/2024
• What the ISO/IEC 27001 doesn’t cover: Covers whole business
• ISO 28000:2007 certification: No
• CSA STAR certification: No
• PCI certification: No
• Cyber essentials: Yes
• Cyber essentials plus: No
• Other security certifications: No

Social Value

• Social Value:

  Social Value

  • Fighting climate change
  • Covid-19 recovery
  • Tackling economic inequality
  • Equal opportunity
  • Wellbeing

  Fighting climate change

  Symposium IT’s commitment to fighting climate change is demonstrated through several proactive environmental initiatives. Our move towards a paperless office is a significant step in reducing our carbon footprint and minimizing waste. By digitising our operations, we not only enhance efficiency but also contribute to the preservation of natural resources.; ; In addition to going paperless, Symposium IT actively participates in tree planting efforts. These efforts are crucial as they help to absorb CO2 from the atmosphere, enhance biodiversity, and restore natural habitats. By integrating tree planting into our business model, we directly contribute to environmental restoration and combat the broader impacts of climate change.; ; Furthermore, we extend our commitment to sustainability by reinvesting a percentage of profits into B Corp certified businesses, such as Ecologi, that are dedicated to environmental causes. This investment not only supports innovative projects aimed at carbon reduction and ecological restoration but also aligns with our corporate values of sustainability and responsible business practices.; ; Through these actions, Symposium IT aligns with the social value theme of fighting climate change, emphasizing our role in promoting environmental stewardship. By adopting sustainable practices and supporting eco-friendly initiatives, we aim to lead by example in the IT industry, encouraging other companies to implement green policies and contribute to global efforts against climate change.

  Covid-19 recovery

  As part of the COVID-19 recovery efforts, Symposium IT is actively contributing to helping individuals and communities recover from the economic and employment impacts of the pandemic. Our key initiative in this area is the delivery of a skills bootcamp specifically designed for those in the Liverpool City Region who are unemployed or seeking to update their skills in response to the changing job market.; ; This bootcamp focuses on equipping participants with contemporary, market-relevant skills that are in high demand, particularly in tech and digital sectors. By providing training and certifications, particularly with our partnership as an Authorised Training Partner with AWS, the bootcamp addresses the immediate need for upskilling and reskilling individuals affected by job losses or shifts in the industry due to COVID-19.; ; This initiative not only supports individual participants by enhancing their employability but also contributes to the broader economic stability of the region by fostering a skilled workforce ready to meet the needs of modern industries. Through this program, Symposium IT is playing a pivotal role in the social and economic recovery process, aligning with government objectives to mitigate the long-term impacts of the pandemic and promote sustainable economic growth.

  Tackling economic inequality

  Symposium IT actively contributes to tackling economic inequality by focusing on the integration and employment of service leavers into the civilian workforce. Recognising the unique barriers faced by veterans, Symposium IT partners with the Forces Transition Group and engages in activities under the Employer Recognition Scheme Bronze tier (of which we are looking to attain Silver in the next quarter). Through these partnerships, Symposium IT helps service leavers transition by providing tailored career coaching, job placement services, and skill development programs aimed at high-demand industries.; ; Our initiatives are designed to open up new career opportunities for veterans, equipping them with the necessary skills to thrive in sectors that offer strong growth potential. By facilitating these transitions, Symposium IT not only aids in the personal and professional development of service leavers but also contributes to filling skill gaps in the economy. This approach not only supports individual veterans but also promotes broader economic growth by integrating skilled, disciplined, and motivated individuals into the workforce.

  Equal opportunity

  Symposium IT is committed to promoting equal opportunities, particularly for disabled veterans or those from minority groups. As signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant and participants in the Employer Recognition Scheme, we ensure that our hiring practices and workplace policies support inclusivity and diversity.; ; Our programs are specifically tailored to identify and remove barriers to employment that these individuals might face. This includes providing specialised training programs that accommodate different abilities and backgrounds, ensuring that all service leavers have the opportunity to develop skills relevant to today's job market. By actively working to reduce employment gaps and support workforce equality, Symposium IT not only aids in the personal development of veterans but also enriches the workforce with diverse perspectives and experiences.; ; As an Authorised Training Partner with AWS, Symposium IT facilitates specialized training that equips service leavers with sought-after skills in cloud technologies and solutions. This initiative not only opens up new career opportunities for veterans but also ensures they are equipped with the necessary competencies to thrive in sectors that offer strong growth potential. By facilitating these transitions, Symposium IT not only aids in the personal and professional development of service leavers but also contributes to filling skill gaps in the economy. This approach supports individual veterans and promotes broader economic growth by integrating skilled, disciplined, and motivated individuals into the workforce.; ; Each of these efforts aligns with the social value themes set out by the government, demonstrating Symposium IT's commitment to not only achieving commercial success but also contributing positively to society by supporting key outcomes in economic inequality, wellbeing, and equal opportunity.

  Wellbeing

  At Symposium IT, we recognize the importance of supporting the overall wellbeing of service leavers as they transition to civilian life. Our programs are designed to address both the mental and physical health challenges that can accompany this significant life change. Partnering with organizations such as the Forces Transition Group (Shine a Light), we offer workshops and seminars that focus on mental health awareness, stress management, and resilience building.; ; Moreover, we provide access to counselling and support groups that help service leavers manage the psychological impact of their transition. By improving their mental health and wellbeing, we not only assist them in overcoming transition-related challenges but also enhance their ability to secure and sustain employment, thereby supporting their successful integration into civilian communities.

Pricing

• Price: £459.00 to £1,480.00 a unit a day
• Discount for educational organisations: Yes

Service documents

• Pricing document

  PDF

• Skills Framework for the Information Age rate card

  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 Joshua.ashton@symposium-it.co.uk. Tell them what format you need. It will help if you say what assistive technology you use.