Software AG (UK) Limited

Software AG - Alfabet Strategic Portfolio Management (SPM)

Software AG - Alfabet Strategic Portfolio Management (SPM/StPM) and Planning supports your digital transformation with capabilities like Demand Management, Strategy Validation, Resource Management, Project Portfolio Management and Governance (PPM), Investment Optimization, Enterprise Release Management, Lean Portfolio Management (agile/SAFe), IT Sustainability Management, and all elements of Enterprise Architecture Management (EAM).

Features

• Data driven Enterprise Architecture Management (EAM)
• Strategic Portfolio Management across strategy, business, IT and project portfolios
• Real time view of all capabilities, applications, data and technologies
• Roadmapping and investment planning of the enterprise architecture
• Project Portfolio Management (PPM) to analyze and prioritize change
• Business Question-based approach for all portfolios and architecture layers
• OPEX and CAPEX optimization, IT Finance and contract management
• Powerful configuration features to fully customize the solution
• Configurable Reporting and analytics, including embedded analytics for dashboarding
• Comprehensive integration framework leveraging ETL and REST API

Benefits

• Increased visibility and transparency to understand the impact of change
• Enhanced governance means better data for decision making
• Strategic achievement and operationalization through functional enterprise architecture
• Improved business continuity as a result of improved visibility
• Cost reduction through application rationalization and standardization
• Optimized investment planning and CAPEX allocation
• Improve operational effeciency of architecture teams through consistent architecture method
• Greater organizational agility when responding to changing market conditions
• Fasttrack Enterprise Architecture initiatives with easy-to-use entry solutions
• Increase the success of broad-based Digital Transformation programs

£50,000 an instance a year

• Education pricing available
• Free trial 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 maurice.hancock@softwareag.com. Tell them what format you need. It will help if you say what assistive technology you use.

Framework

G-Cloud 14

Service ID

116153763304515

Contact

Maurice Hancock
07964 244563
maurice.hancock@softwareag.com

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: Software AG's Hybrid Digital Integration Hub. Alfabet integrates natively with ARIS (for business process and operational excellence) and can interface with webMethods for enhanced API planning. Alfabet can combine the worlds of IT and OT for convergent architecture and thus enhance IoT planning together with Cumulocity.
• Cloud deployment model:
  • Public cloud
  • Private cloud
  • Hybrid cloud
• Service constraints: None - Software AG offers a flexible deployment model that can be suited to the customer requirements. This includes Public, Private or Hybrid cloud deployments using a variety of technologies.
• System requirements:
  • System requirements not applicable as are managed cloud solutions.
  • For On-Premise deployments, SQL DB and Application Server are required

User support

• Email or online ticketing support: Email or online ticketing
• Support response times: Response times are defined in the SLA.
• User can manage status and priority of support tickets: No
• Phone support: Yes
• Phone support availability: 24 hours, 7 days a week
• Web chat support: No
• Onsite support: Yes, at extra cost
• Support levels: Enterprise Active Support (EAS): Enterprise Active Support gives you maximum flexibility and speed to market. EAS helps you accelerate your digital journey from product installation, needs analysis, upgrade support, one-on-one “meet the expert” sessions and operations reviews through to expedited, round-the-clock problem resolution services.; Enterprise Premium Support (EPS): You can select an enhanced level of support for time periods of a weekend or up to a year or longer. You can also obtain support for older product versions giving you the flexibility to manage your upgrade cycles as you wish. EPS also offers you: Advance designated engineers, designated engineers, after business-hours support and End-of-Maintenance Extension.; Standard: Phone / Web support during regular business hours, product updates and fixes, Access to Empower and TECHCommunity, 7 technical contacts, defined escalation path.
• Support available to third parties: Yes

Onboarding and offboarding

• Getting started: Software AG's expert sales and presales team are the first point of contact when introducing you to Alfabet. This sets the foundation and provides expert guidance in terms of how to start using and benefiting from Alfabet. In addition to regional teams, the Alfabet Customer Center is a global organization that provides further advisory, solutions and customer success management to both prospects and customers alike.; Software AG Education Services provides classroom based training and coaching & mentioring services for all Software AG products. In addition to formal training approaches, self-paced elearning is available across a number of related topics. In tool help and documentation is also embedded directly into the solution. Software AG Empower is a customer portal where all software and supporting documentation is available to download to customers. TECHCommunity and other forums provide a place where end users can collaborate.
• Service documentation: Yes
• Documentation formats:
  • HTML
  • PDF
• End-of-contract data extraction: Open standard exporting of Data can be provided at Contract end using tooling capability.
• End-of-contract process: Upon expiry of the contract term, Software AG Cloud Operations (CloudOps) will retain the tenant's latest state, including the latest tenant backup for 30 calendar days. CloudOps can provide Cloud customers with a backup of their customer data in the form of the last tenant backup – encrypted file. This tenant backup can be restored in product specific cloud and on-premise installations of Alfabet. Furthermore, end users can at any time make Excel based data backups using the provided data capture templates.

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: Alfabet is HTML 5 enabled and therefore accessible on mobile and desktop devices (browser-based). The mobile and destop service is the same as this is accessed through a browser-based interface.
• Service interface: No
• User support accessibility: None or don’t know
• API: Yes
• What users can and can't do using the API: A RESTful API is available for the Alfabet application that provides easy access to the content in the Alfabet database. The API is designed as a web service architecture based on the Representational State Transfer (REST) software architecture type. The API can be used for the following:; - to get information about the structure of the object class model, ; - to get information about objects stored in the Alfabet database, ; - to create, update and delete objects and relationships in the Alfabet database,; - to archive objects in the Alfabet database,; - to trigger execution of ADIF jobs based on an ADIF scheme stored in the Alfabet database,; - to trigger start of a workflow via the Alfabet Web Application based on a workflow template stored in; the Alfabet database,; - to regenerate user passwords,; - to anonymize user data for selected users,; - to download documents from the Internal Document Selector, upload documents to the Internal; Document Selector and generate a list of documents in the Internal Document Selector,; - to update the meta-model configuration of the Alfabet database with the configuration stored in an; AMM file,; - to check the availability of the Alfabet components.
• API documentation: Yes
• API documentation formats:
  • Open API (also known as Swagger)
  • HTML
  • ODF
  • PDF
  • Other
• API sandbox or test environment: Yes
• Customisation available: Yes
• Description of customisation: Alfabet Enterprise includes a fully configurable back end where the following can be configured / managed:; - Executing Administrative Tasks in Alfabet Expand, ; - Configuring Access Permissions for Alfabet,; - Localization and Multi-Language Support for the Alfabet Interface, ; - Configuring the Class Model, ; - Configuring Custom Editors, ; - Configuring Custom Selectors and Search Functionalities, ; - Configuring Wizards, ; - Configuring Standard Business Functions and Custom Explorers, ; - Configuring Object Views, ; - Configuring User Profiles for the User Community, ; - Configuring Workflows, ; - Configuring Alfabet Functionalities Implemented in the Solution Environment,; - Configuring the Visualization of the Alfabet Interface, ; - Configuring Reports, ; - Defining Queries, ; - Publishing Data In Microsoft® Word & PPT Formats,; - Configuring Surveys for Data Capture Campaigns, ; ; Any user with access to the Expand configuration tool is able to make changes mentioned above.

Scaling

• Independence of resources: Software AG CloudOps configures Network Time Protocol (NTP) on all IaaS provider instances, and the systems time is synchronized with a load-balanced pool of public servers on the Internet. These data points from system components and endpoints allow CloudOps to monitor system performance, potential security threats and vulnerabilities, resource utilization, and detection of unusual system activity. The CloudOps team receives alerts when the log data triggers certain performance metrics (such as an instance that is not responding), a capacity warning, or a latency issue. Depending on the alert's severity, the responsible team member will review and make the necessary remediation.

Analytics

• Service usage metrics: Yes
• Metrics types: This is supported at 2 levels. First, from the Cloud perspective - Software AG CloudOps is responsible for monitoring activity and usage within the boundary of Software AG's cloud environment through the use of audit logs, logging analysis, alerting tools, and data visualization tools. Second, within the Alfabet application, usage metrics and detailed audit logs are used to paint a clear picture of who is using the application and what they are doing in it. Only the latter is reported in real time to administrators or the solution.
• Reporting types:
  • Real-time dashboards
  • Reports on request

Resellers

• Supplier type: Not a reseller

Staff security

• Staff security clearance: Other security clearance
• Government security clearance: Up to Security Clearance (SC)

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: Managed by a third party
• Penetration testing frequency: At least every 6 months
• Penetration testing approach: Another external penetration testing organisation
• Protecting data at rest: Physical access control, complying with another standard
• Data sanitisation process: Yes
• Data sanitisation type: Deleted data can’t be directly accessed
• Equipment disposal approach: A third-party destruction service

Data importing and exporting

• Data export approach: Exporting of Data can be achieved using open standards for example CSV, Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) and relational databases. Alfabet Databases and Configurations are exportable as .ADB and .AMM files.
• Data export formats:
  • CSV
  • Other
• Other data export formats:
  • Microsoft Excel (.xlsx)
  • XML
  • JSON
  • Plain ASCII
• Data import formats:
  • CSV
  • Other
• Other data import formats:
  • Microsoft Excel (.xlsx)
  • XML
  • JSON
  • Plain ASCII

Data-in-transit protection

• Data protection between buyer and supplier networks:
  • Private network or public sector network
  • TLS (version 1.2 or above)
• Data protection within supplier network:
  • TLS (version 1.2 or above)
  • Legacy SSL and TLS (under version 1.2)

Availability and resilience

• Guaranteed availability: As per the standard cloud service contract, availability of the service is 99.5%.
• Approach to resilience: 99.50% Based on infrastructure provider availability measured over 5 minute intervals per calendar month (excluding standard scheduled maintenance and any agreed customer requested optional maintenance activities).
• Outage reporting: Software AG’s Cloud Trust Centre website provides web-based access to ; • Live data on our cloud system availability; • Current and historical information on system performance

Identity and authentication

• User authentication needed: Yes
• User authentication:
  • 2-factor authentication
  • Public key authentication (including by TLS client certificate)
  • Identity federation with existing provider (for example Google Apps)
  • Limited access network (for example PSN)
  • Username or password
• Access restrictions in management interfaces and support channels: Authentication is required and is implemented access cloud accounts and account activities are logged using AWS Cloud Trail services. In addition, The cloud product permits the configuration of a connection to customer's Single Sign On Services through an Identity Federation Capability via SAML2. In addition, the AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM) service provides identity federation to the AWS Management Console. Multi-factor authentication is an optional feature that a customer can utilize. A certification based authentication is not required.
• Access restriction testing frequency: At least once a year
• Management access authentication:
  • 2-factor authentication
  • Public key authentication (including by TLS client certificate)
  • Identity federation with existing provider (for example Google Apps)
  • Limited access network (for example PSN)
  • 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: User-defined
• Access to supplier activity audit information: Users receive audit information on a regular basis
• How long supplier audit data is stored for: User-defined
• How long system logs are stored for: User-defined

Standards and certifications

• ISO/IEC 27001 certification: Yes
• Who accredited the ISO/IEC 27001: DQS GmbH
• ISO/IEC 27001 accreditation date: 26/01/2021
• What the ISO/IEC 27001 doesn’t cover: Software AG has certification for compliance with ISO/IEC 27001:2013, ISO/IEC 27017:2015, and ISO/IEC 27018:2019. Software AG Standard and Managed Cloud Services as listed in the certification scope statement delivered by Cloud Operations and PS Managed Services including supporting operation functions. https://www.softwareag.com/en_corporate/company/iso-certified.html
• ISO 28000:2007 certification: No
• CSA STAR certification: No
• PCI certification: No
• Cyber essentials: Yes
• Cyber essentials plus: No
• Other security certifications: Yes
• Any other security certifications:
  • ISO/IEC 27001:2013, ISO/IEC 27017:2015, ISO/IEC 27018:2019
  • Complies with SOC 2 standards

Security governance

• Named board-level person responsible for service security: Yes
• Security governance certified: Yes
• Security governance standards:
  • CSA CCM version 3.0
  • ISO/IEC 27001
  • Other
• Other security governance standards: SOC 2 Type II
• Information security policies and processes: ISO/IEC 27001 certified Cloud Information Security Management System (ISMS) including ISO 27017 and ISO 27018 best practices.; Operational control effectiveness attested with SOC 2 Type II Report: ; - TSC aligned to 17 Principles from COSO 2013. ; - Inclusion of CCM/CSA. ; Control transparency with self-assessment based on Cloud Security Alliance (CSA).; ; Software AG has s dedicated CISO (Chief Information Security Officer) which underscores our focus on cybersecurity in the company, as we continue to promote cyber hygiene and reinforce a security-centric culture in every facet of our business.

Operational security

• Configuration and change management standard: Conforms to a recognised standard, for example CSA CCM v3.0 or SSAE-16 / ISAE 3402
• Configuration and change management approach: Components of the service are tracked through the lifetime via standard services which include regular upgrades to latest software versions (following release cycle); seamless patching during maintenance windows to minimize vulnerabilities or bug impact; performance monitoring and service continuity and recovery procedures for high up-time.; ; Changes are assessed for potential security impact through security testing performed after each release or change to the cloud environment. A standard release process is used to manage the changes and track through to completion.
• Vulnerability management type: Supplier-defined controls
• Vulnerability management approach: A formal risk management program is used to identify potential new threats, vulnerabilities or exploitation techniques which could affect the service. These are assessed and corrective action is taken. Depending on severity, Critical patches are assessed and installed within 48 hours, Important patches in the next maintenance release and moderate patches in the next general release.; ; Relevant sources of information relating to threat, vulnerability and exploitation techniques are monitored by the service provider. This includes threat/security awareness systems, vulnerability databases, security bulletins/advisories/RSS feeds.; ; Service provider timescales for implementing mitigation's are understood and are deemed acceptable.
• Protective monitoring type: Supplier-defined controls
• Protective monitoring approach: Our auditor’s SOC 2 Type II report certifies the operational effectiveness of our systems that keep your sensitive data secure. This provides a high level of transparency into our controls that mitigate operational and compliance risks. Because it requires an attestation by an independent and objective CPA who bears professional liability for his or her opinion, the SOC 2 is more stringent and credible than other types of reporting on information security controls
• Incident management type: Undisclosed
• Incident management approach: All Cloud Products are covered by Software AG's Standard Support Agreement. Support issues should be raised through Software AG’s customer service portal, Empower, which is available 24x7. Three levels of support are available, with standard support offering 24x7 access to the support portal, 9 to 5 telephone support for standard and critical incidents and 24x7 support service for crisis incidents.

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 v3.0)

Public sector networks

• Connection to public sector networks: No

Social Value

• Social Value:

  Social Value

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

  Fighting climate change

  Sustainability and responsible action are guiding principles in Software AG’s business operations. We are certain that ethically correct behaviour and economic success belong together. To protect future generations and our planet, Software AG is committed to creating not only economic, but also ecological and social value.; Software AG is actively striving to reduce its environmental footprint. To mitigate the effects of its business activities on the planet, we are working toward a plan to become climate-neutral as quickly as possible by setting targets in the environmental area. With the help of its technology and solutions, Software AG will join forces with its customers and partners to tackle the most significant environmental challenges of the modern world and help mitigate the climate crisis, ultimately shaping a more sustainable future.

  Covid-19 recovery

  Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, four years have passed, and the global economy is still recovering from the adverse effects of multiple lockdowns in most countries of the world. Fortunately, the freezing of companies, postponed or extended investment activities, and extensive restrictions on business travel only had minor effects on Software AG’s business operations. We implemented a hybrid working model with many business meetings, trainings, and other operations being conducted online. Today, this has become the default working model, which not only has not hindered business operations but allowed for greater flexibility and increased efficiency for employees and business partners alike.; The COVID-19 crisis shed light on the lack of digitalization in business processes worldwide. This resulted in additional business opportunities for Software AG, particularly in the Digital Business segment, which would compensate, or even overcompensate, for the negative effects on the global economy.

  Tackling economic inequality

  Sustainable economic growth is of key significance to Software AG's business since it contributes to our long-term stability and positive impact on our employees, investors, and customers. Software AG’s leadership is convinced that having a sustainable business strategy not only promotes economic growth but is also essential to live up to the Company's own requirements pertaining to ESG matters.; Software AG recognizes the need to address economic inequality on a global scale and within the UK. We are committed to tackling the issue through various initiatives aimed at creating new jobs and business opportunities, while simultaneously increasing the resilience of its supply chain and sustainable practices therein. To achieve this goal, Software AG would prioritize job creation initiatives, training and development of employees’ skills, and vital partnerships with local communities and organizations to enhance the development of less privileged individuals. To enhance its supply chain, we would work towards expanding our sourcing options and fostering partnerships with local suppliers in the UK.

  Equal opportunity

  A company’s corporate culture, encompassing its values and norms, serves as the glue that holds it together. This culture not only influences employee performance, but also facilitates the achievement of business objectives. It is supported by a framework that outlines the expectations for individual behaviour, beliefs, actions, and decisions. In March 2022, Software AG introduced its Culture Framework, which is focused around three core Ps: people, passion, and products, serving as the backbone of Software AG’s operations. The Culture Framework establishes inclusion, integrity, and innovation as the fundamental values guiding leadership practices. These values unite Software AG as a company and offer practical guidance on communication, interaction, and decision-making. Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) are an integral part of Software AG’s Culture Framework. Recognizing the interconnectedness of corporate culture, employee satisfaction, and engagement, Software AG has implemented a variety of initiatives to better understand these principles and positively influence its corporate culture. The dedication shown by Software AG's employees, coupled with their professional and personal abilities, decisively contributes to our success. Overlooking employee concerns poses a fundamental risk of (generally indirect) negative impacts on business performance. Examples of this include situations when low employee satisfaction leads to attrition and a loss of company-specific expertise, or when a lack of diversity in the corporate environment hampers innovation. For this reason, Software AG deploys a variety of initiatives aimed at fostering high employee satisfaction and nurturing an innovative and diverse corporate culture while actively monitoring employee engagement. Since 2020, Software AG has been a member of The Valuable 500, a global business collective of companies dedicated to innovation in disability inclusion. Software AG is also a member of the Initiative Women into Leadership (IWiL), a non-profit association that facilitates long-term mentoring and promotion of women at the top level.

  Wellbeing

  Software AG is committed to fostering a corporate culture grounded in respect, transparency, and inclusion. The company continues to focus on attracting and retaining the best talent, nurtured through employee engagement and an inclusive and equitable working environment— where all employees can thrive and unleash their full potential. ; Software AG offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which provides employees with around-the-clock professional counselling free of charge. Yet, Software AG not only takes care of its own employees but is actively involved in improving community integration. For instance, our own Give Back to the World initiatives engages in several projects in the UK with an environmental or social value, tackling issues such as prevention of domestic violence, mitigation of deforestation, and promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.

Pricing

• Price: £50,000 an instance a year
• Discount for educational organisations: Yes
• Free trial available: Yes
• Description of free trial: A free trial offering full functionality for testing is available for a period of 30 days.
• Link to free trial: https://www.softwareag.com/en_corporate/platform/alfabet/fastlane-free-trial.html

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 maurice.hancock@softwareag.com. Tell them what format you need. It will help if you say what assistive technology you use.