SMARTSOURCING LIMITED
Cloud Support: Data and Information Architecture
SmartSourcing’s Data and Information Architecture services delivers strategy, design and implementation conforming to industry standards such as Zachman, TOGAF and Open Standards. Our solutions are propelled by business drivers/user requirements utilising AWS, Azure, GCP (Google Cloud Platform), IBM DB2, MongoDB Atlas, OpenStack, MySQL, Oracle, SQL Server, SAP, ETL, ELT, Confluence.
Features
- Data modelling, road mapping, As-Is/To-Be analysis, current and future state
- Service alignment to architectural framework including oversight of service
- Data modelling, data analysis, gap analysis, metadata, data strategy
- Single source of truth (SSOT) aggregation
- Expertise and advice for adoption of SaaS, PaaS and IaaS
- Models including Information, Logical and Conceptual, blockchain technologies, Clean tech
- Enterprise Data, Big Data, Data Warehousing, Business Predicative/Prescriptive Realtime Analytics
- Data strategy development, governance and management of risk, seamless integration
- Knowledge transfer and upskilling of client staff, optimising internal knowledge
- Data science, geospatial and machine learning expertise, advanced analytics, Bigdata
Benefits
- Scalable, flexible, tailored and innovative solutions for client needs
- Work Packages and Statements of Work configured/managed to budget
- Security Cleared Specialists including BPSS, CTC, SC and DV Cleared
- Managed Service, Turnkey Solutions & Capability as a Service (CaaS)
- Deliverable and Outcome based fully flexible specialist engagement/resourcing
- Client engagement and service reviews, Adoption of ‘Cloud First’ principles
- Value for Money (VfM) cost effective solutions – outside IR35
- Collaborative training/knowledge transfer/upskilling your teams, embracing diversity & rainbow teams
- Government/GDS, Wider Public Sector, NHS & Education supply track record
- Extensive network of highly skilled technical Certified Specialists and Teams
Pricing
£320.00 to £1,250.00 a unit a day
Service documents
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Framework
G-Cloud 14
Service ID
1 1 7 4 1 1 9 0 2 1 7 8 3 1 0
Contact
SMARTSOURCING LIMITED
Fiona Murray
Telephone: 01782860088
Email: gcloud@smartsourcing.co.uk
Planning
- Planning service
- Yes
- How the planning service works
-
SmartSourcing provides Cloud Support Services for seamless cloud migration with meticulous planning, expert consultation, and ongoing support for operational excellence.
Our planning services are structured to align with the core capabilities outlined in G-Cloud, encompassing the following key areas:
Business Architecture Development: We analyse cloud application risks from a business perspective, tailoring solutions to enhance agility and performance while mitigating these risks effectively.
IT Architecture Development: We identify critical applications, aligning IT infrastructure with business objectives for robust enterprise support.
Requirements on Quality of Service Development: We review functional and non-functional requirements, ensuring reliability, security, and disaster recovery meet the highest standards. Our solutions ensure seamless cloud operations.
Solution Design and Transformation: We create detailed plans for business cloud migration, including Gap and Capability Analysis, Road Mapping, and Target Operating Models, ensuring an efficient transition with minimal disruptions and maximum benefits.
SmartSourcing prioritises key considerations like Data Security, Budget, Cloud Deployment Type, Backup, Training, Dashboard, Buyer Access, and Data Export, ensuring comprehensive cloud migration support.
By leveraging SmartSourcing's Cloud Support Services, organisations can confidently navigate the complexities of cloud migration, streamline operations, and unlock the full potential of cloud technology. - Planning service works with specific services
- No
Training
- Training service provided
- Yes
- How the training service works
-
SmartSourcing delivers comprehensive Training and Knowledge Transfer services aligned with G-Cloud capabilities. Our offerings equip organisations with skills to optimise cloud software use, including security management and relevant virtualisation topics.
Key components include:
User Training (Train the Trainer): We hold Train the Trainer sessions for 'To Be' Service Owners, Business/Training Team Leads, and stakeholders, enabling Knowledge Transfer through structured plans, artifacts, and manuals, ensuring effective use of cloud-based software and services.
Bespoke Training Solutions: We tailor solutions to clients' technology, cloud software, and hosting needs, delivering expert training on systems, processes, and policies to meet unique requirements.
Comprehensive Training Solutions: Our solutions include soft skills training, course design, blended learning, technical and ITIL/systems training, instructor-led sessions, needs analysis, accelerated learning, evaluation, project management, consultancy, documentation, and floor walking/helpdesk training.
Knowledge Transfer: We prioritise transferring expertise, insights, and best practices from our trainers to client personnel, ensuring organisations develop internal capabilities to sustainably manage cloud software and services.
Our trainers have extensive expertise in cloud technologies and virtualisation, delivering high-quality training aligned with industry standards. Partnering with SmartSourcing empowers organisations to optimise cloud solutions, driving growth and innovation. - Training is tied to specific services
- No
Setup and migration
- Setup or migration service available
- Yes
- How the setup or migration service works
-
SmartSourcing provides comprehensive Cloud Migration Support Services, ensuring minimal disruption and maximum efficiency during the transition of data, applications, and critical business elements to the cloud.
Aligned with the core capabilities of G-Cloud, our services encompass the following:
Discovery and Assessment: Our Cloud Specialists conduct thorough assessments to grasp each migration project's unique needs and challenges. This includes evaluating privacy, interoperability, data portability, application portability, data integrity, business continuity, and security.
Migration Planning: Based on assessment findings, we create tailored migration plans outlining strategy, timeline, resources, and risk mitigation.
Migration and Testing: We manage migration activities, ensuring a smooth transfer of workloads. Rigorous testing validates migrated data and application integrity and functionality.
Deployment and Management: After migration, our team deploys workloads in the cloud using IaaS, PaaS, or SaaS models as needed, optimally configuring for performance, scalability, and security.
Optimisation: Offer ongoing support to fine-tune configurations, implement best practices, and monitor performance, ensuring continuous improvement and cost-efficiency in the cloud environment.
Our experienced Specialists lead migration with extensive cloud/public sector knowledge, delivering tailored solutions, mitigating risks, and ensuring success.
Partnering with SmartSourcing for Cloud Migration Support Services enables confident navigation of complexities, unlocking cloud benefits and accelerating digital transformation. - Setup or migration service is for specific cloud services
- No
Quality assurance and performance testing
- Quality assurance and performance testing service
- Yes
- How the quality assurance and performance testing works
-
SmartSourcing delivers Quality Assurance and Performance Testing services aligned with G-Cloud core capabilities ensuring cloud services exceed user expectations for efficiency, reliability, and performance.
Key components include:
Testing Framework and Standards: We collaborate with buyers to define frameworks aligning with their requirements. These are rigorously reviewed and approved by stakeholders, ensuring alignment with delivery plans.
Baseline Test Case Scenarios: We create scenarios aligning with delivery plans, laying a solid foundation for testing.
Test Strategy & Management Services: Our specialists offer agile testing services, including Load, Mobile, User Acceptance, Penetration, Performance, SIT, UNIT, Systems, and more. We provide manual and automated testing, leveraging cloud-based solutions for efficiency and scalability.
Cloud Testing Expertise: We excel in cloud testing, using tools like CloudTest, JMeter, and HP LoadRunner. Our Specialists have extensive experience in testing across IaaS, SaaS, and PaaS environments, covering domains like web-based, ERP, COTS, wireless, mobile, and cloud.
Specialist Certification: Our Testing Specialists hold certifications like ISEB/ISTQB/ASTQB, showcasing proficiency in methodologies, frameworks, and tools. They follow best practice protocols, ensuring thorough risk assessment and management during testing.
Partnering with SmartSourcing for Quality Assurance and Performance Testing assures buyers of rigorous testing for optimal performance, reliability, and user satisfaction.
Security testing
- Security services
- Yes
- Security services type
-
- Security strategy
- Security risk management
- Security design
- Cyber security consultancy
- Security testing
- Security incident management
- Security audit services
- Certified security testers
- No
Ongoing support
- Ongoing support service
- Yes
- Types of service supported
-
- Buyer hosting or software
- Hosting or software provided by a third-party organisation
- How the support service works
-
SmartSourcing offers ongoing support for users throughout their engagement with our cloud services, aligned with G-Cloud core capabilities.
Key components include:
User Support and Communication: We prioritise user needs with clear communication channels for queries, concerns, and feedback. Our team is available at every stage, ensuring a seamless experience.
Training and Pre/Post-Implementation Support: We offer sessions and resources to empower users with cloud software skills. We develop pre and post-implementation support plans, including incident management, for smooth service delivery.
Programme Support Coordination: We implement support plans covering incident management, training coordination, and communication strategies, ensuring users receive timely assistance throughout the programme lifecycle.
End-User Engagement Resources: We offer communication materials to support end-user engagement with the programme, enhancing understanding, encouraging participation, and facilitating cloud service adoption.
Support/Training Coordination Workshops: We hold workshops at regular milestones to coordinate activities effectively, allowing stakeholders to collaborate, address challenges, and align with project objectives.
SmartSourcing prioritises ongoing support to enhance user experience and maximise cloud service value. Our proactive approach ensures users have assistance to leverage the full potential of the cloud.
Service scope
- Service constraints
- None
User support
- Email or online ticketing support
- No
- Phone support
- No
- Web chat support
- No
- Support levels
-
SmartSourcing provides Cloud Support and Helpdesk solutions and Specialists to deliver ITIL compliant services across a broad range of technologies. Our Specialists cover multiple services including server administration, network support and end user support.
- Microsoft, Oracle and Cisco industry accredited Specialists
- 1st, 2nd and 3rd line support solutions
- Server and Infrastructure Management support Specialists
- Technical and Application Support Services
- Service Performance Management including SLA and KPI's
- Service desk function reviews
- Network, systems and hardware monitoring services
- Incident and problem management
- Industry standard toolsets and industry best practice operations
- Flexible Specialist provision
Resellers
- Supplier type
- Not a reseller
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
- Intertek
- ISO/IEC 27001 accreditation date
- 28/02/2020
- What the ISO/IEC 27001 doesn’t cover
- Not Applicable
- ISO 28000:2007 certification
- No
- CSA STAR certification
- No
- PCI certification
- No
- Cyber essentials
- No
- Cyber essentials plus
- Yes
- 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
SmartSourcing prioritises environmental sustainability across its operations and service delivery contracts, committed to combating climate change through proactive measures:
1. Carbon Neutrality: Operating as a Carbon Neutral business, SmartSourcing offsets its carbon footprint through verified projects.
2. Net Zero by 2030: Ambitious targets are set to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2030, with ongoing assessments and robust strategies for emission reduction.
3. Renewable Energy: The company powers its operations with 100% renewable energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
4. Tree Planting Initiative: Collaborating with Positive Planet, SmartSourcing commits to planting a minimum of 3500 trees annually to aid reforestation and carbon sequestration.
5. Transparency and Accountability: Carbon Reduction Strategy and emission data are publicly available, fostering accountability and trust.
6. Carbon Offsetting: Engaging in offsetting initiatives compliant with recognised standards and offsetting travel emissions of specialists during contract services.
7. Partnership with Positive Planet: Leveraging expertise and resources through partnership to drive meaningful environmental impact and support global sustainability initiatives.
8. Active Engagement in Carbon Neutral Support Review: Participating in SME Panel reviews to provide insights and aid suppliers in their journey towards carbon neutrality.
9. Accessible Carbon Reduction Plan: The comprehensive plan for mitigating climate change is available online.
By fostering a culture of sustainability and implementing these measures, SmartSourcing contributes positively to combating climate change and creating a sustainable future.Covid-19 recovery
SmartSourcing is deeply committed to aiding local communities in managing and recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic through:
1. Supporting Local Employment: Providing training advice and support to individuals seeking job opportunities, aiming to maximise employment prospects and foster economic recovery.
2. Operating as a Good Corporate Citizen: Actively supporting local charities to make a positive impact on the social and economic well-being of communities.
3. Providing Assistance to Affected Individuals: Offering mock interviews, CV advice, and career guidance free of charge to individuals impacted by the pandemic, aiding them in their job search.
4. Equality Champions Initiative: Launched in 2022, providing over 200 hours of free CV writing, interview preparation, and tutorial sessions to empower individuals and enhance their employability.
5. Creating Organic Business Growth: Contract awards designed to contribute to organic business growth, increasing local opportunities, especially for under-represented groups. Fostering inclusive practices and promoting diversity in the workforce to address social inequalities and promote economic empowerment.
6. Community Outreach Programs: Establishing community outreach programs to provide direct support to vulnerable populations affected by the pandemic, such as food drives, clothing donations, or offering assistance with essential services.
Through these initiatives, SmartSourcing actively supports local communities in managing the pandemic's impacts and fosters economic recovery and social well-being.Tackling economic inequality
SmartSourcing's dedication to addressing economic inequality is evident in its comprehensive approach to Social Value commitments:
Recruitment and Workforce Development: SmartSourcing's female-led management team drives Social Value initiatives, guided by a robust Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (ED&I) Policy. To combat economic disparity, our focus is on bolstering opportunities for our UK-based workforce, buyers, and supply chain partners:
1. Domestic Workforce Expansion: In the past year, SmartSourcing bolstered its UK-based workforce by 20%, prioritising local recruitment to stimulate community economic growth.
2. Youth Empowerment: Annually, we offer two work experience placements to young individuals, providing insights into the IT industry and pathways to employment.
3. Continuous Skills Development: All employees benefited from external training sessions in March 2023, focusing on Cloud/Hosting technology to enhance expertise and employability.
4. Peer Mentorship Programs: A culture of knowledge sharing and peer mentorship accelerates career progression, especially for underrepresented groups.
Supporting SMEs and Economic Growth:
1. Engagement with the Cabinet Office SME Panel enables mentorship for SMEs, empowering them to navigate government procurement processes.
2. Collaborative Partnerships and Knowledge Transfer: SmartSourcing forms 'rainbow teams' with buyers, leveraging diverse expertise. Our Knowledge Transfer process facilitates effective collaboration and skill development.
3. Partnership with Subcontractors: Close collaboration fosters innovation and shared success towards project milestones.
4. Transparent Opportunity Advertisement: Subcontractor opportunities are actively advertised through Contracts Finder, ensuring fair competition and economic inclusivity.
Through these initiatives, SmartSourcing upholds its commitment to combating economic inequality, fostering inclusive growth, and delivering tangible Social Value across its operations and partnerships.Equal opportunity
SmartSourcing prioritises equal opportunities and social inclusion within service contracts:
1. Inclusive Employment Opportunities: Located in Staffordshire, SmartSourcing aims to create inclusive job opportunities, especially for minority groups. With a 75% female-led management team and over 20% of staff identifying as disabled, diversity is integral to our workforce.
2. Strategies for Equal Opportunities: Our Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (ED&I) staff forum address workforce inequalities. Inclusive recruitment and retention policies, local job advertising, and hybrid work arrangements foster diversity and inclusivity.
3. Disability Confident Employer Status: SmartSourcing holds Disability Confident Committed status at Level 2, progressing towards Level 3 by 2024. We uphold 'Thrive at Work' principles for an inclusive workplace.
4. Investment in Employee Wellbeing and Development: Bi-annual wellbeing surveys and annual Training Needs Analysis identify skill gaps, enabling tailored training plans (CPD) for staff development.
5. Market and Equal Pay Reviews: Annual reviews ensure fairness and transparency in compensation. Gender pay differentials will be reported by 2024, demonstrating commitment to gender equality and pay equity.
6. Living Wage Accreditation and Fair Compensation: All staff receive market or above salaries, with annual increases meeting cost of living. Living Wage accreditation is targeted by 2024, supporting fair compensation and employee financial well-being.
Through these initiatives, SmartSourcing fosters an inclusive and equitable workplace culture, promoting equal opportunities and driving positive social value within service contracts and beyond.Wellbeing
SmartSourcing prioritises well-being and health within service contracts:
1. Client and Candidate Welfare Support: Ensuring a safe, supportive workplace for employees and fostering productivity and well-being.
2. Employee Wellbeing Initiatives: Offering flexible hours, remote work options, and support for working parents to promote work-life balance and mental and physical health.
3. Promotion of Transformative Benefits: Encouraging community engagement and citizenship skills through internal forums to enhance overall well-being and workplace culture.
4. Partnership with JobsAware: Collaborating with JobsAware to safeguard job seekers and employees from employment fraud, ensuring their protection and support.
5. Bi-annual Wellbeing and Development Surveys: Conducting surveys to address staff concerns and continuously improve well-being through action plans.
6. Wellbeing and Mental Health Support: Providing welfare reviews and access to mental health specialists to support employees' mental health needs.
7. Successful Buyer Outcomes with Stakeholder Engagement: Prioritising dignity, safety, and well-being throughout contracts, engaging stakeholders for positive outcomes.
SmartSourcing's commitment to well-being and health is evident in its efforts to support employees, clients, and candidates within service contracts, contributing to positive social value and fostering a supportive workplace environment.
Pricing
- Price
- £320.00 to £1,250.00 a unit a day
- Discount for educational organisations
- No
Service documents
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 gcloud@smartsourcing.co.uk.
Tell them what format you need. It will help if you say what assistive technology you use.