Node4

ConnectFAST

Our ConnectFAST gives uncontended access to the Node4 highly resilient and flexible MPLS network core - designed to provide continuous service availability. Our dedicated connections deliver bandwidth resiliency with options to securely connect your remote workers to your network resources.

Features

• Offers high-capacity uncontended internet connectivity for consistent online access
• Ensures high-speed access, suitable for demanding business applications
• Facilitates reliable access to cloud services and remote applications
• Ideal for organisations with significant online presence and digital operations
• Scalable solutions to meet evolving internet requirements
• Expert support for provisioning, setup, maintenance, and troubleshooting
• Purchase with or without supporting equipment (CPE)
• Works alongside our optional managed support for network appliances
• Works alongside our optional DDoS mitigation and vulnerability scanning protection

Benefits

• Ensures consistent, uninterrupted internet access for critical business operations
• Improves operational efficiency with high-speed, reliable internet connectivity
• Supports seamless access to cloud-based services and SaaS applications
• Enhances remote work capabilities with stable and fast internet
• Customisable to specific business needs and scalability requirements
• Minimises downtime and improves productivity with reliable connectivity
• Provides peace of mind with professional, dedicated support services

£45.00 to £514.00 a unit a month

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 bidmanagement@node4.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

124756470890618

Contact

David Cheetham
0345 123 2222
bidmanagement@node4.co.uk

Service scope

• Service constraints: Service is subject to planning and wayleave constraints.; Not all services will be available at all locations.; Planned maintenance activities will be required from time to time.; Not all hardware configurations may support resilient or redundant configurations.; Technology selection may determine requirements and constraints, such as exchange limitations for broadband, line of sight or environmental requirements for wireless. ; Internal cabling will be required between and within on-site offices/buildings with appropriate comms rooms.
• System requirements:
  • Must have local fibre access and availability
  • Orders may be subject to survey
  • Environmentals such as space, power and temperature control required
  • Secure location required for installation of network termination equipment
  • Client must agree to Node4 Acceptable Use Policy

User support

• Email or online ticketing support: Email or online ticketing
• Support response times: Node4 shall prioritise all Service Tickets based on its reasonable assessment of the Priority level (P1 to P4); and respond to all Service Tickets in accordance with the initial response times specified below: ; Response Acknowledgement - P1=30 Mins, P2=1 Hour, P3=2 Hours, P4=4 Hours; Commencement – P1=1 Hour, P2=2 Hours, P3=4 Hours, P4=N/A; Frequency of Updates – P1=1 Hour, P2=2 Hours, P3 and P4 =12 Hours if Resolve / Target to Fix exceeded; Resolve / Target ; to Fix in hours by technology:; Ethernet– P1=5, P2=8, P3=12, P4=36 ; EFM and ; EoFTTC– P1=7, P2=12, P3=24, P4=60
• 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: 24 hours, 7 days a week
• Web chat support: Web chat
• Web chat support availability: 9 to 5 (UK time), 7 days a week
• Web chat support accessibility standard: WCAG 2.1 AA or EN 301 549
• Web chat accessibility testing: Standard testing with accessibility software
• Onsite support: Yes, at extra cost
• Support levels: Support level options are as follows, and will be confirmed on the order form: - ; Bronze - Standard business hours support 9am to 5.30pm week ; days, excluding bank and national holidays.; Silver - Support hours between 7am and 7pm weekdays, ; excluding bank and national holidays; Silver Plus - Priority 1 and 2 - Support hours between 7am and 7pm 7-; days a week, including bank and national holidays, ; excluding Christmas day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day; Priority 3,4 and Service Request - Support hours ; between 7am and 7pm weekdays, excluding bank and ; national holidays; Gold - Priority 1 and 2 - Support hours 24/7 ; Priority 3,4 and Service Request - Support hours ; between 7am and 7pm weekdays, excluding bank and ; national holidays.
• Support available to third parties: Yes

Onboarding and offboarding

• Getting started: When onboarding we support the client by consulting on their requirements, performance goals, management, and security needs; building a Scope of Works, phased deployment plan, and timeline.; ConnectFAST services are provisioned from our own core network and using our 3rd party connectivity carrier tail circuits, handing off to the client with the required Ethernet presentation. We advise the customer on how to utilise this connection and the service specifics such as IP address allocations.; After deployment an overview of the solution, management tasks and responsibilities depending on the client’s operating requirements, are shared with the client.; When offboarding we will work with the client on an exit plan, co-ordinating the offboarding activities and working with the clients’ internal teams or nominated 3rd parties as a separate professional services engagement.
• Service documentation: Yes
• Documentation formats: PDF
• End-of-contract data extraction: The Client places a request with the Service Desk and Node4 will facilitate offboarding and extraction of data. Cancellation of connectivity requires 90 days written notice.
• End-of-contract process: At the end of the contract Node4 will decommission the services in line with an exit plan agreed with the client.

Using the service

• Web browser interface: No
• API: No
• Command line interface: No

Scaling

• Scaling available: No
• Independence of resources: We provide our clients with premium bandwidth on ConnectFAST services, ensuring the Committed Information Rate (CIR) is always available to the client. We manage capacity across our core network to ensure sufficient capacity for all connectivity, increasing capacity where necessary to meet utilisation demands.
• Usage notifications: Yes
• Usage reporting: Email

Analytics

• Infrastructure or application metrics: Yes
• Metrics types: Network
• Reporting types: Reports on request

Resellers

• Supplier type: Not a reseller

Staff security

• Staff security clearance: Conforms to BS7858:2019
• 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
• User control over data storage and processing locations: No
• Datacentre security standards: Supplier-defined controls
• Penetration testing frequency: At least once a year
• Penetration testing approach: ‘IT Health Check’ performed by a Tigerscheme qualified provider or a CREST-approved service provider
• Protecting data at rest:
  • Physical access control, complying with another standard
  • Encryption of all physical media
• Data sanitisation process: Yes
• Data sanitisation type: Deleted data can’t be directly accessed
• Equipment disposal approach: Complying with a recognised standard, for example CSA CCM v.30, CAS (Sanitisation) or ISO/IEC 27001

Backup and recovery

• Backup and recovery: No

Data-in-transit protection

• Data protection between buyer and supplier networks:
  • Private network or public sector network
  • TLS (version 1.2 or above)
  • IPsec or TLS VPN gateway
  • Other
• Other protection between networks: Separate VRF routing domains across our core network, with network segmentation firewalls implemented to segregate traffic between different domains where reachability is required.
• Data protection within supplier network:
  • TLS (version 1.2 or above)
  • IPsec or TLS VPN gateway
  • Other
• Other protection within supplier network: Separate VRF routing domains across our core network, with network segmentation firewalls implemented to segregate traffic between different domains where reachability is required.

Availability and resilience

• Guaranteed availability: Total monthly Availability at the relevant Client Site (Percentage); Ethernet over FTTC, Ethernet First Mile, Fibre Leased Line – 99.9%; Broadband, Fibre Broadband – 99.5%
• Approach to resilience: ConnectFAST can be purchased as either singular or resilient services. ; A range of resilience options are available at the point of solution design, or later applied as your business needs change.; Resiliency can take may approaches to meet budget and business need: service resilience, geographical resilience, by technology, and by connectivity carrier. ; Resiliency in network appliances can also be offered such as; resilient hardware and power supplies on routers and firewalls.
• Outage reporting: We monitor key product/service attributes grouped by availability, throughput, utilisation, latency and errors.; ; Alerts trigger service tickets into the service desk for proactive management; ; Client receives email alerts from the ticketing platform to alert them of issues and actions.; ; Additionally client can view or service status page: https://www.n4status.co.uk/

Identity and authentication

• User authentication:
  • 2-factor authentication
  • Identity federation with existing provider (for example Google apps)
  • Username or password
• Access restrictions in management interfaces and support channels: As part of the service we implement IP based access controls that limit management access to authorised endpoints in our management networks. We disable management services that are not used or required. Additionally we configure role-based access control (RBAC) and use permission profiles to ensure that administrators are limited to only the appropriate functions that they need access to.
• Access restriction testing frequency: At least every 6 months
• Management access authentication: 2-factor authentication
• Devices users manage the service through: Dedicated device on a segregated network (providers own provision)

Audit information for users

• Access to user activity audit information: Users have access to real-time audit information
• How long user audit data is stored for: User-defined
• Access to supplier activity audit information: Users have access to real-time audit information
• 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: Alcumus ISOQAR
• ISO/IEC 27001 accreditation date: 29/03/2022
• What the ISO/IEC 27001 doesn’t cover: All aspects are covered.
• ISO 28000:2007 certification: No
• CSA STAR certification: No
• PCI certification: Yes
• Who accredited the PCI DSS certification: ClaraNet Ltd
• PCI DSS accreditation date: 12/08/2023
• What the PCI DSS doesn’t cover: PCI controls 2d, 2e, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11
• Cyber essentials: Yes
• Cyber essentials plus: Yes
• Other security certifications: No

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: Node4 operates an Information Security Management System (ISMS) which conforms to ISO27001. The purpose of the ISMS is to assess and manage risk and to protect the organisation’s information assets from all threats, whether internal or external, deliberate or accidental. The CEO has approved the information security policy. The Information Security Objectives of Node4 are to: -; ; Protect information against unauthorised access; ; Assure the confidentiality of information; ; Maintain the integrity of the information; ; Ensure the availability of information as required by the business processes; ; Meet all regulatory and legislative requirements; ; Implement, maintain and test DR / BC plans in line with the security policy; Train all staff on information security; ; Continually review and improve the ISMS; ; Additional policies and procedures exist to support the Information Security Policy. These include, but are not limited to, physical and logical access controls, network security, malware controls, vulnerability management and business continuity.

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: All changes are assessed for their potential security impact through the Change Advisory Board. A Low-Risk change is one which has a possibility of causing up to a Priority 3 or 4 Incident. A High-Risk change is one which has a possibility of causing a Priority 1 or 2 Incident or a large amount of Priority 3 and 4 Incidents for multiple customers.
• Vulnerability management type: Undisclosed
• Vulnerability management approach: Vulnerability testing is performed monthly using internal and external tool sets. Vulnerabilities are assessed and remediation actions performed depending on risk. Information about potential threats is provided by the vulnerability scanning tools.
• Protective monitoring type: Undisclosed
• Protective monitoring approach: Protective monitoring is performed by the SIEM tool and monitored by the Security Operations Centre. The SIEM provides real-time alerts of any potential compromises and a process of detect, analyse and response is followed with 1 hour.
• Incident management type: Undisclosed
• Incident management approach: The following approach in used for incident management to ensure the objectives are achieved ; ; Incident Resolution is achieved in the most effective manner ; ; All Incidents are identified promptly and correctly; ; All Incidents are evaluated, categorised, and prioritised correctly; ; Communication is maintained with all Stakeholders throughout the lifecycle of all Incidents; ; All Incidents are constantly monitored throughout their lifecycle; ; Incident are handled as outlined in the Incident Management Schedule Document here: - ; https://node4.co.uk/app/uploads/2022/07/Schedule-Incident-Management-07.04.2021-release.pdf

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)

Separation between users

• Virtualisation technology used to keep applications and users sharing the same infrastructure apart: No

Energy efficiency

• Energy-efficient datacentres: No

Social Value

• Social Value:

  Social Value

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

  Fighting climate change

  In our commitment to fighting climate change, we take a holistic approach that encompasses reducing carbon emissions, enhancing energy efficiency, and promoting sustainable practices in the delivery of our cloud hosting and software services. Our strategies include:; Energy Efficiency: We optimise our datacentres and cloud infrastructure to be as energy-efficient as possible, employing the latest in green technology and design principles. This reduces our overall energy consumption and minimises our carbon footprint.; Renewable Energy: Where feasible, we power our operations with renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. This commitment extends to encouraging our suppliers and partners to also adopt renewable energy.; Carbon Offsetting: We invest in carbon offset projects, including reforestation and renewable energy projects, to compensate for our unavoidable emissions. These efforts contribute to global carbon reduction initiatives.; Sustainable Practices: We advocate for and implement sustainable practices within our organisation, including reducing waste, promoting recycling, and encouraging the digitalisation of processes to minimise paper use.; Client Engagement: We work with our clients to understand and minimise the environmental impact of their cloud and software service choices. This includes offering guidance on how to use cloud resources more efficiently and sustainably.; Innovation: We continuously explore innovative ways to reduce the environmental impact of our services, including the development of more energy-efficient software and the utilisation of AI to optimise resource usage.; Our aim is to lead by example in the fight against climate change, demonstrating that it is possible to deliver high-quality cloud services while also making a positive impact on the environment. Through these actions, we not only contribute to the sustainability of our planet but also offer our clients the opportunity to engage with a provider that aligns with their values on environmental responsibility.

  Covid-19 recovery

  In our efforts to support COVID-19 recovery, we're committed to leveraging our cloud hosting and software services to aid businesses, communities, and public sector organisations in navigating the challenges posed by the pandemic and its aftermath. Our strategies include:; Remote Work Solutions: We provide robust cloud solutions that enable seamless remote work, ensuring that organisations can continue their operations without interruption. This includes secure access to critical applications, collaboration tools, and data storage solutions, facilitating productivity and connectivity among dispersed teams.; Digital Transformation Acceleration: Recognising the increased need for digital services, we assist organisations in accelerating their digital transformation journeys. This involves migrating traditional services to the cloud, enabling them to offer their own customers more flexible and resilient services.; Educational Support: To address the surge in demand for online learning, we offer cloud-based learning platforms and tools that educational institutions can leverage to deliver high-quality education remotely. This includes solutions for virtual classrooms, online assessments, and resource sharing.; Healthcare Support: We support healthcare providers by offering cloud solutions that enhance their ability to deliver telehealth services, manage patient data securely, and scale their resources in response to fluctuating demands.; Economic Resilience: We're committed to supporting economic resilience by offering flexible pricing models and financial assistance programs for businesses affected by the pandemic, helping them to maintain their cloud services without financial strain.; Community Engagement: We engage with communities and non-profit organisations, providing technology resources and expertise to support recovery efforts, including initiatives aimed at bridging the digital divide and supporting vulnerable populations.; Our goal is to be a proactive partner in COVID-19 recovery, providing technology solutions that not only help organisations adapt to the new normal but also contribute to building a more resilient and inclusive future.

  Tackling economic inequality

  In addressing economic inequality, we are committed to leveraging our cloud hosting and software services as tools for empowerment and opportunity creation. Our approach is centered on making technology accessible and beneficial for all segments of society, particularly those who are most vulnerable or have been traditionally underserved. Here’s how we contribute:; Accessibility and Affordability: We strive to ensure our services are accessible and affordable, offering scalable solutions that cater to the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), non-profits, and educational institutions. This includes flexible pricing models for qualifying organisations, enabling them to leverage technology to drive their missions forward.; Skills Development and Training: Recognising the importance of digital literacy in the modern economy, we offer training programs and resources aimed at developing the digital skills of individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. By partnering with educational institutions and community organisations, we aim to close the skills gap and open up new opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship in the tech industry.; Supporting Social Enterprises: We actively support social enterprises and organisations working to tackle economic inequality through preferential access to our cloud and software services. This support extends to collaboration on projects that leverage technology to address social issues, such as unemployment, education, and access to healthcare.; Innovation for Inclusion: We invest in developing innovative solutions that address barriers to economic participation. This includes technologies that enhance financial inclusion, support remote work and education, and enable access to essential services for underserved populations.; Economic Opportunity Creation: Through our ecosystem of partners, customers, and suppliers, we seek to create economic opportunities by prioritising diversity and inclusion in our procurement processes and by fostering an environment where small and diverse businesses can thrive.

  Equal opportunity

  Our dedication to promoting equal opportunity is woven into the fabric of our operations, services, and community engagements. We believe that technology has the power to level the playing field, providing access to information, resources, and opportunities that can transform lives regardless of background, location, or circumstance. Here’s our approach:; Diverse and Inclusive Hiring Practices: We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce by implementing fair hiring practices that actively seek out and welcome candidates from a variety of backgrounds, including underrepresented groups. This diversity enriches our team with a wide range of perspectives and ideas, driving innovation and understanding of the diverse needs of our clients.; Workplace Equality: We ensure that all employees have equal access to opportunities for growth, development, and advancement. This includes creating a supportive work environment that respects and values each individual's contributions, and implementing policies that promote work-life balance, fair compensation, and professional development.; Technology Accessibility: Our cloud hosting and software services are designed with accessibility in mind, ensuring that individuals with disabilities have equal access to our technologies. This includes adherence to accessibility standards and guidelines, and providing tools and features that enhance usability for all users.; Community Programmes and Partnerships: We engage in community programmes and partnerships aimed at promoting equal opportunity in the technology sector and beyond. This includes supporting educational initiatives that provide technology access and digital literacy training to underserved communities, and collaborating with organisations that work towards social inclusion.; Supplier Diversity: We are committed to supplier diversity by ensuring that small and minority-owned businesses are given fair opportunities to participate in our procurement processes. This not only supports economic inclusion but also enriches our supply chain with a diversity of ideas and products.

  Wellbeing

  In addressing wellbeing, we recognise the critical importance of mental and physical health, particularly in today’s fast-paced and often stressful work environments. Our approach to wellbeing is holistic, focusing on creating a supportive and healthy work culture for our employees, and extending this ethos to our clients and the communities we serve. Here’s how we contribute:; Employee Wellbeing Programmes: We implement comprehensive wellbeing programmes that support the mental, physical, and emotional health of our employees. These include access to mental health resources, such as counselling services and stress management workshops, as well as initiatives promoting physical health, like fitness classes and ergonomic workplace assessments. We believe that a healthy team is more engaged, productive, and innovative.; Flexible Working Arrangements: Recognising the diverse needs of our workforce, we offer flexible working arrangements to help employees balance their professional and personal lives. This flexibility includes options for remote work, flexible hours, and the provision for necessary breaks to recharge, contributing to a more sustainable work-life balance.; Healthy Work Environment: We strive to create a work environment that promotes wellbeing, including safe and comfortable physical spaces, a positive and inclusive culture, and opportunities for social connection and community building among employees.; Client and Community Support: Beyond our internal initiatives, we extend our commitment to wellbeing through the services and support we provide to clients and the wider community. This includes offering products and services that encourage healthy work practices and partnering with organisations focused on mental health and wellbeing.; Continuous Learning and Development: We believe in the wellbeing benefits of lifelong learning and professional development. Our programmes are designed to support continuous growth and development, reducing the risk of burnout and increasing job satisfaction by providing meaningful opportunities for advancement and skill enhancement.

Pricing

• Price: £45.00 to £514.00 a unit a month
• Discount for educational organisations: No
• Free trial available: No

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 bidmanagement@node4.co.uk. Tell them what format you need. It will help if you say what assistive technology you use.