IBM United Kingdom Ltd

IBM Sterling B2B Integration Value Added Network

IBM Sterling B2B Integration SaaS, part of the IBM Sustainability Software
portfolio, provides an Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) service allowing
businesses to communicate with trading partners for all EDI documents, e.g.Orders, Invoices, etc. Document formats include PEPPOL, EDIFACT, X12,XML, JSON, etc. All Formats and all communication protocols are supported.

Features

• EDI as a service
• Large VAN with 340000+ connected entities
• Free interconnects
• Highly Reliable (SLA > 99.95%)
• Secure
• Excellent Visibility of document flow

Benefits

• Outsource EDI document exchange
• Extensive number of connected traders
• Reliable and secure document exchange
• Real Time visibility of document flow in process

£3,124 a unit a year

• Education pricing available
• Free trial available

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 ukcat@uk.ibm.com. Tell them what format you need. It will help if you say what assistive technology you use.

Framework

G-Cloud 14

Service ID

378986237599356

Contact

Anne-Marie Wheeler
0207 202 3000
ukcat@uk.ibm.com

Service scope

• Software add-on or extension: No
• Cloud deployment model: Public cloud
• Service constraints: There is a Service window at 10pm on a Saturday night GMT; Notice is always given in advance if the window is to be used.
• System requirements: Client needs file transfer software to communicate with IBM Sterling

User support

• Email or online ticketing support: Email or online ticketing
• Support response times: Severity 1 within 2 hours; Severity 2 within 4 hours; Severity 3 no later than next day; Severity 4 no later than next day
• User can manage status and priority of support tickets: Yes
• Online ticketing support accessibility: None or don’t know
• Phone support: Yes
• Phone support availability: 24 hours, 7 days a week
• Web chat support: No
• Onsite support: No
• Support levels: Support cost is listed in pricing Document; Support levels are described at the following address; ; https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/ibm-enterprise-support-severity-definitions
• Support available to third parties: No

Onboarding and offboarding

• Getting started: Once the client has been set up, they use file transfer software to send and receive files.; Documentation is at the address below; https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/b2bis
• Service documentation: Yes
• Documentation formats: HTML
• End-of-contract data extraction: Users may request their data.; If no request is received any remaining data is securely destroyed after 12 months
• End-of-contract process: At the end of the term the client will be disconnected from the network; Any data remaining may be reclaimed.; Any data not reclaimed will be securely deleted

Using the service

• Web browser interface: Yes
• Supported browsers:
  • Firefox
  • Chrome
• Application to install: No
• Designed for use on mobile devices: No
• Service interface: No
• User support accessibility: WCAG 2.1 AA or EN 301 549
• API: No
• Customisation available: No

Scaling

• Independence of resources: IBM is uniquely placed in the market to scale out to any workload required

Analytics

• Service usage metrics: Yes
• Metrics types: Please see the following; https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/b2bis?topic=sterling-document-tracking
• Reporting types:
  • Real-time dashboards
  • Regular reports
  • Reports on request

Resellers

• Supplier type: Not a reseller

Staff security

• Staff security clearance: Other security clearance
• Government security clearance: Up to 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 3.0)
• Penetration testing frequency: At least once a year
• Penetration testing approach: In-house
• Protecting data at rest:
  • Physical access control, complying with SSAE-16 / ISAE 3402
  • Encryption of all physical media
• Data sanitisation process: Yes
• Data sanitisation type:
  • Explicit overwriting of storage before reallocation
  • 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

Data importing and exporting

• Data export approach: IBM Sterling B2B Integration SaaS is a file based medium. Files are exchanged to and from the system using a variety of tools and protocols.
• Data export formats:
  • CSV
  • Other
• Other data export formats:
  • Any file format can be used
  • EDI
  • XML
  • Flat File
• Data import formats:
  • CSV
  • Other
• Other data import formats:
  • Any File Format can be used
  • EDI
  • XML
  • Flat File

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
  • Legacy SSL and TLS (under version 1.2)
• Data protection within supplier network: TLS (version 1.2 or above)

Availability and resilience

• Guaranteed availability: Please refer to Section 3.1 of the service definition document attached: https://www.ibm.com/support/customer/csol/terms/internal?id=i126-7824&lc=en#detail-document
• Approach to resilience: Tier 4 SSAE 16 Compliant Data Centers; Utilizes Proven IBM software on IBM hardware; All customer and configuration data is replicated in real-time to hot site; Core infrastructure actively monitored for operational readiness; RTO – 4 hours / RPO – 4 hours; ; For additional information, please contact an IBM representative
• Outage reporting: Email alerts

Identity and authentication

• User authentication needed: Yes
• User authentication:
  • Public key authentication (including by TLS client certificate)
  • Dedicated link (for example VPN)
  • Username or password
• Access restrictions in management interfaces and support channels: Please refer to the following or contact and IBM representative for further details.; https://www-03.ibm.com/software/sla/sladb.nsf/pdf/6388-02/$file/i126-6388-02_03-2014_en_US.pdf
• Access restriction testing frequency: At least once a year
• Management access authentication:
  • Public key authentication (including by TLS client certificate)
  • Dedicated link (for example VPN)
  • Username or password

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: Between 6 months and 12 months
• Access to supplier activity audit information: Users have access to real-time audit information
• How long supplier audit data is stored for: Between 6 months and 12 months
• How long system logs are stored for: Between 1 month and 6 months

Standards and certifications

• ISO/IEC 27001 certification: Yes
• Who accredited the ISO/IEC 27001: Bureau Veritas Certification Holding SAS – UK Branch
• ISO/IEC 27001 accreditation date: 19/12/2018
• What the ISO/IEC 27001 doesn’t cover: The infrastructure and platform this offering is run on is ISO/IEC 27001 compliant. The current SaaS application is not compliant, but does have an ISO 27001 Attestation.
• ISO 28000:2007 certification: No
• CSA STAR certification: Yes
• CSA STAR accreditation date: 16/10/2017
• CSA STAR certification level: Level 1: CSA STAR Self-Assessment
• What the CSA STAR doesn’t cover: Please contact an IBM representative for further information
• PCI certification: Yes
• Who accredited the PCI DSS certification: TBC at call-off contract level via our online template.
• PCI DSS accreditation date: TBC at Call-off contract level via online template
• What the PCI DSS doesn’t cover: TBC at Call-off contract level via online template
• 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:
  • CSA CCM version 3.0
  • ISO/IEC 27001
• Information security policies and processes: Please refer to the following or contact and IBM representative:; https://www.ibm.com/trust/security

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: Please refer to the following or contact an IBVM representative for further details.; https://www-03.ibm.com/software/sla/sladb.nsf/pdf/6388-02/$file/i126-6388-02_03-2014_en_US.pdf
• Vulnerability management type: Conforms to a recognised standard, for example CSA CCM v3.0 or SSAE-16 / ISAE 3402
• Vulnerability management approach: Please refer to the following or contact an IBM representative for further detail:; https://www-03.ibm.com/software/sla/sladb.nsf/pdf/6388-02/$file/i126-6388-02_03-2014_en_US.pdf
• Protective monitoring type: Conforms to a recognised standard, for example CSA CCM v3.0 or SSAE-16 / ISAE 3402
• Protective monitoring approach: Please refer to the following or contact and IBM representative for further details.; https://www-03.ibm.com/software/sla/sladb.nsf/pdf/6388-02/$file/i126-6388-02_03-2014_en_US.pdf
• Incident management type: Conforms to a recognised standard, for example, CSA CCM v3.0 or ISO/IEC 27035:2011 or SSAE-16 / ISAE 3402
• Incident management approach: Please refer to the following or contact and IBM representative for further details.; https://www-03.ibm.com/software/sla/sladb.nsf/pdf/6388-02/$file/i126-6388-02_03-2014_en_US.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)

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

  IBM are committed to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions globally by 2030. On this path, IBM are on track to have reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 65% (against 2010 base) in 2025, and 75% of our global electricity consumption will be from renewables by 2025. The IBM UK Carbon Reduction Plan (CRP) is published annually in which we report progress in achieving Net Zero; most recent in September 2023.; In fulfilling our responsibilities under our contracts, our staff operate in line with our IBM Environmental Policy and implemented through our worldwide Environmental Management System (EMS), which covers objectives including achieving our net zero greenhouse gas commitment, reduction in water use, reduction in waste going to landfill, creating green space, enhancing the natural environment and improving air quality. Local initiatives are in place around IBM and client’s locations, promoting e.g. shared or zero-carbon travel, various cycle-to-work and car-share initiatives/incentives as well as environmentally focused volunteering.; ; To influence staff, suppliers, customers and communities through the delivery of the contract to support environmental protection/improvement, we include Social Responsibility and Environmental Management requirements in subcontracts and encourage staff to work with the wider teams on improvements. In some locations, an ‘Environmental Business Resource Group’ promotes Green sustainability, also through community-based activities.; ; In 2020 IBM launched the ‘responsible.computing’ initiative, which addresses modern computing challenges and integrates aspects of sustainability, climate, ethics, openness, privacy, and security. We assess proposed technical solutions against efficient energy usage.; IBM began detailed tracking and monitoring of our environmental footprint in 1990 - being forthright and transparent in our impact long before it was fashionable or required. We have made significant improvements over the last 30 years and will continue to report transparently on impacts and progress, using ‘Sustainable by Design’ framework and tools such as CO2 Emissions-Estimator and/or Envizi.

  Covid-19 recovery

  We have continued promoting initiatives created to support COVID-19 recovery aimed at both communities and our/partners’ workforce. To help local communities manage and recover from the impacts of COVID-19 IBM have created employment and re-training opportunities. IBM provided a free, fully online offering called SkillsBuild Reignite, tailored for job seekers, and those needing to grow their digital skills. Once an initial 30-hours of online learning was completed, Reignite offered free one-on-one coaching, seminars and facilitated discussions from IBM volunteers.; ; IBM encourage our staff, suppliers, and customers to support our local communities through IBM Community Engagement Portal. The IBM.org Volunteer’s Portal manages over 1.3 million hours of volunteering by IBM employees. IBMers are allowed to make a charitable contribution of £7 for every hour of volunteering to their chosen charity.; ; We support our extensive ecosystem of external SME's managing/recovering from the impacts of COVID-19. IBM has invested to help reduce barriers to entry that may preclude participation in delivery by SMEs. This could relate to financial standing, ability to accept risk, invest in bids, or ability to supply sufficient volumes of resources.; ; We have had several initiatives to support staff with the impact of the COVID-19 and extended those initiatives to clients/partners. Mental health support has been available at all times to all of our staff and their families, and we have trained volunteering staff as mental health first aiders, with programmes in place to tailor a gradual return to work e.g. following illness.; ; IBM reimagined many of our workplaces and policies to support COVID-19 recovery. We have implemented our Work from Home Pledge & Hybrid Working Pledge for all staff, which ensures we establish and respect new boundaries and support each other in this new way of working and living. IBM continue promoting an ongoing Hybrid working approach.

  Tackling economic inequality

  IBM invest to understand of the causes and effects of inequality. We run multiple initiatives to attempt to level opportunity, focused on our stated social-responsibility goal to support education and skills development in Science and Technology, with a specific focus on those who may not otherwise be attracted, or have the opportunity, to develop those skills.; ; The ‘IBM Ignite’ scheme, a national Movement to Work programme, offers vocational traineeships and work experience to disadvantaged youth unemployed. Together with City Gateway, our London charity partner, IBM offer 2-week, onsite, workplace programmes to break the cycle of ‘no work experience, no job’.; ; IBM are proud to have created skillsbuild.org. This is a global programme, and for the UK offering IBM have partnered with ACH.org.uk, a social enterprise working to resettle refugees through labour market and social integration, City Gateway, a London charity working with disadvantaged young people, women and families in deprived areas to build skills and ambition, and SaluteMyJob, a charity creating opportunities for ex-Servicemen and women under the armed forces covenant. The SkillsBuild programmes offer training, in-person support, credentials and opportunities to put the learning into practice. In addition to the direct training through charity partners, SkillsBuild is now also available free to all online. The SkillsBuild training gives recognised qualifications to those searching for employment in a digital economy. In addition, the programme gives job-search skills, teaches agile methods and design thinking, and has specific training in growing IT fields, such as cybersecurity, big data, artificial intelligence.; ; IBM UK employ around 100 school-leaver apprentices every year. Our award-winning programme offers apprenticeships ranging from Level 3 to Level 6, with all apprentices employed as permanent employees from Day 1. We also launched Early Professional Affiliates Hiring programme enabling us to further acquire talent from underrepresented groups.

  Equal opportunity

  In 1942, IBM hired blind psychologist Michael Supa to create a programme for hiring and training people with disabilities. Supa then worked in IBM institutionalising disability representation and equality for 37 years, and 80 years after he was hired IBM continue to lead in Accessibility, Inclusive hiring, and Representation to reduce the disability employment gap. The Accessible Workplace Connection portal makes it easy for managers to accommodate IBMers who consider themselves to have disabilities, and all recruitment activities are accessible and open. IBM support all employees in training and developing new skills relevant to them, with at least 40 hours of structured training required every year; called THINK40. The training can link to recognised, external qualifications, building skills relevant to the contract. IBM is accommodating of those with additional needs, ensuring all training is inclusive.; ; IBM believes that a diverse and inclusive work environment drives higher quality delivery. We have created employment/training opportunities for those with protected characteristics in the UK since 1912. Our 300+ employee-led communities support ethnic minorities, neurodiversity, LGBTQ+, females, veterans and more through regular events within their communities. Every IBMer completes regular mandatory Diversity & Inclusion training, including on unconscious bias. Based on 2022 survey nearly 9 in 10 IBMers felt comfortable being themselves at work with ~5,000 more recommending IBM as a great place to work. IBM run a “BeEqual” campaign and programmes, with tens of thousands of employees making a BeEqual pledge of allyship to colleagues from minority groups and 6000 IBMers globally are certified as LGBT+ Allies, with 90+ events across UK and Ireland in 2023 focusing on inclusion, with approximately 3.5K attendees. IBM have a culture of promotion and recruitment aiming to addresses workforce inequality for all to have the opportunity to fulfil their potential.

  Wellbeing

  IBM has an advanced Health and Wellbeing Programme, recognising the criticality and benefits of a healthy and supported workforce. A wide-ranging Employee Assistance Program is provided confidentially to all employees 24/7, at no cost to them, backed up by medical insurance with annual health assessments available. IBM operate a Mental Health First Aid Programme, with over 200 qualified mental health first-aiders volunteering in the UK. These colleagues make themselves approachable as a first step. IBM UK have Disability Confident Level 2 status, winning in 2023 UK-IT-Industry Award – DEI and in 2021 the Best Employer for Diversity and Inclusion award from WM UK, due to the broad focus on D&I throughout the pandemic, including hidden disabilities and neurodiversity. IBM has a global neurodiversity hiring program (ND@IBM).; In the new model of home/hybrid working, various initiatives have been created to maintain and improve both mental and physical health when working remotely. The IBM Working from Home Pledge includes commitments to take time out for yourself, and to check-in regularly on colleagues. It was recognised that working alone can be challenging for some, and regular sessions, support programmes and training in place to keep people connected. Managers have undertaken training to recognise those struggling and have tools of early support. A “2020 health challenge” was taken up by 20% of the permanent employee population, with 69% of participants reported being less stressed, 74% exceeded 10,000 steps a day. We continue organising ‘Exercise challenges’ on miles walked/weight loss linked to e.g. World Heart Day. Ergonomic equipment to create a better working-from-home environment is available to all.; ; Within projects/programmes, and as part of contract delivery, IBM seek to make these various initiatives available to joint team of staff/suppliers/customers and communities. Project and colleague-based support and health initiatives are expanded where possible to all.

Pricing

• Price: £3,124 a unit a year
• Discount for educational organisations: Yes
• Free trial available: Yes
• Description of free trial: Start your 30-day trial- ; ; Trial edition includes sample data, AI powered assistant, Self service analytics
• Link to free trial: https://www.ibm.com/account/reg/us-en/signup?formid=urx-49657

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 ukcat@uk.ibm.com. Tell them what format you need. It will help if you say what assistive technology you use.