Clarity Tech Ltd

Multi-Cloud Storage Assured OFFICIAL

Our object storage-based S3 compatible public cloud storage service is designed for the UK Public Sector, and is compliant with GDPR and suitable for OFFICIAL workloads, based in UK Crown hosting datacentres to ensure data sovereignty. Our Cloud Storage is on-demand, flexible, billed monthly, with full support free of charge.

Features

• Cloud Storage supports developer languages, RESTful and Amazon S3 API
• Encryption of data at rest using 256-bit AES encryption
• Cloud Storage natively enables application deduplication & redundancy
• Integrates with existing, native and virtualised, enterprise applications
• Connect via DDoS-protected Internet, PSN (GCF, Assured/Protected), N3/HSCN and Janet
• HybridConnect: Your dedicated circuits (CPA encrypted tunnels, Leased Lines, MPLS)
• Secure: Suitable for OFFICIAL & OFFICIAL-SENSITIVE data
• Cloud Storage powered by EMC for performance and availability
• Offloads objects (files, media, images) from compute resources
• Pay for what you use, scale indefinitely and on-demand

Benefits

• Reduce local storage requirements and overheads migrating to cloud storage
• Access to cloud storage anywhere, any time via HTTP(S)
• Multiple use cases: Backup, Archiving, replacement for shared storage
• Security of your sensitive data with data encryption at rest
• For all public sectors including local government, health, blue light
• Reduce local compliance overhead with pre-accredited solutions
• Green Cloud Storage; UK facilities which offer market leading efficiency
• Easy to adopt: test, develop and run proof of concepts
• Flexible payment options reduce CAPEX spend
• 30 day free trial option - alternative to AWS

£2.10 a gigabyte a month

• 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 faiz@claritytech.org. Tell them what format you need. It will help if you say what assistive technology you use.

Framework

G-Cloud 14

Service ID

507123533389558

Contact

Faiz Ahmad
02030062813
faiz@claritytech.org

Service scope

• Service constraints: Management configuration and administration of layers above the IaaS (for example, the procurement or development of the application and the correct implementation and usage of the appropriate API).
• System requirements: Can be provided on carrying out discovery exercise

User support

• Email or online ticketing support: Email or online ticketing
• Support response times: Tickets are responded to on a priority basis. We aim to respond to ALL initial questions within 15 minutes during normal business hours and High Severity tickets will be answered 24/7
• 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: Web chat
• Web chat support availability: 9 to 5 (UK time), Monday to Friday
• Web chat support accessibility standard: None or don’t know
• How the web chat support is accessible: Slack is accessible via any web browser that supports HTML5 and is also accessible programmatically via its API. Alternatively, Slack can be used via its own desktop client.
• Web chat accessibility testing: None
• Onsite support: Yes, at extra cost
• Support levels: UKCloud's standard support includes Customer Success Managers, Technical Account Managers, Support Engineers and a 24/7 Network Operations Centre. We aim to respond to ALL incidents and requests within 15 minutes 24/7, with a priority on resolving P1 incidents.
• Support available to third parties: Yes

Onboarding and offboarding

• Getting started: All new customers are assigned a Customer Success Manager that will provide proactive support and advise for the first 90 days. This also includes the assistance from devops and cloud architects to ensure the right solution is provisioned and maximised for the workloads, along with a range of user guides.
• Service documentation: Yes
• Documentation formats:
  • HTML
  • ODF
  • PDF
  • Other
• Other documentation formats:
  • Video
  • Audio
  • Webinars/Webex
  • Presentations
• End-of-contract data extraction: The customer has complete autonomy of how data is stored and managed. Data can be extracted by either API or CLI.
• End-of-contract process: We will return all your data and materials which cannot be deleted or exported by you, and securely destroy all copies of your data on your written instruction. We will return any pre-paid sums for services not delivered to you. We will not penalise you for terminating your contract with us unless specifically stated in the Service Definition. We will also return all of your confidential information, unless there is a legal requirement that we keep it.

Using the service

• Web browser interface: Yes
• Using the web interface: We provide a control panel allowing users to manage aspects of this service, including monitoring consumption. It also allows users to interface with the UKCloud service management system including raising tickets and requests. The web interface also provides access to a comprehensive set of documentation and videos. Control access and security including key pairs and API access.
• Web interface accessibility standard: None or don’t know
• How the web interface is accessible: The web interface is accessible using the most common web browsers and is delivered over various public and private networks including the internet, PSN, N3/HSCN and Janet. The web interface is protected by standards-based encryption, two-factor authentication and optionally IP address restrictions. The web interface is entirely HTML5 and does not require any auxilary plug-ins, therefore the web interface is accessible by any modern day desktop or mobile internet browser able to support secure HTTPS connections.
• Web interface accessibility testing: None
• API: Yes
• What users can and can't do using the API: You can use API calls to create, manage and monitor Service Requests and view information about the components of your environment. We provide native access to underlying proprietary API, and access via AWS S3 compatible API; The APIs provides the ability to create/delete/list and manage buckets, add and delete objects, assign and search metadata, manage ACLs and implement versioning and retention policies.
• API automation tools:
  • Ansible
  • Chef
  • OpenStack
  • SaltStack
  • Terraform
  • Puppet
  • Other
• Other API automation tools: Jenkins
• API documentation: Yes
• API documentation formats:
  • Open API (also known as Swagger)
  • HTML
  • ODF
  • PDF
• Command line interface: Yes
• Command line interface compatibility:
  • Linux or Unix
  • Windows
  • MacOS
• Using the command line interface: "Customers can fully manage their virtual infrastructure resources including compute, storage and networking, including management of virtual images, programmatically or manually via the CLI.; ; The CLI provides the ability to create/delete/list and manage buckets, add and delete objects, assign and search metadata and management of ACLs. "

Scaling

• Scaling available: No
• Independence of resources: In order to guarantee that users are not affected by the demands from other users, we use reource reservations and shares such as internet bandwidth shaping. In addition, the capapcity planning team ensure that usage in terms of all resources are constantly monitored and increased accordinglty relating to user demand.
• Usage notifications: Yes
• Usage reporting: Email

Analytics

• Infrastructure or application metrics: Yes
• Metrics types: Disk
• Reporting types:
  • API access
  • Real-time dashboards

Resellers

• Supplier type: Reseller providing extra support
• Organisation whose services are being resold: UKCloud

Staff security

• Staff security clearance: Conforms to BS7858:2019
• 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)
• User control over data storage and processing locations: No
• Datacentre security standards: Complies with a recognised standard (for example CSA CCM version 3.0)
• Penetration testing frequency: At least every 6 months
• Penetration testing approach: ‘IT Health Check’ performed by a CHECK service provider
• Protecting data at rest: Physical access control, complying with CSA CCM v3.0
• Data sanitisation process: Yes
• Data sanitisation type:
  • Explicit overwriting of storage before reallocation
  • Deleted data can’t be directly accessed
  • Hardware containing data is completely destroyed
• 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: Yes
• What’s backed up: Data
• Backup controls: Users schedule backups through a web interface
• Datacentre setup: Multiple datacentres with disaster recovery
• Scheduling backups: Users schedule backups through a web interface
• Backup recovery:
  • Users can recover backups themselves, for example through a web interface
  • Users contact the support team

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
  • Bonded fibre optic connections
  • Other
• Other protection between networks: We offer the choice of connecting: ; • Via the internet using additional encryption such as TLS 1.2 ; • IPSec VPN tunnels; • Via private networks such as leased lines or MPLS; • Via public sector networks such as PSN, N3, Janet
• Data protection within supplier network:
  • TLS (version 1.2 or above)
  • Other
• Other protection within supplier network: We use dedicated CAS-T circuits between each of our sites to ensure the protection of customer data in-flight. We additionally encrypt this data within our Elevated OFFICIAL platform. All data flows are also subject to our protective monitoring service.

Availability and resilience

• Guaranteed availability: 99.95% - 99.99% depending on Service level chosen
• Approach to resilience: Objects are automatically replicated across nodes to protect against hardware failure. Our service is deployed across a number of sites, regions and zones. Each zone is designed to eliminate single points of failure (such as power, network and hardware). Customers are encouraged to ensure their solution spans multiple sites, regions or zones to ensure service continuity should a failure occur.
• Outage reporting: All outages will be reported via the Service Status page and the notifications service within the UKCloud Portal. Outages are identified as Planned maintenance, Emergency maintenance, and platform issues. In addition, the designated Technical Account Manager will proactively contact customers as appropriate.

Identity and authentication

• User authentication:
  • 2-factor authentication
  • Other
• Other user authentication: For online systems (e.g. Customer Portal & API interfaces), all users are required to have a unique username, password and memorable word combination. Customers may also use 2FA authentication tokens.
• Access restrictions in management interfaces and support channels: Customers have the option to raise a support request via telephone or email. UKCloud will always authenticate the identity of the user by validating known phone numbers and asking them for specific characters within their pre-agreed memorable word. The management interfaces are only available on the UKCloud network.
• 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)
  • Dedicated device on a government network (for example PSN)
  • Dedicated device over multiple services or networks
  • Any device but through a bastion host (a bastion host is a server that provides access to a private network from an external network such as the internet)
  • Directly from any device which may also be used for normal business (for example web browsing or viewing external email)

Audit information for users

• Access to user activity audit information: Users contact the support team to get audit information
• How long user audit data is stored for: Between 1 month and 6 months
• Access to supplier activity audit information: Users contact the support team to get audit information
• How long supplier audit data is stored for: Between 1 month and 6 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: Lloyds Register (LR)
• ISO/IEC 27001 accreditation date: 8th May 2012
• What the ISO/IEC 27001 doesn’t cover: Nothing
• ISO 28000:2007 certification: No
• CSA STAR certification: Yes
• CSA STAR accreditation date: 28th October 2016
• CSA STAR certification level: Level 1: CSA STAR Self-Assessment
• What the CSA STAR doesn’t cover: Level 1: CSA STAR Self-Assessment
• PCI certification: No
• Cyber essentials: Yes
• Cyber essentials plus: Yes
• Other security certifications: Yes
• Any other security certifications:
  • ISO27018
  • Cyber Essentials
  • Cyber Essentials Plus
  • ISO9001
  • ISO20000
  • ISO27017
  • CISPE (Cloud Infrastructure Service Providers Europe) Code of Conduct Certification

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: CSA STAR, ISO27001, ISO27017, ISO27018 and ISO20000
• Information security policies and processes: UKCloud has a number of inter-connected governance frameworks in place which control both how the Company operates and the manner in which it delivers cloud services to its customers. These have been independently assessed and certified against ISO20000, ISO27001, ISO27017 and ISO27018 by LRQA, a UKAS accredited audit body. The Company is governed by an integrated suite of information security policies. Under the top level Information Security Policy itself are second-level documents with specific focus on Acceptable Use, Antivirus Protection, Asset Management, Business Continuity Management, Data Protection, Password Management, Personnel Management, Supply Chain Management and many others.

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: UKCloud has documented configuration and change management policies and processes, which have been implemented, maintained and assessed in accordance with the guidance from ITIL v.3 and the current ISO20000 standard. Formal configuration management activities, including record management and asset reporting, are monitored and validated constantly, and any identified discrepancies promptly escalated for investigation. A robust, established process for the formal submission of change requests is mandated prior to review and approval of the daily Change Advisory Board, which is attended by a quorum of operational and technical management personnel.
• Vulnerability management type: Conforms to a recognised standard, for example CSA CCM v3.0 or SSAE-16 / ISAE 3402
• Vulnerability management approach: UKCloud has a documented vulnerability management policy and process, which have been implemented, maintained and assessed in accordance with the guidance from ITIL v.3 and the current ISO20000 and ISO27001 standards. Where technically possible, real-time updates and status reports are identified and sourced from credible vendor sources, which cover a significant proportion of UKCloud’s asset population. For other systems and software, assigned personnel have responsibility for regularly reviewing technical forums and specialist groups to promptly identify and evaluate any emerging patches or updates which require our attention.
• Protective monitoring type: Conforms to a recognised standard, for example CSA CCM v3.0 or SSAE-16 / ISAE 3402
• Protective monitoring approach: Following best practice from the National Cyber Security Centre, UKCloud protects both its Assured and Elevated platforms with 24x7 enhanced protective monitoring services, vulnerability scanning and assessment. Our approach to protective monitoring at minimum meets the Protective Monitoring Controls (PMC 1-12) outlined in NCSC document GPG13 (Protective Monitoring for HMG ICT Systems). It includes checks against systems events (SIEM) and network traffic analysis, including time sources, cross-boundary traffic, suspicious activities at a boundary, network connections and status of backups. Any alerts generated are logged and investigated 24x7.
• 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: UKCloud has a documented incident management policy and process, which have been implemented, maintained and assessed in accordance with the guidance from ITIL v.3 and the current ISO20000 and ISO27001 standards. This activity is responsible for the progression of alerts generated by automated monitoring systems, issues identified by UKCloud personnel, and incidents identified and reported to UKCloud by its customers and partners. All incidents are promptly reported into a central ticketing system, which ensures that each is promptly assigned to an appropriate resource, and its progress tracked (and escalated, as required) to resolution.

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: Yes
• Who implements virtualisation: Supplier
• Virtualisation technologies used: VMware
• How shared infrastructure is kept separate: This solution has been previously been validated by the NCSC PGA and the implementation is regularly tested via by regular independent IT Security Health Checks conducted by a CHECK service provider.

Energy efficiency

• Energy-efficient datacentres: Yes
• Description of energy efficient datacentres: UKCloud’s services are CarbonNeutral® cloud services. We achieved this certification by working with Natural Capital Partners to measure and reduce our CO2 emissions across all sources used to deliver our cloud services to our customers. These include direct emissions from all owned or leased stationary sources that use fossil fuels and/or emit fugitive emissions, and emissions from the generation of purchased electricity and steam (including transmission and distribution losses) to power our servers. For our cloud services to achieve CarbonNeutral® status, an independent assessment of the CO2 emissions produced from direct and indirect sources required to deliver them was carried out, followed by an offset-inclusive emissions reduction programme. This means that for every tonne of greenhouse gas emissions we produce in delivering cloud services, we buy a verified carbon offset which guarantees that an equivalent amount of greenhouse gas emissions is reduced from the atmosphere through a renewable energy or clean technology project.

Social Value

• Social Value:

  Social Value

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

  Fighting climate change

  EFFECTIVE STEWARDSHIP OF THE ENVIRONMENT: Our service provision is wholly dedicated to combatting climate change and championing the effective stewardship of our environment, by the Social Value themes outlined in PPN 06/20. 1. Delivering Additional Environmental Benefits: Our operational ethos revolves around maximising environmental benefits. We've devised a comprehensive strategy to significantly reduce our carbon footprint, striving towards achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. Our approach involves embracing cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices to minimise energy consumption and waste generation. We're committed to utilising eco-friendly materials and resources across all aspects of our service delivery. Additionally, we actively engage in carbon offset initiatives to balance out unavoidable emissions, ensuring we're constantly on a trajectory of improvement. 2. Influencing Stakeholders for Environmental Support: We understand the importance of collective action in safeguarding our planet. That's why our efforts extend beyond our immediate operations to inspire and involve stakeholders like staff, suppliers, customers, and local communities. Through the contract delivery process, we impart environmental awareness and encourage environmentally responsible practices. Our initiatives include comprehensive staff awareness to instil a culture of environmental consciousness, collaborating with suppliers to promote sustainable sourcing practices, and engaging customers who champion eco-friendly behaviours. In essence, our service provision is unwaveringly committed to advancing the specified Social Value themes. We're dedicated to taking tangible steps towards mitigating climate change and inspiring positive environmental action, both within our operations and among our wider network of stakeholders.

  Covid-19 recovery

  HELPING LOCAL COMMUNITIES TO MANAGE AND RECOVER FROM THE IMPACT OF COVID-19: Our service provision is dedicated to aiding local communities in managing and recovering from the aftermath of COVID-19, in alignment with the Social Value themes outlined in PPN 06/20. 1. Creating Employment and Return-to-Work Opportunities: Recognising the profound impact of COVID-19 on employment levels, we focus on creating job opportunities, providing re-training, and facilitating pathways for those left unemployed. We particularly target high-growth sectors to ensure promising avenues for re-entering the workforce. 2. Supporting Individuals and Communities: Our approach extends beyond economic recovery to holistic support for individuals and communities affected by COVID-19. Tailored interventions assist the most vulnerable, including those shielding or facing heightened vulnerability, empowering communities to navigate challenges and facilitate recovery. 3. Assisting Organisations and Businesses: Understanding the need for adaptive strategies post-COVID-19, we offer tailored support for organisations and businesses. This includes assistance in adopting new ways of working to ensure service continuity amidst changing circumstances. 4. Promoting Physical and Mental Well-being: Addressing significant health ramifications, our service prioritises initiatives supporting the well-being of those affected by COVID-19. Through targeted interventions and support programmes, we aim to mitigate adverse effects on individuals' health and wellbeing, alleviating strain on health and care services. 5. Enhancing Workplace Conditions: Acknowledging the importance of fostering conducive workplace conditions, our strategies include implementing effective social distancing measures, facilitating remote work, and promoting sustainable travel. By prioritising employee health and safety, we contribute to broader COVID-19 recovery efforts. In summary, our service provision is committed to playing a pivotal role in the COVID-19 recovery process. Through targeted interventions and collaborative efforts, we support individuals, communities, organisations, and businesses in navigating the challenges posed by the pandemic and facilitating their journey towards recovery.

  Tackling economic inequality

  CREATE NEW BUSINESSES, NEW JOBS AND NEW SKILLS: Our service provision is dedicated to combating economic inequality by fostering entrepreneurship, job creation, and skill development, aligning with PPN 06/20's Social Value themes. • Entrepreneurship and Business Growth: We encourage entrepreneurship by creating opportunities for new ventures, especially in underserved communities, fostering economic growth. • Employment Opportunities for Marginalised Groups: We prioritise job creation for marginalised groups and deprived areas, offering pathways to sustainable employment. • Training and Employment in High-Growth Sectors: We bridge skills gaps by providing targeted training and job opportunities in thriving industries. • Educational Attainment and Skills Development: Through training schemes, we enhance individuals' skills and offer recognised qualifications, improving their employability. • Influencing Stakeholders for Employment and Skills Development: We engage stakeholders to support job creation and skills development, fostering a collaborative environment for socio-economic growth. INCREASING SUPPLY CHAIN RESILIENCE AND CAPACITY: • Diverse Supply Chain Creation: We promote diversity by engaging various entities, fostering economic empowerment. • Support for Innovation: We integrate disruptive technologies for improved quality and cost-effectiveness. • Scalable Methods Development: We focus on scalable approaches to boost productivity and modernise delivery processes. • Collaborative Approach: Collaboration with supply chain partners ensures responsible practices and seamless contract delivery. • Cyber Security Risk Management: We proactively manage cyber security risks to safeguard operations. • Stakeholder Influence for Resilience: Through contract delivery, we engage stakeholders to support resilience and capacity building. In essence, our service provision aims to build a resilient and inclusive supply chain ecosystem, fostering economic empowerment and addressing inequalities.

  Equal opportunity

  REDUCE THE DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT GAP: Our mission is to reduce employment disparities for individuals with disabilities and promote equality, aligned with Social Value principles. We achieve this by increasing disabled representation in our contract workforce through inclusive recruitment and outreach. Additionally, we provide tailored skill development programs and engage stakeholders to foster inclusivity. Ultimately, we aim to create a diverse and inclusive workforce where everyone can contribute meaningfully. In summary, our service provision is centred on promoting equal opportunity and reducing the disability employment gap. Through targeted actions and stakeholder engagement, we strive to create a more inclusive and diverse workforce, where individuals of all abilities have the opportunity to fulfil their potential and contribute meaningfully to society. TACKLE WORKFORCE INEQUALITY: Our service is dedicated to promoting equal opportunity and addressing workforce inequality, aligned with Social Value principles. We identify and tackle disparities within our contract workforce through targeted interventions and inclusive practices. We support in-work progression with tailored development programs, empowering individuals to advance in their careers. Additionally, we actively mitigate modern slavery risks throughout our supply chain. In summary, our goal is to create a fair and inclusive work environment where everyone can thrive and contribute meaningfully. In summary, our service provision is centred on promoting equal opportunity and addressing workforce inequality. Through targeted actions and proactive measures, we strive to create a fair and inclusive work environment where all individuals have the opportunity to thrive and contribute to the success of our contracts.

  Wellbeing

  Improve health and wellbeing: Our service prioritises promoting wellbeing and health, in line with Social Value principles. • We support the health and well-being of our contract workforce through initiatives like employee assistance programs and wellness workshops. • We extend our efforts to stakeholders, promoting physical activity and mental health awareness. In summary, we aim to create environments that support physical and mental health for individuals and communities. In summary, our service provision prioritises the promotion of health and well-being, both within our workforce and among our stakeholders. Through targeted actions and collaborative efforts, we strive to create environments that support physical and mental health, contributing to the overall well-being of individuals and communities. Improve community integration: • We collaborate with users and communities to co-design and deliver contracts, empowering them to shape services that meet their needs. • We engage stakeholders to promote social cohesion and inclusion, fostering resilient and thriving communities. In summary, our service provision is centred on promoting community integration and enhancing well-being through collaborative engagement and stakeholder mobilisation. By working together with users and communities, we strive to create inclusive environments where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to the fabric of society.

Pricing

• Price: £2.10 a gigabyte a month
• Discount for educational organisations: No
• Free trial available: Yes
• Description of free trial: Free trials are available to both new and existing customers for products that haven't previously purchased or trialled. Free trials are excluded from any SLA credits and are limited to 30 days’ based on a fair usage policy.
• Link to free trial: https://ukcloud.com/free-trials/

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 faiz@claritytech.org. Tell them what format you need. It will help if you say what assistive technology you use.