Connect Internet Solutions Ltd

Open Source Directory Website

Off The Shelf, open source Directory Website including listing pages, advanced search with filtering and membership registration with dashboard driven by categories/listing attributes. Manage service providers and end users from single administration interface. Users access services/products via public or private front-end Directory Website. Built using WordPress or Umbraco CMS.

Features

  • Powerful Directory search
  • Member management, registration and dashboard
  • Full Directory Content Management System (CMS) for administration and editing
  • Allows an unlimited number of Directory Content Management Users
  • Directory workflow management
  • Directory reporting dashboard and analytics
  • Bulk import of both users and services
  • Provider managed catalogue of services
  • Comments, feedback and star ratings
  • Interactive polls, questionnaires, surveys, feedback forms can be included

Benefits

  • Easy access to directory of data through powerful search capability
  • Manage both administrators and front-end users using a single interface
  • Full control over site content and personality
  • Enables self-service and process automation reducing administrative burden
  • Provides information on popular search terms and zero result returns
  • Users receive a platform for feedback and testimonials
  • No ongoing licence costs; no supplier tie-in
  • Mobile responsive website minimises barriers to use
  • Expertly-designed templates compliant with government accessibility standards
  • Benefit from Connect's WordPress/Umbraco expertise

Pricing

£13,500 an instance

  • Free trial available

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

Framework

G-Cloud 13

Service ID

5 2 4 3 9 1 5 3 0 6 2 4 2 2 7

Contact

Connect Internet Solutions Ltd Janet Symes
Telephone: +44 (0) 1512824321
Email: gcloud@connectinternetsolutions.com

Service scope

Software add-on or extension
No
Cloud deployment model
Public cloud
Service constraints
Any routine downtime required for system maintenance is scheduled outside normal office hours. A maximum 1 hour per month window is provisionally allocated for system maintenance, if required. In any month when the maintenance window is to be used, customers are notified at least seven working days in advance.

The scope for customisation is unlimited; the CMS can be extended to suit customer needs using a variety of pre-built components.

Expected data transfer 1mbps per transfer.

A Fair Usage Policy applies.

Minimum contract period is twelve months.
System requirements
  • Firefox/Chrome latest versions, Internet Explorer 11+, Safari, Opera, Microsoft Edge.
  • Hardwired broadband/wireless LAN connection recommended, 3G dependant on reception/mobile coverage.
  • End-users access on port 80 (web/http), port 443 (secure web/https).

User support

Email or online ticketing support
Email or online ticketing
Support response times
Target response time:
2 hrs for critical support requests during normal working hours;
4 hrs for non-critical support requests.
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
9 to 5 (UK time), Monday to Friday
Web chat support
No
Onsite support
Yes, at extra cost
Support levels
Included:
Helpdesk: 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays); Hosting support: 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays).

Tickets can be logged 24/7.

Out of hours support response (extra cost - see pricing document): 24/7

Contact details for Service Manager will be supplied.
Support available to third parties
Yes

Onboarding and offboarding

Getting started
TThe following training support is available:
1. In-line help within the CMS interface
2. A structured walkthrough on Directory Website set-up (delivered either remotely or face-to-face)
3. CMS Training manual
4. Simple User Guide for using the issue-logging system
5. Face-to-face training options are also available. We offer training off-site at customers’ premises. Train-the-trainer options are also available.
Service documentation
Yes
Documentation formats
PDF
End-of-contract data extraction
When off-boarding, the client has the option of being supplied with either of:
1. An export of the file system and database comprising the website
2. An export (image) of the Virtual Machine Data available to the client for exporting includes content, metadata, structure and configuration; where the VM export has been chosen, log files can also be supplied.

Exports are supplied as an encrypted file containing the exported files.

Exported files will be provided in .zip format, database exports will be provided in MySQL compatible format.

Flexible options are available for handing over the export to the client, dependent upon client preferences (Client transfers via SFTP, Connect transfers via SFTP on client’s behalf, physical transfer via appropriate medium/channel).

On off-boarding all consumer generated data will be provided in the export. Custom data extractions can be provided on request (chargeable at hourly rates).
End-of-contract process
Included: Single copy of VM in raw format;
Data wipe/disposal.

Additional cost:
Liaison with new supplier;
Transfer of data by non-electronic means;
Custom data extractions can be provided on request (chargeable at hourly rates).

Using the service

Web browser interface
Yes
Supported browsers
  • Internet Explorer 11
  • Microsoft Edge
  • Firefox
  • Chrome
  • Safari
  • Opera
Application to install
No
Designed for use on mobile devices
Yes
Differences between the mobile and desktop service
None
Service interface
No
User support accessibility
WCAG 2.1 AAA
API
No
Customisation available
Yes
Description of customisation
Themes/design can be changed.

Customer, Connect staff or third parties can customise.

Scaling

Independence of resources
Systems are monitored continually.

Systems are not over-provisioned.

Throttling can be applied.

Analytics

Service usage metrics
No

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
User control over data storage and processing locations
Yes
Datacentre security standards
Supplier-defined controls
Penetration testing frequency
At least once a year
Penetration testing approach
Another external penetration testing organisation
Protecting data at rest
Physical access control, complying with another standard
Data sanitisation process
Yes
Data sanitisation type
  • 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
Request to support team is made.
Data export formats
Other
Other data export formats
  • File system
  • Database backup
Data import formats
CSV

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
Data protection within supplier network
  • TLS (version 1.2 or above)
  • Other
Other protection within supplier network
Systems are managed using Secure Shell. Where web interfaces are used for management, this is provided over HTTPS/SSL. Management interfaces are separately firewalled from the other networks.

Availability and resilience

Guaranteed availability
Availability: 99.9%

In any calendar month in which we have unscheduled down time that causes the service level to drop below agreed performance level, the basic monthly charge is reduced by 10% for each full percentage below the agreed level, up to a maximum credit in that month of 100%.
Approach to resilience
Available on request.
Outage reporting
Email/telephone alerts.

Identity and authentication

User authentication needed
Yes
User authentication
  • Dedicated link (for example VPN)
  • Username or password
  • Other
Other user authentication
Standard Umbraco authentication uses username and password. It can also be: Restricted to pass traffic only over a private dedicated VPN; Integrated with Active Directory for SSO; Integrated with 2FA for increased security; Integrate with other authentication
providers/mechanisms on request.

Standard WordPress authentication uses username and password. It can also be: Restricted to pass traffic only over a private dedicated VPN; Integrated with Active Directory for SSO; Integrated with 2FA for increased security; Integrate with other authentication providers/mechanisms on request.
Access restrictions in management interfaces and support channels
Management interfaces are available to Connect Internet Solutions Ltd staff only. Roles and responsibilities are defined at project initiation and access to support channel granted to named contacts.
Access restriction testing frequency
At least every 6 months
Management access authentication
  • 2-factor authentication
  • 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
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
15/07/2020
What the ISO/IEC 27001 doesn’t cover
Our ISO27001 accreditation covers only web hosting server platforms, their operation, management and control.
ISO 28000:2007 certification
No
CSA STAR certification
No
PCI certification
No
Cyber essentials
Yes
Cyber essentials plus
No
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
Every manager at every level throughout Connect makes regular reviews of security controls and procedures in their area of responsibility so as to provide and maintain secure working environments for employees and the security of Connect’s assets, including information. They must ensure that sufficient resources are allocated to carry out this policy in their areas of responsibility. Reviews take place to ensure commitment to continual improvement and in order to satisfy applicable requirements for the management of information security. Every individual within the company is expected to work in conjunction with their managers in all aspects of security to ensure that information security controls and procedures are implemented and operated properly and fully. Security incidents must be reported to the managers concerned and to the Connect’s Management Directors. Information security incidents must be reported to the Connect's Security Manager. Major breaches of security must be reported immediately to the Security Manager, who may take charge of investigations or direct what action should be taken.

Operational security

Configuration and change management standard
Supplier-defined controls
Configuration and change management approach
Connect’s change management process ensures that no change is made to the operating environment without the necessary authority and ensures that a log of any changes made is completed. A Request for Change Form is completed when a change is deemed necessary. This is signed by all relevant parties before the change can take place.

Areas under change control usually include:
• New hardware installations;
• Software changes for the operating system / software;
• Network upgrades for any change in hardware, upgrades to equipment, changes in topology/protocols/addresses.

Changes assessed for potential security impact as part of our ISO27001 processes.
Vulnerability management type
Supplier-defined controls
Vulnerability management approach
We monitor potential threats from a variety of sources including CERT, supplier notifications and industry updates Potential threats are assessed by technical team. Critical patches are deployed as soon as possible.
Non-critical patches are applied on a weekly basis.
Protective monitoring type
Supplier-defined controls
Protective monitoring approach
We identify potential compromises using log analysis and host intrusion detection system. Compromised system is isolated, treated, brought back
into service. Response is immediate.
Incident management type
Supplier-defined controls
Incident management approach
Processes for incident management are defined within ISO27001. Incidents can be reported by end user, staff or other channel. Incident reports detail whether confidentiality, integrity or availability has been compromised. Incident reports are provided in document format.

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

Fighting climate change

Fighting climate change

» Cycle-to-Work scheme.
» Use of videoconferencing to reduce environmental impact of travel.
» Energy saving lighting.
» Electronic communication.
» Local suppliers (where required) used to reduce transport impact.
Covid-19 recovery

Covid-19 recovery

» Providing face masks, lateral flow tests to staff so they can take responsibility and be considerate of the community around us.
» Home-working option.
» Taking on new staff to be trained to address skills gaps.
Tackling economic inequality

Tackling economic inequality

» Work experience for young graduates of local Universities. 5 interns taken on since 2012.
Equal opportunity

Equal opportunity

» Equal Opportunities policy.
» Disability Confident Committed Employer.
» Accessible solutions.
Wellbeing

Wellbeing

» Staff benefit from: free eye care vouchers, free organic fruit, cycle to work scheme.
» Encouraging inclusivity/harmonious workplace with social events for staff.
» Option for home-working.

Pricing

Price
£13,500 an instance
Discount for educational organisations
No
Free trial available
Yes
Description of free trial
A demonstration of the service can be provided.

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