Pond Group Limited

Managed Service Provider

Design, configure, test and implement all your cloud services. With a focus on security and "Modern Workplace" practices, we work with our customers to ensure the system specified fulfils their requirements in a secure and convenient way.

Features

• Email Security and Compliance
• Cloud backup
• Conditional Access setup and management
• Microsoft 365 tenant setup and management
• End user support and helpdesk service
• SIEM and network security monitoring and management
• Hosted Voice (VoIP) Integration including MS Teams

Benefits

• Maximise investment of existing licences
• Reduce costs through consolidation of services
• Increase security of data and endpoints
• Ensure compliance with regulatory bodies
• Improve staff productivity
• Gain a competitive advantage by offering faster, more efficient service

£9.00 to £100 a user a month

• Education pricing 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 sammy.keene@pondgroup.com. Tell them what format you need. It will help if you say what assistive technology you use.

Framework

G-Cloud 14

Service ID

917233581845848

Contact

Sammy Keene
02084666043
sammy.keene@pondgroup.com

Planning

• Planning service: Yes
• How the planning service works: We help our customers plan their cloud services by taking time to understand their requirements. Planning meetings establish current configuration, and how the customer wishes to use cloud services, and what benefits they hope to achieve. We then propose a solution, using the most suitable and cost effective products and services available. ; Once the proposal is agreed, we work with the customer to set out a timeline for implementation, testing, and subsequent support.
• Planning service works with specific services: No

Training

• Training service provided: No

Setup and migration

• Setup or migration service available: Yes
• How the setup or migration service works: We first discuss and gain a full understanding of what the customer currently has, and what their goal is from migrating to the cloud. We then make recommendations to ensure the migration is as minimally disruptive as possible, and discuss any security implications. ; Where appropriate, automated tools are used to move large quantities of data, with constant dialogue between us and the customer to manage expectations and progress.
• Setup or migration service is for specific cloud services: No

Quality assurance and performance testing

• Quality assurance and performance testing service: No

Security testing

• Security services: Yes
• Security services type:
  • Security strategy
  • Security risk management
  • Security design
  • Cyber security consultancy
  • Security incident management

Ongoing support

• Ongoing support service: Yes
• Types of service supported:
  • Buyer hosting or software
  • Hosting or software provided by your organisation
  • Hosting or software provided by a third-party organisation
• How the support service works: We support any systems or services, or a per user level. If bespoke software or systems are in place, we support at the end user level, and will liaise with 3rd party suppliers when specialised support is required. ; Our UK manned helpdesk uses market leading support and ticketing systems with secure remote monitoring and management tools.; Standard infrastructure such as VMWare, Microsoft 365, Windows Server, etc. is fully supported.

Service scope

• Service constraints: Support is available in the UK at various levels (Standard: 09:00 to 17:30 Mon-Fri, Extended 07:00 - 19:00 Mon-Fri or full 24/7). Whilst most support is provided remotely, site visits can be arranged either to fix issues, or on a regular scheduled basis. ; Overseas support is also available for all countries or a remote/telephone basis. Scheduled overseas site visits can be arranged if required.

User support

• Email or online ticketing support: Yes, at extra cost
• Support response times: SLA Within an hour during the week. 4 hours at weekend unless arranged with customer.
• 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
• Support levels: For UK Customers:; Standard Support: Mon-Fri 09:00 until 17:30; Extended Support: Mon-Fri 07:00 until 19:00; 24/7 or bespoke service also available. ; Standard support costs £35+vat per user; Extended support costs £45+vat per user; Additional per device charges may apply, plus management support costs for infrastructure and servers. ; ; Technical account managers can be assigned if requested, but all senior support will have access to detailed customer documentation.

Resellers

• Supplier type: Reseller providing extra features and support
• Organisation whose services are being resold: Datto, Hornet Security, Veeam and Redstor

Staff security

• Staff security clearance: Other security clearance
• Government security clearance: Up to Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS)

Standards and certifications

• ISO/IEC 27001 certification: Yes
• Who accredited the ISO/IEC 27001: British Assessment Bureau
• ISO/IEC 27001 accreditation date: 14/08/2023
• What the ISO/IEC 27001 doesn’t cover: N/A
• ISO 28000:2007 certification: No
• CSA STAR certification: No
• PCI certification: No
• Cyber essentials: No
• Cyber essentials plus: No
• Other security certifications: No

Social Value

• Social Value:

  Social Value

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

  Fighting climate change

  Providing cloud services can significantly contribute to delivering environmental benefits and supporting net zero greenhouse gas emissions. ; Here’s how:; 1. Energy Efficiency and Carbon Reduction:; o Cloud computing offers a more sustainable approach compared to traditional on-premises infrastructure. By moving to a consumption-based cloud model, businesses can potentially reduce their energy use and carbon footprint.; o Advantages include efficient hardware utilisation through virtualisation, dynamic provisioning of services based on business needs, and leveraging ongoing investments made by cloud providers.; o According to Accenture, cloud utilisation can reduce carbon emissions by 35-45% compared to legacy IT systems.; o European data centre research suggests that cloud infrastructure could reduce energy usage for running business applications by nearly 80% compared to on-premises data centers.; o Google also reports significant electricity savings resulting from a move to cloud services.; ; In summary, cloud services offer flexibility, scalability, and potential environmental benefits. By aligning with providers committed to sustainability, we and our customers can contribute to net zero greenhouse gas emissions and promote environmental protection across staff, suppliers, customers, and communities

  Covid-19 recovery

  Pond have grown steadily over the past 20+ years, and every additional project or customer contributes to this ongoing growth. ; Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit, we, along with most other companies have had to adapt and rethink how we work. ; Our own growth helps the local community by providing additional job opportunities, and we are very active with apprenticeship and training schemes. ; The cloud services and migration projects supplied to our customers further aids recovery from the affects on Business of COVID-19, such as much more flexible working arrangements (whilst maintaining security) and it is easier to provide a secure working environment. This in turn supports the physical and mental health of everyone in the workplace.

  Tackling economic inequality

  Supporting local, privately owned companies can play a crucial role in addressing economic inequality. By choosing smaller businesses, we achieve the following:; ; Job Creation: Small companies create local jobs, contributing to community well-being and reducing income disparities.; ; Fair Practices: We treat employees fairly, providing better wages, perks and working conditions.; ; Innovation: Competition from small firms encourages innovation, benefiting consumers and the economy. We are also not bound by the red tape often present with large multi-national companies.; ; Social Responsibility: Many small businesses prioritise ethical practices, inspiring larger corporations to follow suit.; ; Inclusive Supply Chains: Including smaller suppliers promotes economic participation and wealth distribution.

  Equal opportunity

  Diverse Leadership and Inclusion: Being an entrepreneurial company, means we have a flatter organisational structure, allowing for more direct influence on decision-making. By awarding contracts to us, we encourage diverse leadership, including women, minorities, and underrepresented groups. ; Local Economic Impact: We are deeply rooted in the local community. When we thrive, it creates jobs and stimulates economic growth. By supporting us, we contribute to reducing income disparities within regions and provide employment opportunities for a broader range of individuals.; Flexible Practices: We can adapt quickly and are more agile in implementing policies that promote equal opportunity. Initiatives such as flexible work arrangements, mentorship programs, and training are tailored to individual needs.; Inclusive Supply Chains: Including SME businesses in supply chains creates opportunities for economic participation. These companies often prioritise local sourcing and diverse suppliers, leading to a more equitable distribution of wealth.

  Wellbeing

  We aim to promote staff wellbeing in the following areas:; Workplace Culture: Create a positive environment where employees feel valued and respected.; Flexible Work: Offer flexible hours and remote options to balance work and personal life.; Health Measures: Prioritise health and safety, including ergonomic workstations and wellness programs.; Social Connections: Encourage team-building and friendships within the workplace, including social events outside of working hours. ; Mental Health Support: Raise awareness, provide resources, and reduce stigma.

Pricing

• Price: £9.00 to £100 a user a month
• Discount for educational organisations: Yes

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