Wavenet

Azure Files (PaaS)

Azure Files offers fully managed file shares in the cloud, accessible via the SMB and NFS protocols. It eliminates the need for on-premises file servers, providing a scalable, secure, and efficient solution for storing and sharing files.

Features

• Fully managed storage: No need to maintain on-premises file servers.
• Scalability: Store and share large data across multiple file shares.
• High availability: Automatic failover and redundancy for uninterrupted access.
• High-performance access: Supports SMB and NFS protocols.
• Built-in security: Encryption, access control, and network isolation.
• Integration: Works seamlessly with Azure AD, Backup, and Site Recovery.
• Tiering: optimizes storage for performance, cost, and accessibility

Benefits

• Scalability: Easily scale storage capacity as your needs grow.
• Global Accessibility: Access files from anywhere with an internet connection.
• Backup and Recovery: Built-in backup and restore capabilities.
• Cost-Effective: Pay only for what you use.
• Resiliency: Reliable storage for critical data.
• Easy Access: No special setup; just navigate to mounted share.

£50 to £1,000 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 publicsector@wavenet.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

926922093752062

Contact

Joe Ewins
0333 234 0011
publicsector@wavenet.co.uk

Service scope

• Service constraints: Number of storage accounts per region per subscription - 500. Maximum storage account capacity - Up to 5 PiB (standard – more available by request) and 100 TiB (premium). Maximum concurrent request rate - 20,000 IOPS (standard) and 102,400 IOPS (premium).
• System requirements:
  • Server Message Block (SMB) or Network File System (NFS)
  • SMB 3.x for direct mounting via the public endpoint

User support

• Email or online ticketing support: Yes, at extra cost
• Support response times: Wavenet support - 1 hour response time inside core working hours 9-5 Monday-Friday UK time. Extended hours 8-8 Monday-Friday available with same SLA. Out of Hours support available with 1 hour response for critical issues. Microsoft infrastructure-level support is 24/7/365 for underlying, abstracted hardware
• 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: Any customers on managed support will have a dedicated account manager and will be assigned a support team of engineers ranging from 1st line to 3rd line in ability. Escalation points are available with optional to follow through with issues until resolution. Costs vary depending on the Azure resources being supported.
• Support available to third parties: No

Onboarding and offboarding

• Getting started: Wavenet's team of Professional Services Consultants, including Azure Technical Architects, deliver a low-level design and implementation service for Azure. Typically Wavenet will lead discovery and consultation sessions to establish user requirements before implementing the solution. This may then be optionally maintained by Wavenet in the form of a managed service or handed over to the User should they retain suitable technical capabilities in-house. In the case of handover, detailed low-level design documentation will be shared with the user and in-depth handover meetings will take place, in addition to securely delegating access to the environment itself to the user.
• Service documentation: Yes
• Documentation formats: PDF
• End-of-contract data extraction: Customer are able to remove their data at any time through the same means they uploaded. Either over their network (internet or express route) or via the Azure Import/Export services. Also see https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/trustcenter/privacy
• End-of-contract process: Please see https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/trustcenter/privacy/you-own-your-data. Microsoft contractually commits to specific processes when a customer leaves a cloud service or the subscription expires. This includes deleting customer data from systems under our control. If you terminate a cloud subscription or it expires (except for free trials), Microsoft will store your customer data in a limited-function account for 90 days (the “retention period”) to give you time to extract the data or renew your subscription. During this period, Microsoft provides multiple notices, so you will be amply forewarned of the upcoming deletion of data. After this 90-day retention period, Microsoft will disable the account and delete the customer data, including any cached or backup copies. For in-scope services, that deletion will occur within 90 days after the end of the retention period.

Using the service

• Web browser interface: Yes
• Using the web interface: Azure Management Portal provides ability to configure Azure Management Groups, Policies, Subscriptions, Resource Groups. Deploy and configure Azure resources such as Virtual Machines, Storage Accounts, Virtual Networks, Backup and Recovery services. All access is governed by Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) and Identity and Access Management (IAM) governed by aforementioned Management Groups and Policies, in conjunction with Azure roles and Microsoft Entra ID Conditional Access
• Web interface accessibility standard: WCAG 2.1 AA or EN 301 549
• Web interface accessibility testing: See https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/accessibility/
• API: Yes
• What users can and can't do using the API: The Azure REST API serves as a vital interface for developers to interact programmatically with Azure services. This API empowers users to automate tasks, manage resources, and integrate Azure functionalities into custom applications efficiently. With RESTful endpoints, developers can perform a myriad of operations such as provisioning and configuring resources, querying status, accessing metadata, and monitoring performance. The API offers extensive capabilities, enabling users to deploy, scale, and manage services across Azure's diverse ecosystem. Additionally, it provides access to billing information, facilitating cost management and optimization. Security is paramount, and the API supports various authentication methods, including Azure Active Directory (AAD) tokens, ensuring secure access to resources. Its flexibility allows for seamless integration with third-party tools and platforms, enabling developers to build dynamic, agile workflows tailored to their specific needs. Moreover, the API's scalability accommodates diverse use cases, from small-scale applications to enterprise-grade solutions. Overall, the Azure REST API streamlines development processes, enhances productivity, and empowers users to leverage Azure's vast array of services effectively.
• API automation tools:
  • Terraform
  • Other
• Other API automation tools: Bicep
• API documentation: Yes
• API documentation formats: HTML
• Command line interface: Yes
• Command line interface compatibility:
  • Linux or Unix
  • Windows
  • MacOS
• Using the command line interface: Any and all options available in the Azure GUI are configurable via CLI, with some additional options, for example deployment of Legacy Azure Networking SKUs may only be accomplished via CLI

Scaling

• Scaling available: Yes
• Scaling type: Automatic
• Independence of resources: Azure’s robust isolation mechanisms ensure that users remain unaffected by the demands placed by other tenants. Your Azure Files access remains secure and performs consistently, even when other users are heavily utilizing the service
• Usage notifications: Yes
• Usage reporting: Email

Analytics

• Infrastructure or application metrics: Yes
• Metrics types:
  • Disk
  • Network
  • Other
• Other metrics:
  • File Capacity
  • File Count
  • Availability
  • Egress
  • Ingress
  • Latency
  • Transactions
• Reporting types:
  • Real-time dashboards
  • Regular reports
  • Reports on request

Resellers

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

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: 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: ‘IT Health Check’ performed by a CHECK service provider
• Protecting data at rest:
  • Physical access control, complying with CSA CCM v3.0
  • Physical access control, complying with SSAE-16 / ISAE 3402
  • Physical access control, complying with another standard
  • Encryption of all physical media
  • Scale, obfuscating techniques, or data storage sharding
  • Other
• Other data at rest protection approach: Data in Azure is encrypted at rest by default. See: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/security/fundamentals/physical-security and https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/storage/common/storage-service-encryption
• 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

Backup and recovery

• Backup and recovery: Yes
• What’s backed up: Azure Files shares
• Backup controls: Azure Backup policies can be configured to protect the supported workload as required and the backup policy can run automatically on a predetermined schedule.
• Datacentre setup: Multiple datacentres with disaster recovery
• Scheduling backups: Users contact the support team to schedule backups
• Backup recovery: Users can recover backups themselves, for example through a web interface

Data-in-transit protection

• Data protection between buyer and supplier networks: Other
• Other protection between networks: Azure virtual networks entirely segregated from Wavenet's network.
• Data protection within supplier network:
  • TLS (version 1.2 or above)
  • Other
• Other protection within supplier network: Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), Multi-Factor Authentication

Availability and resilience

• Guaranteed availability: See Microsoft's Service Level Agreements (SLA) for online services: https://www.microsoft.com/licensing/docs/view/Service-Level-Agreements-SLA-for-Online-Services?lang=1
• Approach to resilience: Numerous options are available to increase resilience subject to workload and business importance including (but not limited to) distribution of data and compute instances across multiple datacenters or Azure regions, synchronous or asynchronous replication of data for disaster recovery, robust encrypted and immutable backups
• Outage reporting: Platform level outages are reported publicly via: https://azure.status.microsoft/en-gb/status. Individual servers/applications are proactively monitored and incidents raised with Wavenet helpdesk to remedy as required

Identity and authentication

• User authentication:
  • 2-factor authentication
  • Identity federation with existing provider (for example Google apps)
  • Dedicated link (for example VPN)
  • Username or password
  • Other
• Other user authentication: Conditional Access governs access based on logon location, device used for access and its compliance status.
• Access restrictions in management interfaces and support channels: Microsoft Entra ID (Microsoft's cloud-based Identity provider) provides advanced identity management functionality such as Multi-factor authentication, device registration, self-service password management, self-service group management, privileged identity management and role-based access.
• Access restriction testing frequency: At least once a year
• Management access authentication:
  • 2-factor authentication
  • Identity federation with existing provider (for example Google Apps)
• Devices users manage the service through:
  • Dedicated device on a segregated network (providers own provision)
  • 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)

Audit information for users

• Access to user activity audit information: Users receive audit information on a regular basis
• How long user audit data is stored for: User-defined
• Access to supplier activity audit information: Users receive audit information on a regular basis
• 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: URS
• ISO/IEC 27001 accreditation date: June 2023
• What the ISO/IEC 27001 doesn’t cover: A10.1.2 (we do not create encryption keys)
• ISO 28000:2007 certification: No
• CSA STAR certification: No
• PCI certification: No
• Cyber essentials: Yes
• Cyber essentials plus: Yes
• Other security certifications: Yes
• Any other security certifications: Crest certified (January 2024)

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: Wavenet is an ISO27001 certified company and we adhear to the standard and has an Information security management system drawn from ISO27002 and we follow the NIST standard for cyber securit framework, we are audited on this standard annually, Wavenet is also a CE+ certified company

Operational security

• Configuration and change management standard: Supplier-defined controls
• Configuration and change management approach: Wavenet conform to ISO2000
• Vulnerability management type: Supplier-defined controls
• Vulnerability management approach: Wavenet conform to and follow the NIST standard and ISO27002
• Protective monitoring type: Supplier-defined controls
• Protective monitoring approach: We have continual monitoring with EDR solution feeding into a SIEM that is monitored 24/7 that is monitored by SOC
• Incident management type: Supplier-defined controls
• Incident management approach: Wavenet is ISO27001 certified and we follow the playbook as part of our certification.

Secure development

• Approach to secure software development best practice: Supplier-defined process

Separation between users

• Virtualisation technology used to keep applications and users sharing the same infrastructure apart: Yes
• Who implements virtualisation: Third-party
• Third-party virtualisation provider: Hyper V
• How shared infrastructure is kept separate: Logical separation of Azure resources into subscriptions associated with individual client Azure tenants. Access governed by Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and Conditional Access.

Energy efficiency

• Energy-efficient datacentres: Yes
• Description of energy efficient datacentres: We leverage Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and purchase energy attribute certificates (EACs) to increase our renewable energy coverage.

Social Value

• Social Value:

  Social Value

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

  Fighting climate change

  At Wavenet we recognise that we are accountable to more than just our shareholders. As a large business with a significant workforce and offices nationwide, we are working hard to incorporate considerations around sustainability into every business process, reducing our impact on the world around us. ; ; We understand our responsibility to society and the environment. Achieving the Ecovadis Gold certification validates our comprehensive approach spanning environmental concerns, ethical business practices, human rights, and sustainable procurement. Our journey towards Ecovadis Platinum by 2024 underscores our ongoing commitment to progress.; ; Innovation at Wavenet is synonymous with sustainability. Our product portfolio prioritises eco-conscious solutions, empowering customers to embrace sustainable technologies. Whether it's our hardware-free hosted voice systems or energy-efficient cloud computing solutions, we facilitate choices that minimise environmental impact and enhance operational efficiency. Our stringent processes ensure sustainability throughout the product lifecycle, from ethical sourcing practices to responsible disposal of legacy equipment in compliance with UK regulations.; ; People and processes are pivotal in our sustainability mission. Through a formal Carbon Reduction Plan, we rigorously monitor and mitigate our environmental footprint, engaging our workforce in initiatives aimed at conserving natural resources. Despite pandemic-induced reductions in business travel, we remain committed to sustainable mobility solutions. Our transition to hybrid and electric vehicles, coupled with employee incentives like the electric car scheme and Cycle to Work program, reflects our dedication to greener commuting alternatives.; ; Crucially, sustainability isn't just a top-down directive; it's ingrained in our corporate culture. Our workforce actively participates in planning and executing sustainability initiatives, with dedicated champions driving eco-friendly practices both in our offices and beyond. From recycling initiatives to lifestyle changes promoting environmental consciousness, our employees play a pivotal role in fostering a sustainable future, both within Wavenet and in their communities.

  Covid-19 recovery

  In the wake of the UK's exit from lockdown restrictions, Wavenet initiated a more flexible approach to workplace dynamics. Departing from the conventional mandate of requiring colleagues to be physically present in the office five days a week, the company encouraged a shift towards a hybrid model. Initially, colleagues were urged to return to the office for two days weekly, a measure subsequently extended to three days. This adjustment has yielded numerous benefits, notably fostering enhanced collaboration and bolstering team cohesion.; ; Acknowledging the concerns of colleagues hesitant to resume office attendance, Wavenet proactively conducted welfare meetings with them. These discussions served to elucidate individual apprehensions and collaboratively devise strategies to facilitate a smooth transition back to the office environment.; ; The employment environment has changed as the company has adopted a more flexible working style, with employees spending less hours in the office each week. This adjustment has reduced office congestion, making it easier to follow health-related social distancing guidelines. With fewer people in the workspace at once, colleagues may keep safe distances, reducing the risks of close contact. While new recruits are contractually designated the office as their permanent place of work, they are expected, in practice, to be physically present for a maximum of three days per week.; ; In response to the challenges precipitated by the COVID-19 pandemic, Wavenet has expanded its benefits package. Notably, the introduction of an Employee Assistance Programme underscores the company's commitment to supporting the holistic well-being of its workforce. Furthermore, recognising the importance of nurturing emerging talent and contributing to community development, Wavenet has embarked on an initiative to onboard apprentices. This endeavour not only fuels the company's growth trajectory but also offers invaluable work experience and formal qualifications to aspiring individuals seeking entry into the job market.

  Tackling economic inequality

  Wavenet's commitment to economic equality and social responsibility was solidified in 2023 when we became a Living Wage Employer, guaranteeing all employees a wage that aligns with the actual cost of living in the UK. This dedication was reaffirmed in May 2024 when the company implemented a 10% increase in line with rising living costs.; ; The Living Wage Foundation's meticulous methodology is the bedrock of our fair wage practices. Each year, they rigorously compute the cost of a standard shopping basket, encompassing essentials like groceries, energy bills, childcare, and transportation. This thorough analysis enables them to determine the actual cost of living, guiding Living Wage Employers like Wavenet in setting appropriate pay rates for our employees.; ; As advocates for the Living Wage movement, Wavenet and the Living Wage Foundation empower individuals and families to break free from poverty cycles and flourish with dignity. This partnership not only champions fair compensation but also encourages other businesses to adopt equitable wage practices, fostering community upliftment.; ; Recognising the importance of nurturing talent, Wavenet has welcomed apprentices into its ranks, providing opportunities for young individuals struggling to find their career paths. Emphasising workplace diversity, the company acknowledges the role of varied perspectives in driving growth and prosperity. With core values centred on innovation, change embracement, diversity appreciation, and social and environmental responsibility, Wavenet collaborates with clients across sectors, both large and small, to innovate products and enhancements that spur growth opportunities.; ; By prioritising fair compensation, talent development, and diversity, Wavenet not only upholds its values but also enhances employee motivation, productivity, and societal equity. This holistic approach underscores the company's commitment to fostering a fair and thriving workplace environment while actively contributing to broader social and economic betterment.

  Equal opportunity

  Wavenet proudly upholds the principles of equal opportunity employment, actively encouraging individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply for positions within the company. Embracing inclusivity, we provide support to colleagues with disabilities and long-term health issues, fostering an environment where every individual feels valued and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents.; ; Internal progression is a cornerstone of our organisational culture, as evidenced by our practice of advertising vacant roles internally and providing comprehensive support for colleagues' career development endeavours. We prioritise the advancement of our workforce by funding qualifications and offering tailored training programs aimed at enhancing skills and competencies.; ; As champions for equitable compensation, Wavenet pays all employees the real living wage, above the government-mandated minimum wage, to help them afford rising costs. Our true living wage employer certification shows our commitment to economic fairness and employee well-being.; ; With a workforce exceeding 950 individuals, Wavenet is obligated to report and publish our annual gender pay gap, a responsibility we take seriously. Over the past year, concerted efforts have resulted in a marginal reduction of the gender pay gap, reflecting our ongoing commitment to fostering gender equality within the workplace.; ; Prior to commencing employment, Wavenet diligently verifies that all prospective staff are legally entitled to work in the United Kingdom, adhering to regulatory requirements and ethical standards. Our policies and procedures are meticulously crafted to ensure a non-discriminatory and respectful working environment, where every employee feels valued and safe to voice concerns without fear of reprisal.; ; Embedded within our organizational ethos is a steadfast commitment to ethical conduct and integrity, as outlined in the The Wavenet Code of Conduct. This commitment extends to interactions with employees, partners, and customers alike, reinforcing our dedication to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and ethical behaviour in all facets of our operations.

  Wellbeing

  At Wavenet, the wellbeing of our colleagues is at the heart of everything we do. We're committed to providing a supportive environment where every team member can thrive both personally and professionally. Our comprehensive range of employee benefits and schemes reflects this dedication to nurturing a holistic sense of wellbeing.; ; One of the cornerstones of our approach is ensuring access to top-tier healthcare through our private medical care program. This ensures that our employees and their families have access to prompt medical attention whenever needed. Additionally, our life assurance coverage offers peace of mind, providing financial security to our team members and their loved ones.; ; We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we offer a holiday buying scheme. This empowers our employees to tailor their time off to suit their individual needs, enabling them to recharge and return to work refreshed. Our cycle to work scheme not only promotes physical activity but also supports eco-friendly commuting options, contributing to personal and environmental wellbeing simultaneously.; ; In alignment with our commitment to sustainability, we've implemented an electric car scheme to incentivise the adoption of greener transportation alternatives, reducing emissions and supporting environmentally conscious choices.; ; Mental health support is paramount, which is why we've established an employee assistance programme. This confidential counselling service provides resources to navigate personal and professional challenges, ensuring that our team members feel supported and valued.; ; Furthermore, we've trained Mental Health First Responders in each office. These individuals are equipped to offer immediate support and guidance to colleagues in times of need, ensuring that mental health remains a priority throughout our organisation.; ; We also provide fresh fruit in each office, promoting wellbeing through healthy eating habits. Additionally, we welcome dogs into the office every Friday, recognising the positive impact they have on morale and stress relief.

Pricing

• Price: £50 to £1,000 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 publicsector@wavenet.co.uk. Tell them what format you need. It will help if you say what assistive technology you use.