Public Services Network (PSN) Version 4 CoSocius Workshop Briefing for Schools and Q & A

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1 Context This document summarises the key topics and questions covered during the Public Services Network (PSN) Workshops for Schools between 2 April and 15 May 2014 together with additional guidance notes. It is intended to provide a useful ongoing reference for all Schools. Note that PSN support will continue as required through the roll out programme, this will Include content delivered at the CoSocius School Forums. Useful Links PSN launch Publicity from Cheshire East Council and Cheshire West & Chester Council Note that CoSocius is the new name for Cheshire Shared Services. The company will manage the PSN contract on behalf of both Councils. Your Managed Internet Service The current service provides schools with broadband internet services for curriculum and management purposes. PSN will replace and improve this broadband provision. The range of the service was discussed on several occasions during the workshop. We thought it would be helpful therefore to list the full scope as set out below. Please note the scale of the products on offer is likely to be substantially wider than that available from other suppliers. If in doubt on any aspect of this service please feel free to contact us through our dedicated PSN address, see bottom of this document for details. The service includes: Connectivity to the Internet Domain name administration Fixed IP addresses for internally hosted systems A firewall which screens all inbound and outbound traffic. This protects academies' computers and servers from outside hackers, penetrations, system scans and unauthorised breaches Content filtering to prevent the access of inappropriate websites (smoothwall) Schools can add website to block and unblock for their own school using Swurl Usage monitoring and reporting through a variety of tools. Access to the telephony service featuring free telephone calls to most Council offices and all other Cheshire schools and academies that use the service, delivering real savings through free internal calls and cheaper local calls Access to the Councils Intranet Access to Oracle (IBS) Access to Remote PC/Server Backup (RBUSS powered by Redstor) Access to the Corporate service making communication easier and quicker Access to Schools HR Services Access to the CoSocius Online Service Desk where you can log calls online 24/7. Page 1

2 Q1. How does PSN fit in within the overall technical infrastructure? PSN will replace and substantially improve the current Broadband infrastructure. It will also improve the overall security of the network, providing a future proof standard for collaboration with other local authorities and public bodies. An example of this would be a common and trusted security platform between Social Care agencies and a school. Q2. When will the pricing structure for PSN be published? Cosocius is working through the detail with both Councils to ensure the optimum price model for the benefit of all schools. It is anticipated that the final charging structure will be signed off by the Councils in May. We fully appreciate that this sign off is later than anticipated but please be assured we are very focussed on implementing pricing arrangements that are sustainable for all concerned. Q3. How will PSN pricing be communicated to schools? The pricing arrangements will be communicated by your Council through the normal communication channels using the SBSA and ChESS Q4. If I am not on PSN can we still use secure websites such as S2S (SIMS) and DfE? Not being on PSN does not compromise your ability to connect to other websites. However, the link between each website may not be as secure as PSN. Q5. Will I need a new addresses? New addresses are not required as a consequence of PSN implementation. Q6. Are there any changes to the responsibility for data security as a result of PSN? Head Teachers will continue to be responsible and accountable as data controllers. Cosocius, as the Data processors will remain responsible for the security, control and compliance of the data. Q7. What is the position with Academies, will they be charged more? Academies will not be treated differently to any other school. Q8. What happens with schools that have children s centres attached to them? PSN is also being implemented for Children s centres. There will be different standards applied at a corporate level (within other Council services). However, this will not in any way affect the service to schools. Q9. How will PSN work where a School acts as a core site for other schools? The current dependency on a core site will be removed. Each school will have a direct connection to the core network at the exchange level. Q10. Will PSN replace the Managed Internet Service for schools? PSN is a key component of the Managed Internet Service (see above) which also includes a range of other products delivered as a service wrapper. Q11. Will a school be able to buy more bandwidth to take account of increased use of technology? All Schools will have the opportunity to purchase additional bandwidth at any time in excess of the standard 10MB (Primary Schools) 20MB (Secondary Schools) delivered through PSN. The Page 2

3 additional bandwidth increments are controlled and competitive due to the way CoSocius have constructed the tender and contract for PSN. Q12. How much notice will there be before work starts? Each School will receive a call from the supplier who will provide at least one weeks notice. Q13. When are schools likely to receive phone calls? The roll out programme begins in July with the full implementation due to finish March Q14. Is PSN just an internet connection? PSN is effectively a network of networks which offers greater security and provides further opportunities for collaboration for all Public Sector organisations within the network. Q15. Will Click into Cheshire still work if you are not on PSN? Click into Cheshire will still work to allow you to access other services but may not appear as seamless to the end user as that offered through PSN. Q16. Is Social Care part of the PSN upgrade? Yes, all Council services are being upgraded to PSN. Q17. Can upload speed be guaranteed? Yes it is, as opposed to an up to service. So, for example, 10MB means 10MB, all the time. Q18. Is it contended? (I.E. do other users have access to the School line?) There are a small number of Schools within Cheshire West & Chester that will have a contended connection. However, to put this into context the contention rate is 4:1 whereas a typical business service is, at best, 10:1 and a standard internet connection around 50:1. All other schools will have a dedicated line for their own use as opposed to the contended service provided at the moment. Q19 Is PSN just delivered through fibre broadband? No, PSN is available through both copper and fibre. Note however that the Government initiative for superfast broadband (through fibre), managed through Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK), may offer further opportunities for service improvements and price efficiencies in the future. Q20. What will happen to the Smoothwall filtering, will the change result in a bottle neck? Smoothwall will continue to exist without any deterioration in service Q21. What does the Data Traffic Management software do? This software, which is built into the new routers that will be installed at each site, will automatically prioritise certain categories of data e.g. voice and video to ensure appropriate quality of service is provided. There are six levels of configuration available. Voice and video are two of these levels, but there also four application levels. There is a configuration for each business need. The data management becomes effective when the network is busy and provides optimum use of important applications. Page 3

4 Q22. Do we have to upgrade to PSN? PSN is a UK Government initiative. Cheshire East and Cheshire West & Chester Councils, in association with ten other regional public sector organisations, have invested in this initiative to deliver significant benefits to all stakeholders. Schools are not required to upgrade to PSN but if they choose to consider other suppliers instead it is highly recommended that they talk to CoSocius first (contact list at the bottom of this document) to ensure they are able to make an informed decision before purchase (see also Q28) Q23. What is the contract term? The initial PSN contract is for twelve months. Further work will be undertaken during 2014 to examine the options to offer extended contract lengths, including the use of discounts for longer term contracts. Q24. What happens if fewer schools upgrade to PSN, now or in the future, will prices go up? The intention will always be to ensure the PSN price remains as competitive as possible compared to alternative suppliers. Further information will be made available when the pricing structure is finalised. Q25. In terms of the upgrade are the engineers aware of school holidays? The suppliers, Updata, are very familiar with the school holiday arrangements and will plan accordingly. Q26. If we have to communicate securely does this mean we can t ring the Firestation? PSN does not affect the ability to communicate with the emergency services. Q27. Is it a single link or will there be a backup link into school? PSN comprises a single link with an extremely high degree of resilience. A backup link can be installed if there is a need but this would need to be funded by the school. Q28. Why is PSN going to be better than say, BT? We believe CoSocius delivers an unrivalled offering, particularly on the range of products available through our Managed Internet Service (see page 1 for a summary). PSN will be the next step change in service delivery with, for example, uncontended service for the vast majority of schools (see Q18). If Schools decide to look at other suppliers it is highly recommended that they ensure they compare services on a like for like basis to allow them to make an informed decision. More information can be provided by CoSocius using the contact details below. Q29. Will data still be secure if not on PSN? Secure internet sites e.g. Government agencies will still be secure. However, it is not possible to comment on the level of broadband security offered by other suppliers. Q30. Can you confirm that if all schools asked they could have 60MB? The PSN infrastructure offers scalable bandwidth up to 100MB for each School. Further bandwidth increments will be available for purchase from 100MB to 1000MB. Page 4

5 Q31. Do we get to look at the Data Traffic Management system? We will look to deliver further workshops to support Schools in the ongoing use of the enhanced services delivered through PSN, including the DTM system. Q32. Can we manage our own switches? From a schools perspective the Local Area Network (LAN) can be managed by the school if this is done already or they choose to do so. However, the router on the school site (which connects the school to the Wide Area Network (WAN)) can only be managed by the supplier of the service. Q33. Does PSN use the phone line? Should the technology require a phone line (PSTN) then this will be provided. If a phone line is currently available then this can be used. Q34. Does my IT technician need to be available during migration This is not absolutely necessary for the change to be implemented but it would obviously be helpful if the technician is on site at the time. Q35. Where is the sticker located that will identify to BT where the line connection needs to be made? The blue sticker will be located in your network communications room. If you have several network rooms there will only be one sticker. Q36. Could you provide confirmation of the acceptance criteria (a check list?) required for the School to sign off the delivery of the change. Yes, we will distribute a check list to all schools by the end of May. Q37. How long is the pilot before the full roll out starts in July? The pilot will take place during June. Q38. When the prices are advertised will they reflect how many devices can be supported? No, it is very difficult to be prescriptive in terms of the number of devices that a particular PSN bandwidth will support as the way schools use devices will vary. For example, two hundred ipads may use less bandwidth than a handful of the same or similar devices as they are not accessing the internet on a regular basis, just using their local applications. Q39. What is the standard package being offered to schools? See Q11 for the standard bandwidth offering Q40. Timescales could be a problem during school holidays. Will this be taken into account? Yes, the school will have the option of changing the date offered to them if this is not suitable (see also Question 25). Page 5

6 Q41. Will Academies remain on the current pricing structure timelines (7/12ths and 5/12ths)? This will be kept under review but there are no plans to change these arrangements at the moment. Q42. Is there consultation regarding what schools need in terms of Business Impact level (BIL) No, the procurement has a base line standard of impact level 2. Q43. Is the exchange going to be upgraded? Yes, in most circumstances. This will not affect the school in any way. Q44. If a school is already with updata but are experiencing problems (e.g. getting cable from outside of the school to the cabinet) will this improve with the implementation of PSN? The way the service is currently delivered is bound by its existing contracts, including the strength of the contract. The new contract is much more robust in respect of service levels and is also monitored at Cabinet Office level. Q45. How long until all schools are on PSN? The full roll out for all sites is scheduled for completion by 31 March Q46. What level are schools buying and is there an indication of broadband speed? Above the standard allocation of 10MB (Primary schools) and 20MB (Secondary schools) all schools will have the flexibility to purchase extra MB in standard increments to meet their requirements. Q47. Where a school has an NHS location attached to them, with the school using copper and the NHS location using fibre, what is will happen as a result of PSN? There are some sites that have a greater complexity in their design. They will have to be reviewed on a case by case basis. With direct reference to the question, technically it is possible to use fibre but it is dependent on the contract the NHS has with the fibre provider. Q49. What will happen to the filtering, will this change as a result of PSN? There will be no change to the existing services on offer. Q50. Will PSN work with Esspresso? Yes, PSN will work with Esspresso. Q51. If a school is attached to a hub and the hub goes to PSN first what happens to the schools that are attached? If the hub site goes first, then the satellite sites will still remain on their existing provision until PSN is rolled out to them. However, we will endeavour to upgrade satellite sites as quickly as possible. Page 6

7 Q52. Will the CoSocius Forums include PSN content? Yes, The CoSocius School Forums are intended to deliver relevant content at all times and so there will be an opportunity to discuss progress on PSN. Q53. What are the baseline bandwidths being provided to schools and what options are available if schools think this bandwidth is insufficient for their needs. The standard bandwidth offered through PSN is 10MB for Primary Schools and 20MB for Secondary Schools (see also Q11). Schools can also purchase additional bandwidth at structured incremental levels to meet their needs. Q55. How can a school confirm the speed, bandwidth etc. they currently have and how much will they require for the future. The introduction of PSN will provide a much more robust and reliable bandwidth service compared to the existing network e.g. the 10MB standard will mean 10MB (subject to small KB variations on either side). CoSocius will work with schools, using information provided through survey responses and site visits, to provide appropriate advice and allow schools to make an informed decision on the level of bandwidth required. PSN Contacts Anthony Penwright Anthony.Penwright@cosocius.co.uk Mike Lally michael.lally@cosocius.co.uk Alternatively PSN enquiries - CMPSN-PMO@cosocius.co.uk PSN Project Lead Interim Business Relationship Manager for Schools Page 7