Hosting & Infrastructure (DSCR)

Owned by Martin Eland
Last updated: 30-05-2024 by Claire Hessey
IDS84
Version1.0.1
TypeOverarching Standard
StatusPublished
Effective Date

 

Framework(s)Digital Social Care Records
Traceability Matrix


Description

Supports best practices for infrastructure and hosting of systems. For example, ensuring that systems are cost effective, secure and energy efficient.

It is essential that Solutions delivered under the Catalogue or the Catalogue Agreement (the Framework)follow standards and guidance that are cost effective, secure, reliable, resilient, safe, manageable and energy efficient. In addition it is a Supplier's responsibility to ensure they fully understand industry standards and best practice and cannot rely on the Authority explicitly defining requirements at a point in time. The UK Government promoted a 'Cloud First' policy and since 2018, hosting within a public cloud has become a reality for health based services. The Technology Strategy has a fundamental principle of delivery of services via cloud provision and specifically the architecting of Solutions to be cloud native. The Authority recognises that cloud hosting may not be appropriate for some services e.g. based on the sensitive and scale of data or the manner in which the service is architected.

Fundamentally there are three core options for hosting services:-

For Digital Social Care Records (DSCR) Suppliers, only Cloud hosting Standards are applicable.


Hosting OptionDescriptionPreference StatusLevelSection
Cloud – Public or PrivateThe Public / Private cloud provider offers self-managed virtualised, elastic/on demand scalable infrastructure as a service where the cloud provider owns the underlying data centres and physical infrastructure. The Supplier rents the use of the virtualised infrastructure.Strongly Preferred

Suppliers SHOULD host Solutions via one of these options.



NHS Cloud Hosting Standards & Guidance

Colocation

The physical infrastructure is owned by the Supplier and hosting of the physical infrastructure is provided within the Colo providers data centres, The management of the infrastructure can be done by the Colo provider, a 3rd party or the Supplier themselves.

Preferred

Colocation & Provider Data centre Standards

Provider own facilitiesThe data centres and physical infrastructure are owned by the Supplier. The management of the infrastructure can be done by a 3rd party or the Supplier themselves.Not recommended

The Authority does not recommend the Suppliers should attempt to host services themselves due to the cost and complexity of providing data centre capabilities that meet the necessary requirements.

Given the potential security and service risks associated with the local hosting of services, the Catalogue or the Catalogue Agreement (the Framework) will not formally assure it. Buyers purchasing services which are locally hosted will be required to satisfy themselves that the security and service risks are mitigated and managed appropriately.

The Standards to support infrastructure and hosting are split into two sections, depending on the mechanism being deployed:-

  • Cloud – Based on published NHS wide risk assessments and guidance.

  • Colocation / provider facilities – specific requirements and assurance processes.


NHS Cloud Hosting Standards & Guidance

The following is a summary of the "NHS and social care data: off-shoring and the use of public cloud services" gathered from cloud guidance information published by the Authority. It makes clear what evidence is to be sought from a Supplier, where it is deemed necessary to assure compliance with the 4 step process.

Some key points of note:

  • All decisions in relation to the security of data are the responsibility of the data controller(s). Also, in many cases Organisations will have a Senior Information Risk Owner responsible for data and cyber security.
  • Where a professional body exists, there is certainly merit in seeking their approval for the migration of data to cloud, but ultimately the data controller remains the key approver.
  • Data Controllers need to understand the risks of moving to cloud, and any impact.
  • Data controllers must take into account the standard CIA triad (Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability), and also other relevant factors, including, but not limited to, cost, security, resilience, capability and funding.


The 4 steps to inform the data controller on a risk based decision are detailed below.

Step 1 - Understand the data

All data managed by Health or Care Organisations should be treated as OFFICIAL or OFFICIAL-SENSITIVE data, in line with the Government Security Classification Policy.

The Authority has further elaborated the very broad classifications. The Health and Social Care Cloud Risk Model is more granular than the Government Security Classification Policy.

EVIDENCE requested for step 1:

  1. The Supplier needs to provide evidence that they have identified all data, data types, and attributes, and assessed it against the model.
  2. Binary objects identified within the data set, such as JPEG, PDF, etc, can still be classified by their content. The Supplier needs to evidence an understanding of the percentage splits between data types, which may alter the overall the classification.

Step 2- Assess the Risks

The Authority's Health and Social Care data risk framework and associated data risk model are both used to establish the risk level of the data. Typically Personally Identifiable Data (PID) would be Level 5. Please refer the link NHS and social care data: off-shoring and the use of public cloud services for latest versions of Cloud risk framework and Health and social care data risk model.

EVIDENCE requested for step 2:

  1. Completed risk model indicating the risk level established from the data detailed in step 1.
  2. The Health and Social Care Cloud Risk Model also considers service classification (Bronze/Silver/Gold/Platinum), and Suppliers will need a statement to back-up their selection of the classification.

Step 3 - Implement the appropriate controls

Health or Care Organisations, such as a GPs, retain the data controller responsibilities and they are therefore ultimately responsible for ensuring that proportionate controls are put in place to mitigate all risks. The data controllers may rightly request to see these controls (proposed by the Supplier) before considering any migration to cloud.

EVIDENCE requested for step 3:

  1. The Supplier will provide evidence against section 8. Appendix A - detailed advice and guidance from the latest version of "Cloud security good practice guide" present in NHS and social care data: off-shoring and the use of public cloud services with a statement (or linked evidence) against each guidance line item which is applicable for the data classification level identified at step 2.
  2. Prior to implementation - where there are many data controllers using a Solution (such as a GP or Care Home system), the Authority would request evidence of the comms strategy to inform all data controllers, seeking any dissent based on the identified risk.
  3. Prior to implementation - consideration around GDPR: The Supplier should state they have completed and provide if requested to the Catalogue Authority, a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA), plus confirm adherence to the relevant data protection legislation.

Step 4 - Monitoring the Implementation

All cloud providers take on data processor responsibilities, with Heath or Care Organisations (e.g. GP practices or Care Homes) retaining the data controller responsibilities, and they must ensure the selected cloud provider remains fit for purpose.

Clearly where compliance is being undertaken by the Authority, the data controllers will likely be relying on the Authority's ongoing involvement e.g. NHS Security team are working annually with cloud providers to validate their industry standards compliance, including areas such as penetration testing.

EVIDENCE requested for step 4:

  1. Within a contractual framework, such as GP IT Futures, Suppliers will be obliged to evidence any external accreditations at the point of renewal. This will include those external standards evidenced during step 3.

NHS Associated Cloud Guidance Links:

Colocation and Provider Data Centre Hosting & Infrastructure Requirements

Introduction

The scope of this document covers the infrastructure requirements a Supplier must meet when providing services where a Supplier has colocated their service & infrastructure within a data centre providers facilities OR where the Supplier is using their own facilities. The requirements will cover a number of aspects including but not limited to:

  • Provision of power and cooling
  • Networking and IT Infrastructure
  • Management of the Data Centre
  • Physical presence of the data centre and the IT build processes
  • Racks
  • Mechanical and electrical plant
  • Data Floor
  • Operating Systems / Virtualisation
  • Software (Solution Management)
  • Business practices
  • Security

For the avoidance of doubt these requirements do not cover cloud provision.

Required Evidence

Unless stated otherwise, the evidence expected for each requirement is to provide formal confirmation of compliance to the requirement.

External Standards

In addition to the below requirements the following standards (or equivalent) MUST be adhered to and where appropriate, accreditation achieved with a valid certificate and a Statement of Applicability (SoA) and documented scope provided.

Req. ID
Standard
Name
Description
Level
Evidence
ES1.0

NHS and social care data: off-shoring and the use of public cloud services guidance

NHS and social care data: off-shoring and the use of public cloud services guidance

The geographical location (or specific range of locations) of the clinical data at rest and service management activities at any given time are to be known and communicated to the Authority.

Operating the Solution or elements of the Solution outside of England will be with the permission of the Authority, the data controllers and their representative Organisations..

Note: There are no absolute barriers to the off-shoring of data or services, although the requirements of UK Government IA policy must be able to be met in the overseas location. See Data Protection Act and Offshoring for statements on the offshoring of information.

MUST

Provide formal confirmation of compliance to requirement


ES2.0Sanctions, embargoes and restrictionsSanctions, embargoes and restrictions

The Supplier will require approval from the Authority of any part of the Solution that is hosted or communicates with services outside of England.

The communication between systems will not be made to those countries or states prohibited by Government Policy.

MUST

Provide formal confirmation of compliance to requirement

ES3.0Cyber Essentials PlusCertified cyber securityProtect your Organisation against cyber attack.
Cyber Essentials helps you to guard against the most common cyber threats and demonstrate your commitment to cyber security
MUST
Valid Cyber Essentials Plus Certificate
ES4.0ISO 27001 - IT Security Management SystemsISO/IEC 27001:2013

ISO/IEC 27001:2013 specifies the requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining and continually improving an information security management system within the context of the Organisation. It also includes requirements for the assessment and treatment of information security risks tailored to the needs of the Organisation.

The requirements set out in ISO/IEC 27001:2013 are generic and are intended to be applicable to all Organisations, regardless of type, size or nature.

SHOULD

A valid ISO 27001:2013 Certificate is required from a UKAS accredited and registered certification Organisation. 
ES5.0ISO 9001 - Quality management systems ISO 9001:2015

ISO 9001:2015 specifies requirements for a quality management system when an Organisation:

a) needs to demonstrate its ability to consistently provide products and services that meet customer and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements, and

b) aims to enhance customer satisfaction through the effective application of the system, including processes for improvement of the system and the assurance of conformity to customer and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.

All the requirements of ISO 9001:2015 are generic and are intended to be applicable to any Organisation, regardless of its type or size, or the products and services it provides.

MUSTData Centre Provider - Valid ISO 9001:2015 Certificate or evidence of compliance with Quality Management procedures aligned to ISO 9001
ES7.0ISO 14001 Environmental management systemsISO 14001:2015

ISO 14001:2015 specifies the requirements for an environmental management system that an Organisation can use to enhance its environmental performance. ISO 14001:2015 is intended for use by an Organisation seeking to manage its environmental responsibilities in a systematic manner that contributes to the environmental pillar of sustainability.

ISO 14001:2015 helps an Organisation achieve the intended outcomes of its environmental management system, which provide value for the environment, the Organisation itself and interested parties. Consistent with the Organisation 's environmental policy, the intended outcomes of an environmental management system include:

· enhancement of environmental performance;

· fulfilment of compliance obligations;

· achievement of environmental objectives.

ISO 14001:2015 is applicable to any Organisation , regardless of size, type and nature, and applies to the environmental aspects of its activities, products and services that the Organisation determines it can either control or influence considering a life cycle perspective. ISO 14001:2015 does not state specific environmental performance criteria.

ISO 14001:2015 can be used in whole or in part to systematically improve environmental management. Claims of conformity to ISO 14001:2015, however, are not acceptable unless all its requirements are incorporated into an Organisation 's environmental management system and fulfilled without exclusion.

MAYData Centre Provider - Valid ISO 14001:2015 Certificate or evidence of compliance with Environmental Management procedures aligned to ISO 14001
ES8.0ISO 50001 Energy management systemsISO 50001:2018

This document specifies requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining and improving an energy management system (EnMS). The intended outcome is to enable an Organisation to follow a systematic approach in achieving continual improvement of energy performance and the EnMS.

This document:

a) is applicable to any Organisation regardless of its type, size, complexity, geographical location, Organisation al culture or the products and services it provides;

b) is applicable to activities affecting energy performance that are managed and controlled by the Organisation ;

c) is applicable irrespective of the quantity, use, or types of energy consumed;

d) requires demonstration of continual energy performance improvement, but does not define levels of energy performance improvement to be achieved;

e) can be used independently, or be aligned or integrated with other management systems.

Annex A provides guidance for the use of this document. Annex B provides a comparison of this edition with the previous edition.

MAYData Centre Provider - Valid ISO 50001:2018 Certificate or evidence of compliance with Energy Management procedures aligned to 50001
ES9.0BS6701 Telecommunications equipment and telecommunications cabling. Specification for installation, operation and maintenanceBS 6701:2010

If you work in the telecommunications industry, and are responsible for installing, operating or the administration and maintenance of copper or optical fibre cabling or equipment, then this newly-revised standard will be of interest.

Conformance to specific aspects of BS 6701 is a requirement of the Wiring Regulations (BS 7671) and is applicable in virtually all premises. In addition, it addresses cabling external to buildings and should be followed by anyone installing cabling.

Correctly specified and installed cable management systems ensure that telecommunication cabling performs at its best – so it is important that cable management be considered from the start of a project.

In addition to specifying the requirements beyond the scope of the BS EN 50174 series of standards for telecommunications cabling, BS 6701 provides requirements for installing telecommunications equipment. The application of BS 6701 will ensure that equipment is properly set up, which means the customer will be reassured their risk-managed cabling installations work to optimum performance, thus assuring more profitable business practice.

As one of the few national standards that are directly linked to the EN 50174 series, BS 6701 could also be used in other countries. It supports all cabling media.

SHOULDA valid ISO 27001:2013 Certificate is required from a UKAS accredited and registered certification organisation.
ES10.0EU Code of ConductEUCoC

This Code of Conduct has been created in response to the increasing energy consumption in data centres and the need to reduce the related environmental, economic and energy supply security impacts. The aim is to inform and stimulate data centre operators and owners to reduce energy consumption in a cost-effective manner without hampering the mission critical function of data centres. The Code of Conduct aims to achieve this by improving understanding of energy demand within the data centre, raising awareness, and recommending energy efficient best practices and targets.

TBD: May be put on the roadmap.

SHOULD

Provide formal confirmation of compliance to requirement


ES11.0

General Data Protection Regulation

Data Protection Act 2018

GDPR / DPA 2018

The Guide to the GDPR explains the provisions of the GDPR to help Organisations comply with its requirements. It is for those who have day-to-day responsibility for data protection.

The GDPR forms part of the data protection regime in the UK, together with the new Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA 2018). The main provisions of this apply, like the GDPR, from 25 May 2018.

MUST

Provide formal confirmation of compliance to requirement

ES13.0

BS EN 50600-2-1:2014. Building construction

(Minimum availability class 3)

BS EN 50600-2-1:2014

The unrestricted access to internet-based information demanded by the information society has led to an exponential growth of both internet traffic and the volume of stored/retrieved data. Data centres are housing and supporting the information technology and network telecommunications equipment for data processing, data storage and data transport. They are required both by network operators (delivering those services to customer premises) and by enterprises within those customer premises.

Data centres need to provide modular, scalable and flexible facilities and infrastructures to easily accommodate the rapidly changing requirements of the market. In addition, energy consumption of data centres has become critical both from an environmental point of view (reduction of carbon footprint) and with respect to economical considerations (cost of energy) for the data centre operator.

The implementation of data centres varies in terms of:
a) purpose (enterprise, Colocation, co-hosting or network operator facilities);
b) security level;
c) physical size;
d) accommodation (mobile, temporary and permanent constructions).

The needs of data centres also vary in terms of availability of service, the provision of security and the objectives for energy efficiency. These needs and objectives influence the design of data centres in terms of building construction, power distribution, environmental control and physical security. Effective management and operational information is required to monitor achievement of the defined needs and objectives.

This series of European Standards specifies requirements and recommendations to support the various parties involved in the design, planning, procurement, integration, installation, operation and maintenance of facilities and infrastructures within data centres. These parties include:
1) Owners, facility managers, ICT managers, project managers, main contractors;
2) Consultants, architects, building designers and builders, system and installation designers;
3) Suppliers of equipment;
4) Installers, maintainers.

SHOULD
Formal accreditation against BS EN 50600 will not be available until mid 2019 therefore Suppliers MUST be able to provide evidence to demonstrate alignment with the scope and aims of BS EN 50600.


Note: Formal accreditation (when available) will become a mandatory requirement as detailed in the standards road map
ES14.0

BS EN 50600-2-2:2014. Power distribution

(Minimum availability class 3)

BS EN 50600-2-2:2014
SHOULD
ES15.0

BS EN 50600-2-3:2014. Environmental control

(Minimum availability class 3)

BS EN 50600-2-3:2014SHOULD
ES16.0

BS EN 50600-2-4:2015. Telecommunications cabling infrastructure

(Minimum availability class 3)

BS EN 50600-2-4:2015
SHOULD
ES17.0

BS EN 50600-2-5:2016. Security systems

(Minimum availability class 3)

BS EN 50600-2-5:2016
SHOULD
ES18.0

BS EN 50600-3-1:2016. Management and operational information

(Minimum availability class 3)

BS EN 50600-3-1:2016SHOULD
ES19.0

BS EN 50600-4-1:2016. Overview of and general requirements for key performance indicators

(Minimum availability class 3)

BS EN 50600-4-1:2016SHOULD
ES20.0

BS EN 50600-4-2:2016 Power Usage Effectiveness

(Minimum availability class 3)

BS EN 50600-4-2:2016SHOULD

Physical Aspects

This section is concerned with the physical aspects of a Data Centre including where the Data Centre is located, some of its physical attributes and factors near that data centre which could affect its operation and security.

Requirement ID
Requirement Text

Level

HPA4.0

The Supplier will provide the data centre address and the current data centre owner’s / operator’s details, to the Authority.

MUST

HPA5.0

The Supplier will provide the build date of the data centre, its current age and any planned or expected Data Centre services uplift or refit covering but not limited to:

  • Power
  • Space
  • Cooling
  • Security
  • Construction
MUST

HPA16.1

The Supplier will ensure that the Data Centre perimeter is protected by an IDS (Intrusion Detection System) compliant to BS EN 50131-1:2006

SHOULD

HPA25.0

The Supplier’s Data Centre will have arrangements such that a vehicle is unable to enter the site before all the checking of the vehicle and driver has been completed. The gate will prevent the tail gating of vehicles.

MUST

HPA32.0

The Supplier’s Solution will provide at a minimum two separate geographically physical locations to hold the data and capability to run the services. The distance between the two locations will be such that they cannot both be affected by concurrent loss due to overlapping items on the Location Risk Assessment.

MUST

HPA34.0

The Supplier will provide permanent access to the Data Centre and equipment, supported by an access request process of 24hrs notice for normal maintenance requests and 1hr for emergency access, with unlimited frequency, for the purpose of maintaining the systems and services

Note: If the hosting provider is a 3rdparty / sub-contractor to the Supplier and escorted access is the policy enforced then permanent access to the Data Centre will still be provided.

MUST

Power

This section covers the power to the Data Centre, Data Hall and cabinets.

Requirement ID
Requirement Text

Level

HPW11.0

Refuelling of the tanks for the generators will be possible with the generators in use.

MUST

IT Infrastructure

This section is concerned with the physical infrastructure that makes up the service, how it is built and the policies around its setup.

Requirement ID
Requirement Text

Level

HI2.0

The Supplier to ensure that log files written, even if the device is passive, will write the log with the synchronised time to NHS Network and written in UTC but can be displayed in the Supplier’s application in local time.

MUST

HI3.0

The Supplier will ensure the infrastructure’s time is synchronised with a NHS & National Apps, Cloud / CNSP NTP service, delivered as a minimum, by a stratum 3 service

MUST

HI5.0

The Supplier to ensure that message time stamping is performed using UTC, for all infrastructure, but can be displayed in the Suppliers supported applications in local time.

Note: This requirements scope is the infrastructure; see Information Governance Requirements for further related time stamping and representation. This requirement is to ensure that there is a consistent time stamping policy across all infrastructures and messaging so that correlation can occur locally, between Suppliers and also national applications. The requirement is to ensure that the raw date use is of the format defined. Local support applications (Applications used to manage the service) can represent the date in their local time if required and in line with the Information Governance Requirements.

MUST

HI9.0

The Supplier to ensure that all hardware, devices, servers and components have support agreements in place to replace faulty items if they fail. The replacing of components will not impact live service and meet Service Level Agreements (SLA) and planned down time agreements.

MUST

HI13.0

The Supplier will ensure that Live environments are segregated from the development activity by using processors, virtual servers, domains and partitions that are not in use by live and by storing development utilities away from the live environment.

MUST

Servers

This section is concerned with servers that provide clinical applications, including operating systems and use of virtualisation.

Requirement ID
Requirement Text

Level

HS9.0

The Supplier will ensure that all operating systems and applications have undergone a hardening process to ensure only the necessary services are in place, within their domain of responsibility in the equipment and services they provide.

Note: Hardening is the process of securing a system reducing its vulnerability, through the use of patching, removal of unnecessary software and services.

Good Practice guidance can be found on the NHS Digital Web Site

The Supplier to ensure that due diligence to hardening is performed for their domains of responsibility. 

If the Supplier is responsible for the hardware / Operating System then this hardening will be performed on the hardware and Operating System. 

If the Supplier only provides application software then the necessary hardening will have been performed on that application software. 

If the mobile device hardware (Phone, Medical Device, mobile appliance) is provided by the Supplier as part of their Solution then hardening on the components they have provided will have been performed.

Where a BYO device is used the Supplier will ensure their application is hardened to protect the data and application.

MUST

HS20.0

The Supplier will ensure that servers are configured to disable or restrict:

  • non-essential or redundant services (eg X Windows, Open Windows, fingered and web browsers)
  • communication services that are inherently susceptible to abuse (e.g. tftp, RPC, rlogin, rsh or rexec)
  • communication protocols that are prone to abuse, where not required (e.g. HTTP, HTTPS, SSH, FTP, SMTP, Telnet and UUCP)
  • execute permissions on sensitive commands or scripts (e.g. rlogin, rcp, rsh, remsh, tstp and trtp)
  • powerful utilities (e.g. Windows ‘Registry Editor’) or ‘control panels’
  • run commands or command processors (e.g. Perl or Tcl)

MUST

HS24.0

The Supplier to ensure that physical servers hosting virtual instances are protected from resource overload (e.g. excessive use of the CPU, memory, hard disk and network).

MUST

Network

This section covers the use of networks in the provision of the Supplier’s service. The NHS Wide Area Network is now known as HSCN; referred to as the “NHS Network” below.

The Health and Social Care Network (HSCN) is the successor to N3. In 2018 N3 was already closed to new implementations when NHS Digital published its 'Internet First' strategy. The strategy mandates that health systems should be designed to use the Internet rather than HSCN.

Requirement ID
Requirement Text

Level

HNT1.0

The Supplier’s data centre to be connected to the Internet and the NHS Network, for clinical services holding PID that are accessed from either an Internet or NHS Network attached end point.

MUST

HNT1.1

If the Suppliers Data Centre are connected to the NHS Network termination will be from an approved termination point.

MUST

HNT1.2

The Supplier’s data centre to be connected to the Internet and the NHS Network, for services that communicate with national systems. (PDS, TMS, etc)

MUST

HNT1.3

The Supplier will respond to the Authorities request for information around security, network settings and ports used, from time to time, in how their services operate across the NHS Network, to support the NHS Network QoS Policy over HSCN.

MUST

HNT2.0

Communications in and out of the Data Centre will adhere to the HSCN connection Agreement and NHS Network QoS policy for the classification of data across the network, to enable network traffic prioritisation and ‘class of service’ to reduce network latency. The Supplier will evidence their adherence to the QoS policy, tothe Authority, for changes to the system in how it communicates across the NHS Network, prior to release. 

Note:

See HSCN Quality of Service overview

See HCSN Technical Guidance

MUST

HNT2.1

The Supplier’s NHS Network connections to be compliant with the HSCN Connection Agreement and compliant with the DNS and IP addressing policies for the network, where HSCN is used

See NHS digital HCSN Page

MUST

HNT3.1

The Supplier to provide evidence that the system complies with the requirements and best practice operating principals and guidance when operating over the NHS Network. Specifically the system to:

  • Comply with the NHS Network QoS (Quality of Service) Policy
  • Performs adequately within the network latency constraints
  • Performs adequately within the typical bandwidth (downstream and upstream) provided to consumers
  • Collaborate with the Authority and relevant network providers to resolve escalated performance issues which could include installing diagnostic probes into the DC environment.
MUST

HNT4.0

The Supplier will have completed a NHS Network QoS Policy review, where the Suppliers application makes use of or is accessed across the NHS Network, have demonstrated the application and services adhere to the NHS Network policy. NHS Network QoS rules may need to be amended as a part of this review. Updates to refreshed QoS policies to be applied as required.

See HSCN Quality of Service overview

MUST

HNT6.0

The Supplier will provide the details of any carriers and the redundancy of all communications utilised in and out of the data centre as part of the Solution. This is to include but not limited to:

  • Internet Connections
  • NHS Network Connections
  • Intra Site communication
  • Management / Support Connections
MUST

HNT7.0

The Data Centre will have dual Internet and dual NHS Network connections via two exchanges, where available.

MUST

HNT21.0

The Supplier to ensure that all connections to remote servers and applications are authenticated.

MUST

HNT22.0

The Supplier to ensure that access to diagnostic ports for network and server components are securely controlled.

MUST

HNT23.0

The Supplier will segregate the networks that support deployments from other unrelated services to ensure the appropriate level of service. 

MUST

HNT30.0

The Supplier to ensure network devices are restricted to authorised network staff, using access controls that support individual accountability, and protected from unauthorised access / configuration / updates.

MUST

HNT31.0

The Supplier to ensure network devices that perform routing (e.g. routers and switches) are configured to prevent unauthorised or incorrect updates by:

  • verifying the source of routing updates
  • verifying the destination of routing updates (e.g. by transmitting updates only to specific routers)
  • protecting the exchange of routing information (e.g. by using passwords)
  • encrypting the routing information being exchanged.
MUST

HNT36.0

The Supplier to ensure there are documented standards / procedures at the appropriate level and implemented for controlling wireless access to the network, which cover:

  • placement and configuration of wireless access points (hardware devices that provide interfaces between the wireless network and a wired network)
  • methods of limiting access to authorised users
  • use of encryption (e.g. Wi-Fi Protected Access II (WPA2)) for protecting information in transit
  • detection of unauthorised wireless access points and wireless devices.

Note: See NHS Digital's Good practice Guidance on Wi-Fi 

MUST
HNT38.0

The Supplier to ensure that new services or applications are accessible from the internet. New services or applications are those which are NOT currently deployed into an operational environment.

MUST
HNT39.0

The Supplier to ensure existing services or applications are transitioned to comply with the Internet First strategy in line with the Authority's published guidance (see Standards Road map). 

MAY
HNT40.0

The Supplier to ensure HSCN connectivity is procured where there are any systems or services the Supplier needs to reach that are only on the HSCN network.

MUST

Management of Services and Infrastructure

This section details the requirements in relation to how ICT services provided by a Supplier are managed. The optimisation of resources and improved performance are achieved by adopting best practices for fault monitoring and management, configuration management, security management, bandwidth management, accounting management, etc.

Requirement ID
Requirement Text

Level

HMI9.0

The Supplier will ensure that encrypted administrative access to information systems, network devices and telecommunications equipment (e.g. by using secure management consoles or secure remote login shells such as ssh), is used.

MUST

HMI10.0

The Supplier will ensure access to critical systems and networks by external individuals for remote maintenance purposes (e.g. remote diagnosis / testing, software maintenance) should be managed by:

  • defining and agreeing the objectives and scope of planned work
  • authorising sessions individually
  • restricting access rights so that they do not exceed those required to meet the objectives and scope of planned work
  • logging all activity undertaken
  • revoking access rights and changing passwords immediately after agreed maintenance is complete
  • performing an internal independent review of remote maintenance activity
MUST

HMI12.0

The Supplier to ensure a patch management process is established to govern the application of patches to:

  • business applications, operating system software and firmware (eg on servers, mobile devices and consumer devices)
  • computer equipment
  • consumer devices (including tablets and smartphones)
  • virtual systems (e.g. virtual servers and virtual desktops)
  • network storage systems (including Storage Area Network (SAN) and Network-Attached Storage (NAS))
  • network equipment (e.g. routers, switches, wireless access points and firewalls)
MUST

HMI13.0

The Supplier to ensure that the patch management process will:

  • specify methods of validating patches (e.g. ensuring that the patch is from an authorised source)
  • assess the business impact of implementing patches (or not implementing a particular patch)
  • ensure patches are tested against known criteria
  • describe methods of deploying patches in a timely manner (e.g. grouping multiple patches and using software distribution tools)
  • provide methods of deploying patches to systems that are not connected to the network (e.g. standalone computers) or devices that connect to the network infrequently (e.g. travelling staff)
  • report on the status of patch deployment across the Organisation
  • include methods of dealing with the failed deployment of a patch (e.g. redeployment of the patch).
MUST

Asset Management

This section is concerned with the recording of the assets within the Data Centre.

Requirement ID
Requirement Text

Level

HCM1.0

A CMDB (Configuration Management Data Base) will be maintained and contain all CI’s, including but not limited to:

  • Software versions
  • Licenses with expiry and type e.g. Open Source, Seat, GPL, SSL
  • Certificates and their expiry
  • Portable devices
  • Appliances
  • Version of CI
  • Location
  • Hardware components
  • Install applications and versions
  • Network connections
  • Network devices
  • Authentication tokens and devices
  • CI (Configuration Item) relationships
  • Location Details
  • Virtualisation deployment and state
  • Service related to (Parent and Child)

The level of detail within the CMDB will be of sufficient detail at the CI level to be able to support the change and incident process.

The Supplier will ensure that a consistent naming convention (e.g. computer / server addresses, network device names, terminal locations and user identifiers) is used and recorded within the CMDB.

The Supplier to ensure that CIs that are used as part of the definition of configuration or an asset are held in the CMDB and DSL. This could include but is not limited to:

  • Network configuration
  • Patches
  • Scripts
MUST

HCM4.0

The Supplier to make the results of its data centre audits available to the Authorty on request along with any work off plans.

MUST

Service Monitoring

This section is concerned with how the service is monitored to understand its current state and how it is performing.

Requirement IDRequirement Text

Level

HSM1.0

The Supplier to implement a toolset to be able to monitor capacity and utilisation of equipment, to support the capacity planning and incident process. This could include but not limited to:

  • Disk IO and Space
  • CPU and Memory
  • Active user sessions
  • Messaging throughput
  • Key transaction performance both front door and intra-subsystem.
MUST

HSM2.0

The Supplier to implement service management tools and procedures within the sub-system including but not limited to:

  • systems monitoring (disk, CPU, memory, utilisation)
  • audit and logging (time stamped)
  • messaging throughput and queue management
  • maintenance
  • backup and recovery
  • deployment of services and patches
  • altering at set thresholds below servicing impacting levels
MUST

HSM4.0

The Supplier to implement a toolset to be able to benchmark the performance of the infrastructure and software assets to be able to understand the deviation from the normal operation.

Note: This measurement will include but not limited to, memory, CPU, bandwidth (Tx/Rx), timing points and throughput.

MUST

HSM5.0

For technology uplifts and new services on new hardware provisions the Supplier will select hardware that enables equipment power and temperature to be monitored through standard interfaces allowing integration with the Supplier’s management system. 

Note: This could be through the use of but not limited to :

  • SNMP – Simple Network Management Protocol
  • IPMI – Intelligent Platform Management Interface
  • DCMI – Data Centre Manageability Interface
MUST

HSM6.0

Application Provider - NMS Access:











The Supplier will allow an Authority supported method of integration with NMS.

SHOULD

Device Management

This section is concerned with how a device can be managed remotely.

Requirement ID
Requirement Text

Level

HDM1.0

The Supplier will provide a ‘lights out’ operational model for the systems with specific processes to allow named engineer access to the environment.

MUST

HDM4.0

It will be possible for the Supplier to perform software related maintenance and upgrade remotely without requiring physical access to the data hall.

MUST

Data Storage

This section is concerned with how data is protected when a failure occurs within the Solution. This covers both clinical and non-clinical data.

Requirement ID
Requirement Text

Level

HDP1.0

The Supplier to ensure protection of clinical data at the storage level through the use of RAID, block snapshot, replication or mirroring technology within a single data centre / data hall. 

MUST

HDP2.0

The Supplier to ensure clinical data is protected using methods against up to two disk or media failures, within any one device configuration offering a discrete storage service.

MUST

HDP3.0

The Supplier will provide Transactional Integrity for clinical data by the use of a 2ndphysical location for storing of data. 

Note: The 2nd site could be a DR Site, Active 2nd site or a site used for storage replication.

MUST

HDP5.0

The clinical data transferred to additional locations will be stored in accordance of the Authorty’s data handling policies.

MUST

HDP6.0

The Supplier’s approach to Transaction Integrity to securing data to at least two separate physical locations to be communicated to and assured by the Authorty at the Suppliers design stage.

MUST

HDP7.0

The Supplier to ensure that Data Protection is performed in line with the Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Standard.

MUST

HDP9.0

The Supplier will ensure that the clinical data applied to the primary site and sent to the 2nd site is processed in time order of how the data was applied to the primary site. Thus ensuring a consistent data set across the two sites and to maintain the application integrity.

MUST

HDP10.0

The Supplier to provide a “Data Management Policy”, to the Authority, detailing the data retention and level of resilience / protection needed. 

MUST

HDP11.0

The Supplier will demonstrate, if requested by the Authority, that functions/elements provided to meet Data Protection Legislation are operating in accordance with the Authority's Requirements and the Design Documents.

MUST

HDP12.0

The Supplier will ensure that during disposal of equipment all data is removed from devices before they are passed to a 3rdparty or reused in line with the “Disposal and Destruction of Sensitive Data Good Practice Guideline”.

See: Guidelines for Media Sanitization

MUST

Security

Due to the sensitive nature of the information in this section, the details are held in the file "Colocation and Provider Data Centre Hosting & Infrastructure Requirements - Security" and can be requested by emailing gpitfutures@nhs.net.

Reporting & Documentation

Requirement ID
Requirement Text

Level

HD1.0

The Supplier will provide documentation which represents the non-functional technical architecture of the Solution, including but not limited to: data centre design, local and wide network architecture, and physical technology models. Documentation should include diagrams, and associated textual descriptions, as necessary to enable effective assurance of key Solution aspects as noted below:
Non-Functional Specification Defines the non-functional aspects of the system including but not limited to:

  • Details of any relevant contract service schedule(s)
  • Business continuity and disaster recovery design
  • Data centre resilience design
  • Backup and Recovery Processes
  • Configuration Management including identification, control and verification
  • Performance monitoring design including categorisation of transactions and design of monitoring software including links into the Authority's Solutions where relevant e.g. National Monitoring System (NMS)
  • Overall systems security design
  • Migration design showing design for process and data, details of any tools developed to support migration, details of duration and outages required to perform migration and data cleansing strategy
  • Capacity management design incorporating an indicative sizing model, a business transaction data forecast, an impact assessment on existing infrastructure and a baseline capacity plan
  • Availability Management design, including Component Failure Impact Assessment and monitoring
  • Services impact assessment including expected service management processes, helpdesk, maintenance, performance management and reporting changes
  • Support Model design, including dependencies on third parties (including NHS National Service Desk), support hours, escalation model and incident severity guidelines.

Note: Document artefacts to be concise with a preference for diagrammatical form where the Supplier utilises as much of their own internal documentation as possible to reduce extra document production.

MUST

HD3.0

The Supplier to provide memory, CPU, network and disk utilisation grouping by the sub systems utilising the resources as part of a capacity performance and planning review.

MUST

HD5.0

The Supplier to provide a Hosting strategy roadmap to the Authority detailing where new technology advances could be exploited within the hosting arena.

Note: This could include advances in IaaS, SaaS, PaaS that may become viable within the term of the contract.

MUST

Additional Information

See Recommended Best Practices 


Capabilities

Applicable Capabilities

All Supplier's Solutions delivering any Capabilities will need to meet this Standard.


Roadmap

Items on the Roadmap which impact or relate to this Standard

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