M100 Feel connected at home A330M M30 M10 C300 D785 DATA, PRINT, DOCUMENT, NETWORKING, IP & CLOUD TECH FOR MLEs & PUBLIC SECTOR USERS www.managedITmag.co.uk ISSUE 61 CYBERSECURITY Ransomeware attacks growing in cost and frequency PAGE 19 RESEARCH Cloud print management set to dominate PAGE 10 SERVICE APPEAL Apogee making investment in training as part of expansion plans PAGE 26
The PSTN/ISDN switch-off is approaching. Now is the perfect time to embrace unified communications, unlocking better collaboration and higher productivity. To start your digital transformation journey, scan the QR code or visit: www.kyoceradocumentsolutions.co.uk/uc Get switched on to the switch-off. KYOCERA Document Solutions (U.K.) Limited kyocera-doc-solutions-uk kyoceraduk • 0333 015 1855 @KYOCERADUK [email protected]
3 www.managedITmag.co.uk Read Managed.IT online... www.managedITmag.co.uk ISSN 2055-3099 (Print) ISSN 2055-3102 (Online) 04 Innovations A selection of the best new products and services 08 Print Production Konica Minolta wins BLI PRO Colour Award 10 Research Quocrica predicts cloud print management is set to dominate 11 What’s New The latest in the world of print and print production 14 Wireless Working How the Small Office and Home Office (SoHo) market can now benefit from the Snom DECT revolution 16 Digital Transformation Ancoris Partners with University of Exeter 18 Data Storage The IoT data deluge in industry and manufacturing 19 Cybersecurity Ransomware attacks are growing in cost and frequency 21 Cybersecurity It’s time to change tack in cybersecurity with an evidence-based, data-driven approach 23 Top Tips How SMEs can remain competitive in a rapidly evolving market 24 Q&A With Lucy Randall, Business Director at Jigsaw 24 25 Data Backup 3 Ways to Lower Backup Costs for Remote and Hybrid Workers 26 Managed Services Apogee Corporation is making an additional six-figure investment in training as part of its expansion plans. 28 IT Services Embracing the modern workplace with Everything Tech 30 I couldn’t do my job without... Gabriela Garner, Senior Director for Product Marketing at Kofax, picks the tools she uses every day and couldn’t do her job without ISSUE 61 www.managedITmag.co.uk Editor: James Goulding 07803 087228 • [email protected] Publishing Director, Social Media and Web Editor: Neil Trim 01732 759725 • [email protected] Advertising Director: Ethan White 01732 759725 • [email protected] Group Sales Manager: Martin Jenner-Hall 07824 552116 • [email protected] Art Director: Nick Pledge 07767 615983 • [email protected] Advertising Executive: James Trim 01732 759725 • [email protected] MANAGED.IT is published by Kingswood Media Ltd., 10 Amherst House, 22 London Road, Sevenoaks TN13 2BT • Tel: 01732 759725 No part of MANAGED.IT can be reproduced without prior written permission of the publisher. © 2021 Kingswood Media Ltd. Production Design: Sandtiger Media · www.sandtiger.co.uk The paper used in this magazine is obtained from manufacturers who operate within internationally recognized standards and which is sourced from sustainable, properly managed forestation. CONTENTS MANAGED.IT: GET YOUR FREE COPY To make sure you get every issue FREE, as soon as it is published, just visit www.managedITmag.co.uk, click the ‘FREE Registration’ button and add your details to our mailing list. @manageditmag facebook.com/BinfoMag If you no longer wish to receive Managed.IT magazine please email your details to [email protected] DATA, PRINT, DOCUMENT, NETWORKING, IP & CLOUD TECH FOR MLEs & PUBLIC SECTOR USERS The essential show for IT and mobile resellers and providers Business Design Centre · London · 13 September 2022 22 In partnership with REGISTRATION NOW OPEN>> REGISTER NOW at tech-live.co.uk If you are an ICT Professional, IT or Mobile Reseller, MFP/Printer Dealer, Dealer, Reseller, MSP or VAR looking for new opportunities and products to add to your portfolio, being at Tech Live 2022 In partnership with Mobile News xpo is a MUST.
INNOVATIONS 4 01732 759725 Network roll out Altnet provider Digital Infrastructure, which in December 2021 announced £100m of private investment to support its goal to deliver FTTP connectivity to 80 towns and 1,000,000 properties by 2027, has announced new locations in the roll-out of its next generation fullfibre network. These are Oundle, Maltby, Dinnington, Hyde, Hattersley, Heysham, Skelmersdale and parts of Rotherham and Lancaster. As well as building its network, Digital Infrastructure provides full-fibre broadband under the BeFibre brand and is already offering a choice of four broadband packages with speeds of up to 900Mbps to customers in Brentwood, Worcester, Clacton on Sea, Crewe and Nantwich. Always-on sanitiser To help alleviate concerns about the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace, NB Data is introducing the HiHo Solutions S.O.H. Pure Air & Surface Sanitising System. Its micro-mist atomiser technology sanitises the air and surrounding surfaces, making any interior space clinically clean, fresh smelling and safe from COVID-19 (whilst in continuous use). Available in various sizes, the S.O.H. Pure can sanitise a room in just a few hours. www.nbdata. co.uk/brands/ hiho.php Enterprise mobility solutions provider Spectralink is bringing the benefits of cloud-based collaboration tools to ‘deskless workers’ in healthcare, manufacturing, retail and logistics by integrating its DECT devices with Microsoft Teams SIP Gateway. Mahendra Sekaran, Vice President of Teams Engineering at Microsoft, said: “Spectralink DECT integration with Microsoft Teams SIP Gateway enables Teams users to use their DECT devices as another Teams endpoint, while getting access to all of Teams collaboration capabilities. Frontline workers rely on these devices to get their work done, and this new integration allows them to stay connected with their colleagues while on the go.” www.spectralink.com/microsoft Precise locating New from Reliance Protect, the Pulse+ keyfob-style personal safety device combines proven technology from the company’s Ultra ID device with new features to ensure those in need are helped as quickly as possible after activating an alarm. For example, the latest 4G technology enables Pulse+ to make alarm calls and send a user’s location in parallel, rather than in sequence as with traditional lone worker devices, while built-in WiFi locating technology ensures more accurate positioning of lone workers within buildings. Chris Allcard, Lone Worker Services Director at Reliance Protect, said: “While GPS is a great location finding technology when used outdoors, its capabilities are significantly restricted when a device is used indoors. At best it will give an inaccurate location position and in many cases will not provide a location position at all. At this point, older technology lone worker devices have to rely on sending a previous last known location. Pulse+ utilises both GPS and WiFi locating technologies to quickly generate accurate location positions regardless of whether the user is indoors or outdoors.” https://www.relianceprotect.co.uk/ lone-worker-devices/pulse-3/ Teams on the go Gotta scoot Sharp Consumer Electronics is bringing out a range of e-scooters and an accompanying app, Sharp Life, that lets users keep track of battery levels and distances travelled, lock/unlock scooters remotely and control headlights, gear settings and other functions. Both the EM-KS1 and the EM-KS2 incorporate a folding function and hanger that enables them to be easily carried and stowed away when not in use, as well as a USB charging port built into the handlebars for powering/charging a smartphone. The EM-KS1 (£399.99) and EM-KS2 (£549.99) have top speeds of 25 km/h and 35 km/h respectively and a maximum load of around 120 kg, compared to the industry standard of 100 kg. www.sharpconsumer.com WH AT ’ S N E W Orange without the squash OGIO Europe has released its Pace Pro backpacks in limited edition desert orange. OGIO launched the Pace Pro range in navy blue and black last summer and now plans to introduce a series of eye-catching colours and designs for its backpacks, brief packs (a modern take on the traditional briefcase) and pouches (a cross-body bag). www.eu.ogio.com
5 www.managedITmag.co.uk INNOVATIONS Bluetooth cut Snom is reducing the price of its flagship IP phone functionality with the launch of two new variants (the D385N and D785N) that come without the largely unused Bluetooth functionality. It is also introducing a new entry-level model with colour screen, the D713, for use in large hotels and public spaces such as entrance lobbies, hospitals and call centres with hundreds or thousands of workstations. Florent Aubert, Head of Product Management at Snom, said: “Adapting our two flagship devices, while maintaining the customary range of functions, has enabled us to get even closer to our customers by offering them exactly what they want from both models – and at an unmatched price.” www.snom.com Sound thinking EPOS has launched new Meeting Room Solutions designed to reduce the cognitive overload that can occur when the human brain has to process what is being said by people who are physically present and those who are participating remotely via speakerphone. EPOS says the effort required to do this can make it hard to maintain focus and increases stress levels. Its Meeting Room Solutions, like the new EXPAND 40 Series Bluetooth speakerphone for small-to-mediumsized meeting rooms, incorporate EPOS BrainAdapt technology which uses unique algorithms and acoustics to support the brain’s natural way of processing sound and reduce cognitive load. eposaudio.com/meeting-room Going mobile Enreach is moving into the mobile market with the launch of its own SIM and Fixed Mobile Convergence (FMC) products for small and medium-sized businesses. With Enreach Mobile and FMC, SMEs can give employees a single number on which they can be reached wherever they are, with a choice of plans to meet different needs. Enreach Mobile and FMC are designed with mobile-first businesses in mind, with unified communication solutions built directly into the fixed voice and mobile cores, which eliminates the need for an additional app. Mobile numbers, calls and call recordings can be integrated into CRM, ERP or vertical solutions. Give yourself a lift The Lift Vertical Ergonomic Mouse for Business, a new addition to Logitech’s Ergo Series of ergonomic products, has been specially designed for people with small to medium-sized hands. Available in right- and left-handed options, it features a distinctive 57-degree vertical design that takes pressure off the wrist; a contoured shape and soft rubber grip for all-day comfort; and wireless connectivity via Bluetooth® Low Energy or Logi Bolt – Logitech’s secure, proprietary protocol based on Bluetooth Low Energy. The £69.99 carbon-neutral mouse is made with varying amounts of post-consumer recycled plastic (54% or 70% depending on colour – rose, off-white or graphite). Logitech.com/workdesk. Winning design The mobile phone-sized MAXHUB UC-M40 has been awarded a Red Dot Design Award in the product design category. Featuring a 360° field of view, the all-in-one camera comes with intuitive controls, a one-tap mode for instant meetings and advanced features like AI auto-tracking and twodirection simultaneous voice tracking. global.maxhub.com Desk booking Evoko has added a stylish desk booking solution to its range of smart workplace products designed to help employers make the switch from fixed workstations to hot desking and bookable desks. Accessed via an app or a dedicated hardware device, Kleeo makes the desk booking experience effortless for employees, while providing employers with anonymised data on space utilisation. The device itself features a built-in presence sensor and four light colours showing a desk’s status. meetevoko.com Charging into the gap EV charging software platform Monta and charge point manufacturer CTEK are working together to provide a complete EV charging package, from charge point installation and management to payment and customer support. By making it easier for businesses to install, manage and gain revenue from company EV charge points, they hope to address the current shortage. Sales of plug-in cars grew by 280% between 2019 and 2021, but the number of public charge points increased by less than 70%. www.monta.com
6 01732 759725 INNOVATIONS Nice to Meet you Fast growing interactive display company Avocor has been introducing its Google Meet Series One all-in-one video conferencing devices to potential customers in the US and Europe via a series of roadshows and tradeshows including ISE 2022 in Barcelona and InfoComm 2022 in Las Vegas. Developed in collaboration with Google Workspace to bring meeting equity to in-person and remote participants, the Series One Desk 27 combines the functions of a 27-inch desk monitor, laptop docking station and digital whiteboard, through integration of the popular Google Jamboard app, while the wall-mountable 65-inch Board 65 is designed to bring teams together for more efficient and intuitive collaboration. For mobility, sharing and the ability to set up spontaneous meetings anywhere, there is the option of a purpose-built stand. Both devices recently won Red Dot design awards, for design excellence and ‘Best of the Best’ respectively. www.avocor.com Carbon neutral conferencing Collaboration endpoint specialist Konftel has secured official Carbon Neutral status for the third year in a row by measuring 2021 greenhouse gas emissions, purchasing verified carbon credits to offset those emissions and by implementing plans to further reduce its carbon footprint in 2022 and beyond. To this end, it has made a commitment to halve the use of polythene bags in Konftel 800 conference phones and Konftel Cam20/Cam50 cameras in 2022, to increase the renewable energy ratio at its main contract manufacturer’s facilities by 10% and to reduce car commuting by staff by 40% through hybrid working. Austin Whitman, CEO of Climate Neutral, said: “Konftel and our other Climate Neutral Certified brands are leading the global shift to a net-zero economy by doing what all companies should be doing immediately: measuring, offsetting, and reducing their carbon emissions. Our label helps consumers identify these brands.” konftel.com Live ESG scores 360 Law Group has launched a framework that enables any organisation to measure its ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) performance. Based on confidential questionnaires completed by employees, suppliers, customers and other stakeholders, the ESG Barometer scores an organisation’s performance and identifies areas of concern, updating both elements as survey responses are completed. Robert Taylor, CEO and General Counsel of 360 Law Group, said: “Sustainability is all too often an ambiguous or subjective term based on self-reporting. We have developed an accessible tool that delivers an effective and objective ESG framework against which organisations can be held accountable.” The first 20 surveys are free; prices for the next 20 start at £100 (ex VAT). https://www.360esg.uk Versatile laptop Dynabook has extended its Satellite Pro C40 range of budget-conscious business laptops with a new 14in model featuring AMD Ryzen 5 and 7 series processors with Radeon Graphics. A combination of AMD Ryzen processors, up to 32GB of DDR4 memory in two configurable slots, SSD storage options of up to 512GB and an 11.5-hour battery life helps the Satellite Pro C40D-B deliver outstanding performance at an entry-level price. Throw in its slimline design, low weight of 1.52kg and antibacterial coating and it is easy to see why Dynabook is positioning this as an versatile device for use in the office, at home or on the move. https://uk.dynabook.com/laptops/ satellite-pro/ Hub and speak New from MAXHUB, the in-house brand of interactive flat panel display manufacturer CVTE, the UC S10 Pro communications hub is designed to overcome many of the pain points associated with virtual meetings and collaboration. Features include one-click wireless screen-sharing of up to four screens; HDMI 2.0 4K camera output; intelligent face recognition, a 120° field of view and auto-framing to ensure visibility of all meeting participants; crisp audio with built-in noise reduction, echo cancellation and voice pickup over 8 metres; and an 8W speakerphone. https://maxhub.com/en/ucs10-pro Flexible friends Visa is offering business card holders access to discounted IT support services from NerdApp, the on-demand IT support platform that connects businesses with local IT technicians. A new partnership between the two companies will give users of Visa Premium and Classic Business Cards in the UK, Ireland, DACH and the Netherlands instant online access to verified IT support technicians and the ability to schedule on-site visits, paid for on an ad-hoc basis, prepaid or on a 12-month subscription. NerdApp CEO Kelvin Wetherill said: “This partnership will enable us to reach even more businesses and help them tailor their IT support to their individual needs and budgets.” Nerdapp.com Robert Taylor Kelvin Wetherill
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8 01732 759725 In little more than a year since its worldwide launch, Konica Minolta’s AccurioPress C7100 cut-sheet toner production press has captured another important accolade – a Buyers Lab (BLI) 2022 Colour PRO Award from Keypoint Intelligence, the independent evaluator of document imaging hardware, software, and services Konica Minolta’s AccurioPress C7100 wins BLI 2022 PRO Colour Award from Keypoint Intelligence 2021, runs at 100/90ppm. A range of technology and software innovations help customers to focus on agility, expansion, and operational efficiency. Print Service providers benefit through advanced automation, fewer human touchpoints, and improved total cost of ownership (TCO). “In a teeming market, we are very pleased to show how brilliantly this press performed to win one of our BLI 2022 Colour PRO Awards,” said David Sweetnam, Director of Research & Lab Services EMEA/ Asia at Keypoint Intelligence. “We use an algorithm across multiple test attributes to judge overall performance. The devices must deliver at a very high level in the A “brilliant” performance press under exacting testing conditions, the Konica Minolta AccurioPress C7100 with EFI Fiery IC-319 Print Server was named Outstanding Mid-Volume CMYK Production Device during Keypoint Intelligence’s latest round of BLI 2022 PRO Awards. It follows on from the TÜV Rheinland certification that incorporates respective national and international coveted standards for child-safe toy safety, awarded last year. Konica Minolta’s AccurioPress C7100/ C7090 toner press series, which was launched in June first place to even be eligible for a PRO Award, so it’s not just a case of being best in category.” Malcolm Smith, Category Manager of Production & Industrial Print, Konica Minolta Business Solutions (UK) Ltd stated, "It fills us with pride that Keypoint Intelligence has made this award for our AccurioPress C7100 press after stringent testing conditions and evaluation. We also see this as recognition of our vision and dedication on delivering customer value through great products, software, and services. At Konica Minolta, we are constantly rethinking print and aim to build the future together with our customers” https://www.konicaminolta.co.uk PRINT PRODUCTION
Features include: Easy installation Web-based Console Call Management/Routing Softphone integration Connect using handset, laptop, PC or mobile phone The Great Migration is the largest herd movement of animals on the planet involving an astonishing 1.2 million Blue Wildebeest. www.spitfire.co.uk Telecoms and IP Engineering Solutions for Business since 1988 Innovative • Flexible • Reliable • Supportive • Cost Effective Sales 020 7501 3333 • Partner Services 020 7501 3150 Features: Up to 330Mbps downstream 24/7 Support Options Voice Assist Call Priority Ideal with Hosted PBX No phone line required Free connection & router on 24 month minimum term Blue Wildebeest [Connochaetes taurinus] If you are currently using FTTC Fibre Broadband then now is a good time to migrate to SOGEA all-in-one connectivity. SOGEA is the most affordable superfast fibre broadband available without the need for a separate phone line. Don’t wait for the switch off deadline and future proof your business connectivity to avoid any downtime. Spitfire can also ensure superior VoIP quality with our Voice Assist call priority. Perfect for home, office or hybrid working. Fast speeds. Clear calls. Spitfire’s SOGEA FTTC Fibre Broadband Openreach are upgrading their national telecommunications network to an all IP future. Before the end of 2025, all existing analogue and ISDN lines with be switched off. Most existing broadband circuits must be upgraded to work with the new network. www.spitfire.co.uk/bigswitchoff SOGEAall-in-one FTTC Fibre Broadband. Get ahead of the great migration to next generation connectivity.
10 01732 759725 RESEARCH 80 per cent of businesses expect to use cloud-based print management, as the overall balance of IT infrastructure shifts to the cloud Cloud print management set to dominate Quocirca Research Director Louella Fernandes, said: “There has been a swift acceleration in the pace of cloud adoption, and particularly where cloud print management is concerned. The combined drivers of the need to support the hybrid workplace with secure, flexible infrastructure, and to enhance sustainability strategies, have functioned as a catalyst and we expect momentum to continue.” Key findings n Cloud services are the top investment priority in the coming year, cited by 31 per cent of those polled. n 45 per cent have implemented remote print job submission to support hybrid workers. n The majority (87 per cent) believe the cloud to be a lot more, or somewhat more, secure than an onpremise platform. n Cloud print deployment forms part of their sustainability strategy for 80 per cent of respondents. n Cloud provision is a key MPS supplier selection factor, with 38 per cent saying it influences their choice of MPS provider. n 40 per cent say transitioning print services to the cloud is a key driver for MPS adoption. MPS maturity does not equal cloud maturity The study found that organisations with a fully outsourced managed print service were less likely than those using a hybrid approach to have switched to a cloud-based print environment. More than half (52 per cent) of fully outsourced MPS customers are still operating their print environment fully onpremise, compared to only 31 per cent of those with a hybrid set-up where part of the print environment is managed in-house. “There is a clear opportunity here for MPS providers to support their customers through the The majority of organisations will operate a fully or mostly cloudbased IT environment by 2025, according to the latest Cloud Print Services 2022 Report from global market insight and research company Quocirca. Businesses are seeking resilience, cost savings and the flexibility to support a hybrid workforce without compromising security. As a result, the overall balance between cloud and onpremise infrastructure will switch in favour of the cloud within the next three years. One in five respondents to Quocirca’s study say they will fully transition their IT environment to the cloud by 2025; while 41 per cent will mostly transition. This compares to the situation today, where just six per cent are fully in the cloud and 21 per cent are mostly in the cloud. Adoption of cloud print management is also gathering pace. A cloud print management platform has already been implemented by 43 per cent of firms, a strong increase from 29 per cent who had done so in 2021. A further 37 per cent are planning to implement cloud print management, making it the solution of choice for eight in ten IT decision-makers overall. Louella Fernandes transition. However, the more traditional MPS providers may not have the necessary cloud expertise to act on this opportunity. Unless they invest rapidly in developing a cloud offering, they will find themselves at a disadvantage compared to competitors who are more cloud-ready,” Louella counsels. “Certainly, with 40 per cent of respondents saying that moving to the cloud is a top benefit of MPS, those providers that cannot meet this need will suffer.” Cloud print adoption varies The research showed levels of cloud adoption vary between geographies and sectors. The US is most mature on cloud print adoption – 56 per cent have adopted it. In the UK 40 per cent of respondents use cloud print management already and 28 per cent plan to do so. Germany is the least mature, with just under one-third of respondents already using cloud print management. Investment and education needed Quocirca’s Cloud Print Services Report 2022 contains valuable recommendations for buyers and suppliers to guide a successful shift to cloud print deployment. Buyers need to be confident that proposed solutions meet the accessibility, security and analytics requirements of the hybrid workplace. Suppliers, including OEM vendors and channel businesses, must ensure that they address the multi-cloud needs of businesses, as most are not yet fully cloudnative. Integration with existing security systems and the ability to support zero trust configurations is also essential. This may require partnerships with specialist cloud providers and businesses must be open to developing a strong partner ecosystem to fully support evolving customer needs. www.quocirca.com
11 www.managedITmag.co.uk WHAT’S NEW New scanning range Brother has launched a new range of A4 desktop document scanners for resellers that are helping customers drive efficiencies and cut the costs of maintenance. The ADS4 models offer scan speeds of up to 60 pages per minute, the capacity to scan up to 100 sheets at a time and a daily duty cycle of up to 9,000 pages, up from 5,000 a day from the previous range. The new scanners, which are compatible with Kofax document and data capture software, complement Brother’s existing line of printers, offering greater functionality for firms looking to improve their print and scan operations. The devices, which range from the standard ADS-4100 to the high-end ADS-4900W, are built for high volume applications where speed and accuracy are vital, from healthcare to retail and legal. Sara Diggle, SMB Business Unit Manager at Brother UK, said: “We know that our reseller partners often need the most simple and effective solutions for their customers and the launch of these new models creates the opportunity to provide high-end scan and print devices from the same vendor.” Features include USB 3.0 and ethernet connectivity to improve security, an inbuilt touchscreen display for simple scanning, and scan to net capabilities. Meanwhile, a new ultrasonic multi-feed detector ensures users can also avoid missing pages. More than half of the range is also compatible with Barcode Utility software, allowing users to scan documents that are earmarked with barcodes, to automatically route scanned files to secure folders, increasing efficiency across document processing. www.brother.co.uk Focus On: What’s New Next-generation capture software Kodak Alaris has released an update to its Capture Pro document capture software. Engineered to work seamlessly with any document scanner, the latest release introduces platform enhancements, security updates and integrations with third-party applications. Kodak Capture Pro now supports Windows 11, Windows Server 2022, and TLS 1.2. The solution’s OCR and barcode engine libraries have also been updated to the latest version. This release also includes SharePoint Online MFA (multi-factor authentication) methods. When enabled, logins by individuals registered as domain users are not required to enter credentials. Nondomain users will still be required to authenticate when processing the first batch after launching Kodak Capture Pro. Other new features include conformance with PDF/UA, which ensures accessibility for people who use assistive technology to navigate and read electronic content, and an option to mark images for deletion. This allows business process outsourcers, service bureaus and other organisations that are legally required to keep scanned images, to deliver ‘marked for deletion’ status to their customers. alarisworld.com Smart meeting flows Barco has announced a major software update to its ClickShare product range that includes smart meeting flows for wireless conferencing. The update introduces a set of features that make hosting hybrid meetings from the laptop a highly intuitive experience. As users walk into the meeting room with their laptop, ClickShare automatically connects to the meeting room using the PresentSense ultrasound proximity detection. With HostFlow users can start a conference from their laptop with ease, as the ClickShare App automatically guides them as meeting host or participant. And with just a single click (One-ClickJoin), users can start the meeting from their personal calendar. With the new ConferenceView function, meeting organisers can host the meeting from the laptop, share a presentation and keep track of both contents and participants’ video on the meeting room display, side by side, without the need for a dual-screen set up. www.barco.com Desktop to doorstep Apogee has launched AutoMail, a desktop to doorstep solution that enables customers to send business mail direct from their PC or laptop. In the past, sending business mail like statements, invoices or service reminders, has been a time-consuming and costly chore, requiring expensive hardware and employees’ valuable time to print, enclose and post the documentation. Apogee’s AutoMail reduces – and at times eliminates – the need for printers, toners, envelopes and franking machines. Compatible with applications such as Microsoft Word/Excel, Apogee customers create their mailings as normal, selecting File>Print before choosing their preferred mailing option. Apogee then processes and prints the documents in its secure mailing facilities, before enveloping the documentation. The letter is then delivered by the local postal service. AutoMail also provides businesses with the ability to set user specific permissions which means control over who prints and mails letters, and whether they print them in colour or mono (or both) and mail using 1st or 2nd class. www.apogeecorp.com Continued...
12 01732 759725 WHAT’S NEW ...continued Windows integration Citrix is working with Microsoft on an upcoming offering that combines its high-definition user experience (HDX) technology, robust IT policy control and ecosystem flexibility with Windows 365, offering IT administrators Citrix user licensing and employees a switch to Citrix clients through Microsoft Endpoint Manager and windows365.microsoft.com. Wangui McKelvey, GM Microsoft 365, Microsoft said: “Microsoft and Citrix are committed to delivering solutions that empower our customers to advance the future of work. This new integration brings together the power of Windows 365 Cloud PCs and the flexibility of Citrix high-definition user experience technology for a more seamless experience for our joint customers via the cloud.” www.microsoft.com www.citrix.com Secure cloud application delivery Tenable has integrated Terrascan into Nessus to enable secure cloud application delivery. Terrascan is an open-source IaC security analyser that enables cloud developers to scan infrastructure code and find security issues as part of the software delivery process. It helps identify issues such as missing or misconfigured encryption on resources and communication, and inadvertent exposure of cloud services. The integration into Nessus continues to further Tenable’s broader cloud strategy, helping enterprises secure their full cloud stacks both during build time and at runtime. www.tenable.com Enhanced scanners Kodak i4000 series scanners are ideal for paper-intensive organisations that require fast scanning, superior image quality and consistent data accuracy to maximise productivity. The Kodak i4650 and Kodak i4850 scanners are packed with features that help scanning professionals process documents more efficiently and reduce operating costs. The production scanners now deliver faster scanning speeds of up to 160 pages per minute (ppm), the i4650 scans up to 145 ppm and the i4850 model scans up to 160 ppm. An intuitive interface and onetouch scanning simplifies the user experience and combining these document scanners with Kodak Capture Pro Software enables intelligent data processing capabilities that can significantly increase productivity. www.alarisworld.com Convertible Chromebook Acer has launched new Chromebooks designed for businesses, consumers and families that provide the latest performance updates and durable MIL-STD 810H designs. The new Acer Chromebook Spin 714 and Acer Chromebook Enterprise Spin 714 use 12th Gen Intel Core processors (up to Core i7) to deliver a 20% performance improvement over previous generations. The new Chrome OS device wakes from sleep within seconds and delivers up to 10 hours of battery life or up to four hours of usage after a 30-minute quick-charge. Also new is the Acer Chromebook Tab 510 which features a durable and portable design and the performance to take Chrome OS on the go in a convenient tablet form factor. The device provides an excellent conferencing experience with a 10.1inch IPS 16:10 aspect ratio WUXGA (1920 x 1200) full HD display, a 5-megapixel MIPI front-facing webcam for video calls and an 8-megapixel MIPI world-facing camera for capturing images. www.acer.com Upgraded X-Series inkjet range Brother UK has upgraded its X-Series range of professional A3 inkjet printers with improved performance and ink capacity, helping resellers to support IT professionals’ productivity and sustainability goals. The upgraded X-Series inkjet range is suited to environments with higher print volume requirements and features faster print speeds of 30 images per minute, compared to the 22 ipm delivered by the previous range. Devices allow print copy and scan up to A3, with automatic two-sided print. Other improvements include better technology controlling flushing ink to create sharper printouts and full pigment-based inks delivering denser blacks and more vivid colours for documents. The new machines also have a longer lifespan, which will help customers reduce print costs by replacing devices less frequently. The monthly duty cycle on the new models has been boosted from 2,000 pages to 3,500 pages. Brother UK expects the upgraded line-up to form a key part of its managed print services offering. Additional to the traditional benefits of MPS agreements, the devices are refurbished and redeployed by the vendor, helping users to contribute to the circular economy. Users can also reduce waste and costs by using high-yield ink cartridges available with the range. The X-Series comprises of the MFC-J5955DW, MFC-J6955DW and MFC-J6957DW. Each model features a 9.3cm LCD display for user operation, with wired, wireless, USB and NFC connectivity. www.brother.co.uk Cohesity expands marketplace with integrations Cohesity has joined forces with Palo Alto Networks to integrate its Cohesity Helios next-gen data management platform with Palo Alto Networks’ Cortex™ XSOAR security orchestration, automation and response (SOAR) platform for improved ransomware detection and recovery. The company is also expanding its marketplace to not only include apps but integrations with brands that companies rely on daily. By unifying all integrations and featuring them in the Cohesity Marketplace, customers can explore and find solutions they need for their evolving data management and protection needs in one place. www.cohesity.com
13 www.managedITmag.co.uk IT Howmuch time & money does business mail cost you? With one click, AutoMail sends letters from your device, straight to your recipient’s door – giving you more freedom to focus on the tasks that matter. Compatible with Microsoft Word and Excel, AutoMail couldn’t be easier to use. Once sent, your document is processed in our secure facilities, then delivered by post at discounted rates. And for your peace of mind, AutoMail facilities are accredited to ISO 27001 and fully GDPR compliant – meaning your mail is secure and confidential, from desktop to doorstep. For more information, visit apogeecorp.com Eliminate your business’ need for... Paper Printers Franking Envelopes Scan to check out the video to see how it works!
14 COVER STORY 01732 759725 Snom DECT base stations M100 SC (Single Cell) and M400 DC (Dual Cell) Designed to meet the needs of lean organisations and for use in hybrid work environments, the Snom M100 SC DECT base station offers all the necessary functions for business communication. These include LDAP support and a central telephone directory with 1,000 entries shared amongst all connected phones, up to ten speed dials, caller identification (CLIP) and lock, as well as a do-not-disturb mode. A highlight of the Snom M100 SC is its ability to connect the base station to a large-scale system via a VPN, such as that with either no solutions or just semi-professional solutions. As well as being frustrating, this can often result in lower employee productivity. There is a better way... Snom Technology, a globally established brand for premium IP phones, has always strived to provide all organisations – regardless of size – with customised VoIP solutions. Now, they are expanding the DECT revolution into the SoHo (small office / home office) segment, offering two wireless working lines specially designed for smaller and more flexible organisations. Smaller organisations such as satellite offices, medical practices or law firms with 1 to 20 employees usually prefer cordless variants for telephony. This often stems from a need for flexibility (particularly in the hybrid working mode) or for enhanced employee mobility in smaller working environments. Therefore, they often receive DECT solutions originating in the end-user market. However, the range of functions within these solutions can be limited, since many applications from switching to forwarding calls are superfluous in the private sphere. Consequently, organisations have to make do Wireless Working: the Small Office and Home Office (SoHo) market can now benefit from the Snom DECT revolution With the DECT base stations M100 SC and M400 DC, and the new DECT IP phones M10 SC and M30, Snom is meeting the demand for professional, cordless IP telephony in home offices and small businesses with up to 20 employees
COVER STORY 15 www.managedITmag.co.uk DECT-over-IP phones Snom M10 SC and Snom M30 The new, cost-optimised DECT phone Snom M10 SC is perfectly adapted to the M100. Together with crystal clear audio quality, it offers all the essential call functions combined with typical business features characteristic of the Snom DECT base station M100 SC. It also has a local phone directory for up to 500 entries. The integrated 1.8 inch, monochrome and easy-to-read display with larger icons is backlit, as is the keyboard. The powerful battery enables up to 9 hours talk time or up to a week’s stand-by time. The handset is also equipped with four freely programmable LED function keys. Meanwhile, the new Snom M30 DECT phone can be used with all the Snom DECT multicell base stations from the new Snom M400 DC and guarantees up to 22 hours talk time and up to two weeks stand-by time. The perfect combination Using the compact DECT base station Snom M100 SC for stationary and cloud-based telephony, SoHos benefit from a professional and flexible solution which supports eight SIP identities, found in a parent company. Not only does this increase the security of telephone calls, but also provides the user with all the basic functions of the company headquarters (shared address book and much more). The Snom M400 DC DECT base station also offers automated dual-cell expandability in the local network, as the powerful Call Manager manages up to 20 parallel calls with up to 40 SIP accounts. The M400 meets the latest encryption standards, offers seamless roaming between different base stations, and uses the same architecture for software and security updates as the M900 multi-cell system. The two new DECT base stations – the Snom M100 SC and Snom M400 DC for small offices and home offices – offer an extensive range of functions. These include conference calls, muting, call forwarding, toggling or holding calls, call logs, recording call duration and phone book reconciliation for incoming or outgoing calls. Features such as remote maintenance and zero-touch setup are available for cloud and VoIP PBX partners. Both new products can also be powered with existing PoE switches. six simultaneous calls and up to ten Snom M10 SC DECT-over-IP phones. The DECT base station Snom M400 DC enables the use of up to 20 DECT multi-cell mobile devices of the Snom M30 type, while ten parallel calls can be made. The Snom M30 is also compatible with all Snom DECT multicell base stations from M400 DC. Together with Snom’s DECT multicellular systems, the Snom M30 also supports XML minibrowser functions, giving Snom technology partners even deeper PBX integration. “Over the past two years, there’s been a lot of talk about the importance of modern telecommunications technologies for large companies and SMEs in ‘new work’ scenarios. But an important segment in our economy, such as SoHo organisations, was de facto ignored,” comments Oliver Wittig, Vice President of Enterprise Relations at Snom Technology. With these new products in its portfolio, Snom is putting a stop to this failing and specifically addressing the needs of smaller organisations. “From now on, SoHos no longer have to deal with any telephony restrictions as a result of unfavourable price-performance ratios,” Wittig concludes. www.snom.com/en
16 01732 759725 DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION a helpful tool to make lives a little easier is a great achievement”. The University of Exeter will now continue development of a new app to aid in creating the ultimate accessible education destination for any user. About Ancoris Ancoris is a leading Google Cloud Services Provider which helps customers innovate and transform through the use of Google Cloud. It has extensive expertise in Google Cloud technologies and delivers its magic through Data and AI, as well as the modernisation of applications and workspaces. For more information, please visit www.ancoris.com team was able to quickly provide new digital capabilities to the University, illustrating the impactful transformation that can happen in just a short space of time. Michael Renwick, Principal Industry Consultant at Ancoris comments on the recent success: “I’m delighted that we have been able to provide a fantastic app for the University. Using the squad approach and having a large team involved was a great collaborative experience. Our repaid development and ability to build a product that resolves a problem is something we take pride in.” Ash Roots, Chief Digital Officer at the University of Exeter says: “Ancoris was able to offer a collaborative, automotive and whole-team approach to the project and it was a huge success. Our students, members and team come first at our University so providing As part of creating a seamless digital experience for students, the University tasked Ancoris with building a productivity app for students, offering an integrated platform to house all the information that students require to be productive throughout the day. In line with its mission to become a fully digital-led university, Ash Roots, Chief Digital Officer of the University of Exeter, reached out to the major Cloud providers for support and Ancoris was recommended for its expertise in secure Google Cloud solutions. Over two days, the team at Ancoris built a successful prototype to fit and match the specifications provided by the University which resulted from user insight regarding what its students wanted from a University app. Working with all members of the University including the student committee, lecturers, and researchers, Ancoris created a proof-of-concept (POC) app which focused on resolving the main pain points of the students, prioritising staying on top of important university emails and announcements. Ancoris was able to help students effectively address deadlines and events through a simple timeline displaying upcoming events, important deadlines and university meetings with a customised event feed for each student. With a simple, speedy development and agile management from Ancoris, the Ancoris Partners with University of Exeter to Support Digital Transformation Ancoris, the leading Google Cloud Services Provider, is proud to announce its successful partnership with the University of Exeter, supporting the University as it embarks on an exciting strategy to create the ultimate accessible education destination for any user
17 www.managedITmag.co.uk BUSINESS BRIEFING AD OKI The small but mighty OKI C650 Colour Printer that does not compromise on cost effectiveness, productivity or efficiency. Available for every type of business. www.oki.com/uk
18 01732 759725 DATA STORAGE Internet of Things (IoT), from a top-level standpoint, refers to a network of physical devices such as embedded sensors, driverless vehicles, smartphones/tablets, wearables, or home appliances, that create and share information without human intervention. Even though there is currently a strong drive towards IoT and digitization, the concept has been around for the last 10 years at least, with interconnected devices and applications prevalent in industry and consumables. What has recently changed is the augmented capabilities of said devices, faster comms networks, the standardisation of communication protocols and more affordable IT, which is giving the IoT phenomena a turbocharge. As such, it is transforming operational processes and product lifecycles across a range of markets and applications. That said, the detailed level of information current IoT devices are capable of capturing should be empowering manufacturers to leverage the benefits of Industry 4.0 to operate truly automated production lines/assembly lines, but this isn’t happening as quickly as you might expect. Whilst some of the barriers may be cultural or finance-related, a much bigger barrier, in many instances, is highly intelligent devices versus substandard data handling and storage management infrastructure. An unavoidable consequence of IoT and the devices and applications it powers, is the colossal amount of constantly changing data that is generated as a result. This data needs to be processed in real-time if meaningful conclusions are to be drawn and swift decisions made to avoid bottlenecks and keep production lines operational, as smallest of delays can have major The IoT data deluge in industry and manufacturing repercussions further down the line. This is particularly important for manufacturers reliant on artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). Both disciplines are data intensive, bandwidth hungry and require robust storage management processes that enable parallel processing at scale. Indeed, the value of any IoT derived data is incredibly short lived, and unless the associated storage management infrastructure can keep pace with the constantly changing data, an IoT investment can very quickly become an expensive white elephant. So, what happens to all the IoT data? The data flow in an industrial IoT (IIoT) network, in simple terms it is a three-layer process as follows: 1 Data sources IoT gathers data from an array of devices and/or embedded sensors and the information can either be processed locally, depending on the availability of appropriate infrastructure, the sensitivity of the data, or the nature of industry, or transported via an edge gateway to a colocation facility or the cloud for processing and handling. 2 Data storage The data captured by the embedded technologies then needs to be appropriately stored for longterm and short-term applications. Some of the data might require immediate processing depending on the application (the operability of an industrial robot for example), whereas some might need to be securely transported and/or stored for future applications. 3 Data analytics & applications This layer analyses the data so useful information can be generated and acted upon to speed up operations and process control. Detailed insights into production lines/product life cycles enable slicker operations through predictive maintenance and other troubleshooting measures, thus avoiding downtimes and outages that can impact efficiency and profitability. Data storage is a small cog in a big IoT wheel Storage is just one element of the IoT data processing ecosystem. BUT it is an element that is becoming increasingly integral as insufficient storage capacity is detrimental to operability. The storage capabilities of any IoT network must assure data integrity, reliability, and safety. Moreover, they must be agile to support a range of environments, technologies, and applications, whilst facilitating seamless interconnectivity between edge gateways, other edge devices and the cloud. Substandard storage is the Achilles heel for many manufacturers, with outdated comms rooms not allowing them to harness IoT data to its full potential. Insufficient storage capacity is such an issue that, according to industry research, between 60% and 73% of machine generated data goes unanalysed. The IoT data that powers Industry 4.0 needs to be processed as close to the source as possible for operability and safety reasons and organisations reliant on mission critical data are quickly realising that conventional colocation facilities cannot always assure the ultrahigh speed and litra low latency needed. In paradox, many on-premises facilities are not fit for purposes as far as IoT data storage management is concerned because they are unable to house the specialist IT needed. And even if they are, there is seldom room for expansion as capacity requirements escalate. High performance computers (HPC), because of their sheer magnitude, GPU-based processing power... “Effective data storage management is a critical component of the IoT ecosystem,” says David Keegan, Group CEO of DataQube Global David Keegan You can read the full article at: https://bit.ly/3voggjX
CYBERSECURITY 19 www.managedITmag.co.uk Another upside of data tiering is lower energy costs. You’ll use less compute power if you’re not storing every last byte of your data at the highest security level. 5 Put a disaster-recovery plan in place Despite all the preventive measures you take, you need to prepare for the possibility that you will get hit. So, it would be best if you had a disaster-recovery plan. You need to be able to back up data as often as is appropriate – ideally every 15 minutes for critical data. You also need to easily verify that your whole environment is backed up, including your remote workers and any SaaS applications you use, such as Microsoft 365. A good disaster-recovery solution will back up your data to a location of your choice and on a schedule that suits you. It will also be easy to test, which is crucial because testing is the only way you can validate that your recovery-time goals can be met. It may seem obvious, but this is where a lot of solutions fall short. Your disaster-recovery solution must be able to recover your data every time and on time. Final takeaway There is no perfect defense against ransomware. The best approach is a multilayered one that includes educating your staff, investing in reliable data backup & recovery and immutable storage solutions, and having a robust disaster recovery plan. That’s how organisations can stay ahead of this growing threat and protect their data and bottom line. them to quickly restore their data and avoid paying the ransom when attackers break in. Regular data backups and encryption play a key role in protecting an organization’s data. A consistent backup schedule will enable you to seamlessly restore any compromised systems or data. Encrypting your sensitive data is also highly recommended. After all, if ransomware attackers gain access to your critical assets, encryption has the benefit of keeping data from being read and further exploited by the bad guys. 3 Place a premium on data resilience Your data resilience is only as strong as your weakest link. Monitor your weaknesses, fix them when you find them, and you can bounce back quickly from disruption and return to normal operation. To do this, you must have the technologies required to back up your data and recover it if necessary, along with the proper mindset. That means a defensive posture is regularly sustained with drills that simulate an intrusion to measure your resiliency and bolster it where necessary. Many companies develop a strategy and then neglect to test it. All companies should regularly test their data backup and recovery plans to ensure they can effectively restore their data and systems if an attack or natural disaster occurs. 4 Know what data is most critical Data varies in value. If you’re concerned about costs, as most organizations are these days, you don’t have to store or back up all your data in the same place. Look into storage solutions that provide options like data tiering. These enable you to place less-important data in less-expensive levels of storage or “tiers.” Ransomware attacks continue to impact organisations worldwide— and the costs are staggering. A new global survey of over 1,100 IT decision-makers at small and midsize companies found that 50% had been targeted by a ransomware attack, with 35% asked to pay over $100,000 in ransom, and 20% asked to pay between $1 million and $10 million. In the UK, 50% of respondents said they had no choice but to pay the ransom. Here are five steps businesses can take now to reduce their exposure to ransomware and avoid staggering losses. 1 Educate employees It’s essential to invest in training for staff so that they’re aware of how ransomware works. From there, employees will be better prepared to recognise and prevent it. They should know that ransomware can sneak in from anywhere. The training should remind them to scrutinize every link in emails and not open attachments in unsolicited emails. Employees should be reminded to download only software – especially free – from websites they know and trust. When possible, employees should verify the integrity of downloaded software through a digital signature before execution. 2 Focus on cures as well as prevention Companies continue to invest loads of money in cybersecurity solutions like next-generation firewalls and extended detection and response (XDR) systems designed to prevent attacks. Yet these same companies are still falling prey to ransomware and being forced to pay a hefty price. It’s time for companies to stop focusing entirely on prevention. They should also invest in curative measures like backup & recovery and immutable storage that allow Ransomware attacks are growing in cost and frequency Companies should take these 5 steps to protect themselves by Florian Malecki, EVP Marketing, Arcserve
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