WORKPLACE How EV chargers can boost your appeal for younger workers PAGE 19 SUSTAINABILITY What the IT industry and its customers could learn from adidas PAGE 14 CLOUD Is it time to switch to an on-premises private cloud? PAGE 20 SECURITY · CLOUD · ICT · SOFTWARE · HARDWARE PRINT · AV MANAGED.IT SECURITY · CLOUD · ICT · SOFTWARE · HARDWARE · PRINT · AV www.managedITmag.co.uk THE IT SERVICES MAGAZINE & NEWS SITE FOR IT MANAGERS, IT DIRECTORS & CTOS THE IT SERVICES MAGAZINE & NEWS SITE FOR IT MANAGERS, IT DIRECTORS & CTOS IN PRINT AND ONLINE MANAGED.IT SECURITY · CLOUD · ICT · SOFTWARE · HARDWARE · PRINT · AV www.managedITmag.co.uk IN PRINT AND ONLINE IN PRINT AND ONLINE www.managedITmag.co.uk SECURITY · CLOUD · ICT · SOFTWARE · HARDWARE PRINT · AV IN PRINT AND ONLINE Issue 64 · 2023 More and more businesses are moving into the fast lane with Develop – page 22 Put your business in pole position with Develop
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3 www.managedITmag.co.uk Read Managed.IT online... www.managedITmag.co.uk ISSN 2055-3099 (Print) ISSN 2055-3102 (Online) 04 News Brother calls time on lengthy meetings 08 Innovations The month’s best new workplace products 10 Data Centres How Western Digital is addressing growing demand for data storage 11 Communications Crown Commercial Service framework success for Spitfire 12 Sustainability Aurora highlights recent ESG achievements 14 Sustainability How to consume IT in a more responsible way 16 Finance Rigby Capital updates financing model for everything-as-a-service 17 EV Charging The top five reasons for not owning an EV 18 Telephony What the Big Switch-Off means for you 19 Workplace Can EV charging at work help you recruit the best 20 Cloud Why it’s time to switch from public cloud to an on-premises private cloud 21 Scanners Canon’s latest plug and play scanner for small businesses 22 Cover Story Putting your business in pole position with Develop 24 I couldn’t do my job without... Dave Higgott of PCL Direct picks his favourite work tools 25 Review We review the HP Z40C-g3 high performance display 26 AI Alex Luketa explains how to get the most out of generative AI 28 Cyber security LLMs boosting success of phishing campaigns, warns Egress 29 Digitalisation How digital experience management is saving time and money for PAHT 30 Data centre Node4 helps Together for Mental Wellbeing modernise its IT infrastructure 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] Art Director: Nick Pledge 07767 615983 • [email protected] Advertising Executive: Jeff Root 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. © 2023 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] SECURITY · CLOUD · ICT · SOFTWARE · HARDWARE PRINT · AV IN PRINT AND ONLINE www.managedITmag.co.uk THE IT SERVICES MAGAZINE & NEWS SITE FOR IT MANAGERS, IT DIRECTORS & CTOS ISSUE 64 · 2023 AWARDS 20 24 Royal Lancaster Hotel London Thursday 23rd May 2024 www.trawards.co.uk
CUT THE CRAIC! Cut the small talk to boost productivity is the unambiguous message from UK workers surveyed by Brother UK as part of its Meaningful Meeting Manifesto campaign. More than half of the 2,000 whitecollar workers polled complain they attend too many unengaging and poorly structured meetings (53%) and spend too much time on calls and catch-ups that act as a drag on their productivity (55%). A similar proportion (57%) say they only attend one useful meeting a week. Four out of five (81%) believe they could get just as much done in shorter meetings and catch-ups by eliminating time wasted by waffling colleagues (59%), small talk (48%), late-joiners (31%) and people not paying attention (31%). More than one third (43%) are convinced colleagues try and do other work during meetings. When it comes to the pre-requisites of a productive meeting, 88% agree that timekeeping is important, followed by keeping to a strict agenda (78%), circulating actions notes (74%), putting laptops and phones away (73%) and keeping cameras on if virtual (61%). Two thirds (67%) believe face-toface meetings are more productive than virtual meetings (24%). Phil Jones MBE, Managing Director of Brother UK, says that meetings are still important for corporate culture, problem-solving, building relationships and developing new customers, but he also believes that many could be shorter. He added: “Our findings also uncovered that meetings that overrun and waste time have a negative impact on morale and attitudes at work. Half of respondents (54%) admitted that they feel frustrated, with 27% feeling demotivated and 25% going as far to say they think less of their colleagues. Greater consideration of time, place and how to better facilitate calls and catchups will help nurture more productive meetings.” www.brother.co.uk MAJORITY HOME WORKING DOWN 50% Analysis from JLL, a global commercial real estate and investment management company, shows that the proportion of employees working fully remotely or attending the office just 1-2 days per week has fallen from 39% last year to 20% this year. The report Is hybrid really working? reveals that 87% of international organisations are encouraging employees to return to the office, with one third now making attendance compulsory on particular weekdays. However, take-up varies across Europe, with staff in France and Belgium spending an average of 3.5 days per week in the office compared to just 2.2 days for workers in the UK. Overall, in H1 2023, 79% of employees globally were in the office more than three days a week, compared to 51% in H1 2022. jll.com ... SIGNS OF OFFICE REVIVAL? Is working-from-home falling out of favour with UK businesses and their employees? Spend management platform Pleo believes it could be, citing its first European Quarterly Spending Report as evidence that businesses are investing in their workspaces to entice workers back into the office. Its analysis shows that UK spending on office supplies such as computer chairs, artwork and equipment was 36% higher in September than in July and August. In KPMG’s recent CEO Outlook report, 63% of UK business leaders predicted a full return to in-office working by 2026. pleo.io ... TIME TO QUARANTINE HYBRID Over half (51%) of AV professionals believe it’s time to drop ‘hybrid’ from ‘hybrid work’ and just call it ‘work’. That’s according to Kinly’s Trusted Connections 2023 report, which surveyed 150 UK-based AV professionals, nearly two thirds (59%) of whom do the majority of their work from home, with 12% working completely remotely. info.kinly.com ... TRUE CYBERCRIME STORIES BT Business aims to put cyber security front of mind with the launch of a five-part podcast highlighting the remarkable true stories behind some of the world’s most high-profile cyberattacks including the casino that was hacked via its fish tank. Available on Spotify or Apple, True Cybercrime Stories by BT is narrated by Adrian Lester, star of The Undeclared War. He said: “Truth is so often stranger than fiction, and in the dark underbelly of cybercrime that adage certainly rings true. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed recreating these tales with BT, and while not every business will have a fish tank that can be hacked, I’m sure all listeners will take away some valuable lessons to stop them getting caught out.” ... SMART PATCHES Avery Dennison, a materials science and digital identification solutions company, has highlighted the opportunities in digitally enabled clothing through its partnership with the San Francisco 49ers. In its capacity as the Official Cutting Edge Embellishment Partner of the celebrated American football team, Avery Denison and San Francisco 49ers marquee sponsor Levi Strauss & Co jointly developed an NFC chip-enabled iron-on patch to commemorate the team’s first 10 seasons at Levi’s Stadium. Included in season ticket-holder gift boxes, the NFC-enabled patch, when activated by a single tap from any smartphone, unlocks a video message from General Manager John Lynch thanking fans for their support and showcasing highlights from the past ten seasons. NEWS 4 01732 759725 NEWS photo: BraunS vis iStock
Steve Mason, Vice President & General Manager of Embelex, Avery Dennison, said: “Fan engagement opportunities are at the core of any professional sports team. Avery Dennison prides itself on our Digital Solutions which connect the physical Embelex product with our digital capabilities. In a competitive landscape such as professional sports we anticipate further adoption of these 1-to-1 fan engagements and new lines of communication to open. The possibilities are endless.” embelex.averydennison.com ... AI FEARS Less than half (44%) of IT professionals have a positive view of AI tools, according to new research from SolarWinds, with one in four believing they will eventually pose a threat to society and 48% advocating stricter regulations. Even so, 28% are currently using AI tools to help with their work, with a further 28% planning to invest in AI tools. Sascha Giese, Tech Evangelist at SolarWinds, said: “The buzz around AI, particularly generative AI, is grabbing the attention of business leaders. There are clear opportunities to reduce costs, create new product lines or enrich existing offerings. While this enthusiasm from the C-suite is great for increasing IT budgets, it’s understandable certain reservations persist among IT professionals — particularly when it comes to AI replacing their key daily tasks. “Properly regulated AI deployments will benefit employees, customers and the broader workforce. But it needs buy-in from the right people. Transparency over AI concerns and a collaborative, open discussion between business leaders and IT teams is key. Until then, we will continue to see a cautious, ‘wait and see’ approach from IT teams slowing the adoption of these revolutionary tools.” ... AI COURSE FOR BUSINESS LEADERS As AI technology evolves at a rapid rate, Scotland’s innovation centre for data and AI has launched a fourweek, 14-hour online course designed to provide business leaders with the practical skills needed to use AI responsibly within their organisations. Driving Value from AI from The Data Lab addresses the primary questions leaders have about AI in an entirely non-technical way, bringing together insights from practitioners across Scotland with expert guidance from Strategy Advisor and Coach Craig Paterson. The Data Lab is offering a 50% discount to anyone who registers for the course before December 22 using the code: EARLYBIRD50. https://learn.thedatalab.com/ courses/driving-value-from-ai Your AI guide: Craig Paterson, Executive Education Advisor 5 www.managedITmag.co.uk NEWS SOFTWARE DEVELOPERS TOO AFRAID TO SPEAK OUT Engprax, a provider of software audits, investigations and consultancy, has uncovered widespread failures in software development that it warns could have worrying implications for wider society. More than half (53%) of software engineers surveyed for an investigation led by Engprax CEO Dr Junade Ali CEng FIET say they’ve suspected wrongdoing at work. Of those who raised their concerns, 75% say they faced retaliation after reporting wrongdoing to their employers. In instances where software engineers stayed silent, the top two reasons for doing so were fear of potential retaliation from management (59%) and potential retaliation from colleagues (44%). In The Dark Side of Software Development, Engprax also claims some companies have sought to bypass public interest disclosure laws by getting employees to agree to warranty clauses during severance. These clauses stipulate the employee knows of no grounds to make protected disclosures covering matters related to criminality, failure to comply with legal obligations, miscarriages of justice, health and safety dangers or environmental damage. The report warns that ‘industry standard’ frameworks used to assess software teams are flawed, citing the prioritisation of speed and volume when measuring the performance of software teams, even though ‘getting the latest features as quickly as possible’ is seen as the least important dimension of computer use by a representative poll of British adults (cited by 22%). What matters to them much more are data security (62%), data accuracy (55%) and ensuring there are no serious bugs (55%). Of eight dimensions, software engineers were least likely to agree ‘to a great extent’ that ‘delivering work quickly’ was most important to their jobs (33%). Of more importance are being able to provide for their families (52%), delivering work that is highly reliable (51%) and ensuring their work kept data secure (47%). Dr Junade Ali said: “From software engineers facing mass retaliation for speaking up and banned gagging clauses still being used, to ‘industrystandard’ software development metrics not considering the public’s risk appetite, this investigation has highlighted systematic and profound issues with society-wide impact, given how integral computers are to all our lives. Our investigation has shown a tendency for problems to be swept below the rug until they reach boiling point rather than addressed, this is neither compassionate nor honest for those involved.” www.engprax.com Dr Junade Ali CEng FIET The Dark Side of Software Development Wrongdoing in Software Development and Retaliation Targeting Software Engineers 1 continued...
6 01732 759725 NEWS WEB3 SKILLS IN DEMAND The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) is reporting a clear shift towards the prioritisation of cuttingedge technologies in recruitment. The new Corporate Recruiters Survey shows that amongst global firms looking for tech skills in graduates, 80% are looking for expertise in Web3, blockchain and virtual reality; 75% are seeking proficiency in operating cloudbased technology; and 74% are looking for competency in AI and Machine Learning. Overall, the most essential skills for graduates are communication, data analysis and strategy expertise, with growing demand for multilingualism, active listening and cross-cultural competence. The GMAC is a global association of graduate business schools. ... PULSANT INCREASES CAPACITY AS DECISION-MAKERS QUESTION CLOUD-ONLY STRATEGIES Regional data centre specialist Pulsant has announced a £3 million expansion of its Rotherham site to meet growing demand in the Yorkshire and Humber region for access to low latency, high performance compute, storage and connectivity services. The investment will increase total IT space across the 2,000+ SQM site by 30% and more than double data centre hall capacity to 380kW (up from 176kW). Ben Cranham, Chief Operating Officer at Pulsant, says the expansion comes as more business decisionmakers consider hybrid alternatives to cloud-only strategies, including colocation and private cloud infrastructure. He said: “Our platformEDGE infrastructure in Rotherham and across the UK is supporting the increasing number of business decision-makers challenging cloud-only strategies on cost and vendor lock-in grounds and their IT counterparts who see the limitations in the hyperscale model.” As part of the investment, Pulsant is also piloting the use of biofuel in standby power generators, eliminating the use of FM200 fire suppressant gas and switching to LED sensor lighting across the centre. www.pulsant.com ... REPLICA WORLD CUP BALLS COME WITH UNIQUE DIGITAL IDENTITY To mark the recent Rugby World Cup Final between South Africa and New Zealand, Gilbert Rugby, Legends International and AuthentifyIT created 150 limited edition replica match balls, each with its own unique identity authenticated through blockchain, tokenisation and IoT technology. As well as proving the authenticity and ownership of the commemorative balls, this ‘digital passport’ enables the owner to connect with other enthusiasts via a WhatsApp-like communication platform and access exclusive content, services and offers. AuthentifyIT says its fraud-proof authentication platform provides crucial security for collectors by validating the origin and history of objects from inception to end-of-life. Co-founder Olivier Viaud said: “In a world where 40% of collectibles turn out to be forgeries, the astounding absence of provenance and authenticity verification is nothing short of a global shocker. It boggles the mind that some of the world’s most prized collectibles are valued based on nothing more than a piece of paper. “Brace yourself for a game-changer, as the world awakens to the possibility of universally and permanently etching the history and lineage of physical objects. This is the seismic shift that will upend how we perceive and cherish collectibles.” ... FALSE POSITIVES A RIGHT PAIN – AGAIN False positives, when systems are flagged as having problems when none exist, have been revealed as the biggest frustration for IT administrators for the second year in a row. In a survey by IT monitoring experts Paessler AG, 40% of IT admins cited this as a frustration (up from 34% last year), ahead of notification noise (34%) and automation challenges (31%). Other frustrations include management reporting (23%), making my work visible (19%) and missing access rights (8%). Martin Hodgson, Director Northern Europe at Paessler AG, said: “IT teams often grapple with recurring challenges, where issues may seem amiss but turn out to be false alarms. This can take a toll on business, incurring costs, downtime and productivity losses. Getting a better understanding of crucial areas that demand attention avoids the fruitless pursuit of non-existent problems.” Half (52%) of IT admins in the UK view cloud adoption as their main challenge for the next 2 to 3 years; 45% cite extra pressure to maintain a resilient IT infrastructure in an age of hybrid working and cybercrime; and 18% reference AI. www.paessler.com ... NINE OUT OF 10 CTOS… Nine out of 10 CTOs see technical debt as their biggest challenge heading into 2024, reveals new research by IT services and consulting company STX Next, followed by capacity (68%), security (62%), lack of budget (52%) and employee retention (42%). https://www.stxnext.com/ ... YOU AIN’T SEEN NOTHING YET Data volumes in a typical organisation have increased by 42% over the last 18 months and are projected to rise by more than 700% in the next five years, claims Rubrik Zero Labs in its research report The State of Data Security: The Journey to Secure an Uncertain Future. Recent growth has been driven by big increases in data generated by SaaS and the cloud, up 145% and 73% respectively, compared to data growth of 20% from on-premises systems. The Zero Trust data security company warns that UK businesses are ill-prepared for this data explosion, with 66% of IT and security leaders reporting that current data growth is outpacing their ability to secure data and mitigate risk and 98% already experiencing significant data visibility challenges. https://rubrik.com/zero-labs continued...
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8 01732 759725 INNOVATIONS Workspace 365 has decluttered its all-in-one adaptive digital workplace to give users even easier access to applications, company information and personal documents. Currently used by more than 2,300 organisations, Workspace 365 integrates everything into one interface, seamlessly connecting legacy and cloud applications to create a unified digital experience on any device while filtering out unnecessary apps and information to avoid overload. New features include a centralised location for sharing company announcements, articles and events; new address book search options that make it easier to find colleagues with the right skills to help with a specific task; an Activity Feed that can be tailored to the user’s role and interests; and Smarter Global Search, enabling instant access to company documents, applications and resources through a unified search bar. www.workspace365.net Simpler digital workplace Audio partners Following a partnership agreement between the companies, Lenovo has added EPOS products to its third party offering and is launching a number of co-branded solutions for business professionals in hybrid work environments. The first of these are the Lenovo Wired VOIP Headset and Lenovo Wired ANC Headset Gen 2 optimised for UC applications and certified for Teams and Zoom. Features include an inline call control box for ease of use; a USB-C plug (with USB-A adapter) for connection to any PC; cushioned ear cups; Active Noise Cancellation for eliminating ambient noise; and a travel pouch for on-the-go storage. www.lenovo.com • eposaudio.com Foldable PC Integrating the best features of a laptop, tablet and desktop, the 3-in-1 HP Spectre Foldable PC can be used as a foldable 12.3in laptop, with the option of expanded mode (one-and-a-half screen) or extended mode (dual screen functionality); as a thin 17-inch tablet for on-the-go productivity and entertainment; or as a desktop by deploying its built-in kickstand and detachable keyboard. The foldable panel and integrated hinge ensure seamless, easy transitions between the three form factors, with Windows Snap and an HP enhanced mode quickly adapting and reconfiguring the Windows layout. With a built-in AI chip, the Spectre Fold supports features such as walk away lock, wake on approach, auto screen dimming, privacy alerts, screen time and distance reminders and touch-free, gesture-powered content control. www.hp.com AI-powered camera Boom Collaboration’s new PTZ conferencing camera is its most powerful yet. The Boom MAGNA Pro features AI-powered people and room zone tracking, Ultra HD 4K clarity, a 27x zoom, a 70-degree field of view and an array of connectivity options. Boom Co-founder Fredrik Hörnkvist said: “Zone tracking is a new and highly soughtafter feature where the camera will only detect someone in a defined space, such as when presenting…A Sony CMOS sensor and advanced focus technology guarantee superior image quality while multiple video outputs allow for seamless integration with A/V control systems and live streaming events, delivering enterprise-level video for any space.” https://boomcollaboration.com Stay in touch with TAU 2 Rolling Square describes the TAU 2 as the smallest universal emergency power bank and the first keyring power bank to feature built-in NFC technology for easy data transfer and connection with other devices. With an integrated dual connector (for Lightning and Micro USB ports) and a USB-C connector, TAU 2 can charge all types of mobile device and, thanks to its magnetic charging dock, is always charged and ready to go. A Lost Mode gives the option of attaching a QR code so that if you lose your keys and activate the feature the finder can scan the QR code or NFC tag and access your contact details. The device can be preordered on Kickstarter. WHAT’S NEW Bringing it all together Xerini has launched a new data and process orchestration platform to enable businesses in any sector to collect, analyse and investigate their data more effectively. Called Xefr, the customisable, low-code platform works alongside current systems and seamlessly integrates data and content from different sources into one system. Features include: advanced AI algorithms for key information extraction, deep document searching and customisable dashboards; and rich information querying using conversational natural language processing (NLP). By tuning large language models (LLMs) on structured, semi-structured and unstructured datasets, users can ask specific questions about their data. The platform is highly scalable and can be customised to meet the needs of all businesses, from small start-ups to large enterprises. https://xerini.co.uk
INNOVATIONS 9 www.managedITmag.co.uk Broad appeal New from MMD, the Philips 49B2U5900CH combines a curved 48.8in SuperWide (32:9) display with useful features such as an earphone hook – a first for a Philips monitor; a Busylight on the 5MP webcam that syncs with Microsoft Teams to show colleagues when the user is busy on a call; and Windows Hello functionality that enables users to log in to their Microsoft accounts automatically through facial recognition. Designed to replace multiple screens, this new addition to the Philips B2B 5000 series also includes a Smart KVM feature that lets users switch between connected PCs by pressing the Ctrl key on their keyboard three times and a USB-C docking solution with RJ45 port. USB-C connections allow for up to 100W of power delivery as well as high-speed data transfer to and from devices. TÜV Rheinland Eyesafe certification provides reassurance for anyone who spends long hours in front of the screen. https://mmdmonitors.com/ Security and customisation Sharp NEC Display Solutions Europe has completed its collaboration display portfolio with the launch of the Sharp LA Series. Available in 65, 75 and 86-inch versions, the Sharp LA Series combines cutting-edge technology, the highest security standards and customisation via an Intel SDM slot. For example, the optional SDM-L Slot-in PC Collaboration provides a range of pre-installed features like the Sharp Meeting Launcher for quick access to preferred applications and VC platforms, FlatFrog Board collaborative whiteboarding software and AirServer for wireless screen sharing. In addition, users can securely connect their own notebooks via USB-C for spontaneous collaboration. www.sharpnecdisplays.eu Bigger and better PPDS has expanded the possibilities of its energy-saving ePaper signage range with the launch of a 32in (16:9) model that can be used as a standalone display or as part of a wider network of professional displays. Like the existing 25in Philips Tableaux Series, the 32in 5150I can display static colour content even when unplugged and not consuming power. Power is only required to update content via USB, micro USB, Micro SD, LAN or WiFi 5. Alternatively, the Philips Tableaux 5150I with built-in Android SoC platform and Power over Ethernet (PoE), providing power and connectivity, can be managed and updated remotely using PPDS’ own software, including the PPDS Wave secure cloud platform, or third party solutions. The 5150I is the first display to run on the new E Ink Spectra 6 platform which uses enhanced colour algorithms to provide a true print-quality replacement for any paper sign on the 2560 x 1440, 16:9 digital display. Andrea Barbuti, Global Product Manager at PPDS, said: “When seeing the Philips Tableaux 5150I in action, it is almost impossible to comprehend that you’re looking at a digital display and not a poster. Portrait or landscape mountable, the 32” Philips Tableaux 5150I is a perfect replacement for any paper-based communication, from posters, menus, in-store advertising and promotions, wayfinding and timetables through to store opening hours.” More details on availability and pricing will be announced in early 2024. www.ppds.com Extended life Epson is supporting the sustainability efforts of partners and end user customers by introducing an extended warranty and parts replacement programme for its business inkjet printers that extends typical contracted printer life by up to three years to a maximum of eight. Epson claims it can do this because its Heat-Free inkjet printing technology imposes fewer stresses on printers’ serviceable parts than laser technology and also uses fewer of them, making devices easier to service and manage. The best yet Panasonic Connect has launched the third iteration of its TOUGHBOOK 55 modular rugged notebook. Designed for the increasingly varied roles of mobile workers in the field services, automotive, emergency services and defence sectors, the upgraded TOUGHBOOK 55mk3 balances the need for connectivity, flexibility and ease of use with ruggedness, a long battery life and security. Key advances include the addition of a rear expansion slot, featuring a fourth USB Type-A and second USB Type-C interface, ideal for highspeed data transfers; up to 12.7% more processing power with an Intel 13th generation Core i5 processor with Intel vPro Technology (Raptor Lake) or up to 17.4% more with the optional Core i7 processor with Intel vPro Technology; enhanced eSIM and Dual SIM connectivity for reliable communications on the move; and the latest power-saving Wi-Fi and upgraded Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity. www.toughbook.eu
10 01732 759725 TECH BRIEFING For example, Western Digital’s high-density hard drives help store massive amounts of data reliably, cost-effectively and energy efficiently. They are designed for optimal power supporting a variety of workloads. High-Density Storage Platforms Storage platforms such as JBOD and JBOF, or ‘Just a Bunch of Disks’ and ‘Just a Bunch of Flash’, address the ever-expanding storage needs. Western Digital Ultrastar Data102 storage platform (JBOD) is configured with up to 102 HDDs in a compact and efficient form factor and offers up to 2.2PB1 of raw storage in 4U using the company’s 22TB1 CMR HDDs. One of the challenges of very dense storage enclosures is effective cooling. To address this requirement, in Western Digital JBODs, the enclosure is divided into two main zones, with rows of drives in the front and rows of drives in the back. The front zone is cooled conventionally with the air drawn in from the cold aisle, but the warmed air is then ducted around the sides of the rear zone directly to the hot aisle. For the rear zone, cold air is drawn straight from the cold aisle into the centre of the box and distributed through the rear drives, and to the exhaust on the hot aisle. In testing against a competitive enclosure, the Ultrastar Data102 storage platform required just over half the cooling power per drive slot to get the same average drive temperatures. To put this in perspective, in a large data centre with 20,000 drives, this could be as much as USD $300,000 in savings in energy costs.2 Innovations in enclosure design can pay great dividends in terms of cost, performance and reliability. Organisations are turning to data to create deep differentiations and the promise of data to unlock insights continues to hold. As a result, its value continues to grow. This translates into the need for better DC infrastructure so that the cost of capturing, storing and analysing data does not spiral out of control. The storage industry must continue to innovate and introduce cost-effective, highdensity and reliable solutions for the data centre market. www.westerndigital.com The most efficient data centres are focusing on increased density as a way to manage this growth while containing costs. Density comes in various forms in a DC. For example, there is high density in server deployments, which means compute nodes packed into smaller form factors to increase the number of servers per rack. Then there are highdensity hard drives (HDD) and solid-state drives (SSD) to help improve storage density or capacity per system. High-Density Drives As organisations move from merely creating and collecting data to driving actionable insights from it, the four Vs of big data are becoming more and more important: Volume, Velocity, Variety and, of course, Value. Today, gigantic amounts of data are integrated and analysed, regardless of their type, size or format, to unlock hitherto unseen trends, patterns or connections. More data equals better AI/ML training and smarter algorithms. This intensifies the need for a high-density storage infrastructure with purpose-built capabilities. The global data centre (DC) market is witnessing healthy growth, driven by the humongous amount of data that is being captured, stored, managed and analysed across industries. Consequently, DC infrastructure is also evolving at a rapid pace Density in Data Centre 1. 1GB = 1 billion bytes, 1TB = 1 trillion bytes, and 1PB = 1 quadrillion bytes. Actual user capacity may be less due to the operating environment. 2. Based on internal testing, assumptions and analysis using typical data centre efficiency and energy costs over a five-year system lifecycle.
11 www.managedITmag.co.uk COMMS Spitfire named as a supplier on Crown Commercial Service’s Network Services 3 framework Maximum commercial value communication solutions. Indeed, Spitfire’s groundbreaking One Network provides a single private network for fixed line, mobile and cloud connectivity for a true end-to-end solution without the need for data to traverse the public internet, significantly improving security and manageability for organisations. Spitfire has been awarded Lot 1a: Inter site Connectivity (Wide Area Network) / Data Access Services; Lot 4a: Analogue telephony (including SIP); and Lot 4b: Digital Communication Services (Unified Communications). This recognition underscores Spitfire’s deep understanding of the unique requirements of the UK public sector and its ability to deliver reliable, secure and future-proof solutions. Harry Bowlby, Managing Director, Spitfire Network Services Ltd, said: “We are delighted to be named as a supplier on Crown Commercial Service’s Network Services 3 framework. This Spitfire Network Services Ltd (Spitfire), the award-winning provider of voice, internet and wide area network connectivity services, has been named as a supplier on Crown Commercial Service’s Network Services 3 (NS3) framework (RM6116). This gives Spitfire the opportunity to offer its cuttingedge solutions to UK public sector organisations, supporting the government’s ‘cloud-first’ initiatives and revolutionising the way they access, utilise and leverage modern network services. Crown Commercial Service supports the public sector to achieve maximum commercial value when procuring common goods and services. In 2022/23, CCS helped the public sector to achieve commercial benefits equal to £3.8 billion, supporting worldclass public services that offer best value for taxpayers. CCS’s NS3 framework is designed to streamline procurement processes for UK public sector entities, providing them with a comprehensive list of pre-approved and trusted suppliers offering the latest advancements in network connectivity and telecommunication services. As a supplier on the framework, Spitfire will play a pivotal role in enabling public sector organisations to optimise their operations, enhance efficiency and deliver public services that offer the best value for UK taxpayers. The framework’s focus on providing connectivity to cloudbased data and applications by using terrestrial and wireless networking, as well as embracing emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and Smart Cities connectivity solutions, aligns seamlessly with Spitfire’s commitment to innovation and expertise in delivering advanced achievement reflects our dedication to providing modern network connectivity and communication technologies to support the UK government's ‘cloud-first’ initiatives. We look forward to working closely with public sector organisations, contributing to their digital transformation and driving innovation to meet their evolving needs.” As a supplier on the NS3 framework, Spitfire is poised to help public sector organisations harness the full potential of modern network technologies, enabling cloud-based designs that offer flexibility and a better security posture. The company’s solutions are tailored to optimise connectivity, enhance security and ensure seamless communication, empowering the public sector to focus on delivering exceptional services to the UK. For more information or to contact Spitfire Network Services Ltd directly, organisations should visit www.spitfire.co.uk.
12 01732 759725 SUSTAINABILITY In the fourth year of our ESG journey, Aurora.co.uk continues to set the bar high with stringent corporate governance overseen by our dedicated Board, quality team and ESG committee. Supported by external audits, our commitment to excellence has earned us prestigious accreditations including Safe Contractor, ISO 9001, ISO 45001 and ISO 14001. Together, they reflect our dedication to quality, occupational health and safety and environmental management. Key Achievements in 2023 n Completion of our second Net Zero report n Diverting 100% of waste from landfill and installation of telematics in all vehicles to capture carbon emissions and mileage data. n Investments of £20,000 in training and development and £2,400 in employee wellbeing. n Significant reduction in gender pay gap at all levels of the organisation. Sustainability in action: Aurora.co.uk reinforces its commitment to a greener future n Successful accreditation as a Safe Contractor and raising £6,775 for partner charities. n Joining the Science Based Targets Initiative, developing a social value programme and setting new targets for sustainable growth. Looking Ahead to 2024 n Signing up for the Science Based Targets Initiative, rolling out environmental awareness training and investing in energy reduction initiatives. n Establishing Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) champions, becoming a Real Living Wage accredited employer and developing a community engagement strategy. n Launching a Social Value Programme, mapping our tier 2 supply chain and enhancing stakeholder engagement through materiality assessments. Aurora.co.uk's Net Zero Carbon Reduction Plan outlines our strategic approach to slashing emissions across our value chain. With a commitment to achieve a remarkable 36% reduction in Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions by 2030 and an outstanding 79% overall reduction by 2040, a decade ahead of the UK government's ‘Build Back Greener’ initiative, we remain steadfast despite a 17% increase in emissions due to business expansion. Notable Highlights n Offset of 100% of gas use and installation of telematics in all vehicles. Aurora.co.uk, one of the UK’s leading digital print solution providers, presents highlights from its 2023 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report and Net Zero Carbon Reduction Plan, showcasing its ESG achievements to date and outlining its ambitious objectives for the coming year. n 56% reduction in emissions in scope 3 due to limited business travel and waste reduction efforts. n Continued exploration of alternative fuels/green technologies and collaborations with suppliers and Sustainable Advantage. Future Initiatives for 2024 n Identifying high gas consumption sites for energy surveys and capital expenditure opportunities. n Continued investment in new green technologies and driver training for efficient driving. n Collaboration with suppliers to set carbon emissions reduction targets and procurement of energy-efficient products. Through our multifaceted strategy and dedication to positive change, Aurora.co.uk is committed to preserving the planet for future generations. Our Net Zero Carbon Reduction Plan exemplifies our proactive approach to building a sustainable and environmentally conscious business. www.aurora.co.uk Aurora Managed Print Services is a leading provider of comprehensive managed print solutions committed to helping businesses optimise their print environments for efficiency, security and sustainability. With a team of experienced print management professionals, Aurora Managed Services offers an extensive portfolio of solutions to aid your business.
13 www.managedITmag.co.uk 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 www.spitfire.co.uk/ fireswitch Our latest fully featured hosted VoIP telephone system, with mobile and desktop softphones, has been designed with your freedom in mind. So users can work from anywhere. It’s highly scalable and resilient, providing an online management portal, call recording and business analytics, making system monitoring and management easier than ever. Connecting people and sites together with next generation communication ... why wouldn’t you? Introducing FireSwitch If you could work from anywhere, why wouldn’t you? Next Generation Hosted Telephony Key Features Softphone Call Recording Reporting Management Portal Inbuilt Call Resiliency
14 SUSTAINABILITY 01732 759725 Simon Townsend, Field CTO of IGEL, offers tips on how to consume IT in a more responsible way consumption by 4.2 billion users. This emits a whopping 556 million tons of CO2 that would require a forest the size of Argentina to remove from Earth’s atmosphere annually. The other 1% is attributed to the pollution associated with people commuting to access IT in the workplace. One of the reasons EUC has such a large impact on emissions (and the growing problem of e-waste) is the technology refresh hamster wheel of upgrades that has become commonplace in the public and private sectors. Most PCs or laptops are updated every 3 to 4 years as they break or as OS vendors introduce new releases requiring updated hardware to run. It is estimated that 1 in 3 laptops won’t support Windows 11, forcing organisations to buy new endpoints before Windows 10 goes end-of life by October 2025. The UK’s Climate Change Act 2008 is an added incentive for organisations to break the cycle. It includes an amendment to the Companies Act 2006 requiring all London Stock Exchange listed companies, large unquoted firms and limited liability partnerships to report their greenhouse gas emissions. Public sector organisations are required to do the same. Sadly, inertia exists. Research by Dr. Justin Sutton-Parker, CEO of PX3 and a Research Fellow at the University of Warwick, shows that more than one third of IT departments do nothing either because they don’t know enough about sustainable ICT purchasing or because they think it requires more money. This is a significant missed opportunity for organisations to play a more effective role in addressing the climate emergency. So, what should IT departments be doing instead? Next steps Here are just a few steps they can take to reduce IT consumption and e-waste: q Shift away from Windows installed on individual devices and migrate to the cloud for VDI or Desktop as a Service solutions. This is ‘greener’ than running ‘on-prem’ datacentres. Microsoft, Amazon, Google, Citrix and VMware are all providers. For example, Citrix Cloud Services operate in 100% renewable energy data centres, such that an organisation using its latest Azure service benefits from zero Scope 2 and Scope 3 emissions. w Adopt a displacement strategy for endpoint hardware. Running applications, storage and compute in the cloud, with only a lightweight local OS like IGEL’s for connection, removes the requirement to have the latest desktop and enables customers to double the lifespan of endpoints from 3 or 4 years to 6 and, in some cases, 8 years. As 83% of a device’s carbon footprint is created during manufacture, extending an existing device’s useful lifespan significantly reduces emissions related to manufacturing and shipping. In addition, a lighter endpoint OS draws between 22% and 49% less power than Windows equivalents (depending on the solution) as less CPU, memory and battery power is used. This tried and tested approach can also deliver considerable financial returns. The sixth largest car insurer in the UK, Markerstudy, saved £1 million by using a displacement strategy to avoid buying new desktop computers to David Beckham wears them. So, does Lionel Messi and Taylor Swift. But it has to be New York hip hop pioneers Run DMC who take the celebrity prize for loving their (unlaced) Adidas trainers the most. Why? They sang about them in their 1986 hit My Adidas, which reached no.5 in Billboard’s R&B/ Hip-Hop chart. Celebrities wearing cool trainers might not be much of a surprise. What’s more interesting is Adidas’ position on sustainability and how its products are made. Through a partnership with environmental organisation Parley for the Oceans, Adidas now uses plastic collected from the sea in some of its footwear, clothing and accessories ranges. In 2022, close to 27 million shoes were made from the stuff, with Adidas also announcing that it will only use recycled polyester across the board from 2024. The idea of creatively recycling and reusing – rather than making everything brand new – should be copied by the IT industry. Take end user computing (EUC). It has become a major contributor to environmental pollution and climate change, directly and indirectly causing around 2% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Half of this is due to the yearly manufacture of 460 million devices and associated energy A step in the right direction Simon Townsend Run DMC (source: Shutterstock)
SUSTAINABILITY 15 www.managedITmag.co.uk support its M&A growth strategy. Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust saved £500,000 by not buying new thin client hardware when it expanded its VDI environment. e Encourage hybrid working to reduce commuting, which most people do by car. Cloud workspaces mean staff can work easily from anywhere. Research by IT carbon footprint consultancy PX3 shows that in the UK, working from home just two days a week collectively avoids 6.4 million tons of CO2e GHG emissions every year. r Start using approved and accredited IT Asset Disposal organisations to recycle hardware properly. This is a big hole in most organisations’ IT strategies, and in 2021 only 17.4% of e-waste was recycled responsibly [Source: IISD]. When choosing an ITAD partner, pick one with the right up-to-date certifications, including ADISA to standard 8.0 and ISO 14001 and ISO 27001, and view IT as a product, not waste. If IT is seen as a product, it can be collected, ethically refurbished & recycled and put back into the circular economy by an organisation like ethical ITAD Sunscreen IT. Just as businesses have a responsibility to properly consume and dispose of corporate-owned IT, so do individuals. Most people have an old laptop or two and various phones sitting in drawers and cupboards at home. Enlisting the support of a corporate ITAD is an obvious way to recycle those devices, too. Which leads me back to the beginning of this article and Adidas. The knee-jerk position in many IT departments is to throw away old IT and buy new – as if it were a pair of trainers. With the solutions we have today, this is no longer necessary. These tools are there to help consume IT in a more responsible way. We just have to get on and use them. The view from space IT and business consulting services firm CGI and the University of Leicester have marked their growing relationship by installing an eye-catching artwork by renowned Bristolbased artist Luke Jerram in the atrium of Space Park Leicester. The Conference of Parties (COP) Globe, a smaller sister of Gaia commissioned by CGI for display at COP27, is a 3 metrewide suspended globe showing the view of earth from outer space. Its installation coincides with the opening by CGI and the University of Leicester of a new Sustainability Innovation Lab that will enable CGI clients to accelerate their transition to a sustainable future in partnership with university professionals and students. The facility will also advance research undertaken under the aegis of CGI’s Sustainability Exploration and Environmental Data Science (SEEDS) initiative, of which the University of Leicester is a founding member, and provide a space for students and researchers to conduct and showcase their own research, attend seminars and workshops and collaborate on sustainability projects. cgi.com Free estimates Px3 Ltd is offering free access to its online End User Carbon Footprint Estimator so that organisations can estimate the GHG emissions generated by computing devices without having to invest in the company’s granular calculators and device comparison apps. Conceived and developed by Dr. Justin Sutton-Parker, CEO of Px3 and Research Fellow with the University of Warwick, the application enables organisations to quickly estimate the lifespan carbon footprint of end user computing devices such as notebooks, desktops, tablets and monitors as part of a sustainable IT strategy. px3.org.uk Hurd mentality Hurd is a free app for the 83% of employees surveyed by Kite Insights that say they want to act on climate change at work. Available on three platforms – Apple, Android and the web – Hurd gives workers an opportunity to anonymously rate their company’s efforts to tackle the climate crisis, share success stories from their workplace, access and use the platform’s free e-learning resources and join a community of like-minded people in other organisations. Mike Fenna, Chief Technology Officer of Hurd, said: “Hurd is a bit like Glassdoor for climate – it amplifies employee voices and improves transparency to help celebrate the best performing organisations and to help others learn from them.” https://hurd.world/ No more hoarding Virgin Media O2 has relaunched the O2 Recycle for Business service, enabling any company, regardless of its mobile provider, to trade in their old technology in exchange for cash back, credit towards new devices or a donation to charity. O2 research suggests UK businesses are hoarding almost 12 million unwanted and unused smartphones and tablets. Since its launch in 2009, O2 Recycle for Business has processed more than 3.8 million business and consumer devices, wiping them clear of data before 92% are either recycled or refurbished and resold as ‘like new’ products. https://business.o2recycle. co.uk/
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