SPECIAL FEATURE How FUJIFILM is redefining the way organisations manage their printing needs PAGE 15 Say hello to your new office workers. Versatile and ready for tomorrow. EN ManagedIT-Ad2-cover.indd 1 17/05/2024 16:20 Is your business print-fit in the new hybrid world? Find out how FUJIFILM Business Innovation is redefining how organisations manage their printing needs in the post-pandemic workplace. Explore Fujifilm’s comprehensive office printer range that combines quality and reliability, with a secure and sustainable edge. In association with Fujifilm Insert.indd 1 18/12/2024 10:47 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 68 · 2024/25 TELEPHONY Snom addresses changing customer needs with expanded product offering PAGE 34 MONITORS Energy-efficiency first for EIZO FlexScan FLT – Future Leading Technology PAGE 12 Presenting best connections: Philips Screenshare reenergises the wireless experience
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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 Public sector websites lead the way in accessibility 08 Opinion Association of Business Mentors calls on Government to set up mentoring taskforce. Plus, how to future-proof workplace EV charging 10 Managed Print Services The top print industry trends to look out for in 2025 11 Printers Brother included on Which? Top 50 Products of the Year list 12 Monitors EIZO FlexScan FLT becomes first monitor to gain European Energy Label Class A rating 14 Cloud Why customers are becoming disenchanted with cloud infrastructure 15 MFPs Introducing Fujifilm Apeos MFPs – the new brand in office printing 23 Cybersecurity SES Water partners with iboss for Zero Trust Network Access implementation 24 Communications How digital technology is helping heritage businesses prosper in the modern age 25 Mobility Handheld Group launches rugged Android device with 5G connectivity 26 AI The role of technology providers in promoting Responsible AI 30 Cover Story PPDS brings secure, seamless, one-stop wireless content-sharing to classrooms and meeting rooms 32 Digital Signage How digital signage and reliable connectivity are transforming the customer experience on land and sea 34 Telephony Snom breaks into new markets with expanded product offering 35 What’s New A selection of new products for the home, office and datacentre 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] Advertising Executive: Jeff Root 01732 759725 • [email protected] Designer: Brian Cloke 07484 288189 MANAGED.IT is published by Kingswood Media Ltd., 7 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. © 2024 Kingswood Media Ltd. 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 68 · 2024/25 Say hello to your new office workers. Versatile and ready for tomorrow. EN ManagedIT-Ad2-cover.indd 1 17/05/2024 16:20 Is your business print-fit in the new hybrid world? Find out how FUJIFILM Business Innovation is redefining how organisations manage their printing needs in the post-pandemic workplace. Explore Fujifilm’s comprehensive office printer range that combines quality and reliability, with a secure and sustainable edge. In association with Fujifilm Insert.indd 1 18/12/2024 10:47
4 01732 759725 NEWS NEWSUK public sector leads the way in digital accessibility More than 1.3 billion people globally struggle to access online content, claims the Contentsquare Foundation, with just 7% of top websites scoring highly for digital accessibility. For its 2024 Digital Accessibility Barometer, the non-profit dedicated to advancing digital accessibility surveyed 100 of the most visited websites in the UK, US, France, Germany, Italy and Spain, using Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.2) to assess levels of compliance across 17 accessibility criteria. Just seven of the 100 websites assessed score 9/10 or higher, of which five are from public sector organisations. The average for all public sector organisations is 7.8, compared to 6.4 across all sectors audited. The difference between the performance of public and private sector websites is most pronounced in Europe where public sector websites outscore private sector ones by 44%. In the US, where private sector websites are more heavily regulated through the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and at greater risk of high-profile class action lawsuits, public sector websites score just 11% higher. Overall, US sites are the best performing, with an average of 7/10, with UK sites in second place with an average score of 6.5/10, thanks to an average UK public sector score of 8.4/10 due to a strong regulatory framework and national accessibility standards, such as the Public Sector Bodies Accessibility Regulations. Marion Ranvier, Executive Director of the Contentsquare Foundation, says that one of the biggest obstacles to digital accessibility is a lack of awareness and expertise within organisations, as well as resistance to change, with many companies underestimating the importance of accessibility or viewing it as a compliance burden rather than a critical component of the user experience and inclusivity. She said: “Bridging the accessibility gap requires proactive measures, including investing in training programs to build internal expertise and fostering a culture of accessibility. You really need everyone on board, starting with your leadership team.” As a starting point, Ranvier advises organisations to address the most common online accessibility barriers, such as: • Media and moving content: Ensure videos and animations include captions and transcripts and provide controls to pause or stop autoplay content to support users with disabilities or sensitivities. • Colour and text adaptability: Improve colour contrast for better readability and offer options to adjust text size, spacing and contrast to support users with visual impairments. • Images: Add descriptive alt-text to images so that screen reader users can access important visual information. • Keyboard navigation: Ensure all interactive elements, such as menus and forms, are fully operable using a keyboard to accommodate users without mouse control. https://join.contentsquarefoundation.org … Changing perceptions The Business Disability Forum (BDF) chose December 3, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, to Cisco technology powering world’s first virtual hospital Cisco is helping Ireland to look after more patients at home through the creation of the world’s first ‘virtual hospital’ in partnership with the University of Galway and the CÚRAM SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices. Unlike other projects that are focused on individual medical specialties, this initiative brings together multiple clinical areas, with virtual wards for Diabetes, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) and Heart Failure and Atrial Fibrillation. It also covers different stages of treatment, providing community virtual care pathways for monitoring chronic conditions, virtual wards to support early discharge, digital therapies to support rehabilitation and virtual outpatient services for remote appointments and multiparameter diagnostics. Cisco networking technologies, Webex devices and cybersecurity and application visibility solutions are key components of the digital infrastructure powering the ‘virtual hospital’. The project, initially available across Galway, builds on other digital healthcare pilots supported by Cisco. These include the Home Health project in Clare Island, which uses a variety of digital tools to support an ageing population of 160 residents, notably smart wearables to track vital signs, drones to fly in prescriptions, VR headsets to deliver training for nurses, and a robotic dog to triage emergency health issues. Emma Burke, Advanced Nurse Practitioner in Respiratory at Galway University Hospitals and Virtual Care Lead for the Galway City Integrated Care Hub with Patient Frank O’Connell Marion Ranvier
www.managedITmag.co.uk 5 NEWS continued... add a new collection of images of disabled people to its Disability Smart Image Bank. Available to BDF members and the media, the collection of 100 images shows disabled people taking part in everyday activities at a busy airport, including travelling, working, shopping, eating and meeting friends and family. The image bank, supported by free guidance on how to portray disability in images, was created as part of BDF’s Changing the image of disability campaign to increase the representation of disabled people in media, marketing and advertising imagery. Business Disability Forum Director of Communications Lara Davis said: “Too often disabled people are either not represented or misrepresented in the images and content we see. This leaves disabled people feeling alienated and businesses missing out on valuable customers and employees. We hope our latest collection of authentic images will help disabled people to be seen and understood.” The Disability Smart Image Bank, available to BDF members, boasts nearly 600 images of people with visible and less-visible disabilities and conditions in everyday situations. A free collection of 60 images is available for use by the media. www.businessdisabilityforum.org.uk … Supply chain biodiversity guide With Supply Chain Biodiversity Footprint (SCBF) becoming an increasingly important factor in sustainability targets, Tunley Environmental has produced a new guide to help businesses assess and manage biodiversity impacts across their supply chains. Complementing Tunley’s existing SCBF assessment and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) services, The Supply Chain Biodiversity Footprint Guide provides practical advice on integrating biodiversity performance into procurement and supply chain strategies and emphasises the importance of adopting industry standards to ensure accurate assessments of biodiversity risks, including metrics and reporting systems that align with global sustainability frameworks. The Guide is available from www.tunley-environmental.com … Record numbers turn-off on Techtimeout Tuesday Businesses representing a record 2.58 million people signed up to take part in December’s Techtimeout Tuesday organised by digital wellbeing company Techtimeout. Participants marked the UK’s biggest digital wellbeing day in a number of ways: Cadbury UK put ‘sleeping bags for phones’ in their canteens; Paddle UK held a Cake and Connect hour; Rolls-Royce sent Time Out bars to staff to encourage them to take a Techtimeout; Menzies blocked a firm-wide Techtimeout hour; while Cardiff FC sought to raise awareness of the impact tech has on wellbeing and productivity through presentations and pledge boards at its academy. Steph Henson, founder of digital wellbeing company Techtimeout, instigated Techtimeout Tuesday in 2020 to raise awareness of the benefits of taking a break from technology. She said: “Constant notifications and screen exposure can lead to stress, anxiety and burnout. Disconnecting regularly allows you to regain control over your attention, improve your overall wellbeing and improve your productivity levels when you are on screens.” The next Techtimeout Tuesday will take place on December 2, 2025. www.thedigitalwellbeingcompany.com … The evolution of ransomware December 2024 marked the 35th anniversary of the first ever ransomware attack. Predating e-mail, the AIDS Trojan issued by Dr. Joseph Popp was distributed on floppy disk and sent through the mail to attendees of the World Health Organisation’s AIDS conference in Stockholm. TCO extends reach TCO Certified, the global sustainability certification for IT products, is extending its reach with the introduction of a new TCO Certified, General category for any IT product that doesn’t fit into an existing product category, such as speakers, keyboards and webcams. Sören Enholm, CEO of TCO Development, the organisation behind TCO Certified, said: “The introduction of TCO Certified, General opens new possibilities for purchasers. Sustainability is essential, yet many IT product categories have lacked a viable and credible certification option. TCO Certified, General changes this, enabling IT decision-makers, procurement teams and sustainability leaders to make informed, responsible choices across an even broader range of products.” TCO Certified, General combines sustainability requirements in four areas (climate, substances, circularity and supply chain) with mandatory independent verification. https://tcocertified.com Sören Enholm
6 01732 759725 NEWS continued... Once inserted into a system, the floppy disk would hijack AUTOEXE. BAT and alter it to count the number of reboots of the system. Once the counter reached 90, the programme would prompt the user to renew a licence to continue using the system. Reflecting on how ransomware has evolved since 1989, Kevin Curran, Professor of Cybersecurity at Ulster University and senior member of IEEE, the professional home for the engineering and technology community, said: “Whilst threat actors have changed their tactics, their motives remain the same – money and disruption. With the earlier forms of ransomware, the impact was downtime or unavailable data. Now, there are far more aggressive strains; double or even triple-extortion tactics. “Cybercrime has steadily become an industry where some groups have cybercrime units typical of any large legitimate business, such as partner networks, associates, resellers and vendors, even dedicated call centres which are typically used to help with requests from ransomware victims. Ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) is more prominent now, where threat actors offer franchises – predeveloped ransomware or malware in the form of ‘pay-for-use’ – or training.” He added: “Ransomware groups are constantly refining their methods to enhance their effectiveness and reach. The question is no longer ‘if’ an organisation will be targeted, but when. Organisations must adopt a ‘secure-by-design’ methodology and follow advice from authorities like the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) to ensure they adopt the most robust cybersecurity measures to mitigate these risks.” www.ieee-ukandireland.org … Freshwave plans for continued growth with new credit facility Connectivity infrastructure-as-aservice provider Freshwave has secured a committed credit facility of up to £100m from Guggenheim Investments as it looks to build on and maintain a CAGR of more than 30% over the last five years. As a pioneer of a multi-operator ‘enterprise pays’ model for indoor mobile connectivity, Freshwave provides small cells, distributed antenna systems and Wi-Fi to thousands of buildings across the UK, including skyscrapers, stadiums, hospitals and central and local government buildings. It also builds masts on behalf of UK mobile network operators and supports hundreds of outdoor mobile networks. The new credit facility from the global asset management and investment advisory division of Guggenheim Partners, building on the significant investment already made by DigitalBridge, will enable Freshwave to exploit opportunities in an addressable digital infrastructure market forecast to grow at a CAGR of 20%+. Freshwave CEO Simon Frumkin said: “Over the past five years, we have gone from strength to strength, and we don’t see this slowing down. Edge connectivity is key to enabling edge computing and artificial intelligence applications which will transform how organisations operate. This credit facility will help fund Freshwave’s continued expansion and reflects confidence in both the strength of our business and the neutral host model as a catalyst for faster growth in the digital infrastructure market.” www.freshwavegroup.com … Wireless on site Ericsson Enterprise Wireless Solutions and reseller partner Misco are installing Cradlepoint E300-5G routers at more than 80 Bloor Homes sites to provide sales and construction teams with immediate, reliable and flexible cellular connectivity for everything from customer calls to the uploading of images for building regulation certificates. The deployment has reduced the workload of Bloor Homes’ IT team by minimising connectivity problems and enabling remote troubleshooting of IT issues. www.ericsson.com In praise of paper The paper industry is hitting back against its critics with the launch of two new PR campaigns designed to change people’s perceptions of print. Love Paper, a global campaign by Two Sides to promote the attractiveness and sustainability of print, paper and paper packaging, has announced the launch of Love Paper Week, running from February 3-7, while the Independent Print Industries Association (IPIA) has developed a national print research and advocacy project, A New Narrative for Print, recently endorsed by Ricoh. Josh Birch, Campaign Manager for Two Sides UK, said: “We encourage all printers, paper merchants, packaging manufacturers and all those who operate within the sector to support Love Paper Week and use the materials available to inform their clients, customers and consumers more widely about why paper is such a sustainable, effective and attractive medium.” Commenting on Ricoh’s support of A New Narrative for Print, Tim Carter, Commercial Print Director at Ricoh UK Graphic Communications, said: “We are really proud to be part of this exciting project. Print still remains unique in terms of its resilience, its permanence and trust. Ricoh continues to advocate, innovate and invest in print as we believe it will remain an important part of the communication mix in the future.” www.ricoh.com www.lovepaper.org/lovepaperweek Simon Frumkin
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8 01732 759725 OPINION Plug and pay Daniel Forsberg, Marketing Manager EVSE at CTEK, a leading provider of EV charging solutions, advises businesses to futureproof workplace EV charging to support emerging ‘zero touch’ options The potential for ‘zero touch’ charging to transform the charging experience for Electric Vehicle (EV) drivers means that employers installing or expanding EV charging in their workplace car parks should futureproof their installations to support Autocharge and Plug & Charge technologies. With both options, the chargepoint will automatically communicate with the vehicle and, if a payment method has been previously set up, begin charging. This provides a seamless experience for users and streamlined administration for employers. One difference between the two is that Autocharge requires the driver or employer to pre-register the vehicle with the charging network’s backend, use an RFID card or authenticate via an app, but only for the first charge. For employers with workplace charging, Autocharge is a smaller step and easier to implement than Plug & Charge but, unless a vehicle is pre-registered to the backend, might require a physical authentication device (e.g. an RFID reader) for the first charge. Autocharge is already available in some European countries, and although roll-out in the UK is limited, it is growing here too. Already, some charging networks are installing Autochargecompatible chargepoints and educating consumers on how to register for Autocharge and on the advantages they will enjoy. Autocharge relies on the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP), which enables communication between the chargepoint and the backend management systems. To stay ahead, employers should install chargepoints that support the latest OCPP standard 2.0.1, such as CTEK’s new CC3. One step beyond Plug & Charge, a step beyond Autocharge, provides an even more streamlined experience. A vehicle’s identifying data, securely stored within the car, is automatically recognised by any compatible charging station. The EV driver doesn’t need prior registration with specific charging networks – they just plug in and start charging. For employers with workplace car parks, Plug & Charge promises enhanced security using encryption, digital signatures and public key infrastructure. This will provide additional protection for information about the EV, its owner, who pays for charging and how. Plug & Charge’s protocols are defined by the ISO 15118 standard. As more EVs are built Plug & Charge-ready, employers should specify compatible chargepoints – ideally ones that support both OCPP 2.0.1 and ISO 15118. ISO 15118-compatible chargepoints, such as CTEK’s CC3, will enable Plug & Charge and unlock other innovations governed by the standard, including Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) and Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X), paving the way for smarter energy management. Autocharge and Plug & Charge are not just for rapid DC charging, but also AC charging, which some employers may install for overnight charging. ctek.com Better access to mentors needed to boost business performance The Association of Business Mentors is calling for public policy interventions to increase awareness of the benefits of professional business mentoring and to expand access to qualified professional mentors. It is urging the Government to form a taskforce dedicated to identifying and implementing strategies to expand access to professional business mentoring following a survey in which two thirds of business leaders said the mentoring they received helped them boost revenues (65%), increase profitability (64%) and take on more staff (63%). Almost three quarters (72%) believe it has also improved their work-life balance and mental health and confidence. On the downside, 25% of business leaders say they found it harder than expected to find a mentor, suggesting that demand may be outstripping supply. Commenting on the findings, Georgina Waite, Chief Executive of the Association of Business Mentors, said: “As this research shows, professional business mentoring is more than just guidance and support; it is a proven catalyst for growth, resilience and wellbeing of UK businesses and their leaders. The benefits of mentoring are wide-ranging, helping businesses to navigate and maximise the opportunities and overcome challenges of daily business life. “Yet, too many businesses still lack knowledge and access to this invaluable resource. By raising awareness and expanding access to experienced and qualified mentors, especially for SMEs, we can create meaningful change. Together, we can help more businesses thrive, strengthening not only individual businesses but the UK economy as a whole.” The Association of Business Mentors, the professional body for business mentoring, sets standards in business mentoring and supports members through professional development and training. www.associationofbusinessmentors.org
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10 01732 759725 PRINT/MPS Kyocera highlights major print industry trends for 2025 Zero-trust security, cloud-first and sustainability set to lead the way Kyocera Document Solutions UK, a leader in document solutions and managed print services, has identified five key trends it believes will be prevalent in the print industry in 2025. “Each of these trends highlights the evolving dynamics of our industry and the broader world we operate in,” said Steve Pearce, Group Head of Marketing at Kyocera. “Our objective is to equip channel partners and businesses with the necessary tools and insights to effectively navigate these changes. By enhancing print security, adopting cloud-first approaches and embracing new technologies and sustainable practices, we see significant opportunities for growth in 2025.” 1 Zero trust: a new standard for print security As cyber threats become more sophisticated, traditional print security measures are proving to be insufficient. Kyocera advocates a zero-trust approach to print security in 2025, highlighting the importance of viewing each print device as a potential target for cybercriminals. In a zero-trust model, print devices are protected through strict policies, integrated security features, and enhanced endpoint detection tools. “Given the constantly evolving threat landscape, adopting a zero-trust approach to security is crucial for maintaining the integrity of print infrastructure,” Pearce explained. “It’s crucial to remember that an unsecured printer can offer a means for cybercriminals to breach a company’s defences and compromise the entire business. By implementing robust security measures that address potential vulnerabilities, businesses can ensure the resilience of their print environments, and the rest of the company as well.” 2 Cloud-first: unlocking flexibility and scalability Cloud migration has rapidly increased across various sectors, with more companies set to adopt cloud-based technologies for print management in 2025. The ever-increasing sophistication of cloud-native tools will make this process easier, meaning more organisations will be able to reap the rewards of improved scalability, flexibility and security. Pearce said: “We predict that in 2025, more channel partners will integrate print management capabilities into their offerings, in order to assist customers looking to move on from older, less flexible arrangements and reap the benefits of cloud infrastructure. Cloud-native print management capabilities streamline operations and provide the flexibility that modern businesses need, as they are built from the ground up to work in the cloud. This gives them an advantage over older print management solutions, not just in terms of cost, convenience and security, but through integration with other technologies such as document management. These advantages can be transformational for business efficiency.” 3 Sustainable growth: continuing momentum in eco‑conscious practices Kyocera has noticed a significant shift towards eco-friendlier practices in the print industry, as vendors and channel partners adopt initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impact. These initiatives include using eco-friendlier materials, optimising energy consumption, and implementing recycling programmes. Pearce added: “In 2025, we anticipate an even stronger focus on sustainability, with environmental, social, and governance (ESG & SDG) initiatives becoming essential to print procurement and management. Print manufacturers and their partners are in a unique position to take the lead on sustainability, assisting Steve Pearce Photo: pixabay.com/geralt
www.managedITmag.co.uk 11 PRINT/MPS/WORKFLOW companies in reducing emissions while maintaining operational excellence.” 4 Transformational change: embracing new technologies and diversity The print industry is experiencing rapid advances in technology and evolving market expectations. To stay competitive, businesses are exploring technologies such as AI to improve print capabilities and create value. Furthermore, diversity and inclusion initiatives are becoming essential for fostering an innovative and forward-thinking workplace. “Our industry is skilled at adapting to change, and 2025 will be no exception,” Pearce stated. “By embracing advanced technologies and fostering diverse teams, we are positioning ourselves to meet the evolving needs of a dynamic customer base. These initiatives also promote a culture of innovation, ensuring that we stay responsive to the trends shaping the market of tomorrow.” 5 Commercial thinking: Capitalising on growth in print volumes and specialised devices The demand for digital production inkjet printing is on the rise. According to industry forecasts, the commercial cut-sheet inkjet press market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.3% from 2022 to 2030. Kyocera sees significant commercial potential for channel partners, particularly through specialised devices like the TASKalfa Pro 15000c. Pearce said: “There are substantial opportunities for channel partners to cater to customers requiring cut-sheet production inkjet devices and high-volume print capabilities. By continuing to enhance the expert guidance they offer, partners can deepen customer relationships and capitalise on the growth potential in the market.” Kyocera Document Solutions Group UK is offsetting to carbon neutral while continually striving to reduce their carbon emissions to drive to a net zero target. kyoceradocumentsolutions.co.uk Brother UK printer listed in Which? Top 50 Products of the Year 2024 Brother laser printer recognised by UK consumer champion Which? in annual best products list – the only printer featured A laser printer by Brother UK designed for small and home offices has been recognised by UK consumer champion Which? in its annual list of the top 50 products of the year. Products featured in the list have been nominated by the consumer champion’s experts and whittled down from 3,500 to just 50, based on value, performance, efficiency and innovation. The Brother HL-L2445DW laser printer earned the 15th spot, and is the only printer to make the list. It’s described as a ‘true workhorse’ for its speedy performance and low running costs. The HL-L2445DW mono laser printer hosts a range of efficiency-boosting features, with automatic 2-sided print, print speeds of up to 32 pages per minute, and a generous paper tray capacity. The printer helps home office and small office users keep printing costs down by using a separate drum and toner unit. Toner is easy to change on the device and high yield toner option with a page yield of up to 3,000 pages reduces the cost per page and need for refills. Terry Caulfield, Chief Commercial Officer at Brother UK, said: “It’s a huge achievement for us to represent the print category in this prestigious list by Which?. It’s testament to how our ‘At your side’ ethos is channelled through our products, delivering the performance and usability that creates exceptional value for users. At Brother, we are committed to providing solutions that meet the evolving demands of our customers, and this recognition reaffirms that commitment.” In addition to recognition by Which? for the HL-L2445DW, Brother has received 2024 Good Design Awards for two other devices: the ADS-1800W document scanner featuring a compact and portable design that helps users to stay productive wherever they are working; and the PT-E560BT professional label printer. Designed with electrical and network installer professionals in mind, this versatile device prints durable, industry-compliant labels on demand. These latest awards follow Brother UK being recognised as the Best Printer Manufacturer by PC Pro, voted for by its readers, for the 11th year in a row. For more information about the Brother HL-L2445DW, visit: https://store. brother.co.uk/catalogs/brotheruk/ devices/laser/hl/hll2445dw
12 01732 759725 MONITORS EIZO Unveils FlexScan FLT Monitor Discover EIZO’s most energy-efficient monitor with world-first Class A European Energy Label EIZO Corporation has just introduced the FlexScan FLT (Future Leading Technology), the world’s most power-efficient monitor. Lightweight, sleek and sustainable, this 23.8-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) display achieves a groundbreaking Class A rank on the European Energy Label – a first for any monitor globally. For more than 30 years, EIZO has led the development of power-efficient, ergonomic and eco-conscious monitors within the business enterprise sector. In 2023, the company accelerated its efforts and committed to achieve carbon neutrality across the entire value chain by 2040. The FlexScan FLT is part of its Transition to Net Zero plan and embodies EIZO’s vision for the future. Its sustainability-focused approach, robust functionality and sleek design reflect EIZO’s commitment to continuous innovation – not just for today’s challenges, but for a brighter tomorrow. Future-Leading Sustainability Sustainability leaders in organisations worldwide must make informed decisions when procuring technology that will help them meet their sustainability goals. With a typical power consumption of just 6 watts, the FLT can make an immediate positive impact on usage associated energy costs. The FlexScan FLT achieved TCO Certified Generation 10, the highest tier of EPEAT Gold and the EPEAT Climate+ designation, reinforcing its environmental advantages. Its housing incorporates 95% recycled plastic, promoting the reduction of plastic waste, conservation of resources and reuse of materials. The monitor’s packaging and cushioning are also made from recycled materials to minimise environmental impact. Optimised packaging size allows for increased loading efficiency by approximately 50% and a decrease in GHG (Greenhouse Gas) emissions during transport by up to 42%. Corporate customers have options for collective packaging, with or without desk stands, to further reduce overall waste and streamline installation time. From procurement and manufacturing to shipping and usage, the GHG emissions throughout the entire product lifecycle of the FLT have been reduced by approximately 32% compared to a previous 23.8-inch monitor. Future-Leading Workstyle As modern workstyles diversify, workspaces must evolve to empower individuals to work efficiently, creatively and comfortably. The FLT features USB Type-C ports for a singlecable connection to a laptop, enabling video display, USB signal transmission and a maximum of 60 watts of power supply to a connected PC. The FlexScan FLT is also the first EIZO monitor to support power supply from external devices via USB Type-C, allowing it to operate without the need for an AC adapter. The FlexScan FLT’s Auto EcoView function automatically adjusts the screen brightness based on ambient lighting changes, while the EcoView Optimizer 2 function fine-tunes brightness and gain according to displayed content. Together, these technologies enhance viewing comfort and minimise power consumption. The monitors new Eco Mode preset automatically activates both functions for easy access. Users can view the power consumption of the FLT and connected devices, including the PC, in real time through the OSD, promoting eco-consciousness. Additionally, they can choose to display this information statically at the edge of the screen for quick, at-a-glance reference. Future-Leading Design Design and atmosphere play a vital role in office environments, significantly enhancing employee productivity and creativity while reflecting the company’s values and culture. Weighing just 2.4 kg and featuring a sleek bezel thickness of 24.4mm, the monitor creates a streamlined and unobtrusive office environment. Its distinct ‘hollow’ bezel design offers a frameless appearance, further elevating its modern, futureinspired aesthetic. Mounted on a unique arm, the monitor creates a floating effect that allows it to blend seamlessly into any workspace. The arm provides flexible positioning for the screen and features an integrated clamp for effortless attachment and removal by simply twisting the base. Availability The FlexScan FLT will begin shipping in December. The date of availability may vary by country or region. Contact the nearest EIZO group company or distributor for details. www.eizo.co.uk
KYOCERA Document Solutions (UK) Limited Cut print costs with Kyocera Cloud Print and Scan. Kyocera’s cloud based solution empowers agile workplaces and hybrid workers to print from multiple locations using Print&Follow™ and scan directly to the cloud. As well as reducing obstacles to productivity, Kyocera Cloud Print and Scan helps businesses control their print costs by eliminating the costs and hassle of managing your on-premises print servers while allowing you to assign group print policies to company users, improving their print behaviour and better managing print costs. Learn more online with the QR code or by visiting kyoceradocumentsolutions.co.uk/kcps Discover more: KyoceraDUK @KYOCERA_DS_UK kyocera-doc-solutions-uk • +44 (0)333 015 1855 [email protected]
14 01732 759725 CLOUD Less than a fifth of IT professionals say cloud infrastructure meets their needs Only a quarter (25%) think their approach to the cloud is carefully considered and successful According to new data from SolarWinds, less than one in five (18%) IT professionals believe their present cloud infrastructure satisfies their business needs, indicating a large disconnect between expectations and reality when it comes to cloud adoption. The research, based on a survey of 272 global IT professionals, shows that despite the cloud’s promises of scalability and cost savings, the reality is mixed for many IT teams: only a quarter of those surveyed (25%) feel their organisation’s approach to the cloud is carefully considered and successful, while 23% admit their hybrid cloud strategy has created an overly complex IT environment. Despite this, just 22% of respondents have invested in external IT services to help with their cloud migration strategy. In response to these cloud challenges, more than one in ten (16%) respondents have already repatriated workloads back to onpremises. Meanwhile, a further 12% acknowledge that poorly planned cloud transitions have already resulted in long-term financial impacts on their organisations. This goes to show that rushed cloud migrations can lead to costly fixes or reversals. The data also indicates a lack of trust in cloud security, with nearly half (46%) of IT pros still storing their most sensitive data on-premises due to persistent security worries. However, the findings do highlight a continued focus on cloud strategies with the aim of reducing costs. In fact, nearly a third (29%) of respondents say they are prioritising cloud migration to cut operational costs. Commenting on the findings, Sascha Giese, Global Tech Evangelist at SolarWinds, said: “The truth is, managing complex hybrid-cloud ecosystems isn’t easy. While the cloud promises scalability and cost savings, the gap between expectation and execution is becoming increasingly evident. In this landscape, many businesses find themselves grappling with overly complex infrastructures that struggle to meet evolving needs. “In a hybrid cloud world with increasingly complex networks, systems, devices and applications, managing microservices and containers adds to the challenge. Without proper planning and comprehensive visibility, organisations risk finding themselves in a dire situation. Tool sprawl, information silos and alert fatigue can all lead to an unpleasant cloud experience, making it harder to identify the root causes of complex issues. “To overcome these challenges, IT leaders must adopt a more strategic and informed approach to cloud migration, focusing on tools that are reliable, secure and accelerate modernisation. One key advantage businesses can leverage to successfully manage their hybrid cloud infrastructures is comprehensive observability. That means gaining real-time visibility into every layer of the IT estate and acting proactively with the assistance of machine learning algorithms and AI-driven analytics. Cloud infrastructure can be a powerful growth enabler, but with a mess of mismatched tools and poor visibility, it will be a bumpy ride.” Methodology The findings of this IT Community Pulse survey are based on research fielded in Sept 2024, which yielded responses from 272 members of the SolarWinds THWACK® community. They include IT professionals in a range of practitioner, manager and director roles in Europe, the Americas and Asia Pacific, with representation from small, medium and large organisations within both the public and private sectors. For more information visit: https://www.solarwinds.com/
Say hello to your new office workers. Versatile and ready for tomorrow. Is your business print-fit in the new hybrid world? Find out how FUJIFILM Business Innovation is redefining how organisations manage their printing needs in the post-pandemic workplace. Explore Fujifilm’s comprehensive office printer range that combines quality and reliability, with a secure and sustainable edge. In association with
Say hello to your new office workers. *Source: IDC WW HCP Tracker, 2024Q2, Share by Company A3 Color Laser Shipping units, Year: CY2023 Discover Apeos Print, protect and perform with Asia Pacific’s #1 colour A3 multifunction printer.* FUJIFILM Business Innovation Corp. Obsessed with security. A guide to the future of office printing i Apeos is a Fujifilm brand developed by FUJIFILM Business Innovation for its multifunction printers and devices. It has since evolved into an integrated brand for Fujifilm office products, including solutions and services. ii Source: IDC WW HCP Tracker, 2024Q2, Share by Company A3 Color Laser Shipping units, Year: CY2023 CONTENTS 2 · Foreword The changing landscape of work is shaping the future of office printing 4 · Fujifilm’s four pillars of value Security, reliability, quality, and sustainability 6 · Say hello to your new office workers A closer look at Fujifilm’s high quality Apeos range of multifunction printers The past few years have seen organisations and employees undergo seismic changes in how, when, and where, work gets done. There are many factors involved; including an increased focus on sustainability, ever-expanding cyber threats, digital transformation, pressure to reduce costs and keep on top of technological innovations that are impacting the new world of work. And, as the workplace continues to evolve, the technology a business relies on, including printers, must too. Necessity saw many organisations accelerate their digital transformation and implement digital-first strategies to address the demands of new methods of work. Yet, the ability to print remains a key component of many organisations’ daily operations, and as such, printers and printing solutions are also evolving to meet the changing needs of businesses and employees. With technology continuing its rapid evolution, and the hybrid working model remaining common in the postpandemic workplace, choosing the right printer for your needs is more important than ever. When upgrading or improving the print infrastructure, Foreword The changing landscape of work is shaping the future of office printing 2 www.managedITmag.co.uk
buyers are charged with ensuring that areas of weakness are strengthened, from meeting the compliance challenge and ensuring better security of information, to reducing environmental impact and minimising waste. There are also additional challenges around minimising the burden of managing print on internal IT resources, maximising employee productivity and efficiency, and balancing the demand for high quality, high volume output with downsizing corporate office square footage. Bringing a fresh perspective on printers FUJIFILM Business Innovation understands that businesses are increasingly looking to do more with less. We know that employees need to print wherever they are, and organisations have to consider the best way to enable this, without compromising the security of data and documents, quality of output, reliability, or a business’ sustainability goals. We also understand that digital transformation is an important goal for virtually all organisations. When it comes to multifunction printers (MFPs), Fujifilm draws on nearly a century of imaging excellence In today’s post-pandemic workplace and fast-moving technology landscape, choosing the right printer for your needs is more important than ever. “ ” and a 60-year heritage in toner print technology development. The ultra-reliable Fujifilm Apeos seriesi, already a market leader in the Asia-Pacific regionii is designed for the modern workplace. From remote/mobile printing capabilities and superior security features to exceptional sustainability credentials, Apeos is a high value MFP range, designed to support digital transformation, and to meet the rapidly changing and hugely diverse demands of the fast-paced, flexible, post-COVID office environment. On the following pages you can find out more about Fujifilm’s four-pillar strategy - spanning security, reliability, quality, and sustainability, and take a closer look at the all-new Apeos range of multifunction printers. Gary Organ, Head of Device Technology Sales, Fujifilm UK 3 Driving better efficiency. Striving for sustainability. Passionate about quality.
SECURITY Despite the well-documented fact that cyber security breaches and cyber-attacks remain a common threat, there’s still a level of complacency around print security compared to other parts of the IT infrastructure. But the reality is that printers and multifunctional products are IT endpoint devices just like any other, and if left unsecured, can provide a convenient back door to get into business networks. Data breaches occur in many forms and can have long-lasting impacts including financial losses, reputation damage and the erosion of customer confidence. It’s also important to remember that it’s not just sophisticated high-profile cyber-attacks that businesses need to protect against - on the most basic level, unclaimed print-outs at devices represent a risk that sensitive information can fall into the wrong hands. With increasingly stringent data protection and regulatory compliance rules, organisations need to ensure all of the data they hold, including information that’s stored on printers and printed out, is secure. Security built in Fujifilm’s Apeos all-in-one office printer range stands out for its advanced security features. Engineered with a multi-layered security approach that extends beyond basic password protection, the advanced security features of the Apeos series include secure booting, to ensure that only authorised firmware operates the device, preventing access to malicious software. Other security features include data encryption, which safeguards sensitive information during transmission and storage, making it indecipherable to unauthorised users. Fujifilm’s commitment to security also extends to incident response. The Apeos series includes features like audit logs, which track user activity, and intrusion detection, alerting administrators to suspicious behaviour. This proactive approach enables swift action in the event of a security breach, mitigating potential damage. The comprehensive array of security features, integral to the Apeos series, has earned it a prestigious BLI Security validation from Keypoint Intelligence, a leading independent evaluator of document imaging hardware and software. RELIABILITY Printers play a crucial role in the office and downtime can be costly, disruptive and timeconsuming, especially in today’s fast-paced business environment. If a printer stops working – it is at the very least frustrating – IT admins often have to troubleshoot the device manually or call on a third-party provider to help resolve the issue. This often takes a lot of time and effort, and meanwhile, employees who need to print can’t continue with the job in hand until the printer gets fixed, which impacts their productivity. Robust engineering ensures minimal downtime Investing in high quality, reliable technology can significantly reduce the chances of downtime. Fujifilm Apeos MFPs are designed to withstand the rigors of constant day-to-day office use. Fujifilm’s robust engineering ensures minimal downtime. The Apeos C7070 series is compatible with service tools such as AI Analysis Technology which enables partners to identify the probable cause of unusual noise and guidance on how to resolve. Productivity-focused office printers Productivity-focused office printers also offer a number of advantages that significantly enhance business operations. The Apeos office range saves time with high Four pillars of value FUJIFILM Business Innovation was one of the earliest pioneers of digital toner print technology. Building on a heritage of more than six decades, the company’s four-pillar strategy – spanning security, reliability, quality, and sustainability – offers a holistic and innovative solution to the complex challenges faced by UK businesses. Whether data is in electronic or traditional paper formats, it is imperative that organisations have a clear knowledge of the risks and an understanding of how printers can mitigate those risks. Fujifilm’s multifunction printers are designed for reliability and durability, minimising breakdowns and maintenance needs, which in turn reduce interruptions to work. “ “ ” ” 4 www.managedITmag.co.uk
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