Q&A With Tim Whiteley, co-founder of virtual desktop provider Inevidesk 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 69 · 2025 Making Digital Transformation attainable for everyone Visit vasion.com to learn more... PSTN SWITCH-OFF Vodafone launches compact broadband backup device PAGE 28 CALL CENTRE How AI is transforming the contact centre and revolutionising CX PAGE 16 See page 12
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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 Family Friendly Workspaces brings certification scheme to UK 08 Marketing New portal offers marketing services on demand for as little as £200 per month 10 What’s New A round-up of new products for the office, home and all places in between 12 Cover story How Vasion is making digital transformation attainable for everyone 14 Office technology HP aims to boost employee satisfaction with new AI-powered devices 16 Call centre How AI is transforming the contact centre and revolutionising CX 20 Q&A With Tim Whiteley, co-founder of virtual desktop provider Inevidesk 24 Training Corndel, Imperial College and Microsoft collaborate on AI training for 10,000 professionals 25 Tablets Samsung enhances Galaxy Tab S10 FE Series with bigger display and AI capabilities out-of-the-box 26 Cloud telephony European cloud telephony company NFON enhances offering with AI 28 PSTN switch-off Vodafone launches compact broadband backup device to maintain connectivity during a power cut 29 On test Neil Trim tries out an HP Poly Voyager Surround 80 Headset (Microsoft Teams Edition) 30 Call centre Node4 implements fully integrated Webex contact centre for TMTI 31 Cybersecurity Goldilock expands manufacturing capacity to meet demand for enhanced network isolation solution 32 Mobile working Panasonic and Ericsson boost mobile worker productivity with 5G connectivity 34 Printers Brother UK launches self-assessment tool to help optimise labelling processes 35 Logistics How Podfather is helping La Tua Pasta deliver exceptional customer service 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 • [email protected] 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. © 2025 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 69 · 2025
4 01732 759725 NEWSRetail and manufacturing in urgent need of knowledge transfer between generations Frontline employee experience app Flip is warning of an imminent skills crisis in retail and manufacturing that could cost the UK retail sector alone £28 billion in lost productivity, following a survey showing that 57% of UK frontline employees aged over 55 are preparing to retire within the next five years, taking valuable technical skills and knowledge with them. Four out of five managers (81%) believe that most technical expertise in their companies lies with older employees; 73% rely on a handful of experienced workers to keep operations running; 68% are concerned that vital knowledge will be lost when they leave; and 78% lack confidence in their company’s ability to prepare for future skills gaps. The research by Flip and Workplace Intelligence reveals that skills shortages are already impacting productivity, with 72% of managers saying that gaps in expertise are actively reducing their teams’ efficiency. On average, experienced employees spend more than 12 hours per week, or nearly four months a year, helping colleagues who lack critical skills (including teaching co-workers, correcting mistakes and troubleshooting tech). Given the imminent skills crisis and the fact that 92% of managers believe Gen Z employees lack key technical skills needed to perform effectively, Benedikt Brand, Co-founder and CEO of Flip, says that businesses must do more to transfer knowledge between generations. He said: “Industries that form the backbone of our economies are facing a cliff edge when it comes to critical skills. It’s vital that businesses capture the invaluable expertise of retiring employees and make meaningful investments into developing the Gen Z employees who make up their future workforce. Without seamless knowledge transfer between generations, productivity will stall and these essential industries will suffer.” www.getflip.com … Rising expectations boost demand for premium workspaces The UK flexible office market is becoming increasingly polarised between premium hospitality-led providers at one end and value-led providers at the other, according to a new report from Spaces to Places, The UK Flex Office Market 2025: Strategies, Players, and Business Models. Spaces to Places’ analysis of 52 UK players with a portfolio of more than 10 locations highlights a growing divide between emerging premium hospitality-led providers, which now account for 20% of the market, and incumbent owner-operator, propertyled providers focused on value. Zoe Ellis-Moore, CEO and Founder of Spaces to Places, a provider of flexible workspace consultancy, attributes the rise of premium providers to changing customer requirements. She said: “At the premium end, expectations have soared, with offerings ranging from drinks trolleys at desks and vanity rooms to restaurants meeting five-star hotel standards. Even at the value end of the market, it’s more than providing desks and chairs – convenience, cost and community are essential.” Of the providers analysed, 69% are privately owned, 14% are family-run, 13% are publicly owned and 4% are Family Friendly Workplaces brings certification scheme to UK A certification programme for family-friendly workplaces is being launched in the UK by Family Friendly Workplaces in partnership with UK charity Working Families, which for over three decades has been campaigning to remove barriers faced by working people with caring responsibilities. Family Friendly Workplaces was established in Australia in 2021 by Parents at Work and UNICEF Australia to develop a framework of Global Work + Family Standards and to recognise employers that have embedded family-friendly policies in their workplaces. In Australia, 650 organisations have already used the framework to assess and improve their workplace practices. The expansion of Family Friendly Workplaces to the UK has been welcomed by founding partners Deloitte UK and TLT LLP; supporting partners dentsu, Grant Thornton UK, Kantar, Norton Rose Fullbright and QBE Europe; and advocacy partners Adoption UK, the Employers’ Initiative on Domestic Abuse (EIDA), Kinship, Maternal Mental Health Alliance, National Childbirth Trust (NCT) and The Fostering Network. Working Families CEO Jane van Zyl says that giving employers an evidence-based framework to create familyfriendly policies benefits both employers and employees. She said: “For too long, businesses have lacked a clear, evidence-based framework for what truly makes a workplace family-friendly. This certification changes that. By giving employers the tools to assess, improve and embed familyfriendly policies, we’re helping to create workplaces where parents and carers can thrive at work whilst fulfilling their caring responsibilities. In turn, businesses will see higher retention, engagement and productivity.” UK organisations can see how their workplaces compare to Global Work + Family Standards at https:// familyfriendlyworkplaces.co.uk/self-assessment/ workingfamilies.org.uk Emma Walsh (l), CEO of Family Friendly Workplaces Australia, with Jane van Zyl (r), CEO of Working Families Zoe Ellis-Moore NEWS
www.managedITmag.co.uk 5 council-operated. Two thirds (67%) sit in the Mainstream category, with the expanding Premium segment accounting for 20% of the market and Value and Niche providers making up 7% and 6% respectively. Nearly half (46%) of key players operate in London and regional markets, 39% are focused solely on regional locations and 15% are exclusive to London. spacestoplaces.co.uk/flex … Team-building activities are most disliked Team-building exercises are the least popular work-related social activity, according to a new survey by Acas. When the workplaces expert asked 1,000 UK workers which social engagements with colleagues they favoured least, team-building activities came out on top, cited by 31%, followed by after-hours drinks (20%), group discussions/meetings (17%), work social clubs/networks (15%) and oneoff events, such as leaving-parties or birthday celebrations (12%). One quarter (26%) say they enjoy all social activities with work colleagues, compared to 19% who don’t want any. Acas conducted the survey as part of its campaign to raise awareness of neurodiversity at work and to encourage employers to create more inclusive organisations. www.acas.org.uk … Show your appreciation! U.K organisations that make giving and receiving recognition part of their everyday culture have the highest probability of developing an emotionally intelligent workforce with high levels of empathy, self-awareness and good communication skills, according to a new report from employee recognition specialist O.C. Tanner. Its 2025 Global Culture Report, based on insights from 38,075 workers in 27 countries including 4,896 from the UK, reports that organisations that practice emotional intelligence (EQ) are 107 times more likely to thrive. Its research also suggests that EQ can be taught and cultivated in environments where it is practised daily, with business leaders and staff in organisations in which giving/receiving recognition is routine being 14 times and 8 times more likely to have a high EQ. Robert Ordever, European MD of O.C. Tanner, said: “Those who excel in emotional intelligence have an ability to empathise, connect and inspire others. And this can be effectively nurtured in a number of ways, including through organisation-wide employee recognition for stirring powerful feelings of appreciation, belonging and connection.” The report advises organisations to train leaders and employees to listen empathetically and then provide supportive action; to be open to feedback; to embrace change; to hold themselves accountable; and to recognise others’ efforts and achievements. www.octanner.com … UK workers waste one day a week looking for information Almost two thirds of UK workers (64%) complain that their workloads are more overwhelming than ever, in part because collaboration appears to be more difficult than it should be. The latest annual State of Teams Report from Atlassian shows that as well as spending nearly half (48%) the working week on ‘busy work’, like sharing information, tracking down people and resolving misunderstandings, UK knowledge workers waste an average of 9 hours a week, or one whole working day, finding the information they need to do their jobs. Over half (53%) believe the only way to get the information they need is to ask someone for help or to schedule a meeting, which has a negative impact on productivity: 55% say they have to put work on hold while waiting for information from other teams; 44% find it hard to coordinate work with other teams; and 34% feel that collaborating with other teams slows down the speed at which work gets done. The survey also highlights poor cross-team collaboration, with over half of workers unknowingly working on the same tasks as other teams and 55% admitting that in the past year their team has learnt about an important decision made by another team way too late. Dr Molly Sands, Head of Teamwork Labs at Atlassian, said: “This research highlights a critical issue in the modern workplace: the systems designed to support employees are not keeping pace with the increasing demands of work. As teams become more cross-functional, the inability to quickly access information is creating bottlenecks that slow progress. This ‘digital hide-and-seek’ not only wastes time but also stifles creativity and innovation as employees are forced to focus on administrative tasks rather than high-impact work”. Over half (59%) of UK workers believe that AI will improve the speed and quality of their team’s work; 67% think they could use AI more effectively to discover and manage information. https://atlassian.com Lifesum and FIIT launch corporate wellness solution Lifesum, a global healthy eating app, and FIIT, the UK’s number one rated fitness app, have jointly developed a corporate wellness solution to help combat employee burnout and address the annual £57.4 billion cost of lost productivity. Available via corporate subscription, the solution aims to boost employee wellbeing, performance and retention by bringing together the two companies’ areas of expertise. In Lifesum’s case, this is personalised meal plans, recipes and nutrition insights based on meal logging via photo, voice, text or barcode, and in FIIT’s case, on-demand, expert-led workouts that can be done at home, in the gym or on the go, with realtime tracking, heart rate integration and live leaderboards. Syncing workout and nutrition data across both apps gives employees a complete wellness overview and enables personalised nutrition advice based on exercise, calorie burn and recovery needs. HR leaders can track program effectiveness via engagement data and wellness impact reports and boost engagement through customised wellness plans, team challenges and educational material, including webinars. Lifesum.com/work. onefiit.com NEWS continued...
6 01732 759725 NEWS ...continued SMEs look to digital sourcing platforms for choice and flexibility The UK’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are planning to make major changes to their product sourcing strategies this year, according to new data from Alibaba.com, the Chinese business-tobusiness (B2B) e-commerce platform. More than half (57%) of sourcing decision-makers surveyed plan to change suppliers this year, with a focus on sourcing products at more cost-effective prices (43%), finding trusted suppliers (40%), finding sustainable products (32%) and sourcing new and trendy products to attract new customers (31%). Six out of 10 (59%) say they now attach greater importance to digital sourcing channels, such as online B2B marketplaces, as a way of finding new suppliers, sourcing new products and unlocking growth. Kuo Zhang, President of Alibaba.com, believes these findings are indicative of a growing preference for buying goods directly from suppliers, rather than through intermediaries. He said: “UK SMEs are becoming more strategic in their sourcing, focusing on affordability, trend responsiveness and supplier reliability to stay competitive. Our research shows that SMEs are looking beyond cost savings and actively seeking new suppliers to future-proof their businesses. This shift aligns with a broader trend across Europe, where the number of orders placed by European buyers on our platform in February increased by 75% year-onyear.” Alibaba.com … Pivotal growth forecast for private cellular networks The private cellular network market is set to double in size in the next three years, but 5G uptake continues to disappoint says Juniper Research in its new report, Global Private Cellular Networks Market 2025-2030. It forecasts that growing enterprise demand for private cellular networks will boost revenues by 114%, from $5.7 billion in 2025 to $12.2 billion in 2028, representing a pivotal market shift after years of slow growth. The study predicts that nearly 3,000 new private networks will be deployed over the next two years, compared to just 2,500 in the last four years, driven by the availability of Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) models that enable enterprises to manage operational costs more efficiently through leasing private network elements. Research author Michelle Joynson said: “As the market grows, vendors must provide flexible business models such as NaaS to attract high spending private network users. This will also enable vendors to expand private 5G deployments, as businesses are better able to maintain the capital and operational cost of the network.” As it is, the study predicts 5G will account for $5.6 billion of market value by 2028, despite 5G technology having been commercially available for private networks since 2019. It cites the lower operational cost of 4G technologies and its sufficiency in providing connectivity services to sectors such as manufacturing and logistics as key to the continued of growth of 4G private networks. www.juniperresearch.com PC market off to a strong start in 2025 The European PC market, predicted to bounce back strongly this year as buyers replace notebooks acquired five years ago during the first lockdown and upgrade their devices to accommodate AI and end of support for Windows 10, looks to have started 2025 on the right foot, according to global market intelligence firm Context. Its analysis of sales through European distribution shows a notable boost to PC revenues in January, following the expected seasonal slowdown at the end of 2024. Notebooks, tablets and desktops all outperformed expectations, with year-on-year (YoY) revenue growth of 7% for notebooks, 11% for tablets and 11% for desktops. “Our analysis shows a strong start to the year, with both notebooks and desktops trending above the market index,” said Marie-Christine Pygott, Senior Analyst at CONTEXT. “Consumer sales, particularly in Germany, the UK and Poland, have been a driving force behind this growth.” Notebooks have seen a strong performance across major European markets, with revenues exceeding those of the past two years, driven by 36% YoY growth in consumer channels in Germany, a 15% growth in commercial sales in the UK and 18% YoY growth in retail sales in Poland. These three countries have also seen rising desktop sales, with YoY growth of 26% and 21% in commercial channels in the UK and Germany and a 33% rise in desktop retail sales in Poland. Overall, consumer channels outperformed business channels in January, with investment in businessfocused devices remaining subdued, particularly in the SMB segment, due to ongoing economic uncertainties. However, CONTEXT expects this trend to shift in the coming months as organisations prepare for the end of Windows 10 support, which is expected to drive a new wave of business investment in hardware upgrades. Denmark had the strongest year on year revenue growth for notebooks, desktops and tablets combined of 24.7%, followed by Germany (18.8%), Portugal (17.7%), the Netherlands (12.5%), Poland (11.6%), Spain (10.7%), Belgium (7.7%) and the UK (6%). www.contextworld.com Marie-Christine Pygott Vendors like HP are looking forward to a big boost in PC sales Kuo Zhang
8 01732 759725 MARKETING Unlike traditional agency models that focus on full-service, endto-end strategies, bfusion is a dynamic, self-managed solution that enables businesses to choose and manage their marketing activities directly through the portal. Whether it’s customising collateral, producing digital ads or crafting on-brand content, bfusion allows businesses to focus on their immediate needs with specialist support available when required. A solution for every business The introduction of bfusion complements Blabbermouth’s existing offerings, allowing the agency to meet a full spectrum of business needs and budgets. While Blabbermouth continues to provide in-depth, strategydriven marketing solutions, Sparrow says bfusion will enable it to cater to companies that are ready to handle their own marketing efforts but need access to specialist resources on‑demand. “With Blabbermouth’s agency services, we remain focused on strategic, high-touch partnerships with clients seeking a full-service approach. bfusion, on the other hand, gives companies that already have marketing experience or internal teams the resources they need to execute their plans with flexibility and cost-effectiveness,” she said. “Together, Blabbermouth and bfusion provide businesses with the choice of complete strategic support or selfdirected resources.” www.bfusion.co.uk blabbermouthmarketing.co.uk Built for flexibility and control Founder Elizabeth Sparrow points out that Blabbermouth is launching bfusion at a pivotal time as businesses grapple with the implications of October’s budget and recent employment regulations and explore flexible and cost-efficient ways to manage marketing within new budgetary constraints. She said: “bfusion was developed with the needs of today’s business landscape in mind. Our portal gives businesses a flexible, self-service marketing resource they can tap into at any time, with all the tools necessary to support in-house teams or add extra capacity without the usual overheads. It’s ideal for companies who want control and flexibility in their marketing, without sacrificing quality.” With an emphasis on ease and functionality, the portal provides businesses with access to a range of essential marketing tools and resources. Key benefits include: n White-label collateral conversion. For businesses in vendor partner programmes, bfusion simplifies the process of customising vendor-supplied white-label materials to fit their unique brand. n Subscription-based pricing. With its predictable, subscription-based pricing, bfusion is well-suited to businesses utilising marketing grants, ensuring that every pound is maximised in line with grant budgets. n A comprehensive suite of services. From social media graphics and digital ads to short-form content, email design and even animations, the bfusion portal offers a wide variety of marketing tools, providing professional quality without the overheads of hiring additional staff. Blabbermouth, well-known in telecoms and ICT marketing, is introducing a subscriptionbased marketing portal designed to give businesses hands-on control over their marketing operations. With over 20 years of industry expertise, Blabbermouth has developed bfusion to deliver a comprehensive, self-service platform that makes high-quality marketing support accessible and affordable, especially for businesses ready to take their marketing in-house or enhance an existing capability. The intuitive bfusion portal puts a wide range of marketing expertise at users’ fingertips, empowering businesses to execute on-demand campaigns, adapt white-label collateral, design social media graphics, create content and much more – all without the high costs or long-term commitment typically associated with full‑service agencies. Subscriptions start at under £200 per month, with an unlimited access plan available for £550, making bfusion a flexible, budget‑friendly option for businesses with existing marketing structures. n Precision License: Starting at under £200 per month, the Precision License offers a curated selection of marketing tools and resources, ideal for smaller teams and businesses that require specific marketing services on a controlled budget. n Limitless License: For £550 per month, the Limitless License unlocks unlimited access to bfusion’s complete suite of services, making it a powerful, scalable option for businesses with consistent marketing demands or larger teams needing frequent support. B2B agency launches flexible marketing portal offering on-demand access to specialist marketing services from as little as £200 per month Introducing bfusion Elizabeth Sparrow
Spitfire’s One Network One Network uses MPLS to combine mobile, fixed line and cloud connectivity into a secure private network. A low cost, no fuss, business and IoT solution that is both invisible and unreachable to external threats. Easily built using whichever primary and backup access components are required to connect your sites, users, devices and servers - wherever they may be located. New connections are simply added to your network without the need for time-consuming VPN tunnel configurations. Just choose the best access type for your application or location. We can also offer Spitfire Unified Network for connecting remote sites, devices and applications to One Network using existing thirdparty connectivity and secure encrypted tunnels to our FWaaS gateway, managing everything through a single web portal. What could be simpler, or safer? Call us today, to find out more. 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 VOICE INTERNET I O T W A N www.spitfire.co.uk/ spitfire-iot/ Key Benefits No public internet traversal Avoid need for encryption MPLS private networks available Fixed or dynamic IP addresses Private APN available • Poor device visibility and erratic management ? • Requirement for third party remote access ? • Default or weak passwords ? • Software security updates ? • Transmission of unencrypted data ? Worried about IOT security? Are you at risk from: Invisible and unreachable to external threats Looking for mitigation with one easy, cost effective and time efficient solution ?
replacement batteries, the MC10 Multi-Charger is compatible with almost every handset in Snom’s DECT range and removes the need for separate chargers on counters, desks and in storage areas. It also ensures that if a device runs out of power, staff can quickly return it for charging and find a working replacement handset, without facing downtime. www.snom.com … Meeting room in a box Boom Collaboration has expanded its range of all-in-one solutions with the launch of a ‘meeting room in a box’ kit for huddle rooms and smaller locations. Designed for Bring Your Own Meeting (BYOM) environments where users connect their laptops or mobile devices to a room’s AV system, the BYOM Small Room Kit comprises a 4K wide angle camera, professional wireless audio speaker with a 360° omnidirectional microphone and a one-cable, plug-and-play hub for quick and easy connections. boom.co … Universal connectivity Colt Technology Services is addressing connectivity issues often faced by production facilities, manufacturing sites and retail locations in rural and hard-toreach areas by launching a new managed service that integrates Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite connectivity with cellular 4G/5G. Available in 65 countries, Managed LEO+ also gives businesses an alternative option for back-up or rapid deployment. Annette Murphy, Chief Commercial Officer at Colt Technology Services, said: access control, video intelligence, visitor management and intrusion detection applications, credentials, data collection and analytics into one centralised platform. Instead of having to manage multiple systems, the Brivo Security Suite gives enterprise security teams a single interface for all security systems, consolidated incident management and event history and a common identity backbone for connected applications. The unified platform can scale to thousands of enterprise facilities using cloudbased services and includes prebuilt integrations to hundreds of vertical software stacks and an API for connecting to IT/OT systems. www.brivo.com … Multiple charges IP telephony manufacturer Snom is offering enhanced efficiency and convenience for users of shared cordless handsets with the introduction of the MC10 multicharger. Providing fast charging for up to six handsets and/or A helping hand ProGlove is helping to boost the productivity of an ageing workforce with the launch of an ultra-light (65g), AI-powered wearable companion that enables users to move through tasks seamlessly, make fewer mistakes and stay engaged in their roles. Billed as an ergonomic alternative to traditional mobile terminals and handheld scanners, MAI puts real-time communication, AI‑driven work guidance and documentation at workers’ fingertips. Users can receive step-by-step instructions on MAI’s glove-compatible colour touchscreen display, with alerts via audio, haptics and LED feedback, and use photo and audio reporting capabilities to flag issues instantly without having to stop work or switch tools. Other features include an IP65 rating for durability, a full-shift battery and seamless integration into warehouse management systems (WMS) and ProGlove INSIGHT for data-driven insights. www.proglove.com … The complete picture Brivo’s new cloud-based unified security suite simplifies enterprise security management by integrating WHAT’S NEW 01732 759725 10 Superlative printing Canon has expanded its MAXIFY printer series with two high yield, refillable MegaTank models (the GX6150 and GX7150) for high volume printing and one portable printer (the BX110) for printing on the go. Combining high yield ink bottles with a large paper supply of 250 sheets per cassette and a 100-sheet rear feed, the multifunctional GX6150 and GX7150 have a 90% lower TCO, on average, than the top ten laser and inkjet models (in economy mode). Other useful features include a userreplaceable maintenance cartridge, eliminating the need for service calls; a 50-sheet ADF; scan to email, network folder, USB and cloud-based storage locations using Cloud Link; and, on the GX7150, a second paper cassette and single pass two-sided scanning. The portable MAXIFY BX110 comes with an external battery and enhanced connectivity and security, including support for the TLS1.3 encrypted communication protocol that prevents information leaks, and WPA3-Personal, a wireless LAN protocol that prevents communication from being deciphered even if a user’s password is leaked. www.canon.co.uk WHAT’S NEW
for an additional app; and no monthly GPS fees. www.roamsmarttracker.com … Living wall Workplace furniture suppler AJ Products has expanded its Acoustic Panel range with a natural solution to noise pollution in offices. Featuring a porous structure that effectively absorbs sound from all directions, the RUDY live plant panel is made from 100% natural reindeer lichen, hand-picked from Scandinavian forests. In addition to its noise reduction capabilities, the living wall panel can improve employee wellbeing by filtering pollutants from the air and reducing stress levels. The panel comes with a 7-year warranty and requires no watering and only minimal maintenance. www.ajproducts.co.uk … Flexible signage Vision is giving digital signage customers more flexibility and choice with the introduction of an ultra-slim 55-inch 4K digital signage kiosk. Unlike traditional bespoke kiosks that tend to be limited to a built-in media player or require significant customisation, Vision’s new kiosk is designed with an open architecture, giving customers and integrators the flexibility to deploy a choice of media players, computing devices or CMS. The industrialgrade, 24/7, networkable solution offers a choice of connectivity options, including HDMI and USB, and can be configured to sit within any existing digital signage network. https://visionaudiovisual.com were related to third-party incidents and, in a startling new trend, 20% of claims with covered losses in 2024 stemmed from a vendor-related incident. Even if a company has an airtight security posture of its own, it can still be at the mercy of its partners’ vulnerabilities. Our new offering builds on our long‑held belief that companies need to be proactive, not reactive, in understanding exactly where their risk is and taking actionable steps to mitigate material loss.” www.cyberresilience.com … A smaller footprint Roam is a shockproof, waterresistant tracker designed with sustainability in mind, from its use of recycled plastic and an integrated elastic clip and key loop, which allows it to connect to anything without the need for extra holders or add-ons, to a replaceable battery and the ability to return and upgrade worn trackers. Bridging the gap between premium metal trackers that require costly accessories and budget-friendly plastic ones that lack versatility, Roam includes a Nordic dual system chip for reliable connectivity; lost and found QR integration for quick recovery; geo-recovery with what3words for pinpoint tracking; iOS or Android ‘Find my Device’ without the need “Our new Managed LEO+ service complements our existing fibre network and provides an exciting new option for high-performing, secure network access – and it’s fully managed by Colt, so businesses benefit from our mission to remove complexity and make life easier for them.” www.colt.net … Smart locker LapSafe’s new locker for workplaces and education, Sovran, supports multiple uses including hot desking storage, with a choice of five different locker formats; automated drop-off and collection of parcels, documents and other items; and device charging, with the addition of a standard mains socket or a USB-C charger. Smart features include a centrally managed, cloudbased software suite, ONARKEN, that allows businesses to monitor lockers 24/7, receive alerts (if needed), track usage and view historical reports. A state-of-theart touchscreen gives users easy access to lockers, with advanced options for added security, including biometric recognition, RFID access and one-time quick codes. www.lapsafe.com … Where’s the risk? Resilience has added Vendor Risk Reporting (VRR) to its integrated cyber risk management platform. The new capability will enable clients to assess and monitor the underlying security health of critical vendors and suppliers from within the platform. Resilience claims this is an improvement on existing industry solutions for managing vendor risk that tend not to be integrated with risk management platforms, slowing access to timely insights. Ann Irvine, Chief Data and Analytics Officer at Resilience, said: “Over the past year, more than a third of the claims in our portfolio WHAT’S NEW www.managedITmag.co.uk 11 Unified workflow for subscriptions Veriam has completed the phased rollout of its integrated identity, access and subscriptions platform for providers of online services and SaaS solutions. The addition of an Identity and Access Management (IAM) feature means businesses can now manage everything from authentication to payments in a single workflow, removing the need to build custom integrations or waste time and resources managing and administering multiple tools, learning different interfaces and patching together disconnected solutions. Having a unified workflow for authenticating users, managing permissions, handling contracts and processing payments should also help with customer retention and smooth the transition from free to paid services. To this end, the platform will soon support multiple subscription models, including monthly and annual licences, advanced or arrears payments and pay-asyou-go pricing. https://getveriam.com
12 01732 759725 Vasion Automate – beyond print management Simon Hill, Managing Director, EMEA & APAC at Vasion, discusses the company’s mission to make digital transformation attainable for everyone and how Vasion Automate streamlines processes for large organisations and smaller entities like charities, alike “Our current mission is to make digital transformation (DX) attainable for everyone. We have a strong heritage serving large global organisations with large IT teams who use our platform to streamline business processes and save many hours of valuable time. But going back to our core mission, it’s not just about those larger organisations or large IT teams, we firmly believe it’s important to help everyone – and that includes smaller businesses and charities,” Simon Hill explained. “We’ve seen there’s a gap between companies who can leverage the latest technology to fast-track DX initiatives because they’ve got IT departments and budgets, and those that haven’t, and for these smaller entities, their digital transformation journey can be a quite different one. We don’t want that segregation to hold businesses back, so we’re trying to plug that gap, by making it affordable for everyone to use our Vasion Automate platform to connect data, processes, systems, and people,” he continued. Single AI-powered platform Vasion Automate is a single AI-powered platform that supports organisations’ digital transformation by enabling efficient information capture, automating manual tasks, and transforming workflows to enhance productivity and operational agility. Vasion Automate enables customers to manage their printing environments – including centralised and decentralised print, application print, and specialist print (i.e. label printers), and add in the ability to create forms, workflows and signature on the back-end with the same product. “So if a document needs to be signed, the end-user doesn’t have to step out of the solution, it can be signed in the same place, on a single screen, and then pushed through to the next stage of the workflow,” Hill explained, adding: “And, with the latest version they can do that from their mobile phone - whether it’s an electronic document or a paper one, it covers the entire workflow from capture, e-signature, document management, right through COVER STORY Simon Hill
www.managedITmag.co.uk 13 and manage their print queues through an easy to use portal, view, create, and publish one or multiple-step workflows, and via simplified scanning capabilities, efficiently convert paper documents into digital files,” he concluded. to make digital transformation attainable for everyone – with one platform, one single platform that does all of these things and is easy to install, maintain, and manage from a single admin console. Plus, users can seamlessly find and install their own printers to cloud storage and retrieval. And it works with any third-party system, it doesn’t have to be Vasion storage.” Importantly, Vasion utilises the latest AI tools from AWS, for example, to speed up those processes, to increase the accuracy, and to ensure security standards are met. A true cloud-native solution Hill points out that this is a true cloud-native solution and does not require any on-premise infrastructure. “We have been working with a charity in Ghana recently, and they don’t have a sophisticated IT set-up and onpremise servers. All it needs is an internet connection.” Notably, thanks to low-code and no-code technologies, the platform can be implemented without needing high level IT tech support. “Typically, systems like this would demand heavy professional services support to get up and running, but our technology can be easily configured by the end-user, it doesn’t need a new scope of work created just to add another workflow onto the system for example, so again, that comes back to our mission to making it available and affordable for everyone,” he added. Cost and time savings Hill says that many corporate customers have multiple systems to support their business from print management to capture, e-signature, to ECM products to cloud storage. “With that comes multiple procurement processes, licensing costs and bills. There’s also the time IT have to spend trying to integrate and manage all of those different tools, train new starters on how to use them, and deal with helpdesk requests. “Vasion provides a single platform that does everything and is billed as a software-as-a-service (SaaS). So, there’s no need to manage multiple contracts and multiple vendors and wasting time trying to make systems speak to each other when they’re not inter‑operable. “It all comes back to our mission COVER STORY Vasion Automate – key features Print management. Organisations can eliminate on-premise print servers, seamlessly deploy printers without complicated scripts and GPOs, manage print queues, off-network printing, mobile print, and secure pull-printing, from a single web-based console. Simplified information capture. Capture capabilities enable users to seamlessly and efficiently convert paper documents into digital files. Scan from an MFP, scanner or mobile device, utilise intelligent document capture with AI, OCR, and ICR technology, to quickly digitise data, streamline data extraction, and automatically categorise it all. This ensures that both digital and physical documents are easily captured and organised. E-forms. An intuitive drag-and-drop form builder enables users to build fully customisable forms tailored to business needs, automatically convert existing PDFs into fillable web forms, gather and securely share data with existing applications as required. Workflow automation. Vasion Automate’s all-in-one, no-code workflow builder enables users to create workflows that remove manual processes, repetitive tasks and unnecessary delays. It supports the seamless flow of documents and data into third-party systems and applications, eliminating information silos to ensure information moves efficiently across various parts of the business, supporting cohesive and streamlined operations. Content automation. Advanced records management capabilities such as retention schedules, audit trail, encryption, and legal hold make it easy to streamline document-centric workflows by making them data driven workflows. Users can access all documents and data in one secure location, quickly find what they need with natural language search capabilities and automatically maintain audit trails. E-signature. Users can incorporate Vasion Signature within forms to provide approvals, offer letters or waivers. The Signature feature within Vasion Automate manages the entire document lifecycle with a robust eSignature solution. It allows users to sign and send documents from any location on any device, significantly speeding up the signature process and enhancing operational efficiency. To find out more, please visit: https://vasion.com/automate/
14 01732 759725 HP Inc. has announced more than 80 new PCs, AI-powered print tools and Workforce Experience Platform enhancements that it believes can contribute to more empowered workers and greater professional fulfillment. Currently, only one in four workers (28%) has a healthy relationship with work, according to HP’s 2024 Work Relationship Index. Neil Sawyer, HP Managing Director for North-West Europe, believes HP can boost this number by giving businesses access to new technologies, from seamless device connectivity to AI applications, that allow employees to work faster, think more creatively and connect better. He said: “HP is translating AI into meaningful experiences that drive growth and fulfilment. We are shaping the future of work with game-changing AI innovations that seamlessly adapt to how people want to work.” AI PCs HP’s new computers, for example, don’t just meet the needs of customers looking to refresh their devices to Windows 11, but also provide the latest in technology, with select models qualifying as Copilot+ PCs. New models include: n The HP EliteBook 8 Series. Redesigned with mainstream enterprise workers in mind, these deliver AI-powered productivity and seamless collaboration in a repairable and upgradeable package. NPU options of up to 50 TOPS provide up to 224% better power efficiency and up to 43 times faster AI image generation than previous non-NPU models. n The HP EliteDesk 8 Series. Bringing AI to HP’s desktop portfolio for demanding corporate projects and smart workflows, this is the world’s first business desktop PC portfolio to protect against quantum computer hacks. n The HP EliteStudio 8 AiO G1i. Perfect for employees who constantly move around the office, this is the world’s first commercial PC with an integrated KVM capability. An employee can use the all-in-one for work or use it to power/recharge their notebook and access available peripherals. n The OmniBook X Series. Designed for creators who need a PC that adapts to their workflow, this series ranges from a svelte 14-inch flip device to ideate and draw on to a powerhouse clamshell 17.3-inch PC to power through the most complex creations. n The OmniBook 5 & 7 Series. The Omnibook 7 Series is built for power users who are on their PC all day, at school or work, while the Omnibook 5 Series provides families and students with a versatile solution for streaming, light gaming and personal productivity. Complementary AI software HP is complementing its next generation AI PCs with new AI software on qualifying consumer and commercial devices. Tools include: n HP AI Companion. This on-device AI research assistant delivers instant answers and secured file analysis, even without an internet connection. Upcoming features include intuitive voice and text commands and built-in keylogger protections to enhance productivity while securing data on the device. n HP Go. First available on the HP EliteBook 6 G1q powered by Snapdragon X Series, HP Go provides highly mobile professionals with seamless global connectivity so that they can connect and be productive wherever work takes them. Features include automatic network switching regardless of carrier, advanced fleet management and effortless setup. n Poly Camera Pro. Making virtual interactions and video conferencing more dynamic and engaging, Poly Camera Pro includes AI-powered features like Magic Background, seamless streaming integrations and presenter overlays. Multi‑camera support, customisable aesthetics and auto‑framing transform any workspace into a professional studio experience. HP Workforce Experience Platform HP has also enhanced its HP Workforce Experience Platform (WXP) to give IT departments valuable insights and an enhanced user experience. n AI Sentiment Analysis now includes AI capabilities to assess and improve employee experience by analysing thousands of free text surveys. n Fleet Explorer is a new AI-powered natural language processing (NLP) tool lets users query fleet data instantly for insights. n Vyopta Integration enables HP and Vyopta customers to check on the overall health of their organisation’s collaboration environment in WXP. n Pre-built scripts, alerts and dashboards help organisations monitor fleets and automate workflows. Enhanced printing experience HP is also changing the way small and medium-sized businesses print and manage documents, with two new additions to its collection of AI‑powered printing tools. The first streamlines the process of sharing scanned files via email or chat by using AI to summarise a document’s contents and draft an email with the document attached. The second offers automatic and guided redaction to safeguard sensitive information, without requiring a cloud connection, ensuring that private data remains secure on HP devices. In addition, HP has launched the world’s first printers that protect highly regulated organisations that rely on secure printing against quantum computer attacks while seamlessly integrating with Zero Trust architectures (the HP LaserJet Enterprise 8000 Series Printers). www.hp.com HP aims to boost employee satisfaction with new AI-powered devices A better experience OFFICE TECHNOLOGY
www.managedITmag.co.uk 15 manage assets, IT support, and parcel handling more efficiently than ever before, all while reducing operational costs and enhancing user experience. A New Era of Smart Storage “As the pioneers in smart locker solutions, LapSafe® has always been at the forefront of innovation,” said Mark Exley, Director at LapSafe®. “With ONARKEN®AI, we are delivering an unparalleled level of intelligence, security, and efficiency to help organisations transform their workflows and automate critical processes. This is the next evolution of smart storage.” Experience the Future Today LapSafe® is inviting businesses, universities, and IT service providers to experience ONARKEN®AI in action. For more information or to book a demo, visit www.lapsafe.com or contact 0800 130 3456 Email: [email protected] n Intelligent Automation – Accurately processes returns, reducing errors and manual admin. n Unrivalled Security – Real-time access logs, remote monitoring, and AI confidence thresholds. n Seamless Integration – Connects with existing IT service management (ITSM) tools. n World-First Innovation – The only smart locker system powered by AI for ultimate efficiency. LapSafe®’s pioneering technology means organisations can now LapSafe®, the industry leader in smart locker solutions, has launched ONARKEN®AI*, the world’s first AI-powered smart locker system, marking a new era in intelligent storage, asset management, and automation. ONARKEN®AI introduces cutting-edge AI-driven content verification, ensuring that every asset, IT device, or parcel is correctly stored, loaned, and returned– without manual intervention. This game-changing innovation eliminates human error, enhances security, and streamlines workflows for businesses, educational institutions, and organisations worldwide. Redefining Smart Lockers with AI Intelligence Designed to seamlessly integrate with IT service management (ITSM) tools, ONARKEN®AI takes automation, security, and efficiency to the next level. Key features include: n AI-Driven Asset Verification – Ensures the correct items are dropped off, loaned, or collected. Revolutionising Asset Management, IT Services, and Secure Storage with Game-Changing AI Technology LapSafe® Unveils The World’s First AI-Powered Smart Locker BUSINESS BRIEFING *Patent Pending with UKIPO About LapSafe® LapSafe® is the UK’s leading provider of intelligent charging solutions and smart lockers, delivering innovative, secure, and efficient asset management solutions for over 25 years. Trusted by over 85% of UK universities, LapSafe® continues to drive the future of automated smart storage and IT service management.
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