01732 759725 56 VOX POP The switch to hybrid working has presented some huge challenges in security terms and enterprises have had to step up to protect systems and data continued... point into business networks when organisations unconsciously leave their MFP network connections vulnerable, allowing hackers to plant trojans and credential stealers or use the devices to spread malware throughout the network. End-users can also (intentionally or unintentionally) compromise MFPs by plugging in USB memory devices infected with malware. “Businesses today are acutely aware of their exposure to potential cybersecurity risks. In 2023, we will see businesses taking steps to better educate their teams about how they can minimise their threat exposure when working from home, as well as ensuring office-based endpoints are more secure and fit for the future. “This year, Sharp celebrated 50 years of print copier innovation. I’m proud to say that we are committed to this tradition of print innovation; we have recently partnered with global cybersecurity leader, Bitdefender, to integrate Bitdefender’s antimalware technology into our new range of Future Workplace A3 multifunction printers (MFPs). “Investment in better collaboration tools. The workforce today is more mobile than it has ever been before. Ensuring that team members have the tools they need to operate efficiently and securely from their respective locations has become the norm and expectation for businesses the world over. “Many SMBs today use a mix of different video-conferencing platforms, all of which offer different user experiences. This can sometimes make it challenging to collaborate efficiently and operate smoothly. Findings from a Sharp survey of more than 6,000 office workers across the continent showed that just under half (47 per cent) found it confusing having to use various different video conferencing platforms, while 53 per cent said it was harder to stay focused during remote meetings. “Enabling smarter working and secure collaboration enhances the office experience for team members and supports productivity. “Hybrid working is here to stay. In 2023, we expect to see businesses continuing to think about how they can better support their employees through smarter, more cohesive and secure business collaboration tools. Investment in this area will cement functional remote and hybrid policies within organisations and take hybrid working to the next level.” www.sharp.co.uk Steve Kendall-Smith, UK Managing Director, Lexmark: “2023 will see hybrid working become less of a new phenomenon and more of an accepted norm. It’s likely we’ll see conversations switch away from enabling remote working towards how we can make it work better. For the print sector this means better workflow management, security and connectivity. “The switch to hybrid working has presented some huge challenges in security terms and enterprises have had to step up to protect systems and data. Furthermore, digitising workflows and improving remote collaboration, as well as correcting and boosting productivity around document printing will be continuing to be goals for organisations looking to improve their print strategy. Managed print services are likely to be an important tool in the box here and it’s also likely that we’ll see smaller and medium-sized businesses embrace cloud offerings in an effort to keep up. Lexmark’s MPS express offering this year reflects that shift, offering cloud-based and MPS print solutions to SMBs. “We’re also likely to see a continuing drive towards reducing paper and improving sustainability, as businesses are placed under greater pressure to show progress towards some of the ambitious targets that have been set. The focus will need to be on communicating clearly to customers how they are benchmarking against objectives and improving sustainability throughout the print ecosystem. Concepts like the circular economy will become more important as organisations attempt to reduce more than just waste. Our recent project working with an EU funded project C-Servees has been aimed at building circular solutions for the print industry that can be adopted by all.” www.lexmark.co.uk James Stacey, Solution Consultant, ECI Software Solutions: “It’s been fascinating to see how technology has continued to transform the office supplies and managed print services sectors, with both industries never failing to showcase innovation. However, as we approach the end of 2022, businesses are really feeling the strain, and this has forced many to yet again review their processes and identify efficiency saving measures. “ONS figures released earlier this year revealed that only eight per cent of workers in the UK planned on working from their place of employment on a permanent basis, with most employees taking advantage of their businesses remote working offering. “A hybrid working model is by no means a new concept, and its popularity has continued to soar since 2019. However, with a far greater number of organisations now offering a work from home policy, the need for the office supplies and the MPS industries to adapt has become more crucial year-on-year. I’m sure that 2023 will be no different. 10 years · I00 issues Steve Kendall-Smith James Stacey
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