Print IT Reseller - issue 48

BULLETIN IN BRIEF Software is powering the hardware renaissance New research from Gemalto reveals that the device manufacturing industry is embracing software over hardware as its primary business model. According to its How Software is Powering the Hardware Renaissance report, the majority (84%) of organisations in the sector are changing how they operate. Nearly four in 10 have already made a full shift to a software- centric business model. Hardware technology companies are already reaping substantial benefits – of those that have changed their models, the average increase in revenue has been 11%. They expect further growth in the next five years, with the revenue from software projected to rise from 15% to 18%. Over eight in 10 have driven diversity in hardware with software features (86%), implemented remote feature upgrades (84%) and improved customer experience (84%). Businesses also report having a more flexible strategy that allows them to adapt to market change (79%), better control copy protection (76%) and being more competitive in the market (73%). www.gemalto.com Industry-first MSP insights portal Kaseya, provider of complete IT management solutions for managed service providers (MSPs) and mid-market enterprises (MME), has launched MSP Insights, a business intelligence and benchmarking tool specifically designed to ensure the success of its MSP partners. Built on proprietary technical and business data, the online portal allows MSPs to quickly and easily benchmark their business metrics against other MSPs in their region, analyse new and emerging MSP service offerings, evaluate bundling and pricing strategies, and review detailed technical trends. www.kaseya.com The View delivers growth and jobs Moving to flagship headquarters has paid dividends for office technology companies IT@Spectrum and The One Point, with increased turnover, an expanding customer base and new jobs. The partner companies are marking a year since moving to their new offices, The View, at the Bridgehead business park close to the Humber Bridge in East Yorkshire. The move cemented the strategic partnership between the businesses and provided them with a powerful platform for growth. 12 months on, the investment has delivered on the ambition, with turnover growing by almost 30% across the two businesses from a combined client base of almost 1,400 organisations – an increase of nearly 15% over the past year. The growth has translated into new jobs, with 18 staff joining over the past year, taking the workforce employed by the sister companies to more than 90. www.itatspectrum.co.uk ArtSystems’ STEM Ambassadors bring 3D Printing to students At the Digital Skills Show on December 5, ArtSystems’ STEM Ambassadors, Ted Freer and Will Glass, introduced 3D printing to over 200 students. The event saw year 7 and 8 students from four Nottingham schools experience a variety of interactive digital activities at The National Videogame Arcade in a day designed to generate interest, excitement and awareness of potential digital careers. www.artsystems.co.uk Hollis achieves Microsoft competency Hollis has achieved Silver Small and Mid-market Cloud Solutions competency, demonstrating its ability to meet the evolving needs of Microsoft customers in today’s dynamic business environment. The Small and Mid-market Cloud Solutions competency recognises partners who are selling and deploying Microsoft Office 365 cloud and hybrid solutions to mid-sized and small business customers. It differentiates a company as a proven cloud solutions provider for customers searching for qualified cloud solutions partners. “This demonstrates our experience in working with Microsoft and its cloud solutions products,” said Simon Hollister, Sales Director at Hollis. “It is an important achievement and shows our commitment to meeting the needs of our customers. As a member of the Microsoft Partner Network, it will bring important benefits to customers in terms of increased Microsoft support and expertise.” www.hollis.online Acquisition drives team expansion for Xeretec Five months after acquiring Landscape Group, Xeretec has already delivered on one of its acquisition promises – to appoint more staff to further support both businesses. The company has increased headcount by 39, bringing its total number of staff to 263. Chief Executive Steve Hawkins said: “Growing the team was one of the most exciting aspects of the Landscape acquisition. I’m very pleased to see how quickly we’ve been able to scale the organisation and the team to match the increased amount of interest we’re now seeing from new and existing customers.” www.xeretec.co.uk Penketh Group wins industry award Penketh Group has won the ‘Furniture Provider of the Year’ in Mixology North17 Awards. The awards recognise the most dynamic and innovative interior design community in the North. Penketh Group was one of five companies shortlisted for the prestigious award, which is now in its tenth year and saw a record number of entries. www.penkethgroup.com PRINT IT RESELLER.UK 11 Ted Freer (left) and Will Glass at The Digital Skills Show Steve Hawkins