Print.IT Reseller - issue 82

BULLETIN IoT data set to unlock innovation Eseye predicts that IoT data is set to power unprecedented levels of innovation over the coming years. The IoT connectivity specialist says that this innovation will be seen not just in the next generation of classic IoT devices, which will become much more interactive and personalised to real-time behaviour, but also in the development of a new set of devices created through the fusion of multiple sensors, cellular connectivity to the cloud and advanced AI techniques. This combination will enable near real-time predictions of what services should be dynamically configured into those devices to maximise revenue and collect even more data and deliver huge value. “IoT companies that see the potential, not just in the device but also in the data collected, will be the big winners,” said CEO Nick Earle. “As we come out of the pandemic, organisations will be looking for new ways to innovate, and IoT data has the potential to disrupt business models and processes in practically every industry. We can only speculate around what IoT entrepreneurs will come up with once they have access to data from billions of devices capturing rich intelligence on every aspect of our lives and businesses. We predict it will be an even bigger wave of innovation than the first wave of IoT adoption.” www.eseye.com Radical measures Firms are adopting radical measures to dispose of technology equipment. Research conducted by DSA Connect found that 8% of IT Directors have taken a hammer to dispose of IT equipment containing electronic data. Some 12% admit to having submerged it in water to try and destroy the hardware and 18% have used drilling to do this. When it comes to their employers disposing of IT tech and hardware, 82% of IT Directors say there is a growing focus on CSR issues, and 24% expect the focus here to increase dramatically over the next three year. Over half (56%) expect a slight increase in focus www.dsa-connect.co.uk Flexible work becomes business as usual Research from LogMeIn and IDG has revealed the new reality of long-term remote and flexible work. IT leaders are increasingly concerned about security and scalability of the remote work tools adopted early in the pandemic to address the sudden shift to remote work. The surge in remote work exposed 66% of respondents to cyber risks, and IT help desks are struggling to securely support workers. As a result, 65% of those surveyed are actively consolidating remote work tools, citing the need for ease of administration, ease of use and scalability. The statistics confirm that the pandemic has created a permanent shift toward remote work. With flexible work becoming the new business as usual, IT leaders will continue to be responsible for supporting technology. This means a well-thought-out plan for long-term, secure and efficient flexible support is more important than ever. www.logmein.com Investing in artificial intelligence Fountech Solutions commissioned an independent survey of more than 750 decision- makers within UK businesses which revealed that 40% of businesses plan to make AI investment a priority in 2021. The research found that many businesses are now looking to increase their investment in AI over the coming 12 months. The onset of the pandemic in March 2020 incentivised almost one-third (30%) of businesses to pilot an AI solution for the first time, 41% plan to hire new talent to deal specifically with AI, while almost half (48%) plan to send staff for AI-related training. External AI experts are also in high demand, with 44% of businesses planning to engage with third parties to help with their AI requirements. As AI and automation becomes more common, more than half (58%) of UK businesses plan to invest more heavily in training their employees so they can better utilise new technologies. In the long-term, an overwhelming majority (61%) of businesses are confident that embracing AI will give their business a sustainable competitive advantage. www.fountech.solutions PRINTITRESELLER.UK 7 01732 75972 5 1680 We can buy your unused toners As a Managed Print Service provider, we understand how important it is to deliver the best value and performance to your customers. After all, your business is all about helping your customers to reduce costs, optimise efficiency and automate processes. Our dedicated team at The Jolly Savage work closely with many Managed Print Service businesses to handle their customers’ surplus toner stock; if you have unused toners that you are interested in selling, contact us today for a no obligation quote. Are you a Managed Print Service provider? 01462 60 50 50 · [email protected] · www.thejollysavage.co.uk