Game on for CHERRY CHERRY, renowned for its computer input devices, is hoping to make further inroads into the household gaming market with the launch of its new gaming brand CHERRY XTRFY and high profile partnerships with stars from the competitive video gaming and esports sector. The German company is already a long-time favourite of Chinese gaming fans and with its new brand and extensive product family is hoping to extend its success worldwide. The launch of CHERRY XTRFY builds on the acquisition of Swedish PC gaming peripherals manufacturer Xtrfy at the start of the year. www.cherry.de ······ Time to switch Nine out of 10 UK businesses (88%) are still reliant on the public switched telephone network (PSTN) for phone lines, broadband, alarm systems and CCTV cameras, according to a survey by M247. The global cloud and connectivity provider warns that with the sale of PSTNrelated products and services set to stop in September 2023 (if not before) and a full deactivation of the network by 31 December 2025, time is running out for those that have not yet switched to fibre alternatives. M247’s research suggests that the fault lies with businesses and not resellers and telecoms providers, as awareness of the changes is high. More than three quarters of those surveyed by M247 are aware of the PSTN stop-sell (76%) and the PSTN switchoff (77%). The fact that 80% of respondents believe migration from PSTN services will take up to six months and 51% expect to face significant disruption if the network is switched off before they have completed the process makes it all the more surprising that just 29% of businesses consider addressing the switch-off to be a top priority. www.m247.com ······ Hybrid workers are greatest risk HP is addressing the challenges of securing and managing a hybrid workforce with new products that enable IT departments to manage remote devices, resolve support tickets, optimise asset management and secure data from loss or theft. These are HP Wolf Connect, an IT management connectivity solution that use a cellular-based network to provide a resilient, secure connection to remote PCs even when they are powered down or offline; and Protect and Trace with Wolf Connect, claimed to be the world’s first software service capable of locating, locking and erasing a PC remotely, even when it’s not on or disconnected from the Internet. In a global study of 1,492 security leaders released to coincide with the launch of HP Wolf Connect, 70% said that hybrid work increases the risk of lost or stolen devices; and 82% said NEWS 01732 759725 04 NEWS continued... BT Wholesale report highlights opportunities for growth The desire to invest in new technologies trumps the need to make cost savings reveals new BT Wholesale research into opportunities for channel partners available exclusively to Partner Plus members via the programme Hub. The list of SMBs’ investment priorities is headed by mobile connectivity (with 70% of respondents likely or extremely likely to invest) – BT Wholesale recently launched Complete Mobile, the first time EE Mobile SIMs have been available to enterprise resellers via a direct channel model. Mobile connectivity was followed by cybersecurity (66%), digital phone lines (64%) and broadband (62%). The report highlights several opportunities for channel partners to generate extra business and fulfil their valued role as trusted advisors. For example, almost one in three of the 300 survey respondents (29%) still doesn’t understand the benefits of all-IP to their business, giving partners an opportunity to guide customers through their all-IP migration journey. To help them do this, BT Wholesale provides Partner Plus members with Complete Switch products, out-of-the-box collateral and personalised messaging tailored to customers’ needs. Gavin Jones, Channel Partners Director at BT Wholesale, said: “With the PSTN switch-off fast approaching, it is clear channel partners must work to spark UK businesses’ digital imagination and help them understand how the move to IP can future-proof them and unlock new opportunities. It’s the end of the line for PSTN, so If you’re not doing it, a competitor is already trying to.” The New Way to Secure the Hybrid Workforce AN HP WOLF SECURITY REPORT Gavin Jones
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