THE TECHNOLOGY & WORKPLACE MAGAZINE FOR SMES & PUBLIC SECTOR ORGANISATIONS WWW.BUSINESSINFOMAG.UK ISSUE154 CYBER SECURITY Norton launches all-in-one cybersecurity offering for small businesses PAGE 10 ELECTRIC VEHICLES Siemens to help FMs manage charging points PAGE 8 CLOUD SMEs miss out on £6.9 billion by not embracing cloud PAGE 26 Photo: Huckletree The great office divide: which side are you on? ...see page 19
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IN THIS ISSUE: 154 – Q3 04 What’s New A round-up of new technology products and solutions 06 Collaboration Logitech Reach – the easy way to share digital images of 3D objects. Plus the world’s first ‘zero emission’ digital art exhibition 08 EV Charging Points Siemens partners with Monta to provide EV charging infrastructure and services to FMs 09 EV Charging Payment Stuart Waine of Spry Fox Networks highlights the importance of reliable mobile connectivity for EV charging networks 10 Cybersecurity Norton launches all-in-one cybersecurity offering for small businesses 12 Cybersecurity Awareness Smart IT helps customers stay alert with new cybersecurity awareness product 13 Communications Spitfire wins place on Crown Commercial Service’s Network Services 3 framework 14 Managed Print Services Aurora opens Newcastle office to serve customers in NorthEast 16 Printers Canon launches three new inkjet devices for small businesses and home users 17 Research UK SMEs under attack and ill prepared, warns Sharp 20 CSR How SP&C and Canon are breaking down barriers to work for young people 21 Sustainability Why it’s important to celebrate your achievements and avoid ‘greenhushing’ 22 Interview Matt Weston on the rise of AI and what it means for Microsoft customers 23 AI Microsoft Copilot roll-out gathers pace 24 Scanners What ibml’s FUSION 8200HD brings to BPOs and shared service centres 26 Cloud SMEs missing out on £6.9 billion by failing to embrace cloud, warns Amazon 27 Scanners Canon launches imageFORMULA DR-S250N 28 Opinion Evolve IP’s Jamie Hughes on why AI isn’t going to revolutionise comms overnight 29 Insight Why multi-camera conferencing is the future of video meetings 30 Collaboration Enhancements to the Zoom platform announced at Zoomtopia 2023 31 I couldn’t do my job without… Toshiba Tec Product Manager Deyon Antoine picks his five favourite work tools 32 Interview Epson UK MD Duncan Ferguson outlines his plans for growth 34 Comms Snom targets hospitality sector with new range of IP phones 35 Workplace The latest office jargon and three letter acronyms Editor: James Goulding 0780 308 7228 · [email protected] Publishing Director, Social Media & Web Editor: Neil Trim 01732 759725 · [email protected] Advertising Director: Ethan White 01732 759725 · [email protected] Art Director: Nick Pledge 07767 615983 · [email protected] Advertising Executive: James Trim 01732 759725 · [email protected] Business Info is a controlled circulation magazine. Applications for free copies will be considered upon receipt of a completed and signed reader info card or online form. Business Info is available on subscription @ £40 p.a. to UK companies or residents and @ £75 p.a. for non-UK subscribers. The opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publishers who cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions. No part of Business Info magazine can be reproduced without the prior permission of the publisher. © Copyright 2023 Kingswood Media Ltd. ISSN 1464-8814 Design: Sandtiger Media – www.sandtiger.co.uk FOR THE LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS VISIT: WWW.BUSINESSINFOMAG.UK Kingswood Media Ltd., 10 Amherst House, 22 London Road, Sevenoaks TN13 2BT · Tel: 01732 759725 • Email: [email protected] BUSINESS INFO GET YOUR FREE COPY To make sure you get every issue FREE, as soon as it is published, just visit www.businessinfomag.uk, click the ‘FREE Registration’ button and add your details to our mailing list. @BinfoMag facebook.com/ BinfoMag If you no longer wish to receive Business Info magazine please email your details to [email protected] 03 magazine
businessinfomag.uk magazine 04 Intelligence boost Zebra Technologies has demonstrated a Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) large language model (LLM) running on its handheld mobile computers/tablets without the need for connectivity to the cloud. The ability to run GenAI on-device will enable Zebra customers in retail, warehouse & logistics, hospitality and healthcare to enhance productivity with the added benefits of improved privacy and security (as data remains on the device), faster performance and lower costs (GenAI searches on the cloud can be expensive). Potential use cases include boosting employees’ knowledge, e.g. by answering queries on products, store policies etc., and improving the customer experience by powering personalised shopping assistants that could provide product recommendations and potentially fully voice-activated shopping. As an alternative to a smaller on-device LLM, users of Wi-Fi 6/6E and 5G-enabled Zebra devices could also switch to a cloud-based app or web browser GenAI tool. www.zebra.com Sound and vision Online visual communications and collaboration platform Canva is giving users the option to include commercially released music clips in their designs at the point of creation. Agreements with Warner Music Group and Merlin will enable Canva Pro, Canva for Education, Canva for Nonprofit and Canva for Teams customers to use clips of their favourite songs from the Merlin, Warner Recorded Music and Warner Chappell Music libraries in videos for social media (including TikTok), as well as presentations and training material. Recording artists will earn royalties when clips of their songs are used in published Canva designs. Canva recently launched Beat Sync, a tool in the Canva editor that helps users match video footage to the beat of a selected soundtrack. www.canva.com AJ Products has upgraded its foldable desk treadmill to encourage greater movement in the workplace. Supporting low intensity, walking pace exercise, the desk treadmill has a maximum speed of 6 km/h and is fitted with wheels for easy sharing. When not in use, it can be folded for storage. Helen Beebe, Managing Director of AJ Products (UK) Ltd, said: “Small changes, such as incorporating low intensity exercise at your desk, can significantly impact overall health and wellbeing. Our desk treadmill provides a solution to break free from the sedentary cycle.” www.ajproducts.co.uk Walk to work WHAT’S NEW INNOVATIONS Cabinet reshuffle BT Group’s incubation hub Etc. has announced a series of pilots, starting in Northern Ireland, to assess the technical and commercial viability of converting decommissioned street cabinets (previously used to provide copper-based broadband and phone services) into electric vehicle charging points. Early projections by Etc. suggest that two thirds of BT Group’s 90,000 cabinets could be converted into EV charging points as a dedicated BT Group venture or in partnership with other organisations. Tom Guy, Managing Director of Etc. at BT Group, said: “With only around 45,000 public charge points today, the UK needs a massive upgrade to meet the needs of the EV revolution. We have a once in a lifetime opportunity to connect for good by innovating around our cabinet infrastructure. The pilots are critical to establish effective technical, commercial and operational routes to market over the next two years.” www.bt.com/about I’m working from the metaverse today Clockwise, an operator of flexible workspaces, is launching the first office space in the metaverse. The Clockwise Campus will provide a digital platform where people (or rather their avatars) can connect, collaborate and socialise. Accessed via a web browser, the Clockwise Campus will provide a variety of spaces familiar to users of the company’s physical offices including meeting rooms, desk spaces, breakout spaces, call zones and a contemplation space. There will also be an amphitheatre where people can enjoy large-scale talks and presentations, as well as more intimate panel discussions and fireside chats from industry pioneers and inspirational figures. Alexandra Livesey, COO of Clockwise, said: “Available to our members as an additional space for them to utilise, the Clockwise Campus will also be accessible by the wider public. Operationally, it will work much like our physical Clockwise offices, but on a larger scale. It will be a place where the usual restrictions around sqft and limitations of physical buildings don’t apply and where practical considerations such as weather and maintenance are unnecessary – a sort of Clockwise utopia.” https://workclockwise.co.uk/
01732 759725 05 magazine INNOVATIONS Built like a tank Panasonic Mobile Solutions Business Division has launched a TOUGHBOOK 40 Military variant in collaboration with roda computer GmbH. Specially developed for use in military vehicles, the 14-inch rugged notebook is dust and water resistant to IP66 and tested to military standards MIL-STD810H. It can withstand a drop from a height of 180 cm and is resistant to shocks, vibrations and operating temperatures between -29°C and 63°C. The battery life can be extended to 36 hours, thanks to the hot-swappable function, and if necessary, all radio and display functions can be immediately switched off when in ‘Concealed Mode’. The TOUGHBOOK 40 Military is configured to run on Windows 11 Pro and comes with four expansion slots and military-grade interfaces, with the option of additional interfaces and an Eclypt Core Encrypted Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) from Viasat, which is certified for securing Top Secret information and for use by NATO and other European countries. https://eu.connect.panasonic.com Free computers The Micro:bit Educational Foundation, in collaboration with BBC Education and Nominet, is giving every primary school in the UK 30 pocket-sized computers with teaching resources to introduce children as young as seven to programming and concepts like machine learning and AI. Through the BBC micro:bit – the next gen campaign, the Foundation and supporters like semiconductor designer ARM, hardware manufacturers Okdo and STMicroelectronics and distributor Farnell will distribute almost 700,000 free micro:bit coding devices to schools across the UK plus tens of thousands of micro:bit classroom sets and teacher training material. Smart security Sharp has expanded its range of smart office devices with four new additions to its Workgroup A4 MFP series. With print speeds of up to 44ppm and double-sided scanning, the MXB468F, MX-B468P, MX-C358F and MX-C428P offer improved productivity and connectivity features and top-tier security enhancements. These include an optional Trusted Platform Module (TPM) that stores hard drive encryption keys on a separate piece of hardware. In addition, SSL Certificate Validation automatically checks that all third-party servers communicating with devices are safe, to prevent any unauthorised attempts to access information. Ben Lake, Senior Product Manager at Sharp Europe, said: “Sharp acknowledges the modern workplace relies on productivity, streamlined connectivity, sustainability and data security – and our latest A4 range addresses these demands. With the continuation of hybrid working, businesses have had to reevaluate their office needs, even the size of the MFPs or printers they require. As such, we are seeing an increasing demand for compact A4 machines.” www.sharp.co.uk Security built-in This month sees the launch of the first models in Toshiba’s new eight-strong line-up of A4 print devices. Due to be introduced over the coming months, the range includes four mono devices and four colour devices, with a choice of printers and MFPs. Mono devices include the e-STUDIO409AS (up to 40ppm) for smaller workgroups and the e-STUDIO449S, e-STUDIO479S and e-STUDIO479P, with print speeds of up to 47ppm, for mid-to-large sized teams. Colour devices include the e-STUDIO339CS, e-STUDIO409CS and e-STUDIO409CP, with print speeds of up to 40ppm, for small-to-mid sized workgroups, and the e-STUDIO509CS (up to 50ppm) for mid-to-large sized teams. All the MFPs are cloudenabled and app-ready, offering direct connection to cloud services, such as Microsoft SharePoint, and come with a DSDF for scanning both sides of a document simultaneously. Security features include Trusted Platform Module 2.0 (TPM 2.0) and self- encrypting drives. www.toshibatec.co.uk New wave Logitech is addressing user comfort and wellbeing with the launch of the Wave Keys and Wave Keys for Business wireless ergonomic keyboards. Both feature a distinctive wave design, integrated cushioned palm rest and compact layout that is claimed to align the user’s shoulders in a natural position. A post-consumer recycled plastic content of 61% contributes to a reduced environmental footprint. www.logitech.com/business Added dimension Lenovo is meeting the needs of professional 3D content creators with the launch of a new monitor providing glasses-free immersive 3D visualisation. Featuring 3D Explorer software, a switchable lenticular lens and real-time eye-tracking, the 27-inch, 2D/3D compatible, 4K ThinkVision 27 3D Monitor projects two independent images to the user’s eyes, so that each eye sees the subject from a slightly different angle. This process delivers crisp stereo vision and depth perception for natural, glasses-free stereoscopic visualisation. Other features include dual 99% colour accuracy (DCI-P3, Adobe RGB), built-in speakers and connectivity options, including USB-C docking and modular camera support.
businessinfomag.uk magazine 06 COLLABORATION Logitech has launched an articulating ‘show and tell’ camera that lets people stay in the flow while sharing non-digital content during presentations, classes, conference calls and streams. Logitech is confident that the Logitech Reach camera overcomes the challenges people experience in sharing physical material by enabling them, first, to lay out the content and then easily position the camera along multiple axes. To drive real-market validation and accelerate the introduction of Logitech Reach to early adopters and innovation seekers, Logitech is launching it first on the Indiegogo Enterprise platform, with a discounted price for early access. In November, PPDS, provider of Philips professional displays and dedicated AV software solutions, is hosting the world’s first ‘zero emission’ digital art exhibition in Milan, when 20 finalists for the inaugural MUSE Digital Art Award will be invited to display their art on zero-power Philips Tableaux displays. The Award, open to professional artists and art students from around the world, comes with a first prize of €3,000 in cash and a Philips Tableaux display. Two runnersIncreasing your reach The art of energy efficiency Standout features include: n Vivid, Crisp Video – Logitech Reach builds on the Logitech Streamcam’s premium 1080p/60fps video quality enhanced with glass optics and smart autofocus to make the audience feel like they are right there. n Effortless and Expansive Lateral Movement – Users grip the camera ring and move the camera along the horizontal plane with just one gesture, allowing content to be viewed in a clean, streamlined manner. Guidance indicators help the image stay upright along the way. n Independent Vertical Movement – With the push of a simple, analogue button, users enable 4.3x up will each receive a Tableaux display. Entries on the theme of ‘The Energy for Tomorrow’ must be created for presentation on a 25in (16 x 9) display and submitted by 20 October 2023. https://www.ppds.com/muse The new Logitech Reach camera makes it easier for presenters to share physical material with in-person and remote participants lossless zoom with autofocus making it easy to capture even the smallest of details. n Pivoting Camera, Unique POV – Users can combine the horizontal and vertical movements with the pivoting camera head to create novel vantage points and move the camera to exactly where it’s needed. n Plug and Play Experience – Logitech Reach offers a plug and play experience over USB and can be used with most computers and conferencing or streaming platforms, so individuals can have confidence that the camera ‘just works’. n Adaptable to Your Space – Operate in full desktop mode by placing Logitech Reach on a table or switch into a compact stowed mode and pair with the low-profile edge clamp. Be one of the first to buy a Logitech Reach. Sign up to be notified when Logitech Reach is available and get access to a limited-time deal at reachcamera.logi.com.
01732 759725 magazine 07 HYBRID WORKING TASKalfa 2554ci 3554ci 4045ci 5054ci 6054ci KYOCERA Document Solutions (UK) Limited TASKalfa: Security that leads the pack. Learn more about our TASKalfa colour MFPs at kyoceradocumentsolutions.co.uk/TASKalfa-2023 Discover more: kyoceraduk @KYOCERADUK kyocera-doc-solutions-uk +44 (0)333 015 1855 [email protected] Any device on your business's network could be a potential weakspot for cybercriminals to exploit. Thanks to Kyocera's certified K-level security, our TASKalfa colour SRA3 devices are the right choice for printing and scanning your sensitive documents. That's not all - available as carbon neutral and designed with innovative energy-saving features, TASKalfa is kinder to the environment as well as your bottom line. •
EV CHARGING businessinfomag.uk magazine 08 Technology provider to offer electric vehicle charging solution to corporate fleet managers as a managed service Siemens becomes e-mobility solutions provider in partnership with Monta Managed service Siemens is providing the Siemens eMobility solution as a managed service and will set up and monitor the system on behalf of customers. It is offered as part of Siemens Smart Infrastructure, which provides IoT-enabled hardware, software and services for AC and DC charging from 11 kW to 300 kW for a broad range of applications. Markus Mildner, CEO eMobility at Siemens Smart Infrastructure, said: “We’re excited to be working together with Monta, integrating their innovative, feature-filled software into our offerings. This supports our ambitions to further expand EV charging infrastructure.” Casper Rasmussen, CEO, CTO and Co-founder of Monta, added: “We’re proud to be working together with a renowned company like Siemens, which has been making a long-lasting positive impact on our society for decades. Together, we can accelerate the buildout of a pan-European charging network where EV drivers and charging point owners alike experience a smooth EV charging experience.” Siemens and electric vehicle (EV) charging platform Monta are entering into a pan-European partnership to facilitate the expansion of an EV charging infrastructure across Europe. Siemens will use Monta’s Charge Point Management System (CPMS) to manage its own fleet and charging points, accessible to over 11,000 Siemens employees in the UK. The partnership will also see Siemens become a onestop-shop solutions provider of e-mobility services to corporate fleet operators, giving them a fully fledged solution for EV charging at work, in public and at home. By using Monta’s CPMS as an operating system, Siemens can accelerate its ambition to make e-mobility part of everyday life by building up a pan-European infrastructure of corporate fleet and facility managers offering charging services for company car drivers, pool car drivers and employees. The CPMS supports charge point operation, with load balancing, charger availability (e.g. private/public), charger accessibility (e.g. reservation), pricing and multiple payment options (Apple Pay Google Pay, credit card etc.). It also includes fleet management, smart access rights and automatic home reimbursement. A mobile app with enhanced functionalities creates a convenient charging experience. Open network Through an EV charging app for car owners and a management system for charge point owners, Monta connects drivers, site owners and charge installers, helping to create an open, accessible network of charge point infrastructure. It allows any company, organisation or public entity with available sites and space to view, manage and set up charge points for employees, guests and public EV drivers. Charge point owners can manage users, power usage, pricing, access and transactions through the Monta app. Peer-to-peer charging allows homeowners to share their chargers with a community of EV drivers as a source of additional income. By connecting personal EV chargers to the Monta app, private charge point owners can view their charging history, manage access to the charge point and set their own pricing and usage. https://monta.com/ www.siemens.com Markus Mildner
EV CHARGING 01732 759725 magazine 09 Stuart Waine Stuart Waine, Director at Spry Fox Networks, explains the importance of reliable mobile connectivity for EV charging and payments EV charging boost against malicious activity. Gigabit broadband and Wi-Fi are the obvious connectivity options. Yet, deploying these networks at the scale needed to meet government targets of 300,000-plus charge points by 2030 isn’t viable due to the amount of cabling needed and the large variety of charge point locations, from busy shopping malls, railway stations, motorway services, airports, business parks and industrial estates to small car parks in rural locations. Universal availability The most cost-effective way to ensure the level of coverage needed is mobile (4G) because of its universal availability, high reliability and robust security. When choosing the location of charge points it is vital to factor in mobile signal strength from the outset, particularly in underground car parks where many charging points are sited and which to all intents and purposes are mobile dead spots without additional comms infrastructure. Ensuring reliable mobile coverage above ground is difficult enough, with physical obstructions (tall buildings and trees), line of sight challenges, network capacity and weather conditions all impacting mobile signal strength. It is even harder to do so below ground as building materials (glass, iron and steel), thick layers of soil and reinforced concrete will significantly decrease mobile signal strength, with ventilation ducts and wiring also having an effect, potentially making associated EV charge points unusable. The only way to provide the coverage needed in large underground garages and car parks is by taking the outdoor network inside using third-party equipment such as an operator DAS (distributed One of the justifications given by Rishi Sunak for extending the stop-date for new petrol and diesel vehicle sales to 2035 is that it will give the UK more time to prepare for the transition to electric vehicles (EVs). Whatever one thinks about this decision, no one would dispute the fact that the UK is seriously unprepared for the large-scale transition to EVs that is needed to meet long-term Net Zero goals. At the very least, there needs to be: n A significant increase in the total number of available EV charge points; n Standardisation in payment options; and n Reliable mobile coverage for payment authentication and validation purposes. There are currently more than 30 charging networks in the UK, with the vast majority reliant on drivers downloading an app or creating a card account so that payment can be made in advance. Both these payment options require internet access. They must also incorporate onetime authorisation code (OTAC) capabilities in line with PSD2 rules pertaining to cardholder-notpresent transactions. These codes are dynamically created as text messages for user authentication and the delivery mechanism is via 4G. In addition, a single EV charge point generates and captures huge amounts of data every time it is used – charge point ID data, plugin/unplug time and date data, total power drawn in kilowatt hours, driver payment methods, financial information, total spend, charging frequency, the type and number of vehicles using the charge point etc. – all of which must be seamlessly processed and transported via secure connections to safeguard antenna system), femtocells/ picocells or mobile signal boosters, depending on building type, services needed and available budget. Don’t forget the site survey To properly equip subterranean EV charging points so that they work reliably, regardless of mobile network operator (MNO), you will need an accurate understanding of the mobile connectivity situation at street level, and the only way to achieve this is to carry out a detailed mobile site survey. There are multiple ways to do this. The most feasible in many instances is to automate the process using self-service tools that let you remotely analyse coverage for all mobile network operators at the different locations. Because signal strength is constantly changing in line with factors such as weather, capacity and total number of users, regular surveys will be needed to maintain performance and QoS. Large enterprises will have the necessary finance and resources to commission a third-party to manage the rollout of their EV charge point infrastructure and associated comms requirements, but in tier two organisations mobile coverage responsibilities are likely to fall under the remit of facilities management. How can they cost-effectively extend the outdoor network into their underground car parks? Enter the mobile signal booster. Unlike operator DAS and femtocells/picocells, mobile signal boosters are carrier-agnostic, which means that they will be able to deliver the required mobile signal underpinning many aspects of EV charge point infrastructure, while also providing the reliable mobile coverage on which new smart building technologies depend. www.spryfoxnetworks.com Spry Fox Networks Ltd is a supplier of advanced mobile coverage technology to enhance commercial mobile and public safety communications. It is an approved supplier of the Ofcom-compliant Cel-Fi by Nextivity mobile repeater range and the developer of QuantumPath, a service assurance and surveying solution for remotely ascertaining the signal strength, quality and performance of different mobile network operators for commercial mobile and M2M applications.
businessinfomag.uk magazine 10 CYBERSECURITY Norton, the Gen consumer Cyber Safety brand, is introducing Norton Small Business, an all-inone cybersecurity solution to help entrepreneurs and small business owners protect their financial futures. While nearly 90% of businesses globally are small businesses – 99.9% in the UK – many lack the means to protect their digital environments the way larger enterprises do. Norton Small Business makes triple-lock protection accessible for small businesses to safeguard their team’s online activities, devices and customer data using one, all-in-one cybersecurity solution. “Owning a very small business often means each member of the team wears different hats, and usually cybersecurity expert isn’t one of them,” said Massimo Rapparini, General Manager & Head of Small Business Safety at Gen. “Unfortunately, cybercriminals are aware of this and often target such businesses. For entrepreneurs and small businesses, falling for just one phishing email could have a devastating impact.” Scams Taking Down Small Businesses As consumers face a barrage of scams and phishing threats, small Small business security businesses are experiencing the same, and they are targeted more than large companies. According to data from Gen, cyber threats that rely on manipulating people account for 82% of attacks on small businesses in the UK. Of these threats, phishing – for example, emails trying to trick you into clicking a link or transferring money – is the most common way cybercriminals try to access small business systems, private data, financials and intellectual property. Businesses with under 10 employees often lack IT support, putting companies at great risk if cybercriminal attacks are successful – and many are. In 2022 alone, cyber-crime cost UK businesses an average of £4,200. Norton Small Business helps small businesses disaster-proof their critical data to minimise the risk of financial loss. Entrepreneurs Pursue Financial Freedom Entrepreneurs often start their own ventures in pursuit of financial freedom and invest significant time, energy and personal savings to build their business. Yet, small businesses are being heavily targeted by cybercriminals, leaving them at much higher risk of collapsing compared to larger firms when hit by a cyberattack. The effects of a cyberattack extend beyond financial consequences, and it’s time cybersecurity is pushed to the forefront of small business priorities. Kyle Frank, the small business owner behind London-based Frank’s Remedies, knows only too well the impact of falling victim to this kind of attack. In 2021, a phishing scam resulted in the loss of not only money but a sense of security. "As a small business owner, I play many roles, and I'm always learning as I go. But in 2021, I Scams and phishing make up 82% of online threats for small businesses in the UK in 2023, yet many lack the budget and tools to protect themselves learned firsthand how essential cybersecurity is. That phishing attack hit hard, not just financially, but it also threatened the business I work so passionately on. It was gut-wrenching to experience how vulnerable we were – and definitely a wake-up call that cyber safety needs to be a priority.” Setting Up Your One-Person IT Department Norton is your go-to partner to make small business cybersecurity simple with an all-in-one solution that provides 24/7 cybersecurity protection and a variety of features, including: n Secure Browser, Password Manager and VPN (virtual private network) to help secure day-to-day online activities n Automated PC cleaning and optimisation to keep healthier PCs for longer n Secure Cloud Backup to help reduce the risk of loss of business data n Software and driver updaters to help keep software up to date, so there are fewer vulnerabilities for cybercriminals to exploit n IT coverage and maintenance for up to 20 devices n A 100% Virus Protection Promise “We’ve built our small business products and services with the same approach in mind as we do with our consumer portfolio so entrepreneurs don’t need to worry about becoming cybersecurity experts,” said Rapparini. “Norton is here to make cybersecurity accessible and easy so they can focus on building thriving businesses.” Norton Small Business is available now with prices starting at £39.99/year with options for 6, 10 or 20-device plans. For more information, please visit: uk.norton.com/products/ small-business.
01732 759725 magazine 11 AD AURORA CONTACT US TO FIND OUT HOW WE CAN HELP YOU GET THE BEST VALUE FROM YOUR MOBILE CONTRACT [email protected] (020) 7503 3003 BUSINESS MOBILE
businessinfomag.uk magazine 12 CYBERSECURITY With cyber threats on the rise, it has never been more challenging for businesses to protect their data. Smart IT, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of ICT solutions, understands the importance of cybersecurity and is excited to be launching its latest Security Awareness product to help organisations keep their systems secure. Cybersecurity is one of the leading issues facing businesses across the United Kingdom, with research by the government finding that 32% of companies and nearly a quarter of all charities have had some kind of cybersecurity breach in the last 12 months. With cybercriminals continuously adapting their approach, it is essential that organisations remain aware of potential weaknesses in their IT systems. Smart IT’s Security Awareness product is designed to help small and medium businesses keep their teams informed and their systems secure. With over 90% A crucial line of defence of all cyber attacks beginning through an email, educating employees is a crucial last line of defence. The new product will help users understand how to recognise and reject phishing, Business Email Compromise (BEC) and other threats. Rolling the new product out across its growing client base, Smart IT’s team will help them understand how susceptible they are to phishing and spear-phishing attacks and provide continuous training against new trends. New templates are added every week, allowing companies to test and teach their staff members with exercises that highlight real-world attacks. Businesses can then download comprehensive reports that will enable them to understand user vulnerability and assignments. This new product is the latest step in what has been a busy year for the northeast-based ICT specialists. Earlier this year, Smart IT moved into a brand new 10,000 square foot Head Office in Gateshead, giving them the space to increase their team to up to 150 people. This £1 million investment cements their commitment to delivering exceptional IT solutions to clients across the country. Smart IT is committed to delivering state-of-the-art technology, with its extensive array of services covering everything from IT infrastructure and support to 24/7 monitoring and data, voice, mobile and internet communications. Commenting on the launch of the new Security Awareness product, Tony Wilson at Smart IT said: “We are really excited to be launching this new product for existing and new clients alike. Cybercriminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated with their approaches, and while technology safeguards are vital, they cannot protect against user error. “This new product is designed to give our clients the skills and knowledge they need to identify potential phishing attacks. With this insight, they will be able to protect their data and ensure their IT systems do not become compromised. “This is just the latest addition to our ever growing range of services, allowing us to keep our clients protected.” To learn more about the new product and Smart IT, visit https://www.smartitgroup.co.uk Smart IT protects businesses with all new security awarenes product
COMMS 01732 759725 13 magazine Spitfire named as a supplier on Crown Commercial Service’s Network Services 3 framework Maximum commercial value communication solutions. Indeed, Spitfire’s groundbreaking One Network provides a single private network for fixed line, mobile and cloud connectivity for a true end-to-end solution without the need for data to traverse the public internet, significantly improving security and manageability for organisations. Spitfire has been awarded Lot 1a: Inter site Connectivity (Wide Area Network) / Data Access Services; Lot 4a: Analogue telephony (including SIP); and Lot 4b: Digital Communication Services (Unified Communications). This recognition underscores Spitfire’s deep understanding of the unique requirements of the UK public sector and its ability to deliver reliable, secure and future-proof solutions. Harry Bowlby, Managing Director, Spitfire Network Services Ltd, said: “We are delighted to be named as a supplier on Crown Commercial Service’s Network Services 3 framework. This achievement reflects our dedication Spitfire Network Services Ltd (Spitfire), the award-winning provider of voice, internet and wide area network connectivity services, has been named as a supplier on Crown Commercial Service’s Network Services 3 (NS3) framework (RM6116). This gives Spitfire the opportunity to offer its cuttingedge solutions to UK public sector organisations, supporting the government’s ‘cloud-first’ initiatives and revolutionising the way they access, utilise and leverage modern network services. Crown Commercial Service supports the public sector to achieve maximum commercial value when procuring common goods and services. In 2022/23, CCS helped the public sector to achieve commercial benefits equal to £3.8 billion, supporting worldclass public services that offer best value for taxpayers. CCS’s NS3 framework is designed to streamline procurement processes for UK public sector entities, providing them with a comprehensive list of pre-approved and trusted suppliers offering the latest advancements in network connectivity and telecommunication services. As a supplier on the framework, Spitfire will play a pivotal role in enabling public sector organisations to optimise their operations, enhance efficiency and deliver public services that offer the best value for UK taxpayers. The framework’s focus on providing connectivity to cloudbased data and applications by using terrestrial and wireless networking, as well as embracing emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and Smart Cities connectivity solutions, aligns seamlessly with Spitfire’s commitment to innovation and expertise in delivering advanced to providing modern network connectivity and communication technologies to support the UK government's ‘cloud-first’ initiatives. We look forward to working closely with public sector organisations, contributing to their digital transformation and driving innovation to meet their evolving needs.” As a supplier on the NS3 framework, Spitfire is poised to help public sector organisations harness the full potential of modern network technologies, enabling cloud-based designs that offer flexibility and a better security posture. The company’s solutions are tailored to optimise connectivity, enhance security and ensure seamless communication, empowering the public sector to focus on delivering exceptional services to the UK. For more information or to contact Spitfire Network Services Ltd directly, organisations should visit https://www.spitfire.co.uk/ about/press-releases/networkservices-3/.
businessinfomag.uk magazine 14 MPS Aurora’s expansion aims to better serve the North East of England, reinforcing the company's commitment to local engagement while extending its reach. Aurora's primary objective is to strengthen existing customer relationships and forge new partnerships across the North East. The company offers a broad range of managed print services, telecoms, access control solutions, print fleet optimisation, document security, eco-friendly printing initiatives and smart building management. With its presence in Newcastle, Aurora is also dedicated to creating employment opportunities and contributing to the local economy, underlining its commitment to regional prosperity. Aurora's core values drive its commitment to customers, illustrated by its in-house support and rapid response times. The company has established enduring partnerships with reputable suppliers, such as Canon, which sponsored the new office. Aurora's Newcastle office is staffed by a team of highly skilled print management professionals dedicated to providing tailored print solutions that address the unique challenges faced by local businesses. Aurora's telecoms division offers wireless communication alternatives, including VoIP and SIP trunks, to assist businesses in their preparations for the 2025 'Big Switch Off.' These solutions ensure a seamless transition during this critical period. Aurora's rapid expansion reflects Aurora Managed Print Services Expands into Newcastle its belief in the power of collective effort. The company leverages collective knowledge and resources to support local businesses with a personalised, responsive and dedicated service. Aurora is deeply integrated within the local communities it serves, actively supporting local sports teams and charities and joining local chambers of commerce. This commitment to corporate social responsibility strengthens Aurora's local connections and positive reputation. Stewart Hunter, Regional Sales Manager at Aurora Managed Print Services, commented: "We are proud to introduce our new office in Newcastle, enabling us to engage more closely with local businesses and deliver high-quality managed print services. Our team is dedicated Aurora Managed Print Services, a leading provider of comprehensive managed print solutions, has opened its new office in Newcastle to providing efficient, cost-effective and sustainable print solutions that empower businesses to optimise their printing infrastructure." Aurora Managed Print Services invites clients, partners and community members to visit the new office at Suite Q16, Tyneside at Quorum Business Park, Benton Ln, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE12 8BX. Knowledgeable professionals will be available to discuss their print management needs, explore collaborations and showcase the latest advancements in managed print services. For further information about Aurora Managed Print Services and its offerings, please visit our website at Aurora.co.uk or contact Stewart Hunter via email [email protected] or phone at 07523 268330. www.aurora.co.uk
01732 759725 15 magazine INTERVIEW 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 www.spitfire.co.uk/ fireswitch Our latest fully featured hosted VoIP telephone system, with mobile and desktop softphones, has been designed with your freedom in mind. So users can work from anywhere. It’s highly scalable and resilient, providing an online management portal, call recording and business analytics, making system monitoring and management easier than ever. Connecting people and sites together with next generation communication ... why wouldn’t you? Introducing FireSwitch If you could work from anywhere, why wouldn’t you? Next Generation Hosted Telephony Key Features Softphone Call Recording Reporting Management Portal Inbuilt Call Resiliency
businessinfomag.uk magazine 16 PRINTERS Canon has added three new inkjet printers to its range. These are the new PIXMA TS8750, a premium 6-ink photo printer for home and family; the Canon MAXIFY GX1050/GX2050, a refillable ink tank series for hybrid workers and the home office; and the MAXIFY GX5550, a tailored printing solution for small businesses. Catering to different working sectors and set-ups, each new printer has been designed to deliver on quality and convenience. Whether you are a personal user looking to print photos and documents at home, or a business requiring a tailored printing solution, the Canon printing range offers an elevated experience at excellent value. Canon upgrades inkjet offering Canon PIXMA TS8750 A high-quality, six-ink photo printer with a variety of smart features, the Canon PIXMA TS8750 is the perfect device for printing your memories at home. From multiple connectivity options, allowing users to print directly from their smartphones, tablets and laptops effortlessly, to its high-resolution prints and intuitive functionality, this printer is a premium 3-in-1 solution for family craft projects. To extend creative possibilities, the accompanying Canon Print App has been improved to make daily print tasks and routine maintenance a lot more seamless. Canon MAXIFY GX1050/ MAXIFY GX2050 With hybrid working more common than ever, the new GX1050 is an entry level business printer within the MAXIFY range for seamless integration between the home and office. Compact in size and designed to slot easily into daily office routines, the 3-in-1 MegaTank printer supports intuitive, high volume document printing with a 250-sheet paper feed capacity. MAXIFY GX2050, the 4-in1 model, comes with an added 35-sheet ADF unit for multi-page document management − ready to send and receive fax from any at-home workspace. Canon MAXIFY GX5550 Targeting businesses in a variety of sectors, the Canon MAXIFY GX5550 is a professional printer that performs to a high standard at a low running cost. Equipped with improved media handling capabilities, 600-sheet paper capacity, a 2.7” colour touch screen and an LED status bar, this powerhouse is capable of handling high-volume printing tasks while maintaining consistently sharp print quality. With advanced security features, the MAXIFY GX5550 ensures sensitive documents are protected, making it a reliable choice and cost-effective option for sectors including retail, logistics and pharmacy. Zubair Rahim, Product Specialist at Canon Europe, said: “We’re excited to further grow our range, offering elevated printing experiences for both home users and businesses. We hope the new models showcase our commitment to innovation and customer-centricity, giving our users the print tools they require with maximum comfort and convenience, at great value.” Alongside Canon’s new flagship printers, the Canon PIXMA TS7650i and TS7750i, these additional models are available now, followed by the MAXIFY GX5550 and MAXIFY GX1050/ GX2050 in October. canon.co.uk Canon unveils new printer solutions for both home and business Canon PIXMA TS8750 Canon MAXIFY GX1050/GX2050 Canon MAXIFY GX550
01732 759725 17 magazine RESEARCH Cyber threat facing UK SMEs grows in last 12 months as one in four admits to being breached UK SMEs face growing cyber threat have been subject to password attacks (24%) and cloud security issues (23%). Yet nearly two thirds (61%) lack confidence in their ability to deal with and mitigate security risks. Given this, it is surprising that three out of five UK small businesses say their IT security budget will not be increased this year. The pan-European research surveyed 5,770 professionals responsible for purchasing IT in their SMEs on confidence in IT security capabilities and barriers to IT security investment over the next 12 months. It found that losing money, decreased customer confidence, and negative impact on the brand are the top business concerns when it comes to the impact of an IT security breach. Colin Blumenthal, Vice President, IT Services at Sharp Europe, said: “Businesses operate in a complex digital environment, which poses increasing IT security challenges for companies of all sizes. For smaller businesses, without large IT resources, the risks can feel even more daunting. Threats are constantly changing and trying to identify and prevent them all can leave those in charge feeling concerned, confused and frustrated. “Every business, regardless of size, should do everything they reasonably can to protect New Sharp research finds that one quarter of UK SMEs have been impacted by computer virus attacks, yet nearly 60% say their IT security budget will not be increased this year Nearly four in ten (38%) are more worried about cyber threats than a year ago and despite feeling well prepared, three out of five lack confidence in their ability to deal with the growing risks Against a challenging economic backdrop and well publicised cyber-attacks, concerns about cyber threats amongst UK small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) have risen significantly in the last year as they consider the impact on brand, reputation and revenue. According to new research, nearly four in ten (38%) are more worried about cyber security threats than a year ago, with over a quarter of businesses admitting to some form of security breach. Research commissioned by Sharp Europe, a provider of business technology products and services to SMEs across Europe, found that around one third of businesses had had their operations impacted by a cyber security breach. These breaches include phishing (31%), malware (30%), data loss (30%), and computer virus attack (25%). In addition, nearly a quarter their data and ensure their connectivity, whether through networks or devices, is as secure as possible. Seeking expert advice can help ensure the right IT security decisions are being made, a holistic security view is being taken, and that solutions are always up to date.” Concern is being amplified by issues such as the rise of hybrid working and employees using their own devices. Worryingly, only 53% of SMEs in the UK say they have encryption in placeand only 58% have a strong password policy. For more insights and advice on cyber security for SMEs, please visit https://www.sharp.co.uk/ sme-cybersecurity-exploring-theconfidence-gap. Every business, regardless of size, should do everything they reasonably can to protect their data and ensure their connectivity
KEY SPECIFICATIONS Minimum dimensions (wxhxd) 421 x 427 x 288mm Recommended monthly page volume 750 to 4,000 Target users For teams up to 10 users Top key features Print from phone or tablet, Two-sided printing Print technology: Laser Duplex printing: Automatic Storage device and direct print support: USB Printing Optional job storage via external rear host USB port (Minimum 16GB) Warm-up time: As fast as 50 sec Print speed black (ISO, A4) Up to 33 ppm Print Speed Color (ISO) Up to 33 ppm businessinfomag.uk magazine 18 REVIEW The new HP Color LaserJet Pro 4202 is a very capable colour desktop printer recently introduced by HP. At under £300, this A4 desktop printer provides an excellent platform for both mono and colour printing for up to 10 users with monthly page volumes of between 750 and 4,000 pages. Print speeds are a respectable 33ppm for both mono and colour. A first print out time of under 10 seconds minimises the need to wait for prints – it really is a case of grab and go. It comes with a 250-sheet paper input tray, which was more than adequate for my everyday printing needs. On average, I restocked the paper supply around once every ten working days. Obviously, busy workgroups will need to do so much more frequently. In some cases, using a Mac can create delays in set up and printing, but there are no such problems with the LaserJet Pro 4202. The model I tested is both USB and Network ready. Other models in the range are WiFi-enabled, an essential requirement for many workplaces. I mainly used the 4202 to print letters, presentations and other run-of-the-mill documents, including PDFs for proofing. The print quality was really very good, and it’s safe to say the device is capable of printing much more refined items, such as HP Color LaserJet Pro 4202 photos, invitations and temporary signage. In fact, we used it to produce the visuals for an event we recently hosted. Other useful features include double-sided printing, which helps save paper and minimise waste; a clear and easy-to-operate dial and screen for simple navigation around the printer’s many features; and a modest footprint, which allows the printer to be used in a variety of places and not just on a desk. HP also highlights ‘best-in-class’ security features delivered by HP Wolf Security. Reliability is impressive. I don’t recall experiencing a single paper jam or one instance of the printer dropping offline, and a colleague seamlessly connected to and used the LaserJet Pro 4202 I was testing without any difficulty. One last plus point is the blue The impressive HP new colour laser printer for busy workgroups colour front panel on the printer is definitely a nice touch aesthetically which will potentially help it blend into some more modern workplaces, giving the range an edge when being compared to other comparable machines in the marketplace. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the HP LaserJet Pro 4202 for small workgroups based on its ease of use, print quality, speed and allround abilities. www.hp.com HP COLOR LASERJET PRO 4202 ISSUE 154
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