1 Title Standfirst THE TECHNOLOGY & WORKPLACE MAGAZINE FOR SMES & PUBLIC SECTOR ORGANISATIONS WWW.BUSINESSINFOMAG.UK ISSUE159 DATA MANAGEMENT How AvePoint can help you become Copilot-ready PAGE 30 LEGISLATION How imminent updates to UK consumer law could affect you PAGE 23 MOBILITY Toyota prepares futuristic Woven City for arrival of first residents PAGE 29 HP launches Next-Gen AI PCs We test the versatile HP OmniBook Ultra Flip
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01732 759725 magazine 04 Bulletin Only one in four UK businesses in good digital health 08 What’s New New products for the home and office and all places in-between 10 Labellers Brother updates range of thermal label printers with linerless label support 12 Displays How Sony is helping Dedalus position itself as a technology leader 14 Print Steve Pearce of Kyocera Document Solutions UK highlights four trends reshaping office print 23 Law Alexandra Hammond explains how to remain compliant with imminent changes to UK consumer laws 24 Computers Asus unveils new range of ruggedised AI laptops 26 Smartphones Samsung raises the bar for Android AI Mobiles with Galaxy S25 series 27 AI Espria explains how Microsoft Copilot can boost the competitiveness of manufacturing companies 28 Office Technology The benefits of Device-as-aService subscriptions. Plus, Ricoh included in Gartner’s first Magic Quadrant for Document Management 29 Mobility Toyota’s city of the future taking shape, with first residents due to move in this autumn 30 Data Management How AvePoint is helping businesses with their Copilot readiness 32 Displays Panasonic Connect Europe expands range of all-in-one professional LED displays 34 Computers Who is really driving the rise in AI PC sales – vendors or their customers? 35 Review Jeff Root is wowed by the versatile HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 03 IN THIS ISSUE: 159 – Q1 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] Advertising Executive: James Trim 01732 759725 · [email protected] Designer: Brian Cloke 07484 288189 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 2025 Kingswood Media Ltd. ISSN 1464-8814 FOR THE LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS VISIT: WWW.BUSINESSINFOMAG.UK Kingswood Media Ltd., 7 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]
businessinfomag.uk magazine 04 3D printing might benefit patients, as well as interactive hands-on exhibits testing visitors’ ability to distinguish between real-life and AI‑generated content and AI’s ability to recreate visitors’ voices. Three experts working in the field of AI discuss how they think AI will develop over the next five years, how it might affect the job market and the opportunities and risks they foresee from greater use of AI. Entry to the The Age of AI is included with the standard admission to Bletchley Park, which also offers unlimited free returns within 12 months. Under 12s go free. https://bletchleypark.org.uk … Mobile dead zones a drain on productivity The UK could unlock £70 billion of added value by eliminating mobile signal dead zones within buildings, claims connectivity infrastructureas-a-service provider Freshwave in a new report, The Mobile Connectivity ROI Index. Based on a survey of 900 C-suite executives and IT decisionmakers, Freshwave claims that 87% of organisations with 100+ employees experience daily mobile indoor connectivity issues, costing £100 billion a year in lost productivity or an average of £4.6 million per business. Respondents believe better indoor mobile connectivity could reduce that impact by as much as 70%, generating £3.2m in annual productivity gains per organisation or £70bn across the UK economy. www.freshwavegroup.com Codebreakers Alan Turing, Irving John ‘Jack’ Good and Donald Michie, to recent advances such as generative AI and ChatGPT and its future impact. The exhibition examines AI’s potential to revolutionise healthcare, the creative industries and environmental science and considers the ethical dilemmas posed by AI and the need for international cooperation to ensure it is developed responsibly. The Age of AI features case studies, including one from Guy’s and St Thomas’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust on how AI-assisted Bletchley Park AI exhibition now open Bletchley Park, one-time home of the Government Code and Cypher School (GC&CS), now known as GCHQ, is currently staging an interactive exhibition on the past, present and future of artificial intelligence. The Age of AI examines the evolution of AI from its origins in World War Two, highlighting the contributions of Bletchley Park BULLETIN B U L L E T I N Only one in four UK businesses in ‘good digital health’ Just over one quarter (28%) of UK businesses have started 2025 in ‘good digital health’, based on their AI-readiness, platform stability, innovation and IT management, up from 19% in 2023. Around one third of the 302 UK businesses surveyed for a European study by Zoho have average (36%) or poor (36%) health. UK businesses in good digital health are much more likely to have embraced the latest digital technologies, with 46% of such companies viewing AI as critical and already reaping its benefits, compared to 24% of those with average digital health and just 6% of those with poor digital health. Businesses in good digital health are also more likely to be 100% digital than those with average or poor health (15%, 2%, 2% respectively). However, even businesses with poor digital health are increasing their use of digital technologies. For example, only 4% of such businesses don’t use any cloud platforms, compared to 16% at the start of last year, and 54% of all UK businesses are planning to invest heavily in AI, 7 percentage points higher than last year. Almost nine in 10 UK businesses (87%) have faced problems with digital transformation, the most common being the amount of effort needed to implement digital tools (33%), the need for outside help to get digital tools to work together (28%) and complicated, hard-to-manage infrastructure (27%). Despite these difficulties, the benefits of digital transformation are being felt by more digital transformation leaders than last year. These include an improved customer experience (51% vs. 43%), efficiency (46% vs. 38%) and an improved employee experience (36% vs. 32%). Commenting on the findings, Sachin Agrawal, Managing Director of Zoho UK, said: “It’s clear to see that the UK still has a lot of progress to be made in terms of business digitisation, but it is encouraging to see progress since last year. Benefits are clearly understood, but there needs to be a lot more education and training from businesses and from vendors providing digital solutions to help companies overcome challenges and realise the full potential of their investment in digitisation.” He added: “Businesses must think more clearly about creating long-term partnerships with the right vendors for their digital transformation journeys. We advise taking a strategic approach, where aligning tools, consolidating platforms and closely mapping to business goals are critical to avoid some of the challenges raised in the study. Digital transformation is a journey, and users of digital tools must understand they cannot just ‘switch on’ a tool and hope to see immediate and ongoing benefits.” www.zoho.com Courtesy of Bletchley Park Trust Freshwave is bringing in-building 4G mobile connectivity from all four UK mobile network operators to the 50-storey City of London skyscraper 8 Bishopsgate. Its 4G distributed antenna system (DAS) provides assured connectivity for everyone in the building, no matter which mobile network they use, across landlord-managed areas and the offices of tenants that opt-in to Freshwave’s managed service.
01732 759725 magazine 05 scenarios for other industries, combined with the wealth of information held within CCUK’s membership, will stand us in good stead to greatly reduce fraudulent activity in the telecoms sector.” On March 5, CCUK is hosting its inaugural Fraud Summit at One Birdcage Walk in London, where representatives from the telecoms sector, regulators, law enforcement bodies and civil servants will share insights on how to tackle telephone fraud. www.commscouncil.uk … Fake views Just 0.1% of people can consistently detect AI-generated deepfake images, highlighting their potential for identity fraud, warns iProov, a provider of science-based solutions for biometric identity verification. When it showed a series of video and still images to 2,000 consumers in the US and UK and asked them to identify which were real and which were AI-generated, just 2 people got it right every time – even though they were primed to look for deepfakes. Test your own detection capabilities at https://quiz.iproov.com. www.iproov.com comfortable with in-person work because it requires less monitoring; 61% say that hybrid working makes it difficult to achieve consistent supervision of employees; and 57% say they feel uneasy about remote work because they can’t observe employees in‑person. www.expressvpn.com … CCUK partners with National Trading Standards Comms Council UK (CCUK), the trade association for telecoms companies, is aiming to crack down on telephone fraud by encouraging CCUK members to share information on fraudulent behaviour with other members and with the National Trading Standards (NTS) Scams Team. Louise Baxter MBE, Head of the NTS Scams Team, said: “Criminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated and inventive in finding ways to scam or defraud individuals and businesses via calls, messaging and texts. Our experience in managing such Remote working turning UK bosses into snoopers Snooping on employees is rife in UK businesses, with 85% of employers admitting to monitoring staff using physical devices, like cameras and badge scanners, and/or digital tools that track employees’ online activity and keystrokes. In a survey of 1,000 employers and 1,000 employees by ExpressVPN, 51% of bosses said they don’t trust employees to work without supervision, while 45% of employees said they suspect their boss is already monitoring them without their knowledge. A resounding 79% of Brits believe the Government should do more to regulate the use of workplace surveillance technology, with 42% of workers regarding the monitoring of emails, chats and video calls as unethical. More than half of employees claim they would quit their job if they were subjected to surveillance; 46% say the prospect of being monitored causes them stress and anxiety; 32% constantly wonder if they are being watched; 27% say they now take fewer breaks; and 23% feel pressured to work longer hours. Almost one in five (17%) say they would be willing to take a 25% pay cut to avoid being monitored. Lauren Hendry Parsons, Privacy Advocate at ExpressVPN, said: “These findings highlight an urgent need for greater transparency and trust in the workplace. Over‑surveillance can lead to a toxic work environment, increased stress, lower productivity and, ultimately, higher turnover rates. It’s essential for organisations to adopt transparent and ethical monitoring practices that prioritise the well-being of their employees.” ExpressVPN’s survey highlights remote working as a catalyst for increased surveillance: 72% of UK bosses say they are more BULLETIN Data at a rate of knots SailGP is enhancing data-sharing and the fan experience at race venues around the world by providing crews, onshore teams and officials with seamless, high-quality 5G connectivity via a cellular private network from Ericsson Enterprise Wireless Solutions. The combination of an Ericsson Private 5G network and Ericsson Cradlepoint edge routers will provide high-speed connectivity between race venues and participating F50 catamarans, which can reach speeds of 100kmh over open water. Ruggedised Ericsson Cradlepoint edge routers in the wings of competing F50s are expected to handle more than 53 billion data points each race day, including IoT, video and critical communications. Access to this data will enable real-time performance analysis by on-shore teams and enhanced tactical decision-making, for example when choosing sailing angles or deciding when to tack or gybe; the transfer of information on boat speed, wind direction etc. to Oracle Cloud (OCI) for sharing with other teams; and increased fan engagement through more detailed insights. In addition, the superior capabilities of 5G-enabled live camera-streaming from the F50s is expected to help umpires adjudicate races. Warren Jones, Chief Technology Officer at SailGP, said: “Ericsson Private 5G combined with its Cradlepoint edge routers not only matches the bandwidth and latency challenges of billions of data points during a race but also addresses our need to quickly deploy networks at locations across the world.” www.ericsson.com Lauren Hendry Parsons Race Day 1 of The Rolex SailGP 2025 Championship ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix
businessinfomag.uk magazine 06 such as Cyber Security Analysts and Penetration Testers, come with annual salaries of £50,000-£70,000 (in London), a recent posting for a Cyber Security Adviser at the Ministry of Defence listed an annual salary of £36,530. The same pay gap is evident in senior positions, such as Security Managers and Cyber Security Architects. While such roles in the private sector come with salaries of £80,000 to £120,000+, a position of Head of Cyber Governance, Risk and Compliance in the public sector was recently advertised with a salary of £67,820. Naoris Protocol warns that this is creating significant gaps in cyber resilience, citing the National Audit Office’s Government Cyber Resilience report, which states that one in three cyber security roles in government are either vacant or filled by temporary staff. David Carvalho, CEO & Founder of Naoris Protocol, said: “The risks to UK national security from cybercrime are real and the potential costs and damage to critical national infrastructure are staggering. Competitive pay is essential to attract and retain the skilled people needed to combat evolving cyber threats.” www.naorisprotocol.com … IT leaders back stronger email security measures Almost nine out of 10 IT decisionmakers (87%) support extending email authentication measures to further reduce phishing and spam risks, one year after Google and Yahoo mandated email authentication measures for bulk senders. A survey of 1,000 IT decisionmakers by email security platform EasyDMARC highlights the impetus the tech giants’ mandates have given to the DMARC email authentication protocol, which has now been adopted by 45% of organisations surveyed, up from 37% a year ago. Of those who have implemented new email security measures in the past 12 months, 77% said Google and Yahoo’s policies directly or indirectly influenced their decision to adopt DMARC. https://easydmarc.com of Gen AI as a top five factor when selecting or building Gen AI models, even though more than half recognise that including sustainability as a key criterion in vendor selection for Generative AIrelated requirements would reduce its environmental footprint. As more than three quarters of organisations currently use only pre-trained models and just 4% build their own models from scratch, executives are heavily reliant on technology partners when it comes to addressing the environmental footprint of Gen AI. Nearly three quarters find it challenging to measure the technology’s footprint due to limited transparency from providers and the lack of a standard methodology. The report advises businesses to conduct a thorough assessment of the financial ROI and environmental footprint of Gen AI projects before launch, including whether they could get a similar result from a less energy-intensive technology; and to implement sustainable practices throughout AI’s lifecycle, including hardware, model architecture, energy sources for data centres and sustainable usage policies. www.capgemini.com/insights/ research-library/sustainable-gen-ai … Public sector pay gap a risk to UK cybersecurity A significant pay gap between private sector and UK government cybersecurity roles is jeopardising national security by hindering the public sector’s ability to attract and retain top talent, warns cyber security company Naoris Protocol. Its analysis shows that while mid-level roles in the private sector, Capgemini urges businesses to address environmental impact of Gen AI Capgemini is calling on businesses to design responsible and sustainable generative AI strategies, following the publication of a new report highlighting the growing environmental impact of Generative AI. The Capgemini Research Institute report Developing sustainable Gen AI warns that sustainability reporting has not kept pace with the rapid adoption of Gen AI, with the proportion of organisations integrating Gen AI across their business rising from 6% at the end of 2023 to 24% by October 2024. Despite greater adoption, only 12% of executives that use Gen AI say their organisation measures its environmental footprint. Those that do expect the share of Gen AI-driven emissions as a proportion of total organisational carbon emissions to rise from 2.6% to 4.8% over the next two years. Capgemini warns that while 31% of organisations have taken steps to incorporate sustainability measures into the Gen AI lifecycle, for example by using smaller models and powering Gen AI infrastructure with renewable energy, sustainability remains a low priority when assessing the merits of different Gen AI models, compared to other criteria such as performance, scalability and cost. Only one fifth of executives rank the environmental footprint BULLETIN Approval granted for £250m Salford data centre Salford City Council has approved plans for a £250m data centre at Peel Waters’ six-acre industrial site, Halo West, in Salford, Greater Manchester. Located between Eccles and Irlam, off Liverpool Road, just north of Salford Community Stadium, the approved data centre features 12,000 sq. ft of offices, a 56,000 sq. ft data hall and 63,500 sq. ft of plant. The £250m investment from Digital Land & Development is expected to be a significant catalyst for the regeneration of the ‘City Gateway’ area including Port Salford and the Salford Community Stadium.
businessinfomag.uk magazine Two million and counting Next generation fibre network operator nexfibre has become the second largest alternative network operator in the UK after reaching two million premises passed in just two years – achieved through a build partnership with Virgin Media O2, which provides broadband services with speeds of up to 2Gbps across the nexfibre network. Only Openreach delivered its network to more premises in 2024. The wholesale-only provider has a mission to deliver full-fibre network connectivity to previously underserved suburban and semi-rural premises, targeting 5 million premises by 2026. Unified protection Synology has integrated an enterprise backup server, software and repository into a unified solution that eliminates the need for separate hardware and software, sizing, purchase and maintenance. Designed to simplify data protection across PCs, Macs, file and physical servers, virtual machines, databases and Microsoft 365 services, theActiveProtect data protection appliance provides fast incremental backups, advanced protection (e.g. immutable backups, air-gap capabilities), a unified management console that can be scaled to 150,000 workloads or 2,500 sites and deduplication that can reduce network load by up to 99% and storage needs by 50%. https://sy.to/ap Talking shop Jabra has expanded its Bluetooth headset offering for retail environments with the robust, IP65-rated Jabra Perform 75. Designed to keep shop workers connected, informed and ready to assist customers, the headset integrates with the PTT (Push‑to‑Talk) capabilities of frontline worker apps running on a paired handheld device, enabling users to communicate handsfree with colleagues at the press of a button. In fact, workers can access any voice-led app on their handheld devices, including emerging AI-driven applications like virtual assistants that provide real-time, voiceactivated information retrieval. Other features include noise cancellation technology that blocks out 99% of background noise; a modular design with interchangeable components like headbands, boom arms and hotswappable batteries, ideal for shift workers; and a wipe‑clean design. www.jabra.com/perform75 INNOVATIONS 08 WHAT’S NEW Flawless audio Catchbox, creator of the Cube throwable microphone, is once again breaking new ground, this time with the launch of microphone technology that combines the freedom of movement of an omnidirectional mic with the clarity of a directional one. Included in all Catchbox Plus microphones (the Cube, Clip and Stick), Focused Omni technology overcomes the limitations of omnidirectional mics, which capture sound from all directions but often pick up unwanted background noise, and unidirectional microphones which need precise positioning and may produce an unnatural sound when not aligned correctly. The result is flawless audio capture, ideal for large, unsupervised environments such as lecture halls and all‑hands meetings. www.catchbox.com Seal of approval Cloud-based contact centre provider Cirrus has been granted a Royal Warrant of Appointment by His Majesty King Charles III. The grants were made to 386 companies, like Cirrus, that held a Royal Warrant of Appointment from Queen Elizabeth II, as well as seven companies with an established and ongoing trading relationship with HM Queen Camilla. Royal Warrants are awarded to businesses that have supplied goods or services to the Royal Household for at least five years. Walk up, wake up Launched at CES 2025, HP Thunderbolt 4 G6 Docks featuring HP Quick Connect technology detect when a laptop user is approaching and instantly wake up displays and accessories so that they can start work immediately. www.hp.com
01732 759725 magazine Podium finish SMART Technologies, inventor of the SMART Board, is aiming to make presentations, lectures and hybrid meetings more collaborative and interactive with the launch of the SMART Board Mini Interactive Podium. Designed to enable presenters to face their audience and engage with in-person and remote participants, the podium combines a 27in 4K UHD touchscreen with digital inking and real-time video collaboration tools, plus a single cable connection and the ability to mirror content to any external display via the integrated HDMI or USB-C output. It also has an integrated OPS PC module slot for Windows and Google-licensed appliances. www.smarttech.com Enduring image Canon has expanded its large-format inkjet printer series with a 10-colour, A3+ model for photographers who want to display photos as works of art. The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 uses Canon’s newly developed UV-resistant pigment ink, LUCIA PRO II, to achieve outstanding image quality and light resistance of printed materials for up to 200 years. When printing on glossy paper, wax added to the ink makes printed materials highly resistant to abrasion, including during post-printing operations such as framing and transportation, while transparent Chroma Optimiser ink suppresses reflected light and evens out the gloss, allowing true reproduction of the original colours of photographs regardless of lighting or viewing angle. www.canon.co.uk INNOVATIONS 09 continued... Robot take-over LG Electronics is boosting its robotics capabilities by taking a majority stake in Bear Robotics, a Silicon Valley startup specialising in AI-driven autonomous service robots, including indoor delivery robots. In March 2004, LG invested $60 million for a 21% stake in the business and a call option to acquire an additional 30%, which it is now exercising. Upon completion of the call option, LG will incorporate Bear Robotics as a subsidiary and bring its existing commercial robot business centred on ‘LG CLOi Robots’ into the new business. LG’s home robot and industrial robot businesses will be looked after by the LG Home Appliance Solution Company and the LG Production Engineering Research Institute respectively. In-platform analytics Nebula, previously known as TelcoSwitch, has added an ‘in‑platform’ analytics suite to its flagship communications platform CallSwitch One, giving users the ability to track staff activity, utilisation levels and team performance, without the need for contact centre licences or thirdparty solutions. Available as a monthly subscription add-on, CallSwitch One Analytics includes an online wallboard builder, with customisable templates; the ability to embed external feeds such as social media, ticketing or security cameras; advanced reporting; and historical views of account activity. nebulacloud.com Only Connex The Connex is an all-in-one cable adaptor hub offering standard charging, PD charging and data transfer in one handy gadget. It supports multiple devices simultaneously, adapting current flow to the input power for optimal charging, and features a durable ABS shell, flexible silicone rubber connector arms and nickel-plated steel reinforcers for long-lasting performance. It costs £29.99 at Kraftedtech.com. 11/02/2025, 08:22 0-SBM_PR-2.jpg https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1kdC9vPiVUch7ai25LJ3t4nMcu-lHWc1A 1/1 Seaweed farming Tunley Environmental is exploring the potential of seaweed and kelp farming to address climate change through a new partnership with regenerative aquaculture specialist Algapelago. Founded in 2021, Algapelago is aiming to transform ocean farming into a scalable solution that can contribute to the restoration of marine ecosystems. In June, off the north coast of Devon, it will be deploying a rig developed by Arctic Seaweed to cultivate up to 40 tonnes of kelp a year and integrating blue mussels alongside sugar kelp to explore the synergy between these species in supporting marine ecosystems and enhancing carbon sequestration. Algapelago is also aiming to establish strong future credit markets and create large-scale opportunities within the blue economy. www.tunley-environmental.com Picture credit: Source/Credit: Arctic Seaweed Platform - Image adapted by Tunley Environmental
businessinfomag.uk magazine 10 INNOVATIONS …continued Brother UK has refreshed its lineup of compact two-inch thermal label printers with 11 new models and, for the first time, the ability to print on linerless labels that don’t require the non-recyclable backing paper typically used to deliver labels. Highlights of the TD-2D range, which replaces Brother’s TD-2 series of devices, include two linerless-compatible devices, the TD-2320DFC and TD-2350DFC, giving businesses the option to reduce waste and save time by going straight from print to application; and standalone TD‑2D DSA models with 3.5in colour touchscreens that allow users to create and print labels (and create shortcuts to frequently printed labels) without having to connect a laptop or tablet. All TD-D2 label printers have been upgraded to USB type-C, with three models (the TD-2350D, Brother introduces linerless label support in latest label printer refresh Living for the label TD‑2350DSA and TD-2350DFC) also WiFi and Bluetooth compatible. The upgraded range prints at 6ips with resolutions of up to 300 dpi and is compatible with a variety of printer command languages, including ZPL 2, EPL 2 and DPL emulations, for seamless integration into new and existing solutions. The label printers are ideal for use in the food industry, where businesses face greater regulation and legislation to ensure nutrition and allergen information is clearer to customers; in healthcare, where they can be used to create chart and sample labels, as well as dosage and quantity notes; and in the retail sector, where their compact design makes them ideal for use on crowded retail desktops/counters or on the shop floor. To meet the needs of individual customers, Brother provides a range of accessories including an auto cutter for variable label lengths, a peeler to simplify the removal of labels from their backing, a battery pack and carry handle to support on-the-go operations, and IEC 60601 compliant AC adaptors that meet medical sector safety and performance requirements. Simon Brennan, Senior Business Manager – Specialist Printing Solutions at Brother UK, said: “For businesses across healthcare, retail, hospitality and catering, compliance is essential. But managers and infrastructure leads will be looking at where they can improve efficiency and sustainability at the same time and our upgraded range taps into this.” He added: “All devices can be used with our free P-Touch editor software to create and edit templates, and our expert team is on hand to help customers create custom labels tailored to their unique needs.” www.brother.co.uk/TD Real-time parcel tracking Giesecke+Devrient is following its launch of the world’s first smart label in January 2023 with the introduction of a thinner, more costeffective solution for safeguarding goods during transit. The lightweight, near credit card-sized G+D Smart Label combines the most precise location positioning on the market (sub-10m), real-time location tracking and customisable reporting that together enable users to manage, monitor and ensure the integrity of assets at every stage of their journey. Additional tamperprotection features warn of unauthorised access, damage and temperature fluctuations. G+D’s all-in-one solution includes hardware, an iSIM, IoT connectivity and an IoT platform that manages the connection and firmware updates. www.gi-de.com Sleek and stylish Toshiba has unveiled a sleek and stylish new design for its Canvio Flex 2.5-inch portable hard drives. The lightweight HDDs offer simple plug-andplay operation, USB3.2 Gen1 connectivity and capacities of 1TB, 2TB and 4TB, enabling users of Android and iOS smartphones/tablets, Macs, Windows PCs and other devices to securely backup and access important files, even on the go. www.toshiba-storage.com/ products/canvio-flex/ Taming AI Templafy says the integration of its document generation platform with Microsoft 365 Copilot will enable workers to experience the productivity benefits of AI without exposing themselves to its risks by automatically applying approved layouts and ensuring compliance with company brand policies in documents created by Microsoft’s AI agent. For example, PowerPoint users will be able to create a presentation with companyapproved, branded templates surfaced from centrally managed Templafy libraries and insert images pulled in by Copilot directly within the PowerPoint workflow. www.templafy.com
KYOCERA Document Solutions (UK) Limited Cut print costs with Kyocera Cloud Print and Scan. Kyocera’s cloud based solution empowers agile workplaces and hybrid workers to print from multiple locations using Print&Follow™ and scan directly to the cloud. As well as reducing obstacles to productivity, Kyocera Cloud Print and Scan helps businesses control their print costs by eliminating the costs and hassle of managing your on-premises print servers while allowing you to assign group print policies to company users, improving their print behaviour and better managing print costs. Learn more online with the QR code or by visiting kyoceradocumentsolutions.co.uk/kcps Discover more: KyoceraDUK @KYOCERA_DS_UK kyocera-doc-solutions-uk • +44 (0)333 015 1855 [email protected]
businessinfomag.uk 12 DISPLAYS magazine production to use, aligns perfectly with Dedalus’s own commitments in this area. As well as the use of Sonydeveloped SORPLAS recycled plastic, which reduces the virgin plastic content of BRAVIA screens by approximately 60%, the screens feature several power-saving settings, including automatic brightness control when in use, that reduce power consumption and avoid unnecessary energy use. “It is great to see that Dedalus, a pioneer in the healthcare space and a growing organisation, is conscious of the impact it is having on the planet and therefore opting to use the BRAVIA BZ40L series for its sustainable design and power efficient settings,” said Chris Mullins, Head of BRAVIA Product Marketing, Sony Europe. “We hope Dedalus is just one of many organisations that will prioritise sustainability when choosing display solutions as, at Sony, we will continue to drive towards making our products more sustainable and more efficient.” http://www.sony.net/ www.dedalusgroup.de www.vistafon.de Vistafon. “For Dedalus, Sony was the natural pairing. The BRAVIA boasts exceptional sustainable credentials, without sacrificing the impressive technology Sony is known for.” Peter Unger, Global IT Operations Manager at Dedalus, added: “Choosing Sony BRAVIA professional displays that boast a sleek look, thanks to Deep Black Non-Glare technology, and business-grade, 365 operational support has reinforced our image as specialists in the technology space and ensures that our potential customers know this too.” Sustainability built-in As Saša Jukčić pointed out, the BRAVIA displays’ impressive sustainability properties was another attraction for Dedalus which, as an innovator in healthcare technology and a fast growing company with offices around the world, is acutely aware of the impact large organisations can have on the environment and its obligation to operate efficiently and sustainably. The fact that BRAVIA screens have been designed and manufactured with sustainability in mind, all the way from Dedalus, a European provider of healthcare and diagnostic software, has chosen Sony BRAVIA 4K Professional Displays to enhance and update several of its conference spaces in Germany, Austria & Switzerland, reinforcing its image as a company at the forefront of technology. Dedalus supports over 6,100 hospitals and 5,300 laboratories worldwide, providing them with a professional path to modernisation. In a highly competitive market, it is aiming to firmly establish itself as the first choice for healthcare organisations seeking comprehensive innovation and state-of-the-art technology to meet their very specific requirements – which is why its own choice of technology and technology partners has such significance. Technology leadership When it came to transforming its own conference rooms, it was vital that as well as boosting its own capabilities, Dedalus was able to demonstrate its technology leadership for all its customers and potential customers to see. Dedalus achieved this by working with Munich-based solution provider Vistafon and installing 50 top-of-the-line BRAVIA BZ40L professional displays across its offices and conference rooms. “As the certified partner of several renowned manufacturers, we have exceptional knowledge that enables us to identify the best solution for a vast variety of tasks and room types,” said Saša Jukčić, Senior Consultant at Healthcare software provider transforms its meeting spaces with Sony BRAVIA professional displays Sony displays help Dedalus position itself as a technology leader Dedalus is installing 50 BRAVIA BZ40L displays in its conference spaces
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businessinfomag.uk magazine 14 PRINT as vendors and providers adopt initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impact. These initiatives include using eco-friendlier materials, optimising energy consumption and implementing recycling programmes. Pearce said: “In 2025, we anticipate an even stronger focus on sustainability, with environmental, social and governance (ESG & SDG) initiatives becoming essential to print procurement and management. Print manufacturers and their partners are in a unique position to take the lead on sustainability, assisting companies in reducing emissions while maintaining operational excellence.” 4 Transformational change: embracing new technologies and diversity The print industry is experiencing rapid advances in technology and evolving market expectations. To stay competitive, businesses are exploring technologies such as AI to improve print capabilities and create value. Furthermore, diversity and inclusion initiatives are becoming essential for fostering an innovative and forward‑thinking workplace. “Our industry is skilled at adapting to change, and 2025 will be no exception,” stated Pearce. “By embracing advanced technologies and fostering diverse teams, we are positioning ourselves to meet the evolving needs of a dynamic customer base. These initiatives also promote a culture of innovation, ensuring that we stay responsive to the trends shaping the market of tomorrow.” For more information please visit: https://kyocerads-group.co.uk/ breach a company’s defences and compromise the entire business. By implementing robust security measures that address potential vulnerabilities, businesses can ensure the resilience of their print environments and the rest of the company as well. 2 Cloud-first: unlocking flexibility and scalability Cloud migration has rapidly increased across various sectors, with more companies set to adopt cloud-based technologies for print management in 2025. The everincreasing sophistication of cloudnative tools will make this process easier, meaning more organisations will be able to reap the rewards of improved scalability, flexibility and security. Pearce said: “We predict that in 2025, more providers will integrate print management capabilities into their offerings in order to assist customers looking to move on from older, less flexible arrangements and reap the benefits of cloud infrastructure. Cloud-native print management capabilities streamline operations and provide the flexibility that modern businesses need as they are built from the ground up to work in the cloud. This gives them an advantage over older print management solutions, not just in terms of cost, convenience and security, but through integration with other technologies such as document management. These advantages can be transformational for business efficiency.” 3 Sustainable growth: continuing momentum in eco‑conscious practices Kyocera has noticed a significant shift towards eco-friendlier practices in the print industry Kyocera Document Solutions UK, a leader in document solutions and managed print services, has identified four key trends it believes will be prevalent in the print industry in 2025. “Each of these trends highlights the evolving dynamics of our industry and the broader world we operate in,” said Steve Pearce, Group Head of Marketing at Kyocera. 1 Zero trust: a new standard for print security As cyber threats become more sophisticated, traditional print security measures are proving to be insufficient. Kyocera advocates a zero-trust approach to print security in 2025, highlighting the importance of viewing each print device as a potential target for cybercriminals. In a zero-trust model, print devices are protected through strict policies, integrated security features and enhanced endpoint detection tools. “Given the constantly evolving threat landscape, adopting a zerotrust approach to security is crucial for maintaining the integrity of print infrastructure,” Pearce explained. “It’s crucial to remember that an unsecured printer can offer a means for cybercriminals to Zero-trust security, cloud-native print management, AI and sustainability set to lead the way Kyocera highlights major print industry trends for 2025 Steve Pearce
Say hello to your new office workers. Versatile and ready for tomorrow. Is your business print-fit in the new hybrid world? Find out how FUJIFILM Business Innovation is redefining how organisations manage their printing needs in the post-pandemic workplace. Explore Fujifilm’s comprehensive office printer range that combines quality and reliability, with a secure and sustainable edge. In association with
Say hello to your new office workers. *Source: IDC WW HCP Tracker, 2024Q2, Share by Company A3 Color Laser Shipping units, Year: CY2023 Discover Apeos Print, protect and perform with Asia Pacific’s #1 colour A3 multifunction printer.* FUJIFILM Business Innovation Corp. Obsessed with security. A guide to the future of office printing i Apeos is a Fujifilm brand developed by FUJIFILM Business Innovation for its multifunction printers and devices. It has since evolved into an integrated brand for Fujifilm office products, including solutions and services. ii Source: IDC WW HCP Tracker, 2024Q2, Share by Company A3 Color Laser Shipping units, Year: CY2023 CONTENTS 2 · Foreword The changing landscape of work is shaping the future of office printing 4 · Fujifilm’s four pillars of value Security, reliability, quality, and sustainability 6 · Say hello to your new office workers A closer look at Fujifilm’s high quality Apeos range of multifunction printers The past few years have seen organisations and employees undergo seismic changes in how, when, and where, work gets done. There are many factors involved; including an increased focus on sustainability, ever-expanding cyber threats, digital transformation, pressure to reduce costs and keep on top of technological innovations that are impacting the new world of work. And, as the workplace continues to evolve, the technology a business relies on, including printers, must too. Necessity saw many organisations accelerate their digital transformation and implement digital-first strategies to address the demands of new methods of work. Yet, the ability to print remains a key component of many organisations’ daily operations, and as such, printers and printing solutions are also evolving to meet the changing needs of businesses and employees. With technology continuing its rapid evolution, and the hybrid working model remaining common in the postpandemic workplace, choosing the right printer for your needs is more important than ever. When upgrading or improving the print infrastructure, Foreword The changing landscape of work is shaping the future of office printing 2 www.businessinfomag.uk
buyers are charged with ensuring that areas of weakness are strengthened, from meeting the compliance challenge and ensuring better security of information, to reducing environmental impact and minimising waste. There are also additional challenges around minimising the burden of managing print on internal IT resources, maximising employee productivity and efficiency, and balancing the demand for high quality, high volume output with downsizing corporate office square footage. Bringing a fresh perspective on printers FUJIFILM Business Innovation understands that businesses are increasingly looking to do more with less. We know that employees need to print wherever they are, and organisations have to consider the best way to enable this, without compromising the security of data and documents, quality of output, reliability, or a business’ sustainability goals. We also understand that digital transformation is an important goal for virtually all organisations. When it comes to multifunction printers (MFPs), Fujifilm draws on nearly a century of imaging excellence In today’s post-pandemic workplace and fast-moving technology landscape, choosing the right printer for your needs is more important than ever. “ ” and a 60-year heritage in toner print technology development. The ultra-reliable Fujifilm Apeos seriesi, already a market leader in the Asia-Pacific regionii is designed for the modern workplace. From remote/mobile printing capabilities and superior security features to exceptional sustainability credentials, Apeos is a high value MFP range, designed to support digital transformation, and to meet the rapidly changing and hugely diverse demands of the fast-paced, flexible, post-COVID office environment. On the following pages you can find out more about Fujifilm’s four-pillar strategy - spanning security, reliability, quality, and sustainability, and take a closer look at the all-new Apeos range of multifunction printers. Gary Organ, Head of Device Technology Sales, Fujifilm UK 3 Driving better efficiency. Striving for sustainability. Passionate about quality.
SECURITY Despite the well-documented fact that cyber security breaches and cyber-attacks remain a common threat, there’s still a level of complacency around print security compared to other parts of the IT infrastructure. But the reality is that printers and multifunctional products are IT endpoint devices just like any other, and if left unsecured, can provide a convenient back door to get into business networks. Data breaches occur in many forms and can have long-lasting impacts including financial losses, reputation damage and the erosion of customer confidence. It’s also important to remember that it’s not just sophisticated high-profile cyber-attacks that businesses need to protect against - on the most basic level, unclaimed print-outs at devices represent a risk that sensitive information can fall into the wrong hands. With increasingly stringent data protection and regulatory compliance rules, organisations need to ensure all of the data they hold, including information that’s stored on printers and printed out, is secure. Security built in Fujifilm’s Apeos all-in-one office printer range stands out for its advanced security features. Engineered with a multi-layered security approach that extends beyond basic password protection, the advanced security features of the Apeos series include secure booting, to ensure that only authorised firmware operates the device, preventing access to malicious software. Other security features include data encryption, which safeguards sensitive information during transmission and storage, making it indecipherable to unauthorised users. Fujifilm’s commitment to security also extends to incident response. The Apeos series includes features like audit logs, which track user activity, and intrusion detection, alerting administrators to suspicious behaviour. This proactive approach enables swift action in the event of a security breach, mitigating potential damage. The comprehensive array of security features, integral to the Apeos series, has earned it a prestigious BLI Security validation from Keypoint Intelligence, a leading independent evaluator of document imaging hardware and software. RELIABILITY Printers play a crucial role in the office and downtime can be costly, disruptive and timeconsuming, especially in today’s fast-paced business environment. If a printer stops working – it is at the very least frustrating – IT admins often have to troubleshoot the device manually or call on a third-party provider to help resolve the issue. This often takes a lot of time and effort, and meanwhile, employees who need to print can’t continue with the job in hand until the printer gets fixed, which impacts their productivity. Robust engineering ensures minimal downtime Investing in high quality, reliable technology can significantly reduce the chances of downtime. Fujifilm Apeos MFPs are designed to withstand the rigors of constant day-to-day office use. Fujifilm’s robust engineering ensures minimal downtime. The Apeos C7070 series is compatible with service tools such as AI Analysis Technology which enables partners to identify the probable cause of unusual noise and guidance on how to resolve. Productivity-focused office printers Productivity-focused office printers also offer a number of advantages that significantly enhance business operations. The Apeos office range saves time with high Four pillars of value FUJIFILM Business Innovation was one of the earliest pioneers of digital toner print technology. Building on a heritage of more than six decades, the company’s four-pillar strategy – spanning security, reliability, quality, and sustainability – offers a holistic and innovative solution to the complex challenges faced by UK businesses. Whether data is in electronic or traditional paper formats, it is imperative that organisations have a clear knowledge of the risks and an understanding of how printers can mitigate those risks. Fujifilm’s multifunction printers are designed for reliability and durability, minimising breakdowns and maintenance needs, which in turn reduce interruptions to work. “ “ ” ” 4 www.businessinfomag.uk
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