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COMMENT
Fighting back
The number of ransomware attacks continues to rise in the UK, presenting threats to businesses of all sizes and in all sectors. This means resellers and MSPs need to make this a priority in security provision.
In any statistics you look at regarding cybersecurity, the one constant is that the number of attacks is rising across the board. The advent of AI has helped to accelerate this, making it easier for would-be criminals to set up an attack. Of the myriad types of threats out there, ransomware is often cited as the most common. Ransomware is common because of its rate of success – in terms of breaching a business’ defence and getting a
enough – and more are turning to hybrid cooling solutions as a result. Read more on p38. Elsewhere in this issue, we look at the opportunities that infrastructure- as-a-service for small- to medium-sized businesses provides to resellers. As
Dan Parton
digital operations become more complex, so does managing the
infrastructure of it – and this can go beyond the skills that are in a SMB, which often don’t employ IT specialists. As a result, more a turning to IaaS for cost efficiency and to support remote work, business continuity and faster application deployment.
ransom paid. This is why resellers and managed service providers need to give this priority when providing security for customers.
Read more on p26. Another growing opportunity for resellers revolved around digital employee experience (DEX). Increasingly, DEX is seen as a must have to ensure that employees are as productive as possible wherever they are working and to keep talented employees happy. Read more on p22. As always, I hope you enjoy the issue. News in the Channel is for everyone in the channel, so if you have a topic you would like to see covered in a future issue of the magazine – or have a press release or opinion piece you would like to submit for publication – please drop me a line at dan@newsinthechannel.com. n
But there are various approaches that can be applied to help ensure that customers are kept safe from a ransomware attack – and to mitigate the effects of one should a breach occur. Read more on p32. While AI has helped to fuel the number of cybersecurity attacks, it has also brought benefits to businesses too and many are now adopting it to help provide efficiencies and greater speed to operations. But to do this requires a lot of computing power, which puts pressure on data centres. As a result, it also means that how the data centre is cooled needs to be thought about as traditional air cooling may not be
See the 2025 WINNERS
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05
CONTENTS
News You should know p8 Product launches Acer p12 Lenovo p16
HP Imagine – p18
At HP Imagine 2026 the company unveiled its vision for the future of work, which leans into AI-powered devices, security innovations and intelligent workflow solutions designed to help businesses and individuals thrive.
IaaS for SMBs – p26
Cover Story UGREEN p14 HP Imagine p18
Infrastructure-as-a-Service is becoming more popular among small- to medium -sized businesses as the cost and complexity of infrastructure grows – which presents opportunities for resellers.
Digital employee experience p22 IaaS for SMBs p26 Combatting ransomware p32 Hybrid cooling for data centres p38
Digital employee experience – p22 Increasingly, employers are recognising the value of the digital employee experience in ensuring that employees are as productive as possible wherever they are working and helping to keep talented employees happy.
GTIA p42
Security How MSSPs compete against SIs p44
Product launches Acer – p12
AI Services p48
Acer has revealed a new lineup of TravelMate Copilot+ PCs that empower businesses of all sizes to unleash the full potential of AI, delivering a combination of performance, productivity and security.
Zero-click search Advice from GetCrisp p52 Midwich Barco ClickShare p55 Cancer and hope Kevin Donaghy p56 People on the move p58
Lenovo – p16
Lenovo has unveiled its next-generation high-performance AI ThinkPad workstations designed to cope with demanding workflows including CAD and AI development.
06
CONTENTS
Combatting ransomware – p32
One of the most common cyberthreats that businesses face is ransomware. With many businesses employing managed service providers for their IT, how do they ensure their customers are as protected as possible from ransomware attacks?
Security – p44
Publishing Director Justin Penn 07816 573 186 justin@ newsinthechannel.com Editorial Dan Parton 07941 979 845 dan@ newsinthechannel.com Advertising Sales Martin Jenner-Hall 07824 552 116 martin@ newsinthechannel.com Market Analyst Wickus Bester wickus.bester@ stockinthechannel.com
MSSPs may be threatened by the solutions that systems integrators provide, but there are ways they can still compete as Merlin Gillespie, CTO at Cybanetix, explains.
Hybrid cooling for data centres – p38
With the development of AI, more pressure is being put on data centres and how they are cooled, and many are turning to hybrid cooling options to do this, which presents opportunities for resellers.
Written permission from the publisher is required before any part of News in the Channel can be reproduced. © 2026 In the Channel Media Ltd.
GTIA – p42
Cancer and Hope – p56
The government has outlined its backing for realising the potential of AI in the UK, and the channel can play a major role in turning this into reality, as Hollie Whittles, vice chair, Global Technology Industry Association UK & Ireland Executive Council, explains.
Kevin Donaghy, cancer survivor, author and channel guru has re- joined Ingram Micro to work with
Published by: In the Channel Media Ltd Company registration number: 14363401 Registered office address 14-18 Heddon Street,
Cisco partners, making this his third time working for the Milton Keynes distributor, and has also written a book based on his and others’ cancer experiences.
Mayfair, London, United Kingdom, W1B 4DA In conjunction with:
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NEWS
Lenovo 360 framework evolves
Lenovo has announced new enhancements to its global channel framework, Lenovo 360, including simplifying its partner model to create a more transparent and predictable path to growth. The updated model reduces complexity by streamlining tiers and aligning incentives more closely to overall partner performance, combining revenue growth with capability development through skills and accreditations, with a clear progression from Authorized to Gold to Platinum and beyond. All partners begin at the Authorized level, gaining access to Lenovo 360 Elevate, a reimagined growth engine designed to activate engagement and accelerate partner development. As partners progress to Gold and higher tiers by growing their business, building skills and achieving accreditations, they unlock enhanced financial incentives, co-selling opportunities and expanded
access to Lenovo resources, with advanced levels offering increasing recognition and collaboration across Lenovo’s global ecosystem. To support this journey, Lenovo has introduced an enhanced digital experience through the Lenovo 360 Partner Hub, providing real-time visibility into performance, accreditations and progression milestones, giving partners greater control and predictability over their growth. Lenovo has also expanded its services- led strategy with Lenovo 360 for Services, a structured pathway designed to help partners support the shift to recurring, outcome-based business models. Through a combination of ready-to-sell attached services and advanced solutions – including digital workplace, hybrid cloud, AI, and Lenovo TruScale as-a-service offerings – partners can expand their portfolios, increase deal value and create predictable recurring revenue streams. n
lenovo.com
Kaseya report highlights impact of AI on cybersecurity threat landscape
Last year was an inflection point where AI reshaped attacks and defensive strategy, according to Kaseya’s 2026 Kaseya INKY Email Security Report . “In the past year, AI-generated phishing became the baseline,” said Dave Baggett, SVP of Security Suite, Kaseya. “Attackers can now produce highly convincing messages at scale, which means the traditional signals security tools relied on for years – bad grammar, suspicious domains, obvious links – are disappearing. Defenders now have to evaluate intent and context, not just indicators.” Phishing remains the primary attack vector for bad actors, with 26% of all cybercrime complaints filed with the FBI
being phishing-related and $2.8 billion in reported business email compromise losses alone. These threats often target SMBs more than the large enterprises which dominate headlines, with 82% of ransomware attacks targeting organisations with less than 1,000 employees. Of the more than 4.5 billion emails INKY processed in 2025, 281 unique brands were impersonated. While cybercriminals have often relied on copying well-known brands to build trust, AI-generated layouts have allowed impersonators to more closely resemble a legit email from top financial institutions and retail brands. But AI doesn’t only help attackers – INKY expanded their GenAI-driven
David Baggett
kaseya.com
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NEWS
detection models, intent-based labeling, multi-label classification and computer vision-based contextual understanding capabilities over the course of 2025 to address these concerns. With attackers
expanding to phishing using calendar invitations, protected documents and callback phone numbers, these protections become increasingly important. n
Vertiv expands thermal portfolio Vertiv has launched the Vertiv™
leverages variable-speed compressors and variable speed fans to modulate to meet heat load demand and improve energy efficiency to enable operational cost reductions. Designed to handle thermal loads up to 11kW, the CoolPhase Wall is engineered to operate reliably in outdoor ambient temperatures ranging from -35 to 48°C. The CoolPhase Wall utilises R-32 refrigerant, a low-global warming potential (GWP) alternative that reduces environmental impact while maintaining thermal performance. This positions Vertiv ahead of evolving regulatory requirements, including the European Union’s F-Gas regulations that restrict the use of high-GWP refrigerants. While many comfort cooling systems are still transitioning to lower-GWP options, Vertiv is applying these standards to IT-focused cooling, giving organisations confidence that their deployments are aligned with future environmental expectations. n
CoolPhase Wall, a space-saving, wall- mount cooling system designed for small IT spaces and edge environments. The system is designed for the needs of IT equipment, removing heat and enabling continuous operation while taking up zero floor space. As distributed computing becomes more critical to business operations, compact IT environments need high-quality thermal control designed for sensitive electronic systems. However, many are still using comfort cooling systems designed for human comfort rather than addressing the high sensible heat ratio (SHR) and higher airflow requirements of IT equipment. Vertiv CoolPhase Wall addresses this gap with a purpose-built system that provides the required SHR along with integrated monitoring and control capabilities to protect equipment and enable 24/7 operational continuity. The CoolPhase Wall features a split system with an indoor wall-mounted cooling unit. The system delivers up to 60% greater airflow than standard comfort cooling systems and
vertiv.com
IT buyers paying 24% ‘peace of mind premium’ for brands they trust
IT decision-makers are willing to pay a 24% premium for brands they believe won’t let them down, according to new research from Brother UK, with trust now ranked above cost or specifications as the deciding factor in tech purchases. Brother surveyed 250 UK IT leaders and 250 resellers for its Tech Trust Index 2026
report . Three-quarters (74%) of IT decision makers said emotional factors such as trust now matter more than traditional rational criteria like cost or product specifications. In addition, 72% said trust in technology vendors is more important today than it was five years ago. On average, buyers are willing to pay
brother.co.uk
CONTINUED
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NEWS
CONTINUED
a premium for technology from a vendor they trust, with 88% saying they have paid a premium in the past, with one in 10 prepared to pay 51–75% more – and a small minority even willing to pay double. In competitive deals where specifications are closely matched, Brother’s polling suggested trust acts as the tiebreaker; 88% of resellers said it becomes the deciding factor when
there’s little to separate products on paper. The research also highlighted the importance of trust in the channel partner itself, not just the vendor as 92% of channel professionals said customers rely on them to validate whether a vendor can be trusted, reinforcing the reseller’s role as a critical bridge between brand promise and buyer confidence. n
Legrand challenges industry norms with UPS systems Legrand has launched a new campaign challenging the historic ‘Iron Triangle’ theory that has dominated purchasing decisions.
in power protection, while offering highly competitive pricing and ensuring strong product availability with short lead times. A key element of this campaign is Legrand’s enhanced Partner Programme, which is designed to help partners capitalise on the growing demand for alternatives to legacy, default brands. It provides technical sales support, partner tools and resources and on demand project support. “This campaign is about disruption,” said Joshua Naylor, Legrand’s divisional manager. “We want customers to question why they are settling for the status quo when better alternatives exist. The UPS market has moved on, technology has advanced and customer expectations have evolved. Compromise is no longer the inevitable and it shouldn't be acceptable either.” n
The Iron Triangle, also known as the value triangle, has traditionally forced customers to choose only two of these essential elements; competitive pricing, high quality products and speed. For years, this trade-off has been accepted as an unavoidable reality in the power protection industry. High quality solutions with fast delivery typically command premium prices, while affordable solutions often sacrifice reliability or come with extended lead times and limited support. Legrand has dispelled this by delivering all three simultaneously with its UPS systems. The company maintains the engineering excellence and quality standards expected from a global leader
Joshua Naylor
legrand.co.uk
Arrow Electronics to distribute Dataminr’s intelligence solutions Arrow Electronics has announced a distribution agreement with AI-
time intelligence solutions, helping channel partners deliver actionable intelligence on breaking events, emerging threats and unexpected risks across the physical, digital and cyber domains. Dataminr’s platform delivers real-time intelligence from public data signals. It helps organisations strengthen security
powered real-time event, threat and risk intelligence services provider Dataminr. The agreement expands Arrow’s security and intelligence portfolio across EMEA. Under the agreement, Arrow will distribute Dataminr’s AI-powered real-
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NEWS
operations, protect people and assets and improve resilience across complex operating environments. “Dataminr is recognised for delivering real-time intelligence that helps organisations act with greater speed and clarity,” said Mike Worby, head of strategic alliances EMEA at Arrow’s enterprise computing solutions business. “It provides our channel partners with access to AI-powered intelligence solutions that support faster decision making and improved resilience across cyber and operational environments.”
Dawn Ringstaff, vice president, international channels and alliances at Dataminr, added: “Arrow’s expansive reach and deep technical expertise across EMEA make them the ideal partner to accelerate the adoption of Dataminr’s next-generation Agentic AI and real-time intelligence. This agreement enables channel partners to move beyond traditional monitoring, equipping organisations with specific context and predictive insights needed to act with confidence before a crisis escalates.” n
dataminr.com
arrow.com
UK MSPs eye sustained revenue growth from hybrid IT Managed service providers (MSPs) in the UK are targeting strong commercial returns across cloud, security and According to the research, the commercial opportunity for MSPs around
hybrid is being driven by increasing technical complexity. UK respondents were more likely than the global average to cite ensuring seamless data flow between platforms as their biggest delivery challenge (34% versus 31% globally). A further 31% of UK partners highlighted the difficulty of maintaining consistent security across environments – the joint highest of any country (global average: 28%). Meanwhile just 19% of UK respondents highlighted governance and compliance requirements as their main challenge (global average: 24%), indicating that this is perhaps less of a concern than in other countries. “In the UK, partners are being asked to make hybrid environments consistent for customers, particularly where data needs to move reliably between platforms,” said René Klein, executive vice president, Europe at Westcon-Comstor. “The MSPs that productise governance and operational management are the ones best placed to build recurring revenue and defend margin in a competitive market.” n
data as hybrid IT becomes the default enterprise operating model, according to research by Westcon-Comstor. Westcon-Comstor has published survey findings exploring how MSPs and other specialist partners are adapting their services to support customers running complex, distributed IT landscapes across a combination of on-premises infrastructure, public cloud and private cloud environments. Cloud migration and ongoing cloud management emerged as the single biggest revenue opportunity arising from hybrid, cited by 25% of UK-based partners, compared with 23% globally. Security and threat management followed closely at 20% (global average: 22%), reflecting continued UK customer investment in protecting data and workloads across mixed estates. The research forms part of Westcon- Comstor’s Future Ready programme and is based on a survey of 500 senior decision makers and technical leaders at MSPs and specialist partners across the UK, UAE, Spain, Australia and Singapore.
René Klein
westconcomstor.com
www.newsinthechannel.co.uk
11
PRODUCT LAUNCH ACER TRAVELMATE COPILOT+ PCS
Friends like this Acer has revealed a new lineup of TravelMate Copilot+ PCs that empower businesses of all sizes to unleash the full potential of AI, delivering a combination of performance, productivity and security.
What businesses want in a laptop is evolving, thanks to the rise of AI and the continuing popularity of hybrid working. Now, along with top performance and fast processing, IT managers want laptops with AI enabled, enterprise grade security and a long battery life so they can be used from anywhere. Acer has responded to this need with the release of the TravelMate P4 14 AI, TravelMate P4 Spin 14 AI, TravelMate P2 16 AI, and TravelMate P2 14 AI business laptops, which are powered by up to the latest Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors with Intel vPro. The devices are the first Copilot+ PCs in the TravelMate P4 and P2 series. “As IT and operations departments across sectors explore how AI can help their organisation, Acer is committed to offering a dedicated product portfolio and leveraging our commercial expertise to accelerate AI transformation in the way that is right for them,” says James Lin, general manager, Notebooks, Acer Inc. “To accomplish this, Acer’s new TravelMate Copilot+ PCs are purpose-built for AI-powered performance, streamlined
productivity and multilayered enterprise- grade security.”
Delivering performance, productivity and security IT decision-makers seek AI tools that drive productivity without disrupting established team dynamics or ecosystems. Teams at every level are prioritising the elimination of low-value, repetitive tasks to unlock time for creative problem-solving. To cater to everyone, the new lineup leverages the innovation and efficiency of Windows 11 Copilot+ PC experiences, including intelligent tools that save time and reduce friction in everyday work. To accommodate working even in less- than-ideal environments, AI-enhanced features like Acer PurifiedVoice with AI noise reduction and Acer PurifiedView ensure clearer audio and video. Workers also have greater mobile working range with fast charging capabilities via Thunderbolt 4 and TravelMateSense for optimising battery usage, while the speed of Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 facilitate collaboration and real-time file sharing.
IT managers want laptops
with AI enabled, enterprise grade security and a long battery life so they can be used from anywhere
The 360-degree convertible TravelMate P4 Spin 14 AI offers a touchscreen and includes a garaged stylus
TravelMate P4 Spin 14 AI
31026
PRODUCT LAUNCH ACER TRAVELMATE COPILOT+ PCS
The TravelMate P2 16 AI offers the additional screen real estate of a 16 inch panel, making it ideal for professionals creating content, multitasking or handling data heavy workloads.
TravelMate P2 16 AI
Security is imperative and to this end every Copilot+ PC is a Secured-core PC, offering the highest level of Windows protection across hardware, firmware and the operating system. For safeguarding data and devices, the new laptops feature a comprehensive suite of stringent protections – including Acer’s new Chassis Intrusion Alarm, an optional feature that notifies a user if their device casing was opened without authorisation. The lineup also offers a discrete Trusted Platform Module, fingerprint sensor, built in camera shutter and Kensington Nano lock. The new TravelMate laptops are further equipped with Commercial BIOS and the complementary Acer Office Manager, delivering efficient fleet management and reliable performance for SMBs that need to manage remote devices effortlessly, even with limited IT support. Certified according to the MILSTD 810H military grade standard, the devices are engineered to endure the demands of frequent travel and dynamic, complex work environments. They are also available in TCO certified models, supporting businesses to meet their sustainability goals. Unlocking limitless productivity Housed in a sleek aluminium chassis, the TravelMate P4 Spin 14 AI and TravelMate P4 14 AI are thinner and lighter than the previous generation, offering performance, power efficiency and portability. To cater to various types of work, both models offer stunning visuals on either a WUXGA or a 3K (WQXGA+, 2880×1800
and 100% sRGB coverage) display. Each screen’s 16:10 aspect ratio provides expanded vertical workspace for boosting productivity, further enhanced by support for multiple 4K external displays through dual USB C ports and an HDMI port. The 360-degree convertible TravelMate P4 Spin 14 AI offers a touchscreen and includes a garaged stylus, bringing the intuitive workflows of a tablet experience to creative work and collaboration. As light as 1.19 kg, the clamshell TravelMate P4 14 AI has an ultraportable design ideal for business travellers and hybrid workers seeking a blend of performance and lightweight mobility.
To cater to everyone, the new lineup leverages
the innovation and efficiency of Windows 11
Empowering workforces Built for productivity anywhere, the
Copilot+ PC experiences, including intelligent tools that save time and reduce friction in everyday work.
TravelMate P2 16 AI and TravelMate P2 14 AI offer high-performance experiences unique to Copilot+ PCs while maintaining long-lasting battery life. Rapid fast charging technology fills the battery to up to 80% in just an hour, or 50% in 30 minutes, and a 16:10 WUXGA IPS display with narrow bezels offers crisp, clear visuals with greater power efficiency. The TravelMate P2 16 AI offers the additional screen real estate of a 16-inch panel, making it ideal for professionals creating content, multitasking or handling data heavy workloads. For businesses supporting remote work, optional LTE connectivity on both models ensures continuous online access beyond Wi-Fi coverage and a fingerprint sensor and backlit keyboard are available as add-ons. n
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13
UGREEN
The future is green UGREEN is looking to take the fast-growing UK charger market by storm – and resellers can have an important part to play in that.
The market for device chargers is growing rapidly thanks to changing working habits and legislation. Here Yucheng Chen, EU Sales director at UGREEN, explains the opportunity this market – and UGREEN – presents to resellers.
The channel opportunity is significant – and a lot of it is still untapped. That’s why we’re here.
UGREEN is at the cutting edge of this technology?
YC: Innovation sets the benchmark everyone else prices against. The Nexode 500W – the world’s first 500W GaN desktop charger – charges six devices simultaneously, delivers up to 240W through a single USB-C port using PD 3.1, and runs at over 95% conversion efficiency through six GaN chips. When we launched the world’s first 300W charger, we stayed well ahead of the curve for nearly two years. The 500W repeats that cycle. We believe that ultra- powerful charging should be simple, smart and seamlessly fit into everyday life. For the channel, that innovation story
News in the Channel: Tell us about UGREEN for those
who don’t know the company? Yucheng Chen: A lot of the UK channel hasn’t encountered UGREEN yet. That’s the honest starting point – and changing it is a big part of what my team is here to do. UGREEN was founded in 2012. We completed our IPO in 2024, have more than 200 million users globally, and hold 1,400- plus patents. The product range includes cables, power, docking and network attached storage – resellers can build a complete offering around a single brand.
Yucheng Chen
uk.ugreen.com
“
We have a UK team and a UK warehouse. Fast fulfilment, real
translates directly into margin and positioning. You can sell a UGREEN charger on performance and brand
You can sell a UGREEN charger on performance and brand authority, not just on price. That matters more now than ever.
commercial support, and distribution through Westcoast, Hypertec, EGE and Genuine Solutions. We’re building reseller and retailer partnerships across the UK. The infrastructure, warranty support and commercial backing are all in place.
authority, not just on price. That matters more now than ever. Apple has already removed the charger from European M5 MacBook Pro boxes. From April, every new laptop sold under EU rules ships without
”
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UGREEN
one. Every laptop deal now generates a mandatory charger sale alongside it – and the reseller who stocks the performance leader captures that margin. Is the market growing for portable storage solutions? YC: The underlying demand is real. The pricing environment is brutal and channel partners need to understand why before they plan inventory. AI data centres have consumed the majority of global NAND wafer capacity. Samsung, SK Hynix and Micron have all shifted production towards high- bandwidth memory for AI infrastructure. TrendForce reported in January 2026 that NAND Flash contract prices are expected to rise 33–38% QoQ in Q1 2026, with client SSD prices forecast to increase by over 40% – the steepest increase among NAND Flash products. Samsung has raised prices on select memory chips by up to 60% since September 2025, according to Reuters. For resellers, two things follow. First, storage bought at today’s prices will cost more to replenish – forward inventory positions make sense where cashflow allows. Second, customers who treated storage as a commodity purchase are now having a different conversation, and that’s where UGREEN’s NASync AI NAS portfolio sits well. Premium, differentiated, margin-positive. The bargain 2TB SSD market is under severe pressure. The premium NAS market is a different story. What are your expectations for the market for the rest of the year? YC: The charger and docking markets have good structural tailwinds. The laptop unbundling shift is live, the AI PC refresh cycle is building, and every Thunderbolt 5 device that enters the market creates a docking station conversation. On storage, the NAND pricing pressures are real and won’t ease quickly – channel partners need to plan inventory, communicate with
customers early and shift towards value- based selling rather than competing on a price point that keeps rising. For UGREEN, this year is as much about building the UK channel as it is about selling product. We’re recruiting reseller and retailer partners who want a credible, full-range accessories brand with local support and proper commercial infrastructure. The differentiated channel product range is a key part of that conversation – partners can build a real accessories practice around UGREEN knowing the margin is protected, not undermined by the same products appearing cheaper elsewhere. If you’re a reseller who hasn’t yet spoken to our UK team, the conversation is worth having. The product range is strong, the commercial support is in place, and the market needs what we build. For UGREEN, this year is as much about building the UK channel as it is about selling product. We’re recruiting reseller and retailer partners who want a credible brand – one that covers the full accessories range and NAS storage – backed by local support and proper commercial infrastructure. The differentiated channel product range is a key part of that conversation. Whether a partner wants to build an accessories practice, add NAS to their storage offering, or both, they can do it knowing the margin is protected – not undermined by the same products appearing cheaper elsewhere. n
“
We’re recruiting reseller and retailer partners who want a credible brand — one that covers the full accessories range and NAS storage — backed by local support
and proper commercial infrastructure.
”
www.newsinthechannel.co.uk
15
PRODUCT LAUNCH LENOVO THINKPAD SERIES
Meeting demands Lenovo has unveiled its next-generation high-performance AI ThinkPad workstations designed to cope with demanding workflows including CAD and AI development.
Professionals in a range of sectors, from engineers to data scientists to AI developers, are demanding ever-more from their laptops in terms of performance, speed and computing power. Developments in technology mean professionals want quality, but with top grade security as downtime cannot be afforded. In response to this demand, Lenovo has introduced a raft of AI workstations that are optimised for on-device AI development, inference and creation. Models include the ThinkPad P14s i Gen 7, ThinkPad P14s Gen 7 AMD, ThinkPad P16s i Gen 5, ThinkPad P16s Gen 5 AMD, ThinkPad P1 Gen 9 and the ThinkStation P5 Gen 2. Designed for students, engineers, data scientists and everyone in between, the new workstations pack unprecedented performance capable of tackling demanding workflows, including CAD, BIM, data science, AI development and more. Part of Lenovo’s new Hybrid AI Advantage solutions with NVIDIA, the systems accelerate AI adoption, boost business productivity and bring faster ROI from AI deployments.
On-device AI and workstations for all Lenovo’s new workstations unlock a new level of productivity with on-device AI for faster design, inference and model development without requiring cloud connectivity. Across the ThinkPad P Series, dedicated NPUs and next-generation Intel and AMD processors collaborate with NVIDIA RTX PRO Blackwell GPUs to accelerate AI tasks, shortening the time between input and results. 🔊 ThinkPad P14s Gen 7 – The lightest AI-ready mobile workstation in Lenovo’s arsenal, the ThinkPad P14s Gen 7 is built for professionals needing a protected and truly portable device. The 14-inch ThinkPad P14s Gen 7 delivers a faster and more efficient experience by paring Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors with Intel vPro and NVIDIA RTX PRO Blackwell Generation Laptop GPU or AMD Ryzen™ AI PRO 400 Series processors with up to AMD Radeon™ 890M 🔊 ThinkPad P16s Gen 5 – A new generation of mobile workstations designed from the ground up, the 16- inch ThinkPad P16s Gen 5 elevates its performance and AI readiness to new levels for mainstream power users. Powered by Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors with Intel vPro or AMD Ryzen™ AI PRO 400 Series processors with advanced NPU architectures, the workstation can be outfitted with an NVIDIA RTX PRO Blackwell Generation Laptop GPU for professional-grade visualisation and AI-assisted tasks. Ideal for engineers and designers on the move, the ThinkPad P16s Gen 5 weighs in at under 1.76kg
Lenovo’s new workstations unlock a new level of productivity with on-device AI for faster design, inference and model development without requiring cloud connectivity.
ThinkPad P14 Gen 7
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PRODUCT LAUNCH
LENOVO THINKPAD SERIES
🔊 ThinkPad P1 Gen 9 – For creative professionals and engineers needing uncompromised performance, the ThinkPad P1 Gen 9 delivers on all fronts with a premium, ultra-thin design concealing an Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processor with Intel vPro with up to 16 cores, a discrete NVIDIA RTX PRO Blackwell Generation Laptop GPU and up to 672 total TOPS. Capable of handling 3D CAD/BIM on the go, the ThinkPad P1 Gen 9 is the most capable ThinkPad ever and the choice for colour-critical workflows, rendering, high-end visualisation and more 🔊 ThinkStation P5 Gen 2 – The ThinkStation P5 Gen 2 delivers exceptional performance, scalability and reliability. Equipped with Intel Xeon 600 processors for workstations and up to two NVIDIA RTX PRO 6000 Blackwell Max-Q Workstation Edition GPUs. The ThinkStation P5 Gen 2 is built for compute-heavy tasks, including complex 3D CAD, high-resolution rendering, medical imaging, molecular modeling and AI model development, making it ideal for VFX artists and AI developers, data scientists and
ThinkPad P1 Gen 9
grade security. In terms of sustainability, the ThinkPad mobile workstations incorporate recycled materials in their chassis, are EPEAT Gold, ENERGY STAR 9.0, TCO Certified 10.0 and MIL-STD-810H certified and showcase new improved serviceability and future- ready designs, including more customer replaceable units, expandable memory and storage. “AI is evolving faster than ever, and professionals today need more than just powerful hardware with exceptional performance. They need scalable productivity that meets their individual needs, including the ability to process data when and where needed,” says Tom Butler, vice president, Commercial Portfolio and Product Management, Lenovo Intelligent Devices Group. “Our latest selection of workstations addresses those needs, whether it is mobility by students entering the AI workforce, performance by designers and creatives on the go, or expandability and reliability by engineers. They are foundational to our hybrid AI strategy, with the power to run workloads at the edge, connectivity for cloud collaboration and AI performance where it makes sense.” n
Tom Butler
lenovo.com
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Our latest selection of workstations
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ThinkStation P5 Gen 2
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HP IMAGINE 2026
Future vision At HP Imagine 2026 the company unveiled its vision for the future of work, which leans into AI-powered devices, security innovations and intelligent workflow solutions designed to help businesses and individuals thrive.
HP held its annual Imagine conference in late March, unveiling a raft of new products and services, as well as the company’s vision for the future of work. And the future, according to HP, will be AI- driven – and that informed much of what was announced. “As we look ahead, the Future of Work is about making work simpler in a world that’s getting more complex,” says Bruce Broussard, interim chief executive officer, HP Inc. “At HP, we’re focused on using AI to create more connected experiences that help organisations move faster and help people do their best work. At HP Imagine 2026, [we showed] how that comes to life through solutions that work together, securely and seamlessly, so our customers can do their best work wherever work happens.” Bruce’s last point is crucial as, despite rapid digital transformation, friction still often persists. According to HP’s 2025 Work Relationship Index, only 20% of workers have a healthy relationship with work, and 22% experience monthly technology issues that disrupt focus.
But employees equipped with the right tools are twice as likely to feel positive about their work. AI is amplifying that impact at scale: HP’s internal deployment of AI PCs drove a 16% productivity keeping employees productive and businesses moving. It was with this in mind that HP announced a raft of launches at HP Imagine 2026. Gen Z One such announcement was the launch of a new generation of HP Z Workstations. For instance, the HP Z8 Fury G6i is designed to meet the most demanding compute and AI workloads. With support for up to four NVIDIA RTX PROTM 6000 Blackwell Max-Q Workstation Edition GPUs and next-generation workstation Intel® processors, the Z8 Fury is purpose- built high performance for advanced AI development, visual effects and simulation workloads, and is purpose built to be the ideal host for sharing scarce GPU resources with HP ZBoost. HP also introduced the HP Max Side Panel for Z8 Fury and Z4 workstations,
Bruce Broussard
hp.com
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At HP, we’re focused on using AI to create more connected experiences that help organisations move faster and help people do their best work.
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HP IMAGINE 2026
an industry first chassis expander that increases internal volume by 15%. This allows power users and IT to install larger graphics cards tool free, while maintaining thermal performance and IT approved serviceability. Meanwhile, for professionals who need workstation class performance on the move, HP announced updates to its mobile portfolio with the HP ZBook X G2i, HP ZBook 8 G2i, and ZBook 8G2a. These deliver next-generation AI workstation performance that includes AMD and Intel options, integrated or discrete graphics, scalable memory and improved portability without sacrificing battery life. The HP ZBook X is, according to HP, the world’s most powerful 16-inch mainstream mobile workstation, and features powerful 3000-level graphics and 128GB RAM, eliminating bottlenecks during rendering. This kind of performance helps shorten project timelines for architects, engineers and designers by accelerating photorealistic renders and real-time reviews. A mobile engineer using Autodesk Inventor on a ZBook 8 G2i can render designs 3.3x faster. The ZBook 8’s fast 3D design capabilities and a compact form factor is enhanced by a new GaN adapter that’s up to 40% smaller and 50% lighter, boosting portability for professionals on the move. Together, the HP ZBook X and HP ZBook 8 enable architects and engineers to run complex, multi-software workflows wherever work happens. “Technology and high-performance workflows are evolving faster than ever,” said Jim Nottingham, SVP and division president, Advanced Compute Solutions. “HP Z workstations are built to equip the best and brightest professionals with the tools they need for specialised workflows and AI at the edge, while giving IT decision makers the ability to scale performance responsibly.”
New PCs HP also introduced the latest additions to its commercial notebook and desktop PC portfolios, led by the HP EliteBook 6 G2q Next Gen AI PC. This is designed for office collaborators and mobile professionals and brings together high- performance AI computing, connected experiences, exceptional battery life and premium design in a lightweight, ultra-slim form factor. The EliteBook 6 G2q Next Gen AI PC maximises productivity for advanced, agentic AI workflows with up to 85 TOPS NPUii performance on Snapdragon® X2 Elite and X2 Plus processors, enabling fast, local AI experiences. Integrated solutions like Guidde accelerate everyday productivity across workflows, helping teams create content up to 90% faster with AI-powered video documentation. It also adapts to hybrid workstyles with a sleek, lightweight chassis up to 15% thinner than the previous generation for easier transitions between locations and is paired with a Glacier Silver finish. Security is paramount and users can protect work virtually everywhere with embedded security designed for modern IT environments, including HP Wolf Pro Security Next Gen Antivirus and new
Technology and high-performance workflows are evolving faster than ever. “ ”
Jim Nottingham
hp.com
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HP IMAGINE 2026
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physical intrusion detection that powers down the device and protects memory if the chassis is opened.
acceleration, hardware-enforced security with HP Wolf Security for Business and flexible form factors that adapt to any workspace. On-device intelligence To further reduce complexity, HP introduced HP IQ bringing local, on- device intelligence and proximity-based connectivity together with enterprise manageability to unlock new levels of employee productivity and collaboration. HP IQ will debut on the next generation of HP EliteBook X G2 AI PCs and initial on- device AI features experiences will include: ☀ Ask IQ: Responds to text and voice inputs, surfacing contextual answers and guidance ☀ Analyze: Helps employees users interact with personal files (including PDF, TXT, DOC, PPT) to get summaries and actionable insights ☀ Notes & Knowledge: Keeps a running record of interactions so employees can pick up where they left off and organises notes so they can be searched and shared more easily ☀ Meeting Agent: Quickly captures ideas or records notes during a meeting without forcing app switching. HP IQ can be configured through the HP Workforce Experience Platform (WXP) and deployed through WXP or other enterprise management tools like Microsoft Intune. n
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HP’s expanded commercial lineup includes AMD and Intel options, reflecting the growing diversity of roles, workflows and environments across organisations...
Choosing the right device HP’s expanded commercial lineup
includes AMD and Intel options, reflecting the growing diversity of roles, workflows and environments across organisations – ensuring IT departments and even users can choose the right device based on how work gets done versus a one-size- fits-all approach. For instance, the HP EliteBook 8 G2 Series delivers premium performance and collaboration tools for knowledge workers and creators balancing deep focus with frequent collaboration, including a garaged pen with the world’s longest battery life to be used with the HP EliteBook 8 Flip G2i. HP EliteBook 6 G2 Series offers scalable productivity and flexible configuration options to support tech- forward SMB, enterprise, and public- sector teams, allowing seamless standardisation and elevated workflows. The HP ProBook 4 G2 Series, including the HP ProBook 4 Flip G2i for added flexibility, transforms workflows for growing SMBs with dependable, AI- enabled performance and durability. HP EliteDesk 8 G2 Series provides secure, scalable desktop performance for enterprise workers, combining local AI
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00 21
FEATURE
Are you experienced?
Increasingly, employers are recognising the value of the digital employee experience in ensuring that employees are as productive as possible wherever they are working and helping to keep talented employees happy.
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DIGITAL EMPLOYEE EXPERIENCE
In these uncertain economic times, businesses look to become more productive. Increasingly, the digital employee experience (DEX) is recognised as an important part of achieving this. “The DEX isn’t just a nice-to-have – it’s a make-or-break factor for productivity, morale and even staff retention,” says Boom Collaboration co-founder Holli Hulett. “If employees are stuck with clunky tools, low-quality endpoints or frustrating tech, their engagement and efficiency takes a hit. A poor DEX doesn’t just slow people down, it creates a ripple effect. Remote meetings drag because people aren’t seen or heard clearly. IT teams get bogged down with preventable support issues.” Oliver Ridley, chief product and technology officer at Haiilo, says DEX is now business critical. “The modern workplace has become too complex,” he explains. “People spend more time navigating systems than doing meaningful work, and that drains productivity and morale. When tools are fragmented, employees feel overwhelmed. When work flows smoothly, they feel focused, valued and able to contribute at their best.” David Popay, lead consultant at Apogee digital services, says that as it becomes the norm for everyday businesses to run on data rather than intuition, the DEX has become a fundamental part of measuring performance. “We rely on devices and platforms in almost every facet of our working day – so when they fail, they create friction that inevitably impacts productivity, service levels and morale,” he says. “In this data driven era, this is not an issue that can be confined to the IT team. There are few departments that won’t rely on these devices – not to mention those who aren’t based in-office. The Office for National Statistics has found that about 40% of UK workers are remote or hybrid, and their performance needs to be quantified like any other.
“Employee experience isn’t a vague, holistic value anymore. It’s directly tied to business performance. Without guaranteed access to the tools and support that enable them to perform, even relatively small frustrations can have a disproportionate impact on day-to-day output.”
What makes a good DEX Sof Socratous, head of Logitech for Business Europe, says a good DEX feels consistent and intuitive. “People should be able to move between locations and spaces without having to waste time troubleshooting or feeling disadvantaged depending on where they end up working from,” he says. “It should support productivity in a way that feels natural, while also making collaboration easy and equitable. “That can be as simple as having the right personal tools in place. For example, reliable wireless peripherals like keyboards and mice create a more comfortable, consistent setup wherever someone is working. “That also means going beyond individual devices and designing the whole environment to work together. Personal workspaces need to be comfortable and consistent, meeting rooms need high-quality audio and video so conversations flow naturally and booking systems need to be simple and reliable so employees can access the spaces they need without frustration.
People spend more time navigating systems than doing meaningful work, and that drains productivity and morale. “ ”
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