News in the Channel - November 2022

Building a Disruptive Technologies Business Unit that serves the channel

PARTNERSHIPS

We’ve been on a journey since the business unit’s inception, introducing new and innovative tech into the UK

Exertis Partners with CT4 to bring Microsoft 365 Backup Services

Exertis has partnered with CT4 to distribute its SaaS solutions in the UK. Australia-based CT4 offers data protection services to simplify data control and safety processes. CT4’s Cirrus backup software – a trusted, cost- effective Microsoft 365 backup solution – makes CT4 a reliable provider of protection for clients’ data from accidental deletion or ransomware. “We are thrilled to be distributing CT4’s data backup services,” said Rik Hubbard, Exertis Cloud Services director. “The Cirrus Backup service forms a key part of helping our partners protect their customers’ Microsoft 365 data against accidental loss or malicious actors. The All You Can Eat value of the service makes this a simple bolt on to any user licence.” Dan Pearson, founder of CT4, added: “Cirrus provides an affordable and effective automated back- up of all Microsoft 365 data, one of the most used business tools in the world. The relationship with Exertis UK is a further step in our mission to become a global leader in delivering solutions to the data control challenges faced by modern businesses.”

market. Our team have engaged with several industry verticals including Manufacturing & Warehousing, Healthcare, Retail, and Smart Buildings, implementing solutions that drastically improve efficiency, safety, and sustainability, while driving cost savings. An important step in building an offering that adds value is selecting the right portfolio of vendors. We screened hundreds of vendors in the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) space across US, EMEA and APAC. This has enabled us to identify a selection of reliable and scalable technologies for building an open eco- system of solutioning. The eco-system enables the delivery of customisable end-to-end solutions, from hardware, middleware, cloud, to front-end applications. In many instances we have worked with partners to help develop their own front-end applications for their end-customers. We have also engaged very closely with stakeholders in the industry to further adapt and improve the technologies in our eco-system to deliver on specific customer requirements. Examples of this include working closely in the Manufacturing & Warehousing space for tracking of hand-held devices and terminals for loss prevention. The project currently involves use of prototype technology for pilots spread across several partners. Another project involves custom AI & machine learning development for Computer Vision solutions in Retail for analysing customer preferences. For new partners entering the IoT and AI space, understanding the complex ecosystem and delivering the critical infrastructure needed can seem like a daunting task. To break down this barrier we’ve invested in a team of technical and commercial consultants with domain expertise and experience that help partners cut through the noise and implement the best-fit solution. This is also backed by end-to-end support from Ingram Micro’s industry-recognised leadership in procurement, to solution design, pilot proposals, deployments, and managed services. As a result, we act as a singular and comprehensive place for both, partners who are just starting this journey, and partners who already have an established IoT strategy. Talk to our team today – OG-AIOT@ingrammicro.com Bhavesh Patel Senior Executive – Ingram Micro UK’s Disruptive Technologies Business Unit

Dan Pearson, CT4

ct4.com

exertis.co.uk

Konica Minolta supports young people exploring careers in the digital world

Konica Minolta Business Solutions (UK) Ltd supported the recent Tameside HACK event – a coding competition that encourages 11–18-year- olds to discover and explore the array of career opportunities available in the digital world. The eighth Tameside HACK was run by Konica Minolta customer, Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council, in Greater Manchester. The two- day event took place during the half-term school holiday on October 26-27 at the ICT department of Tameside College. During the event, participants worked in teams and were mentored, to find solutions to technology challenges, which this year focused on cyber security, sustainability, mental health and gaming. Konica Minolta presented a prize to the Best Newcomer at the event, joining other supporters such as Quest Media, Nequinox, Barclays EagleLabs and the Rio Ferdinand Foundation. “It is important to support initiatives such as the Tameside HACK, that engage the next generation of talented technology professionals, helping them to discover new career opportunities and putting them on the right path, through education and skills development,” said Jason Barnes, head of public sector at Konica Minolta.

konicaminolta.co.uk