News in the Channel - issue #23

NEWS inthechannel.co.uk

Issue #23

Power and Connectivity Solutions

He’s not thinking about Christmas ...but we are!

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COMMENT

Top value Good value on purchases is something that customers are always looking for – especially in events such as Black Friday – but resellers can also ensure they maximise the value of sales by being savvy.

Black Friday – or Black Friday Week or Black Friday Month, as it increasingly seems to be – is approaching quickly, and it’s a time not just when domestic consumers look to grab a bargain, but businesses too. For businesses looking to save money on investments in new tech – which is most of them – Black Friday is the ideal time, and

never been greater. It can be used to drive efficiencies but also improve healthcare outcomes for patients. But it can only do this if it is managed properly – and this is where resellers come in. Read more on p38. How people collaborate is also changing quickly. Changes in working practices over the past five years have altered how people collaborate with each other. Not as much is now done via in-person meetings

Dan Parton

resellers need to capitalise on this. But it isn’t just a case of slapping

a discount on an item and hoping that customers will buy – it needs to be more sophisticated than that

or just talking with colleagues at desks. Often, collaboration is done virtually through apps such as Slack, Trello and WhatsApp. But while these new ways of working bring advantages, they also bring problems as more than a third of business leaders say they lose more than an hour daily resolving problems caused by poor teamwork. But

and part of building trust and long-term

relationships. You can read more on this – as well as some trending products for Black Friday – on p46. Another area that resellers should look to capitalise on – and is sometimes overlooked – is peripherals, especially for hybrid workers. Employers are still responsible for their employees’ workstations, even when they are working at home, which means the peripherals they use, from monitor arms to chairs, are of vital importance. Resellers can upsell customers when selling products such as laptops on a range of other products they could require and maximise the value of deals. Read more on p28. Healthcare is another sector that resellers can look to capitalise on, especially with data management. With more data being created in the healthcare sector than ever before and set to continue to rise with the adoption of artificial intelligence, its importance has

there are solutions out there, as Christina Daly, head of people experience at Zoom, explains. Read more on p14. Hopefully, Black Friday can provide a boost to sales before the run-up to Christmas and New Year, when often customers have other priorities than updating their tech, whether it is unified communications, peripherals or any other of the myriad products sold by the channel. As always, I hope you enjoy the issue. If there is a topic you would like to see covered in a future issue, or you have a news story or opinion piece you would like to submit for potential publication, please drop me a line at dan@newsinthechannel.com

See who has made the SHORTLISTS stockies.co.uk

Stockies AWARDS

2024

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CONTENTS

News You should know p6 Zoom Workplace Collaboration Report p14 Product Launch Asus ExpertBook BM1 p18 Apple – iMac p20 Sustainability Aligning the vision p24 Partner Programmes Relationships for the long-term p25 Sustainable Procurement New challenges p27 Peripherals Hybrid opportunities p28 Eagle Eye – BI Smart Devices p34 Data Management ... in Healthcare p38 AI PCs Benefitting the channel p44 Black Friday Ever expanding p48 On the move p50 STOCKIES 2024 The Shortlists s1

Zoom – p14

AI PCs – p44

AI PCs are providing a revolution in the sector, giving users with many benefits and this provides the technology channel with opportunities to transform their value proposition, says Brandon Lieberthal, VP, PC Systems & Print Solutions – Europe at TD SYNNEX.

Ways of working have changed considerably in the past five years, which has also meant how colleagues collaborate with each other has changed too – and this can pose problems, as Zoom’s Global Collaboration in the Workplace report lays clear. But there are solutions too.

Black Friday – p46

The highly anticipated season for tech enthusiasts – Black Friday and Cyber Monday – is fast approaching. In recent years, it has evolved beyond a single-day event; it now extends across the entire week and, in many cases, spans the entire month

Product Launch: Asus – p18

Sustainable Procurement – p27

ASUS has recently launched its ExpertBook BM1, a laptop that has been designed to meet the needs of businesses, including AI capability, enterprise-grade security and extensive connectivity.

How purchasing continues to adapt to new environmental challenges, by Barton Finn, buyer relations manager at TCO Development, the organisation behind TCO Certified, the sustainability certification for IT products.

CONTENTS

Stockies AWARDS

Apple has launched the latest iteration of its ever-popular iMac, which includes enhanced performance, a nano-texture display option, a 12MP Centre Stage camera, and Thunderbolt 4 connectivity – all in a thin design. Product Launch: Apple – p20

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Editorial Dan Parton 07941 979 845 dan@ newsinthechannel.com Head of Sales Martin Jenner-Hall 07824 552 116 martin@ newsinthechannel.com Publishing Director Justin Penn 07816 573 186 justin@ newsinthechannel.com

The SHORTLISTS... This year the Stockies are bigger than ever, with an entire week dedicated to celebrating the successes of the IT channel.

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Data Management in Healthcare – p38

The healthcare sector generates a huge amount of data, and many organisations within it are waking up to the power of it to bring efficiencies and patient benefits – but they need the right data management solutions to do that effectively.

Peripherals – p28

Partner Programmes – p25

Partner programmes can be an important way for manufacturers to build long- lasting relationships with partners, as Steven Try, channel manager UK&I at Snom, explains.

Published by: In the Channel Media Ltd Company registration number: 14363401 Registered office address 14-18 Heddon Street,

While hybrid working is now an accepted part of the work landscape in many sectors, peripherals are still required and can be an important boost to revenues for resellers.

Mayfair, London, United Kingdom, W1B 4DA In conjunction with:

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NEWS

Social value key to driving profit growth and brand loyalty in the channel

Recognising the ‘Social’ value within their ESG strategy will enable channel players to unlock profitable revenue opportunities and enhance brand loyalty with customers and key stakeholders, according to a report. The latest ESG Unwrapped report from Nebula – Driving Profitability Through Social Impact – highlights how in a competitive marketplace, social value is becoming a powerful tool for channel players to differentiate themselves, attract top talent and drive revenue growth. This publication, the second in a series of ESG-focused reports from Nebula, includes interviews with several of the channel’s leading sustainable technology activists who are experts in developing social value and creating social impact. They unanimously agreed that integrating social value into an ESG strategy strengthens community engagement and ethical supplier practices and delivers tangible business benefits. In particular, the experts stated that embracing social value enhances brand

reputation, creates new revenue streams, and entices the next generation of talent who are eager to work for purpose-driven companies. “Being proactive in driving social value enables companies to work in collaboration with their customers and channel partners on projects that align to both companies’ cultures,” said Richard Eglon, CMO at Nebula. “This transforms a sales transaction into a strategic partnership, and makes both parties more intrinsic to one another, boosting customer loyalty and driving new revenue opportunities.” Richard said it’s vital that channel players start measuring their social value efforts, which are often siloed making it difficult to grasp the full collective impact an organisation is achieving. "By measuring and quantifying social value, businesses can build a solid case around the success of their initiatives, so they can be expanded,” he said. “Social value measurement brings this crucial topic to the boardroom, which is essential if we want to drive greater focus and investment in these strategies.”

nebulaglobalservices.com

Advania UK completes CCS Media acquisition

Advania UK Ltd, a Microsoft Partner and part of the Advania group, has completed its acquisition of CCS Media, a progressive IT solutions provider operating across the UK. The deal unites Advania, one of Microsoft’s leading Copilot implementers with CCS Media, a technology reseller with more than 41 years of experience delivering IT solutions and services. Clients of the new entity will benefit from close relationships with software and hardware vendors to deliver comprehensive technology solutions and services. “This is a game changer in the UK market,” said Geoff Kneen, CEO of Advania UK. “Alongside our recent acquisition of Servium, this deal represents a tremendous opportunity with two highly complementary and trusted businesses consolidating as a long-term strategic technology partner for our clients.” CCS Media delivers expertise on the provision, supply, implementation and support of a range of technology products and has won awards from vendors including Dell, HPE, Lenovo and Logitech. Advania UK is a

top-tier Microsoft cloud transformation and AI enablement partner, holding all six cloud solution designations, 12 specialisations and Azure Expert MSP status. Now working across 20 locations in the UK, Advania will become a leading employer of IT professionals, offering even wider opportunities for employees to broaden their career opportunities and thrive in a growth environment. “We are now capable of offering unparalleled choice, value for money, and experience when it comes to identifying, procuring and implementing the right technology solutions for our clients,” Geoff added. “Alongside a wide array of leading vendors and partners we will accelerate business outcomes and help ambitious organisations to deliver on their transformation agendas through leading technology and unparalleled expertise. We are delighted to welcome the CCS Media team to the Advania group and look forward to building upon our shared heritage.”

Geoff Kneen CEO

advania.co.uk

ccsmedia.com

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NEWS

Arrow Electronics launches EMEA cloud amplification program

Arrow Electronics has launched a new Cloud Amplification Program (CAP) designed to help channel partners accelerate their cloud business. The program offers a comprehensive assessment of a reseller’s current cloud maturity and provides tailored recommendations to support cloud growth. The program is vendor-agnostic, allowing resellers to adopt cloud solutions from a variety of providers, enabling them to meet the needs of diverse end-user environments. CAP condenses multiple cloud discussions into a single, in-depth assessment, providing insights into cloud readiness and future opportunities that align with channel partner goals. By focusing on public and hybrid cloud solutions, CAP empowers resellers to expand their cloud capabilities, differentiate themselves from competitors and capture new revenue streams. “The cloud market continues to grow at an incredible pace,” said Marco D’Angelo, director of cloud in EMEA at Arrow’s enterprise computing solutions business. “With projected global public cloud spending

expected to exceed $1 trillion by 2027, cloud computing is predicted to become a business necessity by 2028. Arrow’s Cloud Amplification Program helps ensure that channel partners have the tools and guidance they need to capitalise.” CAP is a framework that combines a reseller's specific needs with Arrow’s deep industry knowledge. This tailored approach results in a customised plan designed to accelerate a reseller’s cloud business, foster long-term growth and unlock new revenue streams. Resellers that commit to this program can enhance their cloud maturity and capabilities, equipping them to meet the evolving demands of the cloud market and their customers. The program follows a five-stage journey, beginning with an initial capability review, followed by persona creation, goal alignment and a personalised delivery plan. Arrow provides continuous support throughout the journey, tracking progress and helping resellers stay on course to achieve their cloud objectives.

Marco D’Angelo director of cloud, EMEA

arrow.com

TD SYNNEX UK launches programme for Microsoft Azure partners

TD SYNNEX has launched a programme for Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) partners that want to grow their Azure business, offering enablement and technical training as well as strategic business support and potential funding for customer migrations. The programme is designed to meet the specific needs of SMB-focused partners and provides easier enrolment onto CSP and enablement for Microsoft Azure. Cloud partners will be able to attend webinars and training and access additional technical assistance. They will be aligned with a technical presales expert and have regular check-ins and updates with the TD SYNNEX team. Partners may also be able to apply for migration funding to move customer workloads into Azure. TD SYNNEX has also created a campaign- in-a-box offering for partners that are taking their first workloads onto Azure and the cloud. This gives partners the key components they need to conduct a successful marketing

campaign, including datasheets, guides, webinar content and templates. To take part in the programme, partners will go through a simple assessment and work with the TD SYNNEX team to develop a strategic growth plan for Azure. They will also be required to work towards the achievement of Azure solutions partner designations and achieve a minimum sales threshold each quarter. “In our experience, many SMB partners have the potential to build a significant level of business with Azure, but often hold back due to a lack of understanding or technical capability,” said Darren Dixon, business unit director – software, UK, TD SYNNEX. “We’ve developed this programme to meet the specific needs of those SMB partners. The programme provides all the technical and sales support they will need, not only to get started but also to keep on building and growing their Azure sales. The pilot we ran last year was extremely successful and we are now ready to scale that up and get more

Darren Dixon business unit director

uk.tdsynnex.com

NEWS

Microsoft CSP partners involved.” Darren stressed that partners that are already offering Azure and those new to the platform can get involved. “It’s ideal, not only for partners that are completely new to CSP and Azure, but also to those working on a mainly reactive basis at the present time,” he said. “Through the programme, partners can start to be proactive and take their own Azure

value proposition to market.” The Azure programme is part of the wider TD SYNNEX Accelerate programme, which uses a proven and tested methodology to support partners business growth with a specific vendor. In addition to Microsoft, there are Accelerate programmes running for various vendors including Cisco, HPE and NetApp.

Inevidesk expands channel partner ecosystem

Inevidesk has expanded its channel partner programme with the addition of Totality, Logicle IT and WIT to solidify its commitment to bringing the benefits of virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) to the widest range of organisations and users, from office workers to those with the highest graphical demands. Launched in June, the channel partner programme empowers resellers and managed service providers to make VDI accessible to all clients and challenge the limitations of traditional public cloud and big tech offerings. With Inevidesk, partners can offer high-performance VDI at an accessible price point, allowing organisations to work flexibly without compromising on their digital experience. Totality Services, a UK-based managed IT services provider specialising in small to medium-sized businesses, has a track record of enhancing clients’ efficiency, security and productivity since 2008. Its portfolio includes end-to-end IT services, cyber security, data and email migrations and IT consultancy. “We really liked Inevidesk’s concept and instantly saw the applicable use cases across our client base, particularly those needing access to large files such as media and architects – in our eyes, it solves a lot of issues for users who sometimes or always work remotely,” said John Saville, head of strategic partnerships at Totality Services. Logicle IT has been dedicated to enhancing design processes for architectural, engineering, and design-based practices since 2017. With a deep understanding of the unique requirements of these industries, Logicle IT delivers comprehensive IT- managed services that provide visible, effective IT solutions that drive efficiency and innovation in design practices. “Inevidesk boosts the performance of

regularly used client applications like CAD and 3D modelling, supports our clients' remote working or hybrid working policies and enables smooth collaboration,” said Stuart Gateson, director at Logicle IT. “It also enhances our client's security posture by centralising data and simplifying IT management. Updates and scalability are straightforward, and our client's hardware costs are significantly reduced with predictable pricing.” WIT (Workshop IT), now part of the Net Essence Group, has provided IT consultancy services to the architecture, engineering and construction sectors since 2013. A long- standing collaborator with Inevidesk, WIT played a pivotal role in the early development of Inevidesk, with many of its clients acting as beta testers and initial adopters. “WIT’s embrace of innovation was a primary motive in our recent acquisition and our implementation of Inevidesk for our clients is a shining example of this,” said Yvan Bamping, CEO of WIT. “We have seen the huge benefits it has brought and believe the partnership has significant value for many other organisations and sectors.” Tim Whiteley, co-founder at Inevidesk, added: “We are thrilled to be growing our channel programme and to see the value of our service recognised by increasing numbers of new partners who are excited to introduce our innovative VDI platform to their clients. Our mission was always to open the benefits of high performance VDI to the widest possible audience, especially those who otherwise have been priced out of such technology by public cloud and big tech offerings. Working with proactive partners enables us to reach so many more organisations and their feedback and input will drive our future cycles of development and innovation.”

Tim Whiteley co-founder

inevidesk.com

totalityservices.co.uk

logicle-it.uk

wit-support.uk

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NEWS

XMOS and Astute announce channel agreement

XMOS has announced a strategic channel agreement with global electronics distributor and supply chain expert Astute Group. This partnership marks a significant milestone in the evolution of embedded solutions and further enables software engineers to create custom system-on-chip solutions more efficiently. Astute offers a range of wireless connectivity solutions, sensors, and audio-video technology along with expert engineering support to help customers make informed decisions. “We are delighted to partner with XMOS to bring their exciting technology to our customers,” said Dave Everitt, audio technical BDM at Astute. “XMOS’ commitment to simplifying embedded software engineering directly compliments our mission to help engineers accelerate their IoT designs.

This collaboration will undoubtedly drive innovation and enable our customers to deliver next-gen solutions.” Ard van Roij, EMEA sales director at XMOS, added: “We are proud to be partnering with Astute. Astute provides technical expertise and comprehensive design support, focusing on driving success for every customer. These attributes perfectly align with XMOS’ values, enabling us to collectively build a strong and trusted network. We look forward to working together and bringing a new capability to the Astute product lines with our uniquely flexible processors.” The collaboration between Astute and XMOS is poised to introduce a new generation of solutions, giving engineers increased flexibility, speed and accessibility in their design processes.

Dave Everitt audio technical BDM

astutegroup.com

Demand for back-office tech and finance services will drive outsourcing growth, study says

Demand for outsourced services in the UK will soar in the next three years, with 71% of large companies and 24% of SMBs intending to increase their reliance on partners for back-office support, according to a study by managed service provider Parseq. Parseq’s study, which was undertaken by research consultancy Censuswide, indicates that 1.3 million UK businesses plan to increase the level of back-office business activities trusted to outsourcing partners by the end of 2027. About 600,000 of these organisations will use outsourcing for the first time. Big businesses, which currently outsource 64% of all back-office activities, are most interested in adopting technology services in the next three years. Meanwhile, 39% of companies with more than 250 employees told Parseq’s researchers they wanted to move IT support to third parties, while 32% said they were looking at outsourcing data management. SMEs are also keen to adopt technology services, with 24% and 20% of companies expressing interest in IT and data management, respectively. However, the biggest area of demand from sub-250 employee businesses is accounting and finance services, which 32% of respondents were keen to adopt. Demand for outsourced services is expected to grow fastest in the manufacturing,

financial services and healthcare sectors, where about three-quarters of organisations plan to increase their use of third parties to deliver back-office activities. In manufacturing, the volume of back-office activities delivered by third parties is expected to increase by 11% in the next three years, while responses from healthcare and financial leaders suggest that back-office outsourcing would increase by 6% in their industries. The study also showed a strong correlation between the processes businesses consider outsourcing and those they want to transform with new technology. Parseq believes many companies will choose partners that can help them achieve sustained cost savings and business improvements by using tools such as AI and automation in their managed service offerings. “Our study shows demand for outsourced services will continue to grow in the coming years, and that businesses also recognise there are big opportunities to cut costs and deliver service improvements with digital transformation,” said Craig Naylor-Smith, CEO at Parseq. “The smart play for the outsourcing industry is to lead that transformation and remove the risks associated with change by supporting clients with managed services that leverage the latest technologies.”

parseq.com

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I n a kingdom ruled by the digital realm, a renowned enterprise held court over a formidable castle. Rumours of an esteemed Princess Fortinet, known for her cybersecurity prowess, reached the kingdom, and the enterprise saw an opportunity for an alliance. T o test the authenticity of Princess Fortinet’s cybersecurity capabilities and determine if she was a worthy suitor to protect their digital assets, the cunning rulers devised a plan. On their end user devices, they concealed a virus called Peas, deep within the layers of their network.

P rincess Fortinet, welcomed graciously into the castle, was given the royal treatment. Unbeknownst to her, the enterprise observed keenly, waiting to see if she could detect the hidden threat. A s the princess settled down on the enterprise’s network, she felt a subtle discomfort—a nagging sensation that something wasn’t right. T he enterprise, anticipating her reaction, watched with intrigue as Princess Fortinet employed her Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) capabilities. Despite the layers of deception, Princess Fortinet’s EDR capabilities proved unparalleled. She swiftly detected the presence of the concealed Peas virus, exposing the hidden threat within the enterprise’s network. The rulers were impressed and somewhat unnerved by her

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ability to sense the subtle changes and signs caused by the hidden danger.

U nable to ignore the discomfort and recognizing the potential risks, Princess Fortinet addressed the threat with precision. The enterprise, realizing her genuine commitment to cybersecurity, acknowledged her capabilities and the importance of a vigilant and responsive defender. Q uickly detecting the concealed threat demonstrated her authenticity and dedication to the security of the digital realm. While the enterprise had hoped to test her, they were humbled by the princess’s unwavering commitment to keeping the digital castle secure and welcomed Fortinet as a trusted ally, recognizing that the cybersecurity prowess and EDR capabilities were invaluable assets.

F ortinet, true to her reputation, contributed to the prosperity and security of the kingdom, ensuring that the digital castle remained impervious to hidden threats. T he moral of the story: In the world of cybersecurity, genuine capabilities and unwavering vigilance prevail. Fortinet’s keen sense and EDR capabilities proved that even the most concealed threats cannot escape the watchful eye of a true defender, ensuring a secure and prosperous digital kingdom.

Become a Fortinet partner to discover how to provide your customers with comprehensive cybersecurity solutions to protect their networks, applications, and data from evolving threats.

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ZOOM WORKPLACE COLLABORATION REPORT

Forward together Ways of working have changed considerably in the past five years, which has also meant how colleagues collaborate with each other has changed too – and this can pose problems, as Zoom’s Global Collaboration in the Workplace report lays clear. But there are solutions too.

How many traditionally office-based people work has changed markedly in the past five years. Alongside the rise of hybrid working there has been the rapid development and adoption of project management software and collaboration apps. These changes in working practices have also altered how people collaborate with each other. Not as much is now done via in-person meetings or just talking with colleagues at desks. Often, collaboration is done virtually through apps such as Slack, Trello and WhatsApp. But while these new ways of working bring advantages, they also bring problems. More than a third of business leaders say they lose more than an hour daily resolving problems caused by poor teamwork, according to Zoom’s Global Collaboration in the Workplace report. Zoom’s data show that poor teamwork can result in a productivity loss that could cost more than £12,000 per manager per year – something that can be ill afforded, especially for small- and medium- sized businesses. With effective collaboration crucial to success in business, this is a problem that needs to be addressed, and there are no easy solutions. While some companies are pushing for a return to people working in the office from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, there is resistance, for instance with leaders and employees say in-person meetings are their least preferred method of collaboration, favouring instant messaging instead, as Zoom’s Global Collaboration in the Workplace report, conducted by research agency Morning Consult, found. ‘Bad collaboration’ In Zoom’s report, respondents referred to ‘bad collaboration’, which, in essence, is a collective term that leaders and employees used to define the challenges and barriers they encountered that made it difficult for them to collaborate. This included difficulty finding time on others’ schedules to connect,

not receiving responses from colleagues in a timely manner and not having enough time between meetings or chats to get things done. These ‘bad collaboration’ moments resulted in about one third of workforces experiencing misunderstandings in communication with teammates leaders, or a lack of alignment between or within teams or a lack of engagement or inattentiveness from colleagues. More than one-third of leaders reported spending an hour or more a day resolving four distinct issues related to bad collaboration, and those costs are absorbed by organisations unless they are addressed.

Christina Daly head of people experience

www.zoom.us

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More than one- third of leaders reported spending an hour or more a day resolving four distinct issues related to bad collaboration, and those costs are absorbed by organisations unless they are addressed.

Graphics supplied courtesy of Morning Consult, research commissioned by Zoom

Zoom’s research found that Generation X, Millennials and Gen Z leaders prefer non-face- to-face collaboration, such as instant messaging and project management software, while Boomers still lean towards in-person meetings. Christina Daly, head of people experience at Zoom, notes that Zoom is addressing these preferences. “This is by continuously innovating and enhancing our instant messaging and chat experience,” she says. “These tools enable quick responses and facilitate organised, efficient knowledge- sharing, both of which are essential in today’s fast-paced work environment.” She adds that artificial intelligence (AI) plays a

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ZOOM WORKPLACE COLLABORATION REPORT

crucial role. “It can streamline one-on-one and team chats by suggesting relevant information, summarising conversations, and highlighting key insights,” she explains. “This makes it easier for everyone to stay aligned without the need for constant in-person interaction. “For example, Zoom Tasks converts conversations across meetings, calls and chats into actionable to-dos. By turning information from various communication channels into tasks, teams can keep projects moving forward seamlessly, reducing the need for repetitive back-and-forth. “At Zoom, our tools are crafted to be sophisticated enough for effective collaboration and workflow management, meaning collaboration can happen at any pace, and ensuring our in-person time is of maximum value.” More apps = more challenges Another finding from the report was that teams that use more than 10 apps are twice as likely to spend an hour or more resolving collaboration issues than those who use fewer than five apps. Different apps and tools may promise greater productivity and time savings, but organisations should be cautious of app overload or introducing greater complexity into employees’ day-to day workflows. As the number of tools and apps increases, so does the likelihood of experiencing challenges with collaboration. Leaders who use more than 10 apps were up to 15% more likely than those who used fewer apps to experience consequences related to ineffective collaboration. More than one- third of leaders who use more than 10 apps reported experiencing these issues. The more tools leaders used, the more likely they were to experience collaboration issues. “Hybrid has become the norm in the working world, and we therefore need to be more mindful of the holistic employee experience,” notes Christina. “Businesses can and should consolidate tools into a unified platform to help with managing digital overload. “An integrated solution like Zoom Workplace combines everything from booking a physical workspace, messaging in channels or chats, document sharing, project tracking, video collaboration calls, the ability to nurture company culture and communicate through Workvivo, and allows for seamless third-party integration, minimising the need to juggle

multiple apps. “Zoom Workplace is designed to support diverse work styles and collaboration preferences, catering to dispersed hybrid teams and supporting office experience. By streamlining tools into one platform, companies can make collaboration smoother and offer parity of experience across hybrid teams.” Alleviation solutions Zoom’s research shows how long leaders can spend on collaboration challenges, but there are ways that this time can be reduced. One way to do this is through using AI and automation solutions more effectively. For example, AI can save time by composing content and summarising meeting points, thereby allowing people to be more selective about which meetings require in-person attendance and assist personnel catching up on meetings they choose not to attend. Automating follow-ups with direct reports or using AI to help compose simple follow-up messages can also help leaders free up more time in their schedules. Those who use AI are more likely than non- AI users to see the benefits of asynchronous forms of collaboration and to have their productivity criteria met when collaborating.

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Different apps and tools may promise greater productivity and time savings, but organisations should be cautious of app overload or introducing greater complexity into employees’ day-to day workflows.

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CONTINUED

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ZOOM WORKPLACE COLLABORATION REPORT

CONTINUED

drafts for documents and project outlines by gathering relevant information from integrated tools. These capabilities streamline collaboration, enabling employees to focus on high-value, creative work rather than getting bogged down by logistics.” But while AI is making an impact, currently AI-based solutions are more likely to be used by managers than employees. “Leaders often adopt AI more swiftly than their teams because they have a clearer view of its potential to streamline workflows and enhance productivity across various processes and products,” explains Christina. “They tend to be more familiar with AI's benefits and may have access to tools that are not yet available to everyone in the organisation.” Christina adds that by fostering a growth mindset, leaders can encourage broader AI adoption among their employees. “This involves making tools accessible to all and providing learning opportunities through education and training that highlights specific, practical applications,” she adds. “Building confidence is crucial; when employees understand how AI enhances efficiency and effectiveness for them and their time, they are more likely to embrace than fear it. By normalising AI’s role and cultivating a supportive learning environment, leaders can empower their teams to enjoy the same productivity benefits they experience. At Zoom, we integrate AI throughout our workplace suite to ensure all employees can benefit from these tools.” The bottom line As Zoom’s report shows, poor collaboration through wasted time and disengaged employees can cost businesses money – which can be ill-afforded in what are still largely tough market conditions for many. But, by utilising certain tools and harnessing AI can help to address those issues and enable leaders and employees be more efficient with their time and more satisfied with the results of their teamwork – leading to better outcomes for the business and, as a result, a stronger bottom line.

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Building confidence is crucial; when employees understand how AI enhances efficiency and effectiveness for them and their time, they are more likely to embrace than fear it.

Zoom is harnessing the power of AI to boost collaboration in the workplace. “With the recent launch of AI Companion 2.0, Zoom takes collaboration to the next level by integrating powerful AI-driven features that empower teams to work smarter, focus on meaningful tasks and strengthen connections with colleagues,” says Christina. “In meetings, AI Companion 2.0 provides live support, summarising discussions in real-time and offering insights to clarify topics or actions. This is particularly helpful in large meetings, where users can ask context-specific questions like, “What was decided about project deadlines?” and even receive follow-up actions directly in Zoom Tasks as well as a post-meet summary sent directly to you. “For employees catching up on work, AI Companion 2.0’s ability to summarise unread messages and generate action items across Zoom Docs – which can be worked on during meetings – and Team Chat saves time and minimises app-switching. Now accessible through a side panel within Zoom Workplace, AI Companion 2.0 includes advanced features to enrich context and consolidate information. It can even pull data from the web, delivering precise answers to specific questions. “Beyond meetings, AI Companion 2.0 can also kickstart content creation, generating

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Ask AI Companion questions during meetings to better understand what is being discussed

STORAGE

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PRODUCT LAUNCH ASUS EXPERTBOOK BM1

Consulting the expert ASUS has recently launched its ExpertBook BM1, a laptop that has been designed to meet the needs of businesses, including AI capability, enterprise-grade security and extensive connectivity.

asus.com

With many businesses now operating hybrid working practices, managers want laptops that not only offer performance wherever an employee may be based that day, but also enables them to become more efficient in how they work. With demands on laptops growing, manufacturers have responded, including ASUS, which has recently launched its ExpertBook BM1, which the company says has been designed to meet the demands of the dynamic world of modern business and work. Seamless efficiency ExpertBook BM1 is designed to offer the speed and responsiveness required to meet current business challenges, enabling multitasking, advanced data management and optimised workflows. Equipped with up to an AMD Ryzen 7 processor with AMD Radeon graphics, it provides the powerful performance necessary to accomplish any task. With up to 64GB of memory and generous storage capacity, the ExertBook BM1 is prepared for even the most demanding workloads, ensuring quick access to critical information. ExpertBook BM1 also prioritises connectivity with support for Wi-Fi 6E and a range of I/O ports. Additionally, its military-

grade durability ensures it can handle various tasks seamlessly, making ExpertBook BM1 an ideal choice for professionals. The laptop is also lightweight – just 1.4kgs – which means it is ideal to be taken anywhere by employees, be it the office, home office or anywhere in between. AI-enhanced productivity As is becoming standard, ExpertBook BM1 is equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) features, including AI noise-cancelling technology and Copilot in Windows, plus a Screen Watermark feature to protect data privacy on screen and a Webcam Watermark feature to display business card details – such as the participant’s name, position, company and contact information, replete with a QR code. This allows attendees to become quickly acquainted, leaving a strong impression and facilitating smoother communication. Moreover, the Screen Watermark function safeguards data from the moment the screen is shared. It helps protect confidential information, which is important when sharing prototypes with business partners. With screen watermarking, even if someone takes a screenshot, the visible patterns indicate that the images are not their own ― deterring

PRODUCT LAUNCH ASUS EXPERTBOOK BM1

Full I/O ports 2 x USB 3.2 Gen2 TypeC 2 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A

potential misuse. Copilot in Windows with commercial data protection enhances productivity with seamless AI support. ExpertBook BM1 further improves remote work with AI-powered noise cancellation for clear calls, ensuring uninterrupted communications. New design and hassle-free maintenance The ExpertBook BM1 boasts an architecture- inspired design with a new chassis. Showcasing a 180° lay-flat hinge, it features what ASUS terms an ‘elegant gentle grey’ colour and is finished with a Milanese mesh texture. Plus, if has a sustainable design incorporating over 25% post-consumer recycled materials. ExpertBook BM1 also features an enhanced cooling system that ensures consistent, optimal cooling whether the lid is open or closed, guaranteeing peak performance even during extended use. ExpertBook BM1 is designed for easy repairability and features a user-friendly battery assembly, which can be easily disassembled and reassembled using just four screws for the base cover. It also supports multiple battery specifications – offering flexibility for businesses to customise ExpertBook BM1 as best fits their need. Furthermore, it features a zero-screw quick-battery-disassembly design, ensuring effortless battery replacement. Additionally, the memory and SSD are easily replaceable, if or when the time comes for an upgrade. Thought has also been given to the user experience. The ExpertBook BM1’s I/O ports are strategically placed to ensure an uncluttered workspace, allowing free movement of the mouse without interference from cords. The right side of the device is kept clear to facilitate smooth mouse usage. The keyboard has been designed to enhance the input experience, featuring 1.35mm key travel that reduces the effort required for typing, thus enhancing efficiency. Additionally, the optional ASUS NumberPad enhances data- entry efficiency. This laptop boasts 14-inch or 15.6-inch display options, each with an 87% screen- to-body ratio. The 16:9 panels also feature a three-sided NanoEdge design for immersive

and productive work experiences. These bright, clear displays include TÜV Rheinland eye protection technology and an anti-glare coating that minimises reflections, ensuring vibrant visuals even in bright environments and reducing eye strain during extended use. ExpertBook BM1 also delivers exceptional audio quality, thanks to Dirac audio technology. Additionally, its dual-array microphones effectively capture voice, ensuring clear and high-quality sound for daily communications. Whether presenting or listening during a conference call, top-notch audio is guaranteed. Enterprise-grade security and privacy The ExpertBook BM1 is equipped with advanced technology to ensure robust data security and privacy protection. Engineered with commercial-grade NIST SP 800-155-compliant BIOS and Windows 11 Secured-core PC technologies, it offers extra security to safeguard critical data – from software, firmware to hardware. It features a physical webcam shield for instant privacy and an optional fingerprint sensor for secure biometric login, enhancing identity verification and preventing unauthorised access. Additionally, it includes optional McAfee Smart AI™ threat detection for identifying and mitigating cybersecurity threats and other known and unknown risks. TPM 2.0 security is also on offer to securely store authentication information, protecting important data and transactions.

NanoEdge display with Dirac audio technology

Enterprise-grade security

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PRODUCT LAUNCH APPLE iMAC

Apple unveils new iMac Apple has launched the latest iteration of its ever-popular iMac, which includes enhanced performance, a nano-texture display option, a 12MP Centre Stage camera, and Thunderbolt 4 connectivity — all in a thin design.

Apple Intelligence Apple Intelligence ushers in a new era for the Mac, bringing personal intelligence to the personal computer. Combining powerful generative models with industry-first privacy protections, Apple Intelligence harnesses the power of Apple silicon and the Neural Engine to unlock new ways for users to work, communicate and express themselves on Mac. With systemwide Writing Tools, users can refine their words by rewriting, proofreading and summarising text nearly everywhere they write – from Apple apps like Keynote, to third-party apps like Craft and Bear. With the newly redesigned Siri, users can move fluidly between spoken and typed requests to accelerate tasks throughout their day, and Siri can answer thousands of questions about Mac and other Apple products. New Apple Intelligence features will be available in December, with additional capabilities rolling out in the coming months. Apple Intelligence does all this while protecting users’ privacy. At its core is on- device processing, and for more complex tasks, Private Cloud Compute gives users access to Apple’s even larger, server-based models and offers groundbreaking protections for personal information. In addition, users can access ChatGPT for free without creating an account, and privacy protections are built in – IP addresses are obscured and OpenAI won’t store requests. For those who choose to connect their account, OpenAI’s data-use policies apply. The redesigned Siri helps users accelerate tasks throughout their day. Siri can be placed anywhere on the desktop for easy access, and with the option to type requests, users can get Siri’s help in even a quiet space like an office. Array of colours The new iMac comes in seven colours, with shades of green, yellow, orange, pink, purple, blue and silver available. The back of iMac

The iMac has been a workhorse for many years now. Apple has consistently updated the iMac, and it remains a favourite for many people. Now, Apple has launched its latest version of iMac, with a range of enhancements and new features. including the powerful M4 chip and Apple Intelligence. The M4 chip brings a boost in performance to iMac. Featuring a more capable CPU with the world’s fastest CPU core, the new iMac is up to 1.7x faster than iMac with M1. Users will notice this performance when performing everyday activities like multitasking between apps and browsing webpages in Safari. And with an immensely powerful GPU featuring Apple’s most advanced graphics architecture, iMac with M4 handles more intense workloads like photo editing and gaming up to 2.1x faster than iMac with M1. The new iMac comes standard with 16GB of faster unified memory — configurable up to 32GB. The Neural Engine in M4 is now over 3x faster than on iMac with M1.

A new 12MP Centre Stage camera makes video calls even more engaging, perfectly centring users and those around them in the frame, even when moving around.

PRODUCT LAUNCH APPLE iMAC

features bold colours designed to stand out, while the front expresses subtle shades of the new palette. Every iMac comes with a colour-matched Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse or optional Magic Trackpad, all of which now feature a USB-C port, so users can charge devices with a single cable. New nano-texture display option The 24-inch 4.5K Retina display on iMac is its highest-rated feature, and for the first time, it’s available with a nano-texture glass option that reduces reflections and glare, while maintaining outstanding image quality. Enhanced video calls A new 12MP Centre Stage camera with support for Desk View has been designed to enhance video calls. Centre Stage keeps everyone centred on a video call. Desk View makes use of the wide-angle lens to simultaneously show the user and a top-down view of their desk, which is useful for educators presenting a lesson to students, or creators showing off their latest DIY project. In terms of audio, there is the studio-quality three-microphone array with beamforming and an immersive six-speaker sound system. Advanced connectivity On the new iMac, all four USB-C ports support Thunderbolt 4 for superfast data transfers, so users can connect even more accessories like external storage, docks, and up to two 6K external displays, creating a massive canvas with more than 50M pixels for users to spread out their work. iMac also supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. With the advanced security of Touch ID, users can easily and securely unlock their computer, make online purchases with Apple Pay, and download apps. Additionally, Touch ID works with Fast User Switching, so customers can switch between different user

profiles with just the press of a finger.

macOS Sequoia macOS Sequoia completes the new iMac experience with a host of exciting features, including iPhone Mirroring, allowing users to wirelessly interact with their iPhone, its apps, and its notifications directly from their Mac. In addition, browser Safari now offers Highlights, which quickly pulls up relevant information from a site; a smarter, redesigned Reader with a table of contents and high-level summary; and a new Video Viewer to watch videos without distractions. With Distraction Control, users can hide items on a webpage that they may find disruptive to their browsing. Gaming gets even more immersive with features like Personalised Spatial Audio and improvements to Game Mode. Easier window tiling means users can stay organised with a windows layout that works best for them. The all-new Passwords app gives convenient access to passwords, passkeys, and other credentials, all stored in one place. And users can apply beautiful new built- in backgrounds for video calls, including a variety of colour gradients and system wallpapers, or upload their own photos. Better for the environment The new iMac has also been designed with the environment in mind. For instance, there is 100% recycled aluminium in the stand, and 100% recycled gold plating, tin soldering and copper in multiple printed circuit boards. iMac meets Apple’s high standards for energy efficiency, and is free of mercury, brominated flame retardants and PVC. New to this iMac too is that the packaging is entirely fibre-based, bringing Apple closer to its goal to remove plastic from its packaging by 2025. Apple’s new iMac starts at £1,299.

Nano-texture display option

With systemwide Writing Tools powered by Apple Intelligence, users can rewrite, proofread, and summarise text nearly everywhere they write — from Apple apps like Keynote, to third-party apps like Craft and Bear.

apple.com/uk/imac/

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