Managed.IT - issue 57

MANAGED.IT 5 www.managedITmag.co.uk INNOVATIONS A Siri for big data AskR.ai describes its voice-activated data assistant as a ‘Siri’ for big data. Claimed to be Europe’s first AI-powered data assistant, it responds to users’ requests for information by finding relevant data and presenting it in an accessible way within seconds, with no training or configuration needed. Users can submit requests by voice, text or email, 24/7. AskR.ai can be added to any web app, enabling users to interact with data inside enterprise tools, such as Slack or Microsoft Teams. https://en.askr.ai/ Small business server Part of Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s new portfolio of solutions for small businesses, the hardback book-sized HPE ProLiant MicroServer Gen10 Plus is claimed to be significantly more economical than existing options, with subscriptions from as low as $20 per month, and as easy to setup as a smartphone. Featuring Intel Pentium and Intel Xeon E processors, it provides a range of enterprise- class features that haven’t been available in a small business/remote office solution before. These include HPE-exclusive silicon root of trust technology, which offers security protection at the silicon level; cloud-based AI management that uses predictive analytics to predict and prevent server issues; and remote server monitoring, configuration and updates. hpe.com/us/en/solutions/smb.html Free to experiment Secure remote access and control specialist TeamViewer is hoping to kick-start businesses’ IoT journeys by offering its Internet of Things (IoT) solution free of charge for use with up to two endpoint devices. Executive Vice President Business Development Alfredo Patron said: “We are convinced that users learn about possible application scenarios and the advantages of IoT by experimenting. To support them, TeamViewer IoT offers a user-friendly experience with simple step-by-step instructions and onboarding wizards.” As well as providing remote access to IoT devices, TeamViewer IoT can monitor parameters, such as temperature, and send alerts when they are exceeded. www.teamviewer.com A Teams call Qunifi, operator of the Call2Teams cloud service for connecting Microsoft Teams to an existing phone system, is partnering with Vonage to connect Vonage Business Communications (formerly Vonage Business Cloud) with Microsoft’s collaboration solution. Qunifi CEO Mark Herbert said: “Customers are excited about using Microsoft Teams as a unified collaboration environment, but up to now adding the Teams phone calling feature has been perceived as disruptive or costly. We have worked with Vonage to create a simple per-user add-on that gives customers all the benefits of Microsoft Teams using the Vonage service, numbers and call features they already have.” Vonage customers do not need to install any hardware or software; the Call2Teams dial pad simply appears in Teams. www.call2teams.com/vonage Foldable scanner Epson has announced its first A3 sheetfed scanners for business use. The Epson WorkForce DS-30000 and DS-32000 offer high-speed image capture at up to 90 pages per minute (or 180 images per minute with double-sided documents) and support for a wide range of document sizes, from large- bound documents to passports. Another benefit of the DS-32000 is its adjustable chassis, which allows the scanner to be used with a traditional vertical feeder in standard mode or with a flat paper path when processing higher volumes. It can even be folded away when not in use, saving space in smaller workspaces. www.epson.co.uk BT SD-WAN BT is expanding its portfolio of Cisco-based managed services with the launch of two new SD- WAN products – Cisco SD-WAN powered by Viptela and Cisco SD-WAN powered by Meraki. Both provide medium and large businesses with secure, high bandwidth connections across multiple sites using fixed line connectivity and mobile networks, underpinned by BT’s dedicated security expertise and proactive managed service with a single point of contact. www.btplc.com Emotional intelligence Business communications specialist Avoira claims that its AI-powered real-time voice and text analytics solution, Xdroid Agent Assist, can increase client retention by 30% and sales by 14%. It does this by picking up keywords in texts and conversations and by monitoring callers’ sentiment. If a call sentiment changes from negative or neutral to positive, for example, the agent may be prompted to upsell. IoT tracking Mobile and IoT solutions provider Workz Group has launched a device management platform to help service providers, including device manufacturers, mobile network operators and government bodies, to optimise operational efficiencies and maximise the revenue potential of their devices and data. Available on a usage-based pricing model, Z-IoT offers real-time tracking and remote management of devices deployed in areas like smart cities, energy, transportation, agriculture, factories and robotics. www.workz.com