SOFTWARE Chester Racecourse backs NFC ticketing to reduce bottlenecks PAGE 20 SECURITY · CLOUD · ICT · SOFTWARE · HARDWARE PRINT · AV MANAGED.IT SECURITY · CLOUD · ICT · SOFTWARE · HARDWARE · PRINT · AV www.managedITmag.co.uk THE IT SERVICES MAGAZINE & NEWS SITE FOR IT MANAGERS, IT DIRECTORS & CTOS THE IT SERVICES MAGAZINE & NEWS SITE FOR IT MANAGERS, IT DIRECTORS & CTOS IN PRINT AND ONLINE MANAGED.IT SECURITY · CLOUD · ICT · SOFTWARE · HARDWARE · PRINT · AV www.managedITmag.co.uk IN PRINT AND ONLINE IN PRINT AND ONLINE www.managedITmag.co.uk SECURITY · CLOUD · ICT · SOFTWARE · HARDWARE PRINT · AV IN PRINT AND ONLINE Issue 70 · 2025 DISPLAYS Kent hospital tunes into healing power of digital artworks PAGE 33 Q&A Why Alibaba.com is bringing its CoCreate event to London PAGE 16 See page 12 Acer UK Launches Peace-of-Mind Campaign for Business Buyers
When your customers choose the TASKalfa Pro 15000c inkjet production printer, we’ll reforest their paper use in partnership with PrintReleaf. + Reduce – 70% less energy + Reforest – 25,257 trees planted so far + Rethink – what you can offer See why our green printer is still making an impression. www.kyoceradocumentsolutions.co.uk/taskalfa-printreleaf Our green printer still turns heads.
3 www.managedITmag.co.uk Read Managed.IT online... www.managedITmag.co.uk ISSN 2055-3099 (Print) ISSN 2055-3102 (Online) 04 News Nokia and Verizon to 5G-enable Thames Freeport 07 Tech Briefing AOC’s Essential E4 series sets new standards for productivity and sustainability 08 Accounting Andrew Watkinson explains what new lease accounting rules mean for you 10 What’s New A round-up of new products for the office, home and all places in-between 12 Cover Story New Acer promotion helps business customers get more from their technology spend 14 Product Review Ethan White finds inner peace with the OneOdio Focus A6 headphones 16 Interview James Goulding talks to Michelle Lau, Managing Director of Alibaba.com, France, about the digital sourcing platform’s UK growth plans and first London-based event 20 Software How Chester Racecourse is transforming the raceday experience with NFC ticketing and digital wallets 21 Windows 11 Panasonic highlights the dangers of delaying your Windows 11 migration 22 Call Centre AI is powering a new era of intelligent voice experiences within the contact centre, claims Lewis Gallagher 24 Digital Employee Experience Jed Ayres, CEO of ControlUp, makes the case for digital employee experience management 25 Case Study How PKF Littlejohn is using the ControlUp DEX platform to give staff the best IT experience during a period of rapid growth 26 Cybersecurity Why younger Brits are teaching their elders to dodge digital dangers 28 Cybersecurity Sophos expands the capabilities of its Sophos Managed Risk service 29 Cybersecurity Rob O’Connor says it’s time we put our trust in the machine 30 Data Centre Why zero trust is critical for modern data centre security 32 Workplace Matt Bailey, Workplace Specialist at Matrix Booking, questions the effectiveness of return-to-office strategies 33 Displays Benenden Hospital and FC Barcelona gain an edge with new displays Editor: James Goulding 07803 087228 • [email protected] Publishing Director, Social Media and Web Editor: Neil Trim 01732 759725 • [email protected] Advertising Director: Ethan White 01732 759725 • [email protected] Advertising Executive: Jeff Root 01732 759725 • [email protected] Designer: Brian Cloke 07484 288189 • [email protected] MANAGED.IT is published by Kingswood Media Ltd., 7 Amherst House, 22 London Road, Sevenoaks TN13 2BT • Tel: 01732 759725 No part of MANAGED.IT can be reproduced without prior written permission of the publisher. © 2025 Kingswood Media Ltd. The paper used in this magazine is obtained from manufacturers who operate within internationally recognized standards and which is sourced from sustainable, properly managed forestation. CONTENTS Managed.IT GET YOUR FREE COPY To make sure you get every issue FREE, as soon as it is published, just visit www.managedITmag.co.uk, click the ‘FREE Registration’ button and add your details to our mailing list. @manageditmag facebook.com/BinfoMag If you no longer wish to receive Managed.IT magazine please email your details to [email protected] SECURITY · CLOUD · ICT · SOFTWARE · HARDWARE PRINT · AV IN PRINT AND ONLINE www.managedITmag.co.uk THE IT SERVICES MAGAZINE & NEWS SITE FOR IT MANAGERS, IT DIRECTORS & CTOS ISSUE 70 · 2025
4 01732 759725 NEWSNokia and Verizon to 5G-enable Thames Freeport Nokia and Verizon are collaborating on the transformation of Thames Freeport, one of 22 designated Industrial Strategy Zones, into the UK’s first private 5G-enabled trade zone. Together, they will deploy Nokia’s Digital Automation Cloud platform and MX Industrial Edge solution and multiple Verizon Private 5G Networks across three UK logistics hubs (DP World London Gateway & DP World Logistics Park, Ford Dagenham and the Port of Tilbury). The multisite digital infrastructure project will enable Thames Freeport to enhance port operations with advanced technology layers such as AI, edge computing and IoT as part of its objective to regenerate the River Thames Estuary and create 5,000 highly skilled jobs by 2030. Examples of possible 5G-enabled applications include leveraging IoT for autonomous yard tractors and quay cranes and for tracking, routing and monitoring cargo so that tenants can take in cargo, assess quantity and condition and ship it out faster and more efficiently, losing less to damage or misplacement. Edge-connected smart sensors and AI-driven analytics could be used to optimise port operations and asset performance, and monitor emissions, air and water quality and noise levels. David de Lancellotti, VP of Enterprise Campus Edge Sales at Nokia, said: “Private wireless and industrial edge are the foundations for the digital transformation of industrial sites, and the Thames Freeport deployment is a landmark example of this evolution at scale. This network will allow Thames Freeport to overlay advanced use cases such as AI-driven data analytics, predictive maintenance, process automation, autonomous vehicle control, safety monitoring and real-time logistics orchestration.” Data sovereignty concerns driving workload repatriation Over half of UK IT leaders currently using public or hybrid models plan to move away from US cloud providers due to mounting concerns around data sovereignty and jurisdiction, claims UK-based colocation data centre provider Asanti. In its survey of 100 senior IT decision-makers, 52% said they’re taking strategic steps to reduce their organisation’s exposure to US cloud providers. In addition, 45% of those currently using US public cloud platforms confirmed that they plan to limit their data’s exposure to US jurisdiction. These findings follow another Asanti survey, conducted last October, showing that 91% of organisations are in the process of bringing at least some applications from the public cloud back onpremises or into colocation facilities. Reasons for doing so include high recurring costs for certain workloads in public cloud (41%); limited control and customisation (39%); security, NEWS Network Rail signals upgrade to rail network telecoms infrastructure Millions of rail passengers can look forward to improved mobile connectivity along major rail arteries, as Network Rail, Neos Networks and Freshwave join forces to implement the biggest upgrade to Britain’s rail telecoms infrastructure in decades. As well as boosting 4G/5G connectivity on trains and in stations and tackling signal blackspots in tunnels, Project Reach will deploy 1,000 kilometres of ultrafast, high-count fibre optic cable along major routes, with a longer-term ambition to increase the trackside network to more than 5,000km. Forming the basis of a new highcapacity telecoms infrastructure for Great British Railway and facilitating the rollout of technologies that rely on good connectivity, such as trackside sensors and CCTV applications, the new network will use a 432 count core cable, compared to the railway’s current 24 and 48 count fibre optic cable system (like that found in the ground in residential streets). This massive increase in network capacity meets Network Rail’s needs and creates a digital backbone for businesses needing connectivity to data centres and high-performance edge facilities. Network Rail will use half the new capacity for its purposes, with B2B telecoms provider Neos Networks commercialising the other half. Neos Networks CEO Lee Myall said: “Connectivity has become the cornerstone of innovation. The increasing demand for data centre capacity and the unprecedented growth in AI-driven data demands are pushing the boundaries of existing infrastructure. Project Reach will support the upgrade of the UK’s connectivity infrastructure, creating new data superhighways that will drive the UK’s digital ambitions forward.” Trackside fibre will initially be deployed along parts of the East Coast Main Line, the Chiltern Main Line/West Coast Main Line and the Great Western Main Line. From next year, mobile connectivity specialist Freshwave, working closely with mobile network operators (MNOs), will begin deploying mobile infrastructure to tackle signal blackspots in 57 tunnels and associated deep cuttings along the East Coast Main Line, the West Coast Main Line and the Great Western Main Line, including the 4km Chipping Sodbury tunnel near Bristol and Gasworks and Copenhagen tunnels outside King’s Cross. It will also invest in new 4G/5G infrastructure at 12 Network Rail mainline stations, enabling MNOs to provide enhanced coverage at Birmingham New St, Bristol Temple Meads, Edinburgh Waverley, Euston, Glasgow Central, King’s Cross, Leeds, Liverpool Lime Street, Liverpool Street, Manchester Piccadilly, Paddington and Waterloo. freshwavegroup.com Source: Getty Images
www.managedITmag.co.uk 5 compliance and risk management concerns (39%); and slow data transfer for real time applications (36%). However, respondents said the repatriation process was made more difficult by the complexity of moving applications back to internal systems (38%), inflexible contracts or cloud vendor lock-in (36%) and lack of internal skills for repatriation (41%). Stewart Laing, CEO of Asanti, said: “Cloud is powerful – but not perfect. The lesson here is that infrastructure strategy needs to be driven by business needs, not vendor hype. We strongly advise UK organisations to revisit their current and future hosting strategies with a more critical eye, especially as AI workloads, regulatory scrutiny and cyber threats escalate.” … BT launches SME cyber training programme Following a spate of cyber-attacks on UK businesses, BT, in partnership with Be the Business, has launched a dedicated cyber security training programme highlighting the practical steps SMEs can take to defend themselves against new and emerging threats, including AI-driven attacks and stolen credential breaches. The Be the Business Cyber Security Report (May 2025) reveals that 42% of small businesses and 67% of medium-sized companies have experienced a cyberattack in the last 12 months. However, 39% of SMEs still don’t provide cyber security training for their teams. … UK firms turn to freelancers to fill skills gap UK businesses are turning to freelancers to counter persistent skills shortages and soaring salary expectations, claims freelance platform Fiverr. Four out of 10 business leaders surveyed for the third annual UK Future Workforce Index say they are working with more freelancers than ever. Almost nine out of ten (87%) plan to engage freelancers up to 10 times in the next six months. This trend is being driven in part by recruitment challenges – 35% of businesses are struggling to fill fulltime roles due to a lack of available talent (cited by 49%) and unreasonable salary expectations (41%) – and in part by a desire to remain lean and agile. Over one third (35%) of businesses say they are saving over £40,000 per month by using freelancers, with the average monthly saving exceeding £33,000. One in five is using freelancers to access critical AI expertise. Almost half (46%) of freelancers report increased earnings thanks to AI, with 44% charging a premium for AI-driven work. Almost three quarters (70%) of freelancers say they earn more now than when they were in full-time employment. fiverr.com … In landlines we trust Over one third (35%) of British consumers say they wouldn’t trust a small or medium-sized business that only uses a mobile number, according to new research by Zen Internet. Almost half (48%) say big businesses that have a landline are more trustworthy – rising to 54% among Millennials aged 28-43. As the UK races toward a digital telecoms future, with the PSTN switch‑off due to be completed by January 2027, Richard Tang, CEO and Founder of the connectivity, voice, cloud and networking solutions provider, highlights the value of a landline number. He said: “The type of number you use is more than just technical, it’s psychological. It sends a message about how established and trustworthy your business is, signalling scale, support and commitment. As the final deadline for the switch-off of the UK’s traditional phone network approaches, businesses need to rethink not just how they communicate but how those methods are perceived by the public.” Almost half (44%) of respondents prefer to communicate with businesses by phone: 63% believe it is quicker and/or easier to explain things verbally and half say a phone call feels more personal and allows for better connection. Only 13% favour texting or in-person contact, and just 4% have a preference for social media. https://business.zen.co.uk/voice … The UK’s most familyfriendly employers Working Families, the national charity for working parents and carers, has recognised the UK’s top familyfriendly employers at the 2025 Best Practice Awards held at London’s Apothecaries’ Hall. This year’s winners are: Best for Mothers – Pan Macmillan Best for Fathers – Royal Air Force Best for Carers & Eldercare – Crown Prosecution Service Best Family Network – BNP Paribas Best for All-Round Flexibility – Ten2Two Limited Best Small Employer – ACEVO Best for Mental Health & Wellbeing – Nationwide Building Society Best for Supporting Different Pathways to Parenthood – Principality Building Society Family-Friendly Champion of the Year – Aileen McNiven, ILF Scotland workingfamilies.org.uk 30,000 steps in the right direction Environmental charity the John Muir Trust is challenging UK organisations to raise money for the environment and promote health and wellbeing in the workplace with the launch of the Step Up for Wild Places challenge. This initiative invites organisations to sponsor employees to ‘climb’ four of the UK’s most iconic peaks during the working week – or at least to take the equivalent number of steps from base to summit and back again in their own neighbourhood. Participants have a choice of four mountains – Ben Nevis, Schiehallion, Blà Bheinn and Helvellyn – each with a different step count. Ben Nevis is highest with a step count of 30,000. Funds raised will go towards conservation work in the area surrounding the chosen mountain, such as peatland restoration, native tree planting, removal of invasive species and path repairs. To find out more or request a Step Up for Wild Places starter pack, visit www.johnmuirtrust.org NEWS continued...
6 01732 759725 NEWS ...continued First children’s book made from recycled coffee cups In a world first, UK businesses that recycle their used paper coffee cups have played an essential role in the publication of a new children’s book printed on paper made from the waste material. Made entirely from UK waste, processed and printed at James Cropper’s Burneside Mill in Cumbria, each copy of Little Coffee Cup and the Big Surprise by Hayley Slack contains 13 used coffee cups, turning everyday waste into a hands-on sustainability lesson for kids aged 3-7. James Cropper’s CupCycling system strips (and separately recycles) the plastic barrier lining from paper cups before pulping the cups and turning them into high-quality paper and moulded fibre products. In the last year, James Cropper has diverted 58 million used coffee cups from landfill and now has the capacity to upcycle 700 million coffee cups per year. WRAP, the environmental NGO, estimates that 3.2 billion single-use cups are used annually in the UK. https://jamescropper.com/coffeecup-recycling/ … Health and efficiency Health insurer provider Vitality is encouraging businesses to motivate staff to be more active by setting up team-based challenges using a new Employee Challenges feature in the Vitality UK App. This enables businesses to set fourweek challenges, each with different themes, like a virtual walk across the country, supported by a variety of features to boost participation. These include milestones, to break the challenge into smaller segments; individual and team leaderboards; virtual badges and trophies; highlights which can be seen on a team feed, weekly wrap-ups and in a final summary at the end of the challenge; and the ability to fund and award prizes. Last year, Vitality reported that inactive employees lose 28% more productive time than those who regularly exercise (source: 10 years of Britain’s Healthiest Workplace: The changing face of the UK at work) Pippa Andrews, Director of Corporate Business at Vitality Health, said: “We know that increasing physical activity, even by a small amount, can make a difference to a person’s health, and by challenging employees to push themselves that little bit further, employers can expect to see a healthier, happier and more productive workforce.” www.vitality.co.uk … What CBAM means for you Tunley Environmental has published a new guide to the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) which requires organisations trading with the EU to report embedded emissions in key imported goods. Developed for sustainability leaders, compliance professionals and import managers, the CBAM Guide provides an essential overview of what’s required under the legislation (including emissions reporting, data collection processes and sector-specific considerations); a step-by-step guide on how to prepare for CBAM compliance; and a detailed checklist to determine if your company will need to comply with CBAM. www.tunley-environmental.com Openreach celebrates 5,000 EVs on the road Openreach, the wholesale network broadband provider, has added a 5,000th electric vehicle (EV) to its fleet of 23,000 vans – the UK’s second largest commercial van fleet. As part of its Let’s Reach Zero strategy to reduce carbon emissions, cut waste, improve air quality and protect nature, OpenReach has pledged to upgrade the vast majority of its fleet to EVs, with a further 2,000 EVs due to be introduced by the end of March 2026. The 5,000 EVs it already has are expected to save more than 10,000 tonnes of carbon emissions annually, equivalent to taking over 7,000 petrol cars off the road. To make the transition to EV charging easier for its engineers, Openreach has installed over 2,500 charging points at operational sites and engineers’ homes and come to an agreement with First Bus that will enable engineers to charge their vans at First Bus depots. This month, Openreach is advancing another Let’s Reach Zero commitment (to reduce its use of single use plastics) by introducing a new recycled range of Optical Network Terminals (ONTs) – wallmounted ‘modems’ that connect home broadband customers to the company’s full fibre network. The use of casings made from 85% recycled plastic is expected to remove 100 tonnes of new plastic from Openreach’s supply chain every year. Last year, engineers installed around two million ONTs and Openreach expects to install even more this year as more customers upgrade to Full fibre broadband. Working with Nokia, Openreach has also re-designed the packaging that ONTs arrive in, reducing the amount of cardboard used by 30% and allowing 40% more ONTs to be delivered in every shipping container. www.openreach.com
7 www.managedITmag.co.uk TECH BRIEFING Business displays redefined AOC’s Essential E4 series sets new standards for productivity and sustainability The modern workplace demands more than just a screen: it requires a comprehensive productivity solution that adapts to hybrid working patterns whilst meeting rigorous sustainability standards. AOC’s new Essential E4 series delivers exactly that, combining cutting‑edge performance with industry‑leading environmental credentials across an extensive range of businessfocussed displays. The game-changing 120 Hz advantage At the heart of the E4 series lies a fundamental shift in business display technology: 120 Hz refresh rates across most models (excluding the X24E4U at 100 Hz and the 4K U27E4CV at 60 Hz). This enhanced refresh rate transforms everyday productivity through fluid document scrolling and seamless video conferencing, whilst reducing eye strain during extended work sessions to create a noticeably more comfortable and efficient working experience. The comprehensive line-up spans from compact 24-inch displays to expansive 34‑inch ultrawide solutions, accommodating diverse professional environments. Core models like the 24E4U (£119) and 27E4U (£139) provide exceptional value with Full HD IPS panels, whilst the Q27E4U (£169) steps up to crisp QHD resolution. For professionals requiring maximum screen real estate, the curved 34-inch CU34E4CV (£289) delivers immersive WQHD visuals across its ultrawide canvas. Connectivity revolution: Single-cable simplicity The standout feature of select E4 models is their advanced USB-C connectivity with 90W Power Delivery. The CV-models transform any workspace into a streamlined productivity hub, enabling users to power laptops, transmit 4K video, and access integrated networking through a single cable connection. This eliminates desk clutter while providing the reliability modern hybrid workers demand. Even more impressive is the DisplayPort-out functionality on selected models, enabling seamless daisy-chaining of multiple monitors without complex cable management. This MultiStream Transport capability allows IT departments to create expansive multi-display setups with unprecedented simplicity, perfect for financial trading floors, creative studios, or data analysis environments. Smart workspace integration The 34-inch ultrawide models introduce built-in KVM switches, allowing effortless switching between connected devices whilst sharing peripherals. Whether alternating between a corporate laptop and personal device, or managing multiple systems simultaneously, users can maintain workflow continuity without reaching for cables. The premium CU34E4CW takes integration further with a 5MP webcam featuring Windows Hello facial recognition, eliminating the need for separate video conferencing hardware whilst ensuring secure, password-free authentication. Sustainability without compromise AOC hasn’t sacrificed environmental responsibility for performance. The entire E4 series carries TCO Certified, generation 10 credentials: the gold standard for sustainable technology procurement. This certification covers environmental impact, social responsibility, and circular economy principles throughout the complete product lifecycle. Supporting long-term sustainability goals, every E4 model includes an unprecedented 5-year warranty: demonstrating AOC’s confidence in build quality whilst reducing electronic waste through extended product lifecycles. Even packaging reflects environmental consciousness, with 100% recyclable paper cushioning replacing traditional materials. Health-focussed engineering Extended screen time demands displays that prioritise user wellbeing. Every E4 monitor incorporates TÜV EyeComfort certified hardware-based blue light reduction and Flicker-Free technology, ensuring comfortable viewing during extended work sessions. Combined with highly adjustable stands offering up to 180 mm height adjustment on ultrawide models, the E4 series promotes an ergonomic workspace setup. Strategic investment for forward-thinking organisations With core models already available and premium variants launching through autumn 2025, the E4 series represents a strategic investment in workforce productivity and environmental responsibility. The combination of 120 Hz performance, advanced connectivity, and industry-leading sustainability credentials positions these displays as essential tools for organisations preparing for the future of work. For businesses seeking displays that enhance productivity while meeting corporate sustainability targets, the AOC Essential E4 series delivers an uncompromising solution that adapts to today’s dynamic workplace demands. For more information: https://aoc.com/uk/monitors/
8 01732 759725 For years, many UK businesses have enjoyed the relative simplicity of ‘off-balance sheet’ accounting for their operating leases. A straightforward rent expense would hit the profit and loss account, and for a multitude of entities that was largely the extent of it. However, a significant change is on the horizon for UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (UK GAAP) under the new Financial Reporting Standards (FRS) 102, which brings it much closer to the international standard, International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) 16 Leases. This isn’t just a minor tweak; it’s a fundamental overhaul that will transform how many businesses present their financial position. The good news is you have some time to prepare, but don’t put it off as these changes will shake up balance sheets across the mid-market. From January 2026, the new FRS 102 introduces a ‘right-of-use’ (ROU) model for lessees, largely mirroring IFRS 16. This means that for virtually all leases, the distinction between finance and operating leases for lessees is removed. Instead, businesses will be required to recognise: A Right-of-Use (ROU) Asset: This asset represents the lessee’s right to use the leased item over the lease term. It will appear on the balance sheet, typically alongside property, plant and equipment. A lease liability: This liability represents the obligation to make lease payments over the lease term. It will also be recognised on the balance sheet, divided into current and noncurrent portions. What does this mean for financial statements? The impact of this change will be significant for many businesses, particularly those with a substantial portfolio of operating leases. Retailers with multiple leases, manufacturers leasing machinery, and logistics firms with rolling fleet contracts will be among those most affected. This is what you need to know: You can expect your balance sheet to grow, with an increase in both assets (ROU assets) and liabilities (lease liabilities). This will alter key financial ratios, such as leverage and debt-to-equity. The familiar ‘rent expense’ will largely disappear from your profit and loss. Instead, your profit and loss account will show: n Depreciation of the ROU asset. n Interest expense on the lease liability. This will often result in a higher EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation, and Amortisation) as lease costs shift from operating expenses to depreciation and finance costs. Businesses with loan agreements tied to financial covenants (e.g. debt-to-EBITDA ratios, interest cover) will need to carefully assess the potential impact of these changes. Start having discussions with lenders now. The increase in reported assets could push some businesses over thresholds for company size, potentially impacting audit requirements or simplified reporting options. Identifying all lease contracts, including those ‘hidden’ within service agreements, will be crucial. Accurate calculation of the ROU asset and lease liability requires detailed information on lease terms, payment schedules, extension options and an appropriate discount rate. What should finance leaders be doing now? These changes will significantly affect how leases are reported, and early preparation will help finance leaders avoid any lastminute scrambles. Start by reviewing all contracts to identify current leases, including those embedded within broader service agreements that may have previously flown under the radar. For each lease, finance teams should gather full details such as term length, payment structure, extension options and any related costs. Modelling the likely impact on key financial statements and ratios, particularly debt levels and EBITDA, will be an essential step of any preparation. Businesses with loan covenants tied to these metrics should begin conversations with lenders to pre‑empt any challenges. Equally important is reviewing whether existing finance systems can handle the new requirements. For businesses with large or complex lease portfolios, dedicated lease accounting tools may now be a necessity rather than a nice-to-have. Finally, consult with auditors or advisors to ensure your transition plan is robust. A proactive approach now could be the difference between a smooth adjustment and a compliance headache down the line. The shift in UK GAAP lease accounting is a significant one, promising greater transparency but also demanding careful preparation. By understanding the changes and planning proactively, businesses can navigate this new landscape effectively and ensure compliance by the effective date. www.cpio.co.ukw Andrew Watkinson, Managing Director of long-standing Sage partner CPiO, outlines the impact changes to UK GAAP lease accounting could have on the EBITDA, loan covenants and audit thresholds of UK businesses with operating leases How to prepare for the UK’s new lease accounting rules LEASING Andrew Watkinson
Why Spitfire’s One Network? Are you at risk from: • Poor device visibility and erratic management? • Requirement for third party remote access? • Default or weak passwords? • Software security updates? • Transmission of unencrypted data? One Network uses MPLS to combine mobile, fixed line and cloud connectivity into a secure private network. A low cost, no fuss, business and IoT solution that is both invisible and unreachable to external threats. Easily built using whichever primary and backup access components are required to connect your sites, users, devices and servers - wherever they may be located - without the need for time consuming VPN tunnel configurations. What could be simpler, or safer? Call us today, to find out more. www.spitfire.co.uk/iot-security Telecoms and IP Engineering Solutions for Business since 1988 Innovative • Flexible • Reliable • Supportive • Cost Effective Sales 020 7501 3333 • Partner Services 020 7501 3150 VOICE INTERNET I O T W A N www.spitfire.co.uk Key Benefits No public internet traversal Avoid need for encryption MPLS private networks available Fixed or dynamic IP addresses Private APN available Invisible and unreachable to external threats Looking for mitigation with one easy, cost effective and time efficient solution ? Worried about IOT security?
10 01732 759725 WHAT’S NEW WHAT’S NEW Five-year warranty Display specialist AOC’s new Essential E4 series of businessfocused B2B monitors features TCO Certified, generation 10 authentication and a 5-year warranty across all models. Ranging from 24-inch to 34-inch ultrawide displays with resolutions from Full HD up to 4K UHD, all models feature integrated USB hubs with up to 4x USB-A (5 Gbit/s) ports. Selected models offer USB-C connectivity, enabling single-cable laptop connections that simultaneously power/ charge devices and transmit video signals using USB-C DisplayPort Alt mode; DisplayPort output, for daisy-chaining multiple monitors; 5 MP webcams; and KVM switches offering easy switching between connected devices while sharing peripherals. https://aoc.com/uk … Mobile router Netgear has expanded its range of mobile routers with the Nighthawk M7 Pro Mobile Router (MR7450). Built for hybrid work and mobile operations, the M7 Pro brings together multi-gig 5G speeds, nextgeneration WiFi 7 performance and enhanced security in one sleek, portable device. With global 5G roaming in 125+ countries, up to 13 hours of battery life and support for up to 64 devices across up to 1,000 sq. ft., the M7 Pro is ideal for mobile businesses, pop-up locations and temporary installations and/or for primary or failover connectivity in small or remote offices. https://www.netgear.com/uk/ home/mobile-wifi/hotspots/ mr7450 … Multi-lingual translations DeepL Voice for Meetings will soon be available on Zoom, giving the collaboration platform’s 300 million users and 500,000 business customers access to real-time, multi-lingual voice translations during meetings, webinars and virtual events, plus full transcripts Fuel in the tank Brother UK is meeting demand for cost-effective printing and longer intervals between refills with the launch of its ‘tankbenefit’ range of refillable inkjet printers. As well as being the company’s first entry into the Western European inkjet tank market, the DCP-T580DW and DCP-T780DW are the first devices to feature Brother’s new, fully recyclable, non-polystyrene, brown carboard packaging. Both models are wireless, with a duplex print capability and 150-sheet front loading paper tray. The premium DCP-T780DW comes with 15,000 pages of black ink and 5,000 pages of colour ink, while the entry-level DCP-T580DW is supplied with 7,500 pages of black ink and 5,000 pages of colour ink. https://brotherzone.co.uk/ tankbenefit Canon security services Canon is helping businesses safeguard their printer fleets with the launch of end-to-end Subscription Security Services covering end point devices, documents and data. The new services are available in two tiers, Enhanced Security and Premium Security. Both include device hardening to ensure all print and scan devices on the network are protected under a unified security policy; automated firmware updates and patches to ensure devices are always running the latest software; data backup; and secure data destruction as standard. The Premium Security tier extends these capabilities with proactive device monitoring and management, real-time threat detection, rapid recovery and detailed security insights. www.canon.co.uk/business/ solutions/security/subscription/ Product videos made easy Trupeer, an AI-powered video platform that takes minutes to turn raw screen recordings into polished product videos, tutorials and walk-throughs with AI voiceovers and translations into 50+ languages, has raised $3 million to fund its continuing development and growth. Already being used by over 10,000 product, support, sales and training teams to create engaging product videos, Trupeer removes filler words, generates studio-quality voiceovers, adds intelligent zooms and subtitles, tracks cursor actions, and inserts a humanlike AI avatar for a more engaging delivery. In addition, it automatically generates step-by-step documentation with screenshots and summaries, giving users everything they need to explain a product clearly, and, thanks to its AI personalisation layer, can create multiple versions of the same video, tailored by language or brand style to suit different audiences. www.trupeer.ai
www.managedITmag.co.uk 11 WHAT’S NEW WAN for rural, mobile and remote edge deployments. Continuum Constellation overcomes Starlink’s limitations for commercial use by adding Fixed IP, 5G Bonding, VPN Support and Full Remote Starlink Control for Enterprises, ISPs and MSPs. Comms365 CEO Mike van Bunnens said: “Starlink is a game-changer for remote internet access, but on its own it’s not enough for business continuity. Continuum Constellation adds the enterprise‑grade functionality that companies need to stay connected, secure and in control, no matter where they’re operating. It’s a perfect addition to our portfolio of Always-On connectivity.” www.comms365.com … Free extended warranty Acer is aiming to capture a greater slice of the Windows 11 upgrade pie by offering business buyers a free extended 3-year warranty worth £49.99 with purchases of select Acer TravelMate P Series laptops or Veriton N Series desktops bought from an eligible UK reseller. The Upgrade to Windows 11 with Acer & claim your Free 3-Year Warranty campaign runs from July 1 to December 31 2025, with all product registrations and warranty claims managed directly by Acer. E-commerce growth Huddersfield-headquartered software-as-a-service (SaaS) business Adventoris is celebrating a major milestone for SwiftCloud, after processing more than £2bn of orders through the B2B ecommerce solution for wholesalers and B2B retailers. Launched in 2012, SwiftCloud has grown strongly in the last three years, increasing registered users by 129% since March 2022 (to 110,000) and growing monthly order volumes by 87% over the same period. SwiftCloud clients report up to 50% bigger basket sizes and average monthly sales increases of over 25%, while their customers enjoy a 50% faster ordering process. www.swiftcloud.co.uk … Game-changer for Starlink UK-based connectivity provider Comms365 has developed a managed overlay platform that transforms Starlink’s consumergrade broadband into a fully managed, secure, business-grade after the event. Speech pattern and accent detection ensure seamless, natural communication, with translations from 16 languages into captions and transcripts in 35 languages. Launched in November 2024, DeepL Voice is already used by more than 200,000 business customers to overcome language barriers that limit their ability to do business internationally. In addition to the imminent Zoom integration, DeepL Voice for Meetings has an existing integration with Microsoft Teams, while the DeepL Voice for Conversations iOS and Android app provides instant speech translation on mobiles for dynamic face-to-face interactions. www.deepl.com/products/voice … All-in-one learning and mentoring platform Learning technology company Thrive is aiming to create the industry’s first fully integrated learning and mentoring platform with the multimillion-pound acquisition of Guider, which uses AI to match and connect colleagues with experienced leaders, mentors and coaches. The company’s first acquisition since its launch in 2019 will extend Thrive’s reach into the coaching and mentoring sector and enable it to integrate skills, mentoring, communications and knowledge management into a single all-in-one AI platform, while also running Guider as a standalone solution and continuing to develop its capabilities. With 54% year-onyear growth since it was founded in 2019 contributing to a £150 million valuation, Thrive provides all-in-one learning solutions to clients such as ASOS, Volvo, Vodafone, Avon and Burger King and has 3 million users worldwide. www.thrivelearning.com Joining the dots in field service management Totalmobile, a UK leader in field service management (FSM) technology, has launched a first-of-its-kind SaaS platform dedicated exclusively to FSM. With advanced AI and automation at its core, Field First brings together a modular suite of vertically tailored solutions, including proactive asset management, dynamic scheduling, mobile workforce enablement, smarter rostering, lone worker protection, streamlined job management and realtime field intelligence. By joining the dots between systems, processes and people, it helps customers in housing, health, utilities, infrastructure, FM and government streamline their operations, scale faster, improve outcomes and prove ROI. Totalmobile Chief Product Officer Chrissi Jackson said: “Regardless of whether organisations adopt a single capability or the entire platform, they will gain a seamless, connected experience that adapts as their needs evolve.” www.totalmobile.com Chrissi Jackson Mike van Bunnens
12 01732 759725 COVER STORY secure, reliable hardware that’s ready for hybrid work. Simple Steps to Claim: 1. Purchase a qualifying device between July 1 and December 31, 2025. 2. Visit https://uk-offers.acer. com/upgrade-to-windows-11/ to register your purchase. 3. Receive confirmation of your free 3-year warranty via email. Qualifying Products Include: Acer TravelMate P Series laptops, including models such as TMP21455, TMP215-75-G2, TMP416-53, TMP414RN-54 and TMP61473T, and Acer Veriton N Series desktops, including the N6710GT. The new “Upgrade to Windows 11 with Acer & claim your Free 3-Year Warranty” campaign rewards those investing in select Acer TravelMate P Series laptops or Veriton N Series desktops with a free extended 3-year warranty – worth up to £49.99 – at no extra cost. Running from July 1st to December 31st, 2025, this promotion aims to give buyers added peace of mind and long-term protection, all while upgrading their workforce to the latest Windows 11-powered devices designed for productivity, performance and security. “We know that for today’s IT managers, protecting investments is as important as enhancing productivity,” said Craig Booth, General Manager, Acer UK. “This campaign gives our business customers both. By combining powerful, Windows 11-ready Acer devices with an extended 3-year warranty, we’re delivering realworld value that goes far beyond the initial purchase.” What’s Included Customers who purchase a qualifying Acer TravelMate P Series laptop or Veriton N Series desktop from an eligible UK reseller will be entitled to claim a FREE 3-year warranty directly from Acer. The promotion is open to businesses of all sizes looking to refresh or upgrade their fleet with In a climate where every IT investment must deliver more value, Acer UK is helping business customers get more from their technology spend Acer UK Launches Peace-of-Mind Campaign for Business Buyers
www.managedITmag.co.uk 13 COVER STORY This initiative follows a string of recent updates to Acer’s business device range, all of which now ship with Windows 11 – giving users the latest in Microsoft’s security, speed, and manageability features. The TravelMate and Veriton lines are trusted by thousands of UK businesses for their rugged build, extended battery life, and enterprisegrade features. Supporting Sell-Out Through the Channel Acer is managing all warranty claims and registrations directly, so there’s no admin burden on resellers. Channel partners are encouraged to drive visibility of the promotion through product listings, social media, banners, email campaigns, and marketing materials, with creative assets. Scan the QR code opposite to download the Download Acer Campaign Assets. About Acer Founded in 1976, Acer is one of the world’s top ICT companies with a presence in more than 160 countries. As Acer evolves with the industry and changing lifestyles, it is focused on enabling a world where hardware, software and services will fuse with one another, creating ecosystems and opening up new possibilities for consumers and businesses alike. Acer’s 7,700 employees are dedicated to the research, design, marketing, sale, and support of products and solutions that break barriers between people and technology. Please visit www.acer.com for more information. Acer launches sizzling Back to School deals Acer UK has announced a new Back to School promotion in partnership with Currys, aimed at providing students and families with increased access to advanced computing solutions. The ACER 514 14” Chromebook Plus (PN: NX.JJQEK.001) will be available from August 20th at its lowest-ever price of just £249. This offer provides students with a combination of performance, portability, and additional features. The 14-inch Chromebook Plus is equipped to support schoolwork such as research, writing, and creative projects. Each purchase also comes with a 12-month free subscription to Gemini AI*, which is designed to assist with productivity and learning. Key Chromebook Features and Benefits: Elevated Performance: The laptop is powered by an Intel® Core™ 3-N355 processor, coupled with 8 GB of LPDDR5X RAM and a 128 GB eMMC, offering “double the speed, memory, and storage” of a standard Chromebook. This ensures smooth multitasking and fast boot times. Integrated Google AI: It comes with built-in Google AI features, including the ability to use Gemini for writing assistance, and Magic Eraser in Google Photos. The offer also includes a 12-month trial of Gemini Advanced, providing priority access to Google’s latest AI capabilities. High-Quality Display: The device features a 14-inch Full HD+ (1920 x 1200) IPS display with an anti-glare, matte finish, making it comfortable to use in various lighting conditions. Enhanced Video Conferencing: The Chromebook includes a 1080p Full HD webcam with a privacy shutter. It’s complemented by AI-powered video call tools that automatically enhance clarity, lighting, and sound, ensuring a professional appearance on video calls. Robust and Durable Design: The chassis is built to meet militarygrade MIL-STD-810H standards, giving it a solid and reliable feel despite its plastic construction. Long Battery Life: The laptop provides a strong battery life, with some reviews citing up to 10-15 hours on a single charge, making it ideal for a full day of classes or work on the go. “We believe that every student deserves access to the best tools for their education,” said Adam Eldrett, Head of Product Business at Acer UK. “Our partnership with Currys allows us to offer the Chromebook Plus at an unprecedented price point, combined with the power of Gemini AI. This is a complete package that provides incredible value and the technology needed to succeed in the new academic year.” www.acer.com * The Google One trial offer can be redeemed at https://www.google.com/intl/en_uk/chromebook/perks/ and is available to eligible users with the purchase and activation of an eligible Chromebook Plus on or after May 28, 2024. This offer is limited to purchases of an eligible Chromebook Plus in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and the United States. Redeem the offer by December 31, 2024 at 11:59pm PT. Valid form of payment required at sign-up, but you will not be charged until the trial period expires. Cancel anytime. Gemini Advanced is only available for ages 18+. Gemini in Gmail, Docs, and more are only available in English and for ages 18+. See one.google.com/offer/termsand-conditions/chromebookplus for full terms. This offer does not apply to schools and businesses including when devices are bought outside commercial channels, see details on goo.gle/Gemini-Education.
14 01732 759725 The sound quality compared to my other devices is very good. Crystal clear, as you would expect from a product at this price point. The Acid Test – Active Noise Cancelling So, noise cancelling. Sitting at the back of a packed flight to Spain in early July, surrounded by mums, dads, teenagers, toddlers, all jabbering away, plus associated cabin noise, I could not have hoped for a more testing environment. As this was the first time I’d worn noise cancelling headphones, I didn’t know what to expect. The results were extraordinary. All ambient noise was instantly silenced, transporting me to first class. You really can’t hear anything on silent mode above a murmur and when you are playing music or watching a film, you won’t even hear that. From now on, these Focus A6 headphones are going to be the first thing I reach for So, what do I know about headphones? I’ve got a pair of retro cabled in-ear headphones and a non-branded generic set on my desk with a mic for Teams calls etc.. Apart from that, I’m a pretty late adopter and certainly haven’t used anything like the A6 before. Straight out of the box they feel like a quality product, with a comfortable, snug fit over the ear and across the top of the head. Set up and connectivity was easy, not least because the headphones arrived fully charged. Always a bonus. Claimed battery life is a whopping 75 hours when noise reduction mode is turned off. With it on, which, let’s face it, is likely to be most of the time, battery life is 40 hours. Looks-wise, the headphones are pretty cool, as determined by my 22-year-old daughter who immediately started coveting them. I have the off-cream pair. Almost a blush. If it had been up to me I would have picked the black. By Ethan White, Kingswood Media Director OneOdio Focus A6 Headphones Review PRODUCT REVIEW 20 25 Royal Lancaster · December 2 2 0 2 5 •SKI CLUB NETWORK• THE LEADING PUBLISHER IN THE OFFICE & IT MARKETPLACE www.binfo.co.uk when I need a bit of tranquility. But there’s much more to recommend them than that. Over the coming weeks I really look forward to using them for calls – there is a built-in microphone for this function – exploring all the features of the app and taking advantage of the one‑to‑two dual‑device functionality which allows seamless switching between sources. From me and for ManagedIT… the OneOdio Focus A6 headphones are Highly Recommended. https://www.oneodio.com/
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16 01732 759725 INTERVIEW serve SMEs, and we know SMEs are the backbone of the UK and European economies, so these are particularly important markets for Alibaba.com. We believe Europe and the UK have a lot of potential to grow, especially when it comes to exports and digital sourcing and procurement. We have already seen very good growth in the number of European buyers and sellers on Alibaba.com and in the range of products they are selling, and we’re confident this momentum will continue. CoCreate Europe is going to be an excellent occasion for us to showcase all the platform tools and AI tools we have been developing and the resources we can provide to European SMBs. Last year we were lucky enough to hold a series of events during Paris 2024, so London, as one of the most digitalised economies and an important global hub, was an obvious choice to host the first CoCreate Europe. Hopefully, in the future we will roll out CoCreate events in other European cities. MIT: Is CoCreate an exhibition, with suppliers meeting buyers, or is it more of an Alibaba customer event, where you showcase your latest developments? ML: It’s a mix of the two. First, there will be a great selection of exhibitors, mainly suppliers from global industrial regions that we are bringing over to showcase their latest innovations. Then, there is the insight and sharing part, a series of conferences and workshops and a learning centre where visitors will be able to discover everything about the Alibaba.com platform, the global tools we have, the digital tools we are developing and how users can leverage the different insights and connections available Taking place at ExCeL London on 14th November, a couple of months after the third US event, CoCreate Europe is expected to build on growing interest in digital sourcing from European B2B buyers and European sellers. In April and May of this year, the number of paying buyers from Europe on Alibaba.com was up 38%, with strong growth in France, Italy, Germany and the UK, and the number of products being sold by European suppliers on Alibaba. com was 500% higher than in the same period last year. Part exhibition and part customer event, CoCreate Europe will give entrepreneurs and growing businesses the chance to interact with a selection of the 200,000 suppliers from around the world that sell standard and custom-made products through the platform, whether they are looking for products to consume and/or resell or seeking a manufacturing partner. Underlining the platform’s value in taking a product idea from prototype to global distribution, CoCreate Europe is hosting the final round of Alibaba.com’s $1 million product-based pitch competition, CoCreate Pitch (see page 18), which it has opened up to UK and European participants for the first time. In this Q&A, Michelle Lau, Managing Director of Alibaba.com, France, explains how Alibaba.com is making it easier for B2B buyers to source innovative products from European and global suppliers and helping UK and European suppliers to find global manufacturing partners and boost export sales. ManagedIT (MIT): Why are you launching CoCreate in the UK now, and what are you hoping to achieve? Michelle Lau (ML): Our platform and our digital solutions mainly As Donald Trump’s mercurial approach to trade deals and tariffs continues to cause friction and confusion, many exporters to the US will be looking to develop alternative markets for their goods, which makes the European launch of Alibaba. com’s CoCreate B2B event very timely. The Chinese-owned platform for global business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce has been hosting the annual customer and trade event in Las Vegas since 2023, providing an opportunity for 2,000 to 3,000 North American SMEs to develop relationships with selected product manufacturers/suppliers from around the world and learn how to use the Alibaba.com platform to maximise the benefits of global digital sourcing. This year, for the first time, Alibaba.com will be bringing its flagship event to Europe as well. With Michelle Lau, Managing Director of Alibaba.com, France Q&A Michelle Lau
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