Technology Reseller - v22

01732 759725 18 NEWS : VENDORS As part of its strategy to build more partnerships with software providers, Jabra has entered into a strategic partnership with Code Software to integrate Jabra devices with Code’s Unified Communications and Collaboration reporting and analytics solution ClobbaDM. Founded in 2013 and based in Cirencester, Code specialises in reporting, monitoring and analytics software that gives users valuable insight into call quality and the ability to troubleshoot potential issues and optimise device management. Commenting on ClobbaDM, Lee Davis, Jabra’s newly-appointed Software Sales Manager, said: “In addition to the existing suite of functions of UC&C usage, quality and productivity, end users are also now equipped to manage their Jabra audio device estate through a single pane of glass. Usage, warranty, firmware and device settings can all be controlled by one solution. This enables IT leaders to drive user adoption, reduce operational costs and reduce end-user troubleshooting from hours to minutes.” www.jabra.com DocuWare acquired by Ricoh Ricoh has announced a definitive agreement to acquire DocuWare, a provider of cloud and on-premise document management and workflow automation software to 12,000 customers in 90 countries through a network of 600 partners. DocuWare will operate as a standalone subsidiary of Ricoh under the company’s existing Presidents Dr. Michael Berger and Max Ertl. David Mills, Corporate Senior Vice President, Ricoh Company Ltd, said: “We are committed to maintaining and growing DocuWare’s hugely successful partner programme, through expanding its channel network and investing in further product development. As a long-time partner, Ricoh understands the power of DocuWare’s channel to deliver document management and workflow automation solutions to customers. Ricoh wants to strengthen and grow this route to market and is committed to helping and learning from DocuWare and its management team.” www.ricoh-europe.com Circular Computing gets planting Following March’s landmark deal to provide SYNNEX Corporation in the US with carbon- neutral remanufactured computers, Circular Computing is honouring its commitment to plant five trees for every laptop sold to customers of the Fortune 200 business process services company. Working with OneTreePlanted, a global reforestation non- profit organisation, it has planted its first 15,000 new trees in an area of California recently devastated by wild fires, as part of the 1 million tree Moonlight Fire Restoration Project. circularcomputing.com UKFast prepares next generation for digital ‘Empowering’ and ‘inspiring’ are two of the words used to describe the UKFast Digital Challenge Badge established to encourage young people to learn more about digital technology. In its first year, more than 300 Guides and Scouts have attended Digital Challenge events at the UKFast Campus where they learn how servers and data centres work, code robot mice, design apps and find out about careers in the digital industry. The badge was originally created by UKFast and 2nd Northenden Guides, but has since been taken up by Scouts and Guides groups from Stockport, Bolton, Wythenshawe and Hale. UKFast co-founder and managing director Gail Jones said: “It’s fantastic to see the level of uptake there has been for the Digital Challenge badges. The feedback we’ve had from the children, their parents and leaders has been exceptional and we can’t wait to welcome more groups to our Campus.” Challenge badge activities are designed to be accessible to all; they can be done anywhere and require few technical resources. Insider... What advice would you give to your younger self? I was asked this question at a conference recently, and it got me thinking. Thirty odd years in the industry have provided a fair amount of ups and downs, from which I have learnt many things. The first of these is that there is a big difference between a lesson identified and a lesson learnt! On the basis that a lesson is only ever learnt if you don’t repeat the same mistake, otherwise it’s simply a lesson identified, here is what I would tell my younger self from what I have learnt over the last 30 years: n Always back your decisions with as much evidence as you can. n Feedback, however challenging at the time, will always give you a perspective for reflection (whether you agree or disagree with what is said). n Pursue mastery of self so that you can understand your default biases and decision pathways (plus your blind spots). n Pursue mastery of subject matter so your skills are always relevant for the industry of today. n Build a good network of people who have your best interests at heart to support you in life inside and outside work. n Communicate often, with accuracy, brevity and clarity (ABC). n Honesty is always the best policy, even when it’s hard to hear! This list could have been much longer, but in the interests of brevity (as advised above), I have limited it to a few that have served me well over the long term. Now, my question for you is: what advice would you give to your younger self? Jot down a few points and share them with someone younger in your company or network, so that they don’t have to re-learn them in the future. See you out there. Phil Jones MBE , Managing Director, Brother UK @philjones40 Jabra integration for Code