Technology Reseller - v30

technologyreseller.co.uk 07 COVID-19 Move to remote working hardens case for smart outsourcing Major challenges, notably the recent transition to remote working, are strengthening the case for the ‘smart sourcing’ of experienced partners that can help organisations adapt to a changing macroeconomic environment, claims NTT in its 2020 Global Managed Services Report . NTT describes smart sourcing as a move away from traditional ‘outsourcing’ to the selection and prioritisation of service providers that go beyond the delivery of tactical IT solutions to deliver business outcomes aligned to the goals of an entire organisation. With the global managed services market expected to grow in value from $223 billion to $329 billion over the next five years and the number of respondents outsourcing more than they insource doubling from 23% currently to 45% in 18 months’ time, the report highlights the need for MSPs to increase their value to customers, particularly in relation to security. While 57% of organisations cite security as a key challenge for in-house IT, 47% of UK security practitioners are reportedly being redeployed away from security duties, leaving organisations more vulnerable to security threats. The report identifies security as the top reason for an organisation to consider a service provider and their breadth of technical expertise as the number one selection criterion. Even before the COVID-19 crisis and the greater security risk posed by the explosion of endpoints in remote locations and inadequately secured devices/ networks, 84% of organisations said that managed service partnerships would provide value over the next three to five years through their security capabilities. Cloud infrastructure (73%) and security (53%) are currently the two most common technologies to be outsourced to service providers. Over the next 18 months, those numbers are set to increase to 77% and 64% respectively . hello.global.ntt Safer working Perform IT OKI Europe ExaClair Alliot Technologies Bakker Elzhuizen As shops and offices re-open, more IT and office products vendors are diversifying into products and services for a Covid-secure workplace n Communications infrastructure specialist CHH CoNeX has provided more than 200,000 face masks and hundreds of thousands of bottles of hand sanitiser to field service engineers across the UK to ensure essential telecommunications maintenance work is carried out safely. It has provided the PPE to its own team of engineers, to other businesses involved in the supply, installation and maintenance of telecommunications networks and to key workers in telecommunications, warehousing, kitting, marshalling, logistics and final mile delivery. n ExaClair , renowned for stationery brands such as Clairefontaine, Rhodia, Décopatch and Exacompta, has started producing a range of PPE for use in offices, call centres, restaurants and retail outlets. The ExaScreen range includes protective screens with windows for customer interactions; clear desk partition screens for open-plan offices and classrooms; visors and facemasks with anti-bacterial and water-resistant properties; and signage products including standing and countertop sign holders and magnetic display pockets and clipboards to help communicate COVID-19 rules in the workplace. n Specialist IoT distributor Alliot Technologies is partnering with German manufacturer Kentix to distribute its GDPR- compliant body temperature scanning solution in the UK and Europe. The Kentix SmartXcan uses thermal image analysis technology to provide a contactless body temperature measurement in less than one second. Available with or without an integrated RFID reader, the PoE-powered SmartXcan can be configured to work with an existing access control system. n Packaging expert DS Smith has created a range of 100% recyclable cardboard separators to facilitate social distancing in industrial environments, offices, waiting rooms, retail outlets, schools, restaurants and public spaces. The barriers are self- supporting, quick to assemble and can be replaced on a frequent basis, reducing cross contamination risks. Designs can be adapted for different customer needs and can be printed with logos and messages. www.dssmith.com/uk n Bakker Elzhuizen ’s new U-shaped Safety Screens provide privacy and protection on three sides, with transparent acrylic windows to dispel feelings of isolation. The PET felt screens are made from recycled plastic and are 100% recyclable. They come in multiple colour options and are safe to wash with water or alcohol-based cleaning products. n Perform IT has added a Covid-19 module to its sales management platform so that partners can create safe workplaces for their customers. The mySalesDrive.com suite of sales tools already included a room planning solution to help technology resellers locate IT assets on a floorplan. The Covid-19 module builds on this by enabling businesses to redefine work areas, establish walking routes, set up waiting areas, locate information signs and disinfection dispensers and much more. web.mysalesdrive.com/covid-19/ n In a partnership with Floralabels, OKI Europe is offering businesses and retailers free social distancing artwork and media so that they can print their own stickers, signs and banners on an A3 colour printer/MFP. www.oki.com/eu n Infection prevention and control expert Inivos has launched a back-to-work Workplace Infection Prevention Assessment to identify and address contamination risks, including COVID-19. The four-hour evaluation includes a questionnaire and site survey conducted over Zoom, Teams or Skype. It costs £599. www.inivos.com/workplace-assessment n Ubigreen has upgraded its Smartdesk solution to meet the concerns of businesses returning after lockdown. The Internet of Things solution uses sensors to analyse workplaces and inform employees which desks (and meeting rooms) have been cleaned and which have yet to be disinfected. n Technology solutions specialist Avoira , created through the merger of Pennine, Co-Channel, Videonations and Rocom, has launched a range of fixed, turret, hand- held and walk-through thermal detection camera systems to help organisations combat the spread of Covid-19. The AI-powered, non-contact solutions can scan individuals and groups of people, alerting operators when a high temperature is detected. Leasing options starting from £20 per week. (see pages 4 and 5 for other Covid-19 products) The move to remote working and online learning has produced a sustained 25-35% average increase in internet traffic since mid-March, according to a survey of ISP customers by Netscout, with some countries (e.g. Mexico and Argentina) experiencing twice that level of growth. www.netscout.com