01732 759725 magazine 09 INNOVATION continued... A flexible alternative Creative ITC, a cloud services provider for the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry, is helping clients tackle demanding workloads with the launch of a virtual desktop solution purpose-built for resource-intensive design and visualisation applications, simulations, 3D rendering and modelling. The Virtual Cloud Desktop Pod (VCDPod) is designed to overcome challenges architects face when working with CPU‑intensive applications such as Enscape, Rhino, Lumion, TwinMotion, Maya, CREO and 3ds Max, which can put a heavy strain on IT infrastructure and require frequent upgrades to expensive CAD workstations. Complementing Creative ITC’s existing managed VDI solution (VDIPod), VCDPod enables architects in any location to use a dedicated laptop, thin client or iPad to log into a virtual cloud desktop giving single tenant access to high-end, dedicated computing resources, including higher clock speeds for demanding workloads and multi-screen capabilities with no image degradation. VCDPod is a fully managed solution with transparent pricing, real-time usage tracking, full data control (including secure local storage to meet compliance, data sovereignty and protection requirements), access to 24/7/365 AEC expert tech support and the ability to scale resources as demands grow, with no workstation or VDI profile upgrades required. https://info.creative-itc.com/en-gb/ vcdpod-virtual-desktop Copilot advice Sharp UK is expanding its IT services offering with new Cyber Security Packages and a Microsoft Copilot Consulting Service. Built around the NIST framework, Sharp’s Cyber Security Packages provide organisations with the fundamental security tools needed to achieve Cyber Essentials and ISO 27001 accreditations, supported by an awardwinning SOC. Features include managed detection and response, remote monitoring and management, dark web monitoring, incident response services, email security, SaaS backup and, for Microsoft-centric customers, centralised M365 security and management. Sharp’s Microsoft Copilot Consulting Services offer customers guidance and support in implementing Microsoft Copilot in alignment with organisational objectives, governance and policies, including tailored training sessions for team members. Simon Jefferies, Director of Technology at Sharp UK, said: “When AI tools are deployed without proper oversight and organisations operate without the minimum levels of cyber security protection in place, sensitive company data, intellectual property theft and compliance violations are very real risks. The goal we have with our new Cyber Security Packages is to simplify the basics of cyber security, ensuring our clients are protected above and beyond just the minimum levels they need. We also want to help organisations adopt and onboard Microsoft Copilot in the most secure, efficient and holistic way for their specific needs.” www.sharp.co.uk Energizer launches first laptop Battery brand Energizer is entering the laptop market with the record-breaking EnergyBook Pro Ultra. Conceived and designed by Avenir Telecom, exclusive worldwide licensee of the Energizer brand for laptops, the EnergyBook Pro Ultra features a 13,000 mAh, 192 Wh lithium-polymer monobloc battery, the largest ever built into a laptop. This enables the EnergyBook Pro Ultra to set a new standard for laptop battery life of up to 28 hours when used for web browsing, office work and video conferencing or 11 hours when used for graphic design, video-editing or gaming. In standby mode, the battery lasts for seven days. The EnergyBook Pro range also includes a 15-inch laptop for professionals on the go, the EnergyBook Pro 15, and a wide format 18-inch model for multimedia applications, the EnergyBook Pro XL 18. Wireless charging UK-based company Krafted has followed up last year’s launch of Connex, a Swiss Army knife-style USB connector hub, with the introduction of the Couch wireless device charger. Available in a choice of three colours (Latte, Deep Blue and Matcha), Couch is designed to fit over the arm of your sofa or favourite armchair and stay there so that instead of having to juggle with cables or reach for wall sockets when your phone needs recharging you just drop it onto the built-in charging pad. An anti-slip silicone ridge ensures Couch stays securely on your sofa arm. Krafted Couch costs £39.99. Kraftedtech.com Silver service Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, Moneypenny has expanded its range of customer conversation solutions with a new AI Voice Agent that talks naturally with callers, giving businesses more flexibility in how they manage customer conversations and removing the need for callers to navigate complex menus or press buttons for different services. Built and run from centralised architecture at Moneypenny, the virtual assistant can handle multiple inbound calls simultaneously, making it ideal for triaging high call volumes, identifying the caller’s needs, capturing important details, handling queries like opening hours or directions, and, when human involvement is required, transferring calls seamlessly to a Moneypenny personal assistant or directly to the client. www.moneypenny.co.uk
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