Julian Gustea, Author at XMA

With the October 2025 end-of-support deadline for Windows 10 looming, it may seem like there’s plenty of time to plan your company’s upgrade to Windows 11. However, the reality for mid-sized businesses is that a successful transition requires careful planning and execution, and the timeline might be tighter than you think.

The 440-Day Journey to Windows 11

A typical Windows 11 upgrade for a mid-sized company can take approximately 440 days, or over a year. This includes:
• Stakeholder Buy-In: Gaining approval from key decision-makers can take 6-8 weeks.
• Hardware Assessment: Evaluating device compatibility and planning for replacements can take another 6-8 weeks.
• Deployment Planning: Finalising the upgrade strategy takes 4-8 weeks.
• Testing: Rigorous testing of app compatibility, IT infrastructure, and pilot programs takes 6-40 weeks.
• Broad Deployment: Rolling out the upgrade across the organisation, including new device provisioning and software installation, can take 10-104 weeks.
This is a best-case scenario. In reality, the process can easily extend to 600 days or more due to unforeseen challenges such as budget constraints, device shortages, application compatibility issues, or migration complications.

Why Starting Now Is Crucial

Delaying the planning process can lead to rushed decision-making, increased risk of downtime, and potential security vulnerabilities as Windows 10 support ends. By starting now, your company can:
• Mitigate Risk: Identify and address potential issues early on, ensuring a smoother transition.
• Optimise Budget: Proactive planning allows for better resource allocation and cost control.
• Minimise Disruption: A phased rollout approach minimises impact on productivity.
• Ensure Security: Stay ahead of the curve by adopting the latest security features of Windows 11.

XMA: Your Partner for a Seamless Windows 11 Upgrade

XMA understands the complexities of transitioning to Windows 11. We offer a comprehensive solution that streamlines the entire process, minimising disruption to your business and ensuring a smooth transition.

Our Windows 11 Upgrade Solution Includes:

• Windows 11 Readiness Assessment: A detailed roadmap tailored to your specific needs, including compatibility analysis, risk mitigation strategies, budget optimisation, and phased rollout planning.

• Strategic Device Selection: Expert guidance on choosing the right devices for your organisation, considering factors like performance, security, and budget.

• Streamlined Procurement: Simplified device procurement with tailored recommendations and efficient
ordering processes.

• Hardware Management as a Service (HMaaS): Comprehensive device lifecycle management, proactive support, security and compliance, and data & device recovery protection to reduce your IT workload.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact XMA today to start your
Windows 11 journey and future-proof your business.

The recent cyberattacks targeting over 160 Snowflake customers, including major organisations like Santander and Ticketmaster, have sent shockwaves through the cybersecurity landscape. These breaches, perpetrated by a financially motivated threat actor tracked as UNC5537, have not only exposed vulnerabilities in Snowflake’s customers’ security protocols but also highlighted the broader risks associated with shadow IT and the urgent need for multi-factor authentication (MFA).

Shadow IT: Users are an organisation’s cyber security Achilles’ heel

Shadow IT, the use of unauthorised technology or software within an organisation, often without the knowledge or approval of IT departments, has emerged as a significant cybersecurity risk factor. In the Snowflake breach, the infostealer malware used to steal credentials was found on personal computers belonging to third-party contractors. These devices, often used for both work and personal tasks, provided a vulnerable entry point for the attackers.

The consequences of unmonitored shadow IT practices extend far beyond the Snowflake incident. When employees or contractors use unsanctioned devices or software, they expose the organisation to a range of threats, including malware infections, data breaches, and compliance violations. The lack of visibility and control around shadow IT assets makes it difficult for security teams to detect and respond to potential threats promptly.

MFA: A Vital Line of Defence

The Snowflake breach has also highlighted the critical importance of multi-factor authentication (MFA). MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide multiple forms of verification, such as a password and a unique code sent to their mobile device, to access sensitive systems and data.

In the Snowflake incident, the absence of MFA on the compromised accounts allowed threat actors to easily gain unauthorised access using stolen credentials. This underscores the fact that passwords alone are no longer sufficient to protect sensitive information. MFA significantly increases the difficulty for attackers to compromise accounts and data.

What does this mean for organisations going forward?

The Snowflake breach serves as a stark reminder that strong cybersecurity hygiene, including the adoption of MFA and stringent management of shadow IT risks, is crucial for protecting sensitive data. Organisations must take a proactive approach to cybersecurity, implementing comprehensive security measures, educating employees and contractors about the risks of shadow IT, and regularly reviewing and updating their security policies and procedures.

XMA: Your Trusted Partner in Cybersecurity

At XMA, we specialise in supporting our customers cyber security resilience by offering a comprehensive range of services to help organisations enhance their security posture and mitigate the risks associated with shadow IT and inadequate authentication practices.
XMA’s Cyber Security Assessment Services are designed to identify vulnerabilities across your digital landscape, providing actionable insights to strengthen your defences. Our 24/7 Threat Detection and Protection services, trusted by government and law enforcement agencies, offer reliable and comprehensive protection against evolving cyber threats.

The Way Forward

The Snowflake breach is a wake-up call for organisations of all sizes. It underscores the urgent need to address the growing risks associated with shadow IT and the critical importance of implementing robust security measures, including MFA. By partnering with cybersecurity experts like XMA, organisations can take proactive steps to protect their sensitive data and mitigate the ever-evolving threat landscape.

Contact Adam Little, XMA’s Security Lead at adam.little@xma.co.uk to learn more about how we can help you strengthen your cybersecurity defences and safeguard your organisation’s future.

As an Apple Authorised Education Specialist, we understand the unique challenges and opportunities schools and Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) face when integrating technology into the classroom.

The iPad, with its powerful capabilities and intuitive design, is a game-changer for education. But how do you deploy iPads in a way that maximises learning outcomes and fits your budget?

Let’s explore three key iPad deployment strategies:

Which Deployment Strategy is Right for You?

The ideal iPad deployment strategy depends on your school’s unique goals, budget, and

curriculum. Consider these questions:

• What are your primary educational objectives?

• What is your budget for technology?

• How comfortable are your teachers with integrating technology into their lessons?

Contact us today to learn more about how iPad deployment can
transform education in your school

iPad and Mac in education results. Available at:
https://www.apple.com/uk/education/docs/ipad-in-education-results.pdf (Accessed: 04 June 2024).

In today’s fast-paced business world, enterprise mobility is more than
just a convenience—it’s a necessity. But managing a fleet of devices
securely and efficiently can be a major headache.

That’s where Samsung Knox Suite comes in.
As a proud Samsung partner, XMA has seen firsthand
how Knox Suite transforms the way businesses handle
their mobile technology. Let’s take a closer look.

What is Knox Suite?

Knox Suite is Samsung’s comprehensive answer to your enterprise
mobility challenges. It’s a bundle of powerful tools designed to make
your life easier, from the moment you unbox your devices to their
ongoing management and analysis.

Why XMA Recommends Knox Suite

At XMA, we’re passionate about finding the best solutions for
our clients. We’ve seen time and again how Knox Suite delivers on
its promises. Our clients love its ease of use, robust security, and
comprehensive management capabilities. If you’re looking to simplify
your enterprise mobility and empower your workforce,
Knox Suite is the way to go.

Don’t let managing your mobile devices hold your business back.
Contact XMA today to learn more about how Samsung Knox Suite
can revolutionise your enterprise mobility.
Let us show you how easy and secure it can be!

Ready to explore Knox Suite? Schedule
a free consultation with XMA’s experts to discover
how it can transform your business

The UK’s traditional phone systems (PSTN and ISDN) are being retired at the start of 2027.

As a result, all PSTN-based products currently in use by your business will require updates. Originally intended to be retired at the end of 2025, this extension to 2027 represents an opportunity for you to get your business in the best possible position for the switch-off.

The PSTN supports not only conventional landlines but also voice services like ISDN2/30. Moreover, it underpins the majority of mainstream broadband services, including fibre-to-the-cabinet (FTTC) and standard broadband (ADSL).

Why Is This Change Happening?

The old copper-wire phone networks are expensive to maintain and cannot support the features and reliability that modern businesses need. By upgrading to all-digital solutions, telecom providers save money and can offer a wider range of advanced services.

How Will This Impact My Business?

If your business still relies on traditional phone lines, you’ll need to take action. Impacts might include:

• Disruption Of Phone Service: Phone lines connected to PSTN/ISDN will no longer work
• Outdated Systems: Legacy fax machines or other equipment could become unusable

The Benefits of Embracing VoIP

Voice communication will transition entirely to digital formats, utilising Voice-over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology over the internet. Benefits of migrating to an all-VoIP system include:

• Significant Cost Savings through lower monthly fees and reduced hardware costs
• Flexibility and Scalability: Work from anywhere, add users/lines easily, access global numbers
• Improved Customer Experience with advanced call handling and communication tools
• Increased Productivity and Collaboration through integrated voice, video, and messaging
• Disaster Recovery – Automatic failover to keep you connected

Preparing for the Switch-Off with RingCentral and XMA

XMA offers a simple, powerful solution for businesses of all sizes. Partnering with RingCentral, we can help you seamlessly transition to VoIP and enjoy all its advantages.
You can get started on the way to assessing your organisation’s communication needs. Find out:

• The number of locations you operate.
• The bandwidth available at each site.
• The telephone numbers you currently hold.
• Monitor your call volumes and identify any numbers that could be discontinued during the transition.

Here’s how we can assess and implement, making your transition easy:

• Inventory Equipment: We’ll work with you to thoroughly assess your existing systems, identifying not only phones but also alarms, point-of-sale terminals, and any other devices that might rely on traditional phone lines.
• Upgrade Connectivity: Our experts will analyse your internet connection, recommending upgrades if needed to ensure optimal voice quality and reliability for video conferencing and collaboration tools.
• Consider Hardware Needs: We’ll discuss the pros and cons of different VoIP hardware options, helping you select the best mix of traditional desk phones, modern headsets, and software solutions to empower your team’s work style.
• Train Your Team: We provide comprehensive training and ongoing support, so your team can quickly adopt the new system and maximise the benefits of VoIP communication for better productivity and customer experience.

Book your free consultation now to explore the possibilities and get tailored recommendations for your business.

Are you facing the challenges of the digital divide in your community?

Framework Housing Association has a success story to share. In partnership with XMA, FHA leveraged the power of Google ChromeOS Flex to transform outdated devices, giving residents the tools and skills to bridge the digital gap.

This inspiring case study reveals

Read the full story:

XMA is thrilled to announce our partnership with the Sheffield United Community Foundation, Premier League, PFA and The Premier League Charitable Fund for ‘Nature Based Blades’. This groundbreaking 3-year project will invest £150,000 to educate Sheffield’s youth in leading climate action initiatives within their communities.

Through engaging workshops and accredited qualiﬁcations, ‘Nature Based Blades’ will educate secondary school students about the crucial importance of environmental sustainability. The project culminates with participants designing and implementing their own Nature Based Solutions within their schools or surrounding neighbourhoods.

“XMA are a big fan of all things eco-friendly and sustainable, and we’re teaming up with the Sheﬃeld United Community Foundation to make Sheﬃeld a greener place. By working together, XMA and Sheﬃeld United Community Foundation can make a real diﬀerence in the lives of young people, the community, and the future of our planet. Education, teamwork, and a love for the environment – that’s the recipe for a greener and brighter future for everyone!”

Darren Howe, Strategy, Commercial Development & ESG Director, XMA

XMA’s support will be instrumental in making these Nature Based Solutions a reality – whether it’s establishing school vegetable gardens that reduce carbon emissions, or creating vibrant green spaces that promote well-being within the community.

“We are thrilled to ﬁnally launch ‘Nature Based Blades’, a new and innovative project that we believe can make a huge diﬀerence to the community we serve. It’s a well-known fact that the pressure is on, now more than ever to take environmental sustainability seriously. Whilst it is a serious topic, it is also one that can be extremely enjoyable and rewarding to learn about and get involved in. Working with young people to create positive behaviour changes on climate action has the potential to have long reaching beneﬁts, not only to the individuals involved but to the entire city of Sheﬃeld.”

Joe Williamson, Senior Manager, Sheffield United Community Foundation

Nature Based Blades has also been noticed on a national level,

featuring in a segment on Match Of The Day. Watch the video to discover more.

Nature Based Blades will be launched in 3 schools across Sheﬃeld from April 2024.

For more information on the Foundation or XMA, please visit

www.sufc-community.com
or www.xma.co.uk

In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, public sector organisations face the challenge of balancing limited budgets with the ever-increasing demand for innovative technology solutions.

The Technology Products and Associated Services 2 (TePAS2 – RM6098) framework, developed by Crown Commercial Service (CCS), simplifies IT procurement for the UK public sector, offering a streamlined and cost-effective approach through the ability to procure IT Hardware, Software and Services within a single Framework.

Read on as we’ll delve into the TePAS2 framework, HP’s extensive offerings, and how XMA can guide your organisation through a successful procurement process.

TePAS2: Simplifying Procurement for the Public Sector

The TePAS2 framework provides a centralised marketplace for technology products and services speciﬁcally designed for the public sector. This framework beneﬁts public sector organisations in several ways. It cuts through complex processes, saving time and eﬀort with comprehensive procurement templates for customers, pre-negotiated terms, various routes to procure and volume discounts.

HP: A Leader in Public Sector Solutions

HP understands the unique challenges faced by public sector organisations. With a deep portfolio under the TePAS2 framework, they bring solutions tailored for digital transformation, including, hybrid IT, and data analytics for agility and innovation. HP also oﬀers devices and solutions to assist frontline workers, ensuring enhanced service delivery. They prioritise robust cybersecurity solutions to protect against evolving threats and strive for a balance between performance and budget constraints, promoting value for money.

XMA: Your Partner in TePAS2 Procurement

XMA acts as your trusted partner, oﬀering a suite of assessments to understand your specific requirements. Our consultants support you in ﬁnding the right solutions by mapping HP’s offerings to your goals within the framework. We simplify the procurement process, ensuring compliance, and provides value-added services like implementation, support, and ongoing optimisation.

The Potential of TePAS2

The TePAS2 framework is scaled to meet changing public sector needs with Speciﬁc Lots covering Education, Health as well as the Wider Public Sector. This framework encourages collaborative partnerships between vendors and buyers to drive innovation across the specialist Lots available.

The TePAS2 framework, combined with HP’s innovative oﬀerings and our guidance, provides a powerful solution for public sector IT modernisation. By restructuring procurement, ensuring cost-eﬀectiveness, and aligning with key strategic objectives, public sector organisations can propel themselves towards greater eﬃciency and service excellence.

In today’s dynamic learning landscape, fostering an engaging and productive environment is crucial. EPOS and XMA come together to equip educators and students with the tools they need to thrive, both in the classroom and beyond.

Tailored for Student Success and Empowering Educators

Effortless Engagement and Learning: EPOS headsets are simple to use, with plug-and-play functionality that gets students up and running quickly. Lightweight, comfortable designs ensure they stay focused and participate actively throughout the day.
Cost-Effective Durability: Built to last, EPOS headsets provide excellent value for money, with bulk discounts offering further savings. Crystal-clear audio fosters strong connections and boosts online engagement, even in remote settings. Additionally, seamless compatibility with all major platforms and devices ensures a smooth learning experience for everyone.
Teaching Flexibility and Focus: EPOS audio tools adapt to diverse teaching styles and learning environments, promoting versatility in the classroom. Plug-and-play simplicity frees up valuable time, allowing teachers to focus on what matters most – inspiring and guiding their students.
All-Day Comfort and Clear Communication: Designed for extended wear, EPOS headsets ensure educators experience maximum comfort throughout the teaching day. Clear, uninterrupted sound prevents misunderstandings and facilitates effective delivery of instructions and feedback. Additionally, effortless connection to any platform or device ensures a seamless teaching experience across various settings.

Tailored Options for Your Student’s Diverse Needs:

Edu 10: This multi-platform compatible headset boasts a comfortable double-sided design and clear stereo sound. Ideal for students who require a fully immersive audio experience to stay focused and minimize distractions during online learning or virtual lectures.

Edu 11 USB: This lightweight headset features a single-sided design with clear audio to one ear. This allows students to maintain environmental awareness when needed, making it suitable for those who thrive in a partially open soundscape. The simple USB connection ensures a quick and effortless setup, while the unidirectional noise-cancelling microphone guarantees clear communication during online interactions.

Edu 12 USB: This plug-and-play option prioritizes convenience and control. Equipped with quality audio, volume control, and mute functionality, it offers a user-friendly experience for adjusting audio settings. The double-sided earpieces and in-line controls ensure minimal distractions and seamless audio management.
EPOS’ two-year warranty ensures the headsets can withstand the demands of daily use throughout the school year.

EXPAND your Educators’ Potential

EXPAND Vision 5 Series: This all-in-one video bar, neatly integrating speakers, camera, microphones, and processing power – all within a single unit. This eliminates the need for separate PCs, simplifying setup and streamlining video conferencing experiences.

Educators benefit from superb audio quality thanks to powerful speakers and a beamforming microphone array that captures voices clearly while suppressing distracting background noise. The wide-angle 4K camera, equipped with AI technology, automatically adjusts the frame to include everyone in the room, fostering a more inclusive learning environment. Seamless integration with popular platforms like Microsoft Teams and Zoom Rooms ensures compatibility with existing systems.

EXPAND 30 Series: Empower educators to create dynamic learning environments from any location within the classroom. This versatile solution allows them to connect up to three Bluetooth devices and enjoy one-touch access to Microsoft Teams and voice assistants, promoting mobility and fostering a more engaging learning experience.

EPOS Voice technology guarantees crystal-clear audio, ensuring clear communication between educators and students. An ultra-low distortion speaker and two echo-cancelling microphones further enhance sound quality, minimizing distractions for focused learning activities. The extended 18-hour talk time and quick charging capabilities ensure educators can remain connected throughout the school day.

Unlock the EPOS Experience with XMA

Clear communication is key to success, and that’s where XMA comes in. Our team of outcome-oriented experts is here to guide you every step of the way, from initial planning to ongoing support. We’ll help you choose the right EPOS solutions for your needs and ensure you get the most out of them, from secure purchase to responsible recycling.

Visit our partner page to explore what XMA and EPOS can do for your educational space : https://www.xma.co.uk/who-we-are/partners/epos/

“Let’s face it, as a Solutions Architect, I’m always up for a good bit of tech analysis. But I also know the right solution isn’t just about impressive spec sheets – it’s about making our lives easier while future-proofing our IT infrastructure. That’s why I’m genuinely excited about the partnership between Cisco, Nutanix, and what the XMA team brings to the table.“

Andrew Nickson, Solutions Architect, XMA

What is Hyperconverged Infrastructure?

If you’ve been in IT as long as I have, you know the headache of traditional data centres. Hyperconverged infrastructure (HCI) is a welcome change – consolidating everything into a streamlined, software-driven package. Less time wrestling with hardware means more time for innovation.

Cisco’s Compute Strength: The Foundation

Cisco forges strategic partnerships, like the one with Nutanix, to combine their data centre infrastructure expertise with the strengths of industry leaders, oﬀering customers enhanced solutions. It’s a “1 + 1 = 3” approach that provides our customers with more comprehensive and optimised solutions in the face of evolving challenges. What’s key here is how well Cisco and Nutanix integrate seamlessly. It makes a world of diﬀerence when you’re not troubleshooting compatibility issues.

At XMA, we’re not just picking servers oﬀ a shelf: we’ll make sure the conﬁguration is tailored to your workloads, and that you’re getting the most out of tools like Intersight for eﬀortless management.

Nutanix: The Software-Defined Heart

Nutanix is where HCI gets seriously clever. Their platform ensures you’re using every bit of space smartly. Robust data protection strategies, designed for scalability, provide essential resilience. I appreciate the flexibility of not being locked into a single hypervisor. In fact, Nutanix provides their own hypervisor in the form of AHV. Described as a “Hypervisor without the hassle”, it’s the perfect solution for anyone looking to maximise value without cutting quality. Nutanix could well be the only viable enterprise-grade Hypervisor in the marketplace with many organisations now looking at alternatives due to the changes to licensing and packaging to VMware brought in by Broadcom.

XMA Consultants: Your HCI Pathfinders

The best tech is only as good as the team implementing it. That’s the strength of XMA’s approach. Working with Nutanix since 2015, we’re a longtime partner, and our NCSX certiﬁcations are proof of our hands-on knowledge. In fact, I’ve just come back from the exclusive invite-only Nutanix Global Technical Summit, which only trusted partners are invited to. Whilst I can’t divulge all the secrets, lets just say that the Cisco and Nutanix partnership will grow from strength to strength. It would be wise to get in now at the ground ﬂoor, with a partner like XMA who knows Nutanix inside and out.

We don’t just deliver a solution and disappear. We’ll analyse your workloads, map out how you connect to the cloud, and even help tighten up security around sensitive apps with Nutanix Flow and Cisco’s security ﬁrepower.

Why This All Matters (In My Expert Opinion)

One dashboard to manage it all? Yes, please! Cisco Intersight and Nutanix Prism working together make daily admin so much smoother. Scaling That’s Painless: Need more capacity? Just add more nodes. That’s the beauty of true HCI.

The Verdict? Highly Recommended (with the Right Partner)

”If you want a robust HCI setup built on proven tech, Cisco + Nutanix is a brilliant choice. But for a truly transformative experience, that’s where XMA’s consultants come in. Right, enough talk – let’s get real about your IT goals! Get in touch, and let’s see how we can build an HCI solution that makes your job easier.”

Andrew Nickson, Solutions Architect, XMA

To get in touch, contact your XMA Account Manager or JP Lonergan, our Nutanix Alliances Manager at

For everything HCI, visit Cisco® Compute Hyperconverged with Nutanix for resources such as their White Paper and video on the topic.

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Windows 11 Upgrade: Why Your Time To Upgrade Is Running Out Fast

How the Snowflake Breach Exposes Shadow IT Dangers and Critical Need for Multi-Factor Authentication

iPad Deployment Strategies for Education: Which is Right for Your School?

Knox Suite: Your All-In-One Solution for Secure Enterprise Mobility

The PSTN Switch-Off is Coming: Are You Ready?

Tackling Digital Exclusion – See How XMA and Framework Housing Association Did It

XMA Supports Sheffield United Community Foundation

What the TePAS2 Framework means for Public Sector

Empowering Education: Streamline Learning with EPOS & XMA

Perspective makes Perfect: Why Cisco, Nutanix, & XMA Make a Winning Team

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Who We are

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Archive

Windows 11 Upgrade: Why Your Time To Upgrade Is Running Out Fast

How the Snowflake Breach Exposes Shadow IT Dangers and Critical Need for Multi-Factor Authentication

iPad Deployment Strategies for Education: Which is Right for Your School?

Knox Suite: Your All-In-One Solution for Secure Enterprise Mobility

The PSTN Switch-Off is Coming: Are You Ready?

Tackling Digital Exclusion – See How XMA and Framework Housing Association Did It

XMA Supports Sheffield United Community Foundation

What the TePAS2 Framework means for Public Sector

Empowering Education: Streamline Learning with EPOS & XMA

Perspective makes Perfect: Why Cisco, Nutanix, & XMA Make a Winning Team

0115 846 4000 info@xma.co.uk

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About XMA

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Copyright © 2024 XMA Limited Registered in England Company number 02051703.

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