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XMA Supports Sheffield United Community Foundation

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.

Watch video

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

What the TePAS2 Framework means for Public Sector

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.

 

Empowering Education: Streamline Learning with EPOS & XMA

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/

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

                                                                                                          “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

JP.Lonergan@xma.co.uk

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

Whitepaper
Video
MKT2066 Sponsored Blog post_draft2 (1)

Discover the future of SustAInability with HPE

The interconnected world faces complex challenges,demanding transformative solutions.
As the environmental crisis worsens, development in AI has flourished. But is there are way to reconcile the two?
Can AI be powerful yet sustainable, enabling us to work more efficiently whilst reducing our carbon footprint?

HPE seem to think so.

At HPE, they’re leveraging the power of AI for a sustAInable future. Their latest report delves into this journey, highlighting how AI can empower customers to achieve more with less, minimising waste throughout the lifecycle.
Committed to net-zero by 2040, HPE empowers your sustAInability journey. They offer a comprehensive approach, tackling CO2 emissions across the entire IT infrastructure, from edge to cloud.
AI eliminates complexity and barriers, unlocking rapid model development in an AIoptimised environment. As our environment rapidly changes, AI enables us to respond to the challenges of our time quickly and efficiently.

AI also contributes towards unmatched visibility and efficiency measures maximising asset lifecycle value.
HPE’s certified AI inference solutions are another example of sustAInability. Optimised for edge and data centre use, these systems leverage HPE ProLiant Gen11 servers, designed for cutting-edge accelerators and powered by NVIDIA® technology. More data equals more efficiency, which in turn contributed towards sustAInability.
But sustAInability extends beyond products, and HPE actively participates as a “force for good” in areas like supercomputing efficiency, food security, and healthcare: 
 
• Applying technologies designed with Memory-Driven Computing principles to handle the massive genomic datasets need to develop more productive food crops
 
• Protecting the healthcare industry from large cyberattacks that can incapacitate their IT function within a matter of hours.
 

Creating state-of-the-art energy efficiency attributes to supercomputing data centres, saving about

Introducing the AMD Ryzen™ and Ryzen™ PRO Power Efficiency Calculator 

Try our calculator now

AMD’s commitment to sustainability and reducing greenhouse emissions is more than just a goal – it’s a fundamental part of who they are. As a global leader in semiconductor design and manufacturing, AMD recognise the impact their products can have on the planet and are dedicated to developing energy- efficient solutions that empower AMD’s customers to do more with less power. 

Compare cost savings by choosing AMD, total kilowatts used for your fleet size, and calculate the equivalent greenhouse emissions savings all with the AMD Ryzen™ and Ryzen™ PRO Power Efficiency Calculator, now live on AMD.com.

AMD’s cutting-edge processors are designed to maximise performance while minimising
energy consumption, and today they’re incredibly proud to share these results with you, your
customers, and the world.

Try our calculator now

XMA Wins Major Contract as Exclusive Device Supplier for Scottish Government

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – March 5, 2024 – XMA is proud to announce its selection as the sole supplier for web-based and proprietary devices under the Scottish Government Framework. This contract enables XMA to provide Scottish public sector organisations with a comprehensive range of devices, including: 

  • Chromebooks 

  • Windows SE devices 

  • Apple products 

  • Microsoft solutions 

  • Thin clients 

  • Open-source tablets 

Alongside these devices, XMA offers related services, applications, and accessories. 

Driving Digital Transformation and Economic Growth 

XMA wholeheartedly supports initiatives to advance digital transformation across Scotland. The company recognises the role technology plays in stimulating economic growth, improving public services, and equipping the workforce with essential skills for the future. To that end, XMA are also offering free constultations and advisory services. 

Proven Experience and Partner for Success 

XMA’s expertise in guiding digital transformation for both public and private sector organisations throughout Scotland is well-established. Working closely with the latest technologies, XMA crafts flexible IT solutions customised to individual client needs. The company’s position as a long-standing trusted sole supplier for the framework demonstrates its track record for dependable, cost-conscious delivery of IT systems and strong service support models. 

Framework Details 

The framework agreement commences on March 1, 2024, and extends to all Scottish public sector bodies, including the voluntary sector. 

Contact and Registration 

To learn more, and get a free consultation, contact XMA: 

  • Phone: 0115 846 4100 

  • Email: scotlandsales@xma.co.uk 

Simplify your device procurement and management by utilising seamless e-commerce solutions provided by XMA. Register to experience hassle-free integration with your existing punch-out systems: https://store.xma.co.uk/Registration/Organisation-Registration

Consuming IT: HPE CloudPhysics Empowers Strategic Transformation

In today’s dynamic hybrid work landscape, navigating complex IT infrastructure choices can be daunting.
Traditional planning methods, often reliant on assumptions and estimations, leave organisations vulnerable to costly errors and missed opportunities. HPE CloudPhysics offers a paradigm shift, providing immediate, data-driven insights that illuminate the path towards successful IT transformation.

Make Smarter IT Decisions: Data-driven insights for confident choices 

Gone are the days of weeks-long planning cycles shrouded in uncertainty. HPE CloudPhysics delivers actionable insights within mere 15 minutes, empowering informed decision-making for your storage solution. This granular visibility removes the veil of uncertainty, allowing you to confidently select the optimal solution that aligns perfectly with your specific needs. 

Effortless Management

HPE CloudPhysics transcends the role of a mere tool, acting as a comprehensive analytical engine. It delves deep into your entire edge-to-cloud infrastructure, meticulously dissecting resource utilisation, identifying hidden optimisation opportunities, and pinpointing ideal workload placements within any cloud environment.

Additionally, HPE CloudPhysics fosters collaboration with trusted partners, ensuring the design of a highly effective cloud configuration.

Cost-Right Your Infrastructure: Pay Only for What You Need

But the benefits extend far beyond initial planning. HPE CloudPhysics acts as a vigilant guardian, constantly monitoring your existing environment. Like a financial expert, it meticulously identifies and eliminates inefficient resource allocation, ensuring optimal utilisation and significant cost savings. This rightsizing approach liberates valuable resources that can be strategically reinvested in areas that drive true business value.

Furthermore, by replacing tedious and often inaccurate procurement processes with fast, actionable insights, HPE CloudPhysics accelerates decision-making and maximises your return on investment.

Smart investment: The Future Doesn’t Need to Break the Bank

As your organisation is preparing for the future, it may need a bit of help finding the perfect financial solution for its budget.

HPE Financial Services recognises this need and offers a comprehensive solution through its innovative asset management offerings. By leveraging a deep understanding of technology, coupled with expert financial guidance and a commitment to sustainability, HPE Financial Services empowers businesses of all sizes to optimise their entire IT estate – from edge to cloud and down to end-users. HPE Financial Services’ collaborative approach delivers more than just cost savings; it fosters smarter IT lifecycles that liberate capital, maximise resource utilisation, and align with global sustainability initiatives.

XMA and Humanise Solutions Enter Exciting New Partnership

Today, we’re pleased to announce that XMA is partnering with Humanise Solutions, a leading people consultancy practice that specialises in elevating people, leadership & culture through a human- centric, scientific approach.

Our partners at Humanise Solutions believe that by prioritising the well-being, inclusion, and empowerment of individuals, we pave the way for a brighter, more sustainable future.  From nurturing leadership and elevating organisations to fostering wellbeing, Humanise Solutions revolves around placing people at the heart of everything they do.


“We’re incredibly excited to be partnering with Humanise Solutions for this bold new venture. We share a lot of the same values regarding empowerment and uplifting people. Together, I’m sure that we can leave a lasting legacy that impacts lives and communities.”

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

Humanise Solutions and their values align perfectly with XMA, where we champion equality, inclusivity, and employee growth, empowering people to own their journey and reimagine their potential. We’re incredibly excited to see this partnership elevate both of us to new heights. To commemorate this moment, we’re proud to present an exclusive look at the XMA-Humanise Solutions logo.

Together, we aim to grow our social, corporate, and private sector services with the aim of establishing a more equal and holistic workforce for a lasting legacy.

“In an ever-changing landscape, it makes perfect sense to partner with XMA. This partnership unlocks new opportunities to help enrich and elevate the wellbeing of individuals from all walks of life. Together, we’ll champion initiatives and projects that place people at the heart of our goals.”

-Scott Ward, Managing Director, Humanise Solutions

XMA and Humanise Solutions envision a long-standing partnership across a range of projects. The sky’s the limit as far as we’re concerned, and we’re not slowing down any time soon. Watch this space for exciting collaborations between XMA and Humanise Solutions.

For more information, including contact details and enquiries, go to humanisesolutions.com or scan the QR code below.

 

Bolstering Cybersecurity for the UK Defence Sector With XMA and Yubico 

Register today to visit us on stand 104A at DPRTE 2024: https://www.dprte.co.uk/book-now/  

To meet the complex demands of the MoD’s Defence Cyber Strategy, XMA are developing new alliances to provide safe and pragmatic solutions that will enable military personnel and contractors to access secure systems so they can communicate and collaborate through both fixed and mobile environments. 

In support of this strategy, we are delighted to announce our strategic partnership with Yubico, a pioneer in hardware-based Multi-Factor Authentication.  

Why the Partnership Matters: 

The UK Defence Sector handles a vast amount of highly sensitive information, making it a prime target for cyberattacks by a variety of sophisticated state-sponsored threat actors. Whilst password-based authentication systems are often vulnerable to phishing, and other advanced forms of attack, this partnership addresses this critical vulnerability through the integration of Yubico’s industry-leading hardware security keys into XMA’s Defence solutions. 

 

By integrating Yubico’s technology, XMA can now offer customers: 

  • Hardware-based security: Keys store cryptographic credentials within a secure chip, making them immune to phishing and malware attacks that fundamentally target software vulnerabilities. 
  • Multi-factor authentication (MFA): Adding a physical key to the login process creates an extra dimension of security, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized access. 
  • Ease of use: Keys are user-friendly and simple to setup, promoting wider adoption, therefore promoting compliance. 
  • Scalability: Yubico’s solutions can be used anywhere accommodating the diverse needs of the UK Defence Sector, from individual workstations at base to large-scale deployments in theatre.

Benefits for the UK Defence Sector: 

This partnership delivers several key benefits to the UK Defence Sector: 

  • Enhances security posture: Hardware keys significantly reduce the risk of cyberattacks, safeguarding critical infrastructure and data. 
  • Improved operational efficiency: Streamlined authentication processes and reduced security incidents enhance operational efficiency. 
  • Enhanced compliance: Adherence to industry standards (e.g. FIPS140) and regulations ensures data privacy and security. 
  • Peace of mind: Knowing systems are protected with advanced security solutions allows personnel to focus on their critical missions and fulfilling their core objectives

 

To learn more out our partnership in Defence, come and visit stand 104a, at the DPRTE 2024, on the 27th of March 2024, and the Farnborough Show centre. 

We look forward to seeing you there! 

Register today to visit us on stand 104A at DPRTE 2024: https://www.dprte.co.uk/book-now/  

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