news-and-insights | Page 8 of 30

At XMA, we are passionate about helping schools, colleges, and universities across the UK create safer, more efficient digital environments for their students and staff. In partnership with Microsoft, we’re excited to offer Microsoft 365 Education E5 — the ultimate solution for secure, compliant, and future-ready education.

With the increasing reliance on digital learning and device management, educational institutions face mounting challenges around security, compliance, and cost control. Microsoft 365 Education E5 provides an all-in-one platform that addresses these needs, offering advanced management, security, privacy, and compliance tools alongside innovative teaching and learning enhancements such as Learning Accelerators, Education Insights, and Unified Communications.

Thanks to Microsoft’s Student Use Benefit, educational institutions only need to license their faculty and staff for E5 — allowing students to access a rich set of features at no extra cost.

Why upgrade to Microsoft 365 Education E5?

In a rapidly changing threat landscape, security is critical. Microsoft commissioned Forrester Consulting to conduct Total Economic Impact™ (TEI) studies for both schools (K-12) and higher education institutions. The results? Institutions upgrading to Microsoft 365 Education E5 experienced significant financial and operational benefits, including:

Enhanced security posture: Institutions saw a 15% reduction in major security breaches and a 29% lower cost to remediate incidents.
Simplified vendor management: By consolidating multiple security solutions into one Microsoft platform, schools reduced licensing costs by up to 30%.
Reduced staffing pressures: Improved security and automation meant schools avoided the need to significantly expand their IT security teams — crucial at a time when recruiting skilled professionals is increasingly difficult.
Time savings for staff: Enhanced security tools saved users up to 15 minutes per week — contributing to significant productivity gains over time..

In financial terms, the TEI studies found:

Primary and secondary schools (K-12 equivalent) experienced an ROI of 118% over three years, with benefits valued at over $4.22 million.
Higher education institutions saw an even greater ROI of 128%, with benefits exceeding $7.28 million.

New Flexible and Cost-Effective Subscription Options

Starting June 1, 2025, Microsoft will launch three-year subscription terms for Microsoft 365 E5 (and E3) in CSP, including options with or without Teams, and for Teams Enterprise licenses. This provides enhanced deal-making capabilities and more consistent purchasing options.

These new options offer three-year upfront or triennial/annual billing. Contact XMA to discuss how these new terms can benefit your institution’s long-term IT strategy and budget planning.

Beyond the Numbers: Empowering Future-Ready Learning

Microsoft 365 Education E5 is more than just a security upgrade. Institutions gain access to powerful tools that enhance communication, collaboration, and learning outcomes:

Microsoft Teams Phone enables seamless, secure communication.
Power BI empowers data-driven insights for improved decision-making.
Built-in Learning Accelerators and Education Insights support teaching innovation and student success.

Additionally, E5 helps institutions meet stringent cyber insurance requirements, manage policy compliance more easily, and control rising insurance premiums.

By providing a unified, secure, and comprehensive platform, Microsoft 365 Education E5 enables educators to focus on what matters most — delivering outstanding learning experiences in a safe and supportive environment.

Why Partner with XMA?

At XMA, we understand the unique challenges faced by UK schools, colleges, and universities. Our education specialists work closely with institutions to:

Plan and manage the transition to Microsoft 365 Education E5
Optimise licensing models to maximise the student use benefit (like the upcoming three-year subscription term)
Support IT teams with deployment, training, and ongoing management
Enhance security strategies in line with DfE digital and technology standards

Together with Microsoft, we’re committed to helping UK education institutions build a resilient, future-ready digital infrastructure — at a lower cost and with greater peace of mind.

Ready to upgrade?

Contact XMA today to learn how we can help you unlock the full potential of Microsoft 365 Education E5 for your school, college, or university.

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1 “The Total Economic Impact™ Of Microsoft 365 Education A5 Security For K-12 Schools,” a commissioned study conducted by Forrester Consulting on behalf of Microsoft. Results are based on the aggregated experiences of the interviewees and survey respondents and combined the results into a single composite organization that is a K-12 (primary and secondary education) school system with 60,000 students and 10,000 employees.

2 “The Total Economic Impact™ Of Microsoft 365 Education A5 Security For Higher Education,” a commissioned study conducted by Forrester Consulting on behalf of Microsoft. Results are based on the aggregated experiences of the interviewees and survey respondents and combined the results into a single composite organization that is a higher ed organization with a teaching hospital, 50,000 students, and 15,000 employees

As we approach the October 14, 2025, end-of-support date for Windows 10, many organisations are considering their options. One option that might seem appealing is Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. I’m Sumit Tank, Head of Consultancy at XMA, and in this blog, I want to outline why relying on ESU for devices in active use within your organisation is a risky and costly strategy, and why a proactive approach to Windows 11 migration is essential. While ESU might appear to be a convenient stopgap, its limitations and escalating costs could significantly impact productivity, the overall security of your environment, and your budget. It should be considered a measure of absolute last resort, a temporary bridge to allow time for a proper Windows 11 upgrade.

1. The Risks of Unsupported Operating Systems

After October 14, 2025, Windows 10 will no longer receive standard technical support, feature updates, or security patches from Microsoft. This creates several critical vulnerabilities:

Security Threats: Devices running Windows 10 become prime targets for cyberattacks. Even with ESU, you’re only receiving patches for “critical” and “important” security issues. This leaves you exposed to other threats, including malware and zero-day exploits.
Application Compatibility: Software vendors, for example Adobe with their PDF software, may release updates that are no longer compatible with Windows 10. This can disrupt essential tools used for working and administration.
Ongoing Support: Even with ESU enabled, there may be other updates and patches that are not applied to the Windows 10 devices.

2. Impact on Productivity and Admin

The modern organisation depends on reliable access to digital resources and applications. An unsupported Windows 10 environment presents significant challenges:

Application Disruptions: Microsoft 365 apps will no longer be supported on Windows 10 after it reaches end of support. Using Microsoft 365 on older, unsupported operating systems may cause performance and reliability issues over time. If you are using Microsoft 365 on a computer running Windows 10, Microsoft strongly recommend that you upgrade to Windows 11.

IT Support Strain: Without full Microsoft support, your IT team will face increased difficulty resolving issues, leading to longer downtimes that disrupt learning and productivity.
Falling Behind Technologically: Sticking with outdated technology hinders your ability to offer a cutting-edge environment. Relying on ESU can slow down your organisation’s progress and negatively impact your reputation.

3. The False Sense of Security with ESU

ESU provides security patches, but it’s crucial to understand that it doesn’t offer complete protection. Cybercriminals are constantly developing new methods to exploit vulnerabilities, and outdated software is an easy target. ESU can create a false sense of security, masking underlying risks that could compromise your sensitive data and operations.

4. The Escalating Costs of ESU: A Financial Burden

Beyond the security and operational risks, ESU carries a significant and rapidly increasing financial burden. Consider this:

Year 1 Cost: The first year of ESU costs $61 per device.

Year 2 & 3 Costs: This price doubles each subsequent year for a maximum of three years.

Scaling Costs: Imagine an organisation with just 100 devices. In the first year, ESU would cost $6,100. In year two, that jumps to $12,200, and in year three, a staggering $24,400! These costs quickly become unsustainable and could be far better invested in a modern, secure, and fully supported Windows 11 environment. The funds spent on ESU are essentially delaying the inevitable, while a strategic investment in new hardware or a well-planned upgrade provides long-term value.

5. A Strategic Approach: Planning for Windows 11

The best way to mitigate these risks and avoid spiralling ESU costs is to proactively plan your transition to Windows 11. This can be achieved through various methods, including:

Windows Update Services: Leveraging existing infrastructure for a managed rollout.

Microsoft Intune: For centralised management and deployment of Windows 11.

New Windows 11 Devices: Strategically replacing older hardware with devices that come pre-loaded with Windows 11.

A well-planned migration ensures a secure, modern, and efficient computing environment for both workers and admin.

Prioritise a Proactive Upgrade

While Microsoft’s ESU program offers a temporary reprieve, its limitations and escalating costs make it unsuitable as a long-term solution for devices in active use. Prioritising the upgrade to Windows 11 is a strategic investment that aligns with your organisation’s goals of providing a secure, compatible, and efficient digital learning environment. It’s about more than just security; it’s about enabling innovation, providing the best possible experience for your workforce, and making sound financial decisions.

Ready to ensure a smooth and secure transition to Windows 11 and avoid the hidden costs of ESU? Visit our Windows 11 webpage and book a Windows Readiness Assessment with XMA today! Our experts will help you assess your current environment, identify potential challenges, and develop a tailored plan for a successful migration.

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We’re pleased to announce our successful placement on the highly anticipated Tech Devices – Link 4 framework. The placement underscores XMA’s commitment to serving the UK public sector and provides organisations, including the NHS, with easy access to a comprehensive range of essential technology.

Securing a position on Tech Devices – Link 4 recognises XMA’s proven capability in supplying and supporting the diverse technology needs of public services. This framework simplifies procurement processes and ensures value for money.

Through the Tech Devices – Link 4 framework, XMA can continue to offer our public sector customers an even broader and more easily accessible portfolio of end-user devices. This includes:

• Core Computing: Laptops, notebooks, tablets, and desktop devices.
• Specialised Healthcare IT: Including workstations on wheels (WoWs), clinical reporting monitors, and vital infection control products designed for healthcare environments.
• Peripherals: Essential printers and scanners.
• Sustainable Options: High-quality refurbished and remanufactured IT goods, supporting environmental objectives.

This placement on the framework ensures that XMA’s public sector clients can efficiently procure the critical hardware they need, supported by XMA’s expertise and service commitment, ultimately benefiting service delivery across the nation.

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As more people interact with more devices, and from more locations than ever before, a robust, secure, and efficiently managed network is paramount. To shed light on current challenges and the solutions offered by Cisco and XMA, we sat down with our Solutions Architect and Cisco Insider Champion, Dale Warner.

XMA is proud to be a Cisco Premier Integrator and Select Provider, signifying our deep expertise and commitment to delivering cutting-edge Cisco solutions tailored to our customers’ unique needs. Dale’s insights, combined with XMA’s proven approach, offer valuable guidance for organisations looking to optimise their network infrastructure.

Here’s our conversation with Dale:

What are the most common network issues you see in the public sector today?

Dale Warner: “For me the three biggest issues I see are limited budgets, aging infrastructure and evolving cybersecurity threats. There are still lots of organisations relying on outdated network solutions, which has an impact on network performance, troubleshooting times, and the amount of potential security vulnerabilities.

Bridging the gap between legacy systems and modern network solutions can be an issue itself, especially if the business requirements have significantly evolved over time, this is where me and the other solution architects at XMA come in.

We are here to help customers review their current environment against their business needs, understand the market and identify what technologies are available, and turn customer end-goals into comprehensive designs.”

Why is ongoing visibility into network health so important now?

DW: “Proactive monitoring of network health is critical for any size organisation as it provides the real-time insights needed to prevent or decrease the amount of downtime and quickly address emerging issues before they escalate.

Modern network devices (switches, routers, APs, etc) are multifaceted and can act as network sensors, essentially becoming the eyes and ears of an infrastructure. Modern network management systems and health tools can then use a range of machine learning and AI analytics to help identify bottlenecks, anomalous activity, or early signs of cyberattacks.

It also helps form the foundation for predictive analytics and automated remediation.”

How does Cisco Meraki simplify network management for stretched IT teams?

DW: “Cisco Meraki utilises a cloud-managed portal that brings together all aspects of network management, from configuration and monitoring to troubleshooting, under a single unified administrator dashboard. This ‘single-pane-of-glass’ stops IT teams from managing their environment through disparate systems and/or monitoring tools. Additionally, built in automation features help to simplify routine tasks, keeping firmware and security policies up-to-date, and providing real-time insights into network performance and threats.

For years Meraki has been driven ‘under the hood’ by AI powered assurance which has benefited smaller IT teams and delivered transformative results. Going forward, we are seeing more of the Cisco portfolio coming to Meraki with cloud management and monitoring available for 9300 and 9200L switches, along with unified licensing with the new Wi-Fi 7 APs.

We are also going to see Cisco’s AI Assistant available on Meraki soon, which will be massive for all customers but will be a game changer for smaller or stretched IT teams. This chat-based generative AI tool will automate routine tasks, detect network anomalies, and optimise performance with minimal human intervention. By leveraging generative AI technologies, it provides secure, AI-driven insights across devices, applications, and networks.”

What’s different about XMA’s approach?

DW: “When it comes to Cisco networking and XMA, we distinguish ourselves through a true focus upon the customer; their organisational needs, their IT roadmap and journey, what their business does and how they best service their customers. Rather than a one-size-fits-all solution, XMA tailors its network solutions and designs to the specific and bespoke needs of its customers.”

Cisco offer customers Enterprise Agreements, what does True Forward mean as part of them?

DW: “True Forward is Cisco’s innovative billing and licensing methodology for licensing and support that allows customers to scale their network usage without incurring retroactive charges.

Under a Cisco Enterprise Agreement, instead of having to perform a “true-up” at the point of purchase, True Forward moves any excess usage forward to the next billing cycle. Additionally, the costs are fixed at the start of the EA until renewal.

This means customers can grow their network capacity as needed, with predictable, forward-looking costs and no surprise penalties for scaling up. Essentially, it transforms the licensing process into one that is growth-friendly, aligning financial planning with business needs.”

Congratulations on recently becoming a Cisco Insider Champion! How do you feel about it, and how does this help our customers going forward?

DW: “Becoming a Cisco Insider Champion is both an honour and a responsibility, and I’m really proud to have been recognised by Cisco as a technical contributor through my blogs. I feel incredibly excited and motivated, as this recognition places me in a unique position to engage directly with Cisco’s product and experience teams. It means having early access to cutting-edge innovations and channels for feedback that can shape future technology.

For our customers, this translates into benefits such as quicker access to new solutions, clearer insights into upcoming trends, and the assurance that their challenges and feedback are being heard at the highest levels.

It ultimately creates a vibrant, customer-centric ecosystem where innovation and real-world needs go hand in hand, and I get to become a voice in that community.”

XMA’s Cisco Managed Services

Addressing the challenges of limited budgets, aging infrastructure, and stretched IT teams requires more than just technology; it requires expert management. XMA use our status as a Cisco Select Provider to offer comprehensive Cisco Managed Services.

We help organisations proactively monitor, manage, and optimise their Cisco environments, freeing up internal IT teams to focus on strategic initiatives while ensuring network performance, security, and reliability.

Our managed services provide the ongoing visibility and expert support needed to navigate the complexities Dale highlighted.

Take the Next Step with XMA and Cisco

Dale’s insights underscore the challenges and opportunities in modern networking. As a Cisco Premier Integrator and Select Provider, XMA is perfectly positioned to help your organisation navigate this landscape with tailored solutions and expert managed services.

Discover more about our partnership and capabilities on our brand new Cisco partner page.

Ready to discuss how Cisco solutions can address your specific challenges? Get in touch with our expert team today.

For more technical insights and perspectives from Dale, read his latest blog posts.

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XMA are announcing an exclusive partnership with Tsecond, a pioneer in innovation for Edge infrastructure, including data capture, movement, inferencing, and storage. This collaboration brings Tsecond’s innovative BRYCK® technology to the UK market, offering both public and private sector organisations unprecedented speed, security, and efficiency for managing large-scale data along with AI inferencing capabilities for real-time data processing and analytics.

In an era where data volumes are exploding, businesses and public sector bodies face significant challenges in moving large datasets quickly, securely, and cost-effectively. Traditional methods often fall short, creating bottlenecks and hindering progress. Tsecond’s BRYCK® technology directly addresses these challenges, providing a robust solution for ultra-fast, secure, and portable petabyte-scale data transfer. Its latest innovation, BRYCK AI, supports various AI workloads in communications and power-denied environments.

Sahil Chawla, CEO of Tsecond, commented on the partnership’s broader vision: “Through our exclusive partnership with XMA Ltd, we’re empowering businesses across the UK, Ireland, and Europe to harness the power of Edge innovation. We’re delivering tangible improvements in data handling and edge inferencing – faster transfers, greater capacity, better portability, and increased efficiency – alongside a strong commitment to sustainability and customer success.”

The partnership leverages XMA’s extensive market reach, established customer relationships, and deep expertise in deploying technology solutions across diverse sectors within the UK. XMA will be the sole provider of BRYCK® technology solutions and associated services throughout the UK.

Darren Howe, Strategy & Commercial Director at XMA, highlighted the immediate value for UK customers: “Our exclusive partnership with Tsecond introduces their groundbreaking BRYCK® technology, heralding a new level of data mobility and high-performance edge computing. By combining this technology with XMA’s reach, we’re equipping businesses with secure, sustainable, and scalable tools that truly enhance their data management processes.”

BRYCK® technology offers a compelling alternative for organisations dealing with massive data sets in fields such as research, media production, aerospace and aviation, government and defence, cloud seeding, edge computing, and data archiving. It enables rapid data movement, enhances data security through its physical nature, and offers a potentially more sustainable option compared to continuous large-scale cloud transfers.

XMA and Tsecond are committed to supporting UK organisations in overcoming their data challenges and unlocking new opportunities through this powerful combination of technology and market expertise.

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The clock is ticking. With Microsoft ending support for Windows 10 in October 2025, Higher Education institutions face a critical challenge: how to manage potentially thousands of aging PCs that can’t run Windows 11.

Replacing entire fleets of devices is a massive expense, often exceeding already strained budgets. Ignoring the problem, however, leaves your institution vulnerable to security risks and compatibility issues.

XMA and Google offer a smarter solution: ChromeOS Flex.

ChromeOS Flex is the cloud-first operating system that breathes new life into your existing PCs and Macs. It’s a secure, fast, and easy-to-manage alternative to Windows, designed specifically for the demands of modern education.

Why ChromeOS Flex Is The Right Choice For Higher Education:

Drastically Reduce Costs: Avoid the massive expense of replacing hardware. ChromeOS Flex runs smoothly on older devices, extending their lifespan and potentially saving your institution thousands of pounds.
Simplify IT Management: ChromeOS Flex is cloud-managed, making deployments, updates, and security patches incredibly easy. Reduce the workload on your IT staff and free them up for more strategic initiatives.
Uncompromising Security: Protect student and institutional data with built-in virus protection, sandboxing, and verified boot. Automatic updates ensure you’re always protected against the latest threats.
Seamless Google Workspace Integration: Provide students and faculty with instant access to the familiar and powerful tools of Google Workspace for Education, including Classroom, Docs, Sheets, Slides, and more.
Enhanced Accessibility: ChromeOS Flex offers built-in accessibility features like screen readers, voice typing, and customisable settings, ensuring all students can participate fully in learning.
Promote Sustainability: Extend the life of your existing hardware and significantly reduce e-waste, demonstrating your commitment to environmental responsibility.
Addressing your concerns: ChromeOS Flex is designed for an easy transition. It is compatible with a large range of hardware. The Jumpstart program, offered by XMA, makes the change as smooth and easy as possible, with deployment and install handled.

Achieve Success With Chromebooks and ChromeOS Flex

ChromeOS Flex and Chromebooks have already seen success in the Education Sector. We implemented our Chromebook Library Loan Program with the University of Hertfordshire.

“They are quick to open and get started – we use them in guest mode, so no log in required and they auto connect to our UH wifi, the students loan them via our LapSafe lockers which uses our library management system.”

-University of Hertfordshire

Don't Wait Until It's Too Late.

Contact XMA today to schedule a consultation and learn how ChromeOS Flex and our Jumpstart Program can help your institution navigate the Windows 10 end-of-life transition smoothly, securely, and affordably. Request a demo or speak to an expert: [Link to Contact Form]

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For small to medium businesses (SMBs), staying ahead of the curve is crucial. That’s why the upcoming end of support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, is more than just a date on the calendar – it’s an opportunity. Here at XMA, we want to help your business not just survive, but thrive. And by upgrading to Windows 11, and doing it now, HP and XMA allow your business to do just that. You’ll not only benefit from better hardware and Windows 11, but you can save up to £45,000 with HP’s exclusive “HP for SMB” program!

But why the urgency? Let’s break down five compelling reasons:

1. Security Isn't Negotiable – It's Essential

Your operating system is the foundation of your business’s digital security. Running an unsupported OS, like Windows 10 after its end-of-life date, is like building a house on sand. It exposes you to increased security risks, and the potential fallout – financial losses, reputational damage, and compliance headaches – can be devastating.

Cyber insurance policies are also getting stricter. Many now require up-to-date operating systems, and failing to comply could mean denied claims or higher premiums. Sources like the NCSC.GOV.UK and business insurance providers like Hiscox highlight the significant cyber security risks that impact Small Businesses. Upgrading to Windows 11 is a crucial step in maintaining compliance and protecting your bottom line.

2. Don't Get Left Behind with Unsupported Software

You rely on Microsoft 365 Apps and on-premises Office suites, right? After October 14, 2025, these crucial tools will no longer be supported on Windows 10 (Microsoft Support). This doesn’t mean they’ll instantly stop working, but it does mean no more phone/chat/email support, no security updates or hotfixes, and potential compatibility issues with new features. Even purchasing Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) won’t change this – your Microsoft 365 Apps will still be in an unsupported configuration.

3. Time Flies – Don't Wait Until the Last Minute

Migrating to a new operating system isn’t an overnight task. It requires careful planning, stakeholder buy-in, and thorough testing. Even though Windows 11 is built on a similar platform to Windows 10, your IT team still needs time for compatibility assessments, pilot programs, and full deployment.

And if you have devices that aren’t compatible with Windows 11, you’ll need to factor in procurement and supply lead times. The sooner you start, the smoother the transition will be. XMA, in partnership with HP, offers a Windows 11 readiness assessment service to streamline this process.

4. Leverage the Power of Windows 11

Upgrading isn’t just about avoiding problems; it’s about embracing opportunities. Windows 11 offers significant benefits in security, productivity, and manageability (Microsoft).

It comes with enhanced security features like hardware-based isolation, encryption, and malware protection. Combine that with HP Wolf Security, and you’ve got a robust defence against modern threats. Windows 11 is also designed for productivity, with features like Snap Layouts, improved Microsoft Teams integration, and even AI-powered enhancements.

The result? Real-world ROI and lower IT costs. Forrester’s Total Economic Impact report provides a deeper dive into these benefits. Plus, modernising your systems with features like Autopilot and Autopatch (some features require Windows Enterprise) can streamline deployments and updates, freeing up your IT team’s time. You can calculate the savings you can make with Windows 11 Pro devices with this fantastic calculator!

5. Save Big with an Exclusive HP Offer!

Here’s some fantastic news: HP is offering an incredible limited-time deal to help you save up to £45,000! Through the “HP for SMB” program, you can claim cashback when you trade in your old devices and upgrade to Windows 11.

Here’s the breakdown:

Claim £450 for each old device traded in.

One trade-in per new device purchased.

Maximum of 100 devices (£45,000 cashback) per business.

Offer valid until April 30, 2025.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Don’t wait until the deadline is looming. Embrace the future of business technology with Windows 11, HP, and XMA. We’re here to help you create a roadmap for a seamless and successful transition. Contact XMA today, and let’s get started!

Here’s some further resources for a deep dive into Windows 11:

IDC Executive Brief: The Refresh Imperative: The Value of Deploying New, More Secure, Generative AI Centric PCs Ahead of the Windows 10 End of Service

Forrester Study: Total Economic Impact of Windows 11 Pro Devices

Windows 11 Pro for business

Plan for Windows 10 EOS with Windows 11, Windows 365, and ESU

See how other customers experienced a smooth upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 Pro

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Many small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are reluctant to upgrade their technology due to concerns about cost or disruption. But in 2025, the cost of doing nothing might outweigh any perceived savings.

The Hidden Costs of Outdated Technology

1. Productivity Slowdowns

Aging devices and legacy systems are slow and prone to errors, causing teams to waste valuable time.
Example: Employees often face delays with older hardware, such as sluggish boot times or compatibility issues with modern software. Over time, these inefficiencies pile up, reducing overall team productivity.

2. Cybersecurity Risks

Outdated systems lack modern security protocols, leaving SMBs vulnerable to cyber threats such as ransomware or phishing.
Tie-In: Windows 11, available on Surface devices, offers advanced, built-in security features like secure boot and hardware-based protections to safeguard sensitive business data.

3. Collaboration Barriers

Hybrid teams depend on modern tools for collaboration, but older tech struggles to support cloud-based platforms like Microsoft 365.
Result: Teams face challenges in sharing files, co-authoring, and participating in seamless virtual meetings.

4. Increased Maintenance Costs

Outdated hardware often requires frequent repairs and downtime. These hidden costs can exceed the price of investing in newer, more efficient tools.

The Microsoft Ecosystem - A Unified Solution for SMBs

Many small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are reluctant to upgrade their technology due to concerns about cost or disruption. But in 2025, the cost of doing nothing might outweigh any perceived savings.

1. Work and Collaborate from Anywhere

Surface Devices: Compact, portable, and equipped with long battery life, Surface devices are ideal for SMB employees working on the go.
Microsoft 365: With tools like Teams, OneDrive, and SharePoint, teams can work together from anywhere, sharing files, co-authoring in real-time, and attending meetings virtually.
Seamless Integration: Surface is optimised for Microsoft Teams, offering high-quality cameras, noise-canceling features, and fast connectivity to ensure a premium video conferencing experience.

2. Safety and Security

Surface Hardware Security: Multi-layered security, including firmware, OS, and cloud-based protections.
Microsoft 365 Security: Tools like Intune and Defender for Business allow businesses to monitor devices and safeguard data remotely, ensuring peace of mind for SMBs managing a dispersed workforce.

3. Simplified IT Management

Features like Windows Autopilot and Microsoft Intune streamline IT management, enabling SMBs to deploy and manage devices without a large IT team.
These tools reduce complexity and ensure all devices are updated, secured, and running smoothly.

4. Cost Efficiency

Investing in modern tech can save money in the long term. According to the International Data Corporation (IDC), SMBs can save up to $9,000 per device over its lifecycle by choosing Surface and Microsoft 365.
Fewer maintenance issues, increased productivity, and enhanced security all contribute to significant cost savings.

XMA – Your Partner in IT Modernisation

Microsoft Surface Gold Partner & Microsoft Cloud Solution Partner – Uniquely positioned to deliver with our Microsoft ecosystem expertise

Device Management As A Service Options- Supporting Deployment, management, Break/Fix thru to retirement and second/third life options.

Authorised service provider- With your own Account Manager, e can become a single point of contact for your School or Trust- Offering a seamless procurement process and support any hardware or repair tickets you have for Surface as an Authorised Service Provider.

Contact XMA today for a free consultation and see how upgrading to Microsoft Surface, Microsoft 365, and Windows 11 can transform your business.

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XMA are proud to announce the completion and launch of Sheffield United Community Foundation’s first eSports gaming lab. This gaming lab will be a pivotal hub for uplifting gamers across the community into potential careers, whilst also acting as a beacon for team-spirit and collaboration for many young people who enjoy their favourite team-based games.

As interest in esports has grown over the years, communities have taken note. The announcement of the Esports Olympic games, to be held later this year, has ignited the passion of gamers everywhere – on both a national and local level. For many, esports offer a level playing field, championing exclusivity and the chance for anyone, if they’re good enough, to take up the mantle of an esports champion. SUCF hopes that they can facilitate home-grown talent.

XMA took this opportunity in stride, contacting and working with industry-leading partners to make this happen for SUFC. The foundation of a gaming lab is the hardware, the PCs that power the games. XMA partnered with Overclockers, the UK’s leading PC building company, to custom-build PCs that handle any game thrown at them. XMA’s designers also create bespoke Rocket League (one of the Esports Olympic-eligible games) decals to showcase team spirit.

'' Coordinating the gaming project with AOC, SteelSeries, and Overclockers was incredibly positive. Each vendor brought their expertise in monitors, peripherals, and PCs, which created a collaborative atmosphere and great customer interaction. Having them on-site together led to a smooth and successful project with positive customer feedback. " - David Hearn, eSports Solutions Architect, XMA

AOC were the trusted partners providing monitors for the lab. Their monitors deliver crystal-clear images to give gamers that competitive edge. SteelSeries provided the peripherals, such as playmats, mic, keyboards, and headsets. As industry-leading partners, this highlighted the commitment to providing the best technology to local communities, giving gamers the best chance to level up and soar through the leagues.

Through the support of our partners, and the hard work of our team, XMA are incredibly privileged to have had a hand in bringing eSports to the Sheffield community. It signifies our commitment to collaboration and unity, as well as our drive to provide communities with new ways to engage and excel.

Our Studio Lead Nicola Whitely give us her hands-on impression with AOC’s U3 Graphic Pro monitor. Will it hold up to her busy work schedule and deliver on it’s promises? Find out below!

The 32” AOC U3 Graphic Pro monitor (To give its full name, the U32U3CV) is an absolute game-changer for any creative! As a Graphic Designer working on multiple projects with different design requirements, I need a monitor that can keep up with demanding workflow and this one certainly delivers.

The colour accuracy is phenomenal. The monitor comes with Calman Ready technology, meaning that it takes a fraction of the time to calibrate compared to the previous monitors I’ve had. It took me a few minutes, compared to other monitors where I’ve fiddled with settings for the better part of a day. It delivers 98% DCI-P3 coverage and 100% Rec. 709 coverage, which means colours are vibrant and true-to-life, essential when presenting work. And with Delta E <2 colour accuracy, I can trust that what I see on screen is what I’ll get in my final output. I don’t have to worry now about colour inaccuracy!

I’m dedicating a full paragraph just to the fact it’s Vesa Certified DisplayHDR™ 400. I’ve worked with “HDR compatible” screens in the past, and they have never fully delivered on their promise. True DisplayHDR™ 400 is a game-changer, delivering outstanding brightness, contrast, and colour peak brightness of up to 400 nits. It’s genuinely felt like I’ve been working in the stone age on past monitors, I’m never going back to anything that does not have this certification.

But it’s not just about performance, it’s about comfort too. I really appreciate how sleek and modern the design is, and the 32” 4-side frameless screen makes it feel like I’m working on a canvas rather than a monitor. The adjustable height, tilt, and swivel mean I can find the perfect ergonomic position, even after hours of staring at the screen. No more stiff neck and aching back! The aesthetics make it feel high-end and fit for the discerning creative.

If you’ve done any creative position, you know you’ll be juggling devices, and living with a desktop that represents a jungle is frustrating! With the Graphic Pro monitor, this is now a thing of the past, and I can reclaim my desk space back! The USB-C connection is a lifesaver, allowing me to connect my laptop and charge it simultaneously with just one cable. I don’t really know what to do with all this free space! (maybe more half-full water bottles?)

Overall, the AOC U3 Graphic Pro monitor is a dream come true for any Designer. It’s got the colour accuracy, connectivity, and comfort I need to tackle any project, all in a stylish package.

If you’re serious about your creative work (which I hope you are if you’re reading this), this is the monitor for you!

If your creatives need a boost, a new monitor might be just what they need!
Contact us at avuc@xma.co.uk and let us help bring a fresh perspective to their creative work.

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Transforming Education with XMA and Microsoft: The Power of Microsoft 365 Education E5

The Hidden Risks and Rising Costs of Relying on Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU)

XMA Awarded Place on Major Public Sector Framework: Tech Devices – Link 4

Navigating Modern Network Challenges with XMA’s Cisco Insider Champion, Dale Warner

XMA Announces Exclusive UK Partnership with Tsecond to Transform Data Handling with BRYCK® Technology

Windows 10 End-of-Support is Coming. Are You Ready?

Why ChromeOS Flex Is The Right Choice For Higher Education:

Achieve Success With Chromebooks and ChromeOS Flex

Don't Wait Until It's Too Late.

Is Your Business Ready for the Future? 5 Reasons to Upgrade to Windows 11 with HP and XMA

1. Security Isn't Negotiable – It's Essential

2. Don't Get Left Behind with Unsupported Software

3. Time Flies – Don't Wait Until the Last Minute

4. Leverage the Power of Windows 11

5. Save Big with an Exclusive HP Offer!

The Cost of Doing Nothing: Why Sticking to Old Tech is Risky for SMBs in 2025

The Hidden Costs of Outdated Technology

The Microsoft Ecosystem - A Unified Solution for SMBs

XMA – Your Partner in IT Modernisation

Rocket League and eSports come to Sheffield

Through the support of our partners, and the hard work of our team, XMA are incredibly privileged to have had a hand in bringing eSports to the Sheffield community. It signifies our commitment to collaboration and unity, as well as our drive to provide communities with new ways to engage and excel.

A Creative’s Dream Come True!

Our Studio Lead Nicola Whitely give us her hands-on impression with AOC’s U3 Graphic Pro monitor. Will it hold up to her busy work schedule and deliver on it’s promises? Find out below!

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