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Walking the Walk: XMA’s End-Of-Year Community Impact

At XMA, it’s important to show up for the people and places around us. This quarter, we wanted to see how much practical good we could do, both through our daily habits and specific fundraising events. 

Here is what happens when you turn good intentions into action. 

 

£8,000 via YuLife 

How far can a walk around the block really go? As it turns out, quite a long way. 

We use the YuLife app to track our wellness activity. But rather than just counting steps, we converted that activity into currency. By simply moving more and banking mindfulness minutes, our team generated a total of £8,000 in donations. 

We split this evenly across four causes that deal with the essentials of life: water, food, and the environment. 

  • £2,000 for Big Blue Ocean Cleanup: Removing plastic from our seas. 
  • £2,000 for Clean Water for Families: Because safe drinking water shouldn’t be a luxury. 
  • £2,000 for Planting Trees: Restoring habitats and capturing carbon. 
  • £2,000 for Share The Meal: Providing food to children in urgent need. 

 

£325 for Macmillan Cancer Research 

In November, we proved that you can fight cancer with coffee and cake. We hosted our very own Macmillan Coffee Morning, where our teams baked, bought, and ate their way to a £325 total. 

It sounds simple, but that money pays for Macmillan nurses to support families facing their toughest days. 

 

Service Desk Style Statements: Over £100 for Children in Need & RSPCA 

Our Service Desk team is usually focused on technical fixes, but this quarter they focused on fashion crimes for a good cause. 

They traded their usual office wear for a Pyjama Day, raising £60 for Children in Need. Not content with just one wardrobe change, they also hosted a “What a Load of Shirt” Day, raising a further £42 for the RSPCA with tacky and loud shirts! It proves that you don’t need to take yourself seriously to make a difference. 

 

Our XMA Charity Raffle: Over £2,000 for Local Support 

We rounded off a fantastic November with our XMA Company Raffle and Fun Day, raising £2,045 to be split between two vital organisations in Scotland: CEA (Committed to Ending Abuse) and River Kids. 

These charities do heavy lifting in our Scottish community, whether it’s helping victims of abuse rebuild their lives or supplying toys and essentials to disadvantaged families. We are proud to back them with the funds they need to keep operating. XMA matched staff donations, which provided an additional £1,000 to each charity! 

Find out more about CEA: Home – CEA – Committed to Ending Abuse 

Find out more about River Kids: https://www.riverkids.org.uk  

 

The XMA Giving Tree: Delivering for KidsOut 

Christmas is supposed to be magical, but for children living in refuge after escaping domestic violence, it can be incredibly difficult. 

Through the KidsOut Giving Tree initiative, our employees bought and donated gifts and necessities to be distributed this Christmas. The total items donated is in excess of 200. It’s a small gesture that ensures a child has a gift to open on Christmas morning. 

Find out more about KidsOut: KidsOut – The Fun & Happiness Charity 

 

Thank you to everyone at XMA who walked, baked, bought raffle tickets, or donated a gift. Here’s to doing even more in 2026! 

Practicing What We Preach: A Candid Q&A on Cyber Resilience with XMA’s Head of IT Security & Compliance

In the IT channel, it is easy to talk about security in the abstract. But at XMA, we don’t just recommend security architectures, we live them. As a major IT solutions provider managing critical infrastructure for UK government bodies and large enterprises, we also must be on top of our cyber resilience.  

To be a true strategic Technology Partner, we must practice what we preach. We sat down with Charlotte King, XMA Group’s Head of IT Security & Compliance, to discuss the reality of defending a modern organisation. From the rise of AI-driven phishing to the dangers of the “silver bullet” mindset, here is the view from the inside. 

 

Section 1: The View from the Inside 

Q: As Head of InfoSec for a major IT solutions provider, you see a broad spectrum of threats. Moving beyond the buzzwords, what are the specific, high-risk trends keeping you up at night right now? 

Charlotte King: Firstly, our prevention controls – are they actually working? It’s not enough to have shiny tools, we need to constantly test and tune them to keep attackers out. This is not a “one and done” exercise. It keeps us on our toes every single day. 

Supply chain attacks are a real headache, and we have seen several big ones this year. We rely on suppliers for hardware and software, so if they’re compromised, so are we, and this affects our valued customers. Downtime or breaches in the supply chain can ripple right through our environment and soon become the critical task of the day. 

Phishing is relentless. Email remains a favourite attack vector, and the sophistication of these attacks is only increasing with AI. Finally, our staff – are we doing enough to train and support them? Are our technical teams prepared and well enough resourced to cope with the “business as usual” work and then the swerve balls that can come from suppliers, customers, or our industry partners? 

 

Q: We manage critical infrastructure for customers across the UK, including government bodies. How do we approach our own security to ensure we remain resilient against supply chain attacks? 

CK: We do a vast number of things to help with this. We certify and align to recognised security standards and frameworks. You can’t be an IT company these days without having these external validations of your policies and controls. We have just completed the re-cert for ISO 27001:2022 and have Cyber Essentials Plus next week. 

The audit cycle helps us to be continuously aware of possible weaknesses so we can fix and strengthen them. For us, security isn’t static, it’s not a goal or a destination, it’s our everyday. We’re always assessing our people, processes, and technology, reviewing how we can make it better, stronger, more resilient or efficient. We look at how these multiple layers of security can ensure that if one fails, others stand in the way. 

We have recently made big improvements to our supply chain onboarding. We don’t just trust our suppliers blindly, we vet them thoroughly. 

 

Section 2: The Human Firewall 

Q: Technology is only half the battle. How do you approach security culture at XMA to ensure staff are an active line of defence rather than a vulnerability? 

CK: Technology and processes are only half the battle. We have all sorts of people here at XMA, from technical teams to sales, and the usual back-office support staff too. We have robust staff security training, and we run ongoing simulated phishing campaigns and monthly bulletins to help keep security in everyone’s mind. 

This month our bulletin was for Black Friday and Christmas scams, helping keep our staff safe in and outside of work. I would like to think we also have an approachable security and compliance team. We make it easy for staff to ask questions and report issues. We are also looking at a Security Champions programme to help further embed security advocates in every department. 

 

Q: Phishing remains a primary trigger for security breaches. With the rise of AI-generated content, attacks are becoming harder to spot. What specific “tells” should organisations teach their staff to look for in 2026? 

CK: You’re right, and in fact, AI is making it easier for attackers to craft convincing messages. As a business, we have a strong online presence, so finding who works here isn’t difficult. So, it comes down to our staff to be careful with emails, whilst knowing much of it will be caught by our tools and filters. 

Check URLs and domains carefully. Hover before you click! Watch for odd language or tone. AI can mimic, but it’s not always colloquially perfect. Scam psychology is to provide a sense of Scarcity, Urgency, Authority, or FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out). If the email has that, you don’t recognise the sender, or it seems a bit off, use the easy reporting mechanisms we have at XMA which make it simple for staff to flag suspicious emails. 

 

Q: With the ease of using AI tools, Shadow IT is a growing governance nightmare. How can IT Directors and business owners identify unapproved applications without halting productivity? 

CK: This is always a balance: to permit staff to access tools or applications that allow them to innovate, whilst being secure and well-governed. We publish a clear applications catalogue for staff to use as a first point of call. 

If the application we already have doesn’t meet their needs, we make it easy for staff to find and request approved tools, which then goes through a due diligence process. This allows some flexibility for niche needs whilst meeting security standards. Admin rights are locked down so staff can’t install software without authorisation. 

 

Q: Many organisations have security policies that sit in a drawer and are rarely read. How can businesses create policies that employees actually follow, rather than work around? 

CK: At XMA we have one clear, concise user agreement, signed annually. Keeping it short, simple, and in plain language means staff are more likely to engage with it. We track compliance of this overarching policy, and it forms a key part of our security foundation. Generally, if a workflow is built into technology (perhaps the triage of a suspicious email) that’s better than a dusty process document. 

 

Section 3: Our Vendor-Agnostic Take 

Q: Vendors often promise a single tool will solve all security problems. Why is this mindset dangerous, and what is the reality of building a layered defence? 

CK: Every department has different needs. What works for procurement might not work for sales, so you have to create a layered defence to protect all systems, people, and physical assets. Single tools can fail. Relying on one solution is risky and not resilient. 

Layered defence is key. Using specialist tools that work together, supporting your people and processes, means you can protect your business even if one security system stops working. We’ve seen big security vendors hit by ransomware, configuration changes impacting uptime, and global hyperscalers suffering significant downtime. No security vendor is immune to some kind of failure, so we need to spread our bets insightfully across tools and technology to keep the wheels of commerce turning for our stakeholders. 

 

Q: If a customer (whether an SMB owner or a Public Sector compliance officer) could make one immediate change today to improve their security posture, what should it be? 

CK: Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) everywhere you can. It’s one of the simplest, most effective ways to block attackers. This is for all areas: social media, work applications, shopping portals. Call out suppliers that don’t have MFA on their applications. Oh, and mandate a corporate password manager too. 

 

 

Need a Strategic Partner who understands the reality of cyber threats? 

At XMA, we don’t just sell technology, we use it to secure our own business every day. Contact your XMA Account Manager or talk to us at enquiries@xma.co.uk to discuss how we can help you build a resilient, layered defence. 

Beyond the Patch: Why ESU Is a Stopgap, Not a Strategy for AI and Security

The Windows 10 End of Support deadline has passed. Many organisations have opted for Extended Security Updates (ESU) to buy time. While this maintains compliance in the short term, it is not a long-term solution.

Paying for ESU is effectively an investment in a dead-end platform. It keeps the lights on, but it does not deliver new value. More importantly, maintaining a legacy fleet actively blocks your organisation from leveraging the two biggest drivers of modern IT value: Artificial Intelligence and hardware-backed security.

Here is why shifting your budget from ESU to a Windows 11 migration is the only viable choice for 2025 and onwards.

The AI Hardware Gap

The UK market is moving quickly. Research indicates that 68% of UK enterprises are implementing or planning to implement AI solutions this year.1 However, software is only half the equation.

Effective AI deployment requires modern hardware. Legacy devices running Windows 10 typically lack the Neural Processing Units (NPUs) necessary to run AI workloads locally and efficiently. By keeping these older devices in circulation, you create a performance ceiling for your workforce.

You cannot run modern, intelligent tools on outdated infrastructure. Migrating to Windows 11 allows you to deploy devices capable of handling the computational demands of the next five years.

Software Patches vs. Hardware Security

ESU provides critical security patches, but it does not address the fundamental architectural weaknesses of a legacy OS.

Modern security threats attack the hardware and firmware layers, not just the software. Windows 11 introduces mandatory hardware-backed security requirements (such as TPM 2.0 and strictly enforced code integrity) that Windows 10 devices simply cannot support.

Relying on ESU leaves your attack surface dangerously large. For any IT leader tasked with ensuring operational resilience, relying solely on software patching is an unmanaged risk.

Move from Reactive Costs to Proactive Investment

Every pound spent on ESU is a reactive cost. It prevents failure but does not improve performance.

That same budget should fund proactive investments in technology that improves productivity. By moving to Windows 11 now, you stop funding obsolescence and start building a platform that supports your business goals.

How XMA Can Help

We understand that migration is a complex logistical challenge. XMA provides a clear, cost-effective path forward.

  • Audit & Assess: We identify which devices in your fleet are blocking AI adoption and creating security risks.
  • Deploy: We manage the rollout of secure-by-design Windows 11 devices.
  • Manage Costs: Our leasing options allow you to equip your team with modern technology for a predictable monthly cost, avoiding large upfront capital expenses.

Don’t let legacy hardware dictate your strategy. Contact XMA today at enquries@xma.co.uk to plan your migration.

[1] UK Artificial Intelligence (AI) Statistics And Trends In 2025 – Forbes Advisor UK

Android Desktop: How does Security and Management Change with Phones as Primary Devices?

This is the fourth in a series of blog posts exploring Android Desktop. Our Head of Pre-Sales, Scott Wright, will be looking at the current state of Android Desktop, following its improvement as release approaches, examining use cases, looking at essential apps & peripherals and more. 

Picture of Scott Wright

Scott Wright

Scott is XMA’s Head of Pre-Sales. An IT industry greybeard, he believes strongly that proper planning & preparation prevents poor performance.

Something a little different for this one – I sat down with Charlotte King, XMA Group’s Head of IT Security & Compliance to discuss her thoughts on how a shift to an Android device as the primary (only) device for some users might affect security and compliance. Below are my notes from that conversation.

Charlotte King: XMA group currently has all Android devices enrolled in Intune. Although there is a security baseline in place covering encryption, patching, etc. this change in device use should trigger a review of that baseline to ensure it remains fit for purpose given the significant increase in usage and in the variety of applications used which is likely to occur.

Similarly, the IT Use Policy should not require changes but should be reviewed in the context of this new usage. Some elements will increase in priority, for example the use of unauthorised charging cables (which presents a security risk) may need additional training.

The same Smart Update process used on Windows devices, which monitors user experience to trigger a device refresh rather than arbitrary dates, should be extended to Android devices.

Remote support tools should be reviewed to ensure that the same level of ease of use and functionality in remote device access is provided for Android devices as is currently available for Windows devices and the security of those tools must be assessed.

Historically XMA has seen higher rates of breakage on mobile devices. This will need to be factored into the costings for a device use change unless it can be mitigated via device selection or accessories. This is especially significant given that it is likely that a more expensive device would be issued.
[note from Scott – I am doing some testing on devices of different specifications to see what’s needed for a good experience]

Security features would also be a key consideration for device selection with a highly effective fingerprint reader being the preferred solution after initial consideration but testing of alternative methods for rapid, secure device unlock would be called for.

MFA would also need some consideration. Currently the mobile device is used as the MFA platform deliberately to separate it from the primary device, this would not be possible where an android device is fulfilling both roles. Potentially a phone compatible token solution such as Yubikey would alleviate these concerns.

Testing of applications will need to occur, just as with the recent Windows 11 migration, with especial focus on key line of business apps.

An endpoint security solution for mobile should be considered with thought given especially to capabilities that may be missing from the current desktop endpoint security solution.

Android devices are considered to be easier to manage by the XMA IT team with less administrator intervention needed for updates and a much lower frequency of updates negatively impacting user experience.

The total number of managed devices will be reduced since the majority of likely candidates for this change in device strategy currently have both a Windows and Android device.

Auditing and certifications is expected to be faster, and therefore less expensive.

There is the potential for a saving in Microsoft Licensing given the various options that are available for devices with smaller screens.
[note from Scott – I will be raising this question with Microsoft as small devices docked with large monitors is not a scenario mentioned by the current user agreement]

 

Scott Wright: Some interesting points, I think, and a good outline of the assurance process that will likely be required for most organisations considering an introduction of Android devices as laptop replacements.

Work Like a Pro: Why ‘Good Enough’ IT Tools Are Costing Your Business

In today’s hybrid work model, clear communication and reliable collaboration are non-negotiable. Many organisations, however, still rely on consumer-grade tools to bridge the gap, like personal earbuds for critical calls or the built-in webcam for a high-stakes meeting. 

This ‘good enough’ approach is often a false economy. It’s the daily friction of background noise, patchy calls, and unsecure software that drains focus, confidence, and productivity. It’s the difference between just getting through the day and performing at your best. 

Jabra’s “Work like a pro” concept is built on one promise: professional-grade tools create professional outcomes. This isn’t about features for their own sake; it’s about delivering measurable improvements to how your teams sound, meet, and focus. 

 

Sound Clear. Stay Focused. 

Think about the daily frustrations of poor audio. “Sorry, you’re breaking up”. The dog barks. The café chatter is louder than your voice. Poor audio isn’t just a mild annoyance. Research shows it can increase employee stress levels by 55%1. 

Jabra Evolve headsets are built for modern work. They are engineered to solve these specific problems: 

  • Jabra Clear Voice™ technology cuts through background noise so you sound sharp, confident, and credible. 
  • Industry-leading active noise cancellation blocks distractions, allowing you to “Focus like a pro” no matter what’s happening in the background. 

The result is a measurable improvement in communication. A study on modern meetings found that teams using Jabra professional tools report +27% clearer conversations and +35% more confident communication2. 

 

Be Seen and Heard Like a Pro 

The same principle applies to video. Being seen doubles attention and engagement. Yet, many meeting rooms are not properly equipped for today’s needs. In fact, only 15% of employees report that all their meeting rooms are equipped for video meetings2. 

Jabra PanaCast video solutions are designed to “turn any space into an inclusive meeting room”. 

  • They provide panoramic, full-room coverage (often 180°) to ensure everyone is in the frame, even in small huddle spaces. 
  • Intelligent framing automatically keeps the conversation flowing naturally, keeping everyone in the picture. 

This focus on inclusive video leads to +47% stronger collaboration and +16% more trust in meetings2. Furthermore, the devices are practical for IT. The PanaCast 40 VBS, for example, can go from box to first meeting in under 12 minutes with a secure, wall-mounted installation3. 

 

Manage and Protect Like a Pro 

Beyond the call quality, Jabra’s professional portfolio is built for business operations. Consumer devices were not built to protect business data and create significant headaches for IT departments. 

Jabra solutions are different: 

  • Device Management: The Jabra+ dashboard provides full fleet control, allowing IT teams to update, troubleshoot, and manage all devices remotely from one secure platform. 
  • Security: Jabra devices are designed with enterprise-grade protection. They feature end-to-end encryption to ensure professional conversations and data stay private. 
  • Future-Proofed for AI: Jabra is also built for the next wave of work. Evolve2 headsets feature 97% accurate voice pickup for AI4, enabling reliable, hands-free interactions with AI assistants. 

 

Go from Good Enough to Great 

This focus on durable, secure, and high-performing tools is why 80% of Fortune 500 companies trust Jabra5. 

“Good enough” tools get you through the day. Professional solutions help you stand out. It’s time to stop making do and start leading the way. Go from good enough to great. 

Ready to upgrade? Explore Jabra’s professional audio and video solutions on our XMA Store or reach out to us at enquiries@xma.co.uk to find out how we can help your organisation work smarter and collaborate more effectively. 

 

 

–

[1] Jabra Hybrid Ways of Working, 2023 Global Report.

[2] A Jabra study at the London School of Economics’ Behavioural Lab on the impact of technology on people in modern meetings

[3] Based on GN internal UX testing, March 2025.

[4] Jabra Commercial Disclaimers – Force Technology study 2024.

[5] Jabra Sales Data

Beyond Windows 10: A Strategic Opportunity for Compliance and Modernisation

The end of official support for Windows 10 marks a strategic turning point for UK organisations. It’s a clear opportunity to move your business from a reactive footing to a proactive one. The migration to Windows 11 is a business-critical decision that allows you to secure your operations, protect your data, and build a modern, resilient technology foundation. 

 

A Strategic Path to Modern Compliance and Governance 

For large enterprises and public sector bodies, achieving compliance is essential for operational continuity. Windows 11 is built with a modern security architecture designed to help you meet these goals. 

  • Hardware-Level Security: Windows 11’s requirement for TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module) provides hardware-based encryption. This is a critical component for protecting sensitive data and aligning with stringent standards like Cyber Essentials Plus. 
  • Control Data Access: The operating system delivers robust identity protection, vital for implementing zero-trust principles. This gives you granular control over who accesses sensitive data, a key part of modern governance and risk management. 
  • Invest in a Modern Platform: Migrating to Windows 11 is an investment in a platform that receives continuous security innovation. This protects your organisation from emerging threats and demonstrates a clear commitment to security best practices. 

 

For the Growth-Focused Business Owner 

If you are a Small or Medium Business (SMB) owner, your focus is on reliability and growth, not IT problems. You need technology that works, protects you, and stays out of the way. The move to Windows 11 directly supports these needs. 

  • Protect Your Business: A cyber-attack can cause serious disruption. Windows 11’s improved security baseline provides a much stronger defence against ransomware and data theft, protecting your operations and your reputation. 
  • Focus on Your Business, Not IT: Running an unsupported OS, often on older hardware, can lead to system failures and lost productivity. A modern OS and hardware mean reliable performance. This reduces time spent on IT issues and allows your team to focus on serving your customers. 

The end of Windows 10 support is a catalyst for positive change. It’s the right time to assess your environment and develop a migration plan. XMA can help you manage this transition efficiently, ensuring you achieve a more secure and compliant organisation with minimal disruption. Contact us at enquiries@xma.co.uk or take our Quiz to see how XMA can help you maximise your journey to Windows 11

Take The Quiz

What to Do with Your Old Headsets? The Swap, Save & Sustain Programme

In any business environment, IT peripherals are replaced frequently, and headsets are one of the most common items. This often leads to an overlooked challenge: a growing collection of old, non-functional, or obsolete headsets from various brands, taking up space in desk drawers and storage cupboards. 

These devices are electronic waste (e-waste), which is the fastest-growing waste stream globally. Simply disposing of them in general waste is not a responsible option, yet finding a simple, secure, and cost-effective recycling path is often difficult. 

XMA supports initiatives that provide a practical solution to these exact challenges. We are highlighting the “Swap, Save & Sustain” programme from EPOS, designed to help organisations responsibly recycle old technology while providing a clear financial benefit. 

 

How the EPOS Recycle Programme Works 

The programme is a straightforward process designed for any new or existing customer, particularly those managing a mixed estate of headsets from different manufacturers. 

Here is the step-by-step process: 

  1. Request Bins: Contact your XMA account manager. We will coordinate with EPOS to have headset recycling bins delivered to your offices. 
  1. Collect Old Devices: Fill the bins with your organisation’s old headsets. This programme accepts any brand and any type, whether they are wired or wireless Bluetooth® devices. 
  1. Arrange Collection: Once you have a minimum of 100 headsets, EPOS will arrange to collect the old units at your convenience. 
  1. Responsible Recycling: The collected headsets are then assessed to be properly reused or recycled, ensuring they are diverted from landfill. 

 

The Business Outcomes: Cost and Compliance 

This programme delivers two tangible business outcomes, addressing both financial and sustainability objectives. 

  1. Financial (Save) For recycling your old devices, you will receive a discount when you place a minimum order of 100 or more new EPOS headsets. This makes your next technology refresh more cost-effective.
  2. Sustainability (Sustain) This is a critical component for organisations focused on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) targets. Upon completion of the recycling process, you will receive a certificate from EPOS.

This certificate formally recognises your commitment to sustainability and details the total weight of e-waste you have successfully diverted from landfill. This provides auditable proof that can be used directly in your organisation’s sustainability reporting. 

 

Why This Matters: The Data 

Choosing to recycle IT peripherals has a measurable positive impact. 

  • Reduces E-Waste: Certified recycling channels ensure that small IT accessories, which frequently end up in landfill, are treated responsibly. 
  • Conserves Materials: Headsets contain valuable resources like copper and plastics. Recycling reduces the demand for new virgin materials. 
  • Avoids Carbon: Estimates suggest that reusing a single corporate-grade headset can avoid up to 12kg of CO2 equivalent emissions by removing the need to manufacture a new device. 

 

Get Started 

The EPOS Swap, Save & Sustain programme provides a practical, financially sound method for managing the lifecycle of your old headsets and visibly demonstrating your commitment to sustainability. 

To take advantage of this programme, please get in touch with your XMA account manager or contact us directly at enquiries@xma.co.uk. 

Is Your Hardware Ready for the AI-Driven Workplace?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is fundamentally changing how we work. As organisations adopt AI-powered tools to improve productivity, a critical question arises: can your current computers handle the demand, or are they becoming a blocker to innovation?

For years, the hardware replacement cycle has often been reactive: When a device fails, it gets replaced. However, the shift to AI requires a more strategic, proactive approach to your device strategy. This is where Copilot+ PCs, running on Windows 11 Pro, represent a necessary evolution.

 

What Makes a Copilot+ PC Different?

Copilot+ PCs are the first generation of computers built specifically for the era of AI. Their key differentiator is the inclusion of a Neural Processing Unit (NPU), a dedicated processor designed to run AI tasks efficiently directly on the device.

This new architecture provides critical business advantages:

  • Performance: These are the fastest Windows PCs ever built. The powerful, 40+ TOPS NPU frees up the main processor (CPU) and graphics card (GPU), resulting in better overall system speed and responsiveness. In benchmark tests, Copilot+ PCs perform up to 5X faster than 5-year-old Windows PCs1.
  • Security: Copilot+ PCs provide the most powerful Windows security by default. Rather than relying on a single feature, they integrate hardware-based protection, including Secured-core PC safeguards and the Microsoft Pluton security processor. This layered approach is estimated to block 70% of typical breach vectors2.
  • Efficiency: The NPU enables new AI capabilities to run with high efficiency. For a hybrid workforce, this translates to tangible benefits like all-day battery life, with devices offering up to 22 hours of local video playback or 15 hours of web browsing on a single charge3.

 

Addressing Key Business Challenges for Every Organisation

This new category of hardware is designed to solve distinct challenges for organisations of all sizes.

For the Enterprise IT Director: A Strategic Approach to Innovation and Risk

For large organisations, AI adoption introduces significant questions around security, compliance, and total cost of ownership. Copilot+ PCs allow you to build a refresh strategy that is both innovative and responsible.

  • Mitigate AI Data Risk: For specific features like the new Recall (preview) function, AI processing occurs locally on the device. All snapshots are securely encrypted and stored on the PC, helping you meet governance and compliance obligations. IT administrators retain granular policy control to disable or manage these features.
  • Future-Proof Your Investment: Adopting AI-ready hardware ensures your device estate is prepared for the applications of the next three to five years. This maximises the long-term value of your technology investments and aligns with a projected substantial ROI over three years.2
  • Strengthen Operational Resilience: Use the advanced, hardware-based security features of Windows 11 Pro, specifically Secured-core PC protection and Microsoft Pluton, to build a stronger defence against new AI-powered cyber threats.

For the Growth-Focused Business Owner: Productivity and Peace of Mind

For a small or medium-sized business, technology must be a reliable tool that supports growth, not a source of frustration. Copilot+ PCs provide access to capabilities that directly address your main concerns.

  • Increase Staff Productivity: Provide your team with faster PCs and new AI features that automate repetitive work. This delivers real-world results, with an expected time-saving of up to five hours per employee each week.2
  • Protect Your Business Data: The built-in, hardware-level security of Copilot+ PCs defends against common threats. This approach is validated by IT leaders, as 96% say that hardware-based protection provides a more secure environment.4
  • Control Your IT Costs: The fear of large, unexpected IT bills is a major concern. Our Device Management as a Service (DMaaS) model provides new Copilot+ PCs, plus all security and support, for a single, predictable monthly fee, removing the risk of surprise costs.

 

Build Your Strategy with an Expert Partner: XMA

New technology is only valuable if it can be implemented effectively and if your team can use it from day one.

Moving to Copilot+ PCs doesn’t have to be a complex or disruptive process. XMA provides the practical support and technical expertise to help you build a clear, costed, and compliant strategy for your upgrade to Copilot+.

Is your organisation ready for the next wave of AI-driven productivity?

Contact us today at enquiries@xma.co.uk to arrange a Copilot+ PC Readiness Assessment, and we’ll provide a clear, data-driven plan for your migration.

 

1. Based on Cinebench 24 Multi-Core benchmark. Learn More

2. New Tech: The Projected Total Economic Impact™ of Microsoft Copilot+ PCs. Microsoft-commissioned study by Forrester Consulting, July  2025. Projected benefits for a single composite organization that has US$1 billion annual revenue and 2,000 employees with 80% using Copilot+ PCs. In comparison to a mixed environment of conventional Windows 11 and Windows 10 PCs.

3. Battery life varies significantly by device and with settings, usage and other factors. See Copilot+ PCs claims.

4. Understanding Employee Productivity and Satisfaction Benefits of Next-Generation AI PCs as You Plan Your Next Refresh, IDC in partnership with Microsoft, August 2024.

Android Desktop: Where Is It At Today?

This is the third in a series of blog posts exploring Android Desktop. Our Head of Pre-Sales, Scott Wright, will be looking at the current state of Android Desktop, following its improvement as release approaches, examining use cases, looking at essential apps & peripherals and more. 

Picture of Scott Wright

Scott Wright

Scott is XMA’s Head of Pre-Sales. An IT industry greybeard, as well as an Android fanboy he is also a military history & technology nerd so would love one of the unobtainable Samsung Tactical Editions.

Android Desktop: Where is it at today? 

Today I’m going to talk about the current state of Android Desktop and some of the key productivity applications. Despite being in a surprisingly complete state there is still definitely work to be done on Android Desktop and a lot of apps will need feature improvements to deliver in this significantly changed use case. 

A big update has just dropped on 10th Oct which brings Desktop Experience to regular (non-Beta) Android. If you’ve got a device that has had its Android 16 update you can now enable Desktop Experience via developer options without needing to enrol in the Beta program. There seems to be improvements in this version which are not in the current Beta version so I will be switching to that and re-writing this post.  

 

So where is Android Desktop itself at? 

The core functionality is here – apps in movable, resizable windows, a taskbar, etc. Android has always been quite good at interface scaling and many apps have a tablet mode that makes them work at least adequately well on a monitor. There are, however, a whole variety of niggles that will need attention (and do remember that this is a pre-release version of the software): 

  • You can’t unlock the device via mouse and keyboard, you have to unlock via the phone 
  • The phone screen has to be kept on. If you hit the power button to turn off the display (as you might do when listening to music, for example) the monitor will also be disconnected This is more than an annoyance as many phones (including this Pixel 9 Pro) will get quite hot after keeping the display active for a prolonged period of time (will this get fixed or will phone stands with fans become a thing?) 
  • Font scaling and smoothing could do with some improvement, smaller text can be slightly fuzzy  
  • Dual monitor support (with a docking monitor and a second monitor connected via DisplayPort pass-through) is not present. This limitation also exists in Samsung DeX (multi-monitor support is just out) but Motor Ready does support multiple displays (apparently, I haven’t tested this). This is going to be the subject of more testing – does a dock with multiple video ports work? USB-HDMI adaptors connected to the dock? 

What about the M365 suite?

Top of most organisations’ list of apps is the M365 suite and support for these will be key to acceptance of Android Desktop as a laptop alternative.

Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Yammer, Bookings and more are available as Android apps with the M365 Copilot app being a hub for all of these.

The email side of Outlook works quite well, not quite as slick as desktop version but perfectly functional. The calendar doesn’t work as well – in particular the list of shared calendars needs to be better optimised to take advantage of the additional display real estate.

Teams works well for chat with my only niggle being that you can’t hover over someone with the red status dot to see if they are on a call or just busy, something I do frequently in Windows (big difference between someone having something in their calendar at the moment and someone actually being in a call). There is a substantial issue with Teams for conferencing though – it will not use USB devices connected to the docking station such as cameras, speakers, microphones, etc. This is new functionality that Microsoft will need to implement, currently there isn’t even a devices page in the settings menu to allow you to try and configure external audio and video devices.

Word, Excel and PowerPoint all work quite well and have the core functionality (this blog post was written on Word for Android). There are some missing elements of functionality that might be an issue for some users, for example you cannot embed a file into a Word document, but the core functionality is good and works well (this is something that you can evaluate without using Android Desktop).

Can’t we just use the M365 web apps?

Yes and no. The web apps refuse to work on Chrome for Phones. Chromium for Desktop does work on Android phones and provides a variety of browser functionality that Chrome for Phones does not, including support for extensions. Some of the read only web apps work on Chromium but when you try to switch to write mode you are directed to the Android application where there is one and don’t get to try using the full web app. I will be speaking to Microsoft regarding workarounds for testing this and, if I can share them, their plans for improving support for Android Desktop.

For some apps, for example Visio which does not have an Android app, it simply doesn’t work, telling you to go and use a real device. This isn’t helped by office.com redirecting you to the M365 Copilot application (which does not have a Visio app).

In summary then, there are definitely some gaps at the moment. Some of these are for Google to fix, some for Microsoft and others. The ability to use two monitors (Samsung and Motorola are ahead of the game here) and for the Teams app to use external video and audio devices would be top of my personal list – without those it just isn’t a serious desktop/laptop replacement.

As I edit this summary one more time I am yet again irritated by the inability to click-drag to highlight text so that’s got to be added to my list!

Navigating Dell’s New PC Lineup: How to Choose the Right Device for Your Business

Choosing the right devices for your organisation is a critical decision. The wrong choice leads to lost productivity and frustrated users, while the right device can be a catalyst for efficiency and growth. However, navigating the vast and often complex landscape of PC models, sub-brands, and specifications can be a challenge for even the most experienced IT teams. 

Dell Technologies has directly addressed this challenge. Based on extensive customer feedback, they have simplified their entire client solutions portfolio. The familiar names like Latitude, OptiPlex, Precision, and XPS are being streamlined into a new, more intuitive framework. 

We believe this is a positive step that brings much-needed clarity to device procurement. Here’s what you need to know about the new lineup and how XMA can help you select, deploy, and manage the right devices for your specific needs. 

 

The New Framework: Simple, Clear, and Purpose-Built 

While the new branding simplifies the purpose of each product line, the specific technical specifications (like the exact processor model, memory amount, or storage capacity) will still be configurable. The new system provides a clear framework, allowing you to understand the level of performance and features to expect from each category and tier.

 

Dell 

This category, designed for play, school, and work, consolidates the former Inspiron and XPS product lines. It’s aimed at users who need versatile devices for a wide range of general computing tasks. 

  • Premium (formerly XPS): You can expect the highest-end specifications in this tier, including the latest generation Intel Core Ultra or AMD Ryzen processors, dedicated graphics options, high-resolution displays (often with OLED options), and premium build materials like CNC-machined aluminium. These are designed for ultimate performance and design in a consumer-focused device. 
  • Plus (formerly Inspiron Plus): A step up from the base models, these devices offer more powerful processor options and often include discrete graphics cards, making them suitable for light content creation and more demanding multitasking. 
  • Base (formerly Inspiron): These are the standard, all-around devices suitable for everyday tasks like web browsing, video streaming, and using office applications. They provide excellent value and reliable performance for general use. 

 

Dell Pro 

This is the core business line, built for professional-grade productivity. It consolidates the former Latitude, OptiPlex, and Vostro series, offering a range of options optimised for corporate environments. The key differentiators here are manageability, security, and durability. The product tiers are clearly defined to match different roles within an organisation. 

  • Premium (formerly Latitude 9000 & 7000 series): This tier offers the ultimate in design and mobility for business users. Expect ultra-light laptops and compact desktops with the latest Intel or AMD processors, robust security features, and premium materials for maximum durability on the move. 
  • Plus (formerly Latitude 5000 series & OptiPlex Plus): This is the most scalable performance tier, designed for the majority of knowledge workers. These devices offer a wide range of configuration options, allowing you to balance performance and cost effectively across a large user base. 
  • Base (formerly Latitude 3000 series & Vostro): This tier provides a baseline of business-grade durability, manageability, and security. These devices are ideal for task-based work or as standard-issue machines where core business functionality is the priority. 
  • Essential (Dell Pro only): This tier is business-ready with essential security and manageability features, making it a cost-effective entry point for organisations needing reliable, commercially-sound devices. 

Across all tiers, the new model identifiers will clearly indicate the CPU vendor (0 for Intel, 5 for AMD, 7 for Qualcomm) and the form factor, such as the screen size for a laptop or Tower, Slim, and Micro for desktops. 

 

Dell Pro Max 

This workstation-class category is designed for maximum performance, replacing the Precision brand. These devices are engineered for specialists in fields like design, engineering, and data science who use resource-heavy applications. 

Expected Components: 

  • Processors: You will find the most powerful CPUs from Intel (Core Ultra 9, Xeon) and AMD (Ryzen Threadripper) in this category. 
  • Graphics: The key differentiator is the inclusion of professional-grade dedicated GPUs, such as NVIDIA’s RTX Ada Generation or AMD’s Radeon PRO series. These are certified for stability and performance with professional software from vendors like Autodesk and Adobe. 
  • Memory & Storage: These machines are configured with large amounts of high-speed RAM (often with ECC memory options for error correction) and fast NVMe storage to handle large datasets and complex files without bottlenecks. 
  • Tiers: Like the Dell Pro line, the Premium, Plus, and Base tiers will indicate the level of performance and features, allowing you to match the machine’s power to the specific demands of the user’s software. 

 

How XMA Helps You Build the Right Device Strategy 

Understanding the new lineup is the first step. The next is applying that knowledge to your organisation’s unique environment. This is where XMA’s expertise as a Pragmatic Expert becomes a critical asset. 

  • Expert Guidance: Our specialists have a deep, practical understanding of these new Dell devices and, more importantly, how they perform in real-world business and public sector environments. We work with you to analyse your user personas and their specific workloads, ensuring you invest in the right level of performance for each role, avoiding both underpowered and over-specified devices. 
  • Public Sector Compliance: For public sector bodies, procurement is rightly governed by strict rules. XMA is an approved supplier on key government frameworks, including the Crown Commercial Service (CCS). We provide secure and compliant IT solutions that demonstrate clear value-for-money and meet the stringent requirements of government, healthcare, and education organisations. 
  • Device Management as a Service (DMaaS): Procuring the device is just the beginning. The real challenge lies in deploying, managing, securing, and refreshing your entire device fleet. XMA’s DMaaS takes this operational burden off your IT team. We handle the full lifecycle of your devices, from configuration and deployment to ongoing management and eventual secure disposal. This provides you with predictable costs and frees up your internal IT resources to focus on strategic projects that drive your organisation forward. 

Dell’s new, simplified portfolio is a welcome change that brings clarity to the market. By partnering with XMA, you can be confident that you are not only choosing the right devices but also implementing a comprehensive strategy for managing them effectively and securely.

If you’re interested in Dell’s new lineup, contact us at enquiries@xma.co.uk to get started.

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