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With the impending deadline of January 14th 2020, the shift to Windows 10 is one of the most important topics on every IT professionals mind. Migrating is only one part of the puzzle and there are many other important things you should be considering if you are one of the many organisations who are already halfway through migrating!

 Here are the top 4 challenges that you could face on your Migration to Windows 10

1.Legacy Application Issues

Organisations who are reliant on legacy applications within their environment may be delaying upgrading to Windows 10 or having issues mid-migration due to interoperability issues.

2.Struggling to obtain meaningful and actionable data to migrate

Although Microsoft have made available a number of free tools to help identify what devices and applications will be compatible with Windows 10, it’s actually very hard for organisations to get meaningful data that they can make actionable decisions on around that.

3.Internal capabilities and resource capacity

Upgrading to Windows 10 will most likely be one of many projects your organisations IT team will be involved in at any one time therefore having the time and resource required to properly commit to ensuring a smooth transition may prove challenging.

4.Functionality

Adoption and utilisation of any new technology is dependent on your organisation and it’s employees understanding how to make best use of the full suite of features and benefits Windows 10 offers. Training your workforce can significantly improve their productivity and reduce the burden on your IT support resources ongoing but is often an afterthought for many organisations.

Another point to consider is an understanding of how your organisation can benefit from Modern Management and the efficiencies to be gained from streamlined device provisioning to your users.

If any of these challenges sound familiar, get in touch with us to discuss further.

Our experienced in-house team of Microsoft accredited consultants and engineers are experts in migrating data and systems across a wide range of business systems including Windows 10. We have the expertise and knowledge to guide you through your migration journey, from assessing the readiness of your current applications to migrating data and ensuring you’re making the most of your investment, we can manage the whole lifecycle of your migration project and beyond.

You can also find our more about what to consider for Windows 7 End of Support by listening to our podcast

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Making things easier for virtualised businesses: It’s HPE Nimble Storage dHCI, delivering the simplicity of HCI with the flexibility of converged

What’s new

• Disaggregated HCI extends hyperconvergence to workloads with unpredictable growth, scaling compute and storage independently.

Features

Intelligently Simple

How XMA can help

XMA are an HPE Platinum Partner in the UK.  In order to hold the HPE Platinum Partner accreditation, we must be able to demonstrate our commercial and technical ability to understand, design and implement the HPE Hybrid IT portfolio. XMA are an HPEFS Platinum Partner and the largest UK HPEFS partner for Asset Lifecycle Services / Circular Economy.

XMA have a clear strategic alignment and one with HPE, both at commercial and technical levels.

We are capable of delivering a full catalogue of professional and managed services, ranging from standard logistical services through to bespoke transformation projects that deliver our customers’ business outcomes. Over 650,000 orders were shipped last year, with over third being HPE into some large organisations.

Contact us today to find out more

There is no doubt about it, we all love saving money; especially in the current economic climate. Purchasing imitation cartridges for your printer can at first seem like the perfect idea to lower annual costs on your supplies, however there are some hidden risks in doing so…

What harm can be caused from buying cheap imitation toner?

The short answer is: a lot of harm. On the surface the idea of purchasing these products may seem like you’re saving time and money for your business but in reality it can impact your business in a variety of ways:

• Cost your business more money- 25% higher costs due to reprints, failures and services.¹
• Lower quality of print- 19% fewer usable print outs due to poor quality printing.²
• Reduces the indoor air quality in the office.³
• Can cause permanent damage to your printer.⁴
• Can result in 4 x more service calls.⁵

Unfortunately, it’s not just your business that can directly suffer from using these products, as they have also been found to have a negative impact on the environment ⁶.  Not only can they make you use more paper due to poor quality prints but will also use more energy and increase your fossil fuel consumption.

The vast majority of  these products will end up in landfill as the imitation toner producers don’t have organised recycling systems, which could result in them being found washed up on the shores. Not a lovely thought.

Are imitation cartridges worth the gamble?

When it comes to ordering replacement toner cartridges, you have many to choose from, but cheap imitations may not be the best option. And they certainly cannot compare to Original HP.

Imitation- A newly built cartridge with non-HP parts and toner. Ultimately, almost all imitation cartridges end up in a landfill.⁷

Remanufactured- A spent HP cartridge that is disassembled, some parts replaced, and refilled with toner. Nearly 94% of remanufactured toner cartridges end up in a landfill.⁷

Refilled- A spent HP cartridge that is refilled with toner through a hole made in the cartridge shell.

Counterfeit- Any non-HP cartridge that is intentionally labelled and packaged to deceive or mislead a customer into thinking that it’s an Original HP product.

HP Original toner- Features patent protected technology and is designed to work most effectively with your HP printer. Buyers choice for reliable print delivery and has passed numerous safety and environment standards.

So make sure you use Original toner for your HP printer. It can save you money, time and help protect the environment.

Purchase your certified products at XMA Store, a triple platinum re seller of HP print and supplies.

Sources:

¹ HP calculations based on results from a 2019 Spencer Lab Europe, Middle East and Africa Monochrome Reliability study comparing cartridges for the HP Pro M402 and Pro 521 printers, HP 26A and 55A cartridges

² 2019 SpencerLab Monochrome Reliability study, commissioned by HP, compared Original HP mono cartridges with five brands of new-build cartridges sold in Europe, Middle East, and Africa for the HP Pro 400 M402 and M521dn MFP printers, HP 26A and 55A cartridges

³ Dec 2017 WKI Blue Angel Indoor Air Quality compliance study commissioned by HP. The study tested 4 New Build Compatible toner cartridge brands sold as substitutes for HP LaserJet Pro MFP M425dn with cartridge 280A. The tests were carried out in compliance with Blue Angel labelling of office equipment in accordance with RAL-UZ-205P. For details, http://h20195.www2.hp.com/v2/GetDocument.aspx?docname=4AA7-1981ENW

⁴ A 2018 Market Strategies International study commissioned by HP. Results based on 223 surveys from HP ServiceOne Partners who have at least 6 months of experience servicing HP monochrome and/or Color LaserJet printers with HP Original cartridges and non-HP toner cartridges installed in the past 12 months. Study was conducted in 27 countries: UK, IE, FR, DE, IT, , AT, BE, PT, ES, NL, SE, RU, UA, PL, HU, CZ, HR, RO, ZA, SA, AE, EG, MA, QA, and TR.  For details, see www.marketstrategies.com/hp/EMEA-Technician2018.pdf

⁵ A 2018 Market Strategies International study commissioned by HP. Results based on 223 surveys from HP ServiceOne Partners who have at least 6 months of experience servicing HP monochrome and/or Colour LaserJet printers with HP Original cartridges and non-HP toner cartridges installed in the past 12 months

⁶ 2019 EMEA Four Elements Consulting LCA study, commissioned by HP, compared Original HP 55A and 26A monochrome toner cartridges with a sample of imitation alternatives across eight environmental impact categories. See http://www.hp.com/go/EMEA-LJLCA-NBC-2019. The LCA leverages a 2019 SpencerLab study, commissioned by HP, comparing Original HP LaserJet toner cartridges with two brands of imitation toner cartridges sold in EMEA. See www.spencerlab.com/reports/HPReliability-EMEA-NBC2019.pdf

⁷ InfoTrends, 2018 Western Europe Supplies Recycling study, commissioned by HP. Findings are based on average results of interviews with 7 remanufacturers and 6 brokers. See hp.com/go/EMEA-2018InfoTrends.

Brexit Committee News Update – September Update

It would be easy to spend time speculating on what might happen as a result of the recent tumultuous events in Parliament – but XMA intend to focus on the practical measures the business is taking for our customers and suppliers. Most relevantly, the business is still preparing for a ‘no-deal’ Brexit on 31 October 2019 and ensuring we are as prepared as we can be for this date – whether or not there is an extension.

Imports

Most XMA suppliers are still in charge of their own delivery to XMA warehouses or to end-users directly. Many are finding new shipping/delivery routes into the UK ensuring that they might navigate delays at port of entry as best they can. The government have increasingly insisted that they are ready and will not create delays by stopping goods for customs checks on the border in the UK. XMA are working with all our major suppliers to smooth such entry procedures and understand their methods of shipping, including collecting goods from port on their behalf.

However, a number of vendors have changed their terms from DDP (Delivery Duty Paid) where the vendor (seller) is responsible for import duties/taxes and customs clearance to DAP (Delivered At Place) where XMA, the buyer, will be responsible for payment of duty and clearance. This may add cost to the product and customers should be aware that such terms have changed if they are buying directly from vendors. XMA are well prepared for this extra administration and will advise customers accordingly at the time of order. However, a key element of this extra cost will depend on tariff rates (see below).

Exports

Through our parent company Westcoast , XMA has access to an outstanding International Shipping team able to assist customers with all their shipping requirements outside the UK. The CBI are convinced that European markets are not ready for Brexit and will penalise/fine British exporters that do not submit the correct paperwork. Hence XMA’s main work has been centered around producing a commercial invoice on shipments acceptable to European customs detailing the appropriate commodity codes and country of origin where required. XMA terms will also be DAP and our goal is to take responsibility for your shipments up to Proof of Delivery stage ensuring the process is as streamlined as possible providing our usual excellent service.

Tariffs

In all, whilst XMA and Westcoast stock over 100,000 different skus, there are 570 different 10digit commodity codes – the majority of which currently do NOT attract any tariff to EU countries or most other export markets. This can change at any time and recent conversations between the USA and China show that the US are due to impose tariffs on technology products manufactured in China on 19 December 2019. (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-49644325). This is not the case in the UK but demonstrates that our industry cannot be complacent and assume that exports will never attract a tariff. These tariffs will be our customers’ responsibility to account for but we will able to advise customers on such tariff rates.

• Provide an accurate quote
• Advice of any country rules
• Advice of any vendor rules
• Gaining an understanding and confirmation in writing of use of goods
• Provide all documentation specific to the country/product
• Manage the process from quote stage to delivery
• Set expectation on occasions end-user may see XMA’s pricing
• Details of dangerous/dual use goods
• Certificates of conformity if needed
• C88/SAD Form normally completed by our courier
• Any license requirements achieved through SPIRE (government’s export licensing system – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/spire-online-export-licensing-guidance/using-spire-to-get-an-export-licence)

Customer Responsibilities

• Ensure their end user is able to import into country of destination
• Ensure their end users are aware that THEY must cover customs duties
• Provide correct end user details – full address and contact information
• To advise what the end use of the goods will be
• Import declarations

The important point is that XMA will help all customers with their international shipping requirements so please do not hesitate to speak to your account manager who will engage our shipping team.

Ireland

There have been some positive developments in shipping to Ireland since our last Brexit news. Every single shipment will attract an admin fee of €25 making single parcel deliveries uneconomic. As a result, XMA will be working with our logistics provider to ship all goods overnight from the UK on a single manifest and redistribute them from a bonded warehouse in the Irish Republic. This may add some cost and time to Irish deliveries but these will not be prohibitive.

Inventory

Our parent company Westcoast will once again be taking in approximately one month’s extra inventory for certain vendors during October hoping that this will sufficient to alleviate any short term issues arising. Clearly this is not a long term fix but Westcoast’s new 340k sqft warehouse in Andover – which should complete its fit out in October – demonstrates our commitment to hold more stock where required either pre-sale or post-sale. Our offer will include outsourced logistics and configuration facilities.

HPI’s Disclaimer for Commodity Codes

Please see what HP’s disclaimer for commodity code accuracy is. Expect all vendors and suppliers to adopt a similar disclaimer.

HP Inc. provides this data for informational purposes only. Classifications are subject to change and HP Inc. does not represent, warrant, or guarantee that the information is complete, accurate, or up-to-date. The information provided is not intended to constitute legal advice or to be used as a substitute for specific legal advice. Under the US Export Regulations, the US Government assigns your organization or client, as exporter/importer of record, the responsibility for determining the correct classification of any item at the time of export/import. In some cases there are restrictions that apply to exports based on the product, the end-user, the end-use, or the country of destination, and an export license or other authorization may be required prior to shipment. The Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security provides a web site and can assist you with determining the need for a license or with information regarding where to obtain help prior to exportation. The URL is: http://www.bis.doc.gov.

Conclusion

Whilst it may be easy to worry about what might happen, particularly in light of the recent publication of Operation Yellowhammer papers, XMA are focused on helping all our customers and suppliers through the changes ahead. Our couriers have employed more staff and implemented systems and XMA have added layers of expertise, warehouse space and code/tariff checks to manage through predicted eventualities. Keep Calm and Sell On!

FAQ’s

How do you identify/manage controlled/dual use products?
Before we ship anything, we assess who the end user is and what the end use of the goods will be. We already expect the end user in country to complete an end user undertaking.

How do you prevent shipments to denied parties?
Such risks are highlighted to us by our carriers. We will then contact relevant customers to obtain further details and plan a way forward if possible.

Can you help with Export Licence Applications?
If the end-use is for military purposes, for example, we have the capability to apply for a licence through the correct platform.

Record keeping and audits?
We obtain the proof of export and POD for every shipment we do outside the UK. We conduct internal audits frequently and are audited externally.

For any questions or queries contact our XMA Brexit committee at approvals@xma.co.uk

Read previous Committee Update for August 2019

Nutanix and HPE announced a global agreement in April this year to produce Nutanix Hyper Converged Infrastructure (HCI) available on the HPE ProLiant Server platform known as Nutanix DX Appliances.

This offering will also be available on a consumption-based model utilising HPE GreenLakes Infrastructure as a service. This means more flexibility and cost savings using a pay per use model so you can start implementing this new technology today, without the worry of upfront costs and planned budgets.

Nutanix DX Appliances are now available and ready to ship and will be available as a consumption-based model using the HPE GreenLake solution from October 2019.

Nutanix are market leaders for Hyper-Converged Infrastructure (HCI) and have added HPE ProLiant Server as a hardware platform choice, with such strong reputations as market leaders in their own rights this joint partnership means Nutanix DX Appliance combines cutting edge technologies to bring this new product to the market.

XMA are a platinum HPE partner and a Nutanix Scaler partner meaning we have strong alliances with both vendors and have unrivalled in-house technical resource, to help plan and implement this new technology across your organisation.

What does it mean for your organisation?

More choice with Nutanix in terms of Hardware platforms from XMA; Nutanix, HPE, Lenovo or Dell as well as broad Hypervisor choice; Nutanix AHV, VMware vSphere and Microsoft Hyper-V. Nutanix Software on HPE Hardware, with world class support from both organisations.

Contact us today to find out more about this exciting new announcement

Brexit Committee News Update – August Update

Given that we have experienced a period of lull whilst the new government takes shape – the direction of travel now looks clearer – we are heading for a ‘No Deal’ Brexit at pace and hence all advice from government and business organisations is to prepare for a hard Brexit.
Seeing as XMA were making such preparations in March – management’s thinking is much the same and our Brexit committee met earlier to set out what we must do internally and to advise our customers on steps they can take to mitigate the effects on their business.

CBI & BCoC Advice

The CBI has produced a long document setting out the effects and the preparedness of the UK, the EU and the UK & EU together. A copy can be found here. In essence, it shows that the UK is better prepared than the EU but both are woefully under-prepared for 31st October. In addition, the fact that the new Brexit day comes at the height of the Black Friday and peak retail periods, poses more dangers for logistics businesses.

The British Chamber of Commerce has also set out a neat Risk Register as an update to their Business Brexit checklist.

This simple checklist will act as a good guide to ensure that XMA and our customers are considering the right areas to prepare for the difficult time ahead. Most areas are rated red.

People

Leadership is important here and XMA are ensuring that all EU nationals and their families employed by XMA are assisted in complying with the EU settled status scheme. We urge our customers and vendors to do the same. Perhaps the one area that the new government has softened is immigration, with no talk of reducing immigration but merely being able to control it.

Funding

XMA do not receive EU funds but this appears more positive for those that do.

Tax

It appears that the UK government will introduce a relaxed approach to VAT deferment on imports and exports for a period not less than 1 year. This will reduce any cash flow burden on XMA and hence our customers.

Regulation

Given that XMA and our parent company (Westcoast’s) goods are also sold in Europe, we do not anticipate any disruption to supply as a result of either UK or EU regulatory divergence post Brexit. Clearly this could change in the future but should not affect trade in the short term.

Data

The UK government will impose a limit on mobile roaming charges incurred in EU countries. This is not the case for EU tariffs in the UK. Data governance under GDPR has been adopted by UK law and is currently EU compliant. A ‘No Deal’ scenario is unlikely to alter EU data compliance although businesses should be alert for divergence.

Trade

There are still no tariffs anticipated on almost all goods and services sold by XMA under WTO rates at present. Clearly XMA will keep this under review in light of US/China tensions. However, neither the UK government nor the EU are likely to impose import tariffs on IT products.

Borders

This is where a ‘No Deal’ situation will have the biggest impact on trade. Whilst the British government are increasing spending on ports and customs officials as well as promising speedy entrance of goods from the EU, imports will still be dependent upon accurate paperwork. The Westcoast Group are spending time ensuring that appropriate information including commodity codes are available on shipping documentation. At present over 90% of codes have been collected and systems are being updated to ensure they are available when required. The EU have made no such arrangements and hence may well levy fines for inaccurate paperwork as they do for imports from outside the EU today.

Despite all the plans, delays at port are still anticipated by every logistics company that XMA have spoken to. XMA and Westcoast’s management are working with vendors to increase stock holding over the difficult peak period to avoid short term shortages. In addition, our new warehouse in Andover will more than double capacity and allow for increased stock holding. However, we urge customers to take the following steps:
i) Engage with XMA account managers to predict large roll-out orders in November/December to give earliest visibility to ensure goods are available in the UK.
ii) Switch selling from Configure-To-Order (CTO) stock built in vendor factories to channel inventory as soon as possible
iii) Where this is not possible, ensure lead times are managed with end-users to factor in delays at port

Ireland

Assuming that the UK exits the EU without a deal, the Irish market will be affected significantly given the border complexities. Westcoast’s warehouse in Tallaght is only sufficient for roll-out management and Westcoast do not anticipate making this into a fully managed warehouse at present – i.e. most goods will still be shipped from the UK and will be subject to border delays. Irish customers should engage with their XMA account managers to ensure stock held in Tallaght is forecast and distribution can be managed effectively.

FAQ’s

EORI – Westcoast do have a UK EORI number which will be sufficient for all declarations
AEO – Westcoast have not applied for this status as management consider this will not be effective in speeding up customs procedures
TSP – Westcoast have now received this accreditation from HMRC
Warranty – No vendor has as yet amended their warranty terms so we can anticipate that warranty procedures will be the same as currently available post-Brexit
VAT – Exports on goods shipped from the UK will not bear VAT from the UK as currently
Tariffs – Where they exist will be applied on the full price of the goods (i.e. before discounts)

For any questions or queries contact our XMA Brexit committee at approvals@xma.co.uk

Read previous Committee Update for March 2019

Students are faced with a massive decision when choosing a University to continue their education and carve out their futures.

With so many University’s battling to enrol the best students onto their courses, how does the student make this decision?

What if every University they have applied for offers the exact course they want?

What makes YOU the institution stand out to THEM the student?

Facts

• In 2017 – 2018 it was recorded that there are 164 Higher Education Institutions in the UK¹

• When applying through UCAS a student can apply for a maximum of 5 Universities²

That’s a lot of choice.

As an institution you need to make your offer more appealing than the rest, you want students to pick you above the other institutions on offer and here is how Aruba Networks can help.

Offering your students, the best network connectivity across campus allows your students to work intelligently and unrestricted. With Aruba’s secure and reliable offerings, you can equip your University to meet and withstand the ever-growing demands of user technology.

Download the benefits of Aruba OS8

HPE InfoSight and its recommendation engine can pave your institutions path towards an automated, self-learning and self-managing data centre that can free your IT department to focus on creating value and allows your institution to turn exponentially growing data into valuable, actionable insights.

Learn how it ensures 99.9999% guaranteed availability and predicts and resolves 86% of problems before they can disrupt the business of learning, research, and administration. Analysing millions of sensors a second, everyone benefits as the university’s systems grow continuously smarter and more reliable.

Download the whitepaper below to find out more

XMA partners with Teesside University to adopt Future Facing Learning

XMA has supported Teesside University in delivering their Digital Development Programme, part of the institution’s Future Facing Learning (FFL) Strategy.
Future Facing Learning empowers students to deliver impact on a global scale by providing them with the knowledge, skills, and tools they need to achieve sustainable success in a globally connected workplace.

The Future Facing Learning strategy also encompasses all teaching staff across the university, by giving them the confidence to embrace new technologies in the delivery of their lessons. This project was focused on the efficient deployment and management of the right technology, bespoke training and coaching for students and staff, and on-going support post-deployment.

“The Modern Classroom”. A term that reminds us that the face of education is changing the way that teachers teach and students learn. Schools are constantly striving to achieve better learning outcomes, and technology is shaping the way in which this can be delivered. As technology becomes more and more sophisticated, so do the expectations of teaching staff, parents, and even students. So, what steps can schools take to meet these high expectations? How can they embrace “the modern classroom” and maximise learning and teaching outcomes all at the same time?

Microsoft 365 Education empowers teachers to unlock creativity, promote teamwork and better collaboration across the classroom, as well as provide a simple and safe experience in one affordable solution. Schools can ensure that students and educators always have access to the latest feature innovations; with automatic updates for Office 365 and Windows 10, as well as being able to experience new technologies such as Minecraft: Education Edition for students, and OneNote for teachers.

This is how we think Microsoft 365 can transform your school:

Giving students the tools they need to succeed

Microsoft 365 Education can level the playing field, and ensure every student has the tools they need to succeed. Minecraft: Education Edition has had a broad impact on teaching and learning, and connects educators right across the globe. It facilitates a project-based learning environment that allows students to develop skills that can prepare them for the modern workforce:

• 97.7% is Problem Solving
• 95.5% is Creativity 
• 93.3% is Critical Thinking
• 91.1.% is Collaboration
• 88.8% is Decision Making
• 86.6% is Communication

Promote teamwork and effective communication with Teams

Microsoft Teams enhances collaboration, the sharing of ideas and documents, connecting with peers inside and outside of the classroom, and can bring teacher and student conversations together in one digital hub. Schools can promote equity and student voice with collaborative classrooms, and connect in professional learning communities – all from a single experience in Microsoft 365 for Education. This really is a hub for every type of teamwork, and can be the most empowering form of communication for students who may struggle to connect with others in an education environment.

“With Teams, I communicate better with my classmates and my teacher. It has changed the way we relate to each other, and it lets us post useful information to help peers who are struggling with a lesson.” – Student, City of Westminster College

 

Provide a simple and safe experience

We understand that the most important thing for schools is the safety of their students and teachers. With new technologies there may come additional risks in terms of access to appropriate content, the misuse of devices and breach of data confidentiality. Microsoft 365 Education has been built around the delivery of a simple and safe experience.

• Manage users, data and devices with a single dashboard
• Protect identity, apps, data and devices with intelligent security enhanced by machine learning
• Manage data archiving, governance and discovery.

We want you to get the very most out of Microsoft 365 Education, and provide you with affordable devices that can maximise your school experience.

Discover the best devices for your Microsoft experience 

Find out more

To find out more, please contact us today.
01727 201890 | softwarelicensing@xma.co.uk