Archive

On Friday 19th August 2021, Jared Spataro, Corporate Vice President for Microsoft 365, announced an update to their commercial pricing – Please read the announcement here. Jared explains these price increases are due to the innovation Microsoft have delivered into their product suites over the past decade. During this time Microsoft have heavily invested and delivered in three key areas: communications and collaboration, security and compliance, and AI and automation.

Since the launch of M365, Microsoft have includes 24 new apps to the suites such as Microsoft Teams, Power Apps, Power BI, Power Automate, Stream, Planner, Visio, OneDrive, Yammer, and Whiteboard—and have released over 1,400 new features and capabilities.

The price increases will include:

Business Plan
– Microsoft 365 Business Basic (from $5 to $6)
– Microsoft 365 Business Premium (from $20 to $22)

Enterprise Plans
– Office 365 E1 (from $8 to $10)
– Office 365 E3 (from $20 to $23)
– Microsoft 365 E3 (from $32 to $36)
– Office 365 E5 (from $35 to $38)

The pricing is per user per month and the increases will apply globally with local market adjustments for certain regions. These changes will go into effect on 1st March 2022. There are no changes to pricing for education and consumer products at this time

Extending audio conferencing capabilities

One way Microsoft are vindicating the price increase is offering Audio Conferencing (RRP £3.02) with unlimited dial-in capabilities for Microsoft Teams meetings across enterprise, business, frontline, and government suites.

Currently only included with Microsoft 365 E5 and Office 365 E5, Audio Conferencing dial-in has become an important part of the complete Teams experience ensuring users will be able to join their Microsoft Teams meeting from virtually any device regardless of location, or even struggling with a bad internet connection. These features will be effective in March 2022.

Frontline Plans
– Microsoft 365 F3, Microsoft 365 F1 and Office 365 F3

Business Plans
– Microsoft 365 Business Premium, Microsoft 365 Business Standard and Microsoft

365 Business Basic
– Enterprise Plans – Microsoft 365 E3, Office 365 E3, Office 365 E1

Changes to Intune and EM&S E3/E5

The price increase announced on the 19th August 2021 are in addition to the price increase Microsoft announced in February 2021 relating to Intune and EMS E3 & E5 which came into effect this month, August 2021. The increases to Intune and EM&S were again based on Microsoft delivering significant investments in Microsoft Endpoint Manger and Microsoft Enterprise Mobility & Security (EM&S) over the past 18 months.

The new features being rolled out include:
– Microsoft Tunnel VPN (features for Android and iOS devices)
– Enhanced MacOS management capabilities – New endpoint analytics features
– Various enhancements to Microsoft Endpoint Manager

The % increases are outlined below and effect Academic, Corporate and Non-For Profits.

Brexit Committee News Update – March 2021 Update

Now we are approaching the end of Q1 2021, the reality of the Brexit agreement is emerging with the anticipated delays becoming apparent. As a responsible and proactive partner to our customers and suppliers, we have planned throughout 2020 to address all anticipated outcomes, and we are operating processes that allow trading in the UK and EU to be achieved in the most efficient way within the new regulations.

Despite continued pressure on the international supply chain through Covid restrictions, IT parts constraints, continued exceptional demand and varying interpretation of the new rules across Europe, our experience and preparation has limited these delays for our customers. Rest assured XMA is working with all of our customers to remain at the front of service innovation to remove these delays and will continue our Brexit committee and updates until we recognise that all trading conditions have returned to a consistent and effective

What has changed?

Our customers in England, Wales and Scotland

There will be no change in process from XMA, but we have ensured all of our Suppliers are compliant with all new import requirements to maintain consistency in supply and minimise any unnecessary delays at border points.

Our customers in Northern Ireland

The UK and EU agreed and implemented a solution to minimise disruption regarding cross border
movements. XMA have gained the specific EORI number (XI) to maintain our ability to supply our customers in Northern Ireland and we are also recording the commodity codes and country of origin of products supplied. For all customers in Northern Ireland we will require their EORI number and all deliveries will operate on a Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) basis under Incoterms as this remains a UK to UK relationship. Further information on the specific requirements for trading in Northern Ireland can be found here

Our customers in Europe

XMA have a UK EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification number) to facilitate the movement of goods into the EEA, which became a requirement in 2021. We also record the Full commodity codes and country of origin for all products supplied and now supply commercial invoices for all shipments. For all orders into Europe we will require our customers to provide their EORI number and all deliveries will operate on a Delivered at Place (DAP) basis under Incoterms.

The future

The biggest concern over Brexit was uncontrolled delays of products arriving into the UK or being delivered to Europe, and it does appear there are initial challenges whilst new processes are fully adopted by all stakeholder groups. Overall, XMA are confident we are providing our customers with correct and effective advice to minimise any delays. We will continue to monitor this situation and where any further risk of delays are identified, work with our customers to mitigate the risk or look at alternative solutions.

If you have any questions about how XMA can support your organisation post Brexit, please contact your Account Manager or direct enquiries to: approvals@xma.co.uk

Brexit Committee News Update – January 2021 Update

XMA welcome the news and certainty provided through the late trade deal between the UK and EU at the end of 2020. This has removed the unwelcome risk of tariffs on the products that could have occurred under WTO terms and allows for XMA and our customers to proceed into 2021 with confidence.

Whilst the trade deal removes additional adjustments, exiting the EU still provides changes in the way that products are imported into and exported from the UK, and XMA have ensured our compliance to all new trading requirements in 2021 to protect our customers from unnecessary delays.

What has changed?

Our customers in England, Wales and Scotland

There will be no change in process from XMA, but we have ensured all of our Suppliers are compliant with all new import requirements to maintain consistency in supply and minimise any unnecessary delays at border points.

Our customers in Northern Ireland

The UK and EU agreed and implemented a solution to minimise disruption regarding cross border
movements. XMA have gained the specific EORI number (XI) to maintain our ability to supply our customers in Northern Ireland and we are also recording the commodity codes and country of origin of products supplied. For all customers in Northern Ireland we will require their EORI number and all deliveries will operate on a Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) basis under Incoterms as this remains a UK to UK relationship. Further information on the specific requirements for trading in Northern Ireland can be found here

Our customers in Europe

XMA have a UK EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification number) to facilitate the movement of goods into the EEA, which became a requirement in 2021. We also record the Full commodity codes and country of origin for all products supplied and now supply commercial invoices for all shipments. For all orders into Europe we will require our customers to provide their EORI number and all deliveries will operate on a Delivered at Place (DAP) basis under Incoterms.

The future

The biggest concern over Brexit was uncontrolled delays of products arriving into the UK or being delivered to Europe, and it does appear there are initial challenges whilst new processes are fully adopted by all stakeholder groups. Overall, XMA are confident we are providing our customers with correct and effective advice to minimise any delays. We will continue to monitor this situation and where any further risk of delays are identified, work with our customers to mitigate the risk or look at alternative solutions.

If you have any questions about how XMA can support your organisation post Brexit, please contact your Account Manager or direct enquiries to: approvals@xma.co.uk

A staggering achievement saw XMA employee Marcus Moore run 315km during the month of September to raise money for the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB).

The equivalent of seven marathons, Marcus set himself the challenge as part of RNIB’s Marathon Mates event. With many organised races currently cancelled or postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, this virtual event allows pairs to split the distance of a full marathon between each other over the space of a month, side by side or miles apart.

Marcus had this to say:

“I’ve worked with RNIB through XMA for over 10 years, so I know the amazing work the charity does to help the blind and partially sighted community. When I heard about this event, I jumped at the chance to give back and raise money for the organisation.”

“It was also a great chance for me to increase my fitness levels, as I’ve been much less active than usual throughout lockdown and Covid restrictions. I don’t normally run regularly, so this was definitely a challenge, and sometimes I found it hard to get going, but I felt much healthier and fitter after running every day.”

“Right now, it can feel like we’re being bombarded with negative news, and that gets overwhelming. I found it very helpful to have an hour every day to just focus on running and the challenge, and it was really fulfilling knowing that I was raising money while doing it.”

Marcus managed to complete the distance despite having some injuries to his ankles and knees, and continued the daily challenge after his running partner had to drop out due to health complications. He raised over £3,400 for the RNIB which will help provide advice and support to over two million people living with sight loss in the UK during this particularly difficult time.

Every six minutes, someone in the UK begins to lose their sight. RNIB is taking a stand against exclusion, inequality and isolation to create a world without barriers where people with sight loss can lead full lives. A different world where society values blind and partially sighted people not for the disabilities they’ve overcome, but for the people they are.

To find out more about the amazing work they do visit www.rnib.org.uk

Brexit Committee News Update – October 2020 Update

Following XMA’s most recent Brexit meeting, we are delighted to submit an update to our customers and suppliers regarding our plans for Brexit. Our preparations are based on the assumption that there will be no European Free Trade Agreement in place by 1 January 2021.

Potential Delays

Whilst it is widely recognised that there will be delays at Channel ports and those heading to Ireland, XMA is working with our major vendors and distributors to mitigate such delays creating new routes of delivery. Whilst this will only be partially successful, together with XMA’s increased warehouse capacity and planning with each supplier – we trust that we can avoid any material delays. Consultation with customers have shown them to be more sanguine about these hold-ups which are unlikely to affect the normal flow of business materially.
Customers with orders due around 31st December should engage with your XMA account manager asap to ensure these can be managed and prioritised to ensure they delivered prior to cut-off.

Tariffs

Our vendors are improving their ability to provide accurate codes and countries of origin. 99% of XMA products now have commodity codes stored in our product database (or the UNSPC code which is a close approximation) and have been looked up on both the UK General Tariff and the EU Common External Tariff with almost all currently displaying no tariff. Some 3D printing products are affected.
These tariffs could change in the months ahead, and we will keep customers informed of any tariff introductions as soon as we can. Any tariffs incurred will be recharged to the customer.

Warehousing

XMA has progressed its discussions and application to have a bonded warehouse within the Andover facility. These preparations are continuing and our systems are being updated. This will allow goods to remain in Europe with the confines of our UK facilities and effectively be imported into the UK at point of order by UK customers whilst allowing European customers/orders to be transacted speedily.

Ireland

XMA can supply into Ireland through our parent company and main distribution partner Westcoast and we are able to utilise Westcoast Ireland’s own distribution agreements to purchase goods direct from our main vendors and then store in Westcoast’s Ireland’s Tallaght warehouse. This may help with large projects, run-rate skus and CTO/bespoke product orders. Please contact us for further details.

International Shipping

XMA are already experts in shipping to the EU – Ireland or Mainland Europe – and are working with a number of freight forwarders to provide services for all UK customers concerned about shipping internationally. Paperwork, tariffs, VAT deferment, regulations can all be handled by XMA’s specialist partners. The EU will be implementing full border formalities on 1 Jan 2021(the UK are phasing them in over 6 months) which means that customers need to be ready.

We will be announcing our standard processes shortly allowing any customer to engage our skills and services. However, if you want a more strategic conversation on how XMA can handle all such shipments on your behalf, engage with your account manager and our team will be in touch.

Other Changes

There are a number of other changes – e.g. the new UKCA safety mark replacing the EU’s CE mark or the recognition of professional qualifications and intellectual property. These internal Westcoast Group matters are being assessed and customers are advised to examine any areas that may be affected.

Two good external sources of information providing a checklist of areas to examine are:

The British Chambers of Commerce: https://www.britishchambers.org.uk/media/get/Business Brexit Checklist.pdf 

EY – 100 Days To Go Readiness Guide: https://www.ey.com/en_uk/ey-brexit/brexit-readiness-guide-for-business-with-100-days-to-go 

All questions or feedback are welcome by email: approvals@xma.co.uk

Brexit Committee News Update – September 2020 Update

Welcome to the latest update from XMA’s Brexit team. Due to recent focus on Covid-19, XMA have not updated our Brexit page for some time. However, with the deadline for Brexit transition still due for January 2021, XMA’s Brexit Committee met this week and we can issue the current information / guidance below.

Whilst the UK has exited the European Union at the start of 2020, no real changes in trading conditions has been experienced as a result. This will not be true if the UK and the EU cannot agree a trade deal by the end of 2020. Recent reports have shown the Cabinet Office preparing for widespread disruption should such a scenario coincide with a second wave of Coronavirus in the UK.

XMA’s approach is to prepare for the worst and hope that the situation is considerably better.

Delivery Delays from Europe

Recent studies have shown that some delays at ports of exit/entry are likely. Given that the majority of goods supplied by XMA are currently imported into the EU via mainland Europe and shipped across the English Channel, such disruption is bound to have an impact. Hence XMA and our parent company Westcoast have taken or will take the following mitigating actions:

1. New increased storage – XMA’s new 346k sqft facility in Andover has been fully operational since the start of the year and has allowed increased space for XMA and our Customers; increased services (e.g. configuration, PDI, storage, bundling) and will provide reduced cost outsourcing opportunities for our OEM partners and Customers. The appropriate EORI number and TSP status are in place.

2. Short-term deals – Previous ‘false Brexits’ were covered by stocking deals with OEM partners to mitigate the immediate disruption to normal trade. XMA have already started working with Suppliers to ensure inventory planning over the change period.

3. XMA are working with freight forwarders, vendor logistics managers to ensure the smoothest possible importation through UK ports of entry. This includes correct commodity codes, country of origin information and paperwork.

4. Tariffs – Most (but not all!) IT products supplied by XMA in the last 180 days had no tariffs applicable on WTO terms or the UK Global Tariff (applicable from 1st January 2021).An accurate commodity code which allows tariff application to any goods imported is an important part of XMA’s work at present with Suppliers is encouraging them to provide a complete library of codes for every live sku. XMA are currently looking at automating a tariff look-up procedure to apply an appropriate tariff to the cost of the product if applicable. These can clearly change with little notice.

5. Other costs -VAT deferment costs, import management and transportation costs may also increase cost of goods after 1 January 2021 and will be applied systematically.

6. Finally, XMA and Westcoast are working with vendors to arrange direct delivery into the UK from the Far East (i.e. avoiding the EU altogether). Westcoast can act as a master distributor, importer or merely a 3PL provider to a wide range of suppliers.

Westcoast Exports

XMA and Westcoast now have warehousing in the UK and across Europe (inc Ireland). We are investigating the possibility of having a bonded capability in the UK for Irish goods and those for re-export to Europe. All Supplier contracts are being amended to allow for such transactions. We can manage the nuances of exporting to the EU including tariff application and shipping administration. Customers will be asked for standard information in advance of quoting whether the order is received by EDI, web or via Westcoast sales.

Ireland

The new Brexit arrangements for Ireland and Northern Ireland are well understood and we are working with our logistics provider/freight forwarder to ensure we minimise delays when delivering across the Irish Sea. There are no plans to enhance Westcoast’s current cross-stocking facility in Tallaght, Dublin.

Conclusion

Our recent Brexit Committee has reinvigorated our Brexit plans and the committee will meet every month in the run up to 31st December 2020 and will report back via ‘Brexit News’ every month. We will have updates on the progress of plans outlined above.

All questions or feedback are welcome by email: approvals@xma.co.uk

The conversation around the shift to remote working is constantly ongoing, and we have all seen first-hand the positive impacts on businesses. This includes anything from improved collaboration and productivity, through to better mental health and wellbeing. Technology has been a key enabler in supporting the move to remote working.  

Technology adopted during lockdown to enable employees to work remotely has shaped not just organisations during lockdown, but strategic business planning moving forward. We have already seen announcements from large enterprise technology organisations, shifting their working model to remote, either entirely or in part.  

The productivity benefits of working from home centre around the loss of the need to commute. With the average person’s work commute at 60 minutes each way, this has saved on average a staggering 10 hours per week spent mostly in the car, on the train or bus. As a result of this, the European Environment Agency’s data confirms large decreases in air pollutant concentrations, of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentrations, largely due to reduced traffic and other activities, especially in major cities under lockdown measures.  

Reductions of around half have been seen in some locations, for example: 

• In Milan, average concentrations of NO2 for the past month have been at least 24 % lower than the month prior. The average concentration during the week of 16-22 March was 21 % lower than for the same week in 2019. 
• In Rome, average NO2 concentrations for the past four weeks were 26-35 % lower than for the same weeks in 2019. 
• In Barcelona, average NO2 levels went down by 40 % from one week to the next. Compared with the same week in 2019, the reduction was 55 %. 

• In Madrid, average NO2 levels went down by 56 % from one week to the next. Compared with the same week in 2019, the reduction was 41 %. 
• In Lisbon, average NO2 levels went down by 40 % from one week to the next. Compared with the same week in 2019, the reduction was 51 %. 

(European Environment Agency, 2020). 

After achieving and analysing this reduction in pollution, will the Covid-19 lockdown result in real progress to tackle climate change?  

Whilst addressing long-term air quality problems requires ambitious policies and forward-looking investments, the Covid-19 lockdown demonstrated the capability we must vastly reduce our emissions. When the noise of airplanes and traffic was gone, it helped us understand and have empathy for the effects of climate change on future generations. The lockdown also demonstrated to employers that employees can effectively work from anywhere with best placed technology, and in turn contribute toward a greener and more sustainable future.  

Is your business set up for remote working?  

XMA have been supporting businesses throughout Covid-19 to achieve efficient digital workspaces. Get in touch to discuss your Digital Workspace now. 

 

Reference:  European Environment Agency (2020). Air Pollution. Available at: https://www.eea.europa.eu/highlights/air-pollution-goes-down-as [Accessed: 24.08.2020]