Unless we technologically advance rather ferociously in the coming years, this is the last time we will see a double figure year in our lifetime, so it’s pretty special! An iconic year for us all to really make an impact.
Let’s jump straight into our technology predictions for 2020: sustainable innovation, experiencing technology, time limits, specialised talent, and transhumanism.
Sustainable Innovation
Change is upon us, effective change is imminent.
Being sustainable is at the core of every business. As businesses, we want to be seen making positive changes, but how far are we all actually going to make an impact? Is there any evidence to analyse? Any substance behind the claims?
We can expect to see greater investments in reuse and recycling for closed-loop innovation and expect to say goodbye to the days of bulky hardware, as just like the nano SIM, hardware are becoming smaller and more efficient and we will be more reliant on the Cloud. We can expect more organisations to source new sustainable materials for example being built with recycled and reclaimed goods.
In 2018, HP used 21,250 tonnes of recycled plastic in HP products – including 8,360 tonnes in their personal systems (a 3.5% increase from 2017); 4,790 tonnes in their printers (a 280% increase from 2017); and more than 8,000 tonnes in their ink and toner cartridges.
“As of September 2019, HP sourced about 450 tonnes of ocean-bound plastic bottles (equal to roughly 35 million bottles) that are recycled and used to make Original HP ink cartridges and hardware, including the HP EliteDisplay E273d Docking Monitor (announced in June 2019) – the world’s first display manufactured using ocean plastic. Display manufactured with 5% ocean bound plastic materials by weight, the equivalent of more than three 16 oz. recycled plastic water bottles.” (HP, 2019).
So an absolute #GameChanger is the HP Elite Dragonfly, after launching in September 2019, this beautiful, slimline device has been the talk of Tech Town. Not only is the HP Dragonfly the world’s most lightweight 13” laptop, it is also the world’s first notebook with ocean-bound plastics, including 5% in its speaker, and has started a standing-ovation-worthy cybersecurity revolution…
The motherboard is where the magic happens, but with the Dragonfly, it’s more than magic, it’s where their intelligence driven superpowers are challenged. Sure Sense, required with Windows 10, is trained to seek and analyse trends in Malware. Unlike Norton for example, which detects known malware, Sure Sense looks for codes and changes in malware that Norton would not be able to spot. This is next level. This is now. This is the answer to your cybersecurity concerns.
We predict that the HP Dragonfly will have a snowball effect on other organisations and we will see more plans and launches of devices which use sustainable materials in their products. It’s all part of the sustainability grape vine. Find out why this is so important to us here.
Technology Experience – learning how to use technology more creatively to go the extra mile.
We predict that 2020 will create a new wave of fun for technology users. Consumers will use their devices and software to a fuller extent, producing a richer experience. Technology Education will make a breakthrough from younger ages through to adults and a better understanding of technology and it’s possibilities will be explored. Technology consumers will move forward and develop more creatively – beginning to safely experiment and enjoy the dormant or ‘unknown’ features to a fuller extent.
Time limits Apps/Personal
After studies suggest social media is addictive to younger consumers, we predict apps like Instagram and Facebook will set up ‘recommended screen time’ to present themselves as transparent and responsible media owners. At first, this could be promoted via a push notification, followed by a hideable banner on the homepage if not actioned by the user.
As well as apps encouraging this, we predict that tech users will start taking more of an active role to their technology intake and allocate certain time slots for apps.
As a side note, media giant Instagram appears to have the user at the forefront of their minds. Recently after a trial period in the UK, Instagram removed the amount of likes on photos to other users, only the photo owner can see the total number of likes; however this does not stop savvy users counting the profiles that liked it. The move was designed to promote positive well-being and to downplay the importance of users receiving ‘social validation’ on their posts after concerns of growing online anxiety, and instead to shift focus to the content they freely want to share.
Training for Specialised Talent
As I’m sure you’re aware, ICT is a rapidly growing industry, and after every layer is peeled, another 500 appear. Because of this, there is talent in special areas, we have seen the Facebook Content Manager and Social Media Community Manager, but we can expect to see wild job titles entering the mix. Perhaps Linkedin Automated Message Developer, Instagram Beauty Hashtag Expert, or Website Header Transition Engineer.
Technology has a major role to play in learning and in preparing students for the world and careers they’ll be responsible for in the future – a future where 65% of jobs they will apply for do not exist today. (World Economic Forum, “The Future of Jobs: Employment, Skills and Workforce Strategy for the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” January 2016).
In May 2017, BBC Sounds podcast covered this and even though this circulated figure is debatable, it creates a thought whirlwind… will technology in education create more doors to open with more space to explore? How is technology training in schools being implemented effectively to prepare for these changes? If you’re interested in finding out some more, sign up to one of our Google Interactive Learning Experiences at BETT 2020 here.
Transhumanism
How would you feel about opening your front door by the swish of your index finger? What about picking up loose change from behind the sofa with a magnetic middle finger? Would you find it helpful having a chip in your wrist which is full of your medical information?
Introducing… Transhumanism. The belief or theory that the human race can evolve beyond its current physical and mental limitations, especially by means of science and technology.
When we think of transhumanism and technological developments into our bodies, we could think of a certain alien invader – cyberhumans. And hello 2020, we can liken this concept to BBC’s hit drama ‘Years and Years’, where student Bethany is obsessed with transhumanism and the culture of integrating humans with technology. If you haven’t seen it yet, it is definitely worth a watch to examine life in possibility.
‘I’m going to escape and become digital’. Granted, talk of removing the brain with all your life’s information and storing it into the Cloud is a tad extreme, however that is transhumanism in its ultimate form. Saying this, Winter Mraz, 31, labelled as a ‘Tech Geek’, with a degree in Games Modelling, Animation, and Effects, began augmenting herself after a car crash in the United States.
With ‘bionic’ implants inserted around her body, she argues over popular contraceptive implants, presenting conflicting ideas of ‘what’s the difference between a contraceptive implant and a microchip?’
Working as an engineer, she said her magnetic and data-fuelled implants allow her to sense electromagnetic fields and help avoid touching live wires at work.
Some argue that either through genetics or artificial intelligence, humans will be able to create a human being that is far superior to what we are now. From robotic hearts which don’t stop ticking, to saying ‘see ya’ to Rapid Wrinkle Repair cream and welcoming in genetic enhancements to make us not age or stay young forever, and let’s not forget about the development of bionic eyes that immediately download TV shows.
Overall, the concept of transhumanism is to collaborate humans and technology to make us more functional beings which live longer and more efficiently.
Will humans be free thinking, decision making entities in the Cloud?
Will we upload different versions of ourselves?
What if our Cloud personas are hacked? Rewind to this iconic episode of Doctor Who and The Rise of The Cybermen.
Is this a work of art? Or work for reversal?
Windows 10 & Beyond: Driving adoption and change
Driving adoption and change
What happens once you have migrated your business over to Windows 10 and how does the business start utilising all of the tools that are now available to them?
At XMA, we excel at helping organisations rise above the important, routine tasks involved with running a business. We offer a wide range of services that include helping your business drive Cloud adoption. Through our experience as a Gold Certified Microsoft partner, we can help you to enable the right solutions, tailor it to fit your unique needs, and drive adoption among employees, all while staying within your budget.
Watch our Windows 10 & Beyond Animation
Your first steps towards cloud adoption
Azure Active Directory
Has your business moved your Active Directory into Azure? Active Directory in Azure is the first step in order to enable additional solutions. You can connect your users with apps for a frictionless experience across cloud, mobile and on-premises apps. Single sign-on for multiple applications makes it easier and faster to onboard new employees, terminate access for leavers, and implement access to new cloud services, so users are up and running more quickly.
Microsoft Office 365
Have you moved your emails into Office 365? With Office 365, your employees can work anywhere, anytime and on any device. You will need to consider how you are backing up and securing your data within Office 365, and make sure you are fully utilising what is available within the suite of tools. Office 365 allows your IT resource to access the easy-to-use admin center from anywhere to manage all services. Office 365 takes care of IT for you, so your services are always up and running and up to date.
Microsoft teams
Microsoft have also announced that Skype for Business will come to end of life on July 31st 2021. This means your organisation will need to make the journey to Microsoft Teams. If you are operating on Windows 10 – then you are already half way there! We can help you realise the full benefits of Microsoft Teams, and how it can increase collaboration, lead conversations and integrate with Office 365.
Intune & Enterprise Mobility Suite
The deployment and ongoing management of your estate is essential for effective outcomes. Employees always want consistent access to their company’s resources from any given device. This is a challenge for IT professionals, who want to provide maximum mobility, all the while, protecting the corporate resources. Microsoft Intune is responsible for dealing with the mobile devices of the employees and provides functionalities such as remote wiping of data and mobile application management. Additionally, EMS reduces the burden on IT teams, enhance your data protection, and simplified identity management.
Sharepoint Online
SharePoint online is a collaboration software that enables mobility, and is a centralised document repository that compliments Microsoft Teams and One Drive – all tools that are now available to your business now that you are operating on a Windows 10 environment. You can drive automation through SharePoint online, and give employees places where they can organise and collaborate on content, data, and news to stay on the same page.
Analytics & Automation
PowerApps and Flow are part of the Microsoft Power Platform along with Power BI, and are being promoted by Microsoft as the new tools for the citizen developer. Microsoft Flow is based on workflows and triggers, and there are many different types of triggers that can be used. A Flow can be kicked off when a new entity is created or an existing entity is changed. PowerApps uses the connectors, provided data can easily be pulled from one or several data sources and combined to display what you really need to see with full create, read, write and update functionality, or restricted as you see fit.
We are leading the way in ‘The Modern Workplace’
XMA have started rolling out Microsoft devices across our own business; the hardware and software are built in unity, making them easy to deploy and simpler to manage. Our employees have agreed that their Microsoft device has allowed them to ‘increase productivity even on the most common tasks’… ‘more flexible working which has allowed us to embrace an “always online” approach’… and last but not least, they are proud to be seen with it!
How we can help you embrace the modern workplace
Whether you are at the beginning or the end of your Windows 10 journey, XMA are best placed to help you develop and drive your future road map and strategy.
We can provide end-user training to improve worker productivity, empower your organisation to automate your “starter, leaver, mover” process, and implement your Microsoft Enterprise Mobility Suite.
Our services for training and consultancy
XMA has an in-house team who deliver end user training to improve worker productivity. We understand the importance of enabling your workforce to get the very most out of the tools that are now available to them.
This training can span across multiple departments, including working closely with your own IT resource on how to deploy all of the new software programs across the business. We act as an extension of your IT department, and offer continuous support throughout your journey to a modern workplace.
Implementing a lifestyle approach for better patient care
XMA, HPE Financial Services and Gloucestershire Care Services NHS Trust
XMA has been partnering with HPE Financial Services for years on solving end-user dilemmas around end-of-life equipment. “What used to be a problem for our customers – what to do with equipment they no longer want or need – is becoming an opportunity,” says Andy Wright, XMA Commercial Director. “Virtually every company, especially those in public sector, have sustainability goals and their IT departments have the opportunity to contribute significantly by working with specialists to remarket equipment instead of sending it to a landfill or even recycling it. It’s called a circular economy approach.”
Gloucestershire Care Services is no different. According to Ben, the Trust supports environmental sustainability through a series of initiatives including reducing water usage, energy consumption and waste to landfills. “GCS is intent on reducing waste throughout the services we administer to patients and our own operations. HPE Financial Services has an excellent reputation in extending the use of devices by remarketing them which fits perfectly with our corporate sustainability objectives.”
Halfway to success… A Windows 10 Journey
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
Is employee wellbeing a victim of hot-desking success?
The rise in flexible working has been steady over a number of years now, with each new technological development allowing more freedom to managers and employees – but only if that technology is utilised correctly.
Improvements in technology have enabled businesses to embrace flexibility – but who benefits?
Companies are certainly seeing gains.
More people needing less desks brings big savings on overheads, as well as easier and quicker onboarding.
Recruiting by skill-set rather than geography is now possible with businesses no longer confined to the local population to find their perfect match.
New technologies and cloud storage mean systems and digital objects aren’t tied to a specific location, so their distribution can be easier to manage, as well as providing flexibility for employees.
And there are benefits to employees as well of course.
Widening your social network has been cited as a benefit of hot-desking, as it naturally encourages the growth of relationships outside an original team. Employees will gain a better understanding of the skills and knowledge of their co-workers, while also growing their understanding of the organisations’ bigger picture.
As fixed desks are replaced with a more flexible working environment, these spaces might allow for relaxed break-out areas for brainstorming, quiet areas for concentration and meeting areas locally. This brings the opportunity to design a space around the needs of workers and their working practice.
And of course, the flexibility of choosing your own workspace will benefit many employees.
It’s a win-win then?
Maybe not, the news isn’t all positive.
While workspace flexibility and increased social interaction are improvements for some workers, others are suffering with the loss of security and sense of belonging having their own space gave them.
The health and safety considerations of setting up a workstation to meet individual requirements.
Stresses caused by not knowing what seating will be available in the office.
Concerns about isolation and losing a sense of belonging in the work environment.
The Open Sourced Workplace also identifies a number of negative impacts of hot-desking reporting that many employees, particularly older workers, women and introverts, struggle with it.
The potential for disturbance means many employees find focus and concentration difficult.
The lack of privacy can impact employee productivity.
So, what is the answer?
Organisations need to understand their workforce and what makes them tick.
While financial concerns and productivity are key, so too are the needs of employees which will impact on every aspect of business running.
Technology can certainly be utilised to ease some of the concerns identified in these reports.
Booking solutions can remove the worry that a desk won’t be available by allowing advanced reservation.
These solutions should also be smart enough to ensure a proximity to team members.
Meeting room booking systems should highlight the rooms features as well as showing the rooms availability, location and utilise location services to provide directions.
We’re used to smart technology in our homes meaning that we have information and access to systems when we’re not there, the systems we use at work should be at least as smart.
Innovation across workspaces will need solutions which integrate and solve real pain points for real people – any strategy must stem from a wider business focus on employee engagement and productivity.
Find out more
While hot-desking offers opportunities for improvement for companies and employees, there are concerns for employee wellbeing which shouldn’t be ignored.
Smarter, more innovative, solutions will give organisations the opportunity to enhance workspaces by ensuring they work for individuals and the way they work.
If you’d like to find out more about building employee-centred workspaces, get in touch.
Written by Terry Chana – Workspace Lead Consultant @ XMA
Teesside University
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.
Deliver A* learning outcomes with Microsoft 365 Education
“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.
To find out more, please contact us today. 01727 201890 |softwarelicensing@xma.co.uk
3 ways to empower cloud workers
We are currently in the age of the cloud worker, but what does that mean?
The way in which we work has evolved due to the developing transition of cloud technologies and the increasing number of organisations adopting these ways of working. The progression towards cloud technologies can be seen throughout many industries and all sizes of organisations who are keen to uncover and utilise what cloud can offer them.
Employees in their personal lives embrace a plethora of cloud technologies: from ordering food and transport to shopping, all within a touch of their screen. It could be suggested that this has heightened their expectations of the workplace where they now require efficient and effortless technologies to do their job.
The evolution of the workforce can’t be ignored, with 1 in 4 employees currently seen as a cloud worker. A cloud worker can be defined as a worker who uses cloud apps and either laptops or tablets daily spending a minimum of 3 hours a day within a browser (Forrester, 2018).
A recent survey on employees showed:
65% believed their technology requirements for work are constantly changing.¹
73% rely on their employee to continuously improve their approach to devices/apps that support their productivity.¹
80% agreed they needed instant access to information from a variety of sources to succeed in their job.¹
There is an increase in workers operating on-the-go, using shared devices and working within large international teams. They are relying heavily on cloud-based apps and want to be able to do their job through any device and at any time of the day; structured 9-5 working is becoming a thing of the past. The working behaviours of employees are changing sufficiently enough that workplaces are adapting the working environment to ensure efficiency, retention and productivity are high.
A recent survey on ITDM enterprises showed:
71% agreed technology developments had evolved organisations expectations of employees day to day work.¹
73%consider employee experience as a top priority when making decisions about devices and business applications.¹
73% believed that complementing employee tasks with tech like AI cloud ans mobility is crucial to my organisations future.¹
(Forrester, 2018)
The growing trend of employees rating flexibility to work anywhere anytime as essential in carrying out their job effectively means they embrace technologies that help them do that. Working for an organisation who understands this and puts time and effort into the employee experience has never been so important. Introducing cloud technologies into the work place to enable these workers will have a positive impact on: attracting and retaining talent as well as productivity and efficiency whilst the right technology will also keep organisations safe and secure from cyber-criminal activity.
3 ways to empower your cloud workers:
1) Workplace efficiency
Cloud workers are on the go and busy throughout the day so need features that will help them do the job and assist with increasing productivity. Chrome OS automatically secures data with a cloud-based back up system enabling them to work worry free, from any location. Updates run automatically in the background and do not disrupt users whilst working, introducing new features over time to maintain device performance. Employees can also stay on task whilst being offline and save and sync features help them to stay productive on any device.
2) Premium hardware
Cloud workers care about having the best quality hardware to do their job efficiently and effectively whilst using helpful features to empower them to get the job done. Just like this portable Chromebook device that provides secure cloud access and a seamless transition from online to offline work. The Chromebook provides full interactivity on a single device and accommodates users who need to share company materials on the go as well as those who need secure, reliable data access to collaborate with team members across different locations.
3) Enterprise applications
Cloud workers need to securely access a range of applications that enable them to perform tasks effortlessly. Chrome enterprise enables access to SaaS apps, directly from the dock with safe browsing technology to protect users. Google Play gives seamless access to leading apps including: Cisco, Jabber, WebEx and more whilst continuously protecting users. The G suite app is readily available in the dock at every login with no browser setup required
Contact a member of our team today to discuss cloud worker empowerment for your work environment.
Sources:
¹ Forrester, 2018 ‘Rethink technology in the age of the cloud worker’
What does the modern workplace look like?
A Modern Workplace; this is now an employee’s expectation and a big necessity.
Today’s workforce have an expectation to be able to work anywhere at any time, and it’s more important than ever that organisation’s embrace and empower mobile working. Implementing a modern workplace is essential if your business wants to:
Attract and retain talent: 82% say that workplace technology has an influence when deciding whether or not to take a new job1
Embrace new workstyles: 50% of the workforce will be mobile by 2020. It’s imperative that your employees are not restricted on mobile working2
Inspire innovation: 72% of workers believe their future success depends on their ability to be creative3
We understand the challenges businesses now face when embracing the modern workplace.
For example, cyber-attacks are increasingly becoming more sophisticated… customer expectations outpace internal adaptations… and attracting the best talent in the market means becoming a digitally enabled leader in a saturated environment.
Here is a list of Microsoft features that we at XMA have implemented ourselves, and feel are a great platform for collaboration, reporting, and relationship building:
Hardware and software working in unity, just the way they were intended
XMA have started rolling out Microsoft Surface devices across our own business; the hardware and software are built in unity, making them easy to deploy and simpler to manage.
Our employees have agreed that their Surface device has allowed them to ‘increase productivity even on the most common tasks’… ‘more flexible working which has allowed us to embrace an “always online” approach’… and last but not least, they are proud to be seen with it! This has increased employee satisfaction and encouraged them to “use it all the time” because of the great device and M365 experience.
We’re all working as a Team
XMA have recently embraced Microsoft Teams as our primary platform of communication. This is where we communicate from one department to another, can create specific channels to engage with select individuals, share files and relevant information which can be collaboratively edited within Teams, and instant message individuals both inside and outside of the organisation.
Microsoft Teams perfectly integrates with an O365 environment and can be used as the central area for all communications across a business.
It doesn’t just end there – Teams can be used for sales teams to engage with customers. Files can be instantly shared and edited, there is a ‘chat’ feature to encourage seamless conversations between employee and customer, and the Teams groups are by invite only, so you can invite in the people you want, and keep out those who you don’t!
We make the most of Microsoft 365
Our Surface devices allow us to work with the essential foundation and familiarity of Windows 10, the protection of Microsoft Enterprise Mobility + Security, and the Office 365 productivity apps which we all rely on every day. For example, OneDrive; with OneDrive syncing across devices, files are stored in the cloud. If someone accidentally leaves their beloved Surface device at home, they can now pick up any device, securely log in, and instantly pick up where they left off.
There’s a Surface device suitable for every department
Directors: Providing leadership across an organisation, no matter how big or small, comes with a number of challenges; overseeing the health of the business and wellbeing of customers… providing guidance and support across multi-functional teams… task and responsibility randomization… and being a positive reflection of the organisation’s brand.
The best device? A Surface Book 2 for Business. Directors can oversee the business by approving documents and providing feedback through Office collaboration features, perform complex analysis with confidence, and represent the company through Surface’s premium hardware and elegant design. This high powered and all-day battery life device has a detachable keyboard, which allows the user to stay on top of work and industry news, even when limited on space.
Creative design department: A company designer have their own challenges they face each day. For example, communicating with their colleagues and customers on design work… engaging in meetings both on-site and remotely… create modern designs for both the business and its customers… and collaborating on promotional plans.
The best device? The Surface Hub 2S together with pens can be used as a whiteboard to present new and exciting designs anywhere, with a remote stand and long battery life. It enables real-time document editing whilst working with a widely distributed team through the Teams application. The stunning wide screen shows each detail in crystal clarity and will never fail to impress in customer presentations.
Want to find out more about Microsoft Surface into Business?
Contact a member of our team today to discuss the modern workplace for your environment.
Sources:
1 US Future-Ready Workforce Study, 2016
2 SectorWatch, MarketWatch, April 19, 2017
3 Steelcase, “The Future of Work is Creative, How Technology and Place Enhance Creative Behaviours”, 2017
The complexity of protection made simple
Last year there were almost double the amount of cybersecurity incidents in companies compared to in 2017, with 159,000 data breaches driven by ransomware or new attack methods.
And the global cost of cybercrime is expected to exceed $2 trillion by 2019.
Gartner recommend organisations with a focus on security adopt Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solutions to increase cyber-resilience with hardening, investigation, incident detection, and incident response.
However, in their 2018 “Endpoint Protection and Response” survey the SANS Institute highlight, that only 50 percent of organisations had next-gen antivirus, and 37 percent of these had not activated the advanced capabilities due to its complexities.
Organisations are finding it hard to strike the balance between deploying the best possible network protection without becoming overwhelmed by false alerts which need investigating or simply the complexity of administration.
Advanced cybersecurity systems produce massive amounts of data—much more than any number of people could sort through and analyse – in a relevant time frame.
This is why Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its subset Machine Learning (ML) are applied within EDR solutions, where the software learns to solve problems and think by itself in a way that’s similar to humans. These technologies are able to sift through the vast amount of network data turning it into security intelligence able to detect threat events, traditional antivirus products would miss.
By learning what normal network activity consists such as programs used, user activity and traffic patterns, deviations from these norms show a greater threat potential and can be highlighted and dealt with in a faster fashion.
However, it is here where the threat of alert fatigue can kick in with too many false alerts requiring investigation mean that only a small percentage can be adequately dealt with. Should the security solution require administrator intervention shutting the user or process out this can seriously impact operations.
The EDR solution must be advanced enough so the AI and ML technologies handle routine tasks and first level security analysis, leaving security analysts free to focus on more critical or complex threats.
While not a “philosophers stone” AI and ML are useful tools in your security arsenal to shift the approach from reactive defense to proactive real-time threat hunting and detection.
A new cybersecurity paradigm is born.
Panda Security realised back in 2010 that existing endpoint protection techniques were limited and started from the ground up building a new single platform which is today known as Panda Adaptive Defense 360 providing 100% process attestation, meaning no process is allowed to run until actively classified as good and Threat Hunting included as standard.
This approach was only made possible through the development of a cloud-based automated detection service to classify every new Portable Executable (PE) process and identify and block fileless malware and other threats which ‘live off the land’ utilising legitimate tools – such as RDP, powershell, macros etc – repurposed for their nefarious ends, moving laterally on the network stealing credentials, browsing history, and data.
This concept was further developed into Panda Security’s Threat Hunting and Investigation service, where fed by hypotheses from the experts at PandaLabs Security Operations Center, these technologies can gather and analyze data, trace threats, search for vulnerabilities, respond to breaches, and thus reduce the IT team’s workload. This way we can focus on the really dangerous attacks.
Monitoring by Hotjar