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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

Achieve the flexibility of the public cloud on-premises under your control with consumption-based and flexible IT solutions from HPE GreenLake pay-per-use model.

HPE GreenLake Flex Capacity offers a consumption-based model on-premises, giving you greater flexibility, scalability, and control. Design your own infrastructure solutions, selecting from a broad range of HPE and partner technologies, as well as optional services that can span your infrastructure to your apps and workloads.

World-class expertise from HPE Pointnext

Every HPE GreenLake Flex Capacity solution comes with enterprise-grade support from HPE Pointnext and active capacity management to ensure that your solution grows with the business needs.

4 benefits of using consumption based IT

Outcome-based IT consumption delivers a range of benefits that you can’t get from solutions solely built from scratch or bought from the public cloud. Delivering the best of both worlds, HPE GreenLake enables:

• On-premises for better control over compliance, performance, and security
• Simplified IT that’s operated for you to free up resources and add business value
• Faster time to value with solutions that are ready quickly and evolve ahead of your needs
• Better economics with a flexible, pay-per-use model that offers simplicity and financial clarity

HPE GreenLake Flex Capacity with HPE Nimble Storage

• All-flash storage and predictive analytics with 99.9999% guaranteed up time
• Active capacity management and pay-per-use consumption from HPE GreenLake Flex Capacity meaning simple, secure, storage solution that grows with your business needs.

Read more about how HPE GreenLake can benefit your IT Infrastructure using IaaS

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Click below to view the full Infographic 

With almost 100% shift to digital across the healthcare industry, having a strong, secure and reliable network has never been more important.  Staff are using a multitude of devices to connect to the same network, along with patients and BioMedical devices.  Aruba offers solutions to solve these challenges and add benefits such as indoor navigation for the patients to enhance digital services whilst visiting a patient or as a patient themselves.

Total economic impact of IoT in healthcare in 2025 is $170B-$1.6T, making it one of the top three vertical for IoT solutions¹

How Aruba enables a digital workforce within the Healthcare Industry

A Secure, Strong and Reliable network throughout your Healthcare Institution Seamless Connectivity: indoors and outdoors utilising technologies such as satellite clinics to support numerous devices per user wherever you are.  With HPE Smart Rate multi-gig Ethernet you can enable high speed connectivity over Cat6 cabling. Future proof support for emerging IoT devices and standards.   Making sure equipment is connected, secure and reliable at any time. Point of care decision support.  Allowing clinicians to use their mobile devices to make critical decisions.  Aruba Ao8 features of reliability in a 24/7 environment – using Aruba technologies such as LiveUpgrade, Hitless Failover, ClientMatch and AppRF.   Creating an unrivalled user experience for patients and guests with location-based services Patient facing applications which allow indoor mapping, location specific content, proximity-based notifications, user opt – in location sharing (great for visiting family) using Aruba Beacons and Meridian.  Making it easier to make your way around the hospital and find a specific bed. Secured, easy to use Guest Access Portals with ClearPass meaning security even when on a guest wifi network.   Adding an extra layer of security and peace of mind for expensive and critical equipment Location of expensive assets through Meridian Asset Tracking.  IT Managers can keep on top and track their most critical and important equipment at all times.   Visibility and Control for IT Management Giving clear visibility to the IT managers to control and maintain the hospital’s infrastructure using 20/20 Visibility with Aruba AirWave.  Adding the extra layer of support with technologies such as Client-to-network E2E visibility, RF Visualization, Historical reporting, Automated Configuration Management, In-Line monitoring: Radius, DHCP, DNS critical services, role and device – based network access control. All these technologies complimenting each other to give the ultimate experience to the IT manager and securing a strong and stable environment through the hospital network.

Learn more about ‘A hospital’s health starts with its network infrastructure’

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¹McKinsey Global Institute, Unlocking The Potential Of The Internet of Things, June 2015

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.

And with a minefield of technology available to businesses, how does an organisation select the best device that suits their needs and budget?
Microsoft devices offer a number of benefits that are suited for every organisation, no matter what industry you might operate in.

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.

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

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.

Panda Adaptive Defense 360, and its Advanced Reporting Tool, Data Control and Patch Management modules, help you to secure your network and comply with regulatory requirements such as GDPR.

For your free demonstration or trial of Panda Security solutions, contact your XMA Account Manager.

Our pledge to the Armed Forces

XMA have formally pledged their support to current and former members of the Armed Forces and their families, including reservists, by signing the official Armed Forces Covenant.

The document highlights the moral obligation owed to the Armed Forces by the nation and businesses signing-up to it are able to officially declare their own support for the military community.

As a responsible and equal opportunities employer, XMA has committed to working more closely with past and present members of the Armed Forces to enable them to manage their military careers with civilian jobs or to find full-time employment once they leave the military.

Signing the covenant enables XMA to officially recognise the value serving personnel, reservists, veterans and military families bring to the company.

See our Pledge

Brexit Committee News Update – March Update

As UK Parliament move towards a crucial series of votes, HMRC are still advising businesses to prepare for ‘No Deal’. Below sets out some key actions XMA are taking before 29th March to prepare for such an eventuality.
It is worth pointing out that should a deal be passed by parliament in the coming days, the resulting transitional period lasting to at least Dec 2020 would mean that business would continue to operate as they do today with free movement of goods between the EU and the UK and would give XMA and its partners further time to prepare for any changes we would face as part of the final withdrawal agreement. We may face exactly the same issues we currently face or even a different set of issues for which we may have little time to prepare for. However, it will allow the Government to prepare more robust customs procedures and processes as well as negotiate favourable trade deals with both the EU and other countries.

Inventory

As mentioned in previous updates, XMA have negotiated increased one-off stock holding deals with its main hardware and supplies partners. This will result in a significantly increased stock holding. Whilst naturally not a long-term solution, it should mitigate any immediate shortfalls as delays at ports build up. In addition, we are advising customers to ensure they order channel stock as opposed to product built to order in EU factories to ensure the best service to customers. XMA have stepped up its services capability to configure locally to ensure end-users are serviced well during this period of uncertainty.

Customs & Border Control

Customs declarations will be mandatory for imports and exports for trade between the EU and the UK. Through our parent company (Westcoast) we are well versed in managing such declarations and have been busy collecting standard (UK will continue to be consistent post-Brexit) commodity codes (HS codes) for all live SKUs in our portfolio to understand whether tariffs will be applied. This work is on-going and to date we have confirmed codes on over 73% of active products in Westcoast’s catalogue. Any tariffs levied by the UK on imports or the EU on exports will be passed on to customers in the cost of goods along with admin fees levied by our customs clearance partners. At this point, we have identified very few risk areas, yet we encourage you also to take proactive steps to identify whether SKUs you wish to purchase from us could attract additional tariffs. Westcoast will inform customers when tariffs – currently at WTO non-preferential rates – are levied.

Safety and security declarations will be mandatory for imports and exports and Westcoast have a strong partner that will handle any such declarations.
It is mandatory for delivery documentation for goods being exported to show cost prices in order to clear customs effectively. Customers should note that whilst you may feel this is not ideal for direct deliveries to your end users, XMA must comply with all necessary customs clearance requirements.
We are only expecting physical customs checks on a small fraction of consignments particularly as not all ports have Border Inspection Posts (including Calais, Ostend and Normandy). All have plans to build new facilities, but it is not known whether these will be ready and sufficiently staffed in time for 29th March. Whilst we are not anticipating delays to XMA shipments, it will be checks on other products that bear significant tariffs that will create delays as well as the five-fold increase in HMRC custom declaration workload.

Ireland

There are likely to be delays in delivering goods to Ireland from the UK. Through our parent company (Westcoast) Ireland’s warehouse in Tallaght, Dublin, XMA will be have the ability to manage roll-out projects and cross-stock only. Customers are advised to discuss their project deals with their account managers to ensure appropriate space can be allocated. Single pick items will still be delivered from the UK using Westcoast’s logistics partner although some delays may occur at ferry ports.

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 applied for this accreditation and the application has been acknowledged as received by HMRC.
Warranty – no vendor has 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 are imposed, they 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 January 2019

9,000 iPads to be handed out to all Scottish Borders Council children aged 11 to 17.

Through the newly approved digital education strategy, XMA are thrilled to be partnering with Apple and CGI to deliver every child aged 11 to 17 in the Scottish Borders Council an iPad.
This strategy has been named “The Inspire Learning Programme”.

During the early stages of this programme’s planning phases, XMA partnered with Apple to run a number of demos to councillors, SLT’s and teaching staff.
This was to demonstrate the huge impact digital learning is having in schools across the UK, and we worked closely with the Scottish Borders Council to build a digital education strategy that would change the face of education across the Borders.

East Berwickshire councillor Carol Hamilton, the authority’s executive member for children and young people, said: “The Inspire Learning programme is our game-changing opportunity to make a difference to both our young people and our teaching staff here in the Borders, empowering them to deliver forward-thinking, innovative learning to our young people.”.

It was widely recognised that this programme is not about handing iPads to children. With a new age of digital learning, and a future that is becoming more digitally orientated than every before, it is important to equip young people with the knowledge and skills they need to develop their future careers.

This program is also about investing in teachers and empowering them to use technology to positively change the way they deliver their lessons. Digital technology will allow them to maximise every student’s learning potential and opportunities, as well as contribute to their own professional development.

Carol Hamilton says “Not only does the programme open up the opportunity for pupils to learn in new and exciting ways, it also brings with it a raft of wider benefits including extra support and professional development opportunities for teachers, expansion of Wi-Fi to provide fast and reliable internet access in every school and the rollout of flexible audio visual learning spaces through equipping classrooms with wireless and efficient technology.”.

This is an incredibly rewarding program for XMA to be a part of, and XMA are playing a key role in deploying these iPads across the Borders.

Our Scotland Business Unit Director said, “It’s an exciting time to be a pupil or a teacher in the Borders and this project addresses the nationwide challenge of attainment, pupil equity and the digital skills gap. As the National Framework provider for Scottish Procurement, XMA are delighted to be partnering with CGI, Apple and SBC to help deliver this truly transformational project.”.

An estimated 6,500 iPads will be rolled out from this August to all high school pupils and then to 2,500 pupils in P6 and P7 next year.

In future years, iPads will be shared among 5,700 P1 to P5 pupils. XMA look forward to watching how young children’s education will thrive through the use of iPad.

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Apple technology is giving medical professionals the power to positively change the way they deliver healthcare. iOS devices come with a broad range of clinical apps that can support your day to day operations, and can ultimately change the way you engage with your patients, fellow clinicians and Trusts.

The App Store features over 40,000 apps that are changing the world of healthcare. Medical professionals can now use apps to provide faster, more personalised care both inside and outside of a hospital. Patients are also empowered to manage their own health outside the hospital with suggested apps, and medical researchers can now gather robust and meaningful data from larger, more varied populations.

We have listed some key apps which can help clinicians streamline their workload and provide more humanised patient care.

PatientTouch makes healthcare collaboration smart, mobile and simple with secure messaging, voice-over IP communications, and a consolidated view of alerts.

By connecting frontline clinicians to their patients and their care team, the PatientTouch app improves safety and efficiency, while reducing costs. Ultimately, the PatientTouch system allows you to spend more time on direct patient care.

Kainos is designed to give healthcare providers and carers secure access to patient information, regardless of the location. The app supports easy integration with other clinical systems using healthcare interoperability standards and is accessed using mobile apps that have been developed exclusively for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Apple Watch.

The new platform is available on-premise, hosted in the cloud and is designed to meet the requirements of an increasingly diverse healthcare market, from large hospitals through to community and emergency care providers.

Formerly known as Vitalpac, CareFlow Vitals is our market leading electronic observation and decision support system designed to improve patient safety and outcomes.

It monitors and analyses patient vital signs to identify deteriorating conditions and provide risk scores to trigger escalation pathways.

Custom apps are applications you create and tailor yourself using the FileMaker Platform. These apps are the perfect replacement for paper.
Organize contacts, track medicines and stock, record events, and much more. The same app works on your mobile device, computer, the web, and in the cloud.

Want to understand more about upgrading to a modern device?
Speak to our healthcare team today, and learn about how Apple devices can transform your healthcare environment.