Opinion
Opinion
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Building the workplace of the future
Technology has evolved in the office, but are companies prepared for the next step? Continue Reading
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Providing more value to your customers over time
Maintaining your client base means your technology offerings, services and reporting must evolve Continue Reading
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All to gain: Unlocking the potential of a diverse and inclusive workforce
We look at the business benefits of opening the doors to a diverse workforce Continue Reading
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What if we could learn IT skills at the speed of hackers?
IT training is not a marathon, but maybe it is a Skill Sprint, writes Nick Booth Continue Reading
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HDD’s big comeback
Hard disk drives are going to remain a key part of a reseller’s portfolio, especially as larger capacity drives come to market Continue Reading
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Channel relationships really matter
The chief executive and founder of security distributor e92plus, Mukesh Gupta, shares his thoughts about the help his firm can deliver right now Continue Reading
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What will the next phase of working look like due to Covid-19?
Andy Jane, CTO at Olive Communications, looks back at the past couple of weeks as the UK has been on lockdown to see how businesses have coped during the initial stage of the Covid-19 coronavirus crisis Continue Reading
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Coronavirus: Tech to the rescue
It has largely been technology that has kept workers productive and the kids entertained during the Covid-19 coronavirus lockdown, says Billy MacInnes Continue Reading
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Tech Data has a taste for Apple
Company’s recent results got Billy MacInnes wondering about the importance of the relationship between the distributor and its key vendor Continue Reading
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Intelligent data management
We look at artificial intelligence for data management – what it means, what it does and why businesses need it Continue Reading
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Covid-19: Let's get through this together
The channel has always been about people at its heart, and as we all struggle to get through the coronavirus crisis, let's not forget to look out for each other Continue Reading
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Building customer trust with an open approach
In the final piece of our three-part series, Barracuda’s director International talks of the importance of delivering promises and being honest about services to build customer trust Continue Reading
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Maximising manpower for business customers
With IT teams struggling with a lack of manpower and skills to cope with the increase security demands on networks, MSPs can provide a welcome relief. In the second of a three-part series, we look at the growing need for managed security service ... Continue Reading
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How managed services can help SME security teams take back their time
For those uncertain about investing in managed services in 2020, doing so could be the answer to freeing up your IT team to turn its attention to areas where it’s needed most. In the first of a three-part series, we look at the services you will need Continue Reading
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Cancellation of MWC will leave a gap
For those who wanted trade shows to die, the unexpected cancellation of Mobile World Congress could highlight the weakness of their argument Continue Reading
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Voice is never going away, says Natterbox CEO
Neil Hammerton at Natterbox tells Nick Booth how some of the issues he experienced with the NHS recently might have been eased with technology Continue Reading
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Zero clients: The future of mobile security for the channel?
As cyber attacks and security breaches continue to grow, IT managers are seeking new ways to secure their critical business data. While thin clients have been a good option in the past, they have limited benefits for remote working. That is where ... Continue Reading
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Digital transformation for print: Four traps to avoid
In the final part of her series on the world of print, Nicola Narey looks at how print providers can keep on the straight and narrow Continue Reading
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Moving with the times – how PSPs can adapt their skills for the digital age
In the first part of her two-part series on the world of print, Quadient’s Nicola Narey shares her views on why print service providers need to evolve their businesses Continue Reading
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Distribution – the new queen of reinvention
The IT world is all too aware of the increasing speed of reinvention, says Jonathan Wagstaff, Exertis Group, business intelligence manager Continue Reading
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The catch-22 of cyber security
The cyber security industry is booming, which is good news for the channel – but that means the cyber threat is increasing too Continue Reading
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IT security is broken: Six ways partners can help fix it
Many organisations have numerous non-integrated security point products installed across their enterprise, the management of which is a huge challenge. Here, we discuss how partners can help their customers to adopt a more holistic approach to ... Continue Reading
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Beware of falling for the hype machine
With more companies resorting to hyperbole to sell products, Billy MacInnes warns of the necessity to see past exaggeration and look at the true effectiveness of products and technology Continue Reading
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Distribution model is alive and well
Warren Buffett’s interest in Tech Data represents a very strong endorsement of distribution and the channel’s role Continue Reading
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Why are software development houses switching to no-code?
No-code platforms for application development offer the advantages of speed and ease of use, and help firms escape developer skills shortages. Will the UK follow the Netherlands’ lead in taking up this approach? Continue Reading
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Opportunities and threats with Microsoft 365 Business Voice
The latest announcement from Microsoft brings significant business benefits and increased revenue to its resellers Continue Reading
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IoT security: A winning strategy for MSSPs
Don’t let your clients’ IoT initiatives make them vulnerable to cyber attacks Continue Reading
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AI: The smart side of surveillance
Surveillance combined with artificial intelligence allows fast and superior levels of data analysis and reaction to make smart, informed decisions Continue Reading
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What’s in a name? Inside sales versus telesales
Inside sales seems much the same as telesales, only dressed up for the modern age. What's brought the change about and is it really so different from what we already know? Continue Reading
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What resellers want: Countering customer frustrations
Alex Tatham, managing director of Westcoast, discusses his conclusions from the results of the company’s recent survey Continue Reading
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Changing of the guard: Will technology leaders soon set business strategy?
IT must increasingly align with the business to keep up with modern customer demands, leading to a change of how the technology leadership role is performed Continue Reading
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Digital transformation: How far are we really in the journey?
Are customers really in as much of a hurry to digitally transform as the shrillest advocates of the technology would like us to believe? Continue Reading
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Will IAM make you more secure in a less secure world?
There are growing opportunities for the channel with identity and access management, as migration to hybrid environments gains pace Continue Reading
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The five challenges SMEs face due to poor internet connectivity
What are the leading problems for small to medium-sized enterprises when it comes to internet connectivity? Continue Reading
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Westcoast and iland present a tale of two disties
Talking to just a couple of distributors reveals the evolution and determination from those firms to remain ahead of the market Continue Reading
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What can IT providers learn from the Tortoiseshell Group attack
Following recent news around the Tortoiseshell Group attack targeting IT providers in Saudi Arabia, Alex Bransome discusses what IT providers can learn from the attack and advises on ways to reduce the risk of supply chain attacks Continue Reading
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Supporting intelligent workspaces
As new technology continues to drive new ways of working, IT departments need support in facilitating the flexibility and connectivity demanded by today’s tech-savvy workforce Continue Reading
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Commercial PC growth better for channel than consumer PC growth
The commercial PC segment experienced a 15% sales increase in July, while consumer sales dropped by 2% – but that’s better than the other way round Continue Reading
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Are you ready to trade with the world on Brexit day?
While some claim there are no freight management systems in place to help businesses trade after Brexit, the vendors of such systems – both traditional and newer, more user-friendly versions – would disagree Continue Reading
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The hybrid cloud and clearing technical debt
When done properly, hybrid infrastructure can deliver efficiency, cost savings and performance, but with so many options available, good advice from a channel partner is key to achieving these benefits Continue Reading
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What makes a great managed security service provider?
With an increasingly challenging threat landscape, being a successful MSSP can be a struggle. Making sure customers stay safe is critical to the success of your business, which is why understanding what makes a great MSSP is crucial for you to be ... Continue Reading
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Brexit: the demo and the reality
IT industry should make it clear whether the “technological solutions” being bandied about by politicians to solve the Irish border problem are realistic Continue Reading
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Friction between management and employees exacerbates insider threat
Research revealing disparity between workers’ and bosses’ views on data security could shed more light on insider threat Continue Reading
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How to block DDoS attacks using automation
Automation can significantly improve response times during a distributed denial of service attack, reducing the potential damage to targeted organisations Continue Reading
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Securing SD-WAN – beyond the base level
Software-defined networks has sophisticated security features built in, but additional layers of security are required to ensure robust protection against increasingly advanced cyber threats Continue Reading
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What are the risks of not responding to a critical alarm in time?
When selling management tools, managed service providers need to educate users about the importance of acting on the alarms generated by such equipment Continue Reading
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Apstra stops the cyber criminals from loitering with intent
Intent-based networking fine-tunes all the complicated variables that influence the performance of a network infrastructure and can head off any potential cock-ups Continue Reading
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Why organisations cannot afford to get carried away with contact centre success
To build sustainable success in the contact centre world, you need a strong focus on business goals, incremental business gains, teamwork and a culture based on trust Continue Reading
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Shifting business model to benefit from the rise in cloud
Channel partners will need to undergo their own version of digital transformation to take full advantage of the shift to cloud Continue Reading
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How to train channel staff
Having trained staff leads to better growth for your business and is something the channel needs to focus on – but how to go about it? Continue Reading
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Save your tiers – Infosec 2019 could be the start of a common-sense revolution, says Becrypt
There are changes afoot in the infosecurity market, with Deep Secure seeking partners’ help in fighting the curse of steganography, Ignition Technology’s identity offering creating appeal beyond the IT department, and Becrypt taking its disk ... Continue Reading
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Scaling new heights
In the third and final part in his series, Predatar’s Alistair Mackenzie considers the top four technological challenges businesses are likely to face when they’re looking to scale their recurring revenue model Continue Reading
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Security chiefs: don’t ignore the 5G future, it’s coming fast
The benefits of 5G are numerous, but so are its challenges. Greg Day, vice-president and CSO, EMEA, at Palo Alto Networks, discusses what security executives need to know Continue Reading
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How to make channel sales work
To be effective in channel sales, you have to be a great project manager, able to influence without formal organisational power and operate effectively at every level in an organisation. Read on for advice on how to succeed Continue Reading
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A bridge too VAR
The expedition from VAR to MSP is not short of challenges but, equipped with the right map, ambitious companies can feel more confident in getting past first base. In the second part of his series, Predatar CEO Alistair Mackenzie takes a closer look... Continue Reading
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A private matter for Zuckerberg
Has Facebook boss seen the light on user privacy? Continue Reading
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Ransomware and the danger of MSP lock-out
Recent attacks on managed service providers have highlighted remote monitoring and management vulnerabilities, reinforcing the need for a security-centric approach in MSPs’ foundational practices Continue Reading
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Continuum says there’s money in cyber crime, but SignIn pulls us back from the brink
Cyber crime looks like child’s play in TV dramas – and could the visitor’s book at datacentres be a weak link in security? Continue Reading
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VAR from the madding crowd
Predatar’s CEO reflects on the transformation from VAR to MSP, highlighting some of the key milestones and the obvious pitfalls to avoid Continue Reading
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Why software patch management matters
When building a business case for software patch management, focus on its ability to protect against malware, ransomware, phishing and other security threats, thereby reducing the risk of downtime Continue Reading
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Why insider threat is like a travel-sick dog
Asking employees to follow best security practices is rather like having a travel-sick dog – you can hope for best behaviour, but sometimes all you can do is clean up the mess Continue Reading
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How resellers can cash in by making their clients Siccura
Security should be the most exciting sector in IT, yet the marketing is dull and unimaginative. We need stories of cops and robbers, not another set of meaningless statistics Continue Reading
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The security challenges of OT and how the IT department can help
Operational technology comes with its own unique challenges and benefits, but the IT department can shine a light on how to tackle its security issues Continue Reading
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Making the business case to create a successful IoT initiative
The internet of things has the potential to address multiple business objectives, but it is not a miracle technology that will provide business benefit in isolation – true value comes only when the wider challenges are considered across all ... Continue Reading
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Help us to help you – how the customer-first model helps you empower your business
We are in the middle of the fourth industrial revolution, with technologies such as the internet of things, data analytics, artificial intelligence and cloud-based business management tools a regular talking point. But technology alone won’t solve ... Continue Reading
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Nand, flash, SSDs and HDDs – what’s happening?
It is estimated that the world creates 2.5 quintillion bytes of data every day. How will storage technology cope? Continue Reading
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Eight tips to lead your prospect from discovery to purchase
With stronger competition than ever, it can be difficult for the channel to help their teams succeed in their sales proposals – here are eight tips to help you on your way Continue Reading
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The channel is really big business
Channel revenues at Dell have gained the attention of quite a few industry watchers, Billy MacInnes included Continue Reading
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What do crystals, glass and DNA have in common?
DNA, glass and crystal have an unexpected common link – they are all innovative new ways to meet the growing demand to store vast amounts of data Continue Reading
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What has the channel ever done for digital transformation?
How the channel can play an important role in the drive for digital transformation Continue Reading
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Botnets and machine learning: A story of hide and seek
As security practitioners develop new ways to keep cyber threats at bay, so malware authors continue to update their software and evolve their techniques to take advantage of new technologies and bypass security measures. Machine learning has proved... Continue Reading
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Drive that growth through the channel
Avaya’s comments about increasing revenues via partners have got the thumbs-up from Billy MacInnes, who hopes it will act as an example to others Continue Reading
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Channelling the cloud – building healthy CSP relationships
Creating a successful relationship with cloud service providers is essential for channel partners looking to increase their cloud portfolio. iLand 's director of channel sales has five tips to make the most of the opportunity Continue Reading
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Insight 2019 technology predictions
Michael Guggemos, CIO of Insight, shares his thoughts about what will be the key issues for the channel in the months ahead Continue Reading
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In order to sell RCS in the connected car, we need to get biblical
Nick Booth wonders if the Nativity could help people understand an emerging area of technology Continue Reading
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Tech Data’s Advanced Solutions: 2019 channel predictions
Miriam Murphy, Senior Vice President EMEA , Advanced & Specialist Solutions at Tech Data shares some thoughts about what next year will hold Continue Reading
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Trying to make an Android appear to be an Apple
Just when does it help an Android app developer appear as if they are actually producing something for an Apple device? Billy MacInnes finds out Continue Reading
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Encouraging a new breed of storage for the digital age
Per Overgaard, Lenovo DCG Executive Director, shares his views on why the data explosion is a positive for the channel Continue Reading
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A failure to communicate
Billy MacInnes comments on Microsoft's recent price rises, which have not gone down well with the public sector with the channel getting some blame for not communicating the issue Continue Reading
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Wireframer could save NHS from gung-ho developers argues Thoughtonomy
There are many ways that hospital patients could be protected by machines, but Nick Booth warns that we have to make sure these systems don’t fall victim to developer impatience Continue Reading
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Improving processes with the cloud
Dominik Birgelen, CEO of oneclick, has some advice for those looking to harness the cloud to improve their operations Continue Reading
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Combatting deal slippage in the channel
Rene Stuiver, Finance Solutions Manager EMEA, Tech Data has some advice for those facing this channel problem Continue Reading
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There's a cloud partner to cover every need
The recent Cloud Industry Forum report into how customers spend their money on infrastructure caught the attention of Billy MacInnes Continue Reading
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Carbon Black’s UK Threat Report is grim news for those protecting data
Attacks are widespread and the criminals are outwitting a lot of customers, which worries Nick Booth Continue Reading
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Enhancing the role of the channel essential for the tech industry
Ben Boswell, Vice President for Europe at World Wide Technology (WWT), discusses how vendors and the channel need to work together to ensure outstanding outcomes for customers Continue Reading
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A case of deja vu at VMworld
The idea that the security market is broken is something that Billy MacInnes thinks he has heard before Continue Reading
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The channel and secure mobile working; plenty of opportunities
Jon Fielding, Managing Director, EMEA, Apricorn shares his views about the opportunities that are out there for those in the channel prepared to get involved with mobile security Continue Reading
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Are the good old days coming back?
Long lunches and conversations of substance are things that Nick Booth hopes will return Continue Reading
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Partners the key to unlocking SME sales
Vendors want to increase SME sales and Billy MacInnes knows that working with the channel is the only way to achieve that goal Continue Reading
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Nuxeo aims to help companies with problems of subject access review and digital transformation
Subject access reviews cost money and Nick Booth finds someone that not only understands how to save customers a few pennies but also how to help the channel make some Continue Reading
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What has HP Inc got in common with Manchester City and Chelsea FC?
Comments made by the HP boss about the context of the recent acquisition of Apogee got Billy MacInnes thinking about other operations that buy strategically to deny rivals Continue Reading
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Does the digital services tax idea add up?
An idea that emerged at the recent Conservative Party conference has sparked some thoughts from Billy MacInnes Continue Reading
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What’s that in the cloud? Some answers to save you from GDPR
Now that companies have got distributed databases and mobile workforces with a bring-your-own-deviousness-to-work policy, most companies have problems with GDPR. Here’s some technology options for solving them Continue Reading
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Does the IT industry think diversity and Dyslexia Awareness is just for one week in October?
Amazon, the Prince’s Trust and Nuance all do their bit to make the IT industry more accessible. But is there really a diversity dividend wonders Nick Booth Continue Reading
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The need to keep women from falling out of the IT world
The discovery that women often fall into IT is one that got the attention of Billy MacInnes who hopes that more can be convinced to stay Continue Reading
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Could YouView save our home from surveillance marketing by the Big Browser brigade
The IoT-connected home is becoming a location for commercial opportunities for the channel finds Nick Booth Continue Reading
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Virtustream is about to get biblical on the channel and its Aas
The vendor gathered the great and the good together to outline its cloud strategy and Nick Booth was in the audience Continue Reading
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Looking overseas through Brexit tinted glasses
The idea that UK resellers want to expand internationally caught the interest of Billy MacInnes who found that Brexit was having an impact on those dreams Continue Reading
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MFA for the people
Jonathan Whitley from WatchGuard Technologies explores why many resellers and SMEs have paid lip service to multi-factor authentication and what needs to change to make it a ‘no-brainer’ component of any security solution Continue Reading
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Out with the old, in with the new
Paul Key, global director security and compliance, Getronics, shares his thoughts about the need to keep track with changes in the market Continue Reading