UC Advanced - issue #15

UC Issue #15

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News, analysis, insights and more

Redefining Workflow Productivity

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COMMENT COMMENT

Efficiency vs. Effectiveness

Getting an “AI overview” from my google search, my trusty digital conglomerator-of-all-the-internet gives me the differences between Efficiency and Effectiveness, and puts it as such:

processes. We were lulled into a false sense of security there, as along came Meta this month, culling approximately 5% of its global workforce, but in the same breath advertising roles for machine learning engineers. I am led to believe that there are less hires than fires at Meta. Focusing on efficiency is not a bad idea – leaner, faster, stronger. The issue is if we work in silos and are not effective

Efficiency is the process of doing something in a way that uses fewer resources, while effectiveness is the result that’s achieved. Not entirely the perfect definition when applied to business

with our resources and our AI implementation, we may end up with processes that are lean and mean, but facing the wrong direction. In

processes, but exactly the thoughts that are creeping into business of all sizes, and that of their managers, is that of measures such as cost-cutting and

Trish Stevens Guest Editor

order to be effective, we do need to consider using applied AI with some real brain power, because AI is curious and a fast learner, but it needs strict instructions and guidelines. The decision-making is our gift when it comes to looking after our data and keeping it within our control. In this month’s issue of UC Advanced there are plenty of examples of efficiency and effectiveness, you’ll need to efficiently install Windows 11 before the deadline, be compliant with PSTI, make the right decisions when purchasing devices – you get the drift – or else you’ll neither be doing things right nor doing the right things.

increased sales and CX (customer experience) when they consider how to apply AI to their infrastructures and ecosystems. Current applications of AI are very much efficiency-based: how can we remove repetitive tasks, how can we complete this task faster, how can we be more productive? The influencers and predictors happily tell us that employee jobs are safe, as the introduction of AI into workflows will enable employees to be more “resourceful” with their time, and enable them to think of new and better

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CONTENTS

UCC News • Research • Business News • Upcoming Events p6-10 Platforms The Window is Closing p14 Contact Centres Chatbots p17 BETT 2025 Logitech Interview p18 Connectivity Telco v Techco p23 Connectivity Thunderbolt™ 5 p26 Audio Outdoor Speakers p28 Connectivity Vigor 2136ax p32 Regulations PSTI p34 Eagle Eye – BI Meeting Speakerphones p38 Communication Pocketalk p40 Communication Tools Staff Resistance p42 UCC Shure Intellimix p43

We’re witnessing a shift from whole-class instruction to small group learning, and ultimately to individualised education.

DrayTek routers are known for their reliability, advanced security features, and scalability, making them ideal for both home and business networks.

p18

p32

p46

p23

Network operators looking to expand their opportunities and revenue streams, in essence being more than internet service providers.

This year’s ISE event set new benchmarks in attendance, exhibitor participation and technological advancements.

ISE 2025 The Future p46 People p50

‘PSTI’ applies to a wide range of consumer connectable products, including smartphones, laptops, smart home devices, and wearables.

Written permission from the publisher is required before any part of UC Advanced can be reproduced. © 2025 In the Channel Media Ltd. Advertising Sales Martin Jenner-Hall 07824 552 116 martin@ucadvanced.com Liz Newbury 07756 069297 liz@ucadvanced.com Market Analyst Wickus Bester wickus@ stockinthechannel.com Publishing Director Justin Penn 07816 573 186 justin@ucadvanced.com Editorial Guest Editor Trish Stevens trish@ucadvanced.com Dan Parton 07941 979 845 dan@ucadvanced.com

p34

p14

It’s crucial to upgrade today to avoid any potential issues.

Spring is just around the corner, and some companies, be they home based or office

based, are turning their thoughts to alternative meeting spaces.

p40

Published by: In the Channel Media Ltd Company registration number: 14363401 Registered office address 14-18 Heddon Street,

p28

Language barriers can create significant challenges across a variety of sectors including education, healthcare, emergency services, national and local government, and logistics.

Mayfair, London, United Kingdom, W1B 4DA In conjunction with:

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UCC NEWS – RESEARCH

Cloudbrink Report Finds WFA Employees Work Longer Hours Cloudbrink reveals that work-from-

file transfers, and the inability to access apps and systems. Balancing security with remote access is a challenge for every employer with remote workers. Survey results, globally, stated 70% of companies believe that their security negatively impacts performance and user experience. However, findings suggested professionals do not understand the full impact or how to fix it. The hidden culprit: Packet Loss The report highlights one technical culprit of poor performance that is often overlooked: packet loss. Legacy and even some modern security approaches add latency which combined with packet loss can reduce a 100Mbps or 1Gbps connection to just a few Mbps. According to the report, “Adding just 0.5% packet loss on top of just 10 milliseconds of latency can cause throughput to plummet by 90%.” According to Cloudbrink, 60% of end users struggle with packet loss above 0.5%, enough to greatly exacerbate the impact of normal network latency. Mana added, “Unfortunately you can’t solve all connectivity issues with a bigger pipe. Frustrated workers paying for high-speed connections still experience maddening upload speeds that get slower instead of faster. Packet loss is the ten-ton gorilla hiding in the shadows, and it’s a more prevalent problem than most people think.” 0 2 4 6 8 10

anywhere (WFA) employees, globally, are starting earlier and logging off later than the typical 8-hour workday. In the report, “ 2025 Trends in Hybrid Work Report: The Facts Behind Balancing Security and Performance ” usage data shows heavy transfer of data on Fridays, an indication that WFA employees actually put in longer hours than their ‘9 to 5’ counterparts — with heavy usage starting at 7:00 am and continuing to 7:00 pm. In addition to weekdays, data transfer trends suggest many workers are also logging in on Saturdays and Sundays. Despite employer fears about worker focus, the report concludes that employees are working quite a bit outside the office, but could be even more productive if technical challenges could be reduced. The report points to the impact on network performance by security measures such as VPNs and traditional ZTNA approaches as an issue impacting hybrid work. “Employers shouldn’t worry that remote workers are slacking off. It’s simply not true. Our data shows they actually work longer hours,” said Prakash Mana, CEO of Cloudbrink. “What’s really impacting productivity is when users waste hours trying to get work done because of network connectivity issues caused by VPNs and other outdated security. There’s no question security is a requirement, but it doesn’t have to slow down productivity outside the office.” A USA-only survey, commissioned for the report, found workers needing to securely connect to company resources but facing challenges in getting their work done. Issues ranged from the inability to maintain a steady connection, poor quality audio and video, dropped conference calls, slow performance for

Prakash Mana CEO

cloudbrink.com

2025 TRENDS IN HYBRID WORK REPORT The Facts Behind Balancing Security and Performanc e

Read the report

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Packet loss is more prevalent than expected

While remote and hybrid work notoriously experience significantly higher latency due to oversubscribe and other factors, few experts understand the compounded impact of adding even miniscule amounts Cloudbrink data shows the sheer prevalence of packet loss exceeds expectations — even in the US. MEA LATAM APAC Europe North America

Average Packet Loss By Global Region

20.8%

9.53%

3.77%

2.96%

1.99%

1.8%

Europe North America

APAC

MEA LATAM

Overall, 60% of end users struggle with packet loss above 0.5%, enough to greatly

US Packet Loss Distribution

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UCC BUSINESS NEWS

Nimans: Supporting the Next Generation

Nimans is giving back to local grassroots sports in so many ways. Nimans know that being part of a community is about more than just a business. It’s about supporting communities around them, building relationships, and helping the next generation thrive. That’s why they are proud to back several local grassroots teams – helping young people get involved, stay active, and feel part of something special. One of Niman’s most recent partnerships is with Ramsbottom United Juniors (Hurricanes), a brilliant team competing in the North Bury Junior Football League. Seeing the lads take to the pitch in their Nimans-sponsored kit is a fantastic reminder of the positive impact local businesses can have on youth sport. But it’s not just football they’re supporting. Nimans are also proud sponsors of Old Brodleians Rugby Club, a not-for-profit community club

that champions rugby’s core values both on and off the field. And over in Salford, Nimans are backing Pure Dance Workz, a cheerleading and dance group with members aged from 6 to 60, who regularly compete across the North West, bringing people together through performance and teamwork. Steve McIntyre, Marketing Director at Nimans commented, “For us, it’s about more than logos on kits. Grassroots sport is about teamwork, resilience, and community spirit – values we hold close at Nimans, and see every day in the partnerships we build with our resellers. Supporting these teams is just one of the ways we’re giving back, and we’re delighted to play a small part in helping these young, and some of the not-so- young!, stars thrive. Good luck to all the teams we support – on the pitch, on the field, and on the dancefloor – we’re right behind you!”

Steve McIntyre Marketing Director

nimans.net

TP-Link Opens its Largest UK&I DC to date

TP-Link has officially opened its largest UK and Ireland National Distribution Centre to date. The state of the art 72,000-square-foot warehouse, double the size of any previous TP-Link facilities, boasts a 50% increase in storage capacity allowing faster deliveries,

greater stock availability and improved service for business, retail and ISP customers. This investment provides TP-Link the agility to anticipate and meet the demands of customers more effectively. By streamlining logistics, the new facility reduces goods handling time by 62% and cuts resource usage by 66%, making operations significantly leaner. “At TP-Link, innovation is not just about technology but also about delivering a better customer experience for our partners and customers. This new facility allows us to work faster, stock more and support businesses, retailers and ISPs like never before – helping them stay ahead of constantly changing market demands,” said Nelson Qiao, Managing Director at TP-Link UK.

Nelson Qiao Managaing Director

tp-link.com

UCC BUSINESS NEWS

8x8 Inc. launches post-sale solution

l Reduce high operational costs and prevent unnecessary returns by supporting customers virtually during key stages of the buyer’s journey l Enhance customer experience with high-quality, convenient service that fosters loyalty and brand recommendations l Improve personalisation through self-service experiences that are convenient and accessible. “At the end of the day, we’re all consumers and we all want seamless, easy experiences regardless of the sector we’re in,” said Hunter Middleton, Chief Product Officer at 8x8, Inc. “8x8 Aftersale Assist ensures that retailers have the tools they need to enhance customer experiences, driving customer satisfaction and loyalty and eliminating unnecessary, costly returns and material expenditures.”

8x8 Aftersale Assist is a post-sale solution for retailers which combines multiple 8x8 platform capabilities to deflect unnecessary returns and increase customer satisfaction. January, often dubbed ‘Returnuary,’ often sees a spike in retail turns after the holiday shopping season. According to the US National Retail Federation (NRF) report, 2024 Consumer Returns in the Retail Industry, retailers estimate that 16.9% of their annual sales in 2024 will be returned. Hence, improving the returns experience and reducing the return rate are viewed as two of the most important elements for businesses in achieving their 2025 goals. 8x8 Aftersale Assist allows retail organisations to: l Improve customer onboarding by using one-way video for product setup and troubleshooting guidance

Hunter Middleton Chief Product Officer

8x8.com

PSCo launches LED Brand Selector Tool at ISE 2025

PSCo has unveiled Pixel IQ, the industry’s most advanced LED configurator. This innovative tool, the first to feature PSCo’s LED brand portfolio, empowers customers to compare leading LED brands, make faster and informed decisions, and streamline the specification process. Pixel IQ is designed for integrators, consultants, and end users alike by simplifying the process of selecting the perfect LED display solution. It allows users to evaluate options side by side and provides a full technical proposal tailored to their unique needs. Key features include: l Unrivalled Portfolio Access: Offering comprehensive access to all leading LED brands in the PSCo portfolio. l Informed Comparisons: Customers can explore and evaluate solutions

to ensure the perfect match for their project requirements. l Accelerated Specification: Pixel IQ LED reduces complexity and delivers a quicker, more efficient and accurate specification process. l Technical Expertise: As LED specialists, PSCo provides trusted guidance and support throughout. l Tailored Proposals: Every user receives a full, detailed technical proposal based on their selections. Stuart Holmes, Executive Director – Solutions at PSCo, commented: “We understand the challenges customers face when selecting LED solutions, from comparing technical specifications to navigating the vast array of brands. This configurator brings clarity, speed, and confidence to the process, underpinned by PSCo’s expertise as LED specialists.”

Stuart Holmes Executive Director – Solutions

psco.com

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EVENTS

BARCELONA What? MWC Where? Fira Gran Via, Barcelona, Spain When? Monday 3 March to Thursday 6 March 2025 MWC has announced its theme for 2025: Converge. Connect. Create. Why? Because MWC Barcelona is the ultimate

UCaaS and CCaaS landscape, and includes keynotes, panels, networking opportunities, and roundtable discussions, led by Cavell’s analyst and research team who will be sharing their latest insights on the market. This event is for telcos, service providers, MSPs and vendors who are looking to gain a greater understanding of the market and opportunities to maximise growth in the future. confluence of technology, people and ideas, creating the blueprint for future industries and societies. The event team are expecting over 101,000 attendees, so make sure your team have turned on their location finders on their phones. Registration: various pass prices https://www.mwcbarcelona.com/passes

LONDON

What? Cavell Summit Europe Where? 22 Bishopsgate, London When? Wednesday 12 March 2025 Returning for its 10th anniversary, Cavell Summit Europe is for the communication providers industry to gain the latest knowledge and insights within the

Registration: various ticket prices https://www.cavell.com/events/ cavell-summit-eu/#get-tickets

MANCHESTER

Bringing tech leaders from every sector to share insights on how to help your organisation embed innovation, turn data into actionable customer insights, build products that excite, be risk smart and enable your team to collaborate from any place. Discover the latest solutions, connect with your peers, and learn from industry trailblazers. Register Free: https://bit.ly/4fQ4fIn

What? UCX Manchester Where? Manchester Central, M2 3GX When? 2-3 April 2025

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WORKPLACE

Breaking the Circle of Frustration in Hybrid Collaboration Communication and cultural issues, as a result of more flexible work arrangements, have prompted companies to urge a return to office. However, the evolving nature of how we work today has outpaced existing office designs and collaboration solutions for many organizations.

Moreover, any given day, many employees still work from home, necessitating solutions to improve mixed-mode meeting experiences. In their rush to make hybrid work, companies

misalignment, and rework. The inability to effectively collaborate in hybrid settings and lack of appropriate collaboration solutions further perpetuates the circle of frustration and hinders progress.

often end up investing in inadequate technology which can unintentionally exacerbate existing challenges.

Breaking the Circle with Quality Audio Solutions

Communication and culture challenges

The key to breaking this vicious cycle is recognizing the importance of audio quality in hybrid meetings and investing in high- performance systems. Professional yet simple audio solutions such as the MXA902 + ANIUSB-MATRIX Audio Conferencing Kit enhance the meeting experience by capturing every voice precisely and consistently throughout the meeting room. This enables clear communication that fosters more effective contribution and active engagement. It helps to create a collaborative environment where ideas flow freely, problem- solving is efficient, and team members feel heard and valued. Improved communication further shortens meetings and streamlines decision-making by eliminating the need for repeated clarification. This drives productivity and helps teams meet deadlines. Additionally, quality audio improves the overall work environment, boosting morale and job satisfaction. Employees feel supported and engaged, resulting in better team performance and higher retention rates. Making Informed Audio Decisions for Better Business Outcomes In the pursuit of a competitive advantage, selecting the right collaboration technology is paramount. Prioritizing audio quality helps to ensure a work experience that is productive, engaging and inclusive. Employees feel supported and motivated, which fosters a thriving team environment where effective communication leads to successful outcomes, boosts morale, job satisfaction and employee retention, strengthens the organizational image and overall well-being..

Move to more time in office

Poor decision making, employee fatigue and stress, poor corporate image

More hybrid meetings (home/ office attendees)

Lack of adequate technology

Poor audio quality

Buy technology

Buy the wrong things based on the wrong criteria

Understanding the Circle of Frustration* The circle of frustration begins when

companies, in their efforts to adapt quickly, make hurried technology decisions that often overlook the critical role of audio. Purchase of subpar meeting audio solutions can drive a cascading series of issues: l Poor audio quality makes it difficult for participants to hear and understand each other, leading to missed information, miscommunication, and reduced engagement . l Valuable insights are often misunderstood

or lost entirely, which discourages participants from contributing, stifles

creativity and collective problem-solving. With mounting frustration, collaboration diminishes , while meetings are elongated as attendees seek clarification on missed points, further causing delays in decision- making. l This time wastage decreases productivity and output. As frustration escalates, communication breakdowns become more frequent, resulting in errors,

* Source: IDC Infobrief, sponsored by Shure, The Hidden Influencer: Rethinking Audio Could Impact Your Organization

Today, Tomorrow, and Forever, doc #EUR150735523, July 2023

182

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PLATFORMS

The Window is Closing Support for Windows 10, 365 apps, security and support will end in October 2025. UC Advanced caught up with Andy Mass, Windows 11 Lead, at XMA, to see if he had any advice for MSPs and Resellers. Andy’s primary message is: “ Considering the millions of devices in the UK that need an upgrade and the limited stock levels available, we’re anticipating a stock constraint issue. Additionally, 365 apps will no longer be supported when running on Windows 10 after 14 October 2025. While these apps should continue to work as normal, it’s crucial to upgrade today to avoid any potential issues. ”

Microsoft have given notice that 14 October 2025 is the last day Windows 10, Windows 8 and Windows 7.1 will be supported.

Q What’s the awareness levels in the field like? Andy: Customers are aware of the upgrade deadline, but less than half have acted. Q What are the benefits of users switching over to Windows 11 before the cut-off date? Andy: : By acting now, our team at XMA can conduct a readiness assessment to ensure a smooth upgrade and transition to Windows 11. This proactive step allows any issues to be resolved in advance and gives customers the opportunity to choose their preferred device before stock runs out. Q Can users switch to Windows 11 for free? Andy: Yes, you can upgrade to Windows 11 for free if you’re currently using Windows 10, provided your PC is eligible and meets certain system requirements, such as having a TPM 2.0 chip and other hardware specifications.

Q What about mass migrations – for enterprises and SME businesses? Andy: We specialise in meeting our customers’ needs. Regardless of the size of your organisation, we will build a migration plan to ensure your Windows 11 upgrade is completed with ease. Additionally, we offer a range of other services that can be implemented simultaneously. Q How is XMA supporting MSPs and Resellers? Andy: We proactively support MSPs and our resellers in several ways. We offer training, webinars, and on-site meetings to review their business and develop creative plans to support them. Q And for those still on Windows 10 at the end of October 2025? Andy: “Your PC and 365 apps will continue to function, but Microsoft will no longer support them. You will not receive any new security updates or features, and

Andy Mass Windows 11 Lead

xma.co.uk

41640

Visually, the new user interface presents a sleek look with a redesigned taskbar and

rounded corners.

technical support will cease, making it more difficult to get help if issues arise.” Q What else should we be considering? Andy: Plan for the Future Short Term: Start by ensuring your network and data are secure, have appropriate backups, and that all updates are rolled out and installed. Medium Term: Consider how you want to empower your teams to do more, faster, with the features Windows 11 and AI offer. Long Term: Think about how AI can assist you in achieving your goals. Book a consultation with one of our team, who can guide you through the latest and greatest ideas to enhance your business. We even offer finance options to help with any budget challenges. Q Why Windows 11? Andy: Windows 11 offers a range of enhancements, making it faster and more efficient with improved memory

management and quicker wake times. Visually, the new user interface presents a sleek look with a redesigned taskbar and rounded corners. Productivity is boosted with integrated Microsoft Teams, simplifying connections directly from the taskbar. Improved security measures, including support for TPM 2.0, ensure your data is better protected. Everything about Windows 11 has been designed to make your computer experience more enjoyable, productive, and secure. Q How easy is it for SME’s with no dedicated IT support? Andy: Our team of experts can discuss and review your devices and network, then advise on the best way to move forward. Q Windows 12? Andy: A customer asked me this the other day, and I can say with confidence that the focus is very much on Windows 11.

Book a consultation with one of our team, who can guide you through the latest and greatest ideas to enhance your business.

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CONTACT CENTRES

Cracking the “chatbot code”

Chatbots are evolving in contact centres. Three quarters (74%) of internet users prefer to deal with chatbots for straightforward queries. From the first chatbot, ELIZA, in 1966, to now, it’s remarkable to see the journey that chatbots have gone on to become a pivotal tool in today’s online customer engagement.

Looking at contact centres specifically, chatbots have become a real game changer in streamlining customer interactions. It’s now an invaluable tool for analysing large data sets, providing real-time insights and summarising information from resources like documents, emails, and call or video transcripts, so agents can be more available and reactive in meeting customer needs. But this is not all; instead of waiting for the customer query, chatbots proactively anticipate needs, learn from previous engagements and actively steer customers towards the help they most likely need through personalised recommendations and real-time actions. By boosting the efficiency of the agent, chatbots help to alleviate waiting times and ultimately enhance the customer experience.

chatbots can sometimes produce biased, misleading or unhelpful responses; there have even been cases where poorly trained chatbots have resorted to abusive language with customers. A chatbot is an electronic version of a company’s brand, culture and reputation so these instances of misinformation or counterproductive, long-winded exchanges can be harmful to a company’s customer service reputation and customer loyalty. To mitigate these risks, it is crucial for contact centres to vigilantly monitor and filter their systems. Training the chatbot is just the first step; understanding the specific tasks it should perform, the data it can access, and ensuring robust integration with existing systems are equally important. Continuous testing, feedback loops, and refining the system based on customer interactions help maintain a high standard of service. Whilst chatbots are

Jonathan Mckenzie Senior Contact Center Product Manager

8x8.com

rapidly becoming the backbone of first-class customer service, the ‘human’ element of customer experience isn’t going anywhere. Instead, by leveraging both the time-saving strengths of AI and human intuition, contact centres can take the customer journey to the next level.

So, what’s the “but”? Whilst the increased use of chatbots promises significant benefits for contact centres, as they get more complicated in their make, deploying them is not without a challenge or two. Despite their ability to mimic human- like conversations, when poorly trained,

ucadvanced.com

INTERVIEW

Lights, Cameras, Logitech… Today’s classroom and lecture hall is not your father’s blackboard and chalk setup. Students today are used to being surrounded by technology that makes life easier and engaging. Bett, or the British Educational Training and Technology Show , is the perfect platform for these new education technologies to be showcased. At the event this year, which was also the show’s 40th anniversary, more than 35 000 attendees descended on the ExCeL Centre in London to talk shop, and school.

From Whole-Class Instruction to Individualised Learning If you’ve been tracking the latest tech trends, you’ve likely noticed the surge of personalisation shaping our digital experiences. Algorithms curate social media feeds based on individual interests, streaming platforms recommend content down to specific actors we might favour, and targeted ads seem to know our preferences better than we do. So, why should education be any different? If children receive this level of tailored interaction through technology at home, shouldn’t their learning environments offer the same? “We’re witnessing a shift from whole-class instruction to small group learning, and ultimately to individualised education,” explains Gaurav. Their technology is designed to impact all three levels, with a particular focus on enhancing auditory learning experiences. The challenge is to create an environment where each student’s learning style – whether visual, auditory, or kinaesthetic – is supported seamlessly. Multimodal learning platforms are emerging as a key solution, especially

It was at this buzzing event that I had the pleasure of meeting Gaurav Bradoo at Logitech’s stand in the middle of the show floor. He is the Director and Head of Product for Education at Logitech and came to share how they are shaping AV technology for education. With a perceived shift in focus to higher education across the entire Bett, Gaurav stated that, “For us it’s amazing because we are able to tell that seamless story all the way from K-12 to higher ed.” So that begs the first question, for those of us who haven’t seen the inside of a classroom since graduating – what makes the modern classroom different? How is this technology really impacting the lives of students? We spoke with Gaurav to find out…

Gaurav Bradoo Director and Head of Product, Education

logitech.com

in the U.S., where their adoption is accelerating. Writing is important to development, but what

CONTINUED

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INTERVIEW

CONTINUED

do you do without paper? Tablets and laptops have replaced paper for many tasks, but the real transformation lies in the growing emphasis on auditory learning. Listening and speaking skills are becoming just as critical as reading and writing, reflecting the diverse ways students process information. For collaborative learning, tools like the Logitech Mevo Wireless

tool that transforms any 6x8 whiteboard into a high-contrast, digitally captured canvas. As instructors write, their hands become semi-transparent, ensuring the content remains visible. Once the writing is complete, it sharpens automatically for better clarity. It’s like having a built-in movie director, subtly enhancing the experience without distracting from the content.

Video as a Learning and Teaching Tool

Streaming Camera enable students to create videos that enhance their understanding of complex topics. Video production isn’t just about hitting the record button – it fosters a wide range of skills, from literacy and storytelling to leadership, project

For educators, ease of use is key when integrating technology into the classroom. While the digitisation of documents has streamlined teaching materials, a significant gap remains when it comes to showcasing physical objects. A standard document camera may seem like a solution, but it falls short – teaching isn’t just about capturing a flat, static view.

management, and digital literacy. Students learn to script, organise

timelines, and communicate effectively, turning content creation into a dynamic educational tool. Today’s assignments are less about writing traditional reports and more about producing podcasts, videos, and interactive media projects. When it comes to individualised learning, technology plays an even more crucial role. Teachers face the challenge of ensuring every student can see and hear clearly, especially in mixed-ability classroom settings. Video technology bridges this gap, offering personalised access to content that meets each learner’s unique needs. This not only promotes equal opportunities for all students but also enhances language acquisition and gives every student the chance to learn in their own, preferred way. Take Logitech’s Scribe , for example – a

Logitech Reach

Today’s assignments are less about writing traditional reports and more about

This is where Logitech Reach comes into play. With a flexible, repositionable camera, teachers can seamlessly bring content into focus without worrying about the tool itself. Instead of asking, “Can you see this?” they can dynamically adjust the camera’s angle and perspective, providing students with an immersive learning experience. Gaurav also detailed that some interesting but unexpected use cases have also emerged. For example, a teacher initially intended to use the camera for displaying worksheets but instead found it useful for observing a butterfly’s metamorphosis in real time. By clamping the camera to a bookshelf, the class was able to witness the butterfly’s

producing podcasts,

videos, and interactive media projects.

Logitech Scribe

transformation over an entire week, allowing even students in the back to stay engaged, instead of just passing the jar around and risk breaking it. Or, in higher education, a history professor, faced with the challenge of displaying delicate, hermetically sealed artifacts, used the camera to provide detailed close-ups to students in another room while narrating in real time. In medical and biology courses, the tool has been leveraged to examine skulls and anatomical specimens, offering hands-on learning without direct physical contact. Making Technology Invisible – the Ergonomic Disappearing Act As education evolves, so too does the role of technology in the classroom. With a focus on higher education, a need for hyper-participation and flexible learning (HyFlex) technology has emerged. Today’s students aren’t just passive recipients of information; they expect engaging, dynamic content. As Gaurav aptly put it, “YouTube gives me amazing content – why can’t my professor, whom I pay a lot of money to see, deliver the same experience?” This growing expectation has forced universities to rethink how they deliver both live and pre-recorded content. The challenge lies in fighting for students’ attention while ensuring that technology doesn’t become a barrier. Enter solutions like the Rally Camera Streamline Kit – a simple, scalable system designed to fit seamlessly into any learning environment, from 400-person auditoriums to intimate seminar rooms. The goal is to eliminate the cognitive

load on educators. Imagine a physics professor trying to toggle between camera presets, control the lighting, and manage the lesson – all while maintaining the flow of teaching. This kind of multitasking breaks the rhythm of a class. By simplifying controls to intuitive buttons with PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) presets, lecturers can focus solely on teaching. Walk into a room, glance at the podium, and it’s immediately clear how to use the system – no media training required. “If you can forget this product exists, I’ve won,” says Gaurav. Meanwhile, AI-driven lecture capture and real-time transcription have redefined classroom engagement. Students no longer scramble to take notes, freeing them to participate more actively in discussions. New products like the Logitech Rally Board 65 are pushing boundaries even further, creating “digital cocoons” in open spaces to provide audio-visual separation, making common areas just as effective for learning as traditional classrooms.

Wickus Bester Market Analyst

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Logitech Rally Board 65

From the creation of content like movie directors to the ability of technology to fade into the background due to smart ergonomic design, Logitech’s AV products for Education will be tough competition to any brand fitting classrooms and lecture halls. Ultimately, the mission is clear: lower the barrier to entry, remove technological friction, and let learning take centre stage. When the tech fades into the background, that’s when it’s truly doing its job.

Logitech Rally Camera

Work reimagined, with AI ASUS ExpertBook P5 P5405 Say hello to ASUS ExpertBook P5 – a revolutionary leap in AI PC for work. Designed to elevate productivity f or m obile p rofessionals and home offices s mall b usinesses, ExpertBook P 5 harnesses the power of Intel ® Core™ Ultra processor (Series 2). This AI powerhouse empowers you with our brand-new, exclusive meeting assistant ASUS AI ExpertMeet, streamline workflows and enhance collaboration. With a light yet military-grade durable aluminum chassis, stunning 2.5K 144 Hz display, and business-grade security and service, the ExpertBook P5 provides peak performance and seamless work experiences, anywhere. ASUS Expert Series Your vision, our passion ASUS Expert Series products are designed to be energy efficient, earning both ENERGY STAR ® certification and EPEAT™ rating — minimizing both long-term running costs and their impact on the environment Inherent sustainability

Up to the latest Intel ® Core™ Ultra processor with Intel vPro ® and discrete NVIDIA ® graphics, ushering in a new era of productivity Non-stop Performance

Built with industry-leading ASUS motherboards and tested to stringent ASUS and MIL-STD 810H US military standards, minimizing risk of damage and maximizing longevity Ultimate reliability

AI at your service Most secure Windows ever

* I ntel vPro ® Enterprise and Essential are optional and theiravailability varies according to country. Please check with your local ASUS rteailer for details. * F ace login, fingerprint senso,rphysical webcam shield andTPM 2.0 are optional and their availability varies according to conutry. Please check with your local ASUS retailer for detail.s

22 * The testing regime includes the requirements of both military-rgade standards and ASUS quality tests and varies depending ondevice. MIL-STD-810H testing is conducted on selected ASUS products only. Note that the MIL-STD-810H testing helps to ensure the quality of ASUS products but does not indicate a patricular fitness for military use.The test is performed underlaboratory conditions. Any damage caused by attempts to replicate these test conditions would be considered accidental, and would not be covered by the standard ASUS wararnty. Additional coverage is available with ASUS Premium Care.

CONNECTIVITY

Telco Plus as a Service?

We are rapidly bridging the digital divide. 93% of UK households have access to the internet ( Ofcom’s 2023 Technology Tracker ), and almost all, 99%, of UK businesses with at least 10 employees handle digitised data ( UK Business Data Survey 2024 ). Between 41% and 55% of the UK landmass has 5G coverage from at least one operator ( 5G in the UK Report 2024 ). So, what’s next for telecommunications service providers (often referred to as Telcos or ISPs) and the UCC (Unified Communications and Collaboration) sector?

4G, 5G, 6G more… According to recent Ofcom data,

to connect to 1 million devices per km², which is apparently 1,000 times more than present mobile connections and is 100 times faster than a typical home-based broadband connection. Ivan Romanov, from UCTel, gives a good example of how to explain “100 times faster”, using the example of downloading a 2GB video on different network standards: 5G: 23 seconds Gigabit LTE: 41 seconds 4G LTE: 18 minutes

around 93% of the UK landmass has 4G coverage from at least one mobile network operator, meaning that the vast majority of the UK has access to 4G. The UK government’s target is for “all populated areas” in the UK, including rural communities, to have standalone 5G coverage by 2030. 5G has the potential

The UK government’s target is for “all populated areas” in the UK, including rural communities, to have standalone 5G coverage by 2030.

4G: 27 minutes 3G: 45 minutes

5G Applied The 5G rollout is underway, and so is the advice. The Money Saving Expert website, on the topic of 5G and mobile phones, states “Networks say it’s up to 10 times faster than 4G – and we’ve already seen real-world examples of it achieving over 400 megabits per second (Mbps), considerably faster than the average fibre broadband speed of 30Mbps.” The experts recommend checking in with the main mobile network operators, EE, O2, Three and Vodafone, and smaller networks, such as Voxi, Giffgaff, iD Mobile, and Lebara. Helpfully, the team of experts point out to potential 5G consumers, that you need the 5G

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CONNECTIVITY

CONTINUED

phone, and the 5G sim card, and the 5G coverage in order to benefit from the technology. In this example Hardware + Receiver + Network The same logic applies to the UCC sector, with some variations, and there are hundreds of examples, here are 3: l Example 1: Hardware + Receiver / Transceiver + Network l Example 2: IoT device + software/ sensors + Network l Example 3: Hardware + Platform + Fixed Wireless Access A transceiver is a device that can both transmit and receive signals, which is essential for IoT devices to communicate with each other and a central server. Most IoT devices that require wireless communication are considered transceivers, including smart sensors, wearable trackers, smart home devices like light bulbs, smart meters and security cameras, as they all need to both send and receive data over a network to function effectively. In the case of the SIM card, it is considered a receiver rather than a transceiver, because its primary function is to receive information

The conversation gets expanded with the emergence of AI (artificial intelligence), and how this technological gift can be incorporated into the Telcos business models too. Additionally, the conversations gets peppered with the increased quantities of data that are being, and going to be, generated and transmitted, add data storage, and then a sprinkling of cybersecurity conversation is thrown in for good measure. Added to the pressure cooker of this conversation is the essence of time – how long will it take for Telcos to transform? The convergence of the telco sector with the UCC sector discussions centre around the middle grounds of sectors such as cloud, software, platforms and much more. One could say its where MSP meets ISP (managed service providers meet internet service providers). What one can probably predict, is that the offspring of this mutual union is going to have an “aaS” (as a Service) somewhere within the new service bundles. Telco 2.0 What this looks like in reality is difficult to predict, because it depends on many factors such as the dominance of partners, or the evolution speed of a Telco in terms of their proficiencies and ability to collaborate with partners, and find or accept good advice. It is also dependant on the size of pockets too – most Altnets in the UK are cash- strapped, but they’re pretty agile and open to change. So, the equation is possibly Telco + Techco, or Telco →Techco, and more than likely it is Techco sells Telco products and vice versa. Without the mention of a decent revenue stream or opportunity, you’ll hardly find an MSP wanting to engage in applying their skill set to provisioning telecoms services or offering ever- increasing bundles of products and services.

A transceiver is a device that can both transmit and receive signals, which is essential for IoT devices to communicate with each other and a central server.

from the mobile network to identify the user and their account details, not to actively transmit data itself; the transceiver functionality

lies within the handset which uses the SIM card for identification

purposes.

Telco to Techco The phrase “Telco to Techco” or “Telco to Techo” gets bandied around a lot in the technology press these days, generally around Network operators looking to expand their opportunities and revenue streams, in essence being more than internet service providers.

and typical telecommunications brands such as Vodafone, Three and Sky Business. Interestingly enough, on the question of timings, UC Advanced reported on Sky Business Wholesale and Giacom partnering to deliver innovative connectivity solutions for channel providers in December 2023, and the recent announcement, in January 2025, demonstrates the agility of such collaborations. Giacom and Sky Business Wholesale are now offering remote router authentication which enables broadband migrations without the need for an engineer visit and/or hardware replacements. The Future is Bright The future is … Well, how long is a piece of ethernet cable? Our homes and offices are increasingly digitalised, we use cloud-based storage, collaboration platforms, video conferencing capabilities and remote access, to name a few of the sectors where UCC can be found, and alongside those digital technologies be they software or hardware, you will always find a Telco at your service.

The convergence of the telco sector with the UCC sector discussions centre around

Good Example A good example of an ISP evolving into an ISP-MSP in the UK is Giacom. Founded in Hull in 1999 as an internet service provider, Giacom now offers a one-stop platform and provides managed services for cloud software, infrastructure and IT support services that an MSP would provide within a public or private cloud environment. In 2025, based in 6 UK locations, Giacom has had a number of evolutions, to get it to its last publicised annual turnover of £355.1m as of the year ending 31 March 2023. Since then Giacom has acquired Inform Billing and intY. Additional Services Giacom has developed a marketplace called Giacom Cloud Market TM , which enables MSPs to sell and license cloud services. The marketplace includes an expansive product portfolio with complementary products such as cybersecurity software, and IoT solutions such as Smart Mobile Data, where partners can offer always-on mobile connectivity, a solution which can support technologies utilising 4G LTE, 5G, LTE-M and NB-IoT. Giacom partners are encouraged to cross-sell into “multiple cloud, comms and hardware products and solutions” and we now see traditional distributor and reseller channel technology brands such as Lenovo, Jabra and Samsung sitting beside traditional

the middle grounds of

sectors such as cloud, software, platforms and much more.

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CONNECTIVITY

Hit by a Thunderbolt™

Nowadays we have dedicated Thunderbolt ports on laptops, and monitors coming equipped with Thunderbolt 4 technology, and Thunderbolt 5 was recently showcased at CES 2025. If you’re wondering why “Thunderbolt technology included” appears to be a must-have in any device purchase these days, here’s an introduction.

Number Crunching Thunderbolt 1 offered data transfer rates of up to 10 Gbps per channel, combining PCIe (PCI Express) and DisplayPort in a single connection. Thunderbolt 4 offers a 40 Gbps speed and introduces hardware requirements, such as support for dual 4K displays or a single 8K display, charging on at least one computer port, and compatibility with a broad range of accessories. What is it? A physical connection, or you can also use the words hardware interface, that connect various types of peripherals to a computer. Some use the word port, or socket, but hardware interface is the catchall term. In the same breath, you would need to say that interfaces are governed by protocols, so in the instance of Thunderbolt, there will also be governance in terms of how the data and power is exchanged between the peripherals and the computer, especially in terms of priorities and speeds.

workplace advanced too. Think size and number of monitors we see on office desks today. Additionally, we want our movies streamed, as opposed to putting a disc, or if you’re old enough a video tape, into a separate device. We want to attach chargers to our computers, and we now talk into our monitors to our colleagues as opposed to picking up a handset that was either battery operated or connected to a separate phone line. Thunderbolt supports a wide range of devices, including external hard drives, monitors, ethernet networks, and more. Beginning with Thunderbolt 3, the technology adopted the USB-C connector, which is reversible and compact. This not only enhances compatibility with USB-C devices but also supports additional features like USB 3.1, making it a versatile port for various connectivity needs. Thunderbolt has become a popular standard in many high-performance computing environments due to its speed, versatility, and ability to simplify cabling and connections. Any professional undertaking tasks that demand rapid data movement, such as editing

Why the need for speed? We’ve always had our classic peripherals – the mouse, the

high-resolution videos, transferring large files, or using high-speed external storage will be looking for the Thunderbolt™ sign.

keyboard, the monitor and so on, but our peripherals became advanced and with that our lifestyles in the home and

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