Issue #17
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News, analysis, insights and more
The must-attend event for IT leaders transforming enterprise and public sector communications.
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NEWS: The latest news and product news from the Channel – pages 6-10 2023 PREVIEW:: Crystal balls at the ready – page 15 INTERVIEW:: Richard Wells embracing 30 years of change – page 26 SCANNING GATEWAYS: Hybrid working is driving the growth of digitising documents – page 46 BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE:: How FX rates affect toner pricing – page 50
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COMMENT COMMENT
Just Keep Swimming
UC
For Disney fans, you’ll notice I’ve nicked a line from the movie Finding Nemo , uttered by the character Dory. The phrase, embraced in popular culture, essentially implies to keep moving forward and persevering, even when facing difficulties. We are in difficult times. It is easy to focus on the doom and gloom, but then you’d miss the boom that is digital transformation. This month David Evans, VP Product Management, from GoTo notes, “The way businesses have managed this transformation has triggered important shifts in the systems and processes leveraged to keep teams and customers connecting smoothly, and we can see this best demonstrated in how unified communications has evolved.” Our audio products are certainly evolving. Turn to page 22 and you’ll see the new EPOS Adapt E1 earbuds, which offer up to 50 hours of battery life when used with the charging case. The charging case also enables fast charging, where 5 minutes of charge provides up to 1 hour of use. Pretty awesome, and just one of their features. The Samsung Galaxy S25 launch
appears to be a success, if initial news sources are to be believed. It is a stunning phone. Sonny Sohota, Head of Sales at New Way International aptly puts it, “The Galaxy S25 series and S25 Edge are not just technological wonders, they signify a shift in
delivering mobile experiences. For resellers, they offer a crucial chance to meet the growing expectations of consumers who seek performance, elegance, and
Trish Stevens Guest Editor
innovation.” Innovation is happening at pace. This month leading SaaS provider of cloud-based communication solutions, 8x8, makes four product announcements, all designed to enhance CX and take it to a higher level. Mareike Jacobshagen, DE-CIX’s head of global business partner program, comments on page 34, “AI has broken ground so quickly that it has already begun to outpace our ability to support it.” Scaling infrastructure for purpose means investment and employment opportunities, and Mareike’s thoughts are worth a read. I’ll end with Albert Einstein: “In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity”.
See the 2025 Categories
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05
CONTENTS
UCC News • Insight reports p8 • Business News p10 • Upcoming Events p12 Neat Interview with Wayne Mason p16 INOGENI TOGGLE ROOMS p18 onemedia Company Profile p20 EPOS Adapt E1 Review p22 Synology at Computex 2025 p24 8x8 innovation p26 AV Mounts With Peerless-AV p30 Scaling AI With DE-CIX p34 GoTo What’s next for UCC? p36 Eagle Eye – BI Meeting LCD Monitors p38 Martyn’s Law p42 Samsung S25 With NWI p46 Energy Harvesting p49 People p50 Stockies 2025 Categories p53
UC Advanced spoke to Wayne Mason, VP of Global Distribution & Partner Programs, UK&I Regional Director from Neat.
David Evans, VP Product Management, from GoTo,
discusses how has the pandemic changed UC, and what’s next for the UCC Sector.
p16
p36
p26
p46
Samsung has once again claimed the spotlight in 2025 with the groundbreaking Galaxy S25 series.
In April 2025 8x8 has made not one, but four major product announcements, enhancing its core offering...
06
UC
For UC Advanced’s avid readers, we covered Martyn’s Law in issue 12. Now that Martyn’s Law has come into effect, 3 April 2025, we look at the details of the Bill.
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.bester@ 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
p22
The EPOS ADAPT E1 Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds arrive at a pivotal time for hybrid work and Unified Communications.
p42
UC Advanced spoke to Thomas Fenton, Director of Technical & Product Development, EMEA, Peerless-AV for some good advice and insights on AV mounts.
p34
Published by: In the Channel Media Ltd Company registration number: 14363401 Registered office address 14-18 Heddon Street,
p30
Mareike Jacobshagen – Head of DE-CIX’s Global Business Partner Program – shares her thoughts with UC Advanced on the big ideas discussed at MWC’25 event.
Mayfair, London, United Kingdom, W1B 4DA In conjunction with:
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07
INSIGHTS
Vonage: Where AI meets CX
Finally, we have a meaty report, with a substantial group of respondents, 7,077 customers, and with a global view, 17 global markets to be exact. Vonage have produced their 13th annual Global Customer Engagement Report for 2025, and it packs a punch of insights. Vonage’s Global Customer Engagement report is full of key takeaways for MSPs and ISPs alike, as well as business owners of any size, and it’s laid out in in a fun and
easy-to-read fashion. The report focuses on AI and CX (customer experience), and respondents views on customer frustrations such as data breaches, channel preferences, and AI-enhanced solutions, views that should be taken into account when any customer-facing business is creating their strategy to improve CX. With 58 pages to peruse, UC Advanced gives one example of the latest insights on video usage: 🌍 77% of consumers use video chat/ call platforms, as global usage of this method continues to strengthen (up from 74%) 🌍 Zoom has solid usage in most markets 🌍 Strong WhatsApp usage in Brazil, Germany, Spain and Singapore 🌍 India, Indonesia, China and Brazil lead in video usage Well worth a look.
VONAGE GLOBAL CUSTOMER ENGAGEMENT REPORT 2025 Where AI Meets CX: Your Practical Roadmap Welcome to the intersection of customers and communications. This is where your communications strategy matches customer preferences for the ultimate engagement and experience. Getting here isn’t easy … which is why we asked over 7,000 customers across 17 global markets for their insights, pain points, and must-know YOU ARE HERE: preferences. Their feedback fueled our data-driven roadmap. And we’ve charted this easy report to direct the way. Join us as we guide you through an exciting AI and CX ride.
TRAFFIC AHEAD MAP YOUR COURSE ONLINE
Flexera’s State of the Cloud Report
The Flexera 2025 State of the Cloud Report sampled the views of 759 respondents, and shed some light on cloud computing trends, the pressures facing IT professionals and the strategic initiatives they are using to remain competitive in today’s dynamic and evolving landscape. This year’s report shows that more enterprises are leveraging FinOps to manage costs as cloud growth continues unabated, despite some repatriation to on-premises. AI, software licensing and sustainability in the cloud are all getting increased attention. At the same time, the battle for dominance between Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure is
Here’s a sample of key findings from this year’s report.
Respondents indicating that they have a FinOps team that does some/all of cloud cost optimisation tasks increased from 51% to 59% this year.
still neck and neck.
08
GET THE TEAM TOGETHER
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07
BUSINESS NEWS
Apple vs UK Home Office
The case of Apple Inc. and the Secretary of State for the Home Department has reached another junction in the road. In February 2025, Apple announced that iCloud backups for UK new users will no longer be able to use Advanced Data Protection. Existing users who had already enabled the feature will eventually be prompted to disable it. Apple’s actions are in response to the UK government issuing Apple Inc. with a Technical Capability Notice (TCN). The TCN, issued under the Investigatory Powers Act 2016, is a secret order that companies must comply with, but cannot publicly disclose. It is believed the leak to the press, regarding Apple Inc.’s TCN, originated with The Washington Post. The secrecy,
combined with the significant implications of the order, sparked public scrutiny and media attention. Apple appealed the TCN with the Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT), which was heard on 14 March 2025, and the IPT findings were published on 7 April 2025. The judgment is private to both parties, however the IPT have released a public judgment that summarises some of the fuller judgment. In response to the request that future hearings be held in private, the IPT has ruled, “this is not such a case” and “It may well be possible for some or all future hearings to incorporate a public element, with or without reporting restrictions.” The court had not yet decided whether the Home Office’s TCN against Apple is legitimate.
Vue Signs Major Deal with Barco
Vue, the largest privately owned cinema operator in Europe and number one exhibitor in the UK, has signed terms with Barco, to bring its award-winning laser projectors across Vue’s European estate. The roll-out of Barco’s technology to screens across all eight countries in Vue’s portfolio reiterates the company’s
commitment and continued investment, bringing the best big screen experience to its moviegoers. The deal will see an initial installation of more than 1,000 Barco Series 4 projectors and Barco media servers introduced to Vue’s screens by the end of 2029, starting the roll out in the UK, Germany and Denmark. Vue Southport in the North West of England was the first of Vue’s cinemas to undergo installation and Vue Westfield Shepherd’s Bush in London, the company’s flagship site, will be next in line. “Barco shares Vue’s commitment to delivering new and exciting cinema experiences,” said Gerwin Damberg, EVP of Barco Cinema. “Together, we look forward to bringing Laser by Barco to Vue’s theatres throughout Europe. With laser projection, audiences will enjoy the next generation of movie presentation with stunning picture quality, high image brightness and increased colour gamut.”
Gerwin Damberg EVP, Barco Cinema
barco.com
Vue Westfield Shepherd’s Bush
10
BUSINESS NEWS
Shure News and Innovation Shure is the headline sponsor at Infocomm 2025, 7 to 13 June, in Orlando,
and without blocking the USB connector on the mobile device. The solution enables live broadcasting that features video return, audio intercom, and video editing to enable live video transmission anywhere, anytime. Users can now pair two MoveMic wireless lavalier microphones within the MoJoPro app- one for the interviewer and one for the interviewee – providing two channels of high-quality audio for live broadcasts and video recordings. Achim Gleissner, Senior Director, Corporate Development at Shure noted, “For mobile journalists constantly on the move and needing to capture critical news with no time to spare, MoveMic Wireless Microphones paired with Havision’s MoJoPro is a game changer. Its quick and easy connection ensures reporters can be up and running with superior audio in seconds, without the hassle of tangled wires and remaining at the forefront of breaking news”.
Florida, demonstrating its continued investment in the AV industry, driving innovation and revealing new solutions as the company celebrates its 100-year anniversary. Shure will be showcasing recent innovations including IntelliMix™ Room Kits, Microflex® Loudspeaker, MXW neXt 4 and 8, and MoveMic 88+ and more at booth #2843 in the Central Hall. A recent Shure solution is the combination of MoJoPro app and MoveMic wireless microphones, enabling professional broadcasters to capture high-quality video content while ensuring audiences experience superior sound. It’s a lightweight, practical, and direct-to- phone solution. Shure’s MoveMic wireless microphones can now be paired directly to mobile devices within Haivision’s free MoJoPro mobile phone camera app, without the need for an external MoveMic Receiver
Achim Gleissner Senior Director, Corporate Development
shure.com
Infocomm 2025, 7 to 13 June, Orlando, Florida
Snom annual Partner and Distributor Awards
A key factor in Snom’s success has been the strong network of dedicated partners and distributors, whose outstanding contributions are recognised through Snom’s annual Partner and Distributor Awards. “Our partners and distributors are an integral part of our success. Their dedication and expertise are essential in
establishing our innovative communication solutions in global markets,” said Fabio Albanini, Senior Vice President Sales & Operations at Snom. “We are proud of the ongoing strength of our partnerships and are delighted to recognise the accomplishments of our top performers with these prestigious awards.” An impressive number of partners and distributors have successfully retained their Platinum status, underlining their continued excellence and significant contributions to the Snom ecosystem. These include ProVu Communications Ltd (UK), ALSO Deutschland GmbH (Germany) and Ingram Micro Distribution GmbH (Germany). UC Advanced’s website will carry the details and full list of Snom’s award winners.
Fabio Albanini Senior Vice President Sales & Operations
snom.com
ucadvanced.com
11
EVENTS
LONDON What?
Stockies 2025 When? V irtual Awards:
24 November – Technology & Storage 25 November – Printing Solutions, Peripherals & Accessories 26 November – AV & UCC and Live Show for Speciality Awards on 27 November 2025. Save the date!
Where? O nline and 100 Wardour St, London
LONDON What?
MSP Show When? 14 to 15 May 2025 Where? E xCel London. Register here Why?
Stock in the Channel are exhibiting. Come and meet us at stand 672
BIRMINGHAM What?
Nimans Live. Register for free tickets here
When? 7 May 2025 Where? V illa Park, Birmingham
LONDON What? Peerless-AV’s AV Showcase. More event information here When? 13 to 14 May 2025 Where? Lord’s Cricket Ground. Sign up here
LONDON What? London Tech Week When? 9 to 11 June 2025 Where? Olympia. Register here (Early Bird offer ends 25 April)
ONLINE What? Audiocodes Live Webinar
Transform Meetings with GenAI
When? 2 9 April 2025, 4pm Where? Online here
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11 07
COLLABORATION
Human-Centric Design: The Cornerstone of Effective Remote Collaboration IDC research highlights that 86% of European companies are offering some kind of flexible work, but 62% of employees are dissatisfied with the supporting technology 1 . The true efficacy of collaboration in today’s work environment hinges on a critical underpinning: human-centric design.
to meeting room solutions has evolved significantly. There’s a pronounced emphasis on creating environments where technology seamlessly blends into the background, prioritising an experience that feels natural and engaging. Increasingly attuned to the human element of work interactions, the objective of technology investments is shifting towards making every employee feel connected and valued. This involves enabling them with user-friendly tools that provide equitable experiences and allow them to do their best work. Selection of collaboration solutions is not only driven by technical capabilities, but also the ability to enhance employee satisfaction. **** Organisations investing in conferencing systems often gravitate towards a predetermined corporate standard. While desirable from an IT management perspective and intended to provide consistency for users, this approach may prove ineffective when it fails to meet employees’ practical needs. IDC research highlights that uninformed, first-time buyers often tend to make technology decisions that prioritise price over quality, failing to involve all relevant stakeholders in the process 3,4 . Consequently, they may end up settling for “good enough” equipment that drags
The modern workplace is characterised by new ways of working, connecting, and communicating. Hybrid meetings are now an integral part of day-to-day work, yet 96% of organisations still struggle with making the transition seamless 2 . Success is not just about adopting new technology or redesigning office spaces; it’s about making it all work for people. Human-centric design focuses on tailoring collaboration solutions to meet real users’ needs, behaviors, and challenges. Whether its AI, security or conferencing systems, the goal remains the same – to make it seamless, intuitive, and efficient for employees, irrespective of their location. As organisations aim to foster a sense of belonging and inclusivity, the approach
Increasingly attuned to the human element of work interactions, the objective of technology investments is shifting towards making every employee feel connected and valued.
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users into a circle of frustration. In particular, a lack of audio clarity and reliability of conferencing systems can significantly impact communication, decision-making, and overall productivity. Meeting participants plagued by poor sound end up dealing with misunderstandings and cognitive fatigue. Moreover, AI tools such as Copilot in Microsoft Teams – intended to simplify employee workflows – will be unable to deliver the expected efficiency improvements if the supporting meeting room hardware is not up to the task. Audio quality that was once deemed “good enough” in pre-AI times is no longer adequate, given the advanced capabilities and expectations of current technologies. Organisations seeking to address the effect of subpar technology – from employee dissatisfaction and retention issues to notable impacts on business outcomes – need to emphasise the
create a work ecosystem that enriches the employee experience globally, while improving ROI through enhanced efficiency, morale, and satisfaction. Investing in high-quality collaboration solutions, such as Shure’s IntelliMix Room Kits for Microsoft Teams Rooms, can significantly enhance employee experiences and make day-to-day operations more cohesive and effective. These advanced room kits offer engaging audio and video experiences that make employees feel present in the same room. Intuitive, one-touch operation shifts the focus away from dealing with technology and towards the actual topic at hand. Additionally, greater reliability is ensured by a certified solution from a single vendor and consistency of experience across spaces is ensured with scalable options, all based on the same building blocks. Together, these benefits help organisations achieve significant improvements in the collaboration experience for their workforce, ultimately leading to better outcomes for the entire company. Visit www.shure.com/IntelliMixRoomKits
Human-centric design is not just a trend; it is the cornerstone of effective collaboration for geographically dispersed teams.
importance of quality in their next purchases. Investing in modular, upgradable collaboration solutions
supported by reputable providers helps them remain in lock-step with technological advancements, for example in the areas of AI-driven meeting transcription and note taking, whilst continuing to meet the diverse needs of stakeholders. **** Human-centric design is not just a trend; it is the cornerstone of effective collaboration for geographically dispersed teams. As we continue to innovate with AI, security, and conferencing technologies, prioritising the human element – focusing on ease of use, interpersonal communication, and making work more manageable – remains essential. When users find tools accessible and effective in facilitating their tasks, productivity increases, leading to higher overall efficiency within the organisation. By keeping the user’s needs at the heart of the design process, companies can
to learn more about human-centric collaboration solutions from Shure.
Sources: 1 IDC’s FoW Employee Experience EMEA Survey 2024 (n=4300) 2 IDC’s WW Future of Work Survey, June 2024; EMEA (n = 669) 3 IDC, EMEA IPDS Survey 2023 (n=2,505)
4 IDC Infobrief, sponsored by Shure, The Hidden Influencer, Rethinking Audio Could Impact Your Organization Today, Tomorrow, and Forever, IDC #EUR150735523, September 2023
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13 15
AV/UCC – EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
Get Neat with Neat Select UC Advanced spoke to Wayne Mason, VP of Global Distribution & Partner Programs, UK&I Regional Director from Neat. Wayne’s insights were interesting and exciting to hear, and we reiterate his offer, talk to Neat, they have a lot on offer for MSPs and resellers. Q You’ve been with Neat for 4 years, tell us something “neat” about working with Neat products (or Neat people) every day?
with BYOD in general accounting for the majority of the videoconferencing market installs. For example, Neat Bar with Neat Select, our BYOD solution, extends Neat’s advanced hardware and software capabilities to businesses that haven’t standardised on a video collaboration platform and want the freedom and flexibility to connect to various meeting solutions.
The best thing about Neat has to be the culture, which comes from the people, we dub ourselves “Neaters”. I’m really proud of how this has grown, and how people who join become Neaters in an instant. Our culture has grown organically, and I believe we have built the best team in the industry. Then again, I am biased, but it definitely helps that our products are market-leading. Q Neat has a long history with Zoomtopia. Tell us more about the strategic partnership? The partnership with Zoom is our DNA. Zoom’s founder, Eric Yuan, approached our founders and asked if we would make a technology/hardware (HW) that complemented the Zoom experience. As time advanced, Neat has expanded, offering solutions across Microsoft, and developing a groundbreaking BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) offering. Now we are in 2025, the Zoom relationship is stronger than ever. From synergies in our technology roadmap to our channel- focused go-to-market strategy. Q Which non-Zoom platforms are Neat products compatible with and certified for? Neat’s products now work natively across both Zoom and Microsoft. Our BYOD offering is very important though,
Wayne Mason VP of Global Distribution & Partner Programs, UK&I Regional Director
neat.no
Q What new news do you for 2025? At Neat, we believe in making the
have about product launches
The latest launch of Neat Select as a BYOD solution is very exciting as it’s our first sub $1000 HW solution...
technology experience simple. The latest developments within our management software Neat Pulse and Neat App Hub are extremely exciting and give partners a real opportunity to monetise these offerings, as well as the end user. It gives them flexibility in how they use our solutions in their workspaces. The latest launch of Neat Select as a BYOD solution is very exciting as it’s our first sub $1000 HW solution, it’s purchased with a one- or three-year subscription, which includes Pulse/Extended Warranty and Neat App Hub, so it’s three years of complete peace of mind conferencing.
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or device need to be locked to one platform, creating far more opportunities for diversification. Q What resources are available for MSPs? We have an extensive presence in the market in terms of people, sales and technical support and a superb partner portal which provides tons of resources to make the experience easier to sell Neat. Our partner program in its current format remains competitive, giving strong margins, although through 2025, we are evaluating a new channel program that will create even more value for our loyal partners. Q Any more advice, hints and tips that you can give MSPs and resellers? There is so much opportunity in this space now, from a changing global landscape and economy to the ongoing expansion of AI. My biggest tip is, engage in conversation. At Neat, we’re not afraid for MSPs and resellers to challenge us, and we encourage people not to make assumptions due to past experiences in this market. Neat is transforming the way things are done in this space. We’ve created a channel network from scratch, and we put relationships at the heart of that. That’s why we have grown 58% YoY. Come and talk to us.
Yet, benefiting from all Neat’s technology and upgrades that undoubtedly will be released over the coming years. I believe this presents the best total cost of ownership (TCO) in our market. Q What new news do you have for MSPs? Neat Select presents a fantastic opportunity for MSPs as it’s sold in a way that MSPs are used to, the intrinsic support costs are very low not just in cost but also in investment of time. MSPs’ customers also have a true TCO benefit. It’s a real annual recurring revenue (ARR). Q What advice can you give to MSPs? If any MSPs are reading this and thinking, video collaboration is too complicated, it’s too much heavy lifting, and we don’t have the video expertise to support the customer after sales, then I would encourage them to reach out to us at Neat and learn about our solutions. They will see how Neat Select can give them access to a potentially untapped market. Neat has experienced rapid growth in the last four years, and it would be great to see new MSP partners join us on that journey. Q For MSPs’ customers on a budget, what is the one UCC device that you recommend that they either upgrade or replace? MSPs should think carefully about the longevity and flexibility of their set-up and make decisions accordingly. For instance, Neat Select comes with a one- or three- year subscription for BYOD, enabling MSPs to think flexibly about their office spaces. No longer does a meeting room
At Neat, we’re not afraid for MSPs and resellers to challenge us, and we encourage people not to make assumptions due to past experiences in this market.
Watch the Neat BYOD solution in action
wu cwawd v. naenwc es idn.tchoemc h a n n e l .c o. u k
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UC/AV
Twitching to Switch INOGENI TOGGLE ROOMS is a system that allows users to switch between devices for videoconferencing. Switching between peripherals, whilst supporting high-resolution displays and integrating with leading UC platforms is particularly useful for those organisations adopting hybrid work models.
In a Nutshell It is an audio visual and unified communication solution designed to enhance video conferencing by enabling seamless switching between a host, such as a computer or laptop in a room, and a peripheral, making the system ideal for Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) and Bring Your Own Meeting (BYOM) scenarios. For peripherals, consider meeting attendees bringing in, or connecting with, their devices, such as laptops and iPads, into the meeting space. Peripherals can also be devices such as cameras, microphones, speakerphones and displays.
“
TOGGLE ROOMS delivers effortless, high-quality connectivity, redefining productivity in hybrid workspaces.
”
Harley Willmott, Product Manager in Unified Communications for Midwich Group plc UK
automatic or manual switching via a push button, control pad, RS-232, IP, or GPI control, making it highly flexible for various meeting setups. Compatibility INOGENI TOGGLE ROOMS is fully compatible with major unified communication systems, including MS Teams, Zoom and a wide range of USB cameras and videobars, including Jabra, Lenovo and Logitech. The system integrates with Q-SYS platforms, enabling reduced integration times through a dedicated plug-in for managing up to three 4K USB devices. For the Larger Room The standard model is limited to two hosts and four peripherals, which may not suffice for very large setups, and therefore the XT model addresses this. Long-distance USB connectivity (beyond 10m for USB-C) requires the XT model or additional extenders like the U-Bridge 3.0.
3 application scenarios SWITCH BYOD/BYOM with one cable for a Room PC and laptop
The TOGGLE ROOMS system allows effortless switching between two hosts, which are typically a Room PC and a laptop, with support for up to three USB 3.0 devices and one HDMI display. Switching is driver-free, enabling quick transitions without delays, and it supports
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17 19
COMPANY PROFILE
Technical Expertise and Relationships fuels onemedia growth With a reinforced board of directors, stunning new premises at Arlington Square, Bracknell and a rapidly growing vendor portfolio and workforce, onemedia can make a solid claim to being named the UK’s fastest growing technical AV distributor. UC Advanced speaks to Chris Wood, founder and co-owner, to learn about their offering and future ambitions.
With its AV technology roots going back to 2008, the onemedia management team welcomed former Midwich directors Iain Campbell and Lee Baker in 2024, who joined co-owners Chris Wood, Will Hetherington and John Jeffreys on a mission to bring something fresh, dynamic and personable to the AV channel. “The appointments of Iain and Lee have helped us greatly in where we want onemedia to go”, said Chris. “They have unrivalled experience in the channel and, through purely organic growth throughout last year, we have been able to add several new vendors to onemedia’s portfolio, double the size of our team and establish ourselves at our state-of-the art experience centre and head office in Arlington Square.” So what is the secret to this staggering growth? “Technical know-how, high levels of service and people relationships certainly play a key part”, says Chris. “Knowing your customers and your customers’ customers helps us to provide side-by-side support which benefits all parties. Our team have extensive experience in the AV channel, and this knowledge helps to eliminate any unwelcome surprises.” Onemedia now offer a full 360 service of AV requirements, from assistance with project design, distribution, support and
Chris Wood Founder and co-owner
even bespoke content creation. With vendors including Unilumin, Datapath, Smart, Uniguest and Vogel’s, among others, the company provides total solutions for a wide range of clients in vertical markets including education, hospitality, corporate, banking and government. So what of the future? According to Chris, we can expect more of the same as the company continues to expand its vendor offering to compliment its current portfolio. “We continue to talk to new manufacturers who can add to our product range”, says Chris. And we are always on the lookout for the best people to further strengthen the onemedia team. We look forward to 2025 and beyond with great optimism.”
onemedia.co.uk
Knowing your customers and your customers’ customers helps us to provide side- by-side support which benefits all parties.
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AD
ADAPT E1 Series Fits every you
Ultimate comfort, exceptional audio The ADAPT E1 is designed to be an earbud for both the personal and the professional user. With the ADAPT E1, users will enjoy the same level of seamless user experience regardless of whether they are listening to music or joining a Teams call. • Impressive battery life of up to 50 hours • Hybrid ANC provides optimal amount of noise suppression • EPOS IntelligentFit™ software based on AI for ultimate comfort • Free, secure device management for IT managers
ucadvanced.com
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AUDIO
EPOS ADAPT E1: Earbuds That Work Harder Than Your Boss The EPOS ADAPT E1 USB-C Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds arrive at a pivotal time for hybrid work and Unified Communications (UC). For professionals toggling between Zoom calls, commuting, and the occasional music break, the ADAPT E1 is more than just another pair of earbuds – it’s a business-grade communication tool disguised in a sleek, comfortable form.
More Than Just Comfort – It’s IntelligentFit™ Let’s start with the fit, because EPOS is making bold claims here – and delivering. Powered by EPOS IntelligentFit™, the ADAPT E1 uses AI and a dataset of over half a million ear scans to craft an earbud that doesn’t just fit – it feels like it belongs. Whether you’re on a client call, in a co-working space, or out walking the dog between meetings, these earbuds stay snug and secure. They’re so comfortable, in fact, that you’ll forget you’re wearing them. For MSPs and resellers, this is a big selling point. Many customers in the business space complain about ear fatigue or earbuds slipping out. With four different tip sizes included and a semi- open acoustic design, the E1 appeals to a wide range of ear shapes and use cases.
as-a-service programs is a straightforward way to drive additional revenue while enhancing end-user productivity. Seamless Switching Across Devices Modern professionals rarely use just one device. EPOS gets that. With multi- point Bluetooth connectivity, users can effortlessly switch between their PC, tablet, and smartphone. One minute you’re listening to music on your laptop, the next you’re answering a Teams call on your phone – no need to disconnect or re-pair. This functionality is especially valuable for executives, field reps, and remote workers who multitask across ecosystems. What’s more, the USB-C dongle adds an extra layer of flexibility, ensuring rock-solid, low-latency connectivity on desktops and laptops – ideal for UC environments where call quality is paramount.
A Certified Earbud for Professionals
The ADAPT E1 isn’t just comfortable – it’s certified. With UC certifications including Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Meet, and Made for iPhone, it’s primed for seamless cross-platform performance. For businesses standardising around cloud- based communications tools, the E1 makes deployment and adoption easier than ever. This makes the earbuds an excellent upsell for MSPs offering VoIP or UCaaS solutions. Bundling the E1 with collaboration software licenses or device-
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Voice Clarity That Works Where You Work The ADAPT E1 leverages advanced EPOS algorithms and hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) to isolate the user’s voice while minimising distractions. Thanks to ambient mode, users can stay aware of their surroundings when needed. Whether you’re commuting, walking through an airport, or working from a coffee shop, it’s easy to toggle between immersion and awareness with just a touch. For sales teams, execs, and frequent travellers, this flexibility is invaluable. And for IT admins managing fleets of devices, the EPOS Connect app and remote firmware update support offer simple, centralised management – another strong value-add for resellers. Battery Life That Keeps You Going With up to 14 hours of listening time and 6 hours of talk time, you can get through even the most meeting-heavy day. Factor in the 50 hours of battery life with the charging case, and you’re looking at one of the strongest performers in the category. Need a quick top-up? Just five minutes of charge gives you up to an hour of talk time. Music That Doesn’t Miss a Beat While the ADAPT E1 is built for business, it doesn’t skimp on leisure. Music playback is immersive and dynamic, with a rich soundstage that is wider than expected.
For users who live their work-life balance through playlists, the ADAPT E1 delivers a sound profile that’s engaging yet tuned for clarity during calls. Who’s It For? It’s perfect for: 🔥 Commuters needing to jump into Teams meetings on the train 🔥 Remote workers managing calls and concentration in shared spaces 🔥 Sales professionals hopping between devices and client calls 🔥 Executives who want seamless communication without bulky headsets This is an ideal add-on product for businesses deploying Microsoft Teams, Zoom, or Webex, especially when looking for a mobile-first communication tool without sacrificing quality.
The ADAPT E1 delivers a superior sound experience, whether you’re listening to music on the go, at work or while relaxing at home.
Key Selling Points for MSPs 👍 True Wireless Stereo (TWS) Connectivity No wires, just freedom with Bluetooth 5.3. 👍 Advanced Noise Cancellation Hybrid ANC for crystal-clear calls in any environment. 👍 All-Day Comfort & Fit In-ear design with 3 sizes of silicone ear tips included. 👍 Durability IPX5-rated for water, sweat, and splash resistance 👍 Extensive Battery Life up to 50 hours 👍 Charging Case with USB-C Portable power and fast charging on the go. 👍 UC Certified Ensures compatibility across major unified communications platforms.
The Editor’s Verdict The EPOS Adapt E1 earbuds strike an impressive balance between professional- grade call quality and everyday audio enjoyment. With crystal-clear microphones, a comfortable fit powered by IntelligentFit™ technology, and a robust 50-hour total battery life, they’re a standout choice for hybrid workers. The included USB-C dongle ensures seamless connectivity for virtual meetings, while Hybrid ANC and a balanced sound profile make them versatile for music and focus. They offer a solid mix of features for hybrid workers who need versatility without carrying multiple devices. A good fit for those juggling work and play.
ucadvanced.com
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are excited to announce that we will be attending the Computex Show, as media partners of Synology
Come AND Join us at Computex Booth: J1018, 1F, TaiNEX 1
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EVENT
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CCaaS/CPaaS/CX
Think you know 8x8? Think Again 8x8 is a leading Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) provider of cloud-based communication solutions, including voice, video, chat, contact center, and enterprise-class API solutions, all integrated into a global cloud communications platform. In April 2025, it just got better.
The best advantage of installing an 8x8 communication system is its unified cloud-based platform, which seamlessly integrates voice, video, chat, and contact center features. This all-in-one solution enhances productivity by simplifying communication processes, reducing the need for multiple tools, and enabling employees to collaborate effectively from any device, anywhere, with minimal hardware investment. 8x8 focuses on transforming business communications by unifying customer experience (CX) and IT operations, and leveraging AI (artificial intelligence) to drive efficiency and collaboration. It’s designed for scalability, security, and ease of use, making it ideal for small to large businesses aiming to streamline communication and enhance customer engagement. 8x8 are known for enabling businesses to have unlimited calling to multiple countries, call recording, and auto- attendants, and the platform supports HD video meetings with up to 500 participants, including tools like screen sharing, digital
and chat into existing applications with integrations for Salesforce, monday.com, Google Workspace and more. Constant Innovation Since 1996 8x8’s vision to revolutionise business communications through cloud- based technology holds true today, and breakthroughs happen so frequently that 8x8 has been recognised as a Leader in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) for 13 consecutive years, from 2012 to 2024. 8x8 first announced AI-integrated products in March 2022, with the introduction of 8x8 Conversation IQ, which extends contact center capabilities like speech analytics to all employees, not just agents, by leveraging conversational AI for improved team performance and customer engagement. The tool’s ability to transcribe and evaluate conversations, identify sentiment, and provide actionable feedback has proven valuable for organisations aiming to improve customer satisfaction (CSAT) scores, all the while reducing associated phone costs. Taking Customer Engagement to New Levels In April 2025 8x8 has made not one, but four major product announcements, enhancing its core offering, providing instant benefits and delivering an even more impactful customer experience for its clients.
In April 2025 8x8 has made not one, but four major product announcements, enhancing its core offering...
whiteboards and breakout rooms. Businesses can embed voice, video,
Key updates include: 1 8x8 RCS (Rich Communication Services) support for 8x8 Contact Center, enabling organisations to leverage two-way omnichannel engagement and deliver hyper personalised customer experiences. 2 AI-powered tool 8x8 JourneyIQ , giving businesses the ability to seamlessly track, predict, and optimise every step of the customer journey across all channels, departments and touchpoints. 3 8x8 AI Orchestrator which allows organisations to create seamless decision flows and orchestration across multiple bots and vendor solutions to supercharge their digital transformation and future-proof AI investments. 4 8x8 announced expanded availability for digital channels with 8x8 Engage: Video and SMS interactions with support for Viber, WhatsApp and email, with more to follow. 8x8 RCS 8x8 is one of the first cloud contact center vendors to support RCS natively, allowing organisations to seamlessly connect with customers across preferred platforms for rich, highly engaging and trusted communications, such as high- resolution images and videos. 8x8 RCS provides flexible, cost-effective omnichannel messaging capabilities that is solution agnostic and adapts to the business’ and customers’ preference. SMS is not sufficient enough for businesses entering the modern era. Businesses using SMS only as a way to communicate with employees, customers and partners will soon find they are outpaced by their rivals using branded creative and cohesive content, such as including their brand’s logo, and colours, with verified sender status. With secure, media-rich two-way messaging, 8x8’s customers can transform how they engage, with all context tracked across all touchpoints, taking CX to a higher level
than ever before. Additionally, 8x8 is launching new RCS Business Messaging (RBM) services. With RBM services and an RCS-enabled 8x8 Contact Center, organisations can now utilize comprehensive in-bound and outbound messaging leveraging RCS, one of the fastest growing messaging services globally, with an estimated 2.5 billion monthly active users at the end of 2024. Dave Michels, an industry analyst at TalkingPointz, commented, “RBM is already becoming a preferred channel for outbound brand communications, but receiving replies and new RCS engagements has been difficult. 8x8 customers are among the first to enjoy the effectiveness of RBM coupled with a powerful RCS-enabled omnichannel CCaaS from a single provider.”
8x8 customers are among the first to enjoy the effectiveness of RBM coupled with a powerful RCS-enabled omnichannel CCaaS from a single provider
RCS Use Cases RCS is integrated into 8x8 Contact
Center and 8x8 Engage platforms and is particularly useful for industries like retail, financial services, and other consumer- facing sectors. For example, a retail sales agent using RCS can proactively reach out to customers about new promotions, providing product images and videos, with an optionable “buy now” or schedule an appointment button. Based on the response, either a bot can handle the two- way RCS interaction and/or it can transition to an agent via 8x8 Contact Center. Real- time insights on the customer’s history, sentiment and across the entire interaction will allow the retail organisation to deliver a consistent, personalised experience and resolve issues faster.
Dave Michels Industry Analyst
talkingpointz.com
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CCaaS/CPaaS/CX
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Another example use case of 8x8 RCS could be that of a customer messaging a company ‘Where’s my order?’. Instead of a basic SMS response with a tracking number, organisations can use RCS to send a rich interactive message with a live map to track the order and buttons to reschedule the delivery, call an agent for help, or even apply a coupon to purchase a complementary product or service. These enhanced messaging capabilities provide an engaging and secure experience for both businesses and customers. Sharing real-time updates such as delivery tracking, appointment reminders, or flight updates with dynamic links and feedback buttons is valuable to customers, and tremendously enhances CX, and brand loyalty. “Customers today expect hyper- personalisation because they’re constantly interacting with brands that remember their preferences, anticipate their needs, and provide seamless experiences,” said Hunter Middleton, Chief Product Officer at 8x8, Inc. “However an organisation interacts with their customers, with RCS support for the 8x8 Platform for CX they are empowered to provide the next level of trusted, personalised and rich experiences that their customers expect, driving customer satisfaction and business growth.” 8x8 JourneyIQ 8x8 JourneyIQ is an AI-powered solution designed to enhance CX by providing real-time, integrated customer journey
intelligence across an organisation. It’s designed to track, predict, and optimise every step of the customer journey across all channels, departments, and touchpoints, addressing the challenge of fragmented data and siloed interactions. Sheila McGee-Smith, principal analyst at McGee-Smith Analytics, notes, “Businesses often complain about having too much data but no way to synthesise the information into actionable intelligence. Customers find themselves interacting with multiple departments across an organisation but typically these individual moments are not combined to provide a complete picture of the journey in order to identify opportunities for. 8x8 JourneyIQ allows organisations to cut through all the complexity and unify every customer touchpoint, both inside and outside of the contact center, to provide a single, real-time view. It’s no longer enough to react after a poor customer experience, organisations need the intelligence and ability to proactively identify and prevent issues to transform the customer journey.” In essence, 8x8 JourneyIQ provides real-time insights that let teams act before problems escalate. It responds to a common business pain point: having vast amounts of customer data but lacking the tools to turn it into actionable insights. Sadly, our 8x8 Journey ends here… UC Advanced loves to talk about UCC innovation. Look out for future issues of UC Advanced , where we’ll continue the 8x8 innovation conversation.
Hunter Middleton Chief Product Officer
8x8.com
Customers today expect hyper-
personalisation because they’re constantly interacting with brands that remember their preferences...
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