UC Advanced - issue #19

UC Issue #19

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News, analysis, insights and more

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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

Who’s Paying?

Sam Altman, CEO at OpenAI, premised in one of his most recent blogs, “The Gentle Singularity” that we are at the beginning of an exponential curve, and the next decade will bring rapid, disruptive advances in AI and robotics as well as major societal challenges. 2025: Arrival of AI Agents for “real cognitive work”, such as advanced code writing, and AI becomes a creative and productive partner. 2026: Systems

predicts some people will continue to live “in much the same way”, assuming this refers to 2025, whilst others may have chosen deeper integration with technology, deciding to “plug in”. Sam also predicts that “whole classes of jobs” are going away, and society will simultaneously adapt to a world where intelligence becomes “too cheap to meter”, and we will figure out new things to do and new things to want, and assimilate new tools quickly. What most people want are love and connection, significance, certainty,

generate new ideas and insights independently, going beyond automating existing tasks. 2027: Robotics

Trish Stevens Guest Editor

and growth, pretty much the core needs that drive human behaviour across

Revolution with robots capable of performing tasks in the physical world, and could be operating in supply chains, factories, and data centres. 2030s: Era of abundant intelligence (via AI) and energy, where both are predicted to become abundant and cheap. The cost of intelligence may approach the cost of electricity, with mass production of both digital and robotic agents. 2035 Beyond: Exponential breakthroughs and scientific advances in areas such as high-energy physics, materials science, medicine, and brain- computer interfaces. By this stage, Sam

cultures and backgrounds. Humans crave feeling important, valued, and having a sense of purpose in life, with accomplishments and recognition, or contributing to something larger than oneself. Additionally, humans need a sense of security and stability to feel safe, both physically and emotionally, and have some predictability in life, and most want to feel in control of or have influence over their lives and choices. So, are you going to live in much the same way, or “plug in”, and if you are, who’s paying?

See the 2025 Nominations and Sponsors

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CONTENTS

UCC News • Insight reports – p8 • Business News – p10 • Events – p12 Snom and ProVu p16 Josh Blalock Rapid Fire Jabra PanaCast 50 p19 Dropbox Dash p22 EPOS IMPACT 100 Headset review p25 Stockies 2025 Nominations p27 RingCentral CES p31 Verbatim’s Holiday Handies p34 Networking as a Service p38 Zoom’s Agent-2-Agent p41 Eagle Eye BI Gaming Insights p42 Cover Story Gamma Delivering Transformation p44

In both the retail and hospitality sectors, certain areas are experiencing significant growth. Personalised experiences are key growth areas

Josh Blalock’s Rapid Fire: Back to Basics with the Jabra PanaCast Line-Up

p46

p19

In the wake of a major update to Dropbox Dash in April 2025, UC Advanced caught up with Andy Wilson, Senior Director for New Product Solutions at Dropbox

p25

Flat Panels in Retail & Hospitality p46

Real-time Analytics p51 Digital Twins & Teammates p52 People p54 Seen at InfoComm 2025 p55

With its balance of price and performance, the IMPACT 100 is built to make an impression without breaking the bank.

p22

Wajih Kazmi, RingCentral’s Senior AI Product Marketing Manager’s “10 key factors impacting customer effort score”

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

Steven Try, Channel Manager UK & Ireland at Snom, and Darren Garland, Chairman at ProVu, share what a successful relationship between manufacturer and distributor can achieve. p16

p31

Planning your next getaway? So are your customers. As the summer heat rises and school holidays draw near, resellers should be fully stocked with all the travel essentials

p38

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

There seems to be a flurry of Telcos launching their version of NaaS (Network as a Service) these days,

p34

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

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INSIGHTS

UK Faces Digital Support Gaps

The UK is facing “significant disparities” in the availability of digital support services, according to research from the Digital Poverty Alliance (DPA) across 471 libraries, community centres, local government offices, schools and charities. It found that people in local communities are often unaware of the digital inclusion initiatives offered. Easington and Plymouth were found to be the most lacking in terms of advertised support for digital services such as access to devices,

skills training and broadband connectivity. Elizabeth Anderson, CEO of the DPA commented: “As our society becomes increasingly reliant on digital platforms for essential services, such as healthcare, education, and job opportunities, it is imperative that we bridge the gaps in support. That makes our findings particularly troubling, shining a light on the disparities between regions when it comes to digital access and support.” The report can be found here.

Elizabeth Anderson

digitalpoverty alliance.org

1 in 5 global firms spend US$750k+ on AI

The latest Colt Technology research finds one in five global firms spends US$750,000 or more on AI annually, and finds US and Japanese businesses are most likely to invest. Findings come from the latest Colt IT Priorities research summary, questioning 1,236 IT leaders across 13 countries from US, Europe and Asia. When asked how they’re prioritising their AI spend, across all countries currently investing: 🌍 34% prioritise AI-driven innovation and product development 🌍 33% spend on Generative AI for

content development 🌍 32% invest in cybersecurity and threat detection 🌍 31% investing in AI to enhance customer experiences 🌍 31% invest in AI to drive process optimisation and efficiency improvements.

Looking ahead, future investors are shifting their AI investment towards automation (37%), while staying consistent

with current investors’ priorities of cybersecurity (35%) and enhancing customer experience (33%).

BigID: The Risk Gap is getting Bigger

BigID has produced its 2025 AI Risk & Readiness in the Enterprise report, revealing AI is revolutionising the enterprise, yet governance has not caught up and the risk gap is widening. Based on insights from hundreds of security, compliance, and data leaders, the report reveals some stark truths: ⚠ 93.2% of organisations lack full confidence in securing AI-driven data ⚠ 80.2% are unprepared for AI regulatory compliance ⚠ 69.5% cite AI-powered data leaks as their top security concern, and 58.4% fear unstructured data exposure

⚠ Only 6.4% of organisations have an advanced AI security strategy From shadow AI to gaps in compliance, most organisations are flying blind, and exposed. The research report breaks down the current state of AI governance, outlines key risks, explores AI regulation and compliance, details pain points by industry, and provides actionable takeaways. Whilst the sample is relatively small, it gives a great insight across most verticals, and provides a good cross section across global markets and includes a variety of company sizes.

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BUSINESS NEWS

8x8 partners Meltwater

Meltwater and 8x8, Inc. have formed a partnership, through utilizing the 8x8 Technology Partner Ecosystem, offering Meltwater’s social insights directly within 8x8 Contact Center. Social media is a critical channel for customer engagement as it equips teams with the tools needed to make sense of the ever-growing mountain of social data.

For more details and insight, you can find the full story here.

New innovations for Zoom Spaces

Zoom has unveiled a suite of innovations for Zoom Spaces, enhancing in-office and hybrid collaboration with a range of new features and AI-driven experiences, some available now and others being released between June and end of 2025. Notable advancements include photo check-in for Visitor Management, which streamlines guest access through AI- powered identification, and Recorder with AI Companion, enabling automatic note-taking, transcription, and meeting summaries during in-person sessions. Collaborations with industry leaders like Google, HP, Cisco, Meta, and Logitech are expanding interoperability and hardware compatibility, while immersive experiences

such as Google Beam and Meta Quest’s mixed reality elevate remote participation. New integrations, like Appspace for digital signage and WolfVision for content sharing, further enhance workplace flexibility. Additionally, smart name tags, workspace reservations, and expanded hardware certifications ensure meetings are more inclusive and productive.

zoom.com

New Jabra PanaCast VBS 40

of Show” award: the Best of Show by AVTechnology. From huddle rooms to small meeting rooms, PanaCast 40 VBS’s unique 180° field-of-view ensures everyone is seen and included, even those close to the screen, in the corner or sitting against the wall, with no distortion or blind spots. It has a 4K panoramic view of every in-room participant and a 4X digital zoom that captures the entire meeting space. Stock will be available in Summer 2025. If you missed Jabra at InfoComm, you can still experience the Jabra VBS 40, or any of the other Jabra award-winning solutions, just book some time with the team.

The new Jabra PanaCast VBS 40 is the only small room Android bar that captures the entire room. Showcased at InfoComm 2025, it confidently secured a “Best

jabra.com

BUSINESS NEWS

BT International Launch

Bas Burger, CEO, BT International launched a dedicated operation within BT Group with two highly scalable telco platforms designed for the age of multi-cloud and AI: Global Voice and Global Fabric. BT have migrated services onto the new SIP-powered, cloud focused platform, Global Voice, enabling voice to be integrated with AI and carried across data networks. Global Fabric is an AI-ready, cloud-

centric network-as-a-service (NaaS) platform. It offers customers instant, secure and resilient connectivity to almost every app or digital service, including software-as-a-service (SaaS) providers. Burger explains, “With Global Fabric, customers can choose both the cloud destinations their data goes to and the route it takes along the way. This means regulated data never leaves the designated national borders and helps customers stay compliant.”

You can find the full story here.

PPDS forms global alliance with Shure

mother company, TPV Technology, said: “This industry first agreement marks the start of a powerful alliance between two global AV leaders, offering ultimate assurance to customers seeking integrated, proven, and scalable meeting room and learning space technologies.” Designed to bring unparalleled integrated audio visual experiences to a variety of collaborative settings and spaces, customers of PPDS and Shure can bundle visual clarity with optimised audio for effortless deployment, management, and scalability.

PPDS has formed a landmark global alliance with Shure. Speaking at the official signing at InfoComm, Ron Cottaar, Director of Global Marketing at PPDS, said: “Our collaboration with Shure further extends our commitment to bringing ‘total solutions’ to market, delivering the industry’s most advanced and complete range of hardware and software. Together, we are empowering our customers to purchase with confidence for all their project needs, no matter how complex or creative they might be.” PL Wang, Vice President at the PPDS’

Read the full story here.

Docusign new Partner Program

Docusign’s platform facilitates electronic signatures and agreement management, enabling users to send and sign documents electronically, verify signer identities and meet regulations. Docusign has introduced its new UK Docusign Partner Programme, supporting partners on their digitilisation journey, from eSignature to CLM, and is expanding opportunities with Docusign Intelligent Agreement Management (IAM). IAM is the AI-powered platform that underpins all Docusign solutions and transforms how organisations create,

Read the full story here.

commit to, and manage agreements. The new programme provides specialisations, tailored tracks, and advanced go-to-market support. Partners can access training through Docusign University with new IAM accreditations and certifications.

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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

AMSTERDAM What? Realize LIVE Europe 2025 When? 3 0 June to 02 July 2025 Where? R AI Convention Centre, Amsterdam, NL. Sign up here

CANTERBURY What?

Ruijie Training Day When? 10 July 2025, 10am to 5pm Where? T he Change Organisation, Canterbury, Contact Matthew Prince

BIRMINGHAM What?

Zoholics UK When? 8 to 9 September 2025 Where? T he ICC, Birmingham, B1 2EA. Register here

ONLINE What? Vonage: RCS Branded Conversations When? 2 5 June 2025 Where? Online. Register here

ONLINE What? DrayTek: Real-World 4G/5G Use Cases for MSPs & Business Networks When? 2 6 June 2025 Where? O nline. Register here

DREAM TEAM ESSENTIALS

MXA902

TOUCH PANEL

COMPUTE

HUDDLY L1

INTELLIMIX ROOM KITS

Boost collaboration in your Microsoft Teams Rooms simply and securely. Shure IntelliMix Room Kits deliver best-in-class audio and video for rooms of all sizes with no echo, noise, or reverb. And with exceptional video framing, you can put every meeting participant in the spotlight.

shure.com /IntelliMixRoomKits

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11 13

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HP|Poly’s Gen 2 Solutions HP|Poly’s Gen 2 solutions, including the Studio X52, X72, V52, and V72, combine Poly DirectorAI for intelligent framing with NoiseBlockAI and Acoustic Fence to deliver clear video and audio. With 4K Ultra HD visuals and compatibility with major platforms, HP|Poly Gen 2 solutions ensure effortless collaboration for any meeting space.

To find out more about how you can transform your clients’ boardrooms and meeting spaces, contact ExertisAV today: poly@exertis.co.uk

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13 15

PARTNERSHIPS

Learning and Growing Together

Steven Try, Channel Manager UK & Ireland at Snom, and Darren Garland, Chairman at ProVu, share what a successful relationship between manufacturer and distributor can achieve.

When ProVu Communications was founded in 1999, the entire world of IP- based communications seemed to lie before them. Voice over IP (VoIP) was still in its infancy, standards were being developed, and only a few companies dared to venture into this new terrain. Among these pioneers was an ambitious start-up from Berlin, Germany: Snom Technology. The company set itself the goal of developing high-quality IP phones for the business sector, a goal that became a reality in 2001 with the release of the first commercially available device. What followed was a successful partnership between manufacturer and distributor – an example of how mutual trust and continuous exchange can create a long-term success story.

on the scene in the distribution of a new technology,” says Darren Garland, Chairman of ProVu. “But neither you nor the manufacturer knows exactly what to expect in the beginning. If you’re in it for quick profits, you’ll often disappear just as quickly.” Training as the Key to Success Especially in the early years, knowledge sharing played a crucial role in success. ProVu and Snom focused on providing intensive training to end customers – often visiting them directly and sharing knowledge in-person. These visits meant they were not only able to explain the functions and features of the products but also provided an opportunity to gather feedback and better understand what the market truly needed. ProVu never saw itself as just a wholesaler. Instead, it aimed to offer technical expertise, advice, and support. This strengthened customer trust and provided Snom with valuable insights for the ongoing development of its products. Even though much of this process

Darren Garland Charirman

provu.co.uk

Three Pillars of a Strong Partnership The foundation for this special

collaboration can be traced back to three central values: mutual trust, patience, and the willingness to learn from each other. “Of course, it’s amazing to be first

Steven Try Channel Manager UK & Ireland

snom.com

The partnership between Snom and ProVu clearly demonstrates the potential of a strategic, trusting collaboration.

is now automated, open and regular communication remains a key element of the partnership. For 14 years, Snom has been conducting an annual survey with its dealers and partners. The results not only offer valuable insights for new products but also provide a glimpse into the state of the distribution channels. This has paid off for both sides. While Snom grew from a start-up to a globally recognised manufacturer with offices in the UK, Italy, Spain, and France, ProVu transformed from a niche distributor to a respected industry player with a large portfolio and an extensive network in the UK and beyond.

following year,” says Darren Garland. “But such awards wouldn’t be possible if Snom wasn’t equally committed to constantly developing its portfolio. The ability to customise end devices is just one example. Which other manufacturer offers this for mid-sized companies?” Partnership in Stormy Times Although ProVu now offers products from many other manufacturers and the telecommunications industry continues to evolve with more flexible working models, the relationship with Snom remains something special. Over the years, both companies have successfully navigated challenges like supply shortages, pandemics, and price wars. “Together, we’ve grown and become stronger,” says Fabio Albanini, Senior Vice President of Sales & Operations, EMEA & APAC at Snom. “We’ve faced supply shortages, Brexit, pandemics, and price wars together. And we’ve managed to succeed in overcoming all these challenges – because we understand each other as partners, not just as a manufacturer and its distribution channel.” The partnership between Snom and ProVu clearly demonstrates the potential of a strategic, trusting collaboration. Instead of focusing on quick profits, they rely on long-term relationships, mutual learning, and customer proximity. The result: Two successful companies that strengthen each other- and have

Proximity to the Market – an Invaluable Advantage

“We meet regularly with our key partners and exchange ideas,” emphasises Steven Try, Channel Manager UK & Ireland at Snom. “It’s important for us to know the mood in the market and what the needs are. Even when problems arise, direct exchange is crucial. ProVu is always very close to its customers – which is invaluable for us.” The value of this closeness is also reflected in the awards ProVu has received from Snom over the years. The company is regularly recognised as a “Snom Platinum Distributor”, an accolade that Snom only grants to partners who receive outstanding ratings from both customers and the manufacturer. “This recognition always brings us joy and motivation to achieve it again the

Fabio Albanini Senior Vice President of Sales & Operations

snom.com

been providing real value to their customers for over 20 years. n

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WORLD’S

COLLABORATION

Josh’s Rapid Fire: Back to Basics with the Jabra PanaCast Line-Up Here at UC Advanced , we were blessed to encounter “Chief Evangelist” at Jabra, Josh Blalock. With over 20 years of experience in engineering and architecting Microsoft technologies, Josh has a strong passion for unified communications and video solutions. With his awesome knowledge, we asked him to explain the Jabra PanaCast range in 10 minutes.

Let’s talk video. In today’s world of hybrid work, one thing’s clear: not all video conferencing setups are created equal. I’m Josh Blalock, Chief Video Evangelist at Jabra, and I’m here to walk you through the Jabra PanaCast line-up—what it is, what it does, and how to find the perfect fit for your meeting space. This isn’t about hype. Just smart, solutions that are easy to set up and use, whether you’re simply updating existing meeting rooms, looking for a quick installation or designing your future, next-level meeting space. Why PanaCast? Because Half a Room Isn’t Enough The Jabra PanaCast range was built for modern collaboration. It’s the first professional 180° panoramic-4K video solution, giving you the full view of any small to medium-sized room. It’s a game- changer for tight spaces, huddle rooms and hybrid setups. And it’s more than a wide lens. Think AI-powered modes that focus on the action - intelligent zoom, speaker

tracking and real-time whiteboard sharing, all with crystal-clear audio and video straight out of the box. It’s about having choice and flexibility, with different deployment options to suit every need. The Line-Up: PanaCast, Your Way Jabra PanaCast 50 The original hero: a USB plug-and-play video bar with Jabra’s unique 180° field of view, designed for medium-sized rooms. You get powerful microphones and speakers for super sharp sound, and intelligent features that automatically

Josh Blalock “Chief Evangelist”

jabra.com

ucadvanced.com

COLLABORATION

frame and follow the conversation in the room: multi-stream dynamic composition that focuses on the recent speakers alongside a panoramic view of the room, content camera support for whiteboards, and all in an easy-to-deploy package. Jabra PanaCast 50 Video Bar System (VBS) Same award-winning features as the PanaCast 50 but powered by Android and Microsoft’s Devices Ecosystem Platform (MDEP). Secure and certified for Microsoft Teams and Zoom Rooms. PanaCast 50 VBS can now run in Permanent BYOD mode, so users can manage meetings from a PC with flexibility to meet different needs for different rooms. Jabra PanaCast 50 Room System Windows-based solution with Lenovo’s ThinkSmart Core compute and touch controller, giving you a complete bundled Microsoft Teams Room setup in a box. Jabra PanaCast 40 VBS (coming mid-2025) Built for huddle spaces, this compact system delivers the full PanaCast experience and is the only small-room Android bar that captures the entire room – 180° view, intelligent features, premium quality – at a seriously accessible price point. Built on MDEP and ideal for quick and easy installations. Bonus: the box is designed so the PanaCast 40 VBS can

be provisioned without taking it out of the box, making life easier for IT teams and AV integrators. From the box to the first meeting in under 12 minutes with a permanent wall-mounted installation. Software That Supports You Jabra+ gives IT admins control at scale with a secure, cloud-based platform: monitor devices by room, manage the status or firmware versions and push updates remotely. How to Choose the Right Setup Start with your space: 🌵 Medium rooms? Choose Jabra PanaCast 50 or Jabra PanaCast 50 VBS. 🌵 Smaller rooms? Jabra PanaCast 40 VBS is ideal. Then consider your platform needs: 🌵 Need a Windows-based solution without the need for additional devices? Go with the Jabra PanaCast 50 Room System. 🌵 Prefer Android? The Jabra PanaCast

CONTINUED

At Jabra, we design our devices to evolve just as your meeting

room and plans will

evolve. That means we’ll continue to introduce new features and functionality, available with software updates, with no added fees.

50 VBS is ready, with the Jabra PanaCast 40 VBS coming soon.

Just want flexibility? The standard Jabra PanaCast 50 has the flexibility to scale in every space, with the option for BYOD. Buy Once. Get More. At Jabra, we design our devices to evolve just as your meeting room and plans will evolve. That means we’ll continue to introduce new features and functionality, available with software updates, with no added fees. Your hardware keeps improving long after it’s installed, giving confidence you’re getting the most from your investment. Still unsure which Jabra PanaCast video solution fits your needs? Come hang out on my YouTube channel @ ExpertOfThings for demos, breakdowns and expert insights. Or reach out to your friendly Jabra team. We’re here to help work...work. n

Jabra PanaCast 40 VBS

Empowering collaboration. Anywhere. Anytime.

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STORAGE

Never Dropping the Box In the wake of a major update to Dropbox Dash in April 2025, UC Advanced caught up with Andy Wilson, Senior Director for New Product Solutions at Dropbox, for a more detailed look at what is on offer for MSPs. Q Congratulations of a successful major update to

insights from a customer feedback thread you had weeks ago. It’s about using AI to remove friction from everyday work so people can focus on what really matters. That could be strategy, design, relationship building or simply having enough mental space left at the end of the day to disconnect properly. We’ve also deepened our integrations with tools people use very often - like Slack, Microsoft Teams, Canva and Jira, so Dash fits into existing workflows naturally. And for organisations with strict governance needs, we’ve introduced new admin tools like custom exclusions and self-hosted AI options, so teams can benefit from intelligent features without compromising on control or compliance. Q Tell us more about the “find anything” feature? This is one of the many impactful updates we’ve made to Dash. Traditional search tools often rely on users remembering an exact file name or where something was saved, but the reality is most people do not work like that. What we tend to remember is context. It might be a campaign name, the location of a shoot or even a conversation from a meeting. The feature takes that into account. It can search across all types of content including documents, images, video, audio files and scanned forms. It also understands natural language, so you can type something like “release forms from our March event” or “video we filmed in

Dropbox Dash. Tell us all about it. Andy: This is an update we’re incredibly proud of. Over the past few years, we’ve been focused on one core challenge, which is how to help people work smarter, not harder, in a world that’s increasingly fragmented. People are often overwhelmed by constantly switching between tools, trying to find the right information or piece together context from emails, Zoom calls or Slack threads. With the new Dash update, we’ve gone beyond simply helping people locate content but also helping them take action on it. Dash has become a workspace assistant that understands what you need and delivers it. That might mean pulling up a specific image from a photoshoot, drafting a project plan using inputs from various sources, or even summarising

Andy Wilson Senior Director, New Product Solutions

dropbox.com

New York” and Dash will bring up the right file, even if the name is not a direct match. We have also added people search, which helps you quickly identify colleagues who worked on a particular project or document. It is especially useful when information is held by people rather than platforms. Ultimately, this feature is about cutting through clutter. When knowledge is scattered across different systems, even simple tasks can become time consuming. Dash removes that complexity, helping people find what they need so they can get on with the work that matters. Q How many platforms is Dropbox Dash integrated with? Dash is integrated across a wide range of platforms, covering everything from communications to design and project management. That includes tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace, Canva, Zoom, Notion, Jira, Asana and many others. What is important is not just the number of integrations, but the way Dash uses them. Rather than pulling in information at a surface level, it connects insights across different tools. For many teams, that means less time spent toggling between tabs and more time working with a full picture in front of them. It makes it easier to stay on top of projects without needing to remember which tool something was saved in. Q Tell us about Dash Plans and the benefits for MSPs? We understand from working closely with MSPs that onboarding, integration and ongoing support are often the moments that matter most. That is why we introduced

MSPs roll out Dash smoothly across different client environments. Support is available from Monday to Friday, and tickets can be tracked directly from the admin console through the Premium Support Hub. We have also invested in admin tools to make managing multiple users seamless. With Dash, admins can manage permissions, integrations and user access from a central dashboard, giving them better oversight with less effort. Q What are the key takeaways for MSPs? For years, we’ve talked about improving productivity, but what that really means is helping people spend less time chasing information and more time creating, solving, building. MSPs sit at the intersection of technology and transformation. You’re trusted partners to clients who are juggling growth, security, compliance, and agility. Dash gives you a way to help those clients cut through digital noise and work smarter with AI that organises their world, integrations that streamline their tools, and security that keeps everything safe. And behind the scenes, as an MSP, you have better admin controls, support, and the flexibility to configure Dropbox in a way that matches each client’s needs. n

When knowledge is scattered across different systems, even simple tasks can become time consuming. Dash removes that complexity, helping people find what they need so they can get on with the work that matters.

Dropbox Dash Premium Support. It provides access to tailored

onboarding, priority response times and dedicated technical guidance to help

ucadvanced.com

Elevate your conversation with the new ultra-light IMPACT 100 headset

The new IMPACT 100 is an entry-level headset that delivers exceptional value for money. With smart features that enhance efficiency and an ultra-lightweight design, it is an ideal headset for talk-heavy professionals.

- Compatible with leading contact centre platforms and UC providers - Guarantees seamless calls and user-friendly experience in any office setup - In-line controller features backlit buttons with distinctive shapes - Connect easily with any office set-up with the included USB-C to USB-A adapter

Contact your distribution partner for further details.

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EPOS IMPACT 100 HEADSET REVIEW

Lightweight Legend: Your Ears Will Thank You

The EPOS IMPACT 100 is an entry level headset that punches well above its weight. Designed for talk-heavy professionals, it combines durability, all-day comfort, and essential call handling features into an ultra-lightweight headset. With its balance of price and performance, the IMPACT 100 is built to make an impression without breaking the bank.

Ultra-Light design with improved comfort

Exceptional Audio & Noise Cancellation In terms of audio performance, the IMPACT 100 equipped with a noise-cancelling, uni-directional electret condenser

What immediately stands out about the EPOS IMPACT 100 is its astonishingly lightweight build. At just 76 grams for the stereo version and a mere 51 grams for the mono variant, it’s lighter than many comparable headsets in its class. This featherlight design is paired with a soft silicone headband and supple leatherette ear pads, which make wearing it for hours on end feel effortless. For professionals who spend their day in back-to-back calls, the comfort level alone makes this headset an attractive proposition. Smart In-Line Controls The call handling experience is another area where the IMPACT 100 impresses. Its smart in-line controller features distinctive backlit buttons that are intuitively designed, each with unique tactile shapes. This allows you to identify and use the controls without looking, streamlining the workflow for busy users who need to stay focused on their conversation rather than fiddling with buttons. For users of the Teams-certified variant, there’s a dedicated Microsoft Teams button that flashes to alert the user of notifications, adding an extra layer of productivity.

microphone that significantly enhances call clarity. It efficiently suppresses background distractions while capturing your voice with accuracy. Whether you’re in a bustling office or a noisy home environment, callers on the other end will hear you loud and clear. The headset also features a semi- closed dynamic speaker system, delivering a balanced, natural sound profile that’s perfect for both voice calls and occasional media playback. With a full frequency range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz in music mode, it holds its own even during off-call sessions. Flexible and Compatible Flexibility is another subtle but meaningful strength of the IMPACT 100. Its boom arm can be rotated a full 270°, allowing users to wear it on either the left or right side based on personal preference. The positioning is smooth and adjustable, ensuring optimal voice pickup every time. Connectivity is refreshingly straightforward. The headset comes with

Certified for Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Meet, and Webex, it’s ideal for both individual users and large-scale

business rollouts.

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EPOS IMPACT 100 HEADSET REVIEW

a USB-C connector and includes a USB-A adapter in the box, making it compatible with nearly all modern office hardware, from Macs and PCs to Chromebooks. Users won’t be left scrambling for dongles or hunting for compatible ports.

FSC-certified materials, reflecting a welcome commitment to sustainability. For businesses trying to make more responsible procurement decisions, that’s a definite bonus. Ideal User Profiles The EPOS IMPACT 100 is purpose-built for: Call Centre Agents: Lightweight comfort for day-long wear and crystal-clear communication for customer interactions. Remote and Hybrid Workers: Plug-and-play simplicity with professional-grade performance. UC Platform Users: Certified for Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Meet, and Webex, it ensures compatibility and seamless integration across platforms. Budget-Conscious Professionals: Those needing solid performance without premium price tags.

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Safety and compliance as standard

Safety and durability is front of mind in the IMPACT 100’s design. EPOS’s signature ActiveGard™ technology protects users from sudden acoustic shocks, while additional compliance with EU and Australian hearing protection standards helps prevent long-term auditory strain. This is particularly important for roles that involve long hours on the line, and it’s a standout feature in this price segment. Last but not least, there’s an environmental nod as well. The headset comes packaged in plastic-free,

Selling Points for MSPs For MSPs, the EPOS IMPACT 100 presents a compelling portfolio addition: Low Cost, High ROI

headband and earpads as well. Device Management via EPOS Software Integration with EPOS Connect and EPOS Manager allows MSPs to push firmware updates, manage settings remotely, and standardise experiences across devices, simplifying fleet management.

At this key price point, this entry-level headset provides enterprise-level features, making it an easy upsell or bundle option. Certified Compatibility The IMPACT 100 is certified across Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Meet, Webex, and more – reducing compatibility issues and IT support calls. Comfort and Versatility Not only is it one of the lightest headsets on the market, it has comfort built in to both the

Editor’s Verdict

The EPOS IMPACT 100 nails the brief for an entry-level professional headset. Its featherlight comfort, business-grade audio, and thoughtful usability features make it ideal for high-volume voice users without stretching IT budgets. The addition of features typically reserved for more premium models, like ActiveGard™ protection and dual USB compatibility, sets it apart from other headsets in its price range. For MSPs, it’s a plug-and-play solution that offers reliability, manageability, and margin. For users, it’s a headset that gives you more than what you pay for. For UC Advanced , it receives our Editors Choice Award for June. n

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