UC Advanced - issue #18

UC Issue #18

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News, analysis, insights and more

GX Summit 2025 Transformation doesn’t come from technology alone...

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COMMENT COMMENT

Ctrl+Alt+Meet

In this month’s issue we’ve highlighted the Exertis Summit, Gamma GX Summit, Nimans Live event, and we even interviewed Joel Chimoindes at TechTalks 2025. I could use my word count to tell you what’s in this issue, but you can do that by looking at the contents page. So, I thought I’d spend 5 minutes giving you 5 good reasons why attending distributor events are so important for MSPs and resellers. 1 Networking Not only will events give you a chance to check out the competition, but you may also meet many new people who you share common interests with, especially vendors and account managers who are there to help you. Sometimes email relationships grow stale, and putting a face to the name you’ve been typing to can cement relationships. Assuming you’ve made that good first impression, relationships can lead to great things like knowledge sharing, partnerships, referrals and other opportunities. 2 Innovation Industry events and trade shows keep you up to date with what’s new and exciting in the channel. By going, you will be given the advantage of knowing about the latest trends,

sometimes even pre-launch news, keeping you knowledgeable and relevant. 3 Expert Advice Attending events gives you a chance to learn best practices and regulations, and help you avoid making any costly mistakes later on. Hearing from experts in their field, with no office distractions, directly from people who live and breathe their products and services every day, saves you time and energy doing the “homework” later. 4 Inspiration Feeling a little bit down about the way things are going lately? Industry events can open up new possibilities and help you see things in a new light.

Trish Stevens Guest Editor

Conferences can help you work on finding solutions, because others have probably experienced the same thing, and may even have some sage advice to offer you. 5 Consider it an Investment Deals can do a lot to help your business grow, and industry events can be a great place to get one (or more) ….and then there’s always the free lunch. n

See the 2025 Categories

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CONTENTS

UCC News • Insight reports p8 • Business News p10 • Upcoming Events p12 Shure Intellimix Rooms Kits p14 Exertis Enterprise Summit 2025 p16 Stockies 2025 p20 Synology Surveillance Systems p25 Nuvias UC CEO Joel Chimoindes interview p29 Cloudbrink Personal SASE p35 Cover Story Gamma GX Summit 2025 p36 Esports & Gaming Market p38 D-Link New M2M Modem/ Routers p42 Nimans Live 2025 p46 8x8 & Cavell Public Sector Insights p48 Owl Labs Pulse Survey 2025 p50 AI Impact on Middle Managers p52 People p54

The Exertis Enterprise Summit made a striking return this April, hosted at the stunning W Hotel in Barcelona.

Nuvias UC CEO Joel Chimoindes exclusive interview: “Our heart is converged communications”

p16

p29

Nimans Live 2025 showcased the best of what Nimans and a range of partner organisations has to offer.

p42

Alan Jones from D-Link UK shares why the new DWM-311 and DWM-314 are the rugged, future-ready routers built to keep smart systems online, anywhere, anytime.

p46

GX Summit 2025. Transformation doesn’t come from technology alone – it comes from people too.

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

p38

In the past decade, esports has transformed from a niche gaming activity into a global phenomenon, fostering unprecedented levels of collaboration and social interaction.

p36

UC Advanced caught up with Jeremie Francois, Sales Director,

from Synology, to discover what end users look for in a surveillance system.

p50

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

p25

Findings from the latest Owl Labs pulse survey suggest nearly half of UK companies are offering four-day work weeks.

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

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and sources. Critical awareness is vital in navigating this complex world to help us understand the full context of what we see. Misinformation can spread rapidly online, and distinguishing fact from fiction is increasingly challenging. This is especially important with the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and deepfakes, which have the potential to convincingly create false narratives and visuals. Good media literacy practices include scrutinising the information we come across online, such as by reading the full story and checking against other sources. The need for critical awareness extends to the managing of our personal data. Controlling what information we share, when we share it and with whom – as well as understanding how they might use it – has a big impact on our online experience, from shaping what we see to reducing risk. At the more extreme end, bad personal data practice can expose us to identity theft, scams, and other dangers. AI Use of and knowledge of AI has grown Around three in ten adults (31%) claim to have used AI tools such as ChatGPT and Gemini, compared to less than a quarter (23%) in 2023. The age groups most likely to have used AI are those aged 16- 24 (53%) or 25-34 (48%), and men (38%) are more likely to have used it than women (25%). One of the drivers behind the rise in use of AI is the use of it for work and education purposes. Around two in ten (22%) of those in the workforce say they use AI as part of their job; this compares to 12% in 2023. An even greater proportion (45%) of students said this year that they use AI for education purposes. This means that of all AI users, about six in ten (62%) do so for work or education purposes. Of all the reasons we ask about for using AI, work is now the joint top reason alongside curiosity.

INSIGHTS

Ofcom: Trust in AI Yet to Improve

AI is no more trusted now as it was in 2023, according to Ofcom’s Adult’s Media Use and Attitudes Report 2025 . Around one third of adults (31%) have used AI tools like ChatGPT but only just over half of adults (52%) said they would be more likely to trust an article written by a human than AI, which is a similar figure to its report last year. While many of Ofcom’s sample group were able to easily recognise a number of AI-generated images and videos as “obviously fake”, participants admitted that some hoax content could have slipped under the radar and perhaps influenced their beliefs and decision-making. Good news! Adults feel more positively about online communication platforms. Six in ten users now feel the benefits of these platforms outweigh the risks. Online communication platform is a blanket term to encompass apps/sites used to send messages, make voice or share video calls, social media or live streaming apps/sites used to watch or post content.

This year there had been a marked upturn in the claimed use of such tools among our Adults’ Media Lives sample, particularly for those working in office-based jobs. Many of them now regularly use apps like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot in work, and sometimes outside work as well. On the

Expereo: Lacking Network Infrastructure Prevents Progress 8

An Expereo study has found that nearly half (47%) of businesses in the UK do not have the necessary network infrastructure to support the cutting-edge technologies, including AI solutions. A greater number still (49%) shared that poor network performance was limiting their ability to enable data and AI projects.

Expereo made the findings through its Enterprise Horizons 2025 study of 650 global enterprise technology leaders across Europe, the US and APAC. The study also revealed that more than a quarter (26%) of technology execs are struggling to meet the rapidly growing AI expectations. Sachin Agrawal, Managing Director for Zoho UK, underscores the importance of having a solid network infrastructure in place: “As businesses in the UK and the rest of the world rush to embrace AI, the reality check from the research is clear that without strong, scalable infrastructure, the promise of AI could become a liability rather than a strength.”

InfoBrief sponsored by Expereo | April 2025

Sachin Agrawal Managing Director

Enterprise Horizons, 2025 Technology Leaders’ Priorities: Achieving Digital Agility

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James Eibisch Research Director

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BUSINESS NEWS

Samsung: Galaxy S25 Edge and Galaxy Club

The Galaxy S25 Edge has been available for pre-order since 13 May 2025, and will be widely available in operators and retailers from 30 May 2025. The new Galaxy S25 Edge is available in a captivating range of colours, including Titanium Silver, Titanium Jetblack and Titanium Icyblue. Customers who pre-order Galaxy S25 Edge from selected retailers by 29 May 2025 can double their storage for the same price: Pre-order the larger storage variant (512GB) and pay the future price of the smaller storage variant (256GB). Promotional offer ends 29 May 2025. The S25 Edge strikes a new balance of premium, pro-level performance in a resilient titanium body only 5.8mm thick, and at just 163 grams, it takes slim smartphones to the next level while staying true to the Galaxy S series’ unified design. “Galaxy S25 Edge redefines smartphone design, with no compromise on performance. It’s our slimmest S

Series device yet, created with style and strength in mind. Featuring an iconic Galaxy AI-enabled camera, it opens up a world of creativity in a light, elegant form factor for customers wanting stylish design and the best features Galaxy has to offer,” said Annika Bizon, Mobile Experience VP of Product and Marketing, Samsung UK & Ireland. “Alongside S25 Edge, we are also launching our New Galaxy Club. This is designed to give customers more value and flexibility as they look to upgrade to the latest device and experience everything that Galaxy has to offer. To celebrate the launch of the New Galaxy Club, the first 2,500 members will receive a £100 introductory offer that can be used towards purchase of Galaxy S25 Edge”. Prospective customers of the New Galaxy Club are advised to read the terms and conditions before entering into agreements.

Galaxy S25 Edge samsung.com

Solstice AV partners with i3CONNECT Solstice AV has partnered with

and service-driven local distributor, we can offer our partners a smoother and more responsive experience: exactly what the UK market deserves.” Solstice AV will carry the full range of i3CONNECT solutions, offering UK resellers access to local stock and dedicated support. The partnership is effective immediately, with UK resellers now able to place orders through Solstice AV. “We’re delighted to welcome i3CONNECT to our portfolio.” Commented Chris Jones, Sales Director at Solstice AV. “Their focus on innovation and user- friendly technology aligns perfectly with our mission to support resellers with high-quality, in-demand solutions. We’re looking forward to helping grow their presence in the UK and giving our customers faster, easier access to the i3CONNECT range.”

i3CONNECT, one of the world’s leading brands of large-format touch displays and interactive technologies for collaboration and education. With Solstice AV now handling local distribution, resellers across the UK will benefit from faster delivery times, enhanced availability and a more efficient ordering process. Born from the merger of i3-Technologies

Kurtis Oilver Country Sales Manager UK

and CTOUCH, i3CONNECT brings meaningful solutions designed to shape the future of learning and

i3-connect.com

collaboration, with a portfolio that includes touchscreens, interactive boards, wireless presenting and more. “We’re excited to join forces with Solstice AV,” said Kurtis Oliver, Country Sales Manager UK at i3CONNECT. “This partnership is a key milestone in our UK growth strategy. By working with a trusted

solsticeav.com

BUSINESS NEWS

Webex Go with CallTower

Unified communications, contact centre and collaboration solutions provider CallTower has launched Webex Go with CallTower that will bring enterprise-grade calling capabilities directly to employees’ mobile devices, enabling seamless and secure business communications from anywhere. Webex Go with CallTower integrates Webex Calling into the native dialler of mobile phones, allowing employees to make and receive business calls while maintaining privacy and compliance. By utilising eSIM technology, the solution ensures that business calls are routed through an enterprise system, preserving professional identity while offering high-quality, secure voice connectivity. Employees can stay connected without needing additional apps or compromising personal phone numbers. Doug Larsen, Senior Vice President of Product and Software Development at CallTower, stated, “CallTower and Webex enable businesses to provide employees with a more flexible and secure mobile

experience. Webex Go with CallTower removes the friction of traditional mobile calling solutions, allowing users to seamlessly transition between devices while staying connected to their enterprise phone system.” CallTower revealed it was a Cisco Certified Mobile Calling Provider at Webex One in October 2024. CallTower’s certification demonstrates its ability to elevate Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) numbers to an eSIM, provisioning them within Webex Control Hub, and this delivering Webex Go with CallTower. “Webex Go with CallTower will bring even more value to our joint customers,” said Amey Parandekar, Vice President, Product Management at Cisco. “Businesses can now deliver seamless enterprise mobility and benefit from the agility of cloud-based PSTN for a complete, enterprise-grade calling solution that meets the evolving needs of today’s hybrid workforce.”

Doug Larsen Senior Vice President of Product & Software Development

calltower.com

Tateside take on 2 Apprentices

London-based integrators, Tateside, have hired two new employees on an apprenticeship basis as part of their commitment to fostering the next generation of AV industry professionals. As part of their training, George and Joe will shadow the Tateside team on projects, undergo technical training and spend time with different departments to gain an understanding of the integration business and the world of AV. “Many of us started out in AV quite young, and we want to give others the opportunity to do the same,” says Jack Cornish, Technical Director at Tateside. “It can be difficult for people to find a clear career route into the integration business, so through these apprenticeships, we are

offering a path to a future in AV that will hopefully inspire these young people to continue their journey within the company or the wider industry.” A typical day during the apprenticeship includes site meetings, introductions to different departments, from managed services to project management and IT, and direct technical training on everything from AV networks to cabling and rack maintenance. Alongside practical sessions, apprentices begin their journey towards AVIXA certification by taking courses online. Graham Agambar, Director at Tateside, commented, “Both George and Joe are extremely keen, and their enthusiasm and willingness to learn is truly inspiring, injecting a new spirit into the team.”

Jack Cornish Technical Director

tateside.com

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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

LONDON What? London Tech Week When? 9 to 11 June 2025 Where? Olympia. Register here

LONDON What?

The AI Summit When? 11 to 12 June 2025 Where? Tobacco Dock, E1W 2SF. Register here

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

BIRMINGHAM What?

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

LONDON AND STREAMING ONLINE What? Salesforce’s Agentforce World Tour London When? 11 June 2025 Where? E xCeL London, E16 1XL. Register here .

ASUS ExpertBook P1 P1503CVA Elevate your efficiency, anywhere The compact and elegant ASUS ExpertBook P1 weighs a mere 1.6 kg 1 with a breathtaking new design, and features exceptional efficiency to supercharge your productivity — empowered by the all-new ASUS AI ExpertMeet 2 tool. It’s engineered to deliver superb performance powered by an up to Intel® Core™ i7 processor and packs up to 1TB capacity with dual-SSD RAID support. The laptop’s built-in, enterprise-grade security ensures data confidentiality and high-level privacy. ExpertBook P1 is a trusted, reliable traveling companion for modern work and business.

1. Weigh may vary according to configuration 2. For the full AI feature experience, 12GB of memory is required

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11 13

COLLABORATION

Shure IntelliMix™ Room Kits are Shipping*

*check your region and your Shure distributor for more details.

Leading manufacturer of collaboration solutions Shure, is now shipping its new IntelliMix™ Room Kits in Americas (excluding Brazil). The complete, scalable meeting room systems feature class- leading audio and video performance. They are designed for effortless deployment in small, medium, and large collaboration spaces, ensuring seamless integration and compatibility within Teams environments.

world meeting environments to achieve certification for Microsoft Teams. This accreditation demonstrates Shure’s commitment to delivering innovative solutions for an AI-powered future. When using AI tools like Microsoft 365 Copilot, IntelliMix Room Kits provide exceptional audio quality to accurately capture and transcribe every word, thereby enhancing participants’ efficiency, productivity, communication, and interaction. Shure offers four curated, packaged solutions tailored for different room sizes. Each kit includes a Windows- based Teams Rooms Compute with built-in Shure IntelliMix Room® DSP, a Touch Panel, one or two MXA902 Ceiling Array Microphones + Loudspeakers, Huddly Camera solutions and all needed accessories for connectivity and power. With zero-touch provisioning, the audio, video, and compute devices auto- configure out of the box for a streamlined setup experience. IT teams can monitor and manage the IoT-ready systems from anywhere via ShureCloud, Teams Admin Center and Teams Rooms Pro Management Portal. To help customers protect their investment and ensure peace of mind, Shure offers an optional three-year extended warranty on top of a standard limited warranty for coverage of up to five years. Warranty extension is available for purchase via Shure channel partners.

The IntelliMix Room Kits underwent rigorous testing in both lab and real- world meeting environments to achieve certification for Microsoft Teams. This accreditation demonstrates Shure’s commitment to delivering innovative solutions for an AI-powered future.

“Our initial test meetings were a great success. The Shure MXA902 Ceiling Array Microphone and Loudspeaker delivered outstanding sound quality, and the audio processing was exceptional, significantly enhancing our AI-driven meeting experiences,” said Jim Prothe, Director of Marketing at Magenium, a Microsoft Solutions Partner. “We appreciated the clean set-up and ease of configuration. The larger touch controller prevented any accidental taps of Teams buttons. It performed exactly as expected from a Shure solution.” The IntelliMix Room Kits underwent rigorous testing in both lab and real-

For more information visit: shure.com/IntelliMixRoomKits

1824

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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13 15

EXERTIS ENTERPRISE SUMMIT 2025

A Powerful Start in Barcelona

The Exertis Enterprise Summit made a striking return this April, hosted at the stunning W Hotel in Barcelona. From April 28th to 30th, industry leaders, partners, and vendors gathered for three energising days filled with innovation, collaboration, and future-focused conversation.

The event opened with a keynote from Jason Chibnall, Managing Director of Exertis Enterprise, who set an inspiring tone for the summit. In his address, Jason outlined Exertis Enterprises’ forward- looking strategy, with a strong emphasis on enabling growth for MSPs through focused support, expert-led divisions, and a clear commitment to solution-based selling. His message was clear: Exertis Enterprise is not just a distributor, but a trusted strategic partner ready to guide customers through an increasingly

complex IT ecosystem. With energy and clarity, Jason reaffirmed the company’s role in helping clients build stronger, more agile businesses in a fast- evolving digital world. This powerful introduction laid the groundwork for a summit full of meaningful connections, deep insights, and a shared sense of purpose. As the doors opened to a packed agenda, it was clear – Exertis Enterprise was back at the forefront, and the 2025 Enterprise Summit was off to an exceptional start.

Keynote Speakers

Powering Tomorrow’s AI and HPC This keynote spotlighted the synergy between Supermicro and Nvidia in advancing AI and high-performance computing. Showcasing next- gen GPUs and optimised server platforms, the session revealed how their solutions help organisations accelerate AI adoption, handle complex workloads, and

Rethinking Zero Trust Andy French challenged conventional cybersecurity thinking, arguing that traditional Zero Trust models are no longer enough. Drawing on research from Veeam and Object First, he introduced a modernised approach to Zero Trust – focused on building true data resilience in the

From Edge to Core – Unlocking Data’s Power

Andy Palmer explored how Seagate is tackling the data explosion with cutting-edge storage solutions. His session illustrated how businesses can harness data from edge to core, transforming it into real-time insights. The emphasis was on scalability, efficiency, and future-proofing organisations for long-term success.

face of rising ransomware and evolving threats.

stay at the forefront of innovation.

What a moment. What a team. What a channel. Barcelona brought the sunshine — but you brought the energy. Thank you to our customers, vendor partners and team for making #EnterpriseSummit2025 unforgettable.

exertisenterprise.com

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EXERTIS ENTERPRISE SUMMIT 2025

Insightful Panels That Tackled the Big Questions The Exertis Enterprise Summit 2025 featured four standout panel discussions, each offering actionable insights into the industry’s most pressing topics.

In The Data Explosion , Nick Powling guided a discussion with Western Digital, Quantum, Seagate, Micron, Kioxia, and Toshiba. Together, they addressed the challenges and opportunities of massive data growth, from storage and management to

Harnessing AI for Next-Gen Growth , led by Tom Cox, brought together experts from Supermicro, Nvidia, Intel, Fsas Technologies, and Giga Computing. The panel explored how AI is transforming industries – unlocking productivity, driving innovation,

maintaining integrity and turning data into strategic assets.

and opening powerful new avenues for growth.

Finally, Cyber Resilience in a Rapidly Evolving Landscape , moderated by Cybersecurity Expert, Dom Ryles and featuring Object First, eSentire, and Avast, tackled the rising complexity of cyber threats. The session offered real-world guidance on prevention, detection, and disaster recovery planning to protect digital assets and organisational trust.

Sustainability in Modern Technology , hosted by Steve Cowley and joined by AMD, Seagate, and Dell Technologies, focused on embedding sustainability into tech infrastructure – highlighting how environmentally conscious strategies can drive both resilience and long-term value.

The Exhibition: Innovation Meets Connection

A key highlight of the summit was the targeted exhibition space, where 30 leading technology vendors showcased their latest innovations across AI, data, cybersecurity, and infrastructure. Designed for meaningful interaction, the exhibition offered a focused environment where attendees could explore real- world solutions and engage directly with product experts. Complementing the exhibition were extended 1:1 meeting sessions – a

standout feature that facilitated in-depth conversations between Exertis Enterprise experts, vendors, and customers. These personalised meetings provided a valuable opportunity to dive into specific business challenges, explore collaboration opportunities, and build

stronger strategic partnerships. This curated mix of hands-on exploration and tailored dialogue created a space where real business could be done – reinforcing the summit’s role as more than just a showcase, but a true platform for progress.

Evenings to Remember: Where Business Met Celebration As the sun set over Barcelona, the summit transformed into a celebration of connections. With the iconic W Hotel as the perfect backdrop, attendees enjoyed two unforgettable evenings of entertainment, laughter, and late-night networking. Far more than just social events, the parties created a relaxed atmosphere where relationships could flourish – turning professional connections into lasting friendships. Whether over cocktails on the terrace or deep conversations over dinner, these moments added a

personal touch that elevated the entire summit experience. It was the perfect blend of business and pleasure – proof that great ideas (and partnerships) often start after hours.

What They Said: Real Voices from the Summit

The networking was better than any other event of this type I have attended. Wojciech Łastowiecki – Eterio

A well-run, high-value event that delivered the right customer conversations to justify our attendance as a vendor. Jonnie Ray, Supermicro

The entertainment makes it easier for people to connect,

An outstanding experience that delivered strong engagement, actionable insights and high-quality connections in a dynamic and professional (yet also relaxed) setting. Kelly Harris, Penguin Solutions

it’s like an icebreaker. Ronald Rol – Variety

“It wasn’t just about learning; it was about becoming part of a wider movement focused on innovation, collaboration, and delivering real value to customers. Ryan Brown – Utopia Computers

The Summit was a great platform where we could meet customers from different areas of the industry or markets that we don’t usually interact with. Paul Reynolds, Micron

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TECHNOLOGY AND STORAGE Show 24 November

l Laptop of the Year l Desktop of the Year

l Smartphone or Tablet of the Year l Computer Distributor of the Year

SPONSORSHIP

l Computer Components Vendor of the Year l Enterprise Networking Product of the Year l Enterprise Power Supply and UPS Devices Product of the Year (Network Protection) l SMB Networking Product of the Year l Networking and Hardware Distributor of the Year

GOLD PACKAGE l 10 Tickets to Wardour Street Awards Ceremony and Network Event l A4 advert in the Stockies Winners Brochure l Video announcement for the nominations and winners on Virtual Awards Show and on SITC website for 1 month l Announcements on Social Media n Category Sponsor Welcome n Shortlist n Nominations n Winners l Logos on Stockies Website l 1 month Individual Wallpaper on NITC, PITC or UCAD l 1 month Individual Banner on SITC l Company Profile DPS in NITC, PITC or UCAD l Joint Sponsorship wallpaper on NITC, PITC, UCAD and SITC during awards week PACKAGE PRICE £5,500

l Network Vendor of the Year l Storage Product of the Year

l Storage and Security Distributor of the Year l Storage and Security Vendor of the Year l Fastest Growing Vendor – Technology and Storage l Technology and Storage Reseller of the Year

AV & UCC Show 26 November

l Computer Monitor of the Year l Signage and Display Boards Product of the Year l Data Projection Product of the Year l AV Distributor of the Year l AV Vendor of the Year l Video Conferencing System Product of the Year

l Audio End Point of the Year l Video End Point of the Year l Breakthrough Product of the Year l UCC Distributor of the Year l UCC Vendor of the Year l Fastest Growing Vendor – AV and UCC l AV and UCC Reseller of the Year

CONTACT Martin Jenner-Hall 07824 552 116 martin@newsinthechannel.com

PRINTING SOLUTIONS, PERIPHERALS & ACCESSORIES Show 25 November

l Scanner of the Year l Printer of the Year

l DC/POS Device of the Year l Print Distributor of the Year l Scan Distributor of the Year l D C/POS Distributor of the Year

PACKAGES

SILVER PACKAGE l 5 Tickets to Wardour Street Awards Ceremony and Network Event l A4 advert in the Stockies Winners Brochure l Video announcement for the nominations and winners on Virtual Awards Show and on SITC website for 1 month l Announcements on Social Media n Category Sponsor Welcome n Shortlist n Nominations n Winners l Logos on Stockies Website l Joint Sponsorship wallpaper on NITC, PITC, UCAD and SITC during awards week PACKAGE PRICE £3,900 BESPOKE PACKAGES We also have other sponsorship opportunities available – contact us for more information.

l Printer Consumables Distributor of the Year l Printer Consumables Vendor of the Year

l Print Vendor of the Year l Scan Vendor of the Year

l Computer Accessories Product of the Year l Office Accessories Product of the Year l Peripherals & Accessories Distributor of the Year l Peripherals & Accessories Vendor of the Year l Fastest Growing Vendor – Printing and Peripherals l Print and Scan Reseller of the Year

SPECIALITY LIVE SHOW 27 November

l Product of the Year l Distributor of the Year

l Specialist Distributor of the Year l Distributor Platform of the Year l Vendor of the Year

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LIVE SHOW 27 November 2025

100 Wardour St is located in Soho, one of London’s most celebrated entertainment and live music districts. The ground floor Bar & Lounge is home to a spectacular centrepiece bar with casual seating – perfect for networking. The basement is home to the 100 Wardour St stage for the Award presentations, live music and partying.

Stockies 2024 @ 100 Wardour St – The Highlights

In association with

SURVEILLANCE

Surveillance Systems’ Demand is Growing UC Advanced caught up with Jeremie Francois, Sales Director, from Synology, to discover what end users look for in a surveillance system, in particular cameras facing entry points, and what MSPs and resellers should be aware of.

There has been a 57% spike in interest, over the past three months, February to April 2025, in the search volume for the security surveillance category on Stock in the Channel’s platform, which includes cameras, network surveillance servers and Network Video Records (NVRs). The sharp rise in searches points to an increasing awareness and demand for security surveillance devices, and one reason could be for SMBs in urban areas looking to scale their monitoring solutions based on the types and price points of devices being searched. Another reason why security cameras may be on the rise is due to advancements in AI, leading to an extended range of features never before available. It is now possible, for example, for AI security cameras to differentiate between people and vehicles, thereby helping to minimise the number of false alarms. The beauty of most surveillance

systems is that they operate 24/7, so longer hours than a human and less costs, offering more viewpoints than two eyes, but they do require a few things to work – storage space, power and connectivity. Deployment scales from a simple entry doorbell camera to a fully integrated multi-door/area solution for businesses or institutions. The specific components depend on the end users’ needs, such as threat level, site layout, budget and integration. Resellers or MSPs with limited DIY knowledge, or those with limited or no skills in mounting cameras, configuring apps and recorders and unfamiliar with running low-voltage wiring, should consider pairing with a partner who has a strong command of network basics such as dealing with router set ups and IP addresses. Synology, offers a complete range of surveillance cameras and networking equipment, and currently has one of

Jeremie Francois Sales Director

synology.com

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Synology VS600HD

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SURVEILLANCE

the top trending surveillance systems, the Synology VS600HD, on Stock in the Channel. End User Considerations A potential dealbreaker for users when it comes to entry surveillance systems, for instance, is the technology’s compatibility with the rest of their systems. If the costs of buying a new system also mean having to make expensive changes to other areas of their network infrastructure, then the perceived value is quickly going to diminish. Jeremie shared, “When selecting an entry surveillance system, compatibility is key, ensuring the system works seamlessly with any existing setup and is flexible enough to support future upgrades. At Synology, we build our systems with broad compatibility in mind, supporting a wide range of IP cameras via ONVIF and third-party integrations.” Other important factors end users consider are: 🕵 Scalability – Entry-level shouldn’t mean limited. Your chosen system should let you start small and grow as needed, via both cloud, onsite storage and a hybrid of the two. 🕵 Ease of use – An intuitive setup and

🕵 Storage flexibility – Whether you need local, hybrid, or direct-to-cloud storage, Synology offers solutions to match users’ data retention and privacy needs. 🕵 Security and privacy – Encrypted transmissions and secure logins are essential. 🕵 Remote access – Mobile apps and browser access enable monitoring and alerts to be received, with the ability to manage the system from anywhere. Understanding Customers’ Needs MSPs are recommended to start at the very beginning with customers by assessing the customers needs. The desire comes from varying places of reactivity to proactivity, such as “Oh no, we’ve been robbed”, to “I suspect staff theft” to “My insurance policy insists I have something in place” or “I need to protect my assets or staff”. Equally, both MSPs and the client should have a thorough understanding of employee and customer privacy and GDPR and a balance must be maintained between consent, legal obligation, protection of vital and legitimate interests. SMBs must comply with laws on surveillance, such as posting signage about camera use or limiting recording in private areas such as restrooms. Non- compliance can result in legal action or fines. Thought should also be given to future-proofing the investment. Today’s needs can drastically change as business needs change or clients scale up. Jeremie states, “Synology’s platform is built for seamless scalability across our entire ecosystem, including surveillance. Users can set up QuickConnect for an effortless and secure way to access their NAS remotely, including Surveillance Station, with additional connection methods available for more advanced setups.”

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When selecting an entry surveillance system, compatibility is key, ensuring the system works seamlessly with any existing setup and is flexible enough to support future upgrades.

interface go a long way, especially for smaller businesses or first-time users.

not the other way around. All these features come together through Synology’s Surveillance Station, which not only integrates these capabilities licence-free, but also offers a scalable foundation that grows as the business does.

Matching Needs to Features When it comes to safeguarding entry points, the right features can make a world of difference. Asset owners aren’t just looking for a camera – they’re looking for assurance, reliability, and actionable data. Cameras tailored to monitor doors and access points need to reduce false positives while providing clarity and control in real time. As Synology put it, modern features such as People and Vehicle Detection dramatically reduce unnecessary alerts from movement that doesn’t matter, like swaying trees or passing wildlife. Night- time security is supported with Night Vision capabilities reaching up to 30 metres, ensuring visibility regardless of lighting conditions. For businesses that want an added layer of responsiveness, Intrusion Detection and Auto Tracking offer proactive monitoring – users can set specific zones to trigger alerts, and the camera can track individuals across the field of view, improving context and response time. Meanwhile, Instant Search makes investigation significantly faster by allowing filtered playback based on detected motion, people, or vehicles. Practical additions such as Two-Way Audio, particularly on models like the CC400W, allow for real-time interaction at entry points – ideal for managing visitors or deliveries without needing to be onsite. Installation flexibility is also critical. Cameras offering both PoE (Power over Ethernet) and Wi-Fi options allow deployment even in less accessible locations, helping SMBs implement systems tailored to their premises layout,

Storage Considerations: Cloud vs On-Site

Choosing where and how surveillance footage is stored is a critical decision that impacts cost, scalability, data protection, and accessibility. For SMBs and SOHOs, the debate often comes down to cloud- based storage versus on-site solutions (or a combination), with each approach offering its own set of advantages – and limitations. Cloud storage has grown in popularity due to its convenience and flexibility. It allows for offsite backup, which is particularly valuable in the event of theft, fire, or hardware failure. Remote access is another major benefit, enabling users to manage footage and receive alerts from anywhere with an internet connection. It’s also scalable, making it easy to expand capacity without additional hardware investments. However, cloud storage is not without its trade-offs. Uploading high-definition footage can strain bandwidth, especially for businesses with limited internet speeds. Ongoing subscription fees can also add up over time, particularly for multi-camera setups or longer retention periods. Additionally, businesses must consider data sovereignty – ensuring that their provider complies with local data protection regulations.

Cloud storage is not without its trade-offs. Uploading high-definition footage can strain bandwidth, especially for

businesses with limited internet speeds.

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keeping systems maintained? If so, onsite can be a strong, independent choice.” Ultimately, storage decisions should align with the business’s risk profile, internet infrastructure, and compliance requirements. For MSPs, helping clients find the right balance – and explaining the trade-offs clearly – is a value-add that sets them apart. A Smart Move for MSPs For MSPs looking to expand their service offerings, door surveillance is a growing market with clear demand, particularly among SMEs and SOHOs seeking practical, cost-effective ways to protect their assets. As businesses become more aware of the importance of monitoring entry points – whether for compliance, insurance, or peace of mind – the opportunity for MSPs to deliver tailored, scalable solutions has never been stronger. Success in this space doesn’t hinge solely on hardware – it depends on offering systems that are easy to deploy, integrate, and manage. That’s where partnerships with vendors like Synology come into play. With a unified ecosystem of cameras, NAS devices, and software like Surveillance Station, Synology provides MSPs with reliable, flexible tools that can adapt to each client’s specific needs. Their licence- free platform, broad camera compatibility, and hybrid storage options make it easier for MSPs to offer competitive solutions without locking customers into high recurring costs or complex configurations. By aligning with a vendor that understands the unique challenges of small to mid-sized businesses – and who builds with simplicity, security, and scalability in mind – MSPs can confidently offer surveillance as a service. Whether starting with a single door camera or scaling to a multi-site setup, the key is choosing technology that grows with the customer. With the right partner, surveillance isn’t just a sale – it’s a long- term value proposition. n

In contrast, on-site storage provides businesses with greater control. Footage is stored locally, offering faster access and playback without relying on an internet connection. Once installed, there’s no recurring cost – just the upfront investment in hardware. On-site systems are also easily expandable using NAS (Network Attached Storage) units or expansion drives. But the risks here include potential data loss due to physical damage or theft if there’s no backup system in place. Maintenance is also essential: drives must be monitored, updated, and replaced over time. There’s also the physical footprint to consider – larger storage systems may require dedicated space and cooling. Increasingly, many SMBs are opting for a hybrid approach, combining the best of both worlds. As Synology put it “Cloud has a lot to offer, but it’s not without its trade-offs. Businesses should take time to assess their current setup and future needs – whether they expect to scale, what infrastructure is already in place, and what budget they’re working with.” They go on “Onsite storage gives businesses more control but also asks a bit more of them. It really comes down to experience and resources. Are they comfortable managing hardware, replacing drives, and

On-site systems are easily expandable

using NAS (Network Attached Storage) units or expansion drives... ...But the risks include potential data loss due to physical damage or theft if there’s no backup system in place.

COMMUNICATIONS

Nuvias UC: Focused Expertise Where It Matters Most The Nuvias UC TechTalks 2025 event delivered on its ambitious promise: providing attendees with not just information but actionable strategies to boost profitability, improve service delivery, and evolve alongside an ever-changing communications landscape. Hosted in a format that blended insightful panels, exhibition showcases, and open roundtable discussions, the event brought together leaders across the converged communications market.

UC Advanced caught up with CEO Joel Chimoindes at Nuvias UC’s TechTalks 2025 event, and he highlighted the transformation that Nuvias UC have undergone in the past three years to support MSPs in the channel. “When I joined the business I always wanted to make sure that we shifted the focus away from predominantly hardware, with the aim of growing further into software solutions and services,” Chimoindes said. “Our heart is converged communications,” as he puts it explaining, “we have evolved the business into those three very specific divisions, one around devices and infrastructure, the second around cloud solutions, the third around our technical services.” Each core division is led by dedicated business development managers and supported by a team with deep technical expertise, and this design has

been created specifically for Nuvias UC partners. “We’re not a jack of all trades. We are very focused in converged communications... and that’s our market.” A True Solution-Selling Mindset The emphasis for partners is on solving problems. Chimoindes explained that Nuvias UC has already embraced solution selling as the standard approach, as he explains, “I look at where a reseller would typically call my pre-sales team in. They call the pre-sales team in not to talk about a particular product. They’ll call the pre- sales team in to talk about how they’ve got a problem and ask us how can you help us solve it?” He goes on, “Actually our best examples of where we’ve done this is where our pre-sales and technical team are engaged early in that cycle. Where a customer is saying, actually, I don’t quite know how to do this.” He adds, “Our pre-sales team have been introduced to talk about a product, and then we’ve discovered that that product actually wasn’t the right solution for the job.” It is clear that Nuvias UC’s strategy reflects a growing need within the channel for partners who can bridge the technical and strategic and highlights the consultative role the company increasingly plays.

Joel Chimoindes CEO

nuvias-uc.com

We’re not a jack of all trades. We are very focused in converged communications... and that’s our market.”

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