Exertis Future Mobile by ExertisMarketing

Available now. GOING RUGGED? IT’S A TOUGH CHOICE!

MILLENNIALS COULD BE INSTRUMENTAL...

Find out about the latest updates in PC and Mobile rugged tech

In breaking down the barriers to mobile working

AUTUMN issue 9.

XPS 13 2-in-1

Mobility

Beauty without borders.

FUTURE

THE

To buy online: store.exertis.co.uk

18 AN INTRODUCTION TO MTR

FUTURE

HOW TO: BOOST YOUR CUSTOMER REVIEWS

WHO WILL WIN IN CASHLESS PAYMENTS

CONTENTS 05 EXERTIS COMMENT Simon Woodman introduces the Summer edition of Future Mobility

24 HOT PICKS A range of best-selling products designed to make you more margin

06 MARKET STATS UPDATE We take a look at the latest mobility trends that are set to unfold in 2016 and beyond

10 NEWS IN BRIEF We round up the latest news and product releases from the world of technology

14 MILLENNIALS COULD BE INSTRUMENTAL IN BREAKING DOWN THE BARRIERS TO MOBILE WORKING

31 GOING RUGGED? IT’S A TOUGH CHOICE

Tablets, notebooks and smartphones are all possible solutions in a rugged environment

Technology provides the opportunity for organisations to offer ﬂexible and remote working which can have beneﬁts for both the employee and employer.

18 AN INTRODUCTION TO MTR Following the acquisition of MTR, we take a look at the services that the company provides and what you can expect in the future

35 CARD OR MOBILE? WHICH FOR CASHLESS PAYMENTS 28 HOW TO: BOOST YOUR CUSTOMER REVIEWS Customers often base their purchasing decision on the basis of reviews, providing you with an opportunity to win business

Cashless payments continue to rise but which method will the consumer prefer?

38 TOP 10 ATTACH

See our top 10 recommended range of attach products here from Exertis

K E E P I N G PAC E WITH THE MOBILE G E N E R AT I O N

The ThinkPad X1 Carbon for extreme performance and connectivity in a premium laptop

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 family delivers superior style and substance for a new generation of mobile users

The ThinkPad X1 Yoga for 2-in-1 ﬂexibility that adapts to a user’s preferred work style

The ThinkPad X1 Tablet for the convenience of a tablet, backed by full-featured PC performance

ENSURING PRODUCTIVITY WITH BEST-IN-CLASS TECHNOLOGIES

LTE-A

Optional 4G LTE-A connectivity for the fastest broadband experience anytime, anywhere

Advanced ﬁngerprint authentication for easy logins and advanced protection from mobile threats

Intelligent cooling that maintains temperatures for comfortable handling while controlling power consumption

Mobile-optimised design that combines incredibly thin form factors with superior durability

CONTACT YOUR EXERTIS ACCOUNT MANAGER TODAY FOR MORE DETAILS

Featuring Intel® Core™ i7 Processors Intel Inside®. Powerful Productivity Outside.

THE

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FUTURE

Publisher Exertis Editor Nerissa Tong Design Sophie Hammond Website store.exertis.co.uk

WELCOME FROM EXERTIS Welcome to Future Mobility, a new masthead that reﬂects the evolution in our business and lifestyle brought about by the ubiquitous use of mobile devices and the growing use of cloud services. Mobile and computing vendors are now highly focused on creating portable devices as users move away from one device per person to multiple devices consuming content and services on the go through wireless connections. We have the products, technologies and services that can enable our resellers to build mobility propositions for their customers and this magazine provides the vehicle to bring these opportunities to life. At the time of writing, we have just seen the launch of the Samsung Galaxy Note8 and three new Apple iPhone’s. The battle between the two mobile hardware giants continues. However, there are also some excellent releases from other vendors with Sony and LG both providing powerful propositions for the market. Indeed, we have the best selection of mobile devices and accessories in the industry many of which are featured in this issue. You may have read in the press about our recent acquisition of MTR who specialise in the refurbishment of mobile, wearable and tablet devices, in addition to a number of reverse logistics services. You can ﬁnd out more about what the company does and our plans moving forward in our feature on page 18.

Basingstoke Sales: 01256 707 070

technology in place so that they can work equally as well remotely as in the office. We look at the pros and cons of flexible working and how this is becoming an important consideration in attracting a skilled and committed workforce on page 14. Of course, remote working for some can be required in difficult environments. There are many possible solutions from notebooks to smartphones that can be deployed. You can read about the choice of a rugged device on page 31. Inevitably, we are moving towards a cashless society but what will consumers choose as their preferred mechanism for payment. Certainly, the mobile phone is an option and one that is increasing in popularity as you can see on page 35. Winning business can be down to a number of reasons but clearly customer reviews play an important part in the purchasing decision process. We look at ways to cultivate positive recommendations and how to deal with the occasional poor comment on page 28. Finally, there is our regular news features and market updates as well as some suggestions of hot products that can drive more margin. Enjoy the read and thank you for your continued support.

Millennials are going to dominate the workforce and this generation will expect employers to have

Simon Woodman Director Mobile Division

Address: Ashwood, Chineham Business Park, Chineham, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG24 8EH To place an order please call 01256 707 070 between 9am – 6pm Monday to Friday Burnley Sales: 01282 776 776 Address: Technology House, Magnesium Way, Hapton, Burnley, Lancashire, BB12 7BF To place an order please call 01282 776 776 between 9am – 5.30pm Monday to Friday Stoke Sales: 01782 648 300 Address: Innovation House, Bellringer Road, Trentham ,AKES /FûCE 6ILLAGE Trentham, Stoke on Trent ST4 8GH To place an order please call 01782 648 300 between 9am – 6pm Monday to Friday

THE

FUTURE

Mobility

CONSUMER & BUSINESS TRENDS DRIVING DEMANDS SMARTPHONE SALES

PEAKED IN Q217

346.9M DEVICES SOLD

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MOBILE ROAMING REVENUES TO FALL FROM AN ESTIMATED

$54BN IN 2016 TO $48BN IN 2017 JUNIPER RESEARCH

JUNIPER RESEARCH

MOBILE DEVICES TO

UK CONSUMERS ZENITH

BOOST VIDEO VIEWINGS BY 20% IN 2017 WORLDWIDE ZENITH

Basingstoke: 01256 707 070 | Burnley: 01282 776 776 | Stoke: 01782 648 300 | store.exertis.co.uk

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GAMING & ENTERTAINMENT Gain a better understanding of the latest sales trends, opportunities and up-to-date release information from the world of Gaming, Consumer Electronics and Gadgets in one bite-size magazine.

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Fujitsu recommends Windows 10 Pro.

The World is Your Workplace STYLISTIC R727

Business tablet. Business notebook. One device with the best Windows ever. The FUJITSU Tablet STYLISTIC R727 combines smart mobility features with full-fledged performance. Made in Germany Ģ Tablet or notebook - snap the magnetic keyboard on or off Ģ 12.5-inch (31.8 cm) screen with anti-glare option ergonomic working, also with pen and touch Ģ Made for mobility - robust materials Ģ Fully connected and secure - 4G/LTE and enterprise-grade security

Contact your Exertis Account Manager for information.

© Copyright 2017 Fujitsu Technology Solutions GmbH Fujitsu, the Fujitsu logo and Fujitsu brand names are trademarks or registered trademarks of Fujitsu Limited in Japan and other countries. Other company, product and service names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners, the use of which by third parties for their own purposes may infringe the rights of such owners. Technical data are subject to modification and delivery subject to availability. Any liability that the data and illustrations are complete, actual or correct is excluded. Screens simulated, subject to change; Apps sold separateley, availability may vary.

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NEWS IN BRIEF

MO oB b Ii L lE ity M

FINANCIALLY SMART According to a survey by Legg Mason, a global asset management firm, 46% of UK millennials want to do their financial planning on a smartphone, apparently the highest in Europe. Not surprisingly, the survey found that those aged between 18 and 35 are nearly twice as likely to use their mobile to access the internet compared to those aged between 53 and 71 who prefer to use a home PC. The trend apparently poses a challenge for financial advisers who have traditionally delivered their services face-to-face. Justin Eede, Head of Europe and Americas Distribution at Legg Mason, said: “Millennials are increasingly tech-savvy and this is seeping into every element of their lives, including the way they approach even complex financial needs. “Services that have traditionally always been delivered face-to-face are now becoming automated, and the use of smartphones for financial planning is another step in that direction. Indeed these statistics reveal the extent to which the demand for fully digital solutions is growing among the younger generation and it will be interesting to see how financial services businesses respond to the challenges this presents.” See our mobile payments feature on page 35

HEADSETS AND SMARTWATCHES TO DRIVE WEARABLES MARKET Industry analysts Gartner predict a healthy 16.7% rise in wearable sales during 2017. Smartwatch sales will increase by 20%, accounting for 13.4% of the market with vendors selling 41.5m watches and generating $9.3bn in revenue, 30.5% of the total. “Smartwatches are on pace to achieve the greatest revenue potential among all wearables through 2021, reaching $17.4bn,” said Angela McIntyre, research director at Gartner.

MOBILE APPOINTMENT Rik Hubbard has joined Exertis as commercial and services director for our mobile division, reporting to Simon Woodman, Exertis mobile director. In this role, Hubbard will be working with the sales and purchasing teams to maximise performance of the division’s market leading vendors across the consumer and business to business areas. In addition, his remit will include building on the opportunity to launch a range of device focused services from trade-in, repair and refurbishment to finance and service contracts, following the recent announcement of the acquisition of the MTR Group. “Rik is joining our team at an exciting time for the mobile division. He brings a wealth of experience having worked for a major vendor and a leading telco and internet service provider. We have opportunities to grow in key areas of our business with a superb portfolio of products and solutions to offer our customers. We are now also in a great position to enhance our entanglement still further with our vendor partners and customers by offering additional services to support their business. Rik will play a key role in helping us to achieve that,” said Woodman. A chartered accountant with almost twenty years’ experience in the telco industry, Hubbard joins from Samsung where he was head of commercial finance and financial services for five years, setting up the launch of the S7 Upgrade programme which was the UK’s first manufacturer backed handset upgrade scheme. Prior to that he spent a similar period at Three in a variety of commercial roles.

Two sub-categories that Gartner expects to perform well are kids’ smartwatches and traditional watch brands, which will emerge as signiﬁcant segments for smartwatches. Gartner expects kids’ smartwatches to represent 30% of total smartwatch unit shipments in 2021. These devices are targeted at children in the 2 to 13 year-old range, before parents provide them with a smartphone. The other subcategory, which will account for 25% of smartwatch units by 2021, is fashion and traditional watch brands. In terms of sales, headsets will take the lion’s share, 48% of the total, shifting 150m units in 2017. The elimination of the headphone jack by major smartphone vendors is driving the sales of Bluetooth headsets. Gartner predicts the wearables market to be worth $30.5bn with unit sales of 310.4m in 2017. For more information on smart wearables please contact your account manager today.

EYES DOWN O2 has announced the World’s first free, HD Wi-Fi network on a continually moving structure, the Coca Cola London Eye, allowing visitors to capture and share their experiences as they go around – irrelevant of the country they are from or the network provider they use. The system has been designed to beam Wi-Fi coverage between 16 fixed access points on the iconic structure, without using fixed cables or satellite technology, providing a free service to all 32 capsules.

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SMARTPHONE INCREASE

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FUTURE

LG Q6

Smartphone sales in Western Europe grew in the second quarter of 2017 on the back of demand for new ﬂagship devices, according to Gartner. The region saw 36m devices sold in the quarter, a 13% year-on-year rise. Gartner said the return to growth was fuelled by demand for Huawei and Samsung devices, which respectively saw their worldwide sales grow 17% and 8%. The report also revealed that Google’s Android operating system had increased its lead over Apple’s iOS, reaching an 88% market share compared to Apple’s 12%.

NO INTERRUPTION TO SERVICE ON LONDON UNDERGROUND 4G internet is ﬁnally coming to the London Underground by 2019, allowing commuters to make calls and browse the internet with uninterrupted mobile coverage for stations and tunnels on the system. Wi-Fi is already available on most platforms on the London Underground but the service currently cuts out between stations. The Elizabeth Line, due to launch in December 2018, is due to have mobile coverage throughout, as plans were outlined by the Mayor’s ofﬁce.

LATEST AND GREATEST NOW AVAILABLE AT EXERTIS

A mid-range phone, the LG Q6 features a 5.5” IPS LCD FullVision display with a distinctive 18:9 ratio and a super high-resolution display of 2160x1080. Sleek and sturdy with an aluminium frame and very minimal bezels, it houses a 13 MP camera using a standard FoV lens setup, whilst on the front it provides a 5 MP wide-angle selﬁe snapper that also functions as the facial recognition security system. Inside the Q6 is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 435 processor backed with 3GB of RAM and 32GB storage and a 3,000mAh battery.

SONY XPERIA XZ1 AND XZ1 COMPACT

AT YOUR SERVICE Exertis can now provide customers with an affordable, award winning, cloud based EPOS system for businesses of all sizes particularly in the retail and hospitality markets with the addition of UK based company to our vendor portfolio. “Epos Now has raised the bar for buying ePOS solutions online. We have focused on building an out-the-box ePOS solution that supports all merchant needs across retail and hospitality sectors - meaning for the ﬁrst time in the market, we can offer complete hardware and software bundles that reach end users through distribution channels. Our exciting relationship with Exertis means we can reach even more merchants, as well as offering traditional retail/e-tail businesses the ability to extend their range into the ever-evolving market of ePOS”, said Edward Johnson, Epos Now global business development director. For further information: https://www.exertis.co.uk/exertis-news.php

SAMSUNG GALAXY NOTE8 A phone that hardly needs any introduction. SSome have called it the best Android phone on the market. It has certainly had some great o rreviews, taking the best parts of the Note 7 and tthe S8 but adding for the ﬁrst time on a Samsung phone a dual lens camera. Its beautiful design, p aamazing 6.3” screen, an excellent stylus with a host of new features only adds to its appeal. h

The Sony Xperia XZ1 has all the attributes needed to be regarded as a flagship phone with some intelligent camera features, HDR support, Hi-res audio, a pre-installed 3D scan feature and one of the first smartphones to debut with Android Oreo. The rear facing 19MP camera can record 960 frames per second for super slow-motion video recording; provide Predictive Capture which automatically starts buffering images seconds before you press the shutter button; Autofocus burst, which tracks and captures sequences of moving objects in sharp focus to eliminate blurred action shots, and an intelligent auto mode that provides a simple enough point and shoot option for people who just want to take a quick snap. At the front, there’s a 13MP camera for those selfie moments. The stylish, sleek design also houses a Gorilla Glass-5 covered 5.2” 1080 display with front-facing speakers that are 50% louder than previous phones. It also supports HDR content, available from Amazon Prime and Netflix, generating intensely vivid colours and breathtaking clarity. Other specifications include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 chip, 4GB RAM and 64GB onboard storage. Battery life (2700mAh) is expected to be one day and it is both dust and water resistant (IP65/68) with the added security of fingerprint recognition. As you would expect, the Sony Xperia XZ1 Compact is smaller with a 4.6” screen and a 720 HD display, a little lighter but thicker. The front camera is only 8MP but has a super wide vision option. It provides 32GB of storage but like its bigger brother can expand to 256GB with a microSD card. Other specifications and features remain the same. Please call your account manager for more information on the above products.

NEW

VOYAGER 8200 UC

KEY FEATURES

Avoid the noise. End the distraction. A B

Wherever work takes you, the Plantronics Voyager 8200 UC Bluetooth® headset is ready to block out background noise so you can focus on your work, calls or playlist. With its contemporary, four mic boomless design, multi-device connectivity and active noise cancelling, you can easily leave distractions behind.

TOP FEATURES

A Smart sensor technology B Call answer/end C Dedicated mute/open listening mode D 3.5 mm jack E Four microphone boom-less design F Dual-Mode ANC G Intuitive volume and music controls H USB Bluetooth adapter with

mute indicator

• Dual-paired omni-directional microphones with enhanced digital signal processing (DSP) optimise your voice while minimising background noise • Best-in-class dual-mode active noise cancelling (ANC) lets you choose your preferred noise-reduction level • Dynamic mute alert detects and notifies you when you talk while on mute • Smart sensors allow you to answer calls by simply putting on the headset and automatically mute your calls or pause your music by taking it off • Contemporary, boomless design satisfies style-conscious professionals • 3.5 mm cord extends your listening time and is optimal for in-flight use

VOYAGER 5200 UC Ready to work. Everywhere you go. Be ready to take the call with the Voyager 5200 UC Bluetooth® headset, featuring our most advanced, adaptive noise cancelling and WindSmart® technology. It identiﬁes and cancels out disruptive noise, like wind, enabling you to be heard clearly and seamlessly transition from one environment to the next. It’s ready to work.

TOP FEATURES • Four adaptive microphones and proprietary DSP work together to reduce disruptive background noise • Six layers of WindSmart technology ensure your voice comes through clearly • Smart sensors answer calls by simply putting on the headset and transfer calls between mobile phone and headset • Up to 30 metres/98 feet of range from supported smartphone or laptop with BT600 USB Bluetooth® adapter • Enhanced voice alerts announce caller ID, mute, connection status and talk time level • Dynamic mute alert senses and alerts you when you begin to speak while muted • Dedicated mute button for quick mute access and timed voice alerts announce mute status

EXPLORER 500 Incredible audio and smartphone voice control. Packed with the latest audio technology, the Plantronics Explorer 500 Bluetooth® headset helps you stay focused on life instead of your phone, delivers GSMA-certiﬁed HD Voice clarity to your calls and supports voice dialling and other smartphone voice controls. A power-saving hibernation mode keeps your headset charged longer and the USB charging strap keeps your headset within reach when clipped/secured to a bag.

TOP FEATURES • • • • • • • • • • •

GSMA-certiﬁed HD Voice clarity Voice dialling and other smartphone voice controls Hear your music, GPS directions, and more Connect two smartphones and answer calls from either one USB charging strap loops closed with magnets Three language options for status alerts Designed to comfortably ﬁt either ear DeepSleep mode extends battery readiness On-screen headset battery meter Car charger for convenient charging Free Plantronics apps enhance experience

CONTACT YOUR EXERTIS ACCOUNT MANAGER TODAY

THE

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FUTURE

MA oM b Ii N l iG ty G AND ENTERTAINMENT

MILLENNIALS COULD BE

INSTRUMENTAL IN

BREAKING

DOWN THE BARRIERS TO MOBILE WORKING

Much has been written about the pros and cons of flexible working. Technology is certainly a key enabler. In some cases, it’s a cultural change that is one of the biggest barriers. However, we are now entering a period when a more tech savvy generation will dominate the workforce. According to Deloitte millennials will account for 75% by 2025. The generation has been exposed to an anytime, anywhere, always-on environment and they are likely to take this mentality into the workplace, demanding a better work-life balance. Indeed, a report from the Lancaster University’s Work Foundation maintains that 2017 will be the “tipping point” when more than half of all UK organisations will have adopted flexible working practices, rising to 70% by 2020. Another report from Citrix echoed that view predicting that some 50% of businesses would have a mobile working policy in place by 2020. For some employers, the trend for remote working is already well established. In the UK, more than four million citizens already work from home, according to the latest official government statistics. A study from recruiters Office Angels found that a quarter of those surveyed believe that the office will no longer exist by 2036. The traditional 9 to 5 working practice will become obsolete with 65% of employees believing that working hours will become flexible. A few years ago, the government also introduced the right for employees to request flexible working from their employer. This has also been an influence. However, it is a right to request, not an absolute right to be given, which is an important distinction. Whilst intrinsically linked there is also a distinction between flexible and remote working. In terms of remote workers, the UK Labour Force Survey noted that at least one third of the labour force, approximately 10m, work remotely all or some of the time. The ability to do this lies with technology; mobile devices, cloud services, video conferencing etc.

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FUTURE

15 3

PROS AND CONS OF REMOTE WORKING So what are the benefits to remote working? If your business requires your employees to be out in the field, then the benefits are clearly obvious. The opportunity to access the office seamlessly needs to be addressed but otherwise it saves time and is more efficient. Despite some employers’ concerns over allowing others to be away from the office, there is strong evidence that it actually increases productivity. A Cisco survey claimed that the increase in mobile working brings additional productivity to an organisation, increasing staff motivation and aiding retention. Indeed, according to the Lancaster University report just over half (54%) of their respondents reported that it enabled them to get more work done, concurrring with other studies. The same study reported that longer hours was a feature of mobile working. Interestingly, much is made of having a better work life balance with mobile working despite claims from some sources that they spend more hours working with the added flexibility. Certainly, for those employees that would usually face a tedious commute to work (according to a TUC 2014 survey, the number of commuters travelling two or more hours to work had increased by 72% in a decade), it can be a win-win situation for everyone. Indeed, a Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBRA) study in 2014 maintained that British employers could save £3.8bn and 533m hours a year in commuting time if they adopted flexible working. Yet Microsoft report, in a survey conducted with 1,000 SMB employees, that a significant portion of British office workers (55%) are still required by employers to work from the office within designated working hours. More than two in five (44%) claiming that it isn’t possible to work remotely under any circumstances. Contrast this with a CEBR study which found that 83% of respondents who did not have the option to work remotely would do so given the opportunity. Another benefit for business is the ability to not only retain but also to attract skilled staff that would otherwise be put off from a long commute or be unprepared to relocate for a position. Moreover, there is evidence that the millennials will again be the driver for flexible working. A recent survey by Ernst and Young maintained that millennials are the most likely generation to say that they would change jobs or careers, give up promotion opportunities, move their family to another place or take a pay cut to have flexibility and better manage work and family life. Flexible working requires trust on both sides. Certainly, employees feel more trusted when allowed to work remotely. Of course, not everyone can have that opportunity and this can cause some resentment amongst colleagues in the workplace according to research from the Institute of Leadership and Management. Performance in results rather than not being seen in the office should be the measurement of success. For some, not being able to collaborate with colleagues in the office is seen as a downside. That social interaction can be lost but once again this is where technology can help overcome this barrier. Ideally, employees should have a mix of office and remote working.

TECHNOLOGY IS THE ENABLER Of course, remote working can only be effective if the right technology is in place. Whilst some remote working may well be at branch ofﬁces where IT departments have better control of the technology with easier access to the company network, it’s the availability of fast and reliable home broadband internet that has fuelled the growth, making e-mail, VPN, instant messaging, video conferencing and more possible. Indeed, employees expect to have the same access to company information as their ofﬁce based colleagues and the same degree of collaboration.

It’s true to say that the modern workforce are multi-device users but the millennials prefer using the smartphone to their laptop to undertake tasks despite the fact that it’s largely easier to access files from a laptop. A common issue for smartphone users is that they can’t get access to the full versions of their corporate apps and programs. Increasingly, workers are using internet based phone services like Skype for Business from their laptop or smartphone. Maintaining office routines, such as meetings and team collaboration by using audio and video conferencing and adopting unified communications is becoming the norm. Naturally for remote workers, there are more considerations regarding security of company information and data. However, the productivity to be gained is worth that investment. Indeed, according to a Dell and Intel Future Workforce study last year, almost half of millennials are willing to change jobs for companies offering better technology. Many companies still struggle to put in place networks and systems that provide the performance and productivity benefits that remote working can deliver. A successful mobile strategy is one where the employee can work to the same level remotely whilst the employer can maintain adequate security. Resellers have a clear opportunity to help their customers achieve that and Exertis can help resellers with solutions and products that enable safe, remote working, deployment of unified communications and an excellent range of devices that support the mobile worker.

Lenovo Yoga 370

Dell XPS 13 2-in-1

Fujitsu STYLISTIC R727

Computing products from top brands include the Dell XPS 13 2-in1, the Lenovo Yoga 370, the Fujitsu STYLISTIC R727, the Toshiba Portege X40, the Acer Switch 12 Alpha and the ASUS Zenbook 3 UX39OUA. And for mobile devices a range of smartphones that are ideal for workers on the move including the new Samsung Galaxy Note 8 due out in September, the Sony XZ Premium and the LG Q6. In addition, Exertis has a range of accessories from Otterbox featuring cables with metal housing and connectors for lasting durability, rugged power banks and car chargers. Although it may not be suitable for some types of employment and some functions within an organisation, there is an increasing demand for individuals to work ﬂexibly or remotely. Business productivity, real estate savings, happier employees with a better work life balance, increased staff retention and loyalty are beneﬁts that can’t be ignored. Nor can the millennials. For more information on the products Exertis offer to support mobile working, please contact your account manager. Sources and Acknowledgements: Lancaster University, Information Age, Microsoft, IT Pro, Daily Telegraph.

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9HUVDWLOH GHVLJQ ([FHSWLRQDO H[SHULHQFH 14-inch business-class laptop featuring industry leading security, manageability and reliability.

Productivity at any angle. 12-inch 2-in-1 ideal for business. Featuring security enhancements, H[FHOOHQW EDWWHU\ OLIH DQG WKH performance to power through your workday.

ProDeploy Plus for Client Systems The most complete deployment offer available. 6RXUFH 'HOO &RPPHUFLDO (FRV\VWHP 5HVHDUFK 4XDQWLWDWLYH )LQDO 5HSRUW -XO\

Manager today for more details

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MA oM b Ii N l iG ty G AND ENTERTAINMENT

MTR PROVIDES A

LOGICAL EXTENSION TO OUR MOBILE SERVICES With more than 15 years’ experience within the service and repair network, their team of highly trained technicians offer a complete repair and refurbishment process including data cleansing and when required an environmentally friendly disposal service. All refurbished devices undergo a stringent testing programme before being resold ensuring that the device is indistinguishable from new. Stock is available for resale and distribution, from brand new multi carton stock to in house accredited refurbished devices.

APPROVED BY SAMSUNG

At the end of July, Exertis announced our acquisition of MTR, a service and solutions provider that specialises in extending the lifecycle of mobiles, wearables and tablet devices. Founders and co-owners Steve Healy and Andy Payne have built a successful and growing business, employing over 60 staff at their bespoke, high-tech facility in Harlow. Working with manufacturers, insurers, mobile networks and retailers, their customers are market leaders and expect the highest levels of service and support. By extending the lifecycle of devices, MTR not only provides an environmentally friendly service but also helps to deliver customer satisfaction, increased customer loyalty and improved efﬁciencies.

Their pedigree in the industry has been recognised by Samsung who appointed them as their exclusive UK Trade-In partner and an approved repair centre to support 17 Samsung Service Centres located in Samsung stores around the country. In addition, MTR supports Samsung with their annual “Upgrade Programme” ensuring that their customers always have access to the latest flagship products. With Samsung’s Upgrade Programme, it is easier for consumers to buy a phone SIM-free and off-contract and then spread the initial purchase cost in monthly payments whilst ensuring an upgrade to the top-of-the-range phone when it ships. After a year, providing the phone is in good working order, the consumer can upgrade to the latest model. The old device is sent to MTR, refurbished and ready for resale. All manufacturer repairs are undertaken with genuine OEM parts, data wiping is conducted to meet all privacy and protection legislation, and kitting, reboxing and labelling is carried out as part of the reverse logistics service. MTR also provides a number of other services including product fulfilment, product sourcing and disposal (any stock disposal complies with WEEE legislation), and product customisation and configuration.

Basingstoke: 01256 707 070 | Burnley: 01282 776 776 | Stoke: 01782 648 300 | store.exertis.co.uk

THE

To buy online: store.exertis.co.uk exertis.co.uk

FUTURE

19 3

MTR invested over £350,000 in their state of the art 13,000 sq.ft. facility creating a full ESD workshop for the technicians and processors, warehousing, 3,000 sq.ft. of dedicated processing area and a sales ﬂoor. The company has an entrepreneurial spirit illustrated by their proactiveness and ﬂexibility, and a strong environmental philosophy, applying the principles of the waste hierarchy (reduce, reuse and recycle) in all of their processes. With a focus on providing a best in class service level, maximising recovery of unwanted devices, lowering operating costs and increasing customer loyalty for their clients are key objectives for the company.

an upgrade through either their mobile network or their SIM Free handset retailer.

A RANGE OF SERVICES FOR EXERTIS CUSTOMERS

The services that MTR provide can be tailored for retailers, mobile dealers, resellers and corporate end customers. Subject to receiving the correct accreditations, refurbishment services will also be extended to other Exertis’ vendor partners including the Linx brand.

Exertis can already help their retailers and solutions providers take advantage of the latest Samsung trade up offer managed by MTR. In addition to the payment made on their current device, end customers receive a £100 voucher to put towards the purchase of the following models: A3 2017, A5 2017, S7, S7 Edge, S8, S8+ and S8 Duo. The “out with the old and in with the new” campaign is available for the following phones: Samsung S4, S5, S6, S6 Edge, S7 & S7 Edge and Apple iPhone 5, 5s, 6, 6 Plus, 6s, 6s Plus, 7 & 7 Plus. Full details and terms and conditions can be found at: https://www.samsungrecycle. co.uk/ Repair and refurbishment on Samsung devices is available immediately for Exertis customers. Furthermore, Exertis B2B customers can ask for fleet valuations prior to arranging a buy back with Exertis / MTR. This allows them to reduce the cost of change when upgrading an end customer’s handset fleet. If the end customer chooses Samsung as their preferred supplier, then Exertis / MTR can manage the fleet throughout its life. Retail customers are able to utilise MTR’s realtime trading platform to access up to the minute pricing to help consumers get maximum value for their handsets when buying

Moving forward, Exertis is working with MTR to leverage their capabilities and offer our B2B resellers a more sophisticated suite of services that they can provide white labelled to their end user customers that have a ﬂeet of mobile devices, enabling them to take advantage of a quick turnaround to repair a broken phone or to manage a buy-back or multi-user trade in programme. Samsung B2B service packs will be available in Q4 2017.

In addition, as ﬂagship phones become more expensive and accessories are added to the equation, the opportunity to offer a handset, software and accessory monthly payment scheme has some appeal. Certainly, as the relationship grows expect to see some new and innovative solutions that retailers and B2B customers can take advantage of. Customers not currently trading with MTR should speak to their Exertis account manager in the ﬁrst instance. MTR’s vast suite of expertise and services will be available to all customers via their existing Exertis sales accounts thereby opening up fantastic new opportunities to boost growth. Those customers who do not have an account with Exertis or MTR should contact Lisa Barber (lisa. barber@exertis.co.uk) or Andy Payne (andy@mtr.co.uk).

Xperia in Business: Supporting the transition from Windows to Android With the exit of Microsoft Lumia devices from the market and business customers unsure of their future options, it’s now time to start targeting the addressable upgrade market and educate your customers on their options. Sony Xperia provides products and services to address the opportunity, including: • The range of Xperia smartphones • Xperia Transfer Mobile simplifies the transfer of content • Xperia Configurator Cloud ensures multiple devices can be configured and deployed with ease • A familiar Microsoft experience with Outlook, Office, Skype, OneDrive and Intune; combined with a new experience from Sony with Google Play, Google Cloud (Android Compliant) And specifically for business customers: • On-site customer support & training • WebEx support for device setup, porting & technical assistance • Helpdesk technical support

To discuss this opportunity, please contact

Sony Xperia L1: Business has never looked better A like-for-like device for upgrade from the Lumia 650, the Xperia L1 has a large display, high speciﬁcation and affordable price.

Sony Xperia XA1: No more “business as usual” A mid-range option, the Xperia XA1 combines speed, security and style to improve the way your customers work.

Xperia Transfer Mobile A simple app that makes it easy to move contacts, messages, photos, and much more from an old smartphone to a new Sony Xperia™. Built-in and straight out of the box for an ultra-easy experience.

;SHULD &RQĬJXUDWRU &ORXG s. Easily conﬁgure and deploy multiple devices for your customers. Allow and disable functions and apps, conﬁgure connectivity, construct and apply security settings, and much more – across an entire workforce.

Sony Xperia Partner Programme Created to help you sell, grow and maintain sales of Sony Xperia handsets & tablets. Visit bit.ly/exertissonypp for more details

your Exertis account manager today

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MO oB b Ii L lE ity M

EXERTIS MOBILE

HOT PICKS

TOP 5 NEW DEVICES 1 SAMSUNG GALAXY NOTE8 The S Pen’s thinner tip and greater pressure sensitivity allows users to express their creativity with incredible precision. Users can seamlessly download applications and multitask with the high performing 10nm mobile processer. Part code S10170308 | Note8 Black S10170311 | Note8 Gold

TARGUS SAFEPORT RUGGED TABLET CASE FOR IPAD AIR 2, IPAD PRO 9.7” AND IPAD 97” (2017) The heavy duty, shock-absorbing case which offers maximum rugged protection in a slim, professionallooking case. Form-ﬁt TPU shell with USA Military-Spec drop protection will further protect devices from 1.2m/4ft drops. Part code S10164862 Grey/Black

With the Motion Eye™ camera and HDR display - everything becomes wow. With the groundbreaking 3D Creator, users can make 3D memories, share with friends or get them printed – the possibilities are endless. Part code S10167801 | Xperia XZ1 Black S10167806 | Xperia XZ1 Blue S10167809 | Xperia XZ1 Pink

LG Q6 The expansive 5.5” IPS Full HD+ FullVision Display gives users more to see. The 18:9 screen brings a new dimension to the smartphone viewing experience and the slimmer 69.3mm width adds comfort. Part code S10167335 Black

TOP 5 ACCESSORIES

SONY XPERIA XZ1

GRIFFIN SURVIVOR AT FOR SAMSUNG GALAXY TAB A 10.1 Grifﬁn has designed and rigorously tested Survivor All-Terrain to protect the Galaxy Tab A from extreme conditions including drops, dust, sand, rain, impacts, and a host of other environmental factors. Part code S10162170 Black

BELKIN QI WIRELESS CHARGING PAD With the QI Wireless Charging Pad, users can charge Samsung, Nokia and other Qi-enabled smartphones without bothering with plugs or cables and the wireless charging does not sacriﬁce speed. Part code BELF8M747BT Black

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To buy online: store.exertis.co.uk

FUTURE

25 3

TOP BEST SELLERS 1

LINX 10v64 The Linx 10v64 gives a tablet experience without limits. Enjoy hands-free viewing with the integrated aluminium kickstand or snap on the keyboard cover to transform the tablet into a perfectly portable laptop. Part code: LINX10V64/BUN

HUAWEI P10 Huawei’s finest smartphone to date and setting an industry benchmark, it’s the first hyper diamond-cut finishing on a smartphone. Built with the new Leica Dual Camera 2.0 to produce stunning artistic portait shots. Part code: S10134601

NOKIA 8 The ultimate in seamless unibody construction, Nokia 8 is designed to nestle perfectly in the palm of the user’s hand and its distinctive design pairs ﬂawlessly with the polished aluminium unibody.

SONY XPERIA XA1 With a power-efﬁcient processor, users get a quicker and smoother user experience, and a 23MP camera ensures that only crisp clear photos and videos are captured with the Xperia XA1.

Part code S10167685 | Nokia 8 Steel S10170305 | Nokia 8 Tempered Blue

Part code:

LINX 12X64 With a seamless combination of performance and productivity, Linx 12X64 delivers the ﬂexibility of a laptop with the versatility of a tablet and is powered by the latest Intel Atom x5 processor. Part code LINX12X64/BUN

CYGNETT JUMP START PACK Jump-start safely, effectively and quickly with Cygnett. Fully equipped with a portable protective carry case this jump start pack revives a dead battery in seconds. Part code S10150227

GADGET GUARD SCREEN PROTECTOR FOR S8 The ultimate premium glass protection. Curved tempered glass bonds round the Samsung S8’s curves to protect the screen at every angle. Gadget Guard’s optical tempered glass is also incredibly strong and scratch resistant. Part code S10156826

S10153959 | Xperia XA1 Gold S10153954 | Xperia XA1 Black S10153946 | Xperia XA1 White S10153950 | Xperia XA1 Rose

LG K10 2017 With a superior 1.5GHz Quad-Core processor and 2GB RAM, speedy processing becomes the norm. The 16GB eMMC stores all of user’s content allowing them instant access, anywhere and everywhere. Part code: S10135634 Black

SAMSUNG GALAXY S8 | S8+ The new inﬁnity display on the Samsung S8 offers end-to-end screen coverage, completely redesigned to break through the conﬁnes of the smartphone screen. Part code:

S10157473 | Samsung Galaxy S8+ (Orchid Grey) S10153698 | Samsung Galaxy S8+ (Midnight Black) S10153703 | Samsung Galaxy S8 (Orchid Grey) S10153651 | Samsung Galaxy S8 (Midnight Black)

Simply the right card Stunning speed and reliability in a single card

As a world leader in memory technology, Samsung has provided memory card solutions that consumers truly need and want â&#x20AC;&#x201C; with best-in-class performance, excellent compatibility and long-term reliability to get the most out of todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s electronics, making them an ideal companion for high-end devices with a microSD or full SD slot. We want our customers to experience more and worry less about their purchase decision or running out of memory.

Key Advantages 256GB

Performance

Compatibility

Capacity

Reliability

Read/Write speed up to

More than 2,000 devices SD adapter

Highest capacity

4-proof Technology 10-year limited warranty

100/90 MB/s

up to 256GB

Contact your Exertis account manager today for more details

THE

FUTURE

Mobility

HOW TO

BOOST YOUR CUSTOMER REVIEWS

QUALITY AND QUANTITY MATTERS Let’s start with the assumption that organisations recognise the value that potential customers place on how a business, product or service is perceived. There are many surveys that verify that point but you probably recognise that through your own purchasing decisions. Most on-line companies include reviews as part of their go-to-market strategy. Endorsements matter for any kind of business. Research shows that customers not only read online reviews but trust them. Anything from 80 to 90% of consumers depending on which survey you choose. Of course, building a positive reputation is a great marketing asset but the power is now in the hands of the consumer rather than the business. Nowadays, with the internet and social media platforms, online reviews can make or break a business with review sites covering more industries and services. It’s a twoway conversation with the consumer in the driving seat and that conversation can be either positive or negative. It’s easy to understand why positive reviews help. They are a draw for potential buyers. Third party endorsement speaks louder than marketing speak. Businesses with an above average rating are more likely to retain the interest of the buyer. Reading about someone else’s positive experience breeds conﬁdence to take the next step and engage with the business or buy a product. Furthermore, reviews can improve the position of a company website on search rankings.

For reviews a mix of quality and quantity is required. A simple star rating is often the first thing customers look for. Most customers probably have a minimum star rating that they find acceptable to even retain interest. Experts believe that a rating of less than 3 won’t cut the mustard. However, having a 5 star rating with one review won’t do either. Trust builds alongside the number of reviews a business can generate. Unfortunately, satisfied customers are often those less inclined to review. A disgruntled customer on the other hand sees the review as an opportunity to hit back at a business for a poor experience. Perversely, customers are also more persuaded if they can see some lower scores and negative comment. It smacks of realism as not everyone can like every product or service. In terms of quality, a review that says more than “just great” and points out some useful features and benefits is more helpful. What’s more, reviews need to be an on-going process. As a rule, the older the review the less powerful it becomes. Naturally, you can post reviews on your website but if you want potential customers to find you, then getting reviews posted on review websites is also important. There are well known industry relevant sites like TripAdvisor, Yelp, Yellow Pages and then there are other platforms like Google, Yahoo, Bing and FaceBook which ensure that no company is immune from public review. Ensuring you have a correct listing is vital so you don’t miss out. Creating a link on your own site to industry sites is also worthwhile.

Basingstoke: 01256 707 070 | Burnley: 01282 776 776 | Stoke: 01782 648 300 | store.exertis.co.uk

THE

To buy online: store.exertis.co.uk

FUTURE

JUST ASK Finally, to the last point. How do you get more reviews? Ask. Or even better invite your customer to provide feedback on your service or the product they have bought. Customers don’t often feedback as a matter of course but asking them to share their experience is more likely to get a response. An email to prompt them while the experience is fresh in their mind can be very effective. Make it as easy as possible to leave a review on your site or point them to a review site where you are featured. If the process is cumbersome, the intention to review will dissipate. Ensuring your website is mobile friendly is just as important for reviews. Be sure you respond when a customer reviews. An acknowledgement, a thank you or an apology will be seen by other potential customers and indicate that you care. Rewarding your customers for making a positive review is not considered best practice. Some companies use that tactic but in some countries it’s illegal and some review sites don’t permit it in their terms.

DEALING WITH GOOD AND BAD REVIEWS As mentioned earlier, not all reviews are positive. However, it’s important to deal with the good and particularly the bad. First the good. If someone has taken the trouble to provide a review, then it’s equally important to acknowledge it and thank the reviewer. It may give you an opportunity to expand on a point they have made and make the review even more positive. Mentioning a particular point shows the customer that you have read and understood their comment. Make use of their comment and repurpose it for other marketing opportunities. Now the bad. All businesses get one at some stage. There will always be someone out there that you simply can’t please. It’s how you deal with it that matters. Think of it as an opportunity to improve. Take time to consider the criticism, a quick emotional response is likely to add to the problem. For some business owners, it may be something they were totally unaware of and can now address. Feedback in any form is useful, particularly if you have asked for it. Acknowledging a mistake and making amends can turn a dissatisﬁed customer into a happy customer and even promote a positive response. Contacting the customer can also help to resolve the issue quicker and take it out of a public debate. But a public apology for a mistake and the offer to make amends is the best policy in most cases.

64% 68% 92% 33% 73% 51% 94%

OF CONSUMERS WOULD READ ONLINE REVIEWS WHEN PURCHASING TECHNOLOGY ITEMS. OF CONSUMERS TRUST REVIEWS WHEN THEY SEE BOTH GOOD AND BAD SCORES. OF CONSUMERS NOW READ ONLINE REVIEWS. BELIEVE ALL LOCAL BUSINESS SHOULD HAVE WEBSITES DESIGNED FOR MOBILE. OF CONSUMERS FORM AN OPINION BY READING UP TO 6 REVIEWS. OF CONSUMERS WILL SELECT A LOCAL BUSINESS IF IT HAS POSITIVE REVIEWS. OF CONSUMERS WOULD USE A BUSINESS WITH A FOUR STAR RATING.

Stay productive and protected wherever work takes you. With a large 12.5â&#x20AC;? full HD display, detachable keyboard and business-class features of Windows 10 Pro, the lightweight and portable Linx 12X64 is the perfect tablet to keep your employees productive and your sensitive data protected. Full HD True widescreen. The crisp and clear 12.5â&#x20AC;? True widescreen display gives you more room to work over multiple applications for a seamless, productive experience.

Full-size connectivity. A full-size USB 3.0 gives you simple superspeed connectivity to all of your external devices and peripherals. No adaptors needed.

Virus protection. Windows Defender protects more computers against viruses, malware, and spyware than any other solution.

Pro

For more information, please contact your Exertis account manager today.

Exertis recommends Windows devices.

THE

To buy online: store.exertis.co.uk

FUTURE

GOING RUGGED?

IT’S A TOUGH

CHOICE Whilst we expect to be able to use a mobile device anywhere indoors and outdoors, the choice of which rugged device ultimately depends on circumstance. Moreover, it’s the environment which will dictate the degree of ruggedness required. Unfortunately, there are plenty of definitions of ruggedness which means more attention needs to be paid to the specifications. Those working in the military, blue light services, manufacturing or construction will require more durability and reliability than most remote workers, sportsmen or those in education. For instance, there is a difference between protection against the occasional fall or splash of water to failure in a critical environment. The specifications and requirements will be different according to the market. Whilst more expensive than standard devices, the total cost of ownership of a rugged device can be less. Broken mobile devices need to be replaced, failure means loss of productivity and communication. Most analysts agree that there has been a shift in form factor towards rugged smartphones and tablets as opposed to notebooks. So the choice of smartphone, tablet or notebook is a further consideration. According to research from VDC, the rugged smartphone market is expected to grow to around 6.4m units by 2020 up from 5.8m in 2016. The same analyst expects the rugged tablet market to expand from $589.7m in 2016 to $623.6m by 2020, bucking the trend in a declining tablet market. This data correlates with a survey conducted by Xplore and Intel which maintained that rugged tablets are still the first choice for a highly mobile workforce (64%). VDC estimates the rugged handheld and smartphone market to be worth approximately $5bn with Windows continuing to lose ground to Android as the operating system.

810G rating for water prooﬁng and protection against shock and vibration, heavy dust, high altitudes and humidity. Operationally, they are expected to perform at both ends of the temperature spectrum from 159 degrees to -40 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the Samsung Galaxy XCover 4 is one smartphone that meets that standard. Battery life is also likely to be a key factor. Some rugged smartphones stay operational two to three times longer than an ordinary smartphone and generally have better battery life than tablets and notebooks. Security features are also important with the user out in the ﬁeld as are requiring access to the work network or the Cloud and a secure means of communicating and accessing data.

MAKING A TOUGH CHOICE EASIER Thankfully, whatever your customer chooses, be it smartphone, notebook or tablet, Exertis can offer a solution. What’s more, we have a range of accessories from Otterbox, specifically for this market. For the toughest conditions, the Dell Latitude range provides the durability and reliability required. The Rugged Extreme version boasts the world’s first rugged flip-hinge display which converts the device seamlessly between a notebook and a tablet. The Acer Chromebook 14 for Work meets military standard requirements with a spillresistant keyboard with a drainage system that routes up to 330ml of liquids away from internal components. The reinforced top cover can withstand a downward force of up to 60kg, while the chassis can endure drops from heights of 122cm. In education, where shared access dictates a more robust proposition, the Acer Chromebook 11 N7 or the Acer TravelMate B117 are contenders along with the ASUS Chromebook C302 and C303.

For some users tablets and notebooks offer signiﬁcant advantages. Screen size for one with 10” and 12” devices popular where readability is an important criterion. For others, compatibility and familiarity with their operating system and other applications point to a preference for Windows based devices providing a single platform mobility solution. In Education, Chromebooks are a popular choice. Certainly, smartphones have advantages when it comes to size, weight and portability. Improvements in faster processing speeds, more storage capacity, more memory, larger screens with higher resolutions and better battery life make them a good choice for many working environments.

If Windows is your preferred operating system, then the Linx Tough Tab 8 tablet is designed to be used in a variety of extreme environments. Its IP67 certiﬁcation and impact protection can handle accidental drops, submersion in water up to a depth of 1m and dusty environments.

A common requirement for these devices is robustness. Many smartphones offer an ingress protection rating of at least IP67 which primarily provides resistance to damage from water and dust. Rugged tablets and notebooks are more likely to have the Mil-STD-

For smartphones, Samsung has just announced a new more durable version of its ﬂagship Galaxy S8 (the Galaxy S8 Active) with military grade speciﬁcations and a bigger more powerful battery. Going rugged is a tough choice, so speak to the experts at Exertis.

Make your phone your desktop with Samsung DeX.

Compatible with Note8, S8 and S8+ (sold separately). Monitor, mouse and keyboard required.

DeX enables you to create a desktop experience powered by your Galaxy Note8, S8 or S8+: A phone that can become a desktop DeX gives you a desktop in your pocket. Allowing you to work ‘full screen’ when you need to, all powered by your phone.

Pocket, dock it, desktop Go from phone to desktop in a click. Simply dock your phone and you’re in desktop mode.

Stay connected Answer calls, read texts and send messages while using DeX.

Contact your Exertis account manager for more information

BELKIN QODE™ ULTIMATE LITE KEYBOARD CASE for iPad Air & 9.7" iPad 2017

PART CODE: BELF5L192EABLK

LITE AS AIR The ultimate companion for your iPad or iPad Air, the Ultimate Lite Keyboard Case is thin and lightweight yet tough, durable, and packed with features. A fully protective case keeps you and your iPad truly mobile; a premium aluminium keyboard with well-spaced keys delivers an enhanced typing experience; and advanced power management features preserve battery life. Holding your iPad at the perfect viewing angle for typing, or switching easily to media mode for movies or presentations, it’s easy to use anywhere. Despite all that, it’s still incredibly thin and lightweight. BENEFITS MADE FOR iPad Designed specifically for iPad and iPad Air, the Ultimate Lite Keyboard Case is the perfect companion in every way: from the form-fitting protective case and aluminium finish keyboard, right down to its advanced power management features and lightweight,super-thin design.

THE PERFECT VIEWING ANGLE Secure magnets hold the iPad at the ideal angle to ensure maximum visibility for typing or watching movies. Plus, with a neat foldaway option for the keyboard in media mode, your iPad just got stronger, more mobile, and even more functional.

POWER MANAGEMENT Smart Sensing Technology and Autowake features turn the keyboard on and off when required, and put the iPad to sleep when not in use. This advanced power management means a keyboard battery life of up to six months between charges.

QODE FAMILY The Ultimate Lite Keyboard Case for iPad and iPad Air is the latest offering from QODE. As a result, it benefits from the careful design process applied to the rest of the QODE family, and a wealth of experience in this sector. Lightness, functionality, protection, durability, elegant design: these are the pillars of QODE keyboard cases, and are clear to see in our latest product.

PLEASE SPEAK TO YOUR EXERTIS ACCOUNT MANAGER TODAY

Exertis Premium Rewards Build up loyalty points that save you money by signing up to Exertis Premium Rewards today!

You’ll start accruing points from the moment you sign up, there’s nothing more to it! Each qualifying device earns 10 points (equivalent to £1*). At the end of each quarter we will send you an update with how many points you have accrued over the time period and what monetary value that equates to.

You then have two options: • E-voucher to spend on future computing orders with Exertis (100% of points value) • Credit on your Exertis account (80% of points value) We have loads of bonus point offerings running throughout the year on High-performing 7th Generation Intel® Core™ vPro™ processor devices that deliver productivity and performance fall whilst enabling maximum multitasking efﬁciency and up to 10 hours of unprecedented battery life. So keep your eyes peeled!

THE

To buy online: store.exertis.co.uk

FUTURE

WHO WILL WIN IN

CASHLESS PAYMENTS?

With more and more opportunities for cashless payments what mechanism will consumers choose as their preferred payment method? Will consumers continue to embrace cashless payments with their bank cards or use their mobile phone? According to new Barclaycard research, the amount UK shoppers are spending on contactless payments has jumped 34% since the start of 2017. The UK Cards Association maintain that a third of card payments are now contactless, up to 33% from 18% in May 2016 with a total of £4.5bn spent via contactless in May 2017, compared to £3.9bn in April 2017. Almost six in ten people now use contactless and Barclaycard expects contactless card spending to soar 300% by 2021. Adam Herson, director at Barclaycard Mobile Payments, said: “Our data shows that growth in contactless spending has been surging for several years, but this latest insight is particularly significant as it shows shoppers now prefer to pay with ‘touch and go’, with more than half of eligible transactions made this way. This saves shoppers valuable time at the check-out and makes buying goods and services far more convenient too.” That trend was supported by Richard Koch, head of finance at UK Finance, “With one in three card payments now contactless, it is clear consumers value the speed and convenience of this way to pay.” According to the UK Cash and Cash Machines 2017 report from UK Finance, cash payments now represent fewer than half of all UK payment transactions. Payment processor, Worldpay, calculates that UK total contactless spend may well double in 2017 reaching £10bn. Currently, the maximum a customer can spend in a contactless transaction is £30, but more than half of retailers want to see the limit increased. One in five retailers think the limit should be £100, although the average transaction is still under £10.

MOBILE PAYMENTS ON THE INCREASE Naturally, contactless payment by cards are the most common. However, Worldpay recently reported that UK mobile payment had accounted for £370m in the ﬁrst six months of 2017, a staggering 336% growth over last year. In-store transactions grew to 2.04% in June compared with 1.18% in December 2016. Overall, mobile payments account for 5.5% of all contactless payments in the UK. Considering the late entry into cashless payment by Android Pay and Samsung Pay alongside Apple Pay, the signs are that the phone will

also help drive the country to a cashless society. Worldpay noted a surge when Android Pay was announced last September. Supermarkets and grocery stores were the key locations for mobile payments accounting for 55% of the total spend so far in 2017 according to Worldpay. Analysis showed that the most popular items purchased via mobile were “meal deals” (54%), drinks and restaurant orders (20%) and pharmaceutical and beauty products (9%). Convenience being a key factor. Londoners have been the earliest and keenest adopters accounting for 28% of the UK total, a slight drop from 32% at the end of 2016, illustrating that it is becoming more geographically spread. Figures from Transport for London released in February reported that mobile payments made up 8% of all contactless journeys. Businesses and retail outlets that aren’t offering this service may well end up losing revenue as a result. Whilst there is still some way to go James Frost, Worldpay UK CMO, said “Mobile spending has shaken-off the novelty tag and is breaking its own spending records virtually every month….as people get more used to paying for goods on their smartphone, mobile’s ability to bridge more effectively across online and offline retail channels will increasingly threaten the future of the traditional payment card. Already more than half of UK shoppers say they’d happily leave their wallet at home and pay for everything on their smartphone instead… it’s easy to see why everyone from start-ups to tech giants is eager to have a stake in the technology.” Undoubtedly, it will be the consumer that decides if the card or the phone is the most convenient when it comes to making payments in everyday situations such as buying a sandwich or something in-store. Perhaps the added benefits of security with mobile phones with fingerprint identification and the fact that card details are encrypted will influence the decision. Sources and Acknowledgements: Worldpay, Barclaycard, UK Finance, UK Cards Association

Stay connected, wherever life takes you... With APC™ Mobile Power Packs, portable power for mobile devices. :DWFK YLGHRV RQ \RXU ÀLJKW IURP 1HZ <RUN WR 7RN\R RU OLVWHQ WR music during an outdoor adventure. The lightweight, compact design charges USB devices from cameras to smartphones and tablets. Mobile Power Packs by APC™ keep your mobile devices charged so you stay connected throughout life’s journeys. Trust the legendary reliability of APC while you’re on the go.

Features: 2 USB charging ports Charge smart devices on the go Full two-year warranty LED battery indicator Efficient charging Over-temperature protection

Contact your Exertis Account Manager today! North: 01782 648200 South: 01256 707070

Ultimate performance Powered by 7th Gen IntelÂŽ Coreâ&#x201E;˘ i7 processors, with 16GB of fast LPDDR3 RAM and an up to 512 SSD.

Ultimate typing experience

Ultimate convenience

Expandable with ASUS Pen

Exclusive metal-covered keyboard with class-leading 1.4mm key travel for unrivalled comfort.

Freely adjustable kickstand props the display securely up to an almost-horizontal 170o.

Finely tuned ASUS Pen with 1024 pressure levels for a natural drawing or handwriting feel.

Please contact your Exertis Account Manager for more information.

THE

FUTURE

MOBILE ATTACH

TOP 10

BELKIN VALET CHARGE DOCK FOR APPLE WATCH

RRP: £89.99 Colour: White Part Code: BELF8J200VFWHT

RRP: £42.99 Colour: Black Part Code: S10163051

TARGUS DUAL VIDEO UNIVERSAL DOCKING STATION WITH LAPTOP POWER

SAMSUNG GALAXY NOTE8 CASE - NOTE8 CLEAR VIEW STANDING COVER BLACK

A fast “One Touch” USB connection from laptop to work space peripherals at USB 3.0 Superspeed. Delivering superb picture quality for up to two external screens without any picture distortion.

The ofﬁcial Samsung case is the perfect way for users to keep their Galaxy Note8 smartphone protected whilst keeping updated with their notiﬁcations thanks to the clear view front cover.

RRP: £169.99 Colour: Black Part Code: TARACP71EUZA

RRP: £49.00 Colour: Black Part Code: S10169545

5 5

OTTERBOX POWER PACK 10,000 MAH

The power pack is dust and splash resistant with a convenient battery status indicator and provides high speed charging. The durable synthetic rubber exterior makes it great for the outdoors.

The dock features an integrated charger for the Apple Watch and uses the same magnetic technology as the Apple Watch charging cable, plus features an integrated Lightning connector for iPhone.

SAMSUNG DEX

Some things are easier on a desktop. Turn any place into a workspace by connecting the new Samsung Galaxy S8/S8+ to a monitor with the new Samsung DeX to create a full desktop experience. RRP: £129.99 Colour: Black Part Code: S10159221

PLANTRONICS- VOYAGER 5240 BLUETOOTH HEADSET INCLUDING CHARGING CASE

TARGUS CLASSIC 15.6 INCH CLAMSHELL NYLON

A case to carry notebooks with screens up to 15.6” with storage for essential mobile accessories and a padded lining to protect users’ laptop making it an ideal cost-effective case. RRP: £18.99 Colour: Black Part Code: TARTAR300

MICROSOFT LIFECHAT LX-6000 HEADSET

Specially designed for professionals who do not stop during the day and require a standard of audio quality that allows them to have conversations free from distortions in any environment.

This headset delivers whether your customers are on a crucial call or trying to meet deadlines in a distracting workplace. The stereo ultrawideband digital audio provides clear, acoustically accurate sound.

RRP: £139.99 Colour: Black Part Code: OS10158067

RRP: £41.37 Colour: Black Part code: 7XF-00001

MICROSOFT LIFECAM HD-3000 WEBCAM

This true HD camera gives users bright and colourful video, crystalclear audio and built-in unidirectional microphone with acoustic noise cancellation. This is perfect for all those all-important meetings.

Mobility

RRP: £29.99 Colour: Black Part Code: MST3H-00012

KENSINGTON VALUKEYBOARD

The Kensington Wired ValuKeyboard features a spill-proof sealed membrane design to resist coffee, water and other liquids. It offers reliable Plug & Play operation with a wired USB connection. RRP: £19.99 Colour: Black Part Code: KEN1500109

Let’s talk USB-C 5 Things You Should Know

Let’s Talk Targus

universal docking station vendor and the only vendor with universal powered docks

Targus has 30 years YEARS

experience in workspace solutions

Safe USB Power Delivery All Targus USB solutions are built around the latest USB Power Delivery Standard Targus solutions will support organisations as they transition to USB-C over the coming years: from universal power today to tomorrow’s hybrid cables and adapters towards pure USB-C solutions in the future.

USB-C: NOT JUST ANOTHER USB PORT It’s small & reversible No more frustrating second attempts at plugging in your USB memory stick. This smaller, reversible connector also allows manufacturers to make smaller devices.

It’s powerful Because it delivers up to 100W at 20V it can power a huge range of devices, from phones and tablets to 4K monitors and printers.

It’s backwards compatible Using the right adapters, USB-C is compatible with all previous USB data speeds and ports.

It’s super speedy Enjoy data transfer rates of 5Gbps (USB 3.1 Gen 1 protocol) or 10Gbps (USB 3.1 Gen 2).

It’s 4K video friendly It can already replace HDMI or DisplayPort cables (adapters may be required). And it will charge your laptop at the same time, all through one cable.

Targus is redeﬁning how today’s mobile workspaces ﬂow and connect, making them effortlessly productive, engaging and secure.

Contact your Exertis account manager about Universal Docking Solutions, and how we can help organisations empower, protect and connect with Targus USB-C range