FOR THE UK’S PC & TECH COMMUNITY • No. 154 • JULY 2016
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23 Computex review We ask resellers what they think of all the announcements
26 The big interview Kaspersky Lab’s head of UK retail sales David Mole talks security
32 30 Under 30 PCR’s annual list of emerging talent and channel innovators
No. 154 • JULY 2016 COMPUTER & IT RESELLERS z RETAILERS z SYSTEM BUILDERS z DISTRIBUTORS z VENDORS
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INSPIRING A GENERATION As the back to school period approaches, can the channel close the skills gap?
18
AS SCHOOLS prepare to break up for the summer, IT resellers, retailers, vendors and distributors are ready for the back to school sales rush. But this year, things are different. The IT skills gap is still a problem for many employers,
meaning the tech supplied to educational establishments will not only help children learn key IT and coding skills, but inspire them to choose a career in our dynamic and exciting industry. In this issue, PCR takes a closer look at the key back to
school sales period, from the trends, challenges and opportunities facing channel businesses, to the latest products and services schools are looking for, as well as comment and opinion from industry figures.
Read our analysis on page six, comment on page 14, indepth feature on page 18 and sector guide on page 44. We also ask whether schools should be teching kids how to build and fix PCs over on page 20.
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CONTENTS & COMMENT
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MEET THE TEAM Dominic Sacco Editor
CONTENTS
COMMENT
REGULARS
The next generation
6
Analysis: Channel
prepares for back to school
dsacco@nbmedia.com @Dom_Sacco
7
Analysis: Can tablet sales
return to growth? 8
Analysis: Infosec Europe
10 Number crunching 13 Appointments Laura Barnes Online Editor
13 Events
lbarnes@nbmedia.com
14 Opinion
@RoraDrum
17 PCR Trader Trust: Why Bing banned tech support ads 42 Reseller Profile: Netitude 42 Gaming column: Consoles
BACK TO school is one of the most important sales periods in the IT channel, but this year it feels more significant than usual. The revised curriculum introduced two years ago brought coding to the classroom, giving resellers new types of products to focus on, from robotics to mini-computers. At the same time, teachers and pupils continued to adopt more portable computers, from tablets to convertibles. This trend has developed, with fresh demand for smaller form factor PCs, all-in-ones and even higher-powered systems for more creative work. System builder Zoostorm has reported a rise in sales of those systems to schools – you can read more about that in our education analysis on page six, as well as details of additional credit from Tech Data and Dell’s push into Currys/PC World in time for the school break.
eye virtual reality crown
Sarah Goldhawk Account Manager sgoldhawk@nbmedia.com
43 Retailer of the Month: Eclipse Computers
@sarzgoldhawk
FEATURES
“Resellers have the opportunity to be a part of something bigger than just another back to school period – they can help inspire the next generation of IT experts.”
18 Making the most of the back to school period Dan Bennett Designer
20 Should schools teach
dbennett@nbmedia.com
system building? 23 Computex 2016 review 26 The Big Interview: David Mole, Kaspersky Lab 30 How HyperX cracked the
Jason Dowie Production Executive jdowie@nbmedia.com
gaming market 32 30 Under 30 40 Terra and Synaxon events
PRODUCTS 44 Back to School tech 50 Monitors and TVs Andrew Wooden Interactive Entertainment Content Director
55 Recommended products: Computex Special
awooden@nbmedia.com @pcr_online
OUT OF OFFICE 64 In The Hot Seat: Estelle Editorial: 01992 515306 Advertising: 0207 354 6000 NewBay Media is a member of the Periodical Publishers Associations
Incorporating
Johannes, CompTIA 65 Industry Tweets 66 Team of the Month: Dell’s UK retail team
ISSN: 1742-8440 www.pcr-online.biz
Aside from these developments, the IT skills gap is still a real issue. A friend of mine is a specialist software developer, who, after posting an update online saying he was looking for a new job, was inundated with offers from different companies. They were throwing themselves at him and offering all kinds of incentives, simply because there aren’t enough people with specific IT skills available. The children in school today that are working online, coding and growing up among the digital generation – who will hopefully fill that skills gap in years to come – can really prosper with the right IT infrastructure and setup at their school. On that note, IT resellers have the opportunity to be a part of something bigger than just another back to school period – they can help provide for and inspire the next generation of IT experts that will shape our channel for decades to come. As well as this, should schools be teaching kids how to actually build and repair PCs? We explore that issue on page 20. Speaking of talented youngsters, we’ve put together our annual 30 Under 30 list of rising stars in the UK IT channel, over on page 32. Finally, don’t forget to check out our education opinion pieces on page 14, a more in-depth feature on page 18 and the latest back to school products to stock on page 44. Dominic Sacco, Editor dsacco@nbmedia.com
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Channel ready for busy back to school period Tech Data is offering £150m in additional credit, Dell has signed a deal with Currys/PC World and dealers are getting ready for new school demands. Dominic Sacco looks at how the back to school market is still as important as ever…
The likes of Tech Data MD Andy Gass (left) and Dell UK’s Jamil Nathoo (right) are preparing for the back to school rush
IT BUSINESSES are preparing for the annual back to school spending rush, as educational establishments close in July for the summer break. While this has always been an important selling period in the IT trade calendar, this year it seems even more significant than usual. Distributor Tech Data is providing more than 4,000 of its customers with additional credit (in excess of £150 million) to help them drive sales growth. It’s also providing extended payment terms to resellers targeting the education sector with audiovisual solutions, as schools upgrade their classrooms and infrastructure during the summer holidays. The firm revealed that during the months of June and July, 50 per cent or more of orders from education are made up of products sold by Maverick,
6 | PCR July 2016
Tech Data’s specialist audiovisual business Andy Gass, MD at Tech Data UK and Ireland, says: “Tech Data puts the customer first and this is a great example how we are doing more to help them grow their business. The extended payment terms will give public sector-focused resellers the chance to maximise their potential in the peak buying period for education.” Elsewhere, Dell has signed an agreement with Currys/PC World, which will stock the Dell XPS, Inspiron and Alienware ranges in its stores “to bring further choice to customers, particularly in the lead up to the back to school period”. In addition, system builder Zoostorm says it’s seeing a rise in demand for certain products from schools. Mark Wallwork, head of B2B at Zoostorm, tells PCR: “A
“The future of IT in education is very exciting. The introduction of VR to the wider masses and the reduction in cost of the equipment makes this a space to watch.” Mark Wallwork, Zoostorm
larger commitment from schools in ICT has led to increased interest in student admission and therefore larger class sizes. “Larger class sizes demand quieter devices with smaller footprints and improved efficiency. This has led to a dramatic increase in ultrasmall form factor systems with solid state drives, allowing suites to have more PCs in the same classroom with less noise and heat but with increased performance. “It has also breathed new life in to the traditional all-inone PC systems with their increased power and efficiency, seeing a rise in units ordered year on year. “The rise in the number of Academies is leading to a more varied curriculum. This is in turn leading to a rise in demand for higher powered systems capable of crunching large amounts of data and
handling design work.” He adds: “There is pressure on schools to use equipment for much longer than they used to. A few years ago they were happy with a three-year lifecycle but now they are on five-year or even seven-year refresh cycles so they want to see equipment that is built to last and has a warranty to match. “All in all, the future of IT in education is very exciting. The introduction of VR to the wider masses and the reduction in cost of the equipment, coupled with the commitment from vendors such as Intel to include VR ready CPUs across their stack, makes this a space to watch and get involved. Are virtual classrooms just around the corner? Time will tell.” Read more about the back to school period in our opinion section on page 14 and our feature on page 18.
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Can tablet sales return to growth?
News Bytes MAJORS URGED TO OFFER LIVING WAGE Scottish computer repair chain SimplyFixIt is now paying staff the Living Wage. Scott Wilkinson, the firm’s business development manager said: “We hope to see the tech big boys follow suit. If a company like ours – with eight shops and 35 staff – can do this, it would be heartening to see the likes of Apple and PC World also support the Living Wage.”
RAKUTEN TO CLOSE Retail marketplace Rakuten. co.uk has told sellers that it is considering plans to close. Rakuten has started to talk with employees around the closure of both the operation and the Cambridge office, and it anticipates the marketplace will no longer accept new purchases after the end of August 2016.
Industry analyst IDC expects a rebound in two years, with detachables set to make up one third of the PC market by 2020. Dominic Sacco explores the state of the challenged tablet category… THERE’S NO denying that the tablet boom is over, but some analysts expect the sector to see a resurgence in the coming years. Global tablet shipments are expected to decline in 2016 for the second straight year, dropping 9.6 per cent compared to 2015 volumes, according to IDC. But after a few more years of decline, IDC expects a ‘slight rebound’ in 2018, driven by detachable tablet growth. The detachable category currently accounts for around 16 per cent of the PC market – and IDC reckons it will jump to almost a third (31 per cent) in 2020. IDC also estimates that more than 100
million slate tablets will ship annually through to 2020. The main driver for this is the low cost associated with smaller screen slate devices. Slate tablets with screen sizes less than nine inches had an average selling price of $183 in 2015 and IDC expects this to decline to $157 in 2020. The likes of Dell, Acer and ASUS showcased new detachable devices at the recent Computex show, driving new innovation in the category (see page 23 for retailer reaction and page 55 for our product roundup). With more vendors focusing on this segment, this has resulted in increased product offerings.
Many traditional PC manufacturers have assumed the detachable category to be a natural extension of the PC market and perhaps assumed it would be theirs to capture, but they are competing with a slew of new manufacturers that have created their market from smartphone and slate tablet growth. “The detachable tablet segment is also considered by some manufacturers, like Apple, as a way to spur replacement cycles of the existing slate tablet installed base,” says IDC tablets research director Jean Philippe Bouchard. “One reason why the slate tablet market is experiencing a
decline is because end users don’t have a good enough reason to replace them, and that’s why productivitycentric devices like detachable tablets are considered replacement devices for high-end larger slate tablets.” Ryan Reith, program VP at IDC’s Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Device Trackers, adds: “In many emerging markets the only computing device for many will be a mobile device, whether that is a small screen tablet, smartphone, or both. This is the main reason why, despite all the hype that the detachable category receives, we believe cheaper slate tablets fill an important void.”
‘Tough decisions’ ahead as Enta trims categories IT DISTRIBUTOR Entatech has cut its product divisions from nine to four as it continues to evolve and adapt. Its brands will now fall into the following areas: PC Components & Gaming, Systems & Peripherals, Networking & Connected Home, and Retail & Software. While Enta has announced new distribution partnerships
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in recent months, like its deal with software vendor SoftMaker, its long-running partnership with Fujitsu has come to a close. It has also devised a series of campaigns to share its vision with resellers. These will run on its new website at Entaonline. com and through webinars. “My vision with Entatech is to drastically sharpen the
focus and only compete in areas where we have a significant and demonstrable competence in the eyes of the customer,” said MD Dave Stevinson. “I believe what we don’t do is currently more important than what we are doing – and that will involve some very tough decisions.” These are the latest developments at Entagroup,
following the launch of its white label cloud service Entacloud, and other divisions such as Entadata. In February, Enta settled a court case between its former owner’s business Changtel Solutions and HMRC. It also passed ownership to Stevinson Capital Limited - a company fundamentally controlled by Dave Stevinson.
RECORD TURNOVER AT SENNHEISER The Sennheiser Group has reported record turnover for its fiscal 2015. Total turnover rose by 7.5 per cent to €682.2 million, while profit before taxes was €30.3 million.
MICROSOFT SET TO ACQUIRE LINKEDIN Microsoft has announced it will acquire online business network LinkedIn in a deal worth $26.2 billion. The companies said in a joint statement that LinkedIn ‘will retain its distinct brand, culture and independence’. Jeff Weiner will remain CEO of LinkedIn, reporting to Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft.
DRAM PRICES TO STABILIZE The DRAM market is in the midst of a long-term slump and the average contract selling price has suffered 19 consecutive months of decline. DRAMeXchange, a division of TrendForce, reports that suppliers are ‘under enormous cost pressure’, but predicts that market demand will pick up in the third quarter.
HYPERX IN HIGH STREET RETAIL PUSH Kingston’s PC gaming hardware brand HyperX has partnered with Maplin as part of a new retail strategy. The electronics chain will become the first HyperX peripherals retail partner in the UK, starting in 124 stores.
PCR July 2016| 7
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Infosec Europe 2016 highlights need for greater education in security space The security event at London’s Olympia offered attendees a chance to learn about the biggest threats out there, with this year having a stronger focus on educating customers. Laura Barnes rounds up the key info from the show… INFOSECURITY EUROPE was back for another jam-packed show in London in June, with the three-day event featuring a host of vendors and service providers from across the security sector. As always, the show offered attendees a chance to learn about the biggest security threats and the latest products and services to combat them. PCR went along to London’s Olympia to chat to exhibitors about some of the biggest challenges they’re facing in the security industry right now – and what they think the future of the threat landscape looks like. We noticed that the theme of better educating consumers and businesses about security risks was prominent this year. “In the past there’s been a lot of talk about the latest threat or exploit, and what was the new defence. But this year there’s a lot more strategic thinking about security,” Blue Coat’s director of security strategy Robert Arandjelovic told PCR. “People are thinking more at a 8 | PCR July 2016
strategic level and not thinking at a product level anymore. That’s really good to see and it’s definitely the way forward.” After detailing how people are buying DIY ransomware kits – which means anyone can fill out a few forms, press a button and have their own strain of ransomware – Bitdefender’s senior e-threat analyst Bogdan Botezatu revealed that ransomware hackers are making around $1 billion every six months. “Now our mission is not just to protect and prevent the infection, but to educate the user about what to do when they fall victim to ransom,” said Botezatu. “What we’re trying to make people understand is that backups are critical. If your computer has fallen victim to ransomware, you can restore from backup and get all your information back – and you wont’t help the cybercriminals earn their money. “Ransomware businesses will end when they’re not making enough money. If they become unfeasible they
“Our mission is not just to protect and prevent the infection, but to educate the user about what to do when they fall victim to ransom.” Bogdan Botezatu, Bitdefender
go away. It’s very simple,” he said. This echoes the views of Kapsersky’s new head of retail, David Mole. “We as an organisation – and we as an industry – need to do a better job of educating consumers,” said Mole during this issue’s ‘Big Interview’ on page 26. “Consumers need to understand what malware is and what phishing is. One of the objectives for us is to turn that terminology into a more consumer friendly thing.” Back to Infosec 2016, some of the other hot topics were future trends and the Internet of Things. Darktrace’s director of cyber security Philippa Cogswell told PCR that she thinks more vendors should build better security directly into their IoT and connected home products. “I do think security should be built into things and should be part of the process of designing things. It’s a concern for everybody,” said Cogswell. “IoT and the connected home is an interesting one.
That’s an area where good built-in security is very important.” Charles Reed, director of OneLogin, told us that he believes more companies will be moving to cloudonly environments in the near future. “Over the coming years, we’re going to see companies of all sizes getting rid of their on-premise directory and just going on the cloud,” said Reed. “Ultimately, where possible, businesses will just buy a cloud service that they don’t have to look after, and just use it as they need it.” Bitdefender’s Botezatu predicted that in the near future we will see malware move away from computers and start to target medical appliances. “How would you like your pacemaker to be held at ransom and if you don’t hand over the money, you can’t use it? Or worse, the hackers could misuse it.” If that terrifying thought doesn’t force you to get clued up on cyber security, we don’t know what will. www.pcr-online.biz
STATS
Number
crunching 256 GB
A round-up of the most important stats and facts in the tech channel…
$362bn Spend on digital retail marketing is set to increase from $174 billion in 2015 to $362.1 billion by 2020. (Juniper Research)
Apple is expected to raise the maximum storage capacity of its next iPhone to 256GB, which will likely boost the NAND Flash market. (TrendForce)
1,850
44.7%
Microsoft is ‘streamlining’ its smartphone hardware business, which will impact up to 1,850 jobs. (Microsoft)
Western European shipments of ultraslim convertibles and detachables rose by 44.7 per cent in Q1 2016. (IDC)
443,920 Kaspersky solutions protected almost half a million users and corporate customers worldwide from crypto-ransomware last year. (Kaspersky Lab)
10 | PCR July 2016
10m By the end of 2016 there will be more than 10 million wearable devices in use in the UK. (CCS Insight)
PC gaming brand ASUS Republic of Gamers celebrated its 10th anniversary at Computex with a new hardware line-up. (ASUS)
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Our promise to you. VIP will always deal with you professionally and courteously | VIP will never leave you with a problem of our own making VIP will always be informative in our communications | VIP will look to support you and grow your business VIP will help educate you about our channel | VIP will always be fair to you VIP will always be competitive on price Not kept our promise? Please tell us because your feedback will help us to deliver a better service. You can speak directly to our Managing Director, Rich Marsden on 07554 455 439 or rich.marsden@vip-computers.co.uk
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PEOPLE & EVENTS
Ingram’s former UK boss returns INGRAM MICRO: The distributor has appointed MATT SANDERSON as country chief executive for the UK and Ireland. Sanderson previously held this role between 2010 and 2013, before becoming VP and MD at Ingram Micro Australia. He replaces outgoing UK boss BRENT TECH DATA: The supplier has made a number of changes to its consumer electronics product management and retail account management teams. ROSS TURNER moves across from the PC Systems division to become head of consumer business development and TERESA CLUB3D: MARCEL VAN STEIJN has replaced GERJAN BLONET as the UK sales executive at graphics card and accessory vendor Club3D. As well as the UK, he is also responsible for sales in the Netherlands, Belgium and the Nordics. “I am looking forward to having a sales focus on the UK EXPONENTIAL-E: The cloud provider has grown its channel sales management team with LIAM MONTAGUE and DAVID YATES becoming channel sales team leaders. Montague will be responsible for expanding and building Exponential-e’s relationships with partners of all sizes, and heading up the THE CHANGE ORGANISATION: The distributor has appointed ADRIAN BARNARD as its new CEO. “I wanted to become a fundamental member of The Change Organisation as it is a great opportunity to work with a first-class firm staffed by first-class people.
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EVENTS The UK’s channel calendar is full of important events. Here are some highlights for upcoming dates…
Matt Sanderson
MCCARTY, who is returning to the US to lead Ingram’s global sales initiative. “For 40 months, Brent has successfully led a unified strategy across all four business units in a complex market and closed the acquisition of Comms-care,” the distributor said in a statement.
Mark Glasspool
JOHNSTON has taken up the role of smart home business development manager (BDM). They join MICHAEL CAIN, BDM for wearables, and A.J. WILES, BDM for print and supplies in the consumer electronics team, under MARK GLASSPOOL, director of consumer product marketing at Tech Data.
Marcel Van Steijn
territory,” he told PCR. “With USB3.1 Gen2 and Thunderbold3 coming into the market with the USB Type C connector, there will be many questions about compatibility, as well as demand for quality products that are able to support the features that come along with it.”
TARGET OPEN DAY 2016
Liam and David
team’s sales strategy. Yates will be leading the development of the channel referral team. “Exponential-e’s sales academy gave me a unique platform to work with an ambitious team and develop a strong career vision that matches my personal goals,” said Montague. “It’s my ambition to increase the sales margins and reshape the sales structure of this superb company to help raise its profile by introducing it to the wider customer-base it deserves,” said Barnard, who founded ICT firms Modern Communications and Prime Networks.
FUTUREFEST 2016
Adrian Barnard
5G WORLD Olympia, London JUNE 29TH – 30TH With Long Term Evolution (LTE) now deployed in nearly every major market, operators, vendors and consumers are already looking to 5G to help deliver the services expected in 2020 and beyond. 5G World 2016 will bring together telecom operators, solution providers and IoT specialists to help evolve networks.
VIRTUAL REALITY FOR GLOBAL BRANDS London JUNE 30TH Virtual Reality for Global Brands is an event designed to bring together top names in branding, marketing and customer engagement from a range of industries to tackle the biggest questions of how to utilise VR, AR and immersive technology.
MICROSOFT WORLDWIDE PARTNER CONFERENCE Toronto, Canada JULY 10TH – 14TH The Worldwide Partner Conference brings together more than 15,000 attendees from around the globe for a week of networking and learning – all with the goal of increasing partner profitability and accelerating business growth.
Cedar Court Hotel, Bradford SEPTEMBER 16TH Following three years at The Village Hotel in Leeds, Target Component’s 2016 Open Day has moved to larger facilities at The Cedar Court Hotel in Bradford. Managing director Paul Cubbage says the move comes to facilitate an extended exhibition and training programme.
Tobacco Dock, London SEPTEMBER 17TH – 18TH FutureFest is a weekend festival of ideas, talks and interactive performances aimed at inspiring people to change the future. The weekend festival will be full of immersive experiences, performances and radical speakers to excite and challenge perceptions of the future.
PCR July 2016 | 13
OPINION
Protecting pupils New tech from digital dangers adoption is key BullGuard says the rise of technology has done nothing to ease the pressure of the ‘back to school’ period. Head of global sales Steve Hicks advises how to get schools and parents to keep their tech in check… day parents and their children. MOST MODERN schools are on board The UK Government’s National with the benefits of technology in Education Network outlines 10 education. Studies from the British important steps to protect a school’s Education Suppliers Association network, including: (BESA) suggest that pupils in England Q Ensuring a firewall is in place, as could miss out if schools have well as filters for malicious and inadequate Wi-Fi, parents get peace inappropriate content. of mind from being able to stay in Q Technical protection to detect and touch, and kids can manage the peerprevent malware and malicious code. pressure attached to having their very Q Protection against sources such as own smartphone. email attachments, social media and Technology may bring with it malicious websites. concerns around the ‘dark side’ of the Q Control over the use of removable online world, but this is an devices such as flash drives that could opportunity for retailers to shine, spread malware. This is another offering invaluable advice on how to opportunity for retailers to seek protect schools, parents and their opportunities to help. children from digital dangers. Security software Children have a with identity and penchant for being social media inquisitive and are far “Children have a protection can more likely to run into penchant for monitor the use of trouble online. being inquisitive websites and flag Alongside antivirus protection, parental and are far more inappropriate content, and with malware controls on a likely to run into protection and tools smartphone allow like safe browsing and parents to monitor trouble online.” messages, calls, Steve Hicks, a spamfilter, schools photos and installed BullGuard can tick many of these boxes in one go. apps. Devices can also Tablets used in classrooms can also be remotely located, locked or wiped. benefit from parental controls to With children now using a home monitor behaviour and antivirus. computer for schoolwork, this also Schools can benefit hugely from data needs to be well protected, virus-free backup too – automating backups for and offer parents a degree of control. children’s work can avoid headaches A security suite can protect against and simplify scenarios where a tablet viruses, offer powerful parental may need to be ‘wiped’ to provide a controls, a spamfilter and a safe new class with a clean slate. browsing component to prevent The digital revolution means families from stumbling across there’s even more to do to prepare for malicious websites. a new term, but by providing These are all opportunities for retailers to help educate and inform in assistance at each stage, retailers can win valuable customers and help areas of digital security that could relieve the stress of the school year. pose very real problems for modernSteve Hicks is BullGuard’s head of global sales. www.bullguard.co.uk
14 | PCR July 2016
The education sector offers PC and tech providers a chance to grow and diversify business, says Richard Picking, international marketing director at specialist supplier Gratnells… functional products. Companies THE RISE of technology has brought with a smart, responsive approach power, data, control, order and to business and an in-depth increased efficiency to commercial knowledge of the education sector organisations both large and small. are reacting to this rapidly growing Schools and colleges, increasingly demand. Gratnells, for example, has subject to the same kind of financial applied its expertise in providing accountability and with storage systems, good order and considerably more freedom to management of physical space to operate than before, now represent this area. a new opportunity for tech Products such as PowerTrays and suppliers. One way to take PowerTrolleys continuously analyse advantage of this is for education the appetite for power from digital market specialists to partner with devices, responding with an experts in new technologies. optimised rate of charge and For those who remember the syncing between them to produce a introduction of the whiteboard, complete management system, considered a revolutionary event in besides offering its time, the current secure, efficient rate of adoption of storage and new technologies “The iPad availability. in schools must be Where the a matter of wonder. enabled students technical skillset of The launch of the and teachers to students often iPad in 2010 surpasses that of the enabled students create unique and and teachers to opportunities for teachers lecturers, the need for create unique learning.” elements of good opportunities for personal learning at Richard Picking, stewardship and every level. Tablets Gratnells control remain paramount. Product have become a innovations such as these deliver all bridge of information and today’s the benefits of digital resources children are born into a world of while retaining proper ‘digital immersion’ through the accountability for equipment, along power of touch, motion and sound. with ‘regulated’ access and BBC reported in 2014 on a study of guaranteed readiness of the devices. new technology use in 671 state Where insightful marketing can and independent schools – almost be allied to high quality product 70 per cent were regularly using tablets and numbers were predicted development, the education sector is ripe for providers to to more than double between 2014 expand and grow their business, and 2016, from 430,000 to 900,000. delivering the benefits of the digital As large groups of learners gather revolution to a group of eager and the ubiquitous availability of phone, tablets and data loggers, this creates willing users who will become tomorrow’s consumers. a market for ancillary, storage and Richard Picking is international marketing director at specialist supplier Gratnells. www.gratnells.com
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OPINION
The demand for robust networks Paul Routledge, D-Link’s UK and Ireland country manager, argues why it’s essential for schools to invest in the best network possible…
as a result, the school now plays host CREATING a dependable wireless to over 200 connected devices. To network to accommodate the manage this sheer volume and traffic, exponential growth in devices and Wincheap upgraded every aspect of applications is vital in education. its wireless network, resulting in Ease of use is important too, as greater speeds that helped to ease teachers don’t particularly want to congestion and allow more devices to have to worry about the wireless be connected seamlessly. network and its technicalities, other Meanwhile, in Tower Hamlets, than turning it on and knowing it will Culloden Primary School required a be reliable for a class of up to 30 scalable and future-proof network pupils. They want a school’s wireless due to an expanding local population network to run seamlessly, utilised and an increased demand in school without a second thought, so places. In similar circumstances to anything that IT experts can do to Wincheap, the growing number of make the whole process as seamless devices (including 200 desktops and as possible is welcomed. over 400 laptops) resulted in the For this reason it is essential for school needing a complete overhaul schools to invest in the best network of its existing wireless possible. Not only is network. ‘Bring Your Own “The demands Since the school’s Device’ becoming network has been more prevalent in and needs of upgraded, there schools, but also the students are now have been significant demands and needs benefits to the of students are now more strenuous children’s learning more strenuous on a on a school’s experience and it school’s wireless network, what with wireless network.” has resulted in both homework now often Paul Routledge, staff and pupils being able to access set online, the use of D-Link resources far quicker. student portals and Maintaining a reliable and fast the ability for students and teachers network within a school has now to connect via the network. This become a fundamental factor in requirement of large amounts of data creating the optimum learning being shared across the network is environment. To ensure this, it’s key reliant on a solid infrastructure at the to have the correct infrastructure in core, which can cope with the place when it comes to cabling, number of devices connecting to it switching and access points. With the (without impacting the connectivity influence of BYOD in schools set to and speed of the Wi-Fi). grow alongside the demand for The work D-Link carried out at digital learning, it’s no wonder why Canterbury-based Wincheap it’s essential for schools to implement Foundation Primary School is a good a robust and reliable network, example. Electronic learning has which presents a major opportunity gradually become more embedded for dealers. within the learning environment, and Paul Routledge is D-Link’s UK and Ireland country manager. www.dlink.com/uk
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E-safety in the classroom The lack of clarity around online safety best practice is putting teachers in a tricky situation, says Nick Shaw, Norton’s EME VP of sales and marketing… Become an expert. If a school ALTHOUGH teachers, parents, doesn’t have funding in place to school governing bodies, Ofsted support e-safety training, there are and central Government have all plenty of free resources online to been looking to lead the charge help them and their colleagues when it comes to e-safety education, make sense of online safety. Get Safe as of yet no one party has taken Online and Cyber Street Wise are just formal ownership of the issue. a few of the organisations we have Currently, e-safety education been working with to help teachers remains a grey area in schools. And instill a culture of e-safety education this lack of clarity around online in the classroom. safety best practice is putting teachers in a tricky situation, both Change their perception of the when it comes to meeting the online world. Children often technology and IT guidelines of the struggle to see the implications or new curriculum, and also keeping severity of their actions online – one children safe and secure on these example of this is cyber-bullying. It’s connected devices. important you encourage pupils to Until a time comes when a view the online world unified approach to as an extension of e-safety education “The lack of their real world. This is adopted, it’s means anything they important that clarity around wouldn’t do or say in teachers in the UK online safety is the real world they take responsibility for installing a putting teachers shouldn’t be doing online. To help culture of online change perceptions, safety education in in a tricky get them to asking their classroom. If situation.” you’re unsure how Nick Shaw, themselves the to go about doing Norton following questions: Would I do or say this this, our top tips in the school playground? Would I below are a good place to start. share this information or secret with my friends? Educate children about the internet. It sounds simple but Keep security software up to educating pupils about the internet date. When setting up a classroom, is step one in making sure they make sure all devices that allow remain safe when online. Setting pupils access to the internet – simple ground rules about the smartphones, tablets and PCs – dangers of clicking on suspicious are equipped with age-appropriate links, oversharing and talking to security software and privacy strangers online – in the same way filters. With multiple threats now that teachers would set boundaries facing children online, it’s about general behaviour in the important to adopt the right level classroom – will help pupils with of security software. online etiquette. Nick Shaw is Norton’s EME vice president of sales and marketing. uk.norton.com
PCR July 2016 | 15
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Bing’s blanket ban on third-party tech support ads causes upset Was it wise for Bing to ban all third-party tech support advertisements, regardless of how legitimate some are? Laura Barnes breaks down the reasons behind the move and why one businesses is calling the decision ‘idiotic’… IN MAY, Microsoft announced changes to its Bing ad policy, revealing that all third-party tech support adverts are now banned – whether they are from legitimate firms or not. Microsoft claims that most of the ads for third-party tech support are actually scams. It seems that the percentage is so high, that it is easier to get rid of them all, rather than dealing with each individual case. The official revision states: “Bing Ads disallows the promotion of third-party online technical support services to consumers because of serious quality issues that can impact end user safety.” Microsoft has stated that the policy change reflects the firm’s commitment to ‘lead the industry in providing a safer experience for all of our end users, including populations most vulnerable to online scams and other fraud activities’. Bing has reported that in 2015, it rejected 250 million ads, blocked 50,000 sites and banned 150,000 advertisers. Out of all those figures, more than 15 million adverts and 25,000 sites were
“All this policy will do is force people to become more dependent on Google.” 4CornerNetworks blocked for third-party tech support scams. While the firm believes that the blanket ban ‘will provide a safer online experience for advertisers and users alike’, what does this mean for legitimate third-party businesses, to whom online advertising is an important part of their strategy? Following PCR’s original coverage of the blanket ban, third-party support firm
4CornerNetworks got in touch to express its thoughts on the matter. “We find the move from Bing idiotic. There are hundreds and thousands of genuine tech support providers ranging from small IT consultancies to multivendor and ICT providers,” 4CornerNetworks told PCR. The firm detailed how its own PPC campaigns were stopped when the ban was
enforced, all of which 4CornerNetworks stresses were 100 per cent genuine and legal adverts. “The blanket ban highlights utter laziness from Bing to implement its policy sensibly,” said the company. “Considering Bing Ads are inferior to Google AdWords, they cannot afford to implement this blanket and discriminatory ban. The level of service we provide is exceptional and we have dozens and dozens of happy clients to prove it. “All this policy will do is force people to become more dependent on Google, thus diluting the Bing brand
in a competitive search marketing field,” concluded 4CornerNetworks. PCR’s Trader Trust campaign aims to promote fairness in the channel, but while we agree that helping vulnerable technology users avoid the huge amount of tech support scams that plague the internet, is it really fair to tarnish all thirdparty support firms with the same brush? If we don’t try to weed out the bad guys and shine a light on the good guys, we may find legitimate businesses moving into other areas of the market, and possibly leaving it all together.
The problem with big brand bloatware AFTER SECURITY researchers discovered vulnerabilities in a number of popular laptops, some are questioning whether vendors should take a look at their selfadvertising ‘bloatware’. Duo Security found that laptops from the likes of HP, Acer, Dell, Asus and Lenovo contained flaws allowing
hackers to hijack and compromise the devices in under 10 minutes. All the laptops tested came with automatic updaters developed by the manufacturers to update system drivers or the BIOs, as well as bloatware. The researchers discovered that every single
manufacturer’s updater had security vulnerabilities that could potentially put millions of consumers at risk. Following the discovery, Lee Munson, security researcher for Comparitech. com, had the following to say about ‘bloatware’ pre-loaded onto commercial PCs and
laptops: “For the most part, vendors install bloatware for one of two reasons – to market their own products and services, or to make money from third parties. “Whether any of it is useful is a matter of opinion but one thing I would say is that, however annoying and potentially risky it may be, it
helps keep PC manufacturing costs down. “As for whether vendors should be installing bloatware, I’d say ‘no’ on account of the fact that it can pose a security risk, plus the sheer annoyance of it and the impact it can have on a system’s speed and storage space.”
PCR Trader Trust is a campaign designed to promote fair practices in the channel. Email PCR editor Dominic Sacco at dsacco@nbmedia.com or online editor Laura Barnes at lbarnes@nbmedia.com with any stories or data you can share.
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PCR July 2016 | 17
BACK TO SCHOOL
How to get an A+ when As schools and colleges start their summer buying, PCR looks at the key trends in educational IT procurement…
P
upils and students might be starting to sense the long summer holiday approaching (despite being given precious little clue by the weather), but their schools and colleges are already planning, and buying for the next academic year starting in September. Education is a huge opportunity for IT vendors, distributors and resellers, given the role that ICT plays in both supporting traditional elements of curriculum learning and the importance of developing digital skillsets for tomorrow’s workforce – Microsoft and Google funded a recent study that determined the UK will need an additional 740,000 workers with digital skills by 2017. But it’s also a notoriously difficult nut to crack for the IT trade, with procurement and spending controlled by a combination of the educational institutions themselves and local councils, with all the layers of bureaucracy that can entail. Then you have the macro economic climate in education, with budgets strangled by cuts from central Government. The key to riding these peaks and troughs is to change approach accordingly. ASUS has recently re-aligned its education product focus and teams to support institutions from the pre-sale stage. Indeed, it returned to the Bett Show this year after a four-year absence to showcase the ruggedised Chromebook C202 – designed specifically for the education market. “With budgets being cut, devices need to be costeffective, and so does the ecosystem that goes with them – the software, infrastructure and security,” says Natalie Boon, channel marketing specialist at ASUS UK. “The Cloud has helped
18 | PCR July 2016
Left to right: Andy Woolhead, Daniel Hills and John Mounsey
support cost-down IT solutions for schools without compromising on manageability or security. Support post-purchase with on-site warranties also makes a huge difference to device longevity and the cost impact on schools.” TP-LINK, which has been targeting hard-pressed schools with cost-effective wireless networking solutions, has also sought to adapt its approach in light of more austere budgeting. “The end of the summer term is really the only time school IT managers and directors have to assess where additions are required and start pricing up options for the new academic year,” explains Andy Woolhead, senior VAR account manager at TP-LINK UK. “Resellers are telling us that education IT managers are incredibly concerned about cost and we have responded by creating a 15 per cent discount for our partners to the end of 2016. We’ve also tried to help by offering free networking
“With budgets being cut, devices need to be costeffective, and so does the ecosystem that goes with them.” Natalie Boon, ASUS UK
surveys to enable education IT departments get the most out of their budgets.” Discounting in price sensitive areas is clearly an option that vendors and resellers are exploring to good effect. But gaining insight into how schools and councils actually manage their IT budgets and spending can also be invaluable. Key Finance has been leasing equipment into schools for 25 years, working closely with both the consultants employed by councils to handle tenders, and on direct deals. As such, it is familiar with the behind the scenes machinations – it’s currently seeking partners in the IT trade to offer educational institutions fully-financed IT equipment solutions. “The vast majority of schools will look to lease their IT equipment,” says Key Finance chairman John Mounsey. “If the first obstacle encountered by an IT supplier is the school having ‘no budget’, then we can partner with the vendor or reseller to
help broker a deal on terms that suit both sides. “Ultimately, we all want schools to be able to spend as much of their budget as possible on the equipment, rather than financing fees, so we have to be competitive. Our role is to help vendors and resellers close deals, while making sure schools get want they need at the best possible rate.” Key Finance has written leasing deals with educational institutions and councils worth as little as £1,000 all the way up to £20 million and is comfortable doing so due to the nature of the market. “State schools in particular can be regarded as relatively low risk as they fall under the same budgetary banner as local government – in the unlikely event that a school is unable to pay for IT equipment it has leased, then the council will step in,” explains Mounsey. In fact, anecdotal evidence suggests there is pressure on schools to use equipment for much longer than they used www.pcr-online.biz
BACK TO SCHOOL
dealing with schools
to, potentially allowing them to spread the cost even more. “A few years ago schools were happy with a three-year lifecycle, but now they are on five or even seven-year refresh cycles, so they want to see equipment that is built to last and has a warranty to match,” says Mark Wallwork, head of B2B at system builder Zoostorm. But despite harsh economics, demand is certainly there. As a specialist IT partner within the education sector, Krome Technologies works with numerous different schools, academies, colleges and universities, utilising the most suitable technologies to help overcome common challenges faced by IT teams. “As is the case across the public sector as a whole, budgets are tighter than ever, but the reliance on technology is ever increasing,” says Daniel Hills, public sector business manager at Krome Technologies. “The adoption
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of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) hasn’t been as forthcoming as originally predicted, with many schools deciding it would put unnecessary pressure on both students and parents. All of which means demand is as strong as ever to supply fixed hardware in the classrooms, such as designated PCs and laptops for students.” In terms of the type of ICT equipment schools are looking for, Zoostorm’s Wallwork says the trend is towards ultra small form factor systems. “Larger class sizes demand quieter devices with smaller footprints and improved efficiency, leading to a dramatic increase in systems with solid state drives, allowing suites to have more PCs with increased performance,” he adds. “It has also breathed new life in to the traditional All-in-One PC systems, with their increased power and efficiency, seeing a rise in units ordered yearon-year.”
“Schools want to see equipment that is built to last and has a warranty to match.” Mark Wallwork, Zoostorm
The trend towards smaller devices is also seen elsewhere, with Boon stating that the most in demand ASUS devices are portable and connected, allowing students and teachers to engage in a variety of environments. “The classroom is no longer the only place to best educate and interact with children, so allowing them to take their learning tools with them further enables productivity and better performance,” she adds. This trend also applies to software. In fact, reseller Sweethaven cites Microsoft’s Innovative Educator Programme as driving a move towards a teaching model where classes are pupil-led, enabling the teacher to spend more direct time with the children rather than at the front of the classroom. But it’s not just about what Microsoft can provide. “Use of Office 365 means that pupils can authenticate with the cloud and allow
other programmes to form part of the collaborative network created,” says Martin Byrne, head of tech at Sweethaven Education Services. “The creation of a unified single sign-on system also enables pupils to link in to Google apps via this set up, thus facilitating wider access within a controlled environment.” Such possibilities mean the teaching staff and students both require training, which presents vendors and resellers with more opportunities to engage with schools. “Just like with hardware, software like Office 365 should be properly set up and training provided to ensure all are making the most of its potential,” adds Byrne. “This presents a huge opportunity for upselling fixed price migration packages, with the potential for bolt-ons including training, integration with other services and devices – and the creation of a whole virtual learning environment.”
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BACK TO SCHOOL
Who are the PC builders of tomorrow? With reports suggesting young people in Britain form a ‘lost generation’ that can no longer mend gadgets, garden or do DIY, and the Government focusing on computer programming, what does this mean for the next generation of PC builders? Should schools teach children how to put computers together? Dominic Sacco investigates… Kids learn robotics at a Tablet Academy workshop backed by Ebuyer and Microsoft, but what about PC parts?
O
VER THE past few years, schools have been teaching children computer programming skills as part of a revised curriculum. While this helps meet a greater need today for coding, app and software development, what about the hands-on engineering skills and the hardware side of IT? Recent reports suggest young people in Britain have become a ‘lost generation’ who can’t mend gadgets, household appliances, do basic DIY or even garden, because of the disposable ‘quick-fix’ world we live in. But so what? That’s good news for PC repairers, right? For now it is, potentially, but in 20 years’ time who’s going to be fixing PCs and running the break-fix businesses of tomorrow? Clifford Johnson, the founder of Poole-based independent retailer PCs Made Simple, runs regular Young System Builder workshops which teach parents and children how to make a working PC and put 20 | PCR July 2016
the parts together. Each workshop pack includes an ESD strap, clip, a full set of tools, a case, motherboard, RAM, CPU and heatsink. After building their PC, participants can buy it for £99 – otherwise it’s stripped down and prepared for the next workshop. Johnson doesn’t just host these events because he wants to help others – but because he wants to close the IT skills gap and to grow the talent pool for the future. He tells PCR: “What scares me is both of my youngest two do programming at school, but they never learn about the bare metal. “We’re going to have two or three generations of people that can program computers like gods, but can’t fix them or build them. There’s a big, big gap in the UK engineering industry.” Last year, CompTIA’s International Workforce Trends Study found that the gap is negatively affecting staff productivity, customer services, innovation and speed to market.
Graham Hunter, CompTIA’s EME VP of skills certification, says: “The fact that organisations are ever more reliant on technology means that they are having to find an increasing number of IT staff with a vaster range of skills. Ensuring we have diverse and multi-skilled talent coming through our education system is more important than ever.” In recent years, the UK education system has moved away from the basic ‘IT’ skills of the past – using word processors and spreadsheets – to computer programming, coding and robotics, paving the way for the future. A new coding curriculum came into play back in September 2014, partly to help close the gap between the number of jobs requiring specific skills and the people qualified to fill them. Mini-computer products like the Raspberry Pi have made strides in education, but again, it’s mainly around coding. As PCR understands it, schools currently don’t have any plans to focus more on engineering or PC hardware.
“Ensuring we have diverse and multi-skilled talent coming through our education system is more important than ever.” Graham Hunter, CompTIA
One primary school teacher explains anonymously: “The curriculum doesn’t focus on making computers, but the skills you need to use them. “We don’t do anything on the engineering side. There has been talks of this but it hasn’t really happened. With all the focus on English and Maths, the Government isn’t really focused on the practical side – they don’t see the construction side important. They were supposed to do more around design and tech lessons in secondary schools too, but these plans are apparently being squeezed out due to cuts.” CompTIA’s Hunter adds: “Schools should be teaching students as many IT skills as possible, both engineering and programming focused. “The more that students learn in the education system, the more prepared they will be to find jobs in a range of professions. Companies can also offer apprenticeships – we should remember not to overlook this important source of talent.” www.pcr-online.biz
COMPUTEX REVIEW
Builds, books and bots The Computex 2016 trade show in Taiwan once again impressed with a plethora of new tech, from virtual reality backpacks to ‘magnetic levitation’ fans and even a $599 robot from ASUS. Dominic Sacco asks system integrators, retailers and industry execs what they think about the biggest announcements from this year’s show…
THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT FOR GAMING AND VR VIRTUAL REALITY was one of the core themes from this year’s show in Taipei, of course. AMD announced its Radeon RX 480 GPU built for PC VR experiences; ARM revealed the Cortex-A73 and Mali-G71 VR-ready mobile chips. MSI even showcased a cool VR PC backpack that aims to solve cabling issues, and impressed further with its VR-ready GT83/GT73 Titan SLI laptops and Vortex desktop. ASUS stole the show with the ROG Avalon concept – a cube-shaped system that allows the user to easily change the components by sliding out a tray. Then there was Overclockers’ $20,000 OrionX, an extreme gaming rig at the very top of the market.
“VR is a technology that will transform every aspects of our lives, from entertainment and gaming to training and holding virtual meetings. “Its potential usage is only just being realised. MSI’s backpack PC is a valiant attempt at bypassing the current problems of being cable tethered to a PC, but we don’t feel it’s particularly elegant.” Ben Miles, Chillblast “VR is definitely something that we want to bring in. Unfortunately it’s a bit difficult in the UK [to get the stock]. I think the backpacks could be successful. It’s definitely something we’d want to look at and listen to our customers to see if they’re interested in it.” Maria Malageac, Mesh Computers
“I think bearing in mind the cost, VR is specialist. It’s too much money for people to spend online and too much of an investment for the nationals to take on board, so I think there’s a gap there for indies. Regarding the backpack, why don’t they make VR wireless? And will it sit on a desk –
can you use that backpack as an everyday computer? It looks fantastic but gimmicky. I think the way forward for VR is wireless.” Richard Alford, Black Bear Computers “For me, VR was the biggest thing at Computex. I was surprised to
see all the known stands like MSI and ASUS all showing a lot of VR products. “The backpack is brilliant – what a great idea. It’s great that a lot of new motherboards and components are coming out, but I think the real innovation has been VR. It’s superb – it’s made me excited again.” CK, Yoyotech
PC COMPONENT INNOVATIONS INTEL ANNOUNCED the i7 processor Extreme Edition, the company’s most powerful desktop processor ever featuring 10 cores. It also showed off the Xeon processor E31500 v5 product family. AMD unveiled its Zen CPU, which has 8 Cores with 16 threads, and its 7th Generation AMD A-Series mobile Accelerated Processing Units (APUs). Elsewhere, Corsair showed off a new range of magnetic levitation technology fans, DDR4 memory and the Hydro GFX GeForce GTX 1080 with MSI. A whole host of new motherboards were also on show.
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“I love Overclockers for building that PC and showing off what can be done in a flashy way. If you break it down by component and look how much time they spent putting it together, it’s quite good value for money. It’s a lovely PC.” Craig Hume, Utopia Computers
“A lot happened in the industry in the run up to Computex: Nvidia launched the Pascal-based GTX 1080 and Intel launched the Broadwell E, both being significant launches. The regular channel vendors always save something to launch at Computex which is always exciting to see.” Peter Davies, Scan Computers
“To me I think the future of gaming is no longer in components, it’s in solutions – people want a working product now. Graphics cards and motherboards are starting to look similar. RGB seems to be the USP for upcoming motherboards, which I find a bit bizarre, because I want performance not RGB lights. It’s a gimmick. Specification and value for money will be key in components going forwards.” CK, Yoyotech
“The new products we saw in the confidential Cooler Master area for clients were impressive, they have some exciting products coming out this year. We were also very impressed by some of the new lifestyle case products from Cryorig, and of course, the GTX 1080-powered virtual reality exhibits at the NVIDIA stand.” Ben Miles, Chillblast
“There is a big drive for quieter components - we’re looking forwards to the Be Quiet liquid cooler range coming soon. More people are asking for near silent solutions.” Richard Alford, Black Bear Computers
PCR July 2016 | 23
COMPUTEX REVIEW
WILL ROBOTS REACH THE MAINSTREAM? ROBOTICS WERE another interesting and emerging theme at Computex 2016. ASUS unveiled its ZenBo robot, which is designed to help users around the home, remind them of appointments, dance and tell children stories. It will be priced at $599 but a launch date has not yet been confirmed. The president of Taiwan also spoke to ZenBo at the event, while another robot, Pepper, presented the Computex design and innovation awards. But will robots be a hit in the tech retail channel?
”I think it’s a very ambitious thing and we should all say bring it on, because we need to see some robots in our life, right! I think it’s about time for robots, I like the concept and it needs to come out. I can see myself selling this. It’s all about solutions and experiences for the end user, it’s no longer about a keyboard and mouse, it’s about changing the lifestyle. We’ve been talking about robotics for years, and it will eventually come into play.” CK, Yoyotech
“I think there’s a brilliant opportunity here. Look at Apple – Steve Jobs knew a lot about the devices he wanted to bring out, but knew it was too early to launch. He waited until he had something of real value. I think this may also be the case with robotics.” Craig Hume, Utopia Computers
“I think it’s a fantastic toy but it’s too limited in its uses. I’d imagine it will only work on a single storey, so how much use is it actually? It’s fine as a children’s toy or a gimmicky thing in the shop, because it encourages people to talk to you, but for the home I don’t think we’re there yet. It’s basically an iPad that talks to you – why do we need a whole robot doing that?” Richard Alford, Black Bear Computers
“The limit, as usual, was with the quality of the voice recognition. Even with a highly scripted exhibit, the ZenBo frequently got confused. Until technologies of really reliable voice recognition become available, these kinds of products will be niche, early adopter solutions. The hardware in the ZenBo was fairly impressive however, and we can see it being useful for those with restricted mobility. How it climbs stairs is also a major question for UK households!” Ben Miles, Chillblast “I wouldn’t say the public is really prepared for something like that at the moment. I’m not sure if it will be successful or popular just yet. For now I will not be stocking this, but in the future that could change.” Maria Malageac, Mesh Computers
MOBILITY AND THE NEW WAVE OF ULTRAPORTABLES NOTEBOOKS AND 2-in-1s are still very much ‘in’ – and vendors reflected that with a host of new product announcements. Acer revealed two 10inch 2-in-1 notebooks designed for students and budget-conscious families: the Acer Switch V 10 and Acer Switch One 10. Plus, Dell featured new Inspiron 2-in-1 notebooks, from the 7000 17-inch to the 11 3000 for family users and the more powerful 5000 series. But ASUS stole the show again with the ZenBook 3 – a sleek new notebook thinner than the Apple MacBook, as well as the Transformer 3 and Transformer 3 Pro which are set to rival Microsoft’s Surface. In addition, the Transformer Mini is a tiny tablet with a keyboard.
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”Those type of products are big in the John Lewis space. From an independent retail perspective we will get customers coming in looking for a thin ultraportable computer and we will provide them – as long as they’re available in our channel.” Craig Hume, Utopia Computers
“Exciting new innovative products will be needed and Computex 2016 points to a number of new developments from reliable vendors such as Acer, ASUS and Dell. Hardware sales will still happen, but the margin will be built from the service wraparound – not the physical products.” Iain Shaw, Brigantia Partners Limited
“The new wave of ultra slim gaming laptop chassis was very impressive – a gaming laptop in an ultrabook chassis with all-day battery life will be coming to Chillblast’s range very soon.” Ben Miles, Chillblast
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COMPUTEX REVIEW
INDUSTRY TALKS UP IOT AND 5G LOOKING AHEAD to the future, 5G and the Internet of Things (IoT) were touted as key areas at Computex. Intel announced the AnyWAN GRX 750 systemon-a-chip (SoC) family and the 5th Generation 11ac MU-MIMO Wi-Fi family of products for home gateways. This enables local and cloud-based services, media creation and content sharing for tools including ‘things’ in a person’s home. Acer also outlined its BeingAware vision powering IoT devices for connected cars, cities and devices (including home appliances).
“5G and the Internet of Things are coming and it is vital that independents evolve their business models now so they are ready to support the next wave of technological change that is just around the corner. The landscape is going to change faster in the next five years than it has done in the last 25 years.” Iain Shaw, Brigantia Partners Limited
“The IoT is still niche for the average UK consumer at the moment, but we anticipate IT technology and connectivity will eventually be part of virtually every piece of hardware in your home. Chillblast already offers bespoke IoT solutions for our business customers and we plan to continue to do so.” Ben Miles, Chillblast
“I went to Computex with a clear strategy to further Scan’s development in varying sectors and it wasn’t a disappointment. VR and IoT were being demonstrated in a number of different ways on many booths. Now we just need to see how we use this technology and advance these areas.” Peter Davies, Scan Computers
“I think it’s just around the corner. What we’ve found up here in the North is most of my clients aren’t asking for it, but slowly I’m seeing more things come on board, like automated heating and light switches. I think it links to robotics, in five years’ time all of these things are going to start appearing and we’ll see the IoT take off.” Richard Alford, Black Bear Computers
MODULAR MACHINES AND CUSTOM CASES THE ‘MAKE it yours’ slogan from Cooler Master has seemingly spread across the industry. The vendor showed off its MasterCase and MasterConcept 2.0, allowing users to customise their case how they like it. Similarly, Aerocool’s Dream Box modular kit allows users to create a rectangular case, a helicopter themed PC or anything else. Other innovations included iRocks’ LEGOcompatible keyboard, some crazy custom PC cases including a Ghostbusters-themed chassis, the Blocks modular smartwatch, and Antec’s Trapeze case with RGB lighting underneath the unit.
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”For system integrators, modular products are fairly impractical, but they really enable some creative solutions for DIYers, so we applaud this kind of solution. A lot of the modded cases were extremely impressive.” Ben Miles, Chillblast
“We’ve actually offered the MasterCase from Cooler Master for a while now. It’s not as popular as other more traditional cases, but we offer our customers that choice.” Maria Malageac, Mesh Computers
“It’s niche, it’s like putting your own toppings on at Pizza Hut. Consumers have become so demanding, the modular stuff is good but it comes with a big price tag. I think this market will always be there, but it’s not going to be everybody’s cup of tea.” CK, Yoyotech
“Modular helps those building PCs from their bedroom. But building PCs is my job! So I won’t be promoting that much here.” Richard Alford, Black Bear Computers
PRODUCT POWER Check out more in-depth details of our pick of devices from Computex over on page 55.
PCR July 2016 | 25
THE BIG INTERVIEW
The future Laura Barnes catches up with Kaspersky’s consumers, what new tech trends pose the
T
ell us about your background and how you came to work at Kaspersky. I was at Unilever for six years, during my time there I worked on frozen food, ice cream, washing power and deodorant brands. I really enjoyed working there but eventually I wanted to do something different. I was on holiday and I got a call asking if I’d like to work for Electronic Arts. I didn’t really know who they were, but at the time I was playing a Tiger Woods video game. I found out that EA owned that brand and decided to pop in and have a chat. The office was amazing and it seemed like a very exciting industry. It was a fantastic place to work. Retail sales were big at the time and there wasn’t very much online. The challenge I had after about 12 years at EA was that the market was changing and digital was taking over. So it was time to start looking for a retailfocused role elsewhere. Kaspersky contacted me and I thought it was a big enough change, yet still revolved around retail and software. There are synergies between the two markets. How do the two compare? The retail base in the UK is arguably the same. The difference between video games and security software at retail is that 95 per cent of the video games business goes to key retailers – like GAME and Amazon – whereas in the security industry, it’s
26 | PCR July 2016
much more fragmented. So the business can go to resellers and a wider variety of retailers. What are some of the main security challenges consumers face? One of the key challenges we have is that we hear about the dangers of cybercrime in the news, but I feel like retail hasn’t quite caught up with the importance of that yet – especially when it comes to protecting mobile devices. If you go into Tesco, you can buy a PC, a laptop or a peripheral, but you’ll struggle to confidently buy some security software. If you’re buying a laptop, security should always be part of the purchase, whether it is bundled in or separate. That’s a big opportunity for the industry and something that Kaspersky should be leading. Why do you think there is a lack of focus on security? It’s probably consumer misunderstanding or a lack of understanding altogether. So it’s not on the retailers’ radar because it’s not what consumers think about when they buy a laptop or a mobile device. Most people don’t have protection on their mobile devices and they should. What are your goals for Kaspersky’s retail team? My role is specifically retail for UK and Ireland and I get the impression that there’s a lot more we could be doing with retailers and resellers.
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THE BIG INTERVIEW
of retail software sales new head of retail sales David Mole to find out why he thinks the industry should do more to educate retailers and biggest security threats, and why having a boxed product on a shop shelf is still so important to the vendor… So one thing I want to do is some positive PR with retailers so we can get internet security higher up on their agendas. People are buying more devices and there is more crime, but people seem to not be as bothered as they should be about protecting those devices. How can we make consumers more bothered about security? I think if people were more educated about how much at risk they are, they’d be happier to pay for it. I don’t think we do a great job in the industry of keeping consumers up to date, and I think it’s confusing. It’s difficult to understand and I don’t think vendors do a great job of informing them about what product is right for them. Some people have a negative experience with security software because they aren’t educated on what product they need, they then buy the wrong one, and it doesn’t protect them in the way they were expecting. If they’re educated up front, that might stop that cycle. Vendors and retailers need to get that right. A lot of effort goes into getting a product from manufacturer to distributor to on the shelf – that’s 90 per cent of the work. But people need to buy it. That’s the last 10 per cent, but that’s the most important bit. If you don’t get that right, the 90 per cent is wasted. If you go onto Amazon and type in ‘internet
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How much are we under threat from cybercriminals? In 1994 there was one new threat every hour. Today, there are 364,000 new unique threats every single day that we capture – and that’s just Kaspersky’s network. 90 per cent of those threats are consumer and small businesses related. 49 per cent of people in the UK have been victim of a cyber attack so it is a massive issue.
security’, 2,500-plus search results come up. How does a consumer decide? We need to overcome some of these challenges. We as an organisation – and we as an industry – need to do a better job of educating consumers. What key things should retailers know when selling security to consumers? The offering needs to be made clear to the consumer, and we need to help retailers do that. Consumers need to understand what malware is, what phishing is etc. One of the objectives for us is to turn that terminology into a more consumer friendly thing. If they don’t understand it, they’ll buy a product that might not be right for them and we need to make sure they can make an educational purchase and feel confident in that product – and come back next year to buy more. How can the industry help retailers and end-users? You don’t want to scare consumers, that is probably the worst thing that you could do. You don’t want them to shy away from security. We could do with the industry giving some credible stats so everyone can do something positive about the issue of cyber security. That will help the whole chain, from creating a new product and getting it on retailers’ radars, to helping the consumer choose the right product.
“People generally believe that their Windows devices are the most atrisk and iOS is a lot more secure, but that’s not the case anymore.” David Mole, Kaspersky
What new tech trends will pose the biggest security risks? Mobile is a massive opportunity. People generally believe that their Windows devices are the most at-risk and iOS is a lot more secure. Well, the reality is that that’s not the case anymore. Criminals go where the opportunity is. Globally, Apple-device ownership has only just reached 10 per cent. It’s at a tipping point now, where a cybercriminal will think it’s now worthwhile targeting Apple users. That’s why we’ve just launched some products specifically for the iOS system. A short-term trend is making sure consumers aren’t just educated about Windows devices, but also Mac and mobile. A longer-term trend is the Internet of Things. Cybercriminals will target homes, not to hack your lighting, but to get into your router so they can then unlock what you’re doing online. There will be a barrier to
people purchasing all these new IoT products if they see it as a security risk, despite how great the products might be. This is another reason why education is so important. What’s next for Kaspersky? We will be launching Safe Kids as a standalone product soon. It is currently part of our Total Security package. It helps parents manage what their children are looking at online. We don’t describe it as a parental controller. The idea is you manage your children’s online usage in a more collaborative way. It tells you where your children are if they have a mobile device. We will also be working on brand awareness. We’ve done some research and, historically, we’ve struggled with that in the UK, but our brand awareness has grown over the past three years. One of the reasons we think that has happened is due to our exposure at retail. People have asked me in this role and in previous roles ‘is retail dead’? I always say ‘no, it’s not’. A lot of brands wouldn’t exist if they didn’t have a retail presence. Our product on the shelf gives us that exposure. Whether the shopper buys it in that store, in another one, or online, we need that brand awareness at retail. Retail has changed a lot over the years, and some retailers have adapted well to those changes. If they continue to adapt, we will continue to have a product offering at retail.
PCR July 2016 | 27
INTERVIEW
How Kingston cracked the gaming market Over the past four years, Kingston’s HyperX gaming hardware brand has grown its sales by 200 per cent. Dominic Sacco asks EMEA business manager Edward Baily how it’s been so successful in this area…
M
EMORY and storage vendor Kingston Technology has been in the IT market for almost 30 years now. The company is well known for its specialism in components. But in the early 2000s, Kingston recognised a growing demand for another area: PC gaming. Rather than create a small set of products in this space, it decided to
30 | PCR July 2016
launch an entirely separate brand – and HyperX was born. Today it is one of the biggest brands in its space, producing RAM, SSDs, USBs and headsets. The business has grown 200 per cent in the past four years, but what’s the secret to its success? HyperX EMEA business manager Edward Baily explains: “We originally started HyperX back in 2002 because we wanted to offer a different type of DRAM memory to the market, so we decided to make gamingthemed memory that was a bit more aggressive with a different design. “It went okay for a few years, though there was one point where we thought about ending the brand. But we kept it going and then about four years ago we really started to invest in the eSports scene. And we discovered there was a lot of potential to expand the brand and grow it further.” The key, it seems, was
identifying the demand for competitive gaming early on. “In 2012, when we started to focus on eSports, we saw a significant jump in revenue overall,” Baily adds. “We had a booth at DreamHack Summer 2012 in Sweden. That was the first time we realised the huge potential for eSports and PC gaming.” HyperX now sponsors 27 professional eSports teams globally including SK Gaming, Team EnVyUs, Cloud 9, TSM and Luminosity. It also supports influencers like YouTubers and streamers, including Mark “Valkia” Purdy and Emily “QueenE” Krumlinde. Overall, it has invested millions of dollars in sponsorship to date. HyperX’s own YouTube channel now has 330,000 subscribers. A recent video produced by the brand – a gaming house tour of Team EnVyUs – has amassed more than 800,000 views in the space of a few weeks. “The difference with us compared to a lot of other brands is we don’t just sponsor an eSports team and then that’s it,” Baily says. “We actually work with them and encourage them to do [gaming] boot camps at our head office in California. “We like to make video content with them, like house tours and pro gaming tips, so it’s more of a partnership than just a sponsorship. We don’t just want to produce a standard product video – we want to produce good content. That’s why we’ve spent a lot of time and money investing in the YouTube channel. People who like our content will hopefully one
day purchase memory or a headset from us in the future.”
HyperX’s official Xbox One headset, the CloudX
“We’re very big online but now we’re focusing on the retail side as well. We’re having quite a lot of talks with retailers in the UK right now.” Edward Baily, Kingston Technology
CHANNEL STRENGTH Kingston has a strong reputation in the IT channel, and HyperX is leveraging this. It has partnerships with Ingram Micro, Tech Data, SIMMS and Entatech, and has recently signed a deal with Maplin as the first HyperX peripherals High Street retail partner in the UK, starting in 124 stores. “It’s our first step into that High Street retail world as a brand,” Baily comments. “We’re very big online but now we’re focusing onto the retail side as well. We’re having quite a lot of talks with retailers in the UK right now. “With Kingston and HyperX, we’ve built our excellence on long-term relationships. We really look after our channel partners and deliver quality performance and price. “The other thing that’s good for our partners right now is peripherals – they can make more money on these kind of products. The headsets and our new products we’re releasing are very interesting for the channel because they’re good margin products.” HyperX is seeing success with accessories like the Cloud and Cloud II headsets (plus it launched an official Xbox One headset – the CloudX – on June 13th), so will it move into other product areas in the future? “At the moment we don’t do mice or keyboards, and we’re not saying too much, but we’re investigating other gaming peripheral areas right now,” Baily says. “Watch this space closely over the coming six months – we have some exciting products coming to market and I think a lot of our fans will be very happy with them.” www.pcr-online.biz
CREAM OF THE CROP Who are the brightest young sparks of the UK IT industry? Once again PCR throws a spotlight on 30 of the most promising rising stars in the channel aged under 30 years old, from retail buyers to marketers, sales executives and more…
32 | PCR July 2016
KIRSTY ENDFIELD, 29 FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR, SWIPE RIGHT PR As a seven-year PR expert in video games, entertainment and tech, Kirsty has a wealth of experience in marketing and outreach strategies, with incredibly strong ties to industry press and media. She has been at the forefront of emerging industries such as eSports, and can create, execute and troubleshoot campaigns spanning from livestreaming to drones. Kirsty’s previous projects include product launches, large-scale community events, and executing strategies. She has worked with some of the biggest names in hardware such as Oculus.
LUKE BAKER, 26 PR/MARKETING MANAGER, KUODA LTD In less than a year, Luke has risen through the ranks to manage the PR team at Kuoda LTD, generating great coverage across a wide variety of platforms for prestigious clients such as Samsung SSD, ZOTAC and Creative Labs. Luke previously co-owned and operated a Leicester gaming bar called The Speekeasy, which was his first experience with the gaming industry. This experience gave him insight into the many varied and unique ways for gaming-oriented tech brands to gain exposure, which has helped no end in the field of PR.
NATALIE BOON, 24 CHANNEL MARKETING SPECIALIST, ASUS Having started working as a marketing and PR intern for technical recruitment company Vertex a few years back, Natalie secured local radio coverage and shortlisted for the eGaming Review – Recruiter Of The Year award in 2013. She joined ASUS UK in July 2013, taking responsibility for social media, the Student Ambassador program and a myriad of digital and experiential marketing projects. As of September last year, she transitioned to manage channel marketing for ASUS UK.
MATT CLAYDEN, 27 TABLET BUYER, TESCO Matt has been instrumental in growing market share across the tablet category over peak and the start of the year. He has led the development and go to market strategy for the Connect brand, Tesco’s own brand Windows tablet proposition. This took a significant share of the Windows tablet market over peak, and continues to be developed.
AARON CULHANE, 29 TABLET BUYER, ARGOS Over the past two years, Aaron has demonstrated a consistent passion for the Argos customer – and deep knowledge for the UK tablet market. He is commercially challenging and collaborative in his approach, and has been instrumental in successfully leading a team to launch the Alba and Bush brands within the Argos tablet category. His approach, knowledge and passion has delivered a consistently strong commercial performance, which, together with a great focus on leading and developing his team, has made Aaron a key member of the commercial team.
DARRYL MERKLI, 21 MARKETING EXECUTIVE, INGRAM MICRO Darryl has been with Ingram Micro for two years and during that short time has managed to introduce some incredibly creative campaigns to help resellers and vendors grow their business. He has a real ‘can do’ attitude and if it seems something isn’t possible, he’ll go away and find ways the business can do it. This is just one of the reasons he was promoted to his current role of marketing executive so quickly.
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JOE FENNY, 24 ESPORTS COMMENTATOR, ESL Well known for his work within the National University Esports League, Joe has been commentating (aka casting) for the UK’s key eSports events since early 2013. He became ESL’s first resident eSports commentator here in UK last year, after freelancing for the company. Joe has commentated for a wide variety of games since, from League of Legends to Hearthstone, Counter-Strike and more. Today he’s fast becoming one of the key faces within the UK PC gaming scene.
JOE GREGORY, 29 SALES MANAGER, VEHO Joe joined Veho in 2014 as an account manager for the US market and has quickly built solid customer relationships with distribution partners and major retail partners. In 2015 he added Central America to his region and has built a $1 million business in Mexico, working with all major Mexican retailers – he’s even appeared live on Mexican TV. Joe now manages the US account team for Veho and is a real asset to the business.
THOMAS JENNER, 29 TECHNICAL PR AND GAMING MARKETING, ASUS Thomas joined ASUS in 2011 to provide overclocking support for the UK’s largest system integrators. Since then, his unbridled enthusiasm has seen him promoted so that he now looks after technical PR and marketing for gaming system products including the Republic of Gamers brand. Thomas is incredibly passionate, enthusiastic and hard-working.
VINCENT JURGENS, 28 EMEA MARKETING MANAGER, HYPERX Vincent Jurgens’ role involves planning and coordination of sponsorships, booths and surrounding activities at all major gaming tournaments and events like DreamHack, ESL One and IEM. He plans and coordinates HyperX product launches with all marketing departments while aligning with the sales strategy. He works closely with hardware, software and other complementary partners across EMEA in various ways. Vincent joined Kingston Technology in 2012 as a channel marketing specialist for the Benelux and Baltic region.
CHARLOTTE LAMMIN, 25 SALES AND MARKETING ADMINISTRATOR, BENQ In Charlotte’s role at BenQ, she supports the sales team and handles marketing across all of its products, from interactive flat panels to monitors and projectors. Charlotte has organised key releases for BenQ in the UK market such as the XR3501 curved monitor and BenQ’s recently acquired ZOWIE eSports brand. Charlotte also organises all the events and exhibitions BenQ attends, creates all of the marketing materials for the UK and develops reseller partnerships. She previously worked with schools and in the photography industry.
CHLOE LARA, 26 EMEA DIGITAL MARKETING SPECIALIST, KINGSTON Chloe’s role involves the development, planning and organisation of EMEA digital marketing campaigns across 14 EMEA regions, as well as managing Kingston’s digital agency and monitoring digital trends across the European market. Chloe leads on all paid social media activities across the widespread social platforms; another part of her role is to execute PCP campaigns with Amazon’s self service platform Amazon Marketing Services. She also helped to increase sales of the Kingston SSD range with an integral UK partner.
TERESA LEESE, 24 CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE MARKETING, INGRAM MICRO Teresa has transformed Ingram Micro’s customer on-boarding engine with a 24-hour smooth and slick process for its channel partners. Peers say that Teresa is a vital member of the UK marketing team. She’s done an outstanding job, and her hard work and effort has proven a real success in creating a highly professional front end solution. Teresa has delivered outstanding marketing campaigns for vendors including Microsoft with the “Crack the Surface” campaign, which has been shortlisted for several marketing awards.
DANNY MASON, 29 CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGER, MORECOMPUTERS.COM Danny is the backbone of the More Computers customer service team. He started at More nine years ago and has worked his way up to his current position. In that time he’s been instrumental in More Computers winning several customer service satisfaction awards and its Google Certified Shop status. He also helps the team maintain 100 per cent customer satisfaction on Amazon and 99.9 per cent on eBay. He does all this with a smile (even when the football team he lives for get beaten at Wembley).
PCR July 2016 | 33
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36 | PCR July 2016
DANNY NOURSE, 24 LAPTOP BUYER, TESCO Danny is new to the laptop category, having previously delivered great commercial success on the TV boxes category, developing some market leading propositions with brands such as Amazon and Google. Since moving onto laptops, he has secured some market-leading deals which have been instrumental in growing the Tesco laptop business, and has been building strong relationships with suppliers.
CONNOR PERRY, 23 MARKETING EXECUTIVE, KEY VENDORS, INGRAM MICRO Connor came to Ingram Micro in February 2015 to work in the Ingram Micro Mobility division, looking after key vendors such as Apple, Blackberry and Microsoft. When this was integrated into the technology solutions division, Connor assumed full responsibility of Ingram Micro UK’s complete suite of mobility vendors and has recently assumed responsibility for the full Microsoft and Apple portfolio. Connor is a constant source of innovation and creativity in the marketing team, always searching for new and improved ways to provide a great service.
KATIE PINNOCK, 24 UK MARKETING SPECIALIST, COOLER MASTER Having joined Aria Technology in 2013 as a sales account manager, Katie was promoted to purchasing manager in less than a year. Shortly after this move into purchasing, she found her love for the industry and went on to become commercial manager, helping Aria Technology and its sister company Gladiator Computers grow to where they are today. In May this year, Katie moved over to Cooler Master to fill the role of UK marketing specialist. She is now working hard to help Cooler Master showcase its new direction and products.
MELISSA RAMBRIDGE, 28 BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND MARKETING MANAGER, SWEETHAVEN COMPUTERS With a six-year background in media production, including stints at the BBC and the FT, Melissa has brought a fresh perspective and out of the box thinking to the IT retail industry over the last seven months. She has introduced a new in-store concept and smart home demo area, helping Sweethaven to win the PCR Independent Retailer of the Year Award. Melissa has also helped launch a new website, and boosted Sweethaven’s support of local talent via apprenticeship schemes and college partnerships.
BEN BAGG, 23 SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER, TERRA COMPUTER LTD Ben joined Terra Computer Ltd a little over two years ago. In that time he has become the top salesman within a team that has doubled its revenue annually. Ben has been instrumental in building the Terra brand within the UK and his hard work and drive has contributed to the current success of the office. Alongside helping customers bring to market their Terra products, Ben has also created a successful eSports Team known as CAZ eSports, which he still runs today and works towards growing the UK gaming scene.
ANGUS SHAW, 22 SALES MANAGER, BRIGANTIA PARTNERS LIMITED At the age of 19, Angus Shaw joined Brigantia Partners as a business development executive in the London office when Brigantia was a trading division of Techgate plc. He now leads a team of five at the now independent Brigantia Partners Limited. Based in Ripon, North Yorkshire and working under Brigantia’s sales director, Angus and his team are driving significant month-on-month recurring revenue sales growth and helping Brigantia partner resellers and MSPs to grow their businesses.
VICKY SIDDALL, 28 BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, NETWORK GROUP/TTG Vicky joined Network Group’s member distributor Technology To Go (TTG) in April 2015 and immediately made a positive impact. After coming on board, she gave herself the target of doubling TTG’s turnover and achieved this in a short amount of time. She also increased member satisfaction threefold. Vicky is friendly, approachable and totally reliable. She has set herself further targets to continue growing the business to become a distributor in its own right and for Vicky be the first point of contact.
ALEX WALL, 25 MARKETING EXECUTIVE, BT SHOP & BT BUSINESS DIRECT Alex joined in mid-2015 as an acquisition marketing executive to manage the dabs, BT Shop and BT Business Direct affiliate campaigns. Since then, his role has evolved to include running all affiliate programmes, tackling SEO, introducing rich content, bespoke copy and blog pages. On top of that, Alex has been running social media outlets as well as working collaboratively with colleagues across BT Business and BT Consumer on new initiatives. He’s also worked with vendors directly on social giveaways as well as content creation.
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JOE WEBSTER, 28 DISTRIBUTION ACCOUNT MANAGER, TP-LINK Joe’s career to date has taken him from one end of the supply chain to the other, from a customer-facing role at Comet to a product manager for Lenovo and Fujitsu at Ingram Micro. During his time at distribution, Joe was responsible for £8 million turnover a month and building meaningful relationships with manufacturers, VARs and retailers. He’s now at TP-LINK and has proven to be a valuable asset to the team, growing the unmanaged piece nine per cent year-on-year in a declining market.
ANDY WELSH, 28 EVENTS MANAGER, OVERCLOCKERS UK Andy joined Overclockers UK in 2013 working as a graphic designer and video producer. Since then, Andy has gone through the ranks and now looks after the multiple events that Overclockers UK attends throughout the UK market. Andy has been responsible for the execution of multiple Insomnia LAN gaming events. “With a skilled background in graphic design, Andy has shown some of the most talented design work seen in the IT industry,” said one colleague.
DANNY YOUNG, 26 CONTENT AND SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER, EBUYER.COM After joining Ebuyer.com in 2013 as features editor, Danny moved to the content and social manager role after a year at the tech retailer. Working with manufacturers, agencies and press outlets, he manages Ebuyer.com’s media presence as well as on-site content, from blogs to video and social. One media publication said: “Danny is always happy to help and is super quick at responding to our requests. He’s a joy to work with.”
CHLOÉ HARRIS-WILLIAMS, 28 TABLETS AND COMPUTING BUYER, JOHN LEWIS Chloé heads the key tablets and computing buying team at John Lewis, where she has been for three and a half years, following roles at Tesco and BestBuy. She has led her team to record market share results, driven by her relentless pursuit of delivering the leading targeted customer proposition in the UK.
PAUL YUNG, 29 UK OPERATIONS AND PRODUCT MANAGEMENT, HANNSPREE Paul has been an invaluable team member at Hannspree UK for four years. Having proven himself as a technical genius, he has been rightly promoted on numerous occasions. Aside from his dayto-day duties in logistic and exhibition management, Paul is now involved with market research and the testing and evaluation of new products before they go to market. Paul is also the first point of call for urgent product and technical support enquiries. He excels at ensuring that Hannspree’s customers receive the highest standard of service at all times.
JOE COWELL, 24 NORTHERN EUROPE PR & COMMUNITY MANAGER, AMD Joe manages the development and execution of various PR and community management strategies and tactics for AMD across Northern Europe, including the UK. Joe previously worked at Text 100, where he worked with AMD to increase its brand and performance within the UK. He has also had experience working at Zaboura Communications, Dennis Publishing, Hope&Glory PR, Frank PR and W Communications.
DHARA KOTHARI, 27 UK MARKETING MANAGER, D-LINK Dhara joined D-Link in 2014, following a two-year stint as marketing manager for QBS Software, a role which saw her manage marketing campaigns and budgets for Tier 1 software vendors with measurable return on investment. Her current role at D-Link involves planning, implementing and managing internal and external marketing, with a two-tier channel model. She works with various partners, including retail, e-tail, IT resellers, system installers and distributors.
EDWARD BAILY, 27 EMEA BUSINESS MANAGER, HYPERX Edward’s role involves launching all HyperX DRAM and peripheral products into the EMEA channel, as well as managing the EMEA HyperX etail promotions, alongside monitoring competition and reporting on trends in the European gaming market. Edward visits top EMEA etail and retail customers on a regular basis, updating them on current market trends and roadmap. Alongside this he visits gaming events across Europe such as the DreamHack series, Gamescom and the Intel Extreme Masters finals. Read our interview with Edward on page 30.
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CHANNEL EVENTS
Lenovo Synaxon recognises winning partners Connects with D partners EALER SERVICES group Synaxon awarded its top partners and members at its recent National Conference in Nottingham. The Vendor of the Year award went to Hewlett Packard Enterprise, while Sage picked up Services & Support Partner of the Year, and Ingram Micro was awarded Distribution Partner of the Year. Turning its attention to its reseller members, Matrix IT was named Online Trader of the Year, PC Utilities was TrustATec Partner of the Year, and the coveted Synaxon Partner of the Year award went to Bates IT. Finally, the Special Recognition Award went to Bear IT. “This award is presented to the member who has embraced the Synaxon philosophy,” Synaxon said in a statement. “This year we were
P
C GIANT Lenovo opened doors to its business partners and end users at an event in London in June, sharing insights into the company’s channel strategy, initiatives and product roadmap. Around 300 delegates attended the two-day Lenovo Connect event in East London, hosted by Lenovo’s UK and Ireland general manager John Harber and SMB and B2B channel director Andrew Bass, in collaboration with Microsoft and Intel.
“Lenovo is 100 per cent focused on business partners.” Andy Bass, Lenovo Sessions outlined Lenovo’s business strategy, opportunities for growth and the company’s ambition to increase market share over the next 12 months, especially within the SMB space. In addition, a product zone gave partners access to the latest devices. Andy Bass said: “Lenovo is 100 per cent focused its business partners. Lenovo Connect is our opportunity to deepen our relationship and showcase the programmes we’re launching over the year which will enable them to drive greater growth within their businesses. “Lenovo retains a leading position in the laptop and PC space, but our ambition for the year ahead is to focus on the 2-in-1 space, as this is currently where we are seeing the biggest opportunity.”
40 | PCR July 2016
proud to award it to one of our founding members, Bear IT, with the award received by Mark Lambert.” Elsewhere at Synaxon’s National Member Conference, the group signed up more members to its TrustATec services network, bringing the total up to 48. Derek Jones (pictured), managing director of Synaxon UK, said: “The conference this year was by far our best ever, not only in terms of attendance, but the quality and depth of the interactions between members and suppliers. “More of our members are making use of more of our services and reaping the benefits. As a result, our supplier partners are seeing close engagement and support and in turn, increasing their support for the members.”
Terra shows off new systems
G
ROWING PC vendor Terra/Wortmann AG held its second annual UK reseller event at the Coventry Transport Museum in June, and presented an impressive new line-up of products to delegates. The most interesting new device from the event was arguably the Terra 360-15 convertible, boasting a 15inch touch-screen, standing 20mm high and weighing 2.19kg. Designed to stand up against the bigger more established PC vendors on the market, the 360-15 boasts an affordable £799 price tag and launches later this year. While Terra isn’t yet a force in the UK PC market, or as big as the likes of HP, Dell or Lenovo, it’s well-established in its home country of Germany and is celebrating its 30th anniversary. Many resellers PCR spoke to at the event said they are Terra
partners because of the solid support and margins that the vendor offers them. But seeing the 15.6-inch convertible up close and personal, it’s clear that this brand is not just about being a cheaper alternative – it’s getting aggressive with the big boys. It’s an impressivelooking bit of kit – and packs a punch too, featuring an NVIDIA GeForce GT940M, 2GB graphics, 256GB SSD and an
Intel Core i5-6200U powering Windows 10. Other devices presented included the 1775 and 1549 gaming systems, a 4K gaming notebook, rugged tablets and small form factor desktops. Terra also spoke about its server business, the Terra Slim PC and Terra Cloud. Exhibitors included Brigantia, Synaxon and CompTIA, while the likes of Intel and CompTIA also gave
talks. There was also a virtual reality demo area for resellers to test out the technology. Terra Computer UK’s Neil Jensen revealed how the firm now has 14,000 reseller partners and its UK business is doubling its revenues each year, while Thomas Knicker spoke about how Terra wants to ‘fight against the A-brands’ in the market. It’s certainly offering the channel a strong alternative.
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RESELLER PROFILE / OPINION
RESELLER PROFILE: NETITUDE
The Frome-based IT firm has been named one of the top managed service providers – and it’s received the CompTIA Managed Services Trustmark. Director Adam Harling talks about the company’s recent achievements…
AS A PROVIDER of managed IT services, Netitude has been supplying SMEs in the South West of the UK for 15 years. It has customers in a range of industries including architects, charities, defence, education, finance, hospitality and more, providing products, support and services from the likes of Apple, Dell, HP and Microsoft. It also employs trained IT technicians as well as its own cabling, Wi-Fi and A/V specialists to install devices. Netitude recently received a number of accolades, including being listed in the MSPmentor 501 list of the best managed service and IT providers. The list is compiled using data like annual revenue growth, revenue per employee, managed services on offer and more. “We are really happy we are on this list,” Netitude
founder and director Adam Harling said. “It’s a validation of all the hard work the Netitude team have put in over the years to grow the company and provide a
“The ranking we have achieved will safeguard our reputation as a world-class supplier in our industry.” Adam Harling, Netitude
world beating service.” Netitude has also attained the CompTIA Managed Services Trustmark, an award that acknowledges that the highest standards of IT
service provision are being upheld by the company. In addition, Netitude has been one of the first to gain the UK Government’s new Cyber Essentials accreditation for security excellence. It has also made the news in the South West for its levels of growth. “We know we are doing this right because we are growing so fast and offering complete installation and support service packages for customers,” Harling added. “The knock on effect is that we are giving South West businesses the tools to keep them going in the right direction. Our job is making sure our clients are online and secure, all the time. “This ranking we have achieved will safeguard our reputation as a world-class supplier in our industry.” www.netitude.co.uk
Consoles can challenge PCs in VR space – E3 analysis In this month’s PC gaming column, PCR editor Dominic Sacco takes a look at the big announcements from the E3 video games trade show in Los Angeles… FOR MONTHS we’ve spoken about the opportunities for PC dealers and retailers around virtual reality, but another challenger wants to take the VR throne. Sony took an aggressive stance towards virtual reality at the E3 video game trade show in Los Angeles in June, announcing its own PS4 VR headset will launch on October 13th priced at £349. This is almost half the price of the PC-compatible Oculus Rift and HTC Vive headsets, and unlike those, the PlayStation VR headset doesn’t need an expensive high-end PC to work. It only
42 | PCR July 2016
requires a £300 PlayStation 4 console. As well as this, Sony says that 50 VR games will be available between the PS4 headset’s launch and the end of 2016, including some very impressive games such as Star Trek: Bridge Crew and Resident Evil 7. The latter is so scary and immersive it has literally made some players physically sick. Thankfully, it has the option for players to switch between VR and 2D mode at the touch of a button, and is just what that ageing game franchise needs. My point is, we’ve been thinking the likes of Oculus
“We’ve been thinking the Rift and Vive will do wonders for PC hardware sales, but Sony has the potential to snatch the rug from under them.”
Rift and HTC Vive will do wonders for PC hardware sales and other IT services (such as supplying VR units to schools and businesses) for some time now, but Sony has showed it has the potential to snatch the rug from under those devices. It’s much more affordable and has a strong and lengthy line-up of actual games – the content that will ultimately drive sales of VR headset devices. It’s certainly one to watch and to have a think about. Elsewhere at E3, Microsoft announced a new ‘Play Anywhere’ program, whereby players who buy a game from
the Windows Store or Xbox Store will be able to play it on both the PC and Xbox One. Titles included in this program include Gears of War 4, Forza Horizon 3, Crackdown 3, Halo Wars 2, Sea of Thieves and more. Microsoft also announced a smaller Xbox One S machine, as well as a 4K Project Scorpio console (Sony has a 4K PlayStation Neo console in the works too). Other top games at E3 included a new Quake, Battlefield 1, Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare, Titanfall 2 and Zelda: Breath of the Wild. AMD and Alienware showed off devices at E3 too.
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RETAILER OF THE MONTH
FACT FILE Year established: 1996 Number of Stores: 1 Number of staff: Over 20 full and part-time members Address: Eclipse House, 106 Saint Nicholas Street, Coventry, CV1 4BT Contact: 08444 723 723 Email: tradelink@eclipse-computers.com Website: www.eclipsecomputers.com
Eclipse Computers As the biggest independent PC retailer in the Coventry area, Eclipse Computers has built up a solid reputation amongst gamers – and has also recently renovated its LAN gaming arena. Dominic Sacco interviews general manager Lee Greatrex about the business and the challenges it faces in today’s system build market… Tell us about Eclipse’s background… Eclipse was established in 1996. We’re the biggest independent retailer in the Coventry area. We have a 20,000 sq ft warehouse where we offer lots of stock of items: cases, monitors, printers and so on. We have a large retail showroom which displays the vast majority of our hardware, plus displays for computers, monitors, laptops, graphics cards and hard drives. What kind of products and services do you offer? We do everything from building a £300 computer to a £3,000 gaming rig or many thousands of pounds of gaming equipment. We build them to the customer’s specifications. We also offer
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repairs for laptops, tablets, mobile phones and PCs. Tell us about the Eclipse Arena. We refitted it to make it a separate entity so people can come and go as they please and it doesn’t interrupt the retail showroom. Recently a charity asked us if they could use the arena. We had a group of about 40 disabled people come in. They thoroughly loved it. We have about 20 to 25 machines in there and each one was taken up by a young child, with adults and carers playing as well. It was a great event. Tell us about your involvement with eSports and sponsoring UK team Choke Gaming?
Most of my forte is with Eclipse itself. Choke Gaming MD Tom Villiers and the other guys upstairs deal with eSports and Choke. The publicity we’ve got in
“Offering customers more power for their money is what we aim for.” Lee Greatrex, Eclipse Computers sponsoring Choke has been absolutely immense. We’re going all over the country, we add different parts of Europe to the arena on certain days and play League of Legends games. It’s been really good.
Do you sell to the corporate sector? At the moment our main focus is on consumers. We don’t have a business model set up for the corporate sector yet, but we do have a few accounts where people will keep coming to us for new hardware. That’s something we’ll look into. What are your thoughts on the current state of the system build sector? It’s a bit static at the moment, things seem to have slowed down lately in terms of upgrades. I think people are thinking of buying new PCs instead. There’s been nothing in the way of new memory, motherboards, processors and graphics cards, other than the new NVIDIA 1080.
What are you most looking forward to this year? I think a nice new Intel motherboard/processor combination, and obviously new AMD graphics cards will give the customer more choice. Offering customers more power for their money is what we try to aim for. What are the challenges of competing with other etailers/system builders? Competition is very challenging. Our new website launched a couple of weeks ago, it’s been completely redesigned and rebuilt from the ground upwards. We’ve been listening to the customers and having their input – we’re now offering a much better customerfocused module.
PCR July 2016 | 43
SECTOR GUIDE
Top of the class The end of July is fast approaching and schools will soon be breaking up for the summer. With the back to school season almost upon us, PCR groups together useful IT solutions for providers to sell to schools, parents and pupils…
GRATNELLS POWERTRAY
GRATNELLS POWERTROLLEY
ZOOSTORM DELTA TOWER PC BLACK
ZOOSTORM DELTA MICRO
Distributor: Gratnells
Distributor: Gratnells
Distributor: VIP Computers
Distributor: VIP Computers
The PowerTrays come in two sizes – a shallow tray and an extra deep version – which can each store 10 tablets. The trays continuously analyse the appetite for power from devices such as phones, tablets and data loggers.
The PowerTrolley can adapt to house either three tiers of shallow trays, charging 30 devices, or two tiers of extra deep trays charging 20 units at once. The PowerTrolley features lockable castors and optional handles.
The best selling cost effective Delta Tower from Zoostorm leads the classroom. It’s a traditional tower that provides the freedom and space to upgrade with ease.
The smallest, quietest and most powerful Zoostorm solution for education is the Delta Micro. It delivers exceptional classroom performance and addresses the need for smaller quieter devices.
Specs: Charge time two to four hours, stores up to 10 tablets.
Specs: Available in five colours, can house two or three tiers of trays.
Specs: 1TB HDD with 8GB memory and Microsoft Windows 10 Home.
Specs: Intel Core i3 (or i5 6400) CPU, 128GB SSD with 4GB memory and Windows 10 Home.
SRP: From £250 to £379
SRP: £250
SRP: £299.99 (Pentium G4400), £549.99 (Core i7)
SRP: £349.99 (Core i3), £419.99 (Core i5 6400)
ZOOSTORM DELTA ELITE
SANDISK CRUZER BLADE TRIPLE PACK
BULLGUARD MOBILE SECURITY
BULLGUARD INTERNET SECURITY
Distributor: VIP Computers
Distributor: Peak Development
Distributors: Spire Technology, Target Components, Exertis
Distributors: Spire Technology, Target Components, Exertis
The SanDisk Cruzer Blade USB Flash Drive makes it easy to back up, transfer and share your files. Available in 8GB triple packs or individually in capacities up to 128GB, this USB drive lets you carry your files wherever you go.
Children are getting their first smartphone at increasingly younger ages, driven by a combination of peer pressure and a parent’s desire to keep in touch.
For no-nonsense security that just works, BullGuard has it covered with Internet Security. Keeping a home computer safe and free from malware should be a first priority for parents.
Specs: 8GB triple pack
Specs: One-year subscription/three devices (premium version).
Specs: One-year subscription/three PC license.
SRP: Free or £16.95 for the premium version
SRP: £49.95
Designed with space saving in mind, the ultra small Delta Elite from Zoostorm offers improved paint durability and scratch resistance, with an optional lockable rear cable cover and stand. Specs: Intel Core i3 (or i5 6400) CPU, 1TB HDD with 4GB memory and Windows 10 Pro. SRP: £379.99 (Pentium G4400), £449.99 (Core i7)
44 | PCR July 2016
SRP: £10.99
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SECTOR GUIDE
AOC 75 SERIES
TARGUS UNIVERSAL TABLET CASES
CORELDRAW HOME & STUDENT SUITE X7
EDIMAX WI-FI RANGE EXTENDER
Distributor: Exertis, VIP Computers
Distributor: Tech Data
Distributors: Exertis, Computers Unlimited, Ingram Micro, Douglas Stewart
Distributor: Exertis
The AOC 75 Series features numerous monitors sure to match every classroom need. Particularly, the IPS models are interesting for the education segment, boasting high-quality IPS panels and fantastic viewing angles (178° / 178°). At 21.5-inch, the AOC I2275PWQU is the smallest IPS monitor available in the series.
Maximise your shelf space and make choosing a case easy for your customer with Universal Cases from Targus, designed to fit 90 per cent of tablets. Featuring a multi-fit stretchy, shockabsorbing silicone system which grips the device on all four corners and secures it safely inside. The patented 360-degree rotating design offers hands-free portrait and landscape viewing.
Whether you dabble in design or have existing expertise, you can express your creativity by using the intuitive graphic design, illustration, page layout, web graphics and photo-editing features. Create eye-catching projects with a variety of content, including professionally-designed templates, high-quality photos and clipart.
Make sure your Wi-Fi network is top of the class when kids go back to school this year by introducing an Edimax EW7438RPN N300 Mini Wi-Fi Range Extender to your network. This device extends the Wi-Fi signal so kids can benefit from using a designated homework room which has internet access.
Specs: 4ms response time, 21.5” and 24” screen sizes.
Specs: Hands-free rotating stand, USA Military-Spec drop tested (protects device from 1.2m drops).
Specs: Installs up to three copies per household.
Specs: Speeds of up to 300Mbps, compatible with all brands of routers.
SRP: £119.99 (21.5”), £141.99 (24”)
SRP: £19.99 – £34.99
SRP: £99.95
SRP: £14.99
CLUB3D UNIVERSAL DOCKING STATION
LITTLEBITS STEAM STUDENT SET
OSMO
5GPS CARD READER
Distributor: Target Components
Distributor: Computers Unlimited
Distributor: Computers Unlimited
Distributor: Dynamode
The SenseVision USB 3.0 Dual Display Docking Station is a verstatile universal docking station which allows you to expand the outputs of your laptop or ultrabook, so it can be used as a traditional desktop PC. Featuring the advanced DisplayLink DL-3900 chip inside, the USB 3.0 Dual Display Docking Station enables the use of two external High Definition monitors via the HDMI and DVI-I output.
The LittleBits STEAM Student Set is a toolbox of acclaimed electronic blocks, designed with educators to engage students in powerful STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) learning through invention. The set comes with comprehensive lessons, curricular connections, implementation strategies and helpful tips, while a mobile app provides thousands of more ideas.
OSMO is an award-winning educational iPad accessory, allowing children to enjoy learning while interacting with others and the digitally connected game pieces. The core system – which works with any iPad – is the base for a growing range of games, including Words, Numbers, Tangram, Newton, Masterpiece and Coding. OSMO is used in classrooms in 42 countries around the world.
This is a high performance, compact 5Gps card read/writer which reads all current and several future memory card formats, including MicroSD, SDHC and SDXC amongst others. Stylish and compact with a metal finish, it’s ideal for almost any digital application.
Specs: Supports dual external monitors via HDMI, Microsoft Windows, Apple OS X and Android and Linux in Beta.
Specs: 72-page student invention guide included, set includes 19 blocks and 45 accessories.
Specs: Works with any iPad, no Wi-Fi or battery required, free OSMO apps available.
Specs: Up to ten times the speed of USB2 products.
SRP: £89.75
SRP: £224.99 (ex VAT)
SRP: From £58.32 (ex VAT)
SRP: £16.99
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PCR July 2016 | 45
SECTOR GUIDE
OFFICE 365
LEXMARK A4 MONO PRINTER
HP CHROMEBOOK 11 G4
HP X2 210 DETACHABLE PC
Distributor: Westcoast
Distributor: Westcoast
Distributor: Westcoast
Distributor: Westcoast
Office 365 Home and Personal is subscription-based software designed to help you and your household get things done from nearly anywhere on your favourite devices. Get the installed applications you know and trust – Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Outlook, Publisher and Access.
The Lexmark MS415dn printer combines a powerful CPU/256 MB of memory, 2.4-inch colour display, ecoconscious features and output at 38 pages per minute.
Get trusted processing power from an Intel Celeron processor that quickly launches apps, allows fast web browsing and efficiently manages battery power.
The HP X2 210 detachable PC lets you go beyond notebook and tablet functions with write, share and watch modes that are ideal in the classroom.
Specs: 256MB of memory, 2.4” colour display, 38 pages per minute.
Specs: Intel Celeron N2840, 4GB RAM, 16GB eMMC, 11.6”, 1366x768 HD resolution, Chrome OS.
Specs: Intel Atom x5 CPU, 10.1” screen, 1280x800 resolution, 4GB RAM, 64GB HDD, Windows 10 Pro 64.
SRP: £59.99 (Personal), £79.99 (Home)
SRP: £250 ex VAT
SRP: £221
SRP: £302
FUJITSU STYLISTIC TABLET
OFFICE HOME & STUDENT 2016
SOFTMAKER OFFICE HOME & BUSINESS 2016
BROTHER HL-3140CW
Distributor: Entatech
Distributor: Entatech
Distributor: Entatech
Distributor: Ingram Micro
The Fujitsu Stylistic R726, with a 12.5inch anti-glare display, transforms into a full performance and productivity notebook by simply attaching the slim magnetic keyboard. Its magnesiumaluminium housing delivers durability, presenting in tablet mode or notebook mode on desks, offering a great alternative to traditional PCs.
Microsoft Office 2016 is designed to help you create and organise faster with time-saving features, a new modern look and built-in collaboration tools. Plus, you can save your documents in the cloud on OneDrive and access them from anywhere.
SoftMaker Home & Business for Windows is the blazing fast, easy-to-use alternative to Microsoft Office. Seamlessly compatible with Microsoft Office 97-2016, users can complete their day-to-day office and school work with TextMaker Word Processing, the PlanMaker Spreadsheet program and Presentations 2016 program.
Compact, reliable and specially designed to suit smaller classroom spaces, the HL-3140CW creates professional-looking colour documents and prints directly from mobile devices. Wireless technology means saving and sharing resources is easy.
Specs: 12.5”, anti-glare, magnetic keyboard.
Specs: Updated versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote.
Specs: Compatible with Microsoft Office 97-2016.
Specs: Up to 18ppm mono and colour print speed, up to 2400x600dpi print resolution.
SRP: From £649
SRP: £119.99
SRP: £29.99
SRP: £174
Specs: One-year subscription, OneDrive cloud storage (1TB Personal, 5TB Home), 1 PC/Mac and 1 tablet (Personal), 5 PCs/Macs and 5 tablets (Home).
46| PCR July 2016
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SECTOR GUIDE
BROTHER ALL-IN-ONE PRINTER
ASUS VIVOBOOK FLIP
TRIUMPH BOARD
TP-LINK ACCESS POINT
Distributor: Ingram Micro
Distributor: Exertis
Distributor: Inspired Technology
Distributors: CMS Distribution, Entatech, Exertis, Spire Technology, Tech Data
Fast and reliable, the DCP-9015CDW brings all-in-one colour print, copy and scan performance to the classroom. Create documents before sharing them using the machine’s comprehensive connectivity options.
The Flip TP200’s robust and remarkable 360-degree, multi-gear metal hinge gives you the freedom to organise your life the way you want.
The Triumph Board offers all the benefits of traditional interactive touchscreens as well as new features, like Ultra HD and Full HD resolution, an embedded Android board and integration with Triumph Cloud.
With speeds of up to 1.2 Gbps, this EAP 320 access point from TP-LINK provides a practical solution for hard-pressed schools looking to strengthen their Wi-Fi network.
Specs: 9.3cm touch screen, 18ppm print speed, two-sided print.
Specs: 11.6” 1366x768 display, N3050 CPU, 2GB RAM, 32GB SSD.
Specs: PC6A: Intel Core i5 processor and 4GB RAM, PC7A: Intel CoreTM i7 processor and 8GB RAM.
Specs: Wi-Fi with MIMO and TurboQAM, plus airtime, fairness, beamforming and band steering technologies.
SRP: £226.80
SRP: £229.99
SRP: Varies
SRP: Around £170
NORTON SECURITY DELUXE 3 DEVICE
APPROX CARRY CASE & MOUSE BUNDLE
APPROX UNIVERSAL 90W LAPTOP PSU
APPROX 2.1 MULTIMEDIA MINI SPEAKERS
Distributors: Exertis, Ingram Micro, Tech Data
Distributor: Spire Technology
Distributor: Spire Technology
Distributor: Spire Technology
Norton Security Deluxe provides protection for the multi-device, onthe-go way you live today. IT gives you the ability to protect your identity and financial data from viruses, scams and online threats.
This basic laptop bag measures 15.6-inches in size, and boasts durable coating quality. It also comes bundled with an optical mouse with a USB 2.0 cable.
The new Approx automatic power adapter with its unique design allows you to charge all kinds of notebooks up to 90W. It has nine pins included, making it a compatible with most available brands.
The APPSP21M is a compact speaker set with subwoofer. It’s designed for those who want to enjoy their music with style. Its sleek, slim design offers a modern touch to your computer and is ideal for both PC and laptop.
Specs: Protects up to three devices.
Specs: 15.6” case in black, USB optical mouse.
Specs: 18.5-20V, 8 Adapters, Auto Select.
Specs: 10W RMS, white.
SRP: £39.99
SRP: £11.99
SRP: £20.99
SRP: £10.99
CONTACT
www.pcr-online.biz
CMS Distribution ........ 0208 960 6000
Dynamode ....sales8@dynamode.com
Exertis ....................01256 707 070 (IT)
Computers Unlimited . 0208 358 5858
Entatech ...................... 0333 101 1000
Gratnells ...................... 0800 169 6854
Douglas Stewart ..........01252 612806
Exertis .............01279 822 822 (Home)
Ingram Micro............... 0871 973 3000
Spire Technology .........01202 828444
Inspired Technology ...01227 271120
Target Components.... 01977 739 300
Tech Data .................... 01256 788 000
VIP Computers ............ 0871 622 7500
Westcoast .................... 0118 912 6000
Peak Development ..... 01489 796 979
Midwich ....................... 01379 649 200
PCR July 2016 | 47
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SECTOR GUIDE
Picture perfect From general home and office use to schools, leisure facilities and the public sector, monitors are of course an essential part of the IT service offering. PCR rounds up some of the latest displays on the market…
SAMSUNG K5500 5 SERIES FLAT FHD SMART TV
SAMSUNG KU6400 6 SERIES SMART TV
SAMSUNG KU6000 6 SERIES FLAT 4K SMART TV
SAMSUNG K6300 SMART CURVED TV
Distributor: Tech Data
Distributor: Tech Data
Distributor: Tech Data
Distributor: Tech Data
Samsung says the 5 Series Flat FHD Smart TVs provide a breathtaking and immersive viewing experience. There’s full HD picture quality plus Wide Colour Enhancer technology and Digital Clean View technology.
The KU6400 Crystal Colour UHD TV with 1500 PQI delivers amazing picture quality and superior colour, according to Samsung. Watch your favourite movies and shows come alive with impressively bright and vivid images.
The Samsung KU6000 6 Series deluxe delivers stunning Ultra HD with UHD Dimming Technology, boasting seven times more colour adjustment points than conventional LED TVs. It also has Wi-Fi direct, and cloud based gaming.
This K6300 Smart Curved TV from Samsung features a full HD 1920x1080 pixel resolution and LED technology. The slimline curved design aims to make it look bigger than 40 inches while ensuring a great viewing angle.
Specs: 32” 40” 49” and 50” screen sizes, 1920x1080 resolution, built-in wireless LAN.
Specs: 40” 49” and 55” screen sizes, 3840x2160 resolution, UHD crystal colour.
Specs: 40” 50” 55” and 60” screen sizes, 3840×2160 resolution, UHD resolution.
Specs: 40” 49” and 55” screen sizes, 1920x1080 resolution, curved screen.
SRP: £295.55
SRP: From £619.95
SRP: £599
SRP: £749
AOC 75 SERIES
AOC 19.5” WIDESCREEN MONITORS
PHILIPS MONITORS
PHILIPS TFT 19.5” BLACK GLOSS DISPLAY
Distributors: Exertis, VIP Computers
Distributors: Exertis, VIP Computers
Distributors: Entatech, Exertis
Distributor: Entatech
The AOC 75 Series comprises a new line-up of energy-efficient 16:9 widescreen monitors, which include VGA, DV, and (with the exception of the E975SWA) HDMI inputs. Higher models also include DisplayPort and USB 3.0.
The AOC M2060PWDA2, M2060SWDA2 and M2060PWQ are 19.5-inch, 16:9 widescreen monitors with Full HD resolution (1920x1080) and a 60Hz refresh rate. Each model has a response time of 5ms.
The Philips E7 line caters to the needs of style conscious users by providing an exciting range of monitors with an ultra-narrow bezel. The range boast extra-wide viewing angles, 5ms response time and diverse inputs.
Equipped with stereo speakers, this 19.5-inch display comes with Philips SmartContrast technology for the best possible digital imagery. It also has powerful sound with 2x2 watt RMS speakers.
Specs: 16:9 widescreen, 18.5” to 27” screen sizes, max QHD resolution 2560x1440 (Q2775PQU model).
Specs: 16:9 widescreen, 19.5”, 60Hz refresh rate, 1920x1080 resolution.
Specs: 23.6” and 27” screen sizes, 5ms response time, VGA, DVI, MHL-HDMI inputs.
Specs: 19.5”, LED, 2x2 watt.
SRP: £59.99 to £309.99
SRP: From £72.99
SRP: £139.99 (23.6”), £199.99 (27”)
SRP: £72.27
50 | PCR July 2016
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Sales Hotline 0871 622 7500 Delivering Value in Distribution
GREAT FOR EDUCATION Introducing the Zoostorm Delta PC range, built to deliver the best in technology for education and meet the rigorous demands of the classroom. Manufactured in the UK, the Delta range comes with over 15 years’ experience in delivering cost-effective solutions for education, along with quality customer care and support.
In stock & available off the shelf Next day delivery Made in the UK
DELTA MICRO ULTRA SMALL FORM FACTOR SYSTEM Intel® Core™ i5 6400 processor Windows® 10 Home 128GB SSD with 8GB DDR4 memory VESA stand compatible - sold separately
DELTA TOWER PC BLACK Intel® Pentium® G4400 processor Windows® 10 Home 1TB HDD with 8GB memory Zoostorm keyboard & mouse included
DELTA MICRO ULTRA SMALL FORM FACTOR SYSTEM Intel® Core™ i3 6100 processor Windows® 10 Home 128GB SSD with 4GB DDR4 memory VESA stand compatible - sold separately
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Our promise to you. VIP will always deal with you professionally and courteously | VIP will never leave you with a problem of our own making VIP will always be informative in our communications | VIP will look to support you and grow your business VIP will help educate you about our channel | VIP will always be fair to you VIP will always be competitive on price Not kept our promise? Please tell us because your feedback will help us to deliver a better service. You can speak directly to our Managing Director, Rich Marsden
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SECTOR GUIDE
HANNSG 23.6” FULL HD LED DISPLAY
IIYAMA PROLITE BLACK FULL HD LED DISPLAY
HANNSG HARD GLASS MONITOR
HANNSG 24” ERGONOMIC MONITOR
Distributor: Entatech
Distributor: Entatech
Distributors: Exertis, Entatech, Ingram Micro, Midwich
Distributors: Exertis, Entatech, Ingram Micro, Midwich
This black LED backlit monitor boasts Full HD 1080p and a 5ms fast response time with VGA and DVI HDCP inputs, plus built-in stereo speakers. Multivideo modes are available for multiapplication use.
The ProLite E2483HS is a 24-inch Full HD LED-backlit monitor with 1920x1080p resolution. Featuring a 2ms response time and impressive contrast ratio, the ProLite ensures clear and vibrant picture quality.
A perfect choice for education, government, business and healthcare, the HannsG HP247HGB is a protected, economical display offering a complete package of performance, features, design and support.
HannsG’s HP246PJB offers practicality with a smart and flexible four-in-one stand. Designed to ensure personal comfort, this solution is especially useful in environments where monitors are often shared by multiple users.
Specs: 1080p, 5ms response time, VESA mountable.
Specs: 24”, >5 000 000 : 1 Advanced Contrast Ratio, 1920x1080p resolution.
Specs: 23.6”, 16:9, 1920x1080, 1000:1, VGA, DVI, HDMI.
Specs: LED, 1920x1200, 16:10, 1000:1, VGA, DVI, Display Port.
SRP: £95.90
SRP: £117.52
SRP: £119
SRP: £119
HANNSG 21.5” TOUCH SCREEN MONITOR
DISPLAYPORT1.2 TO HDMI2.0 ACTIVE ADAPTER
USB3.1 TYPE-C TO HDMI2.0 ACTIVE ADAPTER
CLUB3D HDMI 2.0 CABLE
Distributors: Exertis, Entatech, Ingram Micro, Midwich
Distributor: Target Components
Distributor: Target Components
Distributor: Target Components
The HannsG HT225HPB boasts industry leading 10-point touch performance, IPS display technology and a triple input interface including DisplayPort for versatile connectivity. It also has a smart, adjustable stand.
The DisplayPort 1.2 to HDMI 2.0 UHD Adapter from Club3D lets you connect your DisplayPort 1.2-enabled gaming PC or notebook to an HDMI 2.0 enabled device.
The Club 3D USB 3.1 Type-C to HDMI 2.0 UHD Adapter is the easiest solution for connecting your USB 3.1 Type-C source device to an HDMI 2.0 enabled monitor, TV or projector.
The Club 3D Premium High Speed HDMI 2.0 4K60Hz UHD cable enables the connection of your HDMI 2.0 supported gaming PC or laptop to an ultra high definition monitor.
Specs: 1920x1080, 16:9, 1000:1, VGA, HDMI, Display Port.
Specs: Data rate up to 6Gbps per TMDS channel, 3D video support up to 1080p at120Hz.
Specs: Compliant to HDMI 2.0 for up to an 18Gbps data rate, supports UHD resolutions up to 3840x2160p.
Specs: Supports UHDTV resolutions up to 3840x2160p at 60Hz, supports AMD, NVIDIA and Intel Graphics.
SRP: £189
SRP: £26.81 (MiniDisplayPort is £26.93)
SRP: £28.12
SRP: £9.16
CONTACT
52 | PCR July 2016
Entatech ...................... 0333 101 1000
Midwich ....................... 01379 649 200
Exertis .............01279 822 822 (Home)
Tech Data .................... 01256 788 000
Exertis ....................01256 707 070 (IT)
Target Components.... 01977 739 300
Ingram Micro............... 0871 973 3000
VIP Computers ............ 0871 622 7500
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Touch Monitors HANNspree is a leading manufacturer of high-end touch screen monitors using the latest 10 points P-Cap Technology which guarantees accurate, smooth and stable touch control.
Ex Ha tra rd Lo pro glas ng te s er cti life on
Sharing ideas and learning together is fun and easy with our Tablet- PC´s Dual band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n * ensures that all students in a classroom are able to get on the Internet at once. Front and rear-facing cameras encourage creative learning possibilities, and Bluetooth 4.0 allows the convenient use of wireless accessories. (* on selected models)
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HANNspree offers a complete portfolio of monitors. Each of our monitors is carefully crafted to deliver a perfect harmony of design, performance and practicality, and our comprehensive range enables you to select the right monitor for your individual requirements, no matter how specific they may be.
HANNspree UK hannspree.co.uk
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The latest tech Editorial planner
The ZenFone 3 Deluxe is the firm’s new flagship smartphone
The ZenBook 3 is a lightweight notebook with an aluminium design
ASUS wows at Computex 2016 with gaming, phones and robots ASUS MADE sure it was centre of attention at Computex with a raft of mobile product announcements that encompassed gaming laptops, smartphones and home robots. Yep, that’s right, ASUS has developed a robot for the home and it’s called Zenbo. Company chairman Jonney Shih described it as a companion that humans had dreamed of owning for ‘decades’: “One that is smart, dear to our hearts, and always at our disposal. Our ambition is to enable robotic computing for every household.”
There’s no word on availability or pricing yet, but developers can sign up to a programme and get to work on Zenbo apps and content. The more down to earth ASUS products unveiled at the show were led by the ZenFone 3 family, featuring ZenFone 3 Deluxe, the firm’s new flagship smartphone; ZenFone 3, a feature-rich midrange smartphone; and ZenFone 3 Ultra, which packs a 6.8-inch Full HD display. Also announced were the ZenBook 3, a lightweight notebook with an aluminium design, along with the Transformer 3 and the
“ASUS got gamer pulses racing with the G31 and GX800 compact gaming desktop and laptop.”
Transformer 3 Pro, which ASUS is aiming at those looking for mobility, convenience and expandability. Finally, ASUS got gamer pulses racing with the G31 and GX800 compact gaming desktop and gaming laptop, respectively, in celebration of its Republic of Gamers (ROG) brand’s 10th anniversary. The ROG G31 Edition 10 sports a compact, 20-liter chassis, one-click CPU overclocking and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 GPU with 2-way SLI for 4K UHD gaming, as well as an ESS audio DAC and amplifier headphone jack.
ASUS describes the ROG GX800 as ‘the most powerful gaming laptop in the world’, driven by an NVIDIA SLI GPU and Intel K-series CPUs, with two 330W power supplies. It also offers an upgraded liquid-cooled docking station to enable extreme overclocking of the CPU, GPU and DRAM. The GX800 also features a mechanical keyboard – called MechTAG (Mechanical Tactile Advanced Gaming), which is illuminated by multicolour (RGB) LEDs with key-level customisation and antighosting measures across the whole keyboard.
Contact: ASUS | www.asus.com | Price: £899.99/£1399.99 (Transformer 3 Pro T303UA), £899.99 (ZenBook Flip UX360UA), £829.99 (ZenBook Flip UX560UA), £999.99 (ZenBook Flip UX560UQ), £699.99 (ZenBook Flip UX360CA) £599.99/£799.99 (ZenBook 3 UX310UA/UX330UA) | Out: Now (GX800, G31) August (Transformer 3 Pro T303UA, ZenBook UX560UA, ZenBook Flip UX560UQ, ZenBook Flip UX360CA, ZenBook 3 UX310UA/UX330UA), September (ZenBook Flip UX360UA)
www.pcr-online.biz
PCR July 2016 | 55
RECOMMENDED
MSI’s VR Backpack carries more than your lunch SO VIRTUAL Reality is the future of home entertainment, offering a completely immersive experience that takes you off to new worlds for wild adventures and an unrivalled game play experience. Until you trip over all the cables and crack your head on the corner of a PC. Painful stuff, but a misfortune that the folks at MSI are hoping to save us from in the form of their nifty VR Backpack. That’s right, a backpack that also doubles as a high spec PC (Intel Core i7 processor/GeForce GTX 980 GPU) so that all those pesky cables run straight to the VR headset on your head instead of trailing all round the living room floor. The VR Backpack is likely to be available later this year, although MSI has yet to confirm a release date or a
price point. What is does do is take the trend for wearable technology to its logical conclusion – who needs smartwatches when you can just take a whole PC with you?
“MSI’s backpack doubles up as a high spec PC with Intel Core i7 and a GeForce GTX 980 GPU.” Back in the here and now, MSI has announced the availability of its AEGIS and AEGIS X ‘barebone’ gaming desktop PCs, which it says deliver an ‘ultra-aggressive and compact design that conceals a plethora of
cutting-edge components. Under the hood of the AEGIS ($399.99) is a proprietary B150 motherboard and CPU Cooler that can support an Intel 6th Gen processor, while the VR-ready AEGIS X ($499.99) comes with a Z170 motherboard capable of handling an Intel K-series processor. What’s more, the AEGIS uses MSI’s Mystic Light design, which allows gamers to personalise it with 16 million colours in different modes, Audio Boost 3 and Nahimic 2.0 Audio Enhancer for HD sound, as well as USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type C connectors. The Aegis X is also equipped with Killer Shield, a 15KV protection against power surges, as well as Killer DoubleShot Pro to play and stream games minimised lag.
Contact: MSI | www.msi.com | Price: VR Backpack £TBC to $399.99 (AEGIS) and $499.99 (AEGIS X) | Out: TBC (VR Backpack) and Out Now (AEGIS, AEGIS X)
Dell inspires with its Inspiron 2-in1s DELL WAS out in force at Computex and took the opportunity to unveil a new line of Inspiron 2-in-1s targeted at students heading back to school, aspiring entrepreneurs and families seeking an affordable product. The company claims the Inspiron 7000 2-in-1 is the world’s First 17 Inch 2-in-1, with a 6th Gen Intel Core processor, a 360-degree hinge enabling four viewing modes, FHD resolution, backlit keyboard and infrared camera that works with Windows Hello. There’s also Waves MaxxAudio Pro audio and 802.11ac wireless. It’s available now starting at £999. The Inspiron 11 3000 2-in1, meanwhile, is aimed squarely at the family and back to school market, with
HD resolution (1366x768), USB 3.0 port and Micro SD media card reader. It’s being made available from selected UK retailers. The Inspiron 5000 13 and 15 inch 2-in-1s laptops are centred around a wide-angle FHD resolution display. The 13-inch-2-in-1’s compact size and light weight make it ideal for everyday travel, and the 15-inch-2-in-1 has 40 per cent more screen room than the 13-inch, making it well suited to working on multiple projects or enjoying movies with friends and family. The 13 and 15 inch devices are available now at £499 and £699, respectively. Finally, the new 15 and 17inch Inspiron 5000 Series laptops offer an array of processor options for fast, responsive performance and are aimed at people and
“The new Inspiron 2-in-1 line is aimed at students and families.”
The Inspiron 7000 has a 360-degree hinge
families for entertainment. For scalability and storage, an optical DVD drive and
optional Blu-ray writer may be added for backing up photos, videos and data. The 15-inch
and 17-inch devices will be available in the UK later this year.
Contact: Dell | www.dell.co.uk | Price: £999 (7000 2-in-1), £499 & £699 (13 & 15 5000 2-in-1s), £TBC (11 3000 2-in-1, 15 & 17 5000 Series) | Out: Now (7000 2-in1, 13 & 15 5000 2-in-1s), TBC (11 3000 2-in-1, 15 & 17 5000 Series) 56 | PCR July 2016
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RECOMMENDED
AMD Radeon 480 targeting affordable VR THE RACE to offer affordable, mass-market VR graphics solutions is well and truly on, with providers queueing up to offers the solutions that will get the technology into
“AMD says its $199 Radeon RX 480 delivers performance on a par with $500 products.” people’s living rooms. Accordingly, AMD has rocked up with the Radeon RX 480, which starts at $199 for a 4GB unit and delivers performance that the firm says is on a par with $500 products. It’s available from June 29th and a lot is expected. indeed, AMD
expects that affordable PC VR enabled by Polaris architecture-based graphics cards will drive a wide range of VR-ready devices, providing a catalyst for the expansion
of the addressable market to an estimated 100 million consumers over the next 10 years. Big numbers, for sure. But the Radeon RX 480 isn’t
the only piece of hardware to emerge from AMD in the last month. Its newlyannounced 7th Generation AMD A-Series Processor line-up is an important
product line for the company, designed to help provide powerful productivity and entertainment performance with maximum mobility. Previously codenamed ‘Bristol Ridge’ and ‘Stoney Ridge’, the 7th Generation AMD FX, A-Series, and E-Series Accelerated Processing Units (APUs) show major improvements in performance compared to the previous generation, including claimed doubledigit gains in gaming, video rendering and file compression performance. As ever, OEM partnerships and support is key – AMD accelerated the availability of the new processors to support new notebook designs, with Acer, Asus, Dell, HP and Lenovo already offering hardware, with more devices to be announced throughout 2016.
Contact: AMD | www.amd.com/en-gb | Price: From $199 | Out Now
Cooler Master boxing clever COOLER MASTER used Computex to unveil a significantly expanded product line-up, led by the MasterCase and MasterBox. A full range of sizes has now been launched, complemented by a growing ecosystem of swappable MasterAccessories and MakerMade Accessories that can be used to both customise the exterior and adjust the interior layout. The second version of Cooler Master’s innovation platform, MasterConcept 2.0, has made strides towards a completely modular case that has no defined form or function other than that created by its user. The MasterBox line, a trimmer case featuring internal expandability and layout flexibility, has also expanded with a mini-tower and new mid-tower colours.
Meanwhile, the MasterAir Series of CPU air coolers and the MasterGel Series of thermal pastes now all feature full product portfolios ranging from entry-level up through the Pro and Maker iterations for increasing quality and
“Cooler Master unveiled a significantly expanded product line at Computex.” customisation. The liquid cooling segment has also launched its first member, the MasterLiquid Pro 120 and 240 AIO coolers, featuring a
unique pump design for various user preferences. And the MasterFan Series has spun off its MasterFan Pro, a collection of three blade designs with adjustable fan speed profiles for varying component and case cooling needs. All CPU coolers include the MasterGel Pro or MasterGel Maker, depending on the segment. Finally, the MasterWatt Series was charged by the flagship MasterWatt Maker 1200 and will now expand into a full line of MasterWatt PSUs for varying levels of control and power requirements. The series incorporates custom changes to the circuit design, heatsink and fan to reduce heat waste, strengthen reliability and extend life expectancy. These have now become available from the MasterWatt upwards.
Contact: Cooler Master | www.coolermaster.co.uk www.pcr-online.biz
PCR July 2016 | 57
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RECOMMENDED
Intel takes Core i7 to extremes INTEL LAUNCHED its Core i7 Extreme Edition family of processors at Computex and it’s fair to say the company is quite excited about the product line. In fact, the firm’s connected home boss Gregory Bryant said in a blog post that he couldn’t remember the last time he was so excited by a product launch. There’s no doubt that anything with the word ‘Extreme’ in its title is sure to set pulses racing. Intel boasts that the range offers up to 10 cores of ‘mind-blowing performance’. It’s designed not just for multi-tasking, but also for what it calls mega-tasking. Hyperbole aside, the numbers speak for themselves and there’s no questioning the raw power on offer here. Gamers are the clear target market – Intel
talks up the Core i7’s ability to support the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive VR platforms with ‘enough room to spare’. And with Intel’s new Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0, applications are steered to the highest-performing core, giving single-threaded
“With 40 PCle lanes connected directly to the CPU, gamers have a variety of options at their fingertips.” experiences a huge performance boost. Certainly, with 40 PCIe lanes connected directly into the CPU, gamers have a variety of options at their
fingertips to expand their system’s capabilities with the SSD 750 Series of highperformance solid state drives, multiple discrete GFX cards and Thunderbolt 3.
Away from games, Intel says the Extreme Edition also facilitates the editing of video in native 4K – plus, with up to 10 cores and 20 threads of performance,
it’s possible to work on virtually every aspect of a project simultaneously. We reckon it’ll also open Word docs faster than you can possibly imagine.
Contact: Intel | www.intel.com | Price: Variable | Out Now
Overclockers creates a monster THIS ONE’S not for the faint hearted or, in fact, anyone on a budget in the real world – Overclockers UK has revealed (or should it be conjured in the depths of Mordor?) a monster of a gaming desktop PC called the OrionX. The spec sounds like something from a sci-fi movie – it’s a water-cooled system that is in fact two PCs in one box. The first packs a 10-core Intel Core i7-6950X processor, three Nvidia GTX 980 Ti graphics cards and an ASUS Rampage 5 10th Anniversary X99. The second is an ITX-based system with an overclocked Intel Core i7-6700K running at 4.8GHz. To say you’ll feel a disturbance in The Force each time it’s switched on would be an understatement.
The idea is that the more powerful primary unit handles all the heavy lifting, such as VR and graphics rendering, while the companion allows the user to surf the internet and use Word, so there is method to the madness. We’re not quite sure how anyone playing a VR game would be able to polish their spreadsheets at the same time, but we’d like to see. The whole thing is the brainchild of Overclockers’ system builder extraordinaire Ian “8pack” Parry. But all that power comes at a price (and some serious liquid cooling tech), circa £16,000 if rumours are to be believed. There’s no release date yet, but we’re promised that it’s ‘coming soon’ on the Overclockers site, so stay tuned.
Contact: Overclockers UK | www.overclockers.co.uk | Price: £TBC | Out: Coming Soon www.pcr-online.biz
PCR July 2016 | 59
RECOMMENDED
Acer switches on affordable notebooks ACER USED Computex to announce two ultraaffordable 2-in-1 notebooks in the form of the Switch V 10 and Switch One 10. Both models feature Windows 10 and quad-core Intel Atom processors, with the Switch V 10 is available with a variety of metal covers, a USB Type-C port, high-
“Acer’s new 2-in1s feature Windows 10 and quad-core Intel Atom processors.” resolution video output and easy charging. The Switch One 10 comes with a dark grey brushedmetal cover, and offers 2-in-1 Windows 10 functionality.
The Switch V 10 will be available in EMEA in September at a price to be
confirmed, while the Switch One 10 will be available in EMEA in July starting at €249.
As usual, exact specifications, prices, and availability will vary by region.
Meanwhile, Acer has also expanded its enterprise offering with the new TravelMate Notebooks range, comprising 14-inch and 15.6inch models for small and medium sized businesses – a burgeoning market that can be very price sensitive. Both models are featurerich, including 6th Generation Intel Core processors, NVIDIA GeForce 940M discrete graphics, up to 32GB DDR4 system memory and ship with Windows 10 Pro. They also include HD1 backlit LED displays, an optional backlit keyboard, while a DVD/CD-RW drive can be included for software installation and storage backups. The TravelMate P2 series will be available in EMEA in August starting at €429. Again, exact specifications, prices, and availability will vary by region.
Contact: Acer | www.acer.co.uk | Price: TBC (Switch V10), €249 (Switch One 10), €429 (TravelMate P2) | Out: July (Switch One 10), August (TravelMate P2), September (Switch V10)
See Corsair’s magic Magnetic Levitation fans
WHAT CORSAIR doesn’t know about cooling can be written on the back of a fan cover and its new Magnetic Levitation fans are the latest addition to its huge portfolio, as showcased at Computex. The Corsair ML PRO and ML PRO LED fans both use the company’s patented magnetic levitation technology which, rather than being something David Copperfield might use in one of his tricks, is actually a new kind of magnetic bearing
configuration that ultimately generates more performance and less noise. That’s made possible partly due to a very wide 2000 rpm range of speed, the difference with the ML PRO LED fans being extra illumination that sees the entire fan glow when in use. We’ve seen them in action and we have to say they look pretty cool – sure to appeal to gamers everywhere. Both fan models will launch in 3Q 2016, though pricing and availability has yet to be finalised.
Contact: Corsair | www.corsair.com | Price: TBC | Out: 3Q 2016
60 | PCR July 2016
Stay safe with the WISO Smart Whistle
SMART HOME. Check. Smart watch. Check. Smart, um, whistle? Not so much. Well, not yet anyway, because Astrotek is about to unleash what it’s calling the world’s first Bluetooth smart whistle, the WISO. In a nutshell, the Computex Award-winning WISO is a combination of traditional whistle, Bluetooth technology and mobile app. When activated, it not only emits a loud alarm to alert the unknown people nearby that something bad is happening, but
also commands emergency calls, sends SOS messages and emails to loved ones about the wearer’s location. It’s targeted at females and allows users to hang it on the bag or on their key chain, rather than being a wristband or jewellery. It allows SOS messages to be sent at a blow or a press of button. Discreet location info on a map will be included in the SMS/email and location information will be updated approximately every three minutes.
Contact: WISO | www.thewiso.com | Price: £49.99 | Out Now
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RECOMMENDED
Flux reveals Swiss Army Upping the GAMA Knife of 3D printing in POS systems
FLUX TECHNOLOGIES’ Delta 3D printer won big at the Computex Awards, snatching first place in the smart technology/wearable apps and products category. It’s the Swiss Army Knife of 3D printing, combining, um, 3D printing, 3D scanning and laser engraving in one machine. Flux Technologies is pitching it as a desktop solution for budding creatives. The Flux Delta is wirelessly connected, so can be accessed from remote locations, while its various interchangeable modules and materials make it much easier to bring designs to life. Flux Technologies also provides the companion Flux Studio software, which its says simplifies the process of 3D slicing, hardware control and system configuration. The system is available to pre-order now from $669 and is the kind of
product that will help bring the concept of 3D printing – so long the domain of specialist pros – to the masses.
GAMA, TPV’s POS system, won in the computer systems category at the Computex Awards. The device is certainly eyecatching, inspired as it is by the ancient Greek letter GAMMA and with twin displays for both the retailer and the customer to look at. TVP described GAMA is a POS ‘total solution’ that represents a new way of thinking for the modern retail industry. Among its functionality is
Contact: Flux Technologies | www.flux3dp.com | Price: £699 | Out: Pre-Order Now
inventory management, interactive advertisement, a scanner, payment and a receipt printer. The firms says that by providing shop owners with streamlined inventory control and shoppers with fast checkout and accurate product information, GAMA has the potential to change relations among cashiers, consumers and POS systems and, ultimately, boost the profit of future retail business. What’s not to like?
Contact: TPV | www.pos-tpv.com | Price: TBC
Editorial Planner
A look at the biggest features coming up in PCR over the next few months...
August 2016
September 2016
October 2016
DESKTOP SPECIAL
PC GAMING SPECIAL
DISTRIBUTION SPECIAL
PCR takes a closer look at the traditional tower market and looks at how the computing sector is evolving.
We take a look at the state of the UK’s PC gaming sector, speak to system builders and list the latest accessories, components and cases available to stock.
The tech distribution space is continuing to evolve and consolidate, but what are the challenges for suppliers and what does the future hold?
We’ll also be celebrating and highlighting the top technology PR managers and press officers in the UK industry.
Elsewhere in this issue, we preview this year’s IFA trade show set to take place in Berlin.
Advertising Deadline
Advertising Deadline
Advertising Deadline
July 14th
August 12th
September 14th
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We also review the 2016 PCR Women of the Year event and review the IFA trade show.
PCR July 2016 | 63
OUT OF OFFICE
IN THE
HOT SEAT Estelle Johannes, CompTIA CompTIA’s director of UK member communities Estelle Johannes talks about her pet hates, guilty pleasures and where she sees herself in the next five years…
BROTHER CONQUERS THE THAMES BROTHER’S UK distribution team have kayaked across the River Thames to raise money for Cancer Research UK. A team of seven volunteers (from left to right: Charlotte Gillooley David Goodman, Jeremy Bedford, Lesley Howe, Kate Falkingham, Steve Malone from H20adventures and Shammi Mistry) took on the challenge of kayaking the entire length of the non-tidal River Thames. The task took five days to complete as the team journeyed 135 miles from Cricklade in Wiltshire to Teddington Lock in Greater London. They have raised more than £6,400 in donations so far. The endeavour marks the start of a wider charity initiative, organised and funded by Brother, involving eight UK distributors, including Midwich, Exertis, JGBM, VOW, Exertis Supplies, UFP, BETA and Northamber. www.justgiving.com/teams/kayakthethames2016
What are your hobbies? Running after my two-year-old son and around the park twice a week. What are your tipples of choice? At work we drink lots of tea and flat whites. I’m South African, so outside of work I appreciate a good red or white wine. Just not rose – never rose! How competitive are you (inside and outside of work)? Fiercely competitive. Do you have any pet hates? Someone tapping on their desk, clicking a pen or saying goodbye five times on the phone before they hang up. What’s your dream car? A FIAT 500. What are your guilty pleasures? Watching Orange Is the New Black. Where do you see yourself in the next five years? We are looking to expand our reach into EMEA so hopefully I can be a remote worker in sunny Spain. What’s going to be the next big thing in tech? A reliable source said holograms and also harnessing the opportunities that will arise from the Internet of Things. Would you like to nominate anyone for a future ‘In the hot seat’? Kris Nagamootoo, senior manager, Membership, CompTIA.
64 | PCR July 2016
EBUYER.COM BREAKS GAMING WORLD RECORD A GAMING team from online retailer Ebuyer.com has broken the Guinness World Record for continuous play of a console game, with a 51-hour gaming marathon. The team, Sumonix Bears, contested over 51 hours of continuous gameplay on the Microsoft Xbox game Halo 5: Guardians, against online opponents. Stephen James and Adam Vjestica, part of the Sumonix Bears team, spent three days fighting in the online multiplayer game, to beat the previous record of 50 hours and four minutes. Chris Pang and Rhys Wood withdrew from the marathon at 21 and 24 hours respectively. They were all allowed a ten minutes break for every four hours of gameplay. The record attempt was streamed live on the Ebuyer Twitch channel and the team raised over £1,382 for gaming charity SpecialEffect. www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Sumonix-Bears-halo
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OUT OF OFFICE
140 CHARACTERS OF NEWS AND VIEWS What the industry’s been tweeting about this month… Craig Hume, Utopia Computers @CraigHume_ Well said @CK_Kohli! I’ve seen their terms first hand...totally agree and I hope more follow your bold stance! RT @PCR_Online @ YOYOtech1 reveals why it doesn’t deal with Amazon anymore Rich Marsden, VIP Computers @Rich_VIPCom @CraigHume_ @CK_Kohli you see the terms then do not supply Craig which is wise if it does not suit your business, if it does then supply
MICROSOFT FACES THE WRATH OF ANN WIDDECOMBE AND RICHARD MADELEY FORGET competition from Google and Apple, or the criticism of journalists – Microsoft has roused the ire of former Tory MP Ann Widdecombe and TV presenter Richard Madeley. They have both been caught by the so-called Windows 10 ‘updategate’, which has seen some users complain about their PCs apparently upgrading to the operating system without their permission. Madeley tweeted: “Have been refusing Windows 10 upgrade for months but bastards just did it anyway and f***** up my settings. Grrrrrr...” Ooh-er. Widdecombe added in her column for the Express: “I see my colleague Richard Madeley was caught by the intrusiveness of Microsoft’s new Windows 10. “So was a friend of mine who switched on her computer and then went to make a cup of tea. When
TERRA’S ART ATTACK TERRA UK director Neil Jensen left the recent Computex trade show in Taiwain inspired. So inspired, in fact, that he produced his own piece of art in a coffee shop in Taipei around the show’s virtual reality presence. It’s titled ‘Its Virtually Wednesday’ and is being auctioned off for a Multiple Sclerosis charity, in honour of Jensen’s grandmother who passed away from this illness 25 years ago. The piece of art drew bids from several industry executives, including David Tulip and Sam Kazerounian. At the time of writing the highest bid was £165, with the auction ending on July 1st. “I haven’t done art since high school, but didn’t let that hold me back. I am certainly no Monet or Paul Oz,” Jensen admitted, “but had great fun creating this and simply chillaxed.”
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she came back the upgrade, which she did not want or ask for, was in full swing and she couldn’t use the computer that evening. “Fortunately I was warned that when the window pops up there remains only a few minutes’ grace before it loads anyway, so I have had to alter my morning routine to thwart it. “I stand over the thing until assured the wretched pop-up has gone away. We should be able to sue for lost working hours, mental stress and trespass. “Yes, trespass. What else would you call it if an unauthorised person entered your home and ransacked your files? Instead, the giant reigns supreme and can do what it likes, up with which we have to put until a rival comes along with better ethics.” You tell ‘em, Ann.
Craig Hume, Utopia Computers @CraigHume_ @Rich_VIPCom @CK_Kohli that was what I done Rich. I could see that it was going to put too much risk on the table. YOYOTech @YOYOtech1 @CraigHume_ @Rich_VIPCom @CK_Kohli issue here is not terms but when they suggest “goods not received” and you supply POD still refuse to pay Rich Marsden, VIP Computers @Rich_VIPCom @CraigHume_ @CK_Kohli infrastructure here is key, you will get badly burnt if you play a game your business is not set up for, use a Disty!! Tim Hawes, Granite Computers @timhawes83 @amazon What’s this I read in @pcr_online about you owing money to local disties such as @Smithie_UK & other UK disties too? Shame on you! Adam Simon, Context @adamcontext Great to see debate following @ jonathancontext input to #pcrbootcamp. Big strength of indies is proximity and trust Gemma Telford, The IT Marketing Agency @gemmaitmarketng Great to see some of my fave men in the channel in this month’s @pcr_online speaking at the #pcrbootcamp @tubblog @ CraigHume_ @Carl_GB :) OKI Europe @OKI_Europe_Ltd .@PCR_online explores why #MPS could be the future of #print – have you considered it?
PCR July 2016 | 65
OUT OF OFFICE
In our Team of the Month section, we highlight some of the important faces from across the industry who perhaps aren’t always in the public eye. This month, we chat to Dell’s UK retail team...
Who’s in your team? Jamil Nathoo, Richard Hughes, Faye Andrews, Steve Gater, Amit Sudra and Neil Ivory (see below right for full job titles). What’s been your biggest successes of the past 12 months? Over the past year we’re really proud to see our products back on retailers’ shelves after a three-year hiatus and therefore into the hands of more consumers. Customers view our end user and gaming products as highly desirable, so it’s great that our retail partners are able to help meet this demand. What’s the best part of working in your team? The Dell retail team is an important and strategic part of the UK and global Dell business. We have a longterm vision for Dell in the UK retail space and each member of the team is both key to achieving success in this market – and empowered to take the actions necessary to get us there. What’s the hardest part of working in the tech industry? Technology never stands still. This makes it both an exciting and challenging environment. Products and business models need to evolve to meet modern requirements and the ever changing needs of consumers. And we all know that consumers interact with brands very differently compared with just a few years ago. With the proliferation of peer-to-peer recommendations, they now have a much deeper understanding of a product’s worth, how it works and its strengths and weaknesses, all of which can then be
shared at a touch of a button via social channels for the world to see. Therefore, we are well aware of how important it is to have a great product. What are you working on right now? It’s an extremely exciting time at Dell right now. We are about to roll out our consumer advertising campaign on TV and beyond in the lead up to the back to school season. The aim is to put Dell products in the hands of as many consumers as possible and to do this we need to ensure products are on shelves, retailers are welltrained and that there is sufficient demand for our products. The next few months are going to be tremendously exciting, so watch this space. What’s the funniest or most memorable memory of working in your team? We are lucky to have part of our team based in Hyderabad, India. On one of
our regular trips to the local office, the leadership team was invited to play in a cricket match against the local office team for charity. Let’s just say that the UK leadership team lacked a little in quality. The good news is that we raised a good amount of money for one of the local charities we support there. What are your thoughts on the UK tech retail space right now, and your recent partnership with Currys/PC World? Retail technology is an exciting space to be in right now. There are many different areas to work in and major players such as Currys/PC World to partner with. We are currently receiving a lot of consumer interest across the UK market and our global demand for products is reflected in meeting the needs of consumers, especially in the PC market, which is still a vibrant one.
in my opinion Neil Ivory – he has the magic touch when it comes to making a proper English brew.
A
B
C
D
E
F
Dell UK retail team (from left to right) A: Jamil Nathoo – general manager, consumer and small business B: Richard Hughes – director, retail C: Faye Andrews – manager, marketing, retail D: Steve Gater – director, marketing, consumer & small business E: Amit Sudra – account executive, retail F: Neil Ivory – retail account executive, retail
Who makes the best cuppa? It really depends on who you ask, but
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