tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79876905556725040642024-03-27T23:53:29.179+00:00Westcoast Welcome to the Westcoast blog! The latest news, views and industry trends from the Westcoast team.
Westcoasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11124782395064451333noreply@blogger.comBlogger181125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7987690555672504064.post-5232227506285182882017-11-27T12:13:00.000+00:002017-11-27T12:13:30.200+00:00720 million hack attempts are made every day... got your attention?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-bU0k5Rob2ONLJnGmH5yhWw7zzLcaGF5Ju5rGgZwLTy0ilairLbgxonJBNUcbVekA81EFdOzlEjmJHNkBUkqRp1ZPdZGFduXfOVgzDTVOXDMR8_8WVXm2zMOqKl6ouWXu9JBlSpCUYolM/s1600/HPEBlog1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="344" data-original-width="747" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-bU0k5Rob2ONLJnGmH5yhWw7zzLcaGF5Ju5rGgZwLTy0ilairLbgxonJBNUcbVekA81EFdOzlEjmJHNkBUkqRp1ZPdZGFduXfOVgzDTVOXDMR8_8WVXm2zMOqKl6ouWXu9JBlSpCUYolM/s640/HPEBlog1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
<h3>
Here are a few more scary stats to set the scene…</h3>
<ul>
<li><b>Cyber-crime costs have increased
annually by 21%</b></li>
<li><b>60% of SMB’s go out of business
within 6 months of suffering a cyber-attack</b></li>
<li><b>50% of cyber security
professionals reported at least one incident of malware infected firmware in
2016</b></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Food for thought isn’t it, and yes we all know that stats can be rolled
out to support almost any claim, but these are different. They only support
what we already know…The cyber-attack threat is real and we all need to be
aware and prepared for it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
As defences against cyber-attack have evolved and become more effective,
so have the methods employed by those that perpetrate those attacks. They probe
and test every facet of a system, in a top down search for weak points to
exploit, cracks through which they can slip in and wreak their own particular
brand of havoc. Emerging technologies like IoT, mobility, and hybrid IT
environments now open new business opportunities, but they also introduce new
risk. Protecting servers at the software level is no longer enough; businesses
need to reach down into the physical system level to stay ahead of threats.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) has a strategy to deliver this through
its unique server firmware protection, detection, and recovery capabilities, as
well as its HPE Security Assurance….Introducing the HPE Silicon Root of Trust.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqxQ_CRXTAjRUIcF5HpGgcpqVLY2U3-xHWRJx6Qm-oUYGUYYqUePk7j5XdPa0YIWtxyK7HFClJk1Malrg9Q9P3XrUEfIpcg_GeiT3_ocEBttnRPJkI1aTTZtQwiJYCY_nLjAtGv0zSRy_M/s1600/HPEBlog2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="356" data-original-width="657" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqxQ_CRXTAjRUIcF5HpGgcpqVLY2U3-xHWRJx6Qm-oUYGUYYqUePk7j5XdPa0YIWtxyK7HFClJk1Malrg9Q9P3XrUEfIpcg_GeiT3_ocEBttnRPJkI1aTTZtQwiJYCY_nLjAtGv0zSRy_M/s640/HPEBlog2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Each HPE platform has a root of trust that is burned into the silicon
components on the motherboard, making it literally impossible to compromise,
because the system cannot boot without this circuitry. This silicon root of
trust begins with the HPE iLO management controller, which is an HPE-specific
design, much more advanced than the more generic and lower cost Aspeed BMC
popular with many other vendors.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
HPE iLO’s intellectual property is owned solely by HPE, and it owns the
firmware as well, with a strict process for both access and sign off on
changes. This is a large differentiator that HPE can deliver, because it
designs and produces its own products. Even the software operating environment
for iLO is different - it utilises HPE-controlled software tools, making it
more difficult to compromise relative to the more generic Linux-based tools
that most other vendors use for their management controllers.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
As an established and trusted distribution partner of HPE for over 30
years, Westcoast have seen the server market evolve and take quantum leaps
during that time.<i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The HPE Silicon Root of Trust is a game changing innovation that closes off a potential route into your system, a route that those with nefarious intent could otherwise have taken with impunity, and a route through which they could have potentially unleashed untold damage.</h3>
<h3 style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />Let's chalk this one up as a win for the good guys shall we...</h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
Learn more about...</h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>HPE Gen 10 Servers: <a href="https://goo.gl/WpkUZz">HPE Servers</a></li>
<li>Moors Insight: <a href="https://goo.gl/aXACc7">HPE Locks downServer Security</a></li>
<li>Ponemon Institute: <a href="https://goo.gl/SxZAQH">Costof Cybercrime Study</a></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
Westcoasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11124782395064451333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7987690555672504064.post-45487027161179724642017-11-22T09:22:00.000+00:002017-11-22T09:22:57.749+00:00Can-Do Teaching<i style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: 700;">How the Microsoft Education store can help with classroom organisation</i><br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: 24px;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<div>
<h2>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvukBaNr9V7DJkhrdmiduFHZ6asy3GDS-DK7ScRiKJJEynw4Yr-uW2mLDN3vC52JI1VWGhIQLS6LWrqAephv-58PYbPxfwIK2vnuHydyuNEYxLgN-F4UpBFHyWxhb47GU6yGLMLnEDyGPP/s1600/MSBlogImage1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvukBaNr9V7DJkhrdmiduFHZ6asy3GDS-DK7ScRiKJJEynw4Yr-uW2mLDN3vC52JI1VWGhIQLS6LWrqAephv-58PYbPxfwIK2vnuHydyuNEYxLgN-F4UpBFHyWxhb47GU6yGLMLnEDyGPP/s640/MSBlogImage1.jpg" width="640" /></a></h2>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
For a long time, people said rather sneeringly, ‘if you can’t do, teach’, which is perhaps one of the most ridiculous put-downs of all time. Teaching is, in our view, not only one of the most admirable and necessary of professions, but also one of the most difficult. As well as knowing your subject inside out, well enough to help other – often reluctant – people to understand it, having endless admin and compliance to handle, and needing the patience of a saint, you need to be a logistical genius. Corralling a classroom is akin to herding cats, but the teacher doesn’t just need to keep order, but to find ways to engage and foster a group dynamic which delivers the best possible learning experience and outcome. <br />
<br />
We’re not the only ones to appreciate the work of teachers; Microsoft have been working with the profession for years, which is why they have crafted the Surface range specifically with schools in mind, and have a whole category of apps dedicated to helping teachers in the <a href="https://goo.gl/eDvtWf">MS Education Store</a>. And it’s these that we’ll be looking at today in our continued exploration of Microsoft’s educational tools. <br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<h3>
Teacher’s Helper</h3>
<br />
<b>KnowledgeBase Builder – </b>Mind-mapping, flash card making, flowchart creating, decision tree planting; if you’re looking for a way to quickly and easily organise your thoughts – whether for personal use during lesson planning, or for a class demonstration - KnowledgeBase Builder could be your go-to app. Available for just £2.74, the programme enables users to create browsable cross-linked charts in the format of their choice, with a drag-and-drop interface and the ability to import all Wikipedia references for any given subject. Images can be incorporated and work can be both accessed and edited on any Windows or Android platform, allowing users to amend errors any time they choose. <br />
<br />
<b>Sway –</b> Lesson prep can take up as much time as actual teaching, so any tool that can cut that time without cutting quality must always be welcome. Sway is a free-to-use story-telling app, which takes your data and transforms it into the interactive presentation format of your choice. With multimedia input and an array of attractive designs, it’s possible to create a bespoke report on any subject, with slides – digital or printable – on any subject. With sharing and collaborative facilities built in, it’s possible for selected colleagues to ‘remix’ the file to suit their needs, or to create interactive challenges for pupils to work on in class. <br />
<br />
<b>My Study Life – </b>Originally designed as a form of digital homework diary, My Study Life has been further developed to allow students, teachers and lecturers to better plan their time. With specific task colour-blocking, alerts for due dates and multiple device off-line synching, it’s possible to keep track of all of your tasks, events and meetings at a glance, wherever you are. <br />
<br />
<b>Notebook Pro –</b> Every computer document has its limitations, but one of the greatest is the inability to accurately annotate. Notebook Pro removes that constraint, allowing users to take full control of their documents, whether PDFs or image files. From straight annotation to the insertion of Vector Graphics, you can write, draw, paint, add photos, save and export, making presentation creation easy. <br />
<br />
<b>Teacher’s Second Brain – </b>An extra brain for £0.66? Bargain! Teacher’s Second Brain is a new addition to the <a href="https://goo.gl/eDvtWf">MS Education Store</a>, but it seems like a good idea to us. On the surface it’s essentially an organiser, but it has a few added extras: allowing grade allocation and recording, absence tracking and seat planning. It may not have the full capability of the cranium, but it does mean that you can free the mundane essentials from your memory, if you can access them all at the touch of a button on one of your Surface devices. <br />
<br />
Teaching isn’t easy and anyone who chooses it for their profession deserves all the respect and help that they can get. The <a href="https://goo.gl/eDvtWf">MS Education Store</a> can’t do a teacher’s job for them, but when working in tandem with an Microsoft Surface device, it can certainly help. <br />
<br />
And don’t forget there’s also deals to be had … <br />
<br />
With savings available of up to £176 per unit on specific Surface Pro SKUs, take advantage of some great deals tailored for education. </div>
</div>
Westcoasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11124782395064451333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7987690555672504064.post-3727339300380998382017-11-17T08:57:00.000+00:002017-11-17T08:57:31.814+00:00Six Heads Are Better Than One<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<h3>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="false"
DefSemiHidden="false" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="371">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footer"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of figures"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope return"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--></h3>
<h2>
<i>Encouraging and empowering teamwork in Education with Microsoft Collaborative Tools</i></h2>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwTCkDADH2vJnjwLaqhGYsyfGt_lbS1U5Xx8d-4_peHZvBD8sz-hc0gegXcmykK-TPOuZ2lISquWRSE09vYiurIaEOEER-TuR3G-8Y-YK2_mkN8lRpCdB3BbGi9G3OxxieubyMLeewcqfC/s1600/MSBlogImage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwTCkDADH2vJnjwLaqhGYsyfGt_lbS1U5Xx8d-4_peHZvBD8sz-hc0gegXcmykK-TPOuZ2lISquWRSE09vYiurIaEOEER-TuR3G-8Y-YK2_mkN8lRpCdB3BbGi9G3OxxieubyMLeewcqfC/s640/MSBlogImage2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
When we were children, collaborating on a school project usually meant gathering around a piece of paper, pencils in hand, tongues probably sticking out of the corner of our mouths, wishing that we’d been partnered with one of the brainy kids. Someone would eventually be nominated as ‘writer’, someone else as ‘drawer’, and then the most opinionated would hold court, ordaining proceedings in the vein of a miniature dictator. Inter-school collaboration was rare and fragmented. International collaboration almost unheard of. <br />
<br />
The developing technology of the last 20 years has brought about no end of changes to the ways in which schools operate, but few provide a more startling contrast than the means of collaboration. Continuing our run down of Microsoft’s educational offerings, today we’re looking at the ways in which our favourite manufacturer’s <a href="https://goo.gl/eDvtWf">educational app store</a> could help make teamwork easier in an educational environment, especially when working on a Microsoft Surface. <br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<h3>
<b>Creative Collaboration Spaces </b></h3>
<br />
<b>GoToMeeting –</b> Whether homework projects, interschool ventures, or PTA gatherings from afar, GoToMeeting provides a free-to-use virtual conferencing suite, where invited groups can meet, share documents and converse – either using a video or audio link. Available in English and Chinese languages, the system in safe and secure, keeping children away from unwelcome third parties, and sensitive information away from potentially prying eyes and ears. <br />
<br />
<b>Microsoft Remote Desktop –</b> One of the greatest fears of setting children off to work online is that you won’t always know what they are doing; while inappropriate websites and materials can be blocked, there remain concerns over both cheating and surreptitious bullying. Microsoft Remote Desktop is the teacher’s ultimate tool for keeping an eye on their pupil’s activity. Enabling the remote access of multiple desktops, the app not only allows users to access their personal data from a distance – for when you’ve left an important file on your home PC – but to observe the activity on all linked systems, so if there’s a lot of giggling on table five teachers can check to see what the little darlings in their charge are up to. <br />
<br />
<h3>
<b>Splashtop Business Remote also offers similar solutions. </b></h3>
<br />
<b>ShareFile –</b> The name kind of gives this one away, but we’ll elaborate anyway. If you’re looking for a means to transfer, synch and store files quickly and securely, then this free to use app could be right up your digital street. <br />
<br />
<b>Project Timeline –</b> A real multi-tasker, Project Timeline can be used in numerous circumstances, whether for a single project being worked upon by multiple parties, or for keeping track of multiple projects for one individual. It could even help with a revision time table. Helping users to make the most of their time, the app allows at-a-glance prioritisation. With tools to plan, organise and allocate tasks, invite co-collaborators, and synch to multiple devices, this free to use software makes missed deadlines a thing of the past. <br />
<br />
<b>BoardPad –</b> With hacking a growing problem, handling sensitive data online can bring concerns. Using world class encryption, with a suite of editing tools, BoardPad provides a highly secure space to share work and collaborate from a distance. <br />
<br />
It might not be up there with the STEM subjects, but learning to collaborate is a genuine life skill that all kids need to master and all teachers know the importance of. People always used to say that using a computer was isolating and antisocial, that students should be outside, working face-to-face. With Microsoft Surface and the <a href="https://goo.gl/eDvtWf">MS Education Store</a> working together from a distance is virtually the same as working side by side. <br />
<br />
And what better way to start selling Surface to your Education partners than to save yourself money while doing so? Take a look at the latest Surface Pro bundle promotions exclusively available to Education partners. Westcoasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11124782395064451333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7987690555672504064.post-24713864181871119112017-11-13T13:26:00.001+00:002017-11-13T13:26:33.896+00:00Nimble Storage - InfoSight Proactive Capacity Management<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHTCuGJSq4BfxYPhmXUVA-xdeV4i-bCQ5AwCG6SMKOLISfXYB3P77evZ2O28h24uwN9T0ZIVV27ueTiy_pSm48ULo-j4yemhie_snWj9f4bmCi0Y-umII0wexcUXepzteQyZXvomTx_S7T/s1600/HPEBlogImage1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="209" data-original-width="619" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHTCuGJSq4BfxYPhmXUVA-xdeV4i-bCQ5AwCG6SMKOLISfXYB3P77evZ2O28h24uwN9T0ZIVV27ueTiy_pSm48ULo-j4yemhie_snWj9f4bmCi0Y-umII0wexcUXepzteQyZXvomTx_S7T/s640/HPEBlogImage1.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Business loves data. It’s probably the one constant that remains unchanged in a world otherwise replete with it, and today is different only in so much as the amount of data we regularly keep and shuffle from system to system…in fact it could be said that data has never been more important.<br /><br />In our hyper connected world, where almost everything we do online is tracked, catalogued and stored to be served up at a moment’s notice, where and how that data is stored can very often mean the difference between success and failure, with the term ‘spinning wheel of death’ taking on a far more literal meaning for organisations who get this decision wrong…Speed is everything and delays are simply unacceptable.<br /><br />The problem is that as you get more data, the complexity of storing and accessing g that data becomes an almost herculean task unless you choose the correct technology. So what is the right technology? In truth there is no real right or wrong answer to this question as the solutions available are outnumbered only by the applications they have been created to enable, but here are the offerings from Hewlett Packard Enterprise…<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNZQfMXpbOQfD1JDz1U7o1z6s3CxOcIOR2hFIoyz3Td7qNMZAuzF6LTEO4T8JHgPQ5aX48Qy0Ei8sF9h5KDiBmUTYJYNvzBduK0gAfrv60aIEWLuyWSwwKlarQxGVYXp_55LC34CVlYxxQ/s1600/HPEBlogImage2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="479" data-original-width="591" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNZQfMXpbOQfD1JDz1U7o1z6s3CxOcIOR2hFIoyz3Td7qNMZAuzF6LTEO4T8JHgPQ5aX48Qy0Ei8sF9h5KDiBmUTYJYNvzBduK0gAfrv60aIEWLuyWSwwKlarQxGVYXp_55LC34CVlYxxQ/s400/HPEBlogImage2.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /><ul>
<li><b>MSA:</b> Most affordable acceleration –storage for the performance needs of small sites </li>
<li><b>Simplivity:</b> Hyperconverged –software defined infrastructure that makes hybrid IT simple </li>
<li><b>Nimble:</b> Simplest –predictive and cloud ready all flash and hybrid-flash storage</li>
<li><b>3PAR:</b> Most flexible –unified storage for the all-flash datacentre</li>
</ul>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
For the purposes of this article we’re going to focus on the most recent addition to this list. Nimble.<br /><br /><h3>
Nimble Storage Fast 5</h3>
<br /><b>Why Flash and Why choose Nimble Storage?</b><br /><ol>
<li>The new normal: Flash is the single biggest storage technology shift in 30 years. While performance is a given, there is a new kind of buyer who prioritizes radical simplicity over other attributes. They want simple to buy, use and upgrade, without compromising features and reliability. For these new-style buyers, Nimble Storage is THE leader in “completeness of vision” in the Gartner 2016 MQ.1</li>
<li>Close the “app-data gap”: Businesses expect data to be instantly available. Any slow-down or disruption across the infrastructure stack (storage, networks and servers) causes an “app-data” gap that disrupts data delivery and slows down business. The Nimble Storage predictive Cloud Platform closes the app-data gap by combining predictive analytics with flash storage to provide fast and reliable access to data.</li>
<li>Full stack predictive analytics: Over half of issues that cause the “app-data gap” do not have storage roots. InfoSight Predictive Analytics anticipate and prevent problems across the infrastructure stack and identify future needs. InfoSight gets to the root cause with zero finger pointing.</li>
<li>Transformed support experience: InfoSight uses cloud-based analytics and machine learning to automatically resolve 86% of problems before a customer is even aware.2 Nimble Storage has achieved the industry leading Net Promoter Score (85).3 Why? Customers consistently reference the simplicity and transformed support experience.</li>
<li>Customer Friendly Business Model: The Timeless Storage™ Guarantee, included with all Nimble Storage arrays, means all-inclusive software, flat support pricing, a satisfaction guarantee and an option for a free controller upgrade after 3 years that is at least 25% faster than your existing installed model!</li>
</ol>
<br /><b>These are great points but what do they actually mean to the people who use them?</b><br /><ol>
<li><b>Predictive:</b> InfoSight Predictive Analytics is the first and only analytics platform built into storage to predict and prevent problems across the infrastructure stack and simplify operations. It provides a transformed support experience and enables customers to avoid disruption and time wasted solving infrastructure issues.</li>
<li><b>Multicloud:</b> Ideal for hybrid IT because it provides a single architecture with unified data services, common management and mobility across all flash, hybrid flash on-premises and public cloud. Nimble Cloud Volumes is an enterprise-grade cloud storage service for AWS and Azure.</li>
<li><b>Reliably Fast:</b> High-performance and scalable all-flash, hybrid flash and secondary flash arrays with >99.9999% (six nines) measured availability across all models. Modular and simple scalability with non-disruptive scale-up and scale-out.</li>
<li><b>Radically Simple: </b>Simple to buy, install and use for IT buyers looking for a new level of self-managing and self-aware storage. Robust application plug-ins, Docker container support, and InfoSight’s detailed executive dashboards reduce provisioning and capacity planning overhead.</li>
<li><b>Efficient:</b> Industry leading flash efficiency with always on inline deduplication and compression to achieve the perfect price/performance/capacity sweet spot. Quality of Service controls enable application and storage consolidation without affecting performance.</li>
</ol>
<br /><b>As I said earlier, there’s no shortage of options so why chose Nimble?</b><br /><ol>
<li>True predictive analytics: Infosight, with the resulting operational simplicity, is the number one reason customers choose Nimble Storage over competitors. It has allowed Nimble to achieve greater than 99.9999% measured availability across its entire installed-base. And, with machine learning, your array continually gets smarter as InfoSight learns to inoculate systems against known issues</li>
<li>Common platform for All Flash and Hybrid Flash: Unlike Pure Storage, both Nimble and 3PAR span both all-flash and hybrid flash enabling customers to setup disaster recovery at a third of the cost. Transparently move applications between any type of array without application interruption.</li>
<li>Cloud-ready: Nimble Cloud Volumes, an enterprise-grade storage service for Amazon Web Services and Microsoft® Azure, make Nimble arrays cloud-ready. EMC and Pure Storage are limited to on-premises storage deployments only.</li>
<li>Efficient and scalable: Industry-leading flash efficiency with always on inline deduplication and compression to achieve up to 5X or more data reduction at the perfect price/performance/capacity sweet spot. Modular and simple scalability with non-disruptive scale-up and scale-out.</li>
</ol>
<br /><b>So if you had to sum it up….</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQinLO7l0tDapVONmgN_u8hSZNkHs6Zjw8XjaB4aW3NJDeLZD9OWS73DDyDNwWJUwO2LSOI7p4mQ1y113v8SYi8slrcUaiuMijIcCYHi-CsePm1NqtKQZzMhhOCtMUUEml2wzFGl7CbyR5/s1600/HPEBlogImage4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="421" data-original-width="947" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQinLO7l0tDapVONmgN_u8hSZNkHs6Zjw8XjaB4aW3NJDeLZD9OWS73DDyDNwWJUwO2LSOI7p4mQ1y113v8SYi8slrcUaiuMijIcCYHi-CsePm1NqtKQZzMhhOCtMUUEml2wzFGl7CbyR5/s640/HPEBlogImage4.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b><br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://goo.gl/BWw1ia">Take a look at the Joules Case Study</a><br /><br /><a href="https://goo.gl/Vj97GW">Download the Nimble Technical Product Breakdown</a><br /><br /><a href="mailto:enterprisebdm@westcoast.co.uk">Contact Westcoast for more information</a></div>
Westcoasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11124782395064451333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7987690555672504064.post-41908155318384906572017-11-09T16:19:00.000+00:002017-11-09T16:19:08.467+00:00Online sales: Friend or foe for traditional retail?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6VIZFjLMskVxl1KQkRvGncTDoMZp8FqzENVNMQAmPuDT4nQKLll-zvsRNdnwAzcWvsIrUurPaFFAEX9rU-C9oJSFy1oMEpw3MWKyAQUCFJh0athONz4gyq3CxKf6S263x76MkScv0nKgp/s1600/mike-petrucci-131817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1500" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6VIZFjLMskVxl1KQkRvGncTDoMZp8FqzENVNMQAmPuDT4nQKLll-zvsRNdnwAzcWvsIrUurPaFFAEX9rU-C9oJSFy1oMEpw3MWKyAQUCFJh0athONz4gyq3CxKf6S263x76MkScv0nKgp/s640/mike-petrucci-131817.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
As we read that Swedish department store giant Ikea is overhauling its sales strategy to begin selling product on a number of big ecommerce websites, it seems that the dawn of the online sales invasion is no longer that. It’s a full-blown sunrise, and its rays are only set to burn brighter than ever before on the world of in-store retail and sales.<br />
<br />
While the move comes is primarily due to a mixture of online demand and a fall in visitors to its out-of-town outlets, Ikea, as it stands, is not alone in deciding to amend its sales strategy to further incorporate online platforms. If we look past the likes of Amazon and Alibaba, which are exclusively online, every major retailer and grocer, from Tesco to John Lewis and Walmart, have to various degrees a defined online presence aiming to ease the lives of consumers across the board. It hasn’t been a speedy process, as stores have had to move beyond their age-old model of driving consumers to impulse purchases via endless lanes of products and confusing layouts, though there’s been a definitive movement regardless. </div>
<div>
<a name='more'></a><div>
One thing that’s important to bear in mind when discussing the transition to online is that department stores were conceived of in a time when consumption was something people aspired to. Unlike today’s generation of consumers whose purchasing habits are far more frequent and ingrained into their day to day lives, the department store was designed for those with very different buying habits than today’s audience. <br />
<br />
Despite the wide-scale move to online, all is certainly not lost for the department store. Maximising the space available and enticing consumers with features they can’t access via ecommerce sites is key to ensuring its survival. There are numerous examples where such initiatives have been successfully implemented to great success. Neiman Marcus in the US, for example, a major company that includes fashion retailer Cusp and outlet store Neiman Marcus Last Call, has added what it calls ‘Memory Mirrors’, essentially a range of mirrors that offer customers a 360-degree view of how they look in their chosen garment.<br />
<br />
This concept can be taken one step further in that popular culture is also something that can be brought in-store. Liberty is an example that has time and again proven itself at the forefront of the shopping experience, providing initiatives sewing lessons for shoppers and local students. The recent announcement of the John Lewis Residence, an in-store apartment that shoppers have the opportunity of spending an evening in by visiting their Oxford Street branch, is another venture that adds value, and an element of the world outside, into the store itself, thus breathing life into the typical shopping experience.<br />
<br />
Delivering on more practical elements that can only be achieved in-store is additionally an essential feature of the department store. Walmart has recently announced it will be streamlining its returns process in-store, vowing customers will be in and out in about 30 seconds when making a return. This is a benefit that the online only destinations like Amazon aren’t able to reciprocate, as they require shoppers to return items through the post. The need to hold and touch products of a higher price value ahead of purchase is another feature that requires the physical outlet, and is often considered essential by consumers. Such examples emphasise the advantage having a bricks-and-mortar outlet can provide.<br />
<br />
There is no denying the strength of online, and the ease with which it allows consumers to do exactly that, from the convenience of whatever location they choose. As opposed to seeing this as a threat however, the answer is perhaps more akin to adopting a truly omnichannel approach, neither looking to use online to boost in-store sales or vice versa, and to instead use them in tandem, emphasising each platform’s own distinct features. Retailers may then be able to view online as a viable parallel channel, and not a threatening alternative. </div>
</div>
Westcoasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11124782395064451333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7987690555672504064.post-50990065724502691442017-11-07T11:45:00.001+00:002017-11-07T11:45:14.414+00:00It’s Not What You’ve Got but the Way That You Use it<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><b>… Making the most of
Microsoft Learning Tools for Education</b></span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCg9zLuXueZdnkRN86x-5-cfiYeXC67b-SoWreDR6T9cyy2ObzX7ggfmvOx5fGakSttGaidUcSXbCdCXvUImYQyEsWVnKiSPMX6A8f-K-a4nzhPIzaj9HVl6Hybhyphenhyphen0q2XfP0TOqhO9aFgy/s1600/Blog+Tweet+1+-+Supporting+Laptop+Sell+-+FY18+H1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCg9zLuXueZdnkRN86x-5-cfiYeXC67b-SoWreDR6T9cyy2ObzX7ggfmvOx5fGakSttGaidUcSXbCdCXvUImYQyEsWVnKiSPMX6A8f-K-a4nzhPIzaj9HVl6Hybhyphenhyphen0q2XfP0TOqhO9aFgy/s640/Blog+Tweet+1+-+Supporting+Laptop+Sell+-+FY18+H1.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></i></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Have you ever stopped and properly looked at all the tools that your computer can offer you? Not just the obvious Office and web browsers, or even the games beyond Solitaire – who doesn’t like the odd sneaky game of Solitaire? – but at SketchBook and Drawboard, Maps and StickyNotes, not to mention the wealth within the MS app store. If you haven’t – and we’d be willing to bet that you haven’t – then how can you expect your customers to? And if they don’t look, how can they know what Microsoft has to offer?<br />
<br />
We always get questions about how Surface devices fit in with education, over the next few weeks and months we’ll be looking at some of the best tools currently available for your customers, starting with MS learning tools. <br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
Education has always been at the heart of Microsoft, so it shouldn’t come as any surprise that in this age of apps, they now have a whole <a href="https://educationstore.microsoft.com/en-gb/store">online store dedicated to educational tools</a>, for both students and teachers – many free to use. So what, exactly, is on offer?<br />
<br />
<b>Learning in Focus</b><br />
<br />
The MS Education Store can be accessed by organisations or individuals, with offers for bulk – full class – purchases. We’d be here all day if we went through the full kit and caboodle, but here are a few of the key apps to suit your customers.<br />
<br />
· BrainPOP ESL – Sometimes the biggest challenge students face at school is learning English well enough to comprehend even the basics of every other subject. BrainPOP ESL has been devised to help make English language acquisition fun. It’s free to use and allows students to progress along their own learning curve at their own pace. <br />
<br />
<ul>
<li> Hear it First – It’s not just learners of English as a foreign language who need guidance when it comes to unfamiliar pronunciation. Whether studying French, German, Japanese, or any of 25 of the world’s most common languages, Hear it First allows users to type in words or phrases and hear the correctly accented word spoken back to them. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>GeoGebra – STEM subjects have been highlighted as a key focus for schools globally. GeoGebra is an industry-recognised, globally acclaimed mathematics suite created to aid in the teaching and learning of geometry, algebra, spreadsheets, graphing, statistics and calculus.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li> Edmodo – One of the most incredible benefits of recent technological developments is the opportunities it delivers for long distance collaboration. Edmodo provides a secure shared work space, where students and teachers can virtually meet to discuss and collaborate on projects, opening the doors for interschool, or even international, collaboration.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li> Adobe Photoshop Express – A free to use streamlined version of the world’s most popular photo editing suit, Photoshop Express delivers an intuitive range of tools ideal for preparing images for class presentations, or project augmentation. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Blackboard – Dual purpose, Blackboard is both a virtual classroom for online learning, with real-time conferencing facilities, and a live noticeboard enabling students to stay up to date with events and timetables. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Memorise It – This is an app the functionality of which goes far beyond the bounds of the class room. Whether cramming for an exam, preparing for a presentation, or trying to get your best man’s speech to stick, Memorise It uses your text to create anagrams, puzzles, visual clues and memory tags, all devised to make sure that the information is on the tip of your tongue whenever you need it. </li>
</ul>
From pre-school games, such as Monkey Lunchbox (£1.24 to download), through Minecraft Education (£3.84 per user per year), up to the HP Prime Graphing Calculator App (£12.83) and the Microsoft Bing Chinese Dictionary (free), there’s something in the <a href="https://educationstore.microsoft.com/en-gb/store">Microsoft education store</a> for every user. They just need to know where to look to find it. <br />
<br />
Isn’t it time that you let your education customers know about what Microsoft could do for them? With the MS education store and the Surface of their choice at their fingertips, the world of learning could become their very own mollusc. Contact your Westcoast Account Manager for more information on the Surface range and to find out about some great offers exclusively for Education … such as the below.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEkotSDuCdvL0PERoBmPLUa14PwRcf9uykeCaXt9jzXQzKn_Cglm8jI6jP4tlOnabH5uRo4UXSnLHKsT81OHVljBvibhWUx1rLWDRQux_m7Ia_fvagYTFXEISI0pC9tBxt-5mm_2ZJE8il/s1600/education+bundle+blog+picture.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="861" data-original-width="776" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEkotSDuCdvL0PERoBmPLUa14PwRcf9uykeCaXt9jzXQzKn_Cglm8jI6jP4tlOnabH5uRo4UXSnLHKsT81OHVljBvibhWUx1rLWDRQux_m7Ia_fvagYTFXEISI0pC9tBxt-5mm_2ZJE8il/s400/education+bundle+blog+picture.png" width="360" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Westcoasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11124782395064451333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7987690555672504064.post-11170398688898901822017-11-06T11:16:00.001+00:002017-11-07T10:58:44.462+00:00The ThinkPad has been around for 25 years. Here’s some tech which, um, hasn’t.<br />
<br />
As the Lenovo <a href="https://goo.gl/HvDeSA">ThinkPad</a> brand reached the ripe old age of 25, the brand has gained a reputation for reliability and high performance. With the red trackpoint button and eye-catching logo, a <a href="https://goo.gl/HvDeSA">ThinkPad</a> is instantly recognisable. Whether your customers are after a slim and light device, an ultra-powerful portable workstation or a versatile 2-in-1, there’s a ThinkPad for them.<br />
<br />
To celebrate the huge 25-year milestone, we decided to reflect on some tech that, in contrast, hasn’t quite stood the test of time…<br />
<div>
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2aobBlzdHSmnHVSp2Zn7qizXSMZtdnWTRlcOeN-iZGO9XxQ8PRtC8_UbG40TAax1wpSuxwX4iMdOHs4KT_okG1DWY8ROyLGOKy6tLCE8oUNyIef8QUlWrNHUhx80R5_AoEAp-6bNUbVx1/s1600/Think+Pad+blog+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1534" data-original-width="1000" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2aobBlzdHSmnHVSp2Zn7qizXSMZtdnWTRlcOeN-iZGO9XxQ8PRtC8_UbG40TAax1wpSuxwX4iMdOHs4KT_okG1DWY8ROyLGOKy6tLCE8oUNyIef8QUlWrNHUhx80R5_AoEAp-6bNUbVx1/s200/Think+Pad+blog+1.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>MiniDiscs and MiniDisc Players</b><br />
<br />
Despite launching the same year as the <a href="https://goo.gl/HvDeSA">ThinkPad</a>, MiniDiscs couldn’t quite knock portable CD players off the top of the tree. When MP3 players launched, MiniDisc players were doomed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b></b><br />
<a name='more'></a><b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6x4DVRim_VXUn2Qjy1bgrpcelDU1mC3yv2xNEnUG8Ja-wv0nuQ96PKUDoplFyp0p0GxHHyQwmEtqsXGDLOxWcoHzKREh4SpmBnX2vCv_f2-K4J7ypTSPzTNch_oVXt3cbGwE-Bbg0LHyF/s1600/Thinkpad+blog+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1487" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6x4DVRim_VXUn2Qjy1bgrpcelDU1mC3yv2xNEnUG8Ja-wv0nuQ96PKUDoplFyp0p0GxHHyQwmEtqsXGDLOxWcoHzKREh4SpmBnX2vCv_f2-K4J7ypTSPzTNch_oVXt3cbGwE-Bbg0LHyF/s320/Thinkpad+blog+2.png" width="200" /></a><br />
<b>Acorn Computers</b><br />
<br />
It’s with a tear in our eye that we added the trusty Acorn Computers to this list. If you were born in the 80s then chances are that you used one of these glorious machines at school.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-align: center;"><br /></b>
<b style="text-align: center;"><br /></b>
<b style="text-align: center;"><br /></b>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggmGMddk4JLFi0_YWW31A5b7X1VbnzUNY7YdTYB-GVqxTTlPrheRVH26QvTzj1c7cHPYyZMeV5UGxBfEGOMjDmut4iK16iuwwl9aa7uehS3UR7SgsJPJxl7Np-zQM9C21EVQmhFiuF1UGa/s1600/Thinkpad+blog+3.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="581" data-original-width="1600" height="116" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggmGMddk4JLFi0_YWW31A5b7X1VbnzUNY7YdTYB-GVqxTTlPrheRVH26QvTzj1c7cHPYyZMeV5UGxBfEGOMjDmut4iK16iuwwl9aa7uehS3UR7SgsJPJxl7Np-zQM9C21EVQmhFiuF1UGa/s320/Thinkpad+blog+3.png" width="200" /></a><b style="text-align: center;"></b><br />
<b style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: center;"><br /></b></b></b>
<b style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: center;">Zune</b></b></b><br />
<b style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: center;"><br /></b></b></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A shock release in a market that was already utterly dominated by the iPod, the Zune was last seen as a retro cameo in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYJJTQ1K9K6jqAFCkcax6LvUb1ETBhl0uB9CTG-Kok202SZVS6PO_uxEP-4LlXcLVQPyqtvWTdkUsR8VWghkm9iiNv5H0nCKzp7Mi3gErndYuFcS7zqE0Ls2AuEzVf3tPAkbXpEipDLA2D/s1600/Thinkpad+blog+4.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="872" data-original-width="1600" height="108" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYJJTQ1K9K6jqAFCkcax6LvUb1ETBhl0uB9CTG-Kok202SZVS6PO_uxEP-4LlXcLVQPyqtvWTdkUsR8VWghkm9iiNv5H0nCKzp7Mi3gErndYuFcS7zqE0Ls2AuEzVf3tPAkbXpEipDLA2D/s200/Thinkpad+blog+4.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div>
<b>Google Glass</b></div>
<div>
<br />
Marred by price and privacy concerns, Google Glass is absolute proof that even the biggest tech companies in the world can have absolute disasters.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEypsqVUjzy9xqONgRRVFeNLxvAQPnX_7Dh4gO3slYOv2IUEsUTKVpMj5GV4WgCpN3yv5jTIrThv4u2KdPOnnYkAP7YqiXGhu0XVor0BA55af35R3el1jT9V_a9Stprn5e8CZU8iXul_sm/s1600/Thinkpad+blog+5.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1200" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEypsqVUjzy9xqONgRRVFeNLxvAQPnX_7Dh4gO3slYOv2IUEsUTKVpMj5GV4WgCpN3yv5jTIrThv4u2KdPOnnYkAP7YqiXGhu0XVor0BA55af35R3el1jT9V_a9Stprn5e8CZU8iXul_sm/s200/Thinkpad+blog+5.png" width="200" /></a><br />
<b>Sega Game Consoles </b></div>
<br />
Ah Sega… Despite bringing Sonic the Hedgehog into our hearts, they were pushed out of the market by the dominance of Sony and Nintendo. Their last console released was the Dreamcast. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1vn9xuoyHSG7gGeInHtwaMgUcFtsZbtO-SjL8OIyi6FDxm55bVFfY6pm68FO08SHCk11045aivNCWa-5BI4XY6mVOvwY0KOKz9yNTKTDa0bXHKg7L14iUUpmhfnWJzhkWhAfhXy_qASt_/s1600/Think+pad+blog+6.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1vn9xuoyHSG7gGeInHtwaMgUcFtsZbtO-SjL8OIyi6FDxm55bVFfY6pm68FO08SHCk11045aivNCWa-5BI4XY6mVOvwY0KOKz9yNTKTDa0bXHKg7L14iUUpmhfnWJzhkWhAfhXy_qASt_/s200/Think+pad+blog+6.png" width="200" /></a><b></b><br />
<b><b><br /></b></b>
<b>HD DVDs</b></div>
<br />
There was only room for one HD video format, and, despite sticking with a familiar name, it was Blu-Rays that triumphed.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<b></b><br />
<br />
<div>
<b><b><br /></b></b></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzevAekmUEEkiCu-v2wUGyoq4OTFk0ReYffk-9fDB2ZWApEhPFBhWxMo92MYG8TsSSlsjFD6B_j3KksC_8c8Yj_bPoi43aOjjN_4c5tbVbtBQ0d7l3VLub1soV270DnXX7ADZMTvF1WLAX/s1600/Thinkpad+blog+7.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="913" data-original-width="1600" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzevAekmUEEkiCu-v2wUGyoq4OTFk0ReYffk-9fDB2ZWApEhPFBhWxMo92MYG8TsSSlsjFD6B_j3KksC_8c8Yj_bPoi43aOjjN_4c5tbVbtBQ0d7l3VLub1soV270DnXX7ADZMTvF1WLAX/s200/Thinkpad+blog+7.png" width="200" /></a><b>
Nokia’s N-Gage</b></div>
<div>
<br />
Back when their phone business was booming, Nokia tried to make a grab at some of the video game market. It didn’t go well.
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>The Office Assistant</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Whether you knew it as Clippy, Clippit or just ‘the
Microsoft Paperclip’, there was a time when this little guy was never far away
from casting a helpful/patronising eye over your work.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWqjvLTpgbaxa6f6LU0lNi5icrnbqzjY_BmHucHONndMjPNE-zEN-jA9YCQqarCDNxTgKdAtKpejzDMKPNrSjfpgXtOHQBOaJhr6g-RO3We9q624rSeoMuMXm1OHUK-uBHVfperMutB_ln/s1600/Think+pad+blog+7.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="812" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWqjvLTpgbaxa6f6LU0lNi5icrnbqzjY_BmHucHONndMjPNE-zEN-jA9YCQqarCDNxTgKdAtKpejzDMKPNrSjfpgXtOHQBOaJhr6g-RO3We9q624rSeoMuMXm1OHUK-uBHVfperMutB_ln/s200/Think+pad+blog+7.png" width="200" /></a><b></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><b><br /></b></b></div>
<b>Amazon Fire Phone<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Remember how we said that Google Glass was evidence that
tech giants can have disasters? Here’s exhibit B.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><b>MySpace</b></b></div>
<br />
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju2WJb9-PYIEe_9d159dfzOHwDl2vBtbpJ0HfmGk4YyQ0qQpFsccM3nrNzKr5cH3gqqCxYJrxXxMfNf3CPi9Wd1W732G45o2xiXvWvk9u07rieJTDJVJ-TF5gpMu-guyF9ttrhlgSdQ5C4/s1600/Thinkpad+blog+8.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="201" data-original-width="920" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju2WJb9-PYIEe_9d159dfzOHwDl2vBtbpJ0HfmGk4YyQ0qQpFsccM3nrNzKr5cH3gqqCxYJrxXxMfNf3CPi9Wd1W732G45o2xiXvWvk9u07rieJTDJVJ-TF5gpMu-guyF9ttrhlgSdQ5C4/s200/Thinkpad+blog+8.png" width="200" /></a></div>
There was a time, around thirteen years ago, when it seemed like every teenager had a MySpace page. Though it’s technically still around, the social network which made us hate auto-play is now a shadow of its former self.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>In conclusion…</b></div>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So what do you think? Have we been unfair with some of our
picks? Are there any glaring omissions that need to be added? Let us know in
the comments below.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The thing is, in the world of technology, 25 years is a <i>really</i> long time. All it takes is one
blip, and your reputation can be in tatters. Yet the <a href="https://goo.gl/HvDeSA">ThinkPad</a> brand is still here, and each device
is a testament not only to its stalwart standing, but also to its constant
innovation year after year. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To find out more about the current excellent range of <a href="https://goo.gl/HvDeSA">ThinkPad</a> devices, get in touch with Westcoast
or click <a href="https://goo.gl/HvDeSA">here</a> to view all SKUs on offer. <o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Westcoasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11124782395064451333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7987690555672504064.post-53978787469879784852017-11-03T16:17:00.001+00:002017-11-03T16:17:35.347+00:00A day at the Microsoft Surface Partner Briefing By <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-thrower-0b4a115a/">Sam Thrower</a><br />
<br />
Earlier this week I had the pleasure of attending the Microsoft Surface Partner Briefing. A quarterly, first hand opportunity to hear from some of the key players within the Microsoft Surface team about the latest product information and the potential opportunities for the months ahead. It’s been a pretty incredible 5 years for Microsoft Surface on their device journey and from the sounds of it, this is only the beginning …<br />
<br />It was a great day at the Everyman Cinema in Canary Wharf and I came away feeling enlightened with lots of valuable insights into where we’re going next on this incredible Surface journey, insights which I will share with you below….<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH_1goDEJstvGp3GTsYSWlZe_O0z1kcwQBwpCszxOuPxo5pRo_MXJxRIHXfM9bfQTcdXiQV5dcBnFuiypynmLglV-Kjwdjb26YpbjupsN2X5Qrzr0lmY639NBXp812f0Jm63EGgFn9wuQJ/s1600/SPB+Blog+pic+2.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="216" data-original-width="560" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH_1goDEJstvGp3GTsYSWlZe_O0z1kcwQBwpCszxOuPxo5pRo_MXJxRIHXfM9bfQTcdXiQV5dcBnFuiypynmLglV-Kjwdjb26YpbjupsN2X5Qrzr0lmY639NBXp812f0Jm63EGgFn9wuQJ/s640/SPB+Blog+pic+2.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
1. The user experience is paramount. When it comes to product development, no stone is left unturned. For every good idea comes 999 bad ones says Pete Kyriacou, an engineering specialist who offered a rare insight behind the scenes. With all ideas considered within the Surface development, it’s this attention to detail and the drive to deliver an ultimate customer experience that makes Surface stand out. So when that one eureka moment does arrive, it’s your customer at the heart.<div>
<br /><div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEzUgVp3esELbMXCPvpHyVaAAUL_c9e2Tnn6ORi9xl4HwQECvu7LexgxSeev98AQ9kINdCD0uzfEtfhgDR3JIpdoeAl1c_lUtr0Xppkk959qgWmzNq1EauSW3nj67gwHw21BX2Pv7hiIdf/s1600/SPB+Blog+pic+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="442" data-original-width="589" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEzUgVp3esELbMXCPvpHyVaAAUL_c9e2Tnn6ORi9xl4HwQECvu7LexgxSeev98AQ9kINdCD0uzfEtfhgDR3JIpdoeAl1c_lUtr0Xppkk959qgWmzNq1EauSW3nj67gwHw21BX2Pv7hiIdf/s320/SPB+Blog+pic+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How the Surface Pro begain it's early development</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
2. Start thinking about the modern workplace. – it’s the now and the future. If you haven't already, ensuring that you are supplying a modern and mobile workplace needs to be at the forefront of your considerations. With the spend on the modern workplace expected to reach 3 trillion by 2020 (yes 3 trillion!!!), there's money to be made. Built for Microsoft 365, beautifully innovative hardware and loved by employees and IT departments - Surface should be the driver when it comes to talking with your customer about tech modernisation.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyZcIHlfoZwVZio2D28NIwERlJWIuHY3R6UNSeTmMLZVT6jYb3MNOdL4JZO2KmgP1c1kG0BzBK6nyFuMhqFBs1o5YgAkW_hPJSSEeX1w329NwdN5rXMu1I7W-s4TG91cQmRP_ekqAmFVMt/s1600/SPB+Blog+pic+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyZcIHlfoZwVZio2D28NIwERlJWIuHY3R6UNSeTmMLZVT6jYb3MNOdL4JZO2KmgP1c1kG0BzBK6nyFuMhqFBs1o5YgAkW_hPJSSEeX1w329NwdN5rXMu1I7W-s4TG91cQmRP_ekqAmFVMt/s320/SPB+Blog+pic+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A closer look at how Surface can dive a modern workplace</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
3. Surface is a truly Microsoft 365 device. If your customers are already purchasing Microsoft licencing, then why wouldn’t they be wanting to couple that with a device that is the best expression of Microsoft 365? If you need more support to promote this solution, then talk to us. If you aren’t a DMP, but think you should be, we want to hear from you as well. We will soon be improving our demo device offering so your potential customers can take a closer look at the Surface devices - especially if they’re already purchasing Microsoft licensing. </div>
<div>
<br />If you're a current cloud reseller, start thinking Surface as a Service. You may have seen us speak about this in recent weeks, but it's a motion that’s happening now. Predictable capital expenditure and devices that are kept up to date on a single monthly bill. It's something that your Cloud customers will be used to, so start talking to your customers about Surface as a Surface. If you’re not, someone else will be. <br /><br />To help you with the Surface as a Surface motion we will soon be launching our new Surface Calculator. You bundle up the Surface accessories and any other products you or your customer requires (including your own services) and we come back to you near enough instantly with a monthly price and talk you through the end to end process – watch this space. <br /><br /> <br />If you’re eager to find out more, visit <a href="https://goo.gl/QQiiGn">here</a> or take a look at our <a href="https://goo.gl/yeuSN6">MS Mix page </a></div>
<div>
<br />There's plenty in it for you! With brand spanking new partner incentives set to launch throughout the next year there won't be a better time to start selling Surface, so keep your ears to the ground and your eyes peeled. For the moment we have some<a href="https://goo.gl/62Qccn"> Surface Pro offers </a>for you to take advantage of <br /><br />If there’s one more thing I’ve learnt, it’s that there is customer demand waiting to be capitalised on. The Surface opportunity is building and it’s time for you to take advantage with <br /><br />For more information about anything Microsoft surface related, email <a href="mailto:surface@westcoast.co.uk">surface@westcoast.co.uk</a> or visit <a href="http://www.westcoast.co.uk/surface">www.westcoast.co.uk/surface</a> <br /><br /> <br /><div>
<br /> <div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Westcoasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11124782395064451333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7987690555672504064.post-37846187997671856112017-11-01T14:23:00.003+00:002017-11-01T14:23:37.609+00:00Westcoast Bolsters Cyber Security Solutions Business with Thinkmarble <b>PRESS RELEASE</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Westcoast has signed a distribution agreement with information and cyber security specialist ThinkMarble.<br /><br />The distributor will offer ThinkMarble’s full range of security solutions including managed threat and vulnerability monitoring services ATLAS:, and TITAN:, and GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) compliance consultancy services Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus.<br /><br />Mark Davies Westcoast’s Cloud Services Director, said: “We can’t wait to start working with the experts at ThinkMarble and helping our partners provide their customers - enterprise or SME - with the very best in cyber security services and solutions.”<br /><br />“The most important part of our role will be around enablement. We want to make sure our reseller partners fully understand the cyber security solutions they are selling as well as the value within that solution.” <div>
<a name='more'></a><br />He added: “Westcoast is a fast-moving business. The traditional distribution model has evolved into a far more solution-led approach for partners. Teaming up with specialist businesses like ThinkMarble is another important step in our transition. We will continue to strengthen our security offerings with other astute signings in the near future.”<br /><br />Andy Miles, CEO, ThinkMarble said: “ThinkMarble is delighted to have been both selected, and to partner with, Westcoast as its primary partner for cyber and information security services. Westcoast is a clear thought leader and through this partnership there is a very strong foundation to offer differentiation to the market.”<br /><br />He added: “The debate should, and will, become about cyber-resilience as an enabler of competitive advantage for MSPs, resellers and their customers in a hyper-connected digital economy.”<br /><br />ThinkMarble’s Cyber Essentials is a government-backed cyber security accreditation service which provides advice and guidance on making customer’s businesses safer against cyber-threats.<br /><br />The firm’s other cyber security solutions include TITAN:, which delivers enterprise-level detection and response to SMEs, and ATLAS:, which helps protect SMEs by performing regular vulnerability scans.<br /><br /><b>About Westcoast</b><br /><div>
Westcoast Limited was founded in 1984 and is a leading IT distributor with a product portfolio spanning the whole computing spectrum ranging from desktop PC and notebook products through to high end server solutions, network products, printers, peripherals, spare parts and consumables. The group sells to resellers, retailers and dealers in the UK and Ireland providing creative credit, marketing and logistics services to more than 5,000 customers. More information on Westcoast can be found at <a href="http://www.westcoast.co.uk/">www.westcoast.co.uk</a><br /><br /><b>About ThinkMarble</b><div>
<b><br /></b>ThinkMarble is a pure play global, UK headquartered, cyber and information security practice which offers Cyber-Security-As-A-Service. It specialises in helping companies become aware of what security vulnerabilities they have while raising security levels and offering ongoing cyber and information security monitoring services.<br /><br />As information security thought leaders, ThinkMarble has found great success in assisting businesses both in the UK and globally. ThinkMarble is made up of highly skilled digital security experts, (many have worked in the MOD or alongside HM Government), with additional specialisms in regulatory compliance, IT forensics,<br /><br />(digital evidence gathering and recovery) and strategy.<br /><br /><b>More information on ThinkMarble can be found at <a href="https://www.thinkmarble.co.uk/">https://www.thinkmarble.co.uk</a></b><br /><br /> <br /><br /> </div>
</div>
</div>
Westcoasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11124782395064451333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7987690555672504064.post-59102617386175665572017-10-31T14:43:00.001+00:002017-10-31T14:43:19.954+00:002018 Juniper Partner Advantage – a change for the future<div>
<b>By <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/dsiddall011/">David Siddall</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLdKMl12MvhVVhL6CaK3H-w4Jb3xYaSjkkVt_50YrLL_CC6Tfe9RCShDOJfRena9yrF1m24usOHEvlrtZc6I-JnExwzZM-MHB88s55VokNsHdQ-dxM1sVfrycGwJqBxZrjGDCMvp300uob/s1600/A+change+for+the+future1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLdKMl12MvhVVhL6CaK3H-w4Jb3xYaSjkkVt_50YrLL_CC6Tfe9RCShDOJfRena9yrF1m24usOHEvlrtZc6I-JnExwzZM-MHB88s55VokNsHdQ-dxM1sVfrycGwJqBxZrjGDCMvp300uob/s640/A+change+for+the+future1.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br /><br />The technology industry is, by its very nature, one of the fastest evolving verticals. Featuring a new, never before heard of buzzword trending on LinkedIn and elsewhere seemingly on a monthly basis; we throw the words: Wannacry, Petya and hybrid cloud (not to mention GDPR) around as though they were course slang at the pub. Such terms however are representative of the real ways in which our industry has changed the world of business forever.<br /><br />Juniper Networks has a history of being thought-leading. Indeed, being a viable challenger brand means adapting and evolving to a level above the rest of the market oftentimes including the incumbent leader. Marketing slogans are meaningless on the frontline where incremental revenue is the truest test and at Westcoast we have seen demonstrations and sales of Juniper’s “Software Defined Secure Networks” take off with our Juniper sales specialists evangelising the Policy Enforcer, Security Director and Sky ATP (otherwise known as zero day threat prevention) licenses to help our customers leverage network intelligence for security enforcement. This level of innovation spreads now to the Juniper partner program.<div>
<br /><div>
<a name='more'></a>In the UKI as well as elsewhere, Juniper’s “channel first” mentality necessitates driven, differentiated and knowledgeable resellers. Resellers which are leaders in their field. As such the key change to the Partner program is the addition of specialisations allowing the partner to define and be rewarded for the uniqueness of their go to market within defined archetypes. Let’s review this along with some other key changes to the 2018 program but first, an introduction: <br /><div>
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Juniper Advantage</b></span><div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Three tier programs are commonplace and Juniper offers a similar layout to its channel partners. Accepting terms and conditions and passing a compliance test will earn you the status of J-Reseller at which point you can place your quote requests through Westcoast and see your orders start to ship. You will also from day #1 have access to the partner centre for deal registration as well as the JMC, Juniper Marketing Concierge, enabling free to use co-branded marketing. You can lean on the BDM team at Westcoast for support with your on-boarding to get you up to speed. There is no change to this aspect of the partner program, transacting with Juniper really is this easy!<br /><br />Should you find yourself wanting more from the partnership from the outset or find that it resonates well within your end user base, you may consider the need to become a more strategic partner for Juniper. In the 2018 program, the need for technical certifications has been removed and the revenue threshold of £350k PA (20% revenue attributed to services) only remains making it easier to get additional discount on all Juniper items not on promotion as well as access to further incentives including a 4% quarterly rebate on all net new business. Training and exams, however are still an effective way to make your business more able to handle Juniper inquiries self-sufficiently. <br /><br />Progressing to the next tier upwards in the partner program by meeting the revenue target will grant you a select status at which point you will have 1 years’ experience, or less pending business planning, successfully pitching and selling Juniper. Juniper networks is a robust, reliable product that focuses on the key issues keeping C-level execs awake at night and you may find that as spend uplifts and your margin retention rises along with revenue you wish to align more resource to Juniper. Once your Juniper revenue has risen above £2M (20% revenue attributed to services) for UK partners you may be invited to become an elite partner for Juniper which grants the highest level standard discounts as well as additional rebates and incentives (more to follow). Compliance for elite partners necessitates at least one of the specialisations I alluded to earlier. Let’s take a look at these now.</div>
<div>
<b style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Specialisations</b></span><div>
<br /><div>
Completion of any one of the various specialisations is mandatory for an elite partner and recommended for the select resellers. Each infrastructure specialisation track rewards its supporters with a mixture of rebates (which are additive to the general rebate for select and elite partners) and/or additional competitive advantage. </div>
<div>
<br /><div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgneFgFrbRKz65NfUkjb12w9NLlKVJIFf5lEAWgAvdKRRgx9lxBiArHRHkoV_-CuFFGRFc-COMvEvn7IwUydyPyQ6uLAMsA32WDIFgaGD0pwXod58uGA-mmAhRPtdvxfV-Mo0aodduMVl4j/s1600/juniper+blog+pic.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="439" data-original-width="674" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgneFgFrbRKz65NfUkjb12w9NLlKVJIFf5lEAWgAvdKRRgx9lxBiArHRHkoV_-CuFFGRFc-COMvEvn7IwUydyPyQ6uLAMsA32WDIFgaGD0pwXod58uGA-mmAhRPtdvxfV-Mo0aodduMVl4j/s320/juniper+blog+pic.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
The infographic displayed shows the different infrastructure specialisations: Security, Data Centre, Services, Software Development and Vertical. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Each of these includes targeted rebates on revenue achieved with a specific product set or within a vertical. Advancing your status with Juniper can increase your profitability and complement your specific business direction, making sure you get paid for what you do best.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Service specialisms open resellers to a new way of profiting from their post and pre sales expertise and is perhaps the track I am most excited to position as the skill ceiling is high to become a certified service partner however the ability to pitch in house post-sales support and sell your professional services to channel partners can be a real sticky point for end users. </div>
<div>
<br />Also new to the program is the addition of the cloud partner specialisms, acknowledging the fact that some resellers are born in the cloud. With an every growing array of software and virtualised products, looking to cloud service providers to advance and evangelise the solutions was a step into the inevitable for Juniper however the move is timely. Incentivising cloud partners with their own program will see a rise in the sale of the virtual appliances ahead of the wider scale availability of the vSRX on azure available from Westcoast along with the vSRX’s already versatile range of deployments. Cloud partners at select and elite gain additional rebates from virtual firewall and router sales, both of which are available for a free trial from the Juniper.net website.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Advantageous, strategic partnership for today and the future</b></span><br /><br /> Any level of partner can benefit from working with Juniper, the Reseller gains support in their marketing function and can deal register for additional discounts. By working with distributors like Westcoast an entry level reseller can gain sales support from end user account managers at Juniper and help to win a deal from the first phone call to closing and shipping. Business planning and attaining select or elite partnership grants access to general rebates amounting to 4% on your bottom line from the vendor, you will also be able to submit your end user PO online to the partner centre at select and elite level to get individualised partner rewards ranging from household electronics to trips abroad.<br /><br /> The newly introduced specialisms allow reseller partners to hone their core expertise alongside a Juniper path and once more be rewarded for doing so. The 2018 Juniper partner advantage program is in a great number of ways a change for the better and for the future and is another example of how Juniper intends to be easier and more forwards looking in its approach to channel partners. To learn more you need only reach out to the business development team at Westcoast using the alias: <a href="mailto:Juniper@westcoast.co.uk"><b>Juniper@westcoast.co.uk</b></a> and let us help you win with Juniper.
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Westcoasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11124782395064451333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7987690555672504064.post-8408752167057513182017-10-23T16:45:00.002+01:002017-10-23T16:45:49.727+01:00HP ZBook 15u G4: Feature-Rich & Budget Friendly<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrnnozdb_I14eLxHt19LUUmFKIjc2-0z6iQdvgZQF-amlNorscTkBLYGIsE0SzXU4K2-P8eCLKrv54iFx1wNulBNqhh_OZx7cTQbNy1foug6gb38cv8LzwN9CP3C-wfbPn3v1OGJjIwi_Q/s1600/hpi+blog+2.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="1126" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrnnozdb_I14eLxHt19LUUmFKIjc2-0z6iQdvgZQF-amlNorscTkBLYGIsE0SzXU4K2-P8eCLKrv54iFx1wNulBNqhh_OZx7cTQbNy1foug6gb38cv8LzwN9CP3C-wfbPn3v1OGJjIwi_Q/s640/hpi+blog+2.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Does anyone ever look back on IT hardware with fondness? Has a friend or colleague ever said to you, “You know what, I really miss my Dell Precision 380”? Yeah, that’s what I thought. We’re living in a technological boom, and it’s a great time to be working in IT and following the changes as they happen.<br />
<br />
It doesn’t require a great stretch of the imagination to say that those who have benefited most from the constant advances in IT hardware are those who need the most power. For example, gone are the days when designers were using workstations the size of fridge-freezers with 1 gig of RAM in a desperate bid to keep on top of their workload (albeit slowly). Devices have simultaneously slimmed down, risen in performance, and gotten cheaper. And this means that designers are given more flexibility in choice of tech, and that they can finally use workstations that look as appealing as the content that’s being created on them.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
Take the <a href="https://goo.gl/CG5kVw">HP ZBook 15u G4</a>. This is a laptop that singles itself out as a supremely powerful device with an economic price point that belies the quality of its components. The device comes with Windows 10 Pro as standard, which gives you the standard features like Edge and multiple desktops to work from, while also benefitting from business-ready features such as BitLocker encryption and the ability to join a workplace domain.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBI3cIA8t-540xkZ-d6Y8VjtkVDWOkBeaXykJLz-YzY3XLfpeHk1drd8DBt9z5gG7qz327mhjJcYU7iIgYAD5ikq9V-Vrh-6Jr2sv2S9n09BNro1nyZppX4yj0VnaAilsn4QWgKeQC4wxw/s1600/HP+Zbook.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="430" data-original-width="573" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBI3cIA8t-540xkZ-d6Y8VjtkVDWOkBeaXykJLz-YzY3XLfpeHk1drd8DBt9z5gG7qz327mhjJcYU7iIgYAD5ikq9V-Vrh-6Jr2sv2S9n09BNro1nyZppX4yj0VnaAilsn4QWgKeQC4wxw/s400/HP+Zbook.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Away from the OS, the device leads with a 15.6” LED-backlit 1920x1080 display, providing crisp distinguishable colours and making it easy to see and edit the finer details on projects. There’s also an Intel Core i7-7500U to provide the extra processing power as well as AMD’s FirePro W4190M graphics card for video editing or specialist design software. In terms of the other components – the choice is yours…<br />
<br />
This is because the <a href="https://goo.gl/CG5kVw">ZBook</a> is fully customisable on Westcoast’s <a href="https://goo.gl/oapi2w">iCreate</a> platform. This means that if you want to create an all-singing all-dancing 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD-touting beast of a machine then you’re free to do so. In reality though, the customisation benefits you by making it a conversation you can have with your customers. Rather than selling them any old machine, you can configure one that fits their needs to the letter and give them a valuable service that they’ll remember you for. And with a 3-year warranty included as standard, they don’t have to worry about any technical issues down the line.<br />
<br />
<b>The <a href="https://goo.gl/CG5kVw">HP ZBook 15u G4</a> is available now from Westcoast, so get in touch if you’d like to find out more about the device and the deals available</b>.Westcoasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11124782395064451333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7987690555672504064.post-33014641718538377842017-10-19T09:49:00.005+01:002017-10-27T09:53:08.531+01:00Microsoft 365 – The enterprise cloud suite with teeth<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkHQwJ0Bsa4VrWgjruhn3TDaHkw3NtXlsEBoUMXEiC6RT6kCClsizC2NpkZbwhoKdNmLs649wS6p1EXsLxZwgLGStfqX6ybTswB03ubbC-JycvIlF7ztFlgMcemRG5J8cmStfy1vPbUGQd/s1600/ms365+2.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="503" data-original-width="799" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkHQwJ0Bsa4VrWgjruhn3TDaHkw3NtXlsEBoUMXEiC6RT6kCClsizC2NpkZbwhoKdNmLs649wS6p1EXsLxZwgLGStfqX6ybTswB03ubbC-JycvIlF7ztFlgMcemRG5J8cmStfy1vPbUGQd/s640/ms365+2.PNG" width="600" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
For all their technical and creative wherewithal, it has to be said that Microsoft sometimes struggle with one area: product follow-through. They create genius products and packages, but then forget to let the customer know about them, which is why today we’re going to be discussing Microsoft 365… And it might sound vaguely familiar to some of you, because we’ve sort of been here before with Secure Productive Enterprise (SPE). But, while there are significant similarities, 365 has extra bite. <br />
<br />
<b>So, what is Microsoft 365?</b><br />
<br />
<div>
Take all of the essential elements that make up Office 365 – Word, Excel, OneDrive cloud storage, PowerPoint, OneNote, the full works – add in Enterprise Mobility + Security for comprehensive identity, access and device management, then tie it all together with Windows 10 Enterprise for full access management across a company’s entire network. That, in essence, is it: an all-encompassing business suite for the on-demand generation… But obviously there’s more to it than that.</div>
<div>
<a name='more'></a>With six plans available, Microsoft 365 can be tailored to a company’s needs. In this quick overview, we’ll be looking at the most popular options: Business, E3 and E5. Though if you have any requirements with the A3, A5 and F1 packages then our ever-helpful Cloud team will be able to assist you.<br />
<br />
For the business customer it’s a simple choice: Microsoft 365 Business Edition delivers Office 365 Premium Business services, Windows 10 E3 and selected EMS services, including Active Directory and Microsoft Intune. This is a package for the smaller business with a more controlled budget, and yet it still delivers everything an SMB might need. When it comes to Enterprise, however, things get a little more complicated. <br />
<br />
With two plans available – Microsoft 365 Enterprise Edition E3 and E5 – potential enterprise customers have an important decision to make. Both of these plans come with the expected array of programmes: the full suite of Office apps, Exchange Plan 2, SharePoint Plan 2, Skype for Business Plan 2, and RDS functionality. However, the E5 edition gains some added extras: Skype for Business Cloud PBX, Customer Lockbox – which is an additional private area of cloud storage – Delve Analytics, Power BI Pro, and Advanced Threat Protection. The thing to remember though, is that while on the surface the difference seems fairly vast, E3 customers can actually purchase four of those five additional features as mix and match bolt-ons, so it’s possible to create a bespoke package based around your individual client’s needs. Advanced Threat Protection is the exception to that rule. </div>
<div>
<br />
That’s not where the decision-making ends though; there are additional differences between the E3 and E5 EMS packages, mainly in terms of control. While both packages comprise Intune, Azure Information Protection, and Active Directory Premium, E3 runs on Plan 1, while E5 runs on Plan 2, which basically means that you have less work to do if you’re running E5, as E3 requires more manual input. For more in-depth information, check out our <a href="https://goo.gl/kXaH9v">webinar</a>. <br />
<br />
It’s too much of a simplification to say that there’s a Microsoft 365 package for every customer, but it’s not too far off the truth. Your job is to determine what it is that your customers want from their software for their business, then to tailor the package accordingly. That way happy customers lie, and happy customers mean a successful business. <br />
<br />
<b>For more information about Microsoft 365, get in touch with Cloud team by emailing <a href="mailto:cloud@westcoast.co.uk">cloud@westcoast.co.uk</a> or calling 0333 003 1701.</b></div>
Westcoasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11124782395064451333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7987690555672504064.post-43065025496324921542017-10-18T10:37:00.000+01:002017-10-18T10:37:37.255+01:00“Westcoast Have Made Us Invincible!”<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi88frYYpSTBkKFxc12ejJ03IWdFECa6Qj6TYkDpB-ByJolq0XiT_HTHawz67yVtwWDNueUYf9nrI_6XJAsEmsIbaJFJ5z3G32ZsuUbgiVfEcTpZnlsc3RdZoaddhL0ZTYdx1HlaRfFndt/s1600/Mirus+Blog+Image.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="301" data-original-width="587" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi88frYYpSTBkKFxc12ejJ03IWdFECa6Qj6TYkDpB-ByJolq0XiT_HTHawz67yVtwWDNueUYf9nrI_6XJAsEmsIbaJFJ5z3G32ZsuUbgiVfEcTpZnlsc3RdZoaddhL0ZTYdx1HlaRfFndt/s640/Mirus+Blog+Image.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
There are some customer testimonials that just make you smile. The above from Mirus IT Solutions does it for us; it’s not every day that you’re able to bestow a super power on someone!<br />
<br />
Technology is changing rapidly at the moment and any company offering IT support needs to stay ahead of the information curve. It’s not just products that need to be cutting edge; it’s the service provided by those both within the industry and catering for the industry that matters too. And to deliver what clients and end-users need, IT solutions specialists need to be able to act fast. It’s that winning combination of speed and service that has made Mirus feel INVINCIBLE! <br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
It all began with Westcoast CSP (Cloud Solutions Provider). <br />
<br />
Before collaborating with Westcoast, Mirus was a dedicated, hardworking company, passionate about delivering the very best service and solutions to their wide-ranging client base. They had only one problem; existing IT infrastructure prevented them from achieving the targets they’d set for themselves. <br />
<br />
They had no way to streamline proceedings; being tied into Microsoft contracts, they couldn’t customise their client offerings; there was no way to offer flexibility, should a client’s needs change partway through a contract; and there was no way to deliver changes at speed. Mirus had an award-winning reputation for service, and yet in their eyes, there was still something lacking. <br />
<br />
CSP is a relative newcomer in an IT area that is arguably still in its infancy, and yet it delivers what its predecessors and competitors can not: all of the above. Flexibility, speed, scalability, and that all-important ability to be tailored to individual customer’s needs: that’s what CSP is all about, and that’s why is has made such a difference to Mirus.<br />
<br />
At Westcoast, we, like Mirus, believe that when it comes to customer service you should cut to the chase. We don’t believe in queuing just to be told where to queue. Our job is to help you to do you your job, more efficiently, and to do that we like to get to know you so that we can tailor every part of our service to meet your particular needs. And that’s what we’ve done with Mirus. <br />
<br />
Working with Westcoast CSP, Mirus have been able to broaden their client offering while enhancing customer relationships. The rolling monthly contract model allows their end-users to retain complete control of both their IT products and their finances, flexing as demand arises. It’s almost inevitable that this increased – positive – contact and more personalised service should lead to enhanced customer loyalty, and with 80 per cent of their customers now subscribing to the CSP model, Mirus find themselves ‘six months to a year’ ahead of where they believed that they would be, prior to partnering with Westcoast. <br />
<br />
Eighteen months ago CSP was cutting its first teeth and suffering the associated pangs. Now it is paving the way for businesses around the globe to make their own innovations. Can you #SeeThePossibilities of working with Westcoast to grow your Cloud business?<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Find out more <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%E2%80%98find%20out%20more%E2%80%99%20-%20%20https://goo.gl/ubXKPP">here</a></b>Westcoasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11124782395064451333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7987690555672504064.post-68872648725925553532017-10-12T10:14:00.001+01:002017-10-12T10:14:45.496+01:00Zeroing in on Advanced Cloud Solutions for the SMB<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigssgTGe0NenH8dbq1_OElDLjmavC_19_qu8p1F800Mo420uV00wzi1M8txmU478Mb7evn9ILZYDaMBH8psZq3FokzO_TtjXNoFVZOQF185oc-tiCCHEvi5SuMiwe2Pd5rV7GmW_5Ru0O-/s1600/Zenzero+blog+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1210" data-original-width="1600" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigssgTGe0NenH8dbq1_OElDLjmavC_19_qu8p1F800Mo420uV00wzi1M8txmU478Mb7evn9ILZYDaMBH8psZq3FokzO_TtjXNoFVZOQF185oc-tiCCHEvi5SuMiwe2Pd5rV7GmW_5Ru0O-/s640/Zenzero+blog+pic.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75"
coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" o:preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe"
filled="f" stroked="f">
<v:stroke joinstyle="miter"/>
<v:formulas>
<v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"/>
<v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"/>
</v:formulas>
<v:path o:extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect"/>
<o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t"/>
</v:shapetype><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_1" o:spid="_x0000_i1025" type="#_x0000_t75"
alt="" style='width:1843.5pt;height:1393.5pt'>
<v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\SIAN~1.WAL\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image001.jpg"
o:href="cid:image002.jpg@01D342AC.F20E54F0"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
ZenZero began as a small business with big ideas. The plan was to deliver IT solutions to the SMB, so that their clients could rely on enterprise-level technology while working on a more modest scale. A personal, efficient and knowledgeable service soon won ZenZero fans and customers, but the team saw room for improvement. <br />
<br />
Small and medium sized businesses have a very distinct set of needs. The likelihood is that they won’t have a dedicated tech department, or even managers, so everything – all forms of support and advice – will need to come from their external solutions supplier. And that’s what ZenZero specialise in; providing bespoke, customer-focused IT products, help and guidance to growing companies. Although already a gold-rated Microsoft partner, ZenZero were experiencing one major difficulty; an inflexibility in service delivery. <br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
With customers tied into cumbersome annual contracts necessitated by the original Microsoft cloud infrastructure, ZenZero were unable to deliver the agile service they aspired to. They were one of the best in their field, but they still weren’t where they wanted to be.<br />
<br />
Delivering fast and flexible cloud solutions, the Westcoast CSP service enables providers like ZenZero to offer a more personalised, scalable software management package to their customers. New licences can be issued – or withdrawn – at 10 minutes notice, eliminating the need to plan days in advance; tailored service packages can be structured to suit the customer’s and business’ needs, fostering closer relationships; and prices can be tweaked according to the degree of involvement necessary, rather than employing a one-size-fits-all approach. <br />
<br />
With the help of Westcoast, ZenZero were able to transition more than 60 credit card account customers across to the CSP platform. Despite being experts in their field, with exceptional knowledge of Microsoft systems, ZenZero were also able to benefit from Westcoast’s in-depth systems expertise, profiting from an introduction to new transitioning software and allowing the company to develop an enhanced degree of credibility. This in turn, has allowed the team to set their sights on company expansion, and ZenZero is now exploring the potential of taking their services to larger scale businesses; not quite corporate, but at the heavier end of SMB. <br />
<br />
‘Our goal, if we’re to continue to grow as we are, is to go after bigger customers,’ explains Will Brooks, ZenZero’s Commercial Director. ‘Having the great proposition of Microsoft 365 gives us the tools we need, but the added support that Westcoast bring is also really important to do that.’<br />
<br />
<div>
ZenZero are a dedicated, determined company and they would have got where they were going with or without Westcoast CSP. Our contribution was to speed up the journey, while removing all potential bumps from the road. <br />
<br />
ZenZero were able to #SeeThePossibilities of working with Westcoast to grow their Cloud business. Can you? Find out more <a href="https://goo.gl/ubXKPP">here</a> <span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><br />
<div>
<!--[if !supportAnnotations]-->
<br />
<div>
<div class="msocomtxt" id="_com_1" language="JavaScript">
<!--[if !supportAnnotations]--></div>
<!--[endif]--></div>
</div>
</div>
Westcoasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11124782395064451333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7987690555672504064.post-78470488596568720932017-10-06T10:35:00.000+01:002017-10-06T10:35:02.968+01:00Find out how one vendor is changing the landscape of audio management<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6mIzHdcm7J6o52Qpzty-4Jf9rIJjHBg7AdelL-olxS2GWxZ_BHmxhD_ncuJ9876-A9Ti7x1yBpKviky2e35leOv8Y-K-QOsdfEBmDzYLomF0a3DNlh8gf-Uv1WL6e60kap-7qEb_DO63p/s1600/Sennheiser+Blog+image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6mIzHdcm7J6o52Qpzty-4Jf9rIJjHBg7AdelL-olxS2GWxZ_BHmxhD_ncuJ9876-A9Ti7x1yBpKviky2e35leOv8Y-K-QOsdfEBmDzYLomF0a3DNlh8gf-Uv1WL6e60kap-7qEb_DO63p/s320/Sennheiser+Blog+image.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /><br />Everywhere things are getting smarter, from self-driving cars to supermarket shelves that analyse how we shop (yes, really), and everything in between. So why should headsets get left behind, especially when they’re so important to the business environment?<br /><br />That’s where Sennheiser’s aptly named HeadSetup Pro Manager comes in. It’s a powerful cloud-based solution that lets an IT administrator manage, update and configure settings for every Sennheiser headset and speakerphone in the organisation, from one central location.<div>
<a name='more'></a>The benefits of this solution are wide-ranging — ultimately it frees up resources on the IT team, saving the staff time and the organisation money. As if that wasn’t enough, it makes auditing extremely simple because users will have full visibility of the entire headset and speakerphone inventory, even for non-Sennheiser devices. Within the dashboard, administrators can also see which devices are active and inactive, and re-allocate as applicable so that there’s never a case of headsets becoming dust collectors.<br /><br />Security is always going to be a concern in this day and age, and Sennheiser have developed HeadSetup Pro Manager with a range of security features at its core. Chief among these is the simple fact that every communication that goes between the headsets and the HeadSetup client is encrypted, with no sensitive data being stored whatsoever. IT administrators can also push specific configurations or lock certain settings on all or selected devices, to make it easy when it comes to complying with organisational policies or regulatory compliance settings.<div>
<br />Sennheiser are more than aware that organisations might have reservations about using such a radical new option for managing headsets and speakerphones, which is why they’ve made the smart decision of offering a 90-day demo licence for organisations to use. With no commitment required there really isn’t a reason for organisations to ignore such a clever piece of software — especially when it’s designed to save them time and money. With such a long time period to demo the product, it shows a vendor that’s extremely confident in what it’s offering, and this usually goes hand-in-hand with customer satisfaction. So get your customers to take out a trial, and chances are that they’ll want to convert it to a standard licence so that they can keep benefitting from the savings in costs and resource allocation.<br /><br />Sennheiser HeadSetup Pro Manager is available now, so what are you waiting for? Start talking to your customers about easy management of their phones and headsets, and get in touch with Westcoast for any quotes or support.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>If you would like to try the headset for yourself you can request a free trial <a href="https://goo.gl/TEudPG">here</a></b></div>
<br /><b>Download the sales brochure <a href="https://goo.gl/7zdJX9">here </a></b></div>
Westcoasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11124782395064451333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7987690555672504064.post-26099215396618560542017-10-04T09:49:00.001+01:002017-10-04T09:52:23.969+01:00When unbeatable service meets improbable speed<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;">The Westcoast CSP and Keybridge IT Solutions story…</span></h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqBUPVXfAmS7WzI0kr5lVUuAIyOqCn70xQsRBUcdMf73SjdhLXdQZpx6I7hKJ5N8VmICFi_vNcLiitbzkhaq0-Qhyphenhyphen3wHQiJIlQ5XxHGrh8uHP9RNty00Bh07M53eI1yBBMirlEtqcuDrMy/s1600/Keybridge+Solutions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="490" data-original-width="600" height="431" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqBUPVXfAmS7WzI0kr5lVUuAIyOqCn70xQsRBUcdMf73SjdhLXdQZpx6I7hKJ5N8VmICFi_vNcLiitbzkhaq0-Qhyphenhyphen3wHQiJIlQ5XxHGrh8uHP9RNty00Bh07M53eI1yBBMirlEtqcuDrMy/s640/Keybridge+Solutions.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Every client is different. Every one. It’s this understanding that Keybridge IT Solutions and Westcoast have in common. <br />
<br />
Supplying IT solutions for the recruitment industry, Keybridge have very particular needs for their clients. Reliable, intuitive software; consistent, trustworthy service; and speed. In a sector where change happens constantly, Keybridge need the ability to react almost instantly, and that’s what they have found in Westcoast CSP. <br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
The Westcoast CSP (Cloud Service Provider) is a pay as you go service which delivers a full gamut of Microsoft business software on a rental basis; from everyday Office programmes to hosting and cloud storage. The role of Keybridge is to help their clients to find the right package for their business, and the role of Westcoast is to provide Keybridge with the means to do just that. Quickly.<br />
<br />
The way the CSP differs from the original cloud-based services is that it allows the partner provider (in this case, Keybridge) more control – control over pricing, billing, margin, and support. Contracts can be flexible; they can be cancelled, lengthened, or changed on demand. And the service is almost uniquely scalable, with billing running only one month in advance, allowing end-users a previously unheard of degree of elasticity, so that clients always get what they want, when they want it… Which is particularly important in a sector constantly in flux. <br />
<br />
With Westcoast there to provide back up, troubleshoot and general help and advice where needed, Keybridge have been empowered to enhance their customer offering, respond more quickly and expand their business. <br />
<br />
‘We found that other providers generally only operate on an email basis, this means that when we need assistance – accessing new licences, for example – we’d often be waiting as much as 48 hours,’ says Natasha Adkins, Keybridge IT Operations Manager. ‘With Westcoast all it takes is a phone call, and we can be up and running within 10 to 15 minutes. That’s made a real difference to our customers and our business.’<br />
<br />
What makes us really sing at Westcoast is hearing that since implementing Westcoast CSP, Keybridge IT Solutions have been able to increase their profitability by between 10 and 15 per cent. This has allowed for investment in staff training and an expansion of services, which in turn has led to a broadened client base and diversification; Keybridge is growing by the day. <br />
<br />
From the outside, IT solutions can seem almost esoteric in their complexity. There is so much jargon to wade through that offering advanced services to your customers can seem like more effort than it’s worth. Our job is to clear away that density of language and product, and deliver a service that will answer your customer’s needs efficiently, helpfully, friendlily (that feels like too many lys!) without miring you in a quag of red tape and waffle.<br />
<br />
Where could your business go, if you had the flexibility to provide your clients with exactly the services they’re looking for? <br />
<br />
#SeeThePossibilities of working with Westcoast to grow your Cloud business. Find out more <a href="https://goo.gl/ubXKPP">here</a></div>
Westcoasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11124782395064451333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7987690555672504064.post-9762978721148904982017-10-02T14:34:00.002+01:002017-10-02T14:37:24.836+01:00Take your cloud business to the next level on the 12th of October<b>By <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/katy-maley-5466327/">Katy Maley</a></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNcJkRtO_pvYujW3kHhndui_bm3fySi41Sc3M3cOlkLlSUqlWirR1vfNxPGGIiJ2d31l9LE5kF2MPVD1heYoOyWUoLAXX0zDUbjR_11bFliMSGoGyimSpDdIx9YAgvs2d1QQB0Rqe1TazE/s1600/Nebula+Blog+Pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="404" data-original-width="784" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNcJkRtO_pvYujW3kHhndui_bm3fySi41Sc3M3cOlkLlSUqlWirR1vfNxPGGIiJ2d31l9LE5kF2MPVD1heYoOyWUoLAXX0zDUbjR_11bFliMSGoGyimSpDdIx9YAgvs2d1QQB0Rqe1TazE/s640/Nebula+Blog+Pic.jpg" width="600" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The date has been set …… The 12th of October:</div>
</span><br />
The world of Cloud is growing at an expanding rate and it is hard to keep up with all the new products and demands thrown at us daily. How do we Migrate? What is GDPR? Is our system safe? These are all questions resellers are asking our team of experts on a daily basis.<br />
<br />
Our Nebula programme is all around enablement, education and ensuring you have the right solutions to showcase to your customers. Nebula has been running for two years successfully, and this year it’s my turn to run the event. After many cappuccinos and meetings, I’ve put together an <a href="https://goo.gl/Wo9ytV">agenda</a> that promises a great day – I hope you agree.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
I have the best in class vendors to showcase to you how to help grow businesses from traditional CSP to a profitable solution. We will be discussing our five pillars to success plus, the Cloud Partner program, which has been crafted to give you the most out of your time (as we know how precious that can be).<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Discovery – Westcoast will showcase the process for software and hardware audits. The session includes discovering where your end user hardware is, determining whether their systems will run in Azure, and a discussion around compliancy requirements.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Deployment – BitTitan will discuss how to implement, integrate and configure cloud architecture, without slowing your customer’s day to day operations.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li> Applications – SimplySo and Cloud2020 will be demonstrating how you can increase your customer's consumption and stickiness of Microsoft products.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Security and Compliance - Think Marble, Altaro and Barracuda all have solutions to ensure that your customer's data is compliant. The session will cover GDPR and the process to support your customers to be compliant ready.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Support – Filtered will demonstrate how they can support training your end customers; actively encouraging consumption of the Microsoft products.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Cloud Partner Programme – A talk through how Westcoast proactively provide education and enablement activities, supporting you in achieving your business growth targets. Not forgetting the perks and treats along the way.</li>
</ul>
<br />
We have a fantastic line up of speakers with a wealth of knowledge, and Nebula is a great opportunity to network with both Westcoast and our partners. There are hot beverages and food throughout the morning. Once the presentations are finished and you are filled with food and new skills feel free to hang around and meet the team – we don’t bite, I promise!<br />
<br />
<b>We are looking forward to meeting you all and sharing with you our experiences and hearing yours. <a href="https://goo.gl/Wo9ytV">Remember to sign up here.</a></b>Westcoasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11124782395064451333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7987690555672504064.post-11484208940379645082017-09-28T10:51:00.000+01:002017-09-28T10:51:01.606+01:00 Coming Up for Air – All You Need to Know About Surface in Education<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7t9rL7qq5Zxc2v4ptarwHqlpNzClym31uizqu2QDpDWmDQGovi-3UBkN7GVoD_imJyUBpJBP82FPsGEpKgwzrYgImuk2b0Wuq6G8Q9mzaHEqQBa5wkm0jaPTQ8VZAOpBMDlgaSTRK3sxM/s1600/MS+bLOG+IMAGE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7t9rL7qq5Zxc2v4ptarwHqlpNzClym31uizqu2QDpDWmDQGovi-3UBkN7GVoD_imJyUBpJBP82FPsGEpKgwzrYgImuk2b0Wuq6G8Q9mzaHEqQBa5wkm0jaPTQ8VZAOpBMDlgaSTRK3sxM/s640/MS+bLOG+IMAGE.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>‘Our aim is to empower every student on the planet to achieve more.’ Steve Beswick, Business Development Director – Education Industry, Microsoft.</i></blockquote>
That, in a nutshell, is what Surface in Education is all about. <br /><br />Anyone who has paid attention to Microsoft over the years will be aware of the company’s long-term commitment to education. Right from the days of Bill Gates, Microsoft has invested in education; it’s one of the key tenets at the heart of the business. Consequently, as a reseller, if you’re looking to expand your target market, the education sector is the ideal area to set your sights, because Microsoft – and Westcoast – are already prepared to help you. <div>
<a name='more'></a><br /><br /><b>Skimming the Surface</b><br /><br />The Surface range is the latest in a long line of Microsoft educational products, and it benefits from all of its predecessors. With the range throughout the years including laptops, all-in-ones, tablets and convertibles, there’s a lot of craftwork to draw on – and the current collection contains something for every educational position: from primary school pupil to university lecturer. The mobile devices will withstand a full day’s use without needing to be charged, multiple input methods are available to accommodate personal preference, and different modes can be selected according to the current usage. With the exception of the sleekly stylish Studio desktop, each Surface device is lightweight and easy to transport – whether in a backpack or briefcase – and has a slim line design that belies the power it holds. Mobility is a core specification of the majority of educational end-users, and the Surface device range reflects this accordingly. <br /><br />Built around the Windows 10 platform, Surface products are intuitive and highly adaptable, feeding the creativity and collaboration of students, while catering for the business demands of their teachers and management team. Created for integration, with OneDrive and Office 365 users can device-hop, simply and efficiently accessing work wherever they are. Life isn’t really segregated into boxed off categories; we do multiple things without even thinking about it. Microsoft Surface has been designed to accommodate that. <br /><br /><b>Beneath the Surface</b><br /><br />In our 35 minute <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhX8rscM70g&feature=youtu.be&utm_source=MSMix&utm_medium=WebPage&utm_campaign=MSLaptopEducation">webinar</a>, we went straight to the source, asking Microsoft Business Development Director, Steve Beswick, to explain just what is available to the end user and the reseller when it comes to Surface. As well as device line up and tips on selling, he discusses Microsoft’s strategies and concepts, so you can understand where each product is coming from; the motivation behind the creation. <br /><br />Hardware, software, and services: whatever aspects your customers are most interested in, Microsoft and Westcoast can arm you with the information you need to provide the very best to your target audience.<br /><br />The tools are there. The products are there. Are you ready to Surface? <br /><br /><b>To find out more about Surface in Education you can <a href="https://goo.gl/KSFnZU">view the webinar</a>, head to our <a href="https://goo.gl/YJVUDf">dedicated Surface website</a>, or contact us on <a href="mailto:surface@westcoast.co.uk">surface@westcoast.co.uk</a>. </b></div>
Westcoasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11124782395064451333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7987690555672504064.post-51161103799316901932017-09-27T11:32:00.005+01:002017-09-27T11:32:56.488+01:00Can you be the F1rst Among Equals?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIE3RGt8Pkf8pSGWjk3AAjhFionZmH2x3tejXNlY4oIhc0_bBxBweWUVZ0U32ovRPsEtvFhd7WxazqydAiZy3yPg-239XKtVSLUKzbbVTU0HDll4UB08IK4e8s1q_HacW2gaLSygphyphenhyphen_x5/s1600/Westcoast+Firsts+-+LinkedIn+1+-+FY18+H1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="837" data-original-width="1600" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIE3RGt8Pkf8pSGWjk3AAjhFionZmH2x3tejXNlY4oIhc0_bBxBweWUVZ0U32ovRPsEtvFhd7WxazqydAiZy3yPg-239XKtVSLUKzbbVTU0HDll4UB08IK4e8s1q_HacW2gaLSygphyphenhyphen_x5/s640/Westcoast+Firsts+-+LinkedIn+1+-+FY18+H1.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
There’s always something special about being the first. You may carry the honour with a devil-may-care nonchalance, but whether you’re the first to own a new piece of tech, or you’ve come first place in the parent’s egg ‘n’ spoon race at your kid’s sports day, there’s a certain swagger that you just can’t shake off. <br />
<br />
Imagine, then, the feeling not only of coming first, but of winning a corking prize for doing so. Oh! The smugness would overflow! Well, that’s the opportunity you get with <a href="https://goo.gl/3nRBjg">Westcoast F1rsts</a>, in collaboration with Microsoft.<br />
<div>
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
<div>
Whether you’re planning on purchasing 50+seat of Microsoft Office Business Premium, registering for the next Westcoast Nebula event, or signing up for a SimplySo trial period, it’s time to get your skates on. <br />
<br />
What’s the rush? An event is afoot. In being the first to complete any of the twelve challenges listed <a href="https://goo.gl/3nRBjg">here</a>, you will be entered into a prize draw to win one of nine spangly prizes, ranging from bungee jumping to a white wine pampering set. What’s more, the prizes don’t stop there. Once one has been claimed, something new will be will be added to the prize pot. Wh00t!! However, there is one caveat: you need to do all of this before October 15th. <br />
<b><br />So, what do you need to do?</b><br />
<br />
Simply complete one – or all, if you’re feeling ambitious – of the Microsoft-related tasks listed on the <a href="https://goo.gl/3nRBjg">Westcoast F1rsts</a> microsite at any point between now and October 15th 2017. <br />
<br />
We’re not omniscient, so next you’ll need to let us know which task you’ve completed, by clicking on the <a href="https://goo.gl/3nRBjg">Submit Your Claim tab</a> and filling out your details on the submission form. That done, it’s time to select your most coveted prize - £50 of lifestyle vouchers, FIFA ’18, Amazon Dot Echo, a Recon Observation drone, or whatever floats your particular seafaring vessel. Choose wisely though; the prizes are non-transferrable, so if you really rather fancied the teatime delights hamper, but selected the bungee jump in a fit of indecisive pique, the delight will be all your colleagues’ as they gleefully watch you fall through the air with nothing but a thin piece of rope between you and your maker.<br />
<br />
Next, all you need to do is sit and chew your fingernails while you wait to see if you are the F1rst. (Don’t worry, we won’t keep you hanging too long – you’ll hear from us within 48 hours).<br />
<br />
All winners will receive their prizes by November 1st 2017 and all losers can console themselves with the knowledge that someone else had to do the bungee jump.<br />
<br />
So what are you waiting for? On your marks, get set… F1RSTS! <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Westcoasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11124782395064451333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7987690555672504064.post-29569471540823193832017-09-26T11:12:00.001+01:002017-09-26T11:12:01.930+01:00HP’s Big Answers to the Security Conundrum<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr5Nj8dQQexISy3G5GjIlOdtuIXQM4xuGmm6cDl19K8P7sXq_Ll3YpdwUvvln7GEe6dMWhA2OeHF0ueJc__pD97y7tOgKq_W1fpMtFsLUd4GvkabY-Y1CyWZsHVMAn5bAtEFM9jQ8G2E2r/s1600/Padlock+Security.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr5Nj8dQQexISy3G5GjIlOdtuIXQM4xuGmm6cDl19K8P7sXq_Ll3YpdwUvvln7GEe6dMWhA2OeHF0ueJc__pD97y7tOgKq_W1fpMtFsLUd4GvkabY-Y1CyWZsHVMAn5bAtEFM9jQ8G2E2r/s640/Padlock+Security.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
Here’s a sentence you might not be used to seeing: It’s not possible to be fully protected against every security risk in IT. Maybe that doesn’t surprise you. After all, how do you even begin a conversation about security when it comes to IT? If we accept that full protection isn’t possible, then where do we start? Well, with HP actually. And here’s why.</div>
<div>
<br />
HP are leading the way as an OEM by including vital security features with their Elite range of devices. With such a vast amount of considerations to be made, it’s no longer viable or fair to leave security up to end users, which is why HP have introduced some innovative <a href="https://goo.gl/KN5gBB">new features</a> into their premium product line, equipping users with some vital security tools from the get go.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
First up is <a href="https://goo.gl/KN5gBB">HP Sure View</a>, which is the name of the manufacturer’s built-in privacy screens, and yes, you read that correctly: through working together with 3M, HP have created the world’s first integrated privacy screens. It’s truly clever stuff which sees a privacy screen activate between the panel and the display at the touch of a button, and so user data is protected from being seen by prying eyes. Currently, the <a href="https://goo.gl/AF7U6y">EliteBook x360</a> and 840 both come with <a href="https://goo.gl/KN5gBB">HP Sure View</a> built in.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQNHRw8zmdvEVS7K3_zMIqEzWc0v57rX8prVVLGkDHgG8jBfF1n-Abpoe3_Dgbkdu-WeNSoTkfBzvIS2oJGcQkCWPsIT2Q15dRIAtQk8zYKEQHMHLabfkAQpqySSPPwkolOddhiwb3pmBR/s1600/HP+Blog+post+1.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQNHRw8zmdvEVS7K3_zMIqEzWc0v57rX8prVVLGkDHgG8jBfF1n-Abpoe3_Dgbkdu-WeNSoTkfBzvIS2oJGcQkCWPsIT2Q15dRIAtQk8zYKEQHMHLabfkAQpqySSPPwkolOddhiwb3pmBR/s400/HP+Blog+post+1.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
HP’s next trick is called <a href="https://goo.gl/KN5gBB">Sure Click</a>, which is a creation that came into being following collaboration with virtual hardware specialists, Bromium. Thinking outside the box once more, <a href="https://goo.gl/KN5gBB">HP Sure Click</a> silos off every browsing session with a hardware-based micro virtualisation layer. In practice this means that harmful data on a website is prevented from infecting other parts of the device, and it’s available right now on the <a href="https://goo.gl/AF7U6y">EliteBook x360</a>.</div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEich0omkYK-km49YaVnq5NXOb676xoaLBRgcpXBwZMl0h_NOES_UnZiNhrkG5wjdLGXRLaJQyp-9Y4rOJVk9o9PnuYXdlVvZB_CHd1yPdtrMxnBoJJX3u185RyR0pwz4EFhHqTcipqMequ2/s1600/HP+blog+post+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="469" data-original-width="723" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEich0omkYK-km49YaVnq5NXOb676xoaLBRgcpXBwZMl0h_NOES_UnZiNhrkG5wjdLGXRLaJQyp-9Y4rOJVk9o9PnuYXdlVvZB_CHd1yPdtrMxnBoJJX3u185RyR0pwz4EFhHqTcipqMequ2/s400/HP+blog+post+2.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Next in the security arsenal is <a href="https://goo.gl/KN5gBB">HP Sure Start</a>; a well-established innovation which is currently in its third generation. This technology protects devices at the BIOS level, restoring to user defaults set by the organisation’s IT team if it detects that the BIOS have been tampered with. These default settings are kept on a dedicated chip, so are unaffected by attacks that would otherwise cripple a machine. <a href="https://goo.gl/KN5gBB">HP Sure Start</a> is available on all of the latest Elite range<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMgXi1leaqxmlprqLRSilGyJ6BV2l4hmNpM9aox1rfPy_O8ZaHpK6CaRz2HY0KTGU-XpkumBrDmHER58O2UIjKaDVNX_ghLtWzN9rAd5SC2QUaT9oiK7Qzd0yof9m8MDTPDwTaARaHrC_R/s1600/HP+Blog+post+3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="438" data-original-width="670" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMgXi1leaqxmlprqLRSilGyJ6BV2l4hmNpM9aox1rfPy_O8ZaHpK6CaRz2HY0KTGU-XpkumBrDmHER58O2UIjKaDVNX_ghLtWzN9rAd5SC2QUaT9oiK7Qzd0yof9m8MDTPDwTaARaHrC_R/s400/HP+Blog+post+3.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
Not content with offering security features at the BIOS, website, and screen level, one of HP’s most recent developments puts security quite literally in the palm of the user’s hand. It’s all done through a free app called <a href="https://goo.gl/KN5gBB">HP WorkWise</a> that can be downloaded from Google Play. Once installed on your phone and synced to your laptop or PC<a href="https://goo.gl/KN5gBB">, WorkWise</a> helps users with an array of small but effective features. For example, if users are in a rush or having moments of forgetfulness<a href="https://goo.gl/KN5gBB">, WorkWise</a> can automatically lock their device for them when they step away from their desk, and then unlock it once they return. It doesn’t stop there, because the app also has the ability to alert users when their device is being tampered with, whether that be a failed login attempt, pressing of the keys, unplugging the AC adaptor, or connecting a USB device. It’s something which should be a vital download for anyone using a compatible device, and <a href="https://goo.gl/7HvMQb">you can download the app right here.</a><br />
<br />
<br />
Each of the above security measures won’t fix all of your problems, even if you were to utilise every one of them, but it’s more than a few steps in the right direction to ensure your end users are protected from cyber-crime and physical breaches of data. It’s also a unique selling point and value-add when it comes to HP’s Elite range — users aren’t just getting a device; they’re getting a suite of innovative security tools as well. So if you’re interested in simultaneously protecting your customers and equipping them with a high-performing premium device, get in touch with your Account Manager or call Westcoast direct on <b>0118 912 6000.</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHYni-2uGwuMiv3qXKgpeZ3q-CqljNKl4R2DBcHK6CkI6mbTwrkHQckThVzijahvhI-cMgfPUHAeefZiYbHJZwRbbt1gK-5rJCGiKc4gSfko4hBIcjMz-yAOo1-9v-rAYMixF9nkHGPsMP/s1600/HP+Blog+post+4.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="916" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHYni-2uGwuMiv3qXKgpeZ3q-CqljNKl4R2DBcHK6CkI6mbTwrkHQckThVzijahvhI-cMgfPUHAeefZiYbHJZwRbbt1gK-5rJCGiKc4gSfko4hBIcjMz-yAOo1-9v-rAYMixF9nkHGPsMP/s640/HP+Blog+post+4.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
</div>
Westcoasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11124782395064451333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7987690555672504064.post-33496632985825770252017-09-20T11:25:00.001+01:002017-09-20T11:25:28.228+01:00Are education customers overlooking storage?<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Guest Post</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNeC0uIZZUBF0MziocDJYNuMQWTJ53oGPTj6b7VziED8ACpP827PzcYIMzGimivzoSjW96quQETeD2hUMFVt7wwyjpxj8NpI9u7nFPs88Y8jaGp_H8WAhJ2uYkTu_S8393BAUPSOWTGw2Y/s1600/alle-produkter-Notelocker-notecart.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="312" data-original-width="600" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNeC0uIZZUBF0MziocDJYNuMQWTJ53oGPTj6b7VziED8ACpP827PzcYIMzGimivzoSjW96quQETeD2hUMFVt7wwyjpxj8NpI9u7nFPs88Y8jaGp_H8WAhJ2uYkTu_S8393BAUPSOWTGw2Y/s640/alle-produkter-Notelocker-notecart.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<br />
<br />
Computers have changed everything. Whether we’re talking the classic desktop, the humble laptop, or the flexible tablet; they’re now such a natural part of our lives that some would say that we take them for granted, despite the increasingly central role that they play.<br />
<br />
The education sector is playing a key part in making technology more accessible. IT skills are essential in the vast majority of jobs once pupils and students move into the working world, which is why it’s so important to establish a wide-ranging digital environment in schools: not only so that they have hands-on experience of using technology and devices, but also as a means of teaching them the potential dangers that they can face in the new digital age.<br />
<div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
It’s fantastic news then, that the education sector is embracing technology, with interactive boards, laptops, tablets, and even VR kits readily available for learners to work with. One of the most overlooked challenges that come with the wide amount of technology is how to physically manage it all. From making sure the correct devices are at the correct class, to ensuring that everything is fully charged and ready to go — it can completely derail a lesson if the technology isn’t able to be used.<br />
<br />
That’s where <a href="https://goo.gl/d23RNh">Leba </a>Innovation’s expertly engineered storage products come in. They provide assistance in the technological transformation that’s taking over schools by making sure that devices can be managed as efficiently as possible. From flexible mobile units that can move volumes of devices from classroom to classroom, to cases that can hold and charge multiple tablets or laptops at once, these are solutions that take away some of the stress of managing a classroom in the digital age.<br />
<br />
And rest assured that <a href="https://goo.gl/d23RNh">Leba</a> very much know what they’re doing when it comes to storage solutions. With over 17 years of experience, <a href="https://goo.gl/d23RNh">Leba </a>operate across most of Europe, and work with a wide spectrum of schools to deploy robust and easy-to-use products that deliver high value for money. <br />
<br />
It’s not unusual for schools to not even realise that products like this exist, so it’s always worth starting a conversation with your education customers just to let them know that you can make their lives a lot easier. In the meantime, make sure you get in touch with Westcoast to find out more about <a href="https://goo.gl/d23RNh">Leba’s </a>myriad of storage options available. They’ve developed their products from the ground up by working closely with schools and academic institutions, but don’t just take our word for it: contact us to see some of the testimonials that they’ve acquired over their long history of helping schools embrace a digital environment.<br />
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b>To view the full range of products click <a href="https://goo.gl/d23RNh">here</a></b></div>
</div>
Westcoasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11124782395064451333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7987690555672504064.post-83678710235516174062017-09-18T16:42:00.000+01:002017-09-18T16:42:04.261+01:00 Getting Theale Green into Tech<b>Press Release</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQrs1ORffgdcPDSUob_KHPuRmOSR2cuJSCyHQXaGI2Hyhxuv4eoh3DM0vptZfN9BHrrjOZNOsEML1FBOMO2Z_65Zr136i_UaiZ8NTasLA_PF3vm4qpO17Qh7RNCNPABQjOW0uQHKGr6mst/s1600/EBP.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="764" data-original-width="1286" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQrs1ORffgdcPDSUob_KHPuRmOSR2cuJSCyHQXaGI2Hyhxuv4eoh3DM0vptZfN9BHrrjOZNOsEML1FBOMO2Z_65Zr136i_UaiZ8NTasLA_PF3vm4qpO17Qh7RNCNPABQjOW0uQHKGr6mst/s640/EBP.JPG" width="600" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
July saw the exciting final of Education Business Partnership’s (EBP) three-day programme where they joined Westcoast, one of the UK’s largest IT distributors, at Theale Green School to engage with, and inspire, Year eight students about jobs and roles in the technology sector.<br />
<br />
The programme covered various topics, including; products and marketing, job roles, skills and qualities and technology of the future. Jane Grunseid, Business Development Manager said, “The programme has been really successful with 90% of students saying they were inspired and motivated. This comes at a good point in their education where GCSE subjects are still to be chosen, career paths are uncertain and students are eager to have their horizons broadened.”<br />
<div>
<a name='more'></a><div>
The students were split into teams of six or seven and had to present back to their peers and mentors after each session. Two winning teams were selected based on their overall performance and each received a tablet from Alex Tatham, Managing Director of Westcoast. He commented, “This has been a lovely way of giving back to society and our local secondary school. I can see how influential the programme has been not just with the children but my staff have absolutely loved mentoring and volunteering at these workshops, I think you will see more people volunteer next year because the noise and mood music around the company has been so exciting.”<br />
<br />
<div>
Sam Cartland, who is responsible for careers at Theale Green School continued, “The programme has been amazing and a huge success for our students. The mentors from Westcoast were excellent and the students benefitted immensely from their experience, support and encouragement. I could really see the improvement in their presentation and team work skills as the sessions progressed.”<br />
<br />
To find out how your business or school could take part in a similar programme, please contact Jane Grunseid, Business Development Manager for the EBP on 01635 277496 or email <a href="mailto:info@ebpwb.co.uk">info@ebpwb.co.uk</a><br />
<br />
EBP West Berkshire is a local charity which develops and promotes effective and lasting links between education and business</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li> To assist young people become better equipped for working life</li>
<li>To enhance the curriculum by raising awareness of business needs</li>
<li>To inform employers and to encourage them to be involved in links with education</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Westcoasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11124782395064451333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7987690555672504064.post-57287522173631656622017-09-14T14:48:00.001+01:002017-09-14T15:12:55.199+01:00Window 10 Pro for Workstations<b>By <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/owen-hutchinson-5955ba5a/">Owen Hutchinson</a></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ_JLj1WN-eJTf8IBgKttsDMF0Y85UPc9y3-8qUIHUt8FHEHZfP9n0Mf0j6rGq6U2VmaWVvVdtLQOcRG-Yh7DUaf1AtKK-bEHRgONFHVP4DEEhEyPeI_kyNKNL5nippBhxkHViCxkpgDqB/s1600/windows+10+for+workstations.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="99" data-original-width="878" height="72" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ_JLj1WN-eJTf8IBgKttsDMF0Y85UPc9y3-8qUIHUt8FHEHZfP9n0Mf0j6rGq6U2VmaWVvVdtLQOcRG-Yh7DUaf1AtKK-bEHRgONFHVP4DEEhEyPeI_kyNKNL5nippBhxkHViCxkpgDqB/s640/windows+10+for+workstations.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Windows 10 Pro for Workstations is coming: find out everything you need to know and avoid paying extra</h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This Autumn Microsoft is rolling out Windows 10 Pro 64 for Workstations: an OS variation that’s optimised for professional users. This isn’t just a vanity update, with the new features covering a range of areas that are a boon for hardware that has to support critical workloads.<br />
<br />
Specifically, the new features include support for:<br />
<br />
● Up to 4 Physical CPUs<br />
<br />
● Massive memory (up to 6 TB)<br />
<br />
● SMB Direct/RDMA capable network cards<br />
<br />
● Persistent Memory (NVDIMM) and Remote Direct Memory Access (RDMA), so you can blast through file transfers and advanced workloads<br />
<br />
● Creation of Resilient File Systems (ReFS) volumes so that data is mirrored to multiple drives, while being monitored and repaired if degradation is detected<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
But there’s more! The actual Windows 10 Pro Workstation OS has two variants, depending on how many cores the Xeon or Opteron processor has. If the machine has five or more cores, you’ll see the somewhat excessive description ‘Windows 10 Pro 64 for Workstations Plus’ on your Bill of Materials (BOM), whereas if it’s under five then it will be loaded with the standard Workstations OS. These are just name changes based on configuration differences, so the features above still apply to both. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As part of the update, Microsoft are requiring all hardware manufacturers to ship any Intel Xeon or AMD Opteron machines with the Workstation OS by the 1st of October. However, if you’ve ordered from Westcoast recently then you may have noticed that HP have already started doing this — this is to make the transition as smooth as possible and catch any potential issues early.<br />
<br />
Keep in mind that the launch of the new OS doesn’t mean end-users are strictly tied into it: they’ll still have access to the popular Windows 7 downgrade until October 2018. For those of you who are already selling machines that would qualify for the OS that don’t currently have it, there will also be an upgrade option available in October.<br />
<br />
<br />
It’s not all good news though, because a price rise also comes along with the change in OS. This will be between £70 and £200, however for the more price-conscious there are still some workstation part codes that use the ‘classic’ Windows 10 Pro OS. These naturally haven’t been affected by the price increase and are also ideal for customers that don’t currently have any need for the added features in the Workstation OS — a word of caution though that these models are discontinued and therefore quite limited in terms of stock, so make sure you give us a call to snap them up sooner, rather than later.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There may be some initial confusion around the new OS, which is why it’s important to keep your customers informed and make sure you’re asking the right questions, because it’s also an opportunity to bring new customers to a workstation, such as the <b><a href="https://goo.gl/bGgVQL">HP Z440</a> </b>by exploring their needs for a high performance device. Once you’ve qualified their eligibility you can move onto the benefits of a new device with the Workstation OS, focusing on the additional functionality around data protection, flexibility and performance. Finally, you can offer relatable examples where a high performance device with Windows 10 Pro for Workstations really provides a difference, such as with CAD professionals (compute-intensive software), data researchers (processing big data) and graphic design professionals (protecting intellectual property), to name just a few.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKCRb-6ftVOctQNdIXYKwSAffB_aTjHffPRrQJk6xnCkw96NUtHLV961RzMLPeL1FyuFE-qGLZD108khu8myR4PezpcpI9W-TCm1O_ynKvtBu2dBnA_kKPoPQrRuDByqyNHit0LGFIXr-l/s1600/Win10blogpic.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKCRb-6ftVOctQNdIXYKwSAffB_aTjHffPRrQJk6xnCkw96NUtHLV961RzMLPeL1FyuFE-qGLZD108khu8myR4PezpcpI9W-TCm1O_ynKvtBu2dBnA_kKPoPQrRuDByqyNHit0LGFIXr-l/s640/Win10blogpic.png" /></a><br />
<br />
Whether you want to know which devices best utilise the new OS, or if you’re looking for more information on how to prepare your customers for the changes, Westcoast can help — so don’t hesitate to call your Account Manager to explore the wealth of options available.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>0118 912 6000<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><a href="http://www.westcoast.co.uk/">www.westcoast.co.uk</a><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
Westcoasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11124782395064451333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7987690555672504064.post-67060872333701091042017-09-12T09:53:00.003+01:002017-09-12T15:17:09.852+01:00Why we need another HPE access point<b>By <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-anthony-49a239a8/">David Anthony</a></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/6cS8b1auj_Y/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6cS8b1auj_Y?feature=player_embedded" width="450"></iframe></div>
<br />
I must admit, I thought to myself “why are HPE pushing an Office Connect access point? Isn’t this just going to take business away from Aruba and confuse the issue?”<br />
<br />
Not for the first time, I’ll admit I was wrong. I’ve written previously about how smartphones have raised everyone’s expectations about what we should be able to do in the workplace. If we can run our lives from our phones, why not our businesses from our laptops, tablets and phones, wherever we are?<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
Aruba Instant and its associated products does this perfectly for SMBs and distributed enterprise who have a level of general IT staff available. Arguably, it makes wirelines connectivity faster, more resilient and secure than wired connections. The full scope of enterprise level technology scaled and costed for SMB use.<br />
<br />
However, what about true small businesses? Under 100 users, but no retained IT staff on hand to set up and manage the infrastructure. They have the same level of expectation from modern technology advances, but until now, their wishes have been largely ignored.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
The Office Connect OC20 access point addresses this oversight. It meets the small business demand in three specific ways:<br />
<br />
<b>1) Ease of use<br /><br />2) Quality and reliability<br /><br />3) Security</b><br />
<br />
Set up is intuitive and can be set-up in under three minutes by someone with no technical experience, via a smartphone app. The same app can be used to monitor and manage OC20 networks (it clusters up to eight access points) from wherever, as long as there’s an internet connection. If the OC20 is powered by an Office Connect 1920S switch, that can be monitored by the app as well.<br />
<br />
HPE won’t confirm or deny this, but it is clear to me that the OC20 uses the same hardware as an Aruba Instant 207, it’s the software that’s different. I know this because I’ve put them side by side and studied them (some people pass the time with extreme sports, others watch box sets, but those of us in-the-know sit and look at access points!). This means that the OC20 has enterprise grade hardware at small business prices.<br />
<br />
Uniquely, the OC20 features website and application filtering that is kept completely up to date with the latest reputations. Malicious websites, adult content etc. can be blocked on employee networks, guest networks, or both. This gives ongoing, comprehensive, online protection.<br />
<br />
So, the OC20 is class leading, cost effective and fully justifies its existence!<br />
<br />
Try it for yourselves by requesting demo kit from Westcoast. Email us at <a href="mailto:enterprisebdm@westcoast.co.uk"><b>enterprisebdm@westcoast.co.uk</b></a><br />
<br />
When you get the kit, see if you can beat my time for setting it up, on this <a href="https://goo.gl/McCFuv">short video</a>. There’s a £250 prize for the fastest time submitted. Just simply share your video on Linkedin or Twitter with the hashtag <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=oc20challenge&src=typd">#OC20Challenge</a><br />
<br />
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHj4cNmuTz1xOSAWjZ-NkU359Y_GkslGtWIWDDUQYzcEYVBh7Lshyovxrsp3CwZkQaLUrjmSUC4SZGZo8Qb88y8oiyoXj2ehyphenhyphenmVQsP-ioYwt_wQ-LmtTR4rbJ33VhJuDCYbMaRmNiJzKHi/s1600/OC20challenge_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="550" height="339" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHj4cNmuTz1xOSAWjZ-NkU359Y_GkslGtWIWDDUQYzcEYVBh7Lshyovxrsp3CwZkQaLUrjmSUC4SZGZo8Qb88y8oiyoXj2ehyphenhyphenmVQsP-ioYwt_wQ-LmtTR4rbJ33VhJuDCYbMaRmNiJzKHi/s640/OC20challenge_3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<b><b>Watch the full video <a href="https://goo.gl/McCFuv">here</a></b></b></h2>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
Westcoasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11124782395064451333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7987690555672504064.post-57461015733354703162017-09-04T10:52:00.001+01:002017-09-04T10:52:56.317+01:00Portable gaming: An industry on the move<b>By <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-oxley-78962b6/">Carl Oxley</a></b><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggk9LmSDbLsZK9fbbn1JeI4YNuWUwDhRFFMIF7vbqwsnTCdKdTwfXqATtIWKsyUEgOdVmVbd7IM7OZNscHvsKZXoCsqPZrqhuHu-0Hk6N5NUYFXll68hTUE8U0KLoVqS-AYe3WXllXG5OR/s1600/Nintendo-Gameboy-702x336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="602" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggk9LmSDbLsZK9fbbn1JeI4YNuWUwDhRFFMIF7vbqwsnTCdKdTwfXqATtIWKsyUEgOdVmVbd7IM7OZNscHvsKZXoCsqPZrqhuHu-0Hk6N5NUYFXll68hTUE8U0KLoVqS-AYe3WXllXG5OR/s640/Nintendo-Gameboy-702x336.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Ever since Nintendo launched the first Game Boy in 1989, the world of portable gaming has been witness to a very gradual but notable rise. As graphics improved, more games became available and, most importantly, with huge leaps in memory and the continuation of Moore’s Law, the consoles themselves became increasingly portable. As such, the market has undergone a consistent growth that has recently hit an unprecedented peak. <br />
<a name='more'></a><div>
<br />
We now find ourselves in an age where slim ultrabook-style gaming laptops by brands such as MSI and Gigabyte and portable gaming controllers by the likes of SteelSeries are commonplace in many a gamer’s arsenal. Recent sales of the Nintendo Switch, which have already topped the three-million-unit mark since launch, are reflective of how in-demand these products are.<br />
<br />
Such sales however, can lead to increasing pressures on retailers, both on the high street and online. The recent boom in such products has posed a challenge for retailers not solely focused on the gaming market in predicting and having a supply chain model in place that can cope with the demand and seasonal fluctuations specific to portable gaming products.<br />
<br />
To ensure that retailers aren’t left in the lurch and their supply chain is efficient from the start, there need to be a number of elements in place from the offset. Firstly, distributors need to be able to monitor in real-time how many products are in the store and physically on the shelves. The ability to offer up to date planogram plans and exit and entry photography can become essential to delivering a quality service for such in-demand products each retailer. <br />
<br />
Secondly, distributors need to be able to remain flexible. Developing close relationships with various retailers and being able to work around their specific needs is key in ensuring the whole process is as seamless as possible. With seasonal fluctuations also so key to sales in this sector, it’s important to stay close to evolving sales figures in order to prepare as best as possible.<br />
<br />
Finally, the ability to provide insights and reports allows retailers to maximise their sales. Regular updates in terms of product pricing and any current promotions presented as an attractive POS (point of sale) is essential. Such reports also aid retailers in forecasting and planning, key in trying to stay ahead of an industry that is so dynamic. <br />
<br />
Each of the above points are easily transferable across sectors, though for an industry as vibrant as mobile gaming, such elements are increasingly important for retailers and distributors alike.</div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b>For more information on Gaming contact Westcoast on 0118 912 600</b></div>
<div>
<b> </b><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Westcoasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11124782395064451333noreply@blogger.com0