Category Archives: Technology

News, Tech, Technology

Revolutionise Sustainable & Flexible Projection with Panasonic VMZ7ST Series

New series of short-throw projectors increases installation flexibility and delivers bright, sharp visuals for corporate and immersive museum environments.

Bracknell, UK. November 2024 – Panasonic Connect Europe has announced the VMZ7ST Series of short-throw LCD projectors, revolutionising sustainable, flexible projection for corporate and immersive museum environments. Based on Panasonic’s VMZ82 Series of compact projectors, the PT-VMZ7ST (7,000lm) and PT-VMZ6ST (6,200lm) are Panasonic’s most powerful fixed, short-throw LCD laser projectors yet.

Short-throw lens offers unrivalled flexibility
Panasonic’s VMZ7ST Series offers increased installation flexibility, especially where space is limited. It features a short-throw lens ratio of just 0.797-1.01:1, and a 1.2x optical zoom and wide-range V/H lens shift, enabling it to project a 100-inch image from approximately 1.72 m (5.6 ft). Within immersive museum experiences, this minimises any visitor shadows – even when viewing close-up. Users in corporate environments can also be confident that any projected presentations are not disrupted.

When installed in high, difficult-to-reach areas, the VMZ7ST Series is easy to set-up, reducing valuable installation time. Panasonic’s Powered Focus allows the focus to be easily readjusted to accommodate various room sizes, which is especially useful in sports simulators, where the focus may need to be frequently adjusted to keep up with player action.

Panasonic’s Angle Monitor function enables the projection tilt angle to be visualised remotely, its geometric correction functions enable the VMZ7ST Series to be positioned anywhere it’s needed, for projecting onto various surface shapes and sizes.

Class-leading projection in bright spaces
The VMZ7ST Series features Daylight View Basic technology and colour management, allowing image quality to be adjusted based on ambient lighting, and vivid colours to be produced through the tweaking of the hue, saturation, and value. This is especially useful in bright, corporate environments.

Environmentally friendly design
Sustainability is at the core of the VMZ7ST Series’ design. It utilises Panasonic’s Auto Power On function, starting projection upon signal detection and minimising continuous projector operation. This increases power efficiency by nearly 53% (lm/W) compared to competitor models, without compromising brightness. The VMZ7ST Series’ delivers 20,000 hours of maintenance-free, continuous projection, significantly reducing costs. To minimise waste, the ECO Filter can be washed and reused twice, whilst 56% of the chassis is made from recycled resins.

“The VMZ7ST Series of projectors offers a cost-effective solution for immersive museum experiences and corporate environments, delivering class-leading brightness and installation flexibility that minimises set-up and maintenance costs where budgets are tight. The VMZ7ST Series takes sustainable projection for short-throw projectors to new levels, whilst delivering bright, sharp visuals that users have come to expect from Panasonic,” comments Hartmut Kulessa, European Marketing Manager at Panasonic Connect Europe.

The VMZ7ST Series will be available from CY2025 Q1.

For more information, please click: https://eu.connect.panasonic.com/gb/en/projectors/pt-vmz7st

Technology

Unlocking the power of behavioural nudges to improve cyber security

Written by John Scott, Lead Security Researcher at CultureAI 

In today’s digital landscape, managing security threats often hinges on how well organisations can identify and respond to risks in real time. While human errors are bound to happen, with the right technologies and processes, they don’t always have to pose a significant risk. 

Unfortunately, when people make mistakes, they often go unnoticed until they result in an incident. This is where nudges can help, filling a crucial gap by intervening in risky behaviours automatically and efficiently. A well-executed security nudge can reduce Security Operation Centre (SOC) interventions and remediation times while reinforcing security policies, security culture, and best practices.​

What exactly is a nudge?  

Nudge Theory, popularised by Richard Thaler and Cass Sunstein in 2008, gained prominence as a cheap and effective method to influence behaviour change. The premise of this concept is that shaping the environment, known as choice architecture, influences individuals’ decision-making and allows them to maintain freedom of choice and feel in control of their decisions whilst being guided towards the ‘best’ solution.

The term ‘nudge’ has become a buzzword in cyber security over recent years, often mistakenly equated with ‘notifications’. While nudges can be used in different ways, overreliance can lead to ‘nudge fatigue’, overwhelming employees with dismissible reminders and notifications to complete training. To make the best use of them, nudges should aim to shift behaviours rather than simply notifying an employee of their actions.

Why do we need nudges in cyber security?  

When people are busy, they tend to be reactive, and reliant on system-one thinking, which is automatic and intuitive but more prone to errors. By sending a security nudge to employees at the point of risk, they are alerted in real time and prompted to shift to more logical, lower-risk, system-two thinking.

Incorporating nudges as part of a human risk management (HRM) strategy is an effective way to mitigate risks in real time, empowering employees precisely when it matters most. Nudges encourage employees to pause and think before making potentially risky security decisions, making them aware of the threat and empowering them to choose wisely. 

Nudge, not noise  

Nudging employees comes at a cost. Interrupting their workflow can hamper productivity, so a nudge must have a strong rationale. If you interrupt, there should be a specific, actionable step the employee can take to mitigate the identified risk. If the security team can fix the risk without interruption, they should. Repetitive or intrusive nudges will lead to nudge fatigue, causing employees to ignore them.

Meet people where they are  

To ensure a nudge isn’t ignored, deliver it within the applications employees are already using, such as Slack, Teams, or their browser. Over time, nudges simplify decision-making for employees, requiring minimal cognitive effort to execute decisions without overthinking. 

Nudge people to make better decisions 

Rather than just leaving employees to navigate the safe use of SaaS and GenAI apps on their own, nudges can help establish guardrails and provide guidance in real time. For example, if the organisation has an approved GenAI solution, a good nudge can not only dissuade employees from using non-authorised sources, but it can also guide them towards a preferred solution. Nudges can help create a cultural shift towards proactive and engaged participation in cyber security practices. This approach not only streamlines security operations but also creates an environment where employees are empowered to make their own security decisions. 

Technology

VertiGIS Expands Web Apps for Utility Asset Data Management, Now Offering a Solution that Doesn’t Require a Migration to Utility Network

  • VertiGIS Networks web-based solutions for utility asset data management workflows are now supporting ArcGIS data models in addition to Esri’s Utility Network. 
  • VertiGIS Networks can now be implemented in virtually all utility organisations using Esri’s ArcGIS to streamline business processes surrounding asset data management. 
  • Organisations keen to understand more can meet VertiGIS during Esri’s global IMGIS event at Booth 333. 

VertiGIS, a leading global provider of spatial asset management solutions, has announced additional implementation capabilities within its VertiGIS Networks product line. Initially released exclusively for Esri’s Utility Network (UN), the domain-specific solutions will now be available for any ArcGIS network data model, making it easier and more affordable for utilities to see immediate value even without a complex data migration to UN. Using purpose-built VertiGIS Networks solutions, utilities can manage their network asset data and operations more efficiently.  

Esri, the global leader in geographic information system (GIS) software, launched the ArcGIS Utility Network in 2018. VertiGIS Networks is a state-of-the-art product line — built from the ground up — that allows utilities to visualise, trace, analyse, and edit their ArcGIS Utility Network data in both web browsers and native apps with online and offline workflows. For utilities on lower complexity data models, such as Esri’s geometric network, it provides similar functionality.  

VertiGIS Networks can leverage the scalability and flexibility of cloud infrastructure to provide organisations with seamless integration, efficient resource utilisation and increased resilience, even if their needs change and become more complex over time. Any implementation includes a focus on current and accurate as-built documentation of the entire network, to visualise data in ways that help utility organisations make better decisions.  

VertiGIS Networks easily integrates with Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) systems to ensure uninterrupted maintenance workflows. For organisations wanting to harness the full power of Esri’s Utility Network, they receive the most performant and modern solution available to put this data into action. VertiGIS Networks supports data exchange to external systems, such as your ERP, EAM, OMS, SCADA and CIS, allowing them to maintain current network operational state across all processes.  

“VertiGIS’ modern solutions allow us to provide companies with a comprehensive set of products for the entire lifecycle of their assets from design, construction and commissioning to maintenance, repair and renewal across all lines of business,” says Andy Berry, CEO at VertiGIS. “The utility market has been so focused on the data migrations required to modernise their network management, that many organisations have overlooked the solutions that would expose that data. By offering such a comprehensive suite of tools for the global utility market, in whatever data environment customers need, we are lowering the barrier to entry so that utilities can take advantage of the power provided by their existing GIS infrastructure without the need for a potentially large investment.” 

The VertiGIS Networks product line includes VertiGIS Network Explorer, VertiGIS Network Simulator, VertiGIS Network Editor, VertiGIS Network Locator, and VertiGIS Network Maintenance. VertiGIS applications based on the ArcGIS Utility Network can be easily configured to accommodate internal business requirements while adhering to established standards. These models ensure consistency for all lines of business and form a solid foundation for the digital twin of network infrastructure.  

About VertiGIS 

VertiGIS is a leading asset management and geographic information systems (GIS) solution provider and software developer. Their focus is on the development of software solutions and services that enable professionals in the utilities, government, telecommunications and infrastructure market segments to connect their business processes with spatial management technology. Used by more than 5,000 customers and millions of end users around the world, VertiGIS’ product portfolio is designed to enhance the capabilities of leading GIS software, especially Esri’s ArcGIS®. For more information visit vertigis.com. 

Awards, Call Centre Tech, Charity & CSR, News, Tech, Technology

FourNet & Alzheimer’s Society pick up the ‘Oscar’ at European Contact Centre and Customer Service Awards

UK’s first ‘dementia-friendly’ technology-enabled support centre wins prestigious Gold for its approach to vulnerable individuals and carers

Digital transformation and customer experience specialists, FourNet, and leading UK dementia charity, Alzheimer’s Society, have won gold at the prestigious European Contact Centre and Customer Service Awards (ECCCSA) 2024.

The two partner organisations took the top prize in the highly competitive category for Best Approach to Supporting Vulnerable Customers (In-house) beating off stiff competition from British Gas, Octopus Energy, Legal and General, Openreach, VodafoneUK and others.

The ECCCSAs are the biggest and longest running awards in the sector and are considered to be the equivalent of the ‘Oscars’ for the European customer contact industry, recognising organisations from more than 30 countries that are leading the way in delivering exceptional service to customers.

The awards are highly regarded for their robust judging process and put a spotlight on organisations that continually innovate to improve their customer experience, value their people and operate efficiently and effectively.

FourNet and Alzheimer’s Society were nominated for the support being offered to those living with dementia and their carers – thanks to a new cloud-based care and support centre which is harnessing technology to transform fundraising and support services and enhance the charity’s inclusive approach.

Built in collaboration with FourNet’s cloud contact centre partners, NICE, the contact centre solution has been tailor-made to ensure best-in-class support for people living with dementia, with key input to the design from people with lived experience through Dementia Voice, Alzheimer’s Society specialists and their Dementia Friends programme.

The bespoke solution supports Alzheimer’s Society’s core fundraising and dementia support services across its operations including sites in Birmingham, Norfolk and Warrington as well as its offices in Northern Ireland and Wales.

Collecting the award at a lavish ceremony in London, Amanda Henderson, Solution Architect at FourNet, said: “FourNet designed and delivered a bespoke solution which is considered to be the first dementia-friendly contact centre in the UK.

“We want Alzheimer’s Society to be able to deliver the best possible support for people living with dementia now and in the future and we are absolutely thrilled to have been singled out by the judges for this prestigious accolade at the European Contact Centre and Customer Service Awards 2024.”

FourNet designed a new cloud-based support centre and telephony system to support the charity’s fundraising and dementia support services, replacing an outdated contact centre setup with a versatile omni-channel contact centre system for frontline teams, and migrating 900 staff onto a new softphone application.

Jennie Mummery, Senior Supporter Engagement Manager at Alzheimer’s Society, said: “We are delighted to have picked up the equivalent of an Oscar after all the hard work and dedication of our team and FourNet’s to help improve our support services using technology.

“Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer. One in three people born in the UK today will develop dementia in their lifetime so it is vital that we ensure that Alzheimer’s Society’s services and support are fit for the future. Alzheimer’s Society offers help and hope to people living with dementia, by providing vital support, campaigning for governments to prioritise dementia, and investing in groundbreaking research.

Sian Arthur, Dementia Support Line Manager at Alzheimer’s Society, said: “We hope that our win highlights to other organisations how our unique dementia support service is harnessing technology, expert advice and input from people living with dementia, along with helping to transform our support services and fundraising. We hope other organisations can learn from our experience.”

Typical contact centre solutions would not have suited Alzheimer’s Society or those it supports.

Instead, FourNet’s solution enhances the charity’s inclusive approach thanks to the detail considered in designing the system. For instance, people contacting the Society through the contact centre do not have to choose multiple options on their keypad; soothing on-hold music has been tested to minimise upset to a person living with dementia, sentiment analysis identifies vulnerable callers.

New technology has also been implemented which identifies important emails and contacts for the Society’s fundraising teams and will help the charity to maximise support through donations.

Richard Pennington, FourNet CEO, added: “We are extremely proud of the strong bonds and collaborative partnership we have forged with Alzheimer’s Society through this project. At least 30 members of our team have also attended Dementia Friends’ information sessions so that we can ensure FourNet has a more dementia friendly workforce. We hope that the solution we have designed and delivered will help many other organisations who deal with vulnerable members of society and their carers.”

FourNet works with a range of organisations – from charities and local authorities to the housing sector and financial service companies – using technology to support some of the most vulnerable members of society.

Broadband, News, Telecoms

9 in 10 SMEs report poor internet connectivity and frequent outages

Have UK SMEs settled for sub-par internet connectivity as the norm? asks Zen Internet who carried out a national survey of SME’s internet usage 

 UK, 26 November 2024:  A recent study has revealed that an overwhelming 94% of small businesses in the UK experience poor internet connection while 91% 1 encounter internet outages; and a staggering quarter of businesses don’t have any backup in place if internet connection goes down.

The survey by Zen, which included responses from 500 SME decision-makers across the UK, highlighted several key findings:

 

  • While seven in 10 (72%) of SMEs agreed3 that having failover internet connectivity is critical to business operations, nearly a quarter (23%) don’t have any backup in place to support continued operations during an internet outage.
  • Having no back up in place rises to two fifths (38%) in businesses between one and nine employees, leaving these companies more susceptible to the productivity challenges and hidden costs that come with an internet outage.
  • Almost half (48%) of those surveyed agreed3 that the internet performance at their business has negatively impacted productivity, and almost two-thirds (65%) said they find connectivity issues within their business stressful4.
  • On average, SMEs could be losing up to three hours per month in productivity due to internet outages or poor internet connection.

 

Commenting on the findings, Dean Burdon, Customer Experience Director at Zen, said:

“The investment in new infrastructure is crucial; however, many businesses still rely on outdated copper networks, which have a higher fault rate. For businesses heavily dependent on consistent uptime, it’s essential to consider the cost-benefit of investing in backup systems, as well as using a reliable internet provider, versus the potential financial impact of downtime. Businesses rely on internet connectivity for everything from processing payments to operating security systems – the cost of outage is likely to massively outweigh the cost of having a backup in place.”

 

The impact on Customer Experience – 40% of respondents agree3 that the internet performance at their business has negatively impacted customer experience.

The ramifications of unreliable internet extend beyond internal operations and productivity, and significantly affect customer satisfaction. Zen’s survey found that the top five ways that poor internet performance at businesses has impacted customer experience, are:

  1. Issues with processing online orders or payments (45%)
  2. Longer wait times for loading product images or website content (45%)
  3. Slower response times for online inquiries or customer service requests (42%)
  4. Difficulty processing in person card payments with card machine ‘out of range’ (42%)
  5. Difficulty accessing or navigating the company website (37%)

The impact on Business Operations – 92% of respondents said5 that business tasks become challenging when they experience internet issues.

The top tasks affected by internet outages SMEs highlighted as damaging to their business were:

  • Issues accessing cloud-based services such as voice (54%)
  • Difficulties with online banking transactions (47%)
  • Not taking card payments (39%)
  • Being unable to generate quotes and invoices (33%)

 

Zen’s Dean Burdon, added:

“For the UK to enhance productivity and ensure a positive customer experience, it must confront these connectivity challenges. Reliable internet is fundamental to all aspects of business operation, from attracting customers to streamlining service delivery.

“While internet technology is becoming more and more reliable, the simple fact is that it’s not bullet proof and sometimes things can go wrong due to external factors such as weather or physical damage to cables. That’s why service providers have solutions in place such as 4G Backup that will ensure continued operations should your internet service drop out during business hours.

“Zen’s 4G Backup uses multi-network SIM cards enabling customers to connect to one of three major networks depending on the network availability at location. This means businesses can have access to the strongest available signal, regardless of geographic location enhancing reliability and minimising downtime.” 

 

For more information, visit: Navigating business challenges for business resilience (zen.co.uk).

 

—

About Zen:

Zen Internet is the largest B Corporation certified telecommunications and network connectivity provider in the UK. Zen provides a full range of broadband, data, voice, hosting and infrastructure services to homes and businesses across the country.  The company also delivers complex network and cloud solutions for a wide range of large businesses and corporate customers through its strategic partnerships with AWS and Cisco.

As the only Which? recommended provider for broadband for three consecutive years, Zen is renowned for delivering excellent customer service and technical support and has been awarded Best Broadband ISP in PC Pro’s Technology Excellence Awards for 20 consecutive years. Other accolades include Sustainability Winner in Comms National Awards 2021 and Highly Commended in CRN Tech Impact Awards as Sustainable Vendor of the Year.

As a proud member of the B Corp community – balancing profit with people and the planet – Zen is carbon neutral and is working towards achieving Net Zero status by 2040. The company is also a recommended Best Buy in Ethical Consumer’s latest guide to broadband.

Zen has offices in Rochdale and employs more than 500 people. The organisation puts great emphasis on maintaining a people-centric business and was named a Great Place to Work® in November 2021 and again in November 2023.

 

About the research

The research was conducted by Censuswide with 500 18+ Decision Makers in Businesses with 1-249 emps who are responsible for connectivity between 02.05.2024 – 10.05.2024. Censuswide abide by and employ members of the Market Research Society which is based on the ESOMAR principles and are members of The British Polling Council

1”Often” and “occasionally” answers combined

2”Good “ and “Excellent” answers combined

3”Strongly agree” and “somewhat agree” answers combined

4”Very stressful” and “quite stressful” answers combined

5Inverse of “N/A there are no such business tasks”

 

Photo by Studio Republic on Unsplash

 

AI, Business Advice

Cirrus Adds NICE CXone Mpower To Its Portfolio to Transform the UK Mid-Market CCaaS Landscape

Cirrus, the UK’s premier provider of contact centre solutions, has announced an exciting new partnership with NICE. The addition of NICE’s AI-powered platform to Cirrus’s portfolio marks a transformative moment for small-to-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK, elevating customer engagement, streamlining operations, and driving business growth through cutting-edge technology,

By adding NICE CXone Mpower into its comprehensive portfolio, Cirrus is enhancing its ability to deliver bespoke, AI-driven CX solutions tailored to the needs of mid-market contact centres with 25 to 500 seats. By unifying workflows, agents, and knowledge on one platform, CXone Mpower empowers Cirrus’ clients and partners to transform traditional customer service into a proactive, AI-powered experience.

A Partnership Built on Proven Success

 “We’re delighted to join forces with NICE,” said Jason Roos, CEO of Cirrus. “Our mission has always been to empower our partners and customers with the tools they need to achieve outstanding outcomes. By adding NICE’s market-leading capabilities to our portfolio, we’re creating unparalleled opportunities for our clients to succeed. This partnership is a game-changer for us and the broader SME contact centre landscape.”

Darren Rushworth, President, NICE International shared this enthusiasm: “Cirrus’ outstanding reputation for reliability and performance in the SME sector aligns perfectly with NICE’s commitment to delivering exceptional experiences. Through CXone Mpower, we’re introducing purpose-built AI and comprehensive customer service automation to more organizations, empowering SMEs to drive efficiency, achieve faster resolutions, and elevate customer satisfaction—unlocking scalable, impactful outcomes.”

With NICE’s award-winning AI-powered platform now complementing Cirrus’ renowned omnichannel, workforce management, and CRM offerings, partners and customers will benefit from a richer, more versatile toolkit designed to drive exceptional results.

About Cirrus 

Cirrus is a leading UK provider of contact centre solutions, delivering reliable, innovative, and customer-centric technologies tailored to the SME market. By focusing on real-world challenges, Cirrus empowers businesses to transform their contact centre operations and achieve greater efficiency and satisfaction.

About NICE

With NICE (Nasdaq: NICE), it’s never been easier for organizations of all sizes around the globe to create extraordinary customer experiences while meeting key business metrics. Featuring the world’s #1 cloud native customer experience platform, CXone, NICE is a worldwide leader in AI-powered self-service and agent-assisted CX software for the contact centre – and beyond. Over 25,000 organizations in more than 150 countries, including over 85 of the Fortune 100 companies, partner with NICE to transform – and elevate – every customer interaction. www.nice.com

AI, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Tech, Robotics, RPA, Technology

Chancellor’s tax hikes could spark ‘automation’ and ‘outsourcing’ rush in UK manufacturing

Additional tax measures announced in the recent Budget could help trigger a wave of spending in automation and outsourcing according to an industry expert.

Tony Hague, CEO of PP Control & Automation (PP C&A), expects the £25billion annual rise in employers’ National Insurance Contributions (NICs) to test the resilience of manufacturing even further, with companies pivoting strategies to grapple with high operational expenses and widespread skills shortages.

He believes many companies will instead turn to investing in new technology and partnering with manufacturing specialists for non-core competences to alleviate immediate financial pressures whilst also building foundations for sustainable growth.

“Our sector is highly sensitive to changes in employment costs, given its dependence on a diverse, skilled workforce. NICs, representing a significant portion of employers’ expenses, directly impact our operational expenditure (OpEx),” explained Tony, who has overseen PP C&A’s rise to a £36m business.

“Automation and strategic outsourcing can give management teams some comfort if they can look past the initial investment and instead look at it through the joint lens of long-term productivity and efficiency gains.”

 

He continued: “Automating repetitive, high-labour tasks can lead to substantial savings, including NICs, wages, and training investments, whilst also freeing up team members to take on higher value tasks.

“Machines also offer consistent performance with minimal error, contributing to higher product quality and fewer costs associated with rework or quality control. You can also easily manage fluctuations in demand, whether that is scaling up or scaling down.”

DANIELGRAVESPHOTO

PP Control & Automation has already seen an initial increase in enquiries following Rachel Reeves’ tax changes.

The company, which operates from a state-of-the-art facility in the West Midlands, is one of the UK’s leading strategic outsourcing manufacturing specialists, helping build machines that robotically milk cows, provide everyday packaging solution, protects your phone from water damage and cut parts that are used in F1 cars and the world’s airlines.

It is currently working through a host of enquiries from companies operating in the clean energy, agritech, and warehouse automation sectors, who are all keen to tap into how outsourcing can shift certain fixed costs associated with in-house capabilities into variable, on-demand costs.

This aligns expenses with operational needs and is particularly valuable when NIC increases make the cost of ownership for employees and assets prohibitive.

 

Tony continued: “Rather than investing in an in-house team for every phase of production, manufacturers might contract with outsourcing partners for supply chain management, engineering and production requirements, from new product introduction (NPI) to final assembly.

“When making this decision, it is important to evaluate which processes are critical to competitive advantage and which can be automated or outsourced without compromising quality or brand value. You’ll then be faced with a decision – who do we partner with?

“Firms should select businesses that align with their strategic goals, ensuring quality standards, compliance with regulatory requirements, and the ability to scale alongside their growth. Finally, conduct a thorough cost-benefit analysis, considering not only the initial costs of automation or outsourcing, but also the long-term financial and operational benefits.

“The strategic shifts that I believe will now play out will enable manufacturers to transform traditionally rigid cost structures into agile frameworks, allowing them to respond effectively to both current challenges and future demands.”

 

He concluded: “She probably didn’t realise it at the time, but the Chancellor’s employment tax rises could well have given the UK the biggest push towards automation and outsourcing we’ve seen in decades.”

 

For further information, please visit www.ppcanda.com or follow the company across its social channels.

News, Technology

Arrow Electronics Expands Distribution Agreement with Broadcom

Arrow Electronics has strengthened its distribution agreement with Broadcom, via Broadcom’s Accelerate Programme, adding a number of new solutions to the Arrow line card and bringing in new support capabilities, in-country expertise and value-added services. The strategic move marks an expansion of the organisations’ collaboration and further strengthens their commitment to driving innovation and success in the Broadcom ecosystem.

The new agreement includes an expanded set of Broadcom’s enterprise and mainframe software (from the former CA Technologies portfolio), in addition to Carbon Black where Arrow will be the regional go-to-market specialist for Broadcom. Arrow will now support the majority of Broadcom’s software solutions, giving it distribution rights for all but a limited number of Broadcom accounts.

Under the new agreement, Arrow is responsible for defining sales strategy and driving go-to-market initiatives across Europe for Broadcom’s enterprise, cybersecurity, and mainframe software in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

Value-added resellers, system integrators and service providers across Europe can now access Broadcom’s comprehensive portfolio of industry-leading enterprise software for mid-market & SMB customers solely via Arrow including Automation, ValueOps, NetOps, API Security, Identity & Access Management, AIOps & Observability, Application Development and IT Service Management, Mainframe, in addition to Symantec and Carbon Black cybersecurity solutions.

Arrow’s channel partners and customers can benefit from these enterprise, cybersecurity and mainframe software solutions to help them drive successful digital transformations. Broadcom’s Accelerate Program enables Arrow to act as an extension of the Broadcom team, helping customers receive the most value from their Broadcom software investments. This includes providing deep technical support capabilities as well as enhancing the customer experience through accessibility, specialised knowledge, personalised assistance, training programs, and value-added services.

Cedric Doignie, vice president of sales, global new models and services at Arrow’s enterprise computing solutions business, said, “Over the last three years, our EMEA teams have had great success with the Symantec portfolio, working with the channel to target and support small and medium businesses. Broadcom’s software solutions set the benchmark for digital transformation initiatives, and the addition of these solutions means a better and more complete software portfolio for entrepreneurial value-added partners who are looking to expand their offer and grow their businesses.”

“Our goal is to deliver best-in-class experiences for customers of all sizes, and we continue to deliver on that with our partners through innovative models, like the Broadcom Accelerate Program,” said Cynthia Loyd, vice president of global commercial & partner sales, Broadcom. “Our distributor partners like Arrow will extend our reach with their local expertise and deep knowledge of Broadcom solutions. This program will help ensure we are delivering superior service and support at all stages of the customer journey.”

This agreement is part of a wider cooperation between Broadcom and Arrow that also includes a global Accelerate agreement for VMware CloudHealth.

About Arrow Electronics

Arrow Electronics (NYSE:ARW) sources and engineers technology solutions for thousands of leading manufacturers and service providers. With global 2023 sales of $33 billion, Arrow’s portfolio enables technology across major industries and markets. Learn more at arrow.com.

 

EVs and Automotive News, News, Software, Technology

Zeromission Targets North American Growth With Senior Business Development Appointment

ZeroMission, the leading provider of commercial EV fleet management software, has expanded its business development function with the appointment of Eduardo Espinal as Head of Sales & Partnerships for North America. In his role, he will be tasked with driving growth across the region, as well as working with the global team to develop and implement an effective sales strategy.

 

“Commercial EV adoption is accelerating, but to make this transition viable, it must be supported by intelligent management technology that integrates vehicles, charging infrastructure, schedules, and power supply,” explains Eduardo Espinal. “I am excited about my new position at ZeroMission and the journey the company is on. This role allows me to leverage my knowledge and experience to support the complex process of fleet decarbonisation and promote sustainable business practices.”

 

Espinal will use over 12 years of experience within the electric vehicle sector – working for or in partnership with OEMs, charging manufacturers and other technology specialists – to target direct and channel sales growth. Most recently, he was Director of Business Development & Strategic Partnerships, E-Mobility, for Flash Parking, spearheading the establishment of new construction opportunities for EV charging as well as fostering strategic fleet and real estate partnerships.

 

Prior to his time at Flash Parking, Espinal held a number of sales and consultancy roles at TurnTide Technologies, ChargePoint and Urban Science. As Strategic Sales Director of ChargePoint’s Automotive Group, he was responsible for overseeing all automotive OEM relationships in North America and elevating the company’s presence within this key market sector.

 

Leah O’Dwyer, CEO of ZeroMission commented: “We are thrilled to welcome Eduardo to the team as we look to expand our business within North America. With his proven track record within the EV marketplace, we are looking forward to the contribution he can make to our ongoing success. Eduardo will become an important part of our global business development team, working closely with our new Director of Sales Europe, Brenda Shanahan, to ensure we have the processes and strategy in place to support our growth trajectory.”

Appointments, Finance and Banking, Newport, News, Technology

de Novo Solutions Welcomes Paul Shilham as Chief Financial Officer

LANGSTONE, South Wales — 25th November 2024 — de Novo Solutions, a multi-award-winning Welsh technology company specialising in delivering personalised, data-driven digital experiences across Finance, Procurement, HR, and Payroll functions, is pleased to announce the appointment of Paul Shilham as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective 2nd December 2024. Paul brings a wealth of experience in financial leadership that will be instrumental in driving de Novo’s strategic growth and operational excellence.

In his new role, Paul will deliver the financial insights and structure needed to maintain the organisation’s impressive growth trajectory in both existing and emerging sectors. He will focus on providing transparency and support to enable informed decisions that contribute to de Novo’s ongoing success.

Paul joins de Novo from the Institute for Advanced Automotive Propulsion Systems (IAAPS), where he served as Head of Finance for three years. At IAAPS, a global leader in zero-carbon propulsion research and a subsidiary of the University of Bath, he led financial strategy to support the organisation’s mission of accelerating sustainable technology adoption. Prior to IAAPS, Paul was Head of Financial Planning and Analysis at HiETA Technologies, where he shaped financial strategies for the company’s expansion in advanced manufacturing solutions.

As a Member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, Paul brings high financial acumen to de Novo, with experience in strategic financial planning, capital allocation, operational efficiency, and leadership in high-growth sectors.

Tim Warner, Chairman of de Novo Solutions, stated: “We’re delighted to welcome Paul to our executive leadership team at this crucial time in our journey. His wealth of experience in financial leadership, especially in the innovative technology world, aligns perfectly with our growth ambitions. Paul’s insights will be key as we explore new opportunities and continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in delivering outstanding digital solutions. I’m confident that his expertise and vision will help take de Novo to the next level.”

Mark Sweeny, Founder and Chief Executive of de Novo Solutions, stated: “Really looking forward to Paul joining and becoming part of the #wearedenovo team.  He is very much the final piece of the Executive jigsaw. Our plans are extensive for the company as we continue to grow in a sustainable way, creating opportunities for our staff, customers, and business partners. Paul’s extensive financial experience will allow him to play a key role as we build not only a great UK technology company but also a great Welsh business”.

Paul Shilham, CFO of de Novo Solutions, commented: “I’m excited and honoured to step into the role of CFO at de Novo. Being part of this incredible journey is a fantastic opportunity, and I look forward to sharing fresh ideas with the team as we explore new strategies for continued success. I truly appreciate the trust that Mark and the leadership team have placed in me, and I’m committed to upholding the high standards they’ve set.”

Headquartered in Langstone, South Wales, de Novo Solutions is at the forefront of digital innovation in the experience economy, having successfully developed and introduced a range of new solutions to the market since its official launch in 2021, including its industry cloud solutions, ‘Odyssea™’ and next generation managed services offering, ‘Value as a Service™ [VaaS™]’ and advanced software testing services, ‘Testing as a Service™ (TaaS™)’ for Oracle Cloud and ServiceNow applications.

For more information about de Novo Solutions, please visit www.de-novo-solutions.com.