From installing social distancing apps and non-touch print technology, to rightsizing licensing, resellers and MSPs are busy helping their clients as they attempt a safe office return. Bosses from Insight, XMA, Jigsaw24, Phoenix Software, SBL, DTP, Total Computers, European Electronique, ASL, Bamboo and Arkphire weigh with their top tips.
Name: Lorrin White
Company: Bamboo Technology
Role: Managing director
VAR 350 ranking: 275
Talking to your clients, roughly what percentage are currently returning - or looking to return - staff to the office/site?
Our recent survey tells us the following: 75 per cent of businesses are adopting a more flexible approach, seeking a blend of home and office working, 16 per cent of businesses are returning to the office and operating as they did previously, two per cent are going to predominantly home working with a small commercial space, and seven per cent of businesses are looking to cut the cost of their commercial premise entirely.
What is the biggest challenge or opportunity for the channel in helping with this transition?
The biggest opportunity we have is that we can change the face of the industry for good. As leaders and resellers of technology we have the ability to shape a future that changes the outcomes and fortunes of many. If and when it is ready we can help industry to transition, diversify or transform at speed. If we choose to prioritise purpose over profit we can be the ambassadors for economic change.
What products and services do you expect to be in the hottest demand over the coming months as clients look to reconfigure their offices for social distancing, and are there any new technologies you expect to take off?
In April we undertook a horizon scanning exercise and have been working on our 18 month forwards portfolio. We have already launched our Connect. ProTECHt. Go product pack that focuses on risk mitigating technology and we continue to secure and develop technologies that support a remote approach to working practices.
Given the rise of remote working and socially distanced offices, how do you expect the role of resellers or MSPs change over the coming months?
We will be expected to be the educators for change. Whether a business is seeking digital transformation, operational restructure or financial rationalisation their IT and communications infrastructure will be key. I believe that we will become the trusted partner.
See next page for ASL's Nigel Allen's answers
