Covid 19 Impact in the technological sector.
Covid 19 Impact in the technological sector.
These are unprecedented times as various sectors adapt to a new way of life whilst Governments around the world are faced with a dilemma to mitigate the economic effects of the virus whilst abiding to the guidelines set out by the health authorities.
The IT sector has grown to represent 6.6% of the GVA generated by the Maltese economy in 2017, currently the industry is represented by more than 300 companies, employing over 7,300 persons. What is being observed in the market internationally that is having an effect on the market locally?
Below we wish to summarise the industries that Newtech are directly involved in.
I.T Hardware & Distribution
Shops all over the island have had to switch their business models, with a sole focus on e-commerce and deliveries, since physical stores have closed. The focus is on ensuing timely delivers to customers purchasing online. International distribution has also tightened due to the virus and products are generally taking longer to arrive, therefore purchasing managers are faced with key decisions on which items to keep in stock and at what risk. This may have a direct effect on the consumer who can purchase through international market places such as online vendors or similar, for items not available locally.
Internationally there are similar problems in the market, In the U.S According to CNBC 51.6 million PC units were shipped in the first three months of the year, down 12.3% from the previous year. It marks the biggest fall in shipments since 2013, and follows three consecutive quarters of growth for the market, showing that the downward trend is due to corona-virus market volatility. According to IDC, our partners Lenovo Group Ltd. 992, +2.68% shipments fell 4.3% year-over-year to 12.8 million units & Acer Group shipments fell 9.9% to 3.4 million units.
Software Licensing & Asset Management
When this crisis began, companies were faced with no option but to adjust to home circumstances. This new world means that companies are looking to increase their remote working capabilities, which has led to a number of changes in the market.
Microsoft reported in mid-March its Teams collaboration software had spiked to 44 million daily active users. That was up from 20 million in November, adding 12 million new users in the week prior to the announcement.
Microsoft Minutes Spent on teams per day, full report:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2020/04/09/remote-work-trend-report-meetings
Whilst Altassian stock and Slack Technologies both rose and stand-out as enterprise software companies who are outperforming despite corona virus driven market volatility. Throughout March, we witnessed a record high stock rise for conference calling applications such as Zoom, who have rose up by 117%, with schools, universities & businesses’ making use of the service to continue operation.
Software Licensing stocks seem to be performing well in the current climate as shares in cloud based solutions have also hit new records. As companies look to shift online we have seen an increase in licensing applications, however this can be seen as marginal as companies look to utilise the resources only available to them in order to save costs and not shift to new products or tools.
Cyber-Security
As companies shift online to cloud and remote working resources, the importance of cyber-security has increased. Cyber attacks are on the rise with a number of phishing attempts being disguised as COVID related news. Security analysts, are working around the clock to ensure the safety of companies’ data due to the prevalence of hackers during this period. Companies are starting to realize the importance of online security and are therefore more willing to look at high end solutions. Having said that, security budgets have been slashed in many cases due to operational costs, and even if companies wish to commit to long term solutions, they may no longer have the budget in place to do so.
Within the cyber-security realm a number of high values companies are privately listed, however publicly stocks have fallen as operational budgets are cut due to the current crisis. Within the local market, more awareness is still needed on the importance of Cyber-security and how it can safeguard business. However, companies are starting to realize the importance of having such tools in place.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the market has changed drastically and distribution is focused around the needs of business. As Hardware distribution declines, software licensing seems to have risen, and companies are starting to take note of the importance of investing into solutions that can improve productivity. Cyber-security is also important in order to safeguard the increasing number of data online. However one common issue remains, and that is revenue. As Business continues to loose revenue, investment into technology is set to damper.
Remote Working from Home & Virtual Client Computing - Parallels
Virtual client computing (VCC) includes software and systems designed to abstract applications and desktops away from the client device, allowing for additional layers of control and security. These systems may simply present another operating system on the device itself; draw on resources from a private cloud, a hosted environment, or the public cloud; or use a combination of these features along with the emerging concepts of edge computing and adaptive design to create complex digital work-spaces.
Consider Parallels RAS
- Enhanced Data Security – Protecting data is crucial to organizations – any loss can result in huge costs. Parallels RAS reinforces security by centralizing and managing data access.
- Flexible working – Allow employees to switch between devices and locations, increasing productivity and satisfaction. Parallel RAS provides seamless access to virtual apps and desktops anywhere, anytime.
- IT Agility – Increase the agility of your IT infrastructure to address business demands in real time. Parallels RAS provides central management for multi-cloud deployments, enabling scaling on demand.
Are you interested in improving your business remote working capabilities? Contact us on ntsales@newtech.mt or call on 25523000.
Due to concerns related to Covid-19 employers are faced with no option but to utilize remote working in many cases. However, for decades, the VCC market has revolved around a core set of compatibility, mobility, and security use cases and been tied to expensive/lengthy infrastructure purchase cycles. Digital workspaces are an emerging area in which the vendor expands the desktop workspace in a variety of ways, usually in conjunction with its existing virtualization technology. This expansion is generally around either task aggregation or work observation, with a focus on different approaches to enhancing individual awareness of and simplification of tasks to be completed. The workspace may also include edge computing, IoT devices, and artificial intelligence (AI) for aggregation, execution, or organization of information/tasks.
Parallels RAS
According to IDC analysis and buyer perception, Parallels RAS, acquired by Corel in December 2018, is positioned in the Major Players category in the 2019–2020 IDC MarketScape for worldwide virtual client computing.
How to Save Time with Delegated Session Management in Parallels RAS
Customer Profile
The work-space customer is faced with a work environment that has reached a level of complexity that can no longer be sustained. The work-space customer needs a solution that allows work to be organized and automated across multiple systems of action and record, without direct intervention from the end user either individually or as a team. This work-space needs to extend to and encompass any device (edge, mobile, traditional PC, tablet, etc.) the end users may interact with.
Parallels Remote Application Server end-to-end Demo
Source: IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Virtual Client Computing 2019-2020 Vendor Assessment Report.
AI & Cyber-security Webinar - Darktrace * Newtech
Arguably the best solution on the market, Darktrace can not only detect unknown threats but fight back against them in real time. The autonomous response is the next frontier in cyber defense, giving human security teams the vital time they need to catch up, take stock, and action further remediation if necessary.
Cybersecurity in your business of concern to you?
Come learn more about how Artificial Intelligence can protect your business from external & internal hacking threats. Join us for a Webinar on Wednesday the 18th of March.
Free Registration available via Eventbrite from this link - https://www.eventbrite.com/o/newtech-mt-27713762805
Global ransomware attacks have already demonstrated the scale that such criminal campaigns can achieve, within very short time-frames. New advancements allow attackers to execute more and more highly targeted attacks.
" Darktrace Antigena is the only automated cyber defense technology on the market that is capable of fighting the most important battles for us."
Darktrace Antigena works like a digital antibody, intelligently generating measured and proportionate responses when a threatening incident arises, without impacting normal business operations. This ability to contain threats as they happen using proven AI is a game changer for security teams, who benefit from the critical time needed to catch up and avoid damage.
Darktrace Antigena works across your business and is offered in two modules: Antigena Network and Antigena Email. Antigena has
- Unmatched speed - Responds within 2 seconds.
- Unrivaled Defense - 7 threats blocked every minute.
- Boosts Productivity - 10 hours a week saved per security analyst.
- Highly Targeted: Critically, Darktrace Antigena is highly targeted and surgical in it's actions, neutralizing threats by enforcing an organization's normal 'pattern of life'. This means that it does not disrupt day-to-day business activity, instead working behind the scenes to proactively protect your business.
- Buys Your Team time to Catch Up: Darktrace Antigena's ability to contain in-progress attacks at an early stage, before they have time to cause damage, keeps the business protected even when security teams are between shifts or out of office. On average, Antigena responds to threats within 2 seconds and blocks 7 threats every minute.
- A self-Defending Digital Business: Darktrace Antigena is the technology that powers the self-defending digital business, working across IT and OT environments, third party cloud services, SaaS applications and email. Antigena's autonomous actions save an average of 10 hours a week per security analyst.
Protect your home with APC. Power shortages? Invest in a UPS.
Protect your home with APC. Power shortages? Invest in a UPS.
Over the years, Schneider Electric has come out with durable, long lasting solutions, making them one of the most trusted companies worldwide in the realm of electronics. The German company owns APC, who specialize in products that power and safeguard the critical electronics at home that keep you and your family connected. The UPS allows you to protect your high speed internet connection with 24 /7 network access, ideal for storms and power outages. In case of a storm, APC filters electricity outputs in the event of an electric surge which could be caused by a lightening strike. This in turn prevents damage to all kind of devices from TV’s to consoles.
You are able to protect all of your data, including files stored on the cloud, streaming services and full access to send / receive emails during a power outage. APC solutions are proven to work harder, last longer and provide valuable protection to your home network. APC offer surge protectors, uninterruptible power supplies, that ensure you have optimal up time for your PC and home network. Whether it is for your home, home office and small business / server room and network closet / Data Centre and Facility. We are here to offer you solution.
As an official partner Newtech offer the full APC range, to select a UPS that is suited for your environment click here > https://www.apc.com/shop/mt/en/tools/ups_selector/
Once you select a model, please get in touch with our team of experts on ntsales@newtech.mt
Microsoft Software Solutions Forecast for 2020
Microsoft Software Solutions Forecast for 2020
As we enter the new decade Microsoft continue to lead technology breakthroughs and progress. The company continues break records, delivering more than $125 billion in revenue, $43 billion in operating income, more than $50 billion in operating cash flow. Returning $30 billion to shareholders (Microsoft Annual Report, 2019). Microsoft’s commercial cloud solutions continue to operate as the leading players in the market, through on premise integrated solutions with Azure, a cloud computing service designed for building, testing, deploying and managing applications through Data centres owned by the company. Microsoft 365 continues to flourish as the leading tool for education and businesses’ alike , as well as Microsoft teams and one drive continue to drive the growth of Business of all sizes, specifically enabling SME’s to flourish and reach their targets through efficiency and connectivity.
Applications
In today’s world every company is a digital company, Microsoft recently acquired GitHub, a complete tool chain designed for developers which is independent of language, framework or cloud. The tool is used by over 40 millions developers world wide, with visual studio becoming one of the most popular code – editing tools in the world and typescript one of the fastest-growing programming languages.
Data and AI
Microsoft Azure is the only cloud device with limitless data and analytics capabilities across customers’ entire data portfolio. Azure is becoming the world’s computer with a projection of over 50 billion connected devices to come online by 2030, it is the only cloud service with limitless data and analytics capabilities across entire business data sets. The characteristic which will define applications going forward will be AI infrastructure, tools, and services with Azure Cognitive Services, so any developer can embed the ability to see, hear, respond, translate, reason, and more into their applications. Azure Cognitive Services is the most comprehensive portfolio of AI tools available, and this year, Microsoft added speech-to-text, search, vision, and decision capabilities, as well as updates to Azure Machine Learning to streamline the building, training, and deployment of machine learning models (Microsoft annual report, 2019).
Business Applications
Dynamics 365 and Power BI are unique concepts which enable organisations to digitize their business processes by transferring data within systems and joining digital and physical worlds in a cloud based solution. Dynamics 365 is a solution which enables employees with the right information at the right time, in the context of their work. Whilst Power BU, is the recognized leader in business intelligence on the cloud, with more than 25 million models hosted on the service and 12 million queries processed.
Linked In
LinkedIn now has more than 645 million members and is the most comprehensive solution for every organization to manage and engage their most important resource — their talent. Their Talent portfolio — from Talent Solutions and Talent Insights, to employee engagement with Glint and LinkedIn Learning — enables every organization to attract, retain, and develop the best talent in an increasingly competitive jobs market.
Esports & Gaming
In gaming, Microsoft’s breakthrough game streaming technology, Project xCloud, will enter public trials shortly. It will put gamers at the centre of their gaming experience, enabling them to play games in high-fidelity wherever and whenever they want, on any device.
As an official partner of Microsoft with a relationship spanning for 25 years, Newtech offers Microsoft packages through qualified experts which can aid in providing tailored packages that can meet a companies’ requirements. Our qualified experts and service centre, are able to programme systems and fix systems at no additional cost on an agreed package.
If you are interested in any of Microsoft’s software solutions please contact ntsales@newtech.mt
Sources: Microsoft annual report 2019
Linksys and Belkin
Is Connectivity in your business a problem? Look no further. Newtech has just partnered with Belkin & Linksys so that you can stay connected.
Linksys is the worldwide leader in home networking that transforms how people connect, communicate and collaborate. Founded in 1988, just before the internet boom, Linksys has been helping you connect at home, on the job, and on the go.
Simplify control of your home, entertainment, security, and Internet access with Linksys products.
Belkin creates people-inspired products and solutions. Their goal has been to make people’s lives easier, focusing on efficiency through connectivity. Belkin’s award-winning products include, wireless networking and entertainment devices, mobile accessories for laptops, smartphones, tablets, e-readers, home energy management, automated solutions and a broad range of USB, cable and power products.
With equal parts in empathy, insight, creativity and innovation. Belkin products leverage technology to connect the dots between people.
If you are interested in Linksys and Belkin’s products please contact: ntsales@newtech.mt
MSI Gaming Laptops Malta
At Newtech we are pleased to announce that we have been appointed official distributors and service partners for MSI Gaming Laptops.
As one of the most trusted names in gaming and e Sports. They are principled through breakthroughs in design, the pursuit of excellence, and technological innovation. Their products are targeted for extreme performance, realistic graphics, raw sound, precision and smooth streaming. The company has solely designed it’s products to push gaming performance beyond its limits.
The determination to surpass past achievements has made MSI a ‘True Gaming’ brand with gaming spirit throughout the industry!
Newtech’s aim is to enable our partners to become more successful through the world – renowned brands that we represent; which are synonymous with quality and exclusivity. MSI meets that requirement, as we provide what is the best possible to consumers, through cutting edge technology. Our brands are leading within the technology spectrum and we share the same vision with MSI to continue this trend.
In line with Newtech’s push to promote E-sports in Malta, MSI has sponsored more than 20 professional e sports teams worldwide and is the proud host of the world-renowned MGA (Masters Gaming Arena) tournament. MSI looks to constantly interact with global gamers and e sports fans. The company is purely dedicated to enhance the abilities (creative) of gaming communities, allowing players to reach their full potential.
“The MSI GAMING Shield’s red, black and silver design signifies the resonance of gamers’ passion and enthusiasm(red), innovative technology(black) and continuous profit (silver). Accentuated by the dragon, the shield is a symbol of power and constitutes the MSI GAMING Identity System.” – MSI Identity.
If interested in the products (registered companies in Malta only). Please contact ntsales@newtech.mt
Laptop & Desktop Market Continues to Show Growth in 2020.
Laptop & Desktop Market Continues to Show Growth in 2020.
- Laptop and Desktop computers are an essential part of life which continue to show market growth, year on year. According to statista.com, the PC market in Europe continues to perform well, the total computing market shows a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.6%, reaching 105.2 billion Dollars in 2020, whilst the laptop and tablet market is expected to do even better, at a CAGR of 0.9%. Despite overall growth for PC’s in general, laptops seem to be outperforming desktops, the European desktop segment presents a slower rate of growth overall. The number of laptops or notebooks sold in Germany and Italy suggests a higher interest among consumers for notebooks and other portable devices.
- According to our partners Lenovo, their latest 2019 annual report in the PC and Smart Device (PCSD) Business showed that the market share gains in high-growth and premium segments, were an important driver for revenue growth and better profitability. PCSD enjoyed double digit revenue and shipment growth across the workstation, thin and light, visual and Gaming PC segments.
- According to the International Data Corporation (DCI) in the last quarter of 2019 Nearly 1 of every 4 PCs shipped during the quarter were from Lenovo or one of its subsidiaries as the company once again managed to hold the top position in the market. The company’s strong push in EMEA and Japan, along with a notable commercial presence, helped cement it as the leader during the quarter.
- Acer Group rounded out the top 5. The shortage of Intel processors impacted the company although it still continues to be one of the stronger players in the gaming and Chromebook segments.
- According to a new forecast from the Worldwide Quarterly Personal Computing Device Tracker, overall PCD shipments reached 407.7 million by the end of 2019, up 0.5% from 2018.
- Slate tablets are set to continue their downward trajectory as their lifecycles extend as companies shift their product portfolio towards detachable tablets and laptops, which has shown great success for the likes of Lenovo and Acer.
The Gaming PC segment is definitely one to watch out for this decade, with companies shifting towards a growing industry and sport, in E sports.
At Newtech, we represent this growing segment for PCs with Lenovo, Acer and Razer, the leading gaming brand for peripherals. At Newtech we are also very pleased to announce a contract with MSI Gaming Laptops, the first in Malta and the company will also be offering their entire latest product portfolio, technologies and gaming laptops range throughout 2020 including the flagship models, with the stock set to arrive in January. For years, MSI has devoted countless resources in R&D to both product and production. The goal is to create new innovative features, push for extreme performance, and maintain stability.
Business laptops have also made the shift to become durable and flexible, that can convert into tablets and use state of the art touch screen technology, which is part of the fantastic success shared by Lenovo and Acer.
For more information about the latest products contact ntsales@newtech.mt
Sources taken from:
IDC (International Data Corporation) – https://www.idc.com/
Lenovo Interim Annual Report 19 /20 – https://investor.lenovo.com/en/publications/reports.php
Statista.com