Solutions by Zones: Evolving Your Modern Digital Workplace

AUTUMN 2020
EVOLVING
YOUR MODERN
DIGITAL WORKPLACE
Work Together,
Anywhere
Thrive in the era of social distancing
with modern remote work solutions.
Enter a New Era of
Connectivity with
Wi-Fi 6
What can the newest wireless
standard do for you?
Streamline Software
with Cloud SAM
Procurement, deployment, and
management, all in one place.

6
Remote Workforce
12 16
Telemedicine Wi-Fi 6 Networking
New to Zones and don’t have
a dedicated Account Manager?
Contact us at 0207 608 7676.
Our IT experts are available
and ready to work with you.
TM
First Choice for IT.
There are a lot of choices when it comes to IT service
providers. But when it comes to IT solutions providers
with complete end-to-end service offerings, there’s really
only one. Call your Zones Account Manager to learn more.
2 Solutions by Zones Autumn 2020

contents
26
Cloud SAM
30
Security and Threat Workshop
Examine how the business world has changed in the wake of social distancing and COVID-19 and what
that means for you. Learn how you can best take advantage of the rise of remote work and how Wi-Fi
6 is keeping us close together even when we’re far apart. And that’s not all – you’ll learn to manage your
licenses from anywhere with Cloud SAM and how innovations in the healthcare industry are bringing the
hospital into your home.
6
Work Together,
Anywhere
The business world has changed.
Let Zones help you navigate
these changes with remote
work solutions.
16
Enter a New Era
of Connectivity
with Wi-Fi 6
Learn how the introduction of
this new Wi-Fi standard could
revolutionize your business.
12
The Need For
Telemedicine Has
Only Become Clearer
Remote medical care has always
had its benefits, but in 2020, it’s
more valuable than ever.
26
Streamline Software
with Cloud SAM
Keep your software licenses
efficient and up to date with
a Cloud SAM strategy.
uk.zones.com 0207 608 7676
3

4 Solutions by Zones Autumn 2020

Remote Solutions for
Modern Business Needs
The way we conduct business has changed, and it may never
be the same again. That’s why we offer end-to-end remote
work solutions that are simple, flexible, and secure. No matter
your situation, our experts will provide you with the perfect fit.
To learn more about the benefits of a remote work solution,
reach out to your Account Manager today.
Workplace Modernisation by Zones
UK.ZONES.COM | 0207 608 7676
uk.zones.com 0207 608 7676
5

Work
Together,
Anywhere
Author: Mike Dennis, Zones Vice President, Partner & Product Management
The business landscape in 2020 is a
radically different place from what
most of us are used to. In some fields, the
9-to-5 office day may be a thing of the
past. In others, the amount of time spent in
the workplace has been drastically reduced.
For many, this shift away from traditional work
environments is strange and uncomfortable.
However, this doesn’t have to be the case. Rather than try to
replicate the traditional workplace experience in the face of growing
decentralization and mobility, many organizations are taking this time
to adapt to the new normal. A key component of this adaptation is the
development of a sound remote work strategy.
6 Solutions by Zones Autumn 2020

98 %
of workers
polled would like
to continue to
work remotely.
It’s not surprising that, in the time of social distancing,
more and more companies are looking for a remote
work solution. Workers across the world are stuck
at home, but many are still able to perform their
tasks remotely. While a laptop and a company
email are nominally enough to set your workers
up to work remotely, investing more money,
time, and effort into a robust remote solution
will offer many benefits you likely haven’t
even thought of.
What kind of benefits? According to a report
from Buffer on the state of remote work
in 2020, 98% of workers polled would
like to continue to work remotely going
forward. Not only that, but 97% also said
they would recommend remote work
to others.
97 %
said they recommend
remote work to others.
uk.zones.com 0207 608 7676
7

Finally, 70% said they are happy with the amount of
work they perform remotely. The numbers don’t lie:
When given the chance, most workers would happily
prefer a remote position.
But remote employees will see a dip in their motivation
and productivity, right? Not necessarily. That same
report found that motivation was only a factor for 7%
of those polled. In fact, many workers reported that their
productivity went up, not down, when they were able to
work remotely.
70 %
are happy
with the amount
of work they
perform remotely.
Clearly, many employers and employees are finding a remote
work schedule to be a blessing, not a burden. But you can’t
take workers who are used to a regular office schedule and
simply expect them to be model remote employees without
preparation. In addition to a laptop and an email address, your
workers need collaboration software, so they can work together
even when they’re apart. They need data security, so they can feel
safe uploading and sharing files when they’re away from the office.
And they need a reliable Device as a Service (DaaS) solution, so you
can provide them with support on their favorite devices.
You need a partner who can help you with all of this and more. That’s
why you need Zones. How can Zones help your users get the most out
of working from anywhere? We can leverage our relationships with major
OEMs to transform your business to enable remote worker productivity.
Our Collaboration solutions utilize software like Microsoft Teams and Cisco
Webex to create an end-to-end collaborative network your team members
can use whether they’re down the hall or across the planet. Not sure which
solution is the right fit for your organization? Ask your Zones Account Manager
about the free trials we have available so you can find that perfect solution.
Plus, we can also work with you to furnish your users with tablets, laptops,
headsets, and other devices they need to do their best work from anywhere.
These are just some of the ways Zones can assist with your remote
collaboration needs – call us for more information.
8 Solutions by Zones Autumn 2020

Not only that, our solutions cover the whole of your organization,
and that includes your data storage. Whether you’re running
on-prem, in the cloud, or hybrid, we’ll transform your data
center so that it can better handle the new normal of a
mobile, remote workforce. We do this with best-in-class
IT from Microsoft Azure®, NetApp®, VMware®, Citrix®, and
more. And whether you’re running a small corner store
or overseeing a multinational corporation, our custom
solutions will be right-sized for your needs.
The business world is changing, and your organization
might look very different at the end of 2020 than it
did at the start, but a remote work solution will keep
your team connected wherever they are.
uk.zones.com 0207 608 7676
9

HELPING YOUR
TRANSITION
TO REMOTE
WORKING
Businesses everywhere are going remote due to
ongoing COVID-19 restrictions. Because of this,
you need a work-from-home plan that won’t slow
your users down or open security gaps.
Start with remote work hardware and software from
Dell Technologies, designed with your users in mind.
With Zones and Dell Technologies, you’ll have
everything you need for a happy, productive,
and secure remote workforce.
Business is changing, and you don’t want to get
left behind. Contact your Zones rep so we can get
started on your new remote work solution.
GOLD PARTNER
For more information about WFH solutions from Dell Technologies, visit uk.zones.com/dell
© 2020 Dell

IN 2020
THE NEED FOR
TELEMEDICINE
HAS ONLY BECOME CLEARER
Author: Owen Allen, Zones Office of the CTO, Microsoft 365
The process of delivering patient care has
always been fraught with inefficiencies, for
both doctors and their patients. The typical
visit to a medical facility includes long times
spent in waiting rooms, difficulties tracking
down the right medical specialists at the right
times, and of course, high costs. Individuals
and healthcare organizations on both sides
have long had to accept these issues as simply
part of the process.
Of course, with the rise of the COVID-19
pandemic in 2020, these issues have only
become worse. Due to the staggering number
of infections the United States has seen in a
short time, many medical facilities have found
themselves overworked, understaffed, and
stretched to their limits. They haven’t had the
time or the resources to treat their patients in a
timely, cost-effective fashion.
33%
Say
they would leave their
physician if they didn’t offer
telemedicine access and a
competitor did.
Things are now beginning to stabilize, as new
COVID-19 cases slowly start to level off. But the
mere memory of early 2020 should prompt
health professionals to wonder: What can we
do to fix the system? How can we bring new
levels of efficiency to healthcare so that the
next time a crisis hits, we’re all collectively
prepared for it?
25%
Had
used telemedicine
before the COVID-19
pandemic began.
One great answer to these questions is to
accelerate the adoption of telemedicine.
Waiting around in hospital waiting rooms is
annoying and inefficient – but if you allow
doctors to see their patients remotely, you
have a much faster process that makes
everyone happy. Doctors can get a better
handle on their workloads (and keep
themselves safer from infection), and patients
have an easier time getting medical attention
and related family support details without
unnecessarily draining hours from their day.
12 Solutions by Zones Autumn 2020

This approach is growing in popularity this
year. In a recent Forbes report, it came to
light that only 25% of people had used
telemedicine before the COVID-19 pandemic
began, but today, 59% say they’re more
likely to use telemedicine than they were
previously. Additionally, 33% say they would
leave their physician if they didn’t offer
telemedicine access and a competitor did.
These figures indicate that patients have
become keenly aware of the need for greater
efficiency in healthcare.
And this isn’t just a passing fad, either.
A recent report from Forrester predicted
that the way we’ve handled this current
pandemic will “forever change the way
consumers seek and receive healthcare.”
This current crisis will lead doctors and
patients alike to dramatically shift their focus
toward virtual care. And as they do, they’ll
unlock countless benefits for both patients
and providers.
Patients will find it easier to enroll for
healthcare; doctors and nurses will have
a much easier time juggling their busy
schedules. Healthcare costs will be lower,
and additionally, the process for receiving
medical bills and paying them will be simpler
and cleaner.
59%
Say
they’re more
likely to use
telemedicine now.
In all of this evolution, Zones is proud to be
a guiding light. We play a key role in the
ongoing telemedicine revolution – we work
every day with healthcare organizations to
outfit them with the technology they need to
offer more robust and customised telehealth
options. With our support, care providers
can make their operations smarter and more
efficient, benefiting everyone involved.
uk.zones.com 0207 608 7676
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14 Solutions by Zones Autumn 2020

Why use Apple at Work?
A lot of reasons, actually. Apple products in the workplace are secure
by design. They’re compatible with your existing infrastructure. They’re
easy to manage, with zero-touch deployment. And at the end of the
day, they’ll help your people get more done.
Apple at Work is a choice your employees will love. Reach out to your
Zones Account Manager and start planning your deployment today.
Apple at Work | Seize the workday like never before.
uk.zones.com 0207 608 7676
15

Author: Stan Leszczynski,
CTO, Networking
16 Solutions by Zones Autumn 2020

F
or any business that wants to achieve success
today, it’s essential to have a high-functioning
network. When your network works, your
business works – employees can easily store data,
access it, and work together to accomplish big things.
Wi-Fi 6 has a base speed
of 1.2 Gbps (1200 Mbps)
per stream.
uk.zones.com 0207 608 7676
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But unfortunately, many roadblocks keep companies from maximizing network connectivity. Chief
among them is the sheer number of devices accessing today’s networks – it’s been estimated
that we’ll have 12.3 billion mobile connections in the world by 2022, almost two per person. For
business IT leaders, the objective is to ensure connectivity for everyone’s devices at all times, while also
looking out for security and compliance issues.
It’s a major challenge, but there is one solution on the horizon, and that’s Wi-Fi 6. Known in the tech
community as 802.11ax, Wi-Fi 6 is a new form of wireless LAN architecture – it allows for more devices,
more data transfers, and more efficient power usage than its predecessors. And with a base speed of 1.2
Gbps (1200 Mbps) per stream, it’s much faster as well. In other words, Wi-Fi 6 represents a fast track to
greater productivity.
One of the key benefits of Wi-Fi 6 is decreased latency. This means there will be fewer delays for users
looking to transmit data over their Wi-Fi connections – transfers will be faster, and concerns about
“dead zones” in wireless coverage will be significantly reduced. Everyone will be able to get their work
done faster – even employees who are working remotely and don’t have access to wired corporate
networks.
This should have an immediate impact on businesses everywhere. With Wi-Fi 6 as a part of their
infrastructure, employees will enjoy better connectivity, which will lead to higher levels of productivity
and a clear impact on the bottom line. This means that investing in Wi-Fi 6, and the devices to support
it, is a proactive business decision worth making. You can spend a little now and make a lot more down
the road
By 2022, there will be 12.3 billion
mobile connections in the world.
18 Solutions by Zones Autumn 2020

With decreased latency, “dead zones”
will be significantly reduced.
At Zones, we have strong partnerships with tech companies whose innovations are helping
Wi-Fi 6 adopters everywhere get better results. Take Cisco, for instance. Cisco makes applicationspecific
integrated circuits (ASICs) that are custom developed to give users real-time analytics on
their wireless connectivity as well as gateway support for users who tap into the Internet of Things.
In addition, Cisco Intelligent Capture offers enhanced issue detection to improve security for Wi-Fi 6
users, and Cisco DNA Assurance with Active Sensor makes it easy to test real-world client experiences
and validate wireless performance. With these innovative new solutions at their fingertips, companies
can reach unprecedented new levels of connectivity.
The bottom line is this: Wi-Fi 6 has the potential to truly transform your business, but only if you take
the necessary steps to prepare. For any organization that wants to maximize the impact of Wi-Fi 6,
smart network design is a crucial part of the process.
That’s where we come in. Our team of experts at Zones has all the expertise needed to assess your
current environment, identify areas where you’re unprepared for Wi-Fi 6, and bring you up to speed
quickly and painlessly. The world is entering a new era of internet connectivity, and we have what it
takes to lead your business forward.
uk.zones.com 0207 608 7676
19

Dell XPS 13
Stunning inside and out
The most powerful 13-inch Ultrabook in its class, remastered.
With an innovative HD webcam located in the top of the
InfinityEdge display and next generation Dell Cinema.
For more information, visit
uk.zones.com/dellxps13

24 Solutions by Zones Autumn 2020

STREAMLINE
SOFTWARE
WITH CLOUD SAM
Author: Wesley Bosco, Zones Program Director, SAM Sales
uk.zones.com 0207 608 7676
25

In the age of remote work, it’s easy for licensing to slip through the
cracks. But a Software Asset Management solution from Zones will
help you stay up to date on your licenses, keeping your data secure,
your users productive, and your costs low.
Social distancing guidelines have
precipitated the rise of remote work in
2020, and one unexpected effect of a
decentralized workforce is an increased
reliance on the cloud. But with such a strong
emphasis put on the cloud, organizations can’t
afford to inefficiently manage the licenses for
their cloud software. It’s unclear how long remote
work is going to continue, so healthy, agile, and
secure access to the cloud is a must.
That’s why so many organizations are investing
in Cloud Software Asset Management (SAM)
solutions to keep their data secure, their users
productive, and their costs low in 2020. But what
is SAM, and how can it help? Simply put, Software
Asset Management is automated procurement,
deployment, and management of an organization’s
software licenses from inception to disposition.
It’s a system designed for streamlining spend,
eliminating waste, mitigating risk, and ensuring
compliance.
Have you ever had a software license expire at
an inopportune time, or roll over when you didn’t
want it to? It’s a more common occurrence than
many of us would care to admit, and it’s gotten
worse now that so much of the workforce is
working from home. That’s why SAM is more
crucial than ever: A SAM framework helps you
recognize what you have, where it’s running, and
whether you’re using your assets efficiently.
SAM solutions help with security as well.
According to the Harvard Business Review, the
total cost of damage caused by cybercrime
26 Solutions by Zones Autumn 2020

worldwide is expected to pass
$6 trillion by 2021.
But where do these attacks
come from? In many cases,
criminals find their way
into an organization’s
infrastructure through
Cybercrime worldwide
is expected to pass
$6 trillion
by 2021
security gaps caused by
poorly managed cloud
software. SAM will help you
understand what’s happening
with your software, so you’ll
be better equipped to ward
off any unauthorized access.
Efficient cloud management
will have an immediate
impact on your organization.
Your users need to access
the cloud quickly and
securely; managing financial,
inventory, and licensing
functions under a single
umbrella will keep your cloud
use streamlined at a time
when excess is simply not
an option. Now more than
ever, Cloud SAM is a prudent
business decision.
Cloud Software Asset
Management is a must in
the time of social distancing
and remote work, and it will
still be a must once we’ve
all returned to the office as
well. The business landscape
has changed for a long time,
if not for good, and the
value of quick, secure, and
cost-efficient access to the
cloud is now clearer than
ever. That’s why you must be
careful when choosing a SAM
solution –
it’s not enough to pick a onesize-fits-all
offering. Instead,
you need a partner who
can help you develop and
implement a custom-made
SAM solution that will benefit
your organization now and in
the future.
When you work with Zones,
Now’s the time to invest in a Cloud SAM solution – and Zones is
here to help. Contact your Account Manager or call 0207 608 7676
so we can help you get the most out of your licenses today.
uk.zones.com 0207 608 7676
27

WE’RE HERE
FOR YOU
These are challenging times for any
organisation. You’re dealing with a workforce
that’s constantly in flux, learning how to
work remotely and collaborate despite
numerous obstacles. A lot is uncertain, but
there’s still one thing you know for sure: You
can count on Zones.
We’ve been in the business for over 30
years. We’re stable; we’re strong. We’re not
going anywhere. You can rely on us for all
of your IT needs, just like you always have.
ZONES | STILL YOUR FIRST CHOICE FOR IT
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Multiple Zones, and Zones Government & Education are registered trademarks of Zones, LLC. All partner product names throughout this publication are trademarks of their respective holders.
This publication may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. Zones, LLC, believes that this constitutes a “fair use”
of the copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Law.