The cloud is an important technology for businesses, with unparalleled benefits. However, using a single cloud-based solution is not always the best option for some businesses. A hybrid cloud solution, however, utilises on-premises and cloud-based environments (public and private), allowing you to take advantage of both. Azure Stack is Microsoft’s hybrid cloud solution that will help ensure you’re getting the most out of cloud systems. In this article, Extech Cloud explains why your organisation needs the hybrid cloud, and the benefits of Azure Stack.

Independent telecoms provider Rubix VT has launched a new partnership with leading IT business Extech Cloud and established print management provider MPS Group to offer clients access to an enhanced range of services.

Artificial intelligence is the current headline technology of the 2020s. With so many ways for organisations to use AI in 2024, making sure you’re up to date with the latest advancements in AI will ensure that you have an edge on the competition.  

The process of adopting Copilot — while incredibly straightforward — has a few key considerations that you need to make to ensure that you’re getting the most out of the AI companion. Ensuring that you have a data strategy is vital to having success with Copilot, as it uses organisational data to power its responses meaning that your data strategy empowers your Copilot. Utilizing OpenAI's GPT-4, a highly capable language model, Copilot leverages a comprehensive dataset to enhance productivity and drive efficiency.

Join EMW for their second AI breakfast session on the 21st March 2024.

Microsoft Copilot for Microsoft 365 is an AI-powered productivity tool that can be integrated with everyday Microsoft 365 apps like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams.

An interesting new opportunity to join SOS Systems.

A recent UK survey by Shelter has reported over 300,000 people as homeless. Bristol-based charity called BillyChip has been formed to support the homeless nationally.

Have you considered how video can significantly enhance your online presence?

Around one in four local manufacturers expect to adopt artificial intelligence (AI) in the next 12 months to improve business operations and productivity.   At the same time, there is strong support across the sector to achieve net zero, with many actively pursuing measures to reduce their environmental impact.   These headlines were revealed at the latest meeting of METALL (Manufacturing Engineering Technology Alliance), a forum for manufacturing, engineering and technology businesses hosted by leading Sussex and South East accountancy firm, Carpenter Box.   Tony Summers, Partner and Head of Manufacturing and Engineering at Carpenter Box commented: “It’s good to see the Sussex manufacturing sector successfully addressing many of the challenges it currently faces. Recovery from Covid was stronger than expected and there is growing interest in how AI adoption could positively impact productivity.   “Net Zero, of course, is a key focus for the sector and many businesses have already taken significant steps towards making their operations more environmentally friendly. These include electrifying their fleet of vehicles, insulating their buildings, adjusting their heating and cooling systems and installing their own renewable electricity or heating.”   Also at the METALL event, Marcus Wright, Senior Economist, NatWest Group provided the forum with an overview of the UK economy and the key trends emerging for the manufacturing sector.   “The sharp rise in the cost of finance has led to a significant decline in the desire of businesses to stockpile goods,” said Marcus. “Of those manufacturing firms planning to adopt AI, the most common reason is to improve business operations, however, the largest reported obstacles are lack of expertise and upfront costs.”   He added that with inflation expected to fall to 3% by the end of 2024 and interest rates at or approaching their peak, trading conditions for manufacturers are expected to improve.   METALL is sponsored by sector specialists Carpenter Box, DMH Stallard and NatWest.   www.carpenterbox.com   (Photo (l-r): David Greenough, NatWest, Tony Summers, Carpenter Box, Marcus Wright, NatWest and Debbie Venn, DMH Stallard)