Mandi Moragne • Partner Alliance Manager

Apple devices are not only known for their sleek design and user-friendly interface but also for their reliability, robust performance, and security features. Apple has reaffirmed its forward-thinking reputation by leading the charge with AI-capable devices and prioritizing sustainability. The iconic Mac^® is increasingly becoming the go-to choice for enterprise, and for good reason.

So, what are the benefits of offering the AI-capable Mac in your enterprise? And how can partnering with an Apple Premium Business Partner ensure a smooth Mac adoption process?

Rapid Adoption of AI-Capable PCs

The launch of ChatGPT in November 2022 was a landmark moment, positioning generative AI as a pivotal accelerator across the technology industry. Fast forward to 2024, and the conversation now centers on AI-capable PCs. According to Canalys, 19% of PCs shipped in 2024 will meet the initial definition of AI-capable, and this figure is expected to soar to 60% by 2027. This rapid adoption underscores the immense potential and impact AI-capable PCs can have on the market.

Defining AI-Capable PCs

AI-capable PCs are equipped with dedicated chipsets designed to handle on-device AI workloads. Unlike traditional PCs that rely heavily on cloud-based AI services, AI-capable PCs process data directly on the device, offering faster response times and enhanced privacy. This shift marks a significant advancement in PC technology, enabling these devices to perform complex tasks such as natural language processing, real-time translation, and advanced data analytics with remarkable efficiency.

Apple’s Role in Shaping the Future

Apple has been shipping AI-enabled Macs since 2020, embedding AI at the core of its devices. Apple’s commitment to on-device AI is evident through its empowered developer community and focus on device ecosystems and privacy. These efforts have positioned Apple as a key player in the AI-capable PC market, driving substantial adoption and setting high standards for the industry.

Understanding the Total Economic Impact of Mac in Enterprise

The recent Forrester article “The Total Economic Impact of Mac in Enterprise” provides valuable insights into the economic benefits of using Mac devices in an enterprise setting. The study highlights several key areas where Mac excels:

• Reduced device support and management costs by almost one-third: Macs require fewer IT support hours, which translates to significant cost savings, with 60% fewer tickets filed per device per year and tickets that are cheaper to resolve. Consequently, IT employees spend less time on device management, enabling them to manage twice as many devices per employee.
• Three times the device residual value: After four years of use, MacBook Air had three times the device residual value of a PC.
• Lowered energy consumption by over one-half: According to Forrester’s research, Macs consume 56% less energy than PCs.

User Preference and Enhanced Productivity

By adopting Macs in the enterprise, companies can offer employees the choice of devices they like and are familiar with. This will mean employees are onboarded faster and are more likely to troubleshoot issues easily.

Mac is being used for a greater range of roles than ever before. With powerful processors, advanced graphics, and intuitive software, Mac enables employees to work more efficiently and effectively. Whether designing complex graphics, running data analysis, or managing large projects, they make it easier to get the job done. Some key attributes of offering Mac to enhance productivity include:

• Intuitive Interface: The macOS environment is user-friendly, making it easier for employees to adapt and stay productive.
• Seamless Integration: Macs integrate effortlessly with other Apple devices, enhancing workflow and communication.
• Employee Satisfaction: A happy workforce is a productive workforce. Users who prefer Macs are likely to be more engaged and efficient.

Improved Security and Compliance

Security is a top priority for any enterprise, and with Mac, employees and businesses benefit from robust security features. Additionally, they are designed to comply with industry standards and regulations, ensuring that your business remains compliant with data protection laws. Some key Mac attributes that improve security and compliance include:

• Built-in Encryption: Features like FileVault provide robust encryption for sensitive data.
• Advanced Threat Detection: macOS includes several layers of security to detect and mitigate threats in real time.
• Regular Updates: Apple frequently releases security updates, ensuring that your devices are always protected against the latest threats.

Compucom: Your Partner of Choice for Enterprise Apple Adoption

By adopting Macs in the enterprise, companies can offer employees the choice of devices they like and are familiar with. This will mean employees are onboarded faster and are more likely to troubleshoot issues easily.

• Apple Premium Business Partner (US, Canada)
• Apple Authorized Service Provider (AASP) (US, Canada)
• Jamf Managed Service Provider and Reseller (US, Canada)

With a deep understanding of Apple technology and enterprise needs, we ensure a seamless and successful integration of Apple devices into your business environment.

The post Why the AI-Capable Mac® is an Ideal Choice for Enterprise appeared first on Compucom.

Lesley Andrews • Vice President, Partner Alliances

I was privileged to attend the HPE Discover 2024 Conference the week of June 17th alongside a fantastic group of Compucom customers. This year’s event focused on how Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) solutions enable effective AI integration across various business functions. HPE CEO Antonio Neri delivered a compelling keynote speech with the backdrop of the 4D experience of the Las Vegas Sphere. His speech emphasized AI ethics and technology’s transformative power in navigating the future.

The conference wasn’t all work and no play. Neri enthusiastically encouraged us to explore the demos, including a chatbot designed to emulate his persona, “Antonio Nearly.” It was fascinating to see the simulated in-depth conversations with the HPE CEO about the company’s strategic thinking and technological advancements. This was just one of the novel and impactful ways HPE showcased how they drive digital transformation across industries. The following are some further highlights from the conference.

HPE Partnership with NVIDIA

One of the most significant announcements was the strategic partnership between HPE and NVIDIA. This collaboration aims to combine HPE’s expertise in enterprise IT solutions with NVIDIA’s leading advancements in AI. The partnership will give businesses powerful tools to leverage AI for unprecedented performance improvements and smarter decision-making.

HPE Private Cloud AI

Another exciting announcement was the introduction of HPE Private Cloud AI, a new solution designed to bring the agility and scalability of the cloud to private environments, focusing on AI applications. The HPE Private Cloud AI offering promises to combine the benefits of cloud computing with the control and security of private infrastructure, transforming the way businesses approach AI and cloud computing.

AI-Powered Customer Service Solutions

Revolutionary progress is happening in customer service through sophisticated AI-driven tools that enhance customer interactions and streamline support processes. HPE’s AI solutions predict customer needs, personalize interactions, and resolve issues faster, improving satisfaction and retention. Key demonstrations included:

• Intelligent Chatbots: Advanced chatbots capable of handling a wide range of customer inquiries with human-like efficiency and accuracy using natural language processing (NLP).
• Predictive Customer Insights: Predictive analytics systems forecast customer needs, preferences, and behaviors, enabling proactive and personalized interactions.
• Automated Workflow Management: AI-driven tools automate routine tasks such as ticket routing and case resolutions, reducing response times and allowing human agents to focus on complex issues.
• Voice Recognition and Assistance: Advanced voice recognition transcribes and analyzes customer calls, while AI-powered assistants provide real-time information and suggestions during calls.
• Sentiment Analysis: Sentiment analysis tools gauge customer emotions in real time, allowing businesses to tailor responses and address dissatisfaction promptly.

Enhanced Data Management and Analysis Capabilities

Data is the new gold, and HPE’s AI solutions are designed to refine this gold for businesses. Critical developments in data management and data capabilities included: 

• Advanced Data Analytics: Advanced data analysis tools provide actionable insights through real-time analytics and predictive modeling, enabling data-driven decision-making. 
• Data Storage Innovations: Featuring high-performance storage systems optimized for capacity and speed to meet big data and AI workload demands. 
• Unified Data Platform: Integrates data from various sources into a single system, providing a centralized repository for data storage, analysis, and retrieval, simplifying management and improving governance. 
• Edge-to-Cloud Data Solutions: Ensures seamless data flow from edge devices to the cloud for real-time insights. 
• Data Security Enhancements: Robust security, including advanced encryption, secure access controls, and comprehensive monitoring tools to detect and mitigate potential threats. 

HPE, A Leader in Innovation and a Valued Compucom Partner

It’s been a busy few months for HPE, with the unveiling of new Aruba Wi-Fi 7 access points to boost enterprise IoT capabilities at the edge and new features for the HPE GreenLake platform. At the conference, Neri emphasized HPE’s commitment to modern enterprise needs, highlighting AI, hybrid cloud strategies, and edge computing as key to new levels of agility and efficiency. He also underscored HPE’s dedication to sustainability and cybersecurity, with initiatives to reduce carbon footprints and bolster data security frameworks.

As a Hewlett Packard Enterprise Gold Partner, we have extensive experience working with organizations to implement HPE solutions that accelerate digital transformation. Our team of HPE technical architect experts can help you harness the power of AI with HPE’s latest solutions for your enterprise.

The post HPE Discover 2024 Showcased Cutting-Edge AI Innovations appeared first on Compucom.

At first blush, a company looking to update their network hardware or refresh a fleet of laptops might just task their procurement team (if they have one) with pricing out the best deals, perhaps having them go directly to the original equipment manufacturer (OEM).

As a managed services provider (MSP), we sometimes find it challenging to get customers to think of us for their IT hardware needs, despite our 35 years as a reseller. 

It might surprise you how many strategic advantages partnering with an MSP can bring to your product procurement strategy. For one, our strong OEM partnerships can deliver negotiated pricing, special discounts, and incentives. In fact, we often have knowledge of special promotions and programs before they come to market.

But by a landslide, the most crucial benefit of sourcing hardware technologies from us is the technical expertise we bring to designing, procuring, and delivering complete technology solutions. To us, a complete technology solution means that you’re getting the right products that will work best in your environment, backed by the right services, to provide the best user experience. 

Companies Don’t Want Products, They Want Solutions 

Case in point, Compucom recently helped a long-term banking customer undertake a massive technology refresh over the Labor Day weekend. Within a few months, due to a major acquisition, the bank needed 11,000 new PCs and 500 servers. Compucom delivered all the laptops and desktops well in advance and built, configured, and delivered the servers to each of the new branches directly from our ISO-certified Advanced Configuration Center.

This customer could have sourced their hardware elsewhere, but they looked to us because we could meet a highly accelerated delivery schedule and help with a series of dry runs for the transition. We also maintained staff onsite and on standby during the cutover.  

The project was a success: the acquired bank’s employees had a seamless transition from the old computers and network to the new ones over just one weekend. That, in a nutshell, is the benefit of going with a strategic MSP partner for your hardware needs. We delivered a technology solution that was crucial in supporting the new acquisition and employees, rather than just a stack of servers and laptops. 

Trusted Advisors and Strong OEM Relationships

We call ourselves “vendor-neutral” at Compucom, but our OEM-certified solution architects (SAs) are not shrinking violets regarding product recommendations that map out a best-fit technology solution for your situation. And unlike armchair quarterbacks ranting on social media, these are tech gurus with solid views based on years of experience implementing solutions across various industries.  

Strong OEM partnerships get us as close to being an insider to Tier One manufacturers as you can get while retaining the independence you’d expect from an MSP reseller. We’re not going to push products that don’t fit your needs because, quite often, an ideal technology solution is a mix of different brands. For example, an optimal solution for your business may comprise Cisco networking gear with Dell servers and Lenovo laptops and workstations.  

The goal is to leverage the benefits of our multiple OEM partnerships to provide and support a best-fit mix of technologies for your given solution. We also leverage our relationships with key OEMs and distribution partners to create a dependable and efficient supply chain model, which has been a major concern these past few years. 

Depot Centers and Product Forecasting

Our Advanced Configuration Centers, located in the US and Canada, house the specialized warehousing facilities and skilled technicians that enable us to provide your end-user technology for day-one productivity.

The centers support a wide range of adjacent services, including configuration, custom-labeling, repair, refurbishment, and disposal services – with the strict controls and processes necessary to ensure compliance and security that deliver peace of mind for our customers.

To help with your future transformation projects, we maintain and analyze stock levels based on product forecasting and refresh schedules – ensuring that we can not only meet delivery requirements but also help you properly respond to the digital disruptors we all know will come.  

Not Your Typical Reseller 

We’re more than an IT reseller and managed services provider — we’re a strategic partner and a trusted advisor. Using us for hardware procurement will help you manage and reduce product and operational costs and meet your sustainability goals. Plus, you’ll realize the benefits a single-source provider can bring to streamlining your procurement processes and, most importantly, get the best technology solutions for your business. 

The post There’s More to IT Hardware Procurement Than Getting the Best Deal appeared first on Compucom.

Emma Mak • Staff Writer

Compucom and Intel: A combined Focus on the Modern Digital Workplace 

Our Long-Term Partnership With Intel and the Evolving Workplace 

For over 25 years, Intel and Compucom have partnered to deliver IT solutions for enterprise organizations while focusing on the needs of the evolving workforce; these days, the unique needs of hybrid workers are top-of-mind.

Of course, more remote work means less oversight, so employee success is now more heavily defined by outputs — performance far outweighs presenteeism. And this greater autonomy allows workers to organize their days in ways that improve their work-life balance.

Eager to retain this flexibility, employees understand that it is on them to effectively manage their time and produce results. To this end, workers expect to be well-equipped for productivity and collaboration, enabling them to meet or exceed expectations as they work in the office, in the field, from home, or move between sites. 

Compucom, Intel, and vPro 

In 2007, well before the push to hybrid work, Intel created the vPro brand to provide IT departments with an efficient way to remotely manage and support multiple PCs. PCs on the vPro platform have a vPro-enabled processor, chipset, and BIOS, with several supporting features.

During the same year, Compucom and Intel built a highly successful tool together called End-user Orchestrator, a Windows Desktop remote administration tool to be used by our service desk agents and field techs for providing remote support. Now, nearly 16 years later, the latest vPro platform is poised to deliver even more benefits to our customers.

A Partnership for Today and Into the Future 

For many in today’s workforce, the first impression of their company won’t be arriving at a shiny office tower and stepping into a well-appointed office. Instead, it will be opening a shipping box, setting up their laptop, and connecting remotely from their spare room/home office.

From providing concierge-style device-as-a-service for provisioning and device management to operational support, our partnership with Intel has continued to grow and deliver results for our customers.

For today and the coming years, Intel technologies will continue to be a great fit for the solutions and services that Compucom provides to enterprise organizations. By working together, we will continue to drive improved user experiences and provide high-performing, well-managed, and well-supported technology so our customers will have a leg up over the competition.  

The post Partnership Pays Dividends for Our Customers appeared first on Compucom.

3 Major Ways Our OEM Partnerships Help Our Customers

Trust is like glass. It is fragile, easily broken, and almost impossible to put back together once shattered. The same is true of business partnerships. But if built right and handled with care, partnerships can be highly beneficial, robust, and long-lasting. 

Partnering with a Managed Service Provider (MSP) offers many compelling advantages. According to a recent IT trends report, MSPs are seen as valuable, with 69.8% saying their use of an MSP has resulted in better security, 52.8% reporting a better employee experience, 37.4% saying it has made their IT jobs easier, and 32.5% saying it makes them more effective at managing IT.

Your Partner’s Partners: OEMs

Your choice in MSP should have strong, long-term Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) partners, as those relationships will bring reassurance about the effectiveness of a potential provider and the benefits they can deliver to your business.

When a company has OEM partners, they often have greater access to training and support and may collaborate with them to produce products or solutions. The benefits of an MSP that partners with top brands are extensive.

• Reputation – Long-term partnerships with leading brands indicates a careful selection process on each side and a positive track of working together to offer effective solutions
• Quality Control – Close partners will have similar quality control measures and adherence or certification to industry standards
• Product Warranties and Support – Partnerships with OEMs often ensure a higher level of reliable customer support and strong product warranties

The benefits of choosing an MSP that has a trusting relationship with well-known OEMs are essential to keeping your employees effective and efficient while working. Plus, the opportunity for reduced costs is always a win.

Experienced in Building Trust 

Partnering with a complete lifecycle, end-to-end MSP that can provide you with integrated solutions and strategies for your digital workplace is essential in today’s business environment. The trust we have built over the last 35 years with our customers and partners has been, without a doubt, our best investment.

It is important that we provide our customers with a simplified way of getting everything they need while also providing choices through what we call our OEM Distribution Partners Alliance Network. We have relationships and supply chain logistics with over 300 OEMs.

As an OEM independent reseller, we can provide you with any required product. And our supply chain team works with our customers and OEMs to maximize product discounts for regular purchase activity, special projects, or single purchases.  

Our major partners include:

• Apple
• Cisco
• Dell
• HP
• HPE
• Lenovo
• Microsoft

When choosing the right IT service provider, you need to know who their partners are, so long term, you know who will be helping you drive the desired results.  

Trust and Partnership

There must be a high level of transparency and trust when it comes to any type of partnership. Over the years, we have worked to develop and maintain deeply rooted relationships with our OEMs and with our customers. 

We believe that by choosing Compucom, you are getting the right MSP for your business. When you partner with us, you essentially partner with OEMs, as we bring our long-term OEM relationships. It’s a win-win.  

The post Building Trust Through Partnerships appeared first on Compucom.