If your business has already made, or is about to make the move to Hosted Voice – it’s important to make sure that you are fully benefiting from the value of the available integrations and communications from your existing CRM or from within Microsoft Outlook.

Adopting a unified communications software suite that fully integrates with your own existing technology ecosystem can help you to streamline your business practices allowing your teams to work more efficiently and collectively, accessing information about callers quickly and accurately.

By integrating your Cloud phone system with your CRM, collaboration, and business productivity applications — all in one unified platform – You can help empower employees, elevate customer experiences and boost profitability.

Onboarding a powerful unified communications suite such as Horizon Integrator is not only cost-effective it is also very easy to maintain and install.

(Click here to read Michael Prior’s helpful guide to Gamma’s Horizon Hosted phone system and Horizon Integrator.)

If you would like to know more about how you can get more from your Hosted Voice setup or Horizon Integrator, why not contact Utilize Telephony Advisor – Michael Prior, who will be happy to talk you through your options. You can email him directly below.

Click here to email Michael Prior

Horizon Hosted Phone System

Horizon is a complete communications service that provides a range of fixed and mobile telephony capabilities via an easy-to-use web portal. It allows you to manage your calls whilst enabling your employees to maximise their productivity.

The key benefits are:

• Cost – Minimal capital outlay due to no onsite hardware and extremely competitive on-net rates over a business-grade network.
• Greater control – Take complete control of your phone system with an extensive range of call handling and management features, all operated through an easy-to-use web interface. Ideal for home workers or multiple sites.
• Improving customer service – Enhance the service you can provide to your customers at all times with dynamic call handling, pre-recorded messages, and seamless transfers at the touch of a button.
• Reliable and secure – Full support provided, including training, number porting, provisioning, and 24/7 UK-based assistance giving you complete peace of mind.

A guide to Horizon Integrator Integration features

There are several ways of integrating with Horizon:

Standard Integrations
For standard integrations Gamma has partnered with a leading CRM developer, allowing them to use their open API’s to facilitate the integration.

Controlled Integrations
Controlled integrations are typically integrations that have limited or no support from the application developer and therefore future releases or updates might not be available.



The integration add-in is not available by default within the Horizon Integrator client and must be enabled by a Horizon Integrator Developer at the time of installation. Controlled integrations are provided on a company-by-company basis and each instance carries a fixed installation fee.

Standard Select
Standard Select integrations are Standard integrations that can only be installed by a qualified installer. Standard Select integrations are governed by an additional set of conditions the installer is contractually obligated to comply with, through enrolment in the Select installer program. Standard Select integrations attract an additional activation and annual support fee.

Add-ins
An Add-in is a program that is written to link the Horizon Integrator client to a specific business application. The Add-ins are included with and configured from within the Horizon Integrator client and provide a range of set integration features from the list below:

• Caller Preview
  Displays the caller’s name in the Preview or Phone window when a match against it is found in the integrated business application(s).
• Contact Popping
  Take complete control of your phone system with an extensive range of call handling and management features, all operated through an easy-to-use web interface. Ideal for home workers or multiple sites.
• Contact Searching
  Concurrently searches the integrated business applications and enables Contact Popping or Click to Dial from the results.

• Click to Dial
  Makes it possible to dial directly from the business application. The exact method varies between business applications Manage your organisation’s entire communications from multiple sites
  
  

TAPI Integration
TAPI is a Microsoft Windows API and stands for Telephony Application Program Interface. TAPI allows a computer to monitor and control one or more extensions on a typical business telephone system.

“Monitoring” allows information such as a caller’s number (CLI) or dialed number (DDI) to be passed from the telephone system to the computer. This enables, for example, the caller’s number to be used to “pop” a contact record in the customer CRM system.

“Control” allows the computer to make the telephone system perform functions, for example, answer a call ringing on the handset from the computer or make a call by clicking on a number on the computer screen (known as “click to dial” or “click to call”).

Who uses TAPI?
TAPI is most frequently used by business application developers so that they can build telephony features such as screen popping and click to dial into their applications. CRM, Service Desk and Accounting apps are all examples of business applications.

How is TAPI provided?
TAPI is made available to an application via a TAPI Service Provider or TSP (more commonly called a TAPI driver). The TSP is written and provided by the telephone system manufacturer or specialist CTI companies.



The TSP makes a proprietary connection to the PBX and then presents TAPI to the application either as a Windows driver or as a DLL. Horizon TAPI provides a driver only which is the most common method used. At Gamma, we support 1st party TAPI only (when the TSP monitors a single extension on the telephone system).

If you would like to know about how you can get more from your Hosted Voice telephony system or Horizon Integrator, why not contact Utilize Telephony Advisor – Michael Prior, who will be happy to talk you through your options. You can email him directly below.

Click here to email Michael Prior

For every business, technology is critical to successful operations in both good and bad times. In challenging times, it’s important to consider whether your technology spending is helping to deliver meaningful cost savings and protecting margins.

Technology is an investment, not a cost.

Gartner has forecasted that worldwide IT spending will grow 5.1% in 2023. Business leaders increasingly understand that investing in tech has become even more necessary to propel efficient, scalable, and profitable operations.

In economic downturns, you should be more careful with spending.  But that shouldn’t mean you cease to continue to invest in technology. Delaying all capital expenditure could hurt your business in ways you can’t afford during difficult times. The effects of diminished worker productivity and satisfaction due to IT operational and security problems should be considered when deciding whether to invest in technology or freeze spending.

Business critical IT infrastructure projects that help to streamline your business, drive productivity and lower operating costs should always be a priority. According to leading experts from CNBC, Gartner, and more, the top technologies that can help in times of recession are:

• Cybersecurity
• AI and machine learning
• Cloud technology
• App development
• Digital twins
• Robotics
• Data science and data engineer teams
• Digital business analysis tools
• Remote and hybrid work technology
• Cloud applications
• Workflow and management digital solutions
• Customer and brand experience technology
• AR and VR

“Investing in the right digital initiatives at the right cost can blunt the negative effects of economic pressures in the short term and build long-term competitive advantage,” Gartner said.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Every business is different and requires its own strategy and roadmap when it comes to tech tools that can turn a recession into an opportunity.

But leveraging available technology to navigate business challenges with digital tools is a great place to start. Here are some examples:

1. Cloud Migration:Migrating to the cloud can reduce infrastructure spending, energy and maintenance costs, and personnel requirements. The cloud also opens endless new tools for business opportunities.
2. Reimagine and automate workflows:Changing the platforms and systems of work environments can cut costs and drive performance.
3. Predictive and insightful: Gaining greater data insights can make your organization faster and leaner, including in its decision-making.

Undoubtedly, we are experiencing challenging economic times. But challenges can provide opportunities. Working with the right IT service provider who advocates the strategic and effective deployment of business technology can not only help you stay the course but come out even stronger.

Learn more about how Utilize can help to turn your successful business into a powerhouse with ASCEND.

Speak to a member of our team today

On the 18th of July 2022, Utilize celebrates its 25th anniversary. What a milestone. What a journey. What next?

I began trading from my old, vacated bedroom at my parents’ house in Upminster. A 27-year-old with a vision of building the number one trusted IT support company in Essex. This goal has been achieved by some margin.

Utilize’s employee number currently stands at 120 people, our group turnover exceeds £18m and we operate from our state-of-the-art, purpose-built office in Basildon. The time has flown, and I sometimes reflect on how we have achieved so much.

The answer lies in our unique approach. We are a people-focused organisation, that has always placed clients and staff at the heart of our decision-making process. Our comprehensive skill sets and dedication to teamwork have assured our shared success.

Over 25 years, our people have built a culture in which we want the best and expect the best from each other. At the heart of our business, is a desire to create opportunities for our people, to have fun, and to know that customers can trust us to deliver on our promises.

Our business has evolved over the years and will continue to adapt and grow. I remember the days when it took 27 floppy disks to install a single application – occasionally discovering that disk 26 was corrupted and having to start that long process all over again. I can hear some of the younger readers wondering what the hell a floppy disk is!

Giving back to society is part of our DNA and I feel so proud to see our people positively impact the local community. Through our staff Community Day initiative and fundraising activity, our partnerships with Havens Hospices, Essex Wildlife Trust, and Kids Inspire, continue to be a rewarding and worthwhile experience.

We stand out from our competitors as leaders in technology delivery and creators of a great place to work, winning over 30 local, national, and European awards. Thank you to our industry and suppliers for recognising our people and the difference we are making to our customers and the way they consume technology.

It’s a dream to be where we are today, surrounded by such bright talent and leaders within our industry. All with a passion to maximise the returns our clients make on their investment in technology.

But our journey has not been all plain sailing, we have had to navigate the rocky waters of two economic recessions, the bursting of the internet bubble, Brexit, and most recently the pandemic. Thankfully, on each occasion, our people and business, have emerged at the other end, more robust and agile than before.

None of this would have been possible were it not for our customers’ steadfast belief in our capabilities. So, on behalf of our team, I would like to thank our clients for allowing us to partner with you and trusting us to guide your business to greater heights. Your technology is in safe hands.

I feel privileged to be the founder and CEO of this exciting company and, with my trusted friend and Managing Director, Guy Hocking, I look forward to the next 25 years, steering our business to even greater success.

Contact Utilize

Sage 200 scheduled changes in 2022

In Q3 2022, there will be several technology retirements that will affect your use of Sage 200.

As part of ongoing efforts to modernize platforms, and to improve security and reliability, TLS 1.0 and 1.1 is being depreciated. The Sage 200 application uses the TLS protocol as does a variety of connected services including Sage CRM.

How will this affect Business?

From 30th September 2022, older Sage 200 versions will be unable to communicate with Sage licence server and become unlicensed after 30 days, at which point the software will cease to function.

What action do I need to take?

Steps, including patching and upgrades, will need to be completed by key dates to ensure the software continues to work and services are not disrupted.

Sage 200 Versions 2017.02 and above can request to receive software patches to allow Sage 200 to continue running past the effected date.

If you are currently utilising a Sage 200 version prior to 2017.02, you will need to upgrade to the latest version to ensure you remain within the product lifecycle and continue to receive technology and legislative updates.

If you’re using Sage 200 2022 R1, you’re up to date and no further action is required.

Not sure which version you are using?

Click on the Cog (Settings) button at the top right of the main Sage 200 screen and select About Sage 200.

What to do next.

To ensure that your Business is unaffected by these changes, we advise that you contact your Sage Partner to discuss the patch or upgrade options available to you.

You can also click on the link below to the Sage 200 roadmap which details their timeline of improvements and future releases.

https://my.sage.co.uk/public/help.aspx#/roadmap/sage-200

Find out more about our Finance management

Retirement of superseded Azure AD Connect Sync versions

From August 31st, 2022, Microsoft will be removing support for AD Connect V1.0 on servers running operating systems older than Windows 2016. This is due to the retirement of the SQL Server 2012 and Azure AD library components.

How this will affect your organization

If you run a retired version of Azure AD Connect, it might unexpectedly stop working. You also might not have the latest security fixes, performance improvements, troubleshooting and diagnostic tools and service enhancements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: If I do not upgrade will I no longer be eligible for support?

A: If you rely on a retired version of Azure AD Connect Sync, then Microsoft may not be able to provide you with the support experience your organization needs. So, it is important to stay current.

Q: Will my retired version of Azure AD Connect Sync stop working after 15 March 2023?

A: Probably not – although retired versions may rely on services and software that may no longer be available or might stop working after that date.

Q: Are there functional differences between my version in use and the latest released version?

A: Dependent on the version from which you are upgrading, there may be security improvements, bug fixes, and functional enhancements. You can review changes by feature on the following Azure AD Connect: Version release history page.

What you need to do to prepare:

If you haven’t already discussed this with your IT Provider, we would advise that you start the conversation about how this may affect your business. If you are not already using the latest release version of Azure AD Connect Sync, you should upgrade your Azure AD Connect Sync software before 12 months elapses from the date they were superseded by the newest version.

In preparation for this, Utilize has already identified and automatically upgraded all of our affected clients, to AD Connect V2.0. Where this was not possible (due to an older operating system being the current host), we have moved the software to a server running a supported operating system where possible.

Additional resources links

For more information about Azure AD Connect V2.0 and its features – click on the resource link below:

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/active-directory/hybrid/whatis-azure-ad-connect-v2#what-else-do-i-need-to-know

You can also follow the steps that are given here: Azure AD Connect: Upgrade from an earlier version.

Learn more: Retiring Azure AD Connect 2.x versions

Learn more about Managed Services

An Introduction to Microsoft Loop

Businesses across all industries are undergoing a change in how they run and use technology too deeply connect with users and digitally transform how they do business. Microsoft Loop has been introduced to ease this process as the era of hybrid-working commences.

The following will hopefully give a brief introduction to what Microsoft Loop is and what it is used for

Microsoft Loop is a new technology that combines a powerful and flexible canvas with portable components that move freely and stay in sync across Microsoft 365 applications. This technology has been built in Microsoft’s effort to make collaboration as frictionless as possible, growing beyond the confines of traditional workspaces.

It is built and powered by Fluid Framework which is the core technology that enables seamless data synchronisation, real-time collaboration and is open-sourced.

Key benefits and features include:

• Working Together, even when apart
  

  Co-create and build on each other’s ideas – Loop is an entirely new way to work together, whilst adapting to the new era of hybrid-working.
  

• All in one Place
  

  Organise all components of your project – files, links and data from other applications – in a single workspace.
  

• In Sync and on Track
  

  Jump straight back in and keep on track with notifications, highlighted changes, status labels and more, meaning the progress of a project is always up to date.
  

• Loop Workspaces
  

  These are shared spaces that allow you and your team to group and see everything important to your project, making it easy for you to catch up on what everyone is working on and track progress toward shared goals.
  

• Loop Components
  

  Adapting on from Fluid components – Loop components can be as simple as lists, tables, notes, tasks, or as sophisticated as a customer sales opportunity from Microsoft Dynamics 365, and because components stay in sync, no matter how many places they live in, you and your team will always work with the latest information.
  

• Loop Pages
  

  Flexible canvases where you can organise your components and pull in other useful elements like files, links, or data to help teams connect and collaborate. Pages are optimised for thinking together and getting work done. They can start small and continue to grow to match the size of your ideas and projects.
  

Idea on how to use Microsoft Loop components in chat:

• Co-Author
  

  Are you and your team working together to find the right words for something? No need to create a whole new document. Now, you can quickly iterate on, say, the teaser for an upcoming presentation by adding the Paragraph component and co-authoring from right within the chat thread.
  

• Status Report
  

  When work is changing rapidly it can be a real challenge to keep track of it and trying to train your team on different project management solutions can risk slowing down a fast-moving project. Instead, you can try a Loop component with a collaborative table that tracks each deliverable in its own row. Doing this allows everyone to follow along with easy-to-read columns for the owner, status, and due date that are always up to date with the latest, no matter when stakeholders read the email or check-in with their Teams chat.
  

• Topic Gathering
  

  There’s nothing worse than spending your team’s valuable time on the wrong topics. With Loop components, you can crowd-source and democratize gathering feedback, topics for an upcoming meeting, or ideas for a team event, all without needing to deal with an endless string of chat messages or emails.
  

• Mini Breakout Room
  

  Have you ever seen a conversation fly off the rails when a few folks go off on a tangent? One of the most creative uses of Loop components we have seen is a sort of “mini breakout room,” right within the same chat. The component offers a “safe space” to align or resolve differing opinions where every member of the chat can still see and participate in the side discussion if they need to, while also allowing the main chat thread to move on to other topics.
  

You can access some useful information linked below and see some demo examples of Loop in action.

Learn more about Microsoft Loop

As geopolitical conflicts continue to unfold, cyber criminals are seeking to capitalise and exploit this situation wherever possible.

Government agencies worldwide are now warning businesses to exercise heightened caution regarding their cyber security.

Due to the continued growth in attacks on businesses, this month Utilize deployed Geo-IP Filtering for all our managed customers Firewalls to enhance the protection of their business.

What is Geo-IP Filtering?

Geo-IP Filtering blocks network connections based on Public IP addresses in a particular geographic location, thereby reducing a businesses risk of exposure to cyber-attack.

Whole country Geo-IP filtering makes perfect sense for businesses based entirely in the UK, with no reason to accept incoming or outgoing online connections from other countries. However, if your customers or staff require access to your networks from abroad, then you must think more carefully about which countries you block.

Our team spent time researching the top threat source countries before compiling our blocked list. Clients’ requiring access from blocked countries were advised to contact us so that their filtering could be tweaked accordingly.

Consider Geo-IP filtering as just one tool in your cyber security arsenal. It is not a complete security solution; it won’t stop everything. But if used correctly it’s often better to have it switched on than not.

Email us today JustAsk@utilize.co.uk if you are interested in deploying Geo-IP filtering in your own cyber defence plan.

Email us today

What is NCE?

The New Commerce Experience (NCE) is the latest pricing model for Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365, Windows 365, and Power Platform subscriptions. It has been designed to minimise complexity in billing processes and provide cost savings for longer-term subscriptions.

What dates are these changes coming into effect?

1ST MARCH 2022: Price increase in March on 6 SKUs (Read on for details)

10TH MARCH 2022: Any brand-new subscriptions will be through NCE

1ST JULY 2022: Second NCE enforcement for existing subscriptions

Subscription and price changes

Initially, NCE will give you Annual and/or Monthly commitment options depending on the licence type.

For annual subscriptions cancellations or seat reductions will only be allowed within 72 hours of placing an order. Monthly licences will be charged at 20% above the annual price. Upgrades mid-term will be allowed. Not all licences will be available on a monthly commitment. (Read on for details)

Monthly subscription products available:

Annual will be available for all products, but monthly will only be available for a selection.
Please see the list below: (subject to change)

Price increases

After a decade of continuous innovation providing us with new apps (Teams, Planner, Power Platform, Whiteboard, Shifts, Forms, etc.) and over 1,400 new features and capabilities, for the first time in 10 years, Microsoft has finally announced their first substantive pricing changes for 2022.

On March 1, 2022, Microsoft will update its pricing for the following commercial products:

Microsoft 365 Business Basic (+20%)

Microsoft 365 Business Premium (+10%)

Office 365 E1 (+25%)

Office 365 E3 (+15%)

Office 365 E5 (+9%)

Microsoft 365 E3 (+13%)

All increases will apply globally with local market adjustments for certain regions. There are no changes to pricing for education and consumer products at this time.

Promotional Offer

Microsoft are offering two, time-sensitive NCE promotions – capped at 2400 seats per subscription. There is a 5% discount for annual commitments based on current prices and for monthly commitments, the 20% premium will be postponed until July 2022.

Importantly, by switching subscriptions to an Annual Commitment before the 1st March, you will not only receive a 5% discount on current pricing for 12 months, you will also avoid the scheduled Microsoft price rises due to come into effect on 1st March 2022.

Benefits of NCE

You can try new products more easily with more options –

The new Windows 365 is available now

Added free-trial choices

New add-ons available only on New Commerce

Offers to meet your specific or changing needs –

New monthly term subscription options

Get more value with commitment –

Choose the best pricing on annual terms, and get long-term price protection

Lock in pricing for further with multi-year terms for Dynamics 365 (and coming soon: Microsoft 365 and other offer types)

Switch from monthly to annual terms whenever you need and save money with commitment.

Ensuring your ROI

Microsoft has continuously re-invested to meet the changing needs of its customers and since its release four years ago, Microsoft 365 has added the following key features as well as many others –

Improved Communication and collaboration through Microsoft Teams:
Meetings, chats, calls, collaboration, and the ability to automate business processes.  Microsoft Teams enables end-users to remain productive and drive business value efficiently.

Enhanced security and compliance:
Added capabilities to reduce risk and remain secure, like data loss prevention (DLP) for documents and emails, Office messaging encryption, and attack surface reduction capabilities.

AI and automation:
Microsoft Power Platform-tools have added new AI-supported capabilities that save time and drive efficiencies through task automation. Power BI drives data insights, source information, and aids communication in ways that are more accessible for everyone.

Increased value to Microsoft 365 Business Premium:
Microsoft added Azure AD Premium Plan 1, Azure Information Protection Premium Plan 1, Office 365 DLP, Microsoft Defender for Office 365 Plan 1, Shared Computer Activation and Azure Virtual Desktop (WVD)

If your business is not already using Microsoft to drive productivity, efficiency and change within your business – talk to us today about how we can help you leverage the solutions you already have to enhance your business goals.

What are your options:

1. Transition your existing license to NCE before 1st March 2022.
2. Audit your license estate and define your requirements for the future, and move before 1st March 2022.
3. Do nothing, and experience enforced renewal in June 2022 and the associated price increases.

Which option is best for your business?

We are here to help you understand and navigate these changes. Your dedicated Utilize Account Director will be in touch soon to discuss which option is right for your business and to guide you through the NCE implementation process.

Join our Free ‘NCE Explained’ webinar

We are also hosting an informative hour long webinar ‘Introduction to NCE’ webinar on the 3rd of February – Designed to clearly explain how this affects your business, you will have the opportunity to ask us any questions you may have.

Contact Utilize