The Future Mobility

TOTAL COST OF OWNERSHIP IS KEY TO DECISION MAKING

There's never been a better time.

Find out why!

The purchase price is just one criteria

SPRING issue 11.

HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF THE SMART TECH OPPORTUNITY

Mobility

Available now

FUTURE

THE

Copyright ©Exertis (UK) Ltd 2018

The next Generation Business Smartphones.

Style. Innovation. Intelligence.

P smart

Mate 10 Pro

P10 Plus

5.65” 2160 x 1080 pixels screen Android O+EMUI8.0 8M Front camera 13M+2M Rear camera 3000 mAh Battery

6.0” HUAWEI FullView Display Android™ 8.0 20 MP Monochrome + 12 MP RGB, f/1.6 4000 mAh Battery

5.5” Display Android™ 8.0 Dual 20 MP + 12 MP F/2.2 3750 mAh Battery

Register to attend the channel technology event of the year!

Plug In to Exertis to see the Huawei range and for a chance to win a Huawei SmartWatch 4G.

THE

To buy online: store.exertis.co.uk

14 SIGN OF THE TIMES AT MWC

FUTURE

18 PLUG IN TO EXERTIS

33 CUSTOMERS ARE BECOMING INCREASINGLY SIM FREE SAVVY

CONTENTS 05 EXERTIS COMMENT Simon Woodman introduces the Spring edition of Future Mobile.

06 MARKET STATS UPDATE

22 TOTAL COST OF OWNERSHIP IS KEY TO DECISION MAKING Remote working and greater portability of devices has made TCO an important consideration.

We take a look at the latest mobility trends.

10 NEWS IN BRIEF We round up the latest news and product releases from the world of technology.

30 HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF THE SMART TECH OPPORTUNITY

14 SIGN OF THE TIMES AT MWC More than a handset launchpad, MWC features the full spectrum of mobile-connected products and services.

Voice Assistants are creating more opportunities for homeowners and retailers can take advantage with the right approach

18 PLUG IN TO EXERTIS Find out why you should be attending our channel event and how to register.

26 HOT PICKS Devices can become a valuable business asset as opposed to a cost by driving up revenue through a better customer experience.

33 CUSTOMERS ARE BECOMING INCREASINGLY SIM FREE SAVVY We take a look at this increasing trend.

34 TOP 10 ATTACH

See our top 10 recommended range of attach products here from Exertis.

03

T H E P OW E R TO S TAY P R O D U C T I V E A L L DAY LO N G .

LE VO VO ™ ThinkPa d T Series.

ThinkPadÂŽ T Series laptops set new standards for productivity on-the-go.

They are compact enough to go anywhere, yet offer powerful features to keep up with your business.

For mo re info r ma t i o n, p l e a se c ontac t your E x e rti s a c co unt ma na g e r t o day

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To buy online: store.exertis.co.uk

FUTURE

05

Publisher Exertis Editor Lucy Hall Design Sophie Hammond Website store.exertis.co.uk

WELCOME TO THE LATEST ISSUE OF FUTURE MOBILITY No sooner does another busy quarter finish with Mobile World Congress (MWC) and our year end, than we kick off the new year with our second Plug in to Exertis channel event which will be held on 19th April at the Silverstone circuit. It promises to be a great day.

Our technology range for business is broad and it’s your chance to make sure that you are making the most of the opportunities that exist at Exertis. You might well be surprised. Of course, we’ll have a showcase of the latest products and solutions from our vendors, a number of seminar topics from industry experts and a couple of guest speakers that are well versed with the venue. It’s also a great chance for you to find out more about our Device-as-a-Service proposition which we will be launching at the show. The ability to refresh devices more quickly, scale up and down according to employee needs and manage and maintain devices for companies is a compelling solution. You can find out more about the event on page 18. Don’t forget to register and bear in mind we’re adding vendors and showfloor features right up to the event so keep an eye on our Plug in to Exertis website – www.exertis.co.uk/plugin - for the latest news.

MWC was typically busy with the expected announcement from Samsung of their latest flagship handsets, the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+. Mark Weston, our new mobile sales director was at the show and shares his thoughts on what caught his attention in Barcelona on page 14. It’s clear that the show is evolving to more than just a launchpad for mobile phones.

Opting for a SIM free phone and a SIM-only contract invariably offers the best long-term value for money.

We feature this trend on page 33.

Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) is a common theme in technology decision making. Certainly, the increase in remote working has made that more of a discussion point for companies. Portability, whilst essential these days, also correlates with a greater risk of damage to devices. Choosing the best mobile device for business will depend on a number of factors as featured in our article on page 22.

Voice Assistants are making themselves heard in the smart tech market with the leading players battling it out for supremacy. As a result, more consumers are now adding compatible appliances and building a more connected home. For retailers of all types and sizes, there’s never been a better time to engage in the market. As the leading distributor in this space, we provide some insight on how to make the most of the smart tech opportunity on page 30. By the way, we’ll also have a smart tech home at our Plug in to Exertis event.

Don’t forget to check out the latest hot picks and attachments. We’ve a great selection of accessories, evidenced by our award as distributor of the year at the Mobile News awards recently.

Enjoy the read and thanks for your continued support.

Talking of evolution, more customers are clearly choosing to de-couple the handset purchase from the tariff purchase and choosing to buy both separately.

Simon Woodman Director Mobile Division

Basingstoke Sales: 01256 707 070 Address: Ashwood, Chineham Business Park, Chineham, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG24 8EH To place an order please call 01256 707 070 between 9am – 6pm Monday to Friday Burnley Sales: 01282 776 776 Address: Technology House, Magnesium Way, Hapton, Burnley, Lancashire, BB12 7BF To place an order please call 01282 776 776 between 9am – 5.30pm Monday to Friday Stoke Sales: 01782 648 300 Address: Innovation House, Bellringer Road, Trentham ,AKES /FûCE 6ILLAGE

Trentham, Stoke on Trent ST4 8GH To place an order please call 01782 648 300 between 9am – 6pm Monday to Friday

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FUTURE

MA oM b Ii N l iG ty G AND ENTERTAINMENT

CONSUMER & BUSINESS TRENDS DRIVING DEMANDS

WEARABLES MARKET TO BE WORTH

$25BN BY 2019 CCS INSIGHT

PERSONAL DEVICES WILL

KNOW MORE

ABOUT AN

INDIVIDUAL'S EMOTIONAL STATE THAN HIS OR HER OWN FAMILY GARTNER

GLOBAL SMART SPEAKER

MARKET TO GROW TO

56.3M

CANALYS

SHIPMENTS IN 2018

1.46 BILLION SMARTPHONES

SOLD IN 2017 GFK

WORLDWIDE SPEND ON MOBILE

SOLUTIONS SET

TO BE OVER

$1.6TN IN 2018 IDC

Basingstoke: 01256 707 070 | Burnley: 01282 776 776 | Stoke: 01782 648 300 | store.exertis.co.uk

The channel technology event of the year is back!

19th April 2018 - Silverstone Circuit Come and discover the latest solutions and hear from industry experts. See what’s trending, what’s emerging and what’s right for your business.

At ‘Plug in to Exertis’ we’ve got technology covered, it’s what we do best. One day, one great location, bursting with technology solutions for the living room through to the datacentre. So whether you are a new or existing customer this is the channel event for you!

What to expect: 80+ of our leading vendors showcasing their products & solutions Keynotes from our UK MD Paul Bryan & Formula One legends David Coulthard & Mark Gallagher Technology suites with seminars on key topics from industry experts Champagne reception in the pit lane

Register today

exertis.co.uk/plugin

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Basingstoke: 01256 707 070 | Burnley: 01282 776 776 | Stoke: 01782 648 300 | store.exertis.co.uk

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NEWS IN BRIEF

MA oM b Ii N l iG ty G AND ENTERTAINMENT

STK ACQUIRES WILEYFOX After entering administration in February, Wileyfox device sales and after sales support will continue following its acquisition by STK. As reported in Mobile News STK CEO Jay Pau said: “Today’s mobile industry is highly saturated, and consolidation is essential to reinvigorate growth and balance. By bringing the Wileyfox brand under the STK umbrella, we are able to significantly improve supply chain for both brands, add new sales channels and offer a broader portfolio of affordable and mid-tier smartphones to the consumer.”

CONTACTLESS GAINS MOMENTUM AS MORE PAYMENT DEVICES GROW Two leading banking institutions have revealed that methods of contactless payments are driving consumers to go cashless.

According to research by Mastercard, more than a quarter of UK shoppers (26%) are ready to make contactless payments using smartwatches, rings and bracelets. In UK stores, 36% of purchases are now made contactless. Furthermore, Barclaycard’s Contactless Spending Index, reported that the value of mobile phone-based touch-and-go payments using its bPay payments chip, which is embedded in items such as watches and jewellery, increased by 365% in 2017 compared with 2016. Over the same period, mobile phone-based contactless payments using its Android app saw a 129% increase in the value transacted. Once the more established cards are added to the equation, contactless payments saw a 79% increase in the value transacted. Trade body Payments UK predicts that contactless payments will outnumber cash payments by the end of this year, some three years earlier than expected.

London has dominated the use of contactless payments but other cities like Belfast, Newcastle and York are gaining ground according to Barclaycard. Rail tickets and car parks are particularly popular for contactless payments, up 235% and 132% according to Barclaycard.

In their report, the company maintained that “‘touch and go’ saved an average of seven seconds per transaction compared to chip and PIN and 15 when compared to cash“.

SECURITY SPENDING BOOSTED BY IOT Security is seen as one of the biggest barriers to IoT adoption, with a fifth of companies suffering at least one IoT based attack in the past three years according to Gartner. The analyst expects worldwide spending on IoT security to increase by 28% to $1.5bn in 2018.

A big part of the problem is that businesses often don’t have full control over which devices and software are being used at each level of a given IoT project, according to their recently released report.

Regulatory compliance is expected to become a key influence on the uptake of IoT security, Gartner adds. Guidelines aimed at improving critical infrastructure will compel organisations to focus on security as the IoT market booms.

CONSUMERS RECOGNISE BIOMETRICS ADVANTAGES Fingerprint and facial recognition will be in widespread use in the banking industry by April 2019, according to Mastercard, claiming that 92% of banking professionals wanted to introduce biometric ID with 93% of consumers, who now have greater access to biometric ID services through smartphones and tablets, equally pro this type of security.

“Biometric technologies perfectly meet the public’s expectation for state-of-the-art security when making a payment,” said Mark Barnett, president at Mastercard UK. “This will be of great benefit to everyone: consumers, retailers and banks. It will make the purchase much smoother, and instead of having to remember passwords to authenticate, shoppers will have the chance to use a fingerprint or a picture of themselves.”

Basingstoke: 01256 707 070 | Burnley: 01282 776 776 | Stoke: 01782 648 300 | store.exertis.co.uk

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FUTURE

1 13

ACCESSORIES ALSO GET A BOOST… Resellers now have access to connectivity solutions from J5, mobile phone accessories from Tzumi and travel accessories from Travel Blue.

Matthew Balcombe, Exertis Unlimited, commercial director, announcing the additions said, “The accessories market continues to grow as consumers look to gain extra value from their devices. With improved connectivity, end customers have even greater options to use accessories anytime and anywhere. Our resellers and retailers have a great opportunity to maximise the profitability of a sale by adding accessories that solve day to day issues for users and we have an exciting range that covers pretty much every requirement.”

…. AND AN AWARD

TWO NEW HANDSET VENDORS ADDED TO PORTFOLIO

Exertis won the Accessories distributor of the year award at the Mobile News industry awards dinner, attended by nearly 700 people at the Hilton on Park Lane in March. The awards were judged by a team of 14 independent industry experts. Simon Woodman, our mobile director, accepted the award on behalf of the team.

Exertis has signed a distribution agreement to sell the IMO brand of Android smartphones and feature phones from Verve Connect. The IMO range consists of a series of high quality, best value smart and feature phones across 2, 3 and 4G. “IMO provide a smartphone at a very smart price without compromising on quality or functionality. We are delighted to be able to bring their range to a broader reach of retail customers and accelerate their presence in the growing sub £100 smartphone market, said Rik Hubbard, Exertis Mobile commercial and services director. “IMO products are well suited to most large retail customers, the MNO s and MVNOs. For consumers, they offer a full smartphone experience, appealing to a younger, cash-conscious demographic that still desire great design and performance.”

Exertis will initially range the IMO Q2 smartphones and the IMO Dash feature phone. Further product announcements are expected over the next few months to grow the portfolio.

In addition, we also have a distribution agreement with Bullitt Group for the Cat phones range of rugged smart and mobile phones. The CAT brand is well known for providing tough, reliable equipment often deployed in harsh environments and these features are equally applicable to their mobile devices. Rik Hubbard, Exertis mobile commercial and services director said, “By their very nature, certain vertical markets such as the military, blue light services, manufacturing and construction require more durability and reliability for their mobile devices. Phones, with their smaller form factor, are more suitable for some workers operating in hazardous areas. The CAT brand is strongly associated with resilience and robustness and these devices offer a great solution at affordable prices for our resellers that sell into industrial and public-sector markets.”

Exertis will be supplying the Cat S31, Cat S41, Cat S30, Cat S60 and the newly announced CAT 61 smartphones and the Cat B25 and Cat B30 mobile phones.

NEW SALES DIRECTOR FOR MOBILE Ma Weston has been appointed as sales director, Mark UK&I, for our mobile division. Reporting to Simon Woodman, Exertis mobile division director, Weston will have responsibility for the divisional P&L, leading the sales team and implementing sales initiatives in the retail and business sectors.

“Mark will be a great asset to our team with his wealth of experience in both distribution and the mobile market. He is the ideal candidate to help us continue our growth and develop new opportunities that exist for our resellers with our innovative range of services.” said Woodman.

Weston has over twenty years’ experience in the channel, employed most recently at HTC as sales director for UK and Western Europe, and previously as an account director at Microsoft responsible for Nokia distribution and Microsoft Surface. He has also worked as commercial manager at Tech Data Mobile and held other key roles in IT with leading vendors including LG, Symantec and Acer.

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MA oM b Ii N l iG ty G AND ENTERTAINMENT

SIGN OF THE

TIMES AT

MWC

NEW RELEASES There’s no doubt that Mobile World Congress (MWC) is becoming more than just the launchpad for new mobile phones. As you would expect, it’s moving with the times and featuring the full spectrum of mobileconnected products and services. Its popularity remains, attracting over 107,000 visitors from 205 countries with no fewer than 3,500 members of the international press and media focused on bringing news of the latest developments in the industry. Of course, with 2,400 exhibitors spread over 120,000 square metres, there’s plenty to digest. Over the four-day period, MWC covered topics such as 5G, artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality and robotics that play into a diverse range of areas from home and business to automotive, health, agriculture, utilities and manufacturing to name just a few of the industries. And not forgetting a few new device launches as well.

5G has been a topic for a couple of years and continued to be a major theme at MWC, regarded as a key factor in the expected explosion of connected devices in the home, business and in smart cities. The capabilities of 5G will bring much faster speeds along with lower latency that will create new possibilities with IoT, smart homes and virtual reality.

The automotive industry is embracing the digital age. Indeed, you’re just as likely to see a connected car as a smartphone amongst the exhibits. The next generation of cars will be intrinsically linked with mobiles – one exhibitor was demonstrating a new smartphonebased system that lets users gain access to their car with a selfie. As expected, AI was also a key theme in the exhibition and conference programme.

If you wanted to immerse yourself in another world there were plenty of opportunities to try out the latest software and headsets at MWC. Anything from sport to balloon rides and surgical applications. With worldwide spend on augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) expected to hit $17.8bn in 2018, a 95% rise from last year, according to research firm IDC, it wasn’t surprising that these technologies continued to make a big appearance at the event.

Whilst some may have been disappointed by the lack of new smartphone announcements, there was still plenty on offer. Not surprisingly, and as expected, Samsung was dominant at the show unveiling the Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ in Barcelona. Whilst, they look similar to previous models, these devices are worthy flagship phones with plenty to offer the most discerning smartphone user.

Like last year, HMD Global also impressed, launching no fewer than five new phones including a refresh of its Nokia 8110 with 4G onboard and the Nokia 8 Sirocco. Sony also added two new phones to its line-up with the Xperia XZ2 and Xperia XZ2 Compact with the ability to shoot 4K HDR video, a first for the company. In the rugged market, the CAT S61 also made headlines with its advanced thermal-imaging tech, laser-assisted distance measuring and an airmonitoring sensor.

Perhaps because MWC is no longer just for mobile phones, it’s not surprising to see some vendors taking the opportunity to launch notebooks and tablets. Lenovo introduced the new Yoga 730 (in 13inch and 15-inch models) and the new 14-inch Yoga 530 – the latest additions to their 2-in-1 family of Windows 10-based convertibles featuring modern designs, powerful laptop performance and tablet portability. The Yoga 730 has Alexa built-in. Voice assistants also featured heavily at the event. Interestingly, McAfee announced the development of a new Alexa Skill, which lets you check on the security of your network and router without having to open an app. But back to Lenovo who also introduced a couple of really affordable Chromebooks (300e and 500e) for schools. These have been ruggedized to withstand some excesses like water spillage but also have some great note-taking capabilities. With no new Huawei flagship phone to show, the company took the opportunity to show its MediaPad M5 range of tablets and a MateBook X Pro laptop.

Of course, nothing stands still in our industry so perhaps we shouldn’t be surprised to see the direction that MWC has taken. The great news is we have some great new devices ready for you to take to your customers, some of which we have highlighted here.

Mark Weston, Exertis sales director, UK&I was at MWC for Future Mobility

Basingstoke: 01256 707 070 | Burnley: 01282 776 776 | Stoke: 01782 648 300 | store.exertis.co.uk

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FUTURE

SAMSUNG S9 AND S9+ There are reviews aplenty out there, so here are the key specs.

• Screen: 5.8-inch QHD Curved Super AMOLED display • Chip: Samsung Exynos octa-core processor (64-bit, 2.7GHz) • RAM: 4 gigabytes • Storage: 64 / 256 gigabytes • Battery: 3,000mAh • Dimensions: 147.7 x 67.8 x 8.5mm • Weight: 163 grams • Waterproof: Yes (IP68) • Rear Camera: 12-megapixel (f/1.5-f/2.4) with OIS • Front Camera: 8-megapixel (f/1.7) The rear camera can now also capture super slow motion videos at 960 frames per second, with automatic motion detection that triggers recording at the correct moment to ensure a vivid slo-mo video. The fingerprint sensor on the rear of the device has been moved from next to the camera to beneath it. It’s a small but vital change for some from last year’s S8. There’s also AR Emoji, a feature that turns selfies into animated emoji.

The Galaxy S9+ has a bigger 6.2-inch display, 2GB extra RAM, a bigger battery 3,500mAh and has a dual lens camera. Both are available in Midnight Black, Coral Blue, and Lilac Purple.

SONY XZ2 AND XZ2 COMPACT Both phones have had great reviews and seem destined for success. Standout features: The Xperia XZ2 is the first smartphone from any manufacturer capable of recording 4K HDR video footage using its Motion Eye camera, and the 960fps super slow motion pioneered by Sony is now available up to 1080p (up from 720p). The new handsets come with a new great design, wireless charging, improved screen technology and some great features like its Dynamic Vibration System. The main difference between the phones is their size.

Sony XZ2 • Android 8.0 Oreo • 5.7in Full HD+ HDR 18:9 touchscreen • Qualcom Snapdragon 845 processor • 4GB RAM • 64GB storage; microSD card slot (up to 400GB) • Rear camera: 19MP, video up to 4K HDR • Front camera: 5MP • Fingerprint sensor • IP68 waterproofing • 4G LTE • 3180mAh non-removable battery • Wireless charging • 72x153x11.1mm

NOKIA 8110 NO The second instalment from the Nokia Originals reloaded with 4G capabilities Or O Smart Feature OS OS: Screen size: 2.4 inches curved display Sc Resolution: 160×120 R CPU: Qualcomm 205 C RAM: 512MB R Storage: 4GB Battery: 1,500mAh Rear camera: 2MP with LED flash

NOKIA 8 SIROCCO A premium flagship phone. Wrapped in Gorilla Glass 5 with a stainless steel frame, the Nokia 8 Sirocco looks and feels luxurious and has the specs to match. And the reviewers seem to like it!

Dimensions: 140.93 x 72.97 x 7.5mm OS: Android Oreo One Screen size: 5.5 inches Resolution: 2560 x 1440 CPU: Snapdragon 835 RAM: 6GB Storage: 128GB Battery: 3,260mAh Rear camera: 12MP + 13MP Front camera: 5MP

CAT S61 Simply the best rugged phone on the market. Designed specifically as a tool for tradespeople, but would also suit anybody looking for a thoroughly rugged smartphone.

It has a thermal camera, an air quality sensor, and a laser-based measuring tool • Android 8.0 Oreo • 5.7in Full HD+ HDR 18:9 touchscreen • Qualcom Snapdragon 845 processor • 4GB RAM • 64GB storage; microSD card slot (up to 400GB) • Rear camera: 19MP, video up to 4K HDR • Front camera: 5MP • Fingerprint sensor • IP68 waterproofing • 4G LTE • 3180mAh non-removable battery • Wireless charging • 72x153x11.1mm

15 3

Introducing the

The phone. Reimagined.

Samsung have reimagined the Galaxy S9 and S9+, so your customers can reimagine work and life.

Samsung have reimagined security. Biometric authentication secures your customers’ phone and files.

Samsung have reimagined what your customers see. In bright light, low light and with super Slow-Mo, ensuring their business looks professional.

Samsung have reimagined the office. DeX delivers a desktop experience anywhere.

Samsung have reimagined the working day. Bixby, their new PA, manages their day so they’ll perform at their best.

Galaxy S9 and S9+. The phone. Reimagined.

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PLUG IN TO EXERTIS

MA oM b Ii N l iG ty G AND ENTERTAINMENT

Silverstone is used to big names, excitement and top performers. So, it’s fitting that we should be bringing our second Plug in to Exertis channel event to this location. On the 19th April, we’ll be transforming the circuit into a technology showcase with our world leading portfolio of vendors, gathering to show off what’s new, what’s emerging and what’s hot. If you sell to SMBs, enterprises or the public sector, it’s the not to be missed channel event.

The business sector, there’s a consumer one for retail too, will be bigger and better than ever with focused areas covering AV, Computing, Components, Print, Mobile and Enterprise. The line-up of exhibitors is already very impressive and we’re continually adding new ones in the run up to the event.

Visitors will have the chance to come and meet the vendors leading the way in providing business products and solutions across a range of technologies, discuss opportunities with our expert teams dedicated to specific categories, join our seminars on key industry topics and participate in other show-floor activities.

What’s more, we’ve announced an exciting line-up of keynote speakers fitting for our choice of venue. Mark Gallagher and David Coulthard will be presenting the business lessons that can be derived from creating winning teams in today’s competitive world – one where performance is everything. You’ll also have the chance to meet them over lunch.

What to expect: • • • •

80+ of our leading vendors showcasing their products and solutions Keynotes from our UK MD Paul Bryan and Formula One legends David Coulthard and Mark Gallagher Technology suites with seminars on key topics from industry experts Champagne reception in the pit lane

Register today exertis.co.uk/plugin

Basingstoke: 01256 707 070 | Burnley: 01282 776 776 | Stoke: 01782 648 300 | store.exertis.co.uk

HERE'S SOME INFORMATION ON WHAT TO EXPECT IN OUR BUSINESS AREA FROM A MOBILITY PERSPECTIVE. DETAILS ON OTHER AREAS CAN BE FOUND ON OUR PLUG IN TO EXERTIS WEBSITE. Computing Computing remains a key focus for businesses moving forward. From traditional desktop to the lightest, thinnest 2in1 devices Exertis’ portfolio delivers a PC solution for every requirement. Visit the PC technology area to explore the growth of specialised computing sectors in the market providing fantastic margin opportunities in rugged computing devices, workstation and Virtual/Mixed Reality developments.

Dell, Lenovo, Acer, Fujitsu and Toshiba will all be exhibiting. Dell will be presenting on an industry topic (check out the web site for the latest details).

In addition, visitors will be able to experience the Microsoft interactive escape room challenge that brings Windows 10 to life.

Mobile Get your hands on the latest smartphones on the market from all the leading manufacturers, fresh from announcements at CES and MWC (see our feature on page 14) including the new Samsung S9 and S9+, Sony XZ2 and XZ2 Compact, the latest releases from Nokia, tablets and handsets from Huawei, the rugged CAT S61 and EXSPECT with its Windows tablet range. LG and Samsung will also feature their mobile and AV line-ups in one combined area. On top of that, we’ve some new compatible accessory vendors: Tzumi, Travel Blue and J5 exhibiting in addition to Belkin, Otterbox and Targus.

Finally, you can find out more about our new value-added services that can support resellers with life cycle management programmes and device as a service (DaaS) offerings. Come and meet us, and we’ll tell you how you can get on board with these opportunities.

How can I attend?

Firstly, it’s important to know that we will be adding vendors, announcing seminar topics and other show-floor experiences right up to the event in both the consumer and business sectors, and the focused areas within each. Register on our website, where you will also find further details, and we’ll keep you up to date with the latest developments: www.exertis.co.uk/plugin.

BIOS OF GUEST SPEAKERS David Coulthard David Coulthard is one of Formula One’s most successful drivers, winning Grands Prix on 13 occasions including twice winning the prestigious British and Monaco Grands Prix. During a 15 year career he drove for Williams, McLaren and Red Bull Racing, establishing a reputation for combining speed with intelligence.

He is now a key member of the award winning BBC TV F1 commentary team.

Mark Gallagher During his Formula One career, spanning 30 years, Mark has worked in senior management roles at Jordan Grand Prix, Red Bull Racing and Cosworth. Today he is co-commentator and Formula One analyst for the BBC in the UK as well as founder and CEO of Performance Insights.

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FUTURE

A MESSAGE FROM PAUL BRYAN, EXERTIS UK MANAGING DIRECTOR A day well spent with technology. A day that strengthens relationships.

That’s what you can expect when you join us at our second Plug in to Exertis channel event. Whatever type of customer you sell to, be it enterprise, SMB or consumer, we’ve a range of technologies that can be deployed in the living room through to the data centre. This event presents a real opportunity to get to know the breadth of technology that we can offer you at Exertis.

You can focus on a technology sector in which you already play or take the opportunity to diversify your interest into a complementary area that can add to the solutions that you already provide. Or you can do both.

For business, we have focused areas in AV, PC, Print, Components, Enterprise and Mobile. For consumers we can offer you Smart Tech and Networking, Premium Audio & TV, Gadgets & Accessories and Gaming. Each area will host: an exhibition space with a plethora of solutions and products from our leading range of vendors; a seminar programme on hot technology topics delivered by industry specialists and a number of show-floor features.

However, that’s not all. Services are becoming an increasingly important part of what the channel can offer customers and we’d like you to take advantage of these for your business. Just like the breadth of technology we provide, Exertis has a wide range of services that are helping our retailers and resellers win lasting relationships with their customers. From financial and logistical to category management and professional services, we can enable you to offer these as part of your own value proposition. We’ve some great use cases that we’d like to share with you on the day.

This year, our event is being held at Silverstone Circuit, the home of British Formula 1 Grand Prix. This is a great facility with good access and we hope that this will encourage even more resellers from both north and south of the country to join us. What’s more, who better to be our guest speakers at such a venue than Mark Gallagher who has worked in senior management roles at Jordan Grand Prix, Red Bull Racing and Cosworth, and David Coulthard, one of Formula One’s most successful drivers, winning Grands Prix on 13 occasions including twice winning the prestigious British and Monaco Grands Prix. If you have ever wanted to know about the inner workings of Formula One and to understand how these lessons can be applied to business, and hear first-hand experiences of what it takes to be a winner, then this is another great reason to join us.

Also, please take the opportunity at the event to tell us how we can serve you better. We will have members of our senior management team available on the day and so over lunch or at the end of the day, we’d be more than happy to get your feedback.

I look forward to meeting with you on the 19th April. Don’t forget to register at www.exertis.co.uk/ plugin and we’ll keep you up-to-date with the latest information on our Plug in to Exertis event.

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COMFORT. VERSATILITY.

PERFORMANCE. THE BEST OF ALL WORLDS — THE VOYAGER 6200 UC BLUETOOTH® NECKBAND HEADSETWITH EARBUDS.

Voyager 6200 UC Black Partcode PLA20686001

VOYAGER 6200 UC Connects to all your devices.

With premium features and professional-grade audio, Voyager 6200 UC is a Bluetooth® neckband headset with earbuds that has the versatility to go beyond the office. Transitioning to the next conversation is easy: Connect with colleagues working remotely, listen to music to focus distraction-free or drop an earbud to tune in to the conversation around you. You can count on Voyager 6200 UC for outstanding audio every time, everywhere.

Key features • Comfortable Bluetooth® neckband headset with earbuds with no boom.

• Works seamlessly across desktops, laptops, mobile phones, tablets and Bluetooth®-enabled desk phones.

• Neckband vibrates to notify of incoming calls and alerts from applications.

• On-demand active- and passive-noise cancelling increases focus on calls or work.

• Wideband audio provides high-quality PC telephony.

CONTACT YOUR EXERTIS ACCOUNT MANAGER TODAY

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MA oM b Ii N l iG ty G AND ENTERTAINMENT

TOTAL COST OF OWNERSHIP IS KEY TO DECISION MAKING With the continued growth in mobile and remote working across all types of industry sectors, the real cost of ownership of devices becomes an important factor. Clearly, due to their portability, devices like laptops, tablets and smartphones are more at risk of damage than the desktop.

Businesses implementing a mobile computing strategy need to understand how much it is going to cost and what are the most appropriate devices that will improve efficiency and productivity.

Whilst the purchase price is one of the critical factors, the decision to select and customise a consumer device against going for more purpose-built enterprise devices will need to be taken into account.

Much will depend here on where the device is going to be used, at least its primary use. Selecting a consumer device for harsh working environments or for multi-users in a public location is likely to be a false economy. These devices are more prone to breakages and failure. There are plenty of ruggedised alternatives for laptops, tablets and smartphones that are better suited. Studies by analysts VDC and Gartner have shown that the costs of deploying consumer mobile devices that are customised for enterprise mobility are almost always higher than those purpose built. VDC estimate it could be at least 51% higher for the consumer device.

Whilst the acquisition cost of specific devices, accessories and applications is fairly simple, the on-going operational costs are more complex to determine but provide a more realistic Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). TCO takes into account the variety of costs that can occur during the lifespan of a mobile solution. This includes the expected lifespan of the device and applications, expected service and support costs and possible downtime costs due to device failure rates. In addition, costs of associated accessories will need to be included such as RFID readers or scanners.

To provide the expected productivity, support for both the hardware and software will need to be calculated. This could include warranty terms, repair, replacement costs or recurring costs such as security and software updates. The cost of downtime for an employee that cannot function due to a breakage or some other failure can be considerable. If an engineer can’t carry out a repair or a sales person can’t take an order because of a device failure, the cost associated with the loss of productivity can easily outweigh the savings in choosing a cheaper but less reliable product.

CHOOSING THE BEST MOBILE DEVICE FOR A BUSINESS WILL DEPEND ON: What environmental conditions do the workers operate in?

What software do you need to run?

What accessories might need to be included?

How important is anytime, anywhere connectivity?

What resources are available to support the proposition?

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18% 61%

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OF A COMPANY’S NOTEBOOKS REQUIRE REPAIR OF SOME KIND DURING A YEAR WITH THE RATE OF FAILURE INCREASING YEAR BY YEAR. OF NOTEBOOKS WILL HAVE A FAILURE THAT WILL REQUIRE REPAIR.

Sources IDC

manufacturing plant or construction site. Truly rugged devices must not only be sturdy but also be highly usable in the conditions where employees need to use them. This includes displays that are highly viewable in bright sunlight, swappable batteries that ensure a device is always powered when needed, and rugged ports and connectors that don't wear out over time.

Increasingly, employees have the flexibility of working where they want (inside or outside of company premises) and when they want.

They are no longer fixed to a dedicated desktop or workplace. Whilst this has invariably led to greater productivity for the company and positivity for the employee, it has increased the likelihood of damaging devices simply by dropping them or taking them into areas where they are more prone to spillages or dusty environments. Analysts IDC maintain that about 18% of a company’s notebooks require repair of some kind during a year with the rate of failure increasing year by year. By the end of year five, 61% of notebooks will have a failure that will require repair. According to IDC in a 2016 survey, the most common issues of damage for a notebook were the screen, followed by the keyboard and then the storage drive (HHD or SSD). For tablets, the most damaged component was the screen, followed by ports or connectors and then the outer chassis. For handhelds, the top component likely to be damaged was the screen, the battery, and the outer chassis.

THE CASE FOR GOING RUGGED In the past, consumer products have tended to be more stylish rather than robust whilst conversely commercial laptops were more sturdy, heavy and less portable. However, due to the increase in field based mobility, ruggedised products have come to be used in more vertical markets. Of course, there are a number of definitions of a rugged device, something discussed in a previous issue of this magazine, but those that comply with the military standard MIL-STD-810G are considered to be truly rugged. These meet strict testing parameters for durability, endurance and strength. Of course, it’s possible to put your tablet or smartphone into a ruggedised case and spillresistant keyboards and a thicker case might be fine in educational establishments for notebooks but that’s not going to suffice when it comes to surviving in extreme conditions or working in a

The biggest problem when a device goes down is loss of productivity.

IDC reported that on average, “workers lost about 5.8 working hours for notebook repairs, 4.2 hours for tablet repairs, and 6.0 hours for smartphone repairs — so at best, half a working day; at worst, three-quarters of a working day”. And remember, these are averages. For more than 18% of companies, an employee could expect to be without his/her notebook for 1–2 working days. In the office and home, failure of a device is less of a burden than failure in a critical environment. Markets such as manufacturing, oil and gas, healthcare, and the military cannot compromise on their operations, productivity, and reliability by using consumergrade devices, therefore they increasingly adopt and rely on rugged devices. In these industries, companies are likely to experience a greater benefit from the deployment of rugged devices to their mobile workforce. Indeed, there is a major difference between the cost of a replacement as opposed to the cost of failure. Whilst more expensive than standard devices, the total cost of ownership of a rugged device can be less. Broken mobile devices need to be replaced, failure means loss of productivity and communication.

Ruggedised devices can help eliminate costly repairs, maintain employee productivity and satisfaction, and eliminate the IT time spent dealing with damaged devices.

More recently, rugged devices have become more attractive both in terms of style and weight with comparable performance to traditional computing products. Whilst, they invariably cost more, the total cost of ownership makes them an attractive proposition for many working in mobile environments.

Exertis has an extensive range of computing products including rugged notebooks from Dell, Acer and Asus. With increased drive storage, memory capacity and faster processing speeds, some smartphones meet the requirements of sectors such as delivery and courier companies where screen size isn’t as critical and semiruggedness is satisfactory. In addition, the CAT brand is specifically focused on providing smartphones that can be deployed in the most hazardous workplaces. Together with a range of rugged accessories from Tech21, Otterbox, Speck, Cygnett and Griffin, Exertis can provide a complete solution.

Ask your account manager for details and ensure that you are enabling your customers to choose the device that provides the right cost of ownership for their business.

Sources and Acknowledgements: IDC (Business Case for rugged devices), VDC and Gartner

Everything you need to work smarter With outstanding battery life and sharp displays, Xperia’s new smartphones bring you the best of Sony – all day, every day.

Rely on seamless apps and excellent sharing capabilities to increase productivity and efficiency. And, crucially, trust in a robust and secure Android system with Sony Mobile enhancements.

TRY BEFORE YOU BUY! Now available from the Exertis EVAL Scheme, ask your Exertis account manager for details.

How are your customers managing the USB-A to USB-C transition?

Introducing the world’s first 4K Dual Video Universal Dock, with backwards and forwards compatibility for USB-Type A and Type C devices.

USB Type-C

USB Type-A

WWW.TARGUS.COM

PART CODE

DOCK180

USB-C Power delivery

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EXERTIS MOBILE

HOT PICKS

TOP 5 NEW DEVICES 1

SONY XPERIA XZ2 Packed with the latest Sony technologies to deliver an entertainment experience that touches your senses in a whole new way. Whether you’re lost in an HDR movie or capturing hidden details with the new advanced Motion Eye™ camera.

Part code S10190403 Black | S10190406 Blue S10190404 Silver

SAMSUNG GALAXY S9 Everyday moments become epic with Super Slow-mo and the option to overlay music on every shot. And with AR Emojis and a Dual Aperture camera that adapts like the human eye, expressing yourself becomes effortless.

HUAWEI P SMART The HUAWEI FullView Display features a striking 5.65-inch 2.5D glass screen that reflects vivid, true-to-life colours. The wider screen does not mean a larger body though, the thin, lightweight HUAWEI P Smart fits easily in the palm of user's hand.

Part code S10188716 Blue S10188718 Purple

Part code S10187660 Black | S10187661 Gold

TOP 5 ACCESSORIES J5 CREATE 40W 5-PORT USB SUPER CHARGER

1

Equipped with Intelligent Identification technology, which detects users’ devices to deliver its fastest and safest possible charge. Each USB port is capable of delivering up to 2.4A of power.

Part code S10191473

SAMSUNG DEX Some things are easier on a desktop. Turn any place into a workspace by connecting the new Samsung Galaxy S8/S8+ to a monitor with the new Samsung DeX to create a full desktop experience.

Part code S10159221 de S1015

OTTERBOX POWER PACK Du Durable synthetic rubber exterior. Dust and splash resistant with convenient battery status indicator. Featuring battery batte status indicator and high-speed charging.

Part code S10163051@SDA Pa

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TOP BEST SELLERS 1

SAMSUNG GALAXY TAB ACTIVE2 A ruggedised tablet for challenging work environments that is water and dust resistant for use outdoors. Plus its replaceable battery allows users to power on when there’s no power socket.

Part code: LTE S10180855 Black

LG K10 The sheer power of a 1.5GHz Octa-Core processor combined with 2GB of RAM gives users fluidity without snags or holdups. The 2,800mAh battery is removable, for quick switching on the go.

NOKIA 7 PLUS

Part code: S10135634 Black

The Nokia 7 Plus has the screen, power, design and features to make it a true hero. Optimised to extract every bit of juice from the already powerful 3800 mAh battery, the device delivers an amazing 2-day battery life.

CAT S31 A truly rugged phone featuring a large capacity battery (4,000mAh). Water, dust and drop proof with a scratch-resistant screen – it can handle whatever’s thrown at it.

Pre-order now

CAT S61 Boasts an integrated FLIR thermal imaging camera with enhanced software for greater image contrast, expanded temperature range to 400 degrees Celsius, and an upgrade from VGA to High-Definition detail from the visible camera.

Pre-order now

CYGNETT WIRELESS DESK CHARGER Combines the most convenient way to charge a phone whilst incorporating great style and a sleek design. With wireless charging arging technology and a non-slip grip surface, ace, users can be assured they are charging g their device quickly and safely.

Part code S10180352

BELKIN 3.1 USB-A TO USB-C™ CABLE ABLE Lets users charge their USB-C device as well as sync their photos, music and data to their existing laptop. Experience up to 10 Gbps transfer rates, up to 20X faster than USB 2.0.

Part code BELF2CU029BT1M-BLK

Part code: S10182720 Black

5

HUAWEI MATE 10 PRO The world's first Kirin AI processor brings users a faster, stronger, and seamless smartphone experience. Ultimate design – users can enjoy an immersive viewing experience with HDR 10 technology.

Part code: S10180960

NOKIA 3 Nokia 3 comes with the classic design hallmarks: a beautifully crafted and sculpted polycarbonate back, a solid-feeling aluminium frame, carefully finished details, and optimised performance for everyday use.

Part code:

S10158116 Black S10158117 White S10158118 Blue S10158121 Copper

5

THINNER. LIGHTER.®MORE POWERFUL PCS WITH INTEL INSIDE .

NEW 8TH GEN INTEL® CORE™ PROCESSORS

© 2017 Intel Corporation. Intel, the Intel logo, Intel Core, Intel Inside, the Intel. Experience What’s Inside logo and Intel. Experience What’s Inside are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries.

DRIVING NEW BUSINESS WITH INTEL®- POWERED 2 IN 1S TODAY’S CONSUMERS WANT ULTRAPORTABLE DEVICES. 2 IN 1 COMPUTERS BASED ON ¾ º m m m Ì VERSATILE THAN EVER.2

PERFORMANCE AND BETTER BATTERY LIFE: UNPRECEDENTED POWER AND UP TO 10 HOURS BATTERY LIFE OFFER ANYWHERE/ANYTIME CONVENIENCE1

PAIRED WITH INTEL® OPTANE™ MEMORY TO DELIVER AMAZING SYSTEM RESPONSIVENESS. ¾ 3 WHEN YOU NEED IT. 1. (10 hours battery life) Windows* 10 1080p 24fps Local Video Playback on Intel® CRB, Intel® Core™ i5-7200U Processor, PL1=15W TDP, 2C4T, Turbo up to 3.1GHz; Memory: 2x4GB DDR4-2133, Storage: Intel SSD, Display Resolution:1920x1080. Intel HD Graphics 620, Battery: 42WHr, OS: Windows* 10 TH2 2. Versus a 5-year-old computer.

3. Intel technologies’ features and benefits depend on system configuration and may require enabled hardware, software or service activation. Performance varies depending on system configuration. No computer system can be absolutely secure. Check with your system manufacturer or retailer or learn more at http://support.intel.com.

CONTACT YOUR EXERTIS ACCOUNT MANAGER FOR MORE INFORMATION

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MA oM b Ii N l iG ty G AND ENTERTAINMENT

HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF

THE SMART TECH

OPPORTUNITY There is no doubting the impact that voice assistants have had on the smart tech market. Smart speakers like Amazon Echo and Google Home are bringing more devices into more homes as the technology becomes more mainstream. Homeowners rather than tech savvy early adopters can now start to deploy a range of smart devices from major manufacturers that can be operated not from a number of different apps on their smartphone but by using their chosen voice assistant as the central control hub for their smart home ecosystem.

Manufacturers have been eager to incorporate voice assistants into their products to take advantage of the growing market trend.

Whilst it’s difficult to be entirely accurate with statistics, it’s clear that the installed base of Alexa and Google Home runs into several million. Research analyst Canalys estimates that in the first nine months of 2017, 17.1m smart speakers shipped worldwide with a further 16.1m sold during the last quarter driven by the holiday season and no doubt helped by the reduction in cost of the devices.

That correlates with data from Strategy Analytics that reported full year shipments of 32m, up over 300% year on year with Google and Amazon accounting for 9 out of 10 smart speakers sold. Exertis estimate that 3.94m units were shipped in the UK during 2017 with Amazon accounting for 71% of the market.

Whilst the consumer may initially be happy for these smart speakers to answer questions, play music and control their viewing experience, the opportunity to control other devices around the home should bring music to the ears of retailers. What’s more if you’re thinking it’s just a passing trend, then consider the staggering 70% year-on year growth forecast from Canalys estimating that shipments will reach more than 56m units this year.

Exertis’ prediction of the Smart Tech Market Growth

THERMOSTATS, CAMERAS, PLUGS, LIGHTS AND ENTERTAINMENT Manufacturers are clearly behind the voice assistant market evidenced at both CES and MWC when increasingly products were promoted to be compatible with one or other or both of the major voice assistants. Prominent drivers of smart home adoption have been the ease of use offered with a voice assistant coupled with a desire for energy efficiency, home security, comfort and entertainment. Energy consumption is hardly surprising as smart meters and thermostats have been heavily advertised and rapidly

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FUTURE

adopted by consumers. Lighting has also been a good seller not just in terms of energy but also for creating ambient settings in the home.

Security is also on the minds of Millennials, particularly females, as a survey from Better Homes and Gardens reported that 73% saw smart home tech as a way to protect their homes – a rise from 9% since 2014. Smart Security cameras which can now be linked to your TV via Amazon Fire TV adds another dimension to home security. And as for entertainment, 70% of users report listening to more music now they have a smart speaker.

The variety of products are growing exponentially, and hundreds of “works with” products are now listed on Amazon and Ebay. Exertis’ extensive experience with retail and smart tech has led us to the conclusion that it’s wiser for retailers to keep with the trusted brand names that offer a channel strategy that has retail at its heart as well as offering better reliability, security and support.

SERVICE AND INSTALLATION Whilst some products can be classed as DIY and installed easily by the homeowners, others need the help of professional installers or local retailers that can provide a more personal and advisory service along with installation. Whilst tech savvy buyers might be prepared to undertake that work, the majority of consumers would prefer a pain-free set-up. Those retailers that can offer support, advice and service are most likely to get repeat business as the homeowner builds a more enhanced connected home system. The in-store experience is vitally important. Setting up a smart tech sales environment and providing easy to follow messaging about the benefits and how it’s possible to build an integrated and connected home will generate sales.

1OWNINA DIGITAL 9 PEOPLE ASSISTANT (VOICEBOT)

19 % OF ECHO/HOME USERS ARE USING THESE DEVICES ALL THE TIME AND 46 % REGULARLY/ALL THE TIME

66%

OF PEOPLE USE ECHO/HOME TO LISTEN TO MUSIC (EDISON RESEARCH)

42% OF AMAZON

ECHO OWNERS HAVE

2 OR MORE DEVICES

One unique aspect of smart tech is that as consumers begin purchasing products to work with their smart speakers, they are embarking on a journey where purchases are made across several months. For most categories in retail, a consumer buys a product and that’s it. With smart tech, there’s a strong repeat business opportunity to pursue.

At Exertis, we’ve a range of retail services that can get you started and help you make the most of the opportunities, and the best portfolio of products from leading brands. We’ve opened new routes to market for our vendors from electrical and DIY superstores to specialist independent stores that are trusted advisors in their community. If you’d like to find out more, speak to your account manager.

46%

(EDISON RESEARCH)

SMART TECH IS A JOURNEY NOT A PURCHASE

Experience counts. That’s why working with Exertis, the leader in smart tech distribution, makes sense if you want to add smart tech products to your portfolio. With the Smart Tech market growing fast, driven by the adoption of smart speakers, as a retailer, wouldn’t you want to get involved?

19%

(EDISON RESEARCH)

48% OF OWNERS BOUGHT THEIR FIRST HOME AUTOMATION PRODUCT ONLY AFTER ACQUIRING THE ECHO (STRATEGY ANALYTICS)

57% PURCHASED THEIR FIRST IOT DEVICE AFTER ACQUIRING GOOGLE HOME BUYER BEWARE Both Amazon and Google license their technology to OEMs. The Amazon Alexa has features not found on clones (at this time). Drop in which is an intercom function that allows users to “call” one Alexa device from another e.g. “Alexa call the kitchen”, Call in which allows you to make and receive calls and messaging between Alexa devices owned by different people and Multiroom audio which allows you to play the same music on different Echo devices are all, at this time, unique to Amazon’s Alexa devices.

(CEPRO)

50% OF CONSUMERS WOULD LIKE TO USE SMART TECHNOLOGY TO CONTROL THEIR HOMES (HONEYWELL)

1 31 3

Now available in Raspberry Rose & Moroccan Blue

The immersive 5.7 FullVision display of a sleek device provides more room for text, browsing, and wider view when watching presentations.

The QHD Plus resolution and HDR10 support also allow superior picture quality for a more engaging viewing experience.

Free B&O PLAY earphones when you buy an LG G6

worth ÂŁ129 RRP

Earphones by B&O PLAY, specially designed for LG to enhance the sound experience

T&Cs apply. Offer open to non-excluded accounts only. Offer valid while stocks last.

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CUSTOMERS ARE BECOMING INCREASINGLY

SIM FREE SAVVY SIM-only is now firmly established as the largest category in the mobile phone market in terms of sales according to data from GfK. Its success has been down to attracting customers from both PAYG and contract handset tariffs, whilst retaining those already on contract SIM-only tariffs.

SIM-only contracts are specifically designed to offer customers value for money. What’s more, a good many users stick with this type of contract for their next purchase. SIM-only plans that offer a monthly payment option with an agreed amount of minutes, texts and data each month can be purchased usually for either one or twelve months.

The latter tends to be less expensive due to the longer commitment.

Of course, even on a monthly plan, users might not use their full allowance. A pay as you go option whilst more expensive in terms of what you can buy suits certain users with its payment based on actual usage. These SIM-only contracts have been driven by the increasing popularity of SIM free (network unlocked) handsets that enable the customer to change their phone or upgrade when they choose to.

Naturally, there is the upfront cost of the handset as opposed to a monthly tariff contract but an older phone can be resold or recycled to gain value from it and contribute towards a new purchase.

More customers are clearly choosing to de-couple the handset purchase from the tariff purchase and choosing to buy both separately. Opting for a SIM free phone and a SIM-only contract invariably offers the best long term value for money. When flagship phones go on sale, it's usually very expensive to get them on contract.

It can be cheaper to buy the phones SIM-free and unlocked and pair them with a SIM-only deal that suits the customer. A raft of SIMOnly contracts are available from the networks. Moreover, there's a lot more flexibility when it comes to how long a SIM only plan will last with the norm being either one year or rolling one-month contracts. As mentioned above, users can often get better prices for 12 months, especially on larger data tariffs. Sticking to one month at a time means that users can effectively choose a new plan every

30 days. GfK noted that younger customers under 35 years were more prepared to switch network to seek a better deal, faster data connections and better customer service.

With the increasing demand for SIM free handsets, differentiation is also difficult for brands to achieve. GfK research highlighted the key features that users look for in choosing a new phone. In their Q3 2017 release, the analyst suggested that the new features offered by devices over the past 18 months aren’t being addressed by manufacturers as well as they could be and contribute to consumers not upgrading to the latest models. They noted that water resistance has become a feature of many devices over the last 12-18 months, but this doesn’t even make the top 10 of most important features when buying a new device.

Most Important features when choosing a new phone 1

Good battery life

2

Price

3

Easy phone for me to use

4

User's preferred operating system

5

Good camera on the back of the phone

6

Large amount of storage

7

Large screen

8

Screen quality and resolution

9

Brand

10

Attractive design

Sources and Acknowledgements: GfK

Nevertheless, with SIM free handsets in demand, Exertis can fulfil the demands of retailers and their customers by offering a great choice of phones from the leading mobile brands. Ask your account manager for details.

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MOBILE ATTACH

TOP 10

7

1

1

SAMSUNG GALAXY S9 CLEAR VIEW STANDING COVER

It's simple to answer calls without opening the cover.

The dedicated UX lets users tap and swipe as needed, and even shows them important information like time, date, and battery level.

3

4

BELKIN MIXIT™ LIGHTNING CHARGESYNC DOCK (IPHONE | IPOD | PAD)

RRP: £29.99 Colour: Silver Part code: BELF8J045BT

5

OTTERBOX GALAXY S8+ TRANSPARENT BACK COVER

Users can keep their phone like new with lightweight, virtually invisible scratch and bump resistance. Clearly Protected, the ultra-thin skin from OtterBox wraps users’ phone with a precision fit.

RRP: £25.00 Colour: Clear Part code: S10134935@SDA

SAMSUNG NOTE8 CLEAR VIEW STANDING COVER

RRP: £49.95 Colour: Black Part code: S10169545

10

SONY STYLE COVER TOUCH SCTH40 FOR XPERIA XZ2

The SCTH40 features a see-through front so users can access their smartphone functions at a glance, even when the cover is closed. Touch, scroll, tap and swipe with added protection.

RRP: £35.00 Colour: Grey, Green, Black, Pink Part code: S10190896

6

CYGNETT LITHIUM POLYMER 6000MAH POWER BANK

Powered by lithium polymer battery technology, allowing smaller cells to hold more charge and deliver higher power output, the power bank is ultra-thin, powerful and features a digital power display with a metallic finish.

RRP: £29.95 Colour: Black/Gold Part code: S10181371

8

SPECK IPHONE X PRESIDIO

Featuring an ultra-slim design and high impact protection, Presidio Clear has a hard-exterior layer that disperses force and an interior layer of Impactium Clear that absorbs and disperses shock away from users’ device.

RRP: £24.99 Colour: Clear Part code: S10178780

BELKIN 3.5MM AUDIO + CHARGE ROCKSTAR IPHONE ADAPTER (IPHONE 7 | IPHONE 7 PLUS | IPHONE 8 | IPHONE 8 PLUS | IPHONE X)

Your customers will no longer have to struggle between listening to music and charging their iPhone again. Belkin’s 3.5mm Audio + Charge RockStar allows users to do both. This one-ofa-kind design provides optimal charging and uncompromised audio.

RRP: £29.99 Colour: White Part code: S10170102

A multi-fit tablet case with a stretchy, shock-absorbing silicone system grips users’ device on all four corners and secures it safely inside. 360° rotating design offers hands-free portrait and landscape viewing.

RRP: £20.00 Colour: Black Part code: TARTHZ645GL

Charge and sync any Lightning connector iPhone, iPod, or iPad with the compact and stylish Belkin Charge + Sync Dock. The built-in Lightning connector means users can dock their compatible devices hands-free.

5

2

TARGUS SAFEFIT 9-10 INCH ROTATING UNIVERSAL TABLET CASE

RRP: £49.00 Colour: Violet, Black, Blue, Gold Part code: S10185914

Quickly and easily view incoming calls, messages, battery life and the time with the Samsung Galaxy Note8 Clear View case. The front cover includes a special protective scratch resistant coating and innovative scratch recover technology made from the best quality materials.

9

Mobility

10

PLANTRONICS- VOYAGER 5240 BLUETOOTH HEADSET INCLUDING CHARGING CASE

Specially designed for professionals who do not stop during the day and require a standard of audio quality that allows them to have conversations free from distortions in any environment.

RRP: £139.99 Colour: Black Part code: OS10158067

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Simply the right card Stunning speed and reliability in a single card

As a world leader in memory technology, Samsung has provided memory card solutions that consumers truly need and want – with best-in-class performance, excellent compatibility and long-term reliability to get the most out of today’s electronics, making them an ideal companion for high-end devices with a microSD or full SD slot. We want our customers to experience more and worry less about their purchase decision or running out of memory.

Key Advantages 256GB

Performance

Compatibility

Capacity

Reliability

Read/Write speed up to 100/90 MB/s

More than 2,000 devices

Highest capacity up to 256GB

10-year limited warranty

SD adapter

4-proof Technology

Contact your Exertis account manager today for more details

Bring your A-game to work every day The Galaxy Tab A 10.1 helps users work more eĆŞectively every day, with a host of useful business features including expandable memory*, Knox securityy and Microsoft OĆŻce for Android.