Small business owners have been urged not to take shortcuts cybersecurity and IT as hackers continue to target vulnerable systems.

With Medibank the latest corporation to be hit with a cyber attack, Brisbane-based IT services firm Connected Platforms is urging all businesses – including small businesses – to ensure they are protected.

Failing to implement basic system updates could be exposing businesses to ransomware attacks which lock down a company’s data, with demands for payment in order to get it back.

Tougher economic times and tighter business budgets are leading to more small businesses with inadequate protection of customer data.

Connected Platforms is a locally-owned Queensland business working to protect and support SMEs.

Experienced ICT executive Mike Crowhen joined the team at Connected Platforms this month and believes businesses need to step-up their cybersecurity and training in order to protect their customers.

“Having worked in ICT for over two decades, I know businesses want the peace-of-mind that a trusted, inclusive provider like Connected Platforms provides,” Mr Crowhen said.

“We know that many businesses are tightening their belts, but IT and cybersecurity is something that lies at the heart of most businesses and should not be compromised.”

Mr Crowhen said training staff to recognise potential scams and hacks is also critical.

“Things like fake invoices and dodgy links open the door to hackers who are becoming more sophisticated and harder for the average person to detect,” he said.

Connected Platforms is offering small businesses a free IT Health Check which can help to detect vulnerabilities and spot opportunities for a more efficient business.

Would-be childcare centre operators are being given the rare chance to get into the industry, with a once in a lifetime opportunity to make the winning bid at a charity auction for a daycare centre in Sydney’s West.

The National Coptic Childcare Alliance (NCCA) Industry Gala Event on the 29th October will see a 91 place, turn-key childcare centre auctioned off to the highest bidder, with the proceeds going to charity.

NCCA Chief Executive Carl Elassal says with commercial property investors zeroing in on the booming childcare property market, the live auction will give someone the unique chance to get a leg up into the industry.

“It’s a first of its kind auction, so I think it will create some hype, but this is a genuine opportunity,” Elassal said.

“We know there’s a desperate need for childcare places, especially in Western Sydney and this is a chance for someone to start their own business in an area of urgent need.”

The 91 place DA-approved daycare centre will be located in Merrylands with the developer to fully fund the fit out, estimated to be around $1-$1.5M.

“Merrylands in Sydney’s west is a high demand area with a children to place ratio of four to one. That is, for every childcare place available, there are four children needing it.

“This will not be a franchise. The childcare centre will be called whatever the winning bidder wishes.”

The operator will need to invest about $100,000 on furniture and play equipment like bikes, easels and art supplies.

“This is a massive opportunity, really it’s a once in a lifetime chance for someone to get into the childcare industry as an operator. It’s really hard to break in otherwise.

“Usually a developer would charge at least a million dollar contribution for a centre plus a yearly percentage of the fees while to buy an existing 90 place centre could cost as much as $4M in goodwill.”

This auction will see the winning bid receive the turn-key centre with no developer fees or an ongoing contribution. 

“The winning bidder will also have six months free rent from the day they are handed the keys of the finished daycare centre”.

“After six months the developer will charge market value rent for 15 years, which at the moment is about $4,000 to $4,500 a month per child.

The annual market rent is approximately $380,000 for a 91 place centre. 

“It typically takes a few weeks to get your Service Approved Centre licence from the department of education to operate.

“We estimate you should be making a profit within 6 to 12 months. To reach 100 percent capacity takes about 15 months.

Leading childcare provider Thrive Early Learning Centres is sponsoring the prize, in conjunction with the developer.

Elassal says the live charity auction could see the childcare centre snapped up way under market value.

“It will really depend on who is in the room on the day.”

Issues facing the Early Learning sector will be discussed at The National Coptic Childcare Alliance Industry Gala event at Star City Casino from 4pm on October 29th 2022.

Expert on Perseverance and Exponential Growth and Success, Alex Banayan will also make an address.

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/national-coptic-childcare-alliance-launch-event-tickets-394286761317

Our ways of working have changed fundamentally over the past few years. Businesses worldwide are moving away from the traditional office model and adopting hybrid-working models. Thousands of businesses have found huge benefits to this new, more flexible workplace, while employees also benefit from having a greater work-life balance.

The key challenge now is how best to ensure businesses and employees reap the rewards of hybrid working conditions. Research from Brother Australia* has shown over 90% of workers see at least one advantage to hybrid work – including greater flexibility, reduced commute times, and cost-effectiveness. 

However, there are several factors for businesses and employees to consider that can help determine the best hybrid working conditions.

• Boosting productivity
  As businesses across the board adopt new working models, they’ve also had to assess the impact of hybrid and flexible arrangements on individual productivity. Recent studies and research have shown positive results so far, with many employees feeling just as, if not more, productive at home.
  
  However, steps need to be taken to ensure that productivity does not eventually trend the wrong way in the long term. Businesses need to consider things such as remote access to information, how to align schedules with co-workers if there are no set hours, providing the necessary equipment, training and support to employees, and keeping channels of communication open so we can all connect, adapt and share learnings about this evolving work model.

• Maintaining relationships with colleagues
  Although we know that most Australians enjoy working remotely, our research* shows that more than two-fifths of employees do miss being with their co-workers in the office. Studies have shown that many employees are concerned about the reduced opportunities for collaboration and networking, lack of face-to-face time with managers and associated consequences of this for their long-term career prospects.
  
  Without that physical office space, businesses need to ensure the right strategies are in place to facilitate proactive communication between employees, employers, and even clients. This could mean a dedicated in-office day, employee training on business communication platforms, scheduling regular check-in meetings or organising more in-person social events to ensure that working relationships are maintained while still allowing employees the increased freedom of flexibility.

• Optimising work-from-home setups
  At the centre of the evolving workplace model is the home office, which is rapidly becoming the main workspace for employees across the country. When optimising your home workspace, you should take into consideration how often you work from home, what space is available and what tools and equipment you need.
  
  Fully remote workers may benefit most from a permanent, dedicated space; whereas workers who live in apartments or smaller homes might need to think about study nooks and multifunctional tools to maximise their available space; and hybrid workers may want a smaller space that can be easily packed away.
  
  When Australian workers were asked* what tools did they wish they had in their home office, the top answers included an adjustable desk, an ergonomic chair, extra storage, a Wi-Fi booster and a printer/scanner. A fast, reliable and cost-effective printer available in the Brother INKvestment range can be extremely important for users who work from paper, empowering hybrid workers to get the most out of their home office space. 

• Separating personal from professional
  As the home becomes a more permanent workspace, some Australians are struggling with the lack of separation between work and their private life, with many finding it difficult to ‘switch off’. While working from home can improve physical and mental health by giving workers more time and control over their day – we’ve also seen reports of people finding it more difficult to maintain a healthy work–life balance now that their home is also their office.
  
  Small steps such as making and sticking to appropriate work schedules, as well as creating a workspace that can be either hidden away or packed up once you log off can help redefine the boundaries between home and work. Businesses may need to work together with their employees to ensure strategies are in place to prevent team members falling victim to work-from-home fatigue.

Given that hybrid work is here to stay, now’s the time for employers and employees to work together and form solutions that suit both parties. For further insights and advice into creating a better home office, please check out our guide for employers and employees.

Op-ed by Dorothy McDonald – Senior Manager, People & Corporate Support at Brother International Australia

*Research conducted in May 2022 by Pureprofile on behalf of Brother Australia, on a sample of over 1000 Australians who have worked remotely over the past two years.

Australia’s sole traders have been warned they are mortgaging their futures as they cut back on superannuation contributions in the face of the soaring cost of living. According to the Hnry Sole Trader Pulse, the only nationwide survey of self-employed people in Australia, around a quarter of independent earners (24%) plan to cancel or delay planned super contributions to cope with skyrocketing costs and surging inflation.

Women are also more likely than men to cut back on super – 31% versus 20%.

The figures are especially stark given that superannuation is not compulsory for sole traders, the 1.5M individuals with an ABN who make up around three quarters of the nation’s small businesses. A full 43% said they had never made a superannuation contribution as sole traders. 

Despite this, the number of sole traders is currently growing at a rate of 50, 000 a year because they value the freedom and flexibility that independent earning can bring.

The Hnry Sole Trader Pulse survey also found:

• While quarterly income continues to improve from the nadir of the Covid lockdowns, economic conditions are biting;

• Sole traders are having to work additional hours, cut rates (to land contracts) and make substantial cost savings in order to cope with inflation;

• This is beginning show up in declines in their wellbeing.  
Fewer individuals believe they have the right work-life balance than 12 months ago when the survey began. According to one respondent, a sole trader in the health sector: “Mental health is a booming industry, unfortunately”; 

• Sole traders are more pessimistic about the medium-term outlook for the economy than they were during the depths of lockdown;

• Sole traders are drowning in paperwork, spending seven hours – or effectively one working day – per week managing their financial and tax affairs. Additionally, around half have yet to submit their tax returns and their levels of stress are rising as the October 31 deadline for lodgement nears.

As the survey marks 12 months, it provides a compelling snapshot of the sentiment of self-employed people in Australia, such as tradies, freelancers, and consultants – the fastest growing sector of the economy. 

The research was carried out by Resolve Strategic between 4-10 October on behalf of award-winning fintech Hnry, Australasia’s largest and fastest-growing digital accountancy service which caters expressly to sole traders.

Commenting on the survey results, Karan Anand, Hnry Australia Managing Director, said:

“Sole traders have started to see the hard won financial gains that were crucial lifeline post COVID start to plateau this quarter,” Mr Anand said. 

“With increasing inflationary and interest rate pressure, uncertainty in the economic outlook and financial admin taking them out of action for a full day every week or forcing them to find these hours last at night, it is no surprise that almost half of the self-employed – and vastly more women than men – are not contributing to their super.

“These pressures are compounded by the data that shows that just three weeks out from the tax filing deadline, only 50 per cent have completed their tax returns.

“That’s why Hnry plays such an important role in the lives of sole traders. They are the engine room of the economy, dynamic and diverse. Hnry saves them time, money and hassle so they can focus on their businesses and their lives: we make it easy for them to manage their finances by automatically paying their taxes for them on time and and in full, and streamlining their super.

“We also know that, overwhelmingly, sole traders consciously choose working for themselves because of the myriad positive benefits it brings: lifestyle, flexible working conditions, a chance to pursue their passion and choose their own future. 

“Most Australians are facing tougher economic time at the moment and we really admire how the self-employed are pushing through. We are here to support them.”

The Hnry Sole Trader Pulse is Australia’s only regular, comprehensive regular snapshot of self-employed people in Australia, such as tradies, freelancers, and consultants.

Some 1.5 million Australians classify their primary occupation as “self-employed;, with total estimated earnings of around $90 billion a year. 

Hnry – which streamlines tax, accounting and invoicing for sole traders by paying and filing taxes as a person receives income, with taxes are paid automatically and in real time – recently won the People’s Choice Award at the 2022 FinTech Australia Finnie Awards.

A new goal setting app has launched in Australia, leaving the professional bias of LinkedIn and superficial filters of Instagram behind.

It’s time to say goodbye to comparison, competition and unrealistic expectations with The Cheer Collective – the first socially-led goal setting app that transforms the way users think about networking and personal goals. The app moves beyond the traditional individualist model of private goal setting and instead opts for a more motivating, inclusive and supportive space for all users to take part in.

Social networking is complex and with the rise of more and more platforms, a love-hate relationship with our devices and digital connectivity has emerged.

Put it this way. We love scrolling through perfectly curated feeds that align to our likes and interests but when it gets too much, our first instinct is to switch off social media. We put that phone down and try to block out the soul-destroying comparisons and voices telling us that we will never look like those on the screen who must just  “have it all”, “be it all”, “know it all”, (they rarely do btw).  But is switching our phones off really the answer?

Neuroscientists have shown that rewarding social stimuli – laughing faces, positive recognition by our peers, messages from loved ones – activate the same reward pathways in-person and online. Smartphones have provided us with an unlimited supply of these stimuli. Every notification, from texts, a “like” on Instagram, or a Facebook notification, has the potential to be a positive dopamine inducing social stimulus (LINK).

So while this is true in theory, the reality looks very different. In surveys undertaken since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, just over 54% of respondents reported that they felt lonelier since the start of the pandemic (Lim et al. 2020). While turning to social media for connection, entertainment and escape has come with its joys and benefits, the over consumption of social media platforms such as instagram has been associated with high levels of anxiety, depression, bullying and FOMO. They can also foster a negative body image and poor sleep habits. (The UK’s Royal Society for Public Health LINK). As studies have suggested, the more social media young adults consume, the more likely they are to report depression or anxiety.

Stepping away from the clinically addictive feedback loops is hard work especially because they are designed to keep users online and engaged for longer. But if we can find an equilibrium and adopt more positive tech rituals into our daily routines, we might be able to strike the right balance.

Engaging with platforms such as The Cheer Collective can encourage and support a more mindful and fulfilled life while staying in touch with other like-minded individuals. We need more sources of positive inspiration that are derived through encouragement and collaboration. The Cheer Collective opens the door to digital community building by allowing users to interact with one another on a deeper level. The platform was built to connect humans, globally, based on values, growth and respect.

Recent years have presented a range of challenges for many across the digital and IRL world but it was also a time for self-discovery, reflection, and growth. In 2022, social media will evolve alongside it’s users and move beyond the aesthetics and superficial professional accomplishments of traditional platforms. The answer is actually to be more discriminating about the content you give your time and precious energy to.

Download The Cheer Collective via the Apple App Store and Google Play Store

Despite a permanent uplift in demand for lower density housing, new home building starts have dropped again during the June 2022 quarter – the fourth consecutive quarterly reduction – according to the ABS Building Activity figures released today.

Master Builders Australia CEO Denita Wawn says while the volume of new detached house starts is still higher now than it was in the lead up to the pandemic, the phasing out of exceptional fiscal and monetary stimulus propelling new home building starts means today’s figures are not surprising.

According to the latest ABS figures, there was a 2.7 per cent fall in new home building starts during the June 2022 quarter. This included a 3.1 per cent reduction in the number of new medium/high-density home commencements, and detached house starts inched down only marginally at 0.2 per cent.

“Despite the volume of new home starts dropping over the past year, there were still over 240,000 new homes under construction at the end of June. This is higher than ever before and is related to the supply bottlenecks in the building pipeline which are slowing the pace at which new homes can be built,” Ms Warn said.

“However, over the next three years, Master Builders forecasts that new home building starts will fall significantly short of 200,000 per year, the volume of output that will be needed to meet demand. Our forecasts indicate this threshold will not be exceeded until 2026.

“Our 2022-26 residential forecasts predict a bumpy road with a downturn over the next few years. Forecasts will trend upwards as inward migration and interest rates stabilise, and pent-up demand shifts the dial.

“The building and construction industry continues to be frustrated with lengthy delays in approvals for land title, building applications, and occupation certificates. Shortage of land in the right places, high developer charges, and inflexible planning laws also restrict opportunities to meet the housing needs of our future.

“We look to working with the Federal Government to assist with finding and delivering solutions,” Ms Wawn said.

In July the Albanese Government introduced the ‘Electric Car Discount Bill’ to parliament, intending to remove fringe benefits tax (FBT) from electric vehicles to give more Australians access to battery-operated, hydrogen fuelled and plug-in hybrid cars. New research has revealed the Bill’s popularity among businesses – mostly SMEs – with 40 per cent indicating they would purchase an electric vehicle by the end of 2023 if the Bill passes.

The finding was derived from a survey of an independent panel of 210 Australian SME owners and decision makers, commissioned by Small Business Loans Australia, a comparison website helping business owners find the best financing and loan options in Australia. The respondents comprised 44 per cent of micro businesses (1-10 employees), 27 per cent of small businesses (11-50 employees) and 18 per cent of medium-sized businesses (51-200 employees) and 11 per cent of businesses with over 200 employees. The full survey results, including breakdowns across business sizes and States, can be found here: https://smallbusinessloansaustralia.com/resources/electric-vehicles.html.

To meet its 2050 net-zero target, Australia will need a dramatic shift towards electric vehicle ownership. Ingrid Burfurd from the Grattan Institute specified that, as cars are on the road for an average of 15 years, Australians must purchase almost entirely electric vehicles by 2035.^[1]

Fortunately, the Small Business Loans Australia survey shows that most business owners and senior decision makers are happy to make the shift sooner. If the Electric Car Discount Bill passes, 66 per cent of businesses would be incentivised to purchase an electric vehicle. While just 9 per cent would be ready to purchase this year, the bulk of purchases – 31 per cent – would be in 2023. Eleven (11) per cent would acquire an electric vehicle in 2024, and 15 per cent from 2025 onwards. Only 34 per cent of business owners would not invest in electric vehicles, regardless of the Bill’s introduction.

Small Business Loans Australia analysed responses across the States. Victorian businesses are more likely to buy an electric vehicle at some point if the Bill passes, chosen by 71 per cent of Victorian respondents. This is followed by 68 per cent of NSW businesses and 67 per cent in South Australia. Businesses in Western Australia and Queensland are least likely to invest in electric vehicles, with just 62 per cent and 58 per cent, respectively, choosing to switch if the Bill passes.

Across business sizes, Small Business Loans Australia found that small businesses (11-50 employees) are most likely to purchase an electric vehicle by the end of 2023: 57 per cent of small businesses specified they would, followed by 45 per cent of medium businesses and just 21 per cent of micro businesses.

Small Business Loans Australia sought to find out whether businesses would seek financing for these purchases in a climate of rising interest rates. The Electric Car Discount Bill offers significant price cuts; however it is applicable only to vehicles with an original sale price below the luxury car tax threshold ($84,916 for 2022-23). A model provided by an employer valued at about $50,000, would save the employer up to $9000 a year through the fringe benefits tax exemption.^[2]

The survey found that despite the savings introduced by the bill, 63 per cent of business owners would seeking financing. The larger the business, the more likely they are to finance an electric vehicle, with 69 per cent of medium sized SMEs believing that is the best option in an environment of rising interest rates. This was closely followed by 65 per cent of small businesses and 54 per cent of micro businesses.

Alon Rajic, Founder and Managing Director of Small Business Loans Australia, says: “The Federal Government understands that the price of electric vehicles has been a major barrier to their adoption in Australia. Our research suggests that the removal of this barrier will have an enormous positive influence on business purchase decisions. It also indicates that Australian business owners support realistic Government efforts to achieving net-zero emissions – so much so, that they would get financing on their vehicles in a climate of fast-rising interest rates.”

“Businesses would be wise to research loans options thoroughly – including through free comparison websites – to ensure they have secured the lowest-risk, low-rate and most suitable loan.”The full survey results, including breakdowns across business sizes and States, can be found here: https://smallbusinessloansaustralia.com/resources/electric-vehicles.html

Swann, the Leader in Do-It-Yourself security products for over thirty five years, has launched a new battery-powered Wi-Fi camera, the CoreCam™ Wireless Security Camera, to its award-winning product lineup of smart home and business security solutions in Australia. 

The CoreCam™ Wireless Security Camera​ is 100% Wire-Free with a battery life of up to 90 days on one charge. Additional features include heat and motion-sensing, night vision, smart mobile alerts, 2-way talk and siren, sturdy weatherproof design, and free local recording (to included 32GB Micro SD card) and cloud storage of clips. 

Swann continues to provide security cameras with high-definition video quality, as shown with the latest 1080p CoreCam™ which is ready to use right out of the box and installs in minutes. It comes with a secure screw-in mounting stand, Micro SD Card, USB to Micro USB, charging cable, mounting screws with plugs, operating instructions, and theft deterrent stickers. 

Swann’s CoreCam™ cameras can be monitored and set up via the Swann Security App on Apple and Android mobile devices and tablets with a high-speed internet connection. Currently, the Swann Security App has a 4.5-star rating out of 23,000 reviews in the Apple App Store and a 4.5-star rating out of 75,000 reviews on Google Play. Swann’s security products are designed to work straight out of the pack, but additional features are available via Secure+ member plans.   

“With the increasing consumer demand for Wi-Fi security solutions, we are proud to be launching the CoreCam™ Wireless Security Camera into the market,” said Mike Lucas, CEO of Swann Security. “Swann’s new CoreCam™ cameras are a fantastic addition to our market leading product lineup that provide seamless 24/7 security to everyday consumers. We look forward to bringing additional products to market that make security easy. The CoreCam™ is a great entry point for anyone looking for an easy to install, yet feature-packed security camera.”

Consumers can find the CoreCam™ Wireless Security Camera exclusively on Swann.com and at leading retailers such as Amazon and JB-HI-FI. The retail price for one camera unit is $179.95 AUD, with packages of more than one CoreCam™ Wireless Security Camera also available. 

This product also works with Swann’s Solar Charging Panel to ensure an even longer battery life. The package with the Solar Charging Panel comes with an outdoor stand to make the product more secure on whichever surface it is on. Find this all-encompassing package here: https://au.swann.com/swifi-coresol/.

New research released today reveals over 40 per cent (42%) of Australians are yet to have important and proactive conversations with their loved ones about inheritance, despite 74 per cent saying these conversations are necessary.

Australia is currently in the midst of the biggest intergenerational wealth transfer in history with baby boomers set to hand over $3.5 trillion to the next generation.

However, the research shows that 20 per cent are not even sure how to begin the discussion with their loved ones even though almost half of people (48%) believe that having the conversation about a legacy before a person passes away will cause less conflict amongst beneficiaries.

The research, commissioned by financial educator and communicator Vanessa Stoykov, reveals the compelling need for Australians to be confident and comfortable having conversations with family about inheritance and money.

“The time is now for Australians to become more financially literate and break down unhelpful beliefs about money and talking about it. This is about equipping ourselves with financial skills and independence,” says Ms Stoykov.

“It can be tricky to navigate difficult conversations around money, but everyone needs to have a dialogue with their partners, parents, children and grandchildren. This is not just about whether someone is leaving money, but also the financial legacy that you pass on to your children. Talking openly to them is a legacy and gift in itself,” Ms Stoykov said.

The research also shows many Australians value a partner who is responsible with money. Twenty-five per cent of participants believe their partner being irresponsible with money is the second biggest deal breaker after infidelity (53%). And younger Australians (aged 18-24) rate this higher than any other age group.

The data also shows that for many Australians, money is an important factor in their relationship. Forty-five per cent of people believe the thought of living a lesser lifestyle is the main factor in staying together.

Ms Stoykov says, “Money has the potential to cause major rifts in a relationship and this research shows that it is important to share similar values when it comes to money to avoid conflict.”

In the newly released book ‘The Five Conversations About Money That Will Radically Change Your Life’, Vanessa Stoykov explains that it is no longer taboo to talk about inheritance and that there are important conversations to be had to help Australian’s improve their finances.

The Five Conversations About Money That Will Radically Change Your Life is available at retailers across Australia and online here.
For more information and free resources on achieving financial freedom visit www.vanessastoykov.com.au

Poly, a global provider of pro-grade audio and video solutions, has announced its expanded portfolio of Microsoft Teams and Zoom certified solutions designed to take hybrid work experiences to the next level. Poly’s diverse product portfolio of Microsoft Teams and Zoom certified devices are designed for every type of meeting space and workstyle, providing greater meeting equity and collaboration worldwide. 

The latest Poly Microsoft Teams and Zoom certified devices and solution updates include:

Poly Strengthens its Suite of Microsoft Teams Rooms on Android:

o   The G7500 video conferencing system is now certified for Microsoft Teams, and the Poly Studio X70video bar is expected to be certified in November. These video solutions bring game-changing flexibility to enable Microsoft Teams Rooms on Android in large or customised spaces. Microsoft Teams will be available on Poly Studio X70 and G7500 in the Poly Video OS 4.0 software update, which is expected to be released in November 2022.

o   The Poly Studio X30 & X50 video bars are now re-certified for Microsoft Teams on Android 10, available to customers in the Poly Video OS 4.0 software update expected to be released in November 2022.

 Poly enhances the Microsoft Teams Rooms on Windows experience: 

o   Poly Studio Kits for Microsoft Teams Rooms on Windows are available for small, medium, and large rooms and are easy to procure and deploy right out-of-the-box. It features Poly DirectorAI technology providing broadcast quality video conferencing experience by using artificial intelligence and machine learning to deliver real-time automatic transitions, speaker framing and tracking. Poly Lens remote management and insights will enable customers to manage, monitor, and maintain Microsoft Teams Rooms on Windows in CYQ1 2023. 

o   Poly is the only partner that delivers people framing with advanced AI capabilities, which improves the remote user experience for every size of Microsoft Teams Rooms on Windows (people framing is also available with Microsoft Teams Rooms on Android for large rooms featuring G7500, and Studio E70 camera).

o   Poly introduces the “My First Room” promotional program which allows new Microsoft Teams Rooms on Windows prospects and customers to experience Poly’s promise to deliver more equitable meetings. 

Poly expands its portfolio of phones integrated with Microsoft Teams:

o   The new Poly CCX 350 phone, available early next year, will offer users a durable dial pad with Microban antimicrobial protection – an ideal solution for common areas and high-touch locations. The solution is highly scalable and customisable to meet the needs of any organisation’s physical footprint across industries, such as healthcare, retail, manufacturing, warehousing, hospitality, and more.

o   Poly Rove family of wireless DECT™ IP phones is now available for deployment on Microsoft Teams SIP gateway. This collaboration extends the Poly Rove offering out to front-line workers and shift-based workspaces, where secure, wireless voice communications are needed. 

Poly elevates smart desk phones with Zoom: 

o   The new Poly Edge E Series digital desk phones are now Zoom certified, featuring Poly’s signature professional-grade audio quality that the Zoom Phone certification further augments. It provides seamless connectivity during hybrid work meetings and calls, whether taking place at home offices or office building spaces. Poly Edge E Series is equipped with Bluetooth functionality that allows users to pair their professional headsets and move freely around their homes or offices. Pairing smartphones enables users to answer incoming calls from supported Edge E desk phone models and enjoy the phone’s advanced noise blocking features. Easy troubleshooting and access to ongoing support ensures that today’s hybrid workforce isn’t left to solve issues by themselves. The entire Edge E series offers new diagnostic tests and a configurable support contacts menu, making it simple for users to self-test their phone or contact support as needed.  

“Because meetings happen anywhere and everywhere, Poly offers a wide variety and style of solutions for Microsoft Teams and Zoom, so users can look and sound their best in every meeting,” said Bill Zeng, Senior Director, Poly APAC. “Our solutions enable Microsoft Teams and Zoom customers to easily manage, monitor, and maintain every Poly device across their business, to include remote, hybrid, and on-site workers through a beautifully designed, equitable experience.”

“We’re excited to expand our long-time partnership with Poly and continue to deliver solutions that provide flexibility and choice to our joint customers,” said Albert Kooiman, Senior Director of Microsoft Teams Devices Partner Engineering and Certification. “Users can sign-in to Teams and confidently take their calls with a consistent, reliable experience, with support worldwide.”

“We are delighted to be adding Poly’s new Edge E Series smart desk phones to our growing portfolio of Zoom certified devices,” says Helen Hawthorne, Head of Solution Engineering, Zoom Video Communications, Inc. “We are always looking to make a difference in our customers’ hybrid working experience when using Zoom, whether in the office buildings or employees’ home offices. With Zoom Phone certification, companies can easily deploy, manage and use Poly smart devices for maximum productivity outcomes.”

Poly solutions for Microsoft Teams and Zoom certified solutions feature NoiseBlockAI technology, which blocks out distracting background noise (e.g., keyboard typing, paper shuffling, plastic bag rustling sounds), and Acoustic Fence technology which creates a sound barrier to focus on the speaker, and not the noise. Additional innovations like near-field communication (NFC) technology can be leveraged to simplify the office hoteling experience and new diagnostic tests – not to mention a configurable support contacts menu that makes troubleshooting a breeze.