ASUS, in collaboration with Microsoft and Qualcomm^®, has today announced its first foray into the next generation of AI-powered computing with the sleek Vivobook S 15, available for pre-order today at ASUS E-shop and leading retailers.

Powered by the Snapdragon^® X Elite platform, the sleek device offers Windows AI features and a collection of exclusive ASUS AI apps that showcase the unique benefits of AI for Content Creation, Productivity and Learning. Its 3K 120 Hz ultra-large OLED display and immersive audio system is encased in a premium, all-metal 1.47cm thin, 1.42kg light body. It features a mood-setting single zone RGB keyboard with a dedicated Copilot key for instant AI assistance, revolutionising work and play.

Driven by Microsoft’s software excellence, the power of the Qualcomm Oryon™ CPU, and coupled with ASUS’ Lumina OLED displays, design and innovation prowess, the latest Vivobook launch signals the dawn of a new era in computing. 

Speaking at the launch, Bradley Howe, Head of Consumer, ASUS Australia, said “AI has been building momentum as a technology, particularly with the use of personal assistance, and that is why we are ushering in a new era of AI computing where AI takes on a more integrated role in our lives and in the PC space, helping to make what Australians do on their PCs, easier, smarter and faster.  We’ve designed the Vivobook S 15 as an intelligent PC companion that makes creating, productivity and learning tasks more convenient and enjoyable for Australians.” 

With 53% of Australian professionals actively using or experimenting with generative AI at work, particularly by Millennials (63% use generative AI) and Gen Z (57%) — a substantial increase from the 36% of Australians reported to use the technology in 2023. ASUS believes the key use cases Australians will benefit when using a Copilot+ PC powered by the graphics capabilities of ASUS Lumina OLED technology are:

• AI for Content Creation: With Copilot at the touch of a button, the Vivobook S 15 makes AI-powered content creation near-instant and more convenient. 
• AI for Productivity: The Vivobook S 15 streamlines work by automating repetitive processes and removing the need for manual tasks. From managing emails to organising files, AI ensures efficiency without compromising accuracy.
• AI for Learning: Whether you’re a student, researcher, or lifelong learner, this laptop allows you to have access to quick and easy learning tools at your fingertips, ensuring learning is digestible and accessible no matter where the individual is.

Introducing ASUS Vivobook S 15, Your First Copilot+ PC

The ASUS Vivobook S 15 marks a significant leap forward in AI-powered computing, reaffirming ASUS’ commitment to innovation, excellence and setting a benchmark for ASUS’ upcoming range of Copilot+ PC. 

The Vivobook’s 3K 120 Hz ultra-large OLED display and immersive audio system is encased in a premium, all-metal 1.47cm thin, 1.42kg light body, allowing the benefits of AI to be more portable than ever. It features a mood-setting single zone RGB keyboard with a dedicated Copilot key for instant AI assistance, revolutionising work and play.

TOP-Notch Performance

Powered by Windows 11, the ASUS Vivobook S 15 combines a sleek, modern aesthetic with unmatched performance. The Snapdragon^® X Elite Processor, a dedicated AI chip, delivers peak performance in multi core tasks, providing a more productive laptop experience. 

ST Liew, Vice President of Qualcomm CDMA Technologies Asia-Pacific Pte. Ltd. and President of Qualcomm Taiwan & SEA, Australia, New Zealand, echoed the sentiment: “The PC is reborn with Snapdragon X Elite, and we are excited to collaborate with ASUS to put incredible innovation like the ASUS Vivobook S 15 in the hands of users, making a formidable range of AI devices that meet the needs of consumers now and in the future.”

The Qualcomm® Hexagon™ NPU delivers ultimate productivity with 45 TOPS AI processing speeds. This ensures peak AI performance that is able to run directly on-the-device, rather than through the Cloud. This calibre of performance allows more responsive and smooth multitasking, guaranteeing a seamless experience with all AI tools and tasks without compromising battery life.  

Dan Johnson, Windows & Microsoft 365 Category Lead for Microsoft ANZ, highlights the benefits of Edge AI: “We believe the richest AI experiences will only be possible when the cloud and device work together in concert. Now with the introduction of the Copilot+ PCs, I’m excited that together with our partners, such as ASUS, we can set the frame for the next decade of Windows innovation.”

The Vivobook S 15 is fast, offering instant boot-ups, capacious up to 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD, and an impressive 32GB of lighting-fast 8448 MHz LPDDR5X memory, which ensures the user is able to navigate daily tasks with speed and efficiency. 

The Vivobook S 15 uses ASUS IceCool thermal technology – two 97 ice blades, two heat pipes and two exhaust vents – which allows for efficient heat transfer and exhaust to ensure the user can tackle demanding tasks without impacts on performance. 

In line with Microsoft’s qualifications for a Copilot+ PC, the Vivobook S 15 also has a CoPilot key on the keyboard to ensure this AI tool is easy and quick to access, helping to make Content Creation, Productivity and Learning easier than ever.

Exclusive ASUS AI Software

To ensure Australians feel empowered by AI in all aspects of their daily lives, ASUS is launching a range of exclusive software, reflecting the company’s belief in how AI can revolutionise Australians’ daily lives:

• ASUS StoryCube: An AI-powered digital asset-management tool, which can automatically organise photos and videos. 
• ASUS AI Noise Cancellation:  This leverages a deep-learning database to reduce background noise in meetings and calls, for clear audio.
• ASUS Adaptive Dimming: A technology that recognises when a user looks away and dims the screen, which helps to maintain power consumption. 
• ASUS Adaptive Lock: With this feature, the laptop will be automatically locked when the user moves away and unlocked when they return, helping to ensure greater security.

Superior Audiovisuals 

ASUS Lumina OLED displays boast superior visual capabilities to ensure Australians can experience the benefits of AI better. With Lumina OLED, users can enjoy:

• More Accuracy: Due to being Pantone^® Validated and factory-calibrated to Delta E < 1consumers can experience a wider array of vivid, true-to-life colours. With an ultra-wide 89% screen-to-body ratio, cinema-grade 100% DCI-P3 colour gamut, and VESA DisplayHDR™ True Black 600 certification. This can benefit individuals using AI to create visual and video content to drive more precision and accuracy on their content. 
• More Adaptive: ASUS Lumina OLED provides customisable visuals, power-saving solutions and sharpened playback. ASUS Tru2Life technology is a video enhancement feature that analyses each pixel of the video being displayed, adjusting brightness, contrast and sharpness to ensure the best, most vibrant viewing experience for consumers. 
• More Reliable: With people spending hours working, playing and creating in front of laptops, ASUS has ensured its OLED line-up has OLED Care and TÜV Rheinland 70% less blue-light certification, which means the devices can help to reduce strain on eyes caused by prolonged exposure to blue light

In addition to the device’s visual capabilities, its audio system is Harman Kardon-certified with immersive, multi-dimensional Dolby Atmos sound, elevating the overall audiovisual experience when working or playing.

Incredible Design and Connectivity

The ASUS Vivobook S 15 has been designed with portability and connectivity in mind, making it a great companion for users on the move. It is 14.7 mm slim in design and lightweight all-metal construction weighing 1.42 kg Equipped with 70 Wh battery providing over 18 hours of work or play, users can stay connected throughout the day, with support for fast charging and ASUS USB-C® Easy Charge for convenient charging.

The premium design features a single-zone RGB backlit keyboard for personalised aesthetics, while the dedicated Copilot key grants instant access to Windows AI-powered tools conveniently.

Additionally, the large and smart gesture touchpad offers easy navigation, enabling users to control various tasks from optimising screen brightness to adjusting audio.
Combined with its comprehensive array of I/O ports, including two USB4® ports, the Vivobook S 15 ensures blazing-fast connectivity and enhanced productivity wherever you go. With WiFi 7 technology and Qualcomm FastConnect 7800 technology, the device enables lightning-fast wireless connections – up to 4.8x³ faster than the previous generation.

Ultimate ASUS Durability and Security

ASUS Vivobook S 15 is tested to the rigorous MIL-STD 810H military standard, encompassing high and low temperature, shock, vibration and altitude tests to help ensure reliability and durability. 

The Vivobook S 15 also has security and privacy in mind. With the IR camera, the user is able to unlock the device in an instant. Privacy can be safeguarded with a physical webcam cover and an integrated privacy shield that slides over the webcam for instant protection against prying eyes.

Pricing & Availability

Pre-orders on the Vivobook S 15 S5507 Model are available from 3pm on May 22 from the below participating retailers across Australia and New Zealand AEST. The pre-order campaign will run from 3pm on 22^nd May to 9am on 18^th June. 

From June 18^th the Vivobook S 15 will be available in-store and online from participating retailers and the ASUS E-shop.   

Specifications 

A lack of career progression, upskilling opportunities and flexible work options are making it difficult for local businesses to retain staff as Australia lags behind the rest of the world when it comes to using AI in the workplace, according to a global survey by specialty talent solutions provider Kelly. 

The fourth annual global workforce report from Kelly, titled Building a Resilient Workforce in the Age of AI, has revealed Australian businesses have the lowest capability and resilience score out of 13 countries surveyed. 

One in two Australian executives (49%) find it difficult to source and retain the right talent, resulting in missed business opportunities, while only 43% believe AI will be critical to strengthening the capability of their workforce, the lowest percentage in the 13 countries survey. 

“These findings are eye opening,” Pete Hamilton, vice president and managing director, APAC at Kelly, said. “Australian businesses are least likely to use AI to measure productivity, efficiency and engagement when compared to businesses globally, and a third have no plans to do so.” 

“Australian businesses need to develop long-term workforce strategies that focus on career development, meaningful employee engagement, and thoughtful implementation of AI tools that combine the best of human talent and technology,” said Mr. Hamilton.  

A third of Australian executives believe the Return to Office (RTO) has had a negative impact on workplace culture (32% vs 18% globally) and still plan to offer greater flexibility. 

Despite the ongoing skills shortage Australian workers say their top frustrations are a lack of skills development opportunities (32%) and lack of a career progression (32%).  

Australians are also most likely to say their organisations have poor leadership skills (25% vs. 19%). The report also found that diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts are failing, with underrepresented workers quitting as a result. 

Australia is ranked last in the Workforce Resilience Index, which reveals how best-in-class businesses are building agile, capable, and inclusive teams that thrive in the age of AI.  

The Index identifies a group of Resilience Leaders (7% of companies surveyed) who report better results across both core business metrics and key people indicators compared to Mid-Market Performers (85%) and Laggards (8%). 

About the Survey
Kelly surveyed 1,500 senior executives, including C-suite leaders, board members, department heads, directors, and managers, as well as 4,000 workers at all levels across 13 countries and eight industry sectors in Q2 of 2024. The 13 countries include the United States, Canada, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Norway, Poland, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Australia, India, and Singapore. The eight industry sectors include Consumer Retail, Education, Energy, Engineering, Financial Services, Life Sciences, Manufacturing, and Technology. 35% of respondents were from organizations with 10,000+ employees; 35% were from organizations with 5,001-10,000 employees; and 30% were from organizations with 1,000-5,000 employees. Read the report here. 

New research reveals that greater financial support, regulatory change and government-led initiatives that make it easier to start a business are seen as the most important changes needed to grow Australian entrepreneurship. Doing so could help unleash the potential of millions of aspiring entrepreneurs, driving innovation and economic prosperity for the nation. 

New research from Shopify of 2,220 Australians and 480 business owners, conducted by Censuswide, shows a burgeoning entrepreneurial spirit across the country:

• Almost three-quarters of Australians (70%) express a desire to own their own business if all other factors were equal. 
• This interest spans across age groups, with younger demographics showing the highest entrepreneurial enthusiasm – a substantial 84% of 16-24s have entrepreneurial ambitions. 
• One in five Australians (21%) already own their own business, and an equal proportion (21%) have seriously considered starting one. 
• Three-quarters (76%) of aspiring entrepreneurs in Australia say they have wanted to start their own business for three or more years².

Entrepreneurial motivations are diverse

Among Australia’s aspiring entrepreneurs, the top reasons cited for starting their own business are: 

• The opportunity to earn more money (58%)
• A desire to be their own boss (50%)
• Work flexibility (40%) 

Alongside the pull of higher income and independence, some factors push Australians into entrepreneurship:

• 13% of those seriously considering owning a business are driven by concerns about perceived job obsolescence due to technological advancements.
• 16% of business owners in Australia started their venture after being made redundant from their previous job. 

Financial constraints and government support are holding aspiring entrepreneurs back

The appetite for entrepreneurship is prevalent but the barriers to entry remain high. Among those who have thought about starting a business, but do not have serious plans in place:

• 50% cited financial obstacles as a key issue
• 35% said they lacked confidence
• 34% said they lacked knowledge
• 24% were concerned about their skillset

When asked which factors would make them more interested in starting a business, Australians who had briefly considered it said:

• Government programs to support potential business owners could sway them (58%)
• A decrease in the cost of living would encourage entrepreneurship (43%)

While the majority of Australians want to be their own boss, their ability to fund the business could be limiting.

• 73% would be prepared to invest their own money
• 43% expressed a lack of money to start
• 20% highlighted high interest rates on business loans as a key challenge

Shaun Broughton, Managing Director, APAC at Shopify comments: “Australians are enthusiastic entrepreneurs, particularly younger Aussies. Addressing financial obstacles is essential to unlock a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem and unearth the potential of aspiring entrepreneurs across the country. By enhancing access to funding, reducing financial risks, and encouraging people to start a business, we can help reduce barriers to entry for Australian entrepreneurs to drive stronger economic growth, innovation and employment for all.”

The path to entrepreneurship is not linear

Building a business rarely follows a predictable trajectory, and the path to entrepreneurship doesn’t necessarily mean going all in from day one. The research found: 

• 27% of Australian business owners went full-time into their company from the offset
• 37% started their business as a side hustle
• 20% turned their side hustle into a full-time venture
• 16% started their business after leaving the workforce (i.e. retirement or after maternity leave).

Moreover, though initial failure isn’t unusual in the entrepreneur community, it doesn’t hold them back from building new businesses.

• Over a third (38%) of Australian business owners previously started a business that was unsuccessful
• 46% of entrepreneurs had at least one previous business before achieving success 
• 32% of successful business owners had two to three unsuccessful businesses first

Encouragement and experience can be powerful enablers

Support networks and prior experience in their chosen field were seen as strong enablers for entrepreneurship:

• 40% of Australian business owners — more than any other country surveyed — said that encouragement from people they knew was particularly helpful when they started out. 
• 41% of aspiring entrepreneurs also recognise the role of family and friends support in helping them start a business
• 38% of aspiring entrepreneurs said prior work experience in the field would help them start their business
• 24% said they would lean on their personal and community networks to start their business.

– Intuit Inc. , the global financial technology platform that makes Intuit TurboTax, Credit Karma, QuickBooks, and Mailchimp, today released a new report, “Brand Trust In the Age of Information Overload”, which focuses on the evolving relationship between brand and customer, consumer spending motivations, and how businesses can best connect with customers in today’s climate. Sourced from a survey of 10,000 consumers across nine countries—including 1,000 in Australia—the results revealed that brand trust and connection (46%) is the number one factor that drives sales with Australian shoppers.  
 
The report also identified other primary characteristics consumers look for when making purchasing decisions: free delivery (47%), regular discount codes and rewards (45%), excellent customer service (41%), free returns (38%) and quick shipping (38%). The results differed across the generations surveyed. For those aged over 65 the key purchase drivers were trust (60%) and excellent customer service (55%); while those aged 18 to 24 were also led by trust (40%), they were driven by other characteristics such as discounts (39%) and environmental impact (36%). 

And while the report underlines a handful of insight-informed tactics to roll out, it also pinpoints marketing mishaps to avoid. Some of the top reasons that lead Australian consumers to unsubscribe from brand emails include repetitive or unimaginative emails (49%),  unsubstantiated claims about brand purpose (43%), not being able to view an email properly on their device (43%) and biassed/partisan commentary on social or political issues (35%). Findings also reveal the quantity threshold: Australian consumers will unsubscribe if a brand sends more than three emails per week, the lowest number of all countries surveyed.   

“As businesses continue to grapple with a challenging economic environment, it’s never been more important for Australian brands to build trust and engage with their customers. Our latest research findings have uncovered a profound shift in consumer expectations – beyond just great products, Australians crave trust in the brands they choose,” said Adam Anger, Chief Sales Officer at Intuit Mailchimp. “By embracing authenticity, relevance, and personalisation, brands can forge deep connections with their audience, nurturing connections that transcend passing trends.”  

Despite trust coming out top, nearly a third (34%) of shoppers have started trusting in brands less amidst the rise of misinformation. So, with trust on the decline but its importance ever-paramount, what can brands do to instil this from the outset, and maintain it? 

Marketers can build Brand trust and drive sales with these data-led marketing tactics: 

1. Focus on quality service: A proven track record of excellent customer service ranks highly as a driver for both purchases and engagement. This ranked higher in importance for older generations, with over half (55%) of those aged over 65 versus one in three aged 18 to 24 saying it was a primary purchasing factor.  

2. Ask for data and provide value: While four in five shoppers need to be assured by brands that they’re using their data responsibly, nearly half (43%) are happy to share it with brands they trust. However, more than three-fifths (62%) want to see more value and greater personalisation in exchange for sharing data, and only just over a third (35%) feel they’re currently seeing the value of doing so. So while personalisation has some way to go it’s encouraging to hear that more than one in three mention it’s currently stopping them from “missing out on products” and that they are being shared information “they’re genuinely interested in”. 

3. Galvanise brand advocates: The report revealed word-of-mouth recommendations via friends and family are the most trusted endorsements (55%), followed by customer testimonials and reviews (33%) – both much higher than content creators and influencers (10%). These findings underline the real value of brand advocates—true unbiased, unpaid fans. Not only will the brand benefit from the fan’s repeat purchases but also from their authentic following’s purchases (and perhaps advocacy) too. A marketing-savvy way to harness this push power and incentivise and reward can be through recommend-a-friend schemes. It’s worth underlining that a key way to restore brand trust when lost is through customer testimonials, as well (41%). 

4. Communicate transparently: For Australian consumers, the primary way to rebuild brand trust when lost is through transparency of company actions (62%). Notably, in the face of inflation, 53% stayed loyal to a brand that raised its prices transparently.  
    

5. Live up to brand promise: The report reveals the most important factor that significantly impacts purchasing decisions for shoppers is “a company with values to match my own” (36%), so spending time on brand-building content to underline company ethics can quite literally pay off. Findings show that on the whole, customers care more about sustainability than affordability. 26% said they were more inclined to buy from a brand that has a positive impact on the environment, versus 16% who said they were more inclined to buy from a brand that is affordable but less sustainable.  

6. Leverage smart discount strategies: Discount codes are an unequivocal sales driver. Nearly half of Australian consumers (49%) will look for a discount code before making any online purchase and nearly a quarter (22%) will delay purchases over $190 until they can get money off. But while discount codes support customer purchases and engagement, they eat away at a company’s profit. The Mailchimp report reveals the discount sweet spot for Australian shoppers: 15%. This is the lowest site-wide discount that would entice shoppers to click through to the website to explore potential purchases. 

Adam continues: “It’s crucial for marketers to align with Australian customers’  evolving preferences and needs, shaping strategies that foster enduring relationships. Brands dedicated to understanding their customers and maintaining brand integrity are not only poised to earn trust but reap rewards.” 

A new 2024 Small Business Report launched by VistaPrint reveals 59% of Australians that have a hobby have considered or already have turned it into a business, despite barriers such as financial constraints and lack of marketing skills. In response, VistaPrint has launched a “Hobby to Hustle” competition, offering $30K to help Aussies turn their hobbies into legitimate businesses.

The data reveals a staggering 86% of Australians have at least one hobby, with one-in-seven (15%) having already turned those hobbies into a business, and almost half (44%) are either willing or have thought about turning their hobby into a source of income. This adds to over a third (36%) of working Australians who already have a side hustle, with over half (53%) linked to their hobbies.

Australia appears to be the perfect breeding ground for starting a business, with only 4% of working Australians having a clause in their work contract that prevents them from starting a side hustle. Not only that, but Australian society and workplaces appear to be conducive to business ideation, with over one-in-seven (15%) side hustlers and business owners having come up with their entrepreneurial idea while at their previous job, and over a quarter (28%) doing so through talking to family and friends.

Fear of failure and a marketing skills gap

Despite this enthusiasm, starting a side-hustle is still met with a healthy amount of fear and trepidation. Over a third of Australians (38%) anticipate a fear of failure when starting a business in the current landscape, and over half (54%) anticipate economic uncertainty and instability.

In addition, there appears to be a significant skills gap that currently exists, with over half (55%) of the population describing themselves as “not skilled at all” or only “slightly skilled” in branding, marketing, and design. To compound the issue, over a fifth (22%) of business owners and side hustlers don’t know where to look if they need design and marketing support. This is creating a significant barrier to starting and growing a business. Marcus Marchant, CEO of VistaPrint Australia and founder of Bondi Joe Swimwear: “Australians are clearly passionate about their hobbies and are eager to turn them into legitimate businesses. Our research does, however, highlight a design and marketing skills gap and other barriers that are getting in the way of people feeling confident to start a new business. As a small business founder myself – I founded Bondi Joe Swimwear following my passion for

both fashion and the allure of Sydney’s iconic beaches – I know how rewarding it is to nurture a hobby into a successful business venture, and I’m grateful for the journey it has taken me on. I now want to help others in the same position – which is why we are today launching VistaPrint’s Hobby to Hustle campaign.”

VistaPrint launches Hobby to Hustle Competition

To support Australia’s burgeoning entrepreneurial spirit, VistaPrint’s has today launched its inaugural “Hobby to Hustle” competition to help Aussies turn their passions into thriving businesses. Participants will be in to win prizes including $15K, $9K, and $6K worth of VistaPrint credit and logo design, alongside access to and support from industry experts including CEO Marcus Marchant and former COSBOA CEO, Alexi Boyd.

All participants must do is submit a two-minute video explaining what their hobby is, why they want to turn it into a business, and how they plan to do so. The entries will be judged by a panel of respected business leaders and advocates for small businesses across Australia: former CEO of COSBOA and industry leader, Alexi Boyd; CEO of VistaPrint Australia and founder of Bondi Joe Swimwear, Marcus Marchant; and media personality and entrepreneur, Jules Lund.

The entries will be judged on a mix of criteria, including the potential for the idea to be turned into a successful business; the credibility, charisma and business potential of the entrant; and their reasoning behind wanting to start a business. Submissions are open today and close June 25th, 2024 at 6pm AEST.

For more information about the competition and how to enter, visit HERE.

For many small trades businesses, the end of the financial year (EOFY) tax return process is a nightmare. Pushing paperwork to the side for “later” always results in a frantic scramble as EOFY approaches. This habit of postponing is typical among tradies—but it’s got to stop.

According to research from Fergus, many tradies are still stuck in the dark ages. Nearly half (49 per cent) haven’t adopted job management software and a whopping 43 per cent still rely on manual paperwork and spreadsheets. This stubborn attachment to outdated methods is exactly why tradies find themselves in a bind during tax season. Sticking to these inefficient practices makes tax preparation more painful and time-consuming than it needs to be.

Dan Pollard, founder, Fergus, said, “Tradie business owners can avoid late nights and stressful searches for lost paperwork by embracing technology, like job management software, before the new financial year kicks off. Job management platforms can do a lot of the heavy lifting and make tax time much less stressful by ensuring transactions are systematically recorded and organised from the start. This can save tradies their sanity and streamline the EOFY process.”

With July 1 just around the corner and new incentives announced from the 2024-25 Federal Budget, now is the perfect time to embrace the latest technology and avoid the EOFY scramble.(1) The Federal Budget has introduced initiatives to support small businesses, including a $10.8 million investment in mental health programs for small business owners, direct energy bill relief, an extension of the $20,000 instant asset write-off, and $290 million in cash flow support. There’s no excuse not to take advantage of these benefits and make the annual tax return scramble a thing of the past.

Here’s how job management software can save your business:

Ditch the paperwork nightmare

Paperwork is a bloody nightmare, especially when it piles up. But with job management software, you can kiss those headaches goodbye. Forget those boxes marked “receipts” and “invoices.” This software tracks everything—your quotes, invoices, and supplier invoices. Come EOFY, there’s no need to scramble through filing cabinets or the truck’s glove box. All the documents and transaction records needed will be neatly organised and easily accessible online.

Get your finances in order

Keeping track of finances is crucial, and it’s even better when it’s hassle-free. The integration between job management software and accounting systems like Xero means your financial data is always up to date. When an invoice is updated in the software, it instantly reflects in Xero, providing a clear, real-time view of the business’s financial standing. This feature offers quick access to vital financial summaries, from what’s owed to the details of all invoices. It’s about ensuring you have a complete and clear picture of your business finances, without the extra legwork.

Track every job down to the last detail

Ignoring your finances makes tax time harder than it needs to be. Understanding the importance of real-time updates when an invoice is modified in the job management software is how to set yourself up for success. This feature delivers instant access to critical financial summaries, from outstanding balances to detailed invoice information.

Dan Pollard said, “EOFY doesn’t have to be a nightmare if everything’s set up right. Don’t get caught in the next EOFY rush. Moving to a digital management platform, and even better if it’s one designed for tradies, not only means ditching the box of paperwork, but it also simplifies the process of storing key information for tax returns.

“But the key is to get your business organised before July 1 so when the next EOFY happens you’re entirely ready to go.”

Contributed by Dan Pollard, founder, Fergus

Reference:
(1) https://budget.gov.au/

Trend Micro Incorporated, a global leader in cybersecurity, has unveiled its first consumer security solutions tailored to safeguard against emerging threats in the era of AI PCs. Trend will bring these advanced capabilities to consumers in late 2024.

Carla Rodriguez, VP and GM of Client Software Ecosystem Enabling at Intel: “We are pleased to collaborate with Trend Micro on AI solutions leveraging our next generation Intel Core Ultra processors (code name Lunar Lake). Specifically, Trend will be the first to utilise Lunar Lake’s 48 NPU Tops on their email defence feature to run scans locally, increasing user privacy and security while lowering latency. Intel enables a broad and open ecosystem and brings unmatched scale and channels for AI ISVs like Trend Micro. We look forward to driving their solutions to those seeking to adopt AI capable PCs rooted in security.”

Trend’s ecosystem expanding this week to include Intel is a testament to its focus on innovation without boundaries. As Trend continues to focus on AI and other emerging technologies, collaboration with industry peers is critical.

Kevin Simzer, COO at Trend: “We are not only leveraging AI for security, but also securing AI itself. The value of this AI era will ultimately depend on how secure it is, from the enterprise level to the individual consumer. Trend is addressing both, while many in the industry are not yet doing either.”

AI PCs powered by neural processing units (NPUs) allow consumers to run AI applications locally on their device rather than in the cloud, providing benefits from privacy to performance. As PC manufacturers rapidly bring new AI PCs to market, consumers will be presented with both new opportunities and new risks. Trend is committed to addressing these risks through its new capabilities being showcased at Computex 2024:

• AI application protection: Traditional cybersecurity solutions for PCs are not enough when it comes to protecting consumer AI applications from malicious activity. Methods such as model tampering or knowledge base poisoning can result in an AI application being directed to put users at risk of losing sensitive personal information or becoming a victim of misinformation. Trend’s AI application protection capability is designed to address this risk and is set to launch for device security products in 2024.

• NPU-powered email security: Previously, email content had to be sent to the cloud for analysis due to computing power requirements. Trend can now run email scam protection locally on an AI PC. This offers a better user experience and removes data privacy friction from the process. Trend expects to see a 100% increase in usage of this feature on AI PCs, which will be available as part of its device security solutions in 2024.

Trend is showcasing its AI application protection and NPU-powered email security at booth K0028 at Computex.

To find out more about Trend Micro’s commitment to protecting consumers in the age of AI, visit: https://www.trendmicro.com/consumer-ai

With tax time on the horizon, Norton, a consumer Cyber Safety brand of Gen™, is warning Australians to remain cautious over the coming months as various Tax Time scams begin to emerge.

The warning comes as new consumer data from Norton reveals that 14% of Australians say they have personally experienced cybercrime in the past 12 months, with the average amount lost to cybercrime over $850 ($863.79). Of those who have experienced cybercrime in the last 12 months, 35% had detected unauthorised access to an online banking or financial account.

Tax time can bring stress and confusion to individuals and businesses as they prepare to file their returns with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). It is the perfect environment for cybercriminals who seek to take advantage of the time and try to obtain sensitive information to cause financial harm to unsuspecting victims.

Mark Gorrie, APAC Managing Director for Norton says, “There are certain times each year that pique cybercriminals’ interest and tax time continues to be one of them. With the amount of personal and financial information that is being stored and shared at this time, coupled with the stress that comes with filing tax returns, it is the perfect storm for scammers to target Australians.”

“It can be easy to fall into the trap of a scammer offering to ease this burden. However, it is important to understand that  Cyber Safety practices should never be sacrificed in exchange for convenience.”

“AI is aiding cybercriminals in evolving and developing their devious tactics, it is more important than ever that Australians are continuing to educate themselves on the warning signs.”

Examples of prevalent Tax Time Scam to look out for:

1. Tax-related identity theft. This scam occurs when cybercriminals access a victim’s account, impersonate them, and fraudulently lodge refunds from the ATO using your stolen personal information, including your tax file number (TFN). This can be dangerous, as in this instance, the cybercriminal who filed a return with your information may still have your data – leaving you vulnerable to other identity-related crimes.

How to avoid this scam:

• Keep your tax file number safe. Shred any documents that contain personal information before you throw them away, and ensure that your online accounts containing sensitive information, like myGov, are protected with strong passwords and two factor authentication.
• If you suspect your TFN and identity has been compromised, immediately report the incident to the ATO.
• Consider using a robust security software, like Norton 360. This will help protect your personal devices and information, and act as a first line of defence against attempts by criminals to steal or compromise your personal information.   

2. Be cautious of ATO impersonation scams. Cybercriminals will pose as ATO representatives to convince victims to provide their bank details, tax file number, or other personal information via SMS, email, or social media accounts.  Additionally, in January this year, the ATO issued a warning about scammers posing as ATO workers on Twitter, Facebook, TikTok and other popular social media platforms. These phony accounts prey on social media users who have made public comments addressing the ATO with a question or complaint. The scammer sends their victim a direct message, offering to assist in resolving the issue. After gaining trust, the scammer attempts to obtain personal information.

How to avoid this scam:

• Look out for tell-tale signs of a scam. The ATO won’t use urgent threats, such as arrest, payment, or suspension of your TFN. If contacted via social media by a newly created unverified account with a small follower account, delete the message. The ATO only has official accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn – legitimised with verification ticks and over 10 years of activity.
• If you receive a suspected scam email or SMS, do not click on any links, provide any payments, account log in information, or other personal information. To help people navigate the online world safely with digital tools, Norton Genie is a free app that detects scams by reviewing suspicious texts, emails, and web and let’s you know if it is legit.
• Occasionally, the ATO will contact you by phone, email, SMS, and post. If you are not sure about the validity of any communication, the best thing to do is to call the ATO directly. You can obtain a phone number from their official website, or a previous letter you have received, and validate the request.

3. Dodgy tax preparers offering to complete your tax refund. Scammers capitalising on the desire for maximum tax refunds will promise substantial returns and a speedier process, which can appear to be an enticing offer in an otherwise confusing and stressful time. The fraudsters will ask for access to the myGov accounts of their victims and lodge tax returns through the ATO’s myTax web portal or take personal details and payment before disappearing.

How to avoid this scam:

• If someone approaches you claiming to be a tax preparer, you can check that they are registered on the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) by visiting their website to verify the legitimacy of their claims.
• Never share your myGov password with anyone. Sharing your information (such as your myGov password) with an unregistered practitioner puts your personal and financial affairs at risk.
• Enable two factor authentication on myGov. You can use either the myGov Code Generator app or receive a code by SMS when logging in. This will further protect you from unauthorised access to your myGov account.

Companies are significantly boosting their AI investments, identifying it as a key driver of growth and innovation, according to a new survey of 500 small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in Australia and New Zealand commissioned by Schneider Electric, a leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation.

Significantly, two-thirds of respondents increased their IT budgets this year, and nearly half predicted further substantial increases in funding AI over the next five years. Forty-three per cent of respondents said dealing with embedded AI would be their top focus this year.

The research, ‘The essential guide to understanding AI for SMB and Mid Market leaders in Australia and New Zealand’, explores AI’s growing landscape and its potential to drive significant growth and innovation for SMBs. The research delves into potential use cases for AI across industries with crucial considerations for AI investments, covering infrastructure, data management, security, personnel, processes, goal setting, and the role of partners’ services – from edge computing to core solutions such as colocation, private data centres, or cloud services. 

The essential guide to understanding AI investment for SMB insights include:

• AI presents widespread opportunities and businesses are backing it. 48% of Australian organisations said they would take a company-wide approach to AI with significant levels of investment. A further 43% report that dealing with embedded AI will be the top focus this year.
• Investment in AI is expected to rise significantly in the next five years. Nearly half of respondents (46%) anticipate a substantial increase in AI spending.
• SMBs are prioritising growth, customers, and cost management. The survey revealed that growth is the top business priority in Australia. Cost management remains a key concern.
• Security and data are the biggest hurdles to AI adoption. Over 42% of respondents identified security and data as the biggest hurdles to AI adoption this year. 
• A hybrid approach to AI infrastructure is likely to eventuate. The research suggests a combination of edge computing, cloud computing, and on-premises environments will be most prevalent for AI projects. 
• A majority (80%) of SMBs agree they must include edge environments with AI solutions. They also stated that their edge needs upgrading, and edge computing is expected to be included in up to 10% of AI projects. 

The research revealed the number one investment priority in Australia is CX technology, while modernisation is the top IT management issue, followed by security. Nearly half of those surveyed said AI-generated film and video would have the highest and most urgent impact on their organisations.

“These findings paint a clear picture: AI is no longer just for big businesses, and organisations of all sizes and sectors are looking to leverage the technology to meet their growth, efficiency, and customer satisfaction targets,” said Joe Craparotta, Vice President of Secure Power from Schneider Electric.

“AI is already built into many platforms businesses use, but now there is an opportunity to unlock its capabilities to improve business outcomes,” he added.

“We know that AI also has enormous potential to help organisations make more intelligent decisions in the areas that are part of the solution to energy dilemma – operational efficiency, electrification, and digitisation,” he said. “We hope that this research will help SMBs leverage AI to drive more sustainability – in addition to operational efficiency – across their business.” 

To download the research, click here. To learn more about the results of this research and what it means for the Partner ecosystem, register to attend our 2024 Innovation Day: APC Channel Partners on 4 June 2024 here.