March 28, 2025; Brisbane, Australia: Leading Australian technology services and solutions provider, Data#3, is delighted to announce that it has been recognised as the HP Greater Asia Partner of the Year Top Enterprise Reseller for Personal Systems. This prestigious accolade, awarded by HP from a pool of over 2,000 partners across Greater Asia, underscores the company’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology solutions that drive innovation and enhance the modern workplace.
The award was announced at the HP Amplify Partner Conference in Nashville, where partners from all around the world gathered to explore the future of work. The event showcased HP’s latest advancements, including AI-powered print tools, enhancements to the Workforce Experience Platform, and next-generation PCs, demonstrating how technology is shaping the evolving workplace.
Data#3 National Practice Manager for End User Computing, Paula Fountain, said, “We are incredibly proud to receive this HP accolade. This recognition reflects our strong partnership with HP, built on collaboration and a shared commitment to shaping the future of work through innovation. Celebrating this achievement with the HP Greater Asia team in Nashville was a fantastic opportunity to connect, reflect on our successes, and explore new ways to help businesses adapt to an evolving workplace.”
Data#3 Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Brad Colledge, commented, “This award further strengthens the longstanding partnership between Data#3 and HP, demonstrating the depth of collaboration and shared vision between us both. Together, we drive meaningful change for our customers, helping them navigate the future of work with cutting-edge technology through a unique lifecycle approach. We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together and are excited to continue pushing the boundaries of the modern workplace.”
As businesses continue to adapt to the evolving workplace, Data#3 and HP remain committed to driving innovation and shaping the future of work, sustainably. By leveraging the latest advancements in AI and enterprise technology, the partnership will continue to empower organisations with secure, sustainable, and intelligent solutions that enhance productivity and performance.
Data#3 was also recognised as a finalist for HP Greater Asia Poly Partner of the Year. Supporting businesses of all sizes, Data#3 and HP are committed to helping organisations navigate the evolving workplace by providing the essential tools and technology they need to thrive.
Pictured (second from right) Brad Colledge, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Data#3, and (third from right) Paula Fountain, National Practice Manager for End User Computing, Data#3.
Generative AI and Automation are revolutionising the way businesses create, manage, and protect content. From marketing communications to document processes, AI-driven solutions are enabling organisations to scale efficiently while ensuring security and compliance.
At the forefront of this transformation, Adobe provides cutting-edge tools designed to streamline content creation and document workflows. With Firefly Services (APIs) and Adobe Acrobat solutions, businesses can now enhance their creative and operational processes while leveraging existing Microsoft investments. As the world evolves, so do the possibilities, making content creation more connected, secure, and efficient than ever before.
Marketers today face the challenge of producing vast amounts of high-quality, engaging content at an unprecedented pace. Generative AI is changing the game by enabling organisations to create marketing assets at scale, ethically and safely for commercial use.
Adobe Firefly Services, built on responsible AI principles, allows marketers to generate text, images, and creative assets tailored to their brand identity. Whether it’s automating personalised email campaigns, generating visuals for social media, or crafting compelling ad copy, Firefly Services empowers marketing teams to work smarter, not harder.
By leveraging AI-powered content creation, businesses can:
With Adobe’s Firefly Services, marketing teams can focus on strategic initiatives while AI takes care of the heavy lifting, accelerating creativity and innovation.
Beyond marketing, generative AI is also transforming how knowledge workers handle documents. The ability to analyse, generate, and protect content efficiently is critical in today’s complex business environment. Adobe Acrobat and its AI-powered solutions provide professionals with the tools needed to streamline document workflows while maintaining security and compliance.
Acrobat’s AI-driven features enable businesses to:
By integrating seamlessly with Microsoft products, Adobe’s document solutions complement existing workflows, ensuring a smooth and productive experience. Whether managing contracts, legal documents, or customer communications, AI-driven automation enhances efficiency and reduces manual effort.
Marketers today face the challenge of producing vast amounts of high-quality, engaging content at an unprecedented As AI adoption grows, so does the need for strong security and ethical governance. Adobe is committed to ensuring that its AI-driven solutions are safe, secure, and transparent. With built-in safeguards and responsible AI practices, Adobe provides businesses with the confidence to leverage AI while protecting their most valuable assets.
Key security features of Adobe’s AI solutions include:
By integrating security-first AI, Adobe enables organisations to innovate confidently while maintaining control over their data and content integrity.
Marketers today face the challenge of producing vast amounts of high-quality, engaging content at an unprecedented As businesses navigate an increasingly digital world, the ability to harness AI and automation effectively is key to staying competitive. Adobe’s solutions empower organisations to create, manage, and protect content with confidence, ensuring that technology remains an enabler of progress.
It’s time to embrace the future of AI-driven marketing and document processes. Join us at JuiceIT 2025 and discover how to simplify, connect, and protect your business for long-term success.
Penrith City Council wanted to ensure it was ready to seize the opportunity of Microsoft 365 (M365) Copilot while avoiding unnecessary risk.
The council wanted to plan effectively for adoption of a key emerging technology and partnered with Data#3 as a trusted partner with direct experience using M365 Copilot.
We have gathered insightful information about the potential benefits of AI, which will help us enhance the services we provide to the local community.
Jane Howard – Chief Information Officer, Penrith City Council.
Nestled between Sydney and the Blue Mountains, Penrith City Council is responsible for an area characterised by spectacular natural beauty and a buzzing arts, culture, and entertainment scene. The council supports a diverse community, providing a range of services that makes Penrith a great place to live and visit.
The council wanted to assess the potential of Microsoft 365 (M365) Copilot as a key emerging new technology to enable greater efficiency and service delivery. It was important to understand potential value as well as any risk involved.
The arrival of the highly anticipated M365 Copilot technology is set to revolutionise workplaces, putting enterprise-level artificial intelligence (AI) in the hands of employees. For Penrith City Council, Chief Information Officer, Jane Howard, it was important to understand how best council could leverage the advantages while ensuring proper data governance in this evolving landscape.
“Since this is a new and evolving technology, it’s still quite immature. As local government, we need to see tangible benefits from purchasing licenses by having the software demonstrate clear advantages.”
“There has been a lot of media around generative AI, and people have questioned how will it fit from an organisational perspective? Will it replace me in my role? Where does it fit into day-to-day operations and how it fits in the organisation and adding value means we need to understand the overall business case.”
In an organisation that provides such a broad range of services, ranging from libraries and recreation to waste management and building permits, it is unsurprising that staff roles are diverse. It made sense to Howard that approaching the introduction of Copilot would require a deep dive into the different ways employees’ roles could benefit.
“There are many types of workers in local government, and not everyone sits in front of a PC all day. We have children’s services, waste management, and people hard at work maintaining our outdoor areas. We have to know where it is showing value, because it might not be useful for everyone, and we need to invest where people will make use of this and benefit.”
M365 Copilot uses the Semantic index, which indexes every file that a user has access to in M365 the results available for Copilot to query. If a user unknowingly has access to sensitive information, Copilot may return a result that leverages that information, inadvertently raising risk.
If users are unaware of the implications of the sensitive nature of their results, they may inadvertently share further. It is, then, essential that organisations review their data governance situation to ensure permissions are correct and to prevent over-sharing.
“In local government, while some of our information is available publicly, we do have much data, like any organisation, that we must keep safe. We also need to keep our employees safe and not expose them to a situation where they have access to information that they shouldn’t.”
While managing risks is vital, the potential for boosted efficiency is significant. Any technology that enables staff to stretch the budget further represents the chance to enhance services and do more for the local population.
“Our other challenge is taking full advantage of the opportunity. We want to make use of new tools and technologies that could help us be more efficient, and focus on adding value for customers without spending that does not add value. We have to make sure the decision is right.”
One challenge of a very new technology is finding help from a partner with first-hand experience. Penrith City Council chose to seek guidance from Data#3, who have hands-on proficiency thanks to being one of the rare few organisations in Australia to take part in the Copilot for M365 Early Access Program (EAP).
“We were looking at our data and making sure we understood its location and accessibility, and wanted to engage with an organisation that could help. Data#3 have had experience with Copilot themselves, so they can share their own experiences with us.”
Focusing on the areas of information governance, organisational change management, and platform, Data#3’s M365 Copilot Readiness Assessment helps businesses understand their current situation and prepare their people and data to get the most from Copilot.
The Data#3 team conducted analysis of Penrith City Council’s M365 tenant, giving the council valuable insights into their data-sharing practices, and recommending best-practice steps to mitigate risk. Experts connected directly to the council’s M365 tenant to perform a technical analysis and led a series of six workshops, then created a readiness report, roadmap, and recommended next steps.
“The Project team is a collaboration between the ICT and the Information Management teams who are leading this initiative; and participated in the Data#3 Readiness Assessment. They thought it was really well structured. The flow from where we started at introduction to where we ended up; with a final report – took us on a journey that gave us a good grounding and an understanding of what Copilot is, what we could do in the organisation, and how to prepare for our pilot program. We’re very happy with how the workshops were presented and we gained valuable knowledge throughout.”
“Each workshop covered different aspects, an introduction, the technology architecture, our data assessment and a key workshop ensuring we understood any potential issues around sensitive data. We looked at the results around data accessibility permissions, then the users themselves, assigning different ‘personas’ around the potential way Copilot could be used. Other workshops also covered how the tool operates, opportunities around use cases, how this technology would be implemented in our environment and the configuration we would need to do.”
While the council runs a tight ship in terms of data governance, they said that due diligence is especially important when introducing generative AI. While they were pleased that the workshops did not uncover any major surprises, it was good to go into the pilot program with greater certainty.
“Our Information Management team is very astute at protecting our data assets, and we are mindful of how data is stored and structured. The workshop was useful in making us even more aware of what data we should mark sensitive.”
“Because ICT are new to the technology ourselves, working with an experienced team was helpful. We have used free tools like ChatGPT but we were interested to see how Copilot would work in our organisation with our data to give the most value. We also purchased a few licences in advance of our pilot, so the Project Team can see how it could work.”
It has been a fascinating experience for the Project Team, who have been keen to put Copilot through its paces. They said it has been “very interesting” to see how people respond when getting a glimpse of this future.
“We had a large meeting of around 30 people in a hybrid format, and there was an executive assistant in the room taking minutes. After the meeting, I demonstrated to her the minutes and action items Copilot had produced. Her feedback was literally ‘Wow’. This new technology will definitely provide some real advantages for some of our personas!”
“Years ago, we used to take shorthand, then secretaries typed minutes, then we had dictation machines, then PCs, so roles will change, this is just another evolution of the way we work – as Microsoft calls it, a modern workplace.”
They said that the value of effective change management cannot be underestimated. The workshop approach helped with practical recommendations that aligned well with the council’s way of working. The group went out to ask Heads of Department to nominate team members to be involved in the pilot and said that they were “very excited” at the opportunity.
“One of the suggestions of the Readiness Assessment is to set up a Centre of Excellence, with the pilot group engaged in identifying opportunities, sharing ideas, and reporting back on things that didn’t work or worked well. They will become Copilot champions throughout the organisation if and when we decide to move this forward in the organisation.”
“Data#3 will play a part in that team, in that when we need something escalated, they can assist us with advice. We can also channel new M365 functionality around modern workplaces into that group.”
Do the Readiness Assessment and look at the underlying architecture: this will help you to understand what it means to your organisation.
Jane Howard – Chief Information Officer, Penrith City Council.
The introduction of Copilot represents an extraordinary opportunity to work more efficiently and, in the case of Penrith City Council, to enable employee focus on providing the exceptional services the community needs.
“Penrith is a growing council, with a population expected to grow 31% by 2036. Therefore we have to look at the ways we work and make ourselves more efficient.”
“It is not just about growth of resident numbers; we have the new Nancy Bird Airport in construction close by, and the Penrith area is a great destination to visit, we’re on the river and close to the mountains, so we will be welcoming more guests, too. We’re looking at ways to work smarter and more efficiently to give everyone the best we have to offer.”
After working through this initial phase, Howard’s advice is that organisations seek experienced help to embark on structured planning.
“Do the Readiness Assessment and look at the underlying architecture: this will help you to understand what it means to your organisation. If you just deployed the licences, it would be quite lacking. You need to build the hype internally, balance what is in the media, too, and set a perspective for your organisation. People will be innovative when they have the tools available.”
“Also to mention that we have been supported by Microsoft, and we were able to use our Technology Innovation Fund via Data#3. Between our vendor partner Data#3, Microsoft, and our own internal learnings, the Readiness Assessment has been a success.”
Is your organisation ready to deploy Copilot for M365? Do you fully understand how turning on AI technology like this will impact your M365 environment? We’re here to help you prepare for Copilot for M365 deployment through interactive workshops and data-driven insights.
Contact our team of specialists to get your team ready for Copilot.
Information provided within this form will be handled in accordance with our privacy statement.
Microsoft is still guns blazing with these latest Surface devices – The Surface Pro 11th Edition for Business and The Surface Laptop 7th Edition for Business, both an extension of the Copilot+ PC range first launched in May 2024 (which contained Snapdragon ARM chips). These devices, built on Intel, still look great in your hands, but they’ve also embedded some serious security along with AI-driven performance and innovation. Whether your team is remote, in-office, or somewhere in between, these devices are designed to simultaneously fit into modern work environments while also raising the bar on what a workplace device is, and what it can do.
Starting with the top-of-mind topic – security – it’s one of the biggest features to call-out. These devices incorporate a range of solutions, including Secured-core, Windows Hello, TPM 2.0, and Microsoft Pluton. What this actually means is these new devices are equipped with:
Working together, these devices offer robust security that protects your login credentials and data from unauthorised access.
The long-awaited Copilot+ PC’s with Intel for Business have advanced AI capabilities through direct embeds right in the hardware, the purpose being to offer end users a more intuitive and efficient computing experience.
Built with AI-optimised processors and neural engines, these Surface devices push the boundaries of local AI performance, ensuring cutting-edge efficiency and responsiveness. This is what allows features like real-time language translation, AI-enhanced image creation and advanced video call enhancements.
Unlike traditional AI tools that rely heavily on cloud processing, these next-gen devices handle AI tasks directly on the device. This means faster performance and improved privacy, as sensitive data isn’t transmitted to external servers. And since Copilot runs entirely on the device, you don’t even need an internet connection to use it, and it works wherever you are and without lag.
It will be interesting to see how different users find value in these AI capabilities and how these AI features will evolve over time. Already we can see powerful use cases:
Ultimately, it will be about experimenting and discovering how these AI features fit into your own workflow. While some might feel redundant, others are likely to become indispensable tools in your working life.
Designed for professionals who need power and flexibility, it elevates the hybrid work experience with a lightweight, portable design, now with even more performance to keep up with demanding workloads.
Display | A 13-inch PixelSense Flow touchscreen with HDR adaptive colour. Crystal-clear visuals make it perfect for crunching data, reviewing designs or sketching ideas. For even better contrast, the optional OLED display has you covered.
Processor | Inside you’ll find an Intel® Core™ Ultra processor (Series 2) with built-in AI acceleration and Microsoft Copilot. This means the device can easily handle multitasking, AI-driven Copilot assistance and demanding business apps without breaking a sweat – offline and online. There’s also a built-in Near Field Communications (NFC) reader that’s also Imprivata ready for the Healthcare industry.
Battery Life | Improved battery life will have you working non-stop throughout the day without ever scrambling for a charger, supported by fast charging.
Video conferencing | A 1440p ultra-wide Surface Studio Camera, with AI features like background blur and voice enhancement. Sharp visuals and clear sound keep your virtual meetings professional.
Why users will love it
The popular built-in 165-degree kickstand and Surface Slim Pen that stores neatly on the device make this device a pleasure to use, while the Surface Pro Flex Keyboard includes a dedicated Copilot key to access AI-enabled productivity in seconds. But the security and AI enhancements might be the real showstopper.
The Surface Laptop 7th Edition with Intel for Business is designed for professionals looking for that sweet combo of style, power and smarts. With its cool aluminium body, long battery life and advanced AI capabilities, it’s everything you want in a laptop and then more.
Display | Available in 13.8-inch or 15-inch PixelSense Flow touchscreen options with a dynamic refresh rate up to 120Hz, HDR and anti-reflective display technology. It’s crisp and immersive under any lighting – perfect for delivering client presentations or reviewing creative work.
Processor: Intel® Core™ Ultra processor (Series 2) with up to 48 TOPS of AI performance. Seamlessly multitask, run Copilot, and power through heavy workloads.
Battery Life | All day battery life plus fast charging with via Surface Connect or USB-C. Long workdays? Not a problem.
Connectivity | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth Core 5.4, two USB-C / USB4 ports and a USB-A port. Fast file transfers, multiple monitor support and easy accessory connections.
Why users will love it
The customisable precision haptic touchpad and signature Surface keyboard with a Copilot key for quick access to Copilot make navigation easy and typing comfortable, even over long hours. Paired with AI tools like Recall and Live Translate, users can find files in seconds and translate meetings on the fly.
Microsoft has been careful to develop devices that make IT teams working life easier. From hardware-based protection to features like TPM 2.0 and end-to-end supply chain security, these devices keep sensitive data safe and align with IT teams in-house security efforts. For example, tools like the Surface Management Portal let you configure and monitor devices remotely, simplifying fleet management. There’s also improved repairability and QR-coded instructions to ensure long-term value and reduce e-waste.
Ultra-fast connectivity, enterprise-grade management, and eco-friendly design, Surface USB4 Dock is an essential accessory for modern business setups.
Both new devices are looking to be a very impressive step forward for Microsoft, delivering small upgrades in almost every spec category, and big ones for on-device AI. I’m particularly excited to see our customers try out these devices in the real world and discover how they fit into their own workflows. Moving forward, we can expect things to get increasingly interesting as AI continues to find its groove in modern devices.
Get in touch with a Data#3 Surface device specialist to take a demonstration unit for a test drive.
Some organisations are already humming along having already migrated their entire fleet to Windows 11. Yet others are continuing to ignore the pending deadline, just beginning to weigh up a move, or perhaps aren’t even aware it’s coming. But it is! Windows 10 end-of-life is now fast approaching, which means no more updates, security patches, or support from Microsoft.
And here’s the rub – Windows 10 EOL is not like OS upgrades of the past. Organisations must migrate to its successor operating system, Windows 11, or there will be unavoidable consequences – from security vulnerabilities to unsupported systems.
Windows 11 delivers advanced security, smoother performance, and plenty of AI-powered tools. It’s an OS built to keep your organisation running efficiently and securely for years to come.
Let’s explore what makes this transition so different, and why so many of our customers are viewing it as a strategic opportunity to position their organisation for what’s coming next.
Microsoft announced that support for its most successful operating system release ever, Windows 10, will officially end on 14 October 2025. Beyond this date – while devices running Windows 10 will continue to function – they’ll no longer receive essential monthly security patches or quality updates. This is significant – staying on Windows 10 post-support carries huge security risks and compliance concerns. It’s also worth noting that in their bid to nudge organisations towards the secure, up-to-date environment offered by Windows 11, Microsoft has also halted new sales of Windows 10 PCs. The clock is indeed ticking.
You may be hoping that Microsoft will extend the support deadline for Windows 10, but there’s no indication of this happening. Microsoft has been clear that support will end on the current deadline, and relying on a possible extension is a risky strategy – especially given Microsoft is actively pushing adoption of Windows 11.
Know the security and compliance implications of staying put
If you’re still on the fence about migrating or pushing timelines back, remember that Windows 10 end-of-life is more than just a routine update. When support ends, real security and compliance issues begin:
Preparing for a timely upgrade to Windows 11 is the safest way to avoid security vulnerabilities.
For security reasons alone, migrating to Windows 11 has to happen. But it’s actually an opportunity to rethink and refresh your entire setup. Windows 10 end-of-life is becoming the push many organisations need to address a backlog of outdated tech, rationalising technical debt and moving towards efficient, modern device management that will support teams well into the future. For many, it’s the start of a broader journey to upgrade systems, tools and devices.
Many organisations are still using on-premises Active Directory, legacy applications, and outdated deployment tools like Configuration Manager – tools that create barriers to implementing the more efficient, cloud-based solutions that today’s IT environments demand.
Moving to Windows 11 provides a clean slate to adopt a modern management approach that utilises tools like Microsoft Intune and Azure AD, and introduces capabilities like remote, cloud-based provisioning, streamlined updates, stronger security, and improved support for hybrid work – all aligned perfectly with the needs of a modern workforce.
Here’s just a few scenarios where we see this shift play out.
In both scenarios, the conversation around how devices are deployed, managed, and secured naturally leads to the bigger piece – moving to a modern management approach supported by a migration to Windows 11.
This shift in device management also impacts the overall device strategy. Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) options are being reconsidered (it is so easy now with Azure Virtual Desktop), and unrelated but still part of future-proofing strategies, the availability of ARM-based, AI-ready devices change how a fleet needs to be managed. This is about ensuring that the hardware and software invested in today can handle the AI-driven and cloud-based applications of tomorrow. Microsoft’s Copilot is of course a staple in this, and we expect it to play a much larger role in changing how we work and the associated productivity benefits.
This is where proactive planning comes in – by assessing device compatibility early they can roll out Windows 11 across compatible hardware, while gradually replacing older devices. For more on how this shift can work for your organisation, read our in-depth device strategy blog.
The Windows 10 EOL opportunity is clear. We encourage customers to stop seeing it as just another deadline to meet, and instead consider it as a moment to set up a modern management strategy that’s truly built for the future.
Let Data#3 guide you through a seamless Windows 11 migration, tailored to fit your organisation’s needs. Our team of Microsoft experts can help with:
Every organisation deals with technical debt—the accumulation of outdated systems, legacy apps, and workarounds. It builds up as businesses grow and technology evolves, creating a backlog of issues that eventually need addressing. While it may start as a minor inconvenience, this debt becomes a real barrier to progress over time, adding risk, complexity and cost to every upgrade.
With Windows 10 support coming to an end, this technical debt is now front and centre for organisations aiming to transition to Windows 11. The new operating system (OS) makes it obvious where legacy hardware, older apps, or outdated security protocols hold you back. For many, Windows 11’s stricter system requirements mean that it’s a call to rethink outdated hardware and software, refresh ageing devices, and establish a solid transition strategy rather than simply kicking the problems further down the road.
Let’s start by explaining what we mean by technical debt in the Windows 11 context. In many organisations, tech debt manifests as legacy systems like on-premises file servers , older configuration management tools like Microsoft Configuration Manager (SCCM), and even unsupported operating systems.
Here’s a quick summary of the most common forms of tech debt we see impacting Windows 11 migration:
These large-scale hardware replacements carry budget and resource implications. IT teams will need to work closely with finance to plan for these costs and may need to stagger replacements to avoid significant outlay and workforce disruption. Managing device upgrades or retirements will also require logistical planning, including end-of-life disposal.
Once devices slated for retirement have been identified, selecting replacements will require more strategic thought than typical fleet refreshes. While all new Microsoft devices are Windows 11 compatible, considerations around specific use cases, such as the AI -power and features of ARM-based devices, adds a new dimension to these decisions.
Paying down tech debt solves more than just past problems. It also delivers tangible benefits, such as simplifying device management, boosting security, and building a foundation for future tech shifts without adding to the debt balance.
It requires a clear roadmap, however, that prioritises the most impactful areas, aligns with your Windows 11 migration timeline, and incorporates cloud-based solutions. Not all tech debt is the same. Some aspects directly impact business continuity and security, while others, like legacy applications, may not be as urgent but still require a plan. Starting with the issues that carry the most risk, such as outdated security protocols or unsupported operating systems, allows you to close the most critical gaps first.
Timing is another consideration. Aligning tech debt reduction with your Windows 11 migration timeline can streamline both processes, turning a potentially disruptive upgrade into a coordinated transformation effort. Simply put, it’s about prioritisation – keep what you can, update what you need, and replace when you must. This also helps keep users on track with minimal disruption, as they’re guided through phased upgrades that ultimately create a seamless transition to the new OS.
Finally, integrating cloud-based solutions like Microsoft Intune, Windows 365, and Azure Virtual Desktop will create a future-ready IT environment. Windows 11 is optimised for cloud-centric management, making this the perfect time to adopt solutions that support remote provisioning, secure remote access, and streamline policy enforcement across devices. By moving to the cloud, you’re preparing for a smoother Windows 11 experience and equipping your organisation with the scalability and flexibility needed to adapt to future demands.
A successful Windows 11 migration begins with a clear ‘valuation’ of existing tech debt. Our approach provides a structured assessment to identify potential roadblocks and opportunities. Here’s how we approach it:
Once we’ve assessed your tech debt, we deliver targeted remediation services to address specific challenges as we ready your organisation to transition to Windows 11. The focus is on building a modern, resilient IT environment that supports your business goals:
With a solid modernisation plan, it’s possible to reverse the cycle of tech debt growth. Data#3 is here to guide you through a full assessment, prioritisation, and remediation process so you have the support needed to address your existing investments and put your organisation on the path to a modernised setup.
A partnership that has been in existence since 1994, Data#3 holds the highest level of partner accreditations across the Microsoft ecosystem – from the network and cloud, to the datacentre and workforce. Our expert team can guide and advise on the best technologies for your business.
International Safety Systems wanted to modernise their IT infrastructure and migrate to the cloud.
As International Safety Systems infrastructure neared end of life, the business sought recommendations from a trusted consultant, and determined that a shift to Microsoft Azure was the right path forward. That advisor joined Data#3 and they recognised that the expertise and culture of their partnership would make a good match.
• Scalable environment
• Exceptional availability
• Built-in backup and disaster recovery functionality
• Improved security
• Fast and cost-effective, making it easier to innovate
• Customer’s data is cloud-hosted, residing in their chosen location
• Streamlined onboarding process
• Access to additional expertise
• Avoidance of capital expenditure (CapEx)
The most outstanding part of the project is the improved reliability. We have had no unscheduled downtime thanks to the way our Data#3 consultant designed the platform.
David Rickward – Commercial Director, International Safety Systems
International Safety Systems (ISS) provides customised safety, quality and risk management solutions to customers around the world, helping them to meet compliance requirements while improving their business resilience.
ISS had been hosting its specialised apps in-house, using a thin client approach to distribute software. As available cloud options matured, ISS recognised the potential to work more efficiently and offer an enhanced service to customers.
The AIRS app from ISS is used to capture and manage safety and quality data for customers in stringently controlled industries, such as defence and aerospace. The small, very busy ISS team helps its customers meet all compliance obligations, reducing risk and operating more safely. Until recently, Commercial Director David Rickward said that managing infrastructure was a way of life.
“We had a traditional model, before Software as a Service was widely available. We hosted our software on our own hardware in a Sydney data centre. In addition to the hosting cost we had all the associated maintenance costs and then every five years, we would have to throw it away and start again, which meant incurring substantial capital costs and add-on services. Whilst it allowed us to distribute AIRS online it was a costly and labour-intensive model.”
That service model required effort from customers, and the cost was amplified by the need for extremely high availability to meet the service levels required by clients.
“We had backup redundancy and disaster recovery servers running. Overall, we were happy with the uptime – however, there were occasional unscheduled outages which required on-premises support, adding more cost,” explained Rickward.
As the time for renewal approached, with cloud options now offering greater maturity, ISS sought advice from a trusted cloud specialist, who learned about the ISS business model and made initial suggestions.
“He was experienced with Microsoft Azure. After we started discussions with him, he moved to Data#3. He provided a lot of really good ideas around platform design to make our operations more efficient. We had been working with him for several years and we wanted to continue that relationship.”
After careful evaluation, ISS followed Data#3’s recommendation for a Microsoft Azure environment, first instating one instance of the ISS software, then provisioning more until the solution hosted all customers. Microsoft Azure backup and DR, as well as several Microsoft Azure security and management features were put to work to help the ISS team work efficiently.
“It was a reasonably quick transition by technology standards, taking six months from our first proof of concept discussions, through commitment and implementation. We canvassed our biggest clients to see if there were any issues for them to move to the new environment, especially in terms of security. Their primary concern was where their data would reside.
“We sandbox tested with a couple of our biggest clients, migrated some smaller clients, then lastly the bigger organisations over a period of eight months.”
The solution included expertise from a Data#3 cloud specialist, so that ISS would always be positioned to work proactively and able to get the most form the Microsoft Azure platform, while managing costs effectively.
“We’re leveraging our Data#3 cloud specialist as our platform manager. We monitor the day-to-day ourselves, and he does general housekeeping a couple of times a month to ensure updates are installed. He also talks us through new security features we might be interested in. This input is invaluable to us – we’re a small company and can handle tasks ourselves but can’t do everything in-house. This arrangement gives us access to the wider resources of Data#3 when we need it.”
Rickward has stated that the flexibility of the Microsoft Azure platform has already impressed ISS clients, given the speed and cost-effectiveness of rolling out the custom app that the company is known for. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.
“One client in the aviation industry initially wanted to run the app in-house. They went to their IT department, who quoted six figures for the new servers, and managing and monitoring those assets. We can spin up a dedicated host for them and provide continuous access to data. It was one fifth of the cost that their internal IT would have needed.
“They would have had to go through getting budget approval, which would have taken 12 months, but being a pay-as-you-go model, it was signed off within a week.”
Microsoft invests around $1 billion (USD) each year on Microsoft Azure security, with developers designing solutions for the modern threat landscape where organisations face an increasingly sophisticated barrage of attacks. Rickward said that this timely boost to security is “absolutely a plus”, with the shift to the secure online platform reducing risk for ISS and its clients.
“It is a valuable part of the solution without a shadow of a doubt. Before, every thin client had its own port, so there were multiple ports facing the world. By changing, customers now have web access through a firewall, with only one single point of entry. When you look at it from a security risk point of view, it is considerably better than before, and our customers stay safer.”
The transition for customers went smoothly, causing no disruption and earning praise for the improved ISS offering after the shift to Microsoft Azure.
“Their lives got easier without having to run the thin client. The cutover was seamless, and the users had their familiar app, they weren’t seeing any difference except that they just had to use a hyperlink instead of clicking an icon on their desktop.”
As a technology business itself, ISS places considerable importance on finding solutions that keep its lead position in its competitive market.
“We can stay at the forefront of technology, always using the latest and greatest, as opposed to buying hardware that becomes obsolete in a month, which then becomes a patch job. Moving to the Microsoft Azure platform means we can stay at the front of the curve, in turn giving our customers the best outcomes,” described Rickward.
This progress is aided by sharing knowledge, with the Data#3 Azure expert helping the small ISS team to gain confidence in the new platform. Rickward is happy that the business has benefitted from someone with enormous depth of Azure experience.
“He has done quite a bit of work with our internal team on things like day-to-day monitoring and firewalls. He’s helped our team to completely understand what to look for, and how to achieve compliance.
“It has been a game-changer for us, and we look at it as a partnership arrangement. Given what the Data#3 Azure expert has delivered us, it is a lot more capability than we would otherwise have, and we’ve gained a lot more capability in-house with him there.”
That capability extends to helping ISS respond to requests for tenders. Rickward said that the ability to access expertise helps to show prospective corporate and government clients that ISS has the capability needed when providing such a critical service.
“The advantage of dealing with a technology company like Data#3 is that if we don’t have specific expertise in-house, we know we have it through them. When we’re bidding on some contracts, it gives us more credibility to have that support, especially in the government space. We do a lot of work for government and from a security point of view, if we’re working with an organisation that is already approved, it makes for a more seamless transition, and we don’t have to delay delivery getting approvals.”
For customers, the Microsoft Azure platform raises the bar for custom solutions. ISS can now offer shared platforms, where customers’ individual environments are logically separated, and where customers prefer, dedicated platforms can be quickly provided. The ability to store data in their own or an approved jurisdiction has proven to be essential.
“Microsoft Azure provides more flexibility, allowing us to do more for our clients with specific requirements. For example, for legal or regulatory reasons, clients may need to ensure their data is stored in a particular jurisdiction. With Microsoft Azure we know we can provide that assurance and have them covered.”
It has been a game-changer for us, and we look at it as a partnership arrangement. Given what the Data#3 Azure expert has delivered us, it is a lot more capability than we would otherwise have.
David Rickward – Commercial Director, International Safety Systems
Although Rickward said that any major change in delivery method had the “potential to be traumatic”, he was clear that with the right team in place, it didn’t have to be.
“My advice is simple: find someone who totally understands what you do. Data#3 was very good in terms of what we were trying to achieve and that understanding meant we were able to map it out together – it was truly a collaborative experience. In terms of understanding the platform and how to manage disaster recovery, that was important.
“The transition itself should be made straightforward – taking the environment off the existing platform and moving it into the cloud. However, there are so many tricks to managing Microsoft Azure well with the right security around it, it’s essential to engage with an experienced consulting firm.
You might be tempted to do it yourself, but you will end up saving money and getting a better result with the right partner. When I filled out the customer satisfaction survey, I gave it a 10 out of 10. One hundred percent!”
Ultimately, the solution was measured by ISS against the benefits and service levels they were able to provide to their valued customers around the world. The switch to the Microsoft Azure platform has been deemed a success.
“The most outstanding part of the project is the improved reliability; we have had no unscheduled downtime because of the way the platform is set up. When we did have minor issues, we were able to failover to backup systems without service interruption. The service delivery has been outstanding,” concluded Rickward.
Download Customer Story Explore how Microsoft Azure can benefit your business
A new device without some variety of embedded AI barely qualifies as a product launch these days. At least the team behind Microsoft Surface thinks so because the latest Surface Copilot+ devices to hit the shelves come packed with AI-driven capabilities. But before we look at the devices themselves, we need to talk a little about the new processors.
First integrated into Surface devices with the release of Windows 11 in 2023, Copilot was part of Microsoft’s broader push to embed AI-powered tools directly into their ecosystem, starting with the Office suite and expanding into Windows.
But in the AI era, that’s old news. This latest round of Surface devices has AI capabilities right down to the core, or rather, in their new ARM-based processors and Neural Processing Units (NPUs). It’s what Microsoft calls “high-octane AI acceleration”.
The ARM chips powering these devices (Qualcomm Snapdragon®️ X Elite and Plus processors) represent a significant change from traditional Intel-based chips. Thanks to their Reduced Instruction Set Computing (RISC) design, ARM chips are faster and more energy-efficient than x86 processors from Intel and AMD.
This has led to around 99% of the premium smartphone market being powered by ARM*. However, compatibility issues with legacy software and hardware have prevented ARM from gaining widespread adoption in the desktop and laptop market. This gap is narrowing, though, as ARM-native applications and app-emulation tools advance. Microsoft is undoubtedly betting on ARM’s success, buoyed by Qualcomm’s benchmarks, which have surpassed the performance of both Apple’s M2 and Intel’s Core Ultra 7 chips, which leads us back to the launch of these two new devices.
A powerful combination of AI and processing power makes the Surface Laptop 7th Edition (available in 13.8-inch and 15-inch versions) an excellent choice for enterprises looking to boost productivity and enhance collaboration.
Processing power | Features robust on-device AI capabilities, thanks to the Snapdragon®️ X Elite and Plus processors (86% faster than Surface Laptop 5!) and integrated NPU.
Battery life and portability | The mind-boggling 22 hours of battery life on the 15-inch and 20 hours on the 13.8-inch (based on local video playback use) ensure uninterrupted performance, while fast charging ensures quick re-fuelling, so users stay in flow.
Connectivity | Featuring Wi-Fi 7 along with dual USB-C /USB 4 ports, allowing you to connect multiple peripherals or external displays.
Display | Near-edgeless 15-inch and 13.8-inch PixelSense Flow touchscreens feature adaptive colour, contrast, and HDR for a bright and responsive display under dim or bright lights.
Keyboard and touchpad | The laptop includes an improved silent keyboard experience with a dedicated Copilot key for quick access to AI-powered Copilot features. It also has a large haptic precision touchpad.
Camera | The HD 1080p Surface Studio Camera, combined with Windows Studio Effects driven by AI, gives virtual meetings a professional look and feel, while AI-driven features like background blur and voice clarity make communications clear.
Sustainability | Made from a minimum of 67.2% recycled materials, this device will appeal to environmentally conscious businesses.
A versatile tablet-to-laptop ARM-based device with unbeatable upgrades in processing power, AI capabilities, and enterprise-ready features, including security and repairability.
Processing power | Features robust on-device AI capabilities, thanks to the Snapdragon®️ X Elite and Plus processors (86% faster than Surface Laptop 5!) and integrated NPU.
Battery life and portability | ARM processors consume less power, so it’s no surprise users can expect up to 14 hours of battery life for Wi-Fi-only models. This is fantastic news for employees who work remotely, in the field, or have travel-heavy roles. And if power runs low, there’s fast charging to get those bars up quickly.
Connectivity | With Wi-Fi 7 and 5G support, users get faster, more reliable connectivity along with NFC for secure authentication, which is essential for remote work, video conferencing, and accessing cloud apps. The dual USB-C / USB 4 allows multiple peripherals or external displays to be connected, allowing you to configure your workspace to best suit your needs.
Display: Optional 13″ OLED display with HDR technology, adaptive colour, and high contrast and brightness for a clear viewing experience in any light conditions.
Keyboard and Pen | Users will enjoy a satisfyingly silent typing experience with the Surface Pro Flex detachable keyboard with Precision Haptic touchpad and Surface Slim Pen – which handily charges right on the keyboard.
Camera | Video conferencing is a breeze with an ultrawide camera paired with AI-driven enhancements through Windows Studio Effects.
Sustainability | Align with your organisation’s environmental responsibility. Pro 11th Edition uses at least 72% recycled materials in the enclosure.
On-device AI features | Beyond the handy Copilot key, both devices share a few notable on-device AI capabilities driven by the NPU.
Repairability | Like other Surface devices, both editions have Microsoft’s simplified repair process with replaceable components so they can be quickly repaired and returned to service.
Security | Advanced security measures like Windows Hello plus Microsoft Pluton technology which provides chip-to-cloud protection. The ability to manage risks directly from the device adds an extra layer of trust.
It’s important to note that these devices are not generational replacements for the respective Surface 6th and 10th editions; they are available in parallel. This is because they’re fundamentally consumer-focused devices, but their specs and affordability still make them suitable for specific roles in the enterprise. While features like the ability to transform simple sketches into refined designs add appeal, it is creative and AI-driven environments that will realise the device’s actual value, making them more suited for companies looking to develop specialised applications tailored to their needs rather than for general enterprise use.
To fully unlock the AI-powered capabilities of these devices, it’s important to understand the difference between the free, public version of Copilot and the licensed enterprise version. The free version offers basic functionalities, like web searches, while the licensed enterprise version provides advanced features, such as internal resource searching within company documents and databases. You will need the licensed version to access these deeper, business-critical AI features and get the most out of these devices. Data#3’s Copilot for M365 Readiness Assessment helps you prepare for deployment so that you’re ready to leverage its full potential.
Another essential consideration is remembering that these are ARM-based devices, not Intel. This may have incompatibility repercussions for businesses that rely on specific networking, management and security software, device drivers and legacy applications built for intel-based devices.
If you’re considering adding either of these devices to your fleet, you must assess your current infrastructure for compatibility. Our ARM readiness assessment evaluates your hardware, software and peripherals to determine whether your current systems can support ARM-based devices. For example, you will need Windows 11 as part of your SOE. Our assessment will give you a clear picture of the potential adjustments or upgrades required to integrate these ARM devices into your workflow fully.
Learn more about Data#3’s ARM readiness assessment >
In this new Surface lineup, Microsoft is betting on the future of AI-accelerated computing with ARM, positioning these devices as forward-thinking choices for businesses that are going all-in on AI technologies.
But take note: these devices are primarily aimed at organisations that have already—or plan to—adopt AI-powered solutions and tools within their operations.
This makes these devices an ideal fit if:
Your users value the ability to perform on-device AI tasks without relying on the internet
You want to introduce and test devices that are able to support emerging AI trends
Your company wants to explore custom-built AI models tailored to specific tasks
However, businesses must assess their environment for compatibility, especially regarding device drivers and app readiness. You can also test drive these devices by requesting a trial unit, and experience their AI-powered features first hand.
With over 15 years’ experience improving device fulfilment and implementation for our clients Data#3 will help you end the frustrations associated with device sourcing, deployment and warranties. We even offer training and adoption services to upskill your people on their new devices, to ensure the greatest return from your investment.
We were also recently named Microsoft Surface PC Reseller Worldwide Partner of the Year, Microsoft Surface Reseller of the Year for Asia, and the Microsoft Surface+ Worldwide Partner of the Year.
At Kingsway Christian College, empowering students with the skills to excel in a digital world is a top priority. Enter Adobe Creative Suite, a set of industry-leading tools that help students create captivating images, graphics, presentations, videos, and digital experiences. Through Adobe Creative Suite, students can unleash their creativity, build essential technical skills, and prepare for success in an increasingly digital landscape.
“What’s really great is that you have multiple ways of getting to the same place. The way I do it is different from the students. When the students are excited about what they are doing, you’re going to get the best out of them,” said Lauren Clark, Teacher, Kingsway Christian College.
In this video, discover how Kingsway Christian College is empowering students to harness the power of Adobe Creative Suite to unlock their potential in modern media.
As a Platinum Adobe Partner, Data#3 has extensive experience helping customers select and implement Adobe’s leading digital solutions. Let’s talk about how to:
The introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) into our professional lives is not just a technological upgrade – it’s a cultural revolution. Adoption of Copilot for Microsoft 365 (M365) is rapidly changing what the typical workday looks like. This change naturally brings about a lot of questions – including what exactly you should be asking your new AI tools for help with.
At Data#3, our Copilot for M365 Working Groups’ recent discussions have shed light on a pivotal shift in our work ethos. The group explored the concern that some individuals might feel reluctant to ask AI questions in areas where they believe they should already know the answers, or worry about how their inquiries might be perceived by their supervisors. After a lengthy discussion, the group concluded that asking even seemingly simple questions of AI should not only be acceptable – but encouraged.
The heart of this discussion revolved around the idea of a major cultural shift surrounding expertise, and what it means in the workplace. Using AI is not about abandoning our expertise – it’s about augmenting it. The integration of AI into the workplace provides an opportunity to validate what we already know, learn new things and continue pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve.
In one of our recent Copilot for M365 Working Group workshops, the Data#3 team considered how asking AI questions they already know the answer to might help them become more adept at harnessing the power of AI.
Steve Bedwell, our technical maestro, might ask, ‘What are the latest advancements in Copilot Studio?’ While Steve is well-versed in this subject, his interaction with Copilot serves as a springboard for generating a nuanced technical narrative, enriched by his own expertise.
On the business front, James Creighton, Practice Manager at Data#3 could pose the question, ‘How can we leverage emerging markets for growth?’ Although he is familiar with this topic, Copilot’s insights could help him craft a business strategy that’s both innovative and grounded in data-driven analysis, and significantly less time consuming than doing so manually. In this example, AI provides articulate content that can be moulded to what he needs, rather than creating it from scratch.
Deborah-Ann Allan, Principal Consultant, known for her sharp insights, might inquire, “What are effective change management strategies when deploying cutting-edge technology?” Through Copilot’s insights, she can utilise ideas that can be tailored to resonate with organisational culture.
Our master trainer in Modern Work technologies, Alice Antonsen, might ask, “How can we enhance remote collaboration through training?” With Copilot, she can quickly and efficiently draft comprehensive training materials, which she can then refine through her deep understanding of the subject.
These are just some brief examples of how you might generate value by prompting Copilot for M365 with a question you already know the answer to. In practice, you’ll likely need to follow your initial prompts with additional ones to refine the output. By continuing to ask questions of your AI tools, you can craft your output to a stage where you’re relatively happy with a first draft. After that, you bring your know-how and experience, your thoughts and your heart to review and manually add the finishing touches.
That’s why it’s critical for organisations to make time for conversations like these. As we continue to navigate this cultural shift, it’s essential to recognise that asking AI for assistance is not a sign of incompetence – it’s a sign of strategic thinking. It’s also an acknowledgement that while we may know the answers, there’s always room for growth, refinement, and a fresh perspective.
As another example, we used Copilot for M365 to help draft this blog based on the transcript of an internal discussion. The initial draft made it easy to bring together several voices and provided a foundation to build on our team’s knowledge and language preferences—most importantly, in significantly less time. The ideas were ours, and the discussion took place between humans, but Copilot was able to create a well-structured blog once we provided clear directions on how to do so.
The journey we’re on at Data#3 is one of transformation, where AI becomes an integral part of our intellectual toolkit. It’s a journey that encourages curiosity, fosters innovation, and ultimately – we believe – leads to a more dynamic and empowered workforce. By embracing change with confidence, we can become more confident in using the power of our questions to unlock the full potential of AI in our workplace.
Interested in finding out more about how we can help you along your AI journey? Reach out to our team today.
