February 2025

Welcome to the February 2025 Edition of the Westcon Round Up!

The year is in full swing, and the pace of innovation in IT and technology isn’t slowing down! This month, we bring you the latest industry insights, plus, we’re diving into the advancements shaping IoT, collaboration, networking and infrastructure to keep you ahead of the curve.

At Westcon we’re committed to keeping you informed and empowered in this ever-evolving digital landscape.

So, what are you waiting for? Dive in and enjoy! ??

Stratus wins BIG! ??

The Stratus ztC Endurance has won the 2025 BIG Innovation Product Award! ?? “Humanity relies on innovation to improve our lives and the planet,” said Russ Fordyce, CEO of the Business Intelligence Group. “We’re thrilled to spotlight Stratus as a shining example of innovation making a profound impact globally.”

Stratus Technologies sets a new standard for businesses - helping to prevent the staggering costs of downtime experienced across industries. A key technology for compute reliability and powering AI at the edge. Visit the vendor page to see how Stratus changes the game for resellers' and end-users' investments.

Yes, tell me more about Stratus!

MEET BOB! ??

Bob is Your All-in-One Solution for Seamless Networking! The BOB Kit is more than just hardware—it’s a game-changer for IT professionals.

Why Choose the BOB Kit? Powered by Extreme Networks , it’s designed to make networking effortless:

?? Simplified network management – Adapt to changes without downtime

?? Switching excellence – Edge & core switches with Fabric Attach for seamless integration

?? Cloud-driven automation – Intelligent security & zero-touch provisioning

?? Wireless empowerment – Wi-Fi 6E with AirDefense for faster, safer connectivity

?? Deliver live demos & proof of concepts – Showcase real-time performance with ease

?? Empower teams with hands-on training – Help your staff & customers master networking solutions

Want to see BOB in action? Request your demo today!

Request a demo here.

Securing the IoT ecosystem: Best practices and strategies

?? Securing the IoT Ecosystem: Best Practices and Strategies ??

In today's interconnected world, the Internet of Things (IoT) is revolutionising industries and transforming our daily lives. However, with great connectivity comes great responsibility. Ensuring the security of IoT devices and networks is paramount.

Check out our latest blog post from Antony Byford , VP IoT and Collaboration, where we delve into the best practices and strategies for securing the IoT ecosystem. Learn how to protect your devices, data, and networks from potential threats and vulnerabilities.

?? Read the full article here

?? Westcon wins two prestigious AudioCodes awards!

We are thrilled to announce that Westcon has been honoured with two prestigious awards at the AudioCodes Innovation Day! ??

1?? Rising Star of the Year 2024 for the AudioCodes Live Platform 2?? Distributor of the Year 2024

These accolades are a testament to the incredible partnerships we have built and the mutual success we continue to achieve together. ??

A huge thank you to our partners for your unwavering support and collaboration. Together, we are driving innovation and delivering exceptional solutions to our customers. Here's to many more milestones and shared successes! ??

"These awards reflect our commitment to excellence and our strong relationships with our partners. We are excited about the future and the opportunities to continue growing together." - Antony Byford , Vice President IoT & Collaboration

?? Juniper Networks: Ready to Transform Your Data Centre?

Why Choose 瞻博网络 ' APSTRA Data Centre Automation?

?? 80% OpEx improvements

?? 70% Improved mean time to resolution

? 90% Faster time to delivery

Deliver cloud-ready data centres with intent-based automation, simplified operations, and zero-trust security to your customers.

• APSTRA changes the game for network operators by simplifying Day 0 to Day 2+ operations and providing network assurance through continuous validation.
• APSTRA delivers a single operational framework, reducing tool proliferation and the complexity of learning multiple tools.

Who is it for?

??? Network Architects and Network Operators will love the automation and simplified Day 2 Operations.

?? CxOs will value the multi-vendor support and freedom from vendor lock-in.

Ready to revolutionise your data centre operations? ??

Click here to learn more!

?? Innovate with Confidence: RUCKUS Networks Solutions!

Is your network equipped to drive innovation and meet future demands? ??

RUCKUS Networks is at the forefront of networking innovation, delivering solutions that empower businesses to thrive in a digital world.

Here's how RUCKUS is transforming connectivity:

??? Cutting-Edge Technology : Stay ahead with the latest advancements in networking.

?? AI-Driven Insights : Leverage AI for smarter, more efficient network management.

?? Scalable Solutions : Easily adapt to growing business needs with flexible network options.

?? Robust Security : Protect your data and network with advanced security features.

?? Seamless Integration : Enjoy compatibility with a wide range of devices and applications.

Ready to innovate with RUCKUS?

Discover how their network solutions can drive your business forward!

?? Juniper Connected Security: Your Shield in the Digital World ??

瞻博网络 Connected Security offers open, end-to-end protection across your entire network, from client to cloud. ??

It helps organisations build threat-aware networks, keeping attackers at bay and ensuring business-critical traffic flows smoothly. ???♂?

How secure is your network?

?? Invisible to end-users

?? Operationally efficient for IT teams

??? Effective threat prevention

Who benefits?

Everyone. IT teams will love the interoperability and ease of management, creating a best-of-breed solution tailored to their needs.

Learn more about and demo next-gen cybersecurity and networking solutions in Westcon's virtual cloud lab:

Juniper Connected Security 3D Lab - Learn about the application of visibility, intelligence, and policy enforcement across every point of connection. ??

Discover Juniper Connected Security

?? IT Insights: What’s Shaping Tech in 2025? ??

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, businesses are prioritising network automation, AI-driven cloud optimisation, and secure IoT integration. Here’s what’s trending:

?? Networking & Infrastructure: AI and the Rise of the Autonomous Network

• AI-Driven Network Optimisation → More enterprises are deploying AI-powered self-healing networks, reducing downtime and improving efficiency. Gartner predicts that by 2027, over 50% of network operations will be automated using AI and machine learning.
• 5G-Advanced & 6G Research → As 5G-Advanced continues to roll out, early 6G research is gaining traction, promising even lower latency and increased connectivity for mission-critical applications.
• Zero Trust Networking Expansion → With cyber threats at an all-time high, Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) is moving beyond just identity verification to real-time, continuous threat detection and response.

?? Cloud & Collaboration: Hybrid Takes Over, AI in the Driver’s Seat

• Hybrid Multi-Cloud Becomes the Standard → Enterprises are leveraging hybrid cloud setups to optimise costs and enhance disaster recovery strategies, avoiding single-provider lock-in.
• AI-Powered Collaboration Tools → Generative AI-driven assistants are improving productivity in platforms like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Webex, providing real-time language translation, meeting summarisation, and workflow automation.
• Sovereign Cloud Adoption → Governments and regulated industries are increasingly demanding sovereign cloud solutions to ensure data residency and compliance with regional cybersecurity laws.

?? IoT: Smarter, Safer, and More Integrated Than Ever

• Edge Computing Expansion → The global edge computing market is set to grow exponentially, with AI at the edge reducing cloud dependency and improving real-time decision-making for industries like manufacturing, healthcare, and retail.
• Cybersecurity in IoT Gets a Boost → As IoT adoption grows, new security frameworks such as post-quantum cryptography (PQC) are being tested to future-proof connected devices.
• Smart Cities and Industry 4.0 Evolution → Governments worldwide are accelerating smart city initiatives, deploying AI-driven traffic management, automated energy grids, and IoT-based public services.

?? Key Takeaway:

2025 is the year of AI-powered everything, from self-optimising networks to intelligent collaboration tools and IoT ecosystems that self-secure in real time. Enterprises that embrace automation, edge computing, and hybrid cloud strategies will be at the forefront of innovation.

?? Want to stay ahead in the IT channel? Follow Westcon Europe for expert insights and the latest partner opportunities.

Introducing HPE Aruba Networking EdgeConnect, now available through Westcon's vendor portfolio!

This advanced solution combines SD-WAN and Secure Service Edge (SSE) into one seamless platform, delivering unmatched security and performance for your business. - Protect your data with Zero Trust Security - Enhance efficiency with AI-driven insights - Built to support multi-cloud environments Transform your network today.

Learn more >>

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