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Complacent IT professionals put companies at risk

Complacent IT professionals could be putting their companies at risk of suspended internet service or worse by ignoring delayed anti-piracy legislation according to research commissioned by Star, a provider of on-demand cloud computing and communication services to UK businesses.

The survey shows 43 per cent of IT professionals themselves download or stream copyrighted material. Eight per cent admit to doing so at work. The survey shows few IT professionals agree with the premise of pending copyright legislation. Only 26 per cent think it should be illegal to download any copyrighted information in the UK.

Paul Watson, Interim CEO, Star said “Delays to first SOPA/PIPA and now the Digital Economy Act (DEA) could increase what are already dangerous levels of complacency about downloading or streaming copyrighted material among the UK’s IT professionals. Regardless of their personal views about the legitimacy of the delayed Digital Economy Act IT professionals can rest assured that piracy controls will be implemented. A failure to lead by example now could result in the organisations for which they work being subject to suspended internet service or worse in the future.”

Survey respondents were asked who they considered should be held responsible for the downloading or streaming of copyrighted content in their organisations. 59 per cent think the individual perpetrator should be held responsible. Those that think the organisation should be held responsible are split mainly between thinking the IT manager should be responsible (11 per cent) and the board should be responsible (24 per cent).

Excel Recruits Two New Business Development Managers

Excel Networking Solutions, the copper and optical cabling infrastructure provider has recruited two new Business Development Managers to the team. The new recruits will be based in the UK and France.

Alex Reid joins the UK based team from Nexans where he held the role of UK Channel Manager, LAN division for 4 years and was then promoted to Business Development Manager, fulfilling that role for 2 years.

Bertrand Delasseaux joins the international team from Panduit where he held the role of Global Account Manager and will be based in France.

Commenting on the recent appointments, Andrew Percival, Managing Director of Excel says, “I am delighted to welcome two further experienced Business Development Managers to the team, these roles will support our ongoing development of the Excel brand through raising awareness of the values and qualities already enjoyed by hundreds of customers throughout Europe. We continue to grow our revenues and volumes in each of our key markets, and I have no doubt that these these two highly experienced individuals will help the rest of the team to ensure this positive trend continues. We have just announced further vacancies in the business development team in the UK look forward this next stage of the evolution of the Excel brand’ on ensuring that this continues to happen.”

Percival continues, “The recent award of Cabling Supplier of the Year for a second year running by the Network Computing Awards further signifies the strength of Excel in the industry. We will continue to invest in our team and product range by continuing to listen to our customers requirements.”

For more information about Excel go to www.excel-networking.com.

Proposals To Make 0800 Numbers Free To Call From Mobile Phones - Great News For Consumers Say JustCall

Ofcom, the UK regulator for the communications industries, have published new proposals that could make all calls to 0800 telephone numbers free of charge. Cheap calls provider JustCall welcome the new changes with open arms.

As outlined in the proposals, the main goal sets out to tackle consumer confusion on the cost of calling businesses and public services on 08,09 and 118 numbers. Currently, all calls made to 0800 numbers are free when calling from a landline only. But these numbers are know as 'freephone' numbers hence where the confusion lies and why many believe they are free to call from a mobile phone.

Research conducted by Ofcom has shown that many individuals were confused by non-geographic numbers. To be specific - what they are used for and who can use them. Therefore creating a lack of trust that has resulted in consumers less likely to call these numbers over the years.

To help improve consumer trust the new proposals offer simpler numbering for non-geographic calls, that includes 080 and 116 numbers to be free from both telephone and mobile phones. Also, 08, 09 and 118 numbers will have a new standardised structure, that will clearly set out the charges being applied by phone companies.

A spokesperson from cheap calls provider JustCall comments: “The current cost can be up to 21 per minute to call 0800 numbers from a mobile phone, so these proposals will really make a difference for everyone, including those who rely on their mobile phone. Because many people are choosing their mobile phone as their main and only source for contacting others.”

“At JustCall we are proud to offer 100% transparency on our pricing and the terms that apply. With no hidden costs or subscription fee's we are proud a simple, transparent and cheap service to our customers.”

A final decision regarding the new proposed rules can be expected to be made by 2013.

For more information regarding JustCall check us out at: www.justcall.co.uk

EU To Lower Mobile Roaming Charges With Many To Benefit, Say Firstnumber

At last, action has been taken by the European Parliament and the European Commission on tackling mobile roaming charges that have been affecting many consumers within the UK for many years, say Firstnumber.

At the end of March, the European Commission and the European Parliament “paved the way for the adoption of the draft regulation on roaming on public mobile communications networks within the EU.”

Cheap international calls provider Firstnumber wholeheartedly support the drive and ambition of the EU to eradicate the current divide between domestic and foreign mobile charges. The proposed regulation will see roaming charges progressively lowered, beginning from 1 July 2012 to 2014. This involves the lowering of phone call charges from €0.29 per minute beginning 1 July 2012 to €0.19 per minute, starting 2014. Data roaming also will be lowered with the cost starting at €0.70 per megabyte beginning 1 July 2012, lowering to €0.20 per megabyte by 2014. SMS messages will see a €0.03 reduction between the same time period.

A spokesperson from Firstnumber comments: “This is great news for all consumers – it won't be long until the memories of 'bill shock' are a thing of the past. Consumers have put up with enormous bills for too long.”

“Firstnumber aim to provide the cheapest calls to over 500 countries worldwide. We are also proud to promote a high level of transparency to all our customers by ensuring there are no hidden costs or subscription fees. Just like the proposed regulation that will see new rules that help promotive transparency regarding price and information available to consumers.”

From 1 July 2014, the new regulations will also allow customers to sign up for an alternative mobile roaming offer, whilst using the same number. Great news for all UK consumers and will no doubt help many, save a lot of money in the future.

FACTFILE:

 Firstnumber.co.uk is an online phone directory offering direct dial access codes that reduce the cost of making international calls from a UK landline. Providing cheap international calls to over 500 countries that include cheap calls to South Africa, South Africa, Germany, France, Italy and many more.