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BUI earns fourth advanced specialization from Microsoft

We’re proud to announce that we’ve earned the Threat Protection Advanced Specialization from Microsoft in recognition of our proven success in deploying Microsoft Threat Protection, Microsoft Cloud App Security, and Azure Sentinel workloads.

The Threat Protection Advanced Specialization is the fourth such Microsoft accreditation that our company has earned in recent months: BUI also holds advanced specializations in Adoption and Change ManagementWindows Virtual Desktop, and Identity and Access Management.

“Security has always been a core focus area for us,” explains Chief Technology Officer Willem Malan. “We strive to give customers the best technology, the most comprehensive guidance, and the most innovative solutions to help them protect their digital estates from evolving threats. The Threat Protection Advanced Specialization is not only an acknowledgement of our premier technical capabilities, but also an indication of our commitment to value-driven service,” he says.

As cyberattacks become more sophisticated and more frequent worldwide, it is imperative for customers to be proactive about security, continues Malan. “To safeguard your business effectively, you need the right expertise and the right resources. BUI specialists are already leveraging next-generation tools for threat detection, investigation, and remediation to provide holistic security services to customers. Beyond that, we are actively expanding our range of Microsoft competencies and pursuing new opportunities to deliver even greater support to businesses that are adapting to remote-work and hybrid-work scenarios in the pandemic era,” he adds.

BUI was the first South African company to achieve Microsoft Azure Expert Managed Services Provider status, and joined the Microsoft Intelligent Security Association (MISA) last year. Top-tier cloud and security skills, as well as collaboration within the wider cybersecurity industry, enable us to better serve our own customers, states Malan.

“Advanced specializations, including our latest one in threat protection, position us to deliver relevant, cutting-edge solutions for complex workplaces. And industry associations, like MISA, provide us with important insights into global security trends. As security advisors and partners, we are making sure that our customers receive unrivalled service and support at every stage of their journey with us,” he says.

Malan describes Azure Sentinel, Microsoft’s cloud-native security information and event management platform, as a crucial part of the modern security stack. “It’s an incredibly powerful tool for continuous, real-time visibility across the IT ecosystem. And it’s a single pane of glass that brings structure and simplicity to security operations. Our customer deployments have been very successful, and the results speak for themselves: reduced risk exposure and faster threat detection and response,” he explains.

SEE HOW WE DO IT | Take a look inside the BUI Cyber SoC

As business organisations search for scalable, cost-effective ways to protect their networks, servers, endpoints, databases, applications, and users from cyberthreats, Malan believes two factors will determine the technology partners they choose: reputation and expertise. “We have a longstanding and award-winning relationship with Microsoft, and customers trust us to deliver the right solutions for their needs. For more than two decades, we’ve helped enterprises to design, deploy, and manage their IT assets securely. We’re excited to continue this tradition as we engage with customers who want to protect and defend their critical systems and data,” he concludes.

Learn how to protect your business from evolving threats.

Register for our 15-minute security webinars this March and get relevant advice and tips from our specialists.

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BUI supports Data Privacy Day awareness initiative

BUI is pleased to support Data Privacy Day as a Champion Organisation alongside private, public, non-profit, and government organisations from around the world. Data Privacy Day is held annually on the 28th of January, and is co-ordinated by the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA). It’s a worldwide effort that generates awareness about the importance of privacy, and highlights simple ways to protect personal information.

This year, the NCSA is encouraging individuals to own their privacy by learning more about how to protect the valuable data that is online. The NCSA is also encouraging businesses to respect privacy by keeping individuals’ personal information safe from unauthorised access and ensuring fair, relevant, and legitimate data collection and processing.

According to a Pew Research Center study, 79% of US adults are concerned about the way their data is used by companies. A Cisco survey found that 84% of consumers want more control over how their data is used. And Akamai investigations revealed that 39% of consumers are likely to walk away from a company that requires them to provide highly sensitive data in order to do business.

As technology evolves and the coronavirus pandemic continues to influence how consumers interact with businesses online, data collection practices are firmly in focus. The NCSA has offered up the following advice to help individuals and businesses become more #PrivacyAware.

NCSA privacy tips for individuals:

Protect your personal information. Personal information, such as your purchase history, IP address, and location, is valuable and can be exploited. Think carefully about the type of information you’re prepared to share, and with whom.

Keep tabs on your apps. Many apps ask for access to personal information, such as your contacts list and photos, before you can use them. Be wary of applications that require access to data which is not relevant to the service offered.

Manage your privacy settings. Check the privacy and security settings on web services and apps, and set them to your comfort level for information-sharing. The devices, apps, and browsers you use will have different features to help you maintain control.

NCSA privacy tips for businesses:

If you collect it, protect it. Make sure the personal information you gather from consumers is collected for relevant, legitimate purposes, and processed responsibly in accordance with applicable laws. Data breaches can cause financial and reputational damage to your business.

Adopt a privacy framework. Build privacy into your business by researching and adopting a privacy framework to help you manage risk and create a culture of awareness in your organisation. Educate staff to empower them to protect personal information.

Build trust through transparency. Be open and honest about how you collect, process, and manage consumers’ personal information. Be clear about the steps your organisation takes to achieve and maintain privacy in line with legislation.

Follow BUI on LinkedInFacebook, and Twitter for more data privacy tips, or contact our specialists directly to explore data-management solutions for your business.

Managed security for the modern enterprise.

Did you know that the BUI Cyber Security Operations Center is the first of its kind in Africa?

We can help you balance business productivity with robust prevention, detection, and response.

BUI secures Identity and Access Management Advanced Specialization

We’re pleased to announce that we’ve been awarded the Identity and Access Management Advanced Specialization from Microsoft in recognition of our proven expertise and experience in deploying Microsoft Identity workloads with Azure Active Directory.

Microsoft introduced the Identity and Access Management Advanced Specialization in November last year. The accreditation acknowledges Microsoft Partners who have demonstrated premier technical capabilities and the highest standards of service in delivering secure, unified access management solutions for customers.

“Identity and access management is an essential part of an effective security strategy,” explains Willem Malan, our chief technology officer. “As enterprises continue to embrace digital transformation to enable the new world of work, the ability to manage user identities and safeguard access to business assets is more important than ever before. We are committed to helping our customers leverage the full power of the Microsoft cloud to streamline and secure user access,” he says.

Remote productivity remains a key focus area for organisations around the world, especially as coronavirus protocols continue to impact the way work is done. “Enterprises are solidifying and expanding their remote-work strategies to allow not only employees, but also suppliers, vendors, and external collaborators to access corporate assets from home, or indeed wherever they are,” notes Malan. “And that means making sure their identity and access management systems are robust enough to handle the intricacies of the modern workplace,” he adds.

One of the biggest challenges for customers, continues Malan, is giving the right people the right access to the right resources – at the right time, every time. “Enterprises need to be able to control, protect, monitor, and review user access across the board, but that can be difficult without a central control plane. Microsoft’s Azure Active Directory is a richly featured platform that puts identity at the core of access management to reduce the complexity and cost of safeguarding the business environment.”

The Identity and Access Management Advanced Specialization is our newest Microsoft accreditation, and complements our existing Windows Virtual Desktop and Adoption and Change Management capabilities. “We have amplified our abilities to provide even more support to our customers with comprehensive, cloud-powered solutions to make user authentication seamless and secure,” concludes Malan.

Let’s talk about identity and access management solutions for your business.

Whether you’re just getting started on your cloud journey, or looking to modernise your identity management systems, we’re here to help.

Contact us to learn more about using Microsoft Azure Active Directory to achieve your business productivity and security goals.

BUI selected to join Microsoft Intelligent Security Association

We are pleased to announce that we have joined the Microsoft Intelligent Security Association (MISA), a global ecosystem of independent software vendors and managed security service providers that have integrated their solutions to help customers better defend against a world of evolving cybersecurity threats.

MISA was launched in 2018 with 26 members. Today, just over 160 industry leaders from across the international cybersecurity spectrum work together to share threat intelligence, extend solution capabilities, and increase customer protection.

MISA membership is by invitation only. Organisations must be nominated by Microsoft, and must demonstrate integrations that support the goal of improving enterprise security. We were selected to join the association as a managed security service provider, for our NettProtect vulnerability scanning solution and turnkey add-ons to our Cyber SoC packages, as well as our Microsoft Defender for Endpoint managed service, which is geared to reinforce network security through next-generation detection, investigation, and threat-hunting.

“We are very proud to be part of the Microsoft Intelligent Security Association,” says Managing Director Ryan Roseveare. “Our MISA membership not only deepens our longstanding relationship with Microsoft, but also opens the door for our specialists to collaborate with some of the top security professionals in the world. We are excited to share our expertise with our new peers. And we look forward to delivering even more value to our customers, through innovative security offerings that meet their business needs.”

The BUI Cyber Security Operations Center (Cyber SoC) integrates with Microsoft Azure Sentinel, a cloud-native, AI-based security information and event management solution, to make threat detection and response smarter and faster. The state-of-the-art facility is the first of its kind in Africa, and harnesses Microsoft security resources to monitor enterprise networks, servers, endpoints, databases, and applications.

“The success of our Cyber SoC lies in the combination of cutting-edge technology and industry-leading skills,” declares Roseveare. “We have created a compelling solution by reducing the cost and complexity of managed security services, and by giving our customers value-driven add-ons, like our Cyber SoC Panic Button for emergency assistance,” he notes.

“The Microsoft Intelligent Security Association has grown into a vibrant ecosystem comprised of the most reliable and trusted security software vendors across the globe. Our members, like BUI, share Microsoft’s commitment to collaboration within the cybersecurity community to improve our customers’ ability to predict, detect, and respond to security threats faster,” says Rani Lofstrom, Senior Product Marketing Manager, Microsoft Security.

BUI’s MISA membership follows several company milestones in 2020. Since the beginning of the year, we have achieved Microsoft Azure Expert Managed Service Provider status and attained advanced specializations in Adoption and Change Management and Windows Virtual Desktop. We have also been named Microsoft Country Partner of the Year, Microsoft Modern Workplace Partner of the Year, Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Partner of the Year, and Microsoft Security Partner of the Year.

“We are determined to help our customers strengthen their cyber defences in the face of increasingly sophisticated threats,” says Roseveare. “As part of MISA, we are now even better positioned to empower organisations to protect their assets – from identity to infrastructure, and from the edge to the cloud,” he concludes.

Explore next-generation security for the new world of work…

We can help you create the best possible defences against cybercrime.

Check out our security offers in the MISA partner catalogue to learn more.

Another first! BUI earns Windows Virtual Desktop Advanced Specialization

We are thrilled to be the first Microsoft Partner in South Africa to have earned the new Windows Virtual Desktop Advanced Specialization.

This accomplishment follows our recent accreditation as an Azure Expert Managed Services Provider, and makes BUI the only Microsoft Partner on the African continent with both Azure Expert MSP status and advanced Windows Virtual Desktop capabilities.

Introduced by Microsoft in September this year, the Windows Virtual Desktop Advanced Specialization recognises Partners with the knowledge and experience to implement, optimise, and secure virtual desktop infrastructure that allows remote end-users to access the tools they need safely and easily, on any web-enabled device.

“From the deployment of Windows Virtual Desktop environments to the management of virtual desktop infrastructure on Azure, we are helping our customers to find scalable, cost-effective solutions for their business needs,” says BUI Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer Willem Malan.

“Enterprises are already looking to the future and planning for a post COVID-19 world, and we are seeing a greater emphasis on flexibility and security as stakeholders explore remote-work options for diverse employee groups,” continues Malan. “Virtual desktops enable productivity as usual, even in unusual times, and I think the demand for this kind of functionality will continue to grow as companies adapt to the changing business landscape,” he adds.

To earn the Windows Virtual Desktop Advanced Specialization, Microsoft Partners must pass a rigorous third-party audit, which Malan explains is designed to assess more than just technical aptitude.

“Our ability to facilitate a customer’s move to Windows Virtual Desktop is scrutinised and measured from every angle. This achievement is a testament to our top-line expertise as well as our proven success in delivering virtualised Windows desktops and applications that are secure, compliant, and tailored for the modern workplace,” he says.

Empowering people to work remotely – from their homes, offices, or on the go – is critical for business continuity in a changing world. The Windows Virtual Desktop solution delivered through our a2zManaged modern managed services practice offers a comprehensive, end-to-end managed virtual desktop environment, with several advantages:

  • Affordability. Reduce overall costs with pooled, multi-session resources.
  • Accessibility. Immediate access to Windows Virtual Desktop from any web-enabled device.
  • Availability. Windows Virtual Desktop is currently available for all geographic locations.
  • Flexibility. Get a fully scalable desktop virtualisation environment in your Azure subscription.
  • Security. Leverage Azure Active Directory to unlock security features like MFA and SSO.

“Microsoft Azure is an exceptionally powerful platform, and we are leveraging its versatility to help our customers reimagine business productivity. With comprehensive virtual desktop technology and a trusted partner on hand from server to screen, remote work becomes not only possible, but feasible, too,” notes Malan.

BUI is committed to supporting customers through every stage of digital transformation. “We are determined to help organisations unlock the full value of their technological investments,” declares Malan.

“Advanced specializations like this one, alongside our complementary abilities in Adoption and Change Management, position us to deliver tailormade solutions that enable business teams to thrive in the new world of work,” he concludes.

Need help creating a secure remote-work environment for your team?

Our specialists can enable, manage, and support your Windows Virtual Desktop environment – from the server to the screen.

Download our Windows Virtual Desktop brochure for more information on cloud-driven productivity solutions for the modern workplace.

Microsoft Surface for Business devices now available through BUI

We’re excited to offer two powerful devices from Microsoft’s award-winning Surface range to the South African market. The Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 for Business and the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 for Business are designed for the modern workplace, with built-in security from chip to cloud.

Earlier this year, Microsoft announced that it would address the growing demand for Surface products in South Africa. In July, the company confirmed that the Surface Laptop 3 and the Surface Pro 7 would be sold locally.

“As with previous Surface devices, we have delivered best-in-class upgrades for our new additions to the family, to ensure that individuals and organisations have access to the optimal performance they need to achieve more in the office, classroom, or out in the field,” explained Vithesh Reddy (Consumer and Channel Marketing Director, Microsoft South Africa) at the time.

The Surface Laptop 3 and the Surface Pro 7 are now available to consumers via selected retailers, and to commercial organisations via selected partners. BUI is proud to be an authorised Surface reseller in SA, and to provide business editions of both models to enterprises nationwide.

“Microsoft has put security and performance at the heart of its Surface collection,” says BUI Managing Director Ryan Roseveare. “The Laptop 3 and the Pro 7 are popular devices that deliver the power, speed, and mobility prized by on-the-go professionals, as well as the functionality required for comprehensive device management and protection,” he continues.

“As more and more businesses move to accelerate their digital transformation initiatives, the demand for robust, secure, enterprise-level productivity tools continues to grow. The Surface for Business devices available through BUI are geared for modern workplace communication and collaboration, and they are compelling solutions for companies that need to cater for evolving teams of on-site and remote staff,” Roseveare adds.

The Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 for Business

The Surface Laptop 3 for Business is a powerhouse fuelled by the latest 10th Generation Intel® Core™ processor. Available in two sizes (13.5″ and 15″) and featuring a vibrant PixelSense™ Display touchscreen, this lightweight and easy-to-carry laptop boasts Windows 10 Pro (64 bit) out of the box, Fast Charge capability (80% charge in around 60 minutes), and Windows Hello sign-in.

Surface Laptop 3 for Business key specifications at a glance: 

  • Screen. 13.5″ or 15″ PixelSense™ 10-point multi-touch Display.
  • Memory. 8GB or 16GB LPDDR4x RAM (13.5″). 8GB, 16GB, or 32GB LPDDR4x RAM (15″).
  • Storage. 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB SSD.
  • Processor. Quad-core 10th Generation Intel® Core™ i5 or i7.
  • Video and audio. 720p HD f2.0 camera (front-facing), dual far-field Studio Mics, Omnisonic speakers with Dolby® Audio™ Premium.
  • Connections. 1 x USB-C®, 1 x USB-A, 1 x Surface Connect port, 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Software. Windows 10 Pro (64 bit).
  • Available colours. Platinum or Matte Black.

Interested? Download the Surface Laptop 3 for Business brochure.

The Microsoft Surface Pro 7 for Business

The Surface Pro 7 for Business blends versatility and flexibility in a high-performance 2-in-1 device with the unplugged power (up to 10.5 hours of battery life) and the processing speed required to support the pace of modern business. In tablet mode, it becomes a handheld studio or a portable workstation. And when combined with the Surface Pro Type Cover keyboard (sold separately), it delivers a full laptop experience.

Surface Pro 7 for Business key specifications at a glance:

  • Screen. 12.3″ PixelSense™ 10-point multi-touch Display.
  • Memory. 4GB, 8GB, or 16GB LPDDR4x RAM.
  • Storage. 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB SSD.
  • Processor. Dual-core 10th Generation Intel® Core™ i3, Quad-core 10th Generation Intel® Core™ i5, or Quad-core 10th Generation Intel® Core™ i7.
  • Video and audio. 5.0MP front-facing camera with 1080p full HD video, 8.0MP rear-facing autofocus camera with 1080p full HD video, dual far-field Studio Mics, 1.6W stereo speakers with Dolby® Audio™ Premium.
  • Connections. 1 x USB-C®, 1 x full-size USB-A, 1 x Surface Connect port, 3.5mm headphone jack, Surface Type Cover port, MicroSDXC card reader.
  • Software. Windows 10 Pro (64 bit).
  • Available colours. Platinum or Matte Black.

Interested? Download the Surface Pro 7 for Business brochure.

Roseveare believes Microsoft’s commitment to innovation shines through in the Surface for Business range. “The Surface Laptop 3 and the Surface Pro 7 are prime examples of the multi-functional machines that people are exploring for everyday productivity. Microsoft has balanced user concerns like performance and compatibility with enterprise concerns like security, manageability, and ease-of-deployment to create these truly sophisticated devices, which BUI is excited to showcase to South Africa,” Roseveare concludes.

The Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 for Business and the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 for Business can be ordered now through our sales teams. Surface Pro Type Cover keyboards in Black, Charcoal, Poppy Red, and Ice Blue (pictured above) are also available. The expected lead time is 8-10 weeks. Terms and conditions apply.

Contact us for quotations and product inquiries.

Train your people to embrace the modern workplace.

Our online workshops are designed to help business teams like yours make the most of technology.

Need help setting up Microsoft Teams? Keen to learn more about workplace security? Explore our workshops.

BUI scoops three trophies at 2020 Microsoft SA Partner Awards

We’re thrilled to announce that we won the Modern Workplace Partner of the Year Award, the Azure Infrastructure Partner of the Year Award, and the Security Partner of the Year Award at the 2020 Microsoft South Africa Partner Awards last night (30 September). BUI was also named as a finalist for the Consulting Services Partner of the Year Award. Congratulations, BUI team! This is an amazing achievement after a year of unprecedented challenges in the face of COVID-19.

Microsoft SA’s awards ceremony was conducted virtually for the first time, as part of the company’s commitment to local lockdown protocols. Held annually, the Microsoft SA Partner Awards recognise and celebrate Microsoft Partners for their performances and achievements. Judging takes place across numerous categories after intensive reviews of the award submissions, and trophies are usually presented at a gala dinner in Johannesburg. Last night, Microsoft SA Managing Director Lillian Barnard (pictured above) acknowledged the different digital format as she welcomed more than 350 attendees to the online celebration.

“I really would have loved the opportunity to meet you all in person,” said Barnard. “This is an exceptional moment in history, and over the past several months all of us have been put to the test. However, the innovation and responsiveness of our partner community has helped many organisations survive,” she continued, highlighting the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and thanking partners for their commitment, passion, and energy.

An unwavering focus on customer needs

For Managing Director Ryan Roseveare, the Modern Workplace Partner of the Year trophy is an important acknowledgement of our unwavering focus on customer needs. “The term ‘workplace’ took on a different meaning this year as companies grappled with the demands of doing business under lockdown. BUI was quick to respond, and to provide innovative solutions that enabled customers to move entire workloads to the cloud and to shift entire workforces to remote desktops, efficiently and securely,” he explains. “I’m thrilled with this accolade, but prestigious honours like this would not be possible without the dedication of our people. They work very hard to create value-driven Microsoft solutions for our customers.”

Technical Director Willem Malan is equally pleased with this recognition, especially as we continue to pursue a cloud-first strategy. “We’re actively expanding our already strong professional environment with additional competencies to further support our customers through digital transformation. By focusing on change management, we can ensure that end-users are fully prepared to leverage cloud-based productivity tools like Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Teams, wherever their workplaces may be located,” he says.

A foundation of service excellence

BUI achieved the highest infrastructure-related Azure consumer revenue in FY2020 and was the first SA Microsoft Partner to launch a Cyber Security Operations Centre powered by Sentinel. Last night’s Azure Infrastructure Partner of the Year victory was particularly special, says Roseveare. “We’re cloud enthusiasts as well as cloud advocates,” he explains.

Helping customers to modernise and secure their operations with Azure is a real passion for everyone here at BUI, concurs Malan. “Our success stories are built on a foundation of service excellence. We all understand the importance of delivering relevant Azure solutions that work for our customers, and that align with their strategic business vision, and that ultimately enable them to serve and support their own clients using a scalable and incredibly powerful cloud platform.”

A commitment to security

Roseveare and Malan are delighted to see BUI take home the Security Partner of the Year Award for the second year in a row. “This accolade speaks to our central philosophy,” says Roseveare. “Security is at the heart of our business and we make it a core part of design, deployment, and management projects for our customers. By harnessing Microsoft’s robust security tools, we can empower organisations to proactively protect their critical assets.”

Security is an ongoing concern for local enterprises, says Malan. “South Africans experienced a surge in coronavirus-related cybercrime this year, and while the pandemic certainly increased the frequency of malicious attacks, it’s important to remember that the threat is constant. We are committed to leading from the front with modern security solutions. BUI specialists are highly skilled and best-in-class, and this recognition from Microsoft is well-earned and well-deserved.”

Our trophy haul last night marks the latest achievement in a banner year for our company. Since the beginning of 2020, BUI has celebrated its 20th anniversary, been named Microsoft’s Country Partner of the Year for South Africa, become the first local Microsoft Azure Expert Managed Services Provider, and attained Microsoft’s new Adoption and Change Management Advanced Specialization.

“I’m extremely proud of Team BUI,” concludes Roseveare. “They have helped our customers to stay online, to keep connected, and to remain secure throughout the extraordinary circumstances of this year, and I know they will carry the same passion forward as we look ahead to the future.”

Thank you for making these achievements possible, everyone!

Learn about cybersecurity with us this October!

Have you educated your staff about cybersecurity? Join us for the Creating Your Human Firewall webinar on 15 October and see how to transform your employees into cyber defenders!

When was the last time you conducted a pen-test? Sign up for our Evolution of Penetration Testing webinar on 16 October to explore new ways to protect your digital estate.

Are you a cybersecurity champion?

BUI is proud to announce its commitment to Cybersecurity Awareness Month, held annually in October, by signing up as a Champion organisation and joining a growing global effort to promote awareness of online safety and privacy.

This year, Champion organisations include technology companies Cisco, Kaspersky, McAfee, and Palo Alto Networks, as well as industry heavyweights like General Motors.

The Cybersecurity Awareness Month Champion programme is a collaborative effort among businesses, government agencies, tertiary education institutions, associations, and non-profit organisations and individuals committed to the 2020 Cybersecurity Awareness Month theme of “Do Your Part – #BeCyberSmart”. The programme aims to empower individuals and organisations to own their role in protecting their part of cyberspace.

The overarching message of this year’s theme – “If You Connect It, Protect It” – dives into the importance of keeping connected devices safe and secure from outside influence.

More than ever before, connected devices have been woven into society as an integral part of how people communicate and access services essential to their well-being. Data collected from these devices can detail highly specific information about a person or business which can be exploited by threat actors for their personal gain. Cybersecurity Awareness Month aims to shed light on these security vulnerabilities, while offering guidance around simple security measures to limit the risks for commonly used devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops.

This year, Cybersecurity Awareness Month will feature four main focus areas:

  • General security hygiene for connected devices and home networks
  • The importance of device security, especially for remote workers
  • How connected devices play a pivotal role in the future of healthcare
  • The overall future of connected devices for consumers

If everybody does their part – by implementing stronger security practices, raising community awareness, educating vulnerable audiences, and training employees – then our interconnected world will be safer and more resilient for everyone.

Cybersecurity Awareness Month continues to build momentum and impact with the ultimate goal of providing everyone with the information they need to stay safer and more secure online. The initiative, which is led by the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA) of the United States Department of Homeland Security, is in its 17th year.

Visit staysafeonline.org for more information about Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2020, and follow BUI on FacebookLinkedIn, and Twitter for daily cybersecurity resources! Throughout October, we will be sharing tips to help you and your teams be safer and more secure online.

Wondering how to cultivate cybersecurity awareness in your organisation?

Join our own Wayne Nel and Cyber Risk Aware CEO Stephen Burke for an exclusive live webinar on Thursday 15 October 2020.

Creating Your Human Firewall will show you how to transform your employees into cyber defenders. Reserve your seat!

BUI awarded Adoption and Change Management Advanced Specialization

We’re excited to announce that we’ve earned the new Adoption and Change Management Advanced Specialization from Microsoft!

Introduced in April 2020, this niche specialization is reserved for top-tier Microsoft Partners with both the deep-level expertise and the experience to support and empower customers as they embrace organisational change.

“We’re always focused on meeting our customers where they are in terms of digital transformation, and these engagements involve so much more than just the deployment of technology,” explains Willem Malan, our national technical director.

“We help people to adapt to new practices, leverage new tools, and find innovative ways to improve efficiency. Microsoft’s recognition is an acknowledgement of our specific capabilities in this area, and our commitment to the highest levels of service delivery.”

As business transformation gains momentum and technology continues to reshape workplaces everywhere, Malan believes a people-first approach to change management is paramount. “Change can be challenging, but when you put people at the centre of the process, and provide the coaching and guidance they need to navigate their new circumstances, you create an environment that encourages user adoption. And that’s important, because people are the end users. They’re the ones who have to utilise the technology to drive the business forward.”

Malan’s sentiments are shared by our Western Cape general manager, Thys Janse Van Rensburg, who has helmed change-management projects for several of our customers, including Capitec Bank.

“Our journeys with customers are characterised by intensive planning, meticulous execution, and teamwork. The teamwork component is perhaps the most important of all, because effective change management requires successful collaboration at every stage,” says Janse Van Rensburg.

BUI is well positioned to help enterprises of all sizes adopt Microsoft Teams, Microsoft SharePoint, Yammer, and other Microsoft 365 technologies for digital enablement, remote productivity, and secure communication.

“We’re all part of the new normal, but ultimately, we’re humans doing business. Here at BUI, we’re determined to help our customers find the best pathways to success as they change, grow, and prepare for the future,” concludes Malan.

Need help to plan, co-ordinate, or manage your business transformation journey?

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Sign up for our webinars to explore secure connectivity, collaboration, and productivity in the modern workplace.

BUI earns prestigious Microsoft Azure Expert MSP status

It’s official! BUI has been named a Microsoft Azure Expert Managed Services Provider (MSP). We’re extremely proud to be the first South African company to achieve this distinction, which is currently held by only a select group of Microsoft Partners worldwide.

What is an Azure Expert MSP?

The Microsoft Azure Expert MSP programme recognises Microsoft Partners with the proven expertise and capability to deliver the highest quality of managed end-to-end Microsoft Azure cloud services, from initial planning and design through to implementation, operation, and optimisation.

“This is a fantastic achievement for BUI and a win for our customers,” says Managing Director Ryan Roseveare. “This is an acknowledgement of our skills and competencies around Microsoft Azure and benefits our company and our customers. It shows that we are in the top tier of globally recognised Microsoft Partners, and that we are highly successful when it comes to managing modern cloud environments. As more and more South African businesses explore cloud-based solutions, the need for Azure specialists grows. We’re proud to rank among the best, and to support local companies.”

Roseveare’s sentiments are shared by Technical Director Willem Malan: “Now, more than ever, I think customers are looking for the best partners to support them through digital transformation. We have attained Microsoft Azure Expert MSP status and that is certainly a validation of our abilities, but more importantly, it’s an assurance for our customers. It shows that we’re equipped to provide truly world-class service, and to deliver Azure cloud services at scale for enterprises across the board.”

To participate in the Azure Expert MSP programme, Microsoft Partners must meet stringent requirements defined by Microsoft and independently evaluated by third-party auditors.

“The process is rigorous,” explains Malan. “Our teams have been assessed on everything from technical aptitude to customer deliveries, and we’re delighted with the positive feedback received. We’re fortunate to have so many talented, passionate people who are committed to delivering business value for our customers,” he says.

“We congratulate BUI on their Azure Expert MSP recognition and look forward to working alongside them, to help more customers make the move to the cloud as a critical enabler of digital transformation. It is a digital transformation journey that for many has accelerated exponentially, as the need for remote working has increased. Our partners are a cornerstone of the Microsoft ecosystem, now more than ever, as we navigate towards a post COVID-19 business landscape that creates hybrid workplaces that are secure, cost efficient and streamlined,” says Lillian Barnard, Managing Director of Microsoft South Africa.

“We’re honoured to have earned this prestigious accreditation, and we look forward to helping more customers benefit from the security and scalability of Microsoft Azure,” concludes Roseveare.