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BUI has been recognised as a Microsoft Azure Expert Managed Services Provider (MSP) for the fourth year in a row!
“When we first achieved Azure Expert MSP status in 2020, it was a significant accomplishment for our company and a key milestone in our longstanding relationship with Microsoft,” says Ryan Roseveare, our Global CEO. “Since then, we have diversified our range of cloud solutions to help customers leverage the speed, scale, and security of Azure to enable innovation and sustainable growth in their own businesses.”
“We are thrilled to have renewed our Azure Expert MSP certification for the fourth consecutive year,” continues Roseveare. “As the premier Azure designation for Microsoft partners, this accreditation is an acknowledgement of the depth and breadth of our cloud-management capabilities and our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of customer service.”
Microsoft launched the Azure Expert MSP programme in 2018 as a way to showcase the most skilled and capable Azure managed services providers. To participate in the programme, Microsoft partners must pass an independent audit of their people, processes, and technologies – and prove that they can deliver high-fidelity Azure managed services and world-class technical support to customers. BUI was evaluated in September this year.
“We underwent an intensive third-party review of our teams, our Azure methodologies and frameworks, our competencies, our corporate performance, our customer successes, and much more,” explains Dhiren Boodhia, our Group Governance and Compliance Manager. “These annual audits are always in-depth, but this year’s assessment was particularly comprehensive – and we excelled in all areas. We are delivering outstanding work for our customers and this Azure Expert MSP re-certification is a testament to the passion and dedication of everyone here,” says Boodhia.
Willem Malan, our Chief Technology Officer, agrees. “There are more than 400 000 Microsoft partner organisations around the world and only 132 of them are currently certified as Azure Expert MSPs.
Globally, BUI is in the top tier of Microsoft partners with the necessary expertise and experience to design, deploy, manage, secure, and optimise business solutions on Azure,” says Malan. “Whether it’s a straightforward lift-and-shift migration or a complex digital transformation project, we can support customers at every stage of their Azure journey, and beyond.”
In addition to our credentials as an Azure Expert MSP and Microsoft Solutions Partner for Microsoft Cloud, we’re proud to be a Microsoft Security Experts MXDR Partner, a member of the prestigious Microsoft Intelligent Security Association, and a three-time Microsoft Country Partner of the Year holding 10 Microsoft Advanced Specializations including Cloud Security, Infra and Database Migration to Microsoft Azure, and Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop.
“We have earned our standing as Azure experts because we’ve invested in our people, our business, and our relationship with Microsoft,” continues Malan. “We’re enabling our cloud teams to develop cutting-edge technical skills. We’re expanding into new markets. And we’re working closely with Microsoft as the cloud landscape changes. We’re doing all of this to ensure that our customers continue to receive the best possible advice and support – and the right Azure solutions for their business needs.”
The BUI Cloud Centre of Excellence (CCoE) plays an important role in this regard, notes our governance and compliance head. “The Azure administrators, architects, consultants, developers, engineers, and security specialists in our CCoE are Microsoft certified professionals adept in the principles of the Microsoft Cloud Adoption Framework. We follow Microsoft’s established codes, guidelines, and best practices on every Azure project to make sure that our customers’ connected environments are well-managed and fully optimised for performance, security, and compliance,” says Boodhia.
Re-certification as an Azure Expert MSP validates our exceptional cloud-management capabilities and gives our current and future customers peace of mind, says chief executive Roseveare. “With more than two decades of success in the technology sector, a global footprint, and verified Azure experts specialising in everything from cloud infrastructure to cloud security, BUI is a trusted Microsoft partner equipped to deliver impactful results and real value for business organisations from Day 1, and every day thereafter. We look forward to our continued collaboration with Microsoft, and to helping our mutual customers achieve more with Azure,” Roseveare concludes.
From foundational support and monitoring to full-scale management and continuous optimisation, our cloud experts are here to help you achieve more with Azure.
We’re excited to announce that we won the Azure Infrastructure Partner of the Year Award, the Modern Work Partner of the Year Award, and the Security Partner of the Year Award at the FY22 Microsoft South Africa Partner Awards on 28 September 2022.
The gala dinner and prizegiving ceremony took place at the Marriott Hotel Melrose Arch in Sandton, where members of the local Microsoft Partner ecosystem gathered together, in person, for the first time since 2019. Microsoft SA’s awards evenings in 2020 and 2021 were held virtually as lockdown protocols remained in place at the height of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Microsoft SA Partner Awards are presented annually to acknowledge the partner organisations that have excelled in delivering Microsoft solutions over the past 12 months. Award submissions are reviewed by a panel of judges and entries are evaluated in terms of partner competencies, cloud transformation, entrepreneurial spirit, and sales performance, among other factors.
This year, Microsoft SA CEO Lillian Barnard praised partners for pushing beyond all limits to modernise, transform, and enable success for enterprises in South Africa and around the world. In her opening speech on the night, Barnard remarked: “Let me start first by just expressing my gratitude on behalf of the Microsoft company for all that you’ve done in our markets, and in our business. The work that you continue to do in our country is just simply inspiring. You are driving digital transformation and innovation, and you are doing this with a deep sense of commitment.”
BUI was named Azure Infrastructure Partner of the Year for its proven success in helping customers modernise their infrastructure and migrate their applications and data to the cloud. “We’re always thrilled to receive this award,” says Managing Director Ryan Roseveare, highlighting the ninth time that BUI has won this award.
“This accolade is a tremendous achievement in recognition of our team’s focus and positive outcomes. It’s also a validation of our consistency, our high standard of work, and our dedication to our customers. We’re actively driving digital transformation by helping businesses to become more agile and more resilient with Azure’s extensive range of solutions,” adds Roseveare.
As the Modern Work Partner of the Year, BUI was acknowledged for enabling performance and productivity with Microsoft’s comprehensive set of cloud-powered tools for the modern workplace. “From Office 365 to Microsoft Teams and Microsoft Viva, we’re empowering customers with the technology they need to communicate and collaborate effectively in remote and hybrid scenarios,” says National Sales Manager Paul Wallett.
“We’re also supporting our customers as they adapt to new ways of working, and making sure that they’re able to leverage the full power of the cloud and the Microsoft resources at their disposal to take their enterprises to the next level,” he continues. “The whole BUI team is invested in creating real value for customers – by delivering cutting-edge business solutions and world-class service.”
Roseveare is thrilled to take home the Security Partner of the Year award yet again – especially after the recent expansion of BUI’s security portfolio. “In an environment where the right skills are harder to find than ever before, we’re putting more energy and focus into our security solutions and services – because customers are looking for trusted partners to help them protect their digital environments. From our own Cyber SoC and MDR facilities, and as part of Microsoft Security Experts, we’re helping businesses to manage and strengthen their cyber defences,” he says.
“We’ve earned our reputation as a leader in the security space by combining talent and technology,” notes Wallett. “Our security operations division includes some of the most highly skilled and highly certified professionals in the country, and we’re constantly innovating with the Microsoft stack to offer our customers bespoke solutions to accelerate their security.”
With three new Microsoft Partner of the Year awards to celebrate, Wallett and Roseveare are quick to praise the BUI team. “I’m so proud of everyone,” says Wallett. “It’s rewarding to receive these accolades and to be acknowledged in our industry, but none of it would be possible without the dedication shown by our people every day.” Roseveare agrees. “It’s wonderful to see the team’s efforts honoured by Microsoft. We look forward to another year of collective success as we continue to support customers through every stage of the cloud journey,” he concludes.
Cybercriminals are targeting enterprises big and small to try to gain access to sensitive, confidential, or proprietary data and resources.
How are you protecting your IT environment? Stay ahead of threat actors by choosing a managed detection and response service from BUI.
We’re excited to announce that we’ve been awarded the Microsoft Information Protection and Governance Advanced Specialization in recognition of our elite capabilities in the deployment of Azure Information Protection and Microsoft Information Protection workloads, as well as our expertise in enhancing data security for customers.
The Information Protection and Governance Advanced Specialization is our ninth advanced specialization from Microsoft, and our fourth such premier accreditation in the security category, which includes Cloud Security, Identity and Access Management, and Threat Protection.
With the exponential growth of data, and increasing data mobility in modern workplaces around the world, more and more customers are looking for trusted partners to help them implement effective information-protection solutions, says Managing Director Ryan Roseveare.
“Data security and compliance are major concerns for business leaders,” explains Roseveare. “They need to manage their data properly, mitigate internal and external risks, and adhere to the rules and regulations that are applicable to their enterprises. They also need to be proactive at every turn, because the threat landscape is changing faster than ever.”
In recent years, privacy laws like the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation, California’s Privacy Rights Act, South Africa’s Protection of Personal Information Act, and Kenya’s Data Protection Act have put information management in the spotlight.
“Organisations are re-examining their practices in terms of data processing and data protection,” continues Roseveare. “Not only because of the legal requirements, but also because of the security risks associated with undiscovered, ungoverned data. IT experts with the deep technical knowledge and experience to guide customers through digital adoption, and enhance their information-protection solutions for this era of data mobility, are in global demand.”
To earn the Information Protection and Governance Advanced Specialization, BUI had to meet stringent criteria around service delivery and support, and pass a rigorous assessment of its security and governance technical practices. “Our teams are committed to advancing their skills and abilities, and this recognition from Microsoft is a welcome validation of our focus, our continuous investment in security, and our value-driven approach to customer relationships,” says Roseveare.
BUI, named Azure Infrastructure Partner of the Year and Security Partner of the Year at the 2021 Microsoft South Africa Partner Awards last month, is a Microsoft Azure Expert Managed Services Provider and a member of the Microsoft Intelligent Security Association. “As cloud and security specialists, we’re delivering innovative data-protection solutions that enable customers to locate, classify, manage and secure their sensitive information wherever it lives, and wherever it travels. We look forward to new opportunities to help businesses govern and protect their data estates,” concludes Roseveare.
A comprehensive information protection and governance strategy can help you to safeguard business data, and identify internal and external risks.
Talk to our specialists about customised security solutions to keep your data secure on devices, within applications, and across on-prem and cloud environments.
We’re so proud to announce that we won the Azure Infrastructure Partner of the Year Award and the Security Partner of the Year Award at the 2021 Microsoft South Africa Partner Awards on Tuesday evening (28 September 2021). In addition to these accolades, BUI was named as a finalist for the Modern Work Partner of the Year Award and the Microsoft Consulting Services Partner of the Year Award.
Held annually, the Microsoft SA Partner Awards recognise outstanding accomplishments by Microsoft Partners in a variety of categories related to competencies, cloud technology, and entrepreneurial spirit. This year’s ceremony was an online event, and Microsoft SA Chief Executive Officer Lillian Barnard praised the Microsoft Partner Network for supporting organisations through the social and economic upheavals of the past 12 months.
Microsoft SA Chief Executive Officer Lillian Barnard delivers her opening remarks during the 2021 Microsoft South Africa Partner Awards virtual gala on 28 September 2021.
“It’s been a challenging time for many South Africans and yet we have remained resilient, and worked together to support our customers, our broader community, and each other,” Barnard said in her opening remarks to attendees. “Our impact and achievements in FY2021 have elevated us to a new level of operational discipline and performance excellence,” she added, acknowledging the agility and innovation shown by partners in response to customers’ evolving business needs.
BUI Managing Director Ryan Roseveare highlighted the importance of holistic protection after receiving the Security Partner of the Year Award for the third time in a row. “This past year has been an absolute turning point for security,” he explained. “The rapid pace of digital transformation and the shift to remote and hybrid productivity put security firmly in focus, and the rising levels of cybercrime made businesses re-evaluate their risk profiles. We’ve certainly seen an increased number of customers looking for new ways to secure their on-prem and cloud resources.”
The security trophy, continued Roseveare, is a testament to the BUI team’s deep expertise. “We take security seriously. It’s in our blood. It’s what we do every day. And we’re always improving our skills, expanding our capabilities, and exploring next-generation tools to provide superior service and support to our customers. Microsoft’s security stack is very powerful, and we’re able to leverage end-to-end solutions to help organisations protect and defend their critical data and assets.”
Master of Ceremonies Aki Anastasiou announced BUI’s victory in the Azure Infrastructure Partner of the Year category with a brief nod to the company’s milestones in 2021. “Well done to BUI for achieving the highest infrastructure-related Azure Consumed Revenue, having a 100-percent cloud-based cyber security operations centre powered by Sentinel, and for celebrating your 21st birthday this year,” Anastasiou said from the virtual stage.
“We’ve built our business around Microsoft Azure,” responded Roseveare. “For more than two decades, we’ve empowered customers to maximise their technological investments. And we’re all in when it comes to the cloud. Azure is a phenomenal platform. It’s constantly growing. And it has the features and functionality to enable connection, collaboration, and innovation at scale,” he added.
As a Microsoft Azure Expert MSP and trusted local partner, BUI completed several major modernisation and migration projects during SA’s coronavirus lockdown period, and continues to build on its reputation for excellence. “It comes down to our people and our processes,” notes Roseveare. “We have a specific culture around skills and skills development, and we invest in our teams to ensure that we remain on the cutting edge. Then, we develop repeatable practices to streamline the digital transformation journey for our customers. The Azure Infrastructure Partner of the Year Award is a prestigious prize, and we’re thrilled with this honour.”
BUI holds advanced specializations in Adoption and Change Management, Cloud Security, Identity and Access Management, Microsoft Windows Virtual Desktop, Teamwork Deployment, and Threat Protection, among others, as well as 16 Microsoft competencies in cybersecurity, productivity, and cloud solutions. “We’re committed to helping customers reap the full benefits of Azure, in terms of cost savings, performance, security, and agility. And we’re excited to support South African enterprises as they move forward into the new year,” concludes Roseveare.
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We’re excited to add two new advanced specializations to our Microsoft portfolio: Cloud Security and Calling for Microsoft Teams.
The Cloud Security Advanced Specialization is awarded only to Gold Microsoft Partners with deep technical knowledge related to Microsoft’s cloud security products, and a successful track record of implementing comprehensive protection across Microsoft Azure and hybrid cloud environments.
To earn the Calling for Microsoft Teams Advanced Specialization, Partners must have extensive experience deploying and managing voice solutions in Microsoft 365, and must be able to integrate modern telephony for customers who require end-to-end communication.
As enterprises accelerate their digital transformation initiatives to enable remote and hybrid work, holistic security should be a key consideration, says Managing Director Ryan Roseveare. “Cloud adoption is taking place at a rapid rate, but it’s also taking place at a time when cyberthreats are more serious, more sophisticated, and more frequent than ever,” he notes. “A single mistake or misconfiguration could leave your enterprise vulnerable to attack, and you cannot afford such exposure when hackers are actively targeting businesses, almost constantly, every day.”
“Here at BUI, our approach is ‘build secure and deploy secure’,” continues Roseveare. “We make security part of the process from day one. We work with our customers to understand their unique challenges, and we help them to make the most of Microsoft’s cloud security products so that their digital environments are fully protected. Our expertise, certified by this Cloud Security Advanced Specialization and several others, is what gives our customers the peace of mind to move to the cloud confidently,” he adds.
BUI already holds advanced specializations in Adoption and Change Management, Identity and Access Management, Microsoft Windows Virtual Desktop, Teamwork Deployment, Threat Protection, and Windows Server and SQL Server Migration to Microsoft Azure, as well as 16 Microsoft competencies in cloud productivity, cloud solutions, and cybersecurity, among other solution areas.
The Calling for Microsoft Teams Advanced Specialization recognises BUI’s capabilities in creating modern voice solutions for a work-from-anywhere world, explains Cloud Centre of Excellence Lead Dhiren Boodhia. “With remote and hybrid work here to stay for many enterprises, there’s a demand for phone-calling technologies that combine unified communications and teamwork,” he says.
Calling in Microsoft Teams has rich functionality to enable people to place and receive calls, transfer calls, and mute or unmute calls. “For end-users, the experience is similar to traditional telephony, but with additional features and the power and scale of the cloud,” continues Boodhia, describing how end-users can use a mobile device or a headset with a laptop or personal computer to place calls to anyone listed in their online address book.
“Calling in Microsoft Teams delivers truly seamless communication, but it must be deployed correctly and securely. The implementation process can be quite complex, especially if it involves Microsoft 365 service deployment, networking changes, and the provisioning or porting of large volumes of telephone numbers. Expert hands are needed, and that’s why our specialists are trusted to help enterprises transition from on-prem phone systems to cloud-based ones – as quickly, efficiently, and cost-effectively as possible,” concludes Boodhia.
The BUI Cyber SoC is a state-of-the-art facility backed by world-class Microsoft security technology, including Azure Sentinel.
Take a look inside to see our teams in action, or contact us today to explore next-generation security solutions for your enterprise.
BUI is pleased to announce that it will participate in the first Identity Management Day, an annual awareness event that will take place on the second Tuesday in April every year. The inaugural Identity Management Day will be held on 13 April 2021.
Founded by the Identity Defined Security Alliance (IDSA), the mission of Identity Management Day is to educate business leaders and IT decision-makers on the importance of identity management and key components including governance, identity-centric security best practices, processes, and technology, with a special focus on the dangers of not properly securing identities and access credentials.
In addition, the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) will provide guidance for consumers, to ensure that their online identities are better protected through security awareness, best practices, and readily available technologies.
“Raising awareness around identity management is especially critical after a barrage of identity-based breaches made headlines in the past year,” said Julie Smith, the executive director of the IDSA. “In fact, research by the IDSA reveals that 79 percent of organisations have experienced an identity-related breach in the last two years, and 99 percent believe their identity-related breaches were preventable.”
Smith continued: “Compounding this, the ongoing pandemic has accelerated digital transformation initiatives that support changes in how we work and how we live day-to-day, putting organisations at greater risk. Our hope is that Identity Management Day will result in higher prioritisation of identity security and, as a result, fewer data breaches in 2021 and beyond. We are grateful for all of the support from the IDSA and NCSA member companies, and the broader industry, to further this mission.”
BUI is proud to be an Identity Management Day Champion Organisation alongside leading technology companies from around the world. “It’s imperative for businesses to have identity and access management strategies that can stand up to the modern threat landscape,” said BUI Managing Director Ryan Roseveare. “Identity Management Day is an opportunity to put your own IAM policies under the microscope, to improve them where necessary, and to educate your teams about the importance of identity security.”
To support Identity Management Day on 13 April, BUI will share identity and security resources (including how-to tips and tutorials) on its Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter pages.
Learn more about Identity Management Day on the official website, or check out the #IDMgmtDay and #BeIdentitySmart hashtags on social media.
BUI is a Microsoft Azure Expert MSP with advanced specializations in Identity and Access Management, Threat Protection, and more.
Let’s talk about cloud-powered, intelligence-driven IAM solutions for your business. Contact our specialists to arrange a consultation.
BUI is growing! We’re pleased to announce that we’ve acquired M2M Systems, an award-winning cloud solutions provider and fellow Microsoft Partner organisation based in Nairobi, Kenya.
M2M Systems specialises in digital transformation for small and medium-sized enterprises, through Microsoft Azure and Microsoft 365. Founded in 2013, the company has helped more than 100 businesses in Kenya and the wider East African region to communicate, collaborate, and connect with customers using the power of cloud technology.
Ryan Roseveare, our Managing Director, is excited to build on the foundations that have supported M2M Systems’ success. “For BUI, this acquisition represents much more than a business expansion: it’s an opportunity to accelerate cloud adoption and digital transformation in Kenya by bringing the expertise we’ve gained through Microsoft’s global programmes to a dynamic regional market where the cloud is actively embraced as a driver of business efficiency and scalability,” he says.
As a Microsoft Azure Expert MSP and a member of the Microsoft Intelligent Security Association, BUI’s Microsoft roots run deep. “We’re thrilled that M2M Systems has a team of technologists who share not only our enthusiasm for Microsoft Azure, but also our commitment to innovation and customer-centric service delivery,” adds Roseveare.
Justin Colin, our Business Development Manager, is working alongside M2M Systems during the transition period. “M2M Systems has an excellent track record of cloud engagements and a loyal customer base that spans Kenya’s financial services industry, legal sector, and transportation sector. In the coming months, we’ll focus on increasing staff capacity and creating a broader solution portfolio to meet the evolving needs of the local and regional markets,” he says, adding that the BUI Cyber Security Operations Center, the Nettprotect vulnerability scanning service, and the a2zManaged cloud management service will be important augmentations.
M2M Systems Managing Partner Clare Mungai, one of Kenya’s leading women in technology, says the demand for reliable, scalable, and secure productivity solutions is higher than ever. “In the past seven years, we’ve witnessed the steady growth of cloud adoption in Kenya, but last year’s shift to remote work put that growth into overdrive. Customers are looking to harness the full spectrum of cloud services, and BUI brings a wealth of Azure, security, and networking expertise to complement our existing Microsoft strengths. I have no doubt that this fusion of talent and vision will unlock new possibilities, here and across East Africa. I look forward to welcoming BUI to Nairobi, and working together to support customers throughout their digital transformation journeys.”
Roseveare is equally positive. “With an established base in Kenya and a highly skilled team of cloud specialists, we’ll be able to extend our reach and deliver customised, locally relevant solutions to help organisations become more productive, more competitive, and more secure,” he concludes.
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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 Management, Windows 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.
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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.
We can help you create the best possible defences against cybercrime.
Check out our security offers in the MISA partner catalogue to learn more.
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 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:
Interested? Download the Surface Laptop 3 for Business brochure.
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:
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.
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