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and guidance..."
Steve Marshall,
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Welcome to the 2007, Q2 Sapphire newsletter!
John Morrison, Managing Director, Sapphire
Microsoft security
partner of the year 2007!
SC Magazine Awards - finalist
NISC – another successful year
Office changes
New staff
Web downloads
Sapphire was nominated for the award due to its contribution to the technical advancements within Whale IAG. Sapphire was also praised for the number of new relationships it had facilitated between Microsoft and the public sector.
Although Sapphire’s partnership with Microsoft is still in it’s infancy, one of the key factors in the nomination process was the winning organisation’s ability to work in line with Microsoft’s new security channel. Sapphire is an organisation that realises the importance of channel focus and as such, embraces the Microsoft security channel programme.
Sapphire is also one of 50 companies to achieve the Microsoft Certified Partner status with security competency. A status much sought after by other organisations within the industry and Sapphire is looking forward to achieving the Microsoft Security Partner of the Year award 2008.
For further information on Sapphire please visit www.sapphire.net.
SC Magazine Awards - finalist
I am delighted to announce that Sapphire was a finalist at the European SC
Magazine Awards in the category of ‘Best Security Company’.
The awards dinner was held at the Hurlingham Club in London on Tuesday 24th April, following the first day of InfoSecurity Europe 2007.
The category of Best Security Company falls under Professional Awards; awards which distinguish organisations based on a range of criteria, including: customer service, profitability, strategy, innovation and contribution to the industry.
This is a great achievement. Since 1996, Sapphire has provided its customers with a range of Information Assurance advice and services. Being recognised as a finalist in the European SC Magazine awards commends our continuous development and contribution to the industry.
NISC – another successful year
NISC is over for another year and I am proud to announce that this has been
the most successful event yet! The conference saw over 220 people attending
over the three days and yet again it has proved to be the premier event in
the Infosec events calendar. But don’t take my word for it, take a look
at some of the comments we received from delegates below:
“Sapphire provided a professional event which
is extremely beneficial for those responsible for IT management or IT security.
The event provides an overview of current techniques and software and provides
an excellent opportunity for networking.”
Calum Mitchell, RAF Leuchars
“Whatever threats to systems the future may
hold, you can be sure it will have been discussed and mitigation proposed,
at a NISC seminar; Sapphire always in the forefront.”
Alan Sheppard, DE & S
"An excellent, smooth running conference, with a wealth of speakers
each an expert in their field."
Alan Grisedale, Robert Muckle
“A really useful event that helps contribute
to the professionalism within our industry”
Ali Fletcher, Leeds City Council
“The level of knowledge and speakers makes
this a must event for everyone in the IT security or IA arena.”
Robert Wing, Clarks International
“Never fails to achieve objectives - the premier
IA conference in a year. Best set of presenters - excellent.”
Harvey Mattinson, The Cabinet Office
“I believe Sapphire excelled this year in achieving
very high standards in its selection of quality informative security professionals
and surpassed its excellent record of hospitality, entertainment and professionalism.
Well done!”
John Graham, Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council
“4th Year running of attending NISC - worth
it more than ever.”
David Murphy, MacRoberts Solicitors
The NISC agenda boasted over 30 speakers, all leading lights within the IA arena including; Ed Gibson (Microsoft), David Lacey, Harvey Mattinson (The Cabinet Office), Garreth Griffiths (eBay), Simon Perry (CA), Fred Piper (Royal Holloway, University of London) and many more.
The conference is held annually in the 3rd week of May. It’s unique mixture of keynote speakers, breakout sessions, networking opportunities and social programme makes it the one and only IA event to attend.
We have already started working on a new format for NISC 9 to include technical and business focussed breakout sessions, a later start on the first day and a larger exhibition hall.
For further details about the event, or to register your interest in NISC 9 please email Tina Deighton.
Office changes
Following a successful 2006, Sapphire has undergone an office refurbishment
at our Stockton and Stirling offices. This has included an extension to our
forensics laboratory to meet increased demand and we have replaced all office
furniture in our Head Offices in Stockton-on-Tees. On the 1st June, we moved
into our new offices in Stirling that more than doubles our floor space, again
to cope with increased demand and staff growth. Also, as part of this refurbishment
we have fully updated our training suite.
The forensics lab is now double its original size and to enable us to cope with the increase in demand for our forensic services, Sapphire has begun training more security consultants in the specialist field of computer forensics.
Our main offices have been provided with new furniture and hardware. As part of our improvement plan, we are underway with the modernisation of our training suite which is due to open in July 2007. A brand new training room has been set up with new equipment and a new delegate breakout area. There has also been a full review of our training materials to ensure we continue to provide our delegates with the best training experience yet.
June 1st 2007, bought about the relocation of our Stirling office, this will allow us to continue the development and growth of staff within Scotland. We are pleased to have been able to remain in Stirling and secure a new office next door which more than doubles our current office size.
We are holding an open day with our partners for customers to visit the new Stirling office on Wednesday 8th August between the hours of 3pm to 7pm. Light refreshments will be served and it will provide delegates with an opportunity to meet our team and product partners. For further details, please contact Tina Deighton on 01642 702100.
New staff
One of the comments I continue to receive, from customers old and new, is
about the quality of the service Sapphire provides and the professionalism
and efficiency of our staff. This is always good to hear so please keep them
coming.
So, this quarter, I would like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the new members of our team. I am delighted to announce that Sapphire has taken on new staff in both the external and internal sales teams as well as expanding the security team.
Martin Rothwell has recently joined Sapphire in the role of a Business Development Manager. Having graduated from Northumbria University, Martin spent time travelling around South East Asia. Before joining Sapphire, he worked for Access Distribution which was part of the General Electric Group, in the technology sales team. Martin manages 50 select focus accounts throughout the UK and has experienced much success in the short time he has spent working with the company.
Our Scottish team has also grown with Dave Richmond joining us, as Martin, in the role of Business Development Manager. Dave joins Sapphire having spent 10 years as an account manager for Symbol Technologies looking after four top retail accounts; Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Safeway and Waitrose. More recently Dave has worked for I-Sentral Security where he spent over 4 years selling Information Security Services into BT Major Business customers.
The internal team at Sapphire has also grown by three over the last quarter. Nina Bateman’s role as Internal Account Manager is to support the Business Development Managers and all clients when their dedicated account manager is unavailable. Nina recently graduated from Leeds Metropolitan University. She works closely with both the sales and marketing teams and is looking forward to getting to know you over the next 12 months.
Lois Thwaites and Justin Hutchinson have joined Sapphire as Internal Account Executives. Their roles are to support and develop both our existing client base and actively seek new opportunities. Lois graduated from the University of Teeside in 2003 and has a background in finance and local government where her focus was on customer service. Justin has several years experience in customer service including client facing roles, particularly with Blue Chip organisations. Both Lois and Justin bring a wealth of experience to the internal sales function at Sapphire and in the short time they have been here, both have become valuable members of the Sapphire family.
Chris Suri is the newest member of our security team. His passion for networks and all things ‘techie’ progressed into an enthusiasm for IT security. Chris is currently working for Sapphire as a consultant focusing on support and working towards achieving his MCSE qualification. Since starting with Sapphire his skills and knowledge have excelled and Chris now has a keen interest in Remote Access and SSL VPN.
Now available:
Document Downloads
Case Studies
To view our full list our full list of reference documents please visit http://www.sapphire.net/downloads/index.html
Thank you for your time and I look forward to working
with you in 2007.
John Morrison
Managing Director, Sapphire