Connect with us

E-Business

Cloud, Platform for Modern Innovation- IBM

Published

on

(L-r): Dipo Faulkner, country general manager, IBM West Africa; Uzo Nwani, territory executive global market, IBM West Africa; and, Abiye Koko, group chief information officer, Access Bank at the IBM Cloud Innovation Forum held at Four Points by Sheraton, Lagos  on Tuesday.
Kindly share this post

The dynamics around cloud computing is changing hence businesses need to apply cognitive and/or Artificial Intelligent (AI) capabilities to data in order to enhance their digital intelligence exponentially.

This view was shared by Anthony Butler, Chief technical Officer at IBM Middle East and Africa (MEA) during ‘IBM Cloud Innovation Forum’ 2017 held in Lagos on Tuesday, stating that cloud marketing has shifted from offering mere efficient modern application to functioning as re-imagined processes for optimal operations.

Butler during a presentation on ‘IBM: IBM Cloud: The Journey Ahead’, said that businesses in the region need to stay more agile in order to succeed in the new business world.

He said, instead of falling victims of technological disruptions, they should strive to take the opportunities offered in the cloud hence innovators are using cloud and cognitive technologies to transform external experiences.

“Cloud is actually the platform for modern innovations offering seamless opportunities for applications, analytics, middleware and infrastructure that will drive businesses in future. So, for businesses to stay ahead and succeed in the new world, they need to be more agile.

“Innovators are using cloud and cognitive technologies to take advantages of the opportunities in the market and transform external experiences. To win, you need to create smarter apps and services; accelerate data intelligence innovation, optimize your infrastructure with cloud options; you must develop your architecture disruption (rethink business, technology and data)”, he said.

The IBM CIO for MEA explained that technology has gone from being a cost to a source of competitive advantage; citing IBM as example, he said the Company has lasted for so long because it constantly reboot its processes and solutions.

“What is IBM doing today? Connecting despite data types within and outside your walls, create opportunities for unexpected insights”, he said.

On AI, he said, the architecture is not meant to retire humans from work, rather enhancing and amplifying people’s creativity and capabilities for improved productivity.

Zeeshan Mehdi, IBM data and data sales leader also described IBM has having a niche and expertise in analytic approach, understanding outcomes, needs and technology for the future.

“Data can help you understand what you don’t know about your company today. IBM has the competencies to help you understand that,” he said.

Yusuf Assenjee, cloud service leader- Central West Africa, IBM, said the Firm is leading the Shift to strategic IT through IBM Cloud.

He said, that IBM is driving innovation with advanced set of products based on new architecture that drives applications (Watson health, Watson for IoT); AI (Watson conversation, Watson Discovery, Watson Virtual Agent); Data (Watson Data and Watson IoT) and cloud (Object storage, Compute for HPC).

“We’re not just about a platform or a certain technology, we’re about proven and innovative ways of working to help your company succeed and solve real user-needs. We can match your business requirements to the regulatory and security point of view”, Assenjee boasted.

Earlier, Dipo faulkner, country general manager, IBM (Nigeria), said that for businesses in Nigeria and Africa in general, to succeed in the future climate which revolves around cloud computing, they require an understanding on how to develop cloud strategy to help know how and where to adopt the strategy for maximum impact and in a cost efficient manner.


Kindly share this post

Nigeria CommunicationsWeek believes that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. So since 2007, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and how they affect lives.

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Comments

E-Business

Study Reveals Majority of IT Professionals Show Openness to Cyber Immunity

Published

on

Kindly share this post

The cybersecurity landscape is evolving rapidly, with organisations seeking more robust ways to protect their digital assets. A recent global study conducted by Kaspersky reveals a growing shift toward proactive security strategies, particularly the adoption of Secure by Design development and Cyber Immunity – an innovative approach that embeds resilience directly into system architecture.

The study highlights that 90% of cybersecurity professionals surveyed in the Middle East, Turkiye and Africa (META) region are familiar with Secure by Design development. This methodology integrates security into the very fabric of a system from its inception, rather than treating it as an afterthought.

Such an approach is already employed in high-stakes industries like aerospace, where security cannot be bolted on later – it must be intrinsic. Despite its advantages, however, adoption has been slow due to challenges related to standardisation and cost.

Cyber Immunity is the next frontier in cybersecurity

Building on Secure by Design principles, Cyber Immunity takes cybersecurity a step further by creating systems that inherently resist attacks without the need for constant patching or additional security layers. The study reveals that most experts are familiar with Cyber Immunity but interpret it differently.

When asked what they associate with the term, 64% of respondents in the META region linked it to Secure by Design systems that remain resilient under attack, while 56% viewed it as a combination of technology and policy measures that block cybercriminal access. Another 48% connected it to highly skilled cybersecurity teams, indicating that while awareness is high, a unified understanding is still developing.

The growing demand for proactive security

One of the most striking findings is the optimism surrounding inherently secure systems. Over half of respondents in the META region (63%) believe it is already possible or definitely achievable to design systems capable of withstanding cyberattacks without relying on additional security solutions.

Another 32% think it might be possible, reflecting openness to this idea despite some uncertainty. This shift in mindset aligns with a broader industry trend: traditional reactive security measures are no longer sufficient.

With AI-powered threats and increasingly sophisticated attacks, organisations need solutions that do more than just detect breaches—they must prevent them by design.

Integrating Cyber Immunity into security strategies

The study emphasises that resilience, expertise, and flexibility will define the next generation of cybersecurity. While Secure by Design provides the methodology, Cyber Immunity represents the ultimate goal—systems so robust that they minimise reliance on external defences.

“For companies looking ahead, Cyber Immunity offers more than just protection — it brings clear business benefits. When systems are built to be secure from the ground up, there’s less need for constant updates, patches, and extra security tools. That means fewer costs, less strain on IT teams, and stronger, more reliable protection over time,” said Dmitry Lukiyan, Head of KasperskyOS Business Unit.

Most importantly in today’s threat landscape, Cyber Immunity offers robust protection against next-generation challenges — including AI-driven attacks capable of outmaneuvering traditional security measures.

When security becomes an intrinsic property of system architecture rather than an external addition, businesses gain more than just protection—they secure a competitive market advantage.

This proactive approach future-proofs critical infrastructure, enabling organisations to operate confidently even as threats evolve. It transforms cybersecurity from a defensive necessity into a strategic differentiator that accelerates digital transformation while mitigating risk.

As the cybersecurity environment becomes more complex, Cyber Immunity is emerging as a vital strategy. Organisations that adopt it now will not only enhance their protection but also position themselves ahead of the curve in an increasingly volatile digital world.

 


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

E-Business

Konga launches Jara sales with 25% discount on Starlink kits, free delivery

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Konga, Nigeria’s leading composite e-commerce platform, has launched its inaugural 2026 shopping campaign, Konga Jara, offering 25 per cent discount on Starlink internet kits alongside free nationwide delivery.

Konga launches Jara sales with 25% discount on Starlink kits, free delivery

Konga

The campaign, drawing from the Nigerian concept of “jara” — the extra value traders add to purchases — aims to deliver exceptional deals across categories, helping shoppers turn new year aspirations into reality through affordable technology and value-driven shopping.

To qualify for the Starlink discount, customers must purchase kits on Konga.com, activate them at starlink.com/activate, and email activation details to [email protected] for verification against Starlink’s records. Discounts are subject to terms and conditions.

Konga said spotlighting Starlink underscores reliable internet’s role in Nigeria’s digital economy, supporting work, learning, entrepreneurship and communication for households and businesses.

Mr Onochie Melvin, Head of Commercial Planning at Konga, said: “We listened carefully to what Nigerians said they needed to truly kickstart 2026 on the right footing. Reliable internet connectivity emerged as the foundation upon which other aspirations depend.”

He added: “Students need it for online learning, entrepreneurs need it to scale digital businesses, and professionals rely on it for remote work. This Starlink offer is not just about selling products; it is about removing barriers that prevent Nigerians from fully participating in the digital economy.”

Beyond connectivity, Konga Jara provides genuine products from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) with transparent pricing, warranties and authenticity guarantees.

As a composite e-commerce ecosystem, Konga integrates shopping, payments and logistics for seamless nationwide access, with exclusive deals shared via its social media channels throughout the campaign.

Shoppers can explore offers at www.konga.com and follow Konga’s official pages for updates across the Konga Group.


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

E-Business

Firm Identifies Global Scam Activity Linked to the Release of Avatar 3

Published

on

Kindly share this post

The premiere of Avatar 3 has taken place in several countries and has been accompanied by a noticeable increase in online interest. Amid the heightened attention surrounding the release, Kaspersky experts identified an increase in cyber-scam campaigns that exploit the movie’s launch and users’ desire to watch it online. The fraudulent websites target users across multiple regions, indicating attempts by attackers to reach a global audience.

The scam operates as follows: cybercriminals create suspicious websites that offer online access to the Avatar 3 movie. Attackers place particular emphasis on localisation, publishing the sites in multiple languages to attract users from different countries. However, the translations are often poorly executed and contain grammatical errors and inconsistencies, which may serve as indicators of fraudulent activity.

When users attempt to start the video, they are presented with a fake media player and prompted to register in order to obtain “full” or “unlimited” access to the film. As part of the registration process, users are asked to provide personal information, including an email address and mobile phone number.

At later stages, scammers may request additional data, including payment details, under the guise of activating a “free trial.” This creates risks of credential compromise, particularly if users reuse passwords across multiple services, and may also lead to financial losses.

“Cybercriminals consistently exploit major movie premieres to capture users’ attention and increase the effectiveness of their schemes. We advise accessing films only through official platforms and exercising caution when encountering websites that request personal or payment information. It is also important to use reliable security solutions to protect all devices, including mobiles,” comments Olga Altukhova, Senior web content analyst at Kaspersky.

 


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Trending