General News
Efficient Bandwidth Drives Cloud Computing- John
Sony Mathew John is a senior research analyst with International Data Corporation (IDC) Middle East, Turkey, and Africa and is responsible for conducting research on IT services and contributing to services and software consulting projects across the region.
Before joining IDC, John worked for Capgemini Consulting as a senior consultant. He also worked as a research analyst at Corporate Executive Board and as a software engineer with Satyam Computers.
John has experience in IT application development, market sizing, competitive analysis, new business identification, and market entry strategy across industries.
He spoke to peter ugwu during the IDC cloud Computing 2013 Roadshow held in Lagos, Nigeria, recently.
IDC Cloud Computing Road Show
Basically, we are an IT advisory company and we do a lot in IT modernization across the region. The essence is to increase awareness of the emerging technology by inviting vendors and ask them to talk about existing solutions.
Before then, we had to lay the foundation by sharing with the participants, results of our recent studies as regards cloud and other IT solutions in relation to the market.
We are confident that the roadshow is one of the lee-ways to inform them on how to leverage on the emerging technology and grow their businesses.
The moderation is to educate people on the emerging technology and how to engage customers appropriately.
Companies in MEA and Cloud Computing
The reactions of organisations show they believe in the cloud despite challenges. We are encouraging them to take advantages in the cloud by moving their operations there.
They will definitely achieve efficiency and virtualization. On the other hand, we are aware that not everybody will move the cloud at the same time.
So there are those organisations that are very reluctant about it; unless they see concrete evidence that cloud is working properly for those that have embraced it, they may not move there. We are seeing such skepticism in Africa, especially in Nigeria, but with time they will embrace it like every other solution that has been developed in the industry.
Basic Requirement to go into the Cloud
From the user perspective they have to look at their existing system like what leads to redundancy in their environment or look at their line of application and the workload in their line of business or computing system gadgets.
They can also look at their idle systems and areas that need improvement or virtualization. The second step is on the workload identification; that will help them determine which type of cloud to embrace, whether public, private of hybrid cloud environment.
After the segmentation against acceptable cloud model, they will choose reputable vendor that will give satisfactory service and ensure security.
Critical Factors that Determine Virtualization to the Cloud
First, the motivation for most companies is efficiency. The cloud will give every other operation in the organisation especially in the virtualization; they will see the benefits immediately.
The public cloud organisations will have the tenacity to access the latest software technology which will beef up their resources, because these international cloud service providers have the best in technology class and the personnel which local companies do not have access to.
They usually depend on the channel and local partners. So cloud offers them the opportunity to access the best in class resources.
There is also the process of standardization. In the new environment you have so many discrete ideas that make things easy to manage and reduce costs.
Cloud and Security Threats
Absolutely, the cloud will drastically take care of issues on security threats to systems and processes. Both in public and private clouds there are number of things companies can do to contain cyber threats to data.
There are basic things like having strong password and having a grip on their system.
They also need to have strong or strict security policies and implementing them. The private cloud will also offer them opportunity to secure their own end of the process and implementation.
Vendors Perspective on Growing Cloud Computing Adoption
So far, the customers like showcased by Vodacom business, Cyberoam, Schneider Electronics, etc are happy. However, what the vendors need to improve on is do more local case studies and highlight the local successes so that companies can believe by seeing the level of testimonials as regards the cloud implementations.
Right now, there seem to be low turnout of local cases studies on the successes and implementations. They need to get companies share their stories, because whether we like it or not, the cloud has since begun and the earlier companies get to embrace it the better for their operations.
Bandwidth Challenges
Some companies have become smart that they are finding several means of overcoming the bandwidth challenge.
During a discussion, a representative from a particular company said they request for bandwidth upfront from the internet service provider (ISP).
That will serve as measure to ensure there are delays in their operation. And they take the advantage of cloud to move on seamlessly.
Some other companies work with multiple internet service providers, while others save their bandwidth by compressing whatever data they are sending.
Cloud Computing Success Stories
Globally, cloud computing has recorded success stories. We have studies on that, though they are not public at the moment.
Globally, there are case studies that companies have made tremendous returns from cloud computing implementation.
Assessment of Nigeria IT Market
We have seen tremendous growth. It is one of the fastest growing markets in Africa.
Companies, government and even individuals are spending on developments of different components of IT, and these will pay off in different.
However, areas like education should be brazened up so that available skill will be commensurate with IT gadgets in place. And the government needs to support local software companies to thrive.
A new MasterCard report has predicted that Africa’s AI economy will more than triple in five years, reaching $16.5 billion by 2030 from $4.5 billion in 2025.
The whitepaper by the global payments technology company, with a presence in over 50 African countries, identifies responsible adoption, stronger data infrastructure, and aggressive skills development as the three pillars that will determine who benefits.
Mark Elliott, division president for Africa at MasterCard, emphasised that Africa stands at an inflection point, where smart technologies have the potential to make a real difference in people’s lives.
He likened AI’s potential to the continent’s leap into mobile money, which bypassed traditional banking infrastructure and brought millions into the financial system.
“Digital innovation, particularly AI, can drive real change on the ground by empowering communities and building a future where everyone participates in the new economy,” Elliott said.
The in-depth study flags several African frontrunners in AI adoption. South Africa tops the list, blending advanced infrastructure with strong research capabilities. It points out that Kenya is making strides with practical AI solutions, from credit scoring to healthcare services in local languages.
Nigeria’s vibrant start-up scene also gets a strong mention for attracting significant venture capital, while Morocco’s strong push in healthcare, agriculture, and energy, underpinned by bold national digital strategies, is another key driver.
Elliott stressed that success depends on powering electricity access, digitisation, and ensuring AI is fuelled by diverse, high-quality local data.
He added that inclusive transformation needs everyone involved, from small businesses to large corporations, policymakers, and communities. “The only good AI is responsible AI,” said Elliot.
Greg Ulrich, MasterCard’s chief AI and data officer, said Africa’s relationship with technology is one of active innovation, pointing to mobile payments as a homegrown success.
“AI is accelerating this transformation, reshaping how people live, work, and connect,” he said. Ulrich described MasterCard’s fraud detection systems, trained in cities like Lagos, Nairobi, and Johannesburg, as proof that global expertise and local talent can combine to deliver secure, real-time services.
He also cautioned that with scale comes responsibility. “Trust is earned, one transaction at a time,” Ulrich said.
He believes that with one of the world’s youngest populations, Africa’s next challenge is turning strategy into delivery, building infrastructure, nurturing talent, and ensuring AI lifts all communities.
The fellows of MTN Media Innovation Programme (MIP) Cohort 4 recently embarked on an immersive tour of Huawei’s Innovation Center, Cloud Service Centre, and Network Support Centre in Lagos, as part of their ongoing industry exposure sessions.
L-R: Isaac Ogugua-Ezechukwu, Programs Administrator, Professional Education, School of Media and Communications, Pan-Atlantic University; Blessings Mosugu, Vice President, MTN Media Innovation Programme Cohort 4; Gavin Geng Xiaoyan, Director of Solution Sales\Chief Technical Officer, Huawei; Vanessa Ukamaka Richard, Secretary, MTN MIP Cohort 4 and Dr Chike Mgbeadichie, Programs Director, Professional Education, School of Media and Communications, Pan-Atlantic University, during the July session of the MTN Media Innovation Program held at the Huawei office in Victoria Island, recently.
At the Huawei Innovation Center, the fellows were introduced to a wide array of next-generation technologies. Demonstrations covered Huawei’s smart city solutions, advanced power technologies, cloud systems, and upgraded router and antenna designs. These solutions represent the core of Huawei’s contributions as a strategic partner in MTN’s journey from a connectivity provider to a digital enabler.
One of the highlights of the tour was a live demo of an AI-powered video generator, which transformed selfies into high-definition 30-second avatar-based videos. The videos, created and delivered within seconds via Bluetooth, showcased the real-time capabilities of 5G.
Speaking on how 5G is transforming digital lifestyle globally, the Deputy Managing Director, Marketing and Solutions at Huawei Nigeria, Gavin Geng, noted that “Huawei’s goal is to bridge the gap between global innovation and local demand by tailoring technology to meet Nigeria’s specific challenges. From delivering Nigeria’s first digital village alongside our partners, to launching Nigeria’s first local cloud service, we are committed to working with our customers to build infrastructure that serve both urban and underserved communities.”
He emphasised Huawei’s commitment to security and cutting-edge innovation, adding that “as an employee-owned company adhering to strict global security standards, we ensure that customers’ data and connectivity remain secure while they benefit from next-gen solutions such as 5G, AI, smart city technologies.”
The session underscored MTN’s readiness to meet the increasing demands of Nigeria’s data-driven population and support the country’s digital transformation goals.
Afterwards, the fellows received certificates to commemorate the visit and proceeded to the Huawei Service Centre. Spanning 4,000 square metres, the facility supports operations in telecoms, finance, transportation, power, and public service.
With a dedicated DevOps team, the centre customises its monitoring systems for different clients. It is ISO27001 certified, and all employees hold security certifications, reflecting its emphasis on data protection and operational excellence.
To wrap up the day, the MIP cohort was hosted to a dinner attended by MTN’s Chief Services and Sustainability Officer, Tobechukwu Okigbo. He encouraged the delegates to maximise the opportunity the programme offers and shared personal insights during an experience-sharing moment.
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has given its Diaspora Front-End Partners (FEPs) 48 hours to obtain and activate their National Identification Number (NIN) enrolment licences on its newly upgraded diaspora enrolment platform.
The commission said the deadline followed the successful completion of a major upgrade aimed at improving the security, efficiency and reliability of NIN registration for Nigerians living abroad.
According to NIMC, the upgraded platform will offer a more seamless and robust service to diaspora applicants, ensuring faster processing and better data protection. To prepare for the transition, all FEPs have been onboarded onto the new system and taken through intensive training to equip them with the knowledge needed for effective management of the platform.
Once compliant partners activate their licences, Nigerians abroad will be able to access NIN enrolment services through them without disruption.
“The Commission apologises for any inconvenience the upgrade process might have caused and has set up a dedicated service team to resolve all issues related to diaspora enrolment,” NIMC said in a statement signed by Dr. Kayode Adegoke, its head of corporate communications.
Diaspora applicants experiencing difficulties have been advised to contact the commission for prompt assistance.
While the new system rolls out overseas, NIN enrolment continues across all centres in Nigeria, with applicants able to locate their nearest centres on the NIMC website. Nigerians at home or abroad can also modify their NIN data via the online self-service portal.
NIMC further encouraged NIN holders to download the NIMC NINAuth App on iOS or Google Play to instantly verify their NIN, control who can access their information, and enjoy secure authentication services.
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