Connect with us

General News

Efficient Bandwidth Drives Cloud Computing- John

Published

on

Kindly share this post

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.

 

 


Kindly share this post

Dear Reader, Your support matters. But we believe that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. That is why, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and finance and how they affect lives. Our incisive and analytical view of how technology news affects the daily life help individuals and organizations make up their minds. Quality journalism costs money. Today, we're asking that you support us to do more. Kindly support our effort to deliver technology and finance journalism to everyone in the world. Donate as little as N1,000. Bank transfers can be made to: UBA Plc 1017156876 Communication Week Media Ltd

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Comments

General News

Haleon Introduces New Corporate Identity in Nigeria

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Haleon, a global consumer health company with a purpose to deliver better everyday health, is introducing its corporate identity across Nigeria in a phased transition. Trusted brands such as Panadol, Sensodyne, Macleans, Otrivin, Voltaren, Cac 1000 and Andrews Liver Salts remain unchanged in formulation, quality, and effectiveness.

Following the formal demerger from GSK, Haleon was launched on July 18, 2022, as an independent company 100% focused on consumer health. Haleon is the new home for brands like Sensodyne, Panadol, Centrum and others, trusted by millions worldwide for their proven effectiveness in improving everyday health.

From relieving tooth sensitivity or pain to providing essential vitamins and nutrients, our products are designed to fulfil Haleon’s purpose: to deliver better everyday health with humanity.

This revised corporate identity is a branding change only and does not affect the safety, quality, or efficacy of the products. Haleon is sharing this update as part of its commitment to transparency and consumer confidence, helping consumers continue to choose the brands they know and trust.

Haleon’s collaboration with Fidson Healthcare forms part of this approach, reinforcing the value of local production in supporting trusted everyday health brands in Nigeria.

Panadol Extra 100s and Panadol Pain & Fever 100s are currently being produced and supplied to the market under the Haleon identity. Sensodyne Rapid Action will bear the Haleon corporate identity from mid-June, followed by Andrews Liver Salts later this year.

In due course, additional brands—including Otrivin, Voltaren, Cac 1000, Macleans, and the wider Sensodyne portfolio—will also transition to the Haleon identity.

Haleon remains committed to ensuring consumers can continue to access the same high-quality brands at pharmacies, supermarkets and other retail outlets across Nigeria.

“As Haleon introduces its identity in Nigeria, we want consumers to feel informed and reassured. The trusted products they rely on remain the same in quality, formulation and effectiveness.

“At the same time, our local production approach in partnership with Fidson Healthcare supports reliable access to high-quality everyday health products in Nigeria,” said Himanshu Raj, Haleon General Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa.

 


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

General News

Elon Musk Makes History as the World’s First Trillionaire

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Tech entrepreneur and SpaceX founder, Elon Musk, has become the world’s first trillionaire after the successful public listing of SpaceX pushed his net worth beyond the $1 trillion mark.

Elon Musk Makes History as the World’s First Trillionaire

Elon Musk

According to multiple financial reports, Musk’s fortune surged to approximately $1.1 trillion following SpaceX’s historic stock market debut on June 12, making him the first individual in history to achieve the milestone.

The sharp increase in wealth was driven primarily by SpaceX’s initial public offering (IPO), which valued the company at more than $1.7 trillion at listing before rising above $2 trillion during its first day of trading. Musk’s holdings in SpaceX, combined with his stakes in Tesla and other ventures, significantly boosted his net worth.

Musk, 54, is also the founder or co-founder of companies including Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink and The Boring Company. He acquired social media platform X, formerly Twitter, in a $44 billion deal and has remained one of the most influential figures in technology and business.

Financial analysts noted that Musk’s wealth now far exceeds that of any other billionaire.

Matt Durot, deputy editor at Forbes Wealth, said the gap between Musk and the world’s second-richest individual had widened significantly, with no other person currently close to the trillion-dollar threshold.

Despite the historic achievement, Musk’s vast wealth has reignited debates over global inequality and the responsibilities of ultra-wealthy individuals in addressing humanitarian challenges.

Advocacy groups have frequently pointed to issues such as hunger, disease eradication and access to education as areas where large-scale private philanthropy could make a significant impact.

In 2021, Musk publicly challenged the United Nations to provide a detailed plan showing how billions of dollars could help combat world hunger. Although a proposal was later presented, no donation followed.

Analysts note that much of Musk’s wealth remains tied to company shares rather than liquid cash, meaning his net worth can fluctuate significantly with market movements.

Nevertheless, the SpaceX IPO marks a historic moment in global finance, placing Musk in a wealth category previously considered unimaginable.

Commenting on Musk’s business achievements, Jamie Dimon, chief executive officer of JPMorgan Chase, described him as “the Edison of our time.”

Musk’s rise from co-founding internet startup Zip2 in the 1990s to becoming the world’s first trillionaire is regarded by many analysts as one of the most remarkable wealth creation stories in modern history.


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

General News

Kaspersky Warns of “Grey” Scam Websites Exploiting User Trust

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Recent research by Kaspersky has shown that the so-called “grey” websites repeatedly target all world regions, and this may be driving both financial loss and large-scale data harvesting.

Grey websites are deceptive online platforms that fall outside traditional phishing definitions but still manipulate users into voluntarily handing over money and personal data. Kaspersky’s new report provides detailed insights into the threats posed by the grey websites on global and regional levels.

Unlike classic phishing attacks, which aim to steal credentials outright, grey websites rely on persuasion, misleading interfaces, and hidden terms to exploit users. They often impersonate legitimate services such as e-commerce platforms, financial tools, AI services, or subscription-based content, making them significantly harder to detect.

Kaspersky analysis shows that the majority of suspicious resources globally fall into several recurring categories:

  • Fake browser extensions and “security tools” that actually harvest browsing data and track user activity.
  • Fraudulent financial platforms including crypto exchanges, trading tools, and investment schemes promising unrealistic returns.
  • Intermediary services (e.g., legal or real estate), charging for low-value or nonexistent services while harvesting sensitive personal data.
  • Subscription traps offering low-cost trials that convert into costly recurring payments hidden in fine print.
  • Fake online shops that either deliver counterfeit goods or nothing at all.

Example of a grey website.

A notable trend is the emergence of tools disguised as AI services or image-processing platforms, reflecting attackers’ ability to adapt to current digital trends and target younger audiences.

There are proven security solutions that help users to detect grey websites across different types of devices – those running on Windows, Linux, Android and iOS. The detection model is based on many factors, including domain name and age, IP reputation, stability of the infrastructure used, DNS configurations, HTTP security headers, digital identity and popularity of the web resource and other criteria.

Regional specifics

Regional variations in grey websites demonstrate how threat actors localise scams based on user behaviour and trending technologies.

In Europe, the threat landscape is dominated by links to suspicious browser extensions and fake “privacy-enhancing” tools.

These resources often present themselves as security solutions, promising safer browsing or anonymous search capabilities. In reality, they function as browser hijackers – intercepting traffic, collecting cookies, tracking user behaviour, and injecting advertisements.

The popularity of these threats reflects a high level of user concern around privacy and security, which attackers actively exploit. Additionally, these regions show a steady presence of phishing intermediaries and crypto-related scams, indicating a blend of technical and financially motivated attacks.

Across African markets, financial scams are the most prominent category of suspicious resources. Fraudulent trading platforms, fake brokers, and investment schemes frequently mimic legitimate financial services, often accompanied by fabricated licenses or endorsements.

These platforms typically prevent users from withdrawing funds, instead introducing additional “fees” or taxes to prolong the scam. The concentration of these threats highlights how attackers leverage growing interest in online investing while exploiting gaps in regulatory enforcement and financial literacy.

In the Middle East and North Africa region, suspicious resources frequently mimic communication (Internet telephony) tools, financial platforms, or betting services. Additionally, Ponzi-style investment schemes and crypto scams are widespread, often presented through polished interfaces that mimic legitimate platforms.

Web browser-based threats also play a significant role, with malicious extensions targeting user data and browsing activity. The regional threat profile reflects a convergence of financial fraud and technical compromise, where users risk both data exposure and monetary loss.

“Suspicious websites don’t look harmful at first glance. But they exploit trust, urgency, and familiarity, and a single click on what looks like a harmless AI image tool, a “secure” browser extension, or a heavily discounted online shop could be all it takes to lose money or expose sensitive data.

Instead of direct credential theft, attackers turn to behavioural manipulation – whether that’s subscribing, investing, or installing software,” comments Anna Larkina, Web Content and Privacy Analysis Expert at Kaspersky.

 


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Trending