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Indigenous Telcos Seek 5 Years Tax Holiday, Special Intervention Funds

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Indigenous telecommunications companies in Nigeria have appealed to the Federal Government to give them tax holidays of up to five years and a special intervention funds.

Indigenous Telcos Seek 5 Years Tax Holiday, Special Intervention Funds

This, they said, would allow them to compete favourably with bigger players who had enjoyed the same benefits in the past.

The operators, who appealed at a virtual forum on the National Policy for Promotion of Indigenous Content in the Nigerian Telecommunications Sector, said local players in the telecom sectors deserved pioneer status incentives, which should include tax and duty waivers on their importations.

According to them, these incentives were enjoyed by the GSM operators when they newly got their licenses in 2001 and led to their rapid growth.

Speaking at the forum, Mr. Chidi Ibisi, executive director, Business Development at Broadbased Communications Ltd., said aside from tax waivers for the small players, the telecom sector was seriously in need of intervention from the government.

According to him, the sector needs special funds like the Nigerian Content Intervention Fund (NCIF) supervised by the Bank of Industry. “We need a similar Fund as NCIF with a seven per cent interest rate, 10 to 15 years’ loans and equity participation,” he said.

Ibisi said indigenous players need seed funds, increased subsidies, incentives for local device manufacturers (including duty waivers for equipment and components), pioneer status for indigenous players in manufacturing, services, research and development, and innovation fund.

The Broad-based Communications chief said in other climes, they make some special intervention funds available to indigenous players.

For instance, Ibisi said in the USA, there is a $65 billion Broadband Fund, which comprises $42.45 billion for a new Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program focused on connecting un-and underserved areas; a $1 billion grant programme targeting middle-mile infrastructure; and $14.2 billion for an affordable connectivity subsidy programme.

According to him, in the UK, there is a £30 billion broadband expansion program, while Germany has a $14.5 billion Digital Infrastructure Fund and $10 billion for broadband expansion.

Referring to the New National Broadband Plan (2020-2025), which requires $5 billion for implementation, Ibisi said national backbone and metro fibre of 80,000km would cost $1.5 billion; 4G roll out targeting 2,500 base stations is expected to gulp between $1-2 billion; 5G roll out with 6,000 base stations is pegged at $500 million; local manufacture of devices to cost $100 million.

He recalled that there have been power and aviation funds via the Bank of Industry of about N300 billion, with a seven per cent interest rate, and between 10 and15 years tenure.

According to him, there has been a $37 billion Infrastructure Fund of the Infrastructure Corp of Nigeria (InfraCorp), managed by four asset managers with $2.4 billion seed capital from the Federal Government. He added that there was also the Nigerian Content Intervention Fund (NCIF) supervised by the Bank of Industry.

“We need similar fund as NCIF with seven per cent interest rate, 10 to 15 years loan and equity participation; equity participation by InfraCorp; subsidies and grants, and pioneer status for five years (Tax Waivers and Duty Waivers),” Ibisi stressed.

Corroborating Ibisi at the forum, Mr. Oluwole Adetuyi, chief executive officer of Swift Telephone Network, said for the indigenous operators to grow, the sector would require access to funding for telecoms from financial institutions at low interest rates.

“We need easy access to FOREX at Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) approved rate, and provision of special intervention funds for the telecoms sector by CBN – as has applied to other sectors,” he noted.

He said tax waivers, as well as the provision of grants and subsidies to telecoms operators, would help the small players grow. Adetuyi also called for the reduction and harmonisation of Right-of-Way charges across states and local government areas.

While calling on the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to put in place a strong local content policy because of the need to create employment, increase FDIs, improved technology adoption, enhanced security and revenue and forex earnings, Adetuyi, represented by Dare Folorunsho, chief technical officer of the firm, said most PNLs and local telecommunication companies in Nigeria fall into the SME category, accounting for 60 to 70 per cent of jobs in most countries.

Adetuyi claimed that the lack of regulation for healthy competition had created outright dominance of four players in the telecoms industry with a heavy legacy load that makes new technology adoption very slow.

“If Nigeria must play in the unfolding IoT market that is in excess of $20 trillion, it must use its local companies with smaller legacy loads to drive faster technology adoption,” he stated.

According to him, there must be urgent reforms, which must promote a regulatory environment conducive to the development of smaller firms as part of the consideration for growth; lesser regulatory burdens on small operators, and NCC should allow the use of Nigerian numbers on a global scale as it is with the USA, the UK Canada, and numbers.

In a keynote at the forum, Prof. Umar Danbatta, executive vice chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), said the Commission had established the Nigeria Office for Developing the Indigenous Telecoms Sector (NODITS) as part of the implementation of the government’s local content policy in the telecoms sector.

According to him, the office is saddled with the responsibility of implementation of the local content policy as well as the Executive Orders 003 and 005.

“With the constitution of the NODITS, the industry should expect new guidelines and regulations bothering on indigenous content, local manufacturing of telecom equipment, outsourcing of services, construction and lease of telecoms ducts, succession planning in the telecoms sector, corporate governance, corporate social responsibility, etc. as the need arises,” said Prof Danbatta, who was represented by Babagana Digima, team lead, NODITS.

The EVC added that the Commission has already constituted a standing licensing review committee that is currently examining all its licenses in an effort not only to modernising them to reflect the current realities of technology and development, but also to consolidate, bundle or unbundle individual licenses or even create new licences.

He said other departments within the Commission were equally saddled with responsibilities that help to inculcate indigenous participation in the telecom sector.

“Efforts being made by the Research & Development and Licensing Departments are worthy of mention in that regard. Under the auspices of the Research & Development Department, the Commission has sponsored research efforts in several universities across the country.


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TECNO Unveils PHANTOM V Flip2 5G – Iconic Aesthetic Meets Innovative AI in a Futuristic Flip Phone

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Innovative technology brand TECNO today unveiled its new AI-enhanced, second-generation flip smartphone, PHANTOM V Flip2 5G. A remarkable fusion of on-trend aesthetic design and powerful technologies, it brings stylish individuals a fun, fashionable and functional flip phone experience that makes everyday iconic.

Bringing pocket-sized ease and elegance to daily life, PHANTOM V Flip2 5G is freshly equipped with TECNO’s brand-new TECNO AI suite of AI functions. The suite features an upgraded Gemini-integrated Ella AI Assistant, AI Artboard, AI Writing and much more.

It also upgrades the flip experience with a stunning infinity pool-inspired ThruPool cover screen, a flagship imaging system, an ultra-flat flagship main screen and a long-lasting 4720mAh Super Battery with 70W Ultra Charge.

“At TECNO, we believe that form and function are both equally important factors in our product design. We’re delighted to be bringing users the new PHANTOM V Flip2 5G, which perfectly highlights both of these elements in a pocket-sized device,” said Jack Guo, General Manager of TECNO. “This stylish new flip phone reflects TECNO’s commitment to delivering futuristic design and technologies that are fun, functional and revolutionary in the lives of our global users.”

TECNO AI is a Masterpiece of Creativity

Despite its tiny size, PHANTOM V Flip2 5G is packed with innovative AI functions that deliver a massive creativity boost to content creators and fashion-forward individuals. TECNO AI is a new suite of AI functions that boost creativity, convenience and fun, helping every user stand out on socials with their creativity unlocked.

Whether scrolling social media, managing work projects, or organizing a party with friends, TECNO AI’s Gemini-integrated Ella AI Assistant is always on hand to help. Ella offers online search capabilities and Smart Q&A to give intelligent answers based on real-time information, responding to questions fluently.

In addition, users can interact more intelligently with over 400 system functions with Ella, from setting wallpapers to switching the system language. PHANTOM V Flip2 5G also features AI Text Summary and face-to-face AI Translation. Meanwhile, AI Writing functions, such as text summary, text generation, proofreading and rewriting capabilities also save users valuable time.

Combining the limitless human imagination with the power of AI for mind-blowing results, TECNO AI’s creative tools allow users new ways to express themselves. With AI Artboard and AI WallPaper, anyone can create an artistic masterpiece, as AI turns users’ simple scribbled sketches into incredible works of art, while Magic AI Eraser allows users to rescue their photos by removing clutter or passersby, and One Click Cutout lets users automatically recognizes and extract subjects with a long press, enabling quick and effortless image sharing.

Picture-Perfect ThruPool Cover Screen

An icon of sleek and flowing design, PHANTOM V Flip2 5G’s ThruPool Cover Screen is a stylish creation inspired by infinity pools. The cover features a 3.64” screen that is perfectly integrated with the slightly curved main body, while the suspended camera lens is immersed in the pixels that beautifully flow across the display.

PHANTOM V Flip2 5G reimagines everyday uses of the cover screen, supporting over 2000 apps to make life easy for users who often won’t even need to open up the main screen. The screen is majorly upgraded compared to its predecessor and is both visually stunning and supremely functional. The screen is larger and more regular in shape to make it natural to use, while its 413PPI display is delicate and dynamic.

While the device’s main screen offers an immersive flagship candy bar phone experience, the cover screen features a new design to make it more even functional without the need for card-style screen operations. Unlike traditional card-style design, PHANTOM V Flip2 5G’s desktop application centre allows users to complete more operations on the external screen without inefficient sliding.

Users can set up shortcut icons for instant access to useful features like step count and weather. The screen also supports a full keyboard display for easy dialling and typing, including quick replies.

Users can also bring more character to their smartphone interactions with customizable displays and adorable interactive pets. The cover screen can be personalized with a range of styles, from magazine to graffiti or contrast. There are also five new animal additions to Outer Screen Cute Pet 2.0, bringing even more cuteness to the display.

Users can stroke their pet to engage in cute interactions. For game lovers, the screen offers a host of mini-games such as Cute Pet Jump, 2048 Landmark Edition, Cute Pet Elimination Music, Sudoku, and more, so users can have fun without even opening the main screen.

Flagship Imaging Elevated by FreeCam

Despite being perfectly pocket-sized, PHANTOM V Flip2 5G delivers a flagship candy bar smartphone-level camera system, with a 50MP main camera, 50MP ultra-wide-angle camera, and front 32MP camera. At the same time, its flip form unfolds new shooting perspectives.

The powerful rear cameras offer amazing optical grade lossless zoom results, with 2x extended focal length and 2x-10x zoom meaning image quality is maintained even when zoomed in. For photos of friends or unforgettable party moments in low light, a 1/1.57” large main camera sensor and 1µm pixel produce clear, detailed photos with improved clarity, brightness, and tone. The main camera also supports 1080p@60fps Ultra HD video stabilizer for clear, stable videos, even on the move.

The 32MP shining selfie front camera is ideal for capturing super selfies or shooting exciting vlogs, with advanced phase detection autofocus (PDAF) with more accurate human eye autofocus that achieves finer feature recognition.

Equipped with a front flash and physical-level fill light, it also solves the problem of no light source for selfies in low-light environments, making selfies clearer, brighter and more realistic.

With its foldable design, PHANTOM V Flip2 5G flips standard shooting on its head for a more creative imaging experience. Capable of hovering at any angle from 30-150°, users can explore new perspectives with FreeCam shooting.

FreeCam Selfie, FreeCam Group Selfie and FreeCam Video all let users make the most of the folding design to capture exciting hands-free shots. Hovering the phone also lets users shoot incredible FreeCam Timelapse and FreeCam Long Exposure shots without the need for a tripod.

Besides FreeCam, the foldable dual-screen design allows even more unexpected shooting methods. With Ultra Selfie, users can shoot highly detailed, ultra wide-angle selfies without unfolding the device, using the device’s flagship-level rear cameras.

With Cover Screen Preview, the shooting screen is displayed on both the main screen and the cover screen so the subject of the shot knows exactly how the shot will look in real-time. Or with Retro DV Mode, users can feel the classic video camera vibes with the device hovered, creating atmospheric shots with built-in templates and filters.

Ultra-flat Flagship 120Hz Main Screen

As well as its iconic ThruPool cover screen, PHANTOM V Flip2 5G also features an immaculate ultra-flat 6.9” flagship main screen to bring users an immersive viewing experience. The 120Hz LTPO self-adaptive refresh rate display offers seamless and dynamic screen interactions.

The AMOLED FHD+ display with 100% P3 colour gamut delivers a rich viewing experience, while 2160Hz high-level PWM dimming controls brightness to reduce the impact of usage on the eyes.

Even with regular folding and unfolding, the main screen’s crease line is kept to a minimum thanks, in part, to the device’s double helix star track water drop hinge. Constructed using aerospace-grade superstrength steel, the hinge ensures a tight fit when opened and closed, while providing a lifetime of at least 400,000 normal-temperature folds, 150,000 high-temperature folds and 100,000 low-temperature folds.

The main screen and strong hinge also enable FreeForm hovering. With the device at any angle, from 30-150°, users can hover the device and use the device in new ways. FreeForm supports a wide range of apps, including system applications like Camera and Visha Player, as well as popular third-party apps such as YouTube, WhatsApp, Netflix, Disney+, Zoom, Google Meet, and Messenger.

Fast Charge, Big Battery

PHANTOM V Flip2 5G lets users chill all day without worrying about charging, boasting one of the largest battery capacity and fastest charging speeds in its category. A powerful 4720mAh Super Battery makes it a reliable companion for all-day activities.

Meanwhile, 70W Ultra Charge achieves 50% charge in just 15 minutes and a full charge in 43 minutes. This combination of a large battery capacity and rapid charging technology guarantees uninterrupted usage and superior convenience, making PHANTOM V Flip2 5G the perfect flip companion for hours and hours on the go.

Combining an iconic aesthetic and innovative AI, TECNO’s new PHANTOM V Flip2 5G is a futuristic flip phone that brings forward-thinking individuals an amazing creative boost. Through advanced technologies and eye-catching design, it promises to take every day experiences to a new level of pocket-sized style and fun.
For more information, please visit TECNO’s Facebook, Instagram, and X social media channels.


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TECNO is Back with PHANTOM V Fold2 5G – An AI-enhanced Large-Screen Powerhouse of Productivity and Creativity

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Innovative technology brand TECNO today unveiled the new PHANTOM V Fold2 5G – an AI-enhanced second-generation foldable smartphone that brings more efficiency for business professionals and creatives. Embracing the incredible possibilities of large-screen foldable devices, it is a powerhouse of productivity and creativity elevated by futuristic AI innovation.

PHANTOM V Fold2 5G is freshly equipped with TECNO’s brand-new TECNO AI suite of AI functions, including the upgraded Gemini-integrated Ella AI Assistant, AI Artboard, AI Wallpaper and more.

It also features advanced hardware, with 6.42” outer and 7.85” main 120Hz LTPO screens with 30-120° hovering capability, a powerful 5750mAh Aircell battery, 70W charging, and an Ultra-Clear Five Camera Imaging System, while it also supports the new PHANTOM V Pen stylus.

“We’re thrilled to be unveiling the new and upgraded PHANTOM V Fold2 5G, following the success of its award-winning predecessor,” said Jack Guo, General Manager of TECNO.

“Though our ‘Stop At Nothing’ attitude to innovation, we are excited to bring our global users both futuristic AI software and advanced hardware in one outstanding device, creating an exceptional large-screen experience with the power to elevate lifestyles.”

New TECNO AI Suite Boosts Creativity and Productivity

TECNO AI featured on PHANTOM V Fold2 5G significantly boosts productivity and creativity of the user’s mobile experience. Designed to enhance business efficiency, unlock creative empowerment and elevate everyday ease, TECNO AI unleashes the potential of AI to level up the relationship between users and their smart devices.

Whether preparing for a presentation, leading a team meeting, or just navigating daily life, TECNO AI’s Gemini-integrated Ella AI Assistant is always on hand to help.

Ella offers online search capabilities and Smart Q&A to give intelligent answers based on real-time information, responding to questions fluently.

What’s more, users can count on Ella to optimize more than 400 system functions, from setting wallpapers to switching the system language.

PHANTOM V Fold2 5G also features AI Summary that can quickly summarize information in PDFs and webpages, AI Translation to conduct real-time translation in person or over the phone, and AI Writing functions, such as text summary, text generation, proofreading and rewriting capabilities, saving users valuable time.

AI Artboard and AI Wallpaper combine the limitless human imagination with the power of AI for mind-blowing results. With AI Artboard, anyone can create an artistic masterpiece, as AI turns users’ simple scribbled sketches into incredible works of art, while AI Wallpaper lets users create their unique wallpapers from a simple text description.

PHANTOM V Fold2 5G also uses AI to enhance the imaging experience. TECNO’s Universal Tone Technology uses AI to capture diverse skin tones more accurately, and AIGC Portrait generates amazing portrait shots with different themes and templates. As for editing, Magic AI Eraser lets users easily extract subjects and perform high-quality edits, simplifying photo editing and social media sharing, while One Click Cutout automatically recognizes and extracts subjects with a long press, enabling quick and effortless image sharing.

Immersive Dual Screen and Aerospace-grade Hinges Create Folding Perfection

PHANTOM V Fold2 5G features a classic 120Hz 6.42” outer screen that unfolds into an exceptional 120Hz 7.85” main screen. The AMOLED FHD+ 3D micro-curved outer screen is perfectly proportioned for one-handed use. A 21:9 aspect ratio elevates viewing pleasure while up to 1500Hz instantaneous touch sampling ensures supreme reactivity and 2160Hz high-frequency PWM dimming reduces eye fatigue.

Unfold the device to discover immersive entertainment, convenient work and intelligent everyday solutions across a stunning tablet-like display. The large 2K+ resolution AMOLED screen supports one- and two-finger 360Hz touch sampling making high-frequency touch scenarios such as gaming smoother and more enjoyable.

Thanks to aerospace-grade precision hinges that allow a tighter fold with less screen disfiguration, PHANTOM V Fold2 5G’s main screen crease measures less than 0.1mm.

The hinges allow precise hovering with an angle range of 30-120°, are 19% lighter than on the previous generation, and they allow 400,000 worry-free folds, with 100,000 extreme high-temperature folds and 50,000 extreme low temperature folds.

Foldable Experience Brings Functionality, Convenience and Fun

PHANTOM V Fold2 5G’s folding screen experience is enhanced by FreeForm, which allows users to make the most of the folding design. Hovering the device at any angle from 30-120° allows users to enjoy hands-free free video calls, streaming, music playback, and more.

FreeForm supports a wide range of apps, allowing seamless transitions between large-screen and single-screen experiences, including system applications like Camera and Visha Player, as well as popular third-party apps such as YouTube, WhatsApp, Netflix, Disney+, Zoom, Google Meet, and Messenger.

Furthering improving functionality, the Desktop Global Dock Bar brings tablet-like convenience, helping users to easily navigate between apps or drag and drop to enter split-screen mode, while the desktop layout has been adapted for greater ease of use.

As well as standard full-screen, 16:9 and 4:3 ratios, PHANTOM V Fold2 5G provides a completely flexible aspect ratio, giving users the freedom to adjust the ratio as needed for maximum viewing enjoyment.

Finally, the device supports single- and dual-app split screen displays, in both top/bottom and left/right layout, making multitasking easy – whether taking notes on a working document or video, sharing messages between different social apps, or ordering a takeout without closing your gaming session.

Powerful Battery and Ultra Charge

PHANTOM V Fold2 5G is equipped with the largest capacity and one of the fastest charging batteries in its category. Ensuring longer usage time, the device’s 5750mAh Aircell battery supports TikTok viewing for up to 9.22 hours and Facebook scrolling for up to 19.03 hours.

Dual-channel fast charging technology incorporates two sets of charging management circuits that provide mutual backup, enhancing safety and stability. This means that even if one circuit encounters an issue, the other can continue to function, ensuring reliable and secure charging.

Ensuring shorter waiting times, the device features 70W Ultra Charge, allowing 50% charge in less than 20 minutes and 100% in 50 minutes. The advanced charging technology also allows 15W Fast Wireless Charge, eliminating the need for a cable to increase convenience and safety.

The New PHANTOM V Pen Levels Up the Large Screen

Users can purchase TECNO’s all-new stylus, the PHANTOM V Pen. This accessory significantly boosts the PHANTOM V Fold2 5G’s performance, turning it into a productivity powerhouse. The 10g pen allows users to seamlessly handle daily tasks and creative work without the need for an additional tablet or computer. It has two buttons – an AI key for quick access to the device’s AI functions and a function key for tasks such as page-turning, music control, and photo capture.

With the pen, users can easily perform actions such as easy Screenshot Annotation, precise Free Screenshots, quick Handwriting Calculation for scribbled-down sums, Global Cutout to cut out content from anywhere, Rapid Swipe to connect the pen with TECNO devices, Global Pen Writing that recognizes handwriting instantly, and Remote Operation with the pen’s buttons to control presentations, music, and more.

The pen has an 80mAh battery enabling up to 2 hours of daily use for 14 consecutive days while a 16x super-resolution algorithm and 0.0625-pixel accuracy provide ultra-precise movements.

Ultra-Clear Five Camera Imaging System Captures New Perspectives

PHANTOM V Fold2 5G delivers a flagship imaging experience with an Ultra-Clear Five Camera Imaging System, including three 50MP cameras.

The 50MP Main Camera features a flagship-level large 1/1.3” sensor and 1.2µm pixels, producing image quality comparable to many premium candy bar smartphones and enhancing low-light performance for crystal clear nighttime shots. It is capable of 4K/HDR Ultra Clear video at 30/60fps and OIS Super Anti-Shake Video for stable and vibrant videos. The 50MP Portrait Camera produces high-quality portrait photography with 2x optical zoom and 20x digital zoom, using a golden focal length for professional close-ups and complemented by TECNO’s inclusive Universal Tone technology. The 50MP Ultra-Wide Camera shoots epic wide-angle shots that maintain image quality even when zoomed in, while two front-facing 32MP Front Cameras (on the outer and main screens) boast the highest pixel count in any foldable smartphone for detailed selfies and video calls.

As a foldable device, PHANTOM V Fold2 5G opens up a world of exciting shooting possibilities with its FreeCam System. From high-quality FreeCam Video capturing magical moments to hands-free FreeCam Selfies shot using voice or gesture commands, users just need to unfold the device with its 30-120° hover range to discover exciting perspectives. FreeCam Timelapse and FreeCam Long Exposure add even more options, making incredible shots possible without a tripod.

With an outer and main screen, users can also enjoy better ways to capture the shots they want. When shooting with the main camera, for example, users can fully unfold the device for a Cover Screen Preview, letting the subject see how they look in the shot. For super detailed selfies, Ultra Selfie lets users shoot using the 50MP Main Camera while previewing the shot on the outer screen. With Real-Time Preview, users can see how they look in real-time while shooting with the main screen’s front camera.

Nature-inspired Product Design Embodies Sophistication and Elegance

Infused with elements inspired by nature, the PHANTOM V Fold2 5G’s is available in two beautiful colours, Karst Green and Rippling Blue. The phone’s back cover is crafted from marble-patterned fibreglass and pleated leather textures, giving it a distinctively luxurious look and feel.

The Rippling Blue edition was designed in partnership with premium German television and audio brand LOEWE. The partnership extends beyond the devices themselves to the packaging. The phone’s eco-friendly box is made from plant fibres and recycled materials, underscoring a shared commitment to delivering high-quality products with sophisticated and sustainable designs.

Overall, TECNO’s new PHANTOM V Fold2 5G unites the power of AI and the benefits of large-screen foldable devices to deliver a powerful boost to productivity and creativity. From enhancing efficiency at work to unleashing creative possibilities, the PHANTOM V Fold2 5G is set to revolutionize the foldable smartphone experience and elevate the lifestyles of modern global users.

For more information, follow TECNO’s social media channels on Facebook, Instagram, and X.


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How Zoho is Democratising Self-Service BI with the Launch of AI-Rich Version of Zoho Analytics

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Zoho Corporation, a leading global technology company, on Thursday launched a new version of Zoho Analytics, tagged Zoho’s self-service BI and analytics platform.

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Among more than 100 other enhancements, Zoho Analytics has developed powerful new AI and ML capabilities, enabling diagnostic insights, predictive analysis, and automated report and dashboard generation.

Additionally, Zoho Analytics now includes a custom ML model-building studio, seamless integration with Open AI, 25+ new data connectors, and third-party BI platform extensions.

Read Also: Zoho Partners with She Code Africa to Empower and Upskill Women Through Specialised Training on Zoho Creator

The latest version has added power, intelligence, and flexibility to serve a broader range of businesses and users than competitors in the market.

Recent research from Oracle reveals that 97% of business leaders want data to drive their decision-making processes. Additionally, a Gartner study predicts that by 2026, two-thirds of B2B sales organisations will shift from intuition-based to data-driven decision-making.

“Zoho Analytics, launched as Zoho Reports in 2009, entered the market long before technology had caught up with Zoho’s forward-thinking vision for business intelligence,” said Kehinde Ogundare, Country Head, Zoho Nigeria.

“Since then, Zoho has made considerable investments around automation, no-code/low-code development, third-party integration, machine learning, and Zia, Zoho’s in-house AI engine.

“The latest version of Zoho Analytics is one of the first solutions from the company that takes advantage of every one of these decades-long investments.

“The result is a democratised platform that is powerful, intelligent, and flexible enough to benefit everyone and anyone.”

The latest version of Zoho Analytics has advanced across four key areas: Data Management, AI, Data Science & Machine Learning, and Extensibility. Below are notable highlights of the platform across these four categories.

Data Management Hub

Zoho Analytics has expanded its data management capabilities, adding Stream Analytics, ETL data pipelines, and metrics-layer enhancements to ensure broader access to more accurate data for businesses.

It has expanded its 500+ data connector portfolio by adding Stream Analytics, along with 25 other new data connectors. Business users can now create and manage complex ETL data pipelines within the platform. New Unified Metrics Layer enables users to define, standardise, monitor, access control, and catalogue all business metrics in a single pane.

The platform also extends to serve in a Headless BI mode, allowing data apps to consume the same metrics in real time for consistent and dependable insights.

BI Infused with Generative AI

Zoho Analytics has introduced Generative AI capabilities across the BI platform to accelerate the adoption of insights for a broad spectrum of user personas. With Zoho’s AI-powered, automated insights engine, Zia Insights, now provides diagnostic analytics contextually, bringing decision intelligence into the platform.

Ask Zia, Zoho’s multilingual Natural Language Querying AI copilot, has been enhanced, allowing users to trigger actions and build custom data models. Users can now converse with Ask Zia within IM channels, including Microsoft Teams, to generate deeper, faster, and more contextual insights and actions. Zoho Analytics now has Auto Analysis, enabling AI-powered automated metrics, report, and dashboard generation.

Zoho Analytics’ seamless Open AI integration drives more relevant and accurate query responses. Using Open AI APIs with BYOK, users can more easily find public datasets and create formula & SQL queries.

Data Science and Machine Learning Studio

Zoho Analytics now features the Data Science and Machine Learning (DSML) Studio, supporting users to build custom machine learning models for specific business requirements. With AutoML, a no-code assistant, to build custom ML models easily. With ‌feature engineering, hyperparameter tuning, and comprehensive model analysis, it enables users to ‌train, test, compare, deploy, and manage models.

Zoho Analytics also features Code Studio, the platform’s new integrated Python code environment where users can create custom ML models, as well as import Python models or externally built libraries, which can be executed within the platform.

Platform Extensibility

Zoho Analytics is more deeply extendable, adding new capabilities such as its no-code builder for data connectors, actions framework, BI fabric, and client SDKs. It is a composable platform on which any analytical solution can be built. Its new BI fabric enables businesses to consolidate insights from multiple BI platforms, such as Power BI and Tableau, onto one, easily accessible and searchable analytics portal.

Read Also: Zoho Declares 50% Growth in Nigeria, Partners StartupSouth to Empower Startup

Within Zoho Analytics, users can trigger actionable workflows, including URL and Webhook actions. The platform integrates seamlessly with Zoho Flow, enabling 500+ app triggers. It features a no-code data connector builder, allowing users to create custom connectors to bring data from any custom application. Partners can also build data connectors that can be published and sold on Zoho Marketplace.

The new Zoho Analytics release features over 100+ updates, including new visualisations, enhanced dashboard building, audit and admin controls, revamped mobile apps, Right-to-Left (RTL) support, and more.

Disclaimer: All trademarks, product names, and company names cited herein are the property of their respective owners.


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