Brazil 2014: Innovation wins it for Germany

Germany has taken their fourth World Cup title thanks to a 1-0 win over Argentina at the Maracanã stadium – a well-deserved crown to the team’s fantastic performance in Brazil – and thanks to technology. Success can never be fully planned; good and bad fortune plays too big a role for that in football, said Richard Edet, managing director of SAP West Africa. But, he says, one can attempt to stem the influence of unknowns as much as possible, with help of good ideas. Every small detail had been thought through in Brazil by the German National Team (DFB), from the choice and architecture of the team base Campo Bahia, to picking the colours of Flamengo, Rio de Janeiro’s most popular club, for Germany’s away-shirt. And last but not least, the national team has also benefitted from innovative technology developed together with SAP. This journey started last year when national team general manager, Oliver Bierhoff, conducted some “market research” inside the locker room. He found that the players were most happy communicating with each other via digital platforms. Since communication was one of the main concerns during the tournament planning stage, Bierhoff commissioned SAP to develop an application that could facilitate the exchange of information about the team’s schedule, as well as data about the opponents. “SAP’s involvement has transformed the football experience for coaches, players, fans, and the media,” said Bierhoff. “Imagine this: In just 10 minutes, 10 players with three balls can produce over 7 million data points. SAP HANA® can process these in real time and the team was able to analyse a huge amount of data and customise training in preparation for all of the matches.” Together with SAP the DBF developed an application called SAP Match Insights, which analyses vast amounts of data about members of the German team and their opponents, based on their on-field performance. “This data can then be converted into simulations and graphs that can be viewed on a tablet or smartphone, enabling trainers, coaches and players to identify and assess key situations in each match,” says Edet. “These insights can then be used during pre-match preparations to improve player and team performance. SAP Match Insights (based on HANA technology) synchronised the data from scouts with the video footage taken from the pitch to make it easy for coaches to identify key moments in the game. Bierhoff liked it so much that he asked SAP to have the solution ready for the World Cup in Brazil and the rest, as they say, is the future.” Players and coaches quickly took to working with SAP Match Insights. A touch screen was put up in the players’ lounge in the base camp. On top of that, the app was downloaded onto mobile devices. By using Match Insights and HANA, the German National Team coaches simplified training to improve performance, which makes the ‘beautiful game’ even more beautiful to fans worldwide.

Protecting Data Wherever it Goes: Dell Unveils New End User Data Security Solutions to Empower Today’s Evolving Workforce

· Dell has announced new proactive security solutions designed to provide organisations of all sizes with protection for their valuable data in the face of new and increasingly sophisticated end user security threats, while continuing to meet employees’ expectations for anytime, anywhere productivity and data access. These additions include enhanced security features for Dell Data Protection| Cloud Edition with Dropbox for Business, new products within the industry’s most secure commercial PC portfolio, and the world’s first commercially available FIPS-140 Level 3 certified commercial PCs with Hardware Crypto Accelerator. “Increasingly, customers request a single, turnkey solution to secure their devices. Security is no longer solely the concern of large enterprises. Small, medium and midmarket organisations are also placing a significant focus on their cyber security infrastructures,” said Brett Hansen, executive director, Client Solutions Software, Dell. “That’s why Dell offers a seamless end user security suite with file-level and full disk encryption, as well as advanced, multi-factor authentication that delivers proactive protection against the daily threat of malware. It’s a true solution and simply unmatched by the competition.” Enhanced User Experience for the Dell Data Protection | Cloud Edition and Dropbox for Business Integration Dell and Dropbox are committed to offering customers simple and secure solutions that help businesses get things done. Today, Dell is excited to announce an update to its initial integration of Dell Data Protection| Cloud Edition and Dropbox for Business. With this new version, DDP|CE customers now enjoy the key features and functionality currently offered in Dropbox for Business while maintaining compliance requirements. A few of the features enabled in this update include: · Separation of personal and work data — Dell Data Protection| Cloud Edition now allows users to access both their personal account and their business account within any Dropbox application. DDP|CE ensures that company files are properly managed and secured while not disrupting the end user’s productivity and encrypts only sensitive company data, not personal files. IT can now also educate users on proper security precautions by issuing an automatic alert to the user when business files are placed in a personal folder. Simple, Safe and Available on the Go — The integration of Dell Data Protection| Cloud Edition will now allow Dropbox users to utilise the popular one-click sharing capability, while maintaining file-level encryption. Also, employees will now be able to open encrypted files through the Dropbox app on both Android and iOS devices. Remote wipe — In addition to using the Dropbox for Business admin console, DDP|CE customers can now complete a remote wipe from the centralised DDP|CE admin console. Sleek and Secure Commercial Endpoint Devices Dell is committed to providing customers with secure, manageable and reliable endpoint devices to meet the unique needs of their workforces. The sleek OptiPlex 9030 All-in-One, the industry’s most secure PC, provides comprehensive encryption, advanced authentication and delivers an additional layer of data protection with secure credential storage via the Trusted Platform Module (TPM). For physical security, the OptiPlex 9030 All-in-One[IE2] has lock slot support, a lockable port cover and chassis intrusion detection. Additionally, for users and customers who choose to secure their apps and content in the data center, Dell offers the choice of desktop virtualisation. Introduced last month, the Dell Wyse 5000 series All-in-One thin client[IE3] , 7000 series quad-display[IE4] thin client and Xenith 3 zero client[IE5] for ultimate in security, manageability and reliability. Dell also announced its first functionality updates to the Wyse Cloud Connect personal cloud access device, enabling enterprise-level security and manageability in a form factor slightly larger than a USB stick to give businesses a compelling new mobility option to enhance user productivity without sacrificing IT control and manageability. Industry’s First FIPS 140-2 Level 3 Certification Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) are developed by the United States federal government for the validation and evaluation and security of software and hardware — a standard that is becoming increasingly important, even outside of the United States. Dell has announced that it has achieved the highest FIPS standard for system disk encryption, with Dell’s Hardware Crypto Accelerator acquiring FIPS 140-2 Level 3 certification. Level 3 adds the ability for companies to go beyond detection and automatically remedy/address the tamper attempt. Dell is the only vendor to have achieved this level of certification for a commercially available system disk encryption solution. Dell Data Protection| Hardware Crypto Accelerator converts the hard drive of select Dell Latitude notebooks, OptiPlex desktops and Precision workstations into fast (3 gigabits-per-second), self-encrypting, tamper-resistant devices. While HCA completely eliminates the need to purchase separate self-encrypting drives (SED), it also uniquely operates without sacrificing system performance or disrupting existing IT processes. By architecting security solutions that have common DNA from the end user device to the data center to the cloud, Dell is committed to a connected, holistic security approach that is more efficient, secure and easily adopted to work with business, not against it.

SAP Africa partners with ActivEdge to drive mobile solutions for the financial services industry in West Africa

SAP Africa today announced a partnership with ActivEdge Technologies, an SAP OEM (original equipment manufacturer) certified partner, to drive innovative mobile solutions to fulfill the growing needs of the financial services industry in West Africa. SAP West Africa MD, Richard Edet, commented that the ActivEdge Technologies OEM partnership will help SAP to further penetrate the thriving financial services space in West Africa. “SAP intends to become the platform of choice in mobile commerce banking and a trusted advisor to the banking industry in West Africa. This partnership will allow ActivEdge to build its own intellectual property in rapid response to market demands and thereby help SAP grow its market share in the region.” According to CEO of ActivEdge Technologies, George Agu, this partnership means that banks in West Africa can now enjoy the benefits of a comprehensive mobile platform at an affordable price. The partnership will enable banks to grow their market share, provide flexible and convenient services to the growing mobile customer base and the unbanked population. As part of the partnership, ActivEdge Technologies is now certified to offer the following SAP solutions: SAP Mobile Banking, SAP Mobile Inclusive Banking, SAP Mobile Consumer Payments, SAP Mobile Remittance, SAP Mobile TopUp and SAP Mobile Payments. George Agu commented that prevailing trends in the local banking sector show that many banks are still looking at mobile commerce simply from transactional viewpoint. He said that most banks run the risk of missing the enormous mobile commerce opportunity unless they change the way they conduct business. “Transactional interaction alone is not adequate to inspire consumers: customers want end-to-end mobile experiences that enhance their daily rituals, from shopping to banking.” Agu concluded that, “The benefits as a result of this partnership for the banking industry in West Africa are vast-leveraging a technology built on the most open and standards-based mobile application development platform – SAP Mobile Platform, with prebuilt modules for inclusive mobile commerce banking services, that rapidly and cost-effectively deliver scalable and secure user-centric mobile apps, while giving banks the freedom to be as innovative as they can ever be with custom services with which they can delight their customers, inspire loyalty, reduce support costs and increase revenue. ActiveEdge is proud of its partnership with SAP”.

Technology firms form 'OIC' to promote interoperability

Samsung, Intel, Atmel, Broadcom, Dell and Wind River have been listed among firms which have decided to form a development group with a plan to improve interoperability and to define the connectivity requirements for the billions of devices that will make up the Internet of Things (IoT). The group to be known as Open Interconnect Consortium (OIC) aims to define connection standards that will ensure interoperability of devices including PCs, smartphones, wearables and industrial appliances. In a release by Samsung Electronics today, the group said "The OIC is focused on defining a common communications framework based on industry-standard technologies to wirelessly connect and intelligently manage the flow of information among personal computing and emerging IoT devices, regardless of form factor, operating system or service provider." The specifications could make it simple to remotely control and receive notifications from smart home appliances or enterprise devices using securely provisioned smartphones, tablets or PCs. Possible consumer solutions include the ability to remotely control household systems to save money and conserve energy Member companies will contribute software and engineering resources to the development of a protocol specification, open source implementation, and a certification program, all with a view of accelerating the development of the IoT.

Interdist to represent Axis in Africa

Axis Communications, a leader in network video, has announced the appointment of Interdist Alliances as its authorised distribution partner for all African regions outside of South Africa. Through this agreement, Interdist will distribute the full range of Axis Communications security cameras across these regions. This is according to Jason McGregor, sales manager for Axis Communications’ South Africa hub, who says that Interdist has a focussed African footprint, a solid business and reseller network and a strong technical competence that aligns with Axis’s brand and its African strategy. “Interdist Alliances will be bringing global best practices and business value to our customers in these regions,” he says. “With quality, reliability and accessibility being key requirements for our operations to maintain the high level of customer service and support expected of us, we believe we’ve chosen well in this regard.” Kris Tierney, General Manager at Interdist says it is their commitment as a value added distributor to help companies like Axis find new opportunities and provide reliable, responsive support making full use of the reach offered through the company’s growing network. “Interdist Alliances is very excited to announce our new relationship with Axis Communications. We are confident that innovative security solutions, including video surveillance will create a huge new opportunity for our partners who can use their expertise in networking and storage solutions to position the Axis range effectively in many sectors, including retail, property management and the financial sector,” Tierney says. McGregor adds that this move marks an important milestone for the company globally. “Africa is most certainly the fastest growing emerging market in the world,” he says. “Our continent has gone through a remarkable decade of economic transformation and has become a very busy place to do business with talk of new investment, new cities, new airports and even new refineries. All of these places are going to need to be secured and it’d be remiss of us were we not to find our place amongst the buzz.”

Nigeria Wins at the 2014 Intel ISEF Special Award

Nigeria was not left out in the showcase of scientific innovation and development of scientific research at the 2014 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair which held in Los Angeles, USA as Nigerian students emerge winners in the Special Award. Ibukunoluwa Ruth Oladeinde and Eveshorhewa Sophia Samuel Ajayi of Doregos Academy Ipaja, Lagos won a second Life Science Award of $1,000 courtesy Sigma Xi Scientific Research Society in the category of Medicine and Health Science for the project titled: ‘Walnut: Sustainable Solution to Halitosis’ for the treatment and diagnosis of Halitosis. Nigeria was represented with 6 projects and 12 students at the finals in Los Angeles which is a follow up to the 2014 National Fair Competition which held in Akwa Ibom State earlier in the year where the students emerged as winners. The National Festival of School Science (NAFESS) which is affiliated to Intel ISEF is organized annually by Genius Illumina. Genius Illumina coordinates and organizes the Local Science Fair in Nigeria and prepares the winners for Intel ISEF. Intel Corporation, Shell Petroleum Development Company SPDC/NNPC-NAPIMS and Interswitch Nigeria Ltd partnered with Genius Illumina to organize the Nigerian Fair and ensure participation at the International Intel ISEF According to Corporate Affairs Manager, Intel Corporation, Babatunde Akinola, he stated that “Intel is proud to know that Nigerian students are devoted to the growth of science and technology. In a bid to increase advocacy to education stakeholders and continuous support for the support of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math education in Nigeria, all partners and Genius Illumina will embark on capacity building for science teachers in states of the federation in the next three years with the aid of Intel STEM courses to be offered through a mix of facilitated and e-learning platforms The other 5 projects that featured in the Intel ISEF finals include, 2 WP Tri-Generator, Doregos Private Academy Lagos, Nanopiece from Airforce Comprehensive School, Uyo, Design and Construction of an electronic pest control device from Maryam Babanginda Girls Science College, Minna, Traffic Control System for the Blind, from Teto Model College Yenogoa, Power Failure Solution, Government Technical College Lagos, Agidingbi Ikeja. Shell Petroleum Development Company will sponsor all 6 winners to attend Robotics Challenge later in the year.

Google collaborates with AAAN, ADVAN & MIPAN to develop Local Ecosystem Trains over 100 marketing and advertising executives 9th July 2014, Lagos: Google Nigeria has dedicated the month July to hands-on trainings that will further empower digital analysts, Online Marketing Executives and Industry professionals with core insights required to understand digital platforms and building digital campaign, that conform with global best practice. The hands-on training will include the Digital Excellence Training, Certified Trainer Program and C-level breakfast forum. The Digital Excellence Training is organized in conjunction with Association of Advertising Agencies(AAAN) and Media Independent Practitioners of Nigeria (MIPAN) Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN) to offer in-depth Google Adwords certification training for Account Managers, Media Planners and Digital Analysts in organizations as well as interested individuals. The Certified Trainer Program which is the first of its kind in specialised training in the Sub Sahara Africa is aimed at existing Google Certified Adwords Professionals who would like to develop more expertise in digital marketing, and function effectively as trainers and digital consultants. To be a part of this training, participants must: Be Google Adwords Certified (Active within the last one year) Have at least 2 years experience managing digital campaigns for top brands. The C level breakfast forum is an exclusive training targeted at CEOs and top executives with the aim of helping them prepare to better assess online campaigns and strategies. Juliet Ehimuan-Chiazor, the Country Manager at Google Nigeria stated that: “organising the training events is one of the numerous ways that Google is helping to prepare industry practitioners, agencies and advertising practitioners to better take advantage of digital platforms to reach out to their audiences” Ehimuan-Chiazor added that “the key objective of the training programs is to build capacity, enhance creativity and productivity among the target group of professionals.” She further stressed that “the Digital Excellence training, Certified Trainer Program and C-Level Breakfast program will provide CEOs, marketing and advertising professionals with the high-level skills that can scale up digital capacity building in Nigeria. The President of AAAN, Mrs. Bunmi Oke, frpa noted the importance of digital training and skills development most especially in the emerging global competition. She commended Google Nigeria for the collaboration with AAAN.

How Does Your Bank Approve Your Loan?

For consumers, a credit score helps determine how much you pay for certain products and services. In some cases, it may even have an effect on your chances in obtaining employment. A credit score gives lenders an idea of your credit risk and worthiness. Before credit score was developed, consumers looking to obtain credit went through a process that was deemed unfair and inconsistent. A credit score in today’s society helps consumers understand where they are financially in several ways. A credit score helps consumers obtain a loan approval fairly quickly. Whether you have a good or poor credit score, when you apply for credit you’ll learn your status instantly. The concept is exercised with mortgage companies, retail stores and vehicle lenders to name a few. Your credit score actually helps lenders make a fair decision, which is not based on sexual orientation or race. Their decision is based on your history and details related to that only. This may also help consumers focus on areas they need to improve to help increase their score.

A credit score has information from a consumer’s past and present, yet if you know you made some mistakes in the past your credit score doesn’t count it against you.

So when lenders look at activity related to your score, they can review details from your past and present. As time goes on, poor activity from your past falls off your report, meaning it won’t be visible or relevant but it fades away. A lender may decide to grant credit if they see recent payment patterns that are good. Since credit scores help lenders understand the history and risk of the potential borrower, it also allows them to offer more credit. Some consumers may apply for credit and be turned down, yet on the other hand you can go to another lender and be approved. This is due to lenders having different standards when it comes to choosing borrowers. In a way, this can be a good thing for consumers because it increases chances of being approved if you find the right lender. A credit score may help you obtain a lower rate on a loan. When this happens, lenders save because it allows them to save on lending costs and procedures. Studies claim that mortgage rates in this part of the world, (Lagos) precisely is higher than that one the ones in the rural locations of the same; meaning the credit scoring system helps those in Lagos in more ways than the citizens in the rural environment.

Season's Greetings

Wishing you all the best this Season and forever.