NewsBizkoot.com

Category: Technology

  • Acronis Appoints Gerald Beuchelt as CISO

    Acronis Appoints Gerald Beuchelt as CISO

    Gerald Beuchelt Acronis Appoints Gerald Beuchelt as Chief Information Security Officer
    Gerald Beuchelt Acronis Appoints Gerald Beuchelt as Chief Information Security Officer

    Acronis, is pleased to announce the appointment of Gerald Beuchelt as its new Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). In this role, Beuchelt will lead the execution of Acronis’ global information security strategy, ensuring the protection of the company’s information, systems, and technologies while advancing Acronis’ goal to protect all data, applications, and systems.

    As a key member of executive leadership responsible for security, Beuchelt will lead a global team of IT, security, and compliance professionals. Beuchelt will oversee corporate IT infrastructure, including help desk operations, server and network management, and more. Additionally, he will support the expansion of Acronis’ impact in the cybersecurity community through new research, reports, and threat intelligence from the Acronis Threat Research Unit (TRU).
    “Acronis’ breadth of product capabilities, global impact, and strategic direction is truly exciting,” said Gerald Beuchelt. “I’m particularly inspired by the company’s dedication to making security solutions scalable and accessible for service providers, enterprises, SMBs, and individual users alike. My focus will be on maintaining and continuously improving our security posture to address the increasingly complex threat landscape. As part of Acronis TRU, we will implement research-driven guidance that will shape Acronis’ capabilities to protect against modern threats while raising awareness of how our solutions empower businesses to succeed. I look forward to collaborating with the talented team at Acronis to expand our influence in the cybersecurity community.”

    Beuchelt brings over a decade of leadership experience in cybersecurity, including his most recent role as Chief Information Security Officer at Sprinklr Inc. and prior positions at LogMeIn. His extensive background also includes serving as Treasurer and Director on the board of the Boston Chapter of Infragard, the FBI public-private partnership program and the National Cyber Security Alliance, as well as roles as Chief Security Officer at Demandware, Inc. (acquired by Salesforce) and Principal Information Security Engineer at The MITRE Corporation.

    “We are proud to welcome Gerald to Acronis as our new CISO,” said Ezequiel Steiner, CEO at Acronis. “His extensive experience and forward-thinking approach to cybersecurity will play a vital role in advancing our mission to protect all data, applications, and systems for organizations worldwide. As CISO, he will drive initiatives that ensure our customers and partners benefit from Acronis’ natively integrated solutions, which eliminate complexity and provide unmatched simplicity and performance.”

  • Streamlining the Cloud Migration Journey with Innovative Solutions

    cloud migration

    Cloud migration is central to digital transformation, requiring innovative solutions for data integrity, downtime, and security compliance. Venkata Nagendra Kumar Kundavaram‘s analysis highlights automated strategies and best practices, enabling organizations to navigate cloud migration challenges seamlessly and effectively.

    Evolving the Foundations of Cloud Migration

    Cloud migration now demands robust security, performance, and continuity. Transitioning from manual, on-premise systems to scalable, modern cloud infrastructures offers benefits like disaster recovery and accessibility but requires addressing unique challenges effectively.

    Ensuring data integrity is critical in cloud migration. Advanced mechanisms like real-time validation, checksum verification, and automated auditing effectively address corruption and inconsistencies, achieving over 90% success rates while mitigating regulatory and operational risks.

    Achieving Zero-Downtime Migration

    Downtime remains a critical concern during cloud migrations, especially for organizations with mission-critical applications. According to the research, unplanned downtime can cost enterprises thousands of dollars per minute, highlighting the importance of seamless transitions.

    Innovative strategies such as zero-downtime migration, live migration approaches, and incremental data transfers ensure uninterrupted business operations. Techniques like rolling updates and blue-green deployments enable parallel system operation, minimizing service interruptions. These strategies also leverage advanced data replication methods both synchronous and asynchronous to synchronize operations and optimize resource allocation.

    Harnessing Artificial Intelligence in Migration

    Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming cloud migration with predictive and adaptive capabilities. Innovations such as self-healing processes, automated resource optimization, and intelligent workload placement reduce error rates and enhance efficiency by anticipating bottlenecks and dynamically adjusting migration plans in real-time, ensuring a seamless and efficient transition to the cloud.

    Furthermore, AI-powered automation tools now integrate seamlessly across multi-cloud environments, offering cross-platform compatibility and container orchestration. Such tools significantly enhance migration performance metrics, reducing completion times by up to 40% and ensuring consistent data quality.

    Securing the Migration Process

    Security is a fundamental pillar of any successful cloud migration strategy. With increasing concerns about data breaches and compliance violations, implementing robust security measures is essential. Key approaches include advanced encryption techniques, comprehensive access management frameworks, and automated compliance tools, ensuring secure and compliant cloud transitions.

    Emerging trends like zero-trust architectures and quantum-safe encryption methods are pushing the boundaries of secure data transfer. These innovations address challenges such as cross-border data sovereignty and privacy preservation, ensuring that cloud migrations remain both compliant and resilient to evolving threats.

    Future Trends in Cloud Migration

    The future of cloud migration is driven by cutting-edge technologies that enhance efficiency and security. Quantum computing enables faster data processing and complex workflow optimization, while edge computing provides real-time data accessibility and reduced latency, making these advancements pivotal for seamless and scalable cloud transitions.

    Additionally, sustainability is gaining traction as organizations aim to reduce the carbon footprint of cloud migrations. Techniques like optimized bandwidth usage and intelligent resource allocation are setting new benchmarks for eco-friendly digital transformations.

    Practical Implications for Organizations

    For enterprises embarking on cloud migration, practical guidelines help navigate complexities effectively. By leveraging AI-driven tools for automation, implementing zero-downtime strategies to ensure seamless operations, and prioritizing robust security compliance, businesses can minimize risks, reduce costs, improve operational efficiency, and enhance customer satisfaction, ensuring a smooth transition to modern cloud infrastructures.

    Moreover, the emphasis on ROI-driven migration frameworks highlights the importance of aligning technical initiatives with overarching business goals. This approach provides a clear roadmap for organizations to maximize the potential of cloud infrastructures while effectively mitigating risks and addressing challenges.

    In conclusion, Venkata Nagendra Kumar Kundavaram‘s exploration of automated cloud migration addresses key challenges faced by enterprises, offering solutions focused on data integrity, downtime minimization, and AI-driven automation. His insights promise a future of efficient, secure, and sustainable cloud adoption, driving technological innovation and advancing digital transformation.

  • How to create unforgettable WOW moments in retail

    Once upon a time, static signage and printed circulars were enough to entice shoppers into retail stores. Today’s consumers, however, want WOW moments — memorable, engaging interactions that leave a lasting impression. According to Salesforce’s State of the Connected Customer report, 80% of customers consider a brand’s experience equally important to its products or services.

    Carefully cultivated retail customer experiences foster customer loyalty, drive foot traffic and amplify brand visibility. Using cutting-edge technology, retailers can transform ordinary shopping trips into extraordinary experiences that shoppers won’t soon forget.

    The importance of the WOW factor

    Creating memorable, engaging moments goes beyond offering quality products and customer service. These experiences must be unique, clever and seamless. Ideally, they will inspire customers to share their experiences via social media or good old-fashioned word-of-mouth marketing.

    How digitizing retail experiences boosts ROI

    Explore customer behavior with and the operational benefits of a complete digital retail ecosystem.
    Download Now

    These moments can also influence long-term customer behavior since those who have standout shopping experiences are more likely to return, spend more and try additional products or services. Investing in technologies that deliver unforgettable retail customer experiences can set a brand apart in a crowded market and build deeper connections with its audience.

    Use eye-catching technology to engage customers

    Technology is the cornerstone of modern retail WOW moments. From interactive displays and IAC video walls to immersive digital experiences, Samsung’s cutting-edge tools make it easy to create a visually stunning retail environment that engages customers in new and exciting ways.

    For example, Saatva, known for pioneering online mattress sales, created a self-guided retail experience in its immersive Manhattan Viewing Room that revolutionized how customers interact with its products. Upon entering the store, a dual-sided OMN-D Series Display greets customers with positive user testimonials and seasonal promotions. In contrast, bedside displays cycle through images of Saatva products in scenic settings like a lakeside cabin or a sleek urban apartment. Meanwhile, 13-inch displays at each bedside show product specs and features, allowing customers to explore at their own pace free of sales pressure.

    Panico Salon in Ridgewood, New Jersey, uses interactive Samsung displays to create WOW moments. In the courtyard entryway, a large-format display broadcasts rotating content such as fashion shows and cross-promotional ads. Samsung’s displays are positioned inside the color room to showcase hair products that are available for purchase. In retail, clients can shop on their own devices through QR codes and Lift and Learn technology, which shows details and 30-second videos about products.

    For high-end retailers, Samsung’s All-in-One IAC video walls offer a stunning way to garner attention. These massive, ultra-high-resolution displays can showcase bold, dynamic visuals that command attention. At Good American’s flagship store in Century City, Los Angeles, a 55-inch large-format Samsung Interactive Display lets shoppers browse the Good American catalog, view seasonal looks, and learn about the brand’s jean styles and fits. All of the retailers exemplify how to wow customers with innovative technological experiences.

    Embrace the future of retail with emerging technologies

    The next wave of WOW moments comes from integrating future-forward tools like virtual try-ons and holograms. Imagine a shopper trying on a pair of glasses, testing a new lipstick shade, or seeing how a jacket fits — all without stepping into a store. Major retailers are already using augmented reality (AR) to bridge the gap between digital and physical stores, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. AR experiences generate 200% more engagement than non-AR equivalents, and customers using AR are 30% more likely to purchase.

    Virtual try-ons aren’t just innovative; they’re practical. When shoppers can find the size and style that suits them best, they are less likely to initiate returns — a time-consuming, expensive process for brands.

    Holograms and 3D projection technology are the pinnacle of immersive customer experiences in retail. These tools allow retailers to create captivating, interactive displays that bring products and brand stories to life. Picture a holographic runway show in an upscale boutique or a 3D projection of a product’s inner workings in an electronics store. These experiences deepen customer understanding of your products in a way traditional displays simply can’t match.

    Retailers can also use holograms to host virtual brand ambassadors, creating a WOW moment the instant a customer steps through the door. These interactive holograms can greet shoppers, answer questions and offer recommendations — all while delivering an unforgettable, futuristic experience.

    Why WOW moments matter now more than ever

    Creating WOW moments through technology isn’t just a trend; it’s a necessity. As online commerce grows, the physical retail space must evolve to stay relevant.

    By embracing technology that enhances the customer experience in retail, physical stores can become more than places to shop; they can become a destination for memorable experiences. Whether through the dynamic visuals of video walls, the personalized engagement of virtual try-ons, or the exciting immersion of holograms, these innovations help brands create moments that customers will remember and share.

    Ready to transform your retail space? Explore Samsung’s interactive displays and video wall solutions and start creating WOW moments today.

  • Honeywell and Verizon launch solution to streamline retail lifecycle

    Honeywell and Verizon launch solution to streamline retail lifecycle

    Honeywell and Verizon launch groundbreaking solution to streamline retail lifecycle
    Honeywell and Verizon launch groundbreaking solution to streamline retail lifecycle

    Verizon and Honeywell, today announced a strategic collaboration to bring a seamless technology experience to retail and logistics companies through the launch of a transformative bundled offering. Combining Honeywell’s leading hardware, software and services with Verizon’s high-speed 5G connectivity will enable businesses to streamline the retail lifecycle with simplified procurement, contracting and future device and data plan expansions.

    Another benefit of the Honeywell-Verizon bundled solution is increased business resiliency for retailers and logistics companies. For example, if a mid-sized garden center retailer unexpectedly loses power, the lack of internet could force the store to shut down for the day, significantly impacting sales potential. With a Verizon 5G cellular data plan bundled with Honeywell handheld computers, Smart Pay contactless mobile payment software and support services, the store can continue to run using their point-of-sale system, minimizing disruption to operations and loss of revenue.

    “Our collaboration with Verizon will help retailers and logistics companies maintain an effective resiliency plan for unexpected disruptions,” said David Barker, President of Honeywell Productivity Solutions and Services. “By bundling services, we are also reducing the number of parties involved and steps it takes to purchase a full solution that often requires several key technologies, enabling businesses to stay up-to-date with important technology refreshes and avoiding difficult CAPEX budgeting cycles.”

    “Companies of all sizes are looking at ways to reduce the time and effort it takes to make key technology purchases so they can get their operations up and running promptly,” said Massimo Peselli, CRO, Global Enterprise and Public Sector, Verizon Business. “By offering a fully managed services solution at a single monthly price with Honeywell, our retail and logistics customers can focus more on their return on investment and driving business outcomes.”

    The Honeywell-Verizon bundled solution is designed to meet the unique needs of retail and logistics companies of all sizes and will provide a range of benefits, including:

    • Simplified Procurement: A single point of contact for hardware, software, services, and connectivity that streamlines the purchasing process and reduces complexity.
    • Enhanced Connectivity: Verizon’s 5G network provides high-speed, reliable connectivity for critical business applications.
    • Comprehensive Device Management: Honeywell’s Enterprise Mobility Services offer end-to-end lifecycle management for mobile devices, including configuration, deployment, spare pool management, frontline help desk and more, enabling optimal performance and security.
    • Improved Operational Efficiency: The bundled solution enables businesses to streamline workflows, increase productivity and reduce downtime.
    • Scalability: The solution is designed to scale with businesses of all sizes, from small and medium-sized businesses to large enterprises.

    The new Honeywell-Verizon bundled managed services solution will be available through Honeywell and its network of resellers in early 2025.

  • GenAI adoption projected to transform nearly 3.8 crore jobs in India by 2030

    Generative AI

    GenAI adoption projected to transform nearly 3.8 crore jobs in India by 2030IANS

    The Generative AI (GenAI) adoption is projected to transform at least 38 million (3.8 crore) jobs in India by 2030, driving a 2.61 per cent productivity boost to the economy through gains in the organised sector and additional 2.82 per cent with the adoption of GenAI by the unorganised sector, a report said on Tuesday.

    At least 24 per cent of tasks across industries have the potential for full automation, while another 42 per cent can be enhanced through AI, freeing up between 8-10 hours per week for knowledge workers,” according to the EY India report.

    GenAI is poised to transform every job, unlocking immense potential for productivity and economic gains.

    “This revolution will fundamentally reshape jobs, driving productivity and innovation. Building talent pipelines and prioritising upskilling must be at the forefront of every organisation,” said Rajiv Memani, Chairman and CEO, EY India.

    By fostering public-private collaborations and investing in talent development, India can also become a global hub for AI skilled talent, he added.

    The report stated that at an industry level, the largest productivity gains are expected in the services sector due to its higher labour share to gross output while manufacturing and construction will see smaller impact.

    AI

    GenAI is poised to transform every job, unlocking immense potential for productivity and economic gainsIANS

    While the promise of AI is vast, the survey reveals that adoption is still in its early stages. Only 15 per cent of surveyed enterprises have implemented GenAI in production, with 34 per cent having completed proof of concepts (POCs) and 11 per cent working on productionalising successful POCs.

    Enterprises in India are also at different stages of data readiness. Only 3 per cent of surveyed enterprises report being fully ready, with 23 per cent reporting that they’re in no state of data readiness to take up AI deployments, the report mentioned.

    The analysis of over 10,000 tasks across industries showed varying productivity gains across sectors.

    Among the business processes to see the most impact is call centre management, which is likely to witness an 80 per cent productivity enhancement, and software development with a potential for 61 per cent growth in productivity.

    This is followed by content development and distribution with 45 per cent, customer services at 44 per cent, and sales and marketing at 41 per cent.

    “Productivity boost in IT/ITeS is expected to be around 19 per cent, followed by healthcare at 13 per cent and banking/insurance at 8-9 per cent,” the report noted.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • Green spaces: Improve brand loyalty with sustainable retail design

    Adopting environmentally conscious practices in-store builds brand loyalty among green shoppers by showcasing solutions that minimize waste, reduce energy consumption and align with growing consumer demand for sustainability.

    The PwC 2024 Voice of the Consumer Survey polled 20,000 consumers sourced from 31 countries and territories. The results show that 85% of consumers prioritize products or services that incorporate sustainability-focused practices. Furthermore, consumers are willing to spend 9.7% more on sustainably sourced or produced goods.

    But what do sustainable-focused practices look like exactly? By implementing sustainable technology, retailers can prioritize environmentally conscious practices in their brick-and-mortar locations.

    Attract eco-minded customers with sustainable technology

    As a retailer, you can create a sustainable retail design by making eco-friendly choices on your sales floor, dining space or showroom. For example, instead of using temporary, disposable paper signage, consider reducing waste and offering dynamic content on LED display screens with power-saving energy features and durability for months, even years, of use.

    How digitizing retail experiences boosts ROI

    Explore customer behavior with and the operational benefits of a complete digital retail ecosystem.
    Download Now

    Samsung’s OHA-S Series weatherproof display with anti-reflection technology and the ability to deflect humidity can easily be positioned by a front door, on an outdoor patio or in an open-air shopping space. The exceptional brightness makes your menu boards, sales signage or product description displays easily readable, even on sunny days.

    For indoor use, consider the Samsung P2.0 LED Signage. You’ll admire the brilliant picture quality that supports HDR imagery up to 8K. Your green-minded shoppers will appreciate your mindfulness in reducing printed materials and choosing displays that can be updated without paper waste.

    Stay ahead of the curve. Use sustainable displays to reduce your environmental impact, clear out store clutter and communicate more vibrantly and modernly with consumers.

    Start small and build your impact

    If sustainability initiatives are new to your agenda, take baby steps. Talk with your HVAC provider about upgrading to an energy-saving system, starting with a smart thermostat that adjusts the temperature based on your establishment’s high and low traffic times. Or, consider implementing automated lighting that shuts off when no consumers are nearby.

    Samsung offers the QM Series of display screens that auto-adjust based on lighting conditions. When the overhead lights dim in an area of your retail location, such as a showroom not in use, the QM Series displays will follow suit and dim their brightness to save on power usage. To help manage and reduce energy usage, Samsung VXT content management system (CMS) provides a monthly energy report, which analyzes the monthly electricity consumption of your displays. You can also use the CMS to adjust brightness settings and set an automatic on/off timer to conserve energy.

    If you want to share static information with a long shelf-life, such as information on how to sign up for your loyalty program or a list of core services and their prices, E-Paper Signage will be available soon to fit into your eco-conscious landscape. The displays can be easily updated to show off movie posters in a theatre lobby or beautiful photography as decor in a waiting room. These ultra-slim, lightweight displays use near-to-zero power consumption to showcase your messaging. They also operate with rechargeable batteries, so they can be placed anywhere without being tethered to a wall outlet.

    Clothing retailer Good American embraced a sustainable retail design to get more customers to visit their physical locations. Two Samsung Direct View LED Displays greet customers at the entryway (versus paper-printed ads). Once inside, shoppers experience large-format displays showcasing the company’s clothing catalog at a glance to inspire them to try new looks. These tech updates not only keep the company’s branding top-of-mind for customers but also mirror the company’s Certified B Corporation status and commitment to sustainable practices.

    And this is just the start. Fashion-forward shops can implement augmented reality (AR) stations in virtual fitting rooms to let consumers quickly and easily see how a particular outfit would look on them. In turn, this potentially reduces damaged products (while informing retail buyers which items draw the most interest) and keeps consumers “trying on” items longer because there’s no physical labor involved. Hello, boosted sales, less waste and targeted purchasing!

    Celebrate with customers when you reach sustainability goals

    As you work toward greening your retail space, share the news. Let visitors know why you’ve ditched paper flyers and window posters. Tell them that you, too, focus on making sustainable choices.

    In a Bain & Company 2024 global survey, 28% of respondents shared that brands who created awareness campaigns encouraged them to purchase sustainable products. These actions also prompted 33% of consumers to buy sustainable products simply because they became available at their go-to retailers.

    Go further and make the eco-minded shifts interactive by offering recycling stations for used goods in your niche. For example, an electronics recycling bin would be a welcome sight in a computer or cellphone store. If you sell clothing, offer a donation bin to a local non-profit agency that helps those in need.

    You could also offer discounts to those who bring in reusable shopping bags or opt for e-receipts instead of paper-printed documents.

    Featuring sustainability practices in your retail space

    Embracing sustainability in your business not only helps reduce waste and conserve energy consumption but also makes you stand out in the eyes of your consumers. After all, they are making a conscious effort to be patrons at stores that are mindful of sustainability practices. Why not enjoy this competitive advantage?

    Learn more about Samsung’s digital signage solutions and how they can transform your retail space into a mindful, modern shopping experience. And learn everything you need to know about choosing your store’s LED displays for optimal viewing in this free guide.

  • JLR and Tata Communications strengthen partnership to deliver smarter, data-driven connected cars

    JLR and Tata Communications strengthen partnership to deliver smarter, data-driven connected cars

    JLR and Tata Communications strengthen partnership to deliver smarter, data-driven connected cars
    JLR and Tata Communications strengthen partnership to deliver smarter, data-driven connected cars

    JLR and Tata Communications are set to enhance JLR’s connected vehicle ecosystem, transforming the driving experience for customers worldwide through the Tata Communications MOVE™ platform. The collaboration will empower JLR’s next-generation software-defined vehicles with continuous connectivity and access to intelligent services even in the remotest locations across 120 countries.

    The latest collaboration is an extension of their existing partnership to future-proof the carmaker’s digital transformation. Leveraging Tata Communications MOVE™ platform, JLR’s upcoming medium-sized SUVs built on the new Electric Modular Architecture (EMA) will seamlessly transition between mobile networks and operators, enabling non-stop access to personalised connected services, such as media streaming. The platform will also enable greater and more secure data exchange between JLR and its customers’ vehicles, delivering more efficient software over-the-air (SOTA) updates and supporting the rollout of evolving advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).

    Every day, JLR’s fleet of connected vehicles generates 2.5 terabytes (TB) of data, with half a million electronic control units (ECUs) updated per month on average over the last 12 months. The use of Tata Communications MOVE™ platform will increase this data exchange and enable JLR engineers to harness deeper insights, monitor vehicle performance in real-time, and enable more prompt updates over the air to improve vehicle maintenance and servicing, reducing costs for the car owners and JLR. The advanced vehicles, expected to hit the roads in 2026, will deliver a smarter and more intelligent driving experience.

    The introduction of the Tata Communications MOVE™ will offer JLR customers:
    • Resilient wireless communication technologies to help track vehicles in the most demanding environments
    • Increased and more frequent vehicle software updates delivered over the air to improve vehicle diagnostics and updates
    • Tailored connections will keep customers and their families connected to their preferred applications and vehicle features, wherever they are in the world
    • Simplified and effortless connectivity plans, accessible via a single provider

    Marco Bijvelds, Vice President and Global Head of Tata Communications MOVE™, said: “The automotive industry is continually innovating to meet ever-changing customer demands. Last year, our digital fabric enabled seamless connectivity across all JLR’s production sites globally. As part of our extended partnership, we’re now powering JLR’s software-defined vehicle journey worldwide and enabling them to deliver advanced driving features in their cars. The insights derived from the data exchanged through our platform will enable JLR to offer personalised customer experiences, opening doors for new revenue streams.”

    Mark Brogden, Director of Digital Product Platform Off-Board at JLR, said: “JLR was the first luxury vehicle manufacturer to introduce dual modem, dual eSIM design for enhanced connectivity with the launch of Defender in 2020. The partnership with Tata Communications is the next step in our software-defined vehicle journey, offering highly secure and cost-effective data connectivity across 120 countries. Starting in 2026 with our next generation of medium-size luxury SUVs, Tata Communications MOVE™ aims to deliver continuous connected experiences for our clients, offering features and new software updates over-the-air to meet the expectations of our luxury client base.’’

  • Innovating Telecom Security: Bikash Agarwal’s Contribution to Safer Networks

    Innovating Telecom Security

    Safety is a major concern in the telecom world. Millions of people use telecommunication services daily to make calls, send messages, and access the internet. Despite technological advancements, many networks still operate on outdated systems like SS7, which are notoriously insecure. Developed decades ago, SS7 lacks robust security, making it vulnerable to eavesdropping, location tracking, and even financial theft through intercepted messages. These risks affect millions of users worldwide, particularly in systems still relying on 2G and 3G technologies or are interworking with 4G/5G technologies.

    Recognizing these challenges, modern protocols such as Diameter and HTTPS REST were introduced. These technologies employ advanced encryption methods, ensuring that sensitive communications remain secure from potential hackers. By encrypting data, these systems prevent unauthorized access and mitigate replay attacks, where hackers intercept and misuse communication data.

    Bikash Agarwal’s Groundbreaking Contributions

    Bikash Agarwal, a renowned telecom expert, has made significant strides in securing telecommunications networks globally. He identified the inherent vulnerabilities of SS7 and pioneered innovative solutions to address these issues. Agarwal’s systems leverage modern protocols like Diameter and REST Https to replace the outdated SS7 framework, providing enhanced security for calls, messages, and data transfers. These innovations, protected under his patents US 10,326,804 B1 and US 10,708,433 B1 have set new standards for telecom security.

    Agarwal’s patented technologies are widely implemented by major telecom providers worldwide. Companies like Airtel and Reliance Jio in India, as well as AT&T and T-Mobile in the United States, have adopted his solutions to secure their networks. His contributions have not only fortified telecom infrastructures but have also streamlined operations by reducing the reliance on costly and inefficient SS7 links.

    High Cost of Network Security

    Transitioning from SS7 to modern protocols such as Diameter and HTTPS REST is a significant investment for telecom providers. According to industry estimates, the global cost of replacing SS7 could range between $100 billion and $200 billion. However, Mr. Agarwal’s innovations offer a practical, scalable solution that reduces both operational costs and the time required to mitigate cybersecurity threats. This in turn can save the world economy some 600 to 700 billion form cyberattack annually.

    Enhancing Network Performance and Security

    Agarwal’s innovations have revolutionized how telecom networks operate. Before his solutions, networks were highly susceptible to cyberattacks. Hackers could easily exploit vulnerabilities in SS7 to steal sensitive information. With Agarwal’s technologies in place, the frequency of successful cyberattacks has decreased by 50%. Additionally, telecom companies report fewer missed calls, faster data transfer rates, and reduced latency during phone calls, significantly improving user experience.

    Improvements in Network Performance

    These improvements have not only enhanced security but also bolstered the overall performance of telecom networks. Security Operations Centers (SOCs), which monitor and respond to cyber threats, now face fewer incidents, allowing them to focus on proactive security measures.

    Shaping the Future of Telecommunications

    Agarwal’s work extends beyond addressing current vulnerabilities; it lays the foundation for the future of secure telecommunications. His transition from SS7 to secure protocols like Diameter and HTTPS REST has established a new industry standard. These advancements have challenged other engineers and telecom providers to innovate further, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in telecom security.

    Applications in companies

    Major companies such as AT&T, T-Mobile, Airtel, and Reliance Jio continue to rely on Agarwal’s discoveries to safeguard their networks. His work has not only improved telecom security but has also inspired a global movement toward more resilient and efficient communication systems.

    Conclusion

    Over the years, Bikash Agarwal has profoundly impacted the telecommunications industry. His pioneering innovations have addressed critical vulnerabilities in SS7, saving telecom companies billions of dollars while enhancing the security and performance of their networks. By introducing contemporary systems like Diameter and HTTPS REST, Agarwal has made telecommunications safer for users worldwide. His work remains a cornerstone for future advancements in telecom security, ensuring that networks continue to evolve in an increasingly digital world.

  • Blockchain Technology: Reshaping Cybersecurity Paradigms

    Blockchain Technology

    In today’s landscape of escalating cyber threats, the demand for advanced security mechanisms is more critical than ever. Namboodiri Arun Mullamangalath Kesavan investigates the transformative potential of blockchain technology in fortifying cybersecurity. By leveraging its fundamental attributes—decentralization, immutability, and transparency—blockchain offers innovative solutions to traditional security challenges. This analysis highlights how blockchain redefines data integrity, enhances identity management, and mitigates risks associated with centralized systems, paving the way for a resilient and secure digital infrastructure.

    Rethinking Identity Management
    Blockchain revolutionizes identity management by replacing centralized credential repositories with a decentralized public/private key infrastructure. Traditional systems create single points of failure, making them vulnerable to breaches. Blockchain enhances security by distributing data across multiple nodes, making system compromise nearly impossible. It empowers users with greater autonomy, enabling control over access to their digital identities without intermediaries. This decentralized approach fosters privacy and trust, transforming how sensitive credentials are stored, managed, and accessed.

    Ensuring Data Integrity
    Data integrity is fundamental to cybersecurity, and blockchain technology offers a robust solution through its immutable ledger. Each transaction or record stored on a blockchain is cryptographically secured, timestamped, and permanently preserved, creating a transparent and tamper-proof system. This ensures that any unauthorized alterations are immediately evident, making blockchain an invaluable tool for safeguarding sensitive data. Its capability to maintain unaltered historical records enhances regulatory compliance, facilitates secure audit trails, and fosters trust among stakeholders. By guaranteeing data authenticity and integrity, blockchain empowers organizations to mitigate risks, strengthen their security posture, and build confidence in their information management practices.

    Mitigating DDoS Attacks
    Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks threaten centralized systems by overwhelming them with malicious traffic, disrupting services. Blockchain technology mitigates this risk through its inherently decentralized architecture, where data and operations are distributed across numerous nodes in the network. Unlike centralized systems, which have a single point of failure, blockchain requires an attacker to compromise a majority of nodes simultaneously—a task that is logistically and computationally prohibitive. Additionally, blockchain networks employ advanced load-balancing mechanisms that intelligently distribute traffic, ensuring seamless operation and service continuity even during an attack. This decentralized approach significantly enhances the system’s robustness and resilience against DDoS threats.

    Enhancing Threat Intelligence
    Blockchain technology significantly enhances collaborative cybersecurity by providing a transparent, secure, and tamper-proof framework for threat intelligence sharing. Real-time data exchange, underpinned by blockchain’s decentralized ledger, ensures authenticity, integrity, and confidentiality. Smart contracts automate data-sharing protocols, enabling seamless collaboration among authorized entities without manual intervention. This approach fosters trust, streamlines operations, and enhances collective defense capabilities. By creating an ecosystem of secure, efficient, and trustworthy information exchange, blockchain empowers organizations to stay ahead of evolving cyber threats with a unified, proactive strategy.

    Overcoming Implementation Challenges
    Despite its advantages, blockchain adoption in cybersecurity is not without hurdles. Scalability remains a primary concern, particularly for systems handling high transaction volumes. Performance overheads and integration complexities with legacy systems are additional challenges. Solutions such as layer-2 scaling and hybrid architectures are emerging to address these issues, paving the way for broader implementation.

    Pathways to the Future
    Blockchain’s potential extends beyond current applications, with future research focusing on quantum-resistant cryptography and Internet of Things (IoT) security. Standardization is also crucial, as fragmented protocols and lack of interoperability hinder widespread adoption. Collaborative efforts among industry stakeholders and regulatory bodies are essential to establish cohesive guidelines for blockchain-based security solutions.

    In conclusion, Namboodiri Arun Mullamangalath Kesavan underscores blockchain’s transformative impact on cybersecurity. By addressing traditional vulnerabilities and enabling innovative solutions, blockchain paves the way for resilient and trustworthy systems. As organizations face increasingly complex threats, embracing blockchain technology is not merely an option but a strategic imperative for securing the digital future.

  • Qlik recognised with the customers’ choice distinction for analytics and business intelligence platforms – CRN

    Qlik recognised with the customers’ choice distinction for analytics and business intelligence platforms – CRN

    Qlik announces its recognition as a 2024 Gartner Peer Insights™ Customers’ Choice for Analytics and Business Intelligence (ABI) Platforms.

    The “Voice of the Customer” is a document that synthesises Gartner Peer Insights reviews into insights for buyers of technology and services. This aggregated peer perspective, along with the individual detailed reviews, is complementary to Gartner expert research and can play a key role in your buying process.

    Vendors placed in the upper-right quadrant of the “Voice of the Customer” graphic are recognised with the Gartner Peer Insights Customers’ Choice distinction, denoted with a Customers’ Choice badge. The recognised vendors meet or exceed both the market average Overall Experience and the market average User Interest and Adoption. Qlik’s position in the top-right quadrant, we feel, highlights its ability to consistently deliver value to its customers.

    “Receiving the Customers’ Choice distinction, we believe, reflects the trust our customers place in Qlik to help them achieve impactful business outcomes. For us, it also validates our focus on designing solutions that speak directly to their needs—enabling them to tackle complex challenges and leverage AI in a way that is both accessible and highly effective,” said Brendan Grady, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Qlik’s Analytics Business Unit.

    Qlik’s ability to meet and exceed customer expectations is rooted in its intuitive platform. Customers highlight its ease of use, deployment flexibility, and intuitive analytics as key factors driving their success. These features enable organisations to break down data silos, uncover insights, and drive confident decision-making in a fast-paced, data-driven world.