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Category: Technology

  • In a world of data overload, SSDs evolve to help businesses stay competitive

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    It’s an endless race: As applications add new features and capabilities, computing power and storage need to increase to keep up. More power and storage mean apps can get bigger and more resource-intensive, and the cycle continues. All of this is centered on one key factor: the growing ocean of data facing every business, and how to capture, use and share it effectively.

    Today’s solid state drives (SSDs) meet these demands with higher capacity, accelerated read and write speeds, and faster connections to computing systems. They are also more reliable and require less power — features that translate to more efficiency and productivity. 

    Since ever-expanding data needs are the driving force behind storage, it’s essential to understand how new storage technologies can impact performance organization-wide.

    More storage, less space, higher performance

    With data needs growing exponentially, packing more storage into the same or less space is a huge business priority. Organizations need to control the costs of expanding data centers and server rooms, and with a more mobile workforce, laptops need to be lighter and more power efficient while supporting more complex applications.

    To meet these needs, Samsung launched one of the biggest advancements in SSD technology in 2014 when it introduced 3D NAND, also called vertical NAND (V-NAND). 

    V-NAND stacks memory chips vertically, for more density in a given space. The result is memory that is twice as fast as earlier types with half the power demand. V-NAND is more reliable than 2D memory, making it ideal for critical applications where continuous uptime is essential. 

    The earliest V-NAND memory stacked 32 layers of chips; today’s 990 PRO SSD has 176 layers of NAND for even more capacity and speed. For business users of every description, this translates to more capability: 

    • Engineers can create more complex 3D CAD designs without slowing down
    • Video producers can edit, apply effects and render high-resolution files in record time
    • Financial analysts can crunch more data faster than ever
    • Radiologists and technicians can capture and store more detailed MRIs and CAT scans
    • Researchers can capture and correlate vast amounts of information to generate new insights

    Now in its 9th generation, Samsung’s V-NAND packs more ultra-fast storage into a fraction of the space while also reducing energy needs by 30 to 50%. As a result, today’s high-performance SSDs can store 4TB to 8TB in a drive that supports every power user, whether they prefer a desktop workstation for engineering design functions or a go-anywhere laptop that can handle complex coding or video editing challenges. Samsung’s V-NAND SSDs are also ideal for can’t-fail data center use. 

    Making the connection

    Drive speed and capacity are just part of the performance equation. More data means more potential for bottlenecks tying up the path between drives and users. From the SATA standard to PCIe® interconnections and NVMe® interfaces, connection standards keep evolving to dramatically improve bandwidth and throughput. 

    How much faster? SATA started out with a bandwidth of 1.5Gb per second (Gbps); today, the SATA III standard quadruples those limits. Meanwhile, the PCIe standard began as exponentially faster than SATA, but has quickly evolved. Starting with PCIe 1.0’s 8 Gbps of bandwidth back in 2003, today’s NVMe® SSDs on PCIe 4.0  can hit a whopping 16 GT/s. Yet, that speed limit has already been broken.

    PCIe 5.0 enables speeds that are literally twice as fast as Gen 4 devices. Gen 5 SSDs will reach blistering throughput speeds, with up to 32 GT/s of bandwidth. Users will feel the difference with every data-intensive application, from data analysis to 3D modeling to gaming.

    Matching storage needs

    Different use cases have different requirements. While some users need maximum performance, not everyone needs all that power at all times. Still, advances at the high end enable improvements for all users.

    Healthcare provides a perfect example of matching SSD power to need. Digital imaging devices, including CAT scanners and MRIs, need large, high-performance NVMe or enterprise SSDs, like the Samsung PM9A3. However, laptops on nurses’ carts most likely don’t need that level of capability; for PCs with a PCIe connection could use a smaller capacity NVMe SSD, vehicle older laptops can deliver cost-effective performance with an upgrade to a Samsung  SATA drive. 

    Use cases with high data demands, such as video production, digital engineering and multimedia need larger, faster SSDs, while general business users may need less capacity and speed. At the same time, road warriors and mobile content producers may also need a fast, durable portable drive, like the Samsung T7 Shield, which can hold up to 4TB in a rugged, yet tiny package, to easily store and move data wherever needed.

    The chasm between high performance and cost-effectiveness is no longer as wide as it used to be. With the 990 EVO Plus, Samsung delivers breakthrough value and performance. This hybrid Gen 4/5 SSD puts faster speeds into the hands of more users and helps boost productivity across the organization.

    Samsung: helping users stay one step ahead

    Organizations of every size and description are creating and consuming more data every day. For desktop and laptop PCs, 1 and 2 TB SSDs have replaced 256 MB drives for the majority of day-to-day business needs, while in the data center, 15 TB drives rarely seen even a year ago are now becoming mainstream. 

    The need for larger capacities and higher speeds will keep accelerating. That’s why Samsung does more than just keep pace with change. At every stage, Samsung has anticipated where users’ storage needs are headed — engineering new generations of storage devices that ensure businesses are ready for today and tomorrow.

    Ready to tame the data beast? Discover the power, performance and reliability of Samsung’s V-NAND PCIe 4.0 SSDs.

  • Team Computers launches global delivery center in Uttarakhand to transform rural India – CRN

    Team Computers launches global delivery center in Uttarakhand to transform rural India – CRN

    Team Computers, has taken a transformative step in bridging the gap between rural talent and the tech industry with the launch of its Global Delivery Center (GDC) at Tatva Hills, Uttarakhand. Under the visionary leadership of CEO Ranjan Chopra, the initiative aims to empower local talent and drive economic growth in the region.

    The Tatva Hills GDC has already created over 50 tech jobs for engineers from rural areas of Haldwani, Ramnagar, Almora, and other cities, allowing them to thrive in a corporate environment without the need to migrate to metro cities. Additionally, Team Computers has partnered with local engineering and polytechnic colleges to offer intensive 15-30 day training programs. These initiatives equip students with the necessary skills to excel in the tech industry, fostering a robust talent pipeline in Uttarakhand.

    “We are committed to making Uttarakhand a new tech hub for India. Our Global Delivery Centers not only create jobs but also provide opportunities for talent in Tier 2 & Tier 3 cities to contribute to the digital economy while staying close to their roots,” said Mr Ranjan Chopra, CEO of Team Computers.

    The GDC in Tatva Hills is part of Team Computers’ broader Managed Services strategy, with existing centers in Noida and Bangalore. By integrating rural talent into its operations, the company is fostering regional growth while ensuring high-quality service delivery for its clients. Led by Ajay Sharma, this division is driving innovation, efficiency, and opportunities across diverse geographies. ‘The Tatva Hills GDC is our effort to stop the migration of youth by creating tech careers right at their doorstep. This initiative empowers local talent to stay connected to their roots while building a future in the digital economy,’ says Mr Ajay Sharma. This initiative is set to be a game-changer for Uttarakhand, contributing to its emergence as a significant player in India’s tech ecosystem. Team Computers is committed to further expansion and driving long-term impact in the region, reaffirming its mission to create opportunities and transform lives through technology.

  • Binoj Melath Nalinakshan Nair: Driving Innovation with Microservices, Automation, and AI Excellence

    Binoj Melath Nalinakshan Nair

    The new trend in software development has brought a revolution called microservices architecture. The use of this modular approach in the construction of these applications is in contrast to the more traditional use of the monolith architecture where applications are divided into smaller completely independently deployable services. When integrated with automation and AI, microservices become an even more effective framework for managing operational difficulties with such substantial solutions.

    Microservices Architecture: Decentralized and Agile

    The application of microservices breaks down the massive app into several core services which perform separate business activities.

    • Scalability: It allows developers to scale individual components of the application while leaving the rest of the application untouched.

    • Fault Isolation: An outage in one service is not compounding as this results in increased system availability thus maintaining high levels.

    • Faster Deployments: Teams can deploy an update or add a new feature to a particular service to the users of that service without necessarily having to redeploy the whole system.

    • Technology Diversity: It also allows the teams to select the right technology to implement for each service that will enhance effectiveness and creativity.

    Automation: Streamlining Operations in a Distributed Environment

    Automation is central to managing these challenges. Due to the use of DevOps and CI/CD methodologies in creating and deploying microservices, there is a massive rush towards automation of the process. Key areas where automation excels include:

    • Configuration Management: Services such as Ansible and Chef guarantee that the environments are similar to those used in other services.

    • Monitoring and Logging: Prometheus and ELK stack are good examples of tools allowing monitoring service performance in a real-time manner.

    • Orchestration: Such hosts help manage the deployment, scaling and wellness of individual microservices which have been containerized and hosted as Kubernetes.

    • Incident Response: This means they just complete frequent tasks which then signals preprogrammed reactions for incidents like failed services to be restarted.

    AI: The Cognitive Layer for Operational Excellence

    AI can be said to be automated with intelligence and flexibility. It is particularly effective in addressing three core operational challenges in microservices:

    • Predictive Maintenance: When appreciated, AI-driven predictive analytic functions can keep tracking system metrics to predict a system failure. For example, AI can forecast that a service is likely to deteriorate, and therefore alert teams to take early action based on a pattern identified in logs, CPU usage, or memory.

    • Dynamic Resource Allocation: Such routing possibilities can be implemented with the help of AI in which it is possible to predict the peaks of demand and allocate resources accordingly. For instance, during high traffic conditions, an AI system can increase or decrease only those microservices that were deemed necessary to avoid service failure to help consumers get the best out of the application.

    • Anomaly Detection: The normal approach of most monitoring tools consists of comparing results with predefined values to detect problems. But more importantly, AI utilizes machine learning algorithms to search for an anomaly in real time, sensing a problem that can be missed by rules.

    Positive Impacts of Microservices, Automation, and AI

    The synergy of microservices, automation, and AI has a transformative impact on businesses:

    • Improved Agility and Innovation: Search for more agility by faster deployment: Microservices, Automation/AI to Minimize Operational Bottleneck. Together, they make it possible for teams to concentrate on growth rather than maintenance.

    • Enhanced Customer Experience: A well-built system implies little or no breakdown and the ability to meet customers’ needs as soon as possible. The ability of the platforms to personalise and deploy quickly, through AI tools, adds value to the user environment.

    • Cost Efficiency: While automation is a process that lessens the amount of work done by hand, the implementation of AI makes for appropriate usage of resources so that costs are greatly impacted.

    – Resilience and Scalability: Both cases enable the operationalization of applications into microservices, which help organisations manage failure and procure systems for growth.

    Binoj Melath Nalinakshan Nair has been in the IT industry for 20 years presently working as a Principal Site Reliability Engineer at Oracle. A master’s degree holder in computer applications, Binoj is an experienced professional who worked in IBM, NetApp, Informatica LLC, and iPass Inc. He possesses practical experience with a diverse array of technologies, including Perl, Python, Ansible, Terraform, Kubernetes, Docker, OCI, AWS, and IBM Bluemix cloud, among others. An IEEE Senior Member and IET Member, he has published papers and articles and has emerged as a leading thinker in site reliability engineering, cloud services, security best practices, event driven automation and microservices architecture.

    By pointing out its networking achievements, Binoj has contributed considerably to the field of cloud computing and automation.He is working on the infrastructure side of Oracle OCI Data Integration Service, managing region automation and overseeing the operations of DIS services.He has set up specific CI/CD pipelines additional to Kubernetes such as EKS, GKE, and OpenShift for using pipeline as code using Spinnaker Dinghy templates. Some of the automation activities he has done involve setting up self-service models for onboarding in tools such as Artifactory, Quay and Kubernetes for the companies he has been working with. Credibly, he has overseen the movement of numerous applications from virtual machines to containers using Kubernetes and Red Hat OpenShift indicating his strong skills in microservices engineering.

    Binoj also shows a flexible and generalist approach regarding the emerging tools and technologies’ assessment and incorporation. Who has accomplished a range of initiatives beginning with proofs of concept for tools such as Azure DevOps, Harness and GitHub Actions to building CI/CD pipelines and also developed custom Splunk dashboards and searches across numerous projects. Though certified in OCI, AWS and IBM Bluemix clouds, his work has enlightened organizations on practices to enhance cloud services and improve site reliability and DevOps standards for operational excellence.

    Conclusion

    What transpires with microservices architecture, automation and IoT is truly revolutionizing the operational environments across most business industries. Looking at the problems of distributed systems, these technologies enable organizations to build high-performance, scalable and robust solutions. While organizations press on with such implementations, they are not only addressing efficiency problems but also building towards an era of adaptation, better operations, and creativity.

  • NeoSOFT empowers enterprises with cutting-edge generative AI capabilities – CRN

    NeoSOFT empowers enterprises with cutting-edge generative AI capabilities – CRN

    Nishant Rathi, Founder and Director, NeoSOFT

    NeoSOFT launched its innovative Generative AI solutions. These solutions are designed to revolutionise how enterprises leverage artificial intelligence to enhance business operations, customer engagement, and data utilisation. From content creation to predictive analytics and customer service automation, NeoSOFT’s Generative AI offerings promise to significantly advance AI’s role in enterprise growth.

    The solutions are tailored to meet the unique needs of various industries. For example, in healthcare, predictive analytics can improve patient outcomes, while the retail sector can offer hyper-personalised shopping experiences. In manufacturing, AI can enhance operational efficiency, and in finance, it can build accurate financial models and investment strategies. Additionally, AI-driven customer service tools provide faster, personalised responses, improving customer satisfaction.

    “Our Generative AI solutions are designed to integrate seamlessly into existing digital ecosystems, maximising the return on AI investments,” said Nishant Rathi, Founder and Director of NeoSOFT. “At NeoSOFT, we believe the true power of AI lies in its ability to unlock new opportunities, drive innovation, and create personalised experiences that transform industries. Our mission is to empower businesses to lead with agility, intelligence, and responsibility in an ever-evolving digital world.”

    A key feature of NeoSOFT’s Generative AI solutions is their seamless integration with existing infrastructure. This enables businesses to maximise ROI on AI investments by automating tasks, generating real-time insights, and enhancing customer interactions. The solutions not only improve efficiency but also provide businesses with the agility needed to stay competitive amid market fluctuations and evolving customer expectations.
    Responsible AI deployment is a cornerstone of NeoSOFT’s approach. The company is committed to the highest standards of ethics, data security, and privacy. Each AI solution is developed transparently, ensuring clients trust that their data is used responsibly. NeoSOFT adheres to strict compliance protocols to safeguard user information and maintain global regulatory standards.

    NeoSOFT’s Generative AI suite is transforming industries in several ways. In customer service, AI-driven automation offers instant responses, predicts customer needs, and enables meaningful support interactions. Predictive analytics allows businesses to uncover hidden patterns in data, driving proactive decision-making and growth. AI also plays a significant role in content generation, enabling businesses to produce engaging, personalised content at scale. In healthcare, AI-powered tools predict patient outcomes, identify health risks, and streamline administrative tasks to improve efficiency.

    The solutions are built on the latest advancements in machine learning, natural language processing (NLP), and AI ethics. These technologies enable the development of accurate models that evolve over time, ensuring relevance as businesses grow. NeoSOFT’s team of skilled engineers provides expert guidance to ensure seamless implementation and maximise the impact of AI-driven strategies.

  • Significant surge in Fake News and Deepfakes Alarms India

    Hackers use OTP APIs for SMS bombing, 44 Indian APIs exposed

    Study shows surge in fake news, deepfakes in India; govt developing toolIANS

    India is witnessing a significant surge in the spread of fake news and deepfakes, a recent study reveals. The study, conducted by the Indian School of Business (ISB) and CyberPeace, indicates that social media platforms have become the primary vector of misinformation, leading to rising concerns about fake news and deepfakes in the country. The research, which focused on user behaviour and perceptions, provides crucial insights into the spread of misinformation and its impact on various segments of Indian society.

    The study analysed a substantial number of fake news stories, revealing that political fake news accounts for the most significant share (46 per cent), followed by general issues (33.6 per cent) and religion (16.8 per cent). These three categories alone represent 94 per cent of the total fake news instances analysed. Social media platforms are the dominant source of misinformation, responsible for 77.4 per cent of cases compared to just 23 per cent originating from mainstream media. Twitter (61 per cent) and Facebook (34 per cent) were identified as the leading platforms for spreading fake news.

     

    Major Vineet Kumar, Global President and Founder of CyberPeace, emphasised the need for collective action in the fight against fake news and misinformation. He stated, “While governments and organisations must take the lead in creating secure ecosystems, individual responsibility is equally critical. CyberPeace is committed to building safer and resilient digital spaces by fostering awareness, collaboration, and innovation to counter these growing threats.”

    Prof. Manish Gangwar, Executive Director, ISB Institute of Data Science, underscored the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to combatting misinformation. He suggested focusing not just on technological solutions but also on enhancing media literacy, improving reporting mechanisms, and fostering responsible online behaviour.

    Twitter and Facebook identified as the leading platforms for spreading misinformation

    Twitter and Facebook identified as the leading platforms for spreading misinformationIANS

     Union Minister of Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw, addressing the Parliament, said that the government is committed to addressing fake news and deepfake through robust debate and responsible innovation while fixing accountability on social media platforms. The minister highlighted the critical challenges posed by the emerging AI landscape, social media accountability, and the need for robust legal frameworks. He underlined the importance of balancing freedom of speech with the responsibility to combat fake news and ensure accurate narratives in the digital age.

    The minister’s statement comes in the wake of a series of deepfake incidents that have raised concerns about the potential impact on electoral processes. A report by VPNRanks revealed that deepfake videos are doubling yearly, highlighting their rapid growth. Advancements in detection technologies are crucial to combating this threat. The report underscores the importance of continued research and collaboration to stay ahead of this evolving challenge.

    In the context of the upcoming elections, the potential misuse of AI and deepfakes to manipulate public opinion is a significant concern. A study on the impact of GenAI and Deepfakes on Global Electoral Processes in 2024 revealed instances of audio falsifications in recent electoral processes in different countries, including the United States, Slovakia, and India.

    In India, the fight against misinformation and deepfakes is not just a technological battle but also a societal one. The rise of AI-enabled deceptions has not been uniform. Generative AI tools have been co-opted to greater degrees in scenarios where they currently provide a significant offensive edge to threat actors’ stratagems over existing non-AI methods.

    The government’s commitment to addressing these issues is a step in the right direction. However, the fight against misinformation and deepfakes requires a multi-pronged approach that includes technological solutions, media literacy, and responsible online behaviour. As the country gears up for the upcoming elections, the need for vigilance and awareness is more critical than ever. This situation underscores the importance of collective action, technological innovation, and responsible behaviour in the digital age to ensure the integrity of our democratic processes.

  • AI and Data Mining: A New Frontier in Social Service Eligibility Testing

    Venkatarama Reddy Kommidi

    In the rapidly evolving landscape of government services, a groundbreaking approach is emerging that promises to transform how social welfare programs determine eligibility. Venkatarama Reddy Kommidi, a researcher with expertise in advanced analytics, has developed an innovative framework that harnesses the power of artificial intelligence (AI) and data mining to revolutionize social service administration.

    The Growing Challenge of Manual Eligibility Processes
    Traditional eligibility testing for social services has long been a complex and error-prone process. Human caseworkers face significant challenges with millions of applications processed annually and intricate rules governing program access. The current system needs to work on diverse household compositions, variable income levels, and constantly changing policy requirements. Manual processing leads to backlogs, inconsistent decisions, and delays in critical aid distribution. Additionally, applicants often face burdensome documentation requirements and lengthy wait times, which can deter eligible individuals from seeking assistance. The complexity of verification procedures, combined with limited administrative resources, create bottlenecks that impact both efficiency and accuracy. Language barriers and accessibility issues further compound these challenges, particularly affecting vulnerable populations who most need these services.

    Artificial Intelligence: A Technological Game-Changer
    The proposed AI-driven solution revolutionizes eligibility determinations by automating the processing of complex policy documents into machine-readable formats. Natural language processing and machine learning algorithms enable rapid, accurate application assessment while adapting to policy changes. This systematic approach ensures transparency through detailed audit trails, dramatically improving processing speed and consistency. The framework’s ability to learn from historical data while maintaining clear decision pathways significantly advances inequitable social service delivery.

    Data Mining: Uncovering Hidden Insights
    Beyond basic automation, the framework incorporates sophisticated data mining techniques that provide deeper insights into applicant populations. Clustering algorithms can identify distinct beneficiary profiles, while association rule mining reveals unexpected correlations between demographic factors and program utilization. This approach enables more targeted interventions and resource allocation.

    Potential Benefits: More Than Just Efficiency
    The innovations promise significant improvements across multiple dimensions. Preliminary analyses suggest AI systems could potentially:

    • Reduce processing times by up to 30%.

    • Minimize eligibility determination errors.

    • Handle larger volumes of applications without proportional resource increases.

    • Identify potential fraud or irregularities more effectively.

    Addressing Critical Challenges
    Despite its promise, the research acknowledges several crucial implementation challenges. Data quality, model transparency, and legacy system integration remain significant hurdles. The framework emphasizes the importance of maintaining human oversight and ensuring ethical considerations are paramount.

    A Balanced Approach to Technology Integration
    The proposed solution is about more than replacing human workers but augmenting their capabilities. By automating routine processes, caseworkers can focus on more complex cases requiring nuanced human judgment. The AI system is a sophisticated support tool, providing recommendations and flagging potential issues for further review.

    Future Research Directions
    The research outlines several key areas for future development, including:

    • Enhancing AI algorithm accuracy.

    • Improving model interpretability.

    • Developing robust bias detection mechanisms.

    • Creating standardized evaluation frameworks.

    Economic and Social Impact
    The potential financial implications are substantial. Improper payments due to eligibility determination errors currently amount to billions of dollars annually. By implementing more accurate AI-driven systems, significant cost savings could be realized while ensuring benefits reach those most in need.

    In conclusion, as government services continue to evolve, the intersection of AI and social service administration represents a promising frontier. Venkatarama Reddy Kommidi’s research offers a blueprint for more efficient, accurate, and responsive eligibility testing systems. While challenges remain, the potential to improve millions of citizens’ access to critical support programs is immense.

    This journey toward fully integrated AI in social services has begun, promising a future where technology and human compassion work together to deliver more equitable and practical support.

  • Vertiv enters distribution partnership with PV Lumens to expand critical infrastructure solutions reach in India – CRN

    Vertiv enters distribution partnership with PV Lumens to expand critical infrastructure solutions reach in India – CRN

    Vertiv, today announced its distribution partnership with PV Lumens India Pvt. Ltd. Through this association, Vertiv expands its customer base by gaining access to previously untapped segments of PVL’s partner distribution network in India in the safety, security, and business productivity verticals and enables PV Lumens to offer an expanded portfolio of power, cooling and IT solutions to its partners. This collaboration also offers existing Vertiv customers and channel partners a single point of access to PVL’s solutions, including safety systems, security systems, passive network infrastructure products as well as business productivity solutions.

    Talking about this partnership, Sanjay Zadoo, General Manager – Channel Sales at Vertiv said, “At Vertiv, we strive to create a robust, responsive ecosystem that provides the availability of highly reliable and highly efficient solutions in the market. We are thrilled to work with PV Lumens, who are in complete alignment with this vision of ours. Together we hope to empower PVL and Vertiv channel partners with the IT solutions and resources they need to serve their customers. We look forward to the opportunities this collaboration brings to drive mutual success.”

    Commenting on the distribution partnership, Chaman Pansari, Director, PV Lumens added, “With Vertiv on board, we now have access to an expanded portfolio of offerings that perfectly complement our existing lineup and position us to explore new customer bases while delivering even greater value to our partners. Vertiv’s commitment to quality and innovation aligns seamlessly with our values, and we are excited to introduce these new products and services to our partners. Together, we are confident that we will achieve continued success in the years to come.”

  • Refining Insights: The Role of Data Portals in Modern Organizations

    Robin Sarkar

    Organizations harness innovative technologies to optimize their operations in an era defined by digital transformation and data-driven strategies. Robin Sarkar explores one such innovation—data portals—in his latest publication, highlighting how these platforms reshape data management, decision-making, and organizational efficiency.

    Simplifying Complexity with Data Portals
    Data portals are centralized platforms that organize and provide easy access to an organization’s diverse data assets. They simplify data retrieval and analysis, enabling employees to make informed decisions without technical expertise. By democratizing data access, these platforms foster a data-driven culture. Their impact is measurable: data portals reduce time spent searching for information, enhance data discoverability, and boost productivity. Studies show that effective use of these tools can save organizations millions in operational costs annually.

    Key Features Transforming Data Access
    At the heart of data portals are several transformative features that enhance usability and efficiency:

    1. Centralized Data Repository: By consolidating information from multiple sources, data portals provide a unified view of data, leading to faster retrieval and reduced management costs.

    2. Self-Service Analytics: These tools allow non-technical users to visualize and analyze data independently, reducing reliance on IT teams and accelerating decision-making processes.

    3. Built-in Governance and Security: Data portals include robust access controls, ensuring users access only the data they’re authorized to see. This approach addresses one of the top challenges in data management—security and governance.

    4. Collaboration Tools: Facilitating communication and joint analysis among teams, these tools encourage cross-departmental cooperation, improving decision quality and execution.

    Driving Organizational Efficiency
    Data portals enable organizations to streamline operations and adopt a proactive approach to challenges. A centralized data management system helps maintain consistency, reducing discrepancies and improving overall data quality. Enhanced collaboration tools also shorten the time-to-insight, a critical factor in dynamic business environments.

    Real-time data provided by these platforms equips decision-makers with up-to-date information, enhancing their ability to make timely choices. This feature is particularly beneficial in fast-paced industries where agility and swift decision-making are key to success.

    Challenges in Implementation
    While the advantages of data portals are evident, their implementation comes with hurdles. Common challenges include:

    • Data Quality Issues: Maintaining a reliable single source of truth requires robust governance frameworks and tools.

    • User Adoption: Training initiatives are crucial to familiarize employees with new systems, ensuring widespread adoption and effective usage.

    • Scalability Concerns: As data volumes grow, organizations must ensure that their portal infrastructure can scale without compromising performance.

    Organizations that address these challenges strategically—through measures like user training, adopting cloud-based solutions, and prioritizing user-friendly interfaces—can maximize the return on their investment in data portals.

    Transforming Decision-Making and Business Performance
    The influence of data portals extends beyond operational improvements. They play a pivotal role in shaping strategic outcomes. By making actionable insights accessible, these platforms enable faster, better-informed decisions. Organizations leveraging data portals have reported measurable gains, including higher customer acquisition rates, improved retention, and increased profitability.

    Additionally, the enhanced visibility provided by data portals helps businesses identify inefficiencies, optimize workflows, and create more targeted customer experiences. This combination of operational and strategic benefits positions data portals as essential tools in the modern data-centric business landscape.

    In conclusion, Robin Sarkar’s exploration highlights the transformative role of data portals in navigating the complexities of modern data management. As organizations continue to grapple with increasing data volumes and the need for faster, more informed decision-making, innovations like data portals are proving to be essential tools. These platforms empower businesses to extract value from their data assets, drive innovation, and maintain a competitive edge. By adopting data portals, organizations can enhance operational efficiency, foster a culture of data-driven decision-making, and position themselves for sustained growth and success in an increasingly data-centric world.

  • Salesforce Report: 93% of Indian SMBs Using AI, Grew Their Revenue | CRN

    Salesforce Report: 93% of Indian SMBs Using AI, Grew Their Revenue | CRN




    Salesforce, released the new 6th Edition Small & Medium Business Trends Report, sharing insights from 3,350 leaders from small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) across 26 countries—including 200 from India.

    The new report highlights how forward-looking SMBs are using AI to drive growth amid the meteoric rise of autonomous AI agents.

    Key insights from the research include:

    SMBs Embrace AI

    • Globally, 75% of SMBs say they are either experimenting with or have implemented AI, citing benefits to revenue, productivity, and customer experience.
    • 78% of SMBs in India are using or experimenting with AI
    • Top 3 SMB use cases for AI in India: Automated service chatbots, Marketing campaign optimization, and Generate new content
    • 93% of SMBs in India with AI say it increases revenue
    • 41% of SMB leaders in India worry their company will be left behind when it comes to AI

      SMBs Grapple with Growing Tech Complexity. As technology offerings multiply and capabilities expand, SMB leaders face mounting pressure to effectively manage their tech stack.

    • 60% of SMB leaders in India say keeping pace with changing technology is challenging
      35% of SMB leaders in India say there isn’t time to master all the tech their company uses
    • 86% of SMBs in India say improving the quality of their data would increase revenue

      Trust Is Paramount in the AI Age. Consumer trust is at its lowest point in years. SMBs are prioritizing reliable partnerships as they navigate a world of security risks and rapid technological change.

    • 91% of SMBs in India would spend more on tech from trusted vendors
    • Top 3 SMB concerns about AI in India: Security concerns, Compliance concerns/Customer distrust of AI (tie), and Poor data quality



  • How Cloud Technology is Democratizing Business Communication

    It’s no secret that the Internet managed to democratize countless things which were historically expensive and hard to get. Its impact on consumer access to entertainment and information is well-documented – think encyclopedias, news, movies, etc. – but its impact on small businesses deserves closer examination. It is not just individuals getting a boost: internet technologies made it so that small businesses can access enterprise-grade tools and systems.

    This has played out in a variety of ways, from financial transactions to sales analysis software. But one area of conducting business has both seen a revolution and has flown almost entirely under the radar: contacting customers. Once, the infrastructure required substantial capital investment in hardware, software, and specialized training, creating a significant barrier to entry for small businesses.

    “That’s all in the past thanks to modern technology,” says Dmitri Lepikhov, the CEO of MightyCall, an internet telecommunications company which offers cloud call center software to small and mid-sized businesses. Lepikhov has been at the forefront of this shift. Under Lepikhov’s leadership since 2015, MightyCall has achieved remarkable growth, increasing revenue tenfold. The company was also able to increase staffing by nearly one-third during the pandemic, still maintaining a boutique operation of a little over 60 employees. The company’s growth and success is reflected in its recognition on the Inc. 5000 list and its designation among the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s “Top 100 Small Businesses of 2024.”

    Lepikhov attributes this success to MightyCall’s deep understanding of their target market. “As a relatively small company ourselves, we understand the challenges and needs of our clients. When we spend our time and energy creating new software features or other offerings, we are not just guessing based on trends. We are living the same experience as our customers and get what they need to be successful. This allows us to develop solutions that address real needs with a customer-centric approach.”

    Some of the software, like auto dialers which help small businesses reach large numbers of customers in a relatively short period of time, previously required dedicated hardware systems, and with the emergence of the internet – sophisticated software with a pricepoint inaccessible to small businesses.

    “But now, most can afford it,” Lepikhov says. This is another reason why MightyCall has been so successful: “This has spurred competition: as entry barriers fall, more providers enter the space. In turn, this drives continuous innovation and forces us to update our software and stay cutting edge.”

    Lepikhov points out another way the internet has democratized software: by allowing small businesses to combine tools from different providers. “In the early days of the internet compatibility challenges were rampant, different software could not fit together as if they were puzzle pieces from different puzzles. It got even more complex if one person used a MacBook and the other used a computer with Windows OS.”

    Seamless software integration, where any two or more pieces of software can interact with one another, has changed all that. This interconnectivity has particular significance for small businesses. For instance, a local service provider, like a barbershop, can automatically synchronize online appointments with their calendar system, and even integrate more complex things, like financial management or customer voicemail transcriptions. This opens possibilities for small businesses which they did not have before.

    “In a traditional small business model, if you wanted to run a complete operation, you would need multiple full-time employees for functions like administrative assistance, reception, bookkeeping, and sales,” Lepikhov reflects. “Now the first three of those jobs can be done by software. It lowers operational costs and removes barriers for small businesses. What’s more democratic than that?”