British mathematician
Alan Turing would have celebrated his 108th birthday this week.
Regarded as the father
of computer science and artificial intelligence, Turing played an instrumental
role in deciphering the Nazi Enigma code during World War II. The
communications intercepted thanks to his computational machine are said to have
saved millions of lives.
Sadly, Turing was
never recognised in life for his many contributions to humankind — all on the
basis of his sexual orientation. He died at a young age in tragic
circumstances, after years of prosecution and forced chemical castration.
Thankfully, our society has made major progress since then. But, as we celebrate Pride month, let his story serve as a reminder of why we need to keep fighting for universal LGTBQ rights.
A new survey by
global industry association CompTIA revealed that tech executives are feeling
confident about an imminent return to normality. Around two-thirds of
respondents believe things will be back on track by August, with business
volume already beginning to pick up.
Despite most companies have experienced at least some degree of client loss and restructuring, the sector has shown its resilience by maintaining solid activity levels throughout this crisis period. Training is a focus for 70% of respondents, with soft and business skills being prioritized. Discover what business skills are the most demanded right now.
Apple has news for devs
After months of rumours and speculation,
Apple finally announced it is abandoning Intel chips in favour of its own
ARM-based processors. The custom-built silicon, which will debut in new systems
by the end of the year, is said to deliver better performance at lower power
consumption.
The company is releasing a developer transition kit (DTK) to let developers familiarize themselves with the new architecture. It’s basically a Mac mini on steroids, preloaded with everything you’ll need to start building your software.
COVID came and cyber security got trickier with the surge in remote employees and potentially hackable access points. This week, a WSJ survey revealed another major cause for concern for companies: rogue employees.
About 70% of companies are worried about malicious employees leaking proprietary data or helping attackers get into enterprise networks. For all the advancements in security tools, limiting the harm that can be done by individual employees remains a challenge for most big companies.
Ironically, the study was made public less than a week after a poll by Nordlocker showed that a preoccupying number of employees regularly share sensitive and confidential files via email. Not with malicious intent, though.
News from the frontlines…
What’s tech doing this week about the
coronavirus? If it’s the U.K. we are talking about — starting again from
scratch.
Last week we wondered why the country’s
authorities were silent regarding their NHS-sponsored app. Well, it turns out
that the government is abandoning the app altogether, pursuing instead a new
one based on the Apple-Google technology.
However, the new app is not likely to come in time to be of any significance in the fight against the second wave of the virus this Fall.
But there’s more — allegations have surfaced regarding the NHS’ obsession to shut down rival apps while its now-failed one was in development. Live and let live, as they say.
Companies now require be nimble, act fast and keep a big-picture mentality. Discover these business skills that become priority amidst pandemic.
Making it through uncertain and changing times requires companies to be nimble, act fast and keep a big-picture mentality. At the organisational level, that means implementing smarter resource management and allocation; cutting down fat and focusing on the most future-proof lines of business. Discover these business skills that become priority amidst pandemic.
Although it might seem counterintuitive to a business world that has grown accustomed to laying off personnel whenever there is a crisis. Doubling down on human capital is key to the success of this strategy.
According to Degreed, in the December-March period, the number of clients who searched for business-related trainings to upskill their workforce increased. On the other hand, queries for IT-specific trainings took a considerable dive.
The change of focus makes sense. As higher-level business and management skills can help a great deal in navigating change and identifying new opportunities. For IT professionals and technical profiles, making a lateral career move to become more business-savvy can prove very beneficial.
The most coveted business skills
Based on Degreed’s data, these are the business-related skills for which demand has increased the most since the start of the pandemic, from least to most:
Leadership
This one is a no-brainer. Now more than ever, senior IT experts must know how to effectively take the lead to ensure the proper innovations are implemented across the board. Team management, setting goals and tracking progress, spearheading interdepartmental cooperation. These skills often make the difference between an IT expert and an IT leader.
Compliance
What used to be something for lawyers to worry about is becoming part of everyone’s work life. Especially in areas like IT or marketing, where data privacy regulations keep getting stricter; there is a clear advantage to having specialists who know how to avoid legal minefields in their day-to-day.
In data science and analytics, for example, countless hours of legal review can be saved if those building the models know exactly what they can and cannot do.
One of the most prevalent and accessible data visualisation tools out there. Microsoft Power BI is a business intelligence platform that caters to business users. As an IT professional, knowing your way around MS Power BI will make you a great asset in today’s enterprise. There is always going to be someone in need of an expert to help them set up the environment, train end-users and troubleshoot.
Coaching
Helping others succeed should be every coach’s main goal. This is achieved through motivational support, understanding and the potentiation of individual and collective strengths. Being able to help in that regard makes for a great addition to the team.
In IT, the emergence of new standards of working and team organisation; like Agile or Scrum; is making the figure of the coach an even more important one.
Six Sigma
Devised by Motorola engineer Bill Smith in 1986, Six Sigma is a set of tools for process improvement. Its focus: to streamline business processes while minimising the probability of errors. Six Sigma is now standard for many companies, so it can be worth picking it up.
Change Management
As this whole crisis is demonstrating, managing change is no easy task. One of today’s most repeated business terms, change management refers to the series of processes involved in helping an organisation or industry transition to a new reality. Change management takes into account all stakeholders involved in and necessary for this transition; employing a mix of communication; training and restructuring to effect change.
Design Thinking
Based on how designers are taught to approach problems, design thinking is a way of looking at the world as much as it is a method for developing better and more efficient solutions. The strategy parts from putting oneself in the shoes of the end-user, designing the product for what it needs to be in addition to what we want to be. Clearly, a useful methodology when designing apps and platforms.
Looking for your next star hire or the next step in your career? Club Freelance is here to help you.
S/4HANA is short for “Simplified For HANA (Hi-Performance Analytical Appliance).” While ECC6 objective is to run on a variety of databases from vendors such as Oracle or IBM, S/4HANA; as its name suggests; can only operate on SAP HANA. Launched in 2015, SAP’s in-memory database allows for increase data access speed and greater live data analysis capabilities. This is a key advantage in the era of the connected enterprise and data insights. Additionally, a different column-based data organisation allows for the reduction of the number of databases needed to integrate all the information. This allows to streamline and speed up data analysis.
But let’s dive into the details of this overview of SAP S/4HANA.
SAP S/4HANA vs ECC6: A New UX
Additionally, S/4HANA comes with significant updates. Among the most immediately noticeable changes is the system’s reliance on the SAP Fiori 3 UX. The new user experience streamlines day-to-day use of the platform for both developers and end-users.
Another big change introduced by S/4HANA comes in terms of module and component organisation.
Firstly, data from what were two separate modules; Financial Accounting (FI) and Controlling (CO); is now integrated into a single pool of information: the Universal Journal. The new arrangement allows users and business managers to make better and faster decisions from a more holistic financial and management perspective.
By integrating all accounting-relevant information from various components into a single, universal journal, S/4HANA speeds up data processes by eliminating redundancies and data reconciliation. The result is a data insights ecosystem that puts less strain on the system and has a reduced memory footprint.
Embedded analytics and Machine Learning
Additionally, a built-in data analytics module further supports this integrated data processing approach. Embedded Analytics leverages SAP ABAP Core Data Services technology to create Virtual Data Models out of operational data and provide real-time operational reporting. In other words, everything that business users need to operate from a smart business cockpit packed with data insights and forward-looking tools.
Furthermore, embedded Machine Learning capabilities push these predictive tools to a new level, allowing companies to build smart applications like predictive pricing and maintenance.
Greenfield vs.
Brownfield implementation
First of all, it is important to note that not all S/4HANA migration projects work in the same way, and therefore, the expertise you will require and obtain will depend on the type of project you are involved in.
A greenfield implementation refers to the process
of adopting S/4HANA and designing its ERP system from scratch. This approach
parts from the business and operational needs of the system to then come up with
the technical infrastructure that will make it possible. Greenfield projects
can be applied when an organization has no previous ERP system or processes in
place, as well as when it wants to design a completely new one.
Conversely, brownfield implementations part from already present processes or systems and convert them to the S/4HANA platform. This process involves the revision of the entire previous ecosystem and then the optimisation of existing processes. Companies who are already working with SAP’s previous suite (ECC6 and want to upgrade to S/4HANA, often apply it.
Blueprinting
Preparation is fundamental. A successful migration to S/4HANA is dependent on the proper outlining of a series of key processes. Since the ERP suite has a one source of truth approach, these involve integrating all relevant data into the same data pools. The processes will be approached differently in greenfield and brownfield migrations.
For example, all accounting-related data will be entered once into the Universal Journal. A similar process will be carried out to unify all partner-related information into the Business Partner data pool. A thorough mapping and configuration of New Asset Accounting will be required to migrate to S/4HANA finance, etc.
The team in charge of the migration will need to make an inventory of all preexisting data sets and figure out a way of adapting them to the S/4HANA ecosystem. These processes involve a lot of data cleaning and reconciliation and can take a lot of time. However, companies must ensure they put enough focus on this step, as it will serve as the backbone on which to build a next-generation ERP and a truly intelligent digital enterprise.
This overview of SAP S/4HANA piqued your interest? Want to make the most of S/4HANA’s career potential? Check out also our comprehensive S/4HANA Careers Guide.
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Robots take the streets; Contact tracing apps are here; The cloud’s about to burst; News from the frontlines… Discover Weekly Tech & IT News.
Robots take the streets & make their first en-masse appearance
A news article on pizza-delivering robots.
Amazon and its flashy drones. That friendly robot shaking your hand at an
industry conference.
Robots had long appeared ready to make the
jump to public life. But it took a pandemic to finally start turning the hype
into reality. That is, of course, aside from industrial automation.
As humans fled streets and public buildings
seeking refuge from the virus, robots started pitching in and even replacing
them. Grocery delivery, temperature screening, sanitation, information — you
name it.
However convenient robots might be, their growing presence has some people worried. One can understand why when learning about Singapore’s park-patrolling, robotic dogs, which kindly remind you of your social distancing obligations whenever you get to close to another person.
After much debate and speculation around the
viability and safety of relying on mobile apps to carry out large-scale contact
tracing, the use of these apps is spreading.
Germany launched
this week its own version, which is based on the platform created by the
Apple-Google partnership. Switzerland, Ireland and Austria are conducting
testing, while Japan is expected to announce a Microsoft-powered solution later
this week.
Unfortunately, not everything is going well for all those in these arena. After starting testing in the Isle of Wight, the U.K. has gone quiet about its NHS-developed app. Experts in the matter point at the lack of adoption and Bluetooth problems as the most likely culprits behind the authorities’ silence.
Meanwhile, Norway has put on hold its centralized app after a privacy watchdog denounced its unnecessary use of users’ GPS.
A new
study by O’Reilly Media published this week revealed
that over 88% of businesses are on the cloud, with most of them expecting to
grow their usage in the upcoming months. Furthermore, a staggering 25% of
respondents said their companies plan to move all their applications to the
cloud in the near future.
Beyond these headline findings, the survey confirms the popularity of the multi-cloud and of microservices. Amazon AWS reigns supreme, followed by Microsoft Azure.
Just this week, Microsoft provided more details on how the increase in cloud demand is affecting its infrastructure, forcing the company to expand Azure capacity and implement smarter workload distribution.
A look at what how technology can help in the
fight against the virus.
AI can be used in a number of ways to limit the spread of infections, carry out faster diagnostics and provide better patient treatment. From optimizing the use of human resources at the hospital level to the triage of patients, here’s what AI can do.
Amazon revealed a new AI-powered monitoring tool to help its warehouse employees maintain social distancing. The system, which gives live feedback via TV screens, has been met with backlash by workers and the public alike.
React.js is a JavaScript code library. React.js Developer is mainly responsible for front-end web application development.
Use our template to create a compelling and comprehensive React.js Dev job description to attract top talent.
In the field of web development, there is a diversity of jobs depending on the programming language or environment concerned web developer, full-stack developer, swift developer, node.js developer… The React.js Developer is among these different specializations.
React.js is a JavaScript code library used for creating user interfaces. React.js developers are mainly responsible for front-end web application development.
Firstly, the main mission of the developer React.js lies in front-end development. Using the JavaScript library allows coders to quickly develop user interfaces. React.js is generally used for creating projects that require a certain aestheticism. Easier to read and write than PHP and offering good performance; React.js quickly won over the developers community and its adoption keeps on growing within the industry.
Unit testing
Further, performing unit tests makes it possible to verify that the developed application works perfectly and does not have any problem with its code linking.
In addition, it is a guarantee of quality that the developer must not neglect in their activities to perfectly meet the expectations of the client or project.
Writing technical documents
To avoid misunderstandings and to better cater to the end user’s needs, React.js developers may also be required to write technical documents.
Required skills of the React.js Developer
Mastery of languages
These developers must, of course, master the React environment.
For instance, being familiar with other languages such as HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript and a number of APIs… Technical tools and frameworks related to web development are also great complementary assets.
Curiosity
Moreover, the developer must be curious about the advances in web environments and cutting-edge technologies. In order to apply the latest innovations to the design of interfaces.
Adaptability
The web environment is constantly evolving with new tools and languages. This requires developers to be also able to easily adapt to the changing ecosystem to remain at the forefront of development.
Within the industry
React.js was created in 2013 by Facebook to manage the network’s news feed. Instagram, Netflix, Airbnb or even WhatsApp use this library.
React appeals to developers because of its quick interface creation capabilities and ease of use.
Salary of the React.js Developer
The average daily rate of a React.js Developer fluctuates between €350 and €500.
Training of the React.js Developer
To become a React.js Developer, it is recommended to follow a computer engineering training specializing in web development. More specifically in React.js
Looking for the definitive S/4HANA careers guide? Here's everything you need to know about pursuing a career in the new incarnation of SAP's ERP
Looking for the definitive S/4HANA careers guide? Here’s an overview of everything you need to know about pursuing a career in the new incarnation of SAP’s ERP; S/4HANA.
The clock is ticking for companies across the globe to migrate to SAP’s next-generation ERP suite. With the German company discontinuing official support for its currently most used ERP (ECC6) in 2030; those businesses working with the legacy software must now go through the lengthy and resource-intensive process. And that is great news for you.
Although S/4 is the future of SAP ERP and organisations adopting SAP for the first time are jumping directly into the newer platform; expertise in S/4 remains elusive as many companies are still waiting to carry out the migration.
Whether you are interested in learning more about S/4HANA or you would like to expand your expertise, these are golden days for SAP specialists. The generational change in both the workforce and SAP’s ERP offers an unparalleled opportunity for consultants and in-house talent alike. Take advantage of it. Develop your S/4 expertise with this S/4HANA careers guide. The rewards will be plentiful.
Any S/4HANA careers guide should start by clarifying exactly what S/4HANA is.
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems are all-encompassing software toolsets with capabilities extending across most business functions and departments. From accounting and human resources to procurement and supply chain management, ERP software allows organisations to easily plan and execute operations from a single platform. The speed, efficiency and cohesiveness derived from its use have made ERP a staple of business management. As well as one of the most profitable specialisations in the IT world.
S/4HANA is SAP’s response to the enterprise’s move to the cloud and its need for faster data processing. Half of all business data is estimated to be already in the cloud. More and more companies are taking business-critical applications off-premises, and few applications are more critical than ERP systems. At the same time, the modern enterprise requires data insights and operational efficiency that were simply out of reach for legacy ERP software.
Labelled as SAP’s next-generation ERP, S/4HANA will effectively replace the ubiquitous ECC6 suite. When official support for the latter is discontinued in 2030.
Migration to S/4Hana
The migration to S/4HANA, has many steps and can accommodate several approaches. Companies moving into the new ecosystem can do so by building on top of already existing systems or by starting anew (brownfield vs. greenfield implementation). Regardless of the chosen approach, however, you can be sure of one thing: all projects start with the blueprinting
As a world-leading ERP provider, SAP provides a comprehensive catalogue of solutions that only experts can implement and help run smoothly. Accordingly, there is a constant stream of demand for IT professionals with SAP skills. What’s more: demand outweighs supply in some areas of expertise. Chief among these is S/4HANA.
According to a report by Resulting IT, only 8% of organisations using ECC have made the transition to the new iteration of SAP’s software suite. That is alarming, especially considering that the report estimates the current product set has over 400 million lines of code and many companies have invested millions customizing it. These will have to be re-written when moving to S/4HANA. But that’s just the beginning of the story.
When it comes to S/4HANA, the difficulties in finding talent that is well-versed in the new environment multiply. There is a generalised lack of experience in the live or near go-live stages of the transition. Although 48% of SAP specialists declare having been involved in S/4 projects. A significant portion of these are solutions architects. And therefore only have experience in the early blueprinting stages of the project.
Couple that with the fact that; just in the UK alone; 40% of SAP experts plan to retire within the next 10 years, and we are looking at the perfect storm.
The expertise that you will develop and need will vary depending on the type of projects you take.
Additionally, and just as with ECC6, there are two main categories of S/4HANA expert profiles: functional and technical. These two categories often overlap with one another, and the best specialists have a combination of the two.
Go beyond this S/4HANA careers guide and learn more about all the different roles within S/4HANA.
Developing your S/4HANA expertise
At the theoretical level, the best way to go about honing your S/4HANA skills is to resort to SAP’s official learning portal, SAP Training. There you can find a myriad of courses and certifications that will help you master the various tools in S/4.
While the courses are free, you must pay a fee to obtain the official certification. But we highly recommend you do so, since they are a great measurement of how prepared you are and validate your expertise in front of the SAP community. They will look great on your CV
The courses and certifications are a good option for newcomers to the SAP ecosystem. But also for seasoned professionals looking to upskill and add new S/4HANA capabilities to their toolset.
No matter how good your S/4HANA careers guide is, and in addition to learning the basics and getting certified, you must get real-world experience working with S/4HANA. The way to go about it will depend on how many S/4 projects you have previously collaborated with, as well as your knowledge of ERP systems and business domains.
To those who are completely new to S/4HANA, it can be challenging to get a job in a field that requires previous experience. But you can get around this barrier.
Be ready to take a pay cut in exchange for a role in S/4HANA projects, even if it is through positions that are more junior than those you would normally pursue. Think of it as an investment in your future. Make sure to highlight the suitable skills that you already possess, like ERP expertise or knowledge in and business.
The importance of attending events
You should also keep an eye open for any relevant industry and networking events. Attending will give you a better feel for what it is like to work in S/4 and will provide you with actionable tips on how to build your career. You can even often find companies looking for new talent among attendees.
Re-orient your CV to highlight your S/4 focus and skills. Present yourself not as an IT expert with S/4 know-how, but as an expert in S/4HANA. Try to get involved in a wider variety of projects that allow you to build deeper and more comprehensive expertise. Again, industry events are highly recommended to stay up-to-date with current trends and best practices and network with other professionals. Keep learning. Stay tuned regarding software updates, new certifications.
There is always room for improvement. Once you have some S/4HANA experience on your back, focus on becoming a true expert in the technology.
In addition to cultivating your S/4HANA skills, you must define a career strategy. What’s the best way of becoming a highly coveted expert? There is not a simple answer to this question. Especially since the rapid evolution of the talent market has blurred the traditional line between permanent contracts and freelancing.
Permanent position & Freelancing paths
A permanent position offers you greater stability and social protections. Giving you access to more economic benefits, like unemployment and certain contract regulations. It also lets you enjoy the totality of a company’s corporate benefits, whether it’s paid tuition or a gym membership. Something you wouldn’t have access to as an independent employee. This can be decisive in newer fields like S/4HANA, since you might be able to benefit from free training and career development programs.
On the other hand, freelancing makes it easier for you to develop a wider range of skills by working on different projects. This broader experience is very attractive to employers. At the same time, businesses are more likely to hire freelancers for S/4HANA projects, as there is a shortage of skilled workers and S/4 implementations often have a specific duration.
Independent workers must deal with limited social protections, fluctuating activity and internal red tape. However, the average daily rate of SAP freelancers is well above the average rate of salaried employees in most countries. They also express high levels of job satisfaction, with 4-out-of-5 freelancers claiming to be happy with their lifestyle.
Conclusion
Depending on the stage of your life cycle you find yourself in, you’ll tend to favour one option over the other, and that’s totally fine. Both paths are complementary and have their perks and disadvantages. Additionally, the relative novelty of S/4HANA is a key factor to consider when making your decision.
Artificial Stupidity and Racial Bias: discover our Weekly News about Tech & IT.
Artificial Stupidity and Racial Bias: discover our Weekly News about Tech & IT.
Artificial Stupidity and Racial Bias
Microsoft’s AI news editor confuses mixed-race singers
Last week, The Guardian revealed Microsoft’s
plans to fire the human editors in charge of its MSN.com news portal. Their
replacement? A new artificial intelligence software.
Unfortunately for the company, the decision
took less than a week to backfire. Instead of delivering proof of Microsoft’s
AI prowess, the move served as the perfect example of the dangers of AI’s
racial bias.
In the midst of a global call for racial equality, Microsoft’s robot editor sparked public outrage when it illustrated a news story about racism with the picture of the wrong mixed-race member of the band Little Mix.
Lots to think about here.
Oops
Microsoft’s demise might have provided the
perfect opportunity for IBM to score major PR points against one of its main
competitors.
The attack, thought by security experts to
have been caused by Ekans (or Snake) ransomware, spread quickly throughout the
company’s network, allegedly affecting production, sales and development.
Cyber attacks are on the rise since the start of the pandemic, highlighting the importance of having a proper risk management strategy in place.
Technology is playing an important role in
the fight against the virus.
The U.K.’s health secretary, Matt Hancock, praised tech’s COVID-19 response during his talk at CogX, an annual global leadership summit focused on artificial intelligence. Hancock declared tech the backbone of the country’s testing program and discussed its upcoming contact tracing app.
As businesses around the world begin preparations for the return to the office, a shadow still looms over IT departments: cybersecurity.
At the beginning and height of the pandemic, the surge in remote work and a new wave of malware attacks put extra strain on network and infrastructure security. Now, with some employees staying at home while others go back on-site, these challenges remain a priority.
First things first — Make a full inventory of all business-critical assets and infrastructure. Then, make sure you get the full picture of your strengths and weaknesses. Once that is done, IT and senior management should decide together what level of risk can be assumed and outline a comprehensive security strategy. All concerned stakeholders, from staff to partners and suppliers, must be made then aware of said policy.
Secure
configuration
Then, no one sets out on a journey without first doing a thorough check-up of the vessel. Make sure all your systems and tools are configured properly and that the latest updates are installed. Disable unnecessary functionalities and fix any issues that might compromise your ecosystem.
Network security
The IT network of
today’s businesses is vast, intricated and somewhat obscure. It combines
different physical locations with cloud services and remote workers and
collaborators. In this context, you must think of any and all vulnerable points
of entry and put processes like VPNs in place to minimise risks.
Malware protection
Also, invest in the malware prevention tools, paying special attention to the functionalities offered in relation to your current and future needs. These tools can come in the form of both software solutions and policies regarding the exchange of information.
Defining user
privileges
Not all employees and users need access to everything in your network. So, split your users into levels and assign different privileges to each of these groups, limiting access to the most sensitive information to a few users. Moreover, it is a simple step that can save you a lot of trouble if an attack gets through, effectively serving as a firewall around the more critical parts of your network.
Incident management
In addition, outline and implement a clear process for identifying and managing incidents whenever they appear. When doing so, keep in mind response time and inter-departmental collaboration to ensure a smooth and efficient response.
User education and awarenes with cybersecurity
Then, put in place security awareness programs and carry out training when necessary. Human error is still the first cause behind enterprise data breaches. Therefore, simple-to-avoid malware tactics like phishing can be effectively managed by promoting a security-conscious culture across your stakeholders.
Home and mobile
working
Also, COVID-19 has made it more evident than ever that work extends beyond the office doors. Your employee training and awareness programs should include recommendations on how to work remotely in a safe manner. Make sure you complement this approach with the proper software and network security tools like the aforementioned VPN.
Removable media
controls
This is another area
in which education and awareness play a big role. Removable devices such as USB
sticks and hard drives are a great conduit for malware to spread. They also complicate
the safeguarding of any information that is exported out of the system. Awareness
initiatives in this area should be accompanied by specific software tools and
policies, like limiting what information can be exported and by who.
Monitoring
Finally, remember to
stay alert. None of the above steps will suffice unless you establish a
comprehensive and ongoing surveillance system. Set up all the monitoring
software that you will need to protect your network and train your IT staff to spot
any irregularities early on.
We're okay with surveillance tech now. Just a few months ago, criticism was mounting in the U.K. around the facial recognition technology being tested by London’s Metropolitan Police to safeguard the city streets.
Just a few months ago, criticism was mounting in the U.K. around
the facial recognition technology being tested by London’s Metropolitan Police
to safeguard the city streets.
Then came COVID-19 and our focus and
priorities changed. But as many non-essential stores get ready to re-open in
mid-June, the general public is again facing the dilemma of adopting monitoring
tech.
Only this time is a more contested dilemma.
A recent Intu survey revealed that 60% of shoppers actively encourage stores to implement surveillance technologies that help make shopping safer. The proposed measures include temperature scans at entry points and CCTV to control crowds.
It’s not facial recognition. But we’re getting there. No wonder security experts are concerned that surveillance might be here to stay.
Switching focus to cyber viruses
One thing can’t be denied about the global
response to the pandemic: we weren’t ready for it although we had been told to
expect it.
To help avoid future catastrophic mistakes,
the World Economic Forum has issued a call to action for
businesses and institutions to prepare for the cyber pandemic we know will
come.
In today’s interconnected world, a global cyberattack with a behaviour similar to COVID-19 (highly infectious and with high rates of asymptomatic infections) could lead to major cyber outages costing $50 billion per day.
WannaCry and other large-scale breaches were the wake-up call, just like SARS and MERS foretold the current crisis. Let’s do something about it this time.
Building a solid AI foundation
Many are the companies looking to jump on the
bandwagon of the AI boom. Sometimes even too quickly.
Stephanie Overby at The Enterprisers Project shares some counterintuitive tips on how to implement artificial intelligence into business processes. Building a solid foundation is the crux of proper AI adoption.
Key points include taking time to evaluate current needs, as well as investing in talent and skills before tools.
This is what the tech world is doing to help
fight the pandemic:
Biotech entrepreneurs are proposing another
approach to mass testing: biosensors. Different sensor technologies currently
under development could be advantageous over existing
testing methods like the PCR test, providing faster and more
accurate results. At a privacy cost, of course.
Also, a new wristband helps
avoid blood clots in patients that remain immobilised for long periods of time
due to COVID-19.
—
? ? ?
Finally, tech has always been about
connecting people. But how about connecting people and animals? Folks in Palo
Alto have created a website through which you can feed a flock of happy chickens in
real time.
And don’t worry –
it’s animal safe, solar-powered and you can even donate money to a pet rescue
organisation.
“You did great today, Nadia.”
Ziza seemed quite enthusiastic. Perhaps too much.
“I guess? I just hope
this goes through. Could really use the commission this month,” said Nadia as
she entered the elevator. A few weeks ago, she had timed how long it took for
the lift to reach the ground floor. Fifty-eight floors in barely thirty
seconds. Now that was fast.
In the streets, the
morning fog had turned into evening fog. Waves of commuters struggled against
the tide to find their way home. Nadia avoided the constant stream of electric
scooters and made her way down the street and into the subway station. As
always, the train car was packed. Nadia tried to maintain the balance without
touching anything or anyone. It was like surfing, but cheaper. As programmed,
Ziza went on to cover the news of the day. Apparently two members of the same
family won the Mars shuttle lottery. What were the odds?
“Incoming message,” said
Ziza halfway through the report.
“Shoot.”
It was a message from
Tom. Short and sweet, as he liked to say – Get some sleep. We start first
thing tomorrow.
Nadia was ecstatic. She
decided to stop by the bakery right beneath her apartment and get a big box of pastries
to bring with her to the office the next day. She fought the urge to grab one
of them as during the way up. They were freshly baked, and the warmth of the
box felt nice on her cold hands.
But as she reached the
top of the stairs, Nadia saw that the door to her apartment was half open. She
rushed down the hall, expecting to find everything upside down like it happened
when burglars entered her parents’ house last year. To her surprise, everything
was exactly like she had left it that morning. Well, everything but a small envelope
that was resting in the middle of the living room floor.
Nadia opened it and found an old thumb drive. She remembered her Computer History teacher telling them about these early 21st-century storage devices. To think that people would carry those around all the time… And only for a few GBs worth of storage.
Intrigued, Nadia closed
the apartment’s door and examined the drive. Maurice at the office was good at these
things. He had all sorts of gadgets and spare parts, but Nadia couldn’t wait
until tomorrow. Should she call the police? Nah. Nothing got stolen, and it was
not worth all that time and paperwork. Wait…
She took the old laptop
that her dad had given her to decorate her new flat. It had belonged to her
grandfather, apparently. It took her a while, but she finally managed to detach
one of the laptop’s USB ports and connect it to her home computer. She inserted
the thumb drive. With a sudden bang, a power surge left the room in the dark. Of
course.
“Ziza, status report.
What happened?”
“Hello, Nadia.” But to
her surprise, it wasn’t Ziza’s voice. It was that of a young woman.
“Who… who are you?”
“You can call me EVE.”
Nadia took a long sip of coffee and let her gaze go from one person to the other around the conference table. A strange bunch. Even in their formal business attires, she could tell how different they were from one another. Two men and two women, their ages ranging from the early thirties to the mid-fifties. She tried to come up with a background story for each one of them as Tom from sales walked them through the proposal. Raindrops kept hitting the glass wall behind them. It was an unusually foggy autumn day. Nadia could barely see the building across the street.
“I keep telling you:
there’s something weird about this guy. It’s as if… Hey – Nadia. For real?”
Tom’s hand was suddenly going up and down in front of her face.
“Sorry, what?”
Nadia came back to her
surroundings and tried to recall anything of her colleague’s speech. Not a
chance. She swallowed the rice in her mouth and smiled at Tom. He was sitting
on the opposite side of the cafeteria table. His bald head and shaven face
contrasted with the overly sized red glasses he was wearing. He had a different
colour for every day of the week. Or so Nadia liked to think.
“Never mind, don’t bother.”
“Look, Tom. I’m sorry. I
know I’ve been a bit off these past few days,” said Nadia. The dining hall was
rather empty that day. Perhaps one of the office floors was having a birthday
celebration or something. Hmmm — pizza.
“Seriously, it was
nothing,” said Tom. “But Nadia; I’m a little worried about you. Ever since we
signed on RayStar you have been acting all down and so not like you. I thought
that this is what you wanted, to work on a big account, you know – have an
impact.”
“By quietly shielding a
major corporation from dozens of cyberattacks every day? Yeah, right. Big game
changer over here. Hey, I’m going to save the world!” Nadia had raised her voice
and was now speaking to the whole room, her arms held high above her in a
gesture of victory.
A few heads turned, shook
in disbelief and then went back to their plates. Tom sighed and got up.
“Play tough if you want. Sarcasm won’t hide whatever is wrong. Especially not from you.” Tom reached for the interior pocket of his bright blue blazer and took out a black plastic card. “There’s this place in Shoreditch. A friend of Hao is throwing a party there tomorrow night. Drop by, would you? You could use a break. Use this to get in.”
Tom left the card on the table and walked off, adjusting his glasses with the index finger. Ugh. That had been hard. She loved Tom. He and his boyfriend were just so nice to her. When was the last time she had seen Hao anyway? Nadia picked up the card and flipped it. There were some words carved into the plastic: The Blue Dragon. 4 Chance St, Shoreditch, London.
“Let me guess; I am not
allowed to go,” said Nadia to the silent partner in her ear.
“I did not say that,”
responded the female voice. Nadia felt the frustration mounting up and took a
long, deep breath.
“So, I can barely talk to anyone, but I’m allowed to go to a party?”
“Even I have feelings, Nadia,” said EVE laughing. “You have been so good these past weeks. Plus, we don’t want them to get suspicious. I sensed distress in your friend’s voice. Well-intended, nosey people can cause a lot of problems.”
“Well, aren’t you nice?” Nadia did nothing to disguise her disdain. She didn’t even know who she was talking to — an AI or a real person. Nadia grabbed her bag and started making her way back to the holovisor room.
“Oh, and Nadia. Don’t say
anything you might regret at the party. We wouldn’t want your sister to get hurt,
would we?”
A chill went down Nadia’s
spine as she rested her chin on the biometric scan that guarded the RayStar
project holovisors. The doors opened with a soft beep. Nadia walked in.
