The Nation Newspaper

Tag: IT

  • ‘Microsoft encouraging skills in cloud and data architecture’

    ‘Microsoft encouraging skills in cloud and data architecture’

    Microsoft is encouraging those in the field of IT to gain skills in cloud and data architecture, as the Middle East and Africa moves into the mobile-first, cloud-first world at an increasingly fast pace.

    “As more enterprises, consumers and cities embrace the cloud and it becomes part of everyday life, the demand for cloud architects is obviously growing. It’s an exciting industry to be in, with lots of areas of specialisation, and more jobs being created each year,” says Oluyomi Alarape, Director, Cloud & Enterprise, Microsoft Nigeria.

    Microsoft Azure, the company’s growing collection of integrated cloud services, is welcoming more than 93, 000 new subscriptions a month. At the recent global AzureCon and Strata summits, Microsoft unveiled a series of new offerings across cloud, big data and the Internet of Things.  One of the new products will unleash big data productivity with Azure Data Lake.

    This will make big data processing and analytics simpler and more accessible for developers, data scientists and analysts to store data of any size, shape and speed, across platforms and languages.

    Michael Ayeni, a cloud solution architect in Nigeria says, “Microsoft has backed up its commitment to improving customer success by hiring 560 new Cloud Solution Architects worldwide. Being an indigenous Cloud Solution Architect means I am able to develop and implement architectural designs that are cognizant of the local landscape, which in turn drives IT value realisation.”

    Eric Ballnath, who joined Microsoft as a cloud solutions architect from Amazon in April 2015 and is based in the UAE, agrees. He foresees a future where each person on the planet will have a representation of themselves as a virtual identity stored in the cloud, together with their private and business data. “Strong cryptography will ensure our data can only be accessed with our knowledge and consent. We will interact with technology seamlessly across a multitude of different devices.”

    Cloud architects like Michael and Eric are key to helping Microsoft achieve its vision, according to Oluyomi Alarape “They are the ones who are building secure and robust cloud-powered experiences for our customers and setting us apart from our competitors.”

    Microsoft’s unique approach to the cloud spans three areas. Hyper-scale infrastructure to assist organisations to reach their customers; hybrid differentiation, which allows organisations to combine cloud and on-premise servers; and enterprise grade to ensure security and compliance, as well as flexibility and choice.

    Microsoft’s Azure Trust Centre also gives customers peace of mind that they are protected by the world’s leading security measures and certificates. These measures mean more people across the Middle East and Africa are moving to the cloud to enjoy features that enhance productivity and security.

    Cloud security specialists are also in demand. Often a deterrent for new customers of the cloud is data security and lack of education around data protection and privacy laws. Microsoft’s hybrid approach helps those who are hesitant, to be guided into the cloud, not pushed. The company’s international experience and expertise means the latest security measures are automatically updated. With its partner network across the region, there will always be back-up support and education for customers within their local legislative context.

    “Cloud computing will see immense growth when countries across the Middle East and Africa have strong legislation in place to ensure data protection. Governments can gain by prioritising this because cloud provides the most affordable and scalable way for businesses to be competitive, and this is what’s most exciting. Cloud drives innovation,” says Oluyomi Alarape

     

  • Bring it on!

    •Gov. Ambode seems to tell hoodlums as he kits Lagos police to the teeth

    All the bad guys in Lagos must have left town now if they had any smarts. The new government in the megacity led by ebullient Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has finally shown its teeth. As if to test the will of the new ‘kid’ in Lagos Government House, there have been a series of dare-devil robbery operations in the few months of the Ambode administration.

    The government on the other hand, seems to have decided to respond in kind rolling out for the Lagos police, an armada of hardware perhaps never seen before in the annals of the city-state.

    Barely a week ago, it seemed quite fitting that President Muhammadu Buhari had to inaugurate the N4.7 billion security equipment. In the array are five helicopters, 15 Armoured Personnel Carriers, 165 vehicles, 115 power-bikes and two gun boats. Others include revolving lights, siren, public address system, vehicular radio communicators, bullet-proof vests, helmets, handcuffs and more.

    Even more remarkable is the ‘software’ component of the package which was obviously not palpable to many. This is the improved insurance and death benefits that have been availed to the police in Lagos State.

    From the foregoing, there is no doubt that the state government has once again raised the ante and redirected the narrative in the policing of the state. In just six months, Governor Ambode may have opened a fresh vista in the security architecture of the state and is poised to build on the outstanding precedents of former Governors Bola Tinubu and Raji Fashola.

    While Tinubu had vastly rebranded and re-kitted ‘Operation Sweep’, turning it to the Rapid Respond Squad; Gov. Fashola had reconfigured and deepened the template with the setting up of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund. Working with corporate Lagos, the LSSTF had pooled ample funds needed to support the police and security machinery in the state.

    Governor Ambode captured the mood of the moment when he noted at the event that: “With our commitment to light up Lagos, we are sure we are on our way to creating a robust economy. It is in our best interest. We are all aware of the recent trend in terror attacks all over the world. As one of the emerging global city-states, it has become compelling to reenergise the security infrastructure in meeting with present day realities.”

    It is one thing to push out sophisticated equipment to the police and indeed, the police get equipment boost now and then. But what is vital is the ability of the police to maintain its hardware and manage its store. Police vehicles and equipment hardly last six months before they become disused and barely functional. Most police vehicles and facilities appear battered and unsightly due mainly to reckless usage.

    The police authorities must change its template on the management of its inventory. It will not be out of place to establish a state-of the art repairs yard in collaboration with the private sector to ensure that police vehicles, APCs and other mechanical equipment are kept in good conditions all the time. Often, police operational vehicles have been sighted on unseemly errands such as shopping and house moving. This should never be.

    Indeed, time is now for the police hierarchy to particularly re-imagine the Lagos arm of its operations and gear it to meet the increasingly sophisticated demands of a metropolitan police. The Lagos arm is an elite security and intelligence force that would require specialised training, kitting and civilising process.

    We urge the Inspector-General of Police and the Police Service Commission to rethink the Lagos operation as a model for policing, with a view to building it into a world-class corps. Only this kind of mindset will make policing effective in an emerging megacity such as Lagos State.

  • How to bridge skilled IT gap, by NCS

    • To honour SGF, FIRS chair, others

    The Nigerian Computer Society (NCS) has said the widening information communication technology (ICT) skilled manpower gap in the country could only be bridged if the public sector collaborates with the private sector to provide the funding needed for learning tools, research and development in the tertiary institutions in the country.

    Its President, Prof. Adesola Aderounmu who spoke on the sidelines of a press conference ahead the group’s annual National Information Technology Merit Award (NITMA) at the weekend in Lagos, said any nation that wants to develop a knowledge-based economy must develop its institutions of higher learning where knowledge is imparted on the youths.

    “From the point of view of somebody with responsibility to impart knowledge, primarily, one of the core mandates of the university system is to produce skilled manpower for the economy. This is further complemented at different levels by the polytechnics, monotechnics and colleges of education.

    “However, inadequate funding has been the challenge of most of these institutions especially for science-oriented courses requiring laboratories. One way forward is to nurture a mutually benefitting relationship between the industry and the institutions. If some of the products of these institutions will have to work in the industry, it makes sense for the industry to also invest in their training.

    “In developed world, companies set up laboratories in the universities. I look forward to Nigerian companies doing similar things here,” Prof Aderoumu said.

    Speaking earlier on the 2015 NITMA, he said the event is designed to honour and reward excellence and outstanding contributions in Nigeria’s IT industry. “It is an event to honour those who have made a giant stride and significant impact in expanding the frontiers of IT in Nigeria. It is a night of awards to celebrate the best of Nigerian IT creativity and innovation that has fundamentally changed, and is still changing the nation;  winners are recognised for being inspiring symbols of the IT community. It is honour well deserved. Nigeria, not just the IT community, owes them a huge debt of gratitude,” he said, adding that the ceremony will take place at Mosun Centre Onikan Lagos on November 26.

    He said professional fellowship would be bestowed on the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Engr. Babachir David Lawal, Mr. Babatunde Fowler, Executive Chairman Federal inland Revenue Services (FIRS) will receive special recognition award while honourary fellowship will go to Prof. Vincent Ado Tenebe Vice Chancellor National Open University Nigeria, for his continuing and outstanding contribution to IT development; and Mr Yusuf Kazaure MD/CEO of Galaxy Backbone Limited for his innovative technological ideas and broadband.

    IT Personality of the year nominees are  CEO,  MainOne, Ms Funke Opeke; CEO, Omatek, Mrs Florence Seriki; CEO, MIS, Mr Etim Amana; and Regional Director RLG, Tosin Ilesanmi.

    Founder Chams Plc, Sir Demola Aladekomo, CEO, Condata Systems, Dr. Chris Nwannenna, and  the Permanent Secretary (Political Affairs) Office of the SGF, Mrs Ibukun Odusote, would receive special recognition awards too.

     

     

     

     

  • Investment in IT key to Nigeria’s growth, says NAICOM chief

    Investment in IT key to Nigeria’s growth, says NAICOM chief

    Nigeria must invest heavily in technological development and management, which will in turn aid growth and suitable competitiveness in various sectors of the economy, Commissioner for Insurance, National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), Mohammed Kari has said.

    He made this call at the maiden conference on Management, Technology and Development of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, Bauchi State.

    The Commissioner, therefore, challenged the University’s Faculty of Management Technology to reach out to insurance sector to maximise its contribution of technology in the country and ensure some relationship is developed soonest.

    He noted that as robust as the curriculum vitae (CV) of the faculty was, as read out by the Dean, it was sad to see that it is yet to have a partnership with ithe nsurance sector.

    He said investment in technology is necessary if the country is to maximise the contribution of technology to innovation and productivity in industry.

    He noted that to ensure this, the government needs to address key action areas, which include translating research to business, provide incentives to innovate, local and international collaboration, and technology adoption.

    He said: “Taking full advantage of research and realising the full innovation dividend for the economy requires significant improvements in the translation of research to business. Many systematic and cultural barriers exist, as well as market failures that can be profitably addressed by government action.

    “Incentivising and facilitating businesses, particularly small to medium enterprises, to efficiently adopt new technologies can further lift innovation, productivity growth and competitiveness. Improving collaboration in Nigeria between businesses and publicly funded research institutions including the universities, will significantly enhance innovation. International collaboration is also critically important. Both domestic and international collaboration will improve the productivity and competitiveness of Nigerian technology based firms.

    “Also, technological innovation is key to building industry competitiveness, through increasing productivity and reducing costs, realising commercial opportunities from research investment, and creating new areas of competitive advantage.”

    He rated technology and its application as one of, if not the main driver that can fast track any meaningful development.

    He pointed out that there is no denying the fact that the changes in technology have affected most industries worldwide. According to him, globalisation, which dominates the world today, was influenced mainly by information technology.

    “Information technology (IT) has transformed the process of production, product design, raw materials sourcing, transport, manufacturing, health care, marketing, service delivery and even general management.

    “There is also no denying the fact that industrial competitiveness has enabled countries to increase their presence in international and domestic markets whilst developing industrial sectors and activities with higher value added and technological content,” he added.

  • ‘Deploy IT to secure pipelines against vandalism’

    The Federal Government has been urged to deploy the tools of information technology (IT) to safeguard oil pipelines against vandalism across the country and safe the country huge cash that could be used to bridge existing infrastructure gaps in the country.

    A don at the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, University of Lagos, Akoka Lagos, Imoize Agbotiname Lucky specifically recommended a new technology he called Distributed Sensing (DTS) and Fiber Optics which he said will promptly alert operators of should there be any attacks on the pipelines.

    He said DTS is a technology that enables continuous, real-time measurements, adding that it is very effective, and can detect leaks to a precision of one metre. According to him, fiber cable replaces numerous discrete sensors and provides exact location of the leak.

    Imoize who spoke at the 8th Africa Oil Trading and Logistics Downstream Expo in Lagos, told The Nation that pipeline vandalism has cost the country over ¦ 174.57 billion over the past 10 years with numerous fatalities each time there was an explosion on the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC’s) pipelines. He noted that in the past, efforts had been made to eliminate pipeline vandalism by employing solutions such as burying the pipelines deeper into the ground but the menace still occurs.

    Explaining the technology, he said DTS has features such as Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR). The OTDR is made up of five different sections including laser light source, coupler/splitter, optical sensor section, controller section, and display section. He noted that the conventional OTDR needs to be replaced with a novel OTDR system which consists of the transmitter section, the cable section, and the receiver section.

    “Arduino microcontroller is used to trigger a signal generator circuit. The signal generator sends laser light pulse down the length of the fiber. OTDR measures the backscattered light which returns fiber optic cable. Data is relayed to an oscilloscope which plots a graph of the sampled data. A deviation from this baseline profile of any individual data point indicates a leak at that point,” he added.

     

     

    He said it is cheap to implement the DTS technology, adding that because it is a new innovation, there is possibility of future improvement in equipment and further reduction in cost. “Current OTDR systems cost between $50,000 – $150,000, and our OTDR system will cost about $5000.

    “We hope this increases the monitoring across pipelines in the nation, lead to reduction in losses incurred from pipeline damages. We hope also to improve on the concept to make it industrially acceptable, expand the technology to tackle the other issues related to pipeline vandalisation, and beyond the oil and gas industry,” he said.

  • IT capability vital for enterprise, says Huawei

    IT capability vital for enterprise, says Huawei

    Leading global information communications technology (ICT) solutions provider, Huawei, has said with the rise in new tech trends such as cloud computing, big data and software defined network (SDN), the place of information technology (IT) capability has become the more important.

    Vice President, Huawei West Africa Region, Mr. Shi Weiliang, who spoke during the opening of the Huawei Network Congress (HNC) West Africa 2015 in Lagos, said the firm as a technology firm will continue to innovate and come out with solutions such as its Agile Network that will allow users to optimise resources as well as lower cost.

    He said: “We are in a fast-changing era where cloud computing, big data, and software-defined networking (SDN) are no strangers to us. As mobility, bring your own device (BYOD) , and digital social networking become terms commonly used in our work and life, the rapid changes of this era are more and more evident. In such an era, IT capability is becoming an extremely important core competency for an enterprise.

    “Huawei’s Agile Network focuses on services and user experience instead of technologies and connectivity, and implements a tremendous transformation from ‘best effort ‘to ‘all in control’. Huawei will continue to put forth innovative business models, and enable networks to be more agile for services, to help enterprises build their own differentiated competitiveness in a better connected world.”

    HNC had From Agility to Imagination as its theme and focused on “introducing SDN technology upgrading customers’ experience”. More than 200 stakeholders from banks, power DisCos, governments, channel partners including CEOs, CTOs, analysts and others graced the occasion.

    Huawei’s Agile Network is the industry’s first network centered on services, users, and experiences. Since its rollout in 2013, the solution has been deployed in nearly 200 networks for commercial use in seven industries: government, finance, medical services, large enterprise, transport, education, and broadcast media.

    The solution has helped customers to build multiple high-profile solutions such as intelligent transport, wireless cities, smart shopping malls, and smart travel. HNC 2015 is the forum being used to share and discuss with industry partners the practices and future of the Agile Network, with the aim of helping enterprises to quickly enter the age of agility.

    The ICT industry’s first agile switch, Huawei S12700 agile switch which was designed with services, users, and experience in mind, and can support customisation on demand was unveiled during the congress.

    The VP explained that the S12700 shortens service provisioning time from two years to one month and fault location from two weeks to several seconds, and is capable of identifying failure points down to the chip level. Based on agile technology, the whole network can be virtualised into a super chassis switch, significantly simplifying network deployment and management.

    “At HNC 2015, Huawei has broadened the scope of its Agile Network Solution and is showcasing an end-to-end Agile Network architecture. This more comprehensive architecture consists of agile campus, cloud data center, and high-efficient wireless area network (WAN) sub-solutions. It meets requirements of mobility, cloud computing, social media, big data, and Internet of Things (IoT), and brings new benefits to enterprises,” Huawei added.

     

  • ‘IT can tackle mismanagement in schools’

    ‘IT can tackle mismanagement in schools’

    The entrenchment of an Information Technology (IT)-based accounting system is the antidote to recklessness and mismanagement in tertiary institutions, Dr Moses Igbape of the Department of Computer Science, Auchi Polytechnic, has said.

    He spoke at the institution’s fifth inaugural lecture held in the school’s new auditorium.

    The lecture was entitled: “Information technology: Antidote to cancerous ailments in Nigerian education system.”

    Igbape said: “With appropriate development of Information Technology (IT) based accounting information system in schools, there can be prudent management of the available funds and elimination of fraudulent expenditure of school money because a lot more information is available in the information system to track income and expenditures. IT boosts the schools internal revenue through subscribed services, training programmes and consultancy.”

    He described IT as invaluable beyond schools to facets of government establishments, including personnel/payroll, revolution in students academic information processing, IT literacy, admissions, students examination malpractice, as well as controlled use of school facilities.

    Others, according to him, were: students enrolments/registration, teaching and learning, and invaluable resource to local, state and federal levels of government for proper and implementable planning etc.

    Igbape, a Chief Lecturer, said Auchi Polytechnic has adopted administrative styles and strategies that rely on IT-based information system for pursuing Quality Assurance. This, he noted,  made the institution more visible.

    “The resolute passion with which the management of the polytechnic have embraced and massively deployed IT facilities in pursuing Quality Assurance agenda has seen the polytechnic ranked as the most visible polytechnic in Nigeria, 10th best tertiary institution in Nigeria and the only polytechnic ranked amongst universities, the best polytechnic in West Africa and second best in Africa consistently for over six years by Webometrics,” he said.

    He admonished the government to put in place appropriate legislations for proper integration of IT tools in managing the education sector.

    “Let there be proper funding of IT-related research projects and sponsorship for production and use of the products of these research endeavors.

    “Government should remove import duties imposed on IT appliances and computers to make them affordable to help schools, organisations and homes in the effort to raise IT literacy level in Nigeria,” he said.

    Also, Igbape identified some draw backs in educational development in Nigeria to include inconsistent government policies, poor funding, inadequate staffing among others, factors Igbape considered ‘undesirable variables.

    He indicted parents, students and education managers as contributors to the problem, noting that policy sommersault and poor implementation of strategies have adversely affected education standards in Nigeria.

  • APC by Schneider Electric unveils reward programme in IT

    Global specialist in energy management and automation, Schneider Electric, has unveiled an invigorated APC by Schneider Electric Global Channel Partner Programme with some new enhancements to meet the rapidly evolving needs of partners in the changing information technology (IT) landscape.

    Schneider Electric Channel Manager, IT Business English West Africa, Oluwaseun Oloyede, who spoke in Abuja, said it is targeted at its distributors and resellers. He said to improve IT and energy efficiency across Nigeria, the company plans to open APC by Schneider Electric service centres in Abuja to provide easier access to its products and solutions for its customers in the northern region of the country.

    Oluwaseun explained that in addition to launching the new programme, Schneider Electric has also invested in creating a dedicated support team for its partners. “We are heavily focused on the channel right now, which will help us grow in the market,” he said. According to him, this renewed commitment was shaped by the direct feedback from partners. And it focuses on enhanced profitability, support, enablement and overall partner experience. “We have spent a good period of time listening to our channel partners and gaining feedback on what is important to them. Ultimately, this is a channel partner feedback delivered partner program”, he reiterated.

    The programme is a partner sales incentive package in which partners earn points by claiming their APC invoiced sales. The programme promises, “The more you sell, the more points you earn!” It also boasts of having over a million of rewards to choose from, thus the promise to Dream, Earn, Redeem, Enjoy. A reseller must however be a Registered Partner in the APC Channel Partner Program in order to gain access to the programme.

    APC by Schneider Electric Rewards Program is calling on the public to take advantage of this reward program and become a partner. It is a channel incentive program that rewards participants and partner for selling APC by Schneider Electric products and solutions.

     

     

  • Skye Bank gets IT, security management certification

    Skye Bank gets IT, security management certification

    Skye Bank Plc has attained three International Standard Organisation (ISO) certifications from the British Standard Institution.

    The three certifications were the IT service management system which meets the requirements of ISO/IEC 20000-1:2011; information security management system which complies with the requirements of ISO/IEC 27001:2013; and the business continuity management system which complies with the requirements of ISO 22301:2012.

    The IT security management system certification implies that the bank can design, develop, deliver and improve its IT services to both its internal and external customers, while the information security management system means the security of all data transacted and stored in the bank is guaranteed.

    Besides, the business continuity management system underlines the bank’s business continuity model in relation to critical financial services provided by the bank. The Central Bank of Nigeria has made the certifications statutory for banks as a way of expanding their capabilities in IT and security management systems as well as business continuity management.

    Speaking about the integrated management system certifications, the bank’s chairman, Tunde Ayeni said the certifications represented a major thrust of the bank’s philosophy of service excellence and its customer centric approach.

    He restated the commitment of the bank to continually improve its services using modern technology for the benefit of its customers, adding that service innovation would be a major component of the bank’s value delivery to its customers.

    The Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the bank, Timothy Oguntayo, described the certifications as a milestone towards achieving the vision of the bank of becoming a leading and first class commercial bank.

    He also said the awards reflected the bank’s mission of providing excellent services to the customers using technology, noting that the acquisition of Mainstreet Bank had helped the bank to enhance the pursuit of international honours.

  • ‘IT can bridge gaps in govts’ policies’

    ‘IT can bridge gaps in govts’ policies’

    THe Chief Executive Officer and Managing Partner of Hartford Green Consulting Limited, a process management and information technology company, Mr. Adebayo Akinwunmi,  has assured intending investors  apprehensive of a change in government of their investment’s safety.

    He said Information Technology (IT) can always bridge the gaps envisaged in the business environment and the larger economy occasioned by any government’s policy changes.

    Akinwunmi, in a statement yesterday, said: “There will always be policy changes based on exigencies of time.  Even in our homes, we change rules when we realise our mistakes or done things that will not necessarily impact positively on our family.

    “In a country of between 150 to 170 million people, there is bound to be knocks on some of the policies governments make. The effect of this is that companies need to change and comply with regulations and changes in our economy, acting quickly in order not to fall behind. In many cases, businesses will rather deny or overlook these changes which could easily lead to losses and expensive moves in the future.”

    The IT expert noted that “the benefit of technology is actually the ability to be dynamic in our operations”. This, he added, “means that if government introduces policies that affect our operations, the ability to quickly adapt will depend largely on the dynamics of our processes and the tools we have in place within our organisations”.