The farmers can then capture that information in a smart contract to effectively tokenise the carbon credits under their management.

Blockchain technology is transforming transactions by making them faster, more cost-effective, and secure, with improved transparency and traceability. Its growing adoption spans sectors from cryptocurrency to supply chain management. In the agricultural finance space, Nedbank’s Cobus de Bruyn and Adele Jones explain how blockchain and smart contracts are unlocking new opportunities.

“Very simply, blockchain technology creates a network with memory. Everybody in the network has a unique address and, from an audit trail perspective, all interactions on the network are covered automatically with the latest innovations in cryptography,” says Jones.

“There are 2 types of configurations of these networks: one where the network is a public blockchain that anyone can join, for example, the Bitcoin network. The other is a permissioned blockchain, where the network is locked down for specific participants. Once the network has been established, every participant in the network has a unique address and can implement a vast and versatile array of transactions.”

Jones adds that smart contracts are code that can execute on the network ecosystem and automate interactions between participants in the network. “By codifying agreements and improving the traceability of data on the network, trust is increased, as well as security and transparency among member organisations.”

How does this technology add value to the agricultural sector?

Agriculture is an early adopter of technology, which is one of the drivers behind its success. In agriculture, there are many processes and procedures to follow, such as managing finances, accounting and production processes, imports and exports, and interacting with stakeholders – including your bank and suppliers.

“Smart contracts are self-executing digital agreements; they automatically execute when predetermined conditions are met, streamlining financial transactions by automating processes that would traditionally require human intervention. This automation reduces operational expenses, minimises errors, and enhances trust among parties.

“There are so many examples in agriculture where smart contracts and blockchain can be gamechangers, so I’ll just touch on 3,” says De Bruyn. “The first is import and export, which involves negotiation, administrative work, and processes and verifications that are cumbersome and, to some extent, expensive. Smart contracts allow these processes and procedures to be automated, shortening the time of the process, while also making it more secure.”

Another example is trade, which is streamlined by smart contracts that automate and facilitate payment solutions. With the surge in agricultural trade platforms, the use of smart contracts means that innovations are constantly being brought to the table.

De Bruyn adds that, from the bank’s perspective, smart contracts can expedite and streamline the process between getting credit approval from a commercial bank and receiving the finance. This means that the whole process – from sending facility letters, giving instructions and registering securities – is automated, reducing the time and administrative tasks usually associated with it.

This technology is new, but the opportunities are massive, so it’s a very exciting development for organisations like Nedbank, for example. “Reducing or eliminating manual processes for our clients is what we’re seeking to achieve, but we’re also using the technology to enhance our systems and processes so that we can truly provide next-level service to the agriculture sector,” says De Bruyn.

“We are at the next revolution of money, and we can build smart contracts that can give instructions to smart money. Web 3.0, which includes blockchain smart contracts, the metaverse, tokenisation and more, will replace the existing Web 2.0 as we know it, which hosts the www dot websites that we’re all familiar with.

“Everything will change with Web 3.0, and it’s important that we, as a commercial bank, are ready. Our agricultural clients want fast processes. They want frictionless, cost-effective solutions. They embrace technology, and we want to provide it to the agricultural community.”

Let’s talk about sustainability

Jones highlights the importance of addressing the sustainability implications of blockchain, particularly in light of growing environmental concerns around emerging technologies.

“There is a perception that blockchain technology consumes a great deal of electricity, which is not strictly true. The Bitcoin network does use a significant amount of power, but it’s important to remember that there are different blockchain solutions.

“The one that Nedbank is exploring, for example, has modest electricity requirements. Depending on the underlying consensus algorithm, it’s possible to achieve a 99% energy reduction in your deployment solution. This is supported by industry research done by the World Economic Forum that was published in 2021.”

Jones adds that blockchain solutions provide a simple way to manage carbon credits, which can also be leveraged for tax deduction purposes. “For example, farmers can map out their land and use formal carbon credit standard bodies like the Verra Registry – the world’s largest carbon credit registry – to certify the carbon credits under their control. The farmers can then capture that information in a smart contract to effectively tokenise the carbon credits under their management.”

While smart contract technology is already being deployed internationally and in South Africa, De Bruyn notes that its use is not yet as widespread.

The post South Africa: Blockchain and Smart Contracts to Transform Agriculture appeared first on MEA Markets.

Sumaiyya Nyansige, who secured her current position as a Security Consultant, credits her success to her involvement in the African Girls Can Code Initiative (AGCCI) during its 2nd cohort. She shared that the skills she gained through the program expanded her network and connected her with potential employers who recognized her qualifications. This aligns with the theme discussed in the recent webinar, ‘How Women are Shaping the Future of Technology,’ organized by UN Women and Safaricom.”

With over 200 participants, the two-hour webinar brought together key stakeholders, industry leaders, and experts to discuss the critical role women play in driving technological innovation and fostering inclusive growth. A sobering statistic revealed during the webinar was that on a global scale, 69% of men are using the Internet compared to just 63% of women as of 2022. This translates to 259 million more men than women using the Internet.

In her remarks, the outgoing UN Women Kenya Country Representative, Ms. Anna Mutavati, underscored the importance of amplifying women’s voices within the ICT sector. She recognized that platform like webinars provide invaluable opportunities for women leaders in technology to share their experiences and inspire future generations.

Other keynote speakers included Donna Rege, Senior Manager, IT Business and Governance Head, Women in Technology at Safaricom and Wanja Murekio, Regional Project Portfolio Manager, Old Mutual who served as the event’s Chief Guest.

Bridging the digital gender divide is vital for advancing an inclusive digital future. Collaboration among stakeholders and the sharing of knowledge are critical to driving meaningful change.

The webinar’s panel discussion, Why Inclusivity Must Be at the Heart of Innovation and Technology, featured insights from Mumbi Ndungu (Executive Director, Power Learn Project), Anie Akpe (Founder, African Women in Tech), Queenie Meria (Programme Associate, UN Women), Catherine Wangari (Senior Product Manager, Turaco), and AnnMaria Kerubo (AGCCI Graduate).

Barriers to Participation

Despite progress in technological development women and girls continue to face significant barriers to participation, such as limited access to education and exclusion from decision-making spaces. Addressing these challenges will ensure that women not only participate in the digital space but also take on leadership roles in shaping its future.

Initiatives and Programs Making Impact

UN Women is actively creating pathways for women and girls to access the technology world. In partnership with the African Union Commission, International Telecommunication Union, and Siemens, UN Women runs the AGCCI Initiative which targets girls in the age bracket of 17 to 25 years.

AGCCI takes a wholistic approach focusing on 3 key areas:

• Skills Development – The program equips girls with digital literacy, coding, robotics, and other technical skills to prepare them for careers in technology.
• Access to Equipment – Upon completing the AGCCI coding camp, each graduate receives a laptop and six months of internet access to kickstart their journey in innovation and technology.
• Mentorship and Networking – The Siemens EmpowerHer Program provides six months of mentorship, offering both technical and life skills to help the girls thrive in the workforce.

In 2023 alone, the program has trained 112 girls from across Kenya’s 47 counties. Each participant received a laptop, internet access, and a six-month mentorship after graduation.

“The fulfillment of SDG 5, Gender Equality, requires commitment to mentorship, which creates a ripple effect that will last for generations,” said Catherine Wangari.

Betty Mwende, an alumnus of the African Girls Can Code Initiative (AGCCI), has made a significant impact by imparting basic digital literacy to fifth and sixth graders in Meru County, thanks to a $1,000 award from the Mastercard Foundation. ‘Watching these kids engage with computers for the very first time is nothing short of magical,’ she shared.”

Way Forward

“It will take a collaborative effort to create a conducive environment where both girls and boys can thrive in ICT,” said Donna Regge.

Anie Akpe reiterated that sustained consultations among stakeholders are essential for defining the pathway toward segmented investments and inclusive policies that empower women in ICT.

Anna Mutavati emphasized the need for fostering an environment that encourages participation and provides necessary resources, striving for a future where women not only participate in technology spaces, but lead from the front.

“By embracing persistence and the desire to change the status quo, you earn a seat at the table,” concluded Wanja Murekio.

The post Bridging the Digital Gender Divide Through Mentorship and Collaboration in Africa appeared first on MEA Markets.

The truth of the matter is – if you want to stay ahead of the competition – you need to be more efficient, and more adaptable, than they are. One of the most game-changing tools available to businesses today is cloud-based Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software. Unlike traditional ERP systems that need heavy on-site infrastructure and constant upkeep, cloud-based ERPs offer a flexible, scalable, and cost-effective solution that can significantly boost your profitability and productivity.

In this article, we’ll go into a little detail about the incredible benefits of cloud-based ERP systems, why outdated ERP systems and patchwork solutions drag your business down, and the unique advantages of using QuickEasy ERP in South Africa.

Why Legacy ERP Systems and Patchwork Solutions Hold You Back

1. They’re inflexible, and expensive

Legacy ERP systems, typically hosted on-premises, come with significant upfront costs for hardware, software licences, and IT infrastructure. On top of that, these systems need constant maintenance, updates, and patches, all of which require a dedicated IT team.

This results in high operational costs and a lack of flexibility. As your business grows or your needs change, scaling an on-premise ERP system is both challenging and expensive, limiting your ability to respond swiftly to market changes.

2. Your systems can’t or won’t talk to each other

If you rely on a patchwork of different software tools and manual processes, you’re likely dealing with data silos. This is where information is trapped in different departments or systems and isn’t easily accessible across your organisation.

This fragmentation leads to inefficiencies, as your team spends valuable time manually consolidating data from various sources, increasing the risk of errors. The lack of integration also hampers real-time visibility into your operations, making it harder for you to make quick, informed decisions.

3. They’re heavy on manual admin and you have no clarity

Despite the digital age, some businesses still rely heavily on paperwork for record-keeping, invoicing, and other crucial processes. Paper-based systems are not only slow but also prone to errors, loss, and damage. Relying on physical documents also makes it tougher to stay compliant with regulations, especially in industries where record-keeping standards are strict.

More importantly, they provide little to no visibility into your current operations. This slows down your decision-making processes and negatively impacts customer service.

The truly amazing benefits of cloud-based ERP systems

Cloud-based ERP systems solve the problems of legacy and patchwork systems. They give you a unified, scalable, and efficient platform to manage all aspects of your business. Here are some of the compelling benefits to think about when you choose an ERP system.

1. They’re cost-effective and have a Lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

One of the biggest advantages of cloud-based ERP systems is their cost-effectiveness. Unlike on-premise systems, cloud-based ERPs don’t require large upfront investments in hardware and infrastructure. The cloud provider takes care of the software, servers, and data storage, which significantly cuts down maintenance costs.

You typically pay a subscription fee based on usage, which can be scaled up or down as needed. This flexibility allows you to better manage your budget and reduce the total cost of ownership over time.

2. They are way more flexible and scalable

Cloud-based ERPs offer unmatched scalability. As your business grows, your ERP needs will evolve too. Cloud solutions allow you to increase or decrease usage based on demand, without the need for major capital investments or lengthy deployment times.

This flexibility is a major advantage for businesses experiencing rapid growth or operating in highly dynamic markets. With cloud-based ERP, you can quickly adapt to changes in demand, market conditions, or organisational structure.

3. You have real-time clarity, and it’s so much easier to collaborate

Cloud-based ERP systems are accessible from anywhere with an internet connection. This is a huge plus in today’s increasingly remote and hybrid work environments. Your employees, managers, and stakeholders can access real-time data and insights from any location.

This encourages better collaboration and more informed decision-making. This level of accessibility isn’t possible with traditional on-premise ERP systems, which are usually limited to specific locations and networks.

4. You have peace of mind with better data security and compliance

Cloud-based ERP providers invest heavily in data security and compliance, often surpassing the capabilities of many on-premise IT departments. These providers use advanced security measures such as encryption, multi-factor authentication, and regular security audits to protect your sensitive data.

Additionally, cloud ERP solutions are often compliant with industry standards and regulations. This helps you avoid costly fines and reputational damage associated with non-compliance.

5. Effortless, automatic updates and continuous innovation

A major drawback of legacy ERP systems is the need for manual updates and upgrades, which can be time-consuming and expensive. Cloud-based ERP systems, on the other hand, are continually updated by the provider. This means you always have access to the latest features, security patches, and technological advancements without needing disruptive and costly upgrades. Automatic updates ensure your business can continuously innovate and stay ahead of the competition.

Switching to a cloud-based ERP system presents a massive opportunity for you to boost your efficiency, scalability, and profitability. By moving away from outdated systems, patchwork solutions, and paperwork, you can take advantage of the flexibility, cost savings, and innovation that cloud-based ERPs like QuickEasy offer.

Whether you’re a small business looking to streamline operations or a larger enterprise aiming to stay competitive in a dynamic market, the benefits of cloud-based ERP systems are clear. By carefully considering your specific needs and evaluating the options available, you can make an informed decision that sets your business on the path to sustained growth and success.

The post The Game-Changing Benefits of Cloud-Based ERP Systems appeared first on MEA Markets.

Margy Mommertz completed her contract role as an HR Director in a company in October 2023 and wanted to seek greater job stability. “I wanted to find my way into a full-time career with security in a stable company, and not contract work,” she says.

The transition should have been a smooth one — she has, after all, worked in the region for more than two decades — but what followed was a difficult period where Mommertz was greeted with deafening silence when she relentlessly applied for jobs, even though she matched the job requirements. “You don’t get any feedback in this market from many recruiters, which is terrible. You think, ‘Oh my goodness, I have applied for 100 jobs. Am I that useless?’ No, you are not, but it demotivates you.”

She feels that she struggled to find a job partly because she is over the age of 50. “Ageism is rife in the UAE and I was finding it difficult to compete with 40-year-olds in the market even though I was experienced and qualified,” she adds.

A friend suggested that she get in touch with Niki Mapouras-Hyder who had started the platform NMH last year to help women rejoin the workforce after a career break. The two started working together in January this year — there were one-on-one coaching and mentoring sessions, workshops and conversations that went beyond just dispensing career advice and focused on personal development to help her regain her confidence. “She gave me tools to boost my confidence, update my skills and made sure that I was aligned with the market again,” recalls Margy. They also identified networking events that Margy could attend to meet the right people.

She finally found her dream job and started work about four weeks ago. “I am loving it because I am getting to collaborate with people — people with my values and ethics, in a great work environment. I thought I had lost the knack but no, I haven’t. I am doing incredibly well,” she smiles.

Such platforms help women to re-enter the workforce by equipping them with new-age skills (like, for instance, using artificial intelligence at work), upskilling, polishing their interviewing skills and revamping their resumes. “I wanted to create a community and platform for women who had taken a career gap for whatever reason, where they could also help each other out,” explains Niki Mapouras-Hyder. “Sometimes, you might not be looking at the right places, so we will sit down and have a roadmap for how you are going to find your way back into the corporate world — what job-hunting you have done so far, what are the blockers that are there, and whether you need to refresh your skills or upskill yourself.”

A new job platform for women

Rejoin was launched last month by co-founders Ayshwarya Chari and Shraddha Barot Amariei. Its website invites CVs from women who want to start a new innings at the workplace after a career break — the CVs are uploaded by the team after a review process to ensure that the candidate is “presented in the best way possible”.

Each candidate’s profile includes vital information, like reasons for a career break, educational qualifications, work experience and expected salary, and, according to Chari, they have more than 75 CVs on the website. Having led small businesses themselves, the co-founders hope that the platform would be a ‘perfect marriage’ between candidates who are on the lookout for flexible jobs, and companies, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which offer such jobs. “The big corporates have returnship programmes in place, while SMEs don’t, but they are not resistant to the idea of hiring such candidates,” points out Amariei.

Being moms and entrepreneurs themselves, the duo wants to ensure that women have an equitable workplace. “A woman who has been out of the workforce for two years finds it difficult to get back for a number of reasons — for starters, if you apply for a job online, the algorithm that is in place would, very often, not even let employers see these CVs. And over time, the population here has increased by over 24 per cent, so there is a lot of competition,” explains Chari.

Amariei, who’s even lost out on projects during her pregnancies, explains that the idea is also to normalise conversations about school pick-ups and sick children at the workplace. “We consult with clients who are, sometimes, very senior male professionals, and we openly say that we need to step out or can’t make it for a meeting because my little one has been unwell or there is a PTA meeting that we need to go to. Thankfully, we have seen good results because they realise that it’s not affecting our performance in any way. In fact, a woman, especially a mother, has very little time to waste — she will come in, get the job done and leave.”

They are now in the middle of hiring an HR consultant and recruiter to stay in touch with companies and candidates, and have plans to launch skill-based training programmes and coffee sessions with candidates at their office space. When we spoke, they were also gearing up for their first official event at Female Fusion on April 25 to raise awareness about their platform among potential candidates and small business owners and help them to connect. “We also have great support from the British Chamber of Commerce and we will be doing a networking plus coaching event with them in May,” says Amariei.

A Bootcamp for mothers

Kutubna Cultural Center in Dubai held the first session of their brand new programme called ‘Mothers/Work’ on April 23, for mothers who want to return to work. The ‘bootcamp’ includes four sessions that are spread across this month and next month, and mothers can drop their children at the in-house play area before attending these sessions. “The main goal is for women to learn how to have the career they want and how to present their applications more effectively so that they can get interviews and ultimately, jobs,” explains founder and director, Shatha Almutawa.

“We will be looking at job announcements, Linkedin profiles, CVs, cover letters, resumes, and we will do some practice interviews as well where the women can get to know each other and give feedback,” she says, adding that Eman Al Yousuf, who oversees hiring and volunteer programmes at the Emirates Literature Foundation, is expected to be there at the last session of the bootcamp. Six women attended the first session. “The women can also look forward to working very closely with me… I will be talking about how we choose candidates at the centre and why we picked them,” says Almutawa, adding that she will conduct such programmes in the future depending on the demand.

Organising such programmes was not the primary goal of the centre — in fact, Almutawa started the centre last year to highlight Khaleeji authors and literature, music, art and culture through its workshops and bookshop. As the mother of a toddler, she was excited about hiring other mothers at the centre. “But when I did the interviews, they would say, ‘I’ve never worked and I’ve only taken care of my children’ or ‘I have no experience and I don’t know anything about work’. But we develop so many skills while taking care of our children and we need to recognise that we can be valuable members of the team that we could join.”

As someone who is in a position to hire people, Almutawa explains that a gap in one’s CV never bothers her as long as candidates are able to demonstrate an ability and willingness to learn new things and pick up new skills. “They should be able to explain what they can offer, and also be clear about the kind of position they need — it’s a matter of presenting what you can do,” she adds.

The post How New Platforms Help Women to Rejoin Work After a Career Break in the United Arab Emirates appeared first on MEA Markets.

Emirates Global Aluminium, the largest industrial company in the United Arab Emirates outside oil and gas, today announced the launch of one of the first digital manufacturing platforms in the region to unlock additional value through Industry 4.0 applications.

EGA developed the digital manufacturing platform with Microsoft as part of a strategic collaboration to progress EGA’s Digital Roadmap. The platform enables the integration of hardware, software, processes, and people throughout EGA’s global operations.

The platform was built using the latest generation of Microsoft Azure hybrid cloud, to use artificial intelligence at a significant scale across EGA’s global industrial operations including Jebel Ali and Al Taweelah to further improve industrial process efficiency, quality and safety.

The hybrid infrastructure deploys digital architecture previously used in many defence and space projects, while combining the advantages of public and on-premises hybrid cloud processing.

The digital manufacturing platform will enable EGA to reduce the unit cost of running artificial intelligence-based image and video analytics by more than 80 per cent, while increasing speeds as much as 13 times compared to EGA’s previous solution.

EGA’s digital manufacturing platform currently processes over 2.9 petabytes of real-time data annually, equivalent to streaming more than 32,000 movies at 4K resolution, and will be regularly expanded in future. 

Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Global Aluminium, said: “EGA’s bold aspiration is to become a digital lighthouse for the region and the global aluminium industry, because we see enormous potential to unlock additional value for our business through Industry 4.0. The digital manufacturing platform, developed in collaboration with Microsoft, transforms our operations by harnessing the power of artificial intelligence at scale, while unlocking significant opportunities for further Industry 4.0 applications.”

Carlo K Nizam, Chief Digital Officer of Emirates Global Aluminium, said, “EGA’s digital transformation strategy has two parallel tracks to fundamentally transform how we operate – implementing high-impact digital solutions for immediate business impact, and building important digital foundations to enable company-wide transformation. The digital manufacturing platform is one of these key foundations.”

Christoph Berlin, General Manager and Partner Architect, Microsoft Azure, said: “Today’s announcement marks a key milestone in our strategic collaboration with EGA, a company which is a leader in the application of Industry 4.0 in the Middle East. Their new digital manufacturing platform, created in collaboration with Microsoft, is a great example of using Microsoft’s Adaptive Cloud Framework to fundamentally rethink and modernise OT in a cloud-first era to embrace modern capabilities such as Generative AI. We look forward to our continued collaboration with EGA.”

Earlier this year, EGA announced the groundbreaking for the region’s first 100 per cent renewable energy powered industrial data centres at its Jebel Ali and Al Taweelah sites. The digital manufacturing platform will be hosted on EGA’s data centres in the future.

EGA launched its digital transformation in 2021, aiming to enhance every aspect of its operations and business, while upgrading customer and employee experience and ultimately creating new revenue streams.

In its wider digital transformation, EGA has so far implemented over 60 Industry 4.0 use cases, ranging from using artificial intelligence vision to quality check carbon anode production in real-time, to developing predictive tools for market movements in key commodities. To date, almost 2,000 EGA employees have been upskilled in digital capabilities and ways of working, and the transformation has delivered some $90 million in financial impact.

Both EGA and Microsoft are members of the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology’s Industry 4.0 Champions Network, which aims to accelerate Industry 4.0 adoption across UAE industry.

The post EGA Launches One of the Region’s First Digital Manufacturing Platforms to Advance Industry 4.0 Strategy appeared first on MEA Markets.

This pioneering initiative marks the Riyadh airport as the first airport in Saudi Arabia to offer the service of introducing biometric e-passport scanners aimed to streamline passenger travel procedures and provide a seamless experience for international travelers

The Saudi General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) launched on Tuesday the inaugural phase of E-Passport gates at Terminals 3 and 4 of King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.

This pioneering initiative marks the Riyadh airport as the first airport in Saudi Arabia to offer the service of introducing biometric e-passport scanners aimed to streamline passenger travel procedures and provide a seamless experience for international travelers.

The inaugural ceremony was attended by Saudi Data & AI Authority (SDAIA) President Abdullah Alghamdi, General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) President Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, Director General of Jawazat Lt. Gen. Sulaiman Al-Yahya, and National Information Center (NIC) Director Esam Alwagait.

Lt. Gen. Al-Yahya highlighted that the introduction of e-gates at King Khalid International Airport aims to facilitate travelers in completing their travel procedures independently, without the need for human intervention. He emphasized that these gates will save time and effort for travelers whose biometric characteristics (fingerprints) are stored in the passport systems.

The Jawazat chief stated that the e-gate rollout is part of the ongoing efforts to enhance travel procedures for citizens, expatriates, and visitors, as well as to improve its services through the introduction of efficient, smart, and digital solutions.

For his part, GACA Chief Al-Duailej said that the launch of self-service for passports confirms the importance of the vital role played by the civil aviation system and partners from government agencies in harnessing digitization and self-services to improve the experience of travelers, in accordance with the best international standards. “This service is the best testimony to the level of the sector’s pioneering aspirations as it seeks to achieve the goals of the National Aviation Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030 so as to become a pioneer in the aviation sector in the Middle East.”

Eng. Ayman Abu Abah, CEO of Riyadh Airports Co., said that this service is a significant addition to the digital transformation of the airport. “The self-service passport machines will contribute to accelerating the mechanism of passenger movement inside the terminal, by giving it a greater degree of ease of procedures, which will be reflected in its direct impact on developing the passengers’ experience,” he added.

The post Saudi Arabia Rolls Out E-Gates at Riyadh Airport appeared first on MEA Markets.

Maintaining the human-centric approach of coaching is critical in the AI-driven era

Coaching is a caring profession characterised by a trusted relationship, authentic connection, and a collaborative partnership between the coach and client. At the core of coaching lie deep, one-to-one, empathetic conversations. The ‘human touch’ is not just important, it’s critical to the whole coaching endeavour. However, this is not to say that the coaching industry will in any way be immune to transformation by AI tools.

Lee-Ann Drummond, head of management and leadership faculty at SACAP (the South African College of Applied Psychology), a leading provider of coach education says, “Like everyone else, coaches are interested in improving efficiencies as well as enhancing their performance and capacities to reach and serve clients. AI models for coaches are already emerging to take on mundane administrative tasks, freeing coaches up to spend more time on client engagements. AI tools can help in analysing coaching data and delivering insights, personalising learning interventions to suit clients’ individual learning styles, and by providing platforms and virtual assistants that help coaches scale their practices.”

These technologies hold the promise of democratising the coaching industry, expanding access across business and society. In future, many more people are likely to be able to access expert coaching services that support them in leading more fulfilling lives and making significant contributions to their communities, and country. However, how will the latest technologies, driven by machine learning, integrate with the decidedly human-centric field of coaching?

Professor Nicky Terblanche, academic, executive coach and founder of coachvici.com is an early adopter of AI tools for coaches and coaching education. He says, “What is interesting is that in a recent research study I did, we found that clients are keen to use AI coaching, while coaches in the study were more sceptical and felt that the AI coach would interfere with the bond they have with their clients. I also think in general coaches are not necessarily interested in technology since they are drawn to coaching because of the human touch. Coaches, however, need to upskill themselves and become aware of the potential of AI. If not, they could be caught napping when AI tools surpass certain basic human coaching approaches.”

What types of AI tools are coaches using?

There’s already a wide range of AI tools for coaches on offer, and often, coaches who are early adopters and interested in the potential of the technologies are involved in developing new and emerging AI tools, which include:

– Coach chatbots – these text or voice models, which can be stand-alone or be embedded in a platform can engage with clients to answer questions, guide them through a process such as onboarding, provide feedback or facilitate coaching exercises and reflections. They are often regarded as a type of virtual assistant.

– Coach virtual assistants – the aim of these tools, whether they are behind-the-scenes and administrative or client-facing is to take on standard tasks giving coaches more time to focus on their actual coaching sessions.
Personalised coaching platforms – AI-driven coaching platforms create personalised coaching plans based on algorithms. They may include features such as goal setting and feedback mechanisms.

– NLP platforms – Coaches can use AI-powered Natural Language Processing platforms to analyse clients’ written or spoken language to identify patterns and themes as well as gauge sentiment. These insights can help the coach to tailor their approach and interventions for individual clients.

– Data analytics tools – AI algorithms can identify trends and correlations, and present insights that help coaches track client progress, measure their coaching effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.

Maintaining the human-centric approach of coaching is critical in the AI-driven era. These new tools don’t obviate the need for nurturing connection, active listening, and empathetic interaction. Coaches still need to empower clients to shape their own coaching journey, respecting their autonomy and agency. AI tools should support the client-centred ethos and not replace it. Coaches using AI tools also must monitor for biases in the AI algorithms and take the necessary steps to mitigate them. This highlights how important it is for coaches to be competent in using all their tools and how they must be equipped to have full oversight and accountability in the use of their AI tools.

Globally, coaching bodies are in the process of devising guidelines for the ethical use of AI tools for coaches. Full transparency and informed consent about the AI tools the coach is using is essential. There are also new data privacy and security issues that coaches will need to address as part of building a trusted relationship with their clients as well as meeting regulatory requirements.

Professor Terblanche concludes, “Coaches who embrace AI will be more productive and deliver better coaching. In one of my studies, it was found that AI can already perform as well as human coaches for very structured coaching conversations. Coaches who are not properly trained or who use simplistic coaching models could be replaced by AI coaches. In essence, AI is just another powerful tool in the Coach Toolbox. My suggestion to South African coaches is to investigate it, play with it and use it as it fits into your practice. But don’t ignore it!”

The post How AI Tools Are Transforming Coaching in SA appeared first on MEA Markets.

In the vast continuum of medical breakthroughs, the world stands poised on the precipice of a transformative era. This epoch is being shaped by the groundbreaking feats of stem cell therapy and regenerative medicine. INNOVIA Biobank is pioneering such a monumental shift in the MENA region.

INNOVIA Biobank, the parent company of BabyCord and subsidiaries, is Jordan’s first biobank and a symbol of relentless innovation, dedication, and foresight. Starting out as an umbilical cord blood and tissue storage facility, it grew to become a leading medical and research facility.

In 2016, in order to expand prospects for cutting-edge medical applications and treatments utilizing stem cells isolated from umbilical cord blood and tissue in the MENA region, Dr. Maher Sarraf founded BabyCord, a subsidiary of INNOVIA Biobank, in Jordan. This came about after more than 11 years of serving as agents on behalf of a stem cell bank in Boston.

Now, the company’s CEO, Dr. Mohannad Al-Ghazo has seen well-deserved success within the Middle East CEO of the Year Awards 2023, so we learn more about the company and the important work it does.

Babycord Stemcell Bank: The Elixir of Life

Venturing into the labyrinth of stem cell research is Babycord stem cell bank. Its focus on preserving stem cells from cord blood and dental pulp is not merely scientific—it’s revolutionary.

Stem cells, especially embryonic ones, are significant because they are unspecialized cells with the rare ability to differentiate into 200 types of specialized cells including blood, brain, muscle, and bone cells, which can be induced naturally or experimentally to regenerate and repair damaged tissues.

These robust stem cells are not just inscriptions in medical journals. They are transformative agents capable of remedying a vast array of blood disorders, metabolic challenges, immune insufficiencies, and some cancers like leukemia. Additionally, they provide tremendous therapeutic potential for conditions like cerebral palsy and autism that are still undergoing clinical trials.

While stem cells can be obtained from a donor’s bone marrow, the sample must be a perfect match, unlike stem cells extracted from cord blood. What is more, bone marrow collection is a painful and invasive procedure that requires the use of anesthesia. In contrast, the process of collecting umbilical cord blood and tissue during normal and caesarean deliveries is non-intrusive and painless for both mother and child.

“It is one of the most life-affirming developments, because what used to be discarded as clinical waste —the placenta and umbilical cord — is now harvested as a reservoir for highly effective, regenerative medicine,” Dr. Maher Sarraf says.

If a parent misses the chance to preserve a child’s stem cells at birth, it is not as catastrophic as one might believe. Stem cells can also be extracted from other sources such as milk teeth. So if your child has a wiggly tooth that eventually falls out — you can keep it for advantages even the tooth fairy can’t.

“The versatility of dental pulp stem cells, especially their potential in nerve and tissue repair, paints a future not limited by medical constraints,” Sarraf adds.

Cord blood can be used as a treatment for not just the child, but the entire family — including parents, siblings, and maternal and paternal grandparents — for a lifetime. The extracted cord blood contains genetic receptors specific to each person, called Human Leukocyt Antigen (HLA). Usually, these receptors are identical to the child’s and match first-degree relatives: siblings, father, and mother, at a percentage of 25 to 100 percent. 

For a family that includes the child, siblings, parents, and grandparents, there is a high probability — 40 percent — that at least one family member will be diagnosed with a condition that can use stem cells for treatment.

The process

So where does BabyCord come in? The company supplies customers with a cord blood collection kit prior to a baby’s due date. The assigned BabyCord on-call nurse will bring an additional collection kit and help the physician with the collection once the delivery starts. After the baby’s delivery and after the clamping and separation of the umbilical cord, a needle attached to the collection bag is inserted into the center of cord and the placenta, causing the blood to flow into it. The bag gets packaged in specialized padded boxes and transported to the lab less than an hour from the time of collection to optimize the number of viable stem cells recovered.

Each cord blood unit is assigned a unique barcode identifier number that is traceable throughout the processing and preservation procedure to prevent any cross-contamination. Once the stem cells are separated from whole blood, they are collected into a specialized biocompatible multi-segmented cryogenic storage blood bag in preparation for cryopreservation (the process of freeze-storing cells at very low temperatures) and storage.

The cryopreservation rates of cooling vary depending on its stage, resulting in positive effects on stem cell recovery after thawing. The initial freezing process is computer-controlled at a pre-set rate followed by storage in -196°C high-capacity liquid nitrogen tanks.

INNOVIA Tissue Bank: The Vanguard of Reproductive Evolution

However, INNOVIA is not only limited to cord blood and stem cells. 2019 witnessed INNOVIA’s ambitious foray into tissue banking — a testament to its drive to diversify and amplify its global footprint. INNOVIA’s tenet as a tissue bank comes from ‘patients stay, tissue moves’.

Collaborations with prestigious entities like the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and the University Hospital of Dusseldorf speak volumes. The crown jewel? Its groundbreaking Fertility Preservation Program, with a keen emphasis on preserving ovarian tissue. This isn’t just a medical procedure; it’s a beacon of hope for cancer-afflicted women worldwide, gifting them agency over their reproductive destinies.

INNOVIA Genetics: Deciphering the Code of Life

Venturing deeper into the genetic matrix, INNOVIA Genetics emerges as a pioneer. Through advanced technology, it unravels the intricate dance of genes, offering diagnostic testing and invaluable consultations. The stellar offering of NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing) stands as a beacon of our ceaseless dedication to healthcare excellence.

INNOVIA Lab: Healthcare Beyond Boundaries

For those questing a gamut of healthcare solutions, INNOVIA Lab emerges as the answer, offering an extensive suite of general laboratory services, tailored to address diverse health requirements. The company’s commitment? An unparalleled healthcare journey.

INNOVIA Academy: Shaping the Medical Titans of Tomorrow

INNOVIA doesn’t just embrace today; it shapes tomorrow. Its association with the University of Jordan culminates in INNOVIA Academy — a unique institution specializing in cutting-edge courses on genetics, stem cells, and advanced lab techniques. Its mission? To mold the torchbearers of future medical wonders.

INNOVIA’s state-of-the art facility, strategically located five minutes away from the international airport, is constructed using reinforced steel and concrete, storage areas insulated with specialized bullet-proof glass and concrete walls, automated backup generators, computer networking with remote location data record backup, and on-site and remote audio/video monitoring and recording.

INNOVIA’s precautions ensure protection against natural calamities such as earthquakes, fires, and floodings, and external attacks such as theft or vandalism. The building also has 24-hour security system connected to rapid emergency and protection authority notification and deployment, and 24-hour on-duty guards.

Such meticulous adherence to global standards is mirrored in INNOVIA’s laudable ISO certification, coupled with a full-fledged accreditation from the (Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies, formerly known as the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB)). This regional and global recognition doesn’t culminate here; its proud registration with the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) accentuates its commitment to global healthcare standards.

INNOVIA Biobank is not merely a laboratory; it’s an institution that envisions and safeguards our collective future health. In the grand tapestry of regenerative medicine, INNOVIA Biobank shines brightly. It is not just an establishment; it is a promise — a vision for a future where medicine isn’t just enhanced; it’s revolutionary. As the company navigates these exciting waters, its beacon remains constant: a relentless pursuit of a brighter, healthier future for all.

INNOVIA Genetics: A World-Class Center of Excellence in Genetic Services

INNOVIA Genetics proudly stands as a beacon in the world of genetic medicine. Having received widespread global acclaim, its reputation as a top-ranking institution is indisputable.

At the heart of this immense success is Dr. Mohammed Raqqad, a distinguished clinical geneticist. As INNOVIA Genetics’ Medical Director, Dr. Raqqad ensures that the entire spectrum of services – from diagnostics to treatments – adheres to the highest benchmarks of excellence. Moreover, his role as the Dean of INNOVIA ACADEMY is a testament to his relentless passion for nurturing and equipping the next cadre of genetic aficionados.

Underpinned by a stellar team of professionals, INNOVIA Genetics is unwavering in its mission: harnessing genetic insights for a brighter, healthier tomorrow.

Key Specializations within the team:

• An expert consultant in Pediatric Neurology, Epilepsy, and Neurophysiology brings to the table a deep-rooted understanding of intricate neurological challenges faced by its pediatric demographic.
• A distinguished specialist in Inherited Metabolic Diseases is instrumental in pioneering innovative pathways for the management and treatment of metabolic disorders.
• A Dermatologist and Venereologist, delving deep into the genetic intricacies of the skin, ensuring patients avail comprehensive dermatological care.
• A Senior Consultant of Pediatric Cardiology leading its pediatric heart care and offering groundbreaking cardiac care solutions for younger patients.

Comprehensive Genetic Counseling:

Understanding the contemporary needs for adaptability and flexibility, INNOVIA Genetics provides both virtual and in-person genetic counseling sessions. Designed with utmost precision, these sessions aim to demystify the complex realm of genetics for patients. Alongside, INNOVIA Genetics offers an extensive array of genetic tests and services, guaranteeing a holistic genetic solution for each and every person.

Pioneering in Reproductive Genetics:

Its forte in Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidies (PGTA) and Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) places it at the forefront of reproductive genetics. The company is dedicated to offering a seamless and enriching experience for both individuals and families navigating these genetic pathways.

State-of-the-Art Facility:

Its exemplary services are housed in a modern facility designed and customized to meet the rigorous demands of genetic medicine. Its College of American Pathologists (CAP) accreditation is not merely a badge of honor; it’s a testament to its unwavering commitment to quality and excellence. Achieving this accreditation required meeting stringent standards signifies the company’s devotion to best practices and patient safety.

Vision for the Future:

As the landscape of genetic medicine continuously evolves, so does INNOVIA Genetics. Its horizon is brimming with goals and aspirations, including furthering research, introducing avant-garde genetic solutions, and expanding collaborations with global institutions.

 INNOVIA Academy: Bridging the Gap in Genetics and Stem Cells Education

In today’s rapidly evolving medical landscape, genetics and stem cells stand out as two of the most promising and groundbreaking fields. Yet, despite their vast potential, there remains a distinct lack of comprehensive education specifically tailored to these specialized fields. INNOVIA Academy addresses this exact void by equipping the next generation of healthcare professionals with the knowledge and expertise necessary to drive further innovation in these domains.

Why INNOVIA Academy was established?

The idea of INNOVIA Academy was inspired by a simple, yet profound realization: while genetics and stem cells held the key to future medical miracles, there was an acute shortage in institutions offering specialized courses on these subjects.

Traditional medical curricula, though rigorous, frequently merely touches the surface of these topics. As pioneers in the biobank industry, INNOVIA recognized the imperative of a deeper, more thorough and more focused education in genetics and stem cells. As a result, INNOVIA Academy stands as a beacon of specialized knowledge in a sea of generalist medical education and functions as a knowledge hub. It offers an in-depth curriculum on genetics, coupled with hands-on training sessions, workshops, and research projects.

Affiliation with the University of Jordan: A Confluence of Legacy and Innovation
The partnership with the University of Jordan represents more than just a strategic decision; it represents the fusion of historic academic prestige with avant-garde medical education. The University, with its rich history and stellar academic reputation, lends credibility, legitimacy, and depth to the academy. This affiliation ensures that the curriculum is rooted in foundational academic principles as it keeps up with the cutting-edge medical advancements.

CPD Accreditation: A Testament to Excellence

Earning the CPD (Continuing Professional Development) accreditation is no small feat. It stands as a rigorous endorsement of the academy’s commitment to maintaining and enhancing the knowledge and skills of its students and faculty. INNOVIA Academy’s courses aren’t just designed to impart knowledge; they aim to foster continuous learning and professional growth.

Courses Tailored for Tomorrow

Understanding that the realms of genetics and stem cells are vast and multifaceted, INNOVIA Academy offers a range of courses tailored to meet the diverse needs of its students. From foundational courses introducing the basic concepts to advanced modules exploring the latest research and techniques, the academy ensures that its students are always a step ahead, ready to shape the future of Medicine.

A Vision for the Future

Although INNOVIA Academy was established in response to a current need, its vision is firmly set on the future. Beyond merely providing education, the academy’s mission is shaping future thought leaders, innovators, and pioneers in the fields of genetics and stem cells. With the steadfast support of its affiliates and the dedication of its faculty, INNOVIA Academy is not just teaching medicine; it’s redefining it.

INNOVIA Academy is the movement – striving to bridge the knowledge gap in two of the most crucial medical fields. Through its endeavors, the academy ensures that the promise of genetics and stem cells is not just realized but surpassed, heralding a brighter, healthier future for all.

Company: INNOVIA Biobank

Website: innoviabiobank.com

The post Most Visionary Healthcare Diversification CEO 2023: Dr. Mohannad Al-Ghazo appeared first on MEA Markets.

• 88% of “cloud-powered” companies reported an increase in revenue over the past six to nine months, compared to 76% of non-cloud-powered firms
• Regional cloud market has potential to generate substantial additional revenues, with three-quarters of firms set to increase their cloud budgets in 2024, and 68% of Middle East companies planning to migrate a majority of their operations to the cloud by 2025

Cloud adoption across the Middle East has passed the initial adoption phase and is poised for accelerated growth, with a significant proportion of companies already capturing tangible value from the cloud, according to the latest report by Strategy& and PwC Middle East, titled “Cloud computing in the Middle East: New opportunities for companies and cloud providers.”

The survey questioned 420 technology and business leaders from various sectors in the region’s two largest cloud computing markets, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The analysis suggests that if the Middle East were to catch up with Europe in terms of market maturity, cloud vendors could potentially secure around US$5.6 billion in new revenue. If the region were to match North America in maturity, the new revenue potential could potentially be closer to US$14 billion.

 

Cloud adoption in the region 

The Strategy& and PwC Middle East report finds that 85% of the companies have already embarked their cloud journey – 32% of the companies in the region utilize the cloud in at least one area of operations, 35% have adopted cloud computing across multiple domains of their business and 18% already having scaled cloud throughout their business. Looking forward, 68% of Middle East companies have the ambition to migrate almost all of their operations to the cloud within the next two years. To fund these initiatives, 76% of companies intend to increase their cloud budget over the coming year.

Furthermore, 90% organizations have moved beyond a simple “lift and shift” approach to cloud adoption, employing modernization, cloud-native application development and business models built on the cloud to reap more benefits from their cloud initiatives.

“The Middle East is experiencing a significant transformation in its approach to cloud computing, rapidly closing the gap with international benchmarks. Thanks to proactive government investments and the growing presence of public cloud providers, both public and private entities now have an accelerated avenue to tap into the profound benefits of this technology,” said Nikolaos Lioulis, Principal with Strategy& Middle East, part of the PwC network.

 

The value of cloud computing

The report also finds that approximately 40% of companies already realized measurable value from their cloud initiatives, including improved decision making (40%), increase in profitability (34%), or new revenue streams (30%) amongst others. The analysis indicated that despite their strong performance, cloud-powered companies in the Middle East have room for improvement when it comes to capturing value. By comparison, cloud-powered companies in the U.S. are more adept at extracting value in all areas.

According to the report, many of the challenges that Middle Eastern companies typically face in realizing measurable value are external; and can be addressed through vendor support. For instance, 47% of cloud-powered companies said they experienced problems related to cloud providers, such as concerns about service quality. In contrast, non-cloud-powered companies were more inclined to attribute their challenges to internal factors: budget constraints, limitations in technology capabilities, and leadership issues. Notably, 88% of cloud-powered companies reported an increase in revenue over the past six to nine months.

“Our findings illustrate the tangible benefits of cloud technology for businesses. Approximately 40% of the companies surveyed reported significant improvements across various dimensions. Interestingly, there is a direct link between cloud adoption and enhanced top-line performance. As organizations look to further leverage this potential, our report offers various recommendations drawing from the practical experiences of companies that have successfully harnessed the advantages of cloud computing,” said Achilles Drettas, Partner with Strategy& Middle East, part of the PwC network.

 

Capturing the full value of the cloud

“Our findings show that organizations can maximize the value of the cloud by taking a programmatic approach rooted in a meticulously planned cloud strategy. Moreover, it must be grounded on business priorities, strong cloud controls and governance, and follow a proactive program framework which engages the entire C-suite, as well as key stakeholders from the outset,” added Rajat Chowdhary, Partner with PwC Middle East.

Specifically, the analysis revealed four key actions that successful cloud-powered businesses usually take to fully exploit value from the cloud:

 

1. Take a holistic approach

Cloud-powered companies adopt a holistic approach, driven by a well-defined vision and supported by a robust architectural roadmap and governance framework, aligned with specific business goals. They are more likely to deploy the cloud for a combination of uses—enabling them to prioritize infrastructure strategies and migration methods on an application-by-application basis, ensuring effective value creation.

 

2. Build stronger alliances across the C-suite

Cloud-powered companies excel at building strong alliances within the C-suite, encompassing both business and technology roles. Chief information officers and technology teams in these companies recognize that transformation is a collective effort—and collaborate closely at the earliest stages of planning, budgeting, and requirement gathering.

 

3. Emphasize cloud controls and governance

Cloud-powered companies are more advanced than other companies when it comes to adopting leading practices in cloud governance, risk, and controls. They are more likely to have resources dedicated to cloud governance, formal and distinct cloud controls, and robust evaluations of shared responsibility with Cloud professional and managed services providers.

 

4. Develop a formal data, analytics, and artificial intelligence strategy

Cloud-powered companies are much more likely to have an enterprise-wide data strategy than other companies (73% versus 42%). That means they typically develop a streamlined architecture to modernize data into an integrated view, create governance structures, and develop the necessary skills and operational changes needed to become data-driven organizations.

The report also discusses five key considerations for cloud professional and managed services providers that want to remain competitive and meet changing customer demands. The recommendations focused on embracing cloud native technologies, differentiating through the industry cloud, promoting security as a core offering, partnering with public cloud providers, and focusing on unique strengths.

The post Middle East Cloud Market Poised for Accelerated Growth As 76% of Firms Pledge Bigger Cloud Budgets appeared first on MEA Markets.

• Dell Validated Design for Generative AI with NVIDIA for Model Customization helps customers more quickly and securely extract intelligence from their data
• Dell Professional Services streamline GenAI strategy development, data preparation, platform development and increase operational efficiencies
• Dell Technologies and Starburst offer an open, modern data lakehouse solution to tap multicloud data for AI efforts

Dell Technologies (NYSE: DELL) expands its Dell Generative AI Solutions portfolio, helping businesses transform how they work along every step of their generative AI (GenAI) journeys.

“To maximize AI efforts and support workloads across public clouds, on-premises environments and at the edge, companies need a robust data foundation with the right infrastructure, software and services,” said Jeff Boudreau, chief AI officer, Dell Technologies. “That’s what we are building with our expanded validated designs, professional services, modern data lakehouse and the world’s broadest GenAI solutions portfolio.”

 

Customizing GenAI models to maximize proprietary data

The Dell Validated Design for Generative AI with NVIDIA for Model Customization offers pre-trained models that extract intelligence from data without building models from scratch. 

This solution provides best practices for customizing and fine-tuning GenAI models based on desired outcomes while keeping information secure and on-premises. With a scalable blueprint for customization, organizations now have multiple ways to tailor GenAI models to accomplish specific tasks with their proprietary data. Its modular and flexible design supports a wide range of computational requirements and use cases, spanning training diffusion, transfer learning and prompt tuning.

Dell Validated Designs for Generative AI now support both model tuning and inferencing, allowing users to more quickly deploy GenAI models with proven infrastructure including the Dell PowerEdge XE9680, the industry’s best performing AI server,1 or the Dell PowerEdge XE8640, with a choice of NVIDIA® Tensor Core GPUs and NVIDIA AI Enterprise software, which offers frameworks, pre-trained models and development tools, such as the NVIDIA NeMo™ framework, and Dell software. By combining compute power with storage options, such as Dell PowerScale and Dell ObjectScale, customers can rapidly feed models with multiple storage data types with the validated design. The infrastructure is also available as a subscription via Dell APEX.

“We’re implementing Dell PowerEdge XE9680 servers with NVIDIA H100 Tensor Core GPUs into the high performance computing cluster at Princeton for large language modeling to help drive new levels of discovery,” said Sanjeev Arora, the Charles C. Fitzmorris Professor in Computer Science, Princeton. “This system gives researchers in natural sciences, engineering, social sciences and humanities the opportunity to apply powerful AI models to their work in areas such as visualization, modeling and quantum computing.”

 

Preparing data, people and processes for GenAI

Dell is applying its process and expertise to help customers generate better, faster business results with expanded GenAI professional services capabilities:

• Data Preparation Services provide customers with a clean, accurate data set in the right format enabling AI projects to move smoothly while simplifying data integration and delivering quality data output.
• Dell Implementation Services establish an operational GenAI platform for inferencing and model customization, accelerating time to value. Paired with Dell Managed Services, Dell can operate the full NVIDIA-based GenAI solution, improving operational efficiency and allowing customers to focus on building their proprietary GenAI use cases.
• Education Services help customers gain the critical skills to close the GenAI capabilities gap.

“Our recent study on Generative AI use in the enterprise made it clear organizations are adamant about being able to use their own data to customize key foundation models, but also need assistance in helping prep their data for that work,” said Bob O’Donnell, president and chief analyst, TECHnalysis Research. “Dell’s latest Generative AI solutions and partnerships offer a broad set of capabilities that help companies capitalize on this potential, bridging knowledge gaps and ensuring data drives discernible, impactful business results.”

 

Modernizing data infrastructure for AI and analytics   

Dell and Starburst are strengthening their relationship to help customers accelerate AI and analytics efforts. This will culminate with an open, modern data lakehouse solution.
 
The solution will integrate Starburst’s analytics software with Dell’s PowerEdge compute platform, combined with Dell industry-leading storage,2 helping customers extract insights from data wherever it resides. Built with open software principles, customers will gain easy and secure access to multicloud data to get the most value for analytics and AI-driven workflows and deployments. 
 
“Our customers have made it clear they need a robust data platform for accessing distributed data across multicloud environments to drive and operationalize AI efforts,” said Justin Borgman, CEO, Starburst. “By integrating our deep analytics capabilities with Dell’s leading infrastructure and global enterprise services, we can offer customers an open, multicloud data lakehouse solution that quickly and easily makes data available to AI workflows anywhere.”

 

Availability

• Dell Validated Design for Generative AI: Model Customization is available globally through traditional channels and Dell APEX starting late October.
• Dell Professional Services for Generative AI are available in select countries starting late October.
• The Dell open, modern data lakehouse solution with Starburst has planned global availability in the first half of 2024.

The post Dell Technologies Growing Generative AI Portfolio Speeds Business Transformations appeared first on MEA Markets.