< Previous40 edge_september 2023 opinion A s the tech industry continues to expand and evolve throughout the Middle East, it is all-too easy for IT teams to be so focused on the next big trend – be it generative AI, or the metaverse – that they overlook the health of their networks. However, it is precisely in times of major growth and transition that the consequences of failing to prioritise the network are especially pronounced. With a large growth in both users and devices, in the cloud and on-premise, it’s much harder to keep up with crucial factors such as compliance and visibility. In turn, this means networks are far less robust, leading to problems such as cyber-attacks, compliance issues, outages and unhappy customers. It’s vital therefore not to ignore this as your business scales and puts more pressure on your network. Allowing your network to become stressed will result in a poor digital experience for both customers and employees, and risk causing an impact to not only your bottom line, but also your reputation. Fortunately, NetOps teams can entirely mitigate these risks by adopting a more proactive approach and negating the threats caused by a fragile network. By Ramzi Bsaibes Regional Sales Director, Gulf Region, Riverbed Technology Why building a resilient network is vital as your business grows Ensuring a positive digital experience for customers while maintaining compliance and security becomes paramount amid mounting pressure on networks SECURITY Recognising a stressed network Many IT teams have begun to notice the tell-tale symptoms of larger issues that are preventing their hybrid networks from operating properly. Sometimes it shows through an increase in IT tickets, other times it’s a slowing down of their network’s speed, or it’s a major incident requiring large, cross-functional bridge calls. Taking note of these signs of network fragility can be key to identifying areas that require an increased level of business resilience. Let’s explore some of the most common signs that a network is stressed and the underlying problems they represent: Network performance issues Many hybrid networks combine older, on-prem devices with newer elements, endpoints, and cloud applications and services. However, when bandwidth demands increase – due to factors like user traffic and application requirements – the system can become overwhelmed leading to poor network performance and expensive downtime. It’s true that network performance will always face some challenges, but if they become frequent or significant, this is a key indicator that a hybrid edge_september 2023 41 opinion network is being stretched too thin. To avoid issues escalating into large outages, NetOps teams should have access to quick and clear insights into their networks to troubleshoot issues promptly. Non-compliance challenges Organisations in highly regulated industries, like healthcare or financial services, often have to abide by rigid internal compliance regulations, government regulations, or even both. Regardless, a sure sign that a network is being unduly stressed is that it fails to comply with these regulations. It’s not uncommon for third-party vendors to struggle with compliance, with the additional complexity third-party vendors can bring to networks’ applications and services. For example, the work around compliance – such as creating audit trails, executing timeline updates, and establishing clear data governance rules – can cause a lack of visibility and trouble gathering reliable data for third parties. Security struggles Network breaches and a large number of unsecured endpoints in a hybrid network can cause issues for IT teams. But while the location, device, and data need to be monitored and protected, it can prove difficult to impose the on- and off-premises security measures that are required. The combination of cloud and on- premises elements can also make it hard to gain a holistic view of an organisation’s infrastructure, so security issues can go unnoticed for long periods. Network breaches, or even the fear that one might occur, are often an indication that a hybrid network lacks the requisite level of resilience. Building a more resilient network Incorporating a higher level of business resilience into a network means preparing it to be able to deal with a variety of internal and external challenges, while also putting it in a position to grow and evolve. Let’s look at some of our top tips for how to build a more resilient network: Tip 1: Create an accurate network map Many businesses find it useful to use diagrams and flowcharts to visualise dependencies and categorise their complex, hybrid network. This kind of mapping helps teams find and fix issues faster, scale more accurately, and track the performance of different network elements. Tip 2: Identify infrastructure weaknesses Network mapping helps teams identify weaknesses in their hybrid network. By gathering the infrastructure’s elements, they can understand which parts need to be optimised or replaced. The same kind of considerations should be made for security. By identifying insecure elements within a hybrid network, organisations can decide when and how to take action – installing patches, replacing equipment, or deploying independent security solutions. Tip 3: Invest in open and extensible network performance management solutions Implementing some of these processes manually is possible, but automation can save a lot of time and money. By leveraging the right network performance management (NPM) tools to collect full- fidelity data from their hybrid network, teams can: • Find and fix issues quickly with automated workflows. • Optimise network traffic by automating data collection around users, flow, and prioritisation. • Create audit trails and reports required for regulatory compliance. • Break out of siloed working and cut down on software bloat. • Power up-stream runbook automation by providing full-fidelity data. • Power up-stream AIOps workloads by synthesising all operational data into a common format. A resilient and thriving business It’s important to provide a positive digital experience for customers that remains compliant and secure as networks come under increasing pressure. To do this, businesses in the Middle East need to identify when a network is under strain, determine which areas are problematic, and focus efforts on strengthening those areas. This will lead to a resilient network that helps your business expand and prosper, even during times of transition and change. “Network breaches, or even the fear that one might occur, are often an indication that a hybrid network lacks the requisite level of resilience”42 edge_september 2023 opinion T he old adage used to go that a new vehicle loses 10 percent of its value as soon as you drive it out of the dealership – and around 40 percent by a year later. It’s a piece of long- standing wisdom that says everything about what used to happen in the transaction between a driver and their chosen auto manufacturer. Warranties and service deals aside, that manufacturer’s responsibilities ended as soon as the new car owner slid behind the wheel and turned the key. The owner took possession of a depreciating asset and all the responsibilities that went with it, including what to do with their vehicle when they were finished with it. Future vehicle experiences will shift from intangible prestige and status to tangibles, such as reclaimed materials and recycled components. The future ecosystem built around cars will be more responsive, sustainable, and innovative, utilising the cloud for cost efficiency and environmental impact optimising. The regulatory and resource challenge transforming auto business models The circular route to a new auto industry is By Yasser Hassan Managing Director, Commercial Sector, MENAT, AWS The circular route to a new, cloud- driven automotive industry The evolution of the automotive industry presents a golden opportunity for auto brands to redefine value for their customers CLOUD taking shape in the Middle East, with a focus on sustainability, cost-optimisation, and the electrification. The key driver of this change is the accelerating electrification of driving, which will require 4,000 gigawatt hours of lithium- ion battery capacity by 2030, enough to power roughly 100 million electric vehicles (EVs), and 10x the capacity manufactured in 2021. In the Middle East, the automotive aftermarket industry is preparing for significant changes over the next five years. This shift is driven by the growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and the need for sustainable practices in the region. For instance, Saudi Arabia plans to manufacture 300,000 cars annually by 2030. The demand for EVs in the UAE will increase at a compound annual growth rate of 30 percent between 2022 and 2028, according to the global Electric Mobility Readiness Index. These developments are transforming the role of auto brands and customers’ experiences, moving the concept of the circular economy into the fast lane. Auto brands face regulatory and resource challenges due to EU legislation requiring battery producers to dispose of batteries, limiting landfill waste, and requiring minimal recycled content. edge_september 2023 43 opinion The global shortage of essential commodities like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and manganese necessitates manufacturers to reclaim and reuse EV batteries to manage costs and mitigate financial risks. Both challenges point to the same solution: auto manufacturers need to track what happens to their vehicles and their batteries, reclaim those batteries when the time is right, and keep their components in use for as long as possible. As the electric vehicle market is expected to grow in the Middle East, focus is given on recycling lithium-ion batteries. This is fueled by the increasing environmental and ethical issues concerning the mining of materials like cobalt, lithium, and nickel that are used in the manufacturing of these batteries. For instance, the UAE’s BEEAH Recycling has signed an agreement with the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MOEI) and the American University of Sharjah (AUS) to collaborate on establishing the nation’s first recycling plant for end-of-life batteries from electric vehicles. A new type of relationship between drivers and auto brands While electrification of driving continues to gain momentum in the region, the role of auto brands is evolving. Companies are increasingly focusing on providing a seamless customer experience, integrating their services with digital platforms, and leveraging cloud-based technologies. The cloud-connected, circular journey of an EV battery starts in the gigafactory where it’s first produced. When batteries leave a cloud-connected gigafactory, they do so with a traceability document capturing the conditions and raw materials used in their manufacture – a type of digital passport that can then stay associated with the battery, gathering further information on how it’s charged and discharged from the technology embedded within cloud-connected vehicles. Solutions like AWS IoT TwinMaker can use this real-time data to create digital twins of each battery, virtual representations that show the state of the battery and its components, predict when it will start to fail and identify which cells will be responsible for it failing. The evolving landscape of the automotive industry presents a golden opportunity for auto brands to redefine value for their customers. By embracing proactive engagement and prioritising vehicle longevity, these brands can transform the ownership experience from one marred by declining performance and escalating maintenance costs to one characterised by attentive support and enduring satisfaction. As the industry moves away from relying solely on franchised dealerships to deliver on brand promises, a new path emerges—one that leads to a more connected, customer-centric, and value- driven future for the automotive sector. “The evolving landscape of the automotive industry presents a golden opportunity for auto brands to redefine value for their customers” 30% The projected compound annual growth rate of customer demand for EVs between 2022 and 2028 Source: Electric Mobility Readiness Index Cloud-connected, circular journey The era of sustainability presents a golden opportunity for auto brands44 edge_september 2023 INFINIX: GT 10 Pro The Infinix GT 10 Pro was released in Saudi Arabia in collaboration with PUBG Mobile. The phone comes with a futuristic Cyber Mecha Design, complete with a mini-LED indicator and colour-changing abilities. At the heart of the Infinix GT 10 Pro lies the powerful Dimensity 8050 6nm Gaming 5G Processor powered with 256 GB Memory and up to 16GB RAM. The phone has a 120Hz 10-bit FHD+ AMOLED display, integrated with an in-display fingerprint scanner. The high refresh rate and vibrant colour display provide gamers with an immersive visual experience like never before, truly elevating their gameplay. Infinix has developed the Pure XOS software, specifically designed to enhance the gaming experience by minimising distractions. Pure XOS is based on the latest Android 13 and offers a cleaner, more streamlined interface similar to stock Android, and reduces the number of pre-installed apps, allowing for more storage space dedicated to game installations and reducing memory usage. Additionally, there are no intrusive ads, ensuring an uninterrupted gaming session. edge_september 2023 45 gadget watch Amazfit, a smart wearables brand owned by Zepp Health, launched Amazfit Bip 5 globally. The Amazfit Bip 5 not only features the brand’s biggest screen with a 1.91-inch high-resolution LCD touchscreen, but it’s also the first member of the Amazfit Bip series to integrate the Zepp OS. This brings a wealth of feature advancements beyond what’s typically found in an entry-level smartwatch. The Zepp OS 2.0 provides access to a rich ecosystem apps, including more than 30 mini games. It has built-in microphone and speaker for bluetooth phone calls. It also comes with more intelligent health and fitness features, like 24-hour blood-oxygen monitoring, twice as many sports modes as the previous generation, auto-detection of seven sports movements, and the PeakBeats workout status algorithm. AMAZFIT: Bip5 The Soundcore R50i earbuds are engineered with features to provide an advanced auditory experience. . They come with 10mm drivers for powerful, extra-bass sound, and 22 preset EQs available via the Soundcore app to personalise your audio experience. Boasting a lightweight and ergonomic design, these earbuds ensure long-lasting comfort. Bluetooth 5.3 ensures seamless connection, allowing effortless transitions between calls, music, and podcasts. AI-enhanced calls, powered by dual microphones, render crystal- clear conversations, and a 30-hour playtime ensures uninterrupted audio. Fast charging support allows a 10-minute charge to provide an additional two hours of playtime. The Soundcore app includes a “Find My Buds” feature, enabling users to locate their misplaced earbuds effortlessly. SOUNDCORE: R50i46 edge_september 2023 TERRAMASTER: NAS series TerraMaster recently released new NAS series F2- 212, F4-212 and U4-212, which support TRAID, BTRFS file system, Snapshot and TFSS providing stronger data backup and a better home multimedia experience. The 212 NAS series adopts new design elements and colour matching and has a better heat dissipation, lower noise, and more convenient installation and use. The tool-free hard drive tray design makes easy installation and removal of hard drives without tools, and the new Push-lock unique design automatically locks the hard drive tray when you insert the hard drive, preventing the hard drive from falling out or disconnecting. Equipped with ARM V8.2 Cortex-A55 64-bit 1.7GHz quad- core processor, the 212 NAS series run the latest TOS 5 system and support the TRAID flexible disk array management tool which provides users with an optimised, flexible and elastic disk array management solution. gadget watch The LG PuriCare 360 Hit air purifier comes with an advanced Through Air Purification system, featuring the total allergy care filter, deodorisation filter, and ioniser. This multi-filtration system effectively eliminates 99.999 percent of 0.01 particles, bacteria, viruses, ultra- fine dust, allergens, and even harmful gases like NO2 and SO2. LG’s ioniser system releases more than 9 million ions into the air to remove bacteria. It comes with LG’s newantibacterial/anti-viral filter, total dust collection & allergy care filter, and harmful gas care filter. These filters are certified by KAF (Korea Asthma & Allergy Association) and CA (Korea Air Cleaning Association). The 360° Purification technology of LG PuriCare 360 Hit ensures that the air is purified from all directions. Unlike traditional air purifiers, the new purifier’s cylindrical body and performance-oriented flow path structure allow it to quickly and efficiently inhale and discharge air in a full 360-degree range. LG: PuriCare 360 Hitedge_september 2023 47 gadget watch KINGSTON: IronKey Keypad 200C The Kingston IronKey Keypad 200C is a hardware- encrypted USB Type-C1 drive that ensures both security and convenience. Now, users can achieve seamless data protection and effortless compatibility without the use of adapters when using USB-C-equipped devices. KP200C offers FIPS 140-3 Level 3 (Pending) certified military-grade security in an OS-independent alphanumeric keypad for easy-to-use PIN access. It incorporates XTS-AES 256-bit hardware-based encryption with Brute Force password attack protection and BadUSB protection with digitally signed firmware. With the multi-PIN option (Admin/User), the keypad can be used to set up an easy-to-remember alphanumeric PIN for the Admin or User accounts. Admin can restore a User PIN to provide access to the drive if the User PIN is forgotten. 48 edge_september 2023 review Huawei nova 11 Pro: mid-range luxury H uawei nova 11 Pro is a commendable mid-range phone with a premium design and feel. While unboxing the phone, the first thing that captured my attention was the textured leather back panel. This panel not only adds a touch of sophistication but also ensures a secure grip, eliminating the need for an external case. Without the need for a case, the phone’s slim profile further enhances its ergonomic feel. Equipped with a 6.78-inch OLED display, the device offers a generous canvas for multimedia consumption, gaming, and everyday tasks. The latest launch of Huawei is a fashionable lifestyle piece with a powerful camera package By Arya Devi SMARTPHONEedge_september 2023 49 review capturing selfies and facilitating video calls. The 8MP Portrait Close-up Camera (f/2.2 aperture) adds depth to portrait shots, and the 2x optical zoom and 5x digital zoom options provide versatile framing options. Battery and special features The 4500mAh battery is well-suited for a day of average use. It lasts approximately six hours with regular use. The phone comes with a 100W Huawei SuperCharge Turbo 2.0 adapter that allows for rapid charging, this is a key highlight as many phones nowadays come without an adapter though it supports supercharging. This feature, coupled with the USB Type-C 6A superfast charging data cable, ensures that the nova 11 Pro can quickly replenish its battery, reducing downtime. The nova 11 Pro also sports a range of sensors, including gravity, fingerprint, gyroscope, compass, and ambient light sensors. The USB Type-C support, USB 2.0 capabilities, and Read Write mode/Card Emulation mode add to the phone’s versatility, catering to various connectivity and payment options. Final thoughts The Huawei nova 11 Pro impresses with its seamless fusion of style and functionality. From its leathered design and camera capabilities to its performance and rapid charging, the nova 11 Pro offers a well-rounded package that caters to a diverse range of user preferences. For anyone looking for a budget-friendly smartphone, this would be one to go for. With a refresh rate of up to 120Hz and a touch sampling rate of 300Hz, the display is sharp and responsive. The FHD+ resolution of 2652×1200px further enhances the visual experience, making content come to life with clarity and detail. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 4G chipset, the nova 11 Pro delivers a balanced and efficient performance. The octa-core CPU, consisting of Cortex-A78 and Cortex-A55 cores, strikes a harmonious blend between power and efficiency, catering to both demanding tasks and everyday use. The Adreno 642L GPU ensures smooth graphics rendering, enhancing gaming and multimedia experiences. Running on EMUI 13, the software interface is also intuitive and user-friendly. For budget photography enthusiasts The phone comes with four cameras with two rear and two front shooters. For a mid-range device, the camera system is a standout feature, catering to photography enthusiasts and casual users alike. The 50MP Ultra Vision Camera with an f/1.9 aperture captures detailed and vibrant shots, even in challenging lighting conditions. The 8MP Ultra-Wide Marco Camera, with its f/2.2 aperture, offers creative possibilities for wide-angle photography. The rear camera also comes with AI Image Stabilisation (AIS), which ensures steady shots, while the 10x digital zoom expands your photography horizons. The front camera setup, with a 60MP Ultra Wide Autofocus Camera (f/2.4 aperture) excels in Next >