< PreviousW hat do Madonna, Barack Obama, Lady Gaga, Kim Kardashian, and Naomi Campbell have in common? They all were once the proud owners of the humble Blackberry phones. Once the epitome of professional communication and mobile productivity, BlackBerry devices were ubiquitous among business professionals and tech-savvy consumers. However, the slow demise of this first smartphone began on January 7, 2007 when the then boss of Apple Steve Jobs unveiled the iPhone at Macworld in San Francisco. Little did people realise that the phone that then held over 10 per cent market share would stop productions in 2016 and by 2022, the device and its operating system would become obsolete. It all began in the early 2000s when BlackBerry emerged as a pioneer in the smartphone industry. Founded in 1984 as Research in Motion (RIM) by Mike Lazaridis and Douglas Fregin, the company initially focused on wireless technology before pivoting to handheld devices. Their breakthrough came with the BlackBerry 850 pager, which combined email functionality with wireless connectivity, revolutionising mobile communication. BlackBerry’s success was propelled by its innovative features, most notably the full QWERTY keyboard, which made typing emails and messages a breeze. Moreover, the BlackBerry OS was renowned for its security and efficiency, making it the preferred choice for corporate users and government agencies. As smartphones evolved, BlackBerry continued to innovate, introducing iconic models such as the BlackBerry Curve, Bold, and Pearl series. These devices boasted sleek designs, advanced messaging capabilities, and long-lasting battery life, cementing BlackBerry’s reputation as a leader in the mobile industry. But the fall started when the iPhone and Google’s Android devices started gaining traction in the end of 2000s. The folly was Blackberry dismissed the new entrants, and the tide turned against them. While iPhones and Android devices embraced touchscreens and app ecosystems, BlackBerry remained steadfast in its commitment to physical keyboards and corporate clientele. This reluctance to innovate left BlackBerry trailing behind its rivals in terms of user experience and app availability. BlackBerry’s once-vaunted security features became a double- edged sword as concerns grew about government surveillance and data privacy. While BlackBerry’s encryption protocols were lauded for their robustness, they also attracted unwanted attention from regulators and law enforcement agencies, leading to disputes over data access and compliance. By the early 2010s, BlackBerry found itself in dire straits, haemorrhaging market share and struggling to stay relevant. Attempts to revive its fortunes, such as the BlackBerry 10 OS and the ill-fated BlackBerry PlayBook tablet, failed to resonate with consumers, further eroding the company’s standing in the mobile landscape. FROM MADONNA TO OBAMA BLACKBERRY’S CELEBRITY LEGACY AND DEMISE By Sindhu V Kashyap Once the epitome of professional communication, now a relic of the past vintage tech 10 edge_ april 202412 edge_april 2024 Revolutionising data infrastructure A midst the gleaming skyscrapers and landscape of Dubai, industry leaders, innovators, and stakeholders converged for – the Middle East Data Centre 360 conference. Organised by Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP ) and edge/, this groundbreaking event heralded a new era in data infrastructure innovation. The conference served as a hotbed of ideas, insights, and inspiration, igniting conversations that would shape the trajectory of the region’s technological landscape. Setting the stage for tomorrow’s infrastructure In partnership with the Cybersecurity Council, the Middle East Data Centre 360 emerged as the definitive platform for industry leaders to delve into the future of data infrastructure. Middle East Data Centre 360 conference sparks innovation in Dubai EVENT event Panel on data sovereignty bringing a balance between innovation, security, and complianceedge_april 2024 13 event The summit commenced with a thought- provoking fireside chat featuring Majid AlNaqbi, Head of Data Centre Business, ICT, du, shedding light on the Middle East’s burgeoning status as a global tech hub. The discussion revolved around the region’s exponential growth trajectory, fuelled by the convergence of cutting-edge technologies and visionary leadership. Embracing the technological renaissance The keynote session, led by His Excellency Dr Mohamed Al-Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security, United Arab Emirates Government, emphasised the paramount importance of AI and security in the rapidly evolving technological landscape. Dr Kuwaiti underscored the critical role of security in data centres amidst the surge of generative AI (GenAI), affirming the region’s pivotal position in global cybersecurity endeavours. Dr Kuwaiti showcased insights into the symbiotic relationship between technological innovation and cybersecurity resilience. Navigating the hybrid era Leaders like Ram Narayan, Country Manager at Check Point Software Technologies, articulated strategies for fortifying infrastructure in a hybrid digital environment. Traditional data centres, once bastions of predictability, are now evolving to accommodate the dynamic needs of modern applications traversing on-premises data centres, private and public clouds worldwide. His presentation delved into the intricacies of hybrid data centre architectures, leveraging virtualisation, cloud, and software-defined networking to optimise application workloads across diverse environments. Balancing innovation with security and compliance Panel discussions, featuring esteemed figures such as Dr Chafic Chaya of RIPE NCC and Abdulmajid Harmoodi of du, delved into the intricate landscape of data sovereignty, highlighting the imperative of striking a delicate balance between innovation, security, and compliance. Attendees gained valuable insights into navigating regulatory frameworks, implementing robust security measures, and fostering a culture of compliance to mitigate risks and drive sustainable growth in the digital era. Elevating sustainability in the digital age Addressing the pressing need for sustainability, industry experts led engaging discussions on designing eco-conscious data centres to mitigate the environmental footprint of digital transformation. The imperative shift towards renewable energy sources and innovative efficiency technologies emerged as focal points for a greener, more sustainable future. Panellists explored best practices for integrating sustainability principles into data centre design, operation, and management, underscoring the role of collaboration and innovation in driving positive environmental impact. Building a symbiotic relationship between innovation and cybersecurity Navigating regulatory frameworks and implementing robust security measures14 edge_april 2024 event Forging collaborative partnerships Ameer Hamdan of Rider Levett Bucknall highlighted the significance of collaboration and partnership in data centre development, emphasising the role of alliances with local entities in overcoming challenges and fostering innovation. Discussions centred on the power of collaborative ecosystems in driving technological innovation, accelerating time-to- market, and delivering unparalleled value to stakeholders across the data centre value chain. Pioneering edge data centres and AI integration Panellists explored the transformative potential of AI in modernising data infrastructure, accentuating the importance of edge data centres and agile, AI-enabled frameworks for optimal performance across hybrid and cloud environments. Attendees gained valuable insights into emerging trends, such as edge computing, AI-driven automation, and predictive analytics, reshaping the landscape of data centre operations and unlocking new opportunities for innovation and growth. Redefining security paradigms Tertius Wolfaardt of Axis Communications elucidated advanced security measures beyond conventional protocols, advocating for a strategic approach to video surveillance and real-time accountability to safeguard physical data infrastructure. Attendees gained actionable insights into leveraging cutting-edge technologies, such as AI-powered surveillance systems and blockchain- enabled access control, to mitigate security risks and ensure the integrity and confidentiality of sensitive data assets. Optimising procurement and design The conference culminated in an enlightening panel discussion led by James Mowat of HE Dr. Mohamed Al-Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security, United Arab Emirates Government AI-powered surveillance systems are becoming the normedge_april 2024 15 event Energi People and Laurent Longuet of Siraj Power, delving into strategies for optimising procurement, refining project financing models, and minimising design pitfalls in data centre projects. Attendees gained valuable insights into industry best practices, innovative procurement strategies, and emerging trends shaping the future of data centre development. Conclusion: Shaping a future defined by innovation As the curtains drew on the Middle East Data Centre 360 conference, its impact reverberates far beyond the walls of the event hall in Dubai. This gathering of industry thought leaders, and innovators not only ignited dialogues but also sparked a collective vision for the future of data infrastructure. In an era defined by rapid technological advancement and unprecedented digital transformation, events like these serve as beacons of innovation, guiding us towards a future characterised by resilience, agility, and sustainability. The Middle East Data Centre 360 conference has set the stage for a new chapter in the region’s technological journey, where collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity reign supreme. As we navigate the complexities of the digital age, let us heed the insights shared, forge new partnerships, and embark on a collective mission to build a brighter, more connected future for generations to come. Conversations highlighting the importance of security What does it take to build robust data centres? Attendees gained insights on industry best practices16 edge_april 2024 cover storyDRIVERS WITHOUT RACE A look into Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League, where cars are taught how to think and act like racers AUTONOMOUS edge_april 2024 17 cover story By Arya Devi cover story18 edge_april 2024 cover story P icture this – a race where cars zoom around the track, but there’s something different – there are no drivers behind the wheel. Instead, it’s computers racing against each other. Think of it like a high-speed video game but in real life. This is autonomous car racing. Welcome to the future of racing, where the track is a battleground for algorithms and coding skills. Engineers and programmers are the real stars here, crafting the lines of code that drive these cars. It’s a whole new kind of competition, where winning depends on how well humans can teach machines to race. Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit is set to witness the world’s biggest autonomous racing on the 27th of April 2024. Named Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL), this race was conceptualised and created by ASPIRE. This motorsport mixes mechanical autonomy with artificial intelligence (AI) to create a racing series in which autonomous vehicles will compete against one another. With fully autonomous vehicles taking centre stage, A2RL promises not just exhilarating cover storyedge_april 2024 19 cover story competition but also serves as a crucible for advancing autonomous technology and reshaping the future of transportation. A2RL features eight teams comprised of university entrants and research institutions, each equipped with a fully autonomous Dallara Super Formula SF23 car. Just as the concept, the cars, and the race are different. Let’s deep dive into this with Stephane Timpano, CEO of ASPIRE. How autonomous is the car The number one question that arises in anyone’s mind while hearing about fully autonomous racing is, “How autonomous is the race/car”. To this, Timpano said, “Sometimes people ask if the cars are remotely controlled or similar. The truth is that once they’re competing on the track, there is absolutely no human input other than the stop instruction on safety grounds either by the team or race control. They are completely autonomous.” The teams will undoubtedly keep an eye on the vehicles and systems, but they will not be involved in any other way. Long before any racing happens, 270km/h The speed of Dallara Super Formula SF23 cars during the race Stephane Timpano, CEO of ASPIRE “The truth is that once they’re competing on the track, there is absolutely no human input other than the stop instruction on safety grounds either by the team or race control”Next >