The Top Technology Trends Dominating 2016

 With the year almost running by, lets take a look at the technology trends dominating in 2016.


1. Live streaming

 Live streaming technology, particularly via Twitch, Facebook Live, Periscope, and other similar apps, is developing at a faster rate thanks to a combination of factors that is making live streaming more popular amongst users; some of these factors include the practicality of mobile devices, better Internet connections, and a greater expectation to be “in the moment” in a social media context. As a result, live streaming technologies are coming to a more diverse range of platforms—including social media platforms—and are becoming more efficient, with fewer interruptions and greater accessibility.

2. Virtual and augmented reality

 It was supposed to be a big year for virtual reality (VR) with the emergence of Oculus Rift and HTC Vive. To date, it’s seen modest popularity, but nothing that’s revolutionized the way we experience the world. On the other hand, augmented reality apps are starting to see breakout popularity (and Pokémon Go is the major notable example here), bringing millions of users together for a shared physical/digital hybrid experience. VR technology is still new, and there’s always a learning curve, but I believe we’re witnessing our first baby steps into an era with a much blurrier line between the physical and digital realms.

3. Automation, machine learning, and AI

People have been anticipating the onset of artificial intelligence (AI) for decades, and though it’s been around in various forms for the past several years (and even beyond that), we’re now bearing witness to the advanced learning systems that may soon come to define our interactions with technology. Digital assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Cortana, which were mocked just a few years ago, now have a stunning ability to recognize and decipher human speech, and Google updates like RankBrain are now able to update themselves, learning from complex user inputs and making automated adjustments.

4. The Internet-of-Things (IoT)

The Internet-of-Things is a phenomenon driven by the fact that so many everyday items—such as refrigerators and televisions—are now becoming capable of accessing the Internet, or even enjoying “smart” technology. Theoretically, groups of these appliances and devices could be linked together on a single network, resulting in a “smart home” that can be controlled independently by a single user on a single system. This technology could soon revolutionize the way we engage with our environments and interact with each other.

5. Big data and visualization

To be fair, it’s been a few years since “big data” started becoming popular as a buzzword, so it can’t be counted as a trend exclusively in 2016. For the past few years, businesses have been upgrading their systems and investing more to collect greater quantities and quality of data on their customers. This data is useful—but only if it’s interpreted correctly, and only if those gathering it are asking the right questions. Enter the era of data visualization, where advanced software programs and analytics platforms are able to automatically gather and project big data in meaningful ways, helping users form accurate, actionable conclusions.

6. App streaming

App streaming is one of the most interesting developments in the field of online search and mobile user experiences. Google has been pushing the visibility and functionality of apps in its search engine for the past few years, but its recent push to “streaming” apps in search results for users is an insightful indication of where things might develop from here. App streaming allows users to access content to apps they haven’t even downloaded yet, opening a potential door to the eventuality of apps replacing traditional websites as the central medium to gather new information.

7. Better in-app experiences

The dominant apps of our era—like Google and Facebook—are fighting hard to keep their apps in the top ranks, and keep users in those applications for as long as possible. Social media apps are starting to venture into new territory, with better, more diverse messaging experiences, and new functionality that overrides the necessity to leave the app and pursue functionality elsewhere. Most users are finding these in-app provisions helpful, and they’re only going to grow more sophisticated from here.

With these seven trends already in place and shaping the world around us, I can only imagine what wonders are down the pipeline. Of course, some technological trends are bound to fizzle while others continue for many years—but since it’s so hard to focus on the distant future, the short-term future is your best bet for setting goal.

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Microsoft, Intel, & others Tech Giants launches IoT standards group: Open Connectivity Foundation

Giants of the tech world are banding together to found a new group to support the burgeoning Internet of Things (IoT) industry.

The Open Connectivity Foundation (OCF) is touted as an open IoT standards group to unify standards, expedite innovation, and “create IoT solutions and devices that work seamlessly together,” according to a press release. Founding members include Microsoft, Cisco, Electrolux, General Electric, Intel, Qualcomm, Samsung, ARRIS, and CableLabs, who will work together to create specifications and protocols to ensure devices from a myriad of manufacturers work in harmony.

The Internet of Things is a major driving force in creative labs around the world. At CES last month, Samsung unveiled an eclectic mix of products, from smart fridges to giant video walls and beyond, and at the upcoming Mobile World Congress event in Barcelona, a Samsung spin-off company is debuting smart shoes.

Elsewhere, Microsoft is making a big IoT play with Windows 10 and Azure, as the company looks to build an operating system that delivers access to universal apps and driver models that work across any device, from fridges and ATMs to industrial robotics. And earlier today, Volvo announced its intentions to create the first properly keyless cars — vehicles that can be unlocked, started, and managed through a smartphone app.

It’s clearer than ever that the Internet of Things is pushing hard to shake off its gimmicky reputation and become a genuine thing that’s embraced. But well-defined and open standards are key to its success — devices and software from different manufacturers and developers have to be compatible.
The OCF is the successor to the existing Open Interconnect Consortium (OIC), which was launched back in 2014. The OIC was in competition with another group called the Allseen alliance, which consists of members such as Microsoft, Electrolux, and Qualcomm who are now in the OCF — but we’re assured that the OCF is not a merger between these other two groups.




Source: Venture Beat

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From IoT threats to forensics: How this simulator is helping sharpen cybersecurity skills

Cybersecurity is not about to go away. Quite the opposite, with spending on defending IT systems estimated to balloon from $77bn this year to $170bn in 2020, according to MarketsandMarkets.

That view is backed up by researchers at Indra's Cybersecurity Operations Center, located in San Fernando de Henares, Madrid, who expect the security sector to double in the next five years.

In part that growth will be driven by the number of devices connected to the internet multiplying six-fold. Cisco reckons 50 billion devices will be connected by 2020.

As a result, the cybersecurity landscape will be affected not just by hackers correlating information from public networks, but also by attacks on private sources, such as smartphones, cars and home-automation systems.

In tackling this problem, technology is the relatively easy part, according to Indra. The real challenge is training IT professionals to manage the risks and do their job effectively.

That's why Spanish IT systems and services firm Indra, with annual sales of approximately €3bn ($3.17bn) and clients in 138 countries, has developed the iPhalanx security simulator.

It's a technology platform that provides security professionals with flexible training in live scenarios where everything is real, from the information systems that need to be defended or attacked, to the malware and cyberattacks themselves, through to the countermeasures deployed.

Even if similar facilities have been developed in the US and Israel, by competitors such as Cisco, iPhalanx should be considered "the market's most advanced cyber range," according to Indra cybersecurity manager Jorge López Hernández-Ardieta.

It provides hands-on training of individuals and teams in computer forensics, defence and attack techniques and tactics, cooperative and competitive defence exercises (CDX), simulation and secure experimentation of new technology, malware and cyberweapons, and a controlled environment for testing.

These systems can be used on-premises or as a service, using a browser and an internet connection.

The first prototypes of iPhalanx were funded by the Spanish ministry of industry, energy and tourism within the INNPACTO program for the national plan for scientific research, development and technological innovation, with the support of the Carlos III University of Madrid and the University of Malaga.

Now UPM, Madrid's technical university, has also joined the team to strengthen the project, which has been developed over the past four years.

The first commercial version of iPhalanx was recently released. López Hernández-Ardieta says the suite is designed to improve five essentials skills: vulnerability assessment, network and system configuration, exploration and identification of targets, as well as computer forensics (the collection and pooling of evidence) and report generation.

The platform is already used by several universities, armed forces and public bodies in the field of cybersecurity. Yet, the client profile is "much broader" and includes large enterprises, as well as smaller, López Hernández-Ardieta says.

To keep the platform tuned into new threats, it taps into information from sources such as those provided by security data and analytics firm Rapid7 and the US government's NIST National Vulnerability Database.

For the latest attack techniques, iPhalanx uses information collected by experts at Indra's Cyber Security Operations Center, or i-CSOC, who conduct daily detailed analyses of malware attacks and other threats aimed at customers.

The suite has also been designed to address threats aimed at Internet of Things applications. "iPhalanx can incorporate scenarios with mobile devices or smart elements using emulation techniques to simulate a smartwatch with Android Wear, for example, so that the user is able to investigate attack techniques," López Hernández-Ardieta says.

Experts argue that security simulators are an effective approach for organizations to train staff and prepare them to react effectively against current and future cyber threats.

Manel Medina, security expert founder of the Spanish computer emergency response team, or es-CERT UPC, and author or the book Cibercrimen, argues that, "Any business offering critical services to society and public administrations should consider using these kinds of tools at least once a year."

Source :ZDNet 

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The application of data analytics outside of tech: Alteryx

The Internet of Things (IoT) is the largest content aggregator on the planet and is all generally unstructured, according to data analytics company Alteryx.

Alteryx, which opened its Australian office just over 90 days ago, has over 40 local customers, including Macquarie University, University of Western Sydney, McDonald's, Australia Post, Tourism Australia, and Queensland Government Health.

CEO Dean Stoecker said every company now views themselves as a data company and the applications of what they can do with their data is "fascinating".

"I've often found myself in this position where I'm working in a team, trying to get a project done, and you say something stupid like, 'We're not curing cancer'. Actually it turns out we're an active participant in curing cancer with this platform," Stoecker said.

"We work with the Nuclear Pharmacy division of pharmaceutical company Cardinal Health, and they make the drug F18, which is a nuclear medicine they inject into your body before a PET scan, to help detect and even mitigate cancers."

Stoecker said the problem with F18 is it has to be made in an expensive cyclotron, and cyclotrons need to be spaced throughout the United States as the drug's half life is only six hours, with four hours taken up by making a batch.

"[Cardinal Health's] challenge is how to make enough F18 at each of the cyclotrons to make sure it can get to the oncologist's office, and the patient going through treatment can get there, too, within six hours.

"They built very sophisticated regression models to calculate how much F18 to make at which cyclotron to ensure they had minimal waste and efficient delivery of F18 to oncologists; it's just a fascinating story."

Stoecker said making a difference to communities and individuals highlights the true potential of big data.

"The information worker of the future has to have basic analytic skill sets, and is going to have to know how to consume data from all over the place to live their life, and to manage their own health," he said.

Alteryx recently conducted a "big data challenge" with the University of Connecticut, giving students real data to solve real-world problems, such as global warming and healthcare. Stoecker said the team that won built models to predict childhood obesity.

Alteryx's long list of US healthcare customers include the likes of ophthalmology firm Alcon, US health insurance providers Anthem, as well as Fallon Health, Avera McKennan Hospital and University Health Center, Baptist Health System, the nonprofit Beacon Health System, Colorado Hospital Association, Emergency Medical Services Authority, vitamin and supplements store Emerson Ecologics, and the Entomological Society of America.

"Due to Obamacare, we're working a lot with healthcare in the US," Stoecker said. "People are trying to predict when somebody is going to be readmitted into the emergency room, as that is one of the biggest costs for hospitals."

Stoecker said if someone comes in due to having a cold then is readmitted a fortnight later for something such as an ankle injury, the healthcare industry are trying to tie such instances together. He said the IoT implications on the healthcare industry are going to be huge.

"You want to find the needle in the haystack when it comes to customer analytics, but if that's the case you actually have to see the whole haystack. We believe the platform has to allow you to see all the data in order to find out what's really important," he said.

With companies drowning in data, Stoecker said Alteryx is working with manufacturers who have sensors embedded in their equipment, such as industrial company Ingersoll Rand, which has sensors in its heating, cooling, and ventilation equipment. The purpose of these sensors, he said, is to predict before a piece of equipment is going to fail by analysing sensor data.

"We have tonnes of those in every industry," he said.

"The Bolton Wanderers Football Club in the UK was trying to better understand players' behaviour on the field. So instead of watching footage they tied GPS devices to [the players'] shoelaces."

Stoecker said Alteryx captured and analysed the data so players and coaching staff could understand on field analytics, and make recommendations to the players on where they need to be when competing with "x,y,z competitor".

Alteryx said the application translates over to law enforcement, as well.

"One of the world's largest manufacturers of ankle bracelets for felons has fitted their devices with audio devices and GPS receivers," he said.

"The job of the company we work with is to provide analytics to the police forces to make sure they're efficiently managing the convicted felons, as there's not much room in American prisons.

"We actually produced dashboards that demonstrate who's inbounds, and who's out of bounds, and will send the wearer an audio message that says, 'Hey Dean, you're out of bounds' when they leave their boundary."

Stoecker said this data is then aggregated and provided to the police force.

"We are in a generational shift in enterprise computing; fortunately, we believe we are driving the change."

Source :ZDNet 

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How The Internet Of Things Will Shape The Datacenter Of The Future

Everyone is talking about the Internet of Things (IoT) and developing a strategy to go after this market. There is a significant amount of focus by many companies to create more “things”—smart devices, wearables, and intelligent industrial endpoints. However, IoT also creates a large opportunity for datacenter infrastructure providers to help their customers move, store,process, and analyze the data generated by the “things” and turn that data into relevant business insights. Although data is being collected at exponentially-higher rates than ever before, most organizations do not yet have the appropriate skill sets or systems to take full advantage of the data collected. Companies like Cisco Systems, Dell, IBM,  Intel, Hewlett-Packard, and Huawei all see this as a big opportunity to help their customers navigate these unchartered waters and to provide the datacenter infrastructure required to help transform massive amounts of data into actionable outcomes.

Moving Beyond the Cloud

Big Data analytics has become prevalent with many enterprise customers. The typical model involves gathering data from various sources, ingesting all of that data into the cloud datacenter, and using analytics engines within the datacenter to turn that data into insights.

This model breaks in an IoT world. Some estimates say in 2020 there will be over 200 billion connected devices with the amount of data being collected doubling every two years. With this huge number of devices and amount of data, it is not realistic or cost-effective to rely on data analytics strategies that are solely dependent on the datacenter. This creates the need for smarter and more robust compute capability at the edge of the network to allow for analytics closer to the endpoints.

Edge Computing pushes applications, data, and computing power away from the cloud to the logical edge of a network. Having compute capability closer to the endpoints significantly decreases the data volume that must be moved and the distance the data must go. Compute capability closer to the endpoints reduces transmission costs, shrinks latency, and provides real-time analytics capability to drive timely decisions. Distributed Edge Computing nodes must be managed and secured as an extension of the cloud-based infrastructure, and will potentially communicate with one or more cloud datacenters. Cisco Systems estimates that up to 40% of IoT data will be processed in the Fog (Cisco’s term for distributed computing infrastructure for IoT) by 2018.

There is Always a Tradeoff

The most helpful way to look at the Edge Computing concept is to examine specific use cases. In certain cases, it may be best to move towards a localized or partially-localized resource; in other circumstances, it might be best for all analytics to remain in the cloud datacenter. This all depends on the types of data being analyzed, the amount of data that needs to be managed, the associated connectivity requirements, cost considerations, and what specifically you are trying to do with the data.

Edge Computing is generally useful when you want to get information back as quickly as possible and where local processing power is needed to parse through and analyze data. Industrial automation, transportation, and any sector where webs of sensors or actuators are required may be a good opportunity. Use cases that are time-sensitive (like mobile healthcare applications) and sensor-rich environments where small time lapses can be very costly (such as the oil and gas industry) may also be a good fit.

In many cases, Edge Computing is not only used for real-time analysis but also used to parse out data to send to the cloud. This data is then married with data from other sources for further processing and Big Data analytics. For example, in a retail environment, you might want to use Edge Computing at each retail store to manage inventory, push in-store promotions, or deploy smart-shopping applications. In addition, for supply chain management and customer behavior analysis, you may want to gather data from multiple stores in various locations and send that data to the cloud to analyze trends that will help inform business decisions.

Edge Computing is not likely a good fit for personal wellness devices, home automation, and remote health monitoring due to the cost involved of providing intelligent nodes in home environments. In these cases, cloud-based applications will continue to be a perfectly acceptable approach for analyzing and compiling data.

It Is Still Anybody’s Game

We are just scratching the surface of the IoT opportunity, as the vast majority of industrial and consumer endpoints are not yet connected. Enterprise customers are just beginning to look at ways to enhance their analytics infrastructure to fit with these new demands of IoT data.

Each datacenter infrastructure vendor is developing IoT strategies and products with their own perspectives on the market based on where their core product strengths lie today…whether from a sensor / endpoint point of view, a network point of view, an analytics software point of view, or from a cloud datacenter point of view. And as this market matures, I don’t believe there will be one dominant vendor with the winning solution to meet the wide range of needs for IoT analytics that span from sensor to datacenter. Vendors that will remain in the fight will be those able to demonstrate they understand the needs for specific vertical markets and can deliver solutions that help enterprise customers save money and improve their ability to turn IoT data into insights.

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