E-Business
Cisco, Check Point Lead 1Q15 Global Security Appliance Market
According to the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Security Appliance Tracker, both factory revenues and unit shipments continued to grow in the first quarter of 2015 (1Q15).
Worldwide vendor revenues increased 7.5% year over year to $2.3 billion, marking the 22nd consecutive quarter of revenue growth.
Unit shipments expanded to 526,767 and grew 9.4% year over year for the sixth consecutive quarter of volume growth. Compared to the fourth quarter of 2014, both revenues and shipments declined in 1Q15, falling -12.8% and -12.6% respectively.
Regional Highlights
The United States accounted for 42.9% of worldwide revenues in 1Q15 and was the fastest growing market at 15.6%, gaining 3.0 share points year over year.
With 39.1% of units shipped, the US market gained 3.5 and 2.9 points of shipment share sequentially and year-over-year.
Western Europe saw its revenues grow 9.8% year over year in 1Q15. Revenue growth was driven primarily by strong results in the United Kingdom and Germany, with 24.0% and 21.4% regional market share respectively.
After modest revenue growth of 1.8% last quarter, Central & Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa (CEMA) declined steeply this quarter, falling -11.0% year over year and -26.2% sequentially. Cumulatively, the regional market accounted for 7.2% of worldwide units in the quarter with net loss of -0.9 share points sequentially and -1.2 year over year.
Latin America saw its revenues grow 4.8% year over year while unit shipments increased 8.8% compared to 1Q14. This enabled the region to capture 4.8% of worldwide revenues and 6.0% of shipments in the quarter. The regional market was driven by Peru and Mexico, which saw year-over-year revenue growth of 31.3% and 15.8% shipment growth.
Asia/Pacific (excluding Japan)(APeJ) captured 18.2% of worldwide revenues in 1Q15 and gained 0.4 points share year over despite net loss of 4.5 points sequentially. The regional experienced solid year-over-year revenue growth of 9.8%, largely driven by Huawei in China.
Canada and Japan accounted for 3.0% and 3.9% of worldwide revenues respectively and gained 0.3 share points each in the quarter.
“Today’s threat environment is extremely dynamic and continues to change exponentially,” said Ebenezer Obeng-Nyarkoh, senior research analyst, Worldwide Trackers Group. “The growing volume and sophistication of cyber attacks has created an environment where integrating disparate security solutions is required to protect sensitive business and personal information, as well as to safeguard national security.”
Vendor Highlights
Cisco continued to lead the overall security appliance market with 17.6% share in vendor revenue. Growing at 8.8% year over year, Cisco gained 0.2 share points year over year and 1.0 points compared to the previous quarter.
Check Point remained the number 2 security appliance vendor with double-digit revenue growth of 12.2% year over year revenue, despite a decline of -11.3% sequentially.
Cheek Point ended the quarter with 13.4% worldwide revenue share and gained 0.2 share points sequentially and 0.5 points year over year.
Since entering the top 5 in the second half of 2013, Palo Alto Networks has consistently grown its revenues faster than the overall market. In 1Q15, Palo Alto Networks grew its revenue 54.3% year over year with a net gain of 2.9 share points when compared to the same quarter a year ago.
Fortinet was the number 4 vendor with worldwide market share of 8.3%, resulting in a net gain of 0.7 share points sequentially and 1.3 points year over year. Fortinet maintained the same year-over-year revenue growth as last quarter, expanding 27.4% to $191 million.
Blue Coat rounded out the top 5 vendor list with 4.7% revenue share despite a net loss of -0.3 share points year over year.
E-Business
NITDA, NIMC Partner for Seamless Data Exchange Capabilities
National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) have announced a collaboration on National Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to enhance synergy between digital identity, payment ecosystems and secure seamless data exchange capabilities for Nigeria.
NITDA, which made the announcement on its X handle, said that the collaboration was to further strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,
During the meeting, Kashifu Inuwa, director general of NITDA, and Bisoye Coker-Odusote, director general of NIMC, with some management staff of both organisations, discussed various initiatives, which include building DPI stacks for a secured and seamless data exchange and forming partnerships to transform the national identity system.
This collaboration also aims to harness the potential of the innovative ecosystem and emphasise the use of public-key infrastructure (PKI) to drive digital transformation in Nigeria.
To ensure a smooth implementation, a 12-man committee was set up.
This committee will play a crucial role in kickstarting and harmonising the initiatives and is expected to deliver a comprehensive implementation report within the next 4 weeks.
E-Business
Expert Urges FG to Harmonise NIN, BVN to Tackle Crimes
Noble Ajuonu, head, Sydani Technologies Ltd., has urged the Federal Government to harmonise National Identification Number (NIN) and Bank Verification Number (BVN) to tackle crimes and insecurity in the country.
Ajuonu made the call at a media roundtable, organised by Sydani Group in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the roundtable focuses on driving sustainability through a comprehensive analysis of Nigeria’s key development areas.
Ajuonu said that Nigeria could overcome its security challenges and pave the way for a safer, more secure future for all Nigerians by embracing technology and implementing practical solutions,
“We need to harmonise data, prioritise seamless integration of databases like NIN, BVN, and security agency records, establish clear protocols for data sharing and access, with robust safeguards against misuse,’’ expert said.
According to him, the unified data pool will empower intelligence gathering and targeted operations.
He also called for investments in smart surveillance, intelligent video analytics software, training of personnel in data analysis, interpretation of data in real-time to combat crimes.
“There is need to implement a legal framework for call interception in criminal investigations, with strict oversight to prevent abuse, encourage community cohesion, training of tech savvy security personnel with tech-enabled tools.’’
Ajuonu also urged the government to address infrastructure deficit in technology, saying that technology was all encompassing to address insecurity.
“According to the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), as of December 2023, only 104.2 million Nigerians had been enrolled for the National Identity Number (NIN).’’
Ajuonu added that over 122.2 million citizens left uncaptured for NIN were people in rural areas where enrolment centres, digital services were limited.
“Most crimes are being perpetuated from rural communities and this lack of comprehensive identification creates a gap where elements not captured in the national database can constitute public nuisance, crimes.
“There is the inadequacy in the integration of NIN, BVN and Voters Identification Number (VIN).
“Advanced call interception and analysis tools, used successfully in other countries, could provide invaluable insights into criminal networks and operations but infrastructure is lacking,’’ he said.
Also, Mr Godfrey Petgrave, the Agricultural Expert, Sydani Group, called for empowerment of smallholder farmers with access to finance and training to enhance productivity.
According to Petgrave, Nigeria requires policy reform and institutional strengthening to improve agricultural practices and embrace digital agriculture solutions to address food insecurity.
Mr Akolade Jimoh, another expert of the group on health, advocated for expanded community-based health insurance programmes for rural and underserved areas.
Jimoh added that the country needed to encourage Public Private Partnership to revolutionise products design and quality improvement on health services.
E-Business
Konga launches Infinix Brand Week with Incredible Deals
Konga, Nigeria’s leading composite e-commerce group, is thrilled to announce the launch of amazing deals at its Infinix Brand Week. Infinix, a leading global smartphone brand known for its innovative products and cutting-edge technology promises exclusive discounts and special offers on select smartphones, marking an exciting milestone in the realm of online shopping.
Shoppers can expect nothing short of extraordinary deals on a wide range of Infinix products, all available exclusively on the Konga online platform. With discounts of up to 30% off, this partnership between Konga and Infinix aims to redefine the shopping experience for tech enthusiasts across Nigeria.
Konga Brand Week has become synonymous with excitement and unbeatable deals, and this year’s edition is no exception. In addition to exclusive discounts on Infinix smartphones, shoppers can explore a diverse array of products across various categories, including electronics, fashion, home essentials, and more.
“At Konga, we are dedicated to providing our customers with the best shopping experience possible,” said Rita Ohaedoghasi, VP Marketing at Konga. “The Infinix Week during Konga Brand Week allows us to continue delivering on that promise by offering incredible discounts and special offers on some of the most sought-after smartphones in the market.”
To stay updated on the latest developments and exclusive deals during Konga Brand Week, shoppers are encouraged to connect with Konga across all platforms, including social media and the Konga website. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to score big savings and elevate your tech game with Infinix and Konga.
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