E-Business
Nine Things to Consider on Your Windows 2003 Migration
It’s been a long time coming, but on July 14ththis year the support for Windows Server 2003 and Windows Server 2003 R2 will end.
This may well prove to be a challenge for some IT professionals, but it certainly doesn’t have to be a problem.
Here, Charles Iyo, Sales Manager West Africa at Eaton, outlines nine points to help IT professionals prepare for life beyond Windows Server 2003 and evento discover that this unavoidable change is actually an opportunity.
If it ain’tbroke don’t fix it” is excellent advice most of the time, but not when unsupported operating systems (OSs) are being considered.
Of course, you could decide to stick with Windows Server 2003 when support ends and, if you do, your systems will continue to work – for a while anyway.
You will, however, be increasingly exposed to security risks as time goes on. In fact, to put it bluntly, in reality moving to a supported OS isn’t optional – it’s a business essential.
But what do you need to consider to make sure that your migration isn’t just successful, but also that itdelivers significant and lasting benefits? Let’s take a look.
Think Power
If you’re installing new servers as part of your upgrade, as many organisations will be, and possibly adding a few more to cope with future expansion, your power requirements will undoubtedly increase.
Like many others, if you decide to virtualise and consolidate workloads, it is worth thinking about what will happen to your virtual servers and valuable data when the power goes off.
Even if you decide to move some workloads to the cloud rather than installing new servers, you’ll probably need to upgrade your network switch infrastructure and bandwidth.
It will be essential to ensure that adequate – and dependable – power is available to support these critical network components.
Not factoring in power as a part of your IT application upgrade may lead to increased risk of compromising your overall business continuity.
Consider an Integrated Approach
No one wants to work with 20 different tools and dashboards, and today there is no need to, as it’s possible to integrate all layers of the IT applications and monitor everything from a single pane of glass.
Power management is a part of such an integrated approach: the best power management software readily integrates with leading virtualisation environments like VMware vCenter, Citrix XenCenter and Microsoft SCVMM.
Using this software makes it possible to implement comprehensive monitoring and management of power devices from your virtualisation dashboard together with server, storage and network devices, all from that single pane of glass.
If you decide to replace your IT application with converged infrastructure solution, ensure your power management solutions are also validated for this.
Recognise the Importance Of Business Continuity Strategies
Modern power management solutions – uninterruptible power supplies (UPSs) and rack power distribution units (PDUs), not only integrate with virtualisation platforms for monitoring and management purposes – they are also key for implementing business continuity policies on power and environmental events.
Typically you’ll want to keep your critical applications up for as long as possible.
You can do this by prioritising application and shedding non-critical loads. This will extend battery runtime and the extra runtime gained could be the difference between a minor power event and a major extended downtime issue.
Power and environmental alerts can also trigger live migration of virtual machines to a zone or a backup site that isn’t affected by an adverse power event.
They can, in addition, initiate the replication of critical data to the backup site and the controlled shutdown of devices in cases of prolonged power outage.
Maximise Efficiency, Minimise Costs
Make sure that you maximise the benefits you get from your OS migration exercise. As well as the benefits that power system integration can bring, consider also the improved energy savings your new power infrastructure could deliver.
Remember though that older UPSs are less efficient than their modern counterparts, so it’s perfectly possible that new units will pay for themselves in a relatively short time because of the energy savings they deliver.
The latest UPSs are exceptionally energy efficient – the outstanding protection of a double conversion system can now be combined with an efficiency of around 98%.
Take into account that this doesn’t just mean reduced energy bills for the UPS system, you’ll also need less cooling as new generation rack PDUs can now work continuously at up to 60ºC without derating thus you’ll also see your HVAC energy bills shrink.
Plan for the Future And Pay As You Grow
Think ahead about your likely future needs, but don’t be tempted into expensive and unnecessary overprovision.
Instead, look for modular UPSs that meet your needs today, and can be expanded easily later, removing the need to over invest now as an attempt to future-proof requirements. This will allow you to implement a pay-as-you-grow approach.
Check and Optimise Power Consumption of Your IT Hardware
Remember that a UPS to protect the power supply to your IT applications is not the only thing you need for an optimum power solution.
You should also think about how you distribute power to your IT devices and how you measure and control their power consumption in an intelligent way.
Use rack mountable PDUs, which not only distribute power, but also measure power consumption down to socket level, if required.
The best types have meters that can measure energy usage to IEC ±1% billing-grade accuracy.
This means users can quickly determine exactly where energy is being used, ensuring that rogue hardware that is consuming more energy than it should is quickly identified.
Accurate metering also simplifies load balancing and reveals locations where there is spare power capacity.
Furthermore, billing-grade metering means that the energy data provided by the rack PDU can be used to apportion costs between company departments in enterprise installations and between clients in data centres.
Check the Capacity of Your Utility Supply
Installing additional UPSs to meet the increased power requirements of your upgraded infrastructure is a logical step, but it’s also important to be sure that your utility supply system can support the extra load.
If there is any doubt about this, check with your facilities or building management team and, if necessary, make provisions for increasing the supply capacity.
Replace or Retain the UPSs?
As previously mentioned, there are many good reasons for replacing the existing UPSs as part of your upgrade as ageing power protection solutions are not always able to meet the requirements of modern IT applications.
However, if you do consider retaining old UPSs, check their age and the battery replacement date. If your existing UPSs are soon going to need new batteries, there’s an even stronger case for fitting new units as the batteries represent a significant proportion of the total cost of a UPS.
Ensure Complete Peace Of Mind Throughout The Life Cycle Of Your Solution
Choose power devices whose flexible, modular design and compact size makes them easy to install and use; this will free up considerable valuable space for your IT applications.
And, finally, don’t forget warranty and support. You’ll want your systems to deliver peak performance throughout their lives, so look for a supplier that can offer support services that match your budget and business needs, and is prepared to back its products with a full and fair warranty.
Forced upgrades are never welcome but, in this case, migration from the venerable and increasingly outdated Windows Server 2003 environment to a more modern and fully supported OS is much more of an opportunity than a threat.
Follow the guidelines discussed in this article and work with an experienced vendor that can fully support your migration exercise and you’ll emerge with systems that are far more flexible, energy efficient and reliable, which will serve you faithfully for many years to come.
To find out how Eaton can help you successfully perform Windows Server 2003 migration, visit www.eaton.eu/windowseos. To learn more about Eaton’s power quality solutions, visit www.eaton.eu/powerquality. For all of the latest news follow us on Twitter via @Eaton_UPS or find our Eaton EMEA LinkedIn company page.
Eaton’s electrical business is a global leader with expertise in power distribution and circuit protection; backup power protection; control and automation; lighting and security; structural solutions and wiring devices; solutions for harsh and hazardous environments; and engineering services.
Eaton is positioned through its global solutions to answer today’s most critical electrical power management challenges.
Eaton is a power management company with 2014 sales of $22.6 billion. Eaton provides energy-efficient solutions that help our customers effectively manage electrical, hydraulic and mechanical power more efficiently, safely and sustainably. Eaton has approximately 102,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 175 countries.
E-Business
How to Choose the Best Site to Convert BTC to Naira: The Key Features to Consider
Converting Bitcoin (BTC) to Naira has become increasingly popular in Nigeria, and choosing the right platform for this task can make a big difference in maximising your returns while keeping your funds secure.
With numerous options available, it’s essential to know which features set a great BTC-to-Naira conversion site apart from the rest. This guide breaks down the key features you should look for and includes a trusted recommendation: Breet.
Key Features to Consider When Choosing a Site to Convert BTC to Naira
1. Security and Trustworthiness
Security should be the top priority when choosing a BTC-to-Naira conversion platform. A reputable site should have strict security measures, such as SSL encryption, two-factor authentication (2FA), and continuous monitoring for suspicious activity. To ensure the platform’s legitimacy, verify that it’s licensed or regulated.
2. Conversion Rates
Getting the best possible conversion rate means more Naira in your pocket. Rates can vary across platforms, so it’s worth comparing them to get the most value for your BTC. However, be mindful of platforms that advertise unusually high rates, as they may come with hidden fees or tricky terms.
Quick Tip: Pay attention to the platform’s fee structure. Some may charge a flat fee, while others take a percentage, which can significantly impact your earnings.
3. Transaction Speed
In the fast-paced world of cryptocurrency, timing is crucial. A platform that offers quick processing times can help you secure the rate you want and avoid delays due to market fluctuations. Some platforms offer instant transactions, which is ideal if you need immediate access to your funds.
Pro Tip: If speed is a priority, look for platforms with a reputation for quick confirmation times and real-time processing.
4. Ease of Use
Not everyone using a BTC-to-Naira service is a crypto expert, so an intuitive interface can make the process stress-free. A clean, user-friendly layout ensures you can navigate the site or app with ease, regardless of your crypto experience.
Bonus Tip: A mobile app can be a game-changer, allowing you to convert BTC to Naira from anywhere, anytime. Don’t forget to check for accessible and responsive customer support, as they’ll be crucial if you have questions or run into issues.
5. Payment Methods Available
The best BTC-to-Naira platforms offer direct Naira bank transfers, which allow you to receive your funds without hassle. Verify if the platform has daily or weekly withdrawal limits that fit your intended transaction size. This ensures you won’t run into unwanted restrictions when it’s time to withdraw your funds.
6. Transaction Fees and Limits
Be sure to check each platform’s transaction fees. A flat fee might be more beneficial for smaller transactions, while a percentage-based fee might be better for larger transfers. Additionally, make sure the withdrawal and daily limits meet your needs.
7. Reputation and Community Trust
Word of mouth and community endorsement go a long way in the crypto world. Platforms with high ratings from seasoned users in forums or social media groups are often reliable. Look for transparency in their terms and policies, and be cautious of any red flags, such as rates that seem too good to be true or a lack of user reviews.
Recommended Site to Convert BTC to Naira: The Breet App
After reviewing several options, Breet stands out as a highly recommended site to convert 1btc to naira today. Here’s why:
- Competitive Rates: Breet offers competitive conversion rates with no hidden fees, so you know exactly what you’re getting.
- Zero Trading Fees: Breet doesn’t charge a transaction fee, so you can perform as many transactions as you want, all at no cost to you.
- Instant Naira Payouts: The platform ensures fast, direct payouts to your Nigerian bank account, making it ideal for those who need immediate access to their funds.
- User-Friendly Experience: Breet’s interface is intuitive and designed with all users in mind. It’s simple enough for beginners and robust enough for advanced users.
- Community Trust: Known for transparency and reliability, Breet is well-regarded in the Nigerian crypto community and is backed by excellent customer support.
How to Convert BTC to Naira on the Breet App
Ready to convert your BTC to Naira on Breet? Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to get you started:
- Register & Verify: Download the Breet app, sign up, and complete verification for secure access.
- Check Rate & Confirm: View the btc to naira rate. If satisfied, proceed with your sale.
- Deposit Bitcoin: Transfer your Bitcoin to your unique Breet wallet address by copying it or scanning the QR code.
- Transaction Processing: Breet will detect and automatically process your transaction once it’s confirmed on the blockchain.
- Receive Naira: Your Naira balance updates instantly, ready for quick withdrawal—no delays or extra steps.
Conclusion
Selecting the best platform for converting BTC to Naira requires careful consideration of essential features, such as security, conversion rates, transaction speed, ease of use, and payment options. Breet is a trusted option for those who value simplicity, speed, and competitive rates.
For those new to converting BTC or seasoned traders looking for reliability, Breet offers a comprehensive solution that’s secure, convenient, and transparent. Try Breet today, or use our checklist above to find the platform that best suits your needs.
E-Business
Firm Identifies Key Signs of AI Usage in Phishing Attacks
Cybercriminals are increasingly using Large Language Models (LLMs) to generate content for large-scale phishing and scam attacks, Kaspersky’s AI Research Center experts have discovered.
As threat actors attempt to generate fraudulent websites in high volumes, they often leave behind distinctive artifacts – such as AI-specific phrases – that set these sites apart from those created manually. So far, most phishing examples observed by Kaspersky target users of cryptocurrency exchanges and wallets.
Kaspersky experts analysed a sample of resources, identifying key characteristics that help distinguish and detect cases where AI was used to generate content or even entire phishing and scam websites.
One of the prominent signs of LLM-generated text is the presence of disclaimers and refusals to execute commands, including phrases such as “As an AI language model…”. For instance, two phishing pages targeting KuCoin users contain this type of wording.
Another distinctive indicator of language model usage is the presence of concessive clauses, such as: ‘While I can’t do exactly what you want, I can try something similar.” In other examples targeting Gemini and Exodus users, the LLM declines to provide detailed login instructions.
“With LLMs, attackers can automate the creation of dozens or even hundreds of phishing and scam web pages with unique, high-quality content,” explains Vladislav Tushkanov, Research Development Group Manager at Kaspersky. “Previously, this required manual effort, but now AI can help threat actors generate such content automatically.”
LLMs can be used to create not just text blocks but entire web pages, with artifacts appearing both in the text itself and in areas like meta tags: snippets of text that describe a web page’s content and appear in its HTML code.
There are other indicators of AI usage in creating fraudulent sites. Some models, for instance, tend to use specific phrases like “delve”, “in the ever-evolving landscape”, and “in the ever-changing world”. While these terms are not considered strong indicators of AI-generated content, they may still be viewed as signs.
Another feature of text generated by a language model is the indication up to which the model’s knowledge of the world extends. The model typically articulates this limitation using phrases such as “according to my last update in January 2023”.
LLM-generated text is often combined with tactics that make phishing page detection more complicated for cybersecurity tools. For instance, attackers may use non-standard Unicode symbols, such as those with diacritics or from mathematical notation, to obfuscate text and prevent matching by rule-based detection systems.
“Large language models are improving, and cybercriminals are exploring ways to apply this technology for nefarious purposes. However, occasional errors provide insights into their use of such tools, particularly into the growing extent of automation. With future advancements, distinguishing AI-generated content from human-written text may become more challenging, making it crucial to use advanced security solutions that analyse textual information along with metadata, and other fraud indicators,” said Vladislav Tushkanov.
E-Business
Jumia Nigeria Expands E-commerce Access Nationwide as it Kicks Off 2024 Black Friday Campaign
Jumia, Nigeria’s leading e-commerce platform, has launched its highly anticipated Black Friday campaign, running from November 1st to November 30th.
This year’s theme, “No Too Calculate,” highlights Jumia’s commitment to creating a simpler, stress-free shopping experience for Nigerians amid economic challenges, allowing consumers to enjoy great savings without budgetary worries.
This year’s Black Friday campaign is supported by Xiaomi as the platinum partner, alongside renowned brands such as Oraimo, Nivea, Infinix, Tecno, Itel, Haier Thermocool, Binatone, Pernod Ricard, Diageo, Bacardi, Hikers, Ecoflow, Skyrun, Glamstar, Ledrop, Unilever, Macallan, LG, and others.
“We are excited to launch another Jumia Black Friday. For us, this campaign is about making e-commerce more accessible to consumers in Nigeria.
“We recognize the current economic situation and have worked closely with our brand partners to offer the best possible deals to consumers during this period.
“Additionally, our expanding network of Pickup Stations ensures that even more consumers, regardless of their location, can benefit from the convenience of online shopping.
“As we grow, our focus remains on creating real value for both our consumers and sellers through our extensive ecosystem,” said Sunil Natraj, CEO, Jumia Nigeria.
The Black Friday campaign serves as a powerful platform for international and local brands as well as SMEs to expand their reach and boost sales.
Furthermore, with Jumia’s extensive logistics network, which partners with hundreds of local logistics service providers, delivery to all corners of Nigeria, including smaller towns and rural areas is guaranteed.
“At Xiaomi, we believe that everyone deserves access to the latest cutting-edge technology. Jumia Black Friday is the perfect opportunity for consumers to experience our innovative products at unbeatable prices.
“Our Black Friday deals reflect our commitment to making advanced, high-quality technology accessible to all.
“Whether you’re upgrading your smartphone or enhancing your smart home, Xiaomi offers products that are not only powerful but also beautifully designed, helping you stay connected in smarter, more efficient ways,” said Xingyu Yang, Country Manager, Xiaomi Nigeria.
Since Jumia introduced Black Friday to Nigeria in 2014, the company has continued to unlock new opportunities for both consumers and businesses. With online shopping in Africa projected to reach $75 billion by 2025, Nigeria will play a pivotal role in this e-commerce growth.
Shoppers can visit Jumia’s website or app starting November 1st to take advantage of these exclusive Black Friday deals.
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