E-Business
Dell Expands Open Networking Initiative, Adds Midokura

Dell on Monday announced an expansion of its Open Networking initiative to include Midokura, a global company focused on network virtualization, to complement Dell’s networking and server infrastructure.
This agreement includes a joint go-to-market program, validated reference architecture and global reseller agreement.
The announcement offers Midokura’s Enterprise MidoNet software on Dell infrastructure, delivering a network virtualization overlay for OpenStack that helps enterprise customers and service providers create an agile cloud networking infrastructure based on open technologies.
As the industry increasingly moves to disaggregate hardware from software, customers require a variety of open technologies to complete this vision.
Dell’s open networking switches and industry-standard x86 servers form the foundation of many modern data centres.
What this shows is that we’re actively connecting the dots with like-minded companies to upend the traditional, black-box model of networking,” said Tom Burns, vice president and general manager, Dell Networking. “That old model is too rigid, too locked and too slow to innovate. Dell’s Open Networking initiative is about being open, flexible and software-defined to help maximise our customers’ application environments.”
“Midokura, like Dell, is committed to expanding the Open Networking initiative to meet the needs of today’s modern enterprises and help deliver an open foundation for compute, storage and networking infrastructure,” said Dan Mihai Dumitriu, CEO and Co-Founder, Midokura. “We’ve already successfully teamed up with Dell to bridge virtual and physical networks and we look forward to deepening our collaboration to create an open, converged infrastructure for enterprises to support clouds that are easy to scale and operate.”
MidoNet is a software-based, highly-distributed network virtualization system that allows service providers and enterprises to build, run and manage virtual networks with increased control and flexibility.
Leveraging industry standards and existing infrastructure, MidoNet provides network agility and scalability while helping reduce costs.
Dell and Cumulus Networks announced a partnership in January 2014. Together, they provide customers data centre networking solutions that enable affordable capacity and operational efficiency.
Now, with Dell Open Networking switches, the Cumulus® Linux® operating system and MidoNet, Dell offers comprehensive network virtualization solutions for the software-defined data centre.
As companies of all sizes shift to a software-centric operation, Cumulus Linux plays a critical role as an operating system for open networking – making it simpler and more affordable to build, manage and automate modern data centres.
The Dell, Cumulus Networks and Midokura solution enables a growing number of service providers and enterprise customers to provision scalable virtual networks to connect to physical workloads in a matter of minutes.
Midokura MidoNet leverages Dell switches to facilitate network traffic flows from virtual machines to non-virtualized, physical workloads such as high-performance databases, email servers and legacy systems at line rate.
Industry research firm Gartner, Inc. recently published a paper* titled, “The Future of Data Centre Network Switches Looks ‘Brite.’” “In this research, Gartner introduces the term ‘brite box’ (aka ‘brite label’) switching, which identifies a new form of network switching.”
Gartner explained that, “Inspired by hyperscale organisations, ‘Type A’ organisations started to express interest in white-box switching technology but were largely turned off by the substantial challenges. As a result, a new style of network switching has emerged, which Gartner is referring to as ‘brite box switching.’ This approach essentially ‘splits the difference’ between traditional and white-box switching.”
Gartner states “Network decision makers can reduce cost, improve management and enable long-term innovation using ‘brite box’ switches versus traditional switching approaches.”
Dell is driving a new open ecosystem that stimulates innovation with best-of-breed, standards-based network equipment, networking operating systems and network applications to serve customers’ unique business needs. Benefits and value of the open networking model include:
• Best-of-breed networking for workloads, application and other networking needs including orchestration, automation and monitoring;
• Consistent view across data centre resources with a common deployment and operational model; and,
• Rapid standards-based innovation and availability of abundant open source data centre solutions.
E-Business
NCC Vows to Tackle Online Infringement, Block Illegal Music Websites

Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has pledged to enforce its legal obligations to combat online intellectual property infringement and urged commercial music users to obtain proper licences from rights holders or their representatives.
The Commission stated that this ensures creators are fairly compensated, supporting the music industry’s sustainable growth.
In a statement commemorating the 2025 World Intellectual Property Day, themed “IP and Music: Feel the Best of IP,” the NCC announced plans to enforce the Copyright Act 2022, which allows for the takedown of infringing materials and blocking of websites hosting illegal content.
Signed by Mrs Ijeoma Egbunike, director of Public Affairs, the statement outlined an aggressive anti-piracy campaign in collaboration with the private sector, targeting the online environment.
Egbunike affirmed the NCC’s commitment to establishing enforceable standards for transparency, digital audits, and real-time royalty reporting to protect creators’ rights. She stated, “The NCC will continue to champion policies that support the growth of the music industry, improve the livelihoods of Nigerian musicians, and foster a culture of creativity and respect for intellectual property.”
Despite the global success of Afrobeats and other Nigerian genres, the NCC noted that many musicians face low royalty returns due to rampant digital piracy.
To address this, the Commission revised its Collective Management Regulations to enhance transparency and accountability among Collective Management Organisations (CMOs).
The NCC emphasised that proper licensing is a legal obligation and vital for Nigeria’s creative economy, stating, “Music must feel the beat of intellectual property for the full potential of creativity to be realised.”
The Commission highlighted that creators’ livelihoods depend on fair royalty compensation.
Recent enforcement measures include the NCC’s designation by the Attorney-General of the Federation as an authority under the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act 2022.
This, combined with the Copyright Act 2022, empowers the NCC to order takedowns and block illegal music distribution websites.
E-Business
FG Warns Nigerians Against Growing Threat of Cyber Slavery in West Africa

The Federal Government, has warned Nigerians against the growing threat of cyber slavery within the West African sub-region.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement issued in Abuja by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, acting spokesperson, noted with grave concern the alarming rise of cyber slavery across parts of West Africa, targeting Nigerian citizens, particularly vulnerable youths.
The government said many young Nigerians, including underage teenagers, were lured out of the country under the false promise of lucrative employment opportunities abroad, particularly in crypto-related operations.
According to the government, “In reality, these individuals are trafficked into sophisticated scam operations and enslaved to work in criminal “call centres” — often referred to as “419 cyber-scam factories.” There, they are forced under coercive and inhumane conditions to send thousands of fraudulent emails, text messages, and calls aimed at defrauding victims worldwide.”
The government also noted with dismay, a recent incident where the Economic and Organised Crimes Office (EOCO) in Accra, Ghana, rescued and detained a group of Nigerians forced to engage in cybercrime activities under inhumane conditions.
“This incident highlights the severe exploitation and abuse associated with cybercrime operations. It also underscores the need for enhanced efforts to combat such multibillion-dollar criminal networks and mitigate the susceptibility of victims.
“The Ministry strongly warns all Nigerians, especially the youths and parents, to exercise the utmost caution when presented with job offers, particularly those promising easy money, overseas travel, or remote work involving cryptocurrencies.
“Nigerians are therefore advised to verify all employment offers through official channels and report suspicious cases to relevant authorities for necessary investigation and action to curtail the activities of the perpetrators.
“The Ministry wishes to assure the general public that, as a precautionary measure to address this unfortunate situation, the Federal Government is working closely with regional partners, law enforcement agencies, and international organizations to tackle this heinous crime, rescue victims, and bring perpetrators to justice.
“The Ministry remains committed to protecting Nigerian citizens at home and abroad and will continue to raise awareness about emerging threats to the welfare and dignity of our people,” the statement read.
E-Business
ALX Nigeria Launches 2025 Ventures Incubator, Premieres Pan-African “Do Hard Things” Finale

ALX Nigeria is once again proving that when African talent meets the right opportunity, magic happens. In a celebration of innovation, grit, and ambition, ALX officially launched its 2025 Ventures Incubator Cohort, an elite group of startup founders handpicked from across the country, while simultaneously premiering the grand finale of the pan-African “Do Hard Things Challenge” at its Lagos hub.
From tech founders solving community challenges to creatives turning ideas into global solutions, ALX is backing the bold and building the infrastructure to help them scale. The ALX Ventures Incubator is the next big leap for graduates of the Founder Academy, providing them with hands-on mentorship, investor access, and the resources to grow sustainable businesses that shape the future of the continent.
“The launch of the ALX Ventures Incubator is proof of our unwavering commitment to building the infrastructure for African innovation to thrive,” said Ruby Igwe, Country General Manager at ALX Nigeria. “We witnessed incredible potential at our Founder Academy, and this next step ensures that these promising startups receive the support they need to grow into high-impact ventures. It’s about translating potential into lasting impact.”
These new ventures are powered by the same spirit that drove the Do Hard Things Challenge—a bold initiative that saw ALX travel to eight African cities in search of the continent’s most inspiring entrepreneurs. The final stop? Mauritius, where top finalists pitched in a high-stakes finale, now screened live for the Lagos tech and media community.
The challenge took ALX across Lagos, Nairobi, Johannesburg, Kigali, Accra, Cairo, Casablanca, and Addis Ababa, shining a spotlight on resilience, creativity, and unstoppable drive.
“The ‘Do Hard Things Challenge’ embodies the spirit we cultivate at ALX: resilience, ambition, and the courage to tackle complex problems,” said Joshua Ebinabo, ALX Ventures Country Entrepreneurship Development Manager.
“Showcasing the finale from Mauritius here in Lagos connects our local innovators to the broader African story. It inspires our learners, reassures parents about the future of tech, and shows business leaders the investment-ready talent right here in our ecosystem.”
The event brought together founders, business leaders, creators, and media influencers—all gathered to witness what happens when African talent is seen, celebrated, and supported. The energy was electric, the vision was bold, and the mission was clear: empower Africa’s brightest minds to build global solutions from right here on the continent.
Whether you’re a startup founder looking to scale or a dreamer looking for your big break, ALX continues to be the launchpad for Africa’s digital and entrepreneurial revolution.
Learn more about ALX’s tech and business programmes at alxafrica.ng, and follow the movement on YouTube, TikTok, LinkedIn, and Instagram via @alxnigeria.
- Telecom23 hours ago
MTN’s Talent Hunt Returns: A Stage for Nigeria’s Next Creative Stars
- Telecom2 days ago
Meta Challenges Nigerian Tribunal’s $220M Fine over Data Breaches
- Broadcasting2 days ago
AI and Cybersecurity: Balancing Innovation with Caution
- E-Financial2 days ago
Supreme Court Sets Aside N22 Trillion Judgement against Union Bank
- E-Business2 days ago
FG Warns Nigerians Against Growing Threat of Cyber Slavery in West Africa
- News23 hours ago
NBC Loses Appeal as Tribunal Upholds ₦190m Fine for Misleading Packaging
- News2 days ago
EFCC Bans Cash above $10,000 from Leaving Nigeria without Declaration
- E-Financial23 hours ago
CBN Urges Banks to Source FX for PAPSS Settlement Through NFEM