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IBM Supports Mobile Economy with Z13 Mainframe Computer Launch

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IBM, notable for its innovative capabilities, is combining a couple of odd computing with the new trends, following a new machine that combines the mainframe, the old workhorse, and the smartphone, launched on Wednesday.

Apparently, IBM designed the latest version of the mainframe with the smartphone in mind.

The new mainframe, the z13, has been engineered to cope with the huge volume of data and transactions generated by people using smartphones and tablets.

“This is a mainframe for the mobile digital economy,” said Tom Rosamilia, senior vice president in charge of IBM’s systems business, which includes mainframes. “It’s a computer for the bow wave of mobile transactions coming our way.”

IBM brings out a new mainframe about every three years, and the success of this one is critical to the company’s business.

Mainframes alone account for only about 3 percent of IBM’s sales.

But when mainframe-related software, services and storage are included, the business as a whole contributes 25 percent of IBM’s revenue and 35 percent of its operating profit, estimates A.M. Sacconaghi of Bernstein Research, as reported by Cyberoption.Net blog.

Over the years, IBM has done a good job of revamping the mainframe to handle new workloads.

Modern mainframes, for example, run a lot of open-source software, like the Linux operating system.

Today, though, IBM is in the midst of a transition challenge, it is investing to build large, growing businesses in new areas like cloud computing, big data analytics and mobile applications for corporations.

But those fields have not yet grown fast enough to make up for the erosion in some of its hardware, software and services offerings.

The mainframe is not a growth market for IBM.

But maintaining the mainframe franchise is a strategic imperative for IBM, giving it financial ballast and time as it pursues new opportunities.

“Ensuring the relevance of the mainframe, and with it deep ties into so many major corporate accounts, is crucial to IBM,” Sacconaghi said.

The new mainframe, Rosamilia said, has a host of technical improvements over its predecessor, including three times the memory, faster processing and greater data-handling capability.

IBM spent $1 billion to develop the z13, and that research generated 500 new patents, including some for encryption intended to improve the security of mobile computing.

Much of the new technology,  Rosamilia added, is designed for real-time analysis in business. For example, he said, the mainframe system can allow automated fraud prevention while a purchase is being made on a smartphone.

Another example, he said, would be providing shoppers with personalized offers while they are in a store, by tracking their locations and tapping data on their preferences, mainly from their previous buying patterns at that retailer.

These real-time applications, according to Donna Dillenberger, a distinguished engineer at IBM’s Watson lab, can be done in a mainframe environment.

They are not yet possible on clusters of smaller, industry-standard computers, she said. But there are several open-source software projects, like Apache Spark, that focus on real-time data processing across large numbers of computers.

Mobile computing is certainly accelerating the data-handling and transaction-processing challenges for businesses of all kinds.

The volume of purchases made on smartphones and tablets in the United States, estimated at $114 billion last year, is projected to more than double to $293 billion by 2018, according to Forrester Research.

That kind of growth trajectory in America and elsewhere is largely attributable to the popularity and steadily improving capabilities of mobile devices.

But the simplicity of a tap-and-swipe mobile computer also contributes to the complexity of the computing tasks a user never sees when, for example, making an online purchase.

A single consumer action can set off four to 100 computing transactions — with information sent securely — like confirming an identity or authenticating a credit card.

Howard Rubin, an independent analyst, calls this the “starburst effect.” The advance of mobile computing, he noted, leads to “a surge of back-end transactions.”

In developing the z13, IBM worked with 60 companies and government agencies, mainly longtime mainframe customers.

But IBM won a convert in Ronald J. Peri, chief executive of Radixx International. Radixx, based in Orlando, Fla., runs the computerized reservation systems for 40 airlines, mostly smaller and midsize carriers outside the United States.

In the late 1980s, while working for an insurance company, Mr. Peri was an early advocate of moving off mainframes and onto networks of personal computers. An article from that time in The Wall Street Journal cited Mr. Peri as being in “the vanguard of a revolution” against the high-priced tyranny of mainframe computing.

Today Mr. Peri is shifting the back-end computing engine in the Radixx data center from a cluster of industry-standard servers to a new c.

After testing out the mainframe, he has been impressed by its performance, security and even cost. He estimates the total cost of ownership including hardware, software and labor will be 50 percent less with a mainframe than on his “sprawling server farm,” given the growing complexity of managing hardware and software from several suppliers.

“We kind of rediscovered the mainframe,” Mr. Peri said.‎


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Konga Yakata’s Last Week: Don’t Miss Out on Incredible Deals

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Excitement is reaching a fever pitch among shoppers as the Konga Yakata Black Friday shopping fiesta enters its final week. Shoppers nationwide are gearing up for a rain of last-minute deals and irresistible offers, with the promotion set to end on Saturday, November 30, 2024.

The month-long Konga Yakata campaign, which kicked off on Friday, November 1, has delivered an unparalleled shopping experience, treating customers to incredible discounts, engaging promos, and unbeatable incentives.

In addition to massive price cuts across a wide range of products, Konga has thrilled shoppers with exciting events such as Treasure Hunts, Flash Sales, Bargain Bash, Brand Days, and specialized Black Friday packages like the Budget Store, Under 50k Store, and TGIF Epic Drop.

The highlight of the Yakata 2024 season will be this year’s Black Friday, which takes place on Friday, November 29. Thousands of customers will be able to score exclusive discounts on items including electronics, clothes, home appliances, computers, and groceries.

Reflecting on the experience so far, a satisfied anonymous shopper who snagged a TV at a discounted rate said, “Konga Yakata has been nothing short of amazing this year. The discounts are unbelievable but true, and the convenience of shopping online is unmatched.

“I’ve already made several purchases, and I’m excited to see what other deals are in store for the final week.”

Konga’s Black Friday sale has been a boon for consumers, offering respite from the economic challenges many Nigerians face. By providing access to affordable products and services, Konga has empowered shoppers to make the most of their money.

Despite the prevailing economic challenges, shoppers have embraced the Yakata season, targeting high-value deals and leveraging Konga’s tailored offerings to make significant savings. With the countdown underway, the excitement is expected to hit its peak on Friday as customers traditionally wait for that day to grab the most exclusive deals.

Speaking on the heightened anticipation, Kunle Ajani, Group Head of Marketing at Konga, stated, “We’re thrilled with the overwhelming response to Konga Yakata this year, and we’re committed to ensuring the final week delivers the biggest surprises yet.

“We are proud to offer a platform where shoppers can enjoy exceptional value, despite the economic realities.”

As the curtain closes on the 2024 Yakata season, shoppers can look forward to a flurry of last-minute deals, culminating at midnight on November 30. From tech enthusiasts to lovers of electronics and deal hunters, Konga Yakata continues to redefine the shopping experience, making it a season to remember for all Nigerians.

Take advantage of the final week of Konga Yakata. Visit Konga.com and experience the thrill of shopping at unbeatable prices.


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NITDA DG Harps on the Role of Innovation in Nigeria’s Sustainable Development

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Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, the Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has reiterated the critical role of innovation in driving Nigeria’s sustainable development, economic diversification, and global competitiveness.

Inuwa made this remark while delivering a keynote address at the 8th Annual Research Fair and Exhibition of Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), where he called on academia, industry leaders, and policymakers to embrace disruptive transformational innovation as a tool for addressing the nation’s challenges and unlocking its immense potential.

Speaking on the theme, Disruptive Transformational Innovation; Shaping the Future,” Inuwa commended NSUK for organising an event that aligns with Nigeria’s pursuit of growth through knowledge-driven solutions.

Inuwa who was represented by the Deputy Director, eGovernment and Digital Economy Development Department, Engr Ya’u Garba, applauded the university’s increasing focus on transformation, noting that such initiatives reflect an understanding of the need for impactful innovations to address real-world issues.

Inuwa emphasised that while inventions remain a cornerstone of academic inquiry, their significance lies in their ability to move beyond theoretical exploration to become practical innovations. These innovations, he explained, have the power to reshape industries, tackle societal challenges, and accelerate national progress.

He urged institutions to prioritise creativity and bold thinking, ensuring that research outputs translate into tangible benefits for society.

Explaining the concept of disruptive transformational innovation, Inuwa described it as a profound force capable of altering established systems, processes, and products in ways that redefine societal functions. Unlike incremental innovations, which focus on improving existing frameworks, disruptive innovations introduce entirely new paradigms, addressing challenges in groundbreaking and previously unimaginable ways.

He cited historical examples such as the Printing Press, the Steam Engine, and Electricity, which have significantly transformed human existence and set the foundation for modern development.

Inuwa pointed out that Nigeria’s abundant human and natural resources present a unique opportunity to harness innovation for sustainable development. He called for a collaborative approach involving academia, industries, and government to build an environment that nurtures creativity, supports bold investments, and encourages inclusive growth. Such an ecosystem, he said, is vital for fostering homegrown innovations that can propel Nigeria to the forefront of global technological and economic advancements.

He further highlighted NITDA’s dedication to fostering innovation through various initiatives, including the National Adopted Village for Smart Agriculture (NAVSA) to digitally transform the agricultural sector, the National Blockchain Adoption Strategy to enhance digital trust and transparency, and the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy aimed at building a robust AI ecosystem in the country, among other impactful projects, which are part of the Federal Government broader strategy to position Nigeria as a leader in the global knowledge economy.

Inuwa also urged NSUK to deepen its commitment to innovation by establishing hubs that support facility-led startups, fostering collaborations with industry stakeholders, and equipping students with essential technological skills. He noted that such efforts would not only empower the university community but also contribute significantly to national development.

Inuwa expressed confidence in Nigeria’s ability to not only adopt global innovations but also create groundbreaking solutions that could influence the trajectory of Africa and the world.

He called on all stakeholders in the country to embrace the transformative power of innovation in order to drive sustainable development, economic diversification, and global relevance.


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Data Commission, NAICOM Partner to Safeguard Data in Insurance Industry

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Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC) and National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to protect data pilfering in the insurance industry.

Data Commission, NAICOM Partner to Safeguard Data in Insurance Industry

The agreement was finalised on Friday and aims to address critical concerns around data privacy and ensure that the insurance sector complies with global best practices in data management.

Some of the objectives of a MoU include training and capacity building to enhance awareness and skills in data protection, setting up specialized clinics to address data protection concerns and provide guidance; conducting compliance activities by regularly, monitoring and enforcing compliance with data protection regulations and educating insurance companies on the importance of data protection and the benefits of adhering to best practices.

Mr Olusegun Ayo Omosehin, commissioner for Insurance/ chief executive officer, NAICOM, said, “The collaboration marks a significant milestone in safeguarding the personal data of insurance policyholders and promoting trust in the insurance sector”.

To ensure the effective implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), an Implementation Committee will be established.

This committee will comprise representatives from the 2 agencies, as well as other key industry associations, including the Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA) and the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB).

The committee’s primary responsibility will be to monitor progress, provide guidance, and facilitate collaboration among stakeholders to guarantee the successful execution of the MoU.

Officials from both NAICOM and NDPC have expressed confidence in the partnership’s potential to strengthen data privacy frameworks within the insurance sector.

They noted that the initiative would boost public confidence, enhance compliance, and position the sector for greater innovation and credibility.

This collaboration is expected to pave the way for a more secure and trustworthy insurance landscape in Nigeria, ensuring the protection of personal data while fostering the industry’s growth.


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