Month: May 2023

Sony launches their new ZV-1 II vlogging camera

Sony has launched the all-new second generation camera to the ZV-1 in the vlog camera ZV series, the ZV-1 II which includes highly requested and popular market-leading features.  With a wider angle than ZV-1, the ZV-1 II helps vloggers make more engaging storytelling with attractive photogenic image quality.

With the 1.0-type Exmor RS image sensor (approximately 20.1 effective megapixels), BIONZ X image processing engine, and ZEISS® Vario-Sonnar T 18-50mm F1.8-4i lens, the ZV-1 II allows for creators of many skill levels to enjoy sophisticated capabilities. From the 18-50mmii wide angle lens which can frame everything from group selfies to narrow interiors or dynamic recordings of everyday scenes to the Multiple Face Recognitioniii ,which recognises multiple faces and automatically adjusts to keeps all faces sharp and clear when taking selfie shots that include two or three people, the ZV-1 II is the advanced vlogging camera packed into a travel-size.

“The ZV-1 II is an exciting chapter for content creators and will be the go-to camera for many, including vloggers, social media influencers and short form video creators. With the newest vlog camera in the ZV series, we have taken requests from various users and included features that matter most to vloggers,” said Yann Salmon Legagneur, Head of Imaging Products & Solutions Marketing, Sony Europe. “We are striving to take feedback from our community to continue to expand and elevate our ZV series and the ZV-1 II does just that.”

Comprehensive Features for Vloggers & Video Content Creators

The ZV-1 II has a number of new and popular features that will empower creators to capture better content. Ultra-wide angle and Zoom – 18mmii wide angle of view makes it easy to capture attractive photogenic image with the entire scene – especially when shooting selfies at arm’s length. The 18-50mm optical zoom and the Clear Image Zoom smoothly enlarges images while minimising loss of image quality to create a variety in videos by changing the angle of view.

  • 1.0 type sensor with Bokeh Switch which gives beautiful bokeh by defocusing the background with a single touch.
  • Intelligent 3-capsule microphone – In Auto mode, the camera recognises human faces or objects and automaticallyiv switches the direction of the built-in microphone ([Front] or [All Directions]). In Manual mode, you can select [Front] for selfies, [Rear] when shooting with narration or [All Directions]. The supplied windscreen ensures a clear recording of the speaker when outdoors. Easy to use cableless attachment to Multi Interface Shoev  and a 3.5 mm microphone jack makes it easy to connect external microphones.
  • Cinematic Vlog Setting function responds to the demands to easily take ambient images using a vlog camera. It enables impressive imagery at a touch. Simply tap the on-screen function icon and the camera will automatically set a CinemaScope size (2.35:1) vi and a frame rate of 24 fpsvii , the same as for a cinema movie. Then finish off the work with the on-screen buttons to select from five LOOKs and four MOODs
  • Creative Look which supports 10 preset looksviii to suit your creative preferences and pro-level imaging features.
  • Face Priority AE and Soft Skin Effect automatically and immediately detects faces and adjusts the exposure to optimise facial brightness, no matter the lighting. Soft skin effect smooths skin and facial features when filming.
  • Fast Hybrid AF System – Even in high-definition 4K where precise focusing is required, the camera will keep the images sharp with the same Fast Hybrid AF system seen in α series cameras. The camera is equipped with AF Transition Speed to select the focusing speed during video recording, and AF Subject Shift Sensitivity to control the focus in line with the subject’s movement and environment. In addition, the Real-time Eye AF can accurately keep focus on human or animals for both stills and movies.
  • Product Showcase Setting – which delivers convenient shooting of product review videos with smooth focus transitions from your face to the item you are highlighting.
  • S&Q shoot modevix which allows a selection up to 5x slow or up to 60x quick motion to add impact to everyday scenes. The combination of shooting and recording frame rates can now be set on a single screen.
  • ISO sensitivity spanning from 125 to 12800– allows the camera to record sharp images with less noise, even in low lighting.
  • Active Mode electronic image stabilisation – content can be captured while walking or in motion and is especially useful for handheld shootingx. Useful for handheld Movie and Slow & Quick motion shooting.
  • Built in ND filter – to reduce exposure by three stops and allow for beautiful background bokeh even in the brightest situation.

Compact and Lightweight for Easy Portability, Operability, Connectivity

The ZV-1 II is perfect for on the go; its compact and lightweight design can be easily carried in a pocket or small bag, even with its’ optical wide zoom lens. The ZV-1 II supports different filming styles with the vari-angle screen suitable for selfies, easy to hold body grip (or with an optional GP-VPT2BT grip), user-friendly key and control layoutxi and the recording indicator on the front face of the body. The monitor display has been redesigned with a bold, clearly visible red frame that makes it obvious when recording is in progress. Power charge easily via a USB Type-C® connector.

Creators can connect and share content easily with Sony’s Creators’ Cloud platform and easy smartphone connection. The Creators’ App can be used to control the ZV-1 II from a smartphone, monitor camera battery and media status, edit date and camera names and easily transfer stills and videos shot, even in the background. The Creators’ Appxii also provides a convenient way to update camera software.

For easy high-quality live streaming, simply connect the ZV-1 II to a PC or smartphone xiii with a commercially available USB cable (not included) to use it as a webcam. Make your video more attractive in online meetings and live streaming by using Creative Look to improve the skin’s appearance and adjust the hue. Faces will appear clearer and brighter (Face Priority AE) and the eyes will be kept in focus (Real-time Eye AF).

Environmentally Friendly and Accessible Design

In addition to Sony’s commitment to a sustainable future with global initiatives like Road to Zero and the 2030 renewable energy goal, the ZV-1 II has been specifically developed with sustainability in mind. Recycled materials, including SORPLASTMxiv, are actively used for the camera body, reducing environmental impact without sacrificing functionality. Sony’s unique recycled paper “Original Blend Material”, which does not use plastic and is easy to recycle, is used for individual packaging. Using materials such as bamboo, sugar cane fiber, and recycled paper collected from the market, it is both environmentally friendly and high quality.

The ZV-1 II includes accessibility features that facilitate operation in several ways, including screen reader functionality for people with visual impairments. Accessibility features allow anyone to enjoy shooting and playback.  When the screen reader functionxv is activated, text on the menu screens is read aloud. The screen reader function can be activated by turning the [Screen Reader] function in the [Setup] tab ON. Screen reader volume can be adjusted via the [Sound Options] settings. In addition to the above, the ZV-1 II includes a number of functions that assist in achieving pinpoint focus on a variety of subjects. The Real-time Eye AF can automatically recognise and focus on [Human] or [Animal], or the Real-time Tracking function. Focus Magnification, and Peaking functions make it easier to focus manually, and features like Touch Focus, Touch Tracking, and Touch Shutter let the user focus, track, and shoot simply by touching the subject on the monitor screen. ZV-1 II accessibility features (items listed in the specifications): Screen Reader, Touch AE, Focus Magnifier, Peaking Display, Real-time Eye AF, Real-time Tracking, Touch Focus, Touch Tracking, Touch Shutter, Vari-angle LCD screen and Custom function.

Pricing and Availability

The new ZV-1 II will be available in June 2023 at a variety of Sony’s authorised dealers, for an estimated retail price of £870 / €1000.

With Sony’s promotion – Welcome to Vlog. UK & Ireland customers who buy any ZV camera (ZV-1F, ZV-1, ZV-E10, ZV-E10L, ZV-E1, ZV-1 II) can register to receive up to £100 / €100 off their next lens or accessory purchases.

IEVA writes to eCARS and Minister Ryan TD concerned at the “Unreasonable High Cost of DC Fast Charging”

The Irish Electric Vehicle Association [IEVA] has written to John Byrne, head of ESB eCARS, asking that the cost of DC Fast Charging at eCARS be reduced immediately to pre-Ukraine-war levels.  Eamon Stack, CEO said, “Our members were shocked at the over 100% cost increase last year and even more upset at the failure to reduce the cost now.  Our charges are among the highest in Europe.”

We believe the maintenance of this high cost is unreasonable for four reasons:

1. A substantial % of the power in the National grid is generated by wind, whose base cost did not increase with the tragic Ukraine war.   The State is the major stakeholder of the ESB group and can distribute their substantial dividends to balance this injustice;

2. The speed with which eCARS increased the cost of charging, with the increase in the wholesale gas market, was not matched with an equivalent decrease when the wholesale price of gas market dropped. The wholesale price of electricity dropped 13.5% in April alone;

3. We strongly believe the increased cost will slow down the adoption of EVs which is contrary to Government strategy.  eCARS prices are comparable with some commercial providers, significantly higher than Tesla [€0.47], yet their service is primarily funded by the State. The high cost is being used by EV detractors to undermine the transition;

4. To add insult to injury, the quality of the current enroute charging service does not  match the high cost.  There are too few chargepoints, too many out-of-service, and too slow – charge speeds often below 50kW rate.

For these four reasons, the CEO continued: “the IEVA membership strongly encourages eCARS to reduce prices immediately to pre-Ukraine war levels. This action, we believe, will encourage other chargepoint providers to also reduce their prices.”

We have also written to Minister Eamon Ryan TD, Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications and Minister for Transport.  We believe he needs to act on behalf of the major stakeholder at ESB Group to rectify the situation.

Consumers remaining frugal and resilient to cope with cost-of-living pressures

Consumers are continuing to reign in their spending amidst a challenging cost-of-living environment globally, with 94% of consumers now worried about the rise of living costs as they continue to navigate inflation. Affordability is the leading concern for consumer respondents to the 12th edition of the EY Future Consumer Index (FCI) increasing by 10 percentage (to 35%) points since October 2022, with increases in the cost of groceries, energy and fuel areas of significant concerns to consumers.

Colette Devey, EY Ireland Partner and Consumer Products and Retail Lead, says: “This latest edition of the EY’s Future Consumer Index reveals that cost of living and financial and health pressures are taking precedence with consumers, while more altruistic concerns for the planet or society are not being prioritised to the same degree.

“Value for money emerges as the key areas of focus for consumers from the report, something we know is a significant issue of concern here in Ireland also. Consumers across all income bands are more frugal in their spending, with almost two thirds reporting that private label products satisfy their needs just as well as branded products (65%) or can help them save money (63%). While customers continue to focus on value and are cost-conscious, we are also seeing that some groups are continuing to prioritise holidays with almost four in ten (38%) higher income consumers intending to spend more in this area over the coming months.

“The focus on affordability is also helping to drive sustainable behaviours, with large majorities of consumers indicating that they prefer to repair rather than replace items (67%), are recycling or repurposing products after use (79%,) and are switching to sustainable alternatives in the products they purchase (60%).

“We are seeing the prioritisation of affordability and health being reported by consumers irrespective of age, income profile or location, demonstrating that these are wider macro-trends as consumers globally continue to deal with the lingering impact of the pandemic, supply chain disruption and inflationary issues and ongoing geopolitical uncertainty.”

Technology is intrinsically part of consumer life

The EY Future Consumer Index reveals almost half (46%) of consumer respondents rely on technology to manage their daily lives. In light of this, it is not surprising then that data theft and security breaches are an issue of concern for a majority of respondents, most notably ID theft (55% very concerned), data/security breaches (53% concerned) or downloading a virus (52%). Consumers are also wary about what it happens to their data, with 53% concerned that companies may sell their personal information to a third party. Somewhat paradoxically, however, they are also willing to share personal data if it provides value for them, with two thirds (66%) willing to exchange their data for personalised recommendations for cheaper alternatives to a product, and six in ten (60%) are willing to share data for a completely customised online experience.

This growing reliance on technology and its outputs and recommendations are also shaping purchase decisions and overall consumption. Across mainstream technologies, the data reveals almost half of consumer respondents (46%) have used online grocery delivery services in the last three months, a 12-percentage point rise since June 2022. Fifty-three percent of respondents have socialised with friends and family over video platforms, a significant 14 percentage point rise since June 2022, and 62% now listen to audio streams, a huge 17 percentage point increase from June 2022. Emerging technologies also saw a sharp uptake, with more than double the number of consumer respondents globally now using virtual multi-user platforms when compared with June 2022.

Colette Devey says: “Consumers have become habitual users of digital technology, becoming incrementally more reliant on it to provide them with ways to make life easier, save money, save time, work from home and reduce their environmental impact. Consumer attitudes toward technology are evolving just as rapidly as the technology itself, as people look for a fair exchange of value. Businesses must foster a relationship with their customers around technology based on trust, respect and value. Failure to do so will damage relationships in the long term.”

Consumers turn away from brands in search of affordability

With today’s economic uncertainties showing slow signs of easing, 92% of respondents are concerned with their country’s economy currently. Consumers are somewhat more positive about the longer term outlook, however, with almost half (48%) expecting to feel more positive in three years’ time.

Consumer respondents are taking action to reduce spending in many areas of their lives, with more than a third (36%) planning to spend less on clothes, 44% expecting to buy less take-away food and nearly half (49%) planning only to spend on essential products. Affording the essentials also remains a challenge for many consumers. More than three quarters (79%) feel prices for food have increased in the past three to four months and 74% have noticed some brands have reduced their pack sizes without reflecting changes in the price, otherwise known as “shrinkflation”

The data indicates brands are no longer the only way to communicate status for the majority of consumers as 62% of respondents globally don’t feel the need to keep up with the latest fashion trends and half would now consider private label for clothing, shoes and accessories. A large proportion (67%) now prefer to repair rather than replace their possessions, challenging the traditional consumer desire of having to always own the latest things. 55% of consumers globally say brands are no longer important and 29% of respondents say that they have switched from brands to private label.

Colette Devey says: “Consumers are remaining frugal and resilient to cope with cost-of-living pressures. They are reporting the value they receive from brands diminishes due to price increases and in some cases shrinkflation. Consumers are responding by switching away from brands, reducing their list of essentials and cancelling subscriptions to maximise budgets. While many Irish households may feel that there are many factors outside their control, they should recognise that there are a number of ways in which they can take control of their spending, including exploring private label offerings, seeking to take advantage of on-the-floor and at-the-till discounts and to shop around and across channels for the best value.”

The latest edition of the EY Future Consumer Index is available at: ey.com/FutureConsumerIndex12

 

Swappie reveals its first ever premium product, the Premium Series

Swappie, Europe’s leading online destination for buying and selling refurbished iPhones, has announced today a new addition to its professionally refurbished offer: The Premium Series. As its first ever premium product, this new line closes the gap in the current market by bringing a first class refurbished smartphone experience to everyone, making it easier than ever for consumers to do the right thing for the planet.

The Premium Series, which collects devices that are cosmetically flawless, fully functional with 100% capacity battery, will be available in all countries Swappie operates in from today. The highlight of Swappie’s Premium Series is its carbon footprint which, like the other refurbished devices offered by Swappie, generates 78% less emissions than a new smartphone, meaning that from today consumers can own an even more perfect version of technology without contributing to the vast amount of e-waste generated as a result of smartphone production.

“We’ve always made it imperative to listen to our customers, and over the years with this approach and through constant improvements in our offering we’ve gotten closer to them and made refurbished electronics a little bit more mainstream. But we knew this wasn’t enough, that there was a group of consumers who would only choose refurbished if the phone had pristine aesthetic conditions or a battery with full capacity. Even guided by the wish of doing the right thing for the planet, the lack of this solution stopped them from making this choice. That’s why we’re bringing Swappie’s Premium Series to the market, because it represents a class above new which will make it easier for discerning consumers to incorporate the circular economy into their everyday lives’ comments Casper Andersen, Premium Series Lead at Swappie.

A recent survey commissioned by Swappie and conducted by market research company Kantar shed light on the reasons why some people are still buying a new smartphone over a refurbished one with over a third of consumers (34%) citing battery health, followed by the functional quality of a new phone (28%) and lack of signs of wear (20%). Swappie’s refurbished Premium Series addresses directly these concerns as it is essentially new, offering 100% capacity battery, no sign of wear, full operational capacity and, as with all Swappie iPhones sold, it comes with a 12-month Swappie warranty. Additionally,  the Premium Series produces a fraction of the e-waste traditionally associated with a new smartphone, so it is also a better choice for the planet.

Swappie CEO and co-founder Sami Marttinen said ‘We are passionate about creating a world that is more sustainable, ethical, and inclusive. Our customers sit at the heart of everything we do, and we are determined to make using our services as easy and pleasurable as possible. Swappie is in a unique position as all our refurbishment work is done in our own facilities in Europe, we own our own supply chain, and we offer benefits like warranties and returns. At every stage we can ensure best practices are maintained, guaranteeing high-quality products that are fully functional. This is vital in building long-term trust in Swappie. Smartphones don’t have an expiry date and we’re hoping that adding the Premium Series to our beloved product line will help even more consumers feel as comfortable buying a refurbished iPhone as they would a used car.’

‘The manufacture of new smartphones produces over 100 million tonnes of CO2 a year while e-waste is the fastest growing form of waste on the planet. 85-95% of the emissions connected to smartphones are released during manufacture, including the extraction of raw materials, shipping and the first year of life. Earlier this year, Brussels proposed legislation to promote consumers’ right to repair which is a step in the right direction. However, we need to go further to make sure any practices which limit independent repair through processes like serialization, restrictions on the distribution of parts and access to manuals are prohibited. Consumers should be able to seek affordable, quality repair from the provider of their choice and under no circumstances should product functionalities be degraded because repair was done outside of the network of original manufacturers. This is the only way to effectively promote repair over replacement’ commented Jori Ahvonen, CTO at Swappie

Premium Series handsets are limited in number, but the Premium grade is not limited to a specific model. Premium Series is available from today at www.swapppie.com

Red Bull Doodle Art World Finals take place in Amsterdam this weekend

The Red Bull Doodle Art World Finals take place in Amsterdam this weekend, with Dublin-based artist Vivianne Carcereri set to represent Ireland at the global competition, featuring over sixty of the fastest-rising talents from across the world.

The Italian-born artist has made Ireland her home since moving here six years ago. Carcereri, who lived in Cork for four years before moving to Dublin two years ago, will compete against the world’s best, following her victory at the Irish National Finals which took place in Tara Street Buildings last month. A panel of experts selected Carcereri’s work based on the criteria of creativity, artistic skill and the way the doodle expresses a love for life.

Red Bull Doodle Art encourages creatives to put pencil to paper, let their minds wander and get doodling. The World Finals take place from Thursday May 25th to Sunday May 28th, with all national finalists globally brought together for a three-day immersive experience in Amsterdam. Their completed artwork will be displayed in NFT format in a public gallery, where a judging panel including Canadian artist Burnt Toast (Scott Martin) and British artist Mr Doodle (Sam Cox) will select the global winner.

Speaking ahead of the World Final, Carcereri said: “I’m delighted to represent a beautiful country which has welcomed me with open arms. My art is inspired by what I like most in life, or whatever makes me feel good or smile. I’m looking forward to testing myself and learning from some of the most exciting talent in the art industry this weekend.”

Carcereri’s work will feature in a one-of-a-kind NFT collaboration between Burnt Toast and the other national final winners. The ‘Burnt Toast x Red Bull Doodle Art’ collection, which combines the artistic vision of the world-renowned creator of ‘Doodles’ and the 61 national winners, will be made available for an open-edition mint at the Nifty Gateway Marketplace on Friday May 26th at 2PM CET.

To keep up to date with Ireland’s progress at the Red Bull Doodle Art World Finals this weekend, follow @redbullire, use #RedBullDoodleArt or visit www.redbulldoodleart.com.

Thermo Fisher Scientific has awarded a University College Cork student with the first Thermo Fisher Scientific Prize in Organic Chemistry

Thermo Fisher Scientific has awarded a University College Cork student with the first Thermo Fisher Scientific Prize in Organic Chemistry. Fourth year Chemistry student Ciara Millerick was presented with the inaugural award at the Annual UCC STEM Awards ceremony which took place on the UCC campus.  

To recognise her achievement, Ciara received a €1,000 cash prize along with a commemorative plaque. Open to all students that completed third year in Chemistry throughout the 2022/23 academic year, the prize will be awarded annually to the student who passes with the highest combined mark in the Organic Chemistry modules.  

Speaking ahead of the official award ceremony UCC STEM Awards ceremony, Siobhan Creedon, Thermo Fisher’s Director of Process Development, said: “We are proud to be here today to support the next generation of young budding chemists. It’s an honour to present Ciara with the Thermo Fisher Scientific Prize in Organic Chemistry.  

“Each year we are blown away by the calibre of students that come through the School of Chemistry in UCC. Over the years we have invited many UCC Chemistry graduates to join our team in our Ringaskiddy site and we are consistently impressed by the level of excellence demonstrated. Their dedication and hard work are a testament to the quality of education and support provided by faculty members at University College Cork, and we have no doubt that they will continue to make significant contrib autions to the field of chemistry and beyond.”  

Professor Anita Maguire, Head of School of Chemistry at UCC, said: “We are truly appreciative of the support from Thermo Fisher Scientific for our students, through work placements and other interactions, and now their additional commitment with the launch of their prize. 

“On behalf of the School of Chemistry, I would like to extend a heartfelt congratulations to Ciara for receiving this award. Ciara was an active member of the Chemical Society and regularly assisted in the organisation of events to help spread her passion for chemistry. Ciara – we are extremely proud to count you among our students. Your success is an inspiration to all in the School and we look forward to seeing you continue to make great strides in your academic and professional pursuits.” 

Thermo Fisher currently has approximately 1,200 working across its Irish operations. The active pharmaceutical ingredient development and manufacturing site in Cork is part of its Pharma Services business and is expert in taking chemistry from laboratory scale development through to clinical and large-scale commercial manufacturing.   

TCS Announces Generative AI Partnership with Google Cloud and New Offering for Enterprise Customers

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has announced an expanded partnership with Google Cloud and the launch of its new offering, TCS Generative AI which leverages Google Cloud’s generative AI services, to design and deploy custom-tailored business solutions that help clients harness the power of this exciting new technology to accelerate their growth and transformation.

Building on its deep domain knowledge across multiple industry verticals and investments in research and innovation, TCS has developed a large portfolio of AI-powered solutions and intellectual property in the areas of AIOps, Algo Retail™, smart manufacturing, digital twins and robotics. The company is currently working with clients in multiple industries, to explore how generative AI can be used to deliver value in their specific business contexts.

This new offering is powered by Google Cloud’s Generative AI tools – Vertex AI, Generative AI Application Builder and Model Garden, and TCS’ own solutions. TCS will use its client-specific contextual knowledge, proven design thinking and agile development processes to ideate solutions jointly with clients, rapidly prototype the most promising ideas and build full-fledged transformation solutions with enhanced time to value.

These collaborative exercises will utilize TCS Pace Ports™, the company’s co-innovation hubs located in New York, Pittsburg, Toronto, Amsterdam and Tokyo, where clients can also engage with academic researchers and start-up partners from TCS’ extended innovation ecosystem.

TCS has been investing in scaling its expertise in rapidly evolving cloud technologies. It has over 25,000 engineers certified on Google Cloud. In addition, TCS has over 50,000 associates trained in AI, with plans to earn 40,000 skill badges on Google Cloud Generative AI within the year, to support the anticipated demand for its new offering.

“With deep contextual knowledge of our customers’ businesses, we are well positioned to build innovative enterprise-level solutions using generative AI. Our launch partnership with Google Cloud on generative AI enables us to rapidly create value for our customers. TCS is investing in assets, frameworks, and talent to harness the power of generative AI to enable growth and transformation for our customers,” said Krishnan Ramanujam, President, Enterprise Growth Group, TCS.

“TCS’ expertise in business transformation and its commitment to train thousands of people on Google Cloud Generative AI will be important assets for businesses accelerating their generative AI adoption,” said Kevin Ichhpurani, Vice President, Global Partner Ecosystems and Channels, Google Cloud, “TCS and Google Cloud will help address industry-specific challenges and opportunities with generative AI capabilities and solutions, with a focus on addressing real-world use cases and adding business value.”

The TCS Google Business Unit offers customers a full catalog of services and solutions, leveraging TCS’ contextual knowledge, industry-focused innovation, and Google Cloud’s platform capabilities. Our offerings include advisory, foundational cloud-build and security services, applications and data modernization, AI build and deployment services, a managed services model for hybrid and multi-cloud environments, and a fit-to-purpose digital solutions across industries.

TCS provides cloud-native services and solutions across new technologies such as generative AI, intelligent edge-to-core, and blockchain to enhance end-customer value. TCS has achieved 25 specializations and has received several Google Cloud awards for its comprehensive solutions, 2021 Industry Solution Partner of the Year for Retail; 2021 Global Diversity & Inclusion Partner of the Year; and 2020 Breakthrough Partner of the Year.

To learn more about the TCS Google Business Unit, visit:  https://www.tcs.com/what-we-do/services/cloud/google

Simplified Partner Service Offers Resellers A New Window Into The World Of Evolve IP

Global collaboration provider, Evolve IP, has launched a new ‘window into its world’ of integrated cloud-based communications, to make life simpler for its reselling partners. The creation of a single ‘Anywhere Portal’ is designed to provide a streamlined and more efficient route into Evolve IP’s service stack for provisioning and administration.

Evolve IP works with many of the world’s biggest tech companies and innovative industry leaders to create robust and reliable solutions for a growing reselling partner base. It specialises in securely integrating unified communications, collaboration tools, contact centre, voice, and omnichannel solutions into the cloud.

The Anywhere Portal aims to deliver enhanced levels of service and support. It is based on a new user interface which is fast and clean as well as mobile and desktop compatible.

Powerful step forward

Senior Solutions Consultant, Adrian Penny, says the new portal provides resellers with the ability to provision, manage and support their customers all from a single convenient resource.

“Anywhere Portal is a single space that houses all the solutions our customers have with Evolve IP. We want to make it as easy as possible for them to manage their customers and services. The Anywhere Portal gives them the ability to build and configure all Cisco BroadWorks services via our core telephony platform, allowing them to add customers to detailed configurations easily.”

Benefits include full Webex integration, customer password resets, multi-factor authentication, and bulk upload capabilities. In addition, comprehensive reporting and business analytics is combined with one click functionality to build multiple devices, meaning no more custom credentials.

Penny concluded: “Our previous provisioning portal was much more limited. We’ve added lots more features and functionality based on a sophisticated engine which can automate a lot of the core processes which were previously manual. It reflects our three core pillars of efficiency, automation and simplicity.

“Evolve IP is designed to advance today’s hybrid workplace and the Anywhere Portal represents another powerful step forward to help partners deliver faster, easier and quicker responses to their customers. It’s a win-win for all parties.”

Internal workshops are taking place throughout May to boost knowledge and ensure users become more familiar with the new portal.

Game changer

The launch of Anywhere Portal is being hailed as a ‘game changer’ by Nikki Hough, UC Deployment Manager at leading solutions provider, Babble.

“We can build and deploy a significant number of users easily and efficiently. This complements the industry-leading solutions that Evolve IP can provide the team and makes the Evolve IP offer more complete and compelling,” 

 He added: “Anywhere Portal also provides us with an extra level of security with two-factor authentication; which is of course a priority for any business’s service that they provide. This solution was the missing piece in Evolve IP’s offering and so it’s great to see it in place. We’re excited to explore what we can achieve with the Anywhere Portal in the future.”  

To find out more about Anywhere Portal, visit https://www.evolveip.net/en-gb/solutions/anywhere-portal

Dell Tech World 2023: Dell APEX Portfolio Expands from Multicloud to Client to Compute

Dell Technologies (NYSE: DELL) unveils new Dell APEX offerings across cloud platforms, public cloud storage software, client devices and compute. These additions to the industry’s most comprehensive as-a-Service and multicloud portfolio spanning data center to public cloud and client devices will help businesses operate and innovate faster through improved management and mobility of their applications and data wherever they reside.

“Our customers continue to look for a simpler technology experience to easily manage and access their assets and applications with predictable costs and greater flexibility,” said Chuck Whitten, co-chief operating officer, Dell Technologies. “That’s where Dell APEX comes in. Now, Dell APEX spans the breadth of our portfolio to give customers greater freedom for technology to support businesses as their needs dictate – from PCs and IT on-premises to public clouds and edge locations.”

Dell APEX Cloud Platforms deliver consistent multicloud operations

Dell APEX Cloud Platforms are a portfolio of fully integrated, turnkey systems integrating Dell infrastructure, software and cloud operating stacks that deliver consistent multicloud operations by extending cloud operating models to on-premises and edge environments. Workloads can be placed in the optimal location based on desired performance, cost and security requirements with data mobility across a common multicloud storage layer. Customers will be able to move data seamlessly between on-premises environments and Dell APEX Block Storage for Public Cloud deployments. Each system is designed to accelerate IT and developer productivity using familiar management tools and software-driven automated deployment and lifecycle management.

The cloud platforms are developed in collaboration with Microsoft, Red Hat and VMware:

 

  • Dell APEX Cloud Platform for Microsoft Azure enhances the Azure hybrid experience with full stack software integration and automated lifecycle management through Microsoft native management tools and extensive engineering collaboration between Dell and Microsoft. The platform is ideal for application modernization and delivers faster time to value of Azure based on Azure Arc-enabled infrastructure with consistent operations and governance across on-premises data centers, edge locations, and the Azure public cloud using Azure Arc.

 

  • Dell APEX Cloud Platform for Red Hat OpenShift simplifies container-based application development and management, wherever applications are developed and deployed, through full stack software integration and automation with the industry’s leading hybrid cloud application platform powered by Kubernetes. Customers can run containers and virtual machines side by side, natively within Kubernetes, with a unified experience for a wide variety of workloads, including AI/ML and analytics, with broad GPU support across any hybrid cloud footprint. This offering represents a deep engineering collaboration between Dell and Red Hat, using enterprise Kubernetes and backed by the world’s leading enterprise Linux platform, Red Hat Enterprise Linux.

  • Dell APEX Cloud Platform for VMware gives customers the flexibility to deploy vSphere on a fully integrated system with highly scalable, high performance Dell software-defined storage. This new offering joins Dell APEX Private Cloud and Dell APEX Hybrid Cloud within the broader Dell APEX portfolio to offer more choice for VMware customers on their multicloud journey.

“For more than a century, Xerox has continually redefined the workplace experience,” said Tino Lancellotti, chief information officer, Xerox. “Dell APEX has helped us optimize our multicloud strategy so that we can deliver software and services that meet the needs of the modern workforce.”

Dell APEX Storage for Public Cloud enriches the public cloud experience

Delivering on the promise of Project Alpine, Dell brings the performance and advanced software capabilities of its industry-leading enterprise data storage to public clouds while delivering operational simplicity with a unified approach to Dell cloud storage and Kubernetes management.

Dell APEX Block Storage for Amazon Web Services (AWS), Dell APEX Block Storage for Microsoft Azure and Dell APEX File Storage for AWS combine Dell’s enterprise-class storage performance, scalability and cyber-resilience with public cloud economics and services, such as analytics and artificial intelligence (AI). Organizations can fine-tune their cloud strategies based on business need, and maximize existing skillsets through advanced data mobility and management consistency between Dell on-premises storage and public clouds. This approach avoids the need to refactor applications and retrain staff.

Dell APEX Block Storage can rapidly expand performance and capacity for mission critical workloads through a unique scale out architecture. Increased resiliency is achieved by distributing data efficiently across multi-availability zones. Dell APEX File Storage delivers enterprise class file performance and capabilities in the public cloud. Customers can support a broad variety of performance-intensive workloads including AI, machine learning, media and entertainment and life sciences.

These offers join Dell APEX Protection Storage for Public Cloud as part of Dell’s portfolio of software-defined storage for public clouds. Dell APEX Protection Storage delivers industry-leading data protection storage for AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud and Alibaba Cloud with more than 17 exabytes of data protected by Dell software in public clouds to date.3

Dell APEX Console enhancements include new management, deployment, data mobility and discovery software-as-a-service (SaaS) offerings that make it easier for operations teams to maintain multicloud storage and Kubernetes clusters.

 

  • Dell APEX Navigator for Multicloud Storage is SaaS that centralizes, simplifies and secures management of Dell APEX Block and File Storage with easy configuration, automated deployment, storage monitoring and data mobility between on-premises and public cloud environments. This allows organizations to manage their multicloud estate consistently and securely at scale, optimizing workload placement to match their business needs.
  • Dell APEX Navigator for Kubernetes is SaaS that simplifies Kubernetes storage management, bringing advanced data services such as data replication, application mobility and observability, to containers with easily deployed and managed Dell Container Storage Modules.

“Organizations are looking to streamline their IT environments so that data and applications can live in the right place to deliver the most value for their businesses,” said Matthew Eastwood, senior vice president, IDC. “Dell Technologies has delivered a significant expansion of its Dell APEX portfolio that creates commonality between public cloud and on-premises environments to simplify workload placement.”

Dell APEX brings the cloud experience to PCs and servers

Dell expands the Dell APEX portfolio to help users easily handle day-to-day IT operations, speed infrastructure deployment, control costs and manage device takeback securely and sustainably through an as-a-Service experience.

 

  • Dell APEX Compute delivers scalable, secure bare metal compute resources in a data center, edge environment or in a colocation facility. Customers can support virtualized or container-based environments by installing the hypervisor or operating system of their choice. Organizations will be able to meet their workload and IT operations needs with scalable and secure compute resources available through a predictable, monthly subscription.

  • Dell APEX PC-as-a-Service (PCaaS) helps companies simplify IT and deploy the latest client technology with predictable costs4 while freeing up capital to invest in modern employee experiences.5 Organizations can customize offerings across the entire PC portfolio—inclusive of devices, software and services—with flexible one- to five-year terms and scaling up or down as needed. Early customers using Dell APEX PCaaS have reported 50% less help desk effort, 30% savings in support costs and 50% less time spent onboarding employee devices.6

 

Dell expands data management ecosystem for simpler access to data insight with Databricks’ Lakehouse Platform 

To provide customers greater freedom to extract insights from data wherever it resides, Dell and Databricks, the data and AI company, announce a new, multifaceted relationship to connect on-premises data in Dell’s industry-leading enterprise storage platforms and the Databricks Lakehouse Platform.

Dell customers can connect Databricks in the public cloud with Dell object storage, on-premises or in a co-location facility, to analyze data in-place, store results and securely share it with third parties using Databricks’ Delta Sharing capabilities. Dell and Databricks are collaborating to jointly engineer additional integrations that will deliver a seamless experience for Dell object storage within the Databricks Lakehouse Platform.

Additional Comments

“Microsoft and Dell are simplifying hybrid cloud management with an integrated solution that gives customers consistent operations across the Azure public cloud and their on-premises and edge environments,” said Bernardo Caldas, corporate vice president, Azure Edge PM, Microsoft. “Dell APEX Cloud Platform for Microsoft Azure provides native integration of Dell’s differentiated infrastructure platforms and management software with Azure Arc, and Arc-enabled services like Azure Stack HCI and AKS for a unified experience from cloud to edge.”

“As organizations continue to evolve and scale their cloud strategies, customers are looking for a consistent user experience across hybrid infrastructure to accelerate cloud-native application development and faster time to value,” said Stefanie Chiras, senior vice president, Partner Ecosystem Success, Red Hat. “Red Hat OpenShift provides that common foundation, and through our continued work with Dell Technologies, customers can benefit from a fully integrated Red Hat OpenShift experience on Dell’s on-premises infrastructure to extend capabilities wherever they deploy applications across the hybrid cloud.”

“VMware and Dell Technologies have a track record of jointly engineered solutions and innovation that spans nearly two decades,” said Dave McGraw, vice president, Partner Solutions Engineering, Office of the CTO, VMware. “The introduction of Dell APEX Cloud Platform for VMware broadens customers’ VMware multicloud deployment options, providing greater choice and flexibility to modernize applications while streamlining multicloud operations.”

“Databricks is focused on helping businesses extract the most valuable insights from their data, wherever it resides,” said Adam Conway, senior vice president, Products, Databricks. “This relationship provides the ability to leverage cloud and on-premises data together with best of breed technologies, as well as easily and securely share that data through Delta Sharing. Combining the best of Dell and Databricks changes the data landscape for customers as they operate in today’s multicloud world.”

Availability

  • Dell APEX Cloud Platforms will be globally available starting in the second half of 2023.
  • Dell APEX Block and File Storage for AWS are globally available now.
  • Dell APEX Block Storage for Microsoft Azure will be globally available in the second half of 2023.
  • Dell APEX Navigator for Multicloud Storage will be available in the United States with planned future geographic expansion during the second half of 2023.
  • Dell APEX Navigator for Kubernetes will be available in the United States, United Kingdom, France and Germany during the second half of 2023.
  • Dell APEX PC-as-a-Service is available now in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific.
  • Dell APEX Compute is available now in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific.
  • Dell object storage and Databricks Lakehouse Platform connection is available today with access to public cloud data coming soon.