Tag: native

Dell and Microsoft roll out integrated file storage for AI-era workloads

Businesses in Ireland can now leverage Dell PowerScale for Microsoft Azure, a scalable, high-performance enterprise-class file storage solution, integrated with Azure to support modern AI workloads.

Co-developed with Microsoft as an Azure Native Integration, Dell PowerScale provides a fully managed cloud-native deployment of PowerScale software on Azure infrastructure. The solution aims to accelerate AI initiatives, manage media production, and ensure business continuity, empowering organizations to achieve their next breakthrough.

“In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, enterprises need more than just storage, they need a platform that drives innovation, scales effortlessly, and adapts to their most demanding workloads. Dell PowerScale for Microsoft Azure is purpose-built to meet these needs,” said David Noy, Vice President of Product Management at Dell Technologies. “Co-developed with Microsoft, this enterprise-class file storage solution delivers high performance, robust security, and seamless integration, empowering organisations to achieve their next breakthrough. From accelerating AI and managing media production to ensuring business continuity, PowerScale for Azure is the foundation for success in the data-driven era.”

Built on a proven foundation, Dell PowerScale for Microsoft Azure is an Azure Native integration co-developed with Microsoft and built on a legacy of storage leadership. This is enterprise-class file storage, purpose-built for today’s most demanding workloads and managed by the experts at Dell. With NVRAM-enabled custom compute SKUs engineered exclusively for Dell, PowerScale for Azure delivers blazing-fast performance up to four times greater than the closest competitor.

The solution has been designed to offer ultra-low latency and optimized to handle even the most data-intensive applications with ease. PowerScale for Azure allows organisations to scale out rapidly and efficiently, supporting up to 8.4PB of storage in a single namespace. It also supports NFS, SMB, and S3 protocols running simultaneously, so teams can support a broad range of applications and avoid the limits of single-purpose solutions or vendor lock-in.

The familiar, unified PowerScale interface ensures operational simplicity and a consistent user experience whether data is on-premises or in Azure. Fully managed by Dell experts, PowerScale handles deployment, upgrades, monitoring, and support, delivering robust, proactive management every step of the way. With zero-trust architecture, always-on encryption, continuous backup, and built-in ransomware recovery, organisations can face threats with a hardened defence posture.

PowerScale supports production workloads across every industry vertical. Media & Entertainment companies can handle massive video files, real-time editing, and tight production timelines with high-speed hybrid data environments. Production teams can scale up for big releases, scale down when projects close, and focus on creativity, while robust security protects critical media assets. Electronic design automation produces massive datasets and demands fast, collaborative workflows.

PowerScale accelerates simulation, modelling, and design workflows, enabling global design teams to work together, handle simulation spikes, and move products to market faster. Life Sciences organisations can analyse large datasets, run simulations, and drive discoveries with high-performance access and secure, compliant storage. PowerScale allows scaling as clinical projects advance without service disruption.

Downtime and data loss aren’t options. PowerScale for Azure streamlines disaster recovery by enabling asynchronous replication into Azure with SyncIQ, extending data protection across environments to ensure compliance and rapid recovery in the event of disaster.

Composability: The Key to Solving Telecom’s Agility Crisis

Telecom operators are at a pivotal juncture. Rapidly rising customer expectations, intensifying competition, and the rollout of technologies such as 5G, IoT and edge computing are transforming the industry and creating an urgent need for greater speed and flexibility. Yet, many communications service providers (CSPs) remain constrained by monolithic and rigid Business Support Systems (BSS) and Operations Support Systems (OSS), where even minor updates to services, processes or integrations can result in significant cost and delays.

These challenges have become a defining issue for the industry and in the sections that follow, we’ll explore how composable architectures are helping CSPs overcome them and regain agility. This shift toward modular, API-first and loosely coupled BSS/OSS systems is enabling CSPs to innovate rapidly, launch new services at digital speed, and scale efficiently.

TM Forum’s Open Digital Architecture (ODA) provides a clear industry blueprint for this shift, defining the modular building blocks and open interfaces needed to replace monolithic BSS/OSS with flexible, composable systems.

Cerillion, with extensive experience in deploying composable BSS/OSS solutions for leading CSPs, provides practical guidance on how operators can modernise their systems without disruptive rip-and-replace projects.

The Agility Challenge

Legacy BSS/OSS platforms were built for a time when service portfolios were predictable and network environments were stable. Today’s telecom realities are far different: rapid service innovation, intense partner ecosystems, regulatory complexity and dynamic enterprise demands. According to TM Forum, up to 72% of 5G revenue growth is dependent on BSS/OSS transformation.

While earlier research (such as TM Forum) suggested that a high proportion of 5G revenue growth depends on OSS/BSS transformation, more recent GSMA Intelligence analysis underlines that the real value of 5G lies in its role in enterprise digital transformation. GSMA projects that mobile technologies – 5G included will drive $11 trillion of economic value by 2030, and reports that around 85% of enterprises regard 5G as critical to their digital transformation strategies.

As part of this evolution, ODA sets out a standardised architecture that helps CSPs break down legacy complexity by adopting interchangeable components, common data models, and certified Open APIs.

Telecoms industry spending trends underline the urgency: IDC forecasts that the combined telco software solution market will grow from $48.7 billion in 2024 to $60.4 billion in 2029. Such rapid expansion highlights why CSPs recognise that agility isn’t optional but essential for survival.

Composable BSS/OSS and Market Impact

Composable architecture replaces monolithic systems with modular, API-first components that can be developed, deployed and updated independently. This approach allows CSPs to assemble new services, such as an IoT device bundle and partner app, without waiting months for system upgrades.

The principles of composable architecture align directly with ODA, which promotes modular components, well-defined service domains, and open interfaces that can be assembled and evolved independently.

Composable design brings several key advantages. As each module of the system, whether it’s a product catalogue or order management component, evolves independently, businesses can respond more quickly. Open Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) connect partner services, network functions and business tools, ensuring every element works together seamlessly. This efficiency also allows business users to configure new offers without relying on IT, while cloud-native microservices enable continuous scalability and updates, without disrupting legacy systems.

By building solutions that conform to ODA’s structure, operators ensure greater interoperability across partner ecosystems and avoid the vendor lock-in associated with traditional monolithic platforms.

According to HTF Market Research, the cloud-native telecoms market exceeded USD 10 billion in 2024, reflecting strong adoption of modern, modular architectures. The shift is more than technical; it’s strategic. Composable systems empower business teams, accelerate time-to-market and support legacy coexistence to manage cost and risk. In this context, Cerillion illustrates how legacy platforms can evolve into flexible, interoperable systems that enable rapid innovation without full-scale replacement.

Benefits Beyond Speed

Composable BSS/OSS delivers much more than just faster service rollout, including:

 

  • Reducing downtime and operational complexity.
  • Allowing business teams to experiment with new pricing, bundles and partnerships more easily.
  • Enabling third-party integration and ecosystem expansion via API-first platforms.
  • Adapting quickly to new business models or multi-brand operations.

Strategic Implications for CSPs

Aligning transformation roadmaps with ODA provides CSPs with a proven framework that reduces integration risk, accelerates onboarding of new partners, and ensures long-term architectural consistency.

Operators considering the composable route should pursue the following strategic actions:

 

  • Define business drivers and outcomes: Determine the agility and results needed, including faster service launches and ecosystem enablement, before selecting technologies.
  • Adopt an incremental approach: Modernise components gradually instead of pursuing risky full-scale rip-and-replace projects.
  • Promote business-IT collaboration: Enable business teams to configure services while IT ensures operational integrity.
  • Prioritise Open APIs, ODA and partner readiness: Ensure seamless integration with third-party services and ecosystem partners.
  • Measure success with relevant metrics: Track key indicators such as time-to-market, partner onboarding speed and operational efficiency.

Vendors such as Cerillion provide solutions aligned with Open Digital Architecture, API-first design and hybrid deployment that support agile evolution rather than disruption.

Legacy monolithic systems are no longer fit for the dynamic demands of today’s telecom environment. Composable BSS/OSS architecture offers a path to faster launches, empowered business teams and resilient, future-ready ecosystems.

Transformation is complex, but inaction could cost you missed revenue opportunities, slower growth and loss of competitive position. For CSPs, composable BSS/OSS is not optional; it is a strategic imperative. The responsibility of solution providers is to help operators progress, focusing on enhancement rather than constant disruption.

Google Introduces Gemini 3

Since the Gemini era began, Google has been pushing the frontier to build more general and helpful AI for everyone. With Gemini 1, they introduced multimodality and long context to help AI understand our world.

Gemini 2 added thinking, reasoning and native tool use to create a foundation for AI agents. And now Google is introducing Gemini 3, their most intelligent model, that combines all of Gemini’s capabilities together so you can bring any idea to life.

As a user of Gemini on a daily basis I have been following this very closely as to what Gemini brings to the table and with AI now part of daily lives changing almost daily it is interesting to see how this has progressed and what the future now holds with Gemini and AI

Since the Gemini era began, we’ve been pushing the frontier to build more general and helpful AI for everyone. With Gemini 1, we introduced multimodality and long context to help AI understand our world. Gemini 2 added thinking, reasoning and native tool use to create a foundation for AI agents. And now we’re introducing Gemini 3, our most intelligent model, that combines all of Gemini’s capabilities together so you can bring any idea to life.

See the full release

Jabra powers Zoom’s new frontline platform with Perform 75

Jabra today announces that it has teamed up with Zoom to achieve new certifications for its professional headsets, underscoring their shared commitment to empowering both frontline and hybrid workers with communication tools that help them stay connected and productive in any environment.
Jabra Perform 75: Certified for Zoom Workplace for Frontline
Zoom announced its new Workplace for Frontline platform in April 2025 to better serve the 80 percent of the global workforce that operates on the frontline. The Jabra Perform 75 mono headset is now the first audio device to be certified for that program. Designed for employees who spend their workdays on the move, Jabra Perform 75 integrates with Zoom Workplace to keep teams connected, hands-free and more focused during every shift.
Zoom Workplace for Frontline combines on-shift communications and work management, giving frontline teams tools for chat, calling and push-to-talk (PTT), shift scheduling and reporting. Paired with Jabra Perform 75, frontline workers gain easier access to these tools, remaining heads-up, hands-free, and comfortable throughout their shift, while managers benefit from task overviews and attendance insights that keep operations running smoothly.
AI at the Core of Collaboration
Zoom AI Companion is a generative-AI digital assistant, that delivers powerful, real-time capabilities to help users improve productivity and work together more effectively. With this certification news, Jabra plays a key role in ensuring that frontline workers can interact with Zoom’s AI features through clear, accurate voice input and dependable audio performance. This collaboration helps make AI-driven communication practical and effective in busy, real-world environments.
Jabra Evolve2 75: Certified as a Zoom Native Bluetooth Headset
In addition, the Jabra Evolve2 75 professional headset has been certified as a Zoom Native Bluetooth Headset. This headset enables workers to enjoy the full Zoom collaboration experience without the need for a dongle. The result is greater flexibility and consistent performance for teams who depend on straightforward tools to stay connected.
Janne Jakobsen, SVP for Enterprise Headsets at Jabra said: “These certifications mark a special milestone for our collaboration with Zoom. Users can trust that our headsets deliver not only premium sound and comfort but also full compatibility with Zoom, the platform they rely on every day. Together, we are enabling an even better experience for mobile professionals worldwide.”
 
Key Features of the Jabra + Zoom Collaboration
 
Jabra Perform 75: Certified for Zoom Workplace for Frontline
  • Hands-free Bluetooth headset built for shiftwork, helping associates stay connected and focused
  • Noise-cancelling microphone technology that blocks out 99% of background noise for clearer conversations in busy environments
  • Modular design with hot-swappable battery and easy pairing for smooth shift handovers and uninterrupted performance
  • Lightweight comfort with cushioned earcups and multiple wearing styles, seamlessly integrated with Zoom Chat, push-to-talk, task management and scheduling tools for both associates and managers
 
Jabra Evolve2 75: Certified as a Zoom Native Bluetooth Headset
  • Enables seamless connectivity without a dongle
  • Delivers dependable, flexible performance for teams who need effective tools to stay connected
Eric Yu, Head of Hardware Partnerships, at Zoom said: “Our goal is to provide users with the best possible tools for their daily work. By certifying Jabra’s headsets, we make it easier for mobile professionals using these Jabra products to enjoy seamless connectivity, and the confidence of full Zoom Workspace performance.”

Native vs Hybrid App Testing Tools Key Differences

Quality Assurance (QA) teams play a crucial role in the development process, diligently ensuring that software applications perform reliably and meet user expectations. Their work involves anticipating potential issues during real-world use, such as performance bottlenecks, security vulnerabilities, or compatibility problems with different devices. By rigorously testing applications across various scenarios, QA teams strive to deliver a seamless experience for users.

Choosing between a native and hybrid mobile app testing tool isn’t just some small technical decision. It’s more like picking between taking the scenic backroads or jumping on the highway. QA teams are already racing against deadlines and trying to catch every possible bug. The last thing they need is to realize halfway through that they picked the wrong testing approach.

Native Testing Tools: Focused and Reliable

Native testing tools are like tools made for a specific car model. They fit perfectly and know every nut and bolt. These tools are built to test apps designed for a particular platform, like iOS or Android. That focus is their biggest strength.

When you’re using native tools, you’re working with a solution that understands the platform inside and out. That means everything from swiping gestures to GPS functionality gets tested exactly the way users will experience it. For QA teams, this precision is a game-changer.

Why QA Teams Count on Native Tools

Platform Integration

A native mobile app testing tool doesn’t just test functionality—they test how the app “feels” on its platform. Is the animation smooth on an iPhone? Does the Android version handle the app behavior accurately, etc?

Device-Level Testing

Real-device testing is where native tools shine. Whether it’s testing a front-facing camera feature or a fingerprint scanner, native tools let you get hands-on with the real thing.

Spotting Performance Bottleneckss

Since native tools are tied closely to the platform, they excel at catching problems like slow load times, resource hogging, or memory leaks.

The Tradeoff

The downside? Native tools are laser-focused. That’s great if you’re building for just one platform. But if your app needs to work across iOS and Android, you’re looking at twice the effort—separate tools, separate tests, and separate expertise.

Hybrid Testing Tools: Flexible and Broad

Hybrid tools are like a universal toolkit. They’re designed to work on multiple platforms, so you don’t have to carry separate tools for every situation. These tools focus on testing apps built with frameworks like Flutter, React Native, or Ionic, which are designed to work across platforms from the get-go.

For QA teams handling apps that straddle multiple ecosystems, hybrid tools offer a way to test quickly and efficiently. They allow you to write a single set of tests and run them on both iOS and Android. Which is a huge time-saver.

Why QA Teams Lean on Hybrid Tools

Cross-Platform Compatibility

Hybrid tools are perfect for apps built with shared codebases. You can test once and apply the results to both iOS and Android versions.

Speed and Simplicity

By consolidating workflows, hybrid tools reduce the complexity of managing multiple test environments.

Cost-Effectiveness

Fewer tools mean fewer licenses to buy and less time spent training teams on different systems.

The Catch

Hybrid tools have limitations, too. Because they’re designed to cover multiple platforms, they sometimes miss the finer details. Platform-specific bugs or issues with hardware integration (like testing a gyroscope) can sneak through.

The Key Differences Between Native and Hybrid Tools

QA teams often wonder: What’s the real difference? It’s more than just platform compatibility. Let’s break it down into the specifics that matter most during testing.

  1. Platform-Specific Testing
  • Native Tools: Deep and precise. They excel at catching issues tied to the unique quirks of iOS or Android.
  • Hybrid Tools: Broad and efficient. Great for ensuring that shared functionality works seamlessly across platforms.
  1. Test Coverage
  • Native Tools: Limited to one platform at a time.
  • Hybrid Tools: Cover multiple platforms in a single go, but might miss certain platform-specific behaviors.
  1. Time and Cost
  • Native Tools: Higher upfront investment in terms of setup and resources.
  • Hybrid Tools: More budget-friendly, with faster turnaround times for cross-platform apps.
  1. Real-Device Testing
  • Native Tools: Shine in this area, offering more granular mobile app testing capabilities on physical devices.
  • Hybrid Tools: Can support real-device testing but may need additional setups to match the depth of native tools.
  1. Maintenance
  • Native Tools: Require frequent updates to keep up with changes in iOS or Android.
  • Hybrid Tools: Often evolve alongside the frameworks they’re built for, keeping updates streamlined.

Choosing the Right Tool for the Job

There’s no universal “best” testing tool. The right choice depends on your app’s needs, your team’s experience, and the scope of your testing. Let’s break it down with some real-world examples.

Scenario 1: A Fitness App with Heavy Hardware Use

If your app relies on hardware like GPS tracking, a heart rate monitor, or step counting functionality, native tools are your best bet. They’ll dig deeper into how these features perform on each platform.

Scenario 2: An E-Commerce App Built with React Native

If your app runs on both iOS and Android with a shared codebase, hybrid tools will save time and resources. You can test features like shopping cart functionality or payment processing without duplicating effort.

Tips for QA Teams to Succeed

Whether you’re using native tools, hybrid tools, or a mix of both, a smart approach to mobile app testing can make all the difference. Here are some practical tips:

  1. Start with a Plan: Understand your app’s architecture. Decide which features need deep testing and which can be handled broadly.
  2. Balance Efficiency with Depth: Use hybrid tools for general functionality and native tools for the details.
  3. Invest in Real-Device Testing: Emulators are helpful, but nothing beats testing on real devices. Bugs that show up on actual hardware are the ones users care about most.
  4. Train Your Team: A skilled team can maximize any tool. Invest in regular training to keep their knowledge sharp.
  5. Monitor and Adapt: Testing needs change as your app evolves. Be ready to adjust your approach when new challenges arise.

Common Missteps to Avoid

  1. Skipping Real-Device Testing: Don’t rely solely on simulators or emulators. They’re helpful but can’t replicate every real-world condition.
  2. Overlooking Platform-Specific Features: If your app uses unique platform capabilities, hybrid tools might not catch everything.
  3. Underestimating Maintenance Needs: Both native and hybrid tools need regular updates. Keep this in mind when choosing your stack.

Conclusion 

Testing isn’t just a checkbox—it’s the safety net that ensures users have a smooth experience. For QA teams, the choice between native and hybrid testing tools comes down to priorities. Are you diving deep into one platform? Go native. Testing for a broader audience? Hybrid tools can handle the load.

At the end of the day, the right tools make all the difference—not just in finding bugs but in making your app something users can count on. That’s the goal, isn’t it? A product that works, no matter where or how it’s used.