ICT trends in 2014

 

I was on LinkedIn and found this article quite useful – “Frost & Sullivan: Seven Enterprise Communications Scenes in 2014” – basically the trends in communication technology in 2014. This is the abstract version of the write-up, I felt its really interesting as some of the things mentioned, I’ve already being involved in: either I am using it or at least heard of it.

01. Microsoft Lync popularity will rise.

If you are not big fan of Microsoft you are unlikely to know about Lunc. Unified communication is basically consolidates channels such as IM, Voice, PBX, SMS, location etc for corporate. With Lync these had been addressed this is more like corporate communication tool especially for companies that already been using Microsoft platforms and enhanced into existing products such Office 365 and active directory. Since Microsoft already brought Skype this seems to be more feasible and UC vendors find it tough competition from Lync suite.

02. Mobile apps and enterprise mobile strategy.

Some of the new terminology for the 2013 I’ve learned was BYOD- Bring your own device.

When devising corporates’ mobile strategy companies are facing challenges how to manage those devices is only one part of the security concern. Varied mobile applications are being used by employees and security is critical for every organization. MDM- Mobile Device Management  vendors and security vendors play major role in 2014. As a result of BYOD, private Cloud based enterprise app sore is one area that could resolve  the situation which help the employer to have greater control on which apps re used by its staff.

03. M2M: Machine to Machine communication

M2M already on the surface and we’ve seen how future cars will be connected each other. Personally my preferred area in technology and I’ve heard many fascinating stories and the M2M domain could expand to wider scope. Smart senses such NFC tags (NFC stickers are on sale in Sri Lanka) and RFID’s will hit the sale along with innovative service capabilities especially through CSP’s. O2 UK is on testing project on smart metering for utility services.

04. Telecommunication vendors’ role in providing ICT services.

 Telcos already driving the mobility business along with device vendors, their operations likely to compliment with Cloud offering. Frost & Sullivan believes that telecommunication vendors will ramp up their service offerings across cloud, mobility, managed  hosting, contact centres and enterprise communication services. Telstra is an example where this had been live, however vendors such Amazon would make a tough competition.

05. UCaaS: Unified Comunications as a Service.

Companies will adopt either traditional on site deployment or managed cloud based model for their UC solution, leaving an end note for more old telephony system.

There are still traditional on site deployment for UC solutions but Cloud based model is slowly getting its trend.

06. Advancement in WebRTC

Browser-to-browser communications could eventually lessen the need for telephony devices and peripherals. Communicating will be as easy as clicking a link that will allow the user to make a voice or video call.

Cisco and Mozilla announced recently that the free and open distribution of the H.624 codec means that these two companies can collaborate for real-time streaming of online video from the browser without plugins. The WebRTC space will be one to watch in 2014, and we can expect more announcements from Enterprise Communications vendors over the coming year.

07. Google has already set the framework to dive into enterprise communication domain. Already Gooogle mail server is being used by large companies (My company does use it but its not large) and some of the services available through Google+ is quite useful leaving enterprise communication segment to sweep away by the search giant.

Amazon already leading vendor in providing Cloud infrastructure space, their Amzon activate service is already being used by popular start ups.

Although many companies will continue to buy servers and storage from the likes of HP, IBM and Dell, a growing number of organizations now feel comfortable with buying servers and storage in the cloud for a fraction of the cost of on-premise storage.

Wales Vs South Africa

Just a couple of hours to go for the “pick of the week” match, wanna share few thoughts about this much awaited match.

Last time the Wales-Bok clash was during the World Cup 2011, it was 1 point win for Springboks- 17-16. I still remember James Hooks’ slightly missed conversion, everyone thought that was in.

This time plenty to look forward- for Wales, this is the first outing after the Six Nations triumph and whole lot bunch of Lions cap will be in action. For Boks, it is the first Northern Hemisphere compete after much successful  Championship series- much respected for their attacking flare that yielded 4 trys against mighty Allblacks.

After flourishing season so far for this year for Wales, there were plenty of reviews and I would like to share some of the key battles and pre match analysis if this were to Wales’s first win since 1999 against Springboks.

01. Breakdown:

This would be a close battle. I feel first quarter of the match set the tone for the entire match and this is a one area that both the teams try to get penalties for their goal kickers. Sam and equally good SA counterpart (plays for English based club) would be something to watch. Wales fielding the same back row that casted during the world cup would have a daunting task. As the game rolls off, if Wales want to adopt a passing game with more attacking flare, Tips could come in for No 6 Dan, and Sam to switch to Inside. Wales have to deal with the physicality of Springboks dynamic forwards (and the Backs too) and defending is crucial (stop the ball carrier  without conceding momentum and penalty).

02. Midfield attack:

If at all to suggest a weakest link on the Wales format, I feel the outside centre and the wing (both possessed few caps than their opponent) area where the SA fielding their captain Jean de Villiers posing some great ball running skills. Back three combination is something to look forward especially between Leigh and Lambie. I am pretty sure SA might be planning to play upfront which Wales had been having poor records on defending such threats.

03. Place kickers:

As always being such tense build up for crucial rugby, place kickers are invaluable. With 80-90% success rate would make your team win and Leigh and Steyn hardly make miscalculations to the post.

04. Master craftsmen

Manipulating the opponent’s weakness must align with your strengths. Who could take this role for Wales- Priestland. This is first time after recovering from the injury (and Dan as well) this could be something detrimental for the winning the match. However SA has no short of this- No 9 Fouri du Plesis.

Overall, the match would be close call, as in the past trend Wales starts a series with low node and steer upright as progresses, and as Shaun Edwards (Wales defend coach) commented  SA has the best side that can match their 2009 champions team.

Good luck Wales!

Good luck Springboks!