Category Archives: Cloud Hosting
Google ML Kit: Everything you need to know – Android Police
You may have heard a lot about artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in recent years as the demand for each continues to rise. These two terms in the technology world have been tossed around for one specific reason: They take our device hardware beyond its physical limitations. For example, the best Android phones rely on an AI or ML model to achieve even more impressive photos from the camera. This guide discusses Google ML Kit and how it uses efficient on-device processing to improve our smartphone experience.
Google has been one of the biggest supporters of using on-device processing in smartphones, dating back to the original Google Pixel. One of the earliest uses of leveraging AI and ML models was for the camera, which is still one of the leading forces in today's mobile devices. Google's dedication and power in AI and ML are still evolving on their most recent Google Pixel 7 and Google Pixel 7 Pro smartphones. And with the Google Tensor chip powering these devices now, they continue to surpass many hardware limitations, as they emphasized all those years ago.
With Google's massive success and leadership in AI and ML, Google also wanted to offer the same power they use to all mobile app developers. Because without third-party app developers constantly creating new experiences, our smartphones would have less character and uniqueness about them. Since these developers are crucial to the success of the mobile industry, giving them everything they need to succeed makes perfect sense. That's where Google ML Kit comes into play. No longer are these powerful on-device AI and ML features exclusive to Google.
Announced at Google I/O 2018, Google ML Kit was designed with ease of use to bring on-device machine learning features to mobile devices. Google wanted the process to be as seamless as possible, allowing developers to focus more on what they do best innovate. As such, developers on Android and iOS can take the free software development kit (SDK) that Google provides and apply it to their apps. This enables a new world of possibilities with machine learning features, pipelines, and APIs powered by Google's advanced in-house ML models.
The ML Kit SDK is optimized for mobile devices, ensuring you get the best experience. In previous methods, machine learning models required a separate dedicated server, relying on the cloud to communicate with a mobile device. Tapping into the power of on-device functionality using Google ML Kit allows app developers to run these complex operations offline. With hardware acceleration on supported devices, you get more performance gains and less latency. Using the easy-to-implement APIs for Google ML Kit also removes the complicated step of gathering data and training a machine learning model.
Privacy also comes to mind when discussing on-device versus cloud-based computing and machine learning models. By offering these features in a local setting, the data never leaves the mobile device. It works without a network connection. When using Google ML Kit for these computations, an app uses less mobile data since it doesn't rely on a cloud server. Still, ML models and datasets are typically large in scope or size when stored in the cloud. Reducing the overall footprint to run on a mobile device lessens their capabilities, but they're still quite powerful.
As of this writing, mobile developers can effortlessly implement 12 primary turn-key APIs into their apps using Google ML Kit. Combining this with Flutter, another open source framework from Google, further simplifies the app-building process. Google continues to enhance and optimize these pre-trained models and will add new ones when ready for public use. There is also an interactive tutorial to help you design your first on-device ML app, regardless of your machine-learning expertise.
Here's the list of available Google ML Kit on-device APIs:
Google also offers additional tools for developers that need more than the default turn-key solutions. Regarding specific use cases beyond the standard APIs or ML models, Google gives developers complete control over their datasets. They can retrain current ML models entirely or train one of their own using a preferred method of choice. For example, you can prepare a custom ML model on TensorFlow and bring it into ML Kit. Then you can import the model to your app with Gradle via Android Studio and configure it for production using the Firebase console.
TensorFlow is another helpful open source tool by Google that developers can use to manage their machine learning models and data dependencies. As a platform designed for deep learning, TensorFlow can process and deploy any ML model, including the default pre-trained ones or custom user models. When ready for deployment, they can be used on-device, in a web browser, or in the cloud, giving developers as much flexibility as they need for their ML model needs.
Natural language processing is how these ML models can do advanced things like recognizing items, people, or text in a photo. Mimicking the human brain, a neural network uses specific algorithms from datasets to train the models via patterns. And they are typically trained using massive data dependencies of billions of images, words, or other sets of information. It can take days, weeks, or even months to finish this process, depending on the size and scope of the project. TensorFlow allows developers to train their ML models without negatively affecting the speed and performance of the process.
If a developer wants to move beyond the default pre-trained ML models, there are custom TensorFlow Lite models. Like Google ML Kit, TensorFlow Lite focuses on bringing these types of on-device experiences to mobile devices on Android and iOS. Another option is to use TensorFlow Cloud with Google Cloud, allowing for a complete online-based ML model environment. Hosting, training, and managing ML models in the cloud is becoming more popular with many developers. Relying exclusively on cloud computing allows for greater flexibility without dedicated hardware, reduced overall costs, and a more user-friendly experience.
Aside from everything Google ML Kit offers to mobile developers, there are open source app samples that anyone can download and try from GitHub. For each of the 12 turn-key APIs mentioned above, Google has a sample app showcasing what they can do. These quickstart samples are available on Android and iOS, letting you try them on any device you own. Visit the ML Kit samples website, find one you want to demo, then click Try it on Android or Try it on iOS. It takes you to that GitHub listing with instructions on how to use it.
We covered what Google ML Kit is and how app developers can easily tap into its features, but how about some real-world examples of it in action? What might be possible when third-party app developers use on-device ML models for mobile devices? You still benefit equally if you're not an app developer using Google ML Kit. As the user and consumer, many of your favorite third-party apps can offer new on-device ML features that weren't possible until now. We'll mention just a few examples below to paint a better picture of what's possible.
We touched on the camera a bit earlier. However, there's so much more that ML models can offer other than taking better photos. One example Google highlights is how Adidas leverages on-device features using Google ML Kit. According to the case study, Adidas is tapping into the object detection and tracking API to create a new shopping experience. Powered by augmented reality, customers can open the Adidas app on their smartphone and scan shoes in real time with the camera. This allows them to find more information about a product at leisure without other interactions.
Another case study mentions how a top-rated Android app called Lose It! enhances the experience of its users by utilizing Google ML Kit. It is a health-based app with a calorie counter and food diary to better track food intake and weight management. The company is tapping into ML Kit to replace its own ML models in the cloud with the new ones that work on-device. This allows them to add an instant offline text scanning feature to let users fill in food nutrition information by scanning a label in real time.
For years Google has excelled and exceeded expectations regarding its success and leadership in AI and ML. Their secrets were initially locked down and only accessible by Google until 2018, when Google ML Kit officially arrived. Creating, training, and deploying a unique ML model is tedious and costly, but that's no longer the case. Google ML Kit removes the guesswork and gives developers everything they need to deploy ML models on mobile devices. Since on-device machine learning opens the doors for the future, we expect to see more possibilities in the coming years.
With how popular AI-powered chatbots have become, you should learn what Google Bard is and what it can do. We cover all the details you need to know, including where it got its name and how you can try it out today.
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Google ML Kit: Everything you need to know - Android Police
JumpCloud and Google Cloud announce joint hybrid workforce offering – SecurityBrief Australia
JumpCloud hasannounced it's partnering with Google Cloud on a new joint offering that enables businesses to combine Google Workspace with the open directory platform provided by JumpCloud, in order to strengthen their security and how they manage hybrid workforces.
Organisations now have an open, cloud-forward, and secure alternative to single vendor, legacy solutions. They also have the freedom and flexibility to move to modern, cloud-based solutions to support hybrid work and mixed platform environments, the company states.
Kevin Ichhpurani, Vice President of Global Partner Ecosystem and Channels, Google Cloud, says,As businesses continue to shift toward hybrid work models, IT teams must evaluate which tools enable them to securely optimise workforce productivity at scale.
Global organisations can now combine Google Workspaces innovative communications capabilities with JumpClouds device management and directory services, providing IT teams with a modern collaboration solution that is flexible and can evolve with their business needs.
The Google Workspace and JumpCloud package combines collaboration and productivity, directory services, device management, single sign-on (SSO), multi-factor authentication (MFA), and more in a single offering. Organisations have the freedom to choose best-in-class devices, applications, and infrastructure providers without vendor lock-in and high fees.
Greg Keller, Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer, JumpCloud, says,Closed, legacy, and on-premises systems are rigid, making it nearly impossible for organisations to modernise with cloud solutions.
Our partnership with Google Cloud gives IT teams an open, modern, and affordable solution to ensure their workforces can collaborate effectively with Google Workspace and any IT resource from any location from a trusted device.
"This package also delivers tremendous opportunity for Google Clouds channel partners, empowering them with a single, competitive solution for workforce collaboration, directory services, and device management.
Google Workspace and JumpCloud packages are available through Google Workspace resellers around the world. To learn more about the offering, JumpCloud is hosting an IT Hour on Friday,28th April at 4:30 pm BST where Google Workspace's Head of ISV Partnerships Seth Siciliano and JumpCloud's Principal Strategist Chase Doelling will discuss the details and benefits of the new collaboration.
JumpCloud is focused on helping IT teams 'make work happen' by centralising management of user identities and devices, enabling small and medium-sized enterprises to adopt zero trust security models.
JumpCloud has a global user base of more than 200,000 organisations, with more than 5,000 paying customers including Cars.com, GoFundMe, Grab, ClassPass, Uplight, Beyond Finance, and Foursquare. JumpCloud has raised more than $400 million from investors including Sapphire Ventures, General Atlantic, Sands Capital, Atlassian, and CrowdStrike.
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JumpCloud and Google Cloud announce joint hybrid workforce offering - SecurityBrief Australia
What Features to Include in Your Real Estate App: A … – London Post
The demand for estate apps that provide user-friendly features to navigate the complex market has significantly increased. In the early months of 2022, the real estate sector experienced a dip. However, as September rolled around, there was a significant surge in demand. Data indicates that home ownership in the United States alone increased by 66% during this period. This trend is not exclusive to the U.S., as other countries have also witnessed a similar increase. As we move towards 2023, it is safe to assume that real estate is once again becoming a sought-after investment opportunity.
Developing a real property app can be a profitable venture due to several reasons. Users can search for properties from the comfort of their own homes, making it a convenient and accessible way to find the perfect property. What is more important, estate apps generate substantial revenue through advertising and commission fees, making it an attractive business opportunity for entrepreneurs seeking to capitalize on the growing demand for digital real estate services. In this article, we will delve into the topic of real estate app development.
The target audience for real estate goes beyond just buyers and sellers. Consequently, there are numerous types of estate apps, each with its unique features and functions. In the following list, we will outline the most popular and in-demand real property apps on the market:
To ensure the success of your real estate app, its important to choose the right type of app that aligns with your concept and target audience. Depending on your specific needs and goals, one type of app may be more suitable than others.
Moreover, its important to note that you can also create a hybrid app that combines features from multiple types of real property apps. For example, a mix of property listing and virtual tour apps could offer users the ability to search for properties and take virtual tours of them, all within the same app. This can provide added value to users and set your app apart from competitors.
One of the most profitable ways is by charging a commission fee for successful transactions completed through the app. Typically, this fee ranges from 1% to 10% of the transaction value.
The most popular method of generating revenue is in-app advertising. In 2021, real estate was the 10th highest-grossing category for in-app advertising, generating around $2.2 billion in revenue, according to a survey by Data.ai.
Another way is by offering premium features for a subscription fee, which can include access to exclusive property listings, advanced search options, or additional virtual tours.
Real estate apps can also create referral programs to encourage users to invite friends and family to use the app. For every successful referral, users can earn rewards or commissions.
Finally, estate apps are able to sell their data to third-party businesses, such as market research firms or real estate agents. In 2020, the global data market was valued at $138.9 billion, according to a report by IDC, and is expected to reach $229.4 billion by 2025.
While there are many more categories of estate app users than buyer and seller, the latter 2 are the main target audience. Therefore, we will look at the most important features for them.
For Buyers:
For Sellers:
To ensure a smooth and efficient development process for your estate app, its important to gather the necessary tools and resources beforehand. Here are some essential tools that will simplify your app development journey:
SDKs and APIs: SDKs (Software Development Kits) and APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) are tools that enable developers to integrate third-party features and functionalities into their apps. Real property apps may need to integrate with mapping APIs, MLS (Multiple Listing Service) data, and payment gateway SDKs.
Database management system: This is a software tool that allows developers to manage, store, and retrieve data. To store property data and user information implement databases like MySQL and MongoDB.
Virtual tour software: Virtual tour software like Matterport and TourWizard create immersive 3D virtual tours of properties.
Analytics tools: Analytics tools like Google Analytics provide insights into user behavior and app usage, which can be used to improve the apps performance and user experience.
Cloud hosting services: Cloud hosting services like Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure offer scalable and secure hosting solutions.
Collaboration and project management tools: Collaboration and project management tools, for example Jira and Trello help teams stay organized during the development process.
Testing tools: Testing tools like Appium and TestFlight help developers test the apps performance, functionality, and compatibility across different devices and operating systems.
With all the necessary tools at your disposal, youre now ready to start the development process for your estate app. Here are the key steps which you will need to go through:
The increasing popularity of AI is no secret, and incorporating artificial intelligence in real estate search applications can give your app a significant advantage over the competition. While it may be more expensive to implement initially, in the long run, AI-powered apps will always be in higher demand. In addition to AI, there are several other emerging technologies worth considering. Lets explore these technologies in more detail:
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR): AR and VR technologies provide potential buyers with a virtual tour of a property, allowing them to experience the property as if they were there. This technology enables buyers to visualize a propertys layout and features more clearly, leading to better decision-making.
Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI can provide personalized recommendations to users based on their search history, preferences, and behavior. It can also automate tasks such as lead generation, customer support, and predictive analytics.
Big Data Analytics: Big data analytics can gather insights about the real estate market and trends, aiding buyers in making informed decisions. It can also analyze user behavior and preferences, providing valuable data to improve the user experience.
Blockchain: Blockchain technology provides secure, transparent, and tamper-proof transactions. It can also be utilized for identity verification, property title management, and smart contracts.
By incorporating at least one of the cutting-edge technologies discussed above, you can enhance the functionality of your app and attract a wider user base.
Developing an estate app is an excellent choice for a startup. With the continuous rise in real estate prices, there is a significant opportunity to generate revenue through such apps in the long term. Dont miss out on the chance to leverage the potential of the real estate market and make a name for yourself in the real estate app development industry.
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What Features to Include in Your Real Estate App: A ... - London Post
The Global Cloud Managed Network Market size is expected to reach $39.9 billion by 2028, rising at a market growth of 10.4% CAGR during the forecast…
ReportLinker
Cloud computing is an emerging technology that allows users to share resources to maximize the use of IT resources. To speed up the networking and development processes, businesses are implementing new technologies, including artificial intelligence, the internet of things (IoT), and mobile app hosting.
New York, April 20, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Global Cloud Managed Network Market Size, Share & Industry Trends Analysis Report By Component, By Vertical, By Organization size, By Deployment Mode, By Regional Outlook and Forecast, 2022 - 2028" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06449940/?utm_source=GNW In addition, any corporation employee can use the internet due to cloud computings vast scale processing capability. "Cloud networking" refers to using wide-area networking to centrally access all networking resources.
Many programs, including network administration, virtual desktops, voice-over-internet protocol (VoIP), and unified networks, are run on enterprise servers. The managed cloud networking infrastructure guarantees data transmission security and anonymity, as well as high availability of data that is always accessible to users. To maintain network performance on cloud networking, businesses can move their entire network operation to the cloud using a managed cloud platform.
To enhance their data transmission and communication network performance, businesses are anticipated to embrace private cloud & public cloud platforms. A managed cloud platform is provided by several businesses for the creation, deployment, and administration of applications. The market for cloud managed network is anticipated to be driven by the increase in demand for cloud networking to enhance productivity and streamline application deployment.
Managed cloud networking platforms simplify networking by lowering the complexity and expense of distributed organizational deployments. As a result, cloud networking gives businesses a chance to spend less money upfront on IT networking resources. A managed cloud platform with cutting-edge capabilities, including hosting, relational databases, elastic computing, object storage, and artificial intelligence, is anticipated to be used by businesses. These capabilities are anticipated to introduce a fresh approach to cloud computing applications.
COVID-19 Impact Analysis
The most notable development in the data center industry has been the robust demand for providers of essential services, such as video conferencing applications like cloud collaboration platforms, Zoom, social media platforms, educational portals, VPN specialists, and gaming and streaming media. Despite this, just after the initial months, the cloud services saw an upsurge in demand, positively impacting the cloud managed network market. Thus, the market witnessed a slowdown during the initial months of COVID but eventually profited afterward.
Market Growth Factors
Growing adoption of AI & ML supporting market expansion
A significant portion of automated, real-time smart decisions for shifting traffic among clouds is already being fulfilled by AI. With their autonomic-oriented algorithms, AI and ML are expected to serve as the orchestrators of the enterprise WAN of the future. Instead of reacting to problematic network conditions like packet loss, latency, and jitter, AI will use its predictive abilities to direct traffic to the optimum circuits and paths, comprehending the purpose of the application and consistently providing a dependable user experience. As a result, the cloud managed network market is predicted to expand significantly throughout the projection period.
Cloud managed networks are easy to set up, manage and configure
"virtual stacking" enables IT administrators to set ports en masse on internet-connected switches, regardless of where these switches are physically located on the planet. Administering IT infrastructure via the cloud necessitates less investment in on-premises setup, resulting in a substantial decrease in personnel expenses. As a result of these advantages of cloud managed networks and the lower staff cost, businesses are becoming increasingly interested in implementing cloud managed networks, which would lead to the expansion of the market. This would lead to the expansion of the market.
Market Restraining Factors
Data privacy & security concerns associated with cloud managed networks
MSPs can assist enterprises in maintaining appropriate safety and privacy precautions for the data deployed via the cloud. In addition, they provide comprehensive network protection & encryption for their clientele as an added layer of safety. It is anticipated that a lack of awareness about cloud managed networking solutions among businesses in developing countries, particularly in rural areas or places where information technology services and network connectivity are unavailable, will be a main hindrance to the expansion of the market.
Component Outlook
Based on component, the cloud managed network market is segmented into solution and services. In 2021, the solution segment held the highest revenue share in the cloud managed network market. Businesses are progressively adopting cloud managed solutions to enhance their business processes and provide more responsive services to their consumers. In addition, advantages such as cost savings, better efficiency and flexibility, and less downtime have contributed to the rise in demand for cloud managed network solutions.
Deployment Model Outlook
By deployment model, the cloud managed network market is bifurcated into private cloud and public cloud. In 2021, the private cloud segment garnered a significant revenue share in the cloud managed network market. Private clouds are designed for special groups or organizations that need data customization and management. Corporations use a private cloud because it offers a highly secure and centralized storage infrastructure. The segments expansion will be driven by the need to enable firms to better handle their data, hence reducing the risk of data loss and compliance-related difficulties.
Organization Size Outlook
On the basis of organization size, the cloud managed network market is classified into large enterprises, and small & medium enterprises. In 2021, the large enterprise segment witnessed the largest revenue share in the cloud managed network market. By constantly reinventing their products and services, these businesses strive to enhance the consumer experience. Managed cloud services provide an end-to-end hosting solution that guarantees consumers a consistent supply of services. Managed service providers in the cloud offer robust infrastructure & digital transformation support to satisfy the expanding business needs of an organization.
Vertical Outlook
Based on vertical, the cloud managed network market is fragmented into IT & ITes, BFSI, retail & e-commerce, healthcare & life science, transportation & logistics, manufacturing, media & entertainment, energy & utilities, and other verticals. The BFSI segment recorded a remarkable revenue share in the cloud managed network market in 2021. By evaluating transactional data to estimate risks based on market activity and scoring customers and future clients, the BFSI industry effectively evaluates risks and enables enterprises to make better decisions. As a result of altering evolving technologies, consumer expectations, and alternative business models, banks are putting in place measures that will help them prepare for the future.
Regional Outlook
Region wise, the cloud managed network market is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and LAMEA. In 2021, the North America region led the cloud managed network market by generating the largest revenue share. The expansion is mostly related to growing investments by key firms and the government in cloud service usage. In addition, increasing internet penetration and cloud use are other aspects anticipated to boost the markets expansion.
The major strategies followed by the market participants are Acquisitions. Based on the Analysis presented in the Cardinal matrix; Cisco Systems, Inc. and Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. are the forerunners in the Cloud Managed Network Market. Companies such as Accenture PLC, Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company, and IBM Corporation are some of the key innovators in Cloud Managed Network Market.
The market research report covers the analysis of key stake holders of the market. Key companies profiled in the report include Cisco Systems, Inc., IBM Corporation, Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. (Huawei Investment & Holding Co., Ltd.), NTT Data Corporation, Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company (HP Development Company L.P.), Juniper Networks, Inc., Accenture PLC, Fujitsu Limited, NEC Corporation and Extreme Networks, Inc.
Strategies Deployed in Cloud Managed Network Market
Mar-2023: Huawei introduced Digital Managed Network Solutions and products intended for carriers B2B services. The new network solution enables carriers to grasp digital transformation opportunities. The new solution features managed LAN, managed WAN, managed security, and managed DCN, among others.
Feb-2023: Hewlett Packard Enterprise acquired Athonet, an Italy-based developer of a connectivity platform. The acquisition expands HPEs edge-to-cloud products and solutions offerings.
Jun-2022: Cisco collaborated with Kyndryl, a US-based information technology company. Through this collaboration, the companies intend to jointly develop new networks, edge computing solutions, private cloud services, etc.
Apr-2022: Fujitsu introduced Fujitsu Computing as a Service (CaaS). The new solution would provide clients with access to services on the public cloud.
Apr-2022: NTT Data took over Business Services & Technologies OOD, a Bulgaria-based provider of software solutions. The addition of Business Services & Technologies expands NTTs global managed services capabilities and further expands its shoring offerings in the European Union.
Feb-2022: IBM took over Neudesic, a US-based provider of application development and cloud computing services. The addition of Neudesic broadens IBMs portfolio of hybrid multi-cloud services and further complements IBMs prior acquisitions.
Feb-2022: Juniper Networks took over WiteSand, a US-based operator of a cloud-based enterprise network platform. The addition of WiteSand advances the companys efforts to offer next-generation NAC solutions. Further, the WiteSands NAC technology and engineering team perfectly fits well with Junipers AI-driven enterprise portfolio.
Jul-2021: Accenture completed the acquisition of Linkbynet, a France-based provider of outsourcing and consulting services. The addition of Linkbynet improves the capabilities of Accenture Cloud First.
Aug-2019: Extreme Networks acquired Aerohive Networks, a US-based developer of cloud networking and enterprise Wi-Fi solutions. The acquisition of Aerohive enables Extreme to provide various choices for cloud and on-premises wireless and wired technology.
Scope of the Study
Market Segments covered in the Report:
By Component
Solution
Services
By Vertical
IT & ITeS
BFSI
Manufacturing
Retail & Ecommerce
Media & Entertainment
Healthcare & Life Sciences
Transportation & Logistics
Energy & Utilities
Others
By Organization size
Large Enterprises
SMEs
By Deployment Mode
Public Cloud
Private Cloud
By Geography
North America
o US
o Canada
o Mexico
o Rest of North America
Europe
o Germany
o UK
o France
o Russia
o Spain
o Italy
o Rest of Europe
Asia Pacific
o China
o Japan
o India
o South Korea
o Singapore
o Malaysia
o Rest of Asia Pacific
LAMEA
o Brazil
o Argentina
o UAE
o Saudi Arabia
o South Africa
o Nigeria
o Rest of LAMEA
Companies Profiled
Cisco Systems, Inc.
IBM Corporation
Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. (Huawei Investment & Holding Co., Ltd.)
NTT Data Corporation
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company (HP Development Company L.P.)
Juniper Networks, Inc.
Accenture PLC
Fujitsu Limited
NEC Corporation
Extreme Networks, Inc.
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The Global Cloud Managed Network Market size is expected to reach $39.9 billion by 2028, rising at a market growth of 10.4% CAGR during the forecast...
Security experts found a major bug in Google Cloud – TechRadar
Security experts SADA claimed to have found a severe vulnerability in the Google Cloud Platform which has since been patched by the tech giant.
Known as Asset Key Theft, the vulnerability would have potentially allowed threat actors to steal the private keys of Google Cloud Service Accounts. In a statement (opens in new tab), SADA said it believed the flaw "would have given attackers a persistent and reliable method for abusing a Google Cloud environment."
SADA notified Google of the issue in its cloud hosting business via its Bug Hunters (opens in new tab) bounty program, where researchers can alert the tech giant to flaws they find in its products in a safe and secure manner.
SADA believed that the issue was critical "due to the permissions commonality with third-party cloud security tools, such as Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM) tools, to gather cloud inventory data from the API."
The flaw was found in the Google Cloud Platform API known as the Cloud Asset Inventory API. It affected all Google Cloud users who had enabled this API and who had cloudasset.assets.searchAllResources permissions on the applicable Google Cloud environment were exposed to this vulnerability.
Once SADA reported this to Google, it reproduced the error itself to confirm its existence, before patching the vulnerability. SADA warns, however, that customers still may have been impacted by it, and the threat may have persisted after the patch.
Supporting our customers as they transform their organizations in the cloud means constant vigilance when it comes to security, says SADA CTO Miles Ward. No public cloud is immune from vulnerabilities, and we all must act fast, collaborate openly, and communicate transparently when we spot a vulnerability."
"We commend Google Cloud for how quickly and thoroughly they responded when we brought this bug to their attention. Were proud of the work SADAs engineers put into ensuring that our customers data remains safe."
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Security experts found a major bug in Google Cloud - TechRadar
SPanel: Taking Website Security to the Next Level | eSecurityPlanet – eSecurity Planet
Cybercrime has skyrocketed in the last few years, and the websites of small and medium-sized companies have been the most frequent target of web attacks.
The statistics are sobering: Small businesses report substantial downtime and lost data and business from those cyberattacks, and fewer than 30% are able to recover from a cyberattack within eight hours.
Most website owners dont know how to protect their sites. That makes a reliable and secure hosting environment critically important. In an ideal world, that would mean having full control over your services while remaining fully protected from outside breaches.
Thats where SPanel can help.
See the Top Web Application Firewalls (WAFs)
SPanel is an all-in-one cloud management solution developed by the team behind ScalaHosting, this articles sponsor. It was created to enable businesses to grow their websites in a secure environment. The platform uses the latest software technologies to achieve maximum performance.
SPanel integrates easily with most popular web server solutions, such as LiteSpeed, OpenLiteSpeed, and Nginx. It runs as an Apache proxy, meaning that websites get the best possible speeds. For PHP processing, SPanel supports the latest PHP and MySQL/MariaDB versions. In addition, it comes with Memcached installed, which also helps with fast content caching.
The Admin interface allows for server and accounts management. It also shows the system load, memory and disk usage, as well as IP reputation.
To sum up, SPanel is lightweight, easy to use, and free. But is this enough?
Cloud virtual servers prove to be the best environment for SPanel. The cloud technology allows users to get the most of their server resources and further improve their security. Pairing that up with a lightweight and multifunctional platform means you can take full advantage of your virtual server.
SPanel gives users a centralized point of control. Thanks to its integration with Softaculous, anyone can install web building apps in just a few clicks, no tech knowledge needed.
Developers and web studios get to enjoy even more features. They can change SPanels branding with their own, get usage reports, and download or view the Apache and PHP logs. Also, webmasters can manage:
Users can also create packages with predefined resource limits, view resource usage, automate accounts management, and more.
With cybercrime rising and website owners not prepared to protect themselves, ScalaHosting made sure SPanel comes with top-notch security features, some unique to the platform. Those security features set SPanel apart from competitors like cPanel and DirectAdmin.
SShield monitors all website activity 24/7. It blocks 99.998% of threats before they reach the server. The platform carefully collects information about attacks, makes a report, and notifies the site owner.
SShield relies on AI-based algorithms and advanced machine learning to protect websites. When it encounters a new attack, the platform learns from itself and updates its database. Unlike other solutions, SShield doesnt block access to the affected account; it allows the owner enough time to fix the issue without affecting website uptime.
As WordPress is used by 43% of all websites, SPanel contains the unique SWordPress Manager. The tool is included in the platform by default and offers a one-of-kind security feature: Security Lock. When it is activated, it effectively locks all files and directories. No one can modify data or upload files, so the website is fully protected from unauthorized access.
The S at the end of an HTTP connection indicates a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL). This certificate is actually a digital data file installed on web servers to verify their identity. SSL also protects confidential data (for example, payment details), improves SEO rankings, and inspires trust.
SPanel offers free SSL certificates that automatically renew to avoid any service interruptions.
SPanel accounts also get free daily backups to a remote server. Users can restore the data at any time from SPanel. All information is archived and can be accessed easily.
The user interface also features a Backup manager that enables users to do manual backups. It also allows them to easily restore and download the saved information. Incremental local and remote backups can be scheduled hourly, daily, weekly or monthly.
You can set optional expiration dates on your backups so SPanel automatically removes them to free up disk space.
Two-factor authentication verifies your identity using your username/password and another method. Most often, the tool sends a confirmation code to the users smartphone.
Admins can enable the two-factor authentication feature by going to the SPanel Admin interface and clicking Server Settings. Then its a matter of simply switching the toggle next to 2FA to On.
SPanel.io recently released new licensing plans allowing SPanel to be used with any web hosting vendor.The fully-managed option comes with the control panel, free website migration, support from the SPanel team, and more. The self-managed one comes with only an SPanel license. It works on both virtual and physical servers and is renewed on a monthly basis.
You can see the full list of features on the official SPanel website, which also lists pricing.
SPanel is a good option for easy hosting management and creating a secure environment for your website. Thanks to its security features, such as the SShield, SWordPress Manager, and daily offsite backups, website owners can focus on what truly matters developing their business. The platform can handle the rest.
Read next: Application Security: Complete Definition, Types & Solutions
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SPanel: Taking Website Security to the Next Level | eSecurityPlanet - eSecurity Planet
Pawa IT Solutions And Google Cloud Host Tech Forum to Help … – CIOReview
Introduction
Cloud computing has become a critical driver of business success worldwide, offering scalable, flexible, and cost-effective solutions for digital transformation. Pawa IT Solutions, a well-known provider of technological solutions with headquarters in Kenya, helps African companies access cutting-edge cloud solutions. Recently, Pawa IT Solutions hosted the highly anticipated Pawa IT Tech Forum in partnership with Google Cloud, which took place on March 29th at the Movenpick Hotel. The forum brought together industry experts, thought leaders and IT professionals to discuss the journey to the cloud and how businesses can leverage Google Cloud to optimize their customer journey. With a focus on cloud migration, optimization, and the unique business landscape in Kenya, the event provided valuable insights into the benefits of adopting Google Cloud and how Pawa IT Solutions enables businesses to unlock the full potential of cloud computing.
Pawa IT's Role as a Leading Cloud Solutions Provider
At the Pawa IT Tech Forum, Oscar Limoke, CEO of Pawa IT Solutions, delivered the opening address, highlighting the journey to the cloud and what it looks like. Limoke emphasized the critical role of cloud computing in today's business landscape and how Pawa IT has been leading the charge in providing cloud solutions to businesses in Kenya. Limoke shared his insights on the challenges and opportunities of cloud migration and optimization and how Pawa IT's expertise and partnership with Google Cloud have been instrumental in overcoming these challenges and driving successful cloud adoption for businesses.
As a leading technology company in Kenya, Pawa IT Solutions, a trusted partner of Google Cloud, has been at the forefront of providing businesses in Africa with end-to-end cloud solutions that enable them to leverage the power of the cloud for their digital transformation journey. With a team of skilled experts and deep domain knowledge, Pawa IT Solutions has been instrumental in helping businesses migrate to the cloud, optimize their cloud infrastructure, and unlock the full potential of cloud computing.
"Pawa IT Solutions is committed to empowering businesses in Africa with the latest cloud technologies and helping them achieve their digital transformation goals," said Oscar Limoke, CEO of Pawa IT Solutions, during his opening address at the Pawa IT Tech Forum. "We are proud to partner with Google Cloud to provide businesses in Africa with cutting-edge cloud solutions that enable them to optimize their operations, drive innovation, and deliver exceptional customer experiences."
Optimizing the Customer Journey to the Cloud with GCP
Mpumi Hlomuka Peme, Partner Engineer for Google Cloud Africa, highlighted the significance of streamlining customer migration to the cloud using Google Cloud. Mpumi noted that cloud migration and optimization are crucial steps for companies to achieve digital transformation and leverage the power of the cloud. She emphasized how Pawa IT Solutions continues to give African companies access to these cutting-edge cloud technologies. Google Cloud is a comprehensive suite of tools, services, and infrastructure that enables organizations to design, deploy, and manage applications at scale.
Pawa IT Solutions, a well-known provider of technological solutions with headquarters in Kenya, helps African companies access cutting-edge cloud solutions.
Mpumi underlined that using the cloud for commercial purposes goes beyond simply hosting applications. It also involves developing insights from data, delivering consumer experiences, and fostering innovation. "So it's really a matter of understanding what your current landscape looks like, doing the necessary discovery and assessments, and having a partner on board to take you on this journey," said Mpumi.
Panel Discussion: "The Journey and Hurdles to the Cloud: The Kenyan Business Way":
The panel discussion at the event, titled "The Journey and Hurdles to the Cloud: The Kenyan Business Way," provided valuable insights from industry experts on the challenges and opportunities of adopting cloud computing in the Kenyan business landscape. Collins Mekubo, Head of IT at Standard Investment Bank, shared his firsthand experience in actively managing access to information in a hybrid system. He emphasized the critical need to implement a Zero Trust Policy in the face of increasing data breaches and take proactive steps to safeguard sensitive data and protect your business from cyber threats.
Gilbert Mutai, Head of Information and Communication Technology at Car and General, highlighted the importance of Google building data centers in Kenya to address the data location challenges that businesses in Kenya face. Additionally, he brought up the issues of single points of failure and data location laws. Gilbert underlined the significance of establishing realistic expectations before and during migration. There has to be a structured way of organization and the partner, and of course, Google, really sitting on the table and growing out the journey very well to ensure that expectations are properly met so that when you go to Cloud, you don't get disappointed, said Mutai.
Qhala's CEO, Shikoh Gitau, reiterated that people were the single most point of failure when it comes to cloud computing.48 hours before a product launch, their DevOps engineer accidentally deleted the product while trying to optimize for speed. This happened twice, once during an internal deadline and once when they were constructing a dashboard for the government. Both times, the business lost crucial data. Shikoh understood the significance of putting safeguards to stop such accidents, such as establishing cloud backups and archives and restricting access to critical data to prevent malicious actions.
Throughout the event, Pawa IT Solutions emphasized its role in providing Google Cloud for businesses in Kenya. The company has been actively pushing the advantages of cloud computing to businesses in Kenya while collaborating closely with Google to deliver cloud computing to businesses in the region. "We believe that cloud computing is the future of business in Kenya," said Limoke. "That's why we're working so closely with Google to bring these services to our customers."
The event concluded on an optimistic note, with discussions around the potential for Google to build a data center in Kenya, which would further boost the digital infrastructure and capabilities of businesses in the region.
Google's Support for Pawa IT and Kenyan Businesses
Google has partnered with Pawa IT Solutions to make cloud computing more accessible to Kenyan enterprises. Together, they have created specialized cloud solutions to help businesses operate more efficiently and effectively. Pawa IT Solutions is still at the forefront of providing state-of-the-art cloud solutions that use Google Cloud, thus positioning Kenyan and African businesses to benefit from the cloud's ability to speed digital transformation and achieve sustainable growth.
In conclusion, the recent Pawa IT Tech Forum offered insightful information on Google Cloud cloud migration and optimization, guiding businesses wishing to streamline their cloud migration and optimization strategies. The event showcased the commitment of Google Cloud and Pawa IT Solutions to empowering organizations with cutting-edge cloud technologies, paving the way for further collaboration and growth in the future. With the support of Pawa IT Solutions and Google Cloud, businesses in Kenya and Africa can leverage the power of the cloud to drive success in the digital era.
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Pawa IT Solutions And Google Cloud Host Tech Forum to Help ... - CIOReview
What you need to know to secure your business cloud – ITWeb
What you need to know to secure your business cloud Many organisations are not taking sufficient security precautions once they start migrating to the cloud, and it can cost them dearly, by Evans Kangethe, Senior Solutions Architecture at Dimension Data East Africa.
In 2021, McKinsey found that cloud adoption by US Fortune 500 organisations could generate about USD 1 trillion in value by 2030. Late in 2022, they extended this forecast to Forbes Global 2000 organisations, which bumped up the figure to USD 3 trillion by 2030.
The cloud is clearly becoming the engine of enterprise operations. Yet, despite this growing dependence on the cloud, one important topic is often overlooked: security.
Some organisations have a limited understanding of cloud hosting and dont know how to secure their cloud workloads, while others believe that security is solely the duty of the cloud service provider. Either way, the absence of proactive security measures leaves them vulnerable to potentially serious breaches.
In the financial services industry, for example, a breach could affect business continuity and disrupt services such as mobile money, internet banking and e-commerce platforms damaging brand perception and loyalty, and ultimately leading to customer attrition.
Organisations that want to migrate services to the cloud need a specific cloud strategy to support these goals and their overarching business objectives yet many dont. Their adoption of cloud computing is instead driven by less well-considered reasons: We should move operations to the cloud because our peers or competitors are doing it, so it must be a good thing. Or, even worse: We allocated funds to this in our budget that must now be spent.
Security should be a key element of any cloud strategy. For reasons of accountability and liability, cloud service providers adopt a model of shared responsibility with their clients, depending on the type of cloud computing service theyre providing infrastructure as a service, platform as a service or software as a service. So, the cloud strategy must set out the client organisations security obligations within a secure-by-design architecture that proactively mitigates risk.
The threats associated with cloud computing include:
Another risk area is legal and regulatory compliance. Under the European Unions General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), for example, even less severe infringements can lead to a fine of EUR 10 million or 2% of a firms annual revenue, whichever is higher, or up to EUR 20 million or 4% of a firms annual revenue for more serious violations. In our globalised society, most countries have now put in place legislation on data protection and privacy.
Assurance the process of ensuring that customers receive the services they have paid for smoothly and effectively is also a vital area, as it limits interruptions to company operations. This means services must be accessible when they are needed, and data that is saved or processed in the cloud should not be intercepted or changed without accountability. Most importantly, only employees with the appropriate access rights should be able to access the data.
Therefore, organisations cloud strategy and security policies must address these issues.
Who looks after what in cloud services?
The shared responsibility for security in cloud-based ecosystems is typically divided as follows:
Organisations can address cloud security issues in several ways, but it can become a pricey exercise both financially and in terms of potential security breaches.
Automation can help to maintain consistent security levels across rapidly changing on-premises and cloud-based environments, while allowing organisations to meet their goals for time savings, agility, scalability and cost-effectiveness.
In this way, they can automatically monitor cloud-based applications and infrastructure on major platforms (including Google, Microsoft, AWS, SAP, Oracle Cloud Infrastructure and Verizon), continually improve their security posture and maintain their compliance with data and security regulations.
The cloud delivers many advantages to organisations, but it also comes with unique security challenges. Cloud-based infrastructure is very different from on-premises data centres, and traditional security tools and strategies do not apply.
Thats why, at Dimension Data, we have tailored a range of managed cloud infrastructure services including Managed Public Cloud, Managed Private Cloud and Managed Infrastructure Services that cover all your organisations cloud needs, end to end. We have more than two decades of experience and accredited expertise in a variety of cloud environments and well find the cloud solution thats best for your organisation.
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What you need to know to secure your business cloud - ITWeb
Becoming Cloud-Powered: CIOs Must Look Beyond Technology – Spiceworks News and Insights
Successfully integrating cloud capabilities is vital for an organizations longevity. However, organizations often struggle to realize the value of their investments, observes Tyson Cornell, deputy and cloud and digital co-leader at PwC, and shares how CIOs can implement smarter strategies for cloud transformation.
PwCs Cloud Business SurveyOpens a new window found that only 10% of executives implementing cloud across the business are seeing holistic benefits of the transformation.
Heres whats missing: Theyre leading with tactics instead of strategy, getting too in the weeds with technology and not considering the companys broader vision and business outcomes.
Before allocating any dollars to cloud transformation, organizations must begin with a strategic rather than a tactical mindset. This means being clear and intentional about when, where and why the organization is leveraging cloud technology. All too often, organizations dont take this first step to strategize and instead hit the cloud hump, pausing all cloud spending to figure out how the cloud drives business goals.
Even though there is no one-size-fits-all approach to becoming a cloud-powered company, there are three common tactics that organizations should familiarize themselves with to achieve optimal results: migration, modernization and cloud-native implementation.
Having a strong handle on each method and how they impact an organizations overall goals will empower technology and business teams to drive the highest ROI and sustained strategic focus.
See More: How To Transform Customer Experience Using the Cloud
Almost all organizations will utilize migration, modernization or cloud-native implementation; however, its essential to understand that they lay a foundation for success. They are not what creates the business outcomes.
Cloud migration is commonly referred to as the lift and shift approach. It involves simply re-hosting applications from an organizations own data centers to the cloud. Importantly, migration does not involve the app configuration or basic code adjustments required for organizations to truly take advantage of cloud features. While simple migration may provide some benefits, they are not usually visible to the broader business or unlock the clouds true value.
Cloud migration is distinct from modernization, which involves applying new technology and programming languages to pre-existing applications.
Both migration and modernization can fall short of the efficiency and cost-reduction that business leaders expect. This happens when IT teams become enamored with new technology without considering how it might benefit the broader business or change fundamental operations.
For example, migration and modernization can unlock new cybersecurity capabilities for an organization running on a cloud-based communications platform. This is monumental for IT, which may have previously spent significant resources securing the organization against threat actors. However, the end-users experience on the platform is still the same, as smooth cybersecurity operations on the backend dont unlock new capabilities that enable employees to drive business goals more effectively.
Cloud-native implementation involves leveraging technology designed from the ground up to run on the cloud. This creates a dynamic environment that enables organizations to move more easily beyond adopting technology for technologys sake to truly grasp the capabilities that characterize cloud-powered companies. While 68% of cloud-powered companies have moved operations to the cloud, compared to 35% of other companies surveyed by PwC, these companies take implementation one step further.
Cloud-powered companies are leveraging the unique features of cloud technology and communicating these capabilities to the entire organization so that all stakeholders can take advantage. They know cloud-native implementation isnt as powerful when divorced from business outcomes.
For example, the IT team of a cloud-powered company might apply artificial intelligence or machine learning cloud capabilities to the platform in the above example and educate employees on how they can take advantage of new self-service tools or enjoy hyper-relevant search results.
Importantly, cloud transformation requires intentionality, regardless of which tactic organizations determine to be most useful. Whether its migration, modernization or cloud-native implementation, transformation not rooted in business strategy ultimately leads to value leakage.
Oftentimes, CIOs cave to the pressure from other business leaders and implement cloud technology to check a box rather than to radically transform the business. Despite this pressure, its up to CIOs to ensure a thoughtful approach to cloud transformation that closes the loop between technological transformation and enterprise-wide value creation.
To ensure that cloud transformation moves beyond simply updating technology, CIOs should begin the journey with a roadmap that outlines capabilities the organization hopes to unlock, how these capabilities drive broad business goals, and what steps are required to get there.
In some cases, this might extend only to migrating certain applications that provide little business value and will eventually be replaced. It might also involve the modernization of some applications or investment in entirely new ones.
The differentiating capabilities sought by the organization will determine where and when migration, modernization and cloud-native implementation make the most sense.
While the process may look different for each organization, none will successfully implement cloud technology without truly rearchitecting the business.
This requires CIOs to think about business processes in a fundamentally different way. Organizations often run on process boundaries, where one business unit has an advantage over another based on the data and insights they manage. To become a truly cloud-powered company, CIOs need to start with the idea of an unconstrained environment.
By deconstructing digital business processes into microservices, technology teams will have the flexibility needed to organize fundamental business processes around cloud technology in a manner that delivers the most value.
This process requires input from the broader C-suite. Over 80% of CIOs at cloud-powered companies have strong relationships with C-suite peers (CEOs, CDOs, CISOs, etc.), versus 66% of CIOs at other companies. C-suite collaboration ensures that key business functions are considered during every stage of the cloud transformation journey and communicated to all members of the organization.
See More: Cloud Cost Optimization as a Lever Against Inflationary Pressure
In addition to keeping an enterprise-wide view of cloud transformation top of mind, CIOs and their C-suite counterparts should consider potential risks introduced by the new technology.
Whether for cybersecurity, data privacy or compliance, organizations must focus on trust and controls to ensure that cloud transformation does not put the organization in a vulnerable position.
Cloud-powered companies recognize the value of trust and controls, with 78% having implemented formal and distinct cloud controls versus 33% of all other companies.
Trust and controls are not a nice-to-have but are an integral part of the cloud transformation journey. Embedding them into the technology will save the organization time and money in the long run by making people, processes, technology and data become secure by design.
With a birds-eye view of the cloud transformation journey, coupled with the integration of trust and collaboration across the c-suite, organizations will be well prepared to ensure maximum ROI on their cloud investments.
How are you taking a more holistic approach to cloud transformation? Share with us on FacebookOpens a new window , TwitterOpens a new window , and LinkedInOpens a new window . Wed love to know!
Image Source: Shutterstock
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Becoming Cloud-Powered: CIOs Must Look Beyond Technology - Spiceworks News and Insights
The Eclipse Foundation publishes its study about Open Services … – GlobeNewswire
BRUSSELS, Belgium, April 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Eclipse Foundation, one of the worlds largest open source software foundations, today published its study about Cloud Interoperability to foster the European Digital Market. The report provides an analysis of the current market of the European cloud services ecosystem and perspectives:
As part of this publication, the Eclipse Foundation will be hosting a launch event on April 25th at 1:30 PM CEST in Brussels, open to all parties interested in contributing to an open cloud ecosystem. Registration and more information on this event can be found here: https://events.eclipse.org/2023/unlockthecloud/
EU participants are grossly underrepresented in today's cloud ecosystem. This new open source industry collaboration will level the playing field and enable Europe to not only fully embrace the cloud, but build its own innovative industry, said Mike Milinkovich, executive director, the Eclipse Foundation. As one of the critical ingredients to growth for multiple industries underpinning the EUs economy, growing the regions leadership in the cloud ecosystem will be the foundation for the future economic prosperity of Europe.
Building cloud interoperability with the Open Services CloudHaving reached nearly 190B in 2022, the European cloud services market is growing rapidly. It drives many of the 14 strategic industrial ecosystems defined in the 2021 EU industrial strategy and is forecasted to grow at an annual rate of 13% over the next decade.
Despite this compelling growth, the European cloud ecosystem is still limited in its ability to expand. To increase balance and boost cloud consumer purchasing power in the European market, the study introduces how Open Services Cloud platform brings three core innovations to streamline the process of using multiple clouds: a descriptive configuration language, a management portal, and a portable services and data solution.
The Open Services Cloud levels the playing field between cloud users and CSPs and ISVs. Especially beneficial to smaller businesses and start-ups, the Open Services Cloud opens the door for the emergence of a stronger European ecosystem of cloud service industry.
On April 25th, we will be hosting an in-person event in Brussels where you will learn from industry leaders, discover the results of our new study on cloud interoperability, and find out more about where the EU Data Act and the Digital Markets Act are heading when it comes to European cloud services. Register here to participate.
About the Eclipse FoundationThe Eclipse Foundation provides our global community of individuals and organizations with a mature, scalable, and business-friendly environment for open source software collaboration and innovation. The Foundation is home to the Eclipse IDE, Jakarta EE, and over 400 open source projects, including runtimes, tools, and frameworks for cloud and edge applications, IoT, AI, automotive, systems engineering, distributed ledger technologies, open processor designs, and many others. The Eclipse Foundation is an international non-profit association supported by over 330 members, including industry leaders who value open source as a key enabler for their business strategies. To learn more, follow us on Twitter @EclipseFdn, LinkedIn or visit eclipse.org.
Third-party trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners.
Media contacts:Schwartz Public Relations for the Eclipse Foundation, AISBLStephanie Brls / Susanne PawlikSendlinger Strae 42A80331 MunichEclipseFoundation@schwartzpr.de+49 (89) 211 871 64 / -35
Nichols Communications for the Eclipse Foundation, AISBLJay Nicholsjay@nicholscomm.com+1 408-772-1551
514 Media Ltd for the Eclipse Foundation, AISBL (France, Italy, Spain)Benoit Simoneaubenoit@514-media.comM: +44 (0) 7891 920 370
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The Eclipse Foundation publishes its study about Open Services ... - GlobeNewswire