Tag Archives: Sustainability

AI and Environmental Sustainability – A Symbiotic Relationship

May 9, 2024 Grainger Wallis Leave a comment

Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) promises to be more transformative than any other technology in recent memory, with the power it possesses to give rise to new industries and professions while propelling the global economy toward a new era of prosperity. Demand for data processing is expected to grow exponentially with AI as data is essential to how AI systems learn and make decisions. AI’s ability to turn mountains of data into insights requires compute power, making data centre performance critical to our ability to leverage this transformative technology.

solen feyissa XtH7BBRPtA unsplash — Photo by Solen Feyissa on Unsplash

As with any generational technology, there will be challenges – especially the environmental impact of AI due to the energy and data centre resources required to run larger computing models. While organisations seek to embrace the many benefits of AI, they are also keenly aware of making progress toward their sustainability goals. Data centre energy use and emissions would probe serious issues towards high carbon footprint but when approached mindfully, AI infrastructure development and adoption in data centres can provide a path to more sustainable operations.

As experts in data and IT infrastructure, Dell Technologies believes sustainability will be integral to the success of AI technology through an organisation’s commitment to help offset the environmental impact of AI and harness the potential of AI to support climate-related solutions.

Generated with Co Pilot Digital Sustainability — *Generated with Microsoft Copilot*

While AI requires significant compute power, it currently represents a small fraction of IT’s global energy consumption. To manage AI’s growing carbon footprint, data centre operators must embrace sustainable data centre investments and practices. Data centre energy use remained stable over the last decade (around 1% of global electricity demand according to the International Energy Agency), even with growing technology workloads and traffic. To offset the environmental impact of AI, greater control over data centre energy consumption is increasingly becoming a top priority, and there are tools available to do this:

Minimise AI’s carbon footprint through modern, energy-efficient servers and storage devices, and environmentally responsible cooling methods, while powering data centres with renewable energy. At Dell, we prioritise running larger data models in our data centres that are powered by 100% renewable energy.

Right-size AI workloads and data centre economics. While some organisations will benefit from larger general-purpose large language models (LLMs), many organisations only require domain- or enterprise-specific implementations. Right-sizing compute requirements and infrastructure can support greater data centre efficiency. And, flexible “pay as you go” spending models can also help organisations save on data centre costs while supporting sustainable IT infrastructure.

Responsibly retire inefficient hardware to optimise data centre performance and energy consumption, while reducing e-waste and keeping recycled materials in use longer.

AI solutions to environmental challenges

As sustainable data centres can help to offset AI’s carbon footprint, this technology can also be used to track and analyse massive amounts of data to ultimately address some of our planet’s biggest challenges, such as climate change, pollution and deforestation. For example, Dell is helping Siemens build smarter buildings with AI. Siemens helps customers reduce their buildings’ carbon footprints by leveraging edge and AI technologies to address building performance issues, like optimising HVAC systems, predicting energy demand and identifying energy leaks in real time.

Image by <a rel= — Image by Pete Linforth from Pixabay

AI can be used to optimise energy grids, design more efficient transportation systems and develop new ways to capture and store carbon dioxide. The University of Cambridge and Dell collaborated to support advanced and sustainable research through AI. By providing powerful, energy-efficient supercomputing to scientists and organisations, the University of Cambridge drives breakthroughs in innovation that rely on AI. This solution not only enables AI to process enormous volumes of data more quickly, but it does so more efficiently, with less power consumed.

Within data centre operations, AI can be used to improve monitoring and workload placement to optimise efficiency and reduce energy costs. There is no “either/or” decisions, rather efficient data centre infrastructure is integral to AI’s evolution. For this to succeed, advocates and organisations must see sustainability as a vital part of AI computing infrastructure. According to IDC, the number one sustainability priority for IT planning and procurement among IT decisionmakers is reducing data centre energy consumption^[i]. At the intersection of sustainability and business priorities, AI can support environmental stewardship at the same time it drives digital transformation.

Leading by example

Drawing the narrative closer to home – Malaysia continues to be a preferred choice for data centres in ASEAN. As the data centre market continues to expand in Asia, Malaysia’s data centre market demands continue to be on the rise as the country is expected to receive 2.25 billion USD by 2028. Meanwhile, the nation is determined to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 – driven by a vision of a low-carbon future highlighted by various national policies such as the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), Hydrogen Economy and Technology Roadmap (HETR) and Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act 2023 (EECA).

Dell sustainability — *Key Highlights from Dell’s Sustainability Efforts per the corporate website*

Technology has an important role in addressing environmental challenges. Dell aims to move the industry forward both through modernising data centre technology and modelling the “both/and” benefits of sustainable data centres. We have ambitious goals and we also see the immense benefits AI can bring to protecting our planet. While working to offset the environmental impact of AI, we will also innovate to develop solutions that leverage the power of AI to address some of our biggest environmental challenges.

[i] IDC: Which Circularity Criteria Are Driving IT Planning and Procurement?, Doc #US50683123, May 2023

Business, Contributed

Work With What You’ve Got To Streamline Operations

March 15, 2024 Varinderjit Singh Leave a comment

This article is contributed by Varinderjit Singh, General Manager at Lenovo Malaysia.

Those of us in the manufacturing industry have already come to terms with a difficult truth: manufacturing output is set to shrink by 3.2% this year. Stringent regulations and decreased consumer demand are proving very trying in a recessionary environment.

And many manufacturers still find themselves short-staffed. They are tasked with doing more with less. Upping output without the talent and financial resources they relied on in the past.

I see only one way forward: doing whatever we possibly can to create a streamlined working environment. Organizations that get hung up on what they don’t have will fall behind. Smart organizations think laterally. They understand that they have the means to effect change on their environments. And that seemingly small changes quickly add up.

Creating a streamlined, productive environment is the way forward. Increasing operational efficiency has never been as crucial as it is at this moment in time. Organizations that take action to create this kind of environment now will reap the rewards and come out stronger.

The three building blocks of an efficient environment

1. Making the most of your assets with IT and OT convergence

As a reminder, IT is Information Technology, tools that process data. OT is Operational Technology, tools for managing physical assets. IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) technology can bring IT and OT together. With IIoT tools like smart sensors, digital twins, and machine learning, physical assets come to life in the IT space. When leadership can see crucial data and insights on how machines are doing, they can ensure that they make the most of them. A great example of a product that can assist with making the most of your assets through IT convergence is the ThinkPad® X1 Carbon Gen 11, powered by Intel® Core™ i5-1335U processor (13^th Gen), built for what IT needs and users want.

Utility consumption monitoring is a great example of the benefits of converged IT and OT. Electricity, water, and gas make up a significant part of any manufacturer’s budget. Sensors on the factory floor can detect when a process consumes more power than necessary. This data is then acted on in real time – and the process is automatically adjusted until it’s optimal. For example, temperature and water use can automatically be controlled to create an environment that supports efficient energy use. Where equipment needs to be warmer to operate, they can automatically be switched on when the time’s exactly right – eliminating the wastage that comes with guessing the wrong timing. Sensors that detect compressed-air leaks allows leadership to act before more energy goes to waste.

The cumulative savings tend to make a profound difference to utility bills. Even better: IIoT helps manufacturers get closer to their ESG goals and safeguard the environment.

2. Staying a step ahead with predictive maintenance

The technological advances in predictive maintenance are some of the most exciting I’ve seen in my career. Instead of waiting for machines to break down, we can now proactively prevent them from reaching a state of disrepair. There’s now no reason for manufacturers to be wrong-footed by ‘cranky’ or ‘moody’ machinery.

In order to reap the benefits of predictive maintenance, manufacturers need to have the right solutions in place. High-quality sensors, reliable and fast connectivity, and servers that can process asset data and allow it to be analyzed, fast.

Naturally, I’m a big advocate of Lenovo’s ThinkEdge servers, powered by Intel® and enabled by AI. These servers have the processing power required to make quick work of asset data. They are rugged and sturdy and can withstand extreme temperatures, dust, and vibration. My clients store these servers on the floor, close to where data is generated. This reduces latency between data collection and a resulting insight – allowing leadership to act fast when an AI alerts them of a potential issue or a worrisome trend.

3. Keep quality high with virtual inspection

In manufacturing, high-quality products are what we live for, and inspection is a crucial process for any manufacturer. More and more, I’m seeing manual quality assurance become a thing of the past.

Continuous, virtual inspection means that manufacturers can track every process, part, and final product. If a quality issue arises on the floor, IIoT technology means that a real-time notification will trigger necessary corrective actions for related processes or down-the-line tasks – including dynamically adjusting product runs.

This kind of intelligent inspection leads to time and money saved. Fixing potential issues before they lead to defective products is obviously much less costly than tossing out goods that are not up to standard. But it’s more than that: a smart factory floor with integrated IT and OT means that AI is continuously learning to improve and streamline processes. This allows manufacturers to create products they can be proud of, keeping their customer experiences high while boosting their productivity. It’s a win-win.

Business, Contributed

Navigating the Transformation Paths in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) Industry

February 6, 2024 Márton Kiss Leave a comment

This article is contributed by Márton Kiss, Vice President of Product Success at Graphisoft

Today, the once-solid blueprints of the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) have morphed into fluid sketches, adapting to the evolving customer needs and technological advancements. As we march into 2024, the industry is expected to become more digital, data-driven, and sustainable. Every innovation, from the most intuitive design software to the most earth-friendly material, is bound to fill the canvas of buildings for a better future.

pexels pixabay 256381 — Photo by Pixabay

Here, we will delve into the vibrant palette of trends and key areas that may help navigate this transformative path in the AEC industry.

1. Bridging the digitalization gap

Despite being slow to embrace digital transformation, the AEC sector has shown promising signs in recent years, with technology adoption and awareness of its benefits steadily rising. However, a noticeable gap emerges when transitioning from the design to the construction phase. While current tools enable detailed digital models, the actualization often relies heavily on on-site workers, creating a disconnect in the integrated workflow.

minku kang aCniNTiIFd8 unsplash1 — Photo by Minku Kang on Unsplash

Bridging this gap and driving the push towards greater digitization and automation requires a two-pronged approach – first, fostering a demand for digital design practices, and second, reducing legal and regulatory barriers that impede the implementations. Additionally, a global trend towards collaborative building lifecycles is gaining momentum. As the integration across the building lifecycle strengthens, so does the impetus for comprehensive digitalization, highlighting the critical role of quality design in this process.

2. Unlocking the potential of BIM

While Asia Pacific trails developed nations in Building Information Modelling (BIM) adoption, progress is evident. Governments like Malaysia, aiming for 80% adoption by 2025, are actively driving its implementation due to proven productivity and competitive advantages—however, BIM’s true potential lies beyond mere data and 3D models.

It is about integrated design, where architects, engineers, builders, owners, and technology providers collaborate within a single model, eliminating the inefficiencies of traditional handoffs and discrepancies. This ‘single source of truth’ fosters early alignment of building systems and informed decision-making across disciplines. At Graphisoft, we champion OPEN BIM, a future-proof approach to AEC collaboration. OPEN BIM ensures workflow transparency, longevity, and data accessibility for built assets. Recent developments, like seamless structural engineering integration and cloud collaboration, reflect our commitment to this collaborative future.

BIM will continue to see greater interoperability and capabilities. However, the key to maximizing what it can offer eventually lies in fostering a culture of openness and information sharing.

3. Driving the shift towards sustainable design

The green buildings market is expected to cross USD1,948 billion by the end of 2036, with Asia Pacific estimated to account for 32%[1] Sustainability pressures are pushing the industry towards innovative materials and energy-efficient design. Net-zero buildings will remain a focus, achieving energy savings through renewables, smart design, and storage. Building performance and management will also be key, tying into the digitalization trend for optimal efficiency.

pexels pixabay 433308 — Photo by Pixabay

Cost-effectiveness, however, remains crucial. While adopting these practices might seem daunting, firms can start small. Explore concepts, experiment with materials, and utilize BIM as a bridge between elements. Integrating building systems, structures, and architecture early on makes informed decisions about materials, shapes, and even programs possible. Ultimately, the effectiveness of this shift requires a closer alignment between design decisions and long-term outcomes, driven by the overarching goals of sustainability and efficiency.

4. Making the most of AI and other emerging technologies

The impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) goes beyond automation. It is becoming the industry’s secret weapon, empowering professionals across the project lifecycle. From design optimization with photorealistic visualization to predictive analysis and BIM integration, AI transforms how we overcome challenges and make informed decisions.

The future is not just about scratching the surface with AI. We see a convergence of technologies, where Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR) enhances collaborative BIM workflows, and digital twins evolve beyond virtual models, becoming real-time data oracles. This will redefine our standards for efficiency, accuracy and profitability, allowing designers to focus on their true value – creativity. Graphisoft remains at the forefront of this revolution, investing in emerging technologies that assist and empower, not replace.

Firefly a brain that is connected digitally 69710

5. Emphasis on continuous learning

The future sprints, not strolls, and therefore upskilling is an essential ticket to the ride. But it is not a solo journey. Organizations must be bold co-pilots, investing in the latest tools, processes, and training. Fear of the unknown is natural, but the changing roles of AEC professionals are inevitable. Technology like AI excels in crunching data and optimizing processes but still lacks the human touch that breathes life into novel designs. And that is the true power of real architects – crafting beauty that is not just aesthetically pleasing but also functional and meaningful. Technology is the hammer, but people are the architects of change. Those who embrace continuous learning will be the ones shaping the future of AEC, brick by innovative brick, pixel by inspiring pixel.

The future of the built environment demands active participation. Architects, engineers and contractors must embrace digital tools and progress alongside advancements. BIM will be their blueprint, green principles their guiding star, and emerging technologies their canvas extension. The opportunity to create great architectures is boundless when we successfully integrate people, workflows and real-time information.

[1] Green Buildings Market Size & Share, Research Nester (Nov 2023)

News

Acer Ups Its Environmental Efforts with the Acer Aspire Vero 16 & A Commitment to Phase Out Carbon Credits

December 12, 2023 Nur Jeevan Leave a comment

As Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) is becoming an increasingly hot topic, Acer is looking to lead the tech industry with a renewed commitment to effectively reduce its carbon footprint. In fact, the company gunning for carbon neutrality with its upcoming Aspire Vero 16 (AV16-51P) laptop. The Aspire Vero has already broken new ground in the usage of recycled materials used in the laptop. However, Acer is looking to make the product a truly carbon-neutral one.

The Aspire Vero 16 (AV16-51P) will be leading the company’s charge into carbon neutrality. Starting from its manufacturing every step of the process will be optimised. Materials and partners for the laptop will be part of this effort. A top-to-toe audit and revamp of its processes to align with international standards for carbon footprint calculation and neutrality.

An En-Vero-mentally Conscious Approach from Top-to-Toe

Jerry Kao, Acer Inc.’s COO, emphasized the company’s focus on ‘conscious technology’ designed with a future-forward approach. The Aspire Vero series has been a pioneer in eco-conscious design from its inception. The Aspire Vero 16 continues this legacy by minimizing its carbon footprint throughout its lifecycle. This starts from manufacturing and even includes packaging and end-of-life recycling.

The laptop’s chassis has been a standout when it comes to sustainable design. From the get-go, recycled plastic has been used in manufacturing the Vero. With the Aspire Vero 16, the percentage of recycled plastic has increased to over 60% – a significant increase from the previous generation. It is free from volatile organic compounds, paint, or additives, contributing to a cleaner environment. The recycled materials are not only in the chassis either, the touchpad also incorporates ocean-bound plastic.

It’s not just about materials either, Acer’s Aspire Vero is also designed to be easily taken apart for repairs and upgrades. This conscious design also allows the laptop to be recycled more effectively.

Working to Achieve Carbon Neutrality Even in Usage

On the technology side of things, Acer has integrated the latest Intel® Core™ Ultra processors into the Aspire Vero 16, ensuring better power efficiency compared to its predecessors. The addition of Intel AI Boost, an integrated neural processing unit (NPU), brings AI-powered capabilities with extreme energy efficiency, aligning with Acer’s green vision.

Even when it comes to power management, the laptop comes with AcerSense software. This software in the Aspire Vero 16 focuses on energy efficiency. It offers four performance modes: Eco+, Eco, Balanced, and Performance, allowing users to optimize power consumption based on their needs.

To address the environmental impact of packaging, Acer is adopting sustainable practices. The company recycles scrap materials created during production, and the laptop’s packaging is 100% recyclable. The thoughtful design also includes the 100% recycled FSC-certified paper box that can be easily repurposed.

In shipping, Acer has partnered with like-minded logistics providers. These providers are reducing carbon emissions from standard shipping of sea containers through the use of biofuel on various routes. After implementing these emission reduction measures, Acer will retire high-quality carbon credits to achieve carbon neutrality.

Acer’s renewed approach to sustainability and environmental stewardship comes amidst increasing criticism from watchdogs and environmentalists towards companies relying on carbon credits for sustainability efforts. Acer’s approach to ‘conscious technology’ is the first to date that aims to retire carbon credits and instead rely on impactful changes throughout the processes of manufacturing, transport and even disposal of products.

Computers, Contributed

New Life: Replacement Doesn’t Have To Be The End

November 20, 2023 Varinderjit Singh Leave a comment

This article is contributed by Varinderjit Singh, General Manager, Lenovo Malaysia

For years, consumer electronics have been viewed as replaceable rather than repairable. Quickly consumed and then easily considered disposable, devices are often discarded, sometimes well before what could be considered a standard end-of-life period.

While recycling has long been the go-to method for minimizing waste in various other sectors, it isn’t as widely embraced in technology. According to a report from Statista, more than 53 million metric tons of electronic waste was generated globally in 2019, up from 33 million in 2010. Only 17.4% of which was documented to be collected and properly recycled.

While efforts to improve recycling rates of e-waste should undoubtedly continue, as someone who has dedicated their life to innovation, the question I pose is, how can we extend the useful life of devices until they truly are ready to be recycled? To answer that question, we must first examine what drives people to dispose of their devices.

Our replacement ecosystem

Today, the lifecycle of devices is largely influenced by technology and user preferences. As new versions of products that meet new needs are introduced, there is a natural desire to replace what is owned with the new. This replacement ecosystem can in turn generate waste. As an example, consider the main motivation someone has for buying a new smartphone or laptop.

Often, such an action is taken when the battery life deteriorates. Years ago, when PCs had batteries designed to be easily removed and replaced, the user could just pull it off and attach a new one. Now, it’s not that simple, largely due to user preferences that have shaped our technological landscape.

As devices have become exceptionally sleek to meet the needs and wants of consumers, they’ve become less easy to repair in the process. So, when a user’s experience with the device is negatively impacted by poor battery performance, the easiest available choice seems to be to replace the device with another, with many opting for something new.

In this lifecycle, an expectation to constantly produce is placed on manufacturers, leaving the user to desire what’s new rather than attempt to enjoy a long-term experience with the product.

Though many people choose to replace their old devices with something new, it isn’t inevitable that devices be scrapped once their initial useful life appears to be over. As we’ve become used to an ecosystem that’s less accommodating of device reparability over the past decade, I revisit the question I initially posed, how can we extend the useful life of devices?

The Cynic’s Response

When I’ve discussed the aforementioned question in forums, I’ve occasionally been met with cynicism.

The cynicism is underpinned by the belief that products are designed to be replaced after several years since they regenerate sales. Looking at how device usability can be extended isn’t seen as being commercially viable in this particular instance.

While I acknowledge there are always people who will want the latest devices, I want to put forward the idea that the “old device” has the potential to still be phenomenal. It has a lot of value in its ability to be reused either by family members or others in the community, for example.

A great example of a device is the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon operating on Windows 11 Pro. Boost employee productivity with modern Windows 11 Pro devices for business. Focus, create, and collaborate with ease from any location with natural workflows and intelligent experiences.

Getting to circular

It’s obvious to me that people want to feel good about what they do. When given the choice, many people would prefer to purchase a sustainable alternative to be more eco-friendly.

The question, at least in my mind, is, to what extent are people willing to be inconvenienced for more sustainable features? Whether it’s a marginally higher price point, time spent waiting for a repair or embracing modularity instead of buying the hottest new device, there’s a lot to unpack. The question alone encapsulates a guiding mission for device manufacturers to do everything possible to make it easier for consumers to make sustainable choices.

To act on this, I think we need to design in-feature capabilities that will make it easier to improve reusability and extend usability in general. This is why we’re designing our products to be more durable, where, as an example, we’re embedding longer lifespan batteries into our products. We must, however, ensure the user experience isn’t being compromised in the process.

Then, there’s the aspect of reparability. At its best, I think of reparability as Lenovo’s partnership with Kramden Institute, an organization that refurbishes machines and gives them to families who don’t have computers, extending the life of valuable technology and closing the digital divide.

We’ve also made it easier for our customers to get more long-term use of their products through three-year standard warranties and five years of replacement parts for many of our products. By offering advanced support services, products can be quickly repaired to minimize interruption and hassle. For those who want to repair their own devices, we offer service and maintenance manuals, as well as part removal and replacement videos.

These are, of course, in addition to recycling the device and leveraging recycled materials in the manufacturing of products. As stated in our recent ESG report, this has been a key focus at Lenovo, where we’ve greatly increased the integration of new recycled materials (e.g. magnesium, aluminium and ocean-bound plastics).

Now, Lenovo manufactures 248 products that use closed-loop recycled plastic (an increase from 103 in 2021). As part of our product recycling approach, Lenovo offers product take-back programs and an Asset Recovery Services program that provides companies with a sustainable disposition strategy that will help mitigate the environmental and data security risks associated with end-of-life device disposal.

Ultimately, at Lenovo, we are working to increase the number of products, components, and materials that are reused, repaired, and recycled. In doing this, we extract the greatest amount of value from products while they’re in use. Keeping products in use for longer, recycling materials, and reusing products in new ways are the staples of transitioning from a replacement ecosystem to a circular one.

From an engineering standpoint, balancing the need to increase the deployment of more eco-friendly resources with the ability to engineer efficiency in manufacturing is how we will win on the road to doing better.

While I don’t see us moving back to the thick, heavy design that characterized yesterday’s devices, there’s definitely an opportunity where we can replicate the reusable functionalities while also having minimal impact on design. I’m excited to see how we can go a lot further with this than where we are today.

Business, News

Digitalization & Technology Touches the Textile & Fashion Industry

October 24, 2023 Sharifah Hanani Leave a comment

Digitalization is affecting more and more businesses, and fashion is no exception. Penjana Kapital Sdn Bhd and Sea Limited (Malaysia) recently worked together to put on Tech in Fashion, an event that showcased fashion-tech innovations.

Penjana CEO copy — Penjana CEO, Taufiq Iskandar, addressing the crowd at Tech in Fashion

Textile waste poses a big problem for the environment because old clothes end up in landfills. It is one of the problems that the fashion industry must wrestle with. However, the use of cutting-edge technology is changing the way people buy clothes and making it more environmentally friendly. Four businesses were chosen to show off their new ideas, which included making eco-friendly fabrics, improving the local textile ecosystem, and making affordable clothes for everyday use.

At the showcase, Kloth Circularity Malaysia, Nanotextile Sdn Bhd, Kualesa, and Oxwhite showed off how technology has helped them adapt to the times and stay successful. They also showcased sustainable practices during the “Pitch to Runway” workshop.

L R Founders from Oxwhite Kloth Nanotextile Kualesa — From left: Founders from Oxwhite, CK Chang; Kloth Circularity, Sarah Kedah; Nanotextile, Thomas Ong; & Kualesa, Haris Kamal.

When it comes to tackling waste, Sarah Kedah, Co-Founder of Kloth Circularity Malaysia, talked about how green technology can revolutionize the textile business. Kloth Circularity Malaysia turned old plastic bottles into valuable raw materials that can be used to make new clothes. By doing this, they have effectively made Kloth Circularity a part of the circular economy by creating a cycle of sustainability that will not only lessen waste but help with the economy as well.

With Generative AI (Gen AI) taking centre stage, it comes as no surprise that some companies have incorporated it into their workflows. Haris Kamal, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer, said that Kualesa is using Gen AI and large language models (LLM) to improve marketing efficiency and automate predictive personalised email processes to increase conversion rates.

Entrepreneurs in the fashion industry can do well in this changing world by adopting digitalization, technology, and new ideas. As a tech company and e-commerce enabler, Sea is dedicated to helping sellers on its subsidiary Shopee’s platform. It is widely accepted that buying behaviours are rapidly changing and it is no different for textiles and fashion.

Business, News

Cisco Discontinues HyperFlex HCI

September 26, 2023 Nur Jeevan Leave a comment

Cisco has announced that it is discontinuing its HyperFlex hyperconverged infrastructure (HCI) product family, effective March 12, 2024. The company cited evolving customer needs and market dynamics as the reason for the decision.

Cisco HyperFlex HCI combines data centre elements, including storage, compute, networking, and management, into a single unified system. It has been a popular choice for organizations of all sizes, offering a simplified and scalable way to manage their IT infrastructure.

However, in recent years, there has been an increasing number of companies shifting towards hybrid and multi-cloud computing which requires more flexible or scalable solutions. This has led to a decline in demand for traditional on-premises HCI solutions, such as Cisco HyperFlex.

hx240 hx220 hero overview 2048x480 jpg — Source: Cisco

In response to this trend, Cisco has decided to focus its efforts on developing and supporting hybrid and multi-cloud solutions. The company has recently announced a strategic partnership with Nutanix to offer a complete hyperconverged solution for IT modernization and business transformation.

Cisco has assured existing HyperFlex customers that they will continue to provide support for the product for the next five years. The company is also offering platform migration support and services to help customers transition to other HCI solutions, such as Nutanix. Cisco also offers a Take Back and Recycle program that allows its customers to sustainably remove and dispose of obsolete products.

Lifestyle, News

Signify’s New Philips Ultra Efficient LED Lights Are More Sustainable Than Ever Before

July 3, 2023 Nur Jeevan Leave a comment

The environment is becoming one of the main issues at the top of all our minds especially with the effects of global warming becoming more apparent. Signify is empowering us to do more when it comes to energy efficiency with their new line Philips Ultra Efficient LED lights. The new lineup is touted to consume 60% less energy compared to standard LED lights and last 3.5x longer. They aren’t just stopping at energy efficiency, Signify is also bringing new solar-powered lights with their Philips Solar Lighting lineup. Signify is completing its offerings with smart lighting solutions in its Wiz line of solutions.

We need to start with the basics when it comes to sustainability and it doesn’t get any more basic than the lights we use on a regular basis at home. These lights range from incandescent tube lights to bulbs. Traditional lighting options required a lot of energy to deliver their light. However, with the Philips Ultra Efficient LED lights, this isn’t the case anymore. In fact, these bulbs deliver more power efficiency with lower operating wattages and longer-lasting durability. Philips Ultra Efficiency LED lights are able to deliver the same brightness with power consumption levels that are 3.5x lower than conventional LEDs.

Of course, with LED lighting, there has been an increasing number of creative lighting solutions that break convention and allow users to customize their space. Signify is taking a step into this arena with their Philips HexaStyle Downlights which allow users to have a more futuristic setup with hexagonal lights without the hassle of needing to renovate. These downlights fit seamlessly into conventional circular cutouts letting users update their setup with minimal cost.

Together with the more efficient LEDs, Signify also introduced a whole lineup of Philips Solar Lighting. These lights are perfect for lighting up beautiful landscapes and don’t require much maintenance. In fact, you won’t need any wiring. These lights are able to sustain themselves by charging using integrated solar panels after an initial charge. They’ve also included lighting for gates, floodlights, and even string lights to highlight the landscaping.

In addition to the new lineup, Signify also showed off their WiZ lighting which was launched in November 2022. The new lineup brings Signify’s Philips lighting prowess to the IoT space with internet-enabled lighting solutions that can be controlled from the WiZ app. They’ve introduced flexible tube lighting that you can bend to your will!

The new products showcased will be making their way to the Malaysian market starting in July 2023.

Lifestyle, News

[next@Acer 2023] Acer Doubles Down on Sustainability and Air Quality with New Acerpure Pro Vero

April 21, 2023 Nur Jeevan Leave a comment

Acer’s Vero brand is really branching out this year. The company has already announced a projector with the Vero brand. Now, the Vero brand is making its debut on Acerpure products. Acerpure made its debut not too long ago and bullodzed Acer into the home and living space. So far, the sub-brand has been used primarily for air-purifiers, air circulators and fans.

With the Acerpure Pro Vero, Acer is making its most capable air purifier a tad bit more environmentally friendly by adopting the same technology used to make its Vero laptops. The Acerpure Pro Vero has a chassis made of 35% post consumer recycled (PCR) plastics. The adoption of these plastics has helped decrease the carbon footprint of owning an Acerpure Pro.

Aside from this, the Acerpro Pro Vero comes with a simple, modern design that allows it to blend in seamlessly into your home. It’s equipped with a PM 2.5 air quality sensor which detects suspended particles in the air. It uses this information to automatically adjust the setting of the Acerpure Pro system in “Green mode”. The DC motor allows for more efficient use of energy when it comes to operating the Acerpure Pro.

The hallmark feature of the Acerpure Pro is the 3-in-1 HEPA filtration system. This system is able to filter out 99.9% of PM2.5 particles and is able to reduce the concentration of allergens in your room and home. It can also filter out formaldehydes thanks to an anti-formaldehyde coating on an activated carbon cotton-infused filter.

Pricing & Availability

The Acerpure Pro Vero (AP353-10W) will be available in Taiwan starting in May. It will also be making its way to select markets in the Pan Asia Pacific and EMEA Regions.

Business, Editorial, News

EDOTCO Looks to a New Decade of Empowering Equitable Connectivity, Innovation & Sustainability

November 25, 2022 Nur Jeevan Leave a comment

It’s not every day that we hear a tech company is celebrating its 10^th Anniversary; what’s more, one that isn’t a start-up or consumer-facing. While that may be true for EDOTCO, the company’s decade-long existence has entrenched the company with consumers and connectivity. The company has been actively involved in the rollout of cellular towers and related technologies in Malaysia, Cambodia, Bangladesh and more across the ASEAN and South Asian regions.

What exactly does a TowerCo (telecommunications tower company) do? Well, it’s pretty simple. You know that symbol on your mobile phone which shows you your signal strength? They work to ensure that there is a connection at all times. This comes in the form of building and maintaining cell towers for mobile network operators (MNOs) and even leasing or co-locating towers with other companies. EDOTCO has its beginnings in Malaysia as Axiata group’s TowerCo before it spun off into its own business.

The company now boasts a portfolio of over 54,000 towers across the ASEAN and South Asian regions. They currently operate in Malaysia, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Pakistan, Philippines, Laos and most recently, Indonesia. This has made them the 6^th ranking TowerCo in the world with ambitions to be in the top 5 by 2024. They have also been recognized as one of three unicorn status companies in Malaysia by Credit Suisse last year.

We spoke with CEO, Mohamed Adlan Ahmad Tajudin, about the company’s focus on equitable connectivity, innovation and sustainability. This interview comes in the wake of the company celebrating their 10^th Anniversary and launching a companywide rebrand.

A Heritage of Innovation & A Culture of Sustainability

EDOTCO hasn’t been resting on its laurels for the past decade. They’ve been at the forefront of innovating in the TowerCo space. The company has also been busy inculcating a philosophy of innovation and sustainable thinking from the ground up. CEO, Mohamed Adlan informs us, “we inculcate the culture of a sustainable world for the future and the next generation within the minds of our people. We hire passionate individuals who fit within EDOTCO’s culture and core values to ensure our staff are in tune with EDOTCO’s heart.”

EDOTCO REBRANDING 02 — (Source: EDOTCO) Cell tower in the Uttara Region in Bangladesh made of Bamboo.

Their genuine passion and dedication to innovation and sustainability have been driving EDOTCO’s ingenuity when it comes to tower technology. One of the hallmarks of the company’s past decade is their collaboration with the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET). They looked to create a greener, more sustainable solution to building steel towers atop buildings in Bangladesh. If you remember, there have been cases where buildings in South Asia were collapsing due to the weight being borne. In their collaboration, BUET and EDOTCO created a very sustainable solution of creating the towers with specially treated bamboo which is more resilient and lightweight. This innovation resulted in a solution that is not only greener with 70% less carbon emissions; the resulting tower is 88% lighter. EDOTCO erected its first bamboo tower in the Uttara region of Dhaka, Bangladesh in 2017.

“Innovation will always remain a key cornerstone in our operations. However, we have also shifted our focus to sustainability as a key indicator of growth as a group.”

Mohamed Adlan Tajudin, CEO of EDOTCO

While it may seem trivial, the innovative approach could very well be the first step in a new way to set up towers and empower connectivity in rural areas. With better, more natural materials, we’re looking at the possibility of minimally affecting ecosystems while society moves towards being more connected. The lower cost and carbon emissions are also a testament to the company’s commitment to creating and innovating sustainably.

Refocusing to Empower Equitable Connectivity with Innovative Solutions

The company isn’t resting on their laurels with their 10^th anniversary either. Instead, they’ve turned their focus to sustainability and equitable connectivity. EDOTCO is committed to adapting to the rapid changes that come with the surge forward in digitization. To further drive the point home, the company is undergoing a revamp and rebranding to embody their continued commitment and further refocusing their efforts on sustainable innovation.

The rebranding also comes with a commitment to empower and advance the Asian region when it comes to the region’s communications and connectivity ambitions. They will continue to innovate and address the needs of both developing and developed countries with solutions that drive connectivity with 5G and beyond; making next-generation connectivity universally accessible. Together with that, EDOTCO will also be working with their partners and customers to enable and drive positive transformation in the communities they are engaged.

(Source: EDOTCO) Redesigned Logo focusing on Sustainability and Equitable Connectivity

Together with this EDOTCO is also looking to drive their goals sustainably. They will be enhancing their internal sustainability strategy moving forward through their one-way and two-way engagements internally and in person. The vision to be sustainable isn’t just a bunch of fluff or a hot topic. It’s a vision and policy being driven in all departments from HR to Engineering. It provides an added impetus to their innovation and empowers their vision for equitable connectivity.

When it comes to equitable connectivity, EDOTCO isn’t just talking about sustainability either. They’re taking tangible steps to make erecting towers and providing connectivity as a service more affordable to its customers and, in turn, to consumers. Even before they embark on their next decade, the company has already helped MNOs save between 16% to 35% in their Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) and Operations Expenditure (OPEX) through infrastructure sharing, tower leasing and co-location. This has also resulted in faster, more sustainable network rollouts and fostered competition between MNOs which is beneficial for consumers.

Working to Spearhead Equitable Connectivity & Sustainability

As much as they are driving innovation and helping with cost reduction for MNOs and, in turn, consumers, EDOTCO can only continue to do so with the correct policies in place. These policies and frameworks allow them to address more targeted issues. In Malaysia alone, EDOTCO continues to support the JENDELA framework put in motion by the Malaysian Government. It comes as no surprise that the company has already focused on equitable connectivity when JENDELA was first announced. They have since been supporting this framework by being a forerunner in connecting the unconnected.

EDOTCO REBRANDING 03 — (Source: EDOTCO) The Human Touch behind their innovative Bamboo Tower

Their innovations have allowed initiatives like Malaysia’s JENDELA to progress at a faster pace. With solutions like EDOTCO’s Network and Planning Analytics (NaPA), the company continues to allow MNOs to reduce costs and be more targeted and strategic in rolling out infrastructure. NaPA allows MNOs to reduce build times for towers by providing geocoding and analytic insights. To date, this technology has been used in the setup of over 200 towers in the JENDELA initiative.

Bringing a Human Touch to Digitization

Being a company entrenched in the digitalization process, it gets easy to lose sight of the human aspect of technology. However, EDOTCO isn’t just a technology company – it’s a “Bionic Organization”. The company is creating “the workforce of the future” by integrating technology and digital tools into human interactions. While others look to leverage AI to replace humans, they are using AI and other technologies to better their workforce and provide value for their partners. They look to drive human interactions with the highest levels of efficiency.

EDOTCO’s “Bionic Organization” approach looks to harness in-house talent to bring heart and feeling to an industry that can be very cold. In the words of Adlan, EDOTCO is looking to become “Fitter, Faster and Far Better, without compromising on the human soul”. This entails leveraging digital solutions to make work more intuitive and human experience more effective. In addition, it will also, inevitably require their workforce to harness their inherent diversity of experience and backgrounds to drive innovation inclusively and with a sense of equity.

It’s getting rarer to see a tech CEO whose focus is on creating warmth and heart when driving their company. However, Mohamed Adlan’s approach to a “Bionic Organization” is looking to unite the two dichotomies in digitization and embeds them throughout the organization. This aims to create an environment and work culture that is collaborative, efficient and driven by insights and a sense of purpose. This is how he plans to drive both the sustainability and equitability pillars at EDOTCO.

Looking to Expansion, Diversifying & Further Empowering Equitable Connectivity

With the first 10 years in the bag, EDOTCO is looking to the future. Not only is it focused on bringing heart to digitalization, but it’s also constantly looking for opportunities to innovate and expand. Having already built a portfolio of 50,000 towers in nine markets from the initial 10,000 in its four home markets, the company is looking into new areas such as Network as a Service (NaaS) and Site as a Service (SaaS) to expand their portfolio.

Their current focus is on expanding within Thailand and Vietnam where they believe that the potential for growth is the greatest. The company is also eyeing going public in the coming decade while they focus on pushing boundaries and accelerating equitable access to digital connectivity.

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