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Gazing into the Crystal Ball: What to Expect from Technology in 2024

As we stand on the precipice of 2024, the technological landscape is buzzing with anticipation. From the groundbreaking advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) to the ever-evolving world of the internet, the coming year promises a wave of innovation that will reshape the way we live, work, and connect. But what specific technologies can we expect to dominate the headlines in 2024, and how will they impact our businesses and daily lives?

The Rise of Artificial Intelligence:

AI continues its meteoric rise, becoming increasingly sophisticated and integrated into our daily lives. We can expect to see:

  • Hyper-personalized experiences: AI-powered algorithms will personalize everything from shopping recommendations to educational platforms, tailoring experiences to individual needs and preferences.
  • Enhanced automation: AI-powered automation will continue to reshape workplaces, streamlining tasks, and boosting productivity. From administrative tasks to customer service, AI will take over repetitive and mundane jobs, freeing human employees to focus on more creative and strategic endeavors.
  • Smarter decision-making: AI-powered analytics will provide businesses with deeper insights into their data, enabling them to make faster and more informed decisions. This will lead to increased efficiency, reduced costs, and enhanced competitiveness.

The Continued Evolution of the Internet of Things (IoT):

The interconnected world of the IoT is expanding rapidly, with smart devices becoming increasingly ubiquitous. We can expect to see:

  • Smart homes and cities: Smart home technologies will become more sophisticated, offering greater automation, convenience, and energy efficiency. Smart cities will utilize IoT technology to optimize traffic flow, manage resources, and improve public safety.
  • Enhanced healthcare: IoT-enabled wearables and sensors will provide real-time health data, enabling personalized care plans and preventive measures. This will lead to improved patient outcomes and reduced healthcare costs.
  • Industrial automation: The integration of IoT in industrial settings will drive greater efficiency, data-driven decision-making, and predictive maintenance.

The Increasing Importance of Cybersecurity and Data Security:

As technology advances, so too do the threats to data security and privacy. We can expect:

  • Evolving cyber threats: Cybercriminals will continue to develop increasingly sophisticated tactics, targeting businesses and individuals alike. Businesses will need to invest in robust cybersecurity measures to protect their data and infrastructure.
  • Enhanced data privacy regulations: Governments around the world will likely implement stricter data privacy regulations, giving individuals greater control over their personal information. Businesses need to ensure compliance with these regulations to avoid hefty fines and reputational damage.
  • Focus on digital trust: Consumers and businesses will demand greater transparency and accountability from technology companies regarding data security practices. This will necessitate a shift towards building trust through ethical data practices and enhanced user privacy controls.

The Emergence of New and Exciting Technologies:

Beyond these major trends, several other exciting technologies are on the horizon in 2024:

  • Quantum computing: This revolutionary technology has the potential to solve complex problems that are currently beyond the reach of traditional computers.
  • Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR): AR and VR technologies are poised to revolutionize various industries, from education and entertainment to healthcare and manufacturing.
  • Blockchain technology: This distributed ledger technology has the potential to transform various industries, including finance, supply chain management, and voting systems.

Impact on Businesses:

These technological advancements will have a profound impact on businesses across all industries. Here are some key ways businesses can prepare:

  • Invest in digital transformation: Businesses need to invest in digital transformation initiatives to remain competitive in the evolving technological landscape. This includes adopting new technologies, developing a data-driven culture, and building a skilled workforce.
  • Focus on customer experience: In the age of personalization and hyper-connectivity, businesses need to prioritize customer experience more than ever before. AI and other technologies can be leveraged to personalize customer interactions and deliver exceptional service.
  • Embrace agility and adaptability: The business landscape is changing rapidly, and businesses need to be agile and adaptable to stay ahead of the curve. This requires a culture of innovation and a willingness to experiment with new technologies.
  • Prioritize cybersecurity: With the increasing threat of cyberattacks, businesses need to prioritize cybersecurity and data protection. This includes investing in robust cybersecurity measures, conducting regular security audits, and raising awareness among employees.

The Future is Here:

While the future is uncertain, one thing is clear: technology is advancing at an unprecedented pace, and 2024 promises to be a year of significant breakthroughs and innovations. By embracing these advancements, preparing for the challenges, and prioritizing ethical data practices, businesses and individuals can thrive in this exciting new era.

Reflecting on the Future: A Comprehensive Review of Technology in 2023

As we bid farewell to 2023, it’s time to reflect on the technological landscape that has shaped the year. From groundbreaking innovations to paradigm-shifting developments, join us as we delve into the key highlights of the Technology 2023 Year in Review and catch a glimpse of what awaits us in 2024.

Key Highlights of 2023:

  1. Artificial Intelligence Takes Center Stage:
    • AI emerged as a transformative force across industries, revolutionizing processes and decision-making.
    • Advancements in natural language processing, computer vision, and machine learning fueled the integration of AI into various applications, from virtual assistants to healthcare diagnostics.
  2. 5G Connectivity Revolutionizes Communication:
    • The widespread rollout of 5G networks ushered in a new era of connectivity, providing faster speeds and low latency.
    • Enhanced mobile experiences, augmented reality applications, and the Internet of Things (IoT) saw significant improvements with the adoption of 5G technology.
  3. Rise of Sustainable Tech:
    • A growing emphasis on sustainability led to the development of eco-friendly technologies and practices.
    • Companies introduced energy-efficient devices, eco-conscious manufacturing processes, and innovative solutions to address environmental concerns.
  4. Blockchain Beyond Cryptocurrency:
    • Blockchain technology expanded its reach beyond cryptocurrencies, finding applications in supply chain management, healthcare, and decentralized finance (DeFi).
    • The focus shifted towards enhancing security, transparency, and efficiency in various industries through blockchain solutions.
  5. Augmented and Virtual Reality Innovations:
    • AR and VR technologies continued to evolve, creating immersive experiences in gaming, education, and enterprise applications.
    • Advancements in hardware and software contributed to more realistic and interactive virtual environments.

What’s on the Horizon for 2024:

  1. AI’s Dual Role: A Blessing or a Curse?
    • In 2024, AI is poised to play a dual role, offering unprecedented opportunities while raising ethical concerns.
    • Positive impacts include enhanced healthcare diagnostics, personalized user experiences, and improved efficiency in various sectors.
    • On the flip side, concerns about privacy, algorithmic bias, and the potential misuse of AI technology will necessitate careful ethical considerations and regulatory frameworks.
  2. Continued Advancements in Quantum Computing:
    • Quantum computing is expected to make strides in 2024, with increased investment and research.
    • The potential for solving complex problems and optimizing computational tasks will bring quantum computing closer to mainstream applications.
  3. Cybersecurity Becomes a Top Priority:
    • With the increasing integration of technology in our daily lives, the focus on cybersecurity will intensify in 2024.
    • Innovations in secure systems, encryption, and proactive threat detection will be paramount to safeguarding digital assets.
  4. Human Augmentation Gains Traction:
    • Advancements in wearable technology and bioelectronics will contribute to the growth of human augmentation.
    • From health monitoring devices to brain-computer interfaces, the integration of technology with the human body will see new breakthroughs.

Conclusion

As we wrap up the Technology 2023 Year in Review, the future promises a dynamic and transformative journey. While AI stands as a beacon of innovation, its responsible and ethical use will shape the path ahead. With continuous advancements in quantum computing, increased emphasis on cybersecurity, and the potential for human augmentation, 2024 beckons as a year of technological evolution and societal impact. Stay tuned for an exciting ride into the future of technology!

How Selling Old IT Equipment Can Increase Your Buying Power

How Selling Old IT Equipment Can Increase Your Buying Power

When it’s time to retire your used IT equipment, don’t view it as the end of the road; see it as an opportunity to fuel your business’s growth. While upgrading your IT infrastructure with the latest equipment may be tempting, consider the myriad advantages of selling your retired IT assets. At DTC, we encourage you to explore the benefits of this transformative process that can have a profound impact on your company’s buying power.

Used IT equipment holds significant value, often finding new life in the hands of other enterprises seeking to expand their capabilities. Even gear that has weathered years of use can be refurbished and put to good use elsewhere. Partnering with the right IT asset management firm can be the key to maximizing returns on your used equipment and acquiring the new equipment you require to propel your business forward.

Choosing the right partner streamlines the process, eliminating the need for lengthy sales negotiations and ensuring you get the best possible price for your retired IT assets. You shouldn’t settle for less just because you’re ready to part ways with older equipment that’s occupying valuable space.

This report will guide you through the process of selling used IT equipment, offering insights that can benefit your company in numerous ways.

Beyond the Financial Gain: Maximizing Value

When your organization decides to sell its used IT equipment, the financial return is just one of the many benefits to consider. While the return on investment is undoubtedly attractive, there are numerous other advantages worth exploring.

  1. Reduction in Maintenance and Repair Costs: Aging equipment often requires frequent maintenance and repairs, leading to ongoing expenses. Selling used IT equipment can help you reduce these costs and allocate resources more efficiently.

  2. Minimized Purchasing of Replacement Parts: With older equipment, finding and purchasing replacement parts can be a costly endeavor. By selling used equipment, you can lower the need for such purchases.

  3. Savings on Warehousing: Storing old equipment and potential replacements can be space-consuming and costly. Selling used IT equipment can free up storage space and reduce overhead.

  4. Spare Parts and Specialty Tools: Older equipment may require specific spare parts and specialized tools. Reducing your reliance on such items can lead to cost savings.

Selling used IT equipment provides organizations with a chance to improve their IT capabilities while simultaneously cutting costs associated with legacy and end-of-life gear.

Companies often retire IT equipment when they’ve outgrown it or transitioned to services that no longer require the existing hardware. Most of this equipment still has substantial useful life left, making it an excellent resource for other businesses looking for cost-effective, quality equipment.

By selling used equipment instead of discarding it, your company can demonstrate its commitment to environmentally friendly practices and contribute to reducing e-waste, which poses a significant threat to the planet.

Additionally, consolidating your suppliers can save both time and money by streamlining your vendor relationships. When you find a reliable partner to buy your used IT equipment and purchase new gear from the same source, it simplifies your IT procurement process. Moreover, such a partner likely has an extensive network to help you find other legacy equipment you may require.

We strongly recommend partnering with experienced used IT equipment providers like DTC to streamline the process and secure a higher return on your investments.

Exclusive Benefits of Collaborating with DTC

DTC is your trusted partner for purchasing used IT equipment and accessing a wide range of equipment and services to meet your organization’s evolving needs. Whether you’re undergoing a complete infrastructure overhaul or simply updating your current setup, we have the expertise and equipment to support you every step of the way.

With over 50 years of experience in the IT equipment industry, we possess in-depth knowledge of the procurement process and can work closely with your team to provide essential data destruction services. As a family-owned company, we prioritize data security and customer service, treating our clients like family.

Our extensive database and contact list, comprising customers, resellers, recyclers, suppliers, and industry partners, enable us to secure the best prices when sourcing your IT equipment.

Our impeccable reputation ensures that your transactions are conducted efficiently, ethically, and securely. Notably, we have never experienced a security breach or data loss throughout our history of transactions.

Choosing the Right IT Asset Partner: Key Considerations

When selecting a partner to help you sell used IT equipment, it’s essential to create a profile of the companies you want to collaborate with. By establishing clear criteria, you can ask the right questions, identify potential gaps, compare costs, and ensure that the partner aligns with your specific needs. Here are some considerations to help you create your profile:

  • Types of Excess or Used Equipment: Determine what types of equipment they purchase.

  • Payment Process and Duration: Understand their payment procedures and the time required for transactions.

  • Services Offered: Explore the range of services they provide.

  • Experience and References: Assess how long they’ve been in business and request references.

  • Payment and Agreement Flexibility: Inquire about flexible payment options, including account credit for other equipment.

  • Warranty and Return Policy: Familiarize yourself with their warranty and return policies.

  • Shipping and Logistics: Determine who is responsible for handling shipping and logistics.

These are just a few essential factors to consider when evaluating potential IT equipment sales partners.

Environmental Benefits of Selling Used IT Equipment

A well-known fact is that up to 85% of discarded e-waste ends up in landfills or incinerators, posing environmental hazards. Although IT equipment constitutes a small fraction of the e-waste stream, it contributes to 70% of the toxic waste released into the environment.

Properly reclaimed e-waste accounted for only 15% of the total in 2014, representing a loss of $40.6 billion in assets. This highlights the massive economic impact of not recycling or reclaiming used IT equipment.

Recycling is an environmentally responsible choice. According to an EPA Report, recycling one million laptops conserves the energy equivalent of powering 3,500 U.S. homes for an entire year. Electronics, particularly IT equipment, contain valuable materials like copper, silver, gold, and palladium. They also contain silicon, heavy metals, and chemicals that can leach into the environment, polluting soil and groundwater. Collaborating with a used IT equipment buyer helps prevent these hazardous materials from entering landfills and further damaging the environment.

How to Sell Used IT Equipment

When it comes to selling used IT equipment, various avenues are available, each with its own challenges and returns on investment. Consider your options carefully, as the choice of vendor, personal sale service, or recycling option will impact the profitability of your used IT equipment.

DTC offers the expertise and guidance to help you maximize the profitability of your used IT equipment, whether you intend to sell it for cash or trade it for the equipment necessary to expand your infrastructure. We handle all shipping and logistics, allowing your company to save both money and the hassle of dealing with these aspects, while focusing on what truly matters: growing your business.

With DTC, you need never worry about how to sell your used IT equipment again. We’ve got you covered every step of the way. Whether you’re looking to free up space, recover value from retired assets, or upgrade your technology, our team of experts is here to guide you through the process, ensuring a seamless and profitable experience.

In conclusion, the journey of selling used IT equipment goes beyond monetary gains. It opens doors to a range of benefits, including

 

Industries We Serve

Ensuring Data Security and IT Excellence Across Industries with DTC

In a world driven by data and technology, every industry, from healthcare and finance to education and small businesses, relies on information systems to thrive. At DTC, we’ve made it our mission to keep your data safe and your IT systems running seamlessly, regardless of the field you operate in. With over five decades of expertise, we’ve earned our reputation as a trusted leader in the industry. Let’s delve into how we’re making an impact in various sectors and ensuring top-notch data security.

HEALTHCARE

In the healthcare sector, safeguarding sensitive medical records is paramount. The maintenance, storage, and security of vital data are integral to providing quality patient care. Yet, many healthcare institutions lack dedicated IT departments equipped to manage their extensive equipment requirements. DTC steps in to address these unique needs. Our IT equipment specialists ensure your healthcare institute’s budget remains intact while contributing to the preservation of lives.

A plan for guarding against ransomware in the healthcare industry

Finance

Financial institutions operate in a data-sensitive environment where data breaches are unacceptable. While many financial organizations employ skilled IT professionals, the complexities of upgrades and disposal can be overwhelming. Industry best practices dictate the retention of data for extended periods, necessitating data migration to the latest software versions. DTC has been a trusted partner since 1965, helping businesses of all sizes keep their data secure while optimizing ROI on used IT equipment.

Get Help With Securing Your Financial Data

 

Government

In today’s digital age, government agencies rely heavily on computers and electronics to function effectively. Data of a sensitive, proprietary, or administration-critical nature is typically held for extended periods. Data tapes are often the preferred medium for long-term storage, but they require periodic updates. Data security is of utmost importance when dealing with sensitive information on used equipment.

 

Education

The COVID-19 pandemic has propelled classrooms into a new era of 1:1 student-to-computer learning. IT equipment plays a pivotal role in educational settings, with a surge in information and data creation. Robust data backup and security measures are essential to protect this wealth of educational content. DTC acknowledges the challenges faced by learning institutions, and we offer solutions tailored to their data backup and equipment requirements.

Learn More About Saving IT Budgets in the Education Field

Energy and Utilities

Companies in the energy and utility sectors face ongoing pressure to reduce costs and enhance efficiency. Whether it’s power generation or alternative energy services, IT departments are constantly abuzz with activity. Upgrading and replacing computers, servers, and data storage centers can be a daunting task. The right IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) partner can help you extract the maximum value from aging IT equipment, ensuring a significant return on your initial investment.

Learn More About ITAD and How it can Help You

Small and Mid-size Business

Small and mid-size businesses are the driving force behind a thriving economy. These entrepreneurial endeavors are the backbone of innovation and job creation. At DTC, as a family-owned business since 1965, we comprehend the challenges and sacrifices business owners face. Small businesses may not always have the budget for the latest IT equipment upgrades or know how to handle their aging equipment. We step in to facilitate upgrades and responsible disposal of data storage tapes and other IT assets when needed.

Our Commitment to Excellence

DTC’s IT equipment specialists and procurement associates boast over 130 years of combined experience, making us one of the industry’s best-trained teams. Since our inception in 1965, we’ve been dedicated to transforming the IT lifecycle through technology, transparency, standards, and processes. Our business continues to evolve alongside the dynamic IT industry, with our reputation serving as a testament to our commitment to excellence.

Explore more about DTC and our journey in the IT industry.

Ready to embark on a journey to secure your data, optimize your IT infrastructure, and ensure your business thrives? We’d love to hear from you. Get in touch today, and let’s explore how DTC can be your most valued partner in the world of IT.

Interested in Learning More About Who We Are?

Send a message, we’d love to hear from you.

Technology Trends to Watch For in 2022

Technology changes at a rapid pace, and it is important for people who are interested in staying ahead of the game to keep their eye on what moving forward might have in store.

Cryptocurrency

The cryptocurrency market is expected to maintain its position in the realm of technology trends with digital currency being a dominant trend. Bitcoin is still widely used as a global payment method despite certain restrictions that have been put on it. Cryptocurrencies are becoming more widely accepted and will likely gain even more popularity in 2022.

Blockchain

Blockchain technology is growing and being implemented in many areas. In 2022, it will be used for more services than ever before. The global blockchain AI market is also growing rapidly, with a CAGR of 48% from 2017 to 2023.

Metaverse

The Metaverse is an important innovation that allows for a digital world, or virtual reality. It’s being used for education and research, as well as creating new business opportunities such as online gaming and enterprise applications.

In 2022, there are many technology trends to watch in the Metaverse including blockchain technology, augmented reality technologies and artificial intelligence.

Metaverse is a virtual space where the physical world meets the virtual world. It’s an open-source platform that offers more than 100,000 3D objects and allows users to create their own digital assets which can be edited from anywhere in this universe by using Metaverse Studio.

This project has been developed with blockchain technology and it will transform how people interact online for decades to come.

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence is the branch of computer science that studies how intelligence can be implemented from the information processing capabilities of machines. Artificial Intelligence has shown promise in areas where it can be applied to make a positive impact on society and improve human life.

Decision Intelligence

In 2022, it is expected that decision intelligence will be a major trend. This term is used to refer to the idea that computing devices will gather information from our brain waves, eyes, ears, and other senses.

Internet of Things

The Internet of Things (IoT) will help improve safety, efficiency, and decision-making for businesses. The IoT is a great tool for predictive maintenance and speeding up medical care. It offers benefits we haven’t imagined yet.

Internet of Behaviour

The Internet of Behaviour is all about the relationships between people and their behaviors. It includes data on human behavior, including social media and online interactions.

Cloud Computing

Cloud Computing is a service that offers computing resources on demand. Cloud providers such as Microsoft, Amazon, and Google offer services to provide cloud-based technologies for businesses. It is predicted that by 2022 there will be over one million public clouds across the world because of the popularity of this technology.

Edge Computing

The term “Edge Computing” refers to the process of having computing power and data closer to the end-user. This will allow users to access more information, faster than ever before.

Cloud platforms are becoming increasingly popular as people know that they have a variety of benefits such as cost-effectiveness, scalability, and security. More importantly, is their ability for businesses (or consumers) who don’t want an entire infrastructure in place or can’t afford it because Edge cloud architecture offers some limited services on-demand.

Universal Memory

Universal memory is a theoretical computer memory that could be used by any single computer to access all of the memories of other computers.

Universal memory is a type of computer memory that can be accessed from any machine. Universal memory will allow for the implementation of cloud computing, which is the idea that data and applications are stored on a network of computers, rather than on a single machine.

It allows computers to use the same memory as humans and other animals. Universal memory could be used in artificial intelligence, robotics, virtual reality, and augmented reality.

Big Data and Analytics

Big Data is a term that has been used in recent years to refer to vast amounts of data that have not traditionally been analyzed. Big Data and Analytics are the methods by which companies can collect, store, and analyze data.

Natural User Interface

Natural User Interface (NUI) is a user interface that uses natural methods of interaction with the device, such as gesturing and facial recognition. If a person using the NUI device moves their hand in front of the camera, a new image will be taken.

Cyber Security Practices

Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting information from computer crime. Cybersecurity includes a wide range of activities, including network security, computer security, and electronic privacy. The primary goal is to protect data from unauthorized access, use, and disclosure.

3D Printing

3D printing is the process of making a three-dimensional object by depositing material layer by layer until the desired shape is achieved.

Medical robots

Medical robots are machines that have been designed to assist medical professionals in the performance of various tasks. These include operating on a patient, assisting surgeons through surgery, and providing support during delivery.

According to the National Science Foundation, medical robots may be used in a wide range of applications, including clinical care, manufacturing, and research.

Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology is a branch of engineering which manipulates matter at the atomic and molecular scale. It has facilitated many advancements in fields such as computing, optics, electronics, and medicine.

Quantum Computing

Quantum computing is the field of science that studies how to design and build quantum computers. Quantum computers are expected to have a wide range of applications, such as cryptography, machine learning, and molecular modeling.

Computational Biology and Bio-informatics

Computational biology is a form of computer science that combines computer hardware, software, and mathematical techniques to solve problems. Bioinformatics is the application of computational biology in order to explore molecular biology and genetics.

5G

5G is the next generation of wireless communication technology, which will allow for faster internet speeds and greater network coverage. It will also be able to provide access to more devices at the same time. 5G will be the wireless standard that is set to replace 4G and 3G.

Customer Data Platform

The customer data platform is a type of software that helps companies to manage and analyze their customer information such as email addresses, phone numbers, website traffic, social media accounts and other forms of online data.

RPA Automation

A new technology trend is emerging that will have a major impact on the future of work. RPA, or “robotic process automation,” stands for “robot programming.” It is a type of software in which computers can write and execute programs to operate as human-like agents. This technology has been used primarily by large corporations to perform tasks like data entry, sales calls, and payroll processing that were previously done through humans.

RPA promises plenty of career opportunities including development, project management, business analyst, solution architect, and consultant.

Genetic Predictions

Genetic Predictions is a 2017 American comedy film directed by Jared Stern. The film stars Adam Scott, Gillian Jacobs, and Mark Duplass.

The story follows a family who learns that their son has a rare genetic disorder and is faced with difficult decisions as they try to find the best treatment for him.

Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality

Virtual reality (VR) is a computer-generated simulation of an environment that can be explored and interacted with using head-mounted displays or special gloves. Augmented Reality (AR) is a live direct or indirect view of a physical, real-world environment whose elements are augmented by computer-generated sensory input such as sound, video, graphics, and GPS data.

The most common forms of AR are using a smartphone to overlay information onto the real world and Google Glass.

Multicore

Multicore refers to the number of processing cores on a computer. A multicore computer can have multiple CPUs, each with its own core.

Photonics

Photonics is the science of creating, manipulating, and controlling light. It uses photons to transfer information in a beam or as individual particles.

True Wireless Studio

A wireless studio is a sound recording space where the only connections to a computer are through wireless signals. Audio is captured and sent wirelessly to your device without any cables or software installations.

Solution for Remote Work

Remote working is a trend that has been growing in recent years. This trend has led to the demand for technologies and solutions to help with remote work. The most common solutions are virtual private networks (VPNs) and remote desktop software.

A LOOK INTO FACEBOOK’S 2022 $34B IT SPENDING SPREE

FACEBOOK’S 2022 $34BN SPENDING
SPREE WILL INCLUDE SERVERS, AI, AND DATA CENTERS

First, Facebook changed to Metaverse and now it is expected to spend $34Bn in 2022.

Facebook recently changed to Metaverse and more. It is all over the news that the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp is now
known as Meta. The name was changed to represent the company’s interest in the Metaverse.

Metaverse is a virtual world where similar activities can be carried out like on Earth. The activities carried out in Metaverse will also have a permanent effect in the real world. There are several companies from different types of industries who are going to take part in building a Metaverse. Every company will have its own version of Metaverse.

Various types of activities can be carried out like meeting with friends, shopping, buying houses, building houses, etc.

As in this real world, Earth, different country has a different type of currency for buying and trading, similarly, in the virtual world, Metaverse also needs a currency for transactions. For buying and trading in Metaverse, cryptocurrency will be required for the blockchain database. It also allows Non-Fungible Tokens as an asset.

To access the Metaverse, special devices are required such as AR and VR which will be able to access a smartphone, laptop or computer support the AR or VR device. Facebook has partnered with five research facilities around the world to guide AR/VR technology into the future. Facebook has its 10,000 employees working in Reality Labs.

Oculus is a brand in Meta Platforms that produces virtual reality headsets. Oculus was founded in 2012 and in 2014, Facebook acquired Oculus. Initially, Facebook partnered with Samsung and produced Gear VR for
smartphones then produced Rift headsets for the first consumer version and in 2017, produced a standalone mobile headset Oculus Go with Xiaomi.

As Facebook changed its name to Meta, it is announced that the Oculus brand will phase out in 2022. Every hardware product which is
marketed under Facebook will be named under Meta and all the future devices as well.

Oculus store name will also change to Quest Store. People are often confused about logging into their Quest account which will now
be taken care of and new ways of logging into Quest account will be introduced. Immersive platforms related to Oculus will also be
brought under the Horizon brand. Recently, there is only one product available from the Oculus brand, Oculus Quest 2. In 2018, Facebook took ownership of Oculus and included it in Facebook Portal. In 2019, Facebook update Oculus Go with high-end successor Oculus Quest and also a revised
Oculus Rift S, manufactured by Lenovo.

Ray-Ban has also connected with Facebook Reality Labs to introduce Ray-Ban Stories. It is a collaboration between Facebook and EssilorLuxotica, having two cameras, a microphone, a touchpad, and open ear
speakers.

Facebook has also launched a Facebook University (FBU) which will provide a paid immersive internship; classes will start in 2022.This will help students from underrepresented communities to interact with Facebook’s people, products, and services. It has three different types of groups:

FBU for Engineering

FBU for Analytics

FBU for Product Design

Through the coming year 2022, Facebook plans to provide $1 billion to the creators for their effort in creating content under the various platforms on brands of parent company Meta Company, previously known as Facebook.
The platform includes Instagram’s IGTV videos, live streams, reels, posts, etc. The content could include ads by the user. Meta (formerly, Facebook) will give bonuses to the content creators after they have reached a tipping milestone. This step was taken to provide the best platform to content creators who want to make a living out of creating content.

Just like TikTok, YouTube, Snapchat, Meta are also planning to give an income to content creators posting content after reaching a certain milestone.

Facebook also has a Facebook Connect application where it allows to interact with other websites through their Facebook account. It is a single sign-on application that lets the user skip filling in information by
themselves and instead lets Facebook Connect fill out names, profile pictures on behalf of them. It also shows which friend from the friend’s list has also accessed the website through Facebook Connect.

Facebook decides to spend $34Bn in 2022 but how and why?

Facebook had a capital expenditure of $19bn this year and it is expected to have a capital expenditure of $29bn to $34bn in 2022. According to David Wehner, the financial increase is due to investments in data centers,
servers, and network infrastructure, and office facilities even with remote staff in the company. The expenditure is also due to investing in AI and machine learning capabilities to improve rankings and recommendations of their products and their features like feed and video and to improve
the performance of ads and suggest relevant posts and articles.

As Facebook wants AR/VR to be easily accessible and update its feature for future convenience, Facebook is estimated to spend $10bn this and thus it is expected to get higher in this department in the coming years.

In Facebook’s Q3 earnings call, they have mentioned they are planning more towards their Facebook Reality Labs, the company’s XR, and towards their Metaverse division for FRL research, Oculus, and much more.

Other expenses will also include Facebook Portal products, non-advertising activities.

Facebook has launched project Aria, where it is expected to render devices more human in design and interactivity. The project is a research device that will be similar to wearing glasses or spectacles having 3D live map
spaces which would be necessary for future AR devices. Sensors in this project device will be able to capture users’ video and audio and
also their eye-tracking and their location information, according to Facebook.

The glasses will be capable to work as close to computer power which will enable to maintain privacy by encrypting information, storing uploading data to help the researchers better understand the relation, communication
between device and human to provide a better-coordinated device. This device will also keep track of changes made by you, analyze and understand your activities to provide a better service based on the user’s unique set of information.

It requires 3D Maps or LiveMaps, to effectively understand the surroundings of different users.

Every company preparing a budget for the coming year sets an estimated limit for expenditures. This helps in eliminating unnecessary expenses in the coming year. There are some regular expenditures that happen every for same purposes, recurring expenditures like rent, electricity,
maintenance, etc. and also there is an estimation of expenses that are expected to occur in case of an introducing new project for the company, whether the company wants to expand in locations or wants to acquire
already established companies. As the number of users in a company
increases, the company had to increase its capacity of employees, equipment, storage drives and disks, computers, servers, network
connection lines, security, storage capacity.

Not to forget that accounts need to be handled to avoid complications. The company needs to provide uninterrupted service. The company needs lawyers to look after the legal matters of the company and from the government.

Companies will also need to advertise their products showing how will it be helpful and how will it make the user’s life easier, which also is a different market.

That being said, Facebook has come up with varieties of changes in the company. Facebook is almost going to change even how users access Facebook. Along with that Facebook is stepping into Metaverse for which
they will hire new employees, AI to provide continuous service.

Windows 11 is Coming Soon. Here’s What You Need to Know.

After six years, Microsoft has decided to launch Windows 11 software on the 5th of October, 2021. Every computer is compatible with Windows operating system. Every upgrade of windows helps the user to get their work done more efficiently. They give a smooth user interface experience. 

Windows was what brought us more close to the internet. Windows helps us to create with our creativity, bringing out our artistic nature, it helps us in connecting with our loved ones, learn more and achieve what we are passionate about. 

Now, work from home is getting popular, working from home can get tiresome which is why Windows 11 will be very helpful for those who are required to deal with a lot in a short span sometimes.

All about Windows 11

While working on a PC or laptop, sometimes it becomes difficult to manage so many tabs, working with several matters and it feels tiresome while working. Windows 11 took care of these and now it has come with such great features that it gives a fresh experience to the user. It is like keeping separate matters separate without sharing the same place. 

It will make everything easy and better

It is now smoother while working and now even has more fresh experience. They have tried not to leave any area unmodified to put the user in control so that the user doesn’t face any boundaries while working. The user will be capable of customizing every area as per the user’s needs. The start has been kept in the center for easy to locate and search. The start will work along with cloud and Microsoft 365 to provide fast access to your files, which either be from the Android platform or the iOS platform.

Windows software platform has always tried to make the user interface as smooth as possible by allowing splitting or screens to use apps side by side. Windows 11, will benefit the users in these matters as, it has introduced Snap Layouts, Snap Groups, and Desktops which means the user will have more going on with ease. To move ahead in personal life or professional life, we have to multi-task.

Windows 11 even allows you to have different desktop screens. Yes! That means separate life can remain separated even in technologies. Office desktops will be separate from children’s school desktops and separate home desktops for family time. 

It brings you closer faster to everything that you care about

Like earlier days, we longer live along with our loved ones and sometimes we just want to instantly connect with them for support and just to check after their well-being. This windows 11 platform tries to make you feel closer to them and bring you closer to them no matter wherever you are or however busy you are. This software has tried to remove many barriers to bring you closer to your loved ones. You can connect with them even if they are Android, iOS, or Windows. It has a Chat taskbar from Microsoft Teams which now even allows two-way SMS if the person on the other end hasn’t downloaded the app. This way communicating to your loved ones will be fast just from the taskbar.

It not only takes care of users’ loved ones but will also take care of gamers

Gaming on electronic devices is no longer only played with two-player or with computers as an opponent. The technology changes made in the gaming experience are huge. Now, people gossip while gaming, it is like connecting with people even while gaming. Earlier when games used to pause while talking, now if they are playing together, they keep their voice on all the time. This, far away cousins or friends who have moved out of the country can still in some way play games together.

The OS of Windows 11 comes with more defined graphics, quick loading times, fewer lags with Auto HDR, colors look more exciting and inviting. Also, it still remains easy to access players as it was.

A faster way to connect with data and notification

If you need to be up-to-date about whereabouts and what is happening in the world, then the news and information just click away with widgets. 

Widgets are powered by AI and Microsoft Edge. While working, if you require to lookup for news, using widgets will be very beneficial. Instead of looking for news on a small mobile screen, the user can check their phone’s notification from the desktop itself.

New Microsoft Store 

Now, searching app is made easier. It is made simpler and rebuilt for speed. They are also introducing third-party apps like – Disney+, Zoom, and much more. Since the Microsoft store is the secure way to download applications, now downloading this third-party app is no more a worry since these are all tested for security by Microsoft.

Even android apps are introduced to Windows. Android apps will be downloaded from Amazon Appstore in the Microsoft store.

Implement a more open ecosystem to provide more opportunities for developers and creators

Windows Company welcomes app developers and Independent Software Vendors (ISVs). They want to provide an ecosystem that will benefit the users with secure and smooth access to apps, games, movies, shows, and web browsing.

Similar but a bit more security

Windows 11 has the same foundation as Windows 10 as well as consistent and compatible like windows 10 which is a core design tenet of windows. It has a more secure design, new built-in security. Windows 11 chip will protect the user from the cloud and provide more products and experiences. 

Just as with Windows 10, we are deeply committed to app compatibility, which is a core design tenet of Windows 11. We stand behind our promise that your applications will work on Windows 11 with App Assure, a service that helps customers with 150 or more users fix any app issues they might run into at no additional cost.

Will your device support Windows 11?

Following are the requirements:

  • 5G support  It will need a 5G capable modem if available.
  • Auto HDR It will need an HDR monitor.
  • BitLocker to Go It will need a USB flash drive (available in Windows Pro and above editions).
  • Client Hyper-V It will need a processor with second-level address translation (SLAT) capabilities (available in Windows Pro and above editions).
  • Cortana It will need a microphone and speaker and is currently available on Windows 11 for Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Spain, United Kingdom, and the United States.
  • DirectStorage It will need 1 TB or greater NVMe SSD to store and run games that use the “Standard NVM Express Controller” driver and a DirectX 12 Ultimate GPU.
  • DirectX 12 Ultimate Supports games and graphics chips.
  • Presence It will need a sensor to detect the presence of humans and distance from a human to a device.
  • Intelligent Video Conferencing It needs a video camera, microphone, and speaker.
  • Multiple Voice Assistant (MVA) It needs a microphone and speaker.
  • Snap It needs to have three-column layouts that require a screen that is 1920 effective pixels or greater in width.
  • Mute/Unmute from Taskbar
  • Spatial Sound It needs the support of hardware and software.
  • Microsoft Teams
  • Touch PC needs to support multi-touch.
  • Two-factor Authentication
  • Voice Typing With a microphone.
  • Wake on Voice
  • Modern Standby power will be needed.

Windows 11 Features

  • WiFi 6E
  • Windows Hello
  • Windows Projection
  • Xbox (app)
  • Cortana will not be present in the first boot experience or pinned to the Taskbar.
  • Desktop wallpaper can no longer move to or from the device when signed in with a Microsoft account.
  • Internet Explorer is now replaced with Microsoft Edge. It has IE Mode, which may be useful in certain scenarios.
  • Maths Input Panel is removed. It will be installed on demand 
  • News & Interests can be found on the widget’s icon on the taskbar. 
  • Quick Status from the Lockscreen is removed along with other settings.
  • S Mode is only available now for Windows 11 Home edition.
  • Snipping Tool is modified replaced with a previously known app as Snip & Sketch.
  • Start Named groups and folders of apps will not be supported and the layout is not yet resizeable.
  • Pinned apps and sites will not migrate while upgrading to Windows 11.
  • Live Tiles will not be available anymore. 
  • Tablet Mode will be removed with new functions and capabilities. It is included for keyboard attach and detach postures.
  • The taskbar will not customize areas of the Taskbar anymore.
  • The timeline has been removed. Although some similar functionality is available in Microsoft Edge.
  • Touch Keyboard will not affect keyboard layouts on screen sizes of 18 inches and larger.
  • The wallet is removed.

To know further whether your device is compatible with windows 11 or, either check with PC Original Equipment Manufacturer. Else, if your device is on windows 10 or it is on windows version 2004 or up, you can check with PC Health Check from the device’s setting.

Lastly

If you can’t upgrade to Windows 11 for some reason, it is still okay as windows 10 will still remain supported till October 14, 2025. Also, Windows 10 has the same security as windows 11 so it is as safe and secure as Windows 11. Another good news is that there is another feature update for windows 11 coming up later this year.

About DTC

DTC is a multidisciplinary consulting and engineering firm committed to executing lasting solutions for a changing world. Since 1979, DTC has implemented innovative design, planning, and management across the globe. We cover projects from start to finish — and we do so by employing a diverse set of experts experienced in providing engineering, environmental, and construction management services to meet our clients’ project needs. Our team is made up of specialized professionals from each discipline in the built world, including civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection engineering, as well as environmental, landscape architecture, and construction management services. We bring together each of these authorities under one roof to collaborate together and administer successful project results.

NHL Partners with AWS (Amazon) for Cloud Infrastructure

NHL Powered by AWS

“Do you believe in miracles? Yes!” This was ABC sportscaster Al Michaels’ quote “heard ’round the world” after the U.S. National Team beat the Soviet National Team at the 1980 Lake Placid Winter Olympic Games to advance to the medal round. One of the greatest sports moments ever that lives in infamy among hockey fans is readily available for all of us to enjoy as many times as we want thanks to modern technology. Now the National Hockey League (NHL) is expanding their reach with technology as they announced a partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS). AWS will become the official cloud storage partner of the league, making sure all historical moments like the Miracle on Ice are never forgotten.

The NHL will rely on AWS exclusively in the areas of artificial intelligence and machine learning as they look to automate video processing and content delivery in the cloud. AWS will also allow them to control the Puck and Player Tracking (PPT) System to better capture the details of gameplay. Hockey fans everywhere are in for a treat!

What is the PPT System?

The NHL has been working on developing the PPT system since 2013. Once it is installed in every team’s arena in the league, the innovative system will require several antennas in the rafters of the arenas, tracking sensors placed on every player in the game, and tracking sensors built into the hockey pucks. The hockey puck sensors can be tracked up to 2,000 times per second to yield a set of coordinates that can then turn into new results and analytics.

The Puck Stops Here! Learn how the NHL’s L.A. Kings use LTO Tape to build their archive.

How Will AWS Change the Game?

AWS’s state-of-the-art technology and services will provide us with capabilities to deliver analytics and insights that highlight the speed and skill of our game to drive deeper fan engagement. For example, a hockey fan in Russia could receive additional stats and camera angles for a major Russian player. For international audiences that could be huge. Eventually, personalized feeds could be possible for viewers who would be able to mix and match various audio and visual elements. 

The NHL will also build a video platform on AWS to store video, data, and related applications into one central source that will enable easier search and retrieval of archival video footage. Live broadcasts will have instant access to NHL content and analytics for airing and licensing, ultimately enhancing broadcast experiences for every viewer. Also, Virtual Reality experiences, Augmented Reality-powered graphics, and live betting feeds are new services that can be added to video feeds.

As part of the partnership, Amazon Machine Learning Solutions will cooperate with the league to use its tech for in-game video and official NHL data. The plan is to convert the data into advanced game analytics and metrics to further engage fans. The ability for data to be collected, analyzed, and distributed as fast as possible was a key reason why the NHL has partnered with AWS.

The NHL plans to use AWS Elemental Media to develop and manage cloud-based HD and 4K video content that will provide a complete view of the game to NHL officials, coaches, players, and fans. When making a crucial game-time decision on a penalty call the referees will have multi-angle 4k video and analytics to help them make the correct call on the ice. According to Amazon Web Services, the system will encode, process, store, and transmit game footage from a series of camera angles to provide continuous video feeds that capture plays and events outside the field of view of traditional cameras.

The NHL and AWS plan to roll out the new game features slowly throughout the next coming seasons, making adjustments along the way to enhance the fan experience. As one of the oldest and toughest sports around, hockey will start to have a new sleeker look. Will all the data teams will be able to collect, we should expect a faster, stronger, more in-depth game. Do you believe in miracles? Hockey fans sure do!

4G on the Moon – NASA awards Nokia $14 Million

Cellular Service That’s Out of This World

As soon as 2024, we may be seeing humans revisit the moon. Except this time, we should be able to communicate with them in real time from a cellular device. Down here on Earth, the competition between telecom providers is as intense as ever. However, Nokia may have just taken one giant leap over its competitors, with the announcement of expanding into a new market, winning a $14.1 million contract from Nasa to put a 4G network on the moon.

Why put a communications network on the moon?

Now, you may be wondering, “why would we need a telecommunications network on the mood?” According to Nokia Labs researchers, installing a 4G network on the surface of Earth’s natural satellite will help show whether it’s possible to have human habitation on the moon. By adopting a super-compact, low-power, space-hardened, wireless 4G network, it will greatly increase the US space agency’s plan to establish a long-term human presence on the moon by 2030. Astronauts will begin carrying out detailed experiments and explorations which the agency hopes will help it develop its first human mission to Mars.

Nokia’s 4G LTE network, the predecessor to 5G, will deliver key communication capabilities for many different data transmission applications, including vital command and control functions, remote control of lunar rovers, real-time navigation and streaming of high definition video. These communication applications are all vital to long-term human presence on the lunar surface. The network is perfectly capable of supplying wireless connectivity for any activity that space travelers may need to carry out, enabling voice and video communications capabilities, telemetry and biometric data exchange, and deployment and control of robotic and sensor payloads.

Learn more about “radiation-hardened” IT equipment used by NASA in our blog.

How can Nokia pull this off?

When it comes to space travel and moon landings in the past, you always hear about how so much can go wrong. Look at Apollo 13 for instance. Granted, technology has vastly improved in the past half century, but it still seems like a large feat to install a network on the moon. The network Nokia plans to implement will be designed for the moon’s distinctive climate, with the ability to withstand extreme temperatures, radiation, and even vibrations created by rocket landings and launches. The moon’s 4G network will also use much smaller cells than those on Earth, having a smaller range and require less power.

Nokia is partnering with Intuitive Machines for this mission to integrate the network into their lunar lander and deliver it to the lunar surface. The network will self-configure upon deployment and establish the first LTE communications system on the Moon. Nokia’s network equipment will be installed remotely on the moon’s surface using a lunar hopper built by Intuitive Machines in late 2022.

According to Nokia, the lunar network involves an LTE Base Station with integrated Evolved Packet Core (EPC) functionalities, LTE User Equipment, RF antennas and high-reliability operations and maintenance (O&M) control software. The same LTE technologies that have met the world’s mobile data and voice demands for the last decade are fully capable of providing mission critical and state-of-the-art connectivity and communications capabilities for the future of space exploration. Nokia plans to supply commercial LTE products and provide technology to expand the commercialization of LTE, and to pursue space applications of LTE’s successor technology, 5G.

Why did Nokia win the contract to put a network on the moon?

An industry leader in end-to-end communication technologies for service provider and enterprise customers all over the world, Nokia develops and provides networks for airports, factories, industrial, first-responders, and the harshest mining operations on Earth. Their series of networks have far proven themselves reliable for automation, data collection and dependable communications. By installing its technologies in the most extreme environment known to man, Nokia will corroborate the solution’s performance and technology readiness, enhancing it for future space missions and human inhabiting.

Snowflake IPO

On September 16, 2020, history was made on the New York Stock Exchange. A software company named Snowflake (ticker: SNOW) made its IPO as the largest publicly traded software company, ever. As one of the most hotly anticipated listing in 2020, Snowflake began publicly trading at $120 per share and almost immediately jumped to $300 per share within a matter of minutes. With the never before seen hike in price, Snowflake also became the largest company to ever double in value on its first day of trading, ending with a value of almost $75 billion. 

What is Snowflake?

So, what exactly does Snowflake do? What is it that makes a billionaire investors like Warren Buffet and Marc Benioff jump all over a newly traded software company? It must be something special right? With all the speculation surrounding the IPO, it’s worth explaining what the company does. A simple explanation would be that Snowflake helps companies store their data in the cloud, rather than in on-site facilities. Traditionally, a company’s data is been stored on-premises on physical servers managed by that company. Tech giants like Oracle and IBM have led the industry for decades. Well, Snowflake is profoundly different. Instead of helping company’s store their data on-premises, Snowflake facilitates the warehousing of data in the cloud. But that’s not all. Snowflake has the capabilities of making the data queryable, meaning it simplifies the process for businesses looking to pull insights from the stored data. This is what sets Snowflake apart from the other data hoarding behemoths of the IT world. Snowflake discovered the secret to separating data storage from the act of computing the data. The best part is that they’ve done this before any of the other big players like Google, Amazon, or Microsoft. Snowflake is here to stay. 

Snowflake’s Leadership

Different than Silicon Valley’s tech unicorns of the past, Snowflake was started in 2012 by three data base engineers. Backed by venture capitalists and one VC firm that wishes to remain anonymous, Snowflake is currently led by software veteran, Frank Slootman. Before taking the reigns at Snowflake, Slootman had great success leading Data Domain and Service Now. He grew Data Domain from just a twenty-employee startup venture to over $1 billion in sales and a $2.4 billion acquisition sale to EMC. I think it’s safe to say that Snowflake is in the right hands, especially if it has any hopes of maturing into its valuation.

Snowflake’s Product Offering

We all know that Snowflake isn’t the only managed data warehouse in the industry. Both Amazon Web Service’s (AWS) Redshift and Google Cloud Platform’s (GCP) BigQuery are very common alternatives. So there had to be something that set Snowflake apart from the competition. It’s a combination of flexibility, service, and user interface. With a database like Snowflake, two pieces of infrastructure are driving the revenue model: storage and computing. Snowflake takes the responsibility of storing the data as well as ensuring the data queries run fast and smooth. The idea of splitting storage and computing in a data warehouse was unusual when Snowflake launched in 2012. Currently, there are query engines like Presto that solely exist just to run queries with no storage included. Snowflake offers the advantages of splitting storage and queries: stored data is located remotely on the cloud, saving local resources for the load of computing data. Moving storage to the cloud delivers lower cost, has higher availability, and provides greater scalability.  

 

Multiple Vendor Options

A majority of companies have adopted a multi-cloud as they prefer not to be tied down to a single cloud provider.  There’s a natural hesitancy to choose options like BigQuery that are subject to a single cloud like Google. Snowflake offers a different type of flexibility, operating on AWS, Azure, or GCP, satisfying the multi-cloud wishes of CIOs. With tech giants battling for domination of the cloud, Snowflake is in a sense the Switzerland of data warehousing. 

Learn more about a multi-cloud approach

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Snowflake as a Service

When considering building a data warehouse, you need to take into account the management of the infrastructure itself. Even when farming out servers to a cloud provider, decisions like the right size storage, scaling to growth, and networking hardware come into play. Snowflake is a fully managed service. This means that users don’t need to worry about building any infrastructure at all. Just put your data into the system and query it. Simple as that. 

While fully managed services sound great, it comes at a cost. Snowflake users need to be deliberate about storing and querying their data as fully managed services are pricey. If deciding whether to build or buy your data warehouse, it would be wise to compare Snowflake ownership’s total cost to building something themselves.

 

Snowflake’s User Interface and SQL Functionality

Snowflake’s UI for querying and exploring tables is as easy on the eyes as it to use. Their SQL functionality is also a strong touching point. (Structured Query Language) is the programming language that developers and data scientists use to query their databases. Each database has slightly different details, wording, and structure. Snowflake’s SQL seems to have collected the best from all of the database languages and added other useful functions. 

 

A Battle Among Tech Giants

As the proverb goes, competition creates reason for caution. Snowflake is rubbing shoulders with some of the world’s largest companies, including Amazon, Google, and Microsoft. While Snowflake has benefited from an innovative market advantage, the Big Three are catching up quickly by creating comparable platforms.

However, Snowflake is dependent on these competitors for data storage. They’ve only has managed to thrive by acting as “Switzerland”, so customers don’t have to use just one cloud provider. As more competition enters the “multicloud” service industry, nonalignment can be an advantage, but not always be possible. Snowflake’s market share is vulnerable as there are no clear barriers to entry for the industry giants, given their technical talent and size. 

Snowflake is just an infant in the public eye and we will see if it sinks or swims over the next year or so. But with brilliant leadership, a promising market, and an extraordinary track record, Snowflake may be much more than a one hit wonder. Snowflake may be a once in a lifetime business.

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