A Step-By-Step Guide To DIY #Djing @SpotifySA #SpotifySouthAfrica

Hi Friends,

The playlist is arguably one of the most important parts of any event. So, as South Africans prep for summer, thinking about your party playlist, and making sure the most popular mood songs are on it, are essential to ensuring an awesome party vibe.

Hiring a DJ is not only costly, but it can also end in disaster as soon as the DJ stops ‘reading the room’ and starts spinning those golden oldies that lost their sheen decades ago. Avoid the awkward silences, beats that fall flat and set your own vibe with Spotify’s handy tips below on how to get your guests moving to the best summer tunes.

The many viral dance challenges that have taken the music scene by storm over the past year also make the best icebreakers. There is no way you won’t get your guests moving to Drake’s In My Feelings with everyone yelling, “Kiki do you love me…!” at the top of their lungs.

So now you’ve got the party started and want to keep it going with an amazing playlist of the biggest local and international songs, what do you add to your list? Well, according to Spotify’s list of the most streamed songs and artists by South African audiences since launch*, if you’re going to include any artist on your playlist Drake is a must, as he is both the most popular artist, and has the most popular for South African audiences. (Drake was also the most streamed artist on Spotify’s Top Global Songs of Summer 2018, in the northern hemisphere.)

If you’d like to add some local flair to your playlist, Spotify recommends some of the top South African house, hip-hop, and pop artists. The most-streamed SA artists since launch, broken down by streams in South Africa and the rest of the world, are Nasty C, AKA and Jeremy Loops as the top three artists, respectively. Local favorites, Shekhinah, DJ Maphorisa, Lady Zamar, Black Coffee and Distruction Boyz also made an appearance on the top 20 list.

Now that you have an idea of where to start when creating your playlist all you have to do is sign up to Spotify, for free, at spotify.com. Once you’ve completed the first step below, you’re well on your way to a great party with nothing but the best songs to keep it going. Let’s get started!

· Make your selection
Whether your event is a small relaxed affair or a highly polished event, your choice of music will have the largest impact on the overall mood of the event and guests. Knowing what your guests will like and the type of atmosphere you want to create is essential for striking the perfect musical balance.

To create a playlist, go to www.spotify.com and follow these simple steps:

1. Sign up (if you haven’t already)
2. Click new playlist on the bottom left-hand corner
3. Use Spotify’s browse feature to explore different genres & moods
4. Tap the ‘more button’ (…)
5. Tap add to playlist
6. Repeat step 4 and 5 until you are happy with the selection you have made

· Let the music play on
No one likes awkward silences, so ensure you give your playlist that professional DJ touch by making use of Spotify’s crossfade feature. Crossfade lets you eliminate the silence between tracks so your music never stops. Simply turn this feature on under advanced settings on your app. To enable Crossfade:

1. Click on the menu next to your name
2. Go into settings
3. Scroll down and click show advanced settings
4. Under playback, switch crossfade songs on – button will turn green
5. Move the slider to select the desired crossfade length

· RSVP Collaboration
Get your guests involved right from the beginning by having them RSVP with their top three favorite tracks and add these to the playlist. This way everyone will have a moment at the event when their song comes on. You can achieve this by creating a collaborative playlist. To create a collaborative playlist: Click the ‘more button’ (…) and select a collaborative playlist – make sure there is a tick next to it. You have the option to share your playlist as a link, which you could include in your e-invite, or use on your favorite social media platform.

· Co-DJing
Everyone loves making a special request, so when that time of the evening comes and some other tracks spring to mind, or the evening takes a nostalgic turn, why not give your guests access to a tablet or two. They can then browse the song they want to hear and add it to the collaborative playlist you created as part of the RSVP process.

· Personalise your collaborative playlist
Personalize your playlist by uploading a picture of your event invitation as well as adding important information about it in the description box. This guarantees that your guests don’t end up on the wrong playlist – in case there is another one that is similarly named.

Best of all the party playlist lives on - you can add the link to the thank you emails or pass onto guests after the event as a memory of an incredible occasion.

Download the Spotify app via the Android or iOS app store or by heading to www.spotify.com - to embed Spotify into a website - right click on any playlist, go to 'share' and copy the embed code.

#SpotifySouthAfrica - Facebook: @Spotify |Twitter: @SpotifySA | Instagram: @spotify

Cheers!!!

Contact me at thelifesway@gmail.com to collaborate on your products, events, and services. #TheLifesWay #PhotoYatra! 

@SpotifySA Debuts #AfroHub #SpotifySouthAfrica #AfricanMusic

Hi Friends,

As part of Spotify’s newest Global Cultures initiative, designed to promote and bring to the surface culturally diverse music, Spotify today announced the launch of a new Afro Hub. Spotify’svision for Global Cultures is to connect audiences, bringing cultures from around the world into your playlist, opening a lens into fresh parts of this small world.

Focused on delivering relevant content, the Global Cultures editorial team initiated this global plan with the Latin and Desi hubs followed by today’s launch of the Afro Hub.

This much-anticipated hub celebrates and honors the African culture as well as it’s widely known and loved music. It’s our mission to uncover every layer of this ancient, expressive and rhythmic musical culture which is an important component of today’s mainstream, modern music. Comprised of a variety of different styles, African music has influenced genres in the U.S. and abroad for centuries.

Afro Hub will include multiple tiers of content featuring news, podcasts, and playlists. A few examples of the hub’s playlists include: African Heat (Top Hits); Peppeh (Early Bets); Gold Mine(Classics) and We Everywhere (X-Overs / Diaspora Hits), as well as playlists highlighting the continent’s best tracks within continental shelves (ex. West Africa, East Africa, Southern Africa).

The hub will also offer unique content including playlist takeovers from artists like Major Lazer, Wizkid, Jacob Banks, Burna Boy, and Bas & Mereba, and podcasts by Jesus & Jollof feat. Yvonne Orji and Luvvie Ajayi, some of the best African creators of today.

Visit Spotify’s Afro Hub here: http://spoti.fi/Afro
*****Read our FTR post for a more in-depth look at the Global Cultures initiative****

 

Cheers!!!

Contact me at thelifesway@gmail.com to collaborate on your products, events, and services. #TheLifesWay #PhotoYatra! 

How AI in your Smartphone can Change Your Mobile Experience? @HuaweiZA #HigherIntelligence

Hi Friends,

Over a decade ago, smartphones were ‘smart’ simply because they were mobile devices that could connect to the internet and enable their users to perform tasks that they would ordinarily do on a computer. However, in 2018 and the near future, it is AI advancements that will take smartphones to a whole new level of intelligence. Analyst Gartner recently predicted that, by 2022, 80 percent of smartphones will have on-device AI capabilities, compared to just 10 percent in 2017.

Currently, two of the main ways AI enhances the user’s smartphone experience is through its improvement in performance and camera capabilities. One such device that really excels in these two key aspects is the new Huawei Mate 20 Pro.

Better performance and efficiency
The secret behind the Huawei Mate 20 Pro’s enhanced performance is the Kirin 980, the world’s first 7nm system-on-a-chip (SoC), which enables it to pack 6.9 billion transistors in the same form factor as its predecessor. A 7nm processor can perform up to 20 percent faster and at 40 percent improved efficiency over its 10nm counterparts. The process technology is strongly correlated to mobile SoC performance and efficiency, and the advanced process technology is the foundation of an enhanced user experience.

The launch of the Kirin 980 represents another step towards an era of truly intelligent smartphones. Its predecessor, the Kirin 970, which was behind the impressive performance of the Huawei Mate 10 and Huawei P20, was the first SoC that came with a dedicated AI processor. The Kirin 980, however, is the industry’s first mobile SoC to be equipped with two neural processing units (NPUs). The Dual-NPU setup gives greater AI processing power, which allows even richer AI experiences. Huawei’s HiAI platform combines the power of chipset, device, and cloud to bring together an unrivaled AI experience.

In response to the demand for even more improvements in the chipset, Huawei integrated the Cortex-A76 and Mali-G76—two new processors that were never before seen in other SoCs—into the Kirin 980. The new A76 cores feature vastly improved performance and efficiency, up 75 percent and 58 percent respectively. Huawei also developed a new Kirin CPU subsystem based on the multi-core architecture to further enhance the SoC’s performance and efficiency. In addition to a series of optimizations, the new solution improves the compatibility of various device processes to the CPU. Kirin CPU enables the SoC to unleash its greatest potential in both performance and efficiency.

In terms of GPU, the Mali-G76 embedded within Kirin 980 delivers 46 percent more graphics processing power and 178 percent better power efficiency. Kirin 980 also features an innovative AI clock boosting technology, GPU Turbo, which can intelligently identify the performance bottlenecks by reading the frame rate, frame time, user input and processor workload, and adjust accordingly in real time. GPU Turbo is particularly useful for gamers, as it works 30 percent better in predicting the resource color of games compared to conventional solutions. By improving the average frame rate and minimising the stuttering, users can enjoy a much smoother gaming experience.

Intuitive camera
In 2017, the launch of Huawei’s Kirin 970 gave the industry and consumers a glimpse into the potential of AI in enhancing technology. The Kirin 980 represents another breakthrough. Its new-generation image signal processor (ISP) features 46% increased throughput, enhanced the noise reduction and colour reproduction capabilities, as well as better support for multi-camera setups. These features allow users to capture incredible images with ease.

Leveraging the powerful Dual-NPU On-Device AI processing capability, the Kirin 980 provides an even better real-time user experience in areas such as facial recognition, object recognition, object detection, image segmentation, AI translation, and more. The Kirin 980 can recognize up to 4,500 images per minute, which is a 120% increase from its predecessor and greater than the industry average.

An exciting tool enabled by this technology is HiVision, which recognizes classical art and popular landmarks and can translate the text of a range of languages in real time. It can also estimate the calories and nutritional value of a hundred types of different foodstuffs.

The Kirin 980 also supports multi-person motion prediction, which accurately reads the motion of human subjects at up to 30fps and can rig their 3D model in real time. When a user attempts to snap a photo of a moving person, the ISP can track the object with 97.4 percent accuracy so any user can capture fleeting moments with ease.

Going from the Kirin 970 to the Kirin 980, Huawei brought AI to another level—the new SoC with its Dual-NPU goes beyond image recognition to support object detection. It also provides better support to multi-camera configurations, as well as an all-new HDR color reproduction technology that can manipulate picture contrast to highlight objects on various parts of an image. This AI Colour feature is a nifty tool for videographers, as it can isolate the people you want to focus on and keep them in color, while fading the surroundings to black and white. You can also edit your videos in real-time with a range of filters, such as Suspense and Fresh.

The good news for smartphone users is that AI is still in its infancy, so smartphone devices of the future will only perform better, act more intuitively, and be more useful.

Cheers!!!

Contact me at thelifesway@gmail.com to collaborate on your products, events, and services. #TheLifesWay #PhotoYatra!

5 Biggest Considerations When Buying A New TV? @SkyworthSA #SkysTheLimit

Hi Friends,

With so many technological advancements that cater to various needs and endless options on the market, buying a new TV for your home can be pretty daunting. Given the role a TV occupies in the home – providing entertainment, relaxation and a window to the world for the whole family – it’s not a purchasing decision to be made lightly. Not to mention the fact that you’re likely to spend a rather large sum of hard-earned dough in the process. Fear not - we’re here to help you decide. Here are five important things to think about before you swipe that plastic to ensure your new TV will bring nothing but joy into your home (ok, and maybe a couple of disagreements on what to watch).

Size matters
If you’re a fan of action-packed movies or nail-biting sporting events, you already know how important the size of the screen is. Consider the space into which your new TV will fit, and take measurements of the wall area or cabinet it’s going to sit on to make sure that you’re being practical about its size. How many people will be watching the TV at the same time? Now opt for the largest screen size that will fit comfortably in your lounge (and your budget). Generally, anything between 55 and 65 inches is a great all-around pick according to price, performance and how close most families sit to the TV.

Is it digital-ready?
South Africa’s digital migration is upon us and by June 2019, you’ll either need a digital-ready TV that can transmit digital signals or a Set-Top Box to decode digital signals for your old, box-style analog TV set. The benefits of investing in a digital TV include crystal-clear image quality, excellent sound and a wider range of channels. Ask the sales assistant to show you their range of digital-ready TVs when making your selection.

Does it have a 4K screen resolution?
Resolution refers to the sharpness of the TV picture, usually in terms of horizontal lines of pixels. Ultra HD/ 4K sets have four times more pixels than current Full HD screens. That’s as many as 2 160 horizontal lines, or 3 840 x 2 160 pixels. The result? Super-sharp, detailed and lifelike images, even on large screen sizes. For this reason, a 4K resolution is becoming increasingly popular because it’s a much better choice if you want to future-proof your investment – Skyworth’s G6 model was created with this in mind; it’s basically an Android TV made for the future.

What will you be using your TV for?
Apart from the obvious activity of chilling out to watch your favorite shows, what else do you want to be able to do with your TV? Will your kids be using it to play games? Will you be streaming shows on it? All of these preferences will impact the specific features that will attract you to buy a certain model over another one, so it’s wise to do your research, either online or in store before you say ‘yes’ to the device. Also, look out for at least four HDMI ports at the back of the set as these tend to get used up very quickly, especially if you are using accessories like a sound bar.

Does it include cutting-edge technology?
From Google Voice Assist, allowing you to speak to your TV, to rich connectivity via Bluetooth, selecting a TV that has advanced capabilities makes for a smarter TV and one you aren’t likely to need to replace in a few years’ time. With Android System 6.0, an easily updatable operating system, the G6 TV is your best bet when it comes to constantly upgrade your TV without forking out money every time. 

Cheers!!!

Contact me at thelifesway@gmail.com to collaborate on your products, events, and services. #TheLifesWay #PhotoYatra!

A #Gift for the Whole #Family This Festive Season @Gammatek #FunkoPop

Hi Friends,

The festive season is upon us and some of us have already started to scramble for ideas on what to get for everyone in the family this festive season. Getting a pair of socks of different colors got very old very quickly after the first year that you tried it so the time has come to really do something that would “Wow” the whole family. This is easier said than done as every person has their own tastes and interests and no one gift would be a good match for everyone.

A good starting point to search for the perfect gift is to figure out what every member of the family is a fan of. There is Dad that is a die-hard football supporter, Mom that loves binge watching her Game of Thrones series, little Brother that cannot get enough of Marvel superheroes, Sister that is in love with Aquaman and Granny that constantly talks to her grandkids about how much she loves Snow White and other Disney princesses. Well, it seems that you have just stumbled upon your list to get everyone the perfect gift!

But where are you going to find something that is related to all of these subjects without having to travel to the far corners of the planet to find it? There is one company with the slogan “everyone is a fan of something” that might just have exactly what you are looking for and in one place. Funko Pop! collectibles literally have a character for any taste and you are bound to find a character that will be perfect for every member of the family. For your Football-fanatic Dad, you can get an EPL player. For mom, a Jon Snow or Daenerys Targaryen would be perfect. How about getting The Avengers collection for your little brother and then an Aquaman for sister that she can talk to when no one is around. Granny would love a Snow White figurine to accompany her stories that she tells the grandkids and it would take her back down memory lane as well.

“I and my girlfriend watched Pixar’s “Up” movie the other day and fell in love with the Grandpa, Mr. Fredrickson. We then saw the Funko figurine in a shop window and we just had to have it. Now we will have to hunt for the Russell character as well to complete this cute collection.” – says Christiaan Louw, an Avid Funko collector.

There are also collections that you will be able to gift to the whole family where each member of the family can get a character to complete the collection. Examples of these collections would be the Parr Family from the Incredibles or the Justice League from the DC universe. So let’s just see how that would make the perfect gift for the whole family: Dad will get Batman, Mom will get wonder woman, Brother would get the Cyborg and Granny can get the flash to be her little helper.

Funko collectibles also have the potential to start a collecting hobby so it is really a gift that will keep on giving and the best part is, you would be able to buy Funko Pop! collectibles next season again to fuel their ever-growing collection. Funko figurines will also be much better received than those socks that you were planning to get everyone again.

Funko products are available in SA from BT Games, Cardies, Hamleys, Incredible Connection, Musica, Toy Kingdom, Toys R Us, and Vodacom stores. It is also available online on Loot.co.za, Takealot.com; Technomobi.co.za and Shopandship.co.za.

For more information on Gammatek’s product range please visit www.gammatek.co.za or follow on Twitter @gammatek and Facebook

 

Cheers!!!
Contact me at thelifesway@gmail.com to collaborate on your products, events, and services. #TheLifesWay #PhotoYatra!  

How #Brainstorming Sessions Can Make #Business Sense? @SamsungSA #GameChanger

Hi Friends,

We live in an era that embraces collaboration and diverse perspectives. Effective brainstorm sessions are therefore more relevant now than they’ve ever been before. The idea of company brainstorms has been around since after World War Two, but the focus now is on how to best harness their power to serve the short and long-term needs of modern businesses. Here are six ways you can do so:

Make A Statement
The first step should be to determine a clear problem that the brainstorming session will address. This could take the form of a question, such as “How can we expand our delivery routes in the North West?” It’s then essential to set boundaries for possible solutions. For example, solutions may need to be implemented within three months. The tighter the boundaries set, the greater the chances of finding appropriate solutions.

Clarify The Statement
Next, compile any additional information participants will need to know. If possible, send the details ahead of time to elicit more productive responses during the session. Additionally, it’s important to establish definitions of key terms and ideas so everyone works from the same page. Every pertinent word in the initial statement should be expanded on to ensure all participants share a common understanding of the problem to be solved. The process of unpacking this information is itself a catalyst for effective brainstorming.

 

Choose The Right Facilitator
The facilitator can make or break a brainstorm. They should be selected based on their ability to keep the session on track and be unbiased. Their central role is to make sure everyone participates and that no one dominates the discussion. Importantly, the person selected should be approachable. An imposing senior manager, for example, could prevent the free flow of thoughts.

Get The Right Group Dynamic
The session should include people in the company who understand the problem based on their relevant exposure and/or expertise. However, one or two participants from another area of the business could add unique insights that could potentially take the session to a more productive level. Where possible, invite a diverse mix of participants from varying cultures, backgrounds and age groups. Some of the best ideas are generated when a group is made up of individuals with different perspectives on the same problem.

Use Technology To Your Benefit
Technology has touched every facet of the business world and can positively impact a brainstorm session. A great example of this is the traditional flip chart, which has now undergone a remarkable transformation, courtesy of Samsung. The Samsung FL!P can add that extra sense of connectedness, vital to any brainstorm. It’s a brilliant, ultra-high definition LCD mobile display stand, with a super responsive stylus for writing and drawing, making it feel like you’re using a marker on a board. Better still, the FL!P is web-connected, making fully synchronized collaboration possible in meetings. Those with a laptop, tablet or smartphone can mirror their screens to share content. Ideas from the brainstorm can also be recapped and shared instantly, using built-in email, distributed over your network or saved to USB storage.

Take A Shower
Ideally, a brainstorm should not last more than an hour. At this point, attention spans the waiver and the quality of suggestions weaken. Once the session is complete, the list of shortlisted ideas should be shared. Quite often, it’s the hours or days after the brainstorm that inspires the best thinking. After reading a recap of the session, the magical Eureka moment can happen in the unlikeliest of places, like the shower or while driving home from work.

“The best business solutions are often unearthed in conditions conducive to lateral thinking and the sharing of insights. When brainstorm sessions are organized, collaborative and the initial results are easily shared, the ideas arrive like a bolt of lightning from the skies. That’s when the power of brainstorming makes an impact on the bottom line”, says Reginald Nxumalo, Director of Consumer Electronics, Samsung South Africa.

Cheers!!!
Contact me at thelifesway@gmail.com to collaborate on your products, events, and services. #TheLifesWay #PhotoYatra!

Hirsch's Women In Business Gala Dinner @EmperorsPalace #MHA2018 @GrundigUK

Hi Friends,

The GRUNDIG sponsored, star-studded Hirsch’s Women in Business Gala Dinner at the opulent Emperor’s Palace in Johannesburg.

Local celebrities and socialites dazzled and wowed the extravaganza as we saw them embracing the African Queen theme wholeheartedly. The event was attended by 450 top Johannesburg entrepreneurs, influencers and decision-makers across a wide range of industry sectors.

While this gala showcased women in business, it’s primary aim was to raise funds for Subz Pads, a non-profit organization that distributes reusable sanitary protection to young girls. GRUNDIG, together with Hirsch, used this prestigious event to acknowledge that the future in women empowerment lies in the lives of girls aged 13-19 who miss 25% of their schooling year due to not having any means to sanitary protection during menstruation.

GAUTENG CREW WITH LINDS AND GLENDA

Grundig and Hirsch’s Women in Business Gala Dinner, garnered the influence of the esteemed guests at the event to support this fundraising initiative that aims to reach 30 000 young girls by 2020 and provide them with the opportunity to benefit from their education.

GRUNDIG’s spokesperson, managing director, Mr. Evren Albas said that GRUNDIG was excited to be part of this event that celebrated and praised the empowerment of women. “Women are our target market and we are privileged to have been part of acknowledging both women in positions of power, as well as those that are disadvantaged,” says Mr. Evren Albas.

About GRUNDIG
Since 1946 Grundig has made modern, high-quality products which make people’s lives better. What began back in 1946 with a radio has now grown into a wide range of products available throughout Europe with a focus on quality and style - you can find other country offerings on www.grundig.de.

5 YEAR WARRANTY - Our latest innovation is a new range of high quality, award-winning stylish home appliances available now in South Africa. Grundig home appliances come with a 5-year warranty as standard to reflect our trust in the German design and reliability of our range.

MARGARET WITH REGIONAL RUNNER UP AMUKELANI MASHELE, REGIONAL WINNER, TAMARA PHEIFFER REGIONAL RUNNER UP. PAMELA NIEMAND AND MELANIE HAWKEN

GERMAN HERITAGE - Grundig is a brand with German heritage and is not only innovative and efficient but also manufactures goods that are reliable and sustainably good for the environment. At its essence, Grundig creates products that add joy to your life by helping you get the most out of important things in life. It is in this way that we are continuing to evolve while remaining faithful to our range of products – designed with you in mind.

ECO CHAMP PROPOSITION - Imagine and think ahead. Whether it’s cooling, cooking, dishwashing, washing or drying clothes; do it with a feeling of ease and inner well-being. Grundig Eco Champ products are elegantly designed appliances that come with first-class energy efficiency and innovative technology.

 

Cheers!!!
Contact me at thelifesway@gmail.com to collaborate on your products, events, and services. #TheLifesWay #PhotoYatra!

Score GT - The New Great Tasting Sugar Free Game Changer @DrinkScore #ScoreGT

Hi Friends, 

Double your power with Score GT – the new sugar-free sensation that’s big on taste and packs an explosive guarana surge.

Hitting the shelves this summer, Score GT brings the heat, minus the sugar. With the same great taste as the popular Original Score Energy Drink, a healthy dose of B vitamins and a double shot of guarana, you can now score guilt free. This thirst-quenching game changer is free of taurine leaving you with the same sublime aftertaste that keeps Score fans coming back for more.

Score GT is available in mega 500ml cans in leading outlets selling at around R10.

Check out www.drinkscore.co.za for more information and keep in touch by joining the Score community on www.facebook.com/DrinkScore and follow @drinkscore on Twitter and Instagram.

 

Cheers!!!
Contact me at thelifesway@gmail.com to collaborate on your products, events, and services. #TheLifesWay #PhotoYatra! 

The Phone That Talks Big And Delivers Even More @SamsungMobileSA #GalaxyNote9 #DoWhatYouCant

Hi Guys,

We can look to the stars and imagine how astronauts are bravely exploring the frontiers of space. However, back on Earth, it’s the Samsung Galaxy Note9 that is exploring the limits of space. It’s a ground-breaking smartphone that delivers the ultimate in performance; a new S Pen with connectivity for the first time ever; an all day, longer lasting battery and Samsung’s most intelligent camera yet. There’s no ignoring one of its mind-expanding features. The 512GB model gives you over one terabyte of storage via a microSD. That’s enough storage to save hundreds of thousands of photos, a library of 800 movies, the first five seasons of “How to get away with murder” or even 200 000 songs*. Now, that’s a game changer!

Justin Hume, Director: Integrated Mobility at Samsung South Africa says, “The Note9 has raised the bar for smartphones considerably. It’s designed to hold on to files, precious moments and vital data on an unprecedented scale.”

The one terabyte of storage translates into having the full power of a laptop in your pocket or purse. The level of storage capacity evident in a Note9 opens a myriad of possibilities for different people in extraordinary ways.

The Creative Professional
With the ever-growing world of design apps, creatives from all disciplines can now be uber-efficient on the go. The Note9 gives creatives the freedom to create, starting from the notes and illustrations that can be sketched out with the S Pen to the phones superior processing power to bring ideas to life. The extra storage goes that one step further because of the ability to save and store thousands of high res images, video files, fonts, and PSD files. And the added benefit of the breathtaking infinity display instantly transforms the Note9 into a mobile creative workshop.

The DJ or Muso
When inspiration hits, it’s always handy to have a studio in your pocket. Combined with the many cutting-edge audio apps available online, a DJ or musician can make and listen to mixes created in the moment. When you factor in the cost of equipment that usually needs to be carried around and the cost of it, one terabyte of storage is like music to well-trained ears. Useful software programmes and apps can run and save a plethora of soon to be perfected WAV files. This amount of storage gives musicians the room to fully orchestrate their world according to the rhythm of their greatest compositions.

The Entrepreneur or Business Mogul
To keep up with the pace of modern business, South African companies are demanding more from employees, and smartphones can have an immense impact on productivity. The Note9 goes the distance with unparalleled performance and tools that place an office in the palm of the hand of the tireless entrepreneur or corporate heavyweight. It also empowers employees to do so much more. With storage double that which is offered by competing smartphones, a business can operate on the move and on a staggeringly efficient level. The flood of data that flows between the office, customers, and suppliers can be managed more effectively than ever.

The Vlogger
The video is one of the most compelling and engaging types of media. It can help a vlogger establish authority, build influence, and raise engagement levels on their site. In the past, creating a high-quality vlog, required the same equipment used for professional video productions. It’s a creative and social expedition that can run up costs faster than a cat video gone viral. The Note9, however, matches the technology and specifications used by professional film crews. And with added storage, you can store take after take, until you get the one that takes the internet by storm.

The Photographer
Not long ago a professional photographer using a smartphone for work would have been a rare sight. Times have changed. There is now a growing band of photographers who create images exclusively with smartphones. With an intelligent AI-powered camera that adjusts to its environment and light with the eye of a pro, the Note9 is perfectly at home on any set. Additionally, on a remote location, photographers appreciate the all-day battery. And the extra storage provides the platform to go further and capture more. For example, that pixel perfect hummingbird shot may require thousands of shots. But with one terabyte of space photographers can truly go wild.

Space is no longer the final frontier. It’s a tool, which when placed in the right hands, can become a journey like no other. The Note9 empowers its user to do more and to save every moment along the way.

*Research by University of Oregon Aimblog
 
Cheers!!!
Contact me at thelifesway@gmail.com to collaborate on your products, events, and services. #TheLifesWay #PhotoYatra!

Be Prepared for An Active #Lifestyle with Hybrid Bags @Solo_NewYork @Gammatek #EverydaySolo

Hi Friends,

Hybrid bags are the future of backpacks and Solo New York has taken the lead with these new innovations to take you from Workout to Chill-out with only one bag. These stylish new innovations are available in South Africa thanks to Gammatek, and it is proving to be an innovation that South Africans have been waiting for.

Since its inception to the South African market almost a year ago, it has become a fast-growing urban lifestyle brand that is a must have for anyone that needs a versatile carrying device for a highly demanding, active lifestyle. Apart from the versatility of the Solo bags, they are super stylish and offer a boatload of functionality and compartments for people on the move and that needs a bag to go that extra mile.

Solo All-star Backpack

“There are days that you need to go to your office, meet a client for an off-site meeting, go to the gym and meet some old friends for a catch-up. It is just a hassle, to say the least, to have to go home in traffic and pick up some extra clothes or to carry 2 to 3 bags, for days like these. With Hybrid bags from Solo, you can keep your gym clothes separate from your office wear and still be prepared with some casual clothes for meeting your friends later on. It even has separate compartments for my laptop and tablet to get some work done” - says Gammatek’s Zev Cherniak.

Solo Hybrid bags are made from high-quality durable materials and boast extreme quality when compared to other backpacks in South Africa. Apart from the hybrid feature, they also have an abundance of internal organizing compartments and pockets to keep your day organized and to help streamline any daily event that calls for quick access to mobile devices, documents, and equipment.

When you need to carry more than usual, the padded back straps will ensure comfort and mobility so that you can go by your day with leisure. With a vast range of shapes, colors, and sizes to choose from, there is a Solo Hybrid bag for everyone.

Solo Work to Play Backpack

The Hybrid ranges of Solo bags that are available in SA are as follows:

Solo Work to Play Backpack
Features: Fully padded 15.6" laptop compartment; two front pockets; front zip-down organizer section with key clip; side mesh pockets to fit most water bottles; padded carry handle and backpack straps; lightweight and innovative design allowing it work as a backpack or briefcase. Priced at R999.

Solo All-star Backpack
A backpack with a modern, clean design that will take you from hangout to workout. It comes in a city-cool black and is built for all-day, everyday use. The backpack transforms into a duffel bag with a large capacity. A separate shoe/laundry compartment will keep your gym and office wear separate and an internal organizer section will help you to find all your daily needs in a second. The bag includes a removable/adjustable shoulder strap and hideaway padded backpack straps so that you can carry your bag any way you want, no matter where you are. The bag is also ultra-lightweight and will not weigh you down when you are on the move. Priced at R1699

Solo Everyday Max Backpack
Whether you are traveling, hiking or just commuting, this bag will be the only bag you will ever need for any situation. Pack your over-sized 17’ laptop into the fully padded 17.1” laptop compartment and carry your tablet in the separate tablet compartment. Carry your shoes in an isolated pocket to keep away from your other stuff and still have room for your water bottles in the zippered side pockets. If you are lugging around a heavy load, you cannot have a comfier bag as all the straps are heavily padded for added comfort.

Solo Duane Hybrid

Solo Duane Hybrid
A compact and sleek briefcase that transforms into a backpack; It has a fully padded 15.6" laptop compartment; internal iPad/ tablet pocket; large front pocket with organizer section; two front quick access pockets; padded carry handles with magnetic snaps; removable and adjustable shoulder strap, and hideaway padded backpack straps for added comfort. Priced at R999.

Solo Weekender Backpack Duffel
Be prepared for anything with this handy backpack that converts into a duffel bag in seconds. It has a fully padded 15.6” laptop compartment; internal iPad/ tablet pocket; separate shoe compartment; large side zippered pockets and a handy padded carry handle and straps. Priced at R1499.

Solo Hybrid bags are designed in one of the world’s fashion capitals, New York USA and has won various awards in the USA for both quality and fashion. These bags are the perfect gift for your personal upgrade or to gift it to someone close. The quality is awesome on these bags as I have personally reviewed some of them.

The Solo range is available in South Africa at Incredible Connection, Takealot.com, technomobi.co.za Shopandship.co.za and selected PNA stores.

Cheers!!!
Contact me at thelifesway@gmail.com to collaborate on your products, events, and services. #TheLifesWay #PhotoYatra!

@HuaweiZA Launches HiAI 2.0, Commits to Creating the Ultimate AI App Experience #HigherIntelligence

Hi Friends,

At the third Huawei Eco-connect Europe conference, Huawei launched HiAI 2.0, an open platform designed to facilitate the development of On-Device artificial intelligence (AI). The latest iteration of the platform provides developers with an open ecosystem that lets them tap into the capabilities of Huawei’s chipsets, devices and cloud via HiAI Foundation, HiAI Engine, and HiAI Service.

Lu Wenyu, Chief AI Expert of Product Management Department, Huawei CBG announces HiAI 2.0

Lu Wenyu, Chief AI Expert of Product Management Department, Huawei Consumer Business Group, said, “In April 2018, Huawei announced HiAI 1.0, a mobile AI computing platform. By providing developers with operators and APIs, the inaugural platform helped cut down the time and complexity of app development. HiAI 2.0 will bring with it even greater computing power, richer APIs and better support across a wider range of devices. It’ll significantly lower the barrier to entry of AI development, allowing even more developers to join in and create exciting new apps for consumers.”

Huawei HiAI 2.0 Facilitates AI App Development
The new HiAI platform offers developers greater access to the capabilities of Huawei’s chipsets, devices, and cloud. It includes the HiAI Foundation, HiAI Engine, and HiAI Service, which work in concert to serve the myriad needs of developers.

1. HiAI Foundation provides developers access to chipset capabilities such as support for multiple frameworks and operators, as well as high computational capabilities. The HiAI platform leverages the capabilities of Kirin 980 and its Dual-NPU to realize double image recognition speed compared to its predecessor, or up to 4,500 images per minute. It also supports a greater number of developer models and operators, creating an environment whereby AI apps can run smoother and deliver a better user experience.

2. HiAI Engine provides apps engineers on the market with more choices. The APIs provided on the platform let developers quickly integrate key features into their projects and focus their efforts on delivering a truly compelling product. One of the most recent examples of HiAI Engine at work can be found on the recently launched Huawei Mate 20 Series. Using the flagship devices’ AI Spotlight Reel, a feature that can identify clips that all feature a character and auto-generate a 10-second montage. This feature is using face recognition and aesthetic scores provided by AI Engine. Benefit from the improvement of HiAI computing power, enabling the AI Engine to complete automatic editing on the mobile phone.

3. HiAI Service establishes a bridge between users’ needs and services. By connecting the two, developers can push services to consumers in a timely and proactive manner.

To date, there are more than 1,000 partners and 450,000 developers actively working within the Huawei HiAI ecosystem and empowering more than 300 million users with AI capabilities. Under the HiAI program, Huawei operates 13 R&D centers and 2 Open Labs around the world to collaborate with local developers on app development. These Labs also perform the role of a springboard for successful developers to launch their projects globally. Huawei remains committed to working with partners to build the AI ecosystem and perfect the AI app experience.

Cheers!!!
Contact me at thelifesway@gmail.com to collaborate on your products, events, and services. #TheLifesWay #PhotoYatra!

Why So Serious, South Africa? #WalkItOff @TomyTakkies

Hi Friends,

Let’s be honest: a lot of the time, living in South Africa is no joke. From crime and corruption to cash-in-transit heists and car accidents, us South Africans experience our fair share of adversity. It’s tough out here, and here’s the thing: if we don’t laugh about it, we’ll cry. So why take it so seriously? In the face of the ridiculous, the unpleasant and the outrageous, it’s up to us to seek the silver lining in all situations. For every serious scenario, you stumble across, there is an opportunity to either at the very least, shrug it off, or at the most, find the funny.

As South Africans, the best defense we have against despondency is our ever-enduring sense of humor. Spend five minutes on Twitter and you’ll quickly realize that no populous of people can see the funny side of things quite like we can. Any given meeting of the National Assembly is a better entertainment value than anything on Netflix.

From snoozing MPs in parliament and Doom Pastors to bamboozled SARS IT Chiefs, one thing is for sure: living in SA is never a dull moment. We’re all in this together, and the best way to survive it is with a good sense of humor and the right shoes to #WalkItOff in.

South Africa, please give me protection from yourself. Step up your sense of humor in a pair of Tomy Takkies and try not to take things so seriously.

About Tomy Takkies
Our story began in 1964 in Bata’s first production factory in Zimbabwe. Hard shoes were not working for our local market because of the dry climate and hard ground. The founding father of Bata developed a softer, canvas shoe and aptly named it after his son Tomy George Bata.
 

The impact a small, unknown brand would come to have on street culture and fashion in South Africa surpassed expectation. It was only a matter of time before the Tomy Originals became a classic. It spread like a fashion wildfire and our brand soon provided an identity for students, sportsman, school children, rebels, artists, your next door neighbor and everyone in between – it’s the classic, timeless look that shaped our brand early on that has South Africans wearing them with pride.

Tomy is the start of a journey. You put on your Tomy’s and get going with your day. It’s the founding ingredient you need to conquer and reach your goals. To get your look on the point you need to be looking and feeling great from the feet up. The brand’s simple and easy to style aesthetics have made it easy for you to do just that. When you rock your Tomys, you open your world to new possibilities.

Cheers!!!
Contact me at thelifesway@gmail.com to collaborate on your products, events, and services. #TheLifesWay #PhotoYatra!

SA Sales of #HuaweiMate20 up 280% compared to #Mate10 Release in first week @HuaweiZA

Hi Friends,

Huawei reports that the first week of local sales of its Huawei Mate 20 Pro has exceeded the first-week sales figures of its Huawei Mate 10 series by 280%. The Huawei Mate 10 series was launched only a year ago. The high-end smartphone manufacturer also revealed that the sales figures for the Huawei Mate 20 Pro are 73% higher than the corresponding sales figures from the first week of sales of the Huawei P20 series, which was released locally in April.

“The Huawei Mate 20 series offers consumers a compelling combination of powerful artificial intelligence (AI), flagship performance, longer battery life, advanced security, a greater videography and photography experience, and more—all wrapped in a sophisticated design,” explains Likun Zhao, General Manager at Huawei Consumer Business Group South Africa.

“Our first batch of Huawei Mate 20 Pro phones is almost sold out in SA. Another 14,500 devices have been ordered and will be available soon. Based on the first-week sales figures of the Huawei Mate 20 Pro, we are confident that this range of intelligent devices will further increase our share of the South African smartphone market, where we currently occupy the number two spot, ” notes Zhao.

Some of the features South Africans love about the Huawei Mate 20 Pro

1. Revolutionary camera
The Huawei Mate 20 Pro is equipped with a Leica Triple Camera featuring the 40MP main camera, a 20MP ultra-wide-angle camera, and an 8MP telephoto camera. Together, the trio of lenses mimics the results from professional cameras. The new camera system also supports macro photography, which produces crisp images of objects that are placed as close as 2.5 cm from the lens. The Huawei Mate 20 Series’ AI Portrait Colour video mode isolates the subjects of photos and desaturates the colors around them to dramatically highlight the person.

2. Long-lasting battery, SuperCharge, wireless quick charge, and reverse charging
Besides superb performance, the Huawei Mate 20 Series also features groundbreaking battery life. It supports 40W Huawei SuperCharge, which gives the device 70 percent charge in 30 minutes. The Huawei Mate 20 Pro also supports 15W Huawei Wireless Quick Charge, the industry’s fastest wireless charging solution, and Wireless Reverse Charge, which enables the device to work as a power bank for select electronic devices.

3. Biometric identification and in-screen fingerprint
The Huawei Mate 20 Pro supports 3D Face Unlock, which can quickly authenticate users within 0.6s at a false acceptance rate of below 1/1,000,000. These smartphones also feature an in-screen fingerprint sensor that has better speed and success rates.

4. EMUI 9 enables a quality life
The device’s smart operating system enables the Huawei Mate 20 Pro to perform a range of tasks from object identification to food calorie counting by simply pointing the camera towards objects. It is also able to recognize famous paintings and landmarks.

“The Huawei Mate 20 series allows users to fully immerse themselves in today’s dynamic digital world. Its advanced and powerful system is designed to be exceptional in every way and to deliver unparalleled next-generation smartphone innovation for South African consumers,” concludes Zhao.

 

Cheers!!!

Contact me at thelifesway@gmail.com to collaborate on your products, events, and services. #TheLifesWay #PhotoYatra!

It’s Beginning To Look a Lot Like #Christmas... on @SpotifySA #SpotifySouthAfrica

Hi Friends,

With more than 21 million Christmas-themed playlists on Spotify, it’s safe to say our listeners have a healthy appetite for holiday music.

But how early do they start listening to it? Depending on where you are in the world, there’s a good chance you’ve already begun.

Most countries start to hit play on holiday hits in November, with the first big spike in listening happening around December 1st. (We’ve determined that a country is officially festive once Christmas tracks make up more than 2 percent of all listening in the region).

According to our data, the Philippines is always first out of the gate and cranks up the Yuletide tunes as early as September. Makes sense; the country kicks off a bevy of Christmas-related festivities that month. And while Filipinos can’t get enough of holiday songs from Michael Bublé, Mariah Carey and Ariana Grande this time of year, they also love local veteran singer Jose Mari Chan, whose song “Christmas In Our Hearts” is a favorite in the region.

But not everyone is impatient for Christmas music; some countries like Argentina and Uruguay wait until Christmas Day itself to start listening.

(For an embeddable graphic representation of how streaming kicks into high gear around the world based on 2017 data, go here).

Enjoy our top lists of the songs and artists bringing in the Christmas spirit year after year around the world; it’s a mix of the tried-and-true holiday classics from the likes of Frank Sinatra and Brenda Lee, to more contemporary artists like Ariana Grande, Michael Bublé, and Justin Bieber.

Top 10 Christmas Songs Globally:

1. Mariah Carey - All I Want For Christmas is You
2. Wham! - Last Christmas
3. Michael Bublé - It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas
4. Andy Williams - It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
5. Brenda Lee-Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree
6. Bobby Helms - Jingle Bell Rock
7. Band Aid - Do They Know It’s Christmas?
8. Bing Crosby - White Christmas
9. John Lennon - Happy Xmas (War is Over)
10. Frank Sinatra - Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

Top 10 artists streamed in Christmas-themed playlists, globally:

1. Michael Bublé
2. Bing Crosby
3. Frank Sinatra
4. Mariah Carey
5. Pentatonix
6. Nat King Cole
7. Ariana Grande
8. Elvis Presley
9. Andy Williams
10. Justin Bieber

To get into the festive spirit, check out some of Spotify’s favorite holiday-themed playlists, like Christmas Classics, Christmas Pop, Christmas Jazzand Hanukkah. And on November 19th, look out for Spotify Singles: Christmas Collection, a playlist of holiday covers performed and recorded in Spotify studios around the globe by artists like John Legend, Meghan Trainor and Paloma Faith. 

Cheers!!!

Contact me at thelifesway@gmail.com to collaborate on your products, events, and services. #TheLifesWay #PhotoYatra!

A Taste of #Paris For the Festive Season @Nespresso #Coffee #GottaLuvCoffee

Hi Friends,

The festive season is truly the most wonderful time of the year. Around the world, friends, family and loved ones come together to toast the highs of the year that has passed, and the hopes for the year that is to come. The spirit of the season is defined by celebration: exchanging gifts, spending quality time with loved ones and making new special memories. The joy is tangible at this time of the year, and nothing encapsulates the mood of the season quite like the magic of Paris.

In order to celebrate the indulgence, opulence, and wonder of the festive season, Nespresso has launched the new Limited Edition Variations inspired by Parisian Gourmandise. The Variations coffees center on the sweet treats synonymous with the festive season, and are inspired by the traditional flavors of Parisian patisseries including Macaron and Praline. These quintessentially French flavors will instantly transport you to a Parisian cafe from the first sip. These Variations boast two unique flavor creations and, in true French fashion, include a Paris Black espresso coffee that caters to those preferring coffee in its pure taste.

The decadence and delight of each of these three Nespresso Variations coffees are captured by their packaging, uniquely designed by a renowned international interior designer, India Mahdavi. Based in Paris, Mahdavi has created some of the world’s most iconic modern spaces including The Gallery at Sketch in London, Jean François Piège in Paris and APT in New York. Treating each creation as though it is a couture piece, Mahdavi’s influence on the Nespresso Variations is evident in the range’s pastel hues and playful designs. She has created a collection fit for the most discerning of coffee and design aficionados.

Mahdavi on the collaboration: “I sought to bring a oneiric dimension to Nespresso ’s world in which these new capsules appear as imaginary delights, floating like sweet clouds in the sky. In distancing itself from various graphic codes, Nespresso speaks to the senses - celebrating taste under all its aspects, ranging from sight to touch via smell, with subtly sweet aromas. I wanted to add a hint of reverie, offering delightful capsules for the eyes to relish and to then fly away in each and everyone’s imagination.”

Each of the Variations has been based on the Nespresso Livanto coffee blend which consists of pure Arabica from Southern and Central America. It is well-balanced with a roasted caramelized note providing roundness and balance in the finished coffees

Nespresso Variations Macaron
A harmonious combination of cereal notes and a subtle and sweet almond flavor, emblematic of the macaron pastry.
Intensity: 6
Serving size: Espresso (40ml)

Nespresso Variations Praline
This flavored espresso pairs the roundness of Livanto’s base with a delicate roasted hazelnut flavor, enhanced by a touch of caramel sweetness. A harmonious blend reminiscent of a praliné dessert.
Intensity: 6
Serving size: Espresso (40ml)

Nespresso Paris Black
A very aromatic blend of Arabicas, emboldened by Robusta. It displays notes of cereal and nuts in a syrupy texture, combined with spicy and woody tones.
Intensity: 9 Serving size:
Espresso (40ml)

Cheers!!!

Contact me at thelifesway@gmail.com to collaborate on your products, events, and services. #TheLifesWay #PhotoYatra!

@HuaweiZA #BlackFriday Deals Goes the Whole Weekend! 23-25 Nov 2018 #HigherIntelligence

Hi Friends,

Huawei announces Black Friday deals for every kind of smartphone user, please find below the latest deals from various service providers.

Black Friday has quickly become somewhat of an institution in South African retail over the past few years, offering fantastic deals on everything from tech to groceries to clothing. It is an ideal time for consumers to buy early Christmas gifts, reward themselves for getting through the year, or even just to stock up on basic necessities. Huawei is also no stranger to Black Friday deals, and, as our country’s second most popular smartphone brand, the company will be making sure South Africans have a wide range of specially priced devices to choose from, including deals on:

• The Huawei P20 Pro, launched earlier this year, which was awarded ‘Smartphone of the Year’ by multiple associations and publications, including the European Image and Sound Association (EISA) and the TechRadar Mobile Choice Consumer Awards
• The Huawei Mate 20 Lite, launched just over a month ago, which has all the features of a flagship phone at a very affordable price
• The P Smartphone, also launched in 2018, which has been hailed as the ideal phone for the stylish, young consumer

You can take advantage of the Huawei Black Friday deals below from Friday 23 November. Limited quantities are available subject to terms and conditions.

Vodacom (23 – 25 Nov)Buy a Huawei P20 or P20 Pro and get a T3 10 Tablet free

Telkom (23 – 25 Nov)

• Get a Huawei P Smart on contract for just R149/month (reduced from R199/month) and get an extra 10G of data for 6 months.
• Get a Huawei Mate 20 Lite for just R399/month, and get an extra 5G of data for 24 months.

MTN (23 – 25 Nov)

• Get a Huawei P-Smart on a 12-month Made for Me contract with a free 14GB Entertainment for R299 per month.
• Get a Huawei P10 on a 12-month Made for Me contract with a free 14GB Entertainment pass for Me R449 per month.
• Get a Huawei P10 on a 12-month Made for Me contract with a free 14GB Entertainment pass and a Huawei Media Pad T2 for R449 per month.
• Get a Huawei P20 on a 12-month Made for Me contract with a free 14GB Entertainment pass and a Huawei Media Pad T2 for R669 per month.

If Friday is over and hectic for you, there is still time on Saturday and Sunday to get your favorite smartphone along with data deals so that those Instagram stories keep flowing in!

Cheers!!!

Contact me at thelifesway@gmail.com to collaborate on your products, events, and services. #TheLifesWay #PhotoYatra!

@SITAsocltd Brings #SouthAfrica Cloud Nine #SITACloud @IBM_SouthAfrica @HuaweiSAR @GijimaHoldings

Hi Friends,

The State Information Technology Agency (SITA) is committed to becoming a world-class provider of the core network, hosting and data infrastructure services, as a strategic service to the government. And it has taken another step forward in delivering on this commitment.

Today, SITA celebrated the finale of many years of work, at the launch of the largest government cloud infrastructure in the world – owned by the government of South Africa and run and managed by SITA. The celebration took place with implementing partners Gijima, Huawei and IBM. Government’s private cloud, defined as “an ecosystem of different clouds”, is for exclusive access by government departments.

Welcoming the crowd at a launch function held today, 23 November 2018, Mr. Ryan Horgath, global keynote speaker on Business Change & Digital Transformation, stressed that the importance of the launch was not about the technology itself, but rather about its impact on people. “This event is enormously significant because it’s not just about having a cloud for government - don’t get lost in the details - the thing is this will improve the lives of people,” said Horgath.
 

Continuing the theme, SITA CEO Dr. Setumo Mohapi, talked about how SITA’s mandate has always been about making life easier for all South Africans: “How do we use technology to optimize the use of technology in public services - enabling citizens to realize their rights smoothly through technology?,” asked Dr. Mohapi. “That is the question we asked ourselves, and this is part of the solution we have devised.”

Cloud computing is widely acknowledged as the key to driving South Africa’s journey through the fourth industrial revolution, which is marked by the profound integration of technology into society. The cloud enables capabilities in artificial intelligence, big data analytics, the internet of things and robotics – all with numerous benefits for public service.

Dr. Mohapi addresses the crowd, sharing his passionate vision for a South Africa that is technology led. Photo credit: Marcel Meijer

“With this project, SITA has reclaimed its role as the leader in the innovation of public service delivery using ICT,” said Robert Gumede, Chairman of Gijima, the delivering agency.

Gumede said he welcomed a recharged and revitalized SITA taking its rightful place in leading the sector.
 

A panel consisting of Dr Setumo Mohapi, SITA Chief Executive Officer, Mr Maphum Mxumalo, Gijima Chief Operations Officer, Mr Hamilton Rashefola, IBM Country General Manager, Mr Ronald Raffensperger, Huawei Chief Technology Officer, Mr Mandla Ngcobo, Government Chief Information Officer (GCIO), Mr Dudley Peteresen, Government Information Technology Officers Council Chairperson (GITOC) discussed the many possibilities offered by the initiative:

“This centralization will deliver immediate opportunities for coordination and streamlining,” said Dr. Mohapi, mentioning that it could allow for improved disaster recovery and management. The panel offered up a wide range of applications that could be immediately applied by cloud-ready departments.

The panel continued to stress that the importance of this launch was the impact that the availability of a government cloud would have on the lives of citizens, and the way in which it would assist South Africa to deliver on its National Development Plan. This cloud platform – in conjunction with new data centers and broadband – is a key tool for the government’s trajectory from planning to meaningful implementation.

The panel said that the decision to move to the cloud would fix many existing infrastructure challenges, including addressing the cost and inefficiency of multiple stand-alone data centers, client-specific server infrastructure, upfront capacity expenditure to cater for peaks and growth, and keeping up with the proliferation of technologies. It also offers opportunities for youth, employment, and economic development.

Continuing the theme, Ms. Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, newly sworn-in Minister of Communications, continued the evening’s emphasis on technology in service to humanity – welcoming the improvement it could bring to the everyday lives of South Africa’s citizens, and cautioning against technology for technology’s sake.

She welcomed the contribution the cloud will make to creating economic freedom and transformation for all South Africa’s population.

To realize its ambitious goal, SITA, Gijima and implementing partners IBM and Huawei embarked on an infrastructure modernization project to re-engineer SITA’s digital environment into modern state-of-the-art facilities.

SITA began the building of its government private cloud ecosystem in 2014 and has already capacitated in-house cloud sites in KwaZulu-Natal, the Free State, the Western Cape, and Gauteng.

As more government departments start using the new cloud platform, it is expected that staff and citizens will see a tangible improvement in government service delivery, capability, and service, built on a foundation of modern infrastructure and toolsets, and agile systems.

The SITA-government cloud journey will also translate into increased security, productivity, efficiency and service delivery, as well as high availability (across devices and at any time).

 

Cheers!!!

Contact me at thelifesway@gmail.com to collaborate on your products, events, and services. #TheLifesWay #PhotoYatra!