A study “Cloud in Africa: Reality Check 2013” done by Cisco and World Wide Worx indicated that by 2014 organizations in Africa will have made  considerable investments in cloud services.

The study cases were south Africa, Kenya  and Nigeria, where 57 percent of the respondents expressed high confidence in the reliability and security of the cloud and only 10 percent  think contrary to this.

As of now, 50 percent of medium and large business already use cloud services in South Africa, 48 percent in Kenya and 36 percent in Nigeria. Cisco projects that Nigeria will dramatically overtake South Africa with 80 percent of the country’s businesses adopting cloud services by 2014.

What is notable in the report is:-

• Storage remains the most popular cloud solution at 28 percent among the surveyed companies
• Currently the Private Cloud is the solution of choice in organizations at 25 percent and is expected to grow to 32 percent of the deployments in 2014
• The study projects that other cloud deployments in the continent are set to grow with Hybrid Cloud at 18 percent and Public Cloud at 16 percent in 2014.

The study further says that approximately 17 percent of data centre traffic will be run by end users accessing clouds for web surfing, video streaming, collaboration and connected devices, all of which contribute to the Internet of Everything, which is the networked connection of people, data, process and things.

Set to be held on 4th of February at CICG, Geneva, the Seedstars World is an exclusive worldwide competition for seed stage startups seeking to reward the world’s best international start-up, which will take home $500k in funding.

Targeting emerging markets and fast growing startups scenes, the competition has been across 20 countries in ten months since it was launched. The 20 local winners will compete for the grand prize in front of a large crowd of investors and entrepreneurs from all around the world.

Emerging startup scenes focus

Seedstars World focuses on fast-growing markets and emerging startup scenes because there are tremendous amounts of untapped opportunities and passionate entrepreneurs waiting to be discovered. We believe that entrepreneurs in emerging startup scenes deserve to be helped to reach their potential but unfortunately they don’t (yet) get much exposure and interest from the rest of the world.

Because Silicon Valley is not the only place in the world where talented entrepreneurs hide, we have created Seedstars World. Simply so all entrepreneurs no matter where they come from get the chance to thrive. Thus, many of the projects we’ve seen are fantastic, they have a viable business model that not only works in their local market but also may serve as a global product. Those, we believe, are the leading companies of tomorrow.

A rigorous selection process

In each 20 countries around the world, an exclusive and one-day event was organized to allow the best-in-class startups per country to pitch their ideas. Thanks to the expertise and support of local advisors and regional partners (e.g. accelerators, incubators, startup organisations, VCs, etc.) we ensured only startups with the highest potential were called to register in these invitation-only events. Based on the applications received, up to 20 startups were selected to participate in our pitching event. The startups pitched their ideas in front of a regional jury (composed of local investors, successful entrepreneurs and partners) and at the end of the day, a regional winner was selected in each country in order to compete in the final event.

Prizes

The regional winners are receiving different prizes including a 3-day bootcamp in Lausanne supported by the State Department of Canton de Vaud and hosted by EPFL and IMD. Winning entrepreneurs will also benefit of: mentorship from the best entrepreneurs and investors, coaching from experts in their field and entry into accelerator programs all around Europe.

Buenos Aires – Wideo

A “Do It Yourself” on-line tool to create animated videos and share feelings, ideas, products or knowledge with the world.

MTN Uganda customers will now be able to withdraw their cash via ATM after the firm partnred with Interswitch Uganda to further increase their ATM Cash out footprint across the country.

The service available across the country via all Interswitch Uganda ATM’s and users have to dial a four digit PIN *165# from their mobile phone which can then be used at any Interswitch ATM across Uganda on a 24/7 basis to access their money.

Speaking at the launch at Serena Hotel, MTN Uganda’s Chief Marketing Officer, Ernst Fonternel, underscored MTN’s mission of making the lives of its customers a whole lot brighter through convenient and cost effective solutions such as access to MTN Mobile Money through ATM platforms.

“MTN Uganda’s market leadership continues to be driven by our investment in extensive coverage coupled by superior quality on Voice and Data, while offering innovative Value Added Services and putting customers first”.

Fonternel welcomed the partnership with Interswitch:  “We are very pleased to be entering into this partnership with Interswitch which will give our customers significantly improved access to their money on a fast growing network of ATMs across Uganda.”

Interswitch Chief Executive Officer Muyiwa Asagba said, “We are delighted to be working with MTN Uganda to provide their customers with even greater access to their money via the MTN Mobile Money platform. At Interswitch we are firmly committed to rolling out our electronic payment and transactions services across Uganda. This agreement is the latest step in our mission to improve convenience, financial inclusion and encourage even faster economic growth across the continent.”

He added that the agreement forms part of Interswitch’s African expansion plans. Interswitch is committed to providing solutions that address local challenges by providing convenient and cutting-edge electronic payment and transaction services.

According to the Central Bank, Mobile Money transactions totaled Ushs 11.7 trillion in 2012, which was a 211% increase since 2011. MTN continues to lead Mobile Money in Uganda with almost 5 million registered users since their launch in 2009.

MTN Uganda has enjoyed unprecedented success since it was launched 4 years ago, now recording in excess of 25 million transactions each month.

As per the GSMA 2012 Global Mobile Money adoption survey, MTN Uganda ranks 2nd in terms of number of active Mobile Money customer accounts in the world.

Middle East and Africa will record high growth in cloud computing through to the year 2017. The growth has been predicted to be 57 percent Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR), taking the lead globally.

According to Cisco, Africa and Middle East will be followed by Asia Pacific (43 percent CAGR) and Central and Eastern Europe (36 percent CAGR).

“People all over the world continue to demand the ability to access personal, business and entertainment content anywhere on any device, and each transaction in a virtualized, cloud environment can cause cascading effects on the network,” said David Meads, Cisco’s Vice President for Africa.

“Because of this continuing trend, we are seeing huge increases in the amount of cloud traffic globally within, between and beyond data centers over the next four years.”

Approximately 17 percent of data center traffic will be fueled by end users accessing clouds for web surfing, video streaming, collaboration and connected devices, all of which contribute to the Internet of Everything, which is the networked connection of people, data, process and things, the company said.

Cisco forecasts that global cloud traffic, the fastest growing component of data center traffic, is expected to grow 4.5-fold – a 35 percent combined annual growth rate (CAGR) – from 1.2 zettabytes of annual traffic in 2012 to 5.3 zettabytes by 2017.

TomTom has partnered with UN-Habitat, the United Nations Human Settlements Programme in a move to tackle urban congestion.

The deal will see UN-Habitat and its stakeholders around the world use TomTom’s global Traffic Index data.

“Urban areas are growing fast; they are now home to half of the world’s population and are predicted to reach 6 billion by 2050. How we plan and manage our cities in terms of basic services, mobility or connectivity is going to be essential to ensure better cities. TomTom’s data will give us vital insight, providing a more accurate analysis of urban traffic congestion. This will help policy makers and local governments develop sustainable, workable and lasting urban solutions,” said Dr. Joan Clos, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and UN-Habitat Executive Director.

Recently TomTom released the 6th edition of its Traffic Index which revealed a clear pattern of increased congestion. Commuters around the world are spending on average eight working days stuck in traffic. This shows that traditional responses like building new roads or widening existing ones are no longer an effective way of managing urban congestion.

“TomTom is committed to investing in new ideas and technologies with the aim of bringing significant benefits to drivers, businesses and society as a whole. This partnership will help urban planners and government stakeholders make more informed decisions to tackle urban congestion,” added Harold Goddijn, CEO TomTom International.

The new iPad will go on sale in South Africa next week, starting at R5 999 for the Wi-Fi-only 16GB model.

Starting next week South Africans will have a feel of the iPad Air. The tablet will retail at a price of R5999 for the entry-level 16GB, Wi-Fi model, the company’s local distributor, Core Group.

The tablet will be in the stores by the 6^th of December so South Africa; you are free to camp in the Apple stores for the Apple Air on that day.

This device will sincerely drive you crazy as it is 28 percent lighter and 20 percent thinner than the fourth generation iPad.

If you want the iPad Air Wi-Fi tablet, which come in silver or grey, this should be your budget;

• R5 999 for the 16GB model
• R7 399 for the 32GB model
• R8 699 for the 64GB model
• R9 999 for the 128GB model

For the iPad Air with Wi-Fi and cellular which is also found in the same colors will cost;

• R7 799 for the 16GB model
• R8 999 for the 32GB model
• R9 999 for the 64GB model
•  R11 499 for the 128GB model

Core Group emphasizes that resellers are responsible for setting their own retail prices and that the figures quotes are recommended prices only.

Despite the controversy that surrounded the Dar es Salaam digital switch over, Tanzania is way ahead of the pack with the country ready to switch the whole country in 2014.

The Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) Director General, Prof John Nkoma said that the decision will be made after accessing the first phase of the digital switch over which took place in Dar es Salaam.

In December 2012, more than 250,000 TV sets of the estimated 600,000 TV sets in Dar es Salaam were connected to digital broadcasting through satellite and cable systems.

Her neighbor Kenya is still mulling over the decision to go digital or not. The Kenyan broadcasters are fighting the December 13 switch date, saying that most viewers still don’t have the necessary technology to switch over to digital broadcasting.

The case is to be heard on December 6^. The International Telecommunication Union set the global date for digital broadcasting for June 2015.

What’s your take on the Mobile internet café? Well MTN will be implementing this sooner than you expect. The telecommunication company has launched a mobile internet café that will allow its customers to connect and experience the smart life.

They call them the MTN eStreet mobile internet cafés; with these cafes subscribers will have free interactive service that will educate them about smart devices as well as give them digital connection that will make their lives brighter and bridge the digital divide.

So what is this eStreet; it is a mobile internet solution and an all-African concept consisting of a solar powered, totally secure wireless internet zone, with charging and tablet access facilities, where consumers can learn how to integrate smart technology and digital platforms into their everyday lives.

As smart devices are becoming part of our everyday lives and digital communications are becoming the norm, it is essential that consumers feel comfortable using these devices and are made aware of all the benefits, applications and digital platforms available.

“Through the MTN eStreet mobile internet café we are giving consumers the opportunity to not only experience the bold new digital world, but learn how it will benefit their lives, bridging the digital divide and connecting communities for the good of the country.

“The MTN eStreet mobile internet café will travel around the country, especially to the often forgotten communities outside the urban centres. The café will ensure that new and existing subscribers get the most out of our world-class network, smart technologies and online solutions,” says Brian Gouldie, Chief Marketing Officer at MTN.

The MTN eStreet cafe provides consistent connectivity and all time access, promoting online information sharing and connecting with the world, like searching for job opportunities, posting their CV’s online, accessing applications that will better their lives.

Microsoft Kenya and the Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO) have entered into an agreement that will see the two organizations work together in a bid to fight piracy in the country.

Microsoft has also declared amnesty to enable those using unlicensed software to acquire genuine software. The amnesty will run until 15th January 2014 after which the two organizations will conduct a joint raid and arrest everyone using counterfeit software.

KECOBO Executive Director Dr. Marisella Ouma said the partnership will enable them work together to activate continuous programmes and campaigns for educating the public on the risks and penalties associated with infringement of software copyrights and trademarks.

“We want to educate Kenyans on the benefits of genuine software to businesses in terms of reliability and security as well as other associated risks for businesses and consumers when using counterfeit software,” she said.

The three year deal will see Microsoft support KECOBO to acquire the necessary skills and tools to assist in the fight against piracy and help to reduce software piracy as well as spur economic growth in Kenya.

The two organizations will also invest in training of journalists, software reseller channels and government procurement managers in order to create awareness around the effects and dangers of pirated or counterfeit software.

“Microsoft has an offer of between 10 percent to 15 percent on Windows 8, Office 2013 and Office 365 which runs until December 31st, 2013,” said Kunle Awosika, Microsoft Kenya Country Manager.

The move comes in a time when International Data Corporation (IDC) has released its 2013 research of cyber security and software piracy globally which depicts that a third of all PC software globally have pirated software.

The study also estimates direct business losses as a result of use of counterfeit software will hit $114 Billion this year and places potential losses from data breach at $350 Billion.

During a research conducted by World Wide Worx, a South African research firm, and Cisco, it was said that Nigeria and Kenya businesses would greatly benefit from cloud technology. The research shows that 80 percent of Nigerian business will be using cloud services by the year 2014 compared to Kenya at 72 percent and South Africa at 66 percent.

For most companies, adopting to cloud technologies is not an option. Their employees are already using public cloud services whether or not approved by company. This could be dangerous for any organization whether small or large, but here are ways to get ahead of the game:

1.      Get clear policy of cloud storage

Document storage for most small and medium companies has been something that has been overlooked. Most employees use cloud services such as Dropbox which could have been opened as a personal accounts by individual employees. Companies regardless of how small they are need to address the virtual document storage as soon as they can. Services like Dropbox which are public cloud can be used but measures to have private cloud should also be looked into.

2.      Streamline Document sharing

Handling company documents can also be a bone of contention. For those using Google services such as Gmail, document sharing can become quite easy. But with the great services like Google Drive, companies can forget to structure their policies on use of such services. Let it be clear that company documents can only be shared using official company emails and accounts, to be able to track company documents.

3.      Address BYOD (bring your own device) policies

Like it or not, employees will use their personal gadgets to access emails and documents when they are away from the office. As the head of your company you need to know what type of devices your employees are using to access company documents and communication. Offer them protection in terms of antivirus for their devices rather than trying to abolish the system. You can invite IT experts to give valuable talk on how to secure one’s devices.

Back in April, Israel’s Elbit Systems won a $40 million contract to supply Nigeria with the Wise Intelligence Technology (WiT[TM]) System, a cyber intelligence analysis and tracker.

The system collects data from multiple sources, databases and sensors, processes it and sends it to intelligence personnel for action. Set to be installed in Abuja , Nigeria, the operation is against Chapter four, section 37 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria and will be like the US’s infamous Prism project that has caused a public outcry in the country and globally.

Media reports are claiming Elbit Systems, are already in the country to start the two year project set in Abuja, that will help the Nigeria  government spy on its citizens online activities, even against the suspension of the project by the National Assembly. The report also claim there are about 20 Nigerian intelligence officers receiving training in Israel on how to use the technology.

Announcing in April after winning the contract, Yehuda (Udi) Vered, General Manager of Elbit Systems Land and C4I, noted: “We are proud to be selected to supply this unique system, which is already field-proven, fully operational and customizable.”

Elbit Systems is suitable for armies and critical infrastructure sites.