regulatory compliance Archives

Tech Optimizer

February 25, 2025

APAC enterprises shifting towards open source in database strategies

Enterprises in the Asia-Pacific region are increasingly transitioning from proprietary databases to open-source alternatives, with PostgreSQL being favored due to high licensing costs and vendor dependencies. IT leaders are reassessing database strategies to meet performance, cost, and scalability needs, particularly for applications requiring transactional, analytical, and AI workloads. Hybrid IT models are gaining traction, especially in countries like Singapore, Indonesia, and the Philippines, while Japan and Korea show strong on-premises demand, and India is moving away from legacy systems due to cost pressures. PostgreSQL is evolving to support hybrid IT and emerging workloads, including AI and analytics, with enhancements like lakehouse architecture for managing structured and unstructured data and the introduction of pgvector for AI applications. Data sovereignty regulations are prompting enterprises to deploy PostgreSQL in hybrid cloud environments to balance control and scalability. EDB has developed a hybrid control plane for unified management across on-premises and cloud deployments. Many enterprises are opting for a gradual transition to PostgreSQL due to legacy dependencies and operational risks, often starting with specific use cases before migrating legacy workloads. An example includes an insurance company in Hong Kong that migrated from Oracle to PostgreSQL, achieving reduced costs and improved performance. Successful migration depends on database mobility and application portability, with EDB planning to integrate GPU support and develop tools for faster AI application deployment, with expectations for rollout by the second quarter of 2025.

Winsage

February 18, 2025

Windows Mobile Pos Terminal Market Size by Application, Type, Geographic Scope, and Forecast 2025-2032

The global Windows Mobile POS Terminal market is expected to grow significantly from 2025 to 2032, driven by the rise of mobile payment systems, digital transactions, and technological advancements. Key factors include the demand for flexible payment options in retail and hospitality, the increase in e-commerce and contactless payments, and ongoing innovations in security and software. Challenges such as high initial costs, regulatory complexities, supply chain disruptions, and market saturation in developed regions may hinder growth. Emerging trends include the integration of AI, automation, and IoT, a focus on sustainability, and a demand for personalized offerings. The competitive landscape features intense rivalry among key players, with a focus on product innovation and regional expansion, particularly in North America, Europe, and the rapidly growing Asia-Pacific region. Emerging markets in Latin America and the Middle East & Africa show potential for growth, despite facing economic and regulatory challenges.

Tech Optimizer

February 7, 2025

What is Managed Endpoint Protection?

Managed Endpoint Protection involves outsourcing endpoint security for devices like laptops, desktops, and servers to specialized providers. These services offer continuous monitoring, automated responses, and compliance checks, utilizing advanced analytics and real-time threat intelligence. Key features include continuous monitoring, automated threat containment, vulnerability management, forensic analysis, compliance tools, and threat hunting. Managed services address various threats such as ransomware, phishing, zero-day exploits, credential theft, insider threats, DDoS attacks, and data exfiltration. Benefits include 24/7 expert coverage, access to specialized threat intelligence, faster incident response, reduced operational complexity, predictable pricing, and improved compliance. Challenges include the rapidly evolving threat landscape, skills shortage, budget constraints, and ensuring real-time visibility. Best practices for implementation involve maintaining asset inventories, defining roles, fine-tuning detection thresholds, conducting regular drills, and integrating with broader security measures. When choosing a provider, factors to consider include technical expertise, service level agreements, integration capabilities, pricing, compliance, and ongoing support. SentinelOne offers an autonomous cybersecurity platform that enhances endpoint security through superior visibility, automated responses, and customizable features.

Tech Optimizer

December 24, 2024

PostgreSQL vs. the Cloud for GenAI? 4 Things To Consider

Generative AI (GenAI) is expected to transform industries by improving productivity and revenue. A Deloitte report states that 80% of enterprises with advanced AI capabilities plan to increase AI investments. Companies must modernize legacy systems and tackle data challenges to implement GenAI, but many still use outdated technology, leading to costly transitions and downtime. Nearly half of US generative AI decision-makers expect returns on their investments within three years, which may underestimate the complexities of AI implementation. While cloud computing offers scalability, managing costs can be difficult, prompting many enterprises to adopt financial operations frameworks (FinOps). Concerns about third-party cloud services are leading businesses to consider on-premises and hybrid solutions, with predictions that by 2025, half of enterprises will use on-premises models for AI development. Choosing the right database is crucial for GenAI development, with PostgreSQL being a strong option due to its extensibility, seamless integration, open-source benefits, and deployment flexibility. Successful GenAI strategies focus on rapid development, cost-effective failures, and effective scaling, with Percona offering support to help organizations achieve these goals.

AppWizard

December 11, 2024

All-in-one SDK is exactly what your app needs for effective monetization

Users globally spent 1 billion on mobile app purchases in 2023. Over 95% of mobile apps in the global AdTech market utilize SDKs. Custom SDKs enable advanced features like targeted advertising, real-time bidding, and diverse ad formats. SDKs facilitate comprehensive tracking of user engagement and ad performance metrics. Partnering with a programmatic advertising company can simplify ad management processes for publishers. The integration of SDKs is expected to remain in high demand through 2025 and beyond, aligning with regulatory frameworks like GDPR and CCPA.

Winsage

December 7, 2024

Microsoft Confirms Windows 11 Hardware Requirements Won’t Go Away — Redmondmag.com

Microsoft is urging users to transition to Windows 11 as the deadline for Windows 10 support approaches, with a key requirement being that PCs must have Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0 for installation. Many older PCs do not meet this requirement, which will remain unchanged before the end of Windows 10 support in October 2025. As of November 2024, Windows 10 holds 61.8 percent of the Windows market share, while Windows 11 has 34.9 percent. TPM 2.0 enhances security through advanced encryption and key management, and is integrated with features like Secure Boot and Windows Hello for Business. Microsoft recommends organizations evaluate hardware for TPM 2.0 compatibility, plan and budget for necessary upgrades, and update security policies to incorporate TPM 2.0. An extended support program for Windows 10 is available, but it is not indefinite. TPM 2.0 is deemed essential for maintaining a secure IT environment and is part of a broader Zero Trust strategy.

Winsage

December 4, 2024

Diebold Nixdorf deploys Microsoft Windows 11 on ATMs

Diebold Nixdorf has integrated Microsoft Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2024 into live ATMs in collaboration with Eurasian Bank and Kapital Bank in Central Asia. This deployment, executed with BS/2, aims to enhance customer experiences by improving security, speed, and usability while ensuring regulatory compliance. The integration guarantees support until October 2034 and includes the DN Series ATMs and Vynamic software. Diebold Nixdorf has a workforce of approximately 21,000 and serves many of the world's top 100 financial institutions. Piraeus, a Greek financial services company, plans to transition over 1,200 self-service devices to Diebold Nixdorf’s DN Series cash recycling ATMs, which utilize AI and machine learning for improved performance.

AppWizard

November 14, 2024

WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Skype banned by NatWest for staff communication; here’s why

NatWest Group has banned the use of messaging platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Skype on all company devices in the UK as part of a strategy to ensure employees communicate solely through approved channels for official business. This decision aims to enhance compliance and accountability by curbing off-channel communications, which pose challenges to regulatory compliance and record-keeping. The policy, effective earlier this month, is intended to facilitate better oversight and maintain accurate records during internal investigations or audits. The financial sector is facing increasing scrutiny over communication practices, with regulatory bodies emphasizing the need for robust communication protocols to uphold transparency and accountability.

AppWizard

November 14, 2024

NatWest blocks bevy of messenger apps on staff devices

NatWest Group has formally banned a range of messaging applications, including WhatsApp, Meta's Messenger, Skype, Telegram, Signal, Viber, Snapchat, Discord, WeChat, and Line, to enhance regulatory compliance and communication oversight. This ban, effective from November 6, applies only to company-issued devices and is aimed at protecting the bank and its stakeholders from regulatory complications. The prohibited apps are seen as lacking proper record recovery options, which could hinder compliance documentation. Employees are discouraged from using personal devices for business communication on these platforms. The decision comes amid increased regulatory scrutiny of banks' recordkeeping practices, highlighted by significant fines imposed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority is also looking into financial institutions' usage of encrypted messaging apps. Approved communication channels at NatWest include Microsoft Teams, Viva Engage, Zoom, Outlook, Symphony Chat, and SMS, all of which allow for record retrieval.

Tech Optimizer

October 31, 2024

Best Antivirus Software for Small Businesses in 2024

Small businesses often face challenges in selecting antivirus software, as personal tools may lack robustness and enterprise solutions can be complex and costly. There are antivirus solutions specifically designed for smaller companies. Six top antivirus software options tailored for small businesses include: 1. Bitdefender: - Starting price: .99 for 5 devices for 1 year. - Covers: macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Windows Server. - Features: Unlimited VPN traffic, account breach monitoring, risk management, AI-powered Scam Copilot, integrated password management. 2. Norton: - Starting price: .99 a year for 6 devices. - Covers: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android. - Features: 24/7 customer support, password management, cloud backup, secure browser. 3. Trend Micro: - Pricing: Contact for customized quote. - Covers: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android. - Features: Endpoint detection, attack surface risk management, AI-driven threat intelligence. 4. ESET: - Starting price: .99 for 5 devices for 1 year. - Covers: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux. - Features: Certain plans include password manager. 5. Avira: - Starting price: .99 for 5 devices for 1 year. - Covers: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android. - Features: Unlimited VPN traffic, device cleaner, blocks unwanted spam calls. 6. Microsoft Defender: - Starting price: .75 per user per month. - Covers: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android. - Features: Built into Windows, integrates with Microsoft tools, automatic disruption of ransomware attacks. When choosing antivirus software, small businesses should assess their specific needs and budget, consider bundled plans for better value, utilize free trials, and schedule demo calls with sales teams for clarification.