IT News Roundup: April 2023

by Nexlogica Team | Apr 18, 2023 | Uncategorized

The IT industry is constantly evolving and changing, with new developments, innovations, and challenges every day. Here are some of the latest IT news stories that you should know about:

Google’s vision for a connected future with Android and ChromeOS
Google is working on bringing Android and ChromeOS closer together than ever, creating a seamless experience across devices and platforms. Google’s vision is to use the cloud as the glue that connects everything, from smartphones to laptops to smart speakers. Google wants to make it easy for users to access their data, apps, and services from any device, anywhere, anytime. Google also wants to leverage its AI and machine learning capabilities to provide personalized and contextual assistance to users, such as suggesting actions, reminders, or content based on their needs and preferences.

However, Google’s ambitious plan also raises some questions and challenges, such as how to balance privacy and security with convenience and functionality, how to deal with compatibility and fragmentation issues across different devices and versions of Android and ChromeOS, and how to compete with other tech giants like Apple and Microsoft that have their own ecosystems and strategies.

Nearly four in five employers struggle to fill job roles, a 17-year high
The IT sector is facing a talent shortage crisis, as nearly 80% of employers report difficulty finding qualified candidates for their open positions. This is the highest level since 2006, according to a survey by ManpowerGroup. The survey also found that IT skills are among the most in-demand across all industries, especially cybersecurity, cloud computing, data analysis, and software development.

The talent gap is caused by several factors, such as the rapid pace of technological change that requires constant upskilling and reskilling of workers, the lack of diversity and inclusion in the IT workforce that limits the pool of potential candidates, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic that disrupted education and training opportunities for many people, and the mismatch between the expectations and preferences of employers and job seekers.

To address this challenge, employers need to adopt more flexible and innovative hiring strategies, such as offering remote work options, providing training and career development programs, partnering with educational institutions and community organizations, and creating a more diverse and inclusive culture.

EU privacy regulators to create task force to investigate ChatGPT
ChatGPT is a popular chatbot service that uses artificial intelligence to generate realistic and engaging conversations with users. ChatGPT claims to be able to talk about anything with anyone, from casual chit-chat to deep philosophical discussions. However, ChatGPT has also raised some serious concerns about its compliance with the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which sets strict rules for how personal data is collected, processed, and stored.

The European Data Protection Board (EDPB), which is composed of data privacy regulators from all EU member states, has decided to create a task force to investigate ChatGPT’s practices and potential violations of GDPR. The task force will examine issues such as how ChatGPT obtains consent from users to collect their data, how ChatGPT ensures the security and accuracy of the data it stores and uses, how ChatGPT respects the rights of users to access, correct, or delete their data, and how ChatGPT handles sensitive or special categories of data such as biometric or health information.

The EDPB’s investigation could result in fines or sanctions for ChatGPT if it is found to breach GDPR rules. ChatGPT could also face legal action from individual users or consumer groups who may claim damages for any harm caused by ChatGPT’s use of their data.

Cisco to offer Webex air-gapped cloud system for security, defense work
Cisco is planning to launch a new version of its Webex cloud collaboration platform that will provide an extra layer of security for companies working on national security and defense projects. The new Webex air-gapped cloud system will isolate the data and communications of these companies from the rest of the Webex network and the internet at large. This will prevent any unauthorized access or interference from external actors or malicious insiders.

The Webex air-gapped cloud system will be hosted in Cisco’s own data centers in the US and will comply with the highest standards of security certification required by the US government. The system will also offer end-to-end encryption for all data in transit and at rest. The system will support all Webex features such as video conferencing, messaging, file sharing, whiteboarding, polling, transcription, translation, and more.

Intel arc GPUs get another major performance-boosting driver, up to 63% improvement across games
Intel is gearing up for the launch of its first discrete gaming graphics cards, codenamed Arc, later this year. To prepare for this, Intel has been releasing frequent driver updates for its existing integrated graphics solutions, which share the same architecture and features as Arc. The latest driver update, version 30.0.100.9955, brings significant performance improvements for a number of popular games, such as Cyberpunk 2077, Doom Eternal, Horizon Zero Dawn, and Red Dead Redemption 2.

According to Intel’s own benchmarks, the driver update can boost the frame rates by up to 63% on some games, depending on the resolution and settings. For example, Cyberpunk 2077 can run at 28.8 frames per second (fps) on low settings at 1080p resolution on an Intel Iris Xe Max GPU with the new driver, compared to 17.6 fps with the previous driver. Similarly, Doom Eternal can run at 56.9 fps on medium settings at 1080p resolution on an Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 GPU with the new driver, compared to 36.1 fps with the previous driver.

The driver update also adds support for new features such as DirectX 12 Agility SDK, which enables faster adoption of new DirectX 12 features by developers and gamers; Adaptive-Sync for HDMI displays, which synchronizes the refresh rate of the display and the GPU to reduce screen tearing and stuttering; and HDR tone mapping for SDR displays, which enhances the contrast and color range of HDR content on non-HDR displays.

How to overcome noise in quantum computations
Quantum computing is a promising technology that could revolutionize various fields such as cryptography, artificial intelligence, and drug discovery. However, quantum computing also faces a major challenge: noise. Noise refers to any unwanted disturbance or interference that affects the quantum state of a qubit, the basic unit of quantum information. Noise can cause errors and reduce the accuracy and reliability of quantum computations.

Scientists from the University of Sydney have made significant progress in quantum computing by deriving a formula that predicts the effects of environmental noise on quantum systems. The formula, called the Lindbladian master equation, describes how noise affects the evolution of a quantum system over time. The formula can help researchers design better quantum error correction schemes and optimize quantum algorithms for noisy environments.

The formula is based on a mathematical framework called Lindblad theory, which was developed by Swedish physicist Göran Lindblad in the 1970s. However, applying Lindblad theory to realistic quantum systems was difficult and computationally expensive until now. The scientists used a technique called perturbation theory to simplify and approximate the Lindbladian master equation for various types of noise models. The scientists tested their formula on a two-qubit system and found that it matched well with experimental data.

The scientists hope that their formula will enable more efficient and robust quantum computing in the future.

That’s all for this month’s IT news roundup.

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How to Overcome Noise in Quantum Computations

by Nexlogica Team | Apr 11, 2023 | Uncategorized

Quantum computing is one of the most promising fields of information technology, as it promises to solve problems that are beyond the reach of classical computers. Quantum computing is a new type of computing that uses the principles of quantum mechanics to perform calculations that are impossible or very hard for classical computers. Quantum mechanics is a branch of physics that describes the behavior of very small particles, such as atoms and electrons, that can exist in multiple states at the same time1.

Quantum computers use special units called qubits (quantum bits) that can store and process information in a quantum way. Unlike classical bits that can only be either 0 or 1, qubits can be both 0 and 1 at the same time, or any combination of them. This allows quantum computers to explore many possible solutions simultaneously and find the optimal one faster than classical computers.

Quantum computing has many potential applications in various fields, such as cryptography, optimization, artificial intelligence, chemistry, physics, and medicine. For example, quantum computers could help break encryption codes, find optimal routes for transportation networks, simulate complex molecules and materials, solve equations that describe the universe, and discover new drugs. However, quantum computers are also very sensitive to noise, which can introduce errors and degrade the performance of quantum algorithms.

Noise can come from various sources, such as imperfect control of quantum gates, interactions with the environment, or measurement errors. To overcome noise, researchers have developed various techniques, such as error correction codes, fault-tolerant protocols, or noise mitigation methods.

One of the challenges in noise mitigation is to quantify the effects of noise on quantum computations and to find optimal ways to reduce them. In a recent study, scientists have made significant progress in this direction by deriving a formula that predicts the effects of environmental noise on any quantum algorithm.

The formula is based on a mathematical tool called the diamond norm, which measures how much a quantum operation deviates from its ideal version due to noise. The researchers showed that the diamond norm can be computed efficiently using a technique called semidefinite programming, which involves optimizing a function over a set of matrices.

The researchers applied their formula to several quantum algorithms, such as Grover’s search, quantum Fourier transform, and quantum phase estimation. They found that their formula accurately predicts the effects of noise and allows them to optimize the parameters of the algorithms to minimize the noise.

The researchers hope that their formula will help quantum programmers design more robust and efficient quantum algorithms and pave the way for practical applications of quantum computing.

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Who is Growth Hacker

by Nexlogica Team | Apr 3, 2023 | Uncategorized

Growth hacking is an interesting way to reach a broad group of potential customers with advertising messages. A growth hacker must have knowledge of both marketing and programming.

What growth hackers do on a daily basis and why their work is so important for modern business owners?

There are many future professions related to the IT industry. One of the specializations that is somewhat connected to this sector is growth hacking.

Growth hacking is a relatively young marketing technique. It stands out because marketing activities are carried out completely differently. The task of a growth hacker, is to go beyond the traditional methods used by other competing companies. The most important thing is to search for innovative solutions that will translate into increased profits, a larger number of customers, and entering new markets.

For a growth hacker, the key issue is – as the name suggests – growth. Everything they do is focused on ultimately contributing to improving the situation of a given company.

The creator of the concept of growth hacking was Sean Ellis, who said in 2010:

“Considering the significance of the word ‘hack’, growth hacking can be defined as a shortcut to traditional marketing techniques.”

Mason Pelt, referring to this term, pointed out that “growth hacking involves both optimization and generating potential customers.” He also added that the true growth hacker’s task must be to take care of maintaining all existing customers.

Ryan Holiday had a significant impact on popularizing the concept of growth hacking. He wrote a book called “Growth Hacker Marketing.” In his book, the author wrote that growth hacking is a “business strategy that starts with rejecting the principles of traditional marketing and replacing them with testable, trackable, and scalable customer acquisition techniques.” Growth hackers’ earnings are very high due to the increasing demand for their work.

How to become a growth hacker?

To work as a growth hacker, one must possess the right skills. Basic knowledge of marketing techniques is not enough. Specialists in this field are expected to have much more.

The most important skills a growth hacker should possess include:

• Broad knowledge of marketing – a professional growth hacker should have a comprehensive understanding of content marketing, PPC, viral marketing, social media, and other marketing techniques.
• Data analysis skills – a good growth hacker must be able to analyze data and use popular analytical applications such as Google Analytics, Data Studio, or Excel.
• A/B testing skills
• Knowledge of the latest technological trends – a growth hacker must know which solutions and applications are currently in vogue and how to use them to increase a company’s competitiveness.
• Sales skills
• Knowledge of popular IT languages and technologies – some of the most important skills in this area include creating queries and pages in databases, UX/UI design, building landing pages, and mechanically duplicating certain actions using appropriate scripts.
• Conducting qualitative research, such as surveys
• Independence and self-sufficiency.

What does a growth hacker do?

The task of a growth hacker is to work on improving the products or services offered by a company in a way that translates into an increase in profits. It is also important for the work of a growth hacker to result in a larger number of customers and an improved image of the company. A specialist in this position must search for new ways of growth in various fields every day.

It is worth knowing that growth hackers often collaborate on an ongoing basis with employees from various departments of the company, obtaining the freshest information from them. A growth hacker can be both an independent external expert and a member of the company’s department.

What projects can a growth hacker work on?

In reality, they can work on any project, because their experience, skills, and knowledge will prove invaluable for any endeavor and are likely to translate into tangible profits for the company. Every company, regardless of its stage of development, should invest in hiring a growth hacker. This will greatly increase its chances of gaining a competitive advantage and entering new markets.

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Mastering Business Goals with SMART Methodology

by Nexlogica Team | Mar 17, 2023 | Uncategorized

Mastering business goals with SMART methodology means effectively utilizing the SMART method to define, plan, and achieve business objectives. The term SMART is an acronym that stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. The idea behind the SMART methodology is to ensure that goals are set in a way that is clear, concise, and achievable.

Here’s what each component of the SMART methodology means:

• Specific: The goal should be well-defined and clear, leaving no room for ambiguity or confusion. The more specific the goal, the easier it is to create a plan to achieve it.
• Measurable: The goal should be quantifiable, so that progress can be tracked and success can be measured. Having measurable goals allows you to see how far you’ve come and adjust your approach if necessary.
• Achievable: The goal should be realistic and attainable, taking into account the resources and limitations available. Setting goals that are too lofty or unrealistic can lead to frustration and disappointment.
• Relevant: The goal should be aligned with the overall strategy and objectives of the organization or project. Goals that are not relevant can waste time and resources.
• Time-bound: The goal should have a deadline or target date for completion. Having a specific deadline helps to create a sense of urgency and keeps you focused on achieving the goal.

HOW TO USE SMART METHODOLOGY IN IT ENVIRONMENT

Currently, IT specialists have access to many solutions that make daily work much easier. There is a lot of discussion about the most popular methodologies for managing IT projects, the benefits of digitization, and the Internet of Things. However, it is worth knowing that simple methods still enjoy great success. Sometimes effectiveness lies in simplicity. One of the simple yet effective methods used not only by programmers but also by professionals in many other fields is the SMART method.

The SMART method originates from management science. By using it, business goals can be properly defined, significantly increasing the chances of achieving them. To set goals according to the SMART principle, one must first subject everything we want to achieve to comprehensive analysis.

Despite the fact that the SMART principle comes from management science, due to its simplicity, intuitiveness, and immense effectiveness, it has also gained great popularity outside of business. By implementing this concept in any chosen field, it is possible to plan more efficiently and achieve specific goals.

If we set goals properly using the SMART principle, we can immediately start taking action, be properly motivated, and complete the entire project 100% according to plan. Additionally, the SMART method allows for an effective evaluation of the results of completed activities. This allows us to verify whether all the set goals have been achieved and to what extent.

How does setting a goal using the SMART method look like?

1. Identify the goal: Start by identifying the goal you want to achieve. It could be anything from developing a new software product to improving the performance of an existing system.

2. Make the goal specific: Make sure the goal is specific and well-defined. For example, instead of saying “improve system performance,” say “reduce system response time by 20%.”

3. Ensure the goal is measurable: Make sure the goal is measurable, so that progress can be tracked and success can be measured. For example, you can measure the system response time before and after the improvement to determine if the goal has been achieved.

4. Determine if the goal is achievable: Assess whether the goal is achievable, taking into account the resources, time, and skills available. If the goal is not achievable, consider breaking it down into smaller, more achievable goals.

5. Ensure the goal is relevant: Make sure the goal is relevant to the overall strategy and objectives of the organization. For example, improving system performance may be relevant if it supports the business strategy of providing better customer service.

6. Make the goal time-bound: Set a deadline for achieving the goal. For example, you may want to achieve the system performance improvement within the next six month

BENEFITS FROM USING SMART

Using the SMART methodology to set and achieve goals has several benefits, including:

• Clarity: The SMART methodology helps to clarify the goals and objectives of a project or initiative, making it easier to develop a plan to achieve them.

• Focus: The SMART methodology helps to focus attention on the most important goals and objectives, which can help to avoid wasting time and resources on less important tasks.

• Measurability: The SMART methodology provides a framework for measuring progress towards a goal, which can help to motivate individuals and teams and keep them on track.

• Realistic goals: The SMART methodology helps to set realistic goals that are achievable given the resources, time, and skills available, which can help to reduce frustration and increase motivation.

• Alignment: The SMART methodology ensures that goals are aligned with the overall strategy and objectives of an organization, which can help to ensure that resources are allocated appropriately.

• Accountability: The SMART methodology helps to create a sense of accountability for achieving goals, which can help to ensure that everyone involved is committed to achieving success.

Using the SMART methodology in IT environment can help you prioritize and allocate resources more effectively, as well as identify potential roadblocks and risks that may hinder your progress. Overall, using the SMART methodology can help individuals and organizations set and achieve goals in a way that is clear, focused, and measurable, which can increase the likelihood of success and reduce wasted time and resources.

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Registering Your Domain: A Step-by-Step Guide

by Nexlogica Team | Mar 10, 2023 | Uncategorized

A domain is a unique name that identifies a website on the internet. It is used to help users easily navigate to and find websites online.

A domain name consists of two parts: the top-level domain (TLD), such as .com, .org, .net, etc., and the second-level domain, which is the unique name chosen by the website owner. For example, in the domain name www.example.com, “example” is the second-level domain and “.com” is the top-level domain.

When you type a domain name into a web browser, the browser sends a request to a domain name system (DNS) server to translate the domain name into an IP address, which is the numerical address that identifies the website’s server on the internet. Once the IP address is retrieved, the browser can connect to the server and load the website.

Domains can be registered through domain registrars, which are companies authorized to sell domain names. Once a domain is registered, the owner has the right to use that domain for a specific period of time, typically one year, and can renew the registration as long as they continue to pay the registration fee.

To buy a domain, follow these steps:

Decide on a domain name

Choose a domain name that is relevant to your business or website and easy to remember. Make sure the name is available and not already registered. Here are some tips on how to choose a domain:

• Keep it simple: Choose a domain name that is easy to remember, spell, and pronounce. Avoid using numbers, hyphens, or obscure words that may confuse your audience.

• Make it brandable: Choose a domain name that reflects your brand and is unique. Your domain name should be memorable and stand out from your competitors.

• Consider your audience: Think about your target audience and what they may be searching for online. Your domain name should be relevant to your business or industry and resonate with your audience.

• Use keywords: Incorporate relevant keywords in your domain name that can help improve your search engine rankings. However, don’t stuff too many keywords in your domain name as it can negatively impact your SEO.

• Keep it short: Short domain names are easier to remember and type, so aim for a domain name that is no more than 15 characters.

• Check for availability. Use the registrar’s domain search tool to check if the domain name you want is available.

• Choose the right extension: Consider which top-level domain (TLD) extension to use. .com is the most popular TLD and is often seen as more authoritative, but there are many other TLDs to choose from such as .org, .net, or country-specific extensions

Choose a domain registrar

There are many domain providers available, but some of the most popular ones are:

• GoDaddy
  GoDaddy is one of the largest domain registrars in the world, offering a wide range of domain name extensions and other services such as website hosting and website builder.

• Namecheap
  Namecheap is known for its affordable prices and excellent customer support. They also offer free privacy protection with every domain registration.

• Bluehost
  Bluehost is a popular web hosting provider that also offers domain registration services. They are known for their reliable hosting and excellent customer support.

• HostGator
  HostGator is another popular web hosting provider that also offers domain registration services. They are known for their affordable prices and easy-to-use website builder.

• Google Domains
  Google Domains is a relatively new domain registrar, but it has quickly gained popularity due to its simple interface and competitive pricing. They also offer free privacy protection with every domain registration.

• Name.com
  Name.com is a popular domain registrar that offers a wide range of domain extensions and other services such as website hosting and email hosting. They are known for their user-friendly interface and excellent customer support.

Check availability

Once you have a list of potential domain names, check if they are available to register. Use a domain registrar’s search tool to check if your desired domain name is available. If it’s already registered, try different variations or extensions.

Add to cart

Once you find an available domain, add it to your cart and proceed to checkout.

Provide information

During the checkout process, you will need to provide your contact information, billing information, and payment details.

Complete purchase

Review your order details and complete the purchase. The registrar will then register the domain in your name and provide you with access to the domain management tools.

Set up DNS

Once you have purchased the domain, you will need to set up DNS (Domain Name System) settings to point the domain to your website or hosting provider:

• Determine your DNS host: If you have registered your domain name with a domain registrar, the registrar may also offer DNS hosting services. Alternatively, you can use a third-party DNS hosting service, such as Cloudflare or Google Cloud DNS.
• Configure DNS records: Once you have determined your DNS host, you need to configure DNS records for your domain name. The most common types of DNS records include A records, which map domain names to IP addresses, and MX records, which specify the email server responsible for accepting email messages sent to your domain name. You may also need to configure other types of records, such as CNAME, TXT, and SRV records, depending on your needs.
• Set DNS server names: After configuring the DNS records, you need to set the DNS server names with your domain registrar. This typically involves entering the names of the primary and secondary DNS servers provided by your DNS host.
• Verify DNS propagation: Once you have set up DNS for your domain name, you need to verify that the changes have propagated throughout the internet. This can take up to 48 hours, during which time your website and email may be temporarily inaccessible.

Choosing a domain name for your website is an important step, as it can impact your brand recognition, SEO, and overall success online.

Nexlogica has the expert resources to support all your technology initiatives.
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