A Guide to Security for Today's Cloud Environment

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Enterprises have rapidly incorporated cloud computing over the last decade, and that trend only seems to be accelerating. Private cloud infrastructure, including virtualization and software-defined networking (SDN), is in the process of transforming on-premise data centers, which host the majority of enterprise server workloads around the world. Enterprises are also embracing public clouds at an unprecedented rate, with most connecting back to on-premise environments to create a true hybrid cloud environment. For all their advantages, these accelerated infrastructural changes also raise major concerns about security, and the ability to protect end-users and sensitive data from ever-evolving cyber threats.

As today’s enterprise data centers evolve from static internal environments to a mix of private, public, and hybrid clouds, organizations need to augment traditional firewalls and security appliances (deployed for north-south traffic at the network edge) with expanded protection for east-west traffic moving laterally across the network, both within internal networks and across clouds.

To maintain a strong security posture in private, public, and hybrid clouds, organizations need to increase and perhaps even reallocate security to keep pace with these more dynamic, distributed, and fast-paced environments. 

Here are some specific areas to consider:

Top PC Trends for 2017

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Millennials are spending more time with their PCs than ever before. Studies indicate that the average time spent on a PC has gone up by 12 minutes since 2012. In addition, consumers are spending twice as much time watching movies and TV shows on PCs rather than tablets and smartphones combined.

“While this generation is consuming more content on their mobiles, to assume that they are letting go of their personal computers is misguided. Depending on their personal usage and needs, some users today still prefer PCs over mobile,” said Michael Ngan, Country General Manager of Lenovo Philippines. “With PCs and laptops becoming more affordable than ever, PC use will continue to thrive this year.”

As consumers become prolific creators, sharers of content and end users, Lenovo (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) believes that display innovations will be a key feature that will drive customer satisfaction. The company has already implemented these features in industry-leading products such as the ThinkPad X1 Yoga’s optional OLED display; the Yoga 910’s near-edgeless 4K display; the Yoga Book featuring pen-based input, dual screen and a Halo Keyboard; as well as the Lenovo Y27g Curved Gaming Monitor.

Against this backdrop, there will be plenty to look forward to in the personal computing space in 2017.

AR/VR Gaming – The AR/VR gaming space is projected to explode as a trend in 2017. With over 50 different headsets already confirmed to be displayed at CES 2017, gaming systems are set to dominate the PC market. We can anticipate that these technologies will grow beyond the PC gaming world as new uses are discovered for the technologies. For example, schools are piloting “Virtual Reality Corners” to diversify the learning process, bringing headsets and AR-compatible devices into the classroom. Benefits of a world with AR/VR are limitless and in line with Gartner’s predictions, this immersive experience will evolve dramatically through 2021, as the technologies transform our interaction with one another and with software systems.[1]

Display Innovations – Thanks to the growing consumer interest for AR/VR gaming, display innovations subsequently follow on the fast track to growing PC trends. Last year, Lenovo was one of the first to bring curved gaming monitors to market for more immersive gaming with the Lenovo Y27g Curved Gaming Monitor and continues to invest in this space to match display capabilities with AR/VR technology that calls for vibrant, snappy visuals. Outside of gaming displays, Lenovo also introduced the ThinkPad X1 Yoga with optional OLED display and the Yoga 910 with up to 4K display, ushering these high-impact displays to become the standard.

IoT Integration – IoT will continue to leave an impression in 2017 as industry observers are already predicting “The Internet of Everything” to be a disruptive trend in technology for the year. Expect to see significant growth in both the consumer and B2B market where smart connectivity extends to virtually any endpoint in the home or workplace. Lenovo is on the path to innovate in this space with ambitious R&D plans in place to make PCs and other smart devices even more integrated and intuitive.

Versatility in Laptops and Tablets – In a recent report, IDC forecasts that detachables can be considered as a PC replacement in the commercial space, with the detachable category expected to account for 31 percent of the tablet market by 2020, an increase from its current market share of 16 percent. 2017 will undoubtedly see an abundance of convertible and detachable devices on the market as portability and versatility remain top of mind for PC users who are becoming more mobile at work and at home.

Extended PC Lifecycles – In the commercial space, analysts forecast PC-as-a-Service (PCaaS) will help PC vendors transform transactional PC sales into longer-term and more profitable engagements by expanding their services portfolios bundled with PC sales. IDC also surveyed IT buyers across a range of company sizes about PCaaS, and found that almost half of respondents said they engaged in the past 12 months or are considering engaging in the next 12 months in PCaaS. This means IT decision makers are positioned to drive and grow the PC market with customized add-on services to maintain and extend the lifecycle of the device.

The Internet of Things (IoT) will continually change the way we live in the coming year. For businesses, the potential from IoT growth will boost productivity and enhance customer engagement. On the consumer front, as we get increasingly connected and adopt new technologies, there will be a blurring of the digital and physical world.

“IoT devices can help businesses enhance customer profiles and create more effective marketing campaigns,” said Ngan. “We’re optimistic to see what IoT will bring in 2017 as more organizations and people begin to adopt IoT. At Lenovo, our aim is to innovate to deliver smart end-user devices and powerful infrastructure, all with connected services and apps, and the best user experience.”

[1] http://www.gartner.com/newsroom/id/3482617

Animax Kicks-off 2017 with 2 Same-Day Telecasts

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Still reeling from the brilliantly illustrated anime movie Your Name? Animax Asia has lined-up a series of exceptionally strong and compelling anime – from hit blockbusters that is close to our hearts to brand new anime series airing on the same day as Japan’s telecast – that will satisfy the desires of all anime fans in the Philippines.

The latest anime right after its broadcast in Japan: Gabriel Dropout and BanG Dream!

First to premiere is supernatural series Gabriel Dropout, a comedy series guaranteed to entertain audiences with its unconventional plot revolving around a delinquent angel! Having graduated at the top of her class, ace angel Gabriel White descends to earth to learn more about humans in order to show them the right path in life. Unfortunately, during her time in the human realm, she picks up bad habits including video game addiction and utter laziness – to the point that this former angel-role-model skips school to play video games. Will she ever find her way back to her angelic roots again? 

Gabriel Dropout airs every Monday at 11pm, on the same day as Japan.

Also premiering in January on same day as Japan is idol anime BanG Dream!. The 14 episode explosive anime series is part of a bigger franchise, which has multiple adaptions including manga, CD singles, music videos and games.  Be inspired to follow your dreams with the aspirational musical series BanG! Dream! All her life, Kasumi has been searching for the “beat of the stars”, a rhythm she heard one night as a child looking up at the sky. Just after entering high school, she chances upon a star-shaped guitar in a pawn shop, which excites new hidden feelings in her! When she meets with four other girls who have been searching for a similar feeling, she discovers that together they can produce magical sounds unlike anything she could be capable of on their own. Will they be able to find a stage for them to stand on and perform?

Follow the dream and unleash the star qualities when BanG Dream! premieres on 22 January, airing every Sunday at 8.30pm, on the same day as Japan.

Fans can also look forward to other popular anime series, which will premiere first and exclusively on Animax: 

Re: Zero -Starting Life in Another World-

The highly-acclaimed anime that has topped anime polls and charts is set to make its television debut on Animax.  It is no ordinary action and fantasy anime; it has become a worldwide phenomenon with over 2 million copies of its light novel sold.  The series follows Subaru Natsuki who is stranded in an alternate world.  Subaru will soon realize that the only way to survive in this new world is to reverse time, an ability that can only be activated when he dies.

Premieres 13 January, airing every Thursday and Friday at 10pm

Fairy Tail (Season 6)

Dubbed as the most intense season yet, the anime will continue from where it left off the last season.  This time, Natsu, Lucy and friends will find out that Tartaros, a dark guild, and its team of mages known as the Nine Demon Gates is behind some of the recent chaos and destruction. Will they be able to stop the mayhem restore the peace? This season will also unfold the untold story behind the beginnings of the Fairy Tail guild as young Mavis Vermillion, the first guild master and co-founder of Fairy Tail goes on a journey and meets friends and foes alike.

Premieres 17 January, every Monday and Tuesday at 10pm

Handa-kun

The much anticipated prequel and spin off the heartwarming anime series Barakamon, Handa-kun tells the tales of Sei Handa, a handsome high school student who is worshipped and deeply respected by his classmates due to the aloof yet charismatic aura he gives out.  To them, he is perfect and out of their league and no one dares to approach him carelessly. However, for Sei and his inherent negative personality, he constantly mistakes such respect as hatred and hostility towards him, leading to unexpected hilarious situations.

Premieres 18 January, every Wednesday and Thursday at 8pm

Animax is available on SKYCable Channel 46, Cignal Digital TV Channel 73, and Dream Channel 07.