Microsoft Introduces Cloud for Sovereignty, the Most Flexible and Comprehensive Solution for Digital Sovereignt

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Governments and public sector customers around the world are looking to accelerate their digital transformation, creating opportunities for social and economic growth and enhancing citizen services. Last week, Microsoft announced Microsoft Cloud for Sovereignty, a new solution that will enable public sector customers to build and digitally transform workloads in the Microsoft Cloud while meeting their compliance, security and policy requirements. Public sector customers can now harness the full power of Microsoft Cloud, including broad platform capabilities, resiliency, agility and security. With the addition of Microsoft Cloud for Sovereignty, they will have greater control over their data and increased transparency to the operational and governance processes of the cloud.

Governments are obligated to meet specific requirements for varying data classifications including data governance, security controls, privacy of citizens, data residency, sovereign protections and compliant operations following legal regulations like the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation). The Microsoft Cloud for Sovereignty — offering governance, security, transparency and sovereign technology — combined with strategic partners can support the digital transformation of government customers unlike any other cloud provider in the world.



Helping customers leverage the cloud while meeting their unique needs

Microsoft Cloud for Sovereignty is being built on the Microsoft public cloud to accelerate digital transformation while creating a customized experience adhering to government requirements. Government customers will have the power of the public cloud, addressing low cost, agility and scale expectations, with the full breadth of capabilities like modern developer services, agile infrastructure, secure DevOps, open-source platforms, modern collaboration and low-code development. Additionally, Microsoft Cloud for Sovereignty customers will continue benefiting from Microsoft’s global security signals, analyzing over 24 trillion signals every day to identify and help protect against local attacks.

Data residency

The foundation of Microsoft Cloud for Sovereignty will start with Microsoft Azure regional datacenters. Today, with 60-plus cloud regions, the Microsoft Cloud delivers the broadest capabilities and innovation with data residency and proximity in more locations than any other cloud provider, enabling residency options for the entire Microsoft Cloud including Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365 and Azure. Enabled by Microsoft’s industry-leading policy controls, customers today can meet many regulatory requirements and implement policies to contain their data and applications within their preferred geographic boundary. Customers can specify the country or region for most service deployments with the ability to satisfy industry, national, or global security, privacy and compliance requirements.

Microsoft has the most comprehensive compliance coverage of any cloud service provider with 100-plus offerings including more than 50 which are specific to global regions and countries. Microsoft engages with governments, regulators, standards bodies and nongovernmental organizations to understand emerging requirements and ensure a fast and effective enablement of critical compliance needs.



Sovereign controls

Microsoft Cloud for Sovereignty will deliver capabilities that will provide customers with additional layers to protect and encrypt sensitive data. These capabilities span the entire Microsoft Cloud from cloud infrastructure, platform services and Software as a Service (SaaS) offerings like Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365 and Power Platform. Customers can leverage Azure Confidential Computing, an innovative technology offering sovereign protection with Confidential Virtual Machines and Confidential Containers. Microsoft’s unique offering utilizes specialized hardware to create isolated and encrypted memory called Trusted Execution Environments (or TEEs). Customer-owned encryption keys are confidentially and securely released directly from a Managed HSM (Hardware Security Module) into the TEEs executing on customer encrypted data. This secures customer keys, even while in-use, and ensures data is encrypted while at rest, in transit, and in use, helping protect data and keys against numerous security risks and operator access. Customers can benefit from this capability without having to change their application, creating an easy opportunity to leverage the power and scale of the public cloud while still ensuring their data is encrypted at all times. Confidential Compute capabilities extend into purpose-built platform services such as Azure SQL Always Encrypted with secure enclaves and Azure Confidential Ledger.

SaaS solutions like Double Key Encryption allow users in Microsoft 365 to classify emails and documents as “sensitive,” encrypting the customer data using customer-provided keys to protect data from both security risks and operator access. Furthermore, the Customer Lockbox for Microsoft 365, Customer Lockbox for Microsoft Azure, Customer Lockbox for Power Platform, and the forthcoming Customer Lockbox for Dynamics 365, all ensure that Microsoft will only access customer data to execute service operations when given explicit customer approval.

For customer workloads that require additional proximity, physical/operator control and separation, Azure Arc extends our Azure cloud services, management and governance capabilities into an existing or new on-premises environment. With this, customers can already secure and govern infrastructure and apps anywhere, build cloud-native apps faster with familiar tools and services to run them and modernize their data estate for consistent cloud operations

To simplify the complexity of the spectrum of data classification requirements, Microsoft Cloud for Sovereignty will include a Sovereign Landing Zone, a solution to simplify the architecture, deployment workflow and provide intelligent tools to orchestrate operations of Microsoft’s various security services and policy controls in a streamlined manner. The Sovereign Landing Zone is being built upon the enterprise scale Azure Landing Zone to recommend and enforce regulatory compliance using Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) and Policy-as-Code (PaC) capabilities built into Azure, which make deployments automatable, customizable, repeatable and consistent. This landing zone will also extend into Azure Information Protection (AIP), enabling policy and labeling for access control and protection on email and document data. This landing zone will be flexible enough to allow customers to define custom policies to meet specific industry and regulatory requirements. The landing zone will span the Microsoft public cloud, with tools to maintain data residency, deploy sovereign controls, protect data classification and extend into hybrid deployments, creating a single solution for all application needs.



Governance and transparency

Microsoft Cloud for Sovereignty will increase cloud transparency by expanding the Microsoft Government Security Program (GSP) to critical elements of Microsoft’s cloud offering, starting with key Azure infrastructure components. The GSP provides participants with the confidential security information and resources they need to trust Microsoft’s products and services. GSP participants currently include over 45 countries, including the Philippines and international organizations represented by more than 90 agencies. Eligible participants receive controlled access to source code, engage on technical content about Microsoft’s products and services, and have access to five globally distributed Transparency Centers. Microsoft Cloud for Sovereignty will also enable audit rights to examine Azure’s compliance processes and evidence under non-disclosure agreements and available audit terms.



Expertise

From the outset, Microsoft Cloud for Sovereignty has been designed as a partner-led and partner-first solution. In-country partners will play a pivotal role in enabling customer success and delivering on government requirements.

Public sector customers worldwide are increasingly looking for customized cloud solutions that offer additional choice, flexibility and control. With the Microsoft Cloud for Sovereignty, customers will work with in-country partners that have industry and technical experience to help them plan, onboard, govern and operate their cloud environments with capabilities including data residency, confidential computing, document classification and hybrid deployments. Partners will also add value by working with customers to customize the Sovereign Landing Zone, assisting with the audit programs mentioned above, and providing extra readiness, support and transparency. Microsoft recognizes that public sector customers have valued relationships with local technology providers and that every country has unique needs. Microsoft Cloud for Sovereignty will offer the tools, the innovation, the processes and the transparency to put the power into the hands of knowledgeable and trusted partners that will support local governments on their digital transformation journey.

“We are beginning the initial private preview of Microsoft Cloud for Sovereignty in select locations, and we will share further details over time. As we continue to roll out and expand our solution footprint across our datacenter regions, we look forward to working closely with partners throughout the world to help government customers digitally transform, leveraging today’s powerful capabilities of the Microsoft Cloud,” said Corey Sanders, Corporate Vice President, Microsoft Cloud for Industry and Global Expansion

UN Sasakawa Laureate Glenn Banaguas brings Mapua University to tears at 2022 commencement

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In a happy twist of fate, Mapua University’s 2022 commencement address was delivered by an alumnus who didn’t even attend his own graduation from the same institution: internationally-awarded science diplomat Glenn Banaguas.

“My dear fellow Mapuans, our graduates… Being positive does not always mean life’s perfection; it signifies that any form of trial or negativity creates a path of success and opportunity,” he said as he addressed a crowd of over 400 graduates of the Class of 2022 last June 20 at the PICC Plenary Hall.

Following his speech, Banaguas was conferred the Most Outstanding Alumnus Award by his alma mater—a very surprising turn of events, he admits. He recalls his undergraduate years as a particularly tumultuous time for him personally: “I did pretty well for the first few years in Mapua. But I was a disappointment in my last years…,” he recalls.

When the time came for graduation, he said, not even his own adviser could persuade him to attend the commencement ceremony. But in the years following his graduation, Banaguas found a path for himself in public service.

In 2010 Banaguas set out as a pioneer science diplomat and founded the Environmental and Climate Change Research Institute (ECCRI) with the mantra, “A Service to the People and Environment is a Service to God.” He also started the “Climate Smart Philippines” program, which brings science and policy closer to the poorest communities and marginalized sectors in the country. These initiatives aim to reduce disaster risks and prevent potential damages and losses through scientific wide-ranging assessment, risk and impact analysis, capacity development, project management, and multilateral cooperation.

For his work, Banaguas was conferred the 2022 United Nations Sasakawa Award for Disaster Risk Reduction, besting over 200 nominations worldwide to become the first individual Filipino winner in the award’s 35-year history. The award is bestowed on institutions, groups, and individuals that promote inclusive and resilient approaches to disaster risk reduction in line with the UN’s Sendai Framework.

The honor shot Banaguas to national fame, prompting his alma mater to invite him to this year’s commencement ceremony. “Lord, thank You for choosing me. Let Your will be done,” the proverbial Mapuan said, teary-eyed.

Below is the excerpt from his Commencement Speech that brought the graduation attendees to tears:

 

And for you, my dear fellow Mapuans, our graduates

This is my simple advice to you:

1.     Never ever get discouraged if you fail to get what you want. Remember God answer our prayers in 4 ways:

a.     Yes – Yes

I will give it to you because I know it is good for you.

b.     Yes – No

I will give it to you but not the way you want it.

c.     No – Yes

I am not going to give it to you today but you’ll have it someday.

d.     No – No

I am not going to give it to you because it is not good for you.

 

And if you fail, always remember these failures do not define who you are. What matters most is the number of times you stand up every time you fall.

 

2.     Never ever forget to be grateful for whatever undertaking that is given to you

Be like Simon of Cyrene. He was never an apostle of Jesus but had the chance to carry His cross on the way to the calvary. This cross may be defined as your difficulties, struggles, complications, and negativities. Embrace them constructively not because this is part of your destiny but because this will bring good things for you and your family.

 

3.     Never ever forget to be a wounded healer

You need to transform your pain into strength and suffering into learning. Yes, your greatest challenge is to provide the best services and bless others in your most difficult times. You need to heal the wounds of adversity and believe in the miracles of love and positivity.

 

4.     Never ever forget to be of service to others.

You have to have a heart for change. You need to respect the spheres of individuality invariably and penetrate the labyrinth of life unflinchingly. One day, you will build projects and develop programs for the industry.. for your company. And this is a guide,  no matter how technical your projects are, make sure that they will create positive changes in the lives of our people.

Touching their hearts, especially the local communities should be your top priority. You have to let them feel and realize that profession is not always a key in order to make a difference in society. It is their burning passion,  unquestionable character, and unswerving commitment that will make this world a better place.

 

5. Never ever forget to be humble

As you reach the top, never forget to look back.

There will come a time that the glory of the present will diminish. Things will evolve. The shine will fade. And if they happen, the virtue of humility will genuinely amplify integrity.

And last but not least,

6.     Never ever lose faith

Your experiences will teach you that no one was destined to be a victim, or condemned to be a martyr. It only means that your faith defines your journey.

Your experiences will educate you that being positive does not always mean life’s perfection. It signifies that any form of trial or negativity creates a path of success and opportunity.

The Future Of Online Stores

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Considering the changing times and turn of events in the business world. To take advantage of the coming times, one must learn about the future of online shopping and position better for such an advantage.

Online shopping has come to stay. All you need to work on is to come up with ideas that make your customers choose your brand over your competitors. Though quality sells when it comes to online shopping, there is something that sells more than that. You must make your customer feel that you care about their experience more than you care about their money.

The relevance of online shopping will continue to grow, judging from the current trends. To advance the relevance of an online shopping website create a futuristic picture that projects the possible demands ahead.

Trends Shaping Online Shopping

The future of online shopping is being shaped by some trends. Here are some of the trends shaping online shopping.
Customer Data And Analytics

To grow your marketing tactics, you have to leverage customer data and analytics. Since you don’t keep retail clerks in an online shop, you can take advantage of data gathered from customers to recommend products to them. Once you can capture patterns of shopping behavior from customers, you stay ahead in the online shopping business. Taking note of this behavior makes it possible to come up with:prices;
advertising;
cross-promotion for individuals based on the general trend.

Data analysis gives a business an insight to research products and find out ones that sell well and how much customers are willing to pay for such. Coming up with new products to sell and how to sell them better will thrive on insight from existing data.

Machine Learning

In an online store, every customer wants to have a personalized experience. You can scale up your sales conversion rate when you identify, keep in mind and suggest relevant offers and products to customers.

Over the years, mobile phone users have increased and will continue to increase as time goes on. More purchases are made with mobile phones compared to other devices. Mobile phones make it possible for purchases to be made seamlessly from any location. So mobile compatibility means a lot for the future of online shopping.

Taking strategic positions in your business is more important than what you offer. Since a greater percentage of online sales are accrued to mobile phones, your online store must adopt an optimized design or an App that can make it accessible on mobile devices.

When it comes to online shopping, accessibility must not be streamlined to certain devices. A multiple channel approach will be effective to work with. This will drastically increase your sales conversion.

Voice-enabled Shopping

A good customer experience is one thing you must make possible in your online store. Everyone likes an easy-going life and that's why necessity Will continues to be the mother of invention.

Technology has made life so easy in such a way that you don't need to dial your cell for you to make a call, all you just need is a voice command and you're good to go.

It will shock you to know that such advancement in technology has gotten to the online shopping industry where you:add your products into your cart with just a simple voice command;
can compare prices with just a voice command;
check your available options with just a voice command.

This could make life easier and sweeter as you don't have to reach out to anything but rather give a command and see how the answers come to your beck and call.

Research conducted by OC&C strategy consultant shows that voice-enabled shopping is set to hit $40billion in the U.S by 22022.

Social media platforms

Social media platforms have played major roles in our today's world as billions of people are clinched to one or more social media platforms.

But the amazing thing is that the era of just chatting and having fun on social media is gradually fading away as many use these platforms as avenues and vendors for marketing and advertising their skills, services and products.

Social media platforms have made marketing very easy and less risky as many have been victims of uncertain circumstances due to the facial exchange of goods in places unknown to them.

Through these platforms, you have your purchasing decision once the goods meet your standard and requirements after seeing images or Live video sessions of what you're after.

And another amazing thing with social media platforms is that you can easily market your skills to any part of the globe without physical contact.

Online shopping leadership program

Having passion and talent for online marketing and business is one thing, but the truth is that talent is never enough as there are so many competitors around.

So enrolling into a master's program could lighten you up in the area of marketing and expand your e-commerce knowledge thereby equipping you with the right skills as you stand the chance of learning from top business gurus around the world from Maryville University as they offer such programs both for the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Conclusion

As times change, trends change as well. All you need to set the pace in the online shopping business is to adopt strategies that resonate with the trends. While people are busy going with trends, they subconsciously subscribe to your intentionality. So being proactive helps you stay at the peak in your online shopping business. Be willing to adopt the little ideas that make your business sell better