Data virtualisation can simplify data access and improve agility. Three uses of virtual data sources are: 1) Merger and Acquisition: Due to merger of data warehouses, OLTP systems are changed which causes the ETL jobs to break. This situation can be avoided by introducing virtual data sources between source OLTP systems and the data warehouse or between data warehouses and data marts, 2) Stabilizing data warehouse ETL processing, 3) Simplifying self-service data preparation for business users to access data across multiple data sources. In conclusion, virtual data sources are useful in practice because of its ability to de-couple physical data sources from ETL processing improve design and introduce governance. Read more at: http://www.datavirtualizationblog.com/overlooked-capability-data-virtualisation/

The last decade saw the massive growth of big data. During that time, all the technologies did not change but there have been a lot of transformations. Cloud analytics, uses a range of analytical tools to help companies extract information from a massive amount of data and present it in a form that is readily available via web browser, has become popular among the companies with the emerging new data sources. With the need to store and process big data, a whole constellation of open source software such as Hadoop emerged, which is used to store and do a basic processing on big data and is also cheaper than a data warehouse for similar volumes of data. Scripting languages like Hive, Pig, and Python along with many open source tools like Spark are gaining much popularity. Read more at: https://hbr.org/2017/06/how-analytics-has-changed-in-the-last-10-years-and-how-its-stayed-the-same

The world is entering the age of abundance, abundance of data. And with this, the age of intelligence is on its way. According to Eric Scht, the author of the original article, in today’s world, science and critical thinking really matter a lot. People are becoming wary of changes looking at the rate at which technological advancement is taking place. With the massive increase in data in almost every field, the need for artificial intelligence and machine learning is being felt in a broad range of sectors including farming, energy, fashion and healthcare. Read more at: https://www.theguardian.com/small-business-network/2017/jun/22/alphabets-eric-schmidt-google-artificial-intelligence-viva-technology-mckinsey

Slow innovation projects can be just as impact in the long-term. However, they are difficult for organizations to propose, prioritize, and fund. Their scope and pace often run counter to the rhythms of company goals. But there are tremendous benefits. If you’re patient and committed, slow-innovation projects could alert you to an idea, trend, or gap in the market that would have otherwise appeared to “happen overnight.” Some of the tips are:1) Claim your wins 2) Invest in relationship building internally 3) know that the best “slow innovation” work will happen outside your walls 4) Keep budgets lean 5) Don’t forget that seeing isn’t observing, and hearing isn’t listening 6) Be rigorous about fostering serendipity. Read more at: https://hbr.org/2017/06/the-benefits-of-taking-a-slower-approach-to-innovation

Five of the 10 most valuable companies in the world today derive much of their worth from their multi-sided platforms. Many MSPs are more valuable than companies in the same industries that provide only products or services. However, companies that weren’t born as platform businesses rarely realize that they can turn their offerings into one. And even if they do realize it, they often wander in the dark searching for a strategy to achieve this transformation. In this article, four specific ways in which products and services can be turned into platforms and examine the strategic advantages and pitfalls of each are laid out: (1) opening the door to third parties; (2) connecting customers; (3) connecting products to connect customers; and (4) becoming a supplier to a multi-sided platform. Read more at: https://hbr.org/2017/07/finding-the-platform-in-your-product

Microsoft is all set to infuse AI onto Raspberry Pi, a tiny device. They are working on systems that can run machine learning algorithms on microcontrollers as small as a speck of red pepper flake. If not totally tiny, there are devices such as sensors in the current scenario that can collect data and send it to machine learning models running in the cloud. However, the disadvantage of this is that the processing requires a lot of power in data crunching along with occupying a lot of storage space. This is where the team at Microsoft is playing a big role. The only hitch is to get neural network in as small as a breadcrumb sized micro controller. The entire research process is in line with Microsoft’s growing indulgence in the area of AI and machine learning. Read more at:  http://analyticsindiamag.com/making-tiny-bits-smart-infusing-ai-onto-raspberry-pi/

Antitrust, the underpinnings of which are based on industrial-age economic theories, needs new thinking in the digital age to ensure that antitrust policies continue to remain effective guardians of consumer welfare without inadvertently impeding economic progress. The coming battle in antitrust will not be about controlling markets in the traditional sense but about the battle for control over consumers’ information. The tech titans are currently in a race to see which of them can build a better digital replica of their consumers. Tomorrow’s monopolies won’t be able to be measured just by how much they sell us. They’ll be based on how much they know about us and how much better they can predict our behaviour than competitors. Read more at: https://hbr.org/2017/07/the-next-battle-in-antitrust-will-be-about-whether-one-company-knows-everything-about-you

A budget tablet is not completely useless. It can be put into various uses. 1) Car Navigation: Great way of viewing maps and directions. You can also check out Map: Directions & Local Search app by MapMyIndia. 2) Music player: At least 8 GB space can hold up to 100 songs and with live streaming unlimited songs. 3) Security camera: Tablet camera is as good as basic security camera in quality. 4) Book reader: You can turn your large screen tablet into an e-book reader. 5) Digital photo frame: Can be used as photo frame using a desk stand. 6) Personal Planner: Can be used as a digital planner for your day to day work. 7) WiFi router: If your tablet supports 4G, then the tablet can be used a s WiFi hotspot. Read more at: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/wealth/spend/7-things-you-can-do-with-a-budget-tablet-for-optimal-usage/articleshow/59502473.cms

A reality check by ET Wealth for both GST supporters and its detractors. 1) Now it is one nation one tax: Goods like petroleum, diesel are still outside GST’s ambit 2) Small businesses will suffer: Shops can go for manual billing and only for filing internet connectivity is required  3) Prices will shoot up: It seems high because entire system is visible  4) Corporate may try to profiteer but government won’t: Some State govt also act greedy 5) No tax other that GST is a reality: It only considers local and state taxes not the other charges 6) Economic growth will rise: Recorded economic growth will rise not the real growth 7) Pay GST twice for card payments: No additional GST for credit card payments. Read more at: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/wealth/spend/gst-myths-busted-a-reality-check/articleshow/59501148.cms

Skype Lite is a lighter, more data friendly version of the video calling app, and is available only in India. Skype Lite with Aadhaar integration can be downloaded by Android users from the Play Store. In the latest Skype Lite version, Microsoft has enabled support for Aadhaar integration. This can be used for verification of users and their identity online and is more secure. However, Skype will not store any Aadhaar information and details will be securely encrypted. Users of Skype Lite app can request for Aadhaar verification of contacts they chat with, over a video call. Users can also choose to share their Aadhaar information with the other contact in order to confirm their identity. Read more at: http://www.financialexpress.com/industry/technology/microsoft-aadhaar-card-linking-skype-lite-needs-to-be-integrated-now-heres-how-to-do-it/750625/

Though there has been a lot of excitement around Big Data and the potential it holds for making businesses efficient, the significant risks surrounding it in the longer run shouldn’t be overlooked. Some of the most critical issues relating to Big Data are determining what kind of information can be shared and with whom, verifying transmission of cyber information without the threat of leakage and accurately analyzing the available data through the right algorithms and models. The two serious limitations to analysis of huge data sets are overestimation of the predictive capabilities of analytics and misrepresentation and manipulation of data to produce favorable results. Over-dependence on data as a base for decision making can be a risky proposition, especially for consumer-driven business and research organisations. Read more at: http://www.financialexpress.com/industry/technology/big-data-paradox-how-a-business-can-become-a-target-for-cyber-criminals/751246/

After India enacted tougher laws to deal with sticky loans and the central bank stepped in accelerate the pace of recoveries, finance executives have stumbled upon a career-growth opportunity based, ironically, on insolvency. The Insolvency and Banking Board of India (IBBI), set up last autumn and tasked with providing the framework for recovery proceedings, conducts exams that allow chartered accountants, company secretaries, cost accountants, and advocates to qualify as Independent insolvency professionals (IPs). It is not the cushiest jobs. This role has challenges and is equally promising. Read more at: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/markets/stocks/news/the-rising-league-of-insolvency-professionals/articleshow/59450739.cms

At Singularity University’s Exponential Finance Summit in New York last month, Peter Diamandis talked about technology, money and a demonetized world. We all have access to everything at the palm of our hands due to advanced technology, robots implying higher efficiency and lower cost. But technological unemployment follows. The counterbalance to technological unemployment, is the demonetization of living. The most common example of this phenomenon is the smartphone where a bunch of different things can be performed in a single device. Demonetization is one of the factors of technological disruption, where money is taken out of the equation for a given product or service, making it available to everyone. Communication, Entertainment, Energy, Transportation, Housing, Education, Healthcare are a few fields of example Diamandis gave in this context. Read more at https://singularityhub.com/2017/06/08/technology-will-erase-jobs-but-also-make-everything-cheap-or-free/

Customer Value Maximization is a good method used to attract customers to increase transactions and keep active customers of a business for a long duration. The primary factors which contribute to the total revenues that a customer will generate are time, purchase frequency and monetary value of purchases. Maximizing the value of the customer to the business implies maximizing time × purchase frequency × monetary value equation. The pillars of every value maximization strategy are:

1. Customer segmentation 

2. Tracking customers over time.

3. Accurate prediction of future customer behaviour.

4. It should be based on the use of advanced calculations to determine the Customer lifetime value (LTV).

5. Marketing action optimization.

Read more at http://www.optimove.com/blog/maximize-customer-value-smart-way

After the revolution of fin tech in India, the payment sector has seen that Indians are opting for online transactions and transfers. But it is important to keep in mind the security aspect of digital transactions. With increasing use of technology, the market of risk management is growing fast. AI is playing a huge role in financial risk management because of its ability to deal with lots of data with high accuracy.Read more at:https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/294816

Technical revolution is always an unbiased phenomenon but the human makes that positive or negative. After the mechanical revolution of the 19th century, AI is considered the next revolutionary phenomenon in human civilisation which will make a significant impact on technology and global socio-economic condition. AI’s decision making capability is still not highly advanced so AI can’t replace humans now. AI will kill some jobs and create some exciting jobs also. Technical innovation creates new opportunities and friends also. Read more at:https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/288956

The aerospace companies are now studying ways to make safer the current autopilot technology. In near future, the crew will be removed from the plane. According to Boeing Vice President Mike Sinnett, the most important tool for making autopilot safer is Artificial Intelligence. The autopilots should potentially reprogram themselves according to situations which are not possible without AI and Machine learning.Read more at:https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/295609

Retail stores has thousands of choices for fashion and the salesperson may influence you in your decision but with the help of AI and Machine learning your experience is going to more simpler and engaging.AI monitors the browsing patterns of any customer and give product recommendation according to that.AI powered chatbots can work more smarter and intuitively than humans. Machine learning in AI is improving product search capabilities on e-commerce sites.With the tremendous potential of AI, it can revolutionize the retail and e-commerce sector.Read more at: https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/296657

Chatbots are new in the industry and you can make a lot of money from it whether you are an entrepreneur or a company. Chatbots can understand and utilize user psychology to your advantage. Bots can give service in the B2B business. In platforms like Facebook, you can advertise your product or service through bots. You can also generate leads for your business. Read more at:https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/289973

Many marketers have started to think that how they can use Facebook's Bot platform in their business. There are many ways chatbots can be used for the advantage of the business. Chatbot can offer self-service options to your customers which will bring a positive view of your customer care team. You will able to build most effective marketing campaigns with the in-depth user data. You will also able to introduce new innovative promotional opportunities.Read more at: https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/290085