#enterprise database platforms

[goodoldbandit]

Data Unbound: Embracing NoSQL & NewSQL for the Real-Time Era.

Sanjay Kumar Mohindroo Sanjay Kumar Mohindroo. skm.stayingalive.in Explore how NoSQL and NewSQL databases revolutionize data management by handling unstructured data, supporting distributed architectures, and enabling real-time analytics. In today’s digital-first landscape, businesses and institutions are under mounting pressure to process massive volumes of data with greater speed,…

[keyforrestuk]

A Rock-Solid Data Platform: Why SQL Server 2016 Standard Remains a Top Choice

Unleashing the Power of SQL Server 2016: A Reliable Foundation for Modern Data Needs

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, organizations require a robust and reliable data platform to support their critical operations and strategic initiatives. SQL Server 2016 Standard stands out as a versatile, powerful choice that continues to deliver exceptional performance, security, and flexibility. Its comprehensive features make it an ideal solution for businesses seeking stability and scalability in their data management infrastructure.

One of the key strengths of SQL Server 2016 Standard is its enhanced security capabilities. With features like Always Encrypted, it ensures sensitive data remains protected, even in the event of a breach. This encryption technology allows data to be encrypted at rest and in transit, providing peace of mind for organizations handling confidential information. Furthermore, dynamic data masking helps prevent unauthorized access by hiding sensitive data from users who do not need to see it, fostering a secure environment for data handling.

Beyond security, SQL Server 2016 excels in supporting business intelligence (BI) initiatives. Its integrated analytics tools enable companies to analyze vast amounts of data efficiently, transforming raw data into actionable insights. Power BI integration facilitates interactive visualizations, empowering decision-makers with real-time data dashboards. This seamless BI capability ensures organizations can stay ahead of market trends and respond swiftly to changing business conditions.

Performance enhancements in SQL Server 2016, such as in-memory OLTP and operational analytics, significantly boost transaction processing speeds and reduce latency. These features are particularly beneficial for applications requiring high throughput and low latency, such as financial systems or e-commerce platforms. The in-memory technology allows for real-time data processing, which is crucial for competitive advantage in today's fast-paced environment.

Scalability is another cornerstone of SQL Server 2016 Standard. Its ability to handle large volumes of data and concurrent users makes it suitable for organizations of all sizes. Whether managing small departmental databases or enterprise-wide data warehouses, SQL Server 2016 adapts to your needs, ensuring reliable performance without compromising security or functionality.

Moreover, SQL Server 2016 offers comprehensive tools for data management and automation. Its robust backup and recovery options, coupled with advanced monitoring features, enable administrators to maintain high availability and system integrity. These tools simplify database administration, reduce downtime, and enhance overall operational efficiency.

Choosing a database platform is a strategic decision that impacts every aspect of an organization. SQL Server 2016 Standard continues to be a top choice because it combines tried-and-true stability with innovative features that meet modern data demands. Its cost-effectiveness, combined with enterprise-grade capabilities, makes it an attractive solution for businesses aiming for growth and resilience.

In conclusion, SQL Server 2016 Standard offers a comprehensive, secure, and high-performing data platform that supports a wide range of business needs. Its combination of security features, BI integration, performance enhancements, and scalability makes it a reliable foundation for any organization’s data strategy. To learn more about how this platform can elevate your data management, visit A Rock-Solid Data Platform: Why SQL Server 2016 Standard Remains a Top Choice.

[darkmaga-returns]

Comcast’s Xfinity—the largest cable provider in the U.S.—has rolled out “WiFi Motion,” a real-time in-home motion tracking system, just as its broader data infrastructure now connects to CIA-linked surveillance firm Palantir through a new integration with Databricks, a leading enterprise AI and data platform provider.

Comcast is owned by World Economic Forum (WEF)-tied BlackRock, Vanguard, and StateStreet.

The news comes as DARPA launches a new military AI program—MAGICS—designed to predict and forecast human behavior at scale, raising fresh concerns that tools like Xfinity’s in-home motion tracking could feed future “pre-crime” surveillance systems powered by CIA contractors like Palantir.

The news also comes as the Trump administration expands Palantir’s role as the backbone of a sweeping federal effort to consolidate Americans’ personal data—raising alarm that CIA-linked surveillance tools may soon fuse government databases with private-sector sources like Comcast’s in-home motion tracking.

Without any additional cameras or sensors, the Xfinity WiFi motion system uses signal disruptions between devices to track physical movement inside your home.

Room to room, across floors, and even down to small gestures like a hand wave.

Xfinity offers motion tracking at “no extra cost,” raising red flags, because when surveillance features are free, your data and privacy are usually the real price.

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this New York Times story:

On Feb. 8, Colette Delawalla, a graduate student in psychology at Emory University, nervously announced to the online world that she was planning a national protest in defense of science. “I’ve never done this before, but we gotta be the change we want to see in the world,” she wrote in a post on Bluesky, a social media platform.

A team of scientists quickly coalesced around her and formed a plan: a rally on the National Mall, satellite protests across the country, March 7. They threw together a website so rudimentary, initially, that visitors had to type the “www” manually, or else the web address raised an error. Within days, the (improved) site received so much traffic that it crashed.

The event, dubbed Stand Up For Science, is something of a revitalization of the March for Science that took place in cities around the world in April 2017, not long into President Trump’s first term. But this time, in a greatly sharpened political climate and a post-Covid world, the protests are being organized by a completely different team, and with a distinct vision.

“The spirit of it is the same,” Ms. Delawalla said. But, she added, “now we are in a position of being on defense as opposed to offense.”

Many of the threats that mobilized scientists during the first Trump administration, such as the widespread deletion of federal databases and deep slashes to the science budget, never came to pass. But this time, within weeks of the presidential inauguration, Mr. Trump has already reshaped much of the federal scientific enterprise, which funds a significant chunk of academic research.

Often through executive orders, his administration has terminated funding for global health programs, fired disease screeners at the nation’s borders, gutted climate policy and attempted to suspend funding for nuclear protection. More than a thousand workers across federal science agencies, including the National Park Service, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health, have been laid off. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., widely seen as a vaccine skeptic, is now the health secretary.

Some scientific associations applauded Mr. Trump’s swift appointment of Michael Kratsios, an expert in technology policy, to the position of science adviser, rather than leaving the position vacant for more than a year, as he did during his first term.

The tradition of science activism stretches back through the environmental movement of the 1960s to the antinuclear protests at the end of World War II. “Historically, when scientists’ interests and livelihoods are threatened, they mobilize,” said Scott Frickel, a sociologist at Brown University who studies the relationship between science and society.

[mariacallous]

Palantir, the software company cofounded by Peter Thiel, is part of an effort by Elon Musk’s so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to build a new “mega API” for accessing Internal Revenue Service records, IRS sources tell WIRED.

For the past three days, DOGE and a handful of Palantir representatives, along with dozens of career IRS engineers, have been collaborating to build a single API layer above all IRS databases at an event previously characterized to WIRED as a “hackathon,” sources tell WIRED. Palantir representatives have been onsite at the event this week, a source with direct knowledge tells WIRED.

APIs are application programming interfaces, which enable different applications to exchange data and could be used to move IRS data to the cloud and access it there. DOGE has expressed an interest in the API project possibly touching all IRS data, which includes taxpayer names, addresses, social security numbers, tax returns, and employment data. The IRS API layer could also allow someone to compare IRS data against interoperable datasets from other agencies.

Should this project move forward to completion, DOGE wants Palantir’s Foundry software to become the “read center of all IRS systems,” a source with direct knowledge tells WIRED, meaning anyone with access could view and have the ability to possibly alter all IRS data in one place. It’s not currently clear who would have access to this system.

Foundry is a Palantir platform that can organize, build apps, or run AI models on the underlying data. Once the data is organized and structured, Foundry’s “ontology” layer can generate APIs for faster connections and machine learning models. This would allow users to quickly query the software using artificial intelligence to sort through agency data, which would require the AI system to have access to this sensitive information.

Engineers tasked with finishing the API project are confident they can complete it in 30 days, a source with direct knowledge tells WIRED.

Palantir has made billions in government contracts. The company develops and maintains a variety of software tools for enterprise businesses and government, including Foundry and Gotham, a data-analytics tool primarily used in defense and intelligence. Palantir CEO Alex Karp recently referenced the “disruption” of DOGE’s cost-cutting initiatives and said, “Whatever is good for America will be good for Americans and very good for Palantir.” Former Palantir workers have also taken over key government IT and DOGE roles in recent months.

WIRED was the first to report that the IRS’s DOGE team was staging a “hackathon” in Washington, DC, this week to kick off the API project. The event started Tuesday morning and ended Thursday afternoon. A source in the room this week explained that the event was “very unstructured.” On Tuesday, engineers wandered around the room discussing how to accomplish DOGE’s goal.

A Treasury Department spokesperson, when asked about Palantir's involvement in the project, said “there is no contract signed yet and many vendors are being considered, Palantir being one of them.”

“The Treasury Department is pleased to have gathered a team of long-time IRS engineers who have been identified as the most talented technical personnel. Through this coalition, they will streamline IRS systems to create the most efficient service for the American taxpayer," a Treasury spokesperson tells WIRED. "This week, the team participated in the IRS Roadmapping Kickoff, a seminar of various strategy sessions, as they work diligently to create efficient systems. This new leadership and direction will maximize their capabilities and serve as the tech-enabled force multiplier that the IRS has needed for decades.”

The project is being led by Sam Corcos, a health-tech CEO and a former SpaceX engineer, with the goal of making IRS systems more “efficient,” IRS sources say. In meetings with IRS employees over the past few weeks, Corcos has discussed pausing all engineering work and canceling current contracts to modernize the agency’s computer systems, sources with direct knowledge tell WIRED. Corcos has also spoken about some aspects of these cuts publicly: “We've so far stopped work and cut about $1.5 billion from the modernization budget. Mostly projects that were going to continue to put us down the death spiral of complexity in our code base,” Corcos told Laura Ingraham on Fox News in March. Corcos is also a special adviser to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

Palantir and Corcos did not immediately respond to requests for comment

The consolidation effort aligns with a recent executive order from President Donald Trump directing government agencies to eliminate “information silos.” Purportedly, the order’s goal is to fight fraud and waste, but it could also put sensitive personal data at risk by centralizing it in one place. The Government Accountability Office is currently probing DOGE’s handling of sensitive data at the Treasury, as well as the Departments of Labor, Education, Homeland Security, and Health and Human Services, WIRED reported Wednesday.

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Reuters Exclusive: In an authoritarian power grab, Musk aides lock government workers out of computer systems at US agency, sources say

Tim Reid at Reuters:

WASHINGTON, Jan 31 (Reuters) - Aides to Elon Musk charged with running the U.S. government human resources agency have locked career civil servants out of computer systems that contain the personal data of millions of federal employees, according to two agency officials. Since taking office 11 days ago, President Donald Trump has embarked on a massive government makeover, firing and sidelining hundreds of civil servants in his first steps toward downsizing the bureaucracy and installing more loyalists.

Musk, the billionaire Tesla (TSLA.O), opens new tab CEO and X owner tasked by Trump to slash the size of the 2.2 million-strong civilian government workforce, has moved swiftly to install allies at the agency known as the Office of Personnel Management. The two officials, who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation, said some senior career employees at OPM have had their access revoked to some of the department's data systems. The systems include a vast database called Enterprise Human Resources Integration, which contains dates of birth, Social Security numbers, appraisals, home addresses, pay grades and length of service of government workers, the officials said. "We have no visibility into what they are doing with the computer and data systems," one of the officials said. "That is creating great concern. There is no oversight. It creates real cybersecurity and hacking implications." Officials affected by the move can still log on and access functions such as email but can no longer see the massive datasets that cover every facet of the federal workforce. [...]

MUSK INFLUENCE

A team including current and former employees of Musk assumed command of OPM on Jan. 20, the day Trump took office. They have moved sofa beds onto the fifth floor of the agency's headquarters, which contains the director's office and can only be accessed with a security badge or a security escort, one of the OPM employees said. The sofa beds have been installed so the team can work around the clock, the employee said. Musk, a major donor to a famously demanding boss, installed beds at X for employees to enable them to work longer when in 2022 he took over the social media platform, formerly known as Twitter. "It feels like a hostile takeover," the employee said. The new appointees in charge of OPM have moved the agency's chief management officer, Katie Malague, out of her office and to a new office on a different floor, the officials said. Malague did not respond to a request for comment.

The moves by Musk's aides at OPM, and upheaval inside the Treasury building caused by other Musk aides that was reported on Friday, underscore the sweeping influence Musk is having across government. David Lebryk, the top-ranking career U.S. Treasury Department official, is set to leave his post following a clash with allies of Musk after they asked for access to payment systems, the Washington Post reported on Friday. The new team at OPM includes software engineers and Brian Bjelde, who joined Musk's SpaceX venture in 2003 as an avionics engineer before rising to become the company's vice president of human resources. Bjelde's role at OPM is that of a senior adviser. The acting head of OPM, Charles Ezell, has been sending memos to the entire government workforce since Trump took office, including Tuesday's offering federal employees the chance to quit with eight months pay. "No-one here knew that the memos were coming out. We are finding out about these memos the same time as the rest of the world," one of the officials said. Among the group that now runs OPM is Amanda Scales, a former Musk employee, who is now OPM's chief of staff. In some memos sent out on Jan. 20 and Jan. 21 by Ezell, including one directing agencies to identify federal workers on probationary periods, agency heads were asked to email Scales at her OPM email address.

Elon Musk, along with Donald Trump, are helping to destroy the US government one power trip move at a time.

[nargis04shaikh]

Third-Party Cyber Insurance Coverage Explained | Cyber Insurance in India

In today’s digital world, cyber risks are not just internal threats. Data breaches, identity theft, and cyberattacks can trigger lawsuits, penalties, and third-party claims, making cyber insurance in India a necessity, not a choice.

One essential part of any cyber insurance policy is Third-Party Coverage. Unlike first-party coverage (which protects your own business), this coverage shields you from claims made by others — customers, clients, vendors, or regulatory authorities.

Let’s explore:

What is cyber insurance?

What is third-party cyber liability coverage?

Why Indian companies need it

Key risks covered

Difference between first-party & third-party coverage

Benefits for corporates, SMEs, and startups

What is Cyber Insurance?

Cyber insurance, also known as cyber security insurance or cyber liability insurance, protects businesses from financial loss due to cyber threats like:

Data breaches

Malware & ransomware attacks

Hacking & phishing

Unauthorized access

Business interruption

Today, cyber insurance in India is an integral part of commercial insurance portfolios, especially for digital-first companies.

What is Third-Party Coverage in Cyber Insurance?

Third-party coverage refers to the protection provided against claims, legal actions, or regulatory penalties brought by external parties affected by a cyber incident in your organization.

For example:

If your systems are hacked and customer data is leaked, your clients may sue you.

If a business partner suffers loss due to a cyber breach on your end, they may file a claim.

If a regulator penalizes you for failing to protect personal data, you're liable.

Third-party cyber insurance pays for your legal defense, settlements, and related costs.

What Does Third-Party Cyber Insurance Cover?

Here’s a breakdown of key coverages under third-party liability in cyber insurance:

1. Legal Defense Costs

Covers attorney fees, court expenses, and legal proceedings if a third party sues your company for negligence or data loss.

2. Regulatory Fines & Penalties

Pays penalties imposed by government bodies or regulators (like CERT-In, RBI, IRDAI) for non-compliance with data protection laws.

3. Third-Party Damages

If a client or partner suffers financial loss due to your cyber incident, this coverage compensates them.

4. Media Liability

Covers claims related to defamation, copyright infringement, or libel from your digital content (especially relevant to media, tech, or advertising companies).

5. Privacy Liability

Protects against lawsuits stemming from loss or mishandling of personal identifiable information (PII) or sensitive customer data.

Third-Party vs First-Party Cyber Coverage

A complete cyber insurance policy should include both coverages for end-to-end protection.

Why Indian Businesses Need Third-Party Coverage

Cybersecurity threats in India are rising exponentially, especially with digital payments, cloud adoption, and remote work becoming mainstream.

Here’s why third-party coverage in cyber insurance is critical for Indian companies:

India has the second-largest number of internet users globally — more users mean more data to protect.

The DPDP Act (Digital Personal Data Protection Act) mandates strict privacy compliance.

A data breach now costs Indian companies an average of ₹18.3 crore.

Increasing legal scrutiny and class-action suits around personal data exposure.

Whether you're in e-commerce, fintech, healthcare, or education, third-party risks can impact your brand reputation, finances, and operations.

Who Should Opt for Third-Party Cyber Liability Coverage?

✅ Corporates and enterprises handling large-scale consumer or partner data ✅ Startups and SMEs operating online platforms, apps, or digital services ✅ IT and BPO companies with access to client databases or networks ✅ Healthcare and BFSI sectors governed by strict data privacy regulations ✅ Any company looking to strengthen its business insurance or company insurance coverage

How to Choose the Right Cyber Insurance Policy

When selecting a cyber insurance policy, ensure it includes:

Both first-party and third-party protection

High coverage limits for legal claims & data breaches

Coverage of legal expenses, settlements, and privacy violations

Add-ons like crime insurance and reputation damage control

Fast claims support and cyber incident response

🧩 Real-World Example

Case: Indian Fintech Startup (2023) A fintech firm faced a lawsuit after hackers breached their system and leaked customer KYC data. Customers sued the company, and regulators imposed fines. Their third-party cyber insurance covered:

₹2.5 crore in legal fees

₹1 crore in regulatory fines

₹1 crore in settlements with affected users

Without cyber coverage, these costs could have crippled the startup.

Final Thoughts

Cyber and crime insurance isn’t just about securing IT systems — it’s about protecting your business from reputational and legal ruin. Third-party coverage ensures you're prepared for legal backlash and financial liability when things go wrong.

In a digitally connected economy, having robust cyber insurance in India is no longer optional — it's essential for insurance for corporations, startups, and all modern businesses.

[nordstarvisions]

Top 5 data management mistakes costing UAE businesses millions

Introduction

In an increasingly digital economy, poor data practices have become more than just an IT issue—they are an enterprise-level risk. 

Across the UAE, businesses are losing millions annually due to fragmented systems, inconsistent governance, and reactive strategies. 

In this article, we’ll unpack five critical data managementmistakes, their tangible costs, and what forward-thinking firms are doing to stay compliant, competitive, and data-resilient in 2025.

1. Fragmented Data Silos Across Departments

While decentralization may speed up local decision-making, it often comes at the cost of data cohesion. Sales, marketing, finance, and operations frequently maintain isolated datasets that never sync—each with its own metrics, definitions, and reporting cycles. The cost? Missed opportunities, duplicated efforts, inconsistent KPIs, and customer insights that are either delayed or distorted due to incompatible sources. Fix: Implement centralized data lakes or unified ERP/CRM systems to bridge these silos. Introduce cross-departmental governance protocols, and enforce scheduled data synchronization to maintain consistency across all business functions.

2. Weak Data Governance and Access Controls

Many UAE businesses still lack formal governance policies. There’s little clarity on who owns the data, who can access it, and how data quality is maintained across systems and touchpoints. The cost? Increased risk of data breaches, GDPR/DIFC non-compliance, unauthorized exposure of sensitive information, and eroded stakeholder trust—especially in sectors like healthcare, finance, and public services. Fix: Deploy a robust data governance framework with clearly defined roles, role-based access controls, automated audit trails, and regular compliance reviews. Embed accountability at every stage of data creation and usage.

3. Overreliance on Legacy Infrastructure

Outdated database architectures, manual Excel trackers, and siloed on-prem systems continue to dominate back-end processes—despite widespread digital front-ends. The cost? Performance bottlenecks during scale, limited real-time data visibility, high IT maintenance overheads, and an inability to integrate with modern analytics or automation tools. Fix: Migrate to cloud-native platforms that support elastic scaling, system redundancy, and embedded analytics. Incorporate APIs for seamless integration with existing digital tools while phasing out legacy dependencies.

4. Lack of Data Quality Assurance

Inconsistent formats, missing fields, outdated records, and duplicated entries remain common issues across enterprise datasets—especially when multiple input sources aren’t standardized.

The cost?

Flawed business reports, poor AI/ML model performance, customer experience setbacks, and incorrect decision-making based on unreliable data.

Fix:

Introduce end-to-end data quality frameworks that include automated validation checks, enrichment protocols, and AI-driven anomaly detection. 

Regular audits and cleansing routines should be part of standard operations.

5. Treating Data Strategy as a One-Off Project

Many businesses initiate data initiatives as one-time efforts—an implementation followed by months (or years) of stagnation. 

Without ongoing refinement, systems become outdated, and processes lose alignment with evolving business needs.

The cost?

Strategic misalignment, increasing technical debt, and declining ROI on digital investments that fail to evolve with the organization’s goals.

Fix:

Create a living data strategy—an adaptive roadmap reviewed quarterly, driven by key stakeholders across departments. 

Tie progress to measurable KPIs like operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, or revenue growth from data-led initiatives.

Turn Costly Data Chaos into Smart Business Decisions: Nordstar Vision

At Nordstar Vision, we help businesses move from fragmented systems to future-ready data ecosystems. 

Whether you’re struggling with outdated infrastructure, data silos, or lack of governance, our team brings tailored solutions to help you scale confidently in a data-first economy.

Let’s turn your data into a growth engine.

Reach out to us today at +(971) 50 1108756 or visit nordstartvision.

[shantitechnology]

How ERP Software for Engineering Companies Improves Operational Efficiency

In today's competitive market, engineering companies are under immense pressure to deliver innovative solutions, maintain cost-efficiency, and meet tight deadlines—all while ensuring the highest standards of quality.  As the engineering industry becomes more complex and digitally driven, operational efficiency has become a key metric for success.  One of the most transformative tools driving this change is ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software.

For companies seeking to streamline their operations, ERP software for engineering companies provides a centralized platform that integrates every function—ranging from procurement, design, production, finance, HR, and project management.  In India, especially in industrial hubs like Delhi, the demand for such software is growing rapidly.  Let us explore how ERP systems significantly enhance operational efficiency and why choosing the right ERP software company in India is vital for engineering enterprises.

Centralized Data Management:  The Foundation of Efficiency

One of the major challenges engineering companies face is managing vast amounts of data across departments.  Manual entries and siloed systems often lead to redundancies, errors, and miscommunication.  With ERP software for engineering companies in India, organizations gain access to a unified database that connects all operational areas.

Real-time data availability ensures that everyone, from the design team to procurement and finance, is working with the latest information.  This reduces rework, improves collaboration, and speeds up decision-making, thereby increasing efficiency.

Streamlined Project Management

Engineering projects involve numerous stages—from planning and design to execution and maintenance.  Tracking timelines, resources, costs, and deliverables manually or via disparate systems often results in delays and budget overruns.

Modern engineering ERP software companies in Delhi provide robust project management modules that allow firms to plan, schedule, and monitor projects in real time.  This includes milestone tracking, Gantt charts, resource allocation, and budget forecasting.  Managers can gain visibility into bottlenecks early on and reallocate resources efficiently, ensuring timely delivery.

Automation of Core Processes

Automating routine tasks is one of the key advantages of implementing ERP software.  From generating purchase orders and invoices to managing payroll and inventory, ERP eliminates the need for repetitive manual work.  This not only saves time but also minimizes human error.

The best ERP software provider in India will offer customizable automation workflows tailored to the specific needs of engineering companies.  For instance, when a material stock reaches a minimum threshold, the ERP system can automatically generate a requisition and notify the purchasing team.  This ensures zero downtime due to material shortages.

Enhanced Resource Planning and Allocation

Resource planning is crucial in engineering projects where labour, materials, and machinery must be utilized efficiently.  A good ERP software for engineering companies provides detailed insights into resource availability, utilization rates, and project requirements.

By analysing this data, companies can better allocate resources, avoid overbooking, and reduce idle time.  This leads to significant cost savings and ensures optimal productivity across the board.

Integration with CAD and Design Tools

Many ERP solution providers in Delhi now offer integration with design and CAD software.  This is particularly useful for engineering firms where design data is often needed for procurement, costing, and production.

When ERP is integrated with CAD, design changes automatically reflect across related departments.  This seamless flow of information eliminates miscommunication and ensures that downstream processes such as procurement and manufacturing are aligned with the latest design specifications.

Real-time Cost and Budget Management

Keeping engineering projects within budget is a continuous challenge.  Unexpected costs can arise at any stage, and without proper monitoring, they can spiral out of control.  ERP software providers in India equip engineering companies with real-time budget tracking tools.

From initial cost estimation to actual expenditure, companies can monitor every aspect of the financials.  Alerts can be configured for budget deviations, helping management take corrective action promptly.  This financial control is a cornerstone of operational efficiency and long-term profitability.

Improved Compliance and Documentation

Engineering companies must adhere to various compliance standards, certifications, and audit requirements.  Maintaining accurate documentation and audit trails is critical.  ERP systems automate compliance tracking and generate necessary documentation on demand.

By partnering with trusted ERP software companies in Delhi, engineering firms can ensure they meet industry standards with minimal administrative overhead.  Features like document versioning, digital signatures, and compliance checklists help organizations stay audit-ready at all times.

Scalable and Future-ready Solutions

One of the biggest advantages of working with a reputed engineering ERP software company in Delhi is access to scalable solutions.  As engineering businesses grow, their operational complexities increase.  Modern ERP systems are modular and scalable, allowing businesses to add new functionalities as needed without disrupting existing operations.

Moreover, cloud-based ERP solutions offer flexibility, remote access, and lower infrastructure costs.  These are especially beneficial for engineering companies that operate across multiple locations or work on-site with clients.

Enhanced Customer Satisfaction

Efficient operations lead to improved delivery timelines, better quality products, and faster customer service—all of which directly impact customer satisfaction.  With ERP, engineering companies can maintain accurate production schedules, meet delivery deadlines, and respond to customer queries with real-time information.

By choosing the right ERP software for engineering companies in India, firms not only improve internal operations but also build a strong reputation for reliability and professionalism among their clients.

Choosing the Right ERP Partner

With the growing number of ERP solution providers in India, selecting the right partner is crucial.  Here are a few factors to consider:

Domain Expertise:  Choose a vendor with experience in the engineering sector.

Customization:  The software should be tailored to suit your specific workflows.

Scalability:  Ensure the ERP solution grows with your business.

Support & Training:  Opt for companies that provide ongoing support and employee training.

Integration Capabilities:  Check whether the ERP can integrate with your existing systems, including CAD tools, financial software, etc.

Trusted ERP software companies in Delhi like Shantitechnology (STERP) stand out because they offer deep industry knowledge, scalable platforms, and dedicated customer support—making them ideal partners for engineering businesses seeking to transform operations.

Final Thoughts

In a rapidly evolving business landscape, engineering companies must adopt smart technologies to stay ahead.  ERP software is not just an IT solution—it is a strategic tool that can redefine how engineering firms manage their projects, people, and performance.

From streamlining project workflows and automating routine tasks to enhancing collaboration and boosting resource efficiency, ERP solutions deliver measurable gains across the organization.  For those looking to make a digital leap, partnering with a top-rated ERP software company in India can be the difference between stagnation and scalable success.

Looking for a reliable ERP partner?  Shantitechnology (STERP) is among the leading ERP solution providers in Delhi, offering tailored ERP software for engineering companies to help you boost productivity, reduce costs, and grow sustainably.  Contact us today to learn more!

[indigosteeloracle]

Graph Analytics Edge Computing: Supply Chain IoT Integration

Graph Analytics Edge Computing: Supply Chain IoT Integration

By a veteran graph analytics practitioner with decades of experience navigating enterprise implementations

Introduction

Graph analytics has emerged as a transformative technology for enterprises, especially in complex domains like supply chain management where relationships and dependencies abound. However, the journey from concept to production-grade enterprise graph analytics can be fraught with challenges.

In this article, we'll dissect common enterprise graph analytics failures and enterprise graph implementation mistakes, evaluate supply chain optimization through graph databases, explore strategies for petabyte-scale graph analytics, and demystify ROI calculations for graph analytics investments. Along the way, we’ll draw comparisons between leading platforms such as IBM graph analytics vs Neo4j and Amazon Neptune vs IBM graph, illuminating performance nuances and cost considerations at scale.

Why Do Enterprise Graph Analytics Projects Fail?

The graph database project failure rate is surprisingly high despite the hype. Understanding why graph analytics projects fail is critical to avoid repeating the same mistakes:

Poor graph schema design and modeling mistakes: Many teams jump into implementation without a well-thought-out enterprise graph schema design. Improper schema leads to inefficient queries and maintenance nightmares. Underestimating data volume and complexity: Petabyte scale datasets introduce unique challenges in graph traversal performance optimization and query tuning. Inadequate query performance optimization: Slow graph database queries can cripple user adoption and ROI. Choosing the wrong platform: Mismatched technology selection, such as ignoring key differences in IBM graph database performance vs Neo4j, or between Amazon Neptune vs IBM graph, can lead to scalability and cost overruns. Insufficient integration with existing enterprise systems: Graph analytics must seamlessly integrate with IoT edge computing, ERP, and supply chain platforms. Lack of clear business value definition: Without explicit enterprise graph analytics ROI goals, projects become academic exercises rather than profitable initiatives.

These common pitfalls highlight the importance of thorough planning, vendor evaluation, and realistic benchmarking before embarking on large-scale graph analytics projects.

you know, https://community.ibm.com/community/user/blogs/anton-lucanus/2025/05/25/petabyte-scale-supply-chains-graph-analytics-on-ib Supply Chain Optimization with Graph Databases

Supply chains are inherently graph-structured: suppliers, manufa

[beardedmrbean]

Drawing on lessons and experiences from the war in Ukraine, the Russian government is determined to ensure technological and industrial readiness for the large-scale adoption of drone technology in both military and civilian sectors, the Estonian Foreign Intelligence Service says in its annual report published on Wednesday.

«Under the national drone development project, drones are being developed and produced based on standardized types, sizes and functions, for example light, medium or heavy drones of the airplane, multirotor or helicopter type designed for transport, training or reconnaissance purposes,» the report says.

To ensure standardized production and development, the project aims to establish 48 research and production centers across Russia. These centers will provide shared laboratory and production equipment, along with facilities for development, testing and production, as well as support personnel for participating enterprises.

Russia plans to allocate on average one billion euros annually to this project until 2030, with the aim of creating one million jobs for experts in the sector, who will be registered in a national electronic database. The project also includes the goal of integrating drone-related education into 75 percent of Russian schools.

According to the report, the national drone development project likely reflects both economic ambitions and an intent to emulate China's model, where civilian initiatives for new technologies and production capacities also facilitate rapid and cost-efficient transfers to the military sector.

By centralizing the integration of private enterprise with this state-led project, the Russian government likely aims to establish complete control over development and production resources, specialist personnel and the resulting technologies.

Research and development centers are envisioned as innovation hubs designed to help Russia achieve «technological sovereignty» and reduce its dependency on Western technologies and imported components.

The creation of an electronic database of industry experts mirrors the practices across Russia's broader military-industrial complex, where cross-sectoral databases enable the identification and allocation of critical personnel as required.

These initiatives, combined with lessons from the war in Ukraine, will likely secure a strong position for the Russian armed forces in the long-term deployment of drone technology.

According to the Foreign Intelligence Service, Russia has extensively deployed one-way attack drones (NATO designation: OWA UAS) in its war against Ukraine. These drones merge loitering munitions with unmanned aerial strike systems, creating a precision-strike platform capable of serving both tactical and strategic purposes, depending on their application.

As of January 2025, Russia has used over 11,000 Shahed, Geran and Garpiya drones in Ukraine, targeting critical infrastructure in massive waves combined with other precision weapons, such as ballistic and cruise missiles.

This terror tactic aims to undermine Ukrainian morale. From Russia's perspective, targeting civilian infrastructure also increases the likelihood that Ukraine will expend its limited stock of air defense resources to intercept drones. Thus, one-way attack drones can also serve as saturation decoys for Ukraine's air defenses so that Russia's more expensive and capable ballistic and cruise missiles can reach their intended military targets.

The Shahed series of one-way attack drones, produced by Iran, has been sold to Russia in large quantities. The extensive use of Shahed drones against Ukraine has been well-documented through video evidence and physical remnants; however, a key source of information emerged on Feb. 4, 2024, when the PRANA Network hacker group leaked the email servers of Sahara Thunder, a purported front company for Iran's Revolutionary Guard, according to the report.

According to the Foreign Intelligence Service, the leaked documents revealed that Iran initially offered Shahed-136 drones to Russia at a price of 375,000 US dollars per unit. Following negotiations, the parties agreed on a reduced price of 193,000 dollars per drone for a bulk purchase of 6,000 units, or 290,000 dollars per drone for a batch of 2,000 units. The price quoted by Iran is vastly higher than the estimated production cost, indicating that, for Iran, the Shahed drone sales were primarily an economic transaction. For Russia, accepting such a high price reveals its urgent need for these drones.

Russia also produces a modified version of Iran's Shahed-136 drone under the name Geran-2 in Tatarstan's Alabuga Special Economic Zone. Compared with the original, the Geran-2 incorporates several modifications, including the use of more advanced materials. It features an improved navigation and control module assembled in Russia, which includes the adaptive Kometa antenna to enhance its resistance to Ukraine's electronic warfare systems. Reports estimate the production cost of one Geran-2 drone in Russia at 48,800 dollars, which is significantly less than the cost of importing a Shahed-136 from Iran.

In late 2022, a group of Russian defense industry companies, led by the Almaz-Antei conglomerate, began developing a domestically produced one-way attack drone, the Garpiya A1. This drone shares many components, including its engine, with the Iranian Shahed-136 drone and its Russian-manufactured version, the Geran-2, produced in Alabuga. The Garpiya A1 is nearly identical to these models in appearance and technical specifications. It is highly likely a case of reverse engineering the Iranian Shahed-136 in Russia, with the apparent goal of lowering the costs of acquiring one-way attack drones.

The Garpiya is undergoing upgrades, including new targeting systems to improve autonomy, accuracy and lethality. Plans for a jet-powered version promise greater speed and altitude, making it a more challenging target for Ukrainian air defenses. The advancement of one-way attack drones, particularly jet-powered versions, blurs the line between drones and cruise missiles and offers similar capabilities at a fraction of the cost, almost certainly enhancing the scale and effectivenes of precision-strike campaigns in future conflicts. After the conclusion of active hostilities in Ukraine, Russia will likely use its drone warfare experience and insights into Western air defense systems to shape the development of its forces along Estonian and NATO borders, according to the report.

The Kometa controlled reception pattern antenna (CRPA), widely used in Russian armed forces equipment, ensures resilience against jamming and spoofing of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals. Various versions of the Kometa antenna are fitted on virtually all Russian weapon systems that rely on GNSS signals, including ballistic and cruise missiles, glide bombs and drones such as the Geran-2 and Garpiya A1.

According to the Foreign Intelligence Service, each element of the CRPA receiver processes signals with specific delays and phase shifts based on the direction and wavelength of incoming signals, as well as the relative positioning of the elements. This enables the system to identify and counteract interference by adjusting the antenna's reception pattern to avoid disruptive signals.

The Kometa CRPA receivers very likely enhance the resilience of Russian weapon systems, including one-way attack drones, against Ukraine's electronic warfare efforts to disrupt GNSS signal reception. This capability enables Russia's armed forces to carry out more accurate and devastating strikes. The reduced effectiveness of electronic warfare in disrupting navigation signals heightens the need for alternative capabilities, such as kinetic strike options, within air defense systems.

Additionally, Kometa's proven performance and operational experience during Russia's aggression against Ukraine is a factor Estonia must consider when acquiring precision munitions and drones, as well as when developing countermeasures. The mass production of Kometa antennas will enable Russia to equip both new and existing systems with this technology, reducing the impact of adversary electronic warfare measures on its operational capabilities.

«The Russian Ministry of Defense set an ambitious target to reach a production rate of 100,000 drones per month by the end of 2024 to support its so-called special military operation in Ukraine. To achieve this, numerous federal and regional support initiatives and funding schemes were launched. Most of the drones produced are FPV (first-person view) light multirotor drones with military functionality. It remains unclear whether Russia achieved this goal in 2024, but available information indicates that monthly production volumes grew several-fold over the year. Furthermore, Russia is likely capable of scaling up its one-way attack drone production faster than Ukraine can strengthen its countermeasures,» the report says.

According to the Foreign Intelligence Service, Russia's drone industry remains reliant on imported components, particularly electronics and drone motors and engines, for which no domestic alternatives exist. These components are largely sourced from Western manufacturers. However, manufacturers' ability to monitor end users is limited, as components are sold in bulk to electronic wholesalers, who then distribute them to end users and retailers worldwide. Russia has built procurement networks to exploit these supply chains, constantly seeking opportunities to acquire sanctioned items by involving companies from various countries as intermediaries to conceal Russia's role as the end user. As a result, the burden of ensuring compliance with sanctions falls more heavily on wholesalers than on the component manufacturers themselves.

«Sanctions have had a limited impact on Russian drone production. Russia's military-industrial complex continues to access critical components via intermediaries. Estimates indicate that up to 80 percent of sanctioned Western components reach Russia through China, suggesting that representatives of manufacturers, wholesalers and intermediaries within China are almost certainly a weak link in the supply chain. China has made some efforts to restrict its state-owned and state-associated entities from supplying sanctioned goods to Russia. It has also tightened existing restrictions and introduced new ones, such as the Chinese Ministry of Commerce's export controls on certain drones and drone components imposed on 1 September 2023. Despite this, covert supplies from Chinese private companies persist, with Beijing remaining Russia's primary hub for importing high-tech and dual-use goods,» the report says.

According to the Foreign Intelligence Service, dependency on imported components, including drone motors and engines, has been one of the most significant challenges to developing Russia's domestic drone production. Potential transfers of drone technology from China to Russia through private-sector collaboration could significantly decrease Russia's dependence on foreign suppliers. Although the Chinese government likely seeks to avoid the direct involvement of its state institutions in supplying sanctioned goods to Russia, it facilitates bilateral cooperation and covert transfers of dual-use components through private companies. This approach will likely decrease Russia's dependency on Western components and, in the long term, could undermine the West's ability to leverage influence in this domain.

[ellagrace20]

Cloud Migration and Integration A Strategic Shift Toward Scalable Infrastructure

In today’s digital-first business environment, cloud computing is no longer just a technology trend—it’s a foundational element of enterprise strategy. As organizations seek greater agility, scalability, and cost-efficiency, cloud migration and integration have emerged as critical initiatives. However, transitioning to the cloud is far from a lift-and-shift process; it requires thoughtful planning, seamless integration, and a clear understanding of long-term business objectives.

What is Cloud Migration and Why Does It Matter

Cloud migration involves moving data, applications, and IT processes from on-premises infrastructure or legacy systems to cloud-based environments. These environments can be public, private, or hybrid, depending on the organization’s needs. While the move offers benefits such as cost reduction, improved performance, and on-demand scalability, the true value lies in enabling innovation through flexible technology infrastructure.

But migration is only the first step. Cloud integration—the process of configuring applications and systems to work cohesively within the cloud—is equally essential. Without integration, businesses may face operational silos, inconsistent data flows, and reduced productivity, undermining the very purpose of migration.

Key Considerations in Cloud Migration

A successful cloud migration depends on more than just transferring workloads. It involves analyzing current infrastructure, defining the desired end state, and selecting the right cloud model and service providers. Critical factors include:

Application suitability: Not all applications are cloud-ready. Some legacy systems may need reengineering or replacement.

Data governance: Moving sensitive data to the cloud demands a strong focus on compliance, encryption, and access controls.

Downtime management: Minimizing disruption during the migration process is essential for business continuity.

Security architecture: Ensuring that cloud environments are resilient against threats is a non-negotiable part of migration planning.

Integration for a Unified Ecosystem

Once in the cloud, seamless integration becomes the linchpin for realizing operational efficiency. Organizations must ensure that their applications, databases, and platforms communicate efficiently in real time. This includes integrating APIs, aligning with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, and enabling data exchange across multiple cloud platforms.

Hybrid and Multi-Cloud Strategies

Cloud strategies have evolved beyond single-provider solutions. Many organizations now adopt hybrid (combining on-premise and cloud infrastructure) or multi-cloud (using services from multiple cloud providers) approaches. While this enhances flexibility and avoids vendor lock-in, it adds complexity to integration and governance.

To address this, organizations need a unified approach to infrastructure orchestration, monitoring, and automation. Strong integration frameworks and middleware platforms become essential in stitching together a cohesive IT ecosystem.

Long-Term Value of Cloud Transformation

Cloud migration and integration are not one-time projects—they are ongoing transformations. As business needs evolve, cloud infrastructure must adapt through continuous optimization, cost management, and performance tuning.

Moreover, integrated cloud environments serve as the foundation for emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, data analytics, and Internet of Things (IoT), enabling businesses to innovate faster and more efficiently.

By treating cloud migration and integration as strategic investments rather than tactical moves, organizations position themselves to stay competitive, agile, and future-ready.

[stuarttechnologybob]

How do businesses use Microsoft technologies?

Microsoft Technologies Services

In today’s fast-paced and modern digital world, businesses rely on powerful tools and resources to stay productive, secure, and competitive. Microsoft Technologies provides many solutions that help organizations streamline operations, improve communication, and grow efficiently. Companies across all industries, from small startups to large enterprises, use Microsoft tools to power their success.

Enhancing Team Collaboration and Productivity -

One of the most common uses of Microsoft Technologies is to improve how teams work together. Microsoft 365 tools like Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive make it easy for employees to share files, hold virtual meetings, and manage tasks in real time—no matter where they are.

Cloud Computing with Microsoft Azure -

Businesses use Microsoft Azure to host websites, applications, and databases in the cloud. Azure allows companies to scale their IT resources and tools up or down based on the objective demand, which lower costs and increases flexibility. It also supports data backup, disaster recovery, and AI-driven services.

Managing Customer Relationships -

Microsoft Dynamics 365, resources assists the companies to handle out their sales, customer service, and marketing in one place at a time. With insights powered by data and automation, businesses can build stronger customer relationships and make smarter decisions faster with the assistance of Microsoft Technologies.

Improving Security and Compliance -

With cyber threats on the rise, Microsoft Technologies offers built-in security tools to help protect sensitive data. Features like multi-factor authentication, data encryption, and compliance tracking help businesses meet industry regulations and secure their systems.

Automating Processes with Power Platform -

Tools like Power Automate and Power Apps allow businesses to create custom apps and automate repetitive tasks without writing complex code. This helps save time and lets employees focus on more important work.

Businesses use Microsoft Technologies to stay efficient, connected, and secure in a digital-first world. Whether through cloud computing, team collaboration tools, or business intelligence platforms, Microsoft remains a trusted partner for organizations looking to grow and succeed. Additionally, Microsoft and its tools support the organization with remote work offerings and hybrid environments setup, and digital transformation with ease. Their solutions helps out the businesses to stay agile and alert, adaptive to change quickly, and remain competitive in the ever-evolving market as leads towards stand out of the domain in the industry.

Partnering with Experts for Microsoft Technology -

Businesses can rely on shifting their existing system and operating structure to new mediums as if for Microsoft tools with companies and experts like Suma Soft, IBM, and Cyntexa for a hassle-free Microsoft rollout journey.

As these set of industry leaders and experts assure a smooth transition with custom solutions offerings with its adaptation into the system with advanced security measures, and ongoing support, allowing the companies to maximize the benefits of their modern digital infrastructure.

[fenebris-india]

Why Your Business Might Be Falling Behind Without AI App Development or Modern Web Solutions

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, staying competitive isn’t just about having an online presence — it’s about having the right kind of presence. Many businesses invest in a website or a mobile app and stop there. But without integrating AI app development services and scalable, intelligent business web development services, they risk falling behind.

So, what’s causing this gap, and how can businesses close it?

The Real Challenge: Businesses Aren’t Evolving with User Expectations

User behavior has dramatically changed over the last few years. Customers expect fast, personalized, and intuitive digital experiences. They want websites that respond to their needs, apps that understand their preferences, and services that anticipate their next move. Businesses that are still running on legacy systems or using outdated platforms simply can’t meet these rising expectations.

Let’s say a user visits your website to schedule a consultation or find a product. If your system takes too long to load or offers no AI-driven suggestions, you’ve already lost them — probably to a competitor that’s already using AI app development services to enhance user interaction.

The Role of AI in Transforming Business Applications

Artificial Intelligence is no longer limited to tech giants. From personalized product recommendations to intelligent customer service chatbots, AI app development services are helping businesses of all sizes create smart, responsive applications.

Some examples of what AI can do in a business app include:

Automating repetitive customer queries

Offering personalized product or content recommendations

Identifying user behavior patterns and adapting accordingly

Reducing human errors in backend processes

By integrating AI into mobile or web apps, companies can streamline operations, improve customer satisfaction, and gain deeper insights into user behavior. And as these capabilities become the new norm, not having them means you’re offering a subpar experience by default.

The Foundation: Scalable Business Web Development Services

While AI powers intelligence, you still need a strong digital infrastructure to support it. This is where business web development services come in.

A well-developed business website isn’t just about looking good. It should be:

Responsive: accessible and easy to navigate on all devices

Scalable: ready to handle increased traffic or new features without a full rebuild

Secure: with updated protocols to protect user data

Fast: with optimized loading times for better user retention

These elements don’t just “happen.” They require planning, strategy, and expertise. Modern business web development services help create these experiences, combining functionality with user-centric design.

Let’s not forget the importance of backend systems either — inventory management, CRM integration, user databases, and more all need to run smoothly in the background to support the front-end user experience.

Why the Gap Still Exists

Despite the availability of these technologies, many businesses hesitate to adopt them. Common reasons include:

Fear of high development costs

Uncertainty about where to start

Lack of technical knowledge or internal teams

Belief that AI and advanced web systems are “only for big companies”

But these concerns often stem from a lack of awareness. Platforms like Fenebris India are already offering tailored AI app development services and business web development services that cater specifically to startups, SMBs, and growing enterprises — without the hefty price tag or complex jargon.

The key is to think in terms of long-term growth rather than short-term fixes. A custom-built AI-enabled app or a modern, scalable web system may require some upfront investment, but it significantly reduces future inefficiencies and technical debt.

How to Start Evolving Your Digital Strategy

If you're not sure where to begin, consider these initial steps:

Audit your current digital presence: What features are outdated or missing?

Identify customer pain points: Are users dropping off before completing actions? Are your support channels responsive enough?

Define your goals: Do you want more engagement, smoother operations, better insights?

Consult experts: Work with a team that understands both AI and business development needs.

You don’t have to overhaul everything at once. Even small changes — like adding a chatbot, integrating AI for personalized content, or improving page speed — can have a significant impact.

Final Thoughts

The future belongs to businesses that adapt quickly and intelligently. Whether it’s by embracing AI app development services to build smarter tools or by investing in professional business web development services to offer faster, more reliable experiences — staying competitive means staying current.

Digital transformation isn’t about trends. It’s about survival, growth, and being there for your customers in the ways they now expect.