Features

Building Castles In The Hybrid Cloud

Published

1 year ago

May 30, 2024

Kristoff Copmans, Team Lead, Solution Architect, Sitecore

“There are no rules of architecture for a castle in the clouds,” quipped G. Chesterton, the British author. However, since those whimsical days, people have quite literally taken to building their own castles in the public and private clouds, where not the sky but the annual IT budget appears to be the only real limit. The evolution of cloud computing stands as a testament to innovation’s relentless march towards greater efficiency, accessibility and scalability in the digital age. Born out of the need for scalable and flexible infrastructure, cloud computing has transformed the way businesses operate, heralding a new era of digital transformation. As organisations grapple with the imperative of modernisation and agility, the adoption of cloud-first strategies has become a cornerstone of success in today’s competitive landscape.

The journey towards cloud-first strategies began with the emergence of public cloud providers like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud, with additional players quickly entering the fray. Offering on-demand access to compute, storage, and networking resources, public clouds provided unparalleled scalability and cost-efficiency, revolutionising the IT landscape; for both enterprise organisations and start-ups; from the urban centres of the United States of America to all far-flung concerns of the globe. However, concerns over data security, compliance, data residency and latency not just arose but also persisted, prompting organisations to explore alternative solutions, including private cloud.

The distinction between private and public cloud environments became increasingly apparent as businesses weighed the trade-offs between control and convenience. While private clouds offered greater control over data and compliance, they often lacked the virtually limitless scalability and cost-effectiveness of their public counterparts. Conversely, public clouds provided unmatched agility and innovation, but at times or in specific regions raised concerns about data sovereignty and regulatory compliance.

Enter hybrid cloud architecture – a model that sought to bridge the gap between private and public clouds, offering the best of both worlds. Hybrid patterns emerged as organisations sought to leverage the scalability and innovation of public clouds while retaining control over sensitive data and applications. By e.g. integrating on-premises infrastructure with public cloud, hybrid architectures promised to deliver agility, resilience, and cost-efficiency without compromising security or compliance.

The rise of hybrid cloud architecture was driven by a confluence of factors, including the proliferation of data, the advent of edge computing, and the growing complexity of IT environments. With data volumes soaring and distributed workloads becoming the norm, organisations faced mounting pressure to modernise their infrastructure and embrace cloud-native technologies. Moreover, the rise of edge computing – enabled by the proliferation of IoT devices and 5G networks – necessitated a distributed approach to computing, blurring the boundaries between on-premises and cloud environments ever more.

Against this backdrop, hybrid cloud architecture emerged as a strategic imperative for organisations seeking to navigate the complexities of modern IT landscapes. By adopting hybrid patterns, businesses could optimise workloads based on factors such as latency, cost, and regulatory requirements, ensuring optimal performance and compliance across diverse environments.

The adoption of hybrid cloud architectures has unlocked myriad benefits for organisations across industries. One prominent example is Oracle, which has been at the forefront of hybrid cloud innovation with its Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI). Offering a comprehensive suite of services spanning infrastructure, platform, and applications, OCI empowers organisations to seamlessly integrate their on-premises environments with the cloud. Oracle’s commitment to hybrid architecture is exemplified by its recent advancements in hybrid cloud management tools and solutions, including its partnership with Microsoft to run Oracle Autonomous Data Warehouse (ADW) directly on Microsoft Azure, enabling customers to efficiently orchestrate workloads across heterogeneous environments.

Similarly, industry giants like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud have been instrumental in driving the adoption of hybrid cloud architectures. AWS Outposts and Google Anthos offer compelling solutions for extending cloud services to on-premises environments, enabling consistent operations across hybrid deployments. Microsoft Azure stands out with its Azure Arc offering, providing a unified management platform for orchestrating resources across on-premises, multi-cloud, and edge environments. Moreover, Azure’s partnership with various Independent Software Vendors (ISVs), such as for example Sitecore, provides a clear and tangible example of how the seamless integration of hybrid cloud solutions can deliver value for customers balancing various needs at the same time. For example, Sitecore’s Digital Experience Platform (DXP) is deployed on Azure to deliver scalable and secure experiences for customers worldwide; fitting to the compliance context of the local data centre.

As the hybrid architecture continues to build momentum, especially the concept of sovereign cloud solutions has gained significant traction, particularly in regions where data sovereignty and regulatory compliance are paramount. In the UAE, for instance, the government’s vision for digital transformation has spurred the development of sovereign cloud platforms to cater to the unique needs of the region. G42, a leading technology company, has emerged as a key player in this space and recently announced that Microsoft will be investing $1.5 billion as part of its growth plan. Specifically, this strategic collaboration aims to accelerate the adoption of hybrid cloud solutions tailored to the requirements of customers in the UAE and beyond.

The rise of sovereign cloud solutions represents a paradigm shift in hybrid architecture, offering organisations greater control and assurance over their data while leveraging the scalability and innovation of global cloud providers. With investments focused on enhancing local infrastructure and capabilities, sovereign cloud platforms pave the way for a new era of hybrid architecture tailored to regional requirements.

In addition to the technological advancements driving the evolution of hybrid cloud architecture, there are also significant cultural and organisational shifts at play. After all, the adoption of cloud-first strategies requires both technological expertise and a fundamental change in mindset and organisational culture. More traditional and siloed approaches to IT infrastructure must give way to more agile methodologies that embrace the flexibility and scalability of Cloud. This often entails breaking down internal barriers and fostering cross-functional collaboration between development, operations, and security teams. Furthermore, it requires a willingness to embrace change and experiment with new technologies and processes, as organisations navigate the complexities of hybrid cloud deployments.

Moreover, the rise of hybrid cloud architectures has implications extending far beyond IT infrastructure, including in areas such as data management, security, and compliance. With data becoming the digital lifeblood of modern organisations, the ability to effectively manage and secure data across hybrid environments has truly become a conditio sine qua non. Robust data governance frameworks and security controls that span on-premises and cloud environments are required to ensure data integrity, confidentiality, and availability. Additionally, organisations must navigate a complex regulatory landscape, with data privacy regulations (e.g GDPR, CCPA) posing continued challenges for hybrid cloud. However, by adopting a holistic approach to data management and compliance, organisations can mitigate risks and ensure regulatory complinance while harnessing hybrid cloud’s full potential.

Furthermore, the evolution of hybrid cloud architectures is closely intertwined with broader trends such as digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI) (including GenAI), and the Internet of Things (IoT). As organisations embrace transformation initiatives to stay competitive in today’s digital economy, the role of hybrid cloud architectures becomes even more critical. By providing the foundation for innovation and agility, hybrid architectures empower organisations to harness the power of emerging technologies such as AI at their own pace and in their own environment, driving new business opportunities and enhancing Customer Experience (CX). As such, hybrid cloud architectures are both a technology solution and a strategic enabler of transformation, enabling organisations to thrive in an era of unprecedented change and disruption.

In conclusion, as we continue to build our castles in the clouds, the technology landscape undergoes rapid transformation. From the whimsical musings of G. Chesterton to the reality of hybrid cloud architectures, businesses are propelled forward by the promise of greater flexibility, scalability, and resilience. Yet, amidst this evolution, the emergence of sovereign cloud solutions underscores the significance of regional nuances in hybrid cloud deployments. As organisations navigate these complexities, it is essential not to pull up the drawbridge, but to remain open to exploring the possibilities. Strategic partnerships and innovative solutions fortify the future of hybrid architecture. Just as every castle thrives on openness to trade and exchange, so too does the future of cloud computing rely on embracing new horizons, ready to seize the opportunities that float by in the sky right above us.

Features

Redefining Real Estate: The Rise of Wellness-Centric Spaces

Published

3 months ago

March 14, 2025

Integrator Web-Editor

By Mark Phoenix – CEO of Sankari

The way we think about real estate is evolving, and at the heart of this change is a renewed focus on wellness. As we become more aware of the profound impact our living environments have on our health and well-being, it’s clear that real estate must go beyond aesthetics and luxury—it must support a lifestyle of vitality and longevity. To me, true luxury is no longer defined solely by opulence but by spaces that promote health, balance, and connection.

The demand for wellness-oriented spaces is growing rapidly, and real estate developers must rise to meet it. Today’s buyers are looking for more than just high-end finishes and exclusive locations—they want environments that enhance their well-being. Integrating wellness features such as fitness centers, yoga studios, meditation areas, and holistic health services is no longer an option; it’s a necessity. These spaces don’t just add value to a property; they create communities that create physical health, mental clarity, and social engagement.

Wellness-centric design is about more than just adding amenities—it’s about creating environments that encourage movement, relaxation, and human connection. By prioritizing well-being in real estate, developers can offer residents a lifestyle that aligns with modern values and aspirations. These spaces cultivate a sense of belonging, allowing people to come together in ways that enrich their lives beyond the walls of their homes.

Beyond individual benefits, wellness-focused communities have a lasting impact on society. As more people seek out homes that support their health, the real estate industry has an opportunity to lead this cultural shift. Developments that incorporate sustainable materials, biophilic design, and eco-friendly building practices not only benefit residents but also contribute to a healthier planet.

In the ultra-luxury segment, this focus on wellness is especially meaningful. The most sought-after properties are no longer just about extravagance—they are about creating a sanctuary where people can rejuvenate both physically and mentally. True luxury lies in thoughtful, health-driven design that enhances everyday life in meaningful ways.

Designing for wellness also means partnering with visionary architects and designers who understand the importance of both form and function. In regions with challenging climates, for example, innovative solutions can help reduce environmental impact while enhancing comfort and efficiency. Securing sustainability certifications like LEED further reinforces a commitment to responsible development and aligns with the global movement toward eco-conscious living.

For me, integrating wellness into real estate is more than just a trend—it’s a deeply personal mission and a strategic imperative. The places we live should do more than just shelter us; they should actively contribute to our health and happiness. By embedding wellness into the very foundation of luxury real estate, we’re not just shaping beautiful spaces—we’re shaping better lives.

Features

We are bringing tradition to every table in just five minutes

Published

4 months ago

February 20, 2025

Integrator Web-Editor

Exclusive Interview with Ashvin Subramanyam, CEO International Business, Orkla India

In this exclusive interview, Ashvin Subramanyam, CEO of International Business at Orkla India, shares insights on the brand’s participation at Gulfood 2025 and its mission to blend tradition with innovation in the Middle East. With the launch of Eastern’s 5-Minute Breakfast range and a refreshed Arabic spice portfolio, Orkla IMEA is redefining convenience without compromising on authenticity.

What can we expect from Orkla IMEA’s presence at Gulfood 2025, and how significant is this event for your brand’s growth in the region?

At Gulfood 2025, Orkla IMEA, subsidiary of Orkla India, is set to make a strong impact by unveiling the Eastern 5-Minute Breakfast range, designed to bring the authentic flavors of Kerala to the fast-growing ready-to-cook market in the Middle East. In addition, visitors can expect a refreshed Arabic spice portfolio, reflecting Orkla India’s continued commitment to catering to the diverse culinary preferences of the region.

Gulfood is a key platform for us as it enables us to showcase our latest innovations to a global audience, including retailers, distributors, and food industry leaders. The Middle East is a strategic market for our expansion. By blending tradition with convenience, our goal through this event is to become a household name across diverse communities in the region, reinforcing our commitment to quality, authenticity, and innovation in packaged foods.

How does Gulfood help Orkla IMEA connect with new markets, consumers, and industry partners, particularly in the Middle East?

Gulfood serves as a vital gateway for Orkla India to connect with new markets, consumers, and industry partners through its subsidiary Orkla IMEA in the Middle East. As one of the world’s largest food and beverage trade exhibitions, it provides an unparalleled opportunity to engage directly with key stakeholders, including retailers, distributors, and hospitality businesses, facilitating strategic partnerships and market expansion.

For Orkla India, this event is instrumental in understanding regional consumer trends, preferences, and evolving dietary habits, particularly in the fast-growing packaged food sector. The launch of the Eastern 5-Minute Breakfast range and refreshed Arabic spice portfolio at Gulfood allows us to showcase our innovation in convenience-driven yet authentic culinary solutions.

By participating in Gulfood, we strengthen our brand presence, foster collaborations with regional partners, and position ourselves as a trusted name in ethnic and mainstream food categories. It’s a key milestone in our vision to become a household name in the Middle East.

Eastern is set to unveil its preservative-free quick South Indian 5-Minute Breakfast range. What was the inspiration behind this concept?

The Eastern 5-Minute Breakfast range was inspired by the growing need for convenient, time-saving meal solutions that do not compromise on authentic taste and quality. South Indian breakfasts, particularly Kerala’s traditional dishes, are deeply rooted in culture, requiring significant time and effort to prepare. However, with modern lifestyles becoming increasingly fast-paced, many consumers struggle to recreate these meals from scratch.

Recognizing this shift, Eastern set out to bridge the gap between tradition and convenience by crafting a range that retains the authentic flavours and textures of Kerala’s most-loved breakfasts while eliminating the long preparation time. The preservative-free formula ensures that consumers enjoy fresh, wholesome meals made from high-quality ingredients in just three easy steps, ready in five minutes.

With this innovation, Eastern empowers busy professionals, young families, and expatriates to stay connected to their culinary heritage without compromising on their schedules, making traditional breakfast accessible anytime, anywhere in just 5 minutes.

Can you give us an insight into the development process behind this 5-Minute Breakfast range, especially in maintaining authentic South Indian flavors without preservatives?

The development process for our 5-Minute Breakfast range began with a deep understanding of our consumers’ evolving lifestyles and their desire for authentic Kerala-style breakfasts that eliminate a lengthy preparation process. We identified a unique need-gap: while traditional dishes like Puttu, Appam, and Idiyappam are much-loved, the time and effort they require can be challenging in today’s fast-paced world.

Our journey involved benchmarking these dishes to the traditional methods used by homemakers, capturing the essence of how an amma would prepare them at home. This set the standard for the flavor profiles we aimed to achieve. The challenge was to replicate the authentic taste and texture while ensuring our products were preservative-free.

Our R&D team worked tirelessly, conducting extensive trials to balance authenticity and convenience. Through our innovation center we crafted recipes that retain the goodness of traditional Kerala breakfasts while being ready in just five minutes. With this range, Eastern redefines breakfast convenience, allowing families to savor the true flavors of Kerala in a fraction of time.

With over one million Keralites in the UAE, how does Eastern plan to cater to both the traditional tastes of this community and the broader multicultural audience?

With almost two million Keralites in the UAE, Eastern understands the deep emotional and cultural connection this community has with its traditional cuisine. The Eastern 5-Minute Breakfast range is designed to preserve the authentic flavours of Kerala while offering a convenient solution for modern lifestyles. By using high-quality ingredients and a preservative-free formula, the range ensures that the taste and texture remain true to tradition, making it an ideal choice for Malayalees longing for home-cooked meals.

While there are other instant and ready-to-eat options in the market, Eastern’s range stands out by offering dishes like Puttu and Palappam, which traditionally require culinary expertise and time-consuming preparation. These dishes are not widely available in the quick- convenience food category.

At the same time, Eastern is expanding its reach to a broader multicultural audience by showcasing South Indian cuisine as a flavourful, nutritious, and easy-to-prepare option for all. The simplicity of the 3 Easy Steps preparation makes these dishes accessible to non-South Indian consumers who are eager to explore new flavours. Through strategic retail partnerships, digital outreach and and aggressive in-store sampling, Eastern aims to introduce and establish South Indian breakfast as a preferred choice for consumers in this region.

What’s one thing about Orkla IMEA that people might not know but should?

While Orkla IMEA was incorporated recently, we have been in the region for over 25 years now, through our brand Eastern.

Features

2025 Hospitality Tech Trends

Published

4 months ago

February 12, 2025

Integrator Web-Editor

By Prince Thampi, Founder and CEO, Hudini

As we approach 2025, the hospitality industry is poised for transformational growth, driven by evolving traveller preferences and advancements in technology. The future of hospitality promises enhanced convenience, personalisation and sustainability, with a significant focus on creating memorable experiences for guests. Let’s dive into five key trends that will shape the hospitality tech landscape in 2025 and beyond.

The Continued Rise of Frictionless Technology

The increased demand for frictionless experiences is set to dominate the industry, with more and more travellers preferring hotels that offer touch-free check-in, check-out, and room access via mobile apps. This trend reflects a broader shift towards easy interactions powered by seamless digital integration. Mobile apps have been an essential tool for a few years now, enabling guests to manage their stays, order room service, and access hotel information effortlessly. With the introduction of Gen AI, those apps have become more powerful than ever and are now able to provide highly personalised recommendations and speak in different languages.

Hotels embracing this trend will gain a competitive edge, as tech-savvy travellers prioritise convenience and efficiency during their stay. According to a recent survey by Deloitte, around 72% of travellers are more likely to choose a hotel that offers mobile check-in and check-out services over those that don’t.

Hyper Personalised Guest Experiences

In 2025, personalisation will continue to be at the core of hospitality services but will finally be taken to the next level thanks to Gen AI. Guests expect hotels to anticipate their needs and offer tailored experiences, from customised room settings to personalised dining recommendations. Apps powered by AI are now able to predict guest needs based on a wealth of data, ingested from the hotel systems or fed externally.

Leveraging guest data and insights, hotels can create unique offerings that cater to individual preferences. This level of personalisation not only enhances guest satisfaction but also fosters loyalty and repeat bookings. According to Oracle’s findings, biometrics and AI are set to play pivotal roles, with 62% of guests valuing automated recognition for personalised interactions. Biometrics will experience a breakthrough into mainstream hospitality in 2025. Facial recognition technology has matured significantly and is ready to be weaved into the guest experience. It will enable better security and guest recognition while protecting their privacy at the same time.

AI-Enabled Customer Service

Artificial intelligence is revolutionising every aspect of the hospitality industry, but will be by itself a new way of providing customer service. Chatbots and virtual assistants are becoming standard tools for handling common queries, offering instant support, and streamlining operations at any time and in any language.

AI-driven solutions not only enhance efficiency but also provide guests with 24/7 assistance, ensuring a smoother and more satisfying experience. By integrating AI technologies, hotels can free up staff to focus on delivering exceptional in-person service.

Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Practices

Sustainability is no longer optional, it’s a necessity often enforced by regulation. Travellers are increasingly favouring hotels that adopt eco-friendly practices, such as using locally sourced food, implementing energy-efficient operations, and reducing waste.

By prioritising sustainability, hotels not only meet guest expectations but also contribute positively to the environment. This commitment to green initiatives enhances brand reputation and attracts environmentally conscious travellers. A recent survey by Booking.com found that 83% of global respondents believe more sustainable travel is vital, with 49% believing there aren’t enough sustainable travel options and 53% saying they get annoyed when a hotel prevents them from being sustainable.

Smart use of technology is key in the sustainability journey of hotels. Technology can accurately measure the reduction in carbon footprint, it will help reduce energy and adopt renewable energy sources, and will enable the effective management of food waste. Many hospitality apps allow guests to apply green energy settings to a room, some will even exchange your energy savings to loyalty points.

The return of ‘real’

With Gen Z – the first generation grown up with everything digital – becoming the next large group to travel, the craving for ‘real’ experiences is bigger than it ever was. Hotels focusing on truly unique and hyper local experiences; a great meal, cultural outing, or wellness treatment will win the hearts of this generation.

Fortunately hotel apps, AI, automation of processes, sustainability tech and the removal of cumbersome processes like checking-in and studying paper manuals will free up hotel staff to allow them to do what they do best: providing unforgettable, personalised and sustainable experiences.