Latest trends in ICT Discussed at the QSTP TECHTalks

Doha, November 17 (QNA) - Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), Cloud Computing is the main topic of discussion for this TECHtalk session that brings together renowned guests from MEEZA, Cisco, ictQatar, and Qatar Computing Research Institute. For more than 4 years now, the QSTP TECHtalk series has been opening windows of opportunity to explore the latest technology development trends in 4 themed areas: Energy, Environment, Health Science and Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Cloud computing has become widespread with technology based companies. The subject will examine the trends and recent developments in the areas of cloud computing, from security through to automation. In doing so, we will uncover topics such as the value-add of a Qatar-based cloud, the difference between private and public clouds and how new developments are solving cloud adoption challenges for clients across the spectrum, from small and medium businesses to larger enterprise companies. Dr. Tidu Maini, Executive Chairman for QSTP, commented, "In the context of the future ICT supply and demand situation and its innumerable developments, cloud computing can come as a solution to many challenges found in that domain. It is already being heavily worked on in Doha, and a good example of successful joint Cloud work is RASAD. Qatar can be the good choice for Clouds to serve the region with its new high-speed connectivity that is being introduced and the aggressive new datacentre plans. Cloud computing can be a way to help organizations with data management and storage and will bring innovation and efficiency to all businesses; therefore developments in this field are keenly anticipated. " Fadi Nasser, Director of Service Portfolio & Strategic Alliances at MEEZA QSTP was the main guest speaker at this TECHtalks seminar. He provided an overview of the all-around benefits of cloud computing whether economic, technical or strategic. He then introduced the audience to the various cloud models and the challenges hindering their use while explaining what they can expect in terms of the future regulations, security and access procedures. He then highlighted the Qatar-based Ecosystem, RASAD, led by QSTP and hosted by MEEZA. MEEZA has built a local cloud in Qatar, from infrastructure to the virtualised stack. They have adopted their ITILv3 service management processes to allow for efficient and predictable transitioning of clients onto the cloud while providing local support afterwards. According to MEEZA, Cloud computing can be expected to be as prevalent as the internet itself when looking towards the future. Top-level cloud computing research is being conducted in Qatar and RASAD is a good example of a success story. In general, if companies can access their most crucial information from anywhere around the world, without worrying about their computers, their relevant upgrade and backups for a cheaper price, then what can be expected of its future use and development?" The panellists for this TECHtalks series consisted of: Ali Al-Khulaifi, ICT Market Development Manager at ictQatar, Scott Manson, Regional Director, Data Centre and Virtualisation Products at Cisco, and Simon Ponsford, Senior Scientist at Qatar Computing Research Institute. Ali Al-Khulaifi discussed ictQATAR s leadership role in the ICT sector when it comes to government adoption of cloud based services; they are building a private government cloud to bring efficacies to government agencies and to lower the cost of investment and overhead. They are fostering the environment for cloud computing by putting in place the necessary polices, like data privacy and protection law. In addition to that, they are also working with the market leaders in the cloud space to introduce innovative and attractive cloud service offering in Qatar to address the need of SME s. For his part, Scott Manson discussed Cisco s role in cloud computing and how they see it progressing in the near future. He explained that employees will have the capability to do things faster and easier; since everyone is using the same system, they can work together to get the information they need. In parallel, among the biggest challenges would be time effectiveness in accessing the data as well as the kind of systems handling the operations of such information. Simon Ponsford provided a high level overview of how the QCRI (Qatar Computing Research Institute) team of experienced scientists and technologists are working to solve several cloud-related technical problems. Current areas of research include: Improved Remote Display protocols for use with cloud environments, utilizing cloud computing to provide next generation media services, Datacentre engineering and design for desert environments, cloud-managed operating system and understanding the environmental impact of computing in a datacentre environment. QCRI s work will attract more talent to Qatar, ensure that there are cloud research opportunities locally and make a mark in specific cloud computing challenges. Over the next 18 months they will be releasing several technologies, all of which are firsts that will put Qatar on the centre stage for cloud research. These networking events organised and hosted by Qatar Science & Technology Park, start each event with an expert presentation given by the guest speaker who introduces the audience to the latest developments within a specific chosen topic. The presentation is followed by a panel discussion that dives into the pros, cons and values behind the given topic. This session took place yesterday night at QSTP and particularly at the General Electric premises between 19:00 and 21:00 pm and was moderated by Dr. Salvino Salvaggio, RASAD Sales & Marketing Manager. The next TECHtalks series is scheduled to discuss the latest "technology talk" about the environment. (QNA)