A Practical Guide to SharePoint 2013

A Practical Guide to SharePoint 2013
A Practical Guide to SharePoint 2013 - Book by Saifullah Shafiq

Tuesday, February 28, 2023

All About Hyper Automation

Organizations and businesses heavily depend on automation for a number of processes. They have been embracing and adopting hyper automation, since it boosts performance, increases productivity and helps companies to make faster and better decisions through large scale optimization of processes. Hyper automation stretches across a number of networks, systems, and departments. Previously they needed human interference and required cognitive skills to handle and operate machines. Now many of such tasks have been eliminated with the arrival of hyper automation directing the organizational staff and authorities towards the implementation of more innovative and valuable business solutions. 

Hyper automation consists of multiple technologies that come in various forms, each helps to accomplish tasks expeditiously. For example machine learning algorithms, uses and analyzes input data to find hidden patterns in order to make accurate predictions for the future. Likewise, the unique ability of computer programs and algorithms in Natural Language Processing to process, understand and interpret the verbal and written form of human language also involves hyper automation. Organizations have a large amount of data that needs processing. Many of them use Optical Character Recognition Technology for data processing. Here data is extracted from written text, printed documents or image files and converted into a machine readable form. This ultimately saves time as there is no need for manual data entry. Through Artificial Intelligence and Robotic Process Automation, companies can automatically and quickly respond to their customers’ queries and concerns. 

Many organizations and businesses are fretting over their inadequate level of progress made in terms of automation of processes. With hyper automation, the expansion of the operational portfolio becomes simple and uncomplicated. Processes and procedures are standardized at every level as there are almost no errors. The growth of businesses who do not incorporate automation in their processes is very slow and they might face a decrease in revenues in the long run but if the systems are optimized then the cost incurred for product expansion also reduces. 

Beyond doubt, the implementation of hyper automation technologies will shrink the operating cost for businesses. It simplifies and eases the complexities involved in performing different activities. Businesses should empower their staff to perform tasks using automated technologies by conducting a test run which will give them a clear idea of the challenges they might have to face in future if they will fully adopt hyper automation.

 


Monday, February 27, 2023

Usefulness and Drawbacks of GPT-3

GPT-3 is the product that was released after years of hard work. Experts have been scratching their heads in their Artificial Intelligence workrooms and labs. However, many researchers and tech savvy individuals have a wavering opinion on this technology. Some have been emphasizing that it is very impressive and will be a powerful technology in the future while others assert that it is very misleading. So, let's have a detailed discussion and learn more about this new chatbot.

What is GPT-3?

GPT-3, also referred to as the third generation Generative Pre trained Transformer, is the latest version of this model that is trained in advance to perform a wide range of natural language tasks. It is a neural network backed by AI technology that generates any kind of human text by using internet data and algorithms. Having more than 175 billion parameters it has surpassed and knocked out all the previous versions and around 300 applications are now using this model.

Usefulness of GPT-3

It’s a huge challenge for machines to produce a vast amount of content that is realistic and qualitative, though it requires very less input text. But GPT-3 produces text or data that is understandable for example blog posts, essays, articles, poetry and prose, news reports, marketing or advertising posts and everything that comes under creative writing. It can even imitate and adopt the style of prolific writers from the past. In terms of entertainment, GPT-3 has been serving the gaming industry by creating visuals, images, graphics, and chat dialogues etc. In marketing, it provides better insights to companies regarding their customers’ preferences, needs or wants through Viable. This startup interprets and recognizes the feelings, emotions and themes behind surveys, reviews and live chat logs and gives a quick crux and summary based on customers’ feedback and experiences. It can also translate languages, answer trivia questions, create memos etc. 

Drawbacks of GPT-3

Though OpenAl developed this updated version of GPT, but it has sparked controversies among the engineers and experts who argue that though this model is remarkable and fast but has its shortcomings too. The language produced by this model promotes biases, hate and disinformation (spreads fake news in the form of editorial or opinion articles) as it learns and inherits everything from data available on the internet. Developers also say that this system has been encouraging racism and prejudiced approach (for example the machine adopts human characteristics such as portraying Muslims as Terrorist or vilifying Black people).

There are also exceptions in which GPT-3 does not befit i.e. high stake cases because it can mislead people where it’s a matter of life and death. For example the machine might generate automated content that highlights benefits of detrimental drugs. The computer code that this model writes needs adjustments and modification from human engineers’ and programmers. Apart from that, processing the vast amount of information from the internet is not easy, it requires specialized forms of computers that are expensive to operate. The output system also needs improvement so developers are constantly beavering away to come up with a flawless and advanced version of GPT-3 with no drawbacks.

 


Friday, February 24, 2023

Evolution of GPS to VPS


If we pedal back in time, we used to depend on passersby to reach a certain destination or to seek directions for a place we were not acquainted with. Sometimes, while visiting a relative, friend or going on an excursion we often stopped at various corners and streets to ask for help and guidance from the residents. Many people misguided us and we used to end up on unknown paths. This was mostly frustrating and wasted our time as we had to go all the way back again. But thanks to our phones and the navigation system that took us out of this pickle. Now you do not have to depend on strangers anymore. All you need is a stable internet connection and then by just typing the location of your destination you can follow the route depicted by the map. Here's a short intro for those who are not much aware of Global Positioning System (GPS).

Global Positioning System is a space based technology and a navigation system which is designed and owned by the US government. It consists of a network of satellites which provide positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) services to the users. The US defense department came up with this idea in 1973 in order to assist their military soldiers and vehicles. The first successful prototype satellite was launched in 1978. Few years later, this service was extended to the general public so that they could easily navigate their way while traveling, without getting off the track. Google has the top position in navigation services and recently it introduced its 'Stay Safe' feature through which people can trace the live location of their loved ones while they travel through public vehicles. It also sends them signals if they go 0.5 km away from the route. There are many other GPS providers in the market such as MapQuest and MapFactor, but people hardly know about them as Google is the dominant player in the industry and the most efficient in providing this service.

It is noteworthy that GPS does not always give exact directions. Many people have expressed their concerns that it gives you inaccurate directions at times. In multiple cases people have ended up at a dead end or a lake while following GPS. This is because the satellite signals are not totally error free in giving you the precise location and there can be glitches in terms of transmitting signals. Furthermore, sometimes the maps are not updated and new developments such as road construction are neglected. 

All the navigation service providers have been working on making improvements in this current system so that users can have access to up to date information through the maps. This new technology is named as the Visual Positioning System (VPS) which is more advanced and accurate than GPS. It will provide extensive coverage and deal with the challenges that GPS faces such as blockage due to skyscrapers in cities which causes hindrance in sending the signals. This visual system is designed for Google Maps. It will make use of Google's back end data as well as the user's phone camera to depict the route. The live location will be analyzed and detected by the camera for example the signboards and buildings. Based on that it will give directions and provide navigation for the journey.

The navigation industry is reviving and experts are trying to incorporate Artificial Intelligence in smartphones so that surroundings can be better captured and recognized. The future for VPS seems very bright and it is expected that the market will reach around 10 billion by 2025. More and more companies are fully embracing investing in this technology.


Thursday, February 23, 2023

Top 5 Space Technology Trends

Humans have been venturing for a long time to discover space and as a result of that many advancements have been made in space technology. We all have heard the name of Neil Armstrong, the first human to land on the moon long ago. He was followed by many other astronauts as technology increased their interest in outer space. Today, some of the famous billionaires including Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos are eager to invest and set their foot on Mars and other planets. Some of the most recent advancements include the development of reusable spacecraft, the use of satellites to provide global coverage, and the introduction of new space exploration techniques. However, practically such initiatives are too expensive to be implemented and a lot of prior research and planning is needed. 


1. Commercial Spaceflight and Reusable Rockets: Lately, a private spaceflight company known as Blue Origin has been putting in efforts in order to introduce its New Glen rocket into the Earth's orbit. The company is working on making improvements in these rockets and their target is to take humans and cargo as well. One unique feature of these rockets is that it can be used over and over again (up to 25 times). In 2017, there were a total of 18 commercial space flights, including both manned and unmanned spacecraft. This number is projected to grow to more than 50 by 2025.

2. Getting to the Moon: For a long period of time, scientists have stopped their research and exploration on the moon. But some strategic interests have induced them to continue with their experimentation through exploration vehicles or autonomous explorers. Many believe that it will prove as a good sample to test different technologies that will ultimately ease their reach to Mars. The plan of astronauts and experts is to send small payloads to the moon. These payloads are autonomous objects which will help to identify and extract the elements from the surface of the moon and later will be processed. The US has planned to collaborate with NASA and send such instruments to the moon and penetrate into a new phase of outer space development.

3. Satellites: Today, satellites are launched into space very often. In 2022, a total number of 155 satellites were launched out of which five suffered from technical failures. They are used for multiple purposes such as to gather data, predict weather, for internet communication or for the Global Positioning System. It has also helped to tackle the pandemics. As technology is picking pace, satellites are becoming lighter, smaller and more efficient and the cost for businesses to launch them is almost the same as launching an application. In China, around 1000 small satellites were launched into space in order to serve the customers of aviation and manufacturing. Similarly, Australia released 3D printed satellites to provide better connectivity and communication solutions for the devices that increasingly rely on the Internet of Things.

4. Space exploration and our mess: There are heaps of space debris accumulated in space as a result of space exploration, just like humans are creating a mess on the earth. In 2017, there were a total of 5,814 pieces of space debris larger than 1 cm and now it has reached 8000 tons. All this is a result of space missions which has led to a number of non-functional satellites zoning around the earth. This number is projected to grow to more than 25,000 by 2025. This can cause trouble in the future space missions and affect the services which depend on satellites such as GPS. Many steps are being taken in order to remove and eliminate the debris. RemoveDebris is a spacecraft that captures all the floating pieces using a net. Magnets are also being used to grab these chunks which are later destroyed. 

5. Climatic changes and space innovations: Governments of many countries are now investing in space technologies in order to deal with the climatic challenges they face on earth. One such example is MethaneSat that helps to track the methane emission. Methane is a hazardous gas that damages the ozone layer and leads to global warming so tackling such issues is becoming increasingly important for countries.

 


Wednesday, February 22, 2023

Sustainable Technology Trends of 2023

Back in the day life was simple. With little to no technological advancement people were living in a benign era. For example people in the past used to grind grains or pump water using the wind power energy. With time a number of new developments were made that raised the standard of living. However, technology simultaneously manifested its noxious effects as people became fully dependent on it and started to move away from nature by adopting artificial means. Now again, humans are poised to devise and implement sustainable solutions not just to fulfill their everyday needs, save resources or to keep up with the trends but also to head back to good old times. Many countries today are playing their part in order to make the future carbon free and close the rift between technology and sustainability. Here are some sustainable technology trends that are being followed.


1. Floating solar panels: Solar paneling is a cost efficient way of saving energy and utilizing natural resources. It is a strong growing industry, though the setting up cost is quite high and it requires a lot of space. It is anticipated that this market will reach around $458 million till the year 2030. The introduction of floating solar panels for seas and oceans means that more solar energy will be absorbed efficiently since water has the natural cooling tendency as compared to land solar paneling. As a result of this, the underwater species will be less exposed to sunlight and algae growth will be minimized, which can be harmful for marine life. This will in turn help in effective management of water resources. However, solar farms require careful planning execution otherwise it can hurt biodiversity.

2. Electric Aviation: A report revealed that aviation industry releases 2.1% of anthropogenic carbon dioxide in the atmosphere that contributes to environmental pollution. Since electric cars are becoming increasingly popular, there is no exception that electric planes are on the verge of development. In the introductory phase, companies are working on electric planes for flights of one to two hours. One recent example is of a Rolls Royce electric plane that successfully completed a 15 minutes flight in the UK.

3. Battery Powered Electric Vehicles: The percentage of Electric Vehicles up on the roads increased to 58% in just one year (from 2020- 2021). But people have been hesitant to buy them because these vehicles take much time to charge (more than half an hour) even at the fastest charging station, while the gas station fills the tank in just five minutes. Researchers and engineers are working on making improvements in battery performance. They are introducing new batteries with nickel foil sheets inside them that will help the battery to quickly absorb electricity. This will provide fast charging service to the customers, regardless of battery size.

4. Energy Efficiency: Energy efficiency means that you perform tasks in a manner that saves energy and there is no wastage. This can greatly reduce a company's bills and save their money. However, such initiatives have a high initial cost (solar panels, wind turbines or vehicles powered by batteries) which can be risky and can cause financial inconveniences for businesses if they plan to upgrade. To free them from these financial hassles a company known as Redaptive is funding and helping them to install energy saving equipment. 

5. Electric waste disposal: If proper measures are not taken to dispose of the electric waste it can be detrimental for human health and can also lead to massive damage. Toxic pollutants such as metals, toxic fumes, lead or mercury etc., when released or discharged into waterways, land or air can significantly impact living things. Studies disclosed that by 2040 the global electronic emission will reach up to 14%. In 2021, a company named Fairphone positively contributed to the environment by heading towards renewable direction. It prevented the emission of 668 tons of carbon dioxide. Also, the company is selling refurbished phones, recycling the older ones and has also introduced the concept of sustainable smartphones to minimize e waste.

The malign influence of technology is urging experts to take steps for the betterment of current and future generations. A large-scale shift towards sustainability and renewable energy sources will be seen in the coming years. 

 


Tuesday, February 21, 2023

The Rise of 5G Technology

5G Technology's emergence as a prodigy heads back to the year 2019 when it was made commercially available to the people of Chicago and Minneapolis. It is the 5th generation of cellular or wireless technology that has the ability to make businesses more streamlined and also offers phenomenal speed to its customers. 5G is developed to stretch into new spectrum for example the mm Wave. It provides users’ faster access to information, is more reliable and has massive network capacity. In future, it is expected that 5G will transform the way we use smartphones and other mobile devices with a minimum latency of 1 millisecond. Plainly, this advanced version of technology is taking us to the path of game changing possibilities since it is ten times faster in comparison to the previous 4G LTE version that has low buffering. With incredible performance and enhanced efficiency, it is providing a uniform user experience and connecting a number of new industries.

Back in the days (in 1980's), when 1G was rolled out it only delivered analogue voice and a decade later 2G came and offered digital voice. As more and more technological progress was made in 2000's, 3G introduced mobile data, too. Later, in 2010 4G LTE brought us into the world of mobile broadband. Now the latest and most updated version of mobile network, 5G is designed to deliver exceptional connectivity to people around the globe. With breakneck speed and insignificant latency, 5G technology is all set to stretch out its mobile sphere in new realms providing immediate responses. It will touch many industries in a supportive and favorable way and its impact will be much greater than the previous mobile networks. Moreover, it is playing a crucial role in driving global growth, as a report revealed that it will create 22.8 million jobs (there will be a need for app developers and content creators etc.). Currently, it has been adopted by 70 plus countries, worldwide.

One unique feature of 5G technology is that it is designed to support the upcoming future services also known as upward compatibility. It is mainly being used across different types of associated services:

1. Improved mobile broadband: 5G has not only improved our smartphones functioning but is also enhancing our experience by taking us in an immersive and interactive world of Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality. All this is possible because data rates are steady, consistent and faster, latency is minimal and cost per bit is very low.

2. Mission critical communications: Another quality of 5G is that it provides ultra-reliable low latency communication. This is vigorously transforming industries and introducing new services. Vehicles, gadgets, medical processes and procedures (remote robotic surgery) and critical infrastructure can be handled and controlled through remotes.

3. Massive IoT: 5G technology provides finest connectivity solutions without wastage and clings to efficiency and low cost. It can minimize data rates, and efficiently utilize power and mobility. This allows it to smoothly connect the countless sensors lodged in different devices and virtually connect people.

Altogether, 5G is a high flier technology and is setting the stage for massive disruption for many sectors such as manufacturing, mining, construction, telecommunication etc. The number of IoT devices that are powered by 5G is expected to increase to 27 B till the year 2025. 

 

Monday, February 20, 2023

The Trend of 3D Printing

The concept of 3D printing has brought a disruptive transition in the tech hub. There was a time when it was used for the sake of prototyping but now it is being widely adopted by industries for the production of large objects. It is anticipated that by 2027 a skyrocketing growth will take place as more and more companies are incorporating and installing 3D elements in their design and manufacturing processes. Almost a decade ago, around 233,000 3D printers were delivered to hobbyists and also for industrial and commercial purposes. The different raw materials and hardware required for it are quite inexpensive and developments are taking place to improve the quality of these inputs and make it more affordable for the users. 


What is 3D Printing?

The creation of small or large three dimensional (tangible or solid) objects with the help of digital files is known as 3D printing or additive manufacturing. In this additive method, multiple layers (thinly sliced) of raw materials are laid down which collectively make up the finished product/object with less wastage of materials. It also allows companies to produce complex objects and shapes that do not require much material. This method is completely different from traditional or subtractive manufacturing in which cutting and carving (more wastage) is done to produce a product.

There are many free 3D software tools that beginners can use to make such models. One such tool is Tinkercad which they can access through their browser, later they can export the model in the form of a printable file. In the next step you use the slicing software in order to make uncountable layers of your 3D model. After the process of slicing, your file can be fed into the 3D printer through a USB to produce a layer by layer physical object. 


Applications of 3D printing

Today 3D models are being used almost everywhere, mainly because it is relatively less costly and faster than other technologies. Whether you talk about movie props, dental products, prosthetics, construction and manufacturing tools or even replicas of ancient objects, it is swaying in every field. Some examples are discussed below:

1. Aviation Industry: A number of different strong and sturdy structures are being produced using 3D printing technology because such objects are lightweight and made to perfection. Since it minimizes the chances of errors, critical parts are also produced such as air ducts, fuel nozzles and brackets etc. Boeing and Airbus are few of many companies that have incorporated this technology.

2. Consumer Products: 3D printing can be used to produce large volumes of products too. For example Adidas once produced 5000 articles of shoes for its customers and their midsoles were made using 3D printing. Similarly, eyewear frames are being made using 3D printing because of its accuracy in terms of measurements. 3D print lenses are thin, light weight, excellent in terms of quality and provide clear vision. Also, it greatly reduces inventory cost and minimizes resource wastage, unlike traditional glass lenses.

3. Construction: Today, houses and buildings are being constructed using 3D printing and are available in the market for sale. This construction is done either on site or off site. The 3D printer prints large concrete, clay, metal, or polymer objects through a number of layers and it can create complex surfaces too. This method requires less materials, lowers labor cost and is fast enough to create multiple story buildings.

3D printing is all set to serve all market niches. It is opening doors for businesses, making the manufacturing and supply chain processes efficient and more resilient. It is also giving rise to personalized consumer goods which can be quickly produced according to customer demand. 

 

Friday, February 17, 2023

The Boom of Augmented Reality

Everyday we all use a number of different apps such as WhatsApp, Instagram or Twitter. Those who ever planned to refurbish their homes and are inclined towards interior decoration must have used or at least have a slight inkling of home furnishing apps such as IKEA. These apps allow users to see how the furniture looks in different rooms and where it fits the most. Just by pointing the camera towards the exact place, users can see the object in the foreground. Another such example is of Virtual Try on Shopping where customers can see which outfit, accessories, or make up best suits them. All this is happening because of  the Augmented Reality which greatly reduces basket drop rate for companies.

What is Augmented Reality?

Augmented Reality is a technology that provides an interactive experience through computer generated content. The users get an enhanced version of the physical world through a combination of composite elements such as visuals or auditory features. It is becoming an important aspect for businesses belonging to manufacturing, shopping and retail sectors. It has helped in the optimization of processes, resulted in operational efficiencies by minimizing production delays and has also helped companies to recognize problems quickly while simultaneously benefitting from human ingenuity and creativity.

According to Harvard Business Review, the manufacturing side of the businesses saw a 32% increase in their productivity after the adoption of Augmented Reality. For example in the healthcare sector, medical professionals are trained through Augmented Reality. AR apps allows them to closely examine different body organs or systems through high quality 3D images that provide each and every detail. These apps mostly work through gadgets such as tablets or smartphones.

There are several benefits of Augmented Reality for the industrial and manufacturing sector as discussed below:

1. Minimizes Risk: Augmented Reality has smoothly embedded in manufacturing processes, substituting the functions of physical equipment and assisting the staff by providing them a safe virtual environment. Workers can learn through such experiences and it also enhances workflow while ensuring that risks are minimized as they practice and carry out tasks virtually.

2. Seamless warehouse management: Augmented Reality makes it possible to efficiently manage the inventory levels and speed up the warehouse processes. Experts can easily detect the problem and fix it. This greatly reduces the downtime and enhances staff training.

3. Increase employee engagement: The interactive and immersive feature of the 3D technology rooted in the Augmented Reality is new and unfamiliar for many employees. As they learn and perform different activities that incorporate AR, their engagement with the task increases. This also saves cost during the product development phase.

As technology is becoming accessible to everyone and has vigorously penetrated in every aspect of our lives, the Augmented Reality market will continue to experience exponential growth.


Thursday, February 16, 2023

The Newest Chatbot: Google Bard

In the sphere of technology, conversational Artificial Intelligence has notched up at a rate of knots. One such example is Chat GPT, also known as the heart of Microsoft. It has been in the limelight since it came back in November, 2022. Subsequently, it made waves for Google compelling it to pace up and release its own version of generative AI chatbot known as the Bard. Google Bard has been launched recently in February and in the coming months we will see stiff competition between the two. The two technologies might seem similar superficially, but in a subtle way there are differences in terms of their usage and performance. However, in this blog our focus will be more on Google Bard. 

With conversational AI, Bard has buffed the education sector and many businesses, allowing them to do research in specific areas. It helps them to generate real time information and directs them towards ideation through the latest web crawled data available at that moment. Google is all prepped to upgrade its search capacities. The outcome will be that numerous bytes of data with diverse perspectives will be processed and integrated. The most accurate information will be filtered out for users in the most comprehensible format. By gathering this data from multiple sources, Google's aim is to provide users with knowledge and information through Al applications. Bard makes use of LaMDA (Language Model for Dialogue Applications) in order to achieve its purpose.

What segregates Chat GPT from Google Bard are the sources of data on which both these chatbots are trained or gather relevant information from. Bard is one step ahead of Chat GPT from one angle i.e. it efficiently utilizes the prime information from the web and takes the maximum advantage of the latest, real time data. On the other hand, Chat GPT does not incorporate information that is up to the minute. It is attuned and trained on all the data which was available till the end of 2021. 

In the coming months it is expected that Bard chatbot will be released for the public and will be available as an Application Programming Interface (API), after fine tuning and eliminating certain biases. The chatbot will ensure that the conversations are based upon groundedness and the platform is safe and sound for every individual. Furthermore, Bard is trained on several models that boosted its performance. The major ones are as follows:

Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs): These models help in the generation of creative visual and interactive media content. It has two neural networks, one is the generator that creates new content and focuses on accuracy of results. The second one is a discriminator that stresses upon the quality and realism of results produced by the generator. 

Transformer Models: These models are based upon deep learning and are majorly designed to interpret the natural language text. Transformers such as MUM or BERT help to track relationships. These models depict correlation between words and the context in which they are used in a sentence.

Large Language models: These technologies give coherent, logical and realistic answers or responses to users in the form of text. It is trained on huge datasets that can generate responses ranging from stories, essays or articles to programming codes.

The much hyped Google Bard is up and coming. Currently, the tech giant is going through the phase of testing and is open just for the trusted testers. The target of the company is to surpass all the previous models in the market in terms of computational capabilities.

 

 

Wednesday, February 15, 2023

Techniques used for Secure Coding

We are living in a world that is unceasingly relying on technology and upgraded software for many different activities. This has made it obvious for software engineers to come up with safe, secure and better coding or apps that will forestall the possible threats from attackers. Organizations and individuals are now making financial transactions electronically which is giving rise to security mishaps mainly because of malfunctioning of the application's software. A code which is not well secured means that it will result in considerable harm and companies belonging to various sectors (for example banking, energy, transport, telecom, healthcare etc.) will have to face malpractices in the form of financial losses, damage to property, larceny, physical damage or maneuverings etc.

What is secure coding?

Source code is an essential part of the computer program. It includes a number of instructions or statements which a programmer or coder creates and writes. It is usually written in the form of functions, commands, descriptions etc. which users and programmers can easily read and understand. In secure coding, programmers adhere to stringent rules and principles when it comes to writing, gathering, or setting codes in an application. They adopt a standardized language with an intent to mitigate and preclude the anticipated vulnerabilities i.e. disclosure of sensitive data or harm to a network. Not only this, it also requires a well-managed and highly secure IT infrastructure, efficient hardware and software for best results.

Many renowned companies having all the relevant resources have faced data breaches which reveals how insecure and cumbersome these soft wares are. Secure coding is important for companies that provide software services to people and other businesses because if they are not up to the mark, it will harm company's reputation. Ultimately they will lose customers and their trust because confidential data is their biggest and most valuable asset.

Major techniques involved in secure coding

While working on secure programming coders must ensure that the procedures and practices are simple, also referred to as KISS in computer science. Complex methods brings unfavorable and varying results so they must be avoided. 

Access Control: It grants permission to some individuals and restricts others from having access to the resources based on their login credentials. Authentication is the term used here to verify the identity of individual who tries to access the system. While authorization grants them access to some specific resources based on users attributes. This makes sure that your system is highly secured and well protected.

Secure management: This is another security policy that businesses must adopt. It comprises of a set of tools used to control and protect your sensitive information or authentication credentials for example password, APIs, or access keys etc. Revealing or uploading such confidential information on the code repositories can be problematic, so it must be kept as a secret. Also make sure your password is strong and complex to deal with common attacks. If a number of incorrect attempts are made to sign in, the system should deny them from entry. 

Strong data encryption: Another way of securing your data is by ensuring it is encrypted properly. You must encode your data in a way that only those users with the right encryption key can have access to it. For this purpose, you can refer to libraries and other sources that will help you to write a custom code.

Auditing, error management and logging: Software related errors can be in the form of bugs or cookies that can make companies vulnerable. To pare down their effect, error management and logging techniques are important. In error management, the errors in the code are detected which can prevent major incidents or failures. Logging helps programmers to diagnose errors in the documents and efficiently deal with it. 

Threat Modeling: In this framework the different threat agents are identified who can pose a threat to the computer system. There are four steps that developers follow here i.e. document, identify threats, address and validate. This process helps them to recognize the attackers or the possible threats that could arise. 

Regular security testing, keeping the system up to date and following these above mentioned guidelines will ensure that your code is secure and free from errors.

 


Monday, February 13, 2023

Is ChatGPT a Game Changer?

Chat GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) has gained significant appreciation from public because of its phenomenal performance since November, 2022. Millions of people are currently using this technology and making the most out of it. Chat GPT chatbot is backed by OpenAI technology and makes use of deep learning in order to come up with conversations and responses just like humans. The artificial neural networks are trained in such a way that it is easy for Chat GPT to imitate human thinking abilities.

Chat GPT has edge over other chatbots in terms of datasets. Since it is trained on large datasets, it can perform a number of activities and tasks belonging to various sectors and fields. It helps in answering questions, follows human guidelines, and generates content in multiple languages through large swathes of data available on the internet. You can give command to Chat GPT to explain the process of photosynthesis or write an essay on human rights and the answer will appear on your screen right there and then. It not only helps businesses to devise strategies but also assists students in completing their assignments/homework by simply signing up for free. However, schools, universities and educational institutions are coming up with plagiarism checking tools that will empower them to detect AI. Interesting, it can also write programming code by analyzing and following the steps that programmers and developer take. Chat GPT does not accept inappropriate requests or commands (For example request that are discriminatory or demeaning). It also helps to conduct research but unlike Google it would not give you links or citations for it.

Whenever a new technology comes into play, people are quick to respond and same goes for Chat GPT. From marketing perspective, Chat GPT is in the stage where public reaches the height of excitement but it cannot take place of humans entirely, though it has been serving marketers in many ways. It can provide exceptional customer service and support by engaging with them, responding to their queries, concerns and FAQ's in a timely and humanly manner. In this way Chat GPT has allowed companies to effectively utilize its resources, directing staff towards more intellectual, demanding and technical tasks that require more human involvement and prudence. Chat GPT can be attuned and trained in different languages, can update or modify the product description and even send personalized messages with creative content to customers, making them feel satisfied through its efficient service.

If there are no human interventions, it will be quite difficult to capitalize on Chat GPT and the customer-company relationship would not be meaningful. Another down side is that the content is not always free from errors or accurate as warned by OpenAI. Though you might find it insightful but sometimes the answers are off the beam and you have to review and edit it so that the information or message is in line with the brand image. Also, too much reliance on Chat GPT can create hurdles in the path of human creativity and thinking ability. Once you come up with an effective marketing strategy it is better to use Chat GPT afterwards just for the sake of idea generation. This is important because without a strong and persuasive marketing strategy company will not have a competitive edge.

Chat GPT has been blowing everyone’s mind through its broad expertise. However, it seems like a bubble and the spark might be short lived since it’s not smart enough to take place of human brain.

 


Internet of Things and Its Applications

Every other day we stumble upon something new and interesting. Another technology, Internet of Things has been backing us in an ingenious way, making the world around us smarter. Recently, in California a new and smart parking system has been introduced for the smooth flow of traffic that leads drivers toward the nearest parking area to park their vehicles. Smart watch, another wearable gadget that relies on IoT technology tracks location, gives reminder and shows notifications to the bearer. Let’s see what IoT really is.

What is Internet of Things?

Internet of things is a subtle term referring to an object or a set of physical objects that has processor, software or sensors embedded in them through which information and data is exchanged or shared with other objects (gadgets or devices) with the help of internet.

There are uncountable applications of Internet of Things that are useful for organizations and individual, some top ones are discussed in this blog. So let’s explore them:

1.     Home Automation: Smart homes might seem a new and unheard technology to many individuals. However, those who are ardently exploring unique features to add into their homes know how useful it is in everyday home activities. The sensors embedded in smartphones or computers controls the lighting (you can turn it on and off through your smartphones), heating and even manages the security systems of the houses through facial recognition technology. The alarm system alerts the residents about the visitors that show up at your gate. Similarly, appliances function and operate through internet switches. Personalized music can also be played according to the persons taste when he/she enters the room.

2.     Uplifting Agriculture: World population is massively growing so innovation in this sector is crucial. Rescaling to uplift the agricultural system is the only solution. Through IoT, sensors keep a check on the level of acidity, carbon dioxide, and the right amount of nutrients that must be present in the soil. All these inputs are responsible for the quality and agricultural yield. Unlike the traditional water distribution system used for fields (i.e. tube wells), smart irrigation system uses IoT to regulate the flow of water to the fields. If the soil gets too dry then IoT system supplies the appropriate amount of water. When a certain moisture level is attained, the water supply is stopped. IoT is also used to keep a track of livestock through RFID chips that are attached to them so shepherd can easily locate their cattle. Their vaccination details, water and food intake can be monitored through predictive images. There are many other areas where IoT is used such as smart greenhouse. The automated system allows experts to manage the amount of light, water and nutrients through an artificial microclimate environment. The crops can be grown in this way without the natural weather obstructing them.

3.     Creative solutions for enterprises: In large organizations there are IT teams who continuously manage and work on improving the IT infrastructure. Security systems with IoT technology helps to prevent attacks from cybercriminals. This system makes use of real time data and come up with strategies to weaken and defeat the attackers in their mission. Moreover, it directs the companies to make smarter decisions through customer analytics.

4.     Advancement in cities: IoT is incorporated almost everywhere in the cities through which many activities are performed quickly and efficiently. Sensors and wireless technology has eased many task for government which helps them to mitigate pollution and manage traffic flow and other resources. These sensors enable environmentalist to keep a check on air quality (measure the level of oxygen, humidity, carbon monoxide, smoke, nitrogen dioxide and other harmful gases which are detrimental to human health) and reduce air pollution by taking effective measures. IoT systems can detect wildfires in forests so that wildlife workers can quickly stop its spread. 

Since there are sensors lodged near traffic signals or on roads, traffic can be controlled and managed by observing the trends in traffic pattern as data is sent directly to the IoT systems through these sensors. Based on this, commuters can take different routes to reach their destination in case of traffic congestion. In terms of managing resources, these sensors are fixed with the water meters so that water usage and water wastage can be tracked and checked. Government can then devise a solution to prevent water wastage by introducing efficient ways to recycle it.

5.     Transforming supply chain: There are multiple procedures and processes involved and continuously taking place in order to produce a final finished product. From procuring raw material to shipping and delivering it to the final customers, IoT assists in every step. While shipping products, large businesses use trackers to monitor the routes. This helps supply chain managers to decide which route they should go for in order to transport the goods, keeping in mind that they are cost effective and saves resources such as fuel. IoT also keeps a check on goods quality, container's temperature and humidity. It keeps the workforce and vehicles in the loop and automatically reports the management in case of delays.

On the whole, government, businesses and industries are all set to invest their time and money in IoT. Many jaw dropping innovations are yet to come which will entirely change our work mode and daily activities.

 

Friday, February 10, 2023

Weekend healthy grocery shopping

 Organic food is expensive but they say health is wealth, you guys! 😎