Author: Editor

Karl Fischer, CTO of Obsidian Systems Managing infrastructure efficiently has become an important aspect of today’s business operations. We often explore how tools like Red Hat’s Ansible Automation Platform (AAP) can help companies streamline their environments. For instance, GitOps pipelines can integrate with Ansible to facilitate the likes of disaster recovery, automated provisioning, and source-code-first methods of managing complex infrastructure. In a recent product demonstration, I showed how Obsidian’s AAP runs on a test OpenShift environment, with a standard deployment that helps us simulate real-world infrastructure conditions. Using GitOps pipelines, we can streamline the process of provisioning and maintaining infrastructure,…

Frik van der Westhuizen founding member of LoyaltyPlus In recent years, South African companies have turned to loyalty programmes as a more innovative way of retaining customers. But as with any investment, it is important to effectively measure the return on investment (ROI) of these initiatives. This requires an understanding of the key metrics to monitor and the right strategic approaches to follow when it comes to unlocking the true potential of a loyalty programme. I have identified six important metrics that should form the basis for understanding the ROI of any loyalty programme: Customer Retention Rate (CRR): This measures…

By Dillon Gray, COO at IPT Harnessing AI for Business Growth In today’s fast-paced digital age, small businesses are constantly seeking innovative ways to streamline operations, boost productivity, and enhance customer experiences. Microsoft Copilot, a powerful AI-powered tool, offers a suite of features designed to empower small businesses to achieve these goals. Here are the top 10 Microsoft Copilot features that can revolutionize your business: Enhanced Email Productivity Intelligent Email Composition: Drafts emails quickly and accurately, suggesting relevant content and tone. Smart Reply Suggestions: Provides concise and effective reply options, saving time and effort. Priority Inbox: Prioritizes important emails, ensuring you focus…

Ralph Berndt, Sales and Marketing Director at inq. SA The global cloud computing market is projected to reach the $864 billion mark by next year and continue growing at 12.8% annually. This reflects how important the cloud has become to any organisation’s strategy. To stay competitive and make the most from their cloud investment, there are several best practices to adopt that support both operational resilience and cost-effectiveness. One of the primary drivers behind cloud adoption is security. As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, organisations are increasingly prioritising environments that can provide more comprehensive security alongside the high availability of…

Being a Microsoft Azure partner benefits customers looking to move into the cloud, with funding assistance and programs such as POC’s, workshops, migration initiatives, AI initiatives, or Greenfield projects. Depending on the type of customer and project, Synthesis translates its partnership into a competitive advantage for businesses, offering insights into Azure’s innovations for an unparalleled cloud experience. Bespoke strategies are designed to fit unique needs, driving digital transformation and operational growth, says Rui Felix, Azure Practice Lead at Synthesis. Synthesis began its Microsoft Azure journey with cloud opportunities arising from customers.  Some key success stories include Synthesis’s involvement in payment…

In the face of a crisis, timely and accurate information can make all the difference. Whether it’s a natural disaster, a public health emergency, or a geopolitical conflict, reliable reporting is crucial for keeping the public informed and aiding response efforts. In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a powerful tool in crisis journalism, enabling rapid and precise news dissemination. This article explores the role of AI in crisis situations and highlights how companies are ensuring reliable reporting when it matters most. The Importance of Speed in Crisis Reporting During a crisis, the need for swift and accurate…

South African-based golfing apparel manufacturer BooYaa Golf focuses on premium quality, sustainable practices, and cutting-edge innovation. Through a meticulous approach to material selection and supplier collaboration, BooYaa Golf delivers high-performance apparel that meets the demands of modern golfers while aligning with global sustainability trends. “Performance and durability are non-negotiable for us,” says Edwin Moses, PAR Procurement Manager at BooYaa Golf. “Our materials must excel in areas like moisture-wicking, breathability, and wear resistance to ensure golfers can focus on their game without compromise.” While sustainability remains a priority, challenges arise when incorporating eco-friendly materials that meet both functional and aesthetic demands.…

With the Michelangelo Awards announcements just in, Alvi’s Drift celebrates a notable year of accolades, once again proving its excellence in the world of winemaking both locally and internationally. Nestled in the heart of the cooler southern reaches of the Breede River Valley, Alvi’s Drift has been under the stewardship of the Van der Merwe family for three generations, and long been synonymous with exceptional wine craftsmanship. The winery’s recent accolades are testament to their unwavering dedication to quality – even as the local industry continues to face considerable challenges – and the inspired motto they live by: Dare To…

Johan van Greune, CEO of BooYaa Golf My entrepreneurial journey stems from a deep-seated passion for identifying opportunities and transforming them into successful ventures. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of founding and leading several businesses across diverse sectors. These include everything from sports management and energy to mining. Each of these experiences has reinforced my belief in the power of innovative thinking and strategic leadership. Even today, the thrill of building something from the ground up and seeing it flourish continues to drive me. However, the entrepreneurial path is rarely smooth. Challenges are inevitable, and staying motivated during…

The landscape of journalism is undergoing a significant transformation with the advent of artificial intelligence (AI). One of the most promising developments is the use of AI analytics to understand news agency audiences better. At the forefront of this revolution is NewsGPT, a pioneering company that creates AI-generated news articles. By employing sophisticated AI analytics, NewsGPT is not only enhancing the quality and relevance of its content but also gaining unprecedented insights into audience preferences and behaviors. The Rise of AI in Journalism AI’s integration into journalism is not a new phenomenon, but its capabilities have expanded dramatically in recent…