MediaTek Unveils Filogic 8000 Series for Wi-Fi 8

MediaTek Unveils Filogic 8000 Series for Wi-Fi 8

Sunday, January 18, 2026

The future of wireless connectivity just got faster and smarter. MediaTek introduced its Filogic 8000 family at CES 2026, positioning the company at the forefront of the emerging Wi-Fi 8 ecosystem. This next-generation technology promises ultra-reliable, low-latency connectivity across a wide range of devices, from smartphones, laptops, and TVs to streaming devices, IoT products, and AI-driven applications.

As more devices go online, wireless networks face increasing congestion, interference, and delays. Wi-Fi 8 aims to tackle these challenges head-on, delivering robust connectivity, better bandwidth, and enhanced power efficiency. For users, this translates to smoother streaming, faster downloads, and a more responsive experience for latency-sensitive applications like cloud gaming, XR, and industrial automation.

Four Pillars of Wi-Fi 8 Innovation

Wi-Fi 8 isn’t just faster—it’s smarter. MediaTek has designed its Filogic 8000 family around four key areas of innovation:

Multi-AP Coordination – Technologies like Coordinated Beamforming, Coordinated Spatial Reuse, and Multi-AP Scheduling allow multiple access points to work together, reducing interference and improving overall network efficiency.

Spectrum Efficiency & Coexistence – Features such as Dynamic Subband Operation, Non-Primary Channel Access, and In-Device Coexistence help devices share crowded frequency bands more effectively, keeping connections stable even in dense environments.

Coverage & Range – Enhanced Long Range and Distributed-Tone Resource Units boost uplink performance and reduce latency, while ensuring seamless roaming so devices stay connected at the network edge.

Latency & Reliability Optimization – Smarter data rate adaptation and Aggregated PPDU techniques ensure consistent, low-latency performance, critical for real-time applications and AI-powered services.

Together, these improvements make Wi-Fi 8 a scalable, future-ready platform capable of handling high-density, high-performance wireless networks.

Industry Leaders Recognize MediaTek’s Leadership

Wi-Fi Alliance President and CEO Kevin Robinson highlighted MediaTek’s role in shaping the next generation of wireless technology:

“Emerging applications demand greater reliability, efficiency, and performance. MediaTek exemplifies the momentum of our industry by leading in Wi-Fi 8 development. Their contributions will ensure global connectivity is ready for ultra-reliable, multi-gigabit experiences.”

Alan Hsu, Corporate Vice President and GM of MediaTek’s Intelligent Connectivity Business Unit, emphasized the company’s commitment:

“We are pioneering Wi-Fi 8 across gateways and client devices. Our CES demonstrations showcase MediaTek’s leadership in next-generation wireless technology and our dedication to delivering robust connectivity for AI-driven applications and latency-critical scenarios.”

Partner Support and Real-World Applications

MediaTek isn’t working alone. With partners such as Deutsche Telekom, Airties, SoftAtHome, Zyxel, and others, the Filogic 8000 series is poised to power a wide array of devices and smart applications. Over 2 billion connected devices shipped annually highlight MediaTek’s global reach and influence in the wireless market.

Industry leaders praised the innovation:

Anindya Chakraborty, RUCKUS Networks – “MediaTek continues to exceed expectations for wireless connectivity.”

Nobuhiro Tamura, Buffalo Inc. – “Wi-Fi 8 opens new possibilities for seamless connectivity across homes and businesses.”

Shipsheep Cheng, HP – “MediaTek is shaping the future of work with reliable, connected experiences.”

Rangoon Chang, ASUS – “We look forward to exploring new connectivity possibilities with MediaTek.”

James Lin, Acer Inc. – “Filogic 8000 prepares Wi-Fi 8 for market availability next year with enhanced reliability.”

Additional endorsements from Korea Telecom (KT), Adtran, Arcadyan, and Foxconn reinforce MediaTek’s industry-leading position and its pivotal role in advancing Wi-Fi technology.

The Road Ahead for Wi-Fi 8

The Filogic 8000 series targets premium and flagship devices, with the first chipsets expected to reach customers later this year. With Wi-Fi 8, MediaTek is preparing networks and devices for a future where AI applications, cloud gaming, XR experiences, and IoT connectivity require uninterrupted, high-performance wireless connections.

From improving network efficiency and coverage to enabling ultra-low-latency performance, MediaTek’s Wi-Fi 8 solutions represent the next step in future-ready wireless ecosystems—making everyday connectivity faster, smarter, and more reliable than ever before.

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MediaTek Dimensity 9500 Redefines Mobile AI, Gaming, and Power Efficiency

MediaTek Dimensity 9500 Redefines Mobile AI, Gaming, and Power Efficiency

Wednesday, September 24, 2025

The Next Flagship Chipset Sets a New Benchmark for Smartphones

Smartphones are no longer just for calls and selfies—they’ve become our cameras, gaming consoles, productivity hubs, and even AI assistants. That’s why every leap in mobile chipset technology is a big deal. And with the official launch of the MediaTek Dimensity 9500, the game has changed once again.

This new flagship platform isn’t just about raw speed—it’s about delivering smarter AI, console-class graphics, and longer battery life, making it one of the most exciting chipsets Filipino smartphone users can look forward to in 2025.

Best-in-Class Performance and Efficiency

The Dimensity 9500 adopts a third-generation All Big Core CPU design, combining one ultra core running at 4.21GHz, three premium cores, and four performance cores. This setup translates to 29% faster single-core and 16% faster multi-core performance compared to its predecessor, while also cutting power consumption by as much as 55% at peak performance.

For everyday users, this means smoother multitasking, faster app launches, and a battery that lasts longer even under heavy use—perfect for those marathon video calls or binge-watching sessions.

A Leap Forward in AI Experiences

MediaTek senior VP JC Hsu highlighted how AI has become an essential part of modern life. He explained that the Dimensity 9500 is designed to make devices feel “smarter, faster, and more personal” without draining power.

This is made possible by the 9th-gen MediaTek NPU 990, equipped with Generative AI Engine 2.0. With up to 2x the compute power and 25% lower energy use, the chipset can handle advanced generative AI tasks like faster language model output, 4K ultra-high-resolution image generation, and more natural real-time interactions with AI assistants.

Console-Level Gaming on Mobile

Gamers in the Philippines will especially appreciate the Arm G1-Ultra GPU inside the Dimensity 9500. Offering 33% better peak performance and 42% more power efficiency, it supports double frame rate interpolation up to 120FPS and console-style raytracing.

On top of that, MediaTek’s close collaborations with major studios bring AAA-quality gaming to your phone, complete with immersive lighting effects in Unreal Engine 5. Imagine playing your favorite mobile RPGs or shooters with near-console visuals, but in the palm of your hand.

Cutting-Edge Imaging and Connectivity

Mobile photography also gets a big upgrade with the Imagiq 1190 ISP, supporting 200MP capture, RAW-domain pre-processing, and cinematic 4K 60FPS portrait videos. This is especially exciting for Pinoys who love to document everything—from food trips to travel adventures—with their smartphones.

Connectivity is just as advanced, with AI-enhanced Wi-Fi, Bluetooth call clarity, and 5CC carrier aggregation for faster mobile data. Network latency is reduced by up to 50%, while power efficiency improves by as much as 20%—a huge plus for always-on lifestyles.

When Will It Arrive?

According to MediaTek, the first flagship smartphones powered by the Dimensity 9500 are set to launch in the fourth quarter of 2025. With all its upgrades in AI, gaming, and power management, this chipset is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated mobile innovations of the year.

The MediaTek Dimensity 9500 isn’t just another processor—it’s a glimpse into the future of smartphones. For Filipinos who rely on their phones for work, play, and everything in between, this chipset promises a smarter, faster, and more immersive mobile experience. If you’re planning to upgrade in late 2025, keep an eye out for devices powered by this beast.

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ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus Achieves ITIL Certification for 14 ITSM Practices

ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus Achieves ITIL Certification for 14 ITSM Practices

Sunday, March 2, 2025

Company Joins PeopleCert's Accredited Tool Vendors (ATV) Program as a Silver-Level Member

ManageEngine, a division of Zoho Corp. and a leading provider of enterprise IT management solutions, today announced that ServiceDesk Plus, its flagship AI-driven unified service management platform, has achieved ITIL-certification for 14 key ITSM practices, awarded by PeopleCert, a premier global training and certification provider. The certification and inclusion of ManageEngine as a Silver-tier member in PeopleCert's ATV program validates ManageEngine's efforts towards building an ITSM platform aligned with industry-recognized best practices.

PeopleCert's ITIL-ATV Program

ITIL continues to be the most widely recognized ITSM best practice standard globally, guiding organizations focused on streamlining their service delivery workflows. PeopleCert's ATV program verifies the ITIL alignment of IT service management vendors by undertaking a comprehensive assessment of the tool's functionality and the ITIL proficiency of staff engaged in functions like development, sales and implementation on the vendor's side.

ManageEngine's position in the ATV program signifies the organization's proficiency in the ITSM domain and its expertise in building a service management platform that is closely aligned with ITIL. This empowers customers to design and implement industry-recommended best practice workflows right out of the box on the ServiceDesk Plus platform.

Dmitry Isaychenko, portfolio director at PeopleCert, added, "Businesses trust ITIL for success. For them, ITIL is not just a brand but a source of proven best practices. Claims of ITIL adherence raise their expectations regarding the quality of implementations. This is why PeopleCert launched the ATV accreditation program. Today, we are delighted to welcome ManageEngine as an ITIL-accredited tool vendor. Together, we can help customers make more informed decisions when selecting ITSM tools and planning long-term investments in their implementations.”

14 Key ITSM Practices Certified With ITIL Alignment

This certification marks ServiceDesk Plus’ ITIL alignment for 14 practices, which include Change Enablement, Deployment Management, Incident Management, IT Asset Management, Knowledge Management, Measurement and Reporting, Monitoring & Event Management, Problem Management, Release Management, Service Catalogue Management, Service Configuration Management, Service Financial Management, Service Level Management and Service Request Management.

Currently, ManageEngine has been onboarded as a Silver-level member with plans to move up the tiers by certifying more ManageEngine staff in the coming year. "We are excited to partner with PeopleCert and join their ITIL-ATV program. This partnership reaffirms our commitment to building a best-in-class service management platform that adheres to industry best practices," said Kumaravel Ramakrishnan, director of technology at ManageEngine. "For over 20 years, ServiceDesk Plus has been empowering customers to streamline service delivery for IT and other business teams. We will further this with deep investments in cutting-edge tech like AI to deliver transformative value to customers and prospects. ServiceDesk Plus will continue to evolve as an intelligent service management platform that aligns with industry best practices, providing transformational business outcomes to enterprise IT teams."

Pricing and Availability

ServiceDesk Plus is available across three editions: Standard, Professional, and Enterprise. The Standard edition starts at $13 per technician per month. For more details on ServiceDesk Plus’ editions and offerings, please visit https://mnge.it/sdp-editions.

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Palo Alto Networks Asia Pacific Cybersecurity Predictions 2024

Palo Alto Networks Asia Pacific Cybersecurity Predictions 2024

Friday, January 26, 2024

Palo Alto Networks, the global cybersecurity leader, has recently released its 2024 cybersecurity predictions for Asia Pacific – 5 key insights from industry leaders to help organisations ensure a secure future.

2023 saw organisations witness unprecedented levels of cybercrime. Palo Alto Networks’ State of Cybersecurity Report found that the Philippines experienced the highest number of disruptive attacks in Southeast Asia, with 29% of local organisations experiencing a 50% or more increase in incidents. Furthermore, the firm also received the most number of calls to its incident response team ever in October 2023. Cybercriminals have used ransomware to target critical infrastructures and found novel techniques to exploit emerging technologies like generative AI to ill-effect. 

Predicting cybersecurity trends for 2024 will be especially important if organisations want to get ahead of modern cyberattackers. With stakes higher than ever, organisations need to take a holistic approach – accounting for macroeconomic factors, emerging technologies, and cloud risks among others. 

Ian Lim, Regional Chief Security Officer, Palo Alto Networks, said, “In 2023, we’ve seen mature organisations, who invest heavily in cybersecurity, still falling victim to debilitating cyberattacks. This is due to the tenacity and ingenuity of attackers who exploit cyber hygiene issues or find novel ways to compromise legacy defences. Another key reason for these breaches lies in the complexity of security capabilities in most modern organisations. They use an average of 31.58 disparate security tools to protect their highly interconnected and innovative environments. The lack of correlation and the level of noise generated by these tools creates immense visibility gaps and dampens their ability for detection and response.” 

He added, “Going into 2024, highly motivated cybercriminals, nation state attackers and hacktivists will continue to innovate, expand and exploit – not much we can do to slow that down. However, we could and should definitely address the complexity of our security capabilities with AI to make them more effective and cost efficient.” 

Here are the five cybersecurity trends to watch out for in 2024:

1. Hacktivism: the modern crusade 

2023 saw numerous instances of broadcast events being disrupted by climate activists. This year, this protest could take the shape of a cyber-first-campaign. With significant events like the Olympics, the Euros, and regional elections coming up, hacktivists will look to further their cause to audiences in the millions. Previously, a high level of technical expertise was necessary, but the cybercrime-as-a-service model has lowered this threshold. Now, it only takes an extremely motivated activist with sufficient funds.

Tumultuous geopolitical climate will provide opportunities for hacktivists to gain notoriety for their group and sympathy for their cause. Most hacktivist activity is via Distributed-Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks. For example, during the G20 Summit in India, more than 30 groups of hacktivists from neighbouring countries attacked more than 600 websites of government and private entities through DDoS attacks, defacements, and data leaks. 

In 2024, organisations should evaluate their risk profile according to the evolving threat landscape and ensure coverage not only for financially motivated attacks but also for hacktivism and nation-state attacks. 

2. AI’s role in cybersecurity will evolve, for good and bad 

Since ChatGPT’s launch in October 2022, there have been concerns worldwide regarding its potential to democratise cybercrime. Despite having guardrails to prevent malicious applications, a few creative prompts can get ChatGPT to generate near flawless phishing emails that sound “weirdly human” at immense scale. We’ve seen attackers use Gen AI in novel ways like deepfake and voice technology to scam banks out of millions. Companies adopting Gen AI must be wary about the vulnerabilities of model poisoning, data leakage, prompt injection attacks, etc. Attackers will continue to exploit innovation gaps with the increased use of Gen AI for legitimate use cases.

Hence, one of the AI Cybersecurity trends we expect to see in 2024 is the maturation on how we protect enterprise-level use of Gen AI. This involves making sure that security controls, vulnerability management and threat monitoring activities are embedded through the entire lifecycle of AI development projects. Gen AI will further embed itself into cybersecurity capabilities. Its ability to summarise, weed through noise, and give concise summaries of security events is far greater than a human analyst’s (especially at the scale a modern SOC operates). With LLMs getting better by the day, we are bound to see more sophisticated applications that move beyond just being a clever and occasionally-hallucinating chatbot. 

3. Operational technology will remain the low-hanging fruit

Operational Technology is the heart of any industrial organisation. As the primary generator of revenue, OT systems must have a high level of cyber maturity. However many organisations still believe OT environments are protected by an air gap, whereas IT/OT convergence has resulted in OT being more connected than ever to IT and also, in many cases, to the cloud. This has expanded the attack surface and greatly increased the risk to OT networks, without the investment in cyber controls. 

A breach of OT systems can not only result in lost revenue, but also potentially, injuries or loss of life. A cyber secure OT environment is also a safe and reliable OT environment. A Zero Trust architecture will protect the most critical OT systems from threats, while allowing organisations to focus on their digital transformation. 2024 will see organisations invest in OT cyber security maturity to protect their most important business systems and manage the increased risk to an acceptable level.

4. Consolidation to enable the next frontier in cybersecurity 

Unit 42’s Cloud Threat Report (Volume 7) found that on average, security teams take approximately 6 days to resolve a security alert, with 60% of organisations taking longer than 4 days. In a threat landscape where attackers only require a few hours to find and exploit vulnerabilities, 4-6 days is just way too long. Organisations with disparate security tools that are not well integrated have a harder time deploying automation and orchestration. This is a major setback to reducing the mean time to detect and the mean time to respond. 

In addition to the lacklustre threat response, organisations with siloed solutions are having a hard time securing their rapid digital transformation initiatives. Alongside macroeconomic headwinds and workforce challenges, enterprises are looking to consolidate their vendor spread and reduce complexities. Put simply, it is way easier to manage the cybersecurity stack if there is one point of contact when a crisis inevitably strikes. Over the long term, it reduces costs and yields better results. This is thanks to the increased visibility and seamless integration that comes with a unified security offering. More organisations are waking up to these benefits and thus 2024 will see customers focus on reducing complexities and turning to consolidated cybersecurity stacks. 

5. Securing multi and hybrid cloud will be a focus 

Per the State of Cybersecurity survey, APAC organisations are moving large chunks of their infrastructure to the cloud, with 44% adjusting their cybersecurity strategy to adopt cloud security. Early adopters of cloud typically start with a single hyperscaler. Naturally, the single cloud model would adopt native security tools from their chosen Cloud Service Provider (CSP). Through the course of time they experience issues and outages that can only be addressed by adopting a multi or hybrid cloud strategy. This multicloud journey would most likely necessitate a review on their existing cloud security paradigm as native CSP security tools do not seamlessly translate to different CSPs. 

In 2024, organisations that have to contend with multi or hybrid cloud projects would move to establishing a more unified approach to security when dealing with more than one cloud provider. Rationalising cloud security tools across the entire development lifecycle will also be a focus as this provides much higher visibility, correlation and security monitoring.

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Embracing Innovation: Fujitsu Philippines Redefines Retail with ActivateNow Event

Embracing Innovation: Fujitsu Philippines Redefines Retail with ActivateNow Event

Friday, January 19, 2024

Brands and retailers constantly grapple with the challenges brought about by peak seasons, navigating through chaotic scenarios in a bid to ensure a seamless customer experience. Fujitsu Philippines recently addressed these challenges at the "ActivateNow Southeast Asia" event in Makati City, showcasing futuristic retail technologies aimed at enhancing efficiency and reducing friction for both merchants and buyers.

Experiencing the Future of Retail 

At the heart of the ActivateNow event was the Fujitsu Christmas Village, a dynamic showcase of cutting-edge retail solutions. Attendees were treated to an experiential journey, with the opportunity to shop for Fujitsu merchandise featuring a unique twist. Each purchased item came with an RFID tag, allowing customers to experience a seamless and efficient self-checkout process. This innovative approach not only streamlined the purchase journey but also set the stage for a future where technology enhances every step of the retail process.

Chilling at the Barista-Free Fujitsu Café

In a bold move, Fujitsu introduced the concept of a barista-free café at the event. The Fujitsu Café leveraged Assisted Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies, providing customers with step-by-step instructions on how to craft their preferred coffee. This novel approach not only redefined the traditional café experience but also highlighted the evolving dynamics of modern workplaces. The integration of tools and human interaction showcased how technology can seamlessly enhance customer engagement and satisfaction.

Data, Security, and AI for Sustainable Retail

As sustainability becomes a focal point in the business landscape, Fujitsu Philippines presented a case study on "radical transparency" during the event. The company attached QR codes to clothing items, enabling shoppers to scan and access comprehensive information about a product – from raw materials to manufacturing processes. This approach not only emphasizes a commitment to sustainable retail practices but also fosters a stronger connection between consumers and the products they choose. Fujitsu's move toward radical transparency showcases the power of technology in optimizing benefits and minimizing waste, paving the way for a sustainable future.

Fujitsu's ActivateNow event serves as a compelling reminder that technological innovation is indispensable for merchants striving to thrive in all seasons. By embracing modern retail solutions, refining customer interactions, and streamlining operations, businesses can cut through the noise and create an enjoyable, efficient shopping experience. As we step into the future of retail, events like ActivateNow underscore the significance of staying ahead in the technological curve to meet the ever-evolving needs of consumers and ensure sustained success.

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HONOR Phenomenal Success: Achieving 200% Sales Growth Revealed at Fortune Global Forum 2023

HONOR Phenomenal Success: Achieving 200% Sales Growth Revealed at Fortune Global Forum 2023

Wednesday, December 13, 2023

In the rapidly evolving landscape of smart devices, HONOR, the global technology brand, has emerged as a trailblazer in foldable innovation and eye comfort technology. With a remarkable 200% growth in overseas markets this year, HONOR's commitment to human-centric innovations takes center stage, as discussed at the prestigious Fortune Global Forum 2023 in Abu Dhabi.

Human-Centric Innovations: A Glimpse into the Future

Dr. Ray Guo, Chief Marketing Officer of HONOR Device Co. Ltd., emphasized the company's belief in human-centric innovations during the enlightening discussion at the Fortune Global Forum. According to Dr. Guo, the next generation of smart devices will be defined by foldable technology entering the mainstream, on-device AI paving the way for transformative experiences, and human-centric technologies, such as the groundbreaking eye comfort display technology, enhancing the interaction between humans and devices.

One Million Foldable Phones Milestone: Addressing Vision Impairment Globally

Recognizing the global issue of vision impairment highlighted by the World Health Organization, HONOR made it a top priority. Investing over $140 million in display technology research and development, HONOR integrated eye comfort display technology into its devices, resulting in the development of over 500 display-related patents. The HONOR Magic V2, designed to address core user pain points, has achieved significant milestones, including being the No.1 best-selling foldable in China, capturing 25% of the expanding foldable market.

Addressing Core User Pain Points: Thinness, Durability, and Battery Life

HONOR's commitment to solving core user pain points has led to the creation of devices like the HONOR Magic V2. As thin and light as a regular flagship smartphone, the Magic V2 boasts durability, withstanding at least 400,000 folds. Incorporating silicon-carbon battery technology ensures all-day battery life, addressing previous concerns about foldable devices.

Unleashing the Power of On-Device AI

The anticipation surrounding artificial intelligence was not overlooked, and HONOR has invested significantly in this domain. The upcoming HONOR Magic6 smartphone, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform, will feature On-device LLM. HONOR's approach to AI involves a hybrid model, utilizing on-device AI for personalized content and services while prioritizing user privacy with data remaining on the device.

Industry Leadership and Supply Chain Advancements

HONOR's achievement of manufacturing one million foldables signals not only its success in the market but also the maturation of the industry's supply chain. This milestone demonstrates the industry's progression towards mass production, with automated and efficient manufacturing processes, solidifying HONOR's role as a leader in driving the industry forward.

Stay updated with HONOR's latest developments and announcements by visiting HONOR’s website or following them on social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Additionally, explore HONOR’s retail presence at https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/.

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Palo Alto Networks Launches Strata Cloud Manager, Industry’s First AI-Powered Zero Trust Management and Operations Solution

Palo Alto Networks Launches Strata Cloud Manager, Industry’s First AI-Powered Zero Trust Management and Operations Solution

Thursday, November 9, 2023

Additional innovations include advanced security capabilities and new Next-Generation Firewalls

Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ: PANW) recently introduced Strata™ Cloud Manager, the industry’s first AI-powered Zero Trust management and operations solution. With these innovations and over 4,400 machine learning models, Palo Alto Networks is well-positioned to prove the combination of AI and Zero Trust can best protect today’s customer needs. The world’s cybersecurity leader also announced a suite of advanced security capabilities in addition to five new Next-Generation Firewalls to address the use cases of modern enterprises. 

Anand Oswal, SVP and GM of Network Security at Palo Alto Networks, said:

"I’m excited about the new capabilities we are announcing today. Strata Cloud Manager will simplify management and operations across our customers' entire network security estate. We continue to innovate with AI and ML in our security services, now stopping advanced attacks, including the first and only instance of a unique attack. This approach effectively prevents patient zero. We are also introducing incredible hardware platforms that offer industry-leading performance with best-in-class security."

Redefining Network Security with Strata Cloud Manager

Inadequate predictive and actionable insights, along with a lack of seamless integration across security tools, can result in security gaps and inconsistent policies that compromise protection and operational experience. Strata Cloud Manager revolutionizes network security management and operations, bolstering security posture and proactively preventing network disruptions at every enforcement point. With Strata Cloud Manager, security teams can:

Ensure continuous network uptime: With predictive analytics, Strata Cloud Manager helps organizations anticipate capacity bottlenecks and assess deployment health up to seven days ahead, enabling security teams to prevent operational disruptions effectively. 

Enhance network security with industry best practices: Leverage AI-powered analysis of policies and real-time compliance checks to fortify network security. 

Streamline network security management for enhanced efficiency: For the first time, effortlessly oversee configuration and security policies across all form factors, including SASE and both hardware and software firewalls, ensuring consistent protection and minimizing operational overhead. 

Sebastian Schubert, Technology Lead, Tui Hotels & Resorts, said:

"The ability to create one configuration and apply it seamlessly across our entire deployment has been a game-changer. Rollouts and management of firewalls are now streamlined and efficient."

Best-in-Class Inline AI-Powered Security 

As part of Palo Alto Networks' cloud-delivered security services, over 60,000 customers benefit from protection against new and advanced threats. These are some of the new capabilities: 

Advanced WildFire® effectively blocks ever-evolving and uniquely evasive initial attacks by integrating machine learning directly into its cloud-based detection engines. This helps ensure early detection and mitigation, fortifying defense against emerging attacks. 

Industry-first detection capabilities are designed to proactively prevent threats such as meddler-in-the-middle and SaaS platform-hosted phishing attacks. Additionally, Advanced URL Filtering can anticipate and block a remarkable 88% of malicious URLs a full 48 hours ahead of competing solutions to ensure network security protection. 

The latest AI-powered Advanced Threat Prevention is purpose-built to counter command-and-control (C2) attacks often propagated via the widely used red team tool Empire. This valuable addition to the advanced threat prevention arsenal now boasts an impressive over 97% success rate in blocking highly evasive C2 attacks.

New Next-Generation Firewalls

Palo Alto Networks announced five new Next-Generation Firewalls to expand addressable use cases, from the most high-traffic networks to remote branches, including ones that require 5G connectivity and others that need to operate in the harshest operational technology (OT) environments. The new Next-Generation Firewalls include: 

PA-7500 for blazing fast performance: Powered by custom ASICs, the PA-7500 delivers industry-leading security and over 1.5 Tbps App-ID™ performance to secure the world’s most demanding environments.

PA-415-5G for 5G networks: As the global reach of 5G networks continues to expand, an estimated 15 billion industrial assets are expected to connect via 5G by 2026. With the advanced firewall solution, organizations gain the flexibility to safeguard their branch offices with comprehensive security for both wired and 5G connectivity, ensuring that their critical assets are protected in this time of rapid digital transformation.

PA-450R for the harshest environments: Industrial organizations can now leverage the ruggedized firewall solution, providing robust connectivity and security for their OT environments, including exposure to extreme weather and wide temperature ranges. This ensures uninterrupted operations and peace of mind in the face of challenging environmental conditions.

Palo Alto Networks also introduced the PA-5445 for securing data centers and large campus locations as well as the PA-455 for securing branch offices that need Power over Ethernet (PoE).

John Grady, Principal Analyst, Enterprise Security Group, said:

“Network security must continue to evolve. Traditional approaches cannot keep pace with today’s attack landscape, and sprawling environments have made management much more complex. Palo Alto Networks was an early adopter in leveraging AI across various security services for more effective threat detection. By expanding the use of AI across additional security services, as well as its cloud-based management platform for more efficient and proactive operations, Palo Alto Networks continues to respond to the key pain points organizations face.”

To get the full details on Palo Alto Networks new innovations, read the hardware innovations and software innovations blog posts.

Follow Palo Alto Networks on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

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Unlocking Growth Opportunities for Superapps in the Philippines

Unlocking Growth Opportunities for Superapps in the Philippines

Publicis Sapient highlights the strategic advantage and growth opportunities in the Philippines for banks and financial institutions to capitalize on the superapp economy.

The Philippines has witnessed an upsurge in the superapp economy, garnering immense popularity among Filipino consumers, with use cases such as payments, P2P lending, and investments leading the way. Superapps are mobile applications that provide a wide range of services and solutions to their users under a single platform or ecosystem, which have gained immense popularity among Thai consumers.

The Philippines’ digital economy is poised for growth, with a projected value of US$35 billion by 2025 [1], and a CAGR of 209%. With the Philippines entering the growth stage marked by 69% internet penetration and ongoing expansion to smaller cities nationwide, increased social media advocacy and a growing reliance on online purchasing, with nearly 63% of users now using mobile applications for e-commerce transactions. E-commerce, streaming, and food delivery sectors are three industries that are poised for continued growth, with the e-commerce market expected to grow with a CAGR of 17% in the forecast period of 2022 to 2025. 

Andrew Male, Client Partner, ASEAN, Publicis Sapient says, “With 63% of the population in the Philippines being unbanked, and with mobile users spending an average of over 5 hours daily on their smartphones, banking is set to be the largest superapp opportunity in the Philippines. We are excited at the potential to elevate digital financial services in the Philippines through superapps, and work with our partners and customers in capturing new growth in this new digital-first economy.”

Here are three key growth imperatives that can help organizations define their approach to successful superapps.

1. Identifying a winning proposition with strong product-market fit and a viable business model

The first step lies in establish the commercial objectives that will drive the superapp project, whether growth or the need to protect market share. At the same time, factors such as target client segments, target partner landscape and partnership approach, economic model, as well as regulatory approach need to be nailed down. The product development model should recognize and accommodate the needs of different stakeholders: Customers, partners, and the company itself.

From a technology standpoint, considerations for platform capability and architecture are necessary to define key components and decide what to build, buy or reuse. This will shape the underlying technology stack that must be put in place.

2. Define the path to create an MVP through internal expertise and collaborative partnerships, and swiftly testing it in the market

Adopt a holistic, customer-centric approach that focuses on connecting different touchpoints across the entire customer journey, by proactively identifying pain points and friction through data-driven insights while delivering maximum value.

Embrace an iterative approach to minimum viable product (MVP) development, rapidly prototyping and testing ideas to gather feedback and make improvements. At the same time, partner and customer feedback should be incorporated early in the process to ensure the proposition remains relevant while it is being developed and tested

3. Craft an AI and ML-driven experience tailored to user preferences

To create a successful superapp, organizations must understand customers' behavior and preferences to create better personalized recommendations and services. This helps to increase customer engagement and loyalty. This can be done through analysis of data including customer purchase history, browsing behavior, search queries, and other metrics, to gain valuable information about customer needs and preferences. From this, organizations can be better prepared to build hyper-personalized recommendation systems by predicting customer consumption patterns and analyzing customer activity.

As consumers are increasingly demanding more personalized and hyper-convenient experiences that meet their needs, the superapp framework is an ideal solution towards transforming the user experience via mobile and digital, enabling access to an assortment of tools for specific tasks or services. 

Learn more about the Philippines superapp opportunity for growth here.

[1] e-Conomy SEA 2022 by Google, Temasek, Bain & Company

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F(DEV) drives seamless operations with advanced eProcurement solution for a new F&B in BGC

F(DEV) drives seamless operations with advanced eProcurement solution for a new F&B in BGC

Tuesday, October 17, 2023

Baker J redefines the pastry and coffee shop experience by infusing delectable and creative flavors. It is reminiscent of casual and comfortable Parisian cafés — brimming with life and great food.

Since its successful operations in Chroma Hospitality’s brand of hotels: Crimson Hotel Alabang, Quest Hotel Clark, Quest Hotel Tagaytay, and Timberland Resort San Mateo Rizal, Baker J proudly introduces its first standalone branch nestled within the bustling Bonifacio Global City.

The Baker J team worked with Filinvest’s innovation arm, F(DEV), to reimagine how they can manage back-end operations effortlessly so they can focus more resources on creating excellent customer experiences.

“We are elated with this partnership between Chroma Hospitality and F(DEV). This pilot eProcurement solution makes it easier for us to scale up our F&B business. Now, Baker J can focus on delivering the finest culinary creations to customers at full potential,” said Francis Gotianun, First Senior Vice President of Filinvest Hospitality, on behalf of Filinvest Group’s F&B Transformation and Baker J.

Innovation behind the scenes

Each F&B business, as we all know, needs to be an efficient operations machine to effectively serve its customers. From ordering ingredients from suppliers and getting deliveries to producing its delicious products and accepting payments, BakerJ was built to be customer-centric. 

In the past few months leading up to the opening, Baker J and its management company, Chroma Hospitality Inc. have been working with F(DEV), the Filinvest Group’s innovation arm, to design and craft an F&B operating platform powered digitally. What has launched together with Baker J’s BGC store opening is a new and modern e-procurement and supply chain tech solution that streamlines the enterprise's procurement experience. 

Previously bogged down by complex manual interactions, pen and paper-based activities, multiple systems, and disjointed processes, Chroma's purchasing team can now confidently manage all procurement and supply chain-related activities in one dashboard, as well as efficiently track supply quality and supplier performance, even with a diverse base of suppliers. The MVP of Baker J’s enterprise-grade platform was achieved in just three months, just in time for the new store opening.

Xavier Marzan, CEO of F(DEV) says, “We’ve given Chroma and Baker J new superpowers by working with them closely to develop an entirely new operating experience and ensuring that multiple diverse systems operate as one, to bring the best possible experience to their end customers. But this is just the start. Our goal is to bring this type of innovation-led experience to the rest of the conglomerate and beyond to ensure that the companies lead in an accelerated digital future.”

Baker J's procurement solution provides a user experience akin to online shopping, with a sleek, modern interface. The platform's modular, data-driven architecture integrates proprietary data and AI algorithms for precise procurement modeling and forecasting. As a result, Chroma's leadership benefits from improved operational visibility and data-driven decision-making, which significantly improves the quality and speed of operations, and puts the customer at the forefront of its effort.

F(DEV) is at the forefront, fueling Filinvest Group's transformation in this exciting new digital decade. With an unwavering commitment, F(DEV) empowers the company’s businesses in real estate, townships, banking, hospitality, and energy and utilities to evolve into thriving digital enterprises, propelling our country toward a brighter and more innovative future, helping to address the needs of the underserved segments in the Philippines.

Want to dive deeper into their world of innovation? Check them out at www.teamf.dev and don't miss their latest adventures on TikTok @fdevfilinvent. It's where tech meets the trend!

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Palo Alto Networks: 1 in 3 SMEs not confident in hybrid work security

Palo Alto Networks: 1 in 3 SMEs not confident in hybrid work security

Global cybersecurity leader Palo Alto Networks revealed in its 2023 State of Cybersecurity in ASEAN Report that one out of three small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Philippines and Southeast Asia is not confident in tracking cybersecurity breaches amid a hybrid work environment. With 41% of their infrastructure and processes running in the cloud for onsite and work-from-home setup, SMEs are most concerned about password attacks (63%), malware attacks (56%), and account takeovers (53%). 

Steven Scheurmann, Vice President for ASEAN at Palo Alto Networks, shared, "In observance of Cybersecurity Awareness Month this October, we are reinforcing our mission of empowering SMEs with a stronger cybersecurity posture, recognizing their pivotal role as the backbone of our economy. It's crucial to remember that SMEs, just like larger organizations, hold valuable data sought after by cyber attackers for financial gain.”

For two years in a row, adopting cloud security has been a top cybersecurity strategy for SMEs. However, hybrid work continues to pose challenges for SMEs in securing their cloud applications and services due to risks associated with unsecured home networks and personal devices. These risks include data breaches, which can threaten both SME employees and customers, potentially leading to identity theft and unauthorized financial transactions. These vulnerabilities make it challenging for almost one-third of SMEs to procure a broader range of cybersecurity solutions for hybrid work.

To stay ahead of threats, Scheurmann underscored non-negotiables that SMEs should look for when securing cloud infrastructure in hybrid environments.

Holistic visibility of network traffic. Imagine your company's network as a bustling airport, where employees work from different 'terminals' or physical locations, such as offices, homes, or remote sites. The challenge resembles airport security—knowing who's allowed to board 'network flights' and who's not. The airport needs to have visibility on every 'passenger' (devices and users) and verify their 'boarding passes' (access permissions). This holistic visibility ensures SMEs that only authorised users and devices get access to data and applications. 

Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA). ZTNA operates on the principle of 'never trust, always verify.' If an SME's network is a mall establishment, not all of its tenants can freely move around the building. ZTNA acts as the diligent security manager, ensuring that each 'tenant' (employee) must show their identification and state their purpose before gaining access to areas reserved for authorized personnel only. 

AI and machine learning. Artificial intelligence (AI)-backed machine learning in network security is like having personalized content recommendations on your social media. Just as algorithms analyze your preferences for tailored suggestions, AI-driven firewalls with machine learning analyze network traffic, predict, and prevent cyber threats that are also increasingly sophisticated due to AI. They continually adapt, ensuring SMEs are equipped to protect themselves from emerging threats. 

"Even small-sized and resource-constrained businesses can establish a formidable security posture, rendering it challenging for attackers to breach, provided a strong cybersecurity hygiene culture prevails within the company. Holistic visibility, a zero-trust approach, and AI integration will help ensure that SMEs can scale up their cloud security to protect against both current and future threats, no matter where they choose to work,” concluded Scheurmann.

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Google deepens commitment to help build a Digital Philippines with no-cost AI skilling courses, AI Startups Cloud Program, and new Google Career Certificates

Google deepens commitment to help build a Digital Philippines with no-cost AI skilling courses, AI Startups Cloud Program, and new Google Career Certificates

Monday, October 2, 2023

 

As part of its ongoing commitment to help build a Digital Philippines, Google announced today the availability of no-cost generative AI skills development courses, the Google for AI Startups Cloud Program, and three new Google Career Certificates.

Nurturing skills and supporting startups for the AI economy

To make career paths in generative AI more accessible to individuals, Google Cloud has launched generative AI skills development courses available at no cost under its Cloud Skills Boost Program. This learning path helps people understand a wide range of topics including Introduction to Generative AI, Large Language Models, Responsible AI and more. Filipinos can now seize the opportunity to build and demonstrate their proficiency in in-demand AI skills to prospective employers. 

Google Cloud is also supporting more seed to early stage startups (Series A startups) in the Philippines who use AI as the core technology to develop products or solutions. Through the Google for AI Startups Cloud Program, startups now have the opportunity to access much-needed cloud credits of up to US$350,000 over two years. The program provides access to AI experts, training, resources and networking opportunities. Interested startups may inquire and apply here.

Equipping the Filipino workforce with three new Google Career Certificates 

Google has added three additional courses–Business Intelligence, Advanced Data Analytics, and Cybersecurity–to its Google Career Certificates program. These certificates are professional credentials that help enable people from all backgrounds to earn job-ready skills in high-growth digital fields such as IT Support, UX Design, E-commerce and Digital Marketing.

In 2022, Google announced it will provide 39,000 Google Career Certificate scholarships to help Filipinos from underserved communities acquire digital skills and earn employer-recognized certificates as a way to realize their career ambitions. Today, the company said it has allocated 1,000 new Google Career Certificate scholarships this year. This is in collaboration with several stakeholders including the Department of Information and Communications Technology and partner NGOs. 

The Google Career Certificates program has created a positive impact in the Philippines. There are over 6,000 Certificate graduates now in the country. Over 80% of the graduates have reported positive career outcomes including landing a job, getting a promotion or raise within six months of completion of a Certificate.

Bridging the digital skills gap

A new study also launched today by The Economist Impact, supported by Google, shows that digital upskilling is becoming increasingly important to Filipino employees to be competitive in the workforce. The study reveals that:

● Self-management skills and digital skills are imperative: Self-management skills (68%) such as stress tolerance, resilience and flexibility are the most important for employees, closely followed by digital skills (52%).

● IT Support is the most important digital skill for Filipino employees: Within digital skills, advanced skills such as IT support (65.4%), data analysis and visualization (55.8%) and cybersecurity (59.6%) would be key to supporting growth in the Philippines, and are selected as “must have” capabilities by the employees. Employees in the Philippines prioritize AI and ML (machine learning) skills at higher rates (42%) than the regional average (33%).

● Government plays a vital role to facilitate a conducive skilling ecosystem: By collaborating closely with companies, organizations and communities, the government can help provide more equal access to skilling for example through incentives and supportive policies. 

As per the eConomy 2022 report, the country’s tech sector is projected to grow rapidly with the estimated value of the digital economy reaching US$150B in the next decade. This massive growth will require the right capabilities and diverse skill sets in the labour market. According to the IT-BPM Association of the Philippines, by 2028, the tech industry is expected to generate 1.1M new jobs, of which 150,000 are developer roles that would need to be filled in the next six years. 

“Google is a committed partner of the country in helping build a Digital Philippines. Through our technology, skilling programs, and partnerships, we will continue to help unleash the potential of the digital economy and empower the workforce of the future,” said Bernadette Nacario, Country Director, Google Philippines. 

“Upskilling is so important for realizing career aspirations and improving lives. Programs like the Google Career Certificates and Google’s no-cost AI skilling courses will empower the country's workforce to thrive in the digital economy. We are grateful to Google for its commitment to helping us build a Digital Philippines,” said Jeffrey Ian Dy, Department of Information and Communications Technology Undersecretary for Connectivity, Cybersecurity, and Upskilling.

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Liminal Continues Revolutionizing Digital Asset Management: Unveils Whitelabel Custody Solutions for Web3 Institutions

Liminal Continues Revolutionizing Digital Asset Management: Unveils Whitelabel Custody Solutions for Web3 Institutions

Thursday, September 21, 2023

Liminal launches Android Version of Vaults for Seamless On-the-Go Asset Management

Liminal, a leading regulated digital asset custody provider renowned for its innovative multi-party computation (MPC) wallet infrastructure, recently celebrated its successful two-year journey by announcing that it has processed transactions over $6.8 billion on its platform, with over $550 million worth of assets under protection. Liminal has grown its customer base annually by 178% CAGR and gross revenue from customers at 73.5% CAGR annually, showcasing its commitment to simplifying digital asset custody with its plug-and-play wallet infrastructure that is secure, compliant, automated, and efficient.

Liminal's commitment to simplifying digital asset custody with its secure and efficient platform has helped it achieve significant milestones in just two years. In line with this, Liminal has announced the launch of its Whitelabel Custody Solutions. This new offering will now allow Web3 enterprises to manage digital assets securely and efficiently through a fully customizable and comprehensive platform.

Liminal's Whitelabel Custody Solutions enables businesses to leverage its secure wallet infrastructure and policy management tools while delivering a personalized experience to its clients. By embracing the power of white labeling, enterprises can streamline their services and accelerate their market entry without the complexities of building infrastructure from scratch. Liminal's advanced technology and encryption measures establish a fortified custody infrastructure, safeguarding digital assets from potential threats and unauthorized access. 

Representing a transformative leap in digital asset management for Web3 enterprises, and building on the success of its iOS counterpart, Liminal also announced the launch of its eagerly anticipated Vaults Android app. The Liminal Vaults Android app empowers users with seamless oversight of digital assets, enabling on-the-go transaction approvals and collaborative asset management. The app's user-friendly interface integrates groundbreaking secure Multiparty Computation (MPC) technology, simplifying transaction approvals while upholding stringent security standards. With an extra layer of authentication for each transaction, key control remains uncompromised, making it the preferred choice for Web3 organizations. 

Commenting on the innovative launches, Mahin Gupta, Founder at Liminal, said, "Our mission at Liminal is to empower Web3 institutions with the tools they need to succeed in the ever-evolving digital asset landscape, securely. With our Whitelabel Custody Solutions, we are introducing an opportunity for institutions to establish their own branded and fully customizable custody platforms, enabling them to navigate the complexities of digital asset management with confidence."

“Our next goal is to surpass our growth targets and achieve a $10 billion transaction volume as we have embarked on an exciting journey of transformation through innovation. The introduction of the Vaults Android app and the Smart Consolidation feature, alongside new protocol support, reflects our commitment to empowering users with advanced solutions that simplify the complexities of asset handling. These updates seamlessly blend security, efficiency, and convenience, addressing the evolving needs of the Web3 ecosystem."

Web3 institutions have long grappled with the complexities of custodial services, ranging from wallet security to private key management and compliance checks. The Whitelabel solution offers segregated wallets with multi-user approvals, ensuring an unparalleled level of security. It also enhances fund security, improves transaction processing speed and efficiency, and provides an enhanced user experience. It also offers flexibility to adapt quickly to market trends and changing customer needs. It ensures compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) requirements, fostering trust and transparency while adhering to global regulatory frameworks. 

To further facilitate the growth of startups, Liminal has launched partnership programs with several platforms such as Avalanche, Polygon, Tezos, XinFin, and Builders Tribe, with more in the pipeline. The company has also secured ISO 27001 and 27701 certifications, SOC 2 Type II certification, and CryptoCurrency Security Standard (CCSS) compliance-QSP Level 3, the highest standard in wallet keys and operations management. It is also the official self-custody solution partner for India's leading premier investigation agency and has a $50 million insurance cover underwritten by Lloyds of London.

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Department of Home Affairs, Australia, awards global biometric collection service to VFS Global

Department of Home Affairs, Australia, awards global biometric collection service to VFS Global

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

The Department of Home Affairs, Australia, has awarded the global biometric collection service across seven regions to VFS Global, the world's largest outsourcing and technology services specialist for governments and diplomatic missions. 

The agreement spanning Australian biometric collection centres (ABCC) at 165 locations worldwide include new geographies in addition to existing locations operated by VFS Global. Awarded regions comprise Americas, Mekong, Middle East and North Africa, North Asia, Pacific, South Asia and Southeast Asia. According to the agreement, VFS Global’s core services include Biometric Collection and Identity Verification, Digital Assistance with online visa applications submission and Online Payment Assistance on the Department’s ImmiAccount portal.

The company would also provide additional (as required services) such as remote interview hosting, document and claim checking, paper digitisation and local addressing and document delivery. The roll out would take place in two broad phases with 59 centres to be operational by January 1, 2024 and the rest under phase two in line with the department’s directives. 

“Over many years the department and VFS Global have enjoyed a successful partnership, during which VFS Global have continued to demonstrate flexibility as the department’s needs have evolved over time. We look forward to the continued growth of this partnership and roll out of the biometrics collection program under the new agreement,” said Anthony Phillips, Director of In-Person Services and Support, Department of Home Affairs. 

“This global award is another testament of our business excellence and trusted partnership with the Department of Home Affairs, Australia. We have been working with the department since 2004 and we will continue to elevate the experience of travellers across the world bound to Australia,” said Jiten Vyas, Chief Commercial Officer VFS Global. 

The agreement also marks the maiden opening of Australian biometric collection centres (ABCC) by VFS Global in the Americas region. 

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