IPC cites Hybrid Cloud as key step towards business success

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Local cloud and data center services pioneer IPC (IP Converge Data Services, Inc.) believes that Hybrid Cloud setups, a combination of public cloud infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) and physical hardware-driven systems, are key business growth strategies, especially for medium to large enterprises that already have operational IT systems in place.

Businesses of today face challenges that not only dampen growth but moreso threaten their very survival. As the digital age forces companies to rely heavily on ICT (information and communications technology), business processes are changing and IT systems have become mission-critical, thus compelling CTOs to seek IT infrastructure options that bring high systems availability without breaking the bank or getting into a fight with the CFO.

A Hybrid Cloud configuration involves the use of public cloud resources combined with hosted physical machines to run and maintain specific systems for an organization. There are companies that would like to take advantage of the cloud but would also like to maintain data or applications using their own physical resources. This setup is a viable solution to a slew of business concerns, i.e. maintain control over a particular component or set of data within a system, backup and disaster recovery, security or compliance issues, and data sovereignty. In addition, the public cloud components allow companies to scale up or down as needed and pay only for what is used.

According to IPC’s director for product management & marketing Niño Valmonte, a hybrid approach enables companies to maintain control of an internally managed private cloud while relying on the public cloud as needed. Though they operate independently, they can be setup to communicate over an encrypted internet connection in order to fulfill specific tasks.

For instance, during peak periods in the retail industry such as the holidays, applications, or even portions of applications of an order entry system can be migrated to the public cloud, thus providing more stability. This will also allow for more flexibility and scalability.

“IPC is in the best position to help companies achieve a hybrid cloud setup that is efficient, secure and effective, being both a highly experienced Internet data center operator and pioneer cloud IaaS provider in the country,” Valmonte said. “We leverage our state-of-the-art data center facilities and robust network infrastructure to provide the entire spectrum of IT infrastructure solutions ranging from data center co-location, hosted private cloud infrastructure, hybrid cloud, virtual private cloud, and public IaaS.”

On the rise

Ease of use and customization possibilities are key drivers for businesses shifting to hybrid cloud setups. A study by the International Data Corporation (IDC), revealed that over 70% of enterprises in Southeast Asia are integrating hybrid cloud in their IT strategy. According to IDC, enterprises realize that adopting hybrid cloud is important to reduce cost and achieve business transformation, agility and scalability.

“2016 will be a big year for solutions built on hybrid cloud architectures with 65% of Asia Pacific enterprises to commit for its implementation,” said Chris Morris, Vice President, Cloud and Services, IDC Asia/Pacific.

IDC believes that the big drivers for increased implementation of hybrid clouds are IT’s continuing quest for optimized infrastructure, and the ability of solution builders to source application and infrastructure components from multiple providers to construct a hybrid cloud-based solution.

“With increasing cloud spending, many enterprises will have begun use of hybrid solutions without direct involvement. With the business unit managers increasingly buying their own cloud solutions, hybrid cloud architectures can proliferate, and sometimes not be aligned with the enterprise architecture,” added Morris.

Another study, made by Frost & Sullivan, shows that Hybrid IT is the “new normal” for companies in the Asia-Pacific. “At their core, successful hybrid cloud strategies support the delivery of high-value applications and services to the business, while at the same time driving cost and inefficiency out of the IT infrastructure,” the report said.

Hybrid cloud environments are becoming more popular in the marketplace, as they enable IT to remain flexible and respond quickly to market demands, as well as providing lines of business with the resources they need to succeed. Additionally, cloud users recognize that different workloads or applications perform optimally in differently configured environments: configurations that work well for one application or workload may not work for another. And many workloads share data that is drawn from different sources outside of where the application itself resides. As such, businesses are integrating a variety of infrastructures to create a complete, hybrid cloud environment.

Boosting digital shift

“Adopting a hybrid cloud strategy is definitely key to boosting digital transformation. It allows companies to utilize the cloud for scalability while keeping critical data and processes in check whether in their offices, or colocated in IPC Data Center. This way, companies enjoy a highly flexible and customizable IT environment,” added Valmonte. “Digital is the New Normal, and the time to make the digital pivot is now.”

According to Gartner, digital transformation has become a key factor in future business growth and success, and the latter will be defined by how well companies, organizations, and governments leverage the technology to enable partner and customer engagement across a wide range of digitized processes. 

IPC, through its carrier-grade, telco-neutral data centers, provides highly secure colocation services as well as its IaaS product, IPC CloudServers, or a hybrid setup that involves both. With expertise in the full range of IT infrastructure implementations, IPC is able to efficiently assist businesses in setting up their own hybrid systems. 

Learn how IPC’s infrastructure-as-a-service can solve real life business problems at cloud.ipc.ph.

About IPC

IPC (IP Converge Data Services, Inc.) is an Internet data center, telecommunications and cloud services company, providing local and regional enterprises with managed data services and business solutions at international standards. Certified with ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management Systems and ISO 27001:2013 Information Security Management Systems, the foundation of IPC's business is customer satisfaction, ensured through high-quality on-time service delivery, best practices, and a personalized, "boutique" approach to clients. IPC is an ePLDT company.

To know more about us, visit www.ipc.ph, Like us on Facebook, and Follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+, Instagram, and YouTube.

Sweet Cups Inspired by Nostalgia - Lily’s by Conlins

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There are different ways to make coffee. But when it comes to coffee, taste matters.

If you make your own coffee in the morning, chances are you’re only making the same kind everyday. When I am outside and passing through places with coffee shops, one of the most popular espresso drinks I order is the cappuccino. I have always read it how to do cappuccino, done right should be equal parts espresso, steamed milk and foamed milk. But I never tried it before, but during an event held at Coffee Lab, BGC, I have make my own cappuccino. 

 

Recently, an invitation to see how to make coffee, enthusiastic and passionate I said yes. I think this is to make an end to the cynical habit and turn you into an instant coffee connoisseur.

And more, not just an educational event, gladly to meet someone who shared how to make ordinary moments extraordinary.

Eric Lim

LILY’S BY CONLINS: SWEET CUPS OF NOSTALGIA

Whether it’s preparing for the day ahead or serving a cup to a friend or loved one, a great brew helps to set the mood, slow down the pace, and create a sense of warmth.

For many, drinking coffee is not an empty act, but part of a beautiful ritual wherein you can savor the fullness of flavour and reflect in the goodness of the moment. 

Eric Lim, the COO of Conlins Coffee Company and licensed coffee Q grader, is driven to create this same experience with every cup he brews and every product he creates:

“For me, great coffee is an everyday indulgence, and it helps to make ordinary moments extraordinary.” 

Just in time for the Christmas season, Conlins proudly launches its newest line of premium instant coffee made from special micro-ground roasts - Lily’s by Conlins.

Inspired by nostalgia, Lily’s by Conlins comes in three distinct flavours that brim with warmth and sweetness. 

The Royal Latte offers a rich heavenly brew that’s tempered with a fresh hint of honey. Whether for breakfast or for your afternoon coffee break, this latte instantly helps to perk up your senses.

For those who enjoy the delicateness of this Italian favorite, Lily’s Luxury Cappuccino serves a smooth experience with the same creamy lightness of milk. The final sprinkle of cinnamon on top makes for the perfect relaxing cup. 

Lily’s Luxury Cocoa, on the other hand, is the ultimate temptation for adults who never outgrew their penchant for hot chocolate. An elevated version of the sweet treat, Lily’s Luxury Cocoa is a dark indulgent cup that beautifully melds the rich aromas and flavors of premium roast coffee. It offers a delightful balance of richness and sweetness that everyone will love.

“Lily’s by Conlins is actually a tribute to my late mother. When I was a child, I would excitedly make breakfast and whip up a cup of coffee for her. Of course, it was just instant coffee. But the special, simple act of mixing the coffee with milk and sugar felt like such a grown up thing. Until today, I remember those moments with fondness. Coffee became an opportunity for us to bond,” shares Lim.

With every cup by Lily’s by Conlins, feel free to indulge. Treat yourself and the people you love with a distinct brew that marries the convenience of instant coffee with the luxury of premium coffee blends. 

Lily’s by Conlins are available in 250 grams tins for Php 350 at Greenbelt 5, Coffee Lab (beside ALESSI) in Bonifacio Global City, and The Coffee Laboratory in Ayala Center Cebu 3rd Level .

For more information, visitwww.conlinscoffee.com, follow them on Instagram: @coffeelabph, or call 0917-8671720; Alessi Cebu 0917-3143942; and Conlins Elements Greenbelt 5, 0917-8671720 or you may email alessibgc@yahoo.com

Your Top 5 favorites at a Flick of a Switch!

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We round up the most downloaded hot deals that you can enjoy on the new Globe Switch app

Your search for the best online deals need not go too far as the all-in-one Globe Switch already puts together the hottest apps and mobile offers to continue enjoying your digital lifestyle!

Whether it's capturing that perfect Instagram photo or putting that cool filter to your recent Snap, Globe Switch has the right app deal for you! Here are the top five most downloaded apps on Globe Switch that gives you some of the best in entertainment, gaming, music and connectivity.

1.       The number one spot of course goes to the phenomenal Pokemon Go app that forever changed app interactivity forever! With its creative features within augmented reality, you literally sweat it out to catch that Pokemon! Get to play it through 3 different promo offers on Globe Switch.

2.       Next app is Facebook! Yes, it still holds one of the top spots! More than just a social media app, Facebook has become part of our everyday digital lifestyle as we naturally check it from time to time whether for sharing random status updates and links, to posting our latest photos. Now that Facebook is part of our daily habit, you can get it on Globe Switch.

3.       Entertainment steals the scene as the third spot goes to YouTube. With a wide variety of content available for its users, this app has featured videos that resonate well with their viewers. Ranging from make-up tutorials, to unboxing videos, and even school hacks, it has been a go-to app to tons of cool content! Enjoy access through your handy Globe Switch app!

4.       With just a simple thumbs-up, staying connected with either one person or a large group has been simplified with Facebook Messenger. This app has been an instant message courier on the spot. With GIFs, emoticons, and other added exciting features, friends and family have surely been going crazy chatting with this app. In any Globe promo, get to enjoy unlimited messaging plus a 20MB hot deal for each subscriber!

5.       Last but definitely not the least is Clash of Clans. People have been taking this game seriously by building and protecting their fortresses against their game-mates and friends. Through regular maintenance, they have built their fortresses and trained their clans against others with up to 100MB up for grabs through the Globe Switch App!

Globe Prepaid customers can experience more amazing deals on mobile just by downloading the Globe Switch app on the Google Play Store. 

To see more awesome offers by Globe, visit www.globe.com.ph.

Epson’s continued growth in SE Asia a result of focus on business sectors

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(L-R) Alastaire Bourne, General Manager for Public Relations & Investor Relations - Seiko Epson Corporation; Ian Cameron, General Manager of Global Communications – Seiko Epson Corporation ; Shuji Hamaguchi,General Manager for Professional Printing Division (Large Format Printer and Commercial Equipment Products) - Epson Southeast Asia; Ng HeeKhiang, Regional General Manager for Robotics - Epson Southeast Asia; Siew JinKiat, Regional General Manager for Printer and Visual Instruments Division - Epson Southeast Asia; YunyongMuneemongkoltorn, General Manager - Epson Thailand.

Manila, September 2016 – Epson’s growth within Southeast Asia continues to strengthen as it focuses on growing its corporate and industrial business, and as it emerges as a technology company driven by its core technologies. It has shown consistent revenue growth over recent years as it drives expansion within the business segment, with 9% growth across the region in FY15 in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Philippines, with positive growth over the past five years. In the mid-term, we expect to continue a double-digit growth trend.

Epson will continue to focus on its four key areas of innovation to drive growth – Inkjet, Visual Communications, Wearables and Robotics. Announced earlier this year, the Epson 25 vision aims to create a new connected age of people, things and information with efficient, compact and precision technologies. It provides the technology direction for the company and is the next step in Epson’s growth as a technology company worldwide.

“Epson’s heritage as a watchmaker is core to its expertise in developing high performance precision technologies. Epson will continue to leverage our core technologies to create new innovations that will meet new needs across our focus segments, to bring new value to our customers through precision and smart technologies, and that will reduce impact to the environment,” said Toshimitsu Tanaka, Managing Director, Epson Singapore.

Robotics Innovation

Epson is a global leader in high-precision SCARA robots which are deployed in the manufacturing industry for a wide variety of applications.

With the recent development of high-precision force sensors in Epson robots, the robots can accurately and consistently sense forces as limited as 0.1 Newton. With this, Epson’s robots are able to perform intricate and precise tasks, to address tasks requiring automation. Going forward, Epson envisions developing robots to see, sense, think and work like humans, and working alongside and supporting humans in a variety of situations.

The industrial robotics business at Epson targets to grow by 150% for FY16, driven by strong demand in Southeast Asia.

Inkjet Innovation (Business Printing)

Epson’s growth for its printers is driven by its Micro Piezo and PrecisionCore printhead technology, which has been incorporated across its business and ink tank system printers to ensure durability and reliability. Demand for ink tank printers continues to expand, with growth in SE Asia at 17% in FY15.

With the roll-out of its business inkjets for offices in Southeast Asia, Epson aims to drive growth in the office and enterprise segment with its Replaceable Ink Pack System (RIPS) business printers. The RIPS printer is able to print up to 75,000 pages with each ink pack set, which offer lower page yields compared to laser printers. It also reduces the use of consumables and lower carbon emissions in comparison to laser printers.

Epson is also making efforts to contribute to customers’ work processes by reducing the environmental impact of its products. As part of this initiative, Epson will combine its compact inkjet printers with its PaperLab office papermaking system, to provide a sustainable office printing ecosystem. The world’s first[1] in-office paper recycler to use a dry process[2], PaperLab, which Epson plans to launch in Japan later this year, recycles waste paper in the office to provide a source of office paper, while eliminating the need to store and transport documents to recycling facilities.

Inkjet Innovation (Industrial Printing)

Epson’s growth in its professional printing business continues to expand, with growth of 6% for its large format printers for FY15, and forecasted growth of 13% for FY16. Epson’s PrecisionCore printhead technology continues to drive product development and innovations with its scalability, enabling printing across different media from fabric to signages, and with a variety of inks.

Epson will focus on its digital textile, signage and label printing business to drive growth. In the area of digital textile printing, Epson currently has 85% market share for dye-sublimation digital textile printing[3] within Southeast Asia. Through its collaboration with Robustelli, Epson plans to roll-out its high-end direct-to-garment roll-to-roll digital textile printer within the region, and will continue to develop technologies to meet the needs of customers across the different segments.

Visual Communications Innovation

As the company with the largest market share worldwide at 32%, and at 23% in SE Asia, Epson has continued to dominate the projector market for 3LCD business and home projectors, with interactive projectors driving its growth.

Epson will be launching its new high brightness laser projectors in Southeast Asia this year, along with its 25,000 lumens 3LCD laser projector, which would be the world’s first brightest 3LCD projector to date.

Later this year Epson will be launching the Moverio BT-300, which is the lightest[4] OLED binocular smartglassesand sets the standard for augmented reality smart eyewear. With a focus on developing the smartglasses for commercial and business markets in Southeast Asia, Epson continues to work with business customers and independent software vendors (ISVs) to develop the ecosystem and grow awareness of its smartglasses.

The new BT-300 features Epson’s cutting edge silicon-based OLED (organic light emitting diode) digital display technology, enabling reductions in power usage and weight, and improvements in response time. This cutting edge technology also provides a seamless augmented reality experience in high quality images with greater contrasts, richer colours, and higher brightness.

Epson’s Moverio range was first launched in 2011 with the BT-100, supplemented in 2014 with the BT-200, and again in 2016 with the Moverio Pro BT-2000.

About Epson

Epson is a global technology leader dedicated to connecting people, things and information with its original efficient, compact and precision technologies. With a lineup that ranges from inkjet printers and digital printing systems to 3LCD projectors, smart glasses, sensing systems and industrial robots, the company is focused on driving innovations and exceeding customer expectations in inkjet, visual communications, wearables and robotics.

Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, the Epson Group comprises more than 67,000 employees in 90 companies around the world, and is proud of its contributions to the communities in which it operates and its ongoing efforts to reduce environmental impacts.

http://global.epson.com/

About Epson Southeast Asia

Since 1982, Epson has developed a strong presence across major markets in Southeast Asia. Led by the regional headquarters, Epson Singapore Pte Ltd., Epson Southeast Asia spans an extensive network of 10 countries, and is responsible for delivering and supporting Epson’s cutting-edge consumer and business digital imaging products to the customers of these markets through its comprehensive infrastructure of over 360 service outlets, 10 Epson solution centres and 8 manufacturing facilities.http://www.epson.com.sg

About Epson Philippines

Epson’s corporate presence in the Philippines commenced in 1998. It grew rapidly into a billion peso company in a span of a few years from its establishment due to its client-oriented approach in its business management style by its dedicated and innovative staff members and officers. Epson Philippines has an extensive network of 77 Authorized Service Centers nationwide with more than 200 dealers and more than 800 shops across the Country. For more details, please visit our website (www.epson.com.ph) or our Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/EpsonPhilippines).

For product inquiries and technical support, please contact Epson Customer Care at: Metro Manila: (02) 441-9030; Toll Free: 1-800-1069-37766 (PLDT), 1-800-3-0037766 (DIGITEL) or visit the Epson Customer Care website: http://customercare.epson.com.ph

Baskin-Robbins’ 14th branch at BGC High Street

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Sweet dreams are made of delicious ice cream as many ice cream lovers are going crazy over this recently opened ice cream shop - Baskin-Robbins . famous selection of unique ice cream flavors that has drawn in many ice cream aficionados in the country. 

Scooping happiness at Baskin-Robbins’ new on BGC, their scoops and take-home pints are full of flavour. 

Baskin-Robbins, the world’s most beloved ice cream brand, spreads more happiness as it opens its 14th branch at B8, Bonifacio High Street, Taguig, delighting ice cream lovers around the metro.

The newest branch of the world's largest chain of ice cream specialty shops features premium hard scoop ice cream, customized ice cream cakes and a full range of frozen beverages which will now be easily accesible to shoppers and residents within Bonifacio High Street and nearby areas in BGC.

“There has been a lot of anticipation for the opening of this branch so we are looking forward to bringing our extensive flavor variety and fun factor to the lively Bonifacio High Street area. Guests can expect to enjoy their usual favorites plus a whole range of new and exciting flavors.” shares Michael Dargani, President of IceDream Inc., exclusive licensee of Baskin-Robbins in the Philippines.

To make the store opening more fun and memorable, Baskin-Robbins lined up a series of delicious treats for its guests and customers, including a special one time offer of their awesome range of ice cream flavors for just P31 all day on October 1.

Apart from the sweet treats, guests enjoyed many freebies and various activities including a lively performance by the UP Dance Company, a friendly meet-and-greet with the Baskin-Robbins mascot, photo printing, face painting, a special booth called ‘Waffle Wonderland’ where guests could customize their waffles in various shapes and colors and ‘Fundae Sundae’ a booth designed for pure indulgence. 

The brand’s delicious and mouth-watering ice cream cakes also attract dessert enthusiasts worldwide. Each delectable cake is made up of one’s choice of Baskin-Robbins ice cream flavors. Available in a wide variety of designs and sizes, they are perfect to celebrate any occasion -- birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, weddings, graduations or just to satisfy ice cream cravings!

Baskin-Robbins was founded in 1945 by two ice cream enthusiasts whose passion led to the creation of more than 1,300 ice cream flavors and a wide variety of delicious treats.

Give in to your sweet cravings and join the fun with the opening of the newest Baskin-Robbins’ branch. Come visit the latest addition to Baskin-Robbins’ growing chain. 

To avail of more exciting promos, visit a Baskin-Robbins store near you:

Baskin-Robbins Uptown Place Mall
Central Square and SM Aura in Bonifacio Global City
Greenbelt 5 and Glorietta 2 and 5 in Makati
2/F SM North, SM North The Block
Fairview Terraces and TriNoma Mall in Quezon City
SM Southmall in Las Pinas
SM Dasmariñas in Cavite
Solenad in Sta Rosa, Laguna.

For more updates, check out http://www.baskinrobbins.ph, www.baskinrobbins.ph or its social media accounts: facebook.com/baskinrobbinsph, Twitter, and Instagram @baskinrobbinsph.