TECHNOLOGY

Digitalised workplaces for optimised public services

Published

6 months ago

September 11, 2022

Governments across the globe have long recognised the need to undertake a form of digital transformation. Many have been working for some time on transformation strategies designed to support the gradual adoption of digital technologies to increase productivity, improve efficiency, and enable better resource management.

Whatever shape these strategies took, they had one common goal – to create the next-generation digital infrastructure that would improve the delivery of services to citizens, from tailored health services and customised education to personalised administrative services and safer care for all. Two years ago, though, the pandemic changed everything.

Suddenly, governments’ mid- and long-term digital transformation objectives had become redundant. Government workforces quickly had to move to working remotely, while governments themselves had to adapt to find ways to continue delivering services to citizens. Fortunately, the wealth of digital tools available meant governments at all levels were able to shift their operations and service delivery online.

A short step

These weren’t the only things that shifted. Life under COVID changed societal expectations about how the world should work. More than half of public and private sector workers say they’d like to work from home at least three days a week now the worst of the pandemic is over, for example, while 55 percent of companies believe the pandemic has prompted a need for greater digitalisation.

To meet these expectations, governments must, once again accelerate their digital transformation strategies. Indeed, the current trend for hybrid working should be a short intermediate step toward a digital workplace.

In a digital workplace, advanced data and digital technologies will enable greater collaboration and communication among government employees, as well as between governments and citizens. This, in turn, will support new, more innovative, agile and – importantly – participatory forms of governing and delivering public services.

The European Commission explains that the digital workplace “will provide staff with the right IT tools, platforms, and services, enabling users to work and collaborate anywhere, anytime with fit-for-purpose security, and optimising their work experience and productivity. It will be adaptive and flexible to incorporate different types of users, new behaviours, and new technologies.”

Employees will use a single platform for unified communications, collaboration, mail, calendar and task management tools, all of which will be accessible from wherever – and whenever – people choose to work. Ultimately, the digital workplace will allow employees to work more flexibly, with the autonomy they need to work in a way that suits them best.

Full digitalisation

Achieving the benefits offered by the digital workplace means looking beyond immediate requirements for hybrid working, to ensure governments are in a position to meet the expectations of workers and citizens alike – long after the health crisis has become a distant memory. To this end, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) suggests that creating the digital workplace requires the full digitalisation of the public sector.

This digitalisation should apply as much as to external government processes as to internal operations. Self-serve digital portals should become standard for most government services that don’t require citizens to connect directly with government employees. This way, citizens will be able to access the services they need more quickly, from wherever they are, and whenever they need them.

And in those cases where citizens do have to connect to a government employee, those employees will have the digital tools they need to access information and respond to questions and requests in real time – a much better experience for both parties.

The evolution to a digital workplace will not be without its challenges, however.

Tackling challenges

Without the right technologies and digital tools, no digitalisation effort will ever reach its full potential. Governments must therefore consider a variety of technological challenges.

It’s vital, for instance, to ensure that employees and citizens always have secure access to applications and important data wherever they are via public, private, or hybrid cloud environments. Robust connectivity is essential, too, if employees and citizens are to have access to the network, applications, and data that power the digital workplace. IT silos, created over time by dividing responsibilities among multiple internal teams for desktop tools, citizen interfaces, and network and communications services, must be streamlined if they are to operate with any efficiency. And, of course, these must be protected at every point throughout the communication and collaboration process.

By addressing such challenges, governments can build a robust technology foundation for a digital workplace that will meet the needs of employees and enable them to deliver on the service expectations of citizens.

Building a foundation

Enabling efficient and effective communications and collaboration should be the overarching goal of any technology foundation upon which a government can build a digital workplace. But, if this foundation comprises multiple disparate elements, it won’t provide the seamless technology integration needed to support not only the organisation’s immediate requirements, but also a smooth transition to more complex workplaces in the future.

The ideal technology foundation should streamline communications between employees and allow more efficient communications with citizens. A single integrated environment is the right foundation for integrating speciality applications and enhancing communications with services such as common calendars and directories, chatbots, and more complex AI-powered cognitive technology.

Wired and wireless connectivity is a given, allowing both employees and citizens to access the networks that enable connections, support advanced applications, and facilitate the flow of information. But governments must also provide inclusive technology for those citizens who may not have the tools necessary for accessing digital services. This may involve the creation of publicly available digital access points – kiosks or service locations equipped with tablets or computers citizens can use to connect with government services.

And the entire communications and collaboration environment must be underpinned by ubiquitous advanced security practices, policies, and procedures, constantly updated to protect the network and the data it holds from potential intrusions – at every step of the value chain.

The pandemic had a significant impact on digital transformation in the public sector. Long-planned strategies were put on hold to ensure ‘business as usual’. And now, as life returns to normal, and organisations everywhere adopt hybrid working practices, it looks as though that impact is irrevocable. Governments should consider it an evolutionary step. The future of the public sector lies in the digital workplace. By overcoming potential challenges now, governments and citizens will enjoy more efficient and effective service delivery for the good of all.

Tags: public services

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TECHNOLOGY

BT brings 5G and the cloud to businesses on the move with AWS Wavelength

Published

1 day ago

March 23, 2023

EntirewebNewsBot

BT has confirmed it is making a multi-million-pound investment to bring 5G and 4G mobile edge computing services to its UK business customers in collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS).

The work combines AWS’s cloud expertise with BT’s market-leading 5G and 4G infrastructure. EE’s national mobile network with AWS Wavelength will bring the power of AWS to the network edge for more business and public sector customers across the UK – opening up faster, secure and high-bandwidth connectivity on the move for use cases like policing, crowd management, healthcare and security.

The effort is part of BT’s investment in its existing mobile networks, to enable 5G-connected infrastructure as a service via AWS Wavelength. This includes switching on a new AWS Wavelength Zone in Manchester, which will service trials for eligible businesses and public sector organisations within a 100-kilometre radius (including cities such as Liverpool, Leeds, Sheffield and Blackpool). BT’s ambition is to roll out AWS Wavelength to business customers across the UK more broadly in the coming years.

AWS Wavelength embeds AWS compute and storage services within 5G and 4G networks, providing mobile edge computing infrastructure for ultra-low-latency applications. Hosting services directly at the edge of EE’s UK network reduces lag, as application traffic can reach application servers running in the AWS Wavelength Zone without leaving BT’s network. This opens up mobile edge computing infrastructure for businesses to develop, deploy, and scale mobile Internet of Things (IoT) applications over BT’s existing 5G network securely.

The collaboration aims to enable high-speed, latency-sensitive and intensive 5G connectivity for BT customers looking to benefit from high-bandwidth IoT use cases in the field. This includes autonomous vehicles, cameras for policing and other public services to help protect communities, live media production for outside broadcast, smart industrial robots, and use in community healthcare (such as in care homes to monitor for falls and accidents).

BT’s Wholesale unit has worked with AWS on the initial trials in Manchester. After the planned national rollout, the service will be available to all BT business customers in the UK – from small businesses to large enterprise and public sector organisations.

Alex Tempest, MD for BT Wholesale, said: “As we continue to build best-in-class 5G infrastructure for the UK, launching the AWS Wavelength service for our business and wholesale customers is a hugely important step on our journey – bringing the power of the cloud to the UK’s best network*. It’s set to unlock use cases like IoT cameras to help first responders keep communities safe: a real-life example of using tech to connect for good.

“By building cloud edge services into our 5G and 4G EE network, we can accelerate innovation across industries, and bring fast, secure data processing closer to where our customers need it most. Ultimately, we want to give businesses and public sector organisations all the power of edge computing, wherever they are.”

Want to learn more about cybersecurity and the cloud from industry leaders? Check out Cyber Security & Cloud Expo taking place in Amsterdam, California, and London. Explore other upcoming enterprise technology events and webinars powered by TechForge here.

Tags: 5G, AWS, BT

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TECHNOLOGY

How Artificial Intelligence Can Bring People Together

Published

1 day ago

March 23, 2023

EntirewebNewsBot

How Artificial Intelligence Can Bring People Together

Artificial intelligence (AI) enables people to spend more time with those that matter the most.

AI is bringing people together, whether it’s assisting in the planning of a family vacation, getting to a place securely, allowing everyone to see each other on a video call, or making gift shopping a little easier.

The continuous evolution of AI has the potential to revolutionize the way we live, work, and interact with each other.

While AI is often portrayed as a divisive force that could lead to job losses and social inequality, it also has the power to bring people together and create new opportunities for collaboration and cooperation. In this article, we will explore some of the ways in which AI can be used to bridge social, cultural, and linguistic barriers and foster greater understanding and empathy among diverse communities.

1. Breaking Down Language Barriers

Source: Nature Magazine

One of the most significant benefits of AI is its ability to facilitate communication across different languages. Machine learning algorithms can now accurately translate spoken or written language in real-time, allowing people who speak different languages to communicate with each other more easily. This technology has been particularly valuable for businesses operating in global markets, enabling them to connect with customers and partners from different regions and cultures.

The benefits of AI-powered translation extend beyond the business world. For example, the United Nations has been using AI-powered translation to help bring together representatives from different countries and facilitate discussions on important global issues. By breaking down language barriers, AI is helping to promote greater collaboration and understanding among people from diverse backgrounds.

2. Enhancing Cross-Cultural Empathy

Another way in which AI can bring people together is by enhancing cross-cultural empathy. Artificial intelligence can be combined with virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies to enable people to experience different cultures and perspectives in a more immersive and engaging way. By simulating real-world scenarios and environments, AI can help people to better understand and appreciate different cultures, religions, and ways of life.

Source: Science Direct

AI-powered chatbots are also being used to promote cross-cultural empathy. These chatbots are programmed to engage in conversations with users from different cultures and backgrounds, using natural language processing and machine learning algorithms to understand and respond to different communication styles and cultural norms. By promoting greater empathy and understanding, AI-powered chatbots can help to break down social and cultural barriers and foster greater social cohesion.

3. Improving Access to Healthcare

AI is also being used to improve access to healthcare, particularly in underserved and marginalized communities. For example, AI-powered diagnostic tools can help to identify diseases and conditions more accurately and quickly than traditional diagnostic methods. This technology is particularly valuable in developing countries, where access to healthcare is often limited, and where the burden of disease is highest.

Source: Deloitte

In addition, AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants are being used to provide healthcare information and support to patients in remote or underserved areas. These chatbots can answer common medical questions, provide basic health advice, and even monitor patients’ symptoms and suggest appropriate treatments. By improving access to healthcare, AI is helping to promote better health outcomes and reduce healthcare disparities, bringing people together by improving the quality of life for everyone.

4. Promoting Social Inclusion

Artificial intelligence can help to promote social inclusion by creating new opportunities for people with disabilities and other marginalized groups. For example, AI-powered assistive technologies can help people with visual or hearing impairments to navigate their environment more easily, communicate with others, and access information more effectively. These technologies can also help to break down barriers to education and employment, providing new opportunities for people who might otherwise be excluded from these areas.

Source: McKinsey

AI-powered social networks and online communities can also help to bring people with similar interests and experiences together, regardless of their physical location or social background. These communities can provide a sense of belonging and support, and can help to break down social barriers by connecting people who might not otherwise have the opportunity to interact with each other.

Conclusion

Artificial intelligence has the potential to bring people together in a variety of ways, from breaking down language barriers to promoting social inclusion and empathy. By harnessing the power of AI, we can create a more connected and inclusive society, where people from diverse backgrounds can come together to collaborate, learn from each other, and share their experiences.

It is important to state that AI is not a panacea for social problems. Like any technology, AI can be used for both good and bad purposes, and its impact depends largely on how it is developed and deployed. It is therefore essential to ensure that AI is developed in a responsible and ethical manner, taking into account the potential risks and unintended consequences of its use.

Moreover, it is important to recognize that AI is not a substitute for human interaction and connection. While AI can help to facilitate communication and understanding across different cultures and languages, it cannot replace the depth and richness of face-to-face interaction and human connection.

Artificial intelligence has the potential to bring people together and create a more connected and inclusive society. By breaking down barriers to communication, promoting cross-cultural empathy, improving access to healthcare, and promoting social inclusion, AI can help to foster greater understanding, collaboration, and social cohesion. However, it is important to ensure that AI is developed and deployed in a responsible and ethical manner, and to recognize that it is not a substitute for human interaction and connection.

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TECHNOLOGY

How to Reverse Video with 5 Free Video Editing Software

Published

2 days ago

March 22, 2023

EntirewebNewsBot

How to Reverse Video with 5 Free Video Editing Software

With so many professional video makers available on the market, it becomes a daunting task to select suitable software for creating a reversed video.

We have rounded up the most popular video editors suitable for professionals with different levels of experience. You can leverage them to produce top-level content without wasting much time.

You_can_leverage_them_to_produce_top-level_content_without_wasting_much_time.png

#1 Movavi

Regardless of the operating system you prefer, this free video reverser is exactly what you need if you prioritize quality and a streamlined interface. After downloading and installing it on your device, you just need to add a video clip that you want to edit by dragging and dropping it onto the timeline. Then, click on the Properties icon and tick the Reverse box. Once you have previewed the result, save it in any supported format that you need to use. The program supports MP4, WMV, MKV, and 3GP formats, among many more.

#2 iMovie

This widely-used video editor stands out for its high-fidelity filters. Using it, you can produce professional-looking reverse clips for improving the online presence of your brand and developing your business. It supports quick file sharing to social media networks and comes with handy file management tools. To reverse your clip, you just need to go to the Project browser, select a video, and double-click on it to open the Clip inspector. Then, you need to select the Reverse checkbox and confirm your choice.

#3 Kinovea

You can use this reverse video editor without paying a dime to perform basic video enhancement tasks. As 97.8% of internet users in the U.S. aged between 18 and 24 years enjoy watching videos online, it becomes crucial to use video editing tools to reach out to a younger audience. Kinovea has a special feature in the Motion menu for creating a reverse effect. You can preview the changes on the main screen. Once you are satisfied with the result, go to the File menu and click Save.

#4 Adobe Premiere Pro

Being one of the most advanced programs for editing videos, Adobe Premiere Pro is included in the Creative Cloud package, which makes it quite affordable. It integrates with other Adobe products, which makes it perfect for professionals and beginners alike. Besides enhancing your videos by adding to them transitions, you can use this software to achieve a reverse video effect.

#5 Blackmagic DaVinci Resolve Studio 18

While you can access this powerful video editor for free, it also has a paid version. It allows you to perform color-grading like a pro, reverse your clips, and edit 8K footage. You just need to right-click on your video, select the option Change Clip Speed, and tick the Reverse Speed checkbox to achieve the desired effect.

Summing Up

Using these free tools, you can quickly reverse your videos to create attention-grabbing content for your followers and subscribers. This effect is easy to emulate even if you don’t have extensive experience in video editing. Using this technique, you can bring your point across more efficiently and create viral videos for your target audience.

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