Skip to main content

Briefing Desk

Latest Briefings

Concise reporting on the developments shaping internet governance and infrastructure. Browse each area for recent news, context and watchpoints.

  1. What is router firmware and what are its functions?

    Router firmware is a fundamental component of network management, providing essential functions such as routing, security, and performance optimisation. Understanding its role and keeping it updated ensures that your network remains secure and efficient. With numerous reputable brands offering advan…

  2. Why do we need protocols in computer networks?

    Network protocols are the backbone of modern communications, providing the necessary structure and rules for efficient, secure and reliable data exchange. By standardising communication practices, managing data transfers, and addressing security concerns, protocols play a vital role in the functioni…

  3. What is the most widely used local area network protocol?

    A local area network (LAN) is a computer network that covers a small geographic area and usually consists of computers and other devices that are connected through network devices such as switches and routers. The widespread adoption and continuous development of Ethernet has made it the most widely…

  4. What are the layers and layered models of network protocols?

    Layers in network protocols provide a structured approach to managing the complexities of network communication. By dividing the communication process into distinct levels, each responsible for specific tasks, network protocols ensure efficient, standardised, and manageable interactions between devi…

  5. What is cloud hosting and what are its benefits?

    Cloud hosting is revolutionising the way we manage and deploy web applications and websites. Its ability to provide scalable, reliable, and cost-effective hosting solutions makes it a smart choice for businesses and individuals seeking flexibility and performance. By understanding how cloud hosting …

  6. Cloud hosting vs. shared hosting: Which offers superior speed?

    Speed and performance in network world are both paramount. As businesses and individuals strive to enhance their online presence, the choice of hosting solution becomes critical. Among the many options available, cloud hosting and shared hosting stand out as popular choices, each with its own set of…

  7. What is cloud hosting service and how does it work?

    Cloud hosting service is a web hosting solution that leverages a network of virtual servers to store, manage, and deliver data and applications over the internet, offering scalability, flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and enhanced security. It allows businesses to adjust resources as needed and prov…

  8. What is the difference between cloud and hosted services?

    Cloud services are a subset of hosted services that utilise infrastructure provided by cloud vendors, offering scalability and cost-efficiency through shared resources, whereas hosted services can be located either on-site at the vendor’s physical location or on the cloud, with traditional hosted se…

  9. What is cloud hosting and what are its advantages?

    Cloud hosting is an IaaS model that enables businesses to deploy applications and websites using a network of virtual and physical servers, offering scalability, flexibility, and cost-efficiency over traditional in-house data centers. It leverages virtualisation technology to dynamically allocate re…

  10. What is VM migration in cloud computing and why is it important?

    What is VM migration in cloud computing? VM migration in cloud computing refers to the process of moving a virtual machine (VM) from one physical host to another or from one environment to another, such as from an on-premises data centre to a cloud-based infrastructure. This migration can be perform…

  11. When is the right time to decide on cloud migration?

    What is cloud migration? Cloud migration involves moving data, applications, and other business elements from an on-premises environment to a cloud-based infrastructure. This process can include transferring entire data centres to the cloud, moving specific applications, or creating a hybrid environ…

  12. Which features are needed for migrating to a private cloud?

    What is private cloud migration? Private cloud migration involves moving data, applications, and other business resources from on-premises infrastructure or a public cloud to a private cloud environment. A private cloud is a dedicated cloud infrastructure for a single organisation, offering greater …

  13. What is cloud optimisation and why is it important?

    What is cloud optimisation? Cloud optimisation refers to the process of refining and enhancing the performance, cost-efficiency, and overall effectiveness of cloud computing resources and services. This involves various techniques and strategies aimed at improving how cloud resources are allocated, …

  14. AI adoption begins on the frontline, advocates Telkomsel architect

    Telkomsel‘s AI strategy emphasizes frontline innovation supported by centralized expertise, urging businesses to empower teams to drive AI adoption and enhance operations with technology. Empowering teams for innovation Telkomsel, a leading telecommunications provider in Indonesia, is at the forefro…

  15. Telecom Malagasy: Madagascar’s premier telecommunications network

    Telma leads with network performance and customer-centric service, upholding standards through excellence and technological progress.

  16. Cajutel (SL) Sarl Ltd: revolutionising Internet access in Sierra Leone

    Cajutel (SL) Sarl Ltd is on a mission to transform internet connectivity in Sierra Leone. By offering a range of reliable and affordable internet plans, Cajutel ensures that individuals and businesses stay connected to what matters most. From work and study to daily life, Cajutel is committed to enh…

  17. Central Bank of Congo maintains key rate amid inflation decline

    The Central Bank of the Congo (BCC) has decided to keep its key rate unchanged at 25% and maintain reserve requirements, despite a decline in inflation.

  18. WebSprix IT Solution PLC pioneers Ethiopia’s digital transformation

    How does WebSprix transform connectivity in Ethiopia WebSprix IT Solution PLC has significantly transformed Ethiopia’s connectivity landscape by making high-speed broadband more accessible and affordable across the country. In 2016, when connectivity was scarce and expensive, WebSprix recognised the…

  19. GSMA: Nigeria’s AI potential for growth and climate impact

    A recent report by the GSMA identifies Nigeria as a key player in leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) for socio-economic development and climate resilience, emphasising the country’s capacity to lead AI-driven innovation across Africa. AI’s Transformative Potential in Nigeria The GSMA‘s report, …

  20. Premier Lotto Limited (PLL): Pioneering gaming excellence in West Africa

    Premier Lotto Limited, widely recognised by its popular brand name “Baba Ijebu,” was established in 2001 to revolutionise the lottery business in Nigeria. Under the visionary leadership of Chief Kessington Adebukunola Adebutu, PLL has emerged as a major player in the West African gaming industry. Th…

  21. ByteDance joins AI video race, rivals OpenAI

    OUR TAKEThe entrance of major players like ByteDance into the AI-generated video space signifies a significant shift in the market dynamics, potentially democratising access to advanced video creation tools.-Lilith Chen, BTW Reporter What happened ByteDance‘s new AI video app, Jimeng AI, developed b…

  22. Equinix boosts earnings forecast amid surging data centre demand

    Equinix has raised its annual adjusted core earnings forecast amid robust data center demand, driven by the increasing generative AI adoption. The company has also provided a revenue forecast for the third quarter and reported a sequential increase in adjusted core earnings and funds from operations…

  23. Indonesia advances in EV sector with China-built anode plant

    Indonesia launches an anode plant for EV batteries, built by China’s BTR New Materials Group and Singapore’s Stellar Investment. The Indonesian government’s proactive approach has already lured major battery and EV manufacturers to invest in domestic production.

  24. Robinhood exceeds estimates on meme-stock, crypto-trading surge

    Robinhood exceeded Wall Street expectations in the second quarter, reporting a net income of $188 million and total revenue of $682 million, driven by surging trading volumes in meme stocks and cryptocurrencies.

  25. Microsoft blames Delta for slow outage recovery

    OUR TAKE The disruptions stranded hundreds of thousands of travelers and cost the Atlanta-based airline an estimated $500 million. Delta is also facing a U.S. Department of Transportation investigation into the disruption. It hired prominent litigator David Boies Schiller Flexner, who is known for h…

  26. Telin’s ‘steering through turbulence’ tactic boosts mid-year strategy

    Dewantoro Bimo, Marketing VP at Telin (Telkom Group), led the Commercial Check Point 2024 event, which gathered the team at Bintan – Riau Island to assess the year’s progress and strategise for the challenges ahead. Reviewing H1 successes Under the theme “Steering through Turbulence,” the event serv…

  27. Cyberattack holidays: Telin highlights urgent need for better defences

    Tommy Adhyasa Suramardhana, Cybersecurity Product Leader at PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia International (Telin), warns of the rising threat of DDoS attacks during Indonesian national holidays, urging for robust digital protection measures. DDoS attacks surge during holidays During the Telin Insight Ev…

  28. Siemens expands management board to drive technology focus

    Siemens adds Koerte and Bienert to its board. Koerte will lead AI, Snabe seeks re-election, and Bienert may become CFO.

  29. Top tech news stories today: August 8, 2024

    Fintech 1. Robinhood results beat estimates on meme-stock, crypto-trading boom Robinhood beat Wall Street expectations for second-quarter earnings on Wednesday, as interest in meme stocks and cryptocurrencies soared, and said it continued to gain retail trading market share from rivals. (Yahoo Finan…

  30. Indosat has established Southeast Asia’s largest digital intelligence operations center

    OUR TAKEThe establishment of the DIOC is crucial for improving network performance and reliability. This ensures that more people in Indonesia have access to high-quality digital services. By expanding its network coverage and improving service quality, Indosat contributes to the overall economic de…

  31. Google invests Namma Yatri shaking up Uber and Ola’s territory

    Google participated in Namma Yatri’s $11 million pre-Series A funding round co-led by Blume Ventures and Antler. Namma Yatri’s commission-free model is eroding the market share of Uber and Ola, two well-known ride-hailing platforms.

  32. What is cloud migration testing and why is it important?

    What is cloud migration testing? Cloud migration testing is a crucial phase in the process of moving applications, data, and other business elements from on-premises infrastructure to a cloud-based environment. This type of testing involves validating that the migration has been carried out correctl…

  33. What is a hyperconverged system and how does it work?

    What is a hyperconverged system? A hyperconverged system is an IT framework that combines computing, storage, and networking resources into a single, cohesive unit. This architecture eliminates the need for separate, discrete hardware components and integrates them into a unified software-defined pl…

  34. Network layer protocol enables efficient data transmission

    The network layer is at the heart of network communication and ensures that packets are transmitted efficiently from the source host to the destination host through a series of protocols such as IP, ARP, RARP, ICMP and IGMP. These protocols work together to handle logical address assignment, packet …

  35. Network protocol analysers unlock network insights

    Network protocol analyser is a device used to capture and monitor data on communication channels, converting the data into an understandable sequence of protocols for engineers to analyse and troubleshoot. It consists of both hardware and software models, with the hardware model being used to captur…

  36. 4 types of cloud migration

    Cloud computing offers tools, security, and software to boost goals, requiring companies to migrate systems to the cloud for benefits.

  37. What are the benefits of migrating to the cloud?

    Cloud services are becoming more popular because they can be scaled up easily and are cost-effective. Many businesses are now using more than one cloud service. They also use tools to help them keep track of their spending. Cloud providers are competing with each other to offer discounts and better …

  38. What is cloud migration and what types of cloud migration are there?

    Cloud migration involves moving digital assets such as data, applications and IT resources from on-premises infrastructure to cloud environments. This strategic shift allows organisations to take advantage of the advanced capabilities of cloud computing, such as improved scalability, flexibility and…

  39. What is point to point protocol in computer network?

    The Point to Point Protocol (PPP) is a data link layer communications protocol used to establish a direct connection between two nodes. While PPP itself does not provide encryption, it can be used in conjunction with security protocols to ensure secure communication.

  40. What network protocols do you use on a daily basis?

    Network protocols, like HTTP, TCP/IP, and DNS form the backbone of internet communication, ensuring data is transmitted and received reliably. Protocols including SMTP, POP3, FTP, and SSH are essential for secure and efficient email exchange, file transfers, and remote server management.

  41. Why are network protocols important?

    Network protocols ensure data is transmitted securely, and reliably across networks, providing a common language for devices to communicate. Despite their importance, network protocols face challenges such as ensuring compatibility with new technologies, maintaining security in the face of evolving …

  42. What are the purposes and types of network protocols?

    Network protocols standardise data exchange methods, allowing devices from different manufacturers to interact seamlessly. They also manage data formatting, error checking, and network connectivity while incorporating security measures to protect data. Protocols are divided into three categories: co…

  43. Gulfsat Communications launches ‘ionKhaleej’ application exclusively

    Gulfsat Madagasca, a comms provider in MENA, launches “ionKhaleej“, an OTT platform enhancing broadcasters’ revenue and user viewing comfort.

  44. Leo (PTY) launches new initiatives to bolster market position

    Leo (PTY) launches the “F18” biometric scanner, reinforcing its market stance through innovation and customer focus.

  45. Onatel’s role for telecommunications and education in Burundi

    Onatel has played a key role in Burundi’s telecommunications sector by successfully organising professional training and the installation of a broadband wireless network in partnership with the ITU, which has significantly upgraded the country’s communications infrastructure and digitisation capacit…

  46. Comnet Pty Ltd: Leading ICT provider in Lesotho

    Comnet Pty Ltd, established in 1991, stands as a leading Information and Communications Technology (ICT) service provider and software developer based in Lesotho. Initially focused on delivering technical services for the Lesotho Highlands Water Authority’s WANG servers, Comnet has significantly exp…

  47. Exchange Telecommunications says it’s Nigeria’s largest international calls carrier

    Exchange telecommunications is an industry leading telecommunications provider specialising in voice, data and infrastructure solutions. With over 15 years’ experience in the industry, they have refined their capabilities to offer a tailor made solution to all types of businesses. Exchange Telecommu…

  48. Southeast Asia’s largest internet expo returns to Jakarta

    The Indonesia Internet Expo & Summit (IIXS) will return to the Jakarta International Expo from 12 to 14 August 2024. This premier event, known for showcasing advanced internet and telecommunications technologies, is set to attract thousands of industry professionals from around the globe. A hub …

  49. True Corporation unveils revolutionary AI-powered service agent Mari 3.0

    True Corporation’s AI-powered Mari, in third generation, enhances customer service with natural conversations across chat, phone, and robots.

  50. Interview with Ben Chin, Founder & CEO at Velo Technologies: Empowering Malaysia’s digital ecosystem

    In this exclusive interview, Ben Chin, the visionary founder and CEO of Velo Technologies, delves into the company’s rapid ascent since its founding in 2018. He reveals how Velo Technologies identified critical gaps in Malaysia’s interconnection and peering infrastructure, leading to the launch of T…