Category: Technology

The Ethernet Alliance has launched an oral-history archive called the Voices of Ethernet that narrates Ethernet technology’s journey from its inception in 1973 to what it is today. The purpose is to preserve Ethernet history for future generations through a collection of oral interview recordings with the pioneers of Ethernet. The history shares engaging personal accounts of pivotal events and crucial milestones that remain largely unknown.

This piece takes a deep dive into lists the benefits that Ethernet technology provides for businesses and organizations.

What Is Ethernet?

Ethernet is a revolutionary technology that connects multiple devices in a wired local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN) to enable ease of communication with each other via a set of rules or common network language. Ethernet provides a way for network devices to format and transmit data, allowing other devices on the same LAN to recognize, receive, and process that information. Ethernet typically provides high speed, enhanced security, and reliability, making it ideal for organizations using local networks such as school campuses, company offices, and hospitals.

What Is the Ethernet Alliance?

The Ethernet Alliance is a worldwide, non-profit independent organization that aims to ensure Ethernet technologies’ continued success and development. The Ethernet Alliance was incorporated in the U.S. in 2005 and launched in 2006 as an industry consortium to support and promote Ethernet technology.

One of the objectives of the Ethernet Alliance is to act as a premier global repository for all things Ethernet so that anyone or any organization interested in Ethernet can be abreast with real-time advancements and innovations. To achieve this, the Ethernet Alliance is providing the industry with a platform for the open exchange of ideas and discussions aimed at building consensus that aids increased advancement and adoption of Ethernet technology around the globe. The Ethernet Alliance also operates a marketing wing driven by the following objectives:

• Expansion of the Ethernet ecosystem.
• Support Ethernet advancements through standards.
• Promote Ethernet adoption in existing and emerging markets.

The Ethernet Alliance has started an ongoing oral history referred to as the Voices of Ethernet, featuring video interviews with key players in Ethernet history and development, such as Robert Metcalfe.

Who Are the Voices of Ethernet? 

The Voices of Ethernet has spoken history that transcends beyond the typical historical records of who, what, when. It engages the real people behind Ethernet’s story to capture unique details never recorded. The Voices of Ethernet features interviews with the fathers of Ethernet, including Robert M. Metcaffe, Gary Robinson, and Bob Grow. They narrate the history of the technology’s journey from its inception in 1973 at the Xerox PARC to what it is today. The following is a summary of the history of the Ethernet cable categories as captured in the Voices of Ethernet and other sources:

• Robert M. Metcaffe at the Xerox Palo Alto Research Center conceived Ethernet in 1973. The first version, 10BASE5, was supported by thick copper cables. This was a stiff cable of about a half inch in diameter. Soon after, the 10BASE2 version came along using a more flexible cable.
• The late 1980s saw the emergence of the Ethernet hub and the switch that allowed twisted pair copper cables to be used as the main medium for supporting the Ethernet
• In 1989, cabling product distributor Anixter developed the “Levels” program. This was the first ever written performance specification for data cabling systems. The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) ratified it as Category 3 standards-based category cable. Category 4 and Category 5 cabling standards followed Category 3. However, they are all now defunct and aren’t recognized within cabling standards.
• In 2001, Category 5e and six cabling standards were ratified. Category 5e offered better crosstalk performance to support gigabit speeds. Category 6 offers more headroom to support 10 GB/s of up to 35 meters only.
• In 2009, Category 6A was ratified. It supports 10 Gb/s to 100 meters and is still the most recommended cable standard for horizontal LAN deployments.
• In 2010 and 2013, the ISO/IEC ratified Category 7 and 7A, respectively. Category 7A is an ideal cabling medium for supporting 10 Gb/s.
• In 2016, Category 8 was ratified. The cabling medium’s design was to support 40 Gb/s in 30-meter data center switch-to-server links. However, it didn’t take off as expected due to power consumption issues in active equipment.

Power over Ethernet (PoE) — Now the Most Popular Ethernet Standard

Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology relies on IEEE 802.3af, 802.3at, and 802.3bt standards from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. These standards provide guidelines on how networking equipment must operate to encourage device interoperability. 

Unlike other standards, Power over Ethernet (PoE) allows Ethernet cables to transmit power and data concurrently using a single network cable. This enables the deployment of powered devices in places with zero electrical circuitry. This removes the cost of installing extra electrical wiring that requires stringent conduit regulations to be followed. 

PoE technology transmits 10/100/1000 Mbps of data and 15W, 30W, 60W, and 90W simultaneously to devices using Ethernet cables for up to 100m distance. PoE-capable devices can be powered devices (PDs), power sourcing equipment (PSE), or both. The powered device is PD and the one transmitting power is the PSE. Generally, PSEs can either be PoE injectors used with non-PoE switches or network switches.

Contact Versa Technology for All your PoE Needs

Versa Technology is the leading provider of last-mile networking solutions to IT professionals and companies in South America, China, Europe, Australia, South East Asia, Africa, and other regions. We leverage cutting-edge technology and vast expertise to develop products that support various networking applications in diverse networking environments. 

We provide a range of PoE networking devices and products that allows you to leverage existing infrastructure to experience high-speed connectivity. Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Versa encourages you to read the Voices of Ethernet for interesting background  information.

 

A flood of data engulfs today’s business environment, which changes how companies handle computing. That explains why enterprises are increasingly adopting edge computing, an IT framework that processes data at the point of generation — the edge.

Though it serves a similar role as remote data centers, edge computing has several benefits. It reduces latency, gives optimal protection against data breaches, reduces data handling costs, and enhances scalability.

Versa Technology, a company selling the hardware used in IT projects, has explored edge computing to help businesses understand how the technology works and the ultimate benefits of adopting it.

Edge Computing Defined

Edge computing is an IT architecture that helps enterprises process information near or close to the source of data generation. It eliminates the need to send essential business information to remote data centers, as is common with cloud computing.

A few years ago, this technology was widespread in robotics, artificial intelligence, health care, and other sectors that needed computing power close to the source. But, today, any enterprise, small or big, can use it to eliminate the inconveniences associated with remote data centers.

Information technology reports show that edge computing’s global market will keep growing at a compounding rate of 38.9%, from 2021’s $7.43 billion. Computing technology is increasingly getting traction in the utility, logistics, retail, healthcare, and agriculture sectors.

How Does it Work?

Basic edge computing systems have four essential components, a cloud, an edge device, an edge gateway, and an edge server. These components work synergistically to help the edge computing system function seamlessly.

The cloud: The cloud is the central location where enterprises store the applications used in the system. The repository is also a source or destination for data needed/generated by other edge computing components.

The edge server: The edge server is a general-purpose computer that connects the various involved networks. To reduce latency and improve load times, the servers have excellent storage space, memory, and several cores of computing capacity.

The edge gateway: An edge gateway is a cloud server that hosts enterprise workloads alongside helping in tasks like tunneling, network termination, protocol translation, firewall protection, and wireless connection.

Edge devices: An edge device is an umbrella term for the hardware that collects, processes, and executes data in real time. They include ATMs, sensors, routers, routing switches, and intelligent surveillance cameras.

The Difference Between Edge, Cloud, and Fog Computing

In cloud computing, enterprises store information in distant third-party servers rather than local data centers. Cloud computing saves businesses from buying software, databases, and hardware needed to run an independent data center.

Fog computing infrastructure combines the concepts of cloud and edge computing. The system processes and stores some information on-site while it sends less sensitive data to cloud systems on remote premises.

The edge computing IT infrastructure processes and stores an enterprise’s data onsite. It eliminates all issues associated with cloud storage, including low latency, high insecurity, and lack of real-time data analysis.

Edge Computing Is Important

As noted by Peter Sondergaard, a research executive at Gartner research, “Information is the oil of the 21st century, and analytics is the combustion engine.” The analyzed information improves operational efficiency, enhances customer satisfaction, streamlines decision-making, and cuts business costs.

Edge computing’s design is to help enterprises make the most use of the 21st-century oil — information. How? This information technology infrastructure allows enterprises to store and process data onsite, eliminating the barriers that prevent businesses from using all information collected.

Edge Computing Uses

Although relatively young, this technology has found a home in several enterprises, including autonomous vehicles, health care, manufacturing, gaming, and artificial intelligence. Here are examples of how some of the sectors use the IT infrastructure.

Health Care

The technology helps healthcare facilities immediately process and act upon health information collected from medical devices, wearables, and doctor offices. Such information would be less useful if it was stored in distant data centers for future use. 

Besides processing information in real-time, this IT infrastructure helps determine the data that can be stored while discarding that which is less helpful. It saves storage space for valuable healthcare information.

Smart Cities

Edge computing is an essential resource for intelligent traffic control used in smart cities. Administrators use this information processing technology to collect data from vehicle fleets and make adjustments to streamline traffic flow. 

For instance, with this information technology infrastructure, traffic control administrators identify congested routes, and then direct vehicles to alternative routes to ease congestion.

Manufacturing and Processing Industries

The system provides the processing power that helps companies analyze data onsite and make adjustments to cut costs and improve product quality, among other benefits. The technology improves machine-to-machine communication since data is processed onsite.

The Benefits of Edge Computing

Primarily, edge computing cuts down the time businesses could have wasted sending and retrieving information stored in remote clouds. With edge computing, enterprises analyze data and make important decisions almost immediately.

Besides bringing the power of computing and storage near the source of production, edge computing comes with lots of other benefits, including:

Enhanced Security

Edge computing systems are more secure than the cloud since they hold limited amounts of data, most of which are incomplete. The technology also improves security by eliminating the need to crisscross data from the edge to remote data centers via vulnerable networks.

Reduced Operational Costs

Storing data on remote premises is costly. Enterprises, especially those handling massive datasets, spend more on moving data back and forth. Businesses using remote cloud and data centers also have to invest in more bandwidth, further pushing the costs up. Edge computing reduces costs by eliminating the need to send or retrieve data from remote data centers.

Reliability

Edge computing does not rely on communication networks like the internet and satellite connection. It will keep operating even when the satellite and internet connection are down. Remote data centers like cloud computing lack this reliability.

Conclusion

Edge computing is a game changer in information management. It eliminates latency, improves data security, facilitates real-time data analysis, and cuts costs. The technology is an excellent alternative to the widely used cloud computing.

However, enterprises have to incorporate it with Power over Ethernet technology to leverage its full power. Why? PoE powers up and connects the required hardware using a single cabling network instead of two.

That’s where Versa Technology comes in. We supply the ethernet extenders, switches, controllers, and other accessories needed to set up your edge computing system. We offer our products at fair prices and premium tech support to help you take advantage of cutting-edge technologies. 

Contact us to learn more about edge computing and Power over Ethernet.

George Moore answered the question of how long technology lasts in 1965. In fact, his answer became known as Moore’s Law.

“The number of transistors incorporated in a chip will approximately double every 24 months.”—Gordon Moore, Intel co-founder.

Transistors form the circuitry needed to power computer chips. As the number of transistors increases, so does a computer’s processing power. More powerful computers lead to technical advances.

For example, the first Intel chip was released in 1971 with 2,250 transistors and processing capabilities to handle simple single-task instructions in devices such as calculators and cash registers. Fifty years later, the Intel Core i9 -12900K processor operates at 5.2 GHz with over 21.7 billion transistors. Its multi-tasking capabilities can operate resource-intensive technologies such as virtual reality and artificial intelligence.

Based on Moore’s Law, what technology changes should businesses expect to see in the next few years?

Computing Power

Design innovations continue to increase the computing power of microchips. Quantum computing, which removes the physical limitations of transistors, has entered the business world. More efficient programming maximizes the power of personal computers and servers. All of these advances increase the processing power needed for artificial intelligence, the internet of things, and big data. With more power, augmented and virtual reality can become more immersive, and smart devices can take on more functionality.

Artificial Intelligence

Powerful microchips enable artificial intelligence(AI) and machine learning (ML) to enter daily life. Robotic floor cleaning devices use machine learning to create a map of a home. Almost 80% of consumers are using AI-powered services, although only 33% think they are. (Source: PEGA)

Market Size

According to Bloomberg, the AI market is expected to have a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of almost 40% between 2022 and 2028. North America leads the global market with 43% of the total revenue in 2021. By 2028, the global AI market will be worth almost 425 billion USD.

AI services will multiply in areas such as healthcare, manufacturing, and automotive. Because of improvements in deployment and expanding applications, governments are showing more interest in AI and spending more on technology. In some countries, governments have established standards to enable cross-sector compatibility to increase adoption.

Adoption

Companies are more comfortable adopting AI in areas such as process automation, customer service, productivity increases, and data analysis. The following statistics illustrate AI’s business applications:

• 50% of online searches used AI-powered voice searches in 2020 (Source: Tech Jury)
• 43% used digital voice assistants because they were faster than typing (Source: Tech Jury)
• 40% of people use voice-assisted searches daily (Source: Tech Jury)
• 89% of companies use chatbots for personalizing customer experiences (Source: Forrester)
• 69% of businesses saw reduced operational costs because of chatbot usage. (Source: Forrester)

AI is considered one of the top trends for businesses in 2022.

Big Data 

Business success depends on quickly adjusting to an ever-changing landscape. That means having the ability to make data-driven decisions in minutes, not hours. Big Data is essential for companies that want the competitive advantage that comes with data analysis. Exactly how big is Big Data?

According to IBM, humans produce 2.5 quintillion bytes or 2.3 trillion gigabytes of data per day. About 90% of the existing data was generated in the last two years. Approximately 100 terabytes of data are stored by most US companies, but 50% of that is unusable in its unstructured format. 

In 2020, the top industries using Big Data were:

• Media, Advertising, and Entertainment at 32% (Insights Association)
• Healthcare Products and Services at 31.4% (Insights Association)

Of the remaining 37%, 97.2% plan to invest in Big Data and AI. 

Internet of Things (IoT) 

The first device connected as an internet of things (IoT) was an automated teller machine (IoT). Granted, ATMs were not connected over a public network, but they were deployed at remote locations and exchanged data over a network. Today, the IoT market has grown to $4.8 billion worldwide. It is expected to reach $1.8 billion by 2028, with a CAGR of 25% from 2021 to 2028.

IoT devices are deployed in residences and healthcare facilities. They have found their way into the construction and energy sectors. The following data highlights how IoT has and will expanded in the last five years.

• Smart homes made up 12.2% of all homes in 2021 (Source: Statista)
• Medical IoT spending is projected to reach $158 billion in 2022 (Source: Deloitte)
• Industrial IoT has become one of the largest market segments with an anticipated size of $106 billion by 2026 (Markets and Markets)
• Construction spend will reach $16.8 billion by 2024 (Markets and Markets)

IoT technology has applications in every market sector, making it a key technology for business growth.

What is the Future of Technology?

Researchers attempt to predict upcoming technology trends year after year. Some predictions are accurate; others miss the mark. The truth is no one has a crystal ball, but one thing is certain. Technology advances ultimately come down to power. How much power can fit into a laptop or a mainframe? How costly is the power to drive remote devices or process gigabytes of data?

Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology provides a cost-effective alternative to traditional AC power sources. Using existing Ethernet cables, PoE can drive devices at a lower cost with enhanced efficiency. The technology provides flexibility because it is not constrained by wires. Large and small businesses do not have to weigh the cost of running new wires against the benefit of the device location.

No matter what the future, technology will need cost-effective ways to power them. Companies will need energy-efficient solutions to reduce energy consumption and conserve natural resources. Upgrading to PoE lets a single cable provide both power and data transmission, positioning an enterprise to be ready for coming changes.

Versa Technology has over 25 years of experience in providing businesses with industry-leading products that keep pace with technological advances. Why not contact us to discuss how to prepare for whatever the future of technology holds?

Over the past ten years, the world has been on a journey of unparalleled connectivity. As a result, most Americans today have access to super-fast internet networks that have revolutionized how we live, work, learn, and play. However, as a global internet leader, the United States must stay ahead of demand. To that end, technologies are already being deployed, and others are just around the corner to usher in a future where 10 gigabits speeds are the norm.

Internet Speeds Are On the Rise

The Internet and Television Association (known as the NTCA) states:

“Over the last decade, top broadband speeds have increased exponentially from 16 MBps all the way to 2 Gbps.

In 2008, only 16% of Americans had access to internet service of 10 Mbps. Today, 95% of Americans can access a 10 Mbps connection, and 1-gigabit speeds are available to 80%.”

What is 10G?

It is important not to confuse 10G with the cellular industry’s 5G (in which the “G” stands for “generation.”)  The “G” in 10G means “gigabits per second,” which is a lightning-fast internet speed. According to the NTCA:

“10G is the broadband platform of the future that will deliver residential internet speeds of 10 gigabits per second—10 times faster than today’s networks. With upgraded power and capacity, 10G will enable creators and innovators to fulfill their dreams while providing reliability and security.”

Why is 10G important?

The word “home” has been redefined over the past two years because of the COVID-19 pandemic. For millions of workers around the world, their home has become a virtual workplace; it has also become their school, doctor’s office, and main entertainment venue. In addition, American homes are transitioning into smart residences where many connected devices need to communicate seamlessly.

Here are some statistics:

• Around 38 percent of American households added more internet-connected devices during the pandemic.
• The average U.S. household has about 25 connected devices, compared to 11 in 2019.
• Media and work appliances are the most common devices found in North American homes.
• Nearly 40 percent of smart device owners paid for faster internet speed at home.

Today’s homes are a center of constant activity. Children learn and play games online while their parents work from home, shop for the family, and virtually attend doctor’s appointments. Paul Silvergate, vice chairman of the global professional service company, Deloitte, told Reuters:

“The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic was like a time machine that suddenly propelled us tens of years into the future. It has changed how we interact with our connected devices, ultimately helping consumers, healthcare providers, education professionals, technology innovators, and others adapt, innovate, and thrive in our daily lives.”

And the exciting news is that 10G is poised to take a huge role in ensuring all these vital devices work at their full potential.

How will 10G technologies change our lives?

Cable internet service providers have spent billions of dollars upgrading their networks. At present, this has culminated into the super-fast one-gigabit speed most businesses and many households enjoy.

Telecomm innovators at NCTA, CableLabs, SCTE, and GIGA Europe announced the 10G initiative in 2019 and have made steady progress toward deploying this next-generation service.

But, what will 10G mean to us?

Smart Homes

10G will bring the next level of connectivity to smart homes. In September 2020, cable television company Mediacom, in partnership with CableLabs and NCTA, conducted the first 10G smart home field trial in Ames, Iowa. 

This real-life example demonstrates how homes will function in the future and includes 70 interconnected devices that require the lightning-fast speeds, low latency, and increased security that 10G offers. This home displays:

• Automated heating, lighting, and security
• Interconnected kitchen appliances that make meal preparation easier
• Support for wellbeing, such as smart pillboxes, habit tracking, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR) tools to alleviate stress
• Online gaming enhancements like online channels such as Twitch, communication platforms like Discord, and Oculus Quest VR headsets
• An even a light field display table that produces holographic images and displays 8K movies

Telehealth

The COVID-19 pandemic ushered in a “hospital in the home” experience that uses video conferencing, store-and-forward imaging, and streaming media to conduct medical appointments and share confidential information safely. 10G will expand this trend to enable medical personnel to care for patients in their own homes.

Education/Distance Learning

When educational facilities of all kinds closed because of the pandemic, it forced educators to leverage technology in ways never before imagined. But, even with schools and universities opening up again, distance learning is here to stay. 10G technology will enable students to learn in more interactive and engaging ways with things like the highest-quality imagery, game-based learning, and interactive 3-D learning simulations. But most importantly, 10G connectivity will give students more access to education because location and income will no longer be barriers.

Speed Boost for Businesses

Small and medium-sized businesses depend on internet connectivity to utilize point-of-sale systems, connect workers’ devices, VoIP phones, and back up essential company data. Even traditional brick-and-mortar stores have fundamental functions that require connectivity. In addition, location-independent businesses, including home-based offices, rely heavily on internet access. 

10G technology has strong potential to improve business connectivity. One example is video conferencing apps such as Zoom, Skype, and Google Meet, which can be used for business meetings. These platforms have the prospect of significantly improved features that will give users virtual experiences never before seen because of 10G’s high speeds and bandwidth capacity.

Why does your business need a 10G network?

The simple answer to this question is that nearly all the new digital tools needed to be successful in the business sector require the fastest and most reliable network possible. 10G speed will improve efficiency, reduce network congestion, and enable employees to respond to customers faster and generally be more productive.

The 10G platform promises seamless connectivity, reliability, increased capacity, and improved security—all at speeds up to 10 gigabits per second. 10G’s innovations will transform user experiences both at home and at work—or wherever people need to connect. This far-reaching technology will create new capabilities for:

• Businesses of all sizes
• Connected gaming
• Education
• Healthcare
• Smart cities
• Video streaming
• Virtual and augmented reality

Versa Technology Inc. challenges itself to push the limits of protocol boundaries and create equipment that reflects the changing networking demands of enterprises and small businesses. With two decades of experience, Versa Technology has developed an expansive product portfolio to support various networking applications in a diverse range of networking environments.

Businesses of all sizes and stripes generate tons of video content every day. And recently, it has become clear that this data can be a valuable asset. The use of video analytics can help a company extract the most useful data from the vast pool of video content gathered. This beneficial information can be used to track the parameters of a building or campus or notify of violations. In addition, video analytics can reduce human error when dealing with a plethora of actions and objects.

Industries like transportation, retail, and healthcare are experiencing a significant increase in video analytics technology applications such as intrusion detection, license plate recognition, crowd management, etc. In fact, a recent study valued the global video analytics market at USD 1528.1 million (1.53 billion) in 2020 and has forecasted the value to reach USD 4142.7 million (4.14 billion) by 2026, which is a CAGR of 25.5 percent.   

This article discusses video analytics, its standard functions, and its applications.

What is video analytics?

Video analytics technology processes digital video signals to perform security-related functions. Generally, there are three types of video analytics:

1) Fixed Algorithm Analytics

This first type of video analytics aims to determine if a suspicious behavior happens within the field of view of a video surveillance camera and to notify the operator of its finding. Fixed algorithm look for behaviors such as: 

• Crossing a line
• Moving down a corridor in the wrong direction
• Leaving an article behind
• Leaving with an article
• Loitering

2) Artificial Intelligence Learning Algorithms

While fixed algorithm analytics look for specific behaviors, artificial intelligence learning algorithms work quite differently. When first installed, they are a blank slate. After being connected to a security camera, they begin a learning period of several weeks. During this learning process, the system discovers what types of activity are typical during the day, the night, and weekends—after which the system begins to set off alerts on behavior it has not seen before or is not consistent with what it has learned is normal. This type of video analytics takes longer to become fully operational; however, it does have its advantages. In his book entitled Effective Physical Security, Thomas L. Norman tells us:

In one early installation at a major international airport that was intended to spot children climbing on a baggage carousel, the system alerted on a man who picked up a small bag from the carousel and placed it inside an empty larger bag. The man was intercepted and interrogated only to discover that the luggage inside his did not belong to him and that he was part of a ring who came to the airport regularly to steal baggage in this way. The airport had no idea this was even occurring, so there was no way they could have purchased a fixed behavior algorithm for this, even if such existed (which it did not). This approach to video analytics is most useful.

3) Facial Recognition Systems

Facial recognition systems look for facial features. They match various points on a face with samples stored in a database. Should the system not have a match on record for the face it sees, it tries to create a new record with the best image available.

Video Analytics Use Cases 

Healthcare

Healthcare facilities must ensure a high level of safety for patients, staff, and visitors. However, video analytics can help achieve business goals in addition to surveillance. For example, video analytics can alert staff if a patient has been left unchecked for too long—or analysis of patient and visitor traffic can help shorten waiting times and ensure clear access to emergency exits. Other uses of video analytics in a healthcare setting are:

• At-home monitoring of the elderly: A system can be set up to alert in real-time if a person falls—or can even monitor them taking their medication.
• Mental healthcare: Video analytic systems can analyze facial expressions, body posture, and even a patient’s gaze, thus aiding staff in patient evaluation.

Transportation (Smart Cities)

Video analytics has significantly assisted in the development of smart cities. It plays a key role in:

• Monitoring traffic: Traffic jams can be eased by adjusting and controlling traffic flow.
• Detecting dangerous situations: Video analytics provides real-time information regarding incidents such as a car stopped on the highway, someone driving in the wrong direction, erratic driving, or traffic accidents themselves.
• Providing evidence: In case of an accident, video analytics is a great help in collecting evidence for litigation.
• Vehicle counting: Video analytics generates statistics that can provide valuable insights about traffic. In addition, license plate recognition identifies vehicles that commit infractions, have been stolen, or have been involved in a crime. 

Retail

Retailers use artificial intelligence learning algorithms, in particular, to help them understand who their customers are and how they behave in their stores. These state-of-the-art algorithms recognize faces and key characteristics such as gender and age. They also track a customer’s journey through the store and can detect the direction of their gaze and how long they look at a product. 

Retailers gain all sorts of data that can help them enhance a customer’s shopping experience. Analytics of this type include:

• The number of customers in the store at any given time
• Customer’s characteristics
• Duration of visit
• Walking patterns

In addition, video analytics is an excellent solution for developing anti-theft strategies (E.g., facial recognition can identify known shoplifters, etc.).

Security

Video surveillance has long been an established practice for businesses in general. However, it has come a long way since the days when surveillance was monitored exclusively by people. State-of-the-art video analytics provides:

• Facial recognition: Used to identify bad actors
• License plate recognition: Used to identify vehicles involved with crime
• Suspect search capabilities: Can be deployed in real-time or stored for use later
• Grant access: Recognition of and access grant to only authorized persons
• Crowd Management: Crowd count and alerts for people moving in the wrong direction or unpermitted areas (for shopping malls, hospitals, stadiums, airports, etc.).
• Fire detection

Conclusion

Video analytics is an invaluable technology for businesses and public organizations alike. It offers processes that are effective, less tedious for humans, and more cost-effective for companies. In addition, the functionality provided by intelligent video analytics grows every day and will be a significant factor in the future.

Versa Technology, Inc. delivers last-mile networking solutions to a global community of IT professionals. We invite you to visit our website.

An Ethernet switch is the backbone of a company’s network. It connects vital networking devices (laptops, computers, servers, etc.) to a local area network (LAN). Switches function similarly to a hub; however, they are more efficient. They accept incoming data, determine the IP address of its source, then assign a specific port, therefore eliminating any potential for network traffic “clogs.” This is a huge benefit for super dynamic business networks. The Ethernet switch is an essential piece of networking equipment for organizations of all sizes. While Ethernet switches are a vital part of an enterprise’s LAN, they are expensive, so it is important to invest in the correct type of switch to meet your business’s current and future needs. Organizations of all types most commonly opt for the 24-port Ethernet switch. This article will help you select the most suitable 24-port switch for your company.

Why do you need a 24-port switch?

Ethernet switches designed with 24 ports can connect multiple network devices. They provide a network infrastructure that is:

• Affordable
• Fast
• Optimized bandwidth
• Secure
• Stable

What types of 24-port switches are available?

When considering the purchase of a 24-port switch, there are several types to ponder. This article will discuss the following:

1. Unmanaged vs. managed switches
2. Regular vs. PoE switches
3. Standalone vs. stackable switches

Unmanaged vs. Managed 24-Port Switches

Unmanaged Switch

An unmanaged switch has a fixed configuration that cannot be changed or controlled. This type of switch is often used in small networks or to add temporary systems groups to more extensive networks. 

One advantage of an unmanaged switch is that it is a simple “plug-and-play” device that requires no setup. In addition, it has built-in QoS (Quality of Services) and fundamental security that includes lockable ports so no one can tamper with the device directly. 

The price of an unmanaged switch depends on how many ports it has. However, a 24-port unmanaged switch is considerably less expensive than a managed one.

Managed Switch

In contrast, a managed switch can be managed, configured, and monitored. For example, LAN traffic can be controlled, specific channels can be prioritized, and VLANs (virtual local networks) can be created to segregate small groups of devices. Managed switches also offer redundancy features that duplicate and recover data in the event of a device or network failure.

Furthermore, managed switches have features like:

• Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) that enables troubleshooting and allows the implementation of issue fixes.
• Security protocols that keep unauthorized users out provide limited access to specific users, along with the ability to monitor and control security remotely.

When it comes to cost, managed switch prices are most influenced by the number and type of features they have. These more costly but feature-packed switches are most suitable for larger networks with data centers and need robust control over their network traffic.

Regular vs. PoE 24-Port Switches

Regular Switch

The main difference between a regular switch and a PoE switch relates to Power over Ethernet (PoE) availability. A regular switch is a non-PoE device used to connect network devices that do not require a PoE function. A 24-port regular (or non-PoE) switch is the most cost-effective choice for a non-PoE network.

PoE Switch

PoE technology enables a 24-port switch to deliver both power and data over a single twisted-pair Ethernet cable. PoE switches connect PoE-compatible devices such as IP phones, wireless access points (WAPs), surveillance cameras, and much more. In addition, PoE allows endpoints to be easily placed in remote areas with no access to electrical wall outlets.

PoE technology has many benefits that include:

• Reduced costs: PoE saves money on power cables, power outlets, installation, and eliminates electrician costs.
• Flexible: PoE devices can be placed in remote locations and are easily moved or changed.
• Reliable: PoE relies on Ethernet, which is a wholly vetted technology. In addition, it is wired and, therefore, has limited interference and significant security features.
• Safe: PoE is intelligent and can be programmed to avoid overload and underload situations. In addition, PoE technology uses low wattage, which is inherently safe.

Standalone vs. Stackable 24-Port Switches

Standalone Switch

Standalone switches are managed and configured as a single unit; they cannot be connected to work as a single switch. These devices are commonly deployed in small business networks.

Stackable Switches

In contrast, stackable switches can be combined to act as a single switch. So, instead of managing eight standalone 24-port switches individually, eight 24-port stackable switches (with a combined 192 ports) can be managed as one switch.

Stackable switches simplify management while increasing a network’s capacity. As a result, these devices are suitable for large networks or data centers with limited space.

Why Versa Technology Recommends a 24-Port Managed PoE Switch For Your Business

In our opinion, a 24-port managed PoE switch is the optimal choice for most business applications. 

Why?

First of all, switches come in models with four to 54 ports. The decision of which type to use boils down to the number of IoT devices your network supports. A switch with 24 ports supplies an adequate number of ports to support the immediate needs of a small or medium-sized company, with some ports left over to meet future needs. For larger enterprises that require more than 24 ports, they are simply cheaper, as two 24-port switches are cheaper than one 48-port  switch.

Second, a managed switch is always your best bet if you can afford it. Unmanaged switches are “dumb,” and the advantages of a managed switch are numerous. With a managed switch, you can:

• Create VLANs and limit access to specific devices
• Use Layer 3 routing capabilities to link small networks to larger business-wide networks
• Take advantage of PoE technology
• Monitor network performance remotely
• Enhance security by managing each port individually

And last, the benefits of PoE technology in business applications are huge and include the ability to:

• Merge lighting, air, physical security, etc. into a single IP network
• Establish an agile network by transmitting both power and data over the same Ethernet cable
• Collect and analyze data
• And much more!

Versa Technology, Inc.’s unwavering mission since 1994 has been to market industry-leading networking products that are versatile, user-friendly, and cost-effective.

Our C51-244-30-370 Managed 24-Port PoE Switch, pictured above, has the following features:

• Ports: 24 10/100/1000TX shared 24 PoE + 2 GbE + 2 SFP
• Type of Switch: Managed
• PoE Ports: 24
• Standards: 802.3at/af
• PoE Power Budget: 370W
• Input Voltage: 100~240VAC
• Operating Temp: 0 to 50°C
• TAA Compliant, made in Taiwan

When one hears the term “flat-panel display,” the first thing that may come to mind is a modern 21st-century classroom where a teacher gives lessons on an interactive flipchart to students using smart whiteboards. And this vision would not be wrong. However, this technology is being adopted into many other industries, such as:

• Automotive
• Banking
• Entertainment
• Financial services
• Healthcare
• Industrial
• Insurance
• Military and defense
• Retail
• And more

In fact, the flat-panel display market is booming. In a recent ResearchAndMarkets.com report, the global market for this technology was valued at $116.80 billion in 2018 and is projected to reach $189.60 billion by 2026.

Flat-Panel Display Defined

So, what is a flat-panel display?

The science and technology encyclopedia, HandWiki, defines flat-panel displays as follows:

Flat-panel displays are electronic viewing technologies used to enable people to see content (still images, moving images, text, or other visual material) in a range of entertainment, consumer electronics, personal computer, and mobile devices, and many types of medical, transportation and industrial equipment. They are far lighter and thinner than traditional cathode-ray tubes (CRT)  television sets and video displays and are usually less than 10 centimeters (3.9 in.) thick.

The Different Types of Flat-Panel Displays

There are five basic types of flat-panel displays:

1. LCD
2. LED
3. PDP
4. OLED
5. EL

Following is an overview of each type.

LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)

The LCD is by far the most common type of flat-panel display used today. Here’s how it works:

The LCD is comprised of millions of liquid pixels (picture elements). The picture quality is described by the number of pixels. For example, the “4K” label indicates that the display contains 3840×2160 or 4096×2160 pixels. Each pixel is made up of three subpixels: red, green, and blue (called RGB for short). When the RGBs in a pixel change color combinations, a different color is produced (e.g., red and green produce yellow). With all the pixels working together, the display can make millions of different colors. And finally, a picture is created when the pixels are rapidly turned off and on.

LED Displays (Light-Emitting Diode)

LED displays are the second most common display technology. In essence, the LED display is an LCD as it uses the same liquid diode technology but uses light-emitting diodes to backlight instead of cold cathode fluorescent (CCFL) backlighting. 

LEDs are more expensive than LCDs but have several advantages. Compared to LCDs, LEDs:

• Use less electricity
• Are thinner
• Have higher contrast
• Produce more vivid colors
• Are more durable
• Have a flicker-free image
• Have less environmental impact

OLED Displays (Organic Light-Emitting Diode)

The “O” in OLED stands for “organic,” as these flat-panel displays are made of organic materials (like carbon, plastic, wood, and polymers) that are used to convert electrical current into light. With OLED technology, each pixel is capable of producing its own illumination. Whereas both LCD and LED technology uses a backlighting system.

OLEDs are noted for the following features:

• Exceptional picture quality
• Fast response
• No ghosting
• Wide viewing angles

The drawbacks of OLEDs are that they are quite pricey, extra sensitive to water, and have a much shorter life expectancy than LCDs and LEDs.

PDP (Plasma Display Panel)

PDPs contain an electrically charged gas (plasma) that is housed between two panels of glass. PDPs are known for their vivid colors and have a wider viewing angle. However, one disadvantage with this technology is that it tends to “burn” permanent images onto the viewing area. In addition, when compared to an LCD, the PDP tends to be heavier and thicker because of the two glass panels, and it typically uses more electricity. 

EL Displays (Electroluminescent)

EL Technology places electroluminescent material (such as gallium arsenide or GaAs) between two conductive layers. When an electric current is introduced to the layers, the electroluminescent material lights up, thus creating a pixel. EL displays are most typically used for instrumentation for rugged military, transportation, and industrial applications.

How Industries Are Implementing Flat-Panel Displays

In today’s world, interactivity is king. Devices like mobile phones and tablets are everywhere, and people are looking for similar experiences in their workplace and as they go about their daily lives. As a result, multi-video walls, kiosks, and interactive flat-panel displays are cropping up in almost any place you can think of.

Automotive

Automobile dealerships are installing interactive flat-panel displays that allow shoppers to view their line-up of cars. These panels have touchscreen features that enable customers to view a vehicle from all angles and even zoom in on different parts. With this technology, buyers can order a fully customized car by choosing the upholstery, trim, accessories, and even some of the engine features of their new car. 

Healthcare

Doctors have many non-invasive diagnostic tools in their toolkits—things like x-rays, MRIs, CT scans, ultrasound, PET, etc. These days, new techniques have been developed that combine multiple scans into 3D renderings. These images require high-quality (medical-grade) flat-panel displays that provide the highest resolution possible. And because these displays are in constant use, they must be durable and long-lived. LCDs with edge-lit LED backlights are currently the industry standard with about 93 percent penetration.

Military

One of the best weapons in peace and war is information. The Pentagon is placing flat-panel displays on almost every surface they can think of—war rooms, control rooms, ships, planes, trucks, and even helmets, rifle sights, and radios. The displays used by the military must be:

• Ultra-durable
• Low cost
• Sunlight readable
• Lightweight
• Power-efficient
• High resolution 

Retail

Brick and mortar retail stores’ biggest competition is e-commerce sites. Interactive flat-panel displays combine in-store and online selling with the use of self-service kiosks. Salespeople are using these kiosks to personalize customer service and enhance their product availability beyond what they stock in the store. This technology can also help retailers customize their products for their customers and are particularly helpful to boutiques and luxury retailers.

To Finish Up

As we have demonstrated, there are many uses for flat-panel displays in a multitude of sectors.  Flat-panel displays produce high-quality images, are stylish, consume less power, and give a maximum image in a minimum space. Best of all, they disperse information and help make our lives easier and safer.

Versa Technology’s objective is to keep our customers fully informed about a broad array of communication and networking technologies. We sincerely hope you found this article informative. Versa has over 25 years of experience in networking solutions. To learn more about our products and services, please visit our homepage.

Mission-Critical Government Clients Will Soon Require Technology That Meets New Security and Environmental Standards

In response to recent cyber attacks against our country’s infrastructure, President Biden issued (in May 2021) an Executive Order to improve the nation’s cybersecurity. This Executive Order covers the following five areas:

1. Removing barriers to sharing threat information
2. Modernizing federal government cybersecurity
3. Enhancing software supply chain security
4. Establishing a Cybersecurity Review Board
5. Standardizing the federal government’s response to cybersecurity vulnerabilities and incident

In this article, we will discuss the impact the government’s security changes will have on the unified communications field.

Unified communications offer efficient and flexible ways to communicate by combining voice, video conferencing, and instant messaging to the 21st-century workplace.  Unfortunately, these same communications tools are within reach of malicious actors who “eavesdrop on conversations, impersonate users, commit toll fraud, or perpetrate a denial of service effects.”

Definition: Unified Communications

Per Gartner:

Unified communications (UC) products—equipment, software, and services—provide and combine multiple enterprise communications channels, such as voice, video, personal and team messaging, voicemail, and content sharing. This can include control, management, and integration of these channels. UC products and services can also be integrated with networks and systems, IT business applications, and, in some cases, consumer applications and devices.

Image Source: datastreamsolutionsafrica.net

Unified Communication Devices Pose Risk

Integrators who deal with mission-critical unified communications have always had to comply with a precise mix of protocols that are somewhat different from those who work in a more commercial setting. And now, these mission-critical integrators face changing and growing government security standards. Specifically, there have been significant security issues involving Wi-Fi-enabled communication devices, government command and control centers, and large wall display screens.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) defines “mission critical” as follows:

Any telecommunications or information system that is defined as a national security system (Federal Information Security Management Act (FISM) of 2002) or processes any information the loss, misuse, disclosure, or unauthorized access to or modification of, would have a debilitating impact on the mission of an agency.

The Impact on Government Contractors

While still in their early stages, these changing government standards will directly impact organizations that contract with the US Government—with the most immediate effect on companies that provide IT and OT software or cloud services. But it is fair to say that, although the executive order focuses primarily on IT and OT providers, the full impact of these changes will be felt in both public and private sectors. Manufacturers and other industrial concerns will experience the impact as well.

All organizations interested in winning or keeping government contracts must be aware of the most common cybersecurity challenges government contractors experience.

Most Common Government Security Challenges

Phishing

Phishing is a social engineering attack that occurs when a cybercriminal impersonates a trusted entity and tricks the victim into opening an email, instant message, or text message. Opening the message then leads to the installation of malware.

According to cybersecurity leader, Imperva, Inc.:

Phishing is often used to gain a foothold in corporate or governmental networks as a part of a larger attack, such as an advanced persistent threat (APT) event. In this latter scenario, employees are compromised in order to bypass security perimeters, distribute malware inside a closed environment, or gain privileged access to secured data.

Per a recent report by PhishMe entitled Enterprise Phishing Susceptibility Report, 91 percent of all cyberattacks are set in motion with social engineering. 

Data Breaches

Probably the most widely known recent data breach occurred with the December 2020 hacking of SolarWind’s Orion product, which was used by the Commerce, Energy, Homeland Security, State, and US Treasury departments. However, SolarWinds is not the only data breach that has affected the US government and its agencies. Statista’s study entitled Number of Data Breaches in the United States from 2013 to 2019, by industry,”  reports that in 2018 alone, there were 100 reported data breaches in the government/military sector.

Malware and Ransomware Attacks

Another major cybersecurity challenge for government entities and contractors is malware and ransomware. Malware is an umbrella term for any type of malicious software. Common examples of this are adware, spyware, viruses, and worms. Malware is introduced into a networking system via email attachments, misleading websites, peer-to-peer downloads, and phishing attempts.

Ransomware is a specific type of malware that blocks access to all or parts of a computer system. Access to the system can only be returned to the victim when they pay the cybercriminal a specified amount of money (a ransom). 

What Contractors Should Know About Government Security for 2021 

Requirements are changing, and there will be more change in the future. Following is a list of some things to make note of:

1) The Internet of Things (IoT) Cybersecurity Improvement Act became official as of December 2020.  This act requires that all IoT devices purchased with government funds must adhere to specific security standards. This Act also addresses certain supply chain security issues.

2) The Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) specifies standards for authorizing, assessing, and monitoring cloud system security. Unfortunately, despite some attempts at improvement, this program’s processes are expensive, slow, and burdensome at best.

3) The Department of Defense (DoD) is completing a new structure to address specified cybersecurity risks that are posed by DoD contractors. The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is closely tied with The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication 800-171. Much confusion surrounds the CMMC process; however, it is important to note that it is expected to become universally mandatory at some point in the near future. Matt Laszacs, Director of Technical Operations at Diversified, states, “ I think it’s [the CMMC] starting with a few commands now, and it’s eventually going to work its way into all federal contracts. Everybody right now that’s a government contractor is very busy preparing to meet these compliance needs.”

TAA-Compliant Devices A Factor

The 96th U.S. Congress passed the United States Trade Agreements Act (TAA) in 1979. The TAA authorizes government program management offices (such as the General Services Administration or GSA) to procure only those goods and services manufactured or wholly transformed in the US or a TAA-designated country. 

All government-operated facilities fall under the umbrella of the TAA. Therefore, those countries that work closely with the US are the only ones who can supply products to our government. In addition, TAA compliance requires higher standards than those that are non-compliant. And that includes cybersecurity too.  

Versa is TAA Compliant

It is a fact that TAA-compliant hardware is more reliable, meets higher standards, lasts longer, and can work under extreme operating conditions. Versa Technology is proud of its array of stellar TAA-compliant networking solutions. It has been our unwavering mission to sell top-of-the-line products that are versatile, user-friendly, cost-effective—and, yes, TAA-compliant.

To check out our products, click here.

News about 5G seems to be everywhere these days. With all the noise surrounding this hip, new technology, it would be easy to dismiss all the hype as overkill. However, it is important not to overlook this latest generation connectivity standard’s unprecedented low latency, high speed, reliability, and flexibility. 5G is genuinely revolutionary and is positioned to provide numerous benefits for consumers and organizations alike.

What is 5G?

Qualcomm defines 5G as follows:

5G is the 5th generation mobile network. It is a new global wireless standard after 1G, 2G, 3G, and 4G networks. It enables a new kind of network that is designed to connect virtually everyone and everything together, including machines, objects, and devices.

This wireless technology is meant to deliver higher multi-Gbps peak data speeds, ultra-low latency, more reliability, massive network capacity, increased availability, and a more uniform user experience to more users. Higher performance and improved efficiency empower new user experiences and connect new industries.

5G is based on several underlying technologies:

1. OFDM: Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing is “a method of modulating a digital signal across several different channels to reduce interference.”
2. 5G NR: The “NR” stands for a  ‘new radio’ interface and radio-access technology for cellular networks—a physical connection method for radio-based communication.”

Other examples of radio-access technologies include Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and 4G LTE.

1. S-6 GHz and mmWave: 5G will operate in both lower bands, thus expanding its bandwidth enormously.

A Brief History of Mobile Networks

First Generation (1G)

1G was first introduced in Japan in 1979 and was rolled out in the US in 1980. This network was reliant on analog, which means it could only make phone calls; there was no texting. This network was notoriously unreliable and had security issues. Cell coverage dropped often, there was lots of interference from other radio signals, and the network could easily be hacked. 

Second Generation (2G)

2G was introduced in 1991. It ran a digital signal (not analog) that significantly improved its capacity and security. With 2G, short message service (SMS) and multimedia messaging service (MMS) messages could be sent, although they were slow and often unsuccessful. In 1997, general packet radio service (GPRS) was launched, enabling users to send and receive emails.

Third Generation (3G)

3G hit the US in 2002 and wholly transformed mobile connectivity. Along with much greater speed, 3G users could use their phones for video calls, share files, surf the internet, watch online TV, and play online games. Suddenly, mobile phones became the hub of social connectivity. 3G is still in use today. However, all major cellphone carriers are planning to shut down 3G networks in 2022.

Fourth Generation (4G)

Released in 2013, 4G is five times faster than 3G with speeds up to 100Mbps (at least theoretically). 4G offers connectivity for smartphones, tablets, and laptops and is noted for better latency, high-quality voice and streaming, fast downloads, and more. 

Fifth Generation (5G)

According to multinational aerospace company, Thales Group:

The 5G network is on its way and is widely anticipated by the mobile industry. Many experts claim that the network will change not just how we use our mobiles but how we connect devices to the internet. The improved speed and capacity of the network will signal new IoT trends, such as connected cars, smart cities, and IoT in the home and office.

How is 5G better than 4G?

There are five significant ways that 5G is better than 4G:

1. 5G  is faster: It delivers up to 10 Gbps which is 100 times faster than 4G. So, for example, downloading a high-def film over a 5G network takes just nine minutes, while downloading the same movie over 4G will take 50 minutes.
2. 5G has more capacity: It is designed to support 100 times more traffic than 4G.
3. 5G has lower latency: It decreases end-to-end latency down to 1ms, which is ten times lower than 4G latency figures. As a result, 5G delivers significantly more instantaneous, real-time access.
4. 5G is more capable: It is a  more competent network that enhances the general mobile broadband experience and supports new services like mission-critical communications and the enormous Internet of Things. Per Qualcomm, “5G can also natively support all spectrum types (licensed, shared, unlicensed) and bands (low, mid, high), a wide range of deployment models (from traditional macro-cells to hotspots), and new ways to interconnect (such as device-to-device and multi-hop mesh).
5. 5G makes better use of spectrum: Here is how Qualcomm explains it: “5G is also designed to get the most out of every bit of spectrum across a wide array of available spectrum regulatory paradigms and bands—from low bands below 1 GHz to mid bands from 1 GHz to 6 GHz to high bands known as millimeter wave (mmWave).”

Here is Why 5G is So Important

5G is driving remarkable global economic growth. Its impact is proving to be much greater than industry experts expected. Here are some statistics:

1. The global 5G IoT market is on track to be $3.6 billion (USD) in 2021 and is projected to reach $11.2 billion (USD) by 2026.
2. 5G’s total economic impact is expected to be realized by 2035, with a forecast of up to $13.1 trillion (USD) worth of goods and services globally.
3. The “5G effect” could support up to 22.8 million jobs worldwide.

Last Thoughts

You may be asking yourself: Is 5G available now? The answer is yes. 5G started launching in 2019 and has been deployed in over 60 countries so far. Consumers have responded quite positively to this new technology, and the continuing 5G launch has good momentum.

Versa Technology aims to keep our customers fully informed about a broad array of communication and networking technology. We hope you found this article informative. Versa has over 25 years of experience in networking solutions. To learn more about our products and services, visit our homepage.

PoE Networks Doing MORE Heavy Lifting Thanks to IoT Sensors and Machine Learning

The pandemic has significantly changed the workplace. As employees return to the office, they have high expectations for cleanliness, safety, and service. Today, more than ever before, there is a need for dynamic and predictive workplace management solutions. That is where things like Internet of Things (IoT)  sensors and machine learning come into the picture. 

Workplace Management Solution: IoT Sensors

The workplace can be pretty complicated. For instance, employees often do not have set work schedules and divide their work hours between home and office. In many workplaces, employees no longer have assigned seating or workstations; working in teams is also a common requirement. Add to all that the fact that COVID-19 is still with us, and cleaning becomes a challenge.

Sensors are a mighty tool for these challenges. They detect office activities and produce daily occupancy reports. The best sensors communicate directly with service request software that transmits occupancy data in real-time, which helps facility managers to develop relevant and efficient cleaning schedules, among other things.

There are four types of sensors needed in an office environment:

1. Occupancy data: Office density can be a problem. Sensors help monitor the comings-and-goings of employees. They also give insight into occupancy trends, such as how many people are in the office on Monday as opposed to Friday. 
2. Space utilization data: Sensor data regarding occupancy numbers is important, but beyond that, sensor data can help you see just how workers are using the office space that is available to them. With this valuable information, necessary changes or adjustments can be handled efficiently.
3. Environmental sensor data: COVID-19 has made it essential to monitor a workplace’s humidity levels. In a recent study led by Professor Michael Ward, an epidemiologist at the Sydney School of Veterinary Science at the University of Sydney, it was found that for every one percent decrease in relative humidity, COVID-19 cases could increase by as much as seven to eight percent. At a ten percent decrease, those percentages can double. IoT sensors can monitor humidity levels and temperatures throughout a building and automatically adjust the environment to ensure constantly desired humidity levels of 40 to 60 percent.
4. Asset utilization data: IoT sensors can send notifications when a restroom is low on soap or needs paper towels. Sensors can be attached to restroom doors and notify facility managers when the number of door swings reaches a certain threshold, indicating high usage and the need for cleaning. IoT sensors can also detect problems with furnaces or water heaters before they fail. This type of information leads to something called predictive workplace maintenance.

What is predictive workplace maintenance?

Predictive maintenance is a strategy that uses an asset’s actual utilization to decide when to perform maintenance. This tactic uses historical and current performance data provided by sensors, usually embedded in LED lighting systems, to determine when a malfunction is likely to happen. Armed with this information, a facilities manager can perform maintenance before the malfunction occurs.

For example, vibrations or temperatures beyond the normal range could indicate an impending disaster to an HVAC system. Sensor data of this type will trigger a work order within the facility maintenance software. As a result, technicians can be called out to inspect the HVAC unit and repair or replace any failing parts before a malfunction happens. This saves expensive and frustrating downtime and can often prevent more costly repairs or equipment replacement.

For a traditional office setting, predictive IoT sensors make the environment proactive. For example: Why wait until the air conditioning has stopped and employees are uncomfortable and grouchy? With the right sensors in place, a technician gets an immediate repair order on their smartphone.

Workplace Management Solutions: Machine Learning

Today’s top organizations use machine learning-based technology to optimize workplace processes, employee commitment, and customer satisfaction. Here are five ways machine learning adds value:

1. Personalizing customer service: Machine learning enhances customer service while lowering costs. By combining customer service data, natural language processing, and algorithms that learn from each interaction, customers can get high-quality, quick answers to their questions. As a result, chatbots are being accepted by consumers. Though they still prefer talking with humans, chatbots respond very quickly and can resolve simple requests while reducing service costs by up to 30 percent. Customer service reps can always step in to handle the more difficult problems—while algorithms peek over their shoulders to learn what to do next time.
2. Improving customer retention: Companies can collect data such as customer actions, transactions, and reactions to identify customers at high risk of leaving. This data helps when deciding what “next best step” procedures to take to retain unhappy customers. Businesses can also use machine learning to help anticipate customer behaviors that require customized offers to keep them from defecting to a competitor.
3. Hiring the best people: Corporations are known to get as many as 250 applications for each job opening. Therefore, one of the most time-consuming tasks of the hiring process is shortlisting candidates. Machine learning eliminates human bias and often finds great candidates who might have been overlooked because they do not fit traditional expectations. 
4. Automating financial processes: Machine learning can speed up financial processes and can even problem solve. For example, when a payment comes in without an order number,  an employee will have to determine which order the payment corresponds to. With machine learning, the system learns to recognize these types of situations and can often find ways to resolve the matter without employee input.
5. Detecting fraud: According to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), the typical corporation loses five percent of its annual revenue due to fraud. This 2016 survey found “an average loss of $2.7 million per case, with $150,000 being the median loss.”  The report goes on to state: “Small organizations are particularly vulnerable to fraud because they have a significantly lower implementation of anti-fraud controls and have fewer resources to withstand losses. Small organizations also are much less likely to have anti-fraud controls in place than larger organizations.” Machine learning algorithms build models based on historical transactions, social network information, and other external data sources to develop pattern recognition that spots anomalies. As a result, suspicious patterns are detected in real-time.

Last Words

Cutting-edge workplace management solutions such as IoT sensors and machine learning are increasingly creating business environments that are clean, safe, and comfortable for the workforce while making the customer experience quick, customized, and efficient. Streamlining your company’s work processes and building maintenance is cost-effective in the long run and leads to employee satisfaction and customer retention. 

We hope you found this article helpful. Versa Technology is a global distributor of high-quality network technologies. Our chief goal is to provide first-rate support that enables our customers to attain their networking goals. To view our Power over Ethernet (PoE) products and services, visit the Versa Technology homepage.