Practical uses of AI in the enterprise business: Singapore, Nov 2, 2023

UCaaS's evolution takes communications centre stage

Any organisation lives or dies on its communication abilities. In today's digital-first environment, connecting customers and companies via the channel they're most comfortable with is a critical operational component.

With the advent of mature, cloud-based systems, an increasing number of businesses are migrating from on-premise VOIP systems to UCaaS or CCaaS platforms (unified communications as a service, or contact centre as a service).

These advanced pieces of software let contacts and collaborations take place seamlessly as the participants shift from voice, to video, to text - even mid-call. But UCaaS means a whole lot more besides these engineering basics, and today's guest on the Tech Means Business podcast takes us through the details.

Amir Hameed, Senior Vice President Worldwide Software Sales and Engineering at RingCentral, has a long career spent promoting high-quality customer and employee experiences. At RingCentral, his role is to make sure that call centre agents all over the world enjoy their work and give delightful customer experiences at every touchpoint.

In this episode we find out how CX and EX can be transformed, statutory data compliance achieved, and primarily, how organisations and brands can turn customers into brand advocates, and transient employees into long-term investments that bring great value to any-sized business.

You can learn more about RingCentral offerings here:
https://www.ringcentral.com/au/en/

The AI-enhanced UCaaS, RingCX is the subject of focus here:
https://www.ringcentral.com/au/en/ringcx.html

Amir Hameed is on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirhameed/

And the host of the show, Joe Green, is here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephedwardgreen/

Not the end-of-life for Linux and open-source

The Linux operating system and open-source software run much of the world's digital infrastructure. Its unusual business model is based on value-added service agreements comprising support, maintenance, security, and bug fixes.

In 2024, many organizations using open-source software have been impacted by decisions by vendors to effectively prevent access to source code and sudden changes in end-of-life schedules on which businesses rely to prioritize spending.

This episode of the Tech Means Business podcast talks to Vishal Ghariwala of SUSE (one of the leading enterprise software supply and development companies) about the state of open-source in 2024. What alternatives are there for companies looking at the approaching end of support for their essential, business-critical software?

Vishal is the Director and CTO at SUSE for the Asia-Pacific region and brings his experience from a lifetime in open-source to the table. We talk about byte-for-byte compatibility between different brands' offerings, the spirit of innovation that comes from collectivism, and how software developed and freely distributed marries with traditional financial models.

The OpenELA (Open Enterprise Linux Association) is here:
https://openela.org/

Find out more about Liberty Linux here:
https://www.suse.com/products/suse-liberty-linux/

This editorial covers some of the issues discussed:
https://techhq.com/2024/02/when-is-centos-os-7-reaching-end-of-life/

Vishal Ghariwala is here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/vishalghariwala/

And your host, Joe Green, has been forked here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephedwardgreen/

Automate and optimise for MSP and Support Desk success

With staff shortages ever-present and expectations for quality support & security rising, what solutions to the myriad challenges are there for Managed Service Providers and support functions in the enterprise?

A new report from NinjaOne and Omdia looks at the pain points and outlooks for growth from decision-makers in the IT support space. In conversation with two executives from NinjaOne, the Tech Means Business podcast goes through some of the paper's findings, and discusses its contents and implications.

NinjaOne is the APAC's most forward-looking supplier of software and systems in the space, providing its clients with the tools they need to maintain security, solve problems, and keep on top of complex support structures for endpoints and end-users.

Can systems step in where staff shortages are most severe, and if so, where exactly, and how? The Tech Means Business podcast talks to Matt Law (Senior Product Marketing Manage) and MJ Robotham (Director of Sales, APAC) from NinjaOne.

The Omdia/NinjaOne paper, 'Leading IT Trends for 2024' can be downloaded here:
https://www.ninjaone.com/blog/unveiling-the-top-it-priorities-shaping-2024/

Read the report on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ninjaone_read-the-full-report-activity-7150151050555969537-3o4R/

Call the company toll-free: 61 1800 490 516

Read more about NinjaOne here:
https://www.ninjaone.com/

Matt Law's LinkedIn page:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewlaw1/

MJ Robotham is here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjrobotham/

Joe Green, the show's host is here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephedwardgreen/

Facing the Utility Challenge with Wipro

Today's utility companies face an ageing infrastructure, demand for better customer experiences, regulation and the need to digitise all areas of operations. Helping them achieve these goals is Wipro, the Indian multinational that's revitalising companies' methods, mindsets and technology infrastructure.

With specialist knowledge of the sector, and many years experience (our guests today bring c. 100 years in the industry between them), Wipro's consultants, builders and engineers are bringing about the changes necessary to bring value to stakeholders and consumers.

This episode of Tech Means Business covers challenges, solutions and industry trends, with plenty of good old-fashioned advice for the sector and the professionals making critical decisions. With challenges from operational realities through to selling the business case for technology at board level, our guests guide industry stalwarts and outsiders through the complexities of the utilities sector in the UK.

You can read more about Wipro's work with worldwide utilities companies here:
https://www.wipro.com/utilities/

Ajay Chandran, Regional Head of Energy, Utilities and Infrastructure for the UK & Ireland
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajaychandran/

Rebekah Docherty, Vice President, ENU and Telecoms Business
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebekah-docherty-0a04744/

Sampathkumaran Hariharan, Director of Digital Transformation
https://www.linkedin.com/in/hariharansampathkumaran/

Ankit Sharma, Account Executive
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ankit-sharma-9864a46/

Bridging the pay gap with data and know-how: ADP in Australia

The gender pay gap is an issue that saddles organisations with significant problems. Most obviously, those on the wrong side of the disparity will feel it most, but as our guest on this episode of Tech Means Business explains, it's significantly disadvantageous for companies to perpetuate the injustice.

Kylie Baullo is General Manager and Managing Director in Australia for ADP, the world's leading provider of HCM (human capital management) and HR solutions. We discuss how, by looking at data from payroll and across HR, companies can begin or continue their journey in lowering the gap between what men and women are paid.

Attracting and retaining skilled staff is a massive challenge for every Australian employer, and by proving they're taking positive action on pay, they'll attract and retain key employees.

Taking a consultative and data-driven approach, ADP is helping its clients address the heart of the pay gap issue, firstly by surfacing the relevant data, and then taking proactive measures to turn the workplace into a much better place to work and earn.

The WGEA data mentioned in the podcast is available here:
https://www.wgea.gov.au/pay-and-gender/gender-pay-gap-data

Learn more about ADP in Australia:
https://au.adp.com/

Kylie Baullo is on LinkedIn:
https://au.linkedin.com/in/kylie-baullo-23424792

Joe Green, the host of the show is here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephedwardgreen/