June 2019 - Business Intelligence Info

Monthly Archives: June 2019

NowSecure raises $15 million to automate mobile app security and privacy testing

June 30, 2019 Big Data

The growth in popularity of mobile apps hasn’t kept pace with app security improvements — quite the opposite. It’s estimated that roughly 63% of so-called grayware apps leak phones’ mobile numbers and that 62% of the top VPN apps request dangerous or unusual permissions. Researchers at Symantec found in a recent study that the number of new mobile malware variants increased by 54% in 2017 over 2016’s numbers. Perhaps worse still, Gartner forecasts that only 10% of DevOps initiative will have achieved the level of automation required to be considered fully secure by 2019, up only 5% from 2017.

Forever fighting the tide of malicious apps is an exhausting task, but companies like security– and privacy-testing solutions provider NowSecure are raising capital to develop load-lightening tools. To this end, NowSecure today revealed that it has raised $ 15 million in series B funding led by ForgePoint Capital, bringing its total raised to over $ 27 million following a $ 12.5 million series B in December 2014. CEO Alan Snyder said that the funding will accelerate NowSecure’s product development and help to scale its business operations.

“Every business is becoming mobile first; yet millions of people are using apps on a daily basis that have major security and privacy issues. NowSecure is addressing this fundamental, global-scale problem that puts businesses and consumers at direct risk,” said Snyder. “We’re thrilled to be working with ForgePoint Capital to grow our business and empower mobile app developers to deliver secure mobile apps faster. ForgePoint has the right mix of veteran leadership, industry relationships, and successful track record across their security portfolio to support NowSecure.”

NowSecure raises $15 million to automate mobile app security and privacy testing

Above: NowSecure’s cloud dashboard.

Image Credit: NowSecure

NowSecure offers a range of solutions built on open source platforms (principally Frida, Radare, and Capstone) that run on-premises or in the cloud, plus expert professional penetration testing and managed services. The company’s automated mobile app security testing suite — which stands alone or integrates with existing dev pipelines, and which can execute up to “hundreds” of tests in minutes — performs static, dynamic, and behavioral analyses, and auto-generates reporting and remediation guidelines. As for NowSecure’s penetration testing, it’s able to suss out vulnerabilities in data at rest, data in motion, web services, and backends by conducting tests on real iOS and Android devices with platform-compatible binaries.

NowSecure offers a robust API that enables devs to kick off security tests automatically post-build and populate results into ticket-tracking systems. Moreover, they can map test findings to a vulnerability scoring system that takes into account common regulatory compliance mandates, including OWASP, NIAP, FFIEC, PCI DSS, HIPAA, GDPR, CWE, and more. And through NowSecure’s cloud dashboards, teams gain access to a database of safe and unsafe public Android and iOS apps.

NowSecure is doing something right, it seems. The company’s customers include recognizable brands like Capital One, Carfax, Citi, Concur, Emerson, The Home Depot, Humana, Kaiser Permanente, Kellogg’s, Motorola Mobility, Shell, and Synchrony.

“From digital transformation projects to pure mobile businesses driving multi-billion dollar global economies, the stakes have never been higher for mobile security and privacy,” said ForgePoint Capital cofounder and managing director J. Alberto Yépez, who has joined NowSecure’s board of directors. “NowSecure has the right mix of talented team, unmatched technology, and proven track record serving world-class customers. We are excited to invest in NowSecure to help them grow the business, serving a global enterprise market expected to grow to nearly $ 1 billion by 2023.”

NowSecure’s current investors include Baird Capital, JumpCapital, and Math Venture Partners. In addition to its Bellevue, Washington headquarters, the company has offices in Chicago and Vienna, Virginia.

Let’s block ads! (Why?)

Big Data – VentureBeat

When Is A Norwegian Salmon A Norwegian Salmon?

June 30, 2019 SAP

Atlantic salmon has long been a vital part of Norway’s economy, an industry that generates more than $ 7 billion annually, according to Statistics Norway. The Scandinavian country of just 5 million people produces 59% of the world’s farmed salmon supply, with Chile a distant second at 19%, according to seafish.org. Eleven of the top 20 largest salmon-producing companies have their headquarters in Norway.

Norwegians take their salmon very seriously. So when someone sells Norwegian salmon that is not really from Norway or farmed salmon as wild salmon, Norwegians take great offense. Mislabeled fish has become a global problem, with research showing that more than 20% of fish is not as advertised—often an inferior, cheaper alternative that is not as healthy, or that can even be dangerous to eat.

That’s a problem EY Skye, a Norway-based SAP partner, wants to fix. The company has developed a blockchain solution that can help minimize risks and ensure that the fish you want is the fish you get. The solution tracks each fish along its supply chain, creating a digital “twin” for each fish, a data point that gives salmon producers, retailers, restaurants, and consumers more confidence in their product.

“It’s important that Norwegian salmon—and all seafood—be traceable from egg to fish to production to consumers,” said Lars Torp, partner at EY Skye. “It’s important to distributors, restaurants, markets and of course customers to be able to trace each fish through a value chain. People won’t buy if they feel misled. It’s a big issue. People will eat more fish and be healthier if they know its story.”

Traceability increases consumer confidence

EY Skye’s solution also addresses another major concern: Farmed fish are more at risk if a toxin or poison is introduced into their environment. A bad batch of fish could have catastrophic consequences to a business—even more so if the supplier can’t identify or isolate exactly where and which fish have been affected.

“They may need to put down all the fish without knowing where the problem is. That’s a lot of trouble because they didn’t mitigate risks,” said Josef Nalbant, SAP country channel manager in Norway. “EY Skye can help customers identify the exact batch and give quicker feedback up and down the supply chain. That will make a big difference.”

As part of its solution, EY Skye created an app that allows consumers to rate their fish on a scale from 1 to 5, “like Uber,” Torp said. That data can be shared using an open public blockchain that suppliers can access and take any necessary action to increase customer satisfaction.

“The more partners that participate in the supply chain, the better it is,” Torp said. “Other solutions have data in silos and there’s no sharing information. We think it’s important to share the data to ensure the integrity of the seafood up and down the supply chain.”

As eggs become fish and fish are cut into filets, for example, it’s noted in a blockchain. “Even if the fish continues on in another product, like a sauce, another digital twin is created,” Torp said.

Some restaurants have implemented small-scale solutions that let customers scan a QR code on the menu for more information about their fish. That’s evidence that both restaurateurs and consumers are interested in the topic, Torp said.

“Those solutions are more marketing than anything else, but when a customer knows this technology exists, they will demand more information,” he said. “That’s why we’re focused on a consumer app too. If pressure comes from the consumer to adopt this technology, businesses are more likely to act.”

More data components, more industries

Future components of the solution will be able to add temperature data to the supply chain, ensuring all parties that the fish are being stored properly.

“If you’re flying fish from China to Japan and it’s an 8-hour flight, you know you’ll need so many kilograms of ice. But what if the plane is delayed? There’s opportunity for huge improvement in this area, and it ties directly into the blockchain,” Torp noted.

Meanwhile, innovations in pallet technology, with embedded sensors in new recyclable plastic pallets instead of traditional wood, can also help accelerate adoption of the EY Skye fish solution—and similar solutions.

“It can work with any supply chain: food, medicine, phones. Anything where temperature is important to the transportation and shelf life of the product. There’s a lot of white space,” Torp said.

EY Skye chose the salmon/fish industry to start because although it’s hundreds of years old, it’s immature when it comes to implementing digital solutions. Torp said, “It’s a really big industry, and they’re very eager to leverage technologies that can help business and the ultimate customers feel better about what they’re eating.”

Top image via The Norwegian Seafood Council

This article originally appeared on SAP News Center.

Let’s block ads! (Why?)

Digitalist Magazine

Generational In-store Retail Preferences not What You Might Think, Study Finds

June 30, 2019 NetSuite

Posted by Barney Beal, Content Director

Today’s retailers, already contending with evolving customer preferences, aging IT infrastructure poorly suited to adapt to modern demands, and competition not only from Amazon but also from manufacturers and distributors now face a new challenge—meeting customer expectations across generations.

A recent study conducted by Oracle NetSuite, Wakefield Research and The Retail Doctor, found some significant differences in expectations, and also challenged a few stereotypes across four generations: baby boomers, Gen X, millennials and Gen Z.

The study surveyed 1,200 consumers and 400 retail executives across the U.S., U.K. and Australia.

Generations Have Different Expectations for What’s In-Store

Some of the most profound, and most surprising, differences appear in the in-store shopping experience. Know who’s more likely to do more in-store shopping this year? No, not the baby boomers (13%) and Gen X (29%). It’s the “digital native” Gen Z and millennials (43%), according to the study. More of the younger generations view the retail experience positively (57%) than Gen X (40%) and baby boomers (13%).

The results do not suggest, however, that retailers can sit back and revel in the fact that they have appealed to the coveted younger demographic with the in-store experience.

First, there’s a case to be made that young people still like going out shopping with their friends, whether they’re digitally literate, smartphone users or not. Moreover, when they do get in the store, generations view their interactions with staff very differently. Among Gen Z, 42% are more annoyed by increased interaction by retail associates. Millennials (56%), Gen X (44%) and baby boomers (43%) all noted they would feel more welcomed by more in-store interactions.

What’s the takeaway for retailers? Clearly, Gen Z is the first truly “digital native” generation. They know what they’re looking for, they’ve often researched a purchase before they enter the store and, when they do need help, they expect the store associate to know more than they do. They also want an associate that isn’t pushing products that aren’t relevant. That means store associates need to be sufficiently trained and equipped to handle any situation that arises, whether that’s recommending complementary products or, if something is out of stock, shipping it to the customer’s home from a warehouse or even a nearby store. Provide a poor experience and the customer is likely to take their complaints to social media—something true of all generations.

Invest in Social Media, with Tempered Expectations

However, social media is not the panacea many retailers believe it to be, according to the study. While almost all retail executives (98%) think that engaging customers on social media is important to building stronger relationships, overall only 12% of consumers think social media has a significant impact on the way they think or feel about a brand.

For those that do engage with brands over social media, the results more closely follow expectations with Gen Z consumers (38%) much more likely than other generations to engage with retailers on social to get to know the brand compared to millennials (25%), Gen X (27 %) and baby boomers (21%). Similarly, Gen Z (65%) consumers and millennials (62%) believe social media platforms have an impact on their relationship with brands, while more than half of baby boomers (53%) and 29% of Gen X consumers do not engage with brands on social media.

The takeaway here for retailers? Those that want to reach millennials and Gen Z had better make a commitment to social. Social media is a form of trust; those that are not active on social channels are viewed as less trustworthy. For example, Gen Z expects brands to showcase their personality online.

If a retailer wants to connect and influence purchases, they need to be active and responsive on social. If a retailer isn’t, their younger customers are. Many Gen Z apparel customers post pictures of items they are considering and then 46% make a purchase based on the feedback (social proof) to that post.

Access the full report for more details on generational differences in retail expectations and what retail executives are thinking.

Posted on Tue, June 25, 2019
by NetSuite filed under

Let’s block ads! (Why?)

The NetSuite Blog

INTACT ROMAN WRECK DISCOVERED OFF CYPRUS WATERS

June 30, 2019 Humor

Cool stuff:

Archaeologists have discovered the wreck of a Roman-era ship off the east coast of Cyprus.

In a statement, Cyprus’ Department of Antiquities explained that the wreck is the first undisturbed Roman shipwreck found in the Mediterranean island nation’s waters. The ship is loaded with amphorae, or large ancient jars, which are likely from Syria and ancient Cilicia on modern-day Turkey’s southeastern coast.

Analysis of the shipwreck will shed new light on seaborne trade between Cyprus and the rest of the Roman provinces of the eastern Mediterranean, officials explained in the statement.

The wreck was found near the resort town of Protaras by a pair of volunteer divers with the University of Cyprus’ archaeological research unit.

It’s also the first time an underwater archaeological project is fully funded by the Cyprus government.

A team from the Maritime Archaeological Research Laboratory at the University of Cyprus is working with the Department of Antiquities and Cyprus University of Technology to document and protect the site.

Other Roman shipwrecks have been grabbing attention in recent years. In 2017, for example, archaeologists in Egypt discovered three Roman-era shipwrecks and other stunning ancient artifacts on the Mediterranean seafloor off the coast of Alexandria.

Climate change researchers working in the Black Sea also discovered 60 shipwrecks dating back 2,500 years, which include vessels from the Roman and Byzantine eras.

Off the coast of Portugal, the Underwater Archaeological Chart of the Municipality of Cascais contains a host of shipwrecks dating back to the Roman era.

Let’s block ads! (Why?)

ANTZ-IN-PANTZ ……

Introducing dataflow templates; A quick and efficient way to build your sales leaderboard and get visibility over your sales pipeline

June 30, 2019 Self-Service BI

Dataflows help organizations unify data from disparate sources and prepare it for reusability. You can use dataflows to ingest data from a large and growing set of supported sources including Dynamics 365, Salesforce, Azure SQL Database, Excel, SharePoint, and more. You can then map data to standard entities in the Common Data Model, in Azure Data Lake Storage Gen2. Ingesting data can sometimes be tedious and time consuming, especially when the schema between the source and destination is different.

A dataflow template can expedite this process by providing a predefined set of entities and field mappings to enable flow of data from your source to the destination, in the Common Data Model. A dataflow template commoditizes the movement of data which in turn reduces overall burden and cost for a business user. It provides you a head start to ingest data wherein you don’t need to worry about knowing and mapping the source and destination entities and fields – We do it for you, through dataflow templates.

This month, we are releasing a set of dataflow templates that help you unify data from popular CRM apps such as Dynamics 365 for Sales and Salesforce.

Dataflows template	Description
Leads and opportunities (Dynamics 365 for Sales)	Use this template to build your sales leaderboard and get visibility over your sales pipeline. Sales managers can use the data to monitor their sales team performance including lead conversion and opportunity closure rates. Salespersons can get visibility over their top opportunities and leads.
Quotes, orders, invoices (Dynamics 365 for Sales)	Connect to quotes, order and invoice data in Dynamics 365 for Sales to analyze quote closure rates and product line performance.
Lead to cash (Dynamics 365 for Sales)	Get actionable insights by analyzing data from Dynamics 365 for Sales. Whether you are a sales executive who is looking for visibility over the sales leaderboard or your top opportunities or a sales manager who wants to review your team performance or a VP of sales looking for revenue from deals, this template helps connect to the sales data you need.
Accounts, leads, opportunities (Salesforce)	You store your accounts, leads and opportunities in Salesforce – No problem! Gain insights by analyzing lead conversion and opportunity closures from Salesforce. Note: Salesforce trial accounts are not supported at this time

Creating a dataflow using the Dynamics 365 for Sales Lead to cash template

Start by creating a new dataflow and choose the Lead to cash template from the “Choose data source” screen in Power Query Online

Provide your Dynamics 365 for Sales instance that you want to connect to

Provide credentials to your Dynamics 365 for Sales instance

The ‘Edit Queries’ screen shows you the predefined entities for the Lead to cash template with your source data

By clicking on ‘Map to standard’ in top menu, you can note that the source data fields have already been mapped to the Common Data Model

Save and close your new dataflow to start the query validation process to ensure that data can be loaded

That’s it – Provide a name and save your dataflow. You just successfully created your dataflow using a dataflow template

Once you’ve created a dataflow, you can use Power BI Desktop and the Power BI service to create datasets, reports, dashboards, and apps that leverage the power of the Common Data Model to drive deep insights into your business activities.

Let’s block ads! (Why?)

Microsoft Power BI Blog | Microsoft Power BI

What Is the Total Cost of Microsoft Dynamics 365/CRM? Ask Our Quick Quote Wizard.

June 30, 2019 CRM News and Info

Today’s businesses of all types and sizes realize how valuable a comprehensive CRM(Customer Relationship Management) solution is to the growth and success of their organizations.

If you are increasing your client base, opening new offices or expanding into new markets nearby or around the globe, you need a powerful, integrated system such as Microsoft Dynamics 365/CRM

In doing your research for the right CRM solution for your company, no doubt you have read numerous articles or talked with consultants about the many features of Dynamics 365 and what it can do for your business. But one piece of information you’d like to have before you commit to buying is the price.

When budgeting for a new or upgraded solution, you need to know the total cost of ownership. That’s not always easy to determine. There is a difference between the sticker price of the software and the actual cost of the software plus installation plus ongoing costs.

The CRM Software Blog’s Quick Quote Wizard is here to help. This tool will provide a ballpark estimate of the total costs involved in implementing and operating Microsoft Dynamics 365. Here’s how the Quick Quote Wizard works:

Look for the orange ‘Request Instant Quote Dynamics 365/CRM’ bar at the top right of each page of the CRM Software Blog. Click the bar, and you’ll be taken to a screen with a short form to fill out. You’ll be asked basic questions about your type of business, the number of employees who will be using the system, the level of support you’ll require (don’t worry, the questionnaire will help you answer these questions) and any concerns you have unique to your business. Include your contact information, and you’re done.

The Quick Quote Wizard will use your information to customize a quote which you’ll receive instantly as a PDF sent to your email. After you’ve received your non-binding quote, your contact information will be forwarded to just one of our expert CRM Software Blog members in your area who will be happy to answer any questions you may have. You can choose to work with that partner or not; it’s up to you. The estimate and the referral are a free service we provide for our readers.

The CRM Software Blog Quick Quote Tool can get you started in determining just how much your Microsoft Dynamics 365 system will cost you from the first licensing to long-term support. Simply fill out the quote request form and be well on your way to a deeper understanding of the total cost of owning a Dynamics 365 solution from Microsoft.

By CRM Software Blog Writer. www.crmsoftwareblog.com

Find a Microsoft Partner in your area.

Let’s block ads! (Why?)

CRM Software Blog | Dynamics 365

Power BI Paginated Reports June 2019 Feature Update Summary

June 29, 2019 Self-Service BI

We’re almost three weeks post-GA of Paginated Reports in Power BI, and we wanted let you know about several updates we’ve made since then –

E-Mail Subscription Enhancements

There are two updates we wanted to highlight in regards to e-mail subscriptions with paginated reports.

Edit Parameters in your subscription

You can now see the parameter values currently set for the selected subscription by expanding the “View parameters” item in the subscription pane

If you want to change these values, you may now update the parameters for your selected subscription with new report parameter values. Simply change the drop down in the subscription pane to “Use current (rendered report) values” to change the parameters to those you’ve just rendered your report with.

Include Preview Image

We’ve also added the ability to view the first page of your Paginated Report in the e-mail body as an image, just as you do with a Power BI report. This is optional, and is always in addition to your report attachment. To add it, simply check the “Also include preview image” checkbox that now appears in the subscription pane.

Admin Portal Updates

We’ve made some updates around administering the paginated reports workload in your capacity. For all newly created capacities, the feature will be enabled by default, but will not consume memory or resources until you or your users publish a paginated report. Also, you may now assign above 50% (up to 100%) of the capacity memory to the Paginated Reports workload if you chose. Simply update the assigned memory in the Capacity settings page in the Admin Portal

Azure SQL database oAuth support

We’re now rolling out to all regions support for oAuth for Azure SQL database data sources. This allows you to enforce RLS for reports that use Azure SQL database as a data source. To enable this for your reports in Power BI, make sure you properly set the provider in the Reports tab in your app workspace.

Auto Refresh for Paginated Reports

As demonstrated the BI Power Hour at MBAS, we’ve enabled the ability for report authors to use the Auto Refresh property that has long been available for paginated reports. To use this feature, open your report in Power BI Report Builder and specify the rate in seconds at which the report page will automatically refresh in the properties pane. When you publish the report to Power BI, the report will update in the browser at that interval automatically when you’re viewing it.

New Power BI Report Builder update coming Monday

I know many folks were looking forward to an announcement around the latest release of Power BI Report Builder, which includes support for non-Premium datasets. We’re going to release that on Monday AM along with a blog post covering everything you need to know, so look for it then.

Thanks and have a great weekend!

Let’s block ads! (Why?)

Microsoft Power BI Blog | Microsoft Power BI

Wanda Sykes To Launch ‘The Wanda Sykes Gala’ At The Just For Laughs’ Comedy Festival

June 29, 2019 Humor

Comedic powerhouse, Wanda Sykes is returning to Just For Laughs this summer to host her very own Gala! Ranked among Entertainment Weekly’s 25 Funniest People in America and called “one of the funniest stand-up comics” by her peers, you won’t want to miss this trailblazing comedian with her smart-wit and larger than life personality.

Wanda will be accompanied by a lineup of talented comedians for an incredible evening of laughter.

More details soon!

WATCH: New Trailer Of ‘Charlie’s Angels’ Released Starring Kristen Stewart, Naomi Scott, & Ella Balinska!

Jerrod Carmichael On The Breakfast Club; Talks On Being Confident In Sexuality, Parental Infidelity, Owning His Story

Let’s block ads! (Why?)

The Humor Mill

Should You Upgrade or Reimplement Your CRM Solution?

June 29, 2019 Microsoft Dynamics CRM

Should You Upgrade or Reimplement Your CRM Solution?

There are two different ways to improve your current CRM (Customer Relationship Management) solution: upgrade or reimplementation. You might assume that the end results of the two paths will be the same. But there is a distinction. Choosing the best path based on your organization’s processes and goals can make a big difference.

CRM Reimplementation

Reimplementation refers to the process of launching the newest version of your current CRM. The process will include reconfiguring security structures, entities, workflows, business rules, reports and dashboards, integrations, and plug-ins. You will have to migrate data from the old to the new version. For the migration to be effective, thorough cleaning of data is required. That means more upfront effort for your employees.

Despite the added work of data migration, there are scenarios in which reimplementation makes more sense:

It’s time to reconfigure your entire system, clean your data, and change your CRM format.
Your business processes and requirements have changed since your initial CRM implementation.
The original configuration was not done properly following best practices.
Security standards, requirements, or roles have changed.
The CRM version you’re using is significantly out of date.

Reimplementing will give you a clean slate to start with when it comes to interface design, data, security, and processes.

CRM Upgrade

Upgrading your CRM works with your existing system and follows a path that will lead, eventually, to the latest edition of the software. For instance, if you’re migrating from Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2015 to Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2019, you’ll have to upgrade to version 2017 as an intermediary step. Ensuring all customizations, processes, and reports work correctly in the newer version of CRM is a critical consideration if you choose to upgrade.

Generally, upgrading will be less expensive than reimplementation because it does not require process reconfiguration or data migration. Also, there are scenarios in which upgrading makes more sense:

You don’t have significant problems with your CRM solution, but you want to add the new features and benefits that come with the latest CRM release.
You do not require significant changes to your processes.
Your organization’s data is clean and up to date.
Saving time and labor is a priority.

CRM enhancements are separate from either reimplementation or upgrade projects. These add-ons should take place after a system upgrade, not in conjunction with it. Once the new CRM is functioning smoothly, you can focus on enhancements as the second stage of your journey to a more effective and efficient CRM.

Insure Success

The majority of failed CRM implementation or upgrade projects can be attributed to the management of the projects, rather than the technology being implemented.

Here are some tips for managing a successful CRM reimplementation or upgrade:

As senior leaders, steer the project, starting with building awareness about the need for the change and how new tools and processes will benefit both employees and clients.
Anticipate employee reaction to change and facilitate responses accordingly.
Create new business processes that will soften the blow of change, such as aligning employee reward structures to support better customer service.
Bring employees onboard by allowing them to be involved in the change process and making sure they realize the benefits that will follow.

When you begin to plan your CRM software change, keep in mind that a one-phase solution can present risks. Instead, create short-term goals via pilot programs and project milestones that allow for adjustments along the way.

Which Path is Right for Your Organization?

Which is right for you: reimplementation or upgrade? Whichever you choose, BroadPoint’s Microsoft gold-certified consulting team can help. Our combined software, project management, and business experience ensure your CRM improvement project will be seamless. Contact us today to learn more.

By BroadPoint Technologies, www.broadpoint.net

Let’s block ads! (Why?)

CRM Software Blog | Dynamics 365

ProBeat: Apple’s Drive.ai acquisition proves nothing new

June 29, 2019 Big Data

This week was another whirlwind in AI news. But one story particularly stood out to me: the collapse of self-driving car startup Drive.ai. In the span of just a few hours, we learned Drive.ai will be ceasing all operations, laying off 90 employees … and was acquired by Apple. This is big news, no doubt. But the calls that this is “proof” Apple has a self-driving car project are misguided.

Let’s go over what we know. In February, The Information shared that Drive.ai had been looking for a buyer. Earlier this month, The Information and Bloomberg both reported that Apple was preparing to buy Drive.ai. This week, Apple confirmed to Axios that it had bought Drive.ai, its autonomous cars, and other assets, and hired dozens of its engineers.

Some have argued that this is a reversal from Apple’s last confirmed move regarding its autonomous car skunkworks endeavor, Project Titan. In January, Apple cut its Titan team by 200 employees. Taken in isolation with the Drive.ai acquisition, it might seem like Apple is reversing course.

Business as usual

Not at all. Apple has staffed Titan up and down for years. The cut earlier this year was a cut, not a shuttering of the project. Keep in mind Project Titan was reportedly first approved by Apple CEO Tim Cook more than five years ago. Furthermore, Apple reportedly maintains thousands of employees (around 5,000 in 2018) working on its secretive database of automotive technologies.

But you don’t have to accept reports and rumors to believe that Apple is taking autonomous cars seriously. Just read Apple’s statement from earlier this year:

We have an incredibly talented team working on autonomous systems and associated technologies at Apple. As the team focuses their work on several key areas for 2019, some groups are being moved to projects in other parts of the company, where they will support machine learning and other initiatives, across all of Apple. We continue to believe there is a huge opportunity with autonomous systems, that Apple has unique capabilities to contribute, and that this is the most ambitious machine learning project ever.

Building an autonomous vehicle is “the most ambitious machine learning project ever.” This is why Project Titan still exists. Even if Apple never produces a self-driving car, the company still believes, in 2019, that the project is worth the effort because of the machine learning challenge.

Apple’s acquisition doesn’t signal anything new. Drive.ai was just available at a bargain price, and Apple took advantage.

ProBeat is a column in which Emil rants about whatever crosses him that week.

Let’s block ads! (Why?)

Big Data – VentureBeat

Monthly Archives: June 2019

NowSecure raises $15 million to automate mobile app security and privacy testing

When Is A Norwegian Salmon A Norwegian Salmon?