How slower network speeds can benefit big data

CIOs and big data planners need to put on their financial hats and think about the cost of data transport.

There isn't a company or a communications provider that isn't thinking about the importance of 5G networks, which promise low latency and data transfer speeds that can be as much as 100 times faster than their 4G network counterparts. The benefit of these high-speed networks for big data payloads goes without saying, but there are also cases where paying the extra money for 5G or even 4G capability doesn't make sense, even with big data.

SEE: Special report: How to win with prescriptive analytics (free PDF) (TechRepublic)

Capitalizing on the benefits that slower data transport such as 2G or even 0G networks can bring to the world of Internet of Things (IoT) are companies like Sigfox, which offers a global "slow G" communications network for operators in the logistics industry.

"Our focus is on asset tracking," said Ajay Rane, vice president of Sigfox global business development. "Companies often find improved returns on investment (ROI) for the assets they are tracking when they can reduce the cost of the communications they are paying for." Rane cited the example of trucks transporting apples.

"The apples might be worth $50 to $100 per pallet," he said. "Companies can ask themselves if it is worth it to have high-power communications for their networks, given the relatively low value of the cargo. In these cases, there is an advantage to using communications with speeds at the 2G or 0-G level, because it is significantly less expensive, and you can get to ROI faster."

SEE: How disaster relief workers are using data analytics to support and measure their efforts (free PDF) (TechRepublic)

Here is a case in point: A large tire manufacturer wants to track its containers that various third-party logistics (3PL) companies are picking up and delivering to stores.  The goal is to determine the best route for each container, and the strategy is to track the routes of each 3PL and determine which 3PL is the best delivery and cost choice for each route.

In this case, IoT big data is tracked, but the incoming data doesn't need to be real-time or near real-time--it just has to be gathered for the purposes of analytics. The decision in this case is to use 2G data transfer speeds because the data doesn't need to be delivered in real time. There is also substantial cost savings and ROI that can be more rapidly achieved.

Use cases like this can be applied to other big data processing at less cost, but are enough companies doing it?

Network, bandwidth, and data transfer speeds should be an integral part of big data planning, but as companies grapple with getting the right types of data, developing business-operative analytics and transforming their businesses, network considerations can often assume a subordinate position. As a result, the default can be to run the data over a 4G network—when the ROI on the communications may not warrant it.

SEE: Big data management tips (free PDF) (TechRepublic)

"There are many company assets that may not offer the value to warrant an expensive deployment of a 4G or higher network," Rane said. "A basic chipset for these networks might go for as high as $100. For a 2G network, the cost is more like $20."

This is why CIOs and big data planners need to put on their financial hats and think about data transport as much as they consider the mechanics of gathering the right types of data and delivering impactful analytics. They will be able to deliver the best big data analytics results and value for business decision-making—and also the best results for the bottom line.

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Coronavirus and Strengthening the Immune System

By Dr. Michael Murray

In this article:

• Simple Steps to Boosting Your Immune System

• Vitamin D is Critical to Immune Health

• Optimize Intake with Liposomal Vitamin C

• Natural Approaches to Boosting Immune Health

• If You are Concerned About the Coronavirus

Prior to this recent outbreak of the Wuhan coronavirus, it is likely that most people had never heard of this strain of virus even though other forms have caused significant outbreaks in the past. Coronaviruses are a group of viruses that cause diseases in humans and other mammals, birds, bats, and reptiles. When humans are infected most forms of the virus cause mild respiratory infections but, as we have seen with the Wuhan coronavirus, in rare cases a coronavirus infection can be lethal. 

With increased attention, many people are asking what they can do to help protect themselves from a coronavirus. While washing your hands, wearing a mask, and avoiding travel are key precautions, it is also important to focus on building a stronger immune system. In a previous article, I discussed natural approaches to addressing low immune function. With a strong immune system, you are safer from attack by all but the most virulent microorganisms. It is also likely that you would experience fewer colds or viral infections and have better overall resistance to infections. 

Simple Steps to Boosting Your Immune System

The principles involved in boosting your immune system are quite simple. The first goal is to make sure that you provide the immune system with vital nutrients by consuming a health-promoting diet and utilizing proper nutritional supplementation. A deficiency of virtually any single nutrient can significantly impair immunity. The next step is following a healthy lifestyle that includes getting enough sleep and engaging in a regular exercise program. Supplying optimal nutrition and learning to effectively deal with stress go a long way in supporting central control mechanisms to keep the immune system functioning in a peak state. Boosting your immune system not only increases your resistance to colds and flu and other infections but also can help protect yourself against chronic diseases.

Key Steps to Boosting Your Immune System

• A healthy lifestyle is essential for immunity. Be sure to eat a healthy diet, exercise, avoid toxins, maintain appropriate body weight, and get enough sleep.
• Stress lowers immunity. Take steps to manage stress. Practice techniques to activate the relaxation response, such as breathing exercises, visualization, or meditation.
• Avoid refined sugars and saturated fats, but make sure you get plenty of quality protein and essential fatty acids.
• Take a high-quality multivitamin and mineral supplement. Vitamins C and E, B vitamins, zinc, and selenium are especially important.
• Take extra vitamin C, 500 to 1,000 mg up to three times per day or consider taking liposomal vitamin C at a dosage of 1,000 mg once or twice daily.
• Boost your vitamin D levels. Take 2,000 to 5,000 IU daily.
• Take a clinically proven immune-enhancing product.

Vitamin D is Critical to Immune Health

Everyone knows how important vitamin D is good for healthy bones, but its role in human health goes well beyond that. Modern research now shows that vitamin D targets over 2,000 genes (about 10% of the human genome) in the human body. It is now known that low levels of vitamin D can contribute to the development of at least 17 varieties of cancer as well as heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, autoimmune diseases, diabetes, depression, and many more common health conditions. As it relates to preventing the flu, here is what is known:

• Individuals who have vitamin D blood levels lower than 38 ng/ml had twice as many upper respiratory tract infections as those with higher levels.
• Children that took 1,200 IU of vitamin D daily reduced their risk of developing the flu by 58 percent. 
• Women taking 2,000 IU of vitamin D (to protect bones) had an average of 30% fewer cold and flu episodes compared to women taking 200 IU of vitamin D.

Since it is estimated that one out of every two Americans is likely to have blood levels below 20 ng/ml, widespread vitamin D supplementation may prove to be more effective and less costly than conventional flu shots. To ensure optimal vitamin D status, recently most health experts, myself included, are advocating daily dosages of 2,000 to 5,000 IU, even in apparently healthy adults. The research definitely supports this higher dosage level, especially during the winter months. 

Optimize Intake with Liposomal Vitamin C

Liposomal vitamin C is an advanced form of vitamin c designed for better absorption and utilization within the body. Liposomes are small spherical cells that are composed of an outer layer made of fatty acids known as phospholipids derived from either sunflower or soy. Liposomes also have an inner compartment composed of water and water-soluble active ingredients. The water-soluble ingredient like vitamin C is protected within the inner compartment by the liposomal structure. 

The primary advantage of liposomal vitamin C is improved absorption. The ability of our intestinal cells to uptake higher doses of vitamin C has a threshold. That is why higher doses of vitamin C can cause excessive gas and/or diarrhea. The bioavailability of liposomal vitamin C is significantly greater than regular vitamin C, it is taken up into the body at almost double the level that of regular vitamin C. Liposomal vitamin C is often promoted as an oral alternative to getting an intravenous (IV) dosage of vitamin C. Take 1,000 mg once or twice daily for added protection during the cold and flu season.

Natural Approaches to Boosting Immune Health

There are no natural products with proven clinical efficacy against the coronavirus, but there are several that make a lot of sense to provide general support. Here are some of the best considerations:

Epicor and Wellmune

Epicor and Wellmune are special preparations produced from Baker’s yeast via proprietary processes. Both are a rich source of beta-glucan and other immune-enhancing compounds. Both Epicor and Wellmune also have been shown to be effective in boosting immune function in humans in a total of over 20 clinical trials. For example, EpiCor has been shown to increase the levels of secretory immunoglobulin A (IgA) as well as enhance natural killer (NK) cell function. Secretory IgA protects the lining of our mucus membranes from infection while NK cells are a type of white blood cell that circulates in our blood to destroy foreign cells. There have been eight double-blind, placebo-controlled trials with Epicor in humans. The most relevant to viral infections were studies conducted in both adults who had received a flu shot and those who had not. In both cases, EpiCor supplementation at a dosage of 500 mg daily had a beneficial effect on reducing the incidence of cold and flu symptoms. Wellmune has also been shown to be effective in preventing upper respiratory viral infections (colds and the flu) in double-blind studies. In one of these study results, the subjects taking Wellmune (500 mg daily) reported:

• No missed work or school due to colds, compared with 1.38 days of work/school missed for the placebo group.
• No incidence of fever, compared with 3.50 incidence in the placebo group.
• An increase in quality of life, including physical energy and emotional well-being, as measured by a clinically validated health survey questionnaire.

Monolaurin 

Monolaurin is a fat found in coconut oil that is also available as a dietary supplement. It exerts some interesting antiviral effects with confirmed activity to viruses similar to coronavirus. Many viruses, as well as bacteria and protozoa (parasites) are enveloped by a protective membrane composed of fatty substances (lipids). Current research indicates that monolaurin dissolves lipids in the fatty envelope, basically disintegrating the organisms’ protective shield and causing them to be easily destroyed by the immune system. Though monolaurin has not been studied on coronavirus, it may have some benefit. The typical dosage of monolaurin in 1,000-1,500 mg twice daily. 

Serratia Peptidase 

Serratia peptidase or serrapeptase is a digestive enzyme that also helps keeps mucus secretions in an optimal state – not too thick and not too watery. Originally isolated from a bacteria that resides in the intestines of the silkworm, it is also called “silkworm” enzyme as it is what breaks down the cocoon to free the silk moth. In addition to its nonspecific effect on host defenses against infection, serrapeptase was recently shown to exert antiviral effects by digesting proteins that coat the virus. Other proteolytic enzymes, e.g., bromelain, may also be effective. The dosage for serrapeptase is based upon enzyme activity: 80,000-100,000 SPUs twice daily between meals on an empty stomach.

Astragalus Root

Astragalus root (Astragalus membranaceus) is a traditional Chinese medicine used to treat viruses . Clinical studies in China have validated it is effective when used as a preventive measure against the common cold. It has also been shown to reduce the duration and severity of symptoms in acute treatment of the common cold, as well as raise white blood cell counts in chronic leukopenia (a condition characterized by low white blood cell levels). Research in animals indicates that astragalus apparently works by stimulating several factors of the immune system. In particular, it appears to stimulate white blood cells to engulf and destroy invading organisms and cellular debris as well as enhance the production of interferon (a key natural compound produced by the body to fight viruses). Follow label instructions.

If You are Concerned About the Coronavirus...

If you have had close contact with someone who is confirmed to have, or being evaluated for, 2019-nCoV infection, you should monitor your health starting from the day you first had close contact with the person and continue for 14 days after you last had close contact with the person. Watch for these signs and symptoms:

• Fever. Take your temperature twice a day.
• Coughing.
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
• Chills, body aches, sore throat, headache, diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, and runny nose.

If you develop fever or any of these symptoms, it is important to be evaluated by your healthcare provider right away.

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5 MDM solutions worth checking out

Mobile Device Management is necessary for a secure mobile business environment. Check out these five MDM options.

More about Mobility

• Coronavirus: How companies can handle employee travel in wake of deadly virus
• Iowa 2020 caucus app: Shadow took lots of shortcuts
• How to protect your privacy on an iOS device
• New soft, stretchable battery can safely power wearables

Everyone has a smartphone they use for work, and many have tablets, laptops, and more to help them do work on the go. If your company has a team of mobile workers, then you need Mobile Device Management (MDM) to keep your business safe. 

Because mobile devices allow the user to be untethered from the core network, standard desktop management policies do not apply. A newer breed of management software is necessary that allows IT departments to effectively manage the hardware, software, and most importantly, precious data, protecting it from compromise, loss, and theft.

SEE: Reducing the risks of BYOD in the enterprise (TechRepublic download)

Disclosure: TechRepublic may earn a commission from some of the products featured on this page. TechRepublic and the author were not compensated for this independent review.

Look for these mobile security features

• Security hardening: Enterprise-wide security policies and restrictions work to ensure devices, and their data remain secured from unauthorized access.
• Patch management: Update devices (or limit updating capabilities) to maintain a stable mobile operating system environment at all times.
• App deployment: Mass deployment of applications based on groups or granularly by serial number with centralized management of licensing. This also limits the cost of in-app purchases.
• Centralized logging: Device inventory and reporting updates are maintained on a per-device level to provide holistic views of issues affecting device performance.
• Administrative reporting: Granular reporting features that can identify devices that are out of compliance, necessitating support or verification.
• Device provisioning: Zero-touch enrollment of devices based on profiles or integration of third-party services, such as Device Enrollment Program to facilitate handover to MDM services for managed, automated setup each time.

SEE: How to choose the best MDM partner: 5 key considerations (TechRepublic) 

Here are some of the more mainstream solutions, how they fit in with certain industries, and what the practical application for these mean for IT moving forward.

Jamf Pro

Arguably the leader in MDM solutions when it comes to Apple device management, Jamf's offerings are found in the corporate, healthcare, and educational sectors. Companies of all sizes rely on the MDM vendor's solutions to manage their entire fleet of computers and mobile devices.

SEE: Jamf Now and Pro simplify Apple MDM for businesses of all sizes (TechRepublic)  

Offering on-premise and cloud-hosted solutions, or a hybrid mix of both, Jamf is one of the few vendors that partners with Apple on support requests and offers zero-day support for the latest versions of Apple software updates for macOS and iOS. This means management features added to the latest OSes are supported on day one, along with updated documentation and administrative support.

Microsoft Intune

Microsoft Intune uses the Azure platform to provide cloud-based management of devices with Microsoft and Apple OSes installed. It also features integration with Microsoft's flagship SCCM suite to provide a holistic, on-premise management platform that keeps devices secured and updated, on and off network.

SEE: Managing Android devices with Intune (TechRepublic)

Geared more toward the corporate and education industries, Intune adoption is growing its market share steadily, especially with its ability to support non-Microsoft devices, which is a boon for organizations with an enterprise agreement because it's already included with the support contract. 

A caveat: Support for macOS/iOS is being added, but it doesn't support the breadth of features that some of its competitors do. If you're a predominantly Apple-focused shop, some features may not be available. 

Workspace ONE from VMware

It was formerly known as AirWatch, but VMware purchased the company and rebranded it. The enterprise-focused solution offers support for Microsoft, Apple, Android, and Chrome operating systems and devices. Workspace ONE also includes feature-rich software to manage device security, data stores, managed access, and more. The cloud-based offering includes the Digital Workspace Platform, which is used to centrally manage all devices for full end-point management in a device's lifecycle. This makes Workspace ONE a great choice for companies with many devices from different providers or a robust BYOD initiative to be able to compartmentalize access types and keep data separate from management policies.

SEE: Bring your own device (BYOD) policy (TechRepublic Premium)

Mosyle

Mosyle is a relative newcomer to the MDM marketspace for Apple devices. It  offers some of the easiest-to-use management consoles for its business- and education-focused solutions. Add to that its zero-day promise that implements support for the latest macOS, iOS, and tvOS features on day one and an excellent support team that is knowledgeable and friendly, and you've got a product that excels at managing the company's Apple-based fleet, while being affordable when compared with its direct competitors.

The education-focused Mosyle Manager works largely the same as its business counterpart, though it integrates seamlessly with Apple School Manager and DEP to not only provide zero-touch enrollment of computers, tablets, and smartphones, but also synchronize classroom data between devices and the cloud-based servers, providing a centralized management base for devices and classroom data, users, classes, and classroom enrollment.

SEE: iOS-based devices: Zero-touch management essentials (TechRepublic)

MobileIron

MobileIron is one of the original companies to focus on the EMM/MDM space and is aimed mainly at corporate device management for iOS and Android devices, with some offerings delving into unified endpoint management of Apple devices. Where MobileIron shines is in its security-focused implementations that work based on zero-trust of the mobile device, so all software and the data they contain are deployed, configured, updated, and maintained in a secure fashion to minimize data loss or exfiltration through unauthorized means.

With containerization, data is always verified before it is accessed by apps and users on each device, limiting what can be done with that data. In-line with the zero-trust methodology, MobileIron also offers single sign-on (SSO) capability and integration with third-party services. It eliminates the need for passwords, instead opting for device IDs to limit access. It can also be further bolstered with multi-factor authentication policies to prevent unauthorized access.

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Spotify playlist complaint sparked by killer clown advert

Image copyrightWarner Bros has been rebuked after an advert for one of its horror movies was played during a Spotify playlist of children's lullabies.

The advert for the film It: Chapter Two featured the voice of killer clown Pennywise talking and giggling over scary music.

It ran in August although it had been tagged as unsuitable for "kids' music".

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) said Warner must take further steps to prevent a similar incident.

Spotify did not respond to the BBC's request to explain why it had not blocked the advert.

But the UK's advertising watchdog said that the music streaming firm had told it "they did not believe the playlist was designed primarily for children".

Even so, the regulator noted the technology company had now removed the list from its platform.

"As streaming services become ever more mainstream, I suspect they'll face a number of new challenges like this one," commented Chris Cooke, managing director of music business consultancy CMU Insights.

"While it's reasonable to say that Spotify's advertising technology should keep unsuitable ads away from playlists overtly aimed at children, are we saying it should also look for playlists that have the sort of music that might make them popular for children?

"That said, Spotify is already making moves in this space by launching a specific kids version of its app for premium users. Maybe it needs to apply some of that functionality to its [advert-supported] free service too."

Distressing sounds

The playlist in question was titled "Classical Lullabies", and had been curated by Spotify itself.

It included songs whose titles included the phrases:

• Children's Music
• For Children
• English Nursery Tunes

On this basis, the ASA said that it considered the list was indeed "designed primarily" to be listened to by young children, despite Spotify's denial.

The 30-second advert featured the distorted voice of It's villain. The character, created by the writer Stephen King, had terrorised a group of children in the first movie, and describes his desire to return, while indistinct whispers play in the background.

"For 27 years, I dreamt of you. I craved you. Oh, I missed you," he says, before a siren, drums and other discordant sound effects are played.

The regulator said that it believed this was likely to distress young audiences.

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