LBS (Location Based Services) Perspectives
May 17, 2012
After fulfilling our need to be connected as quickly as possible, with as many people as possible, the need of understanding our current location and using the outmost possible of your context came to surface. Why carry a special navigation device, a tourist map, a local events guide or other obsolete items when you can have it all on your smartphone? Why call your drivers, your bank agent or your RE agent, when you can easily locate and track the entire vehicle fleet, the closest ATM or the property you are looking for? Yes, LBS (Location Based Services) can solve all these queries.
What drives LBS industry growth? How is the society being reshaped? What are the dilemmas that LBS are facing? These are the main questions that 2012 LBS industry players are addressing.
Location. Location. Location.
It is a well known epitome that you might have heard several times in your life, most probaly from real estate agents. It is just their way to express the importance of location. From ancient military strategies and urban developments, choosing the right location for a specific action or edifice, knowing and controlling the territory was a premise for success. It is still available in our times. If, on one hand you – as a person want to know how to move around, on the other hand, others – as a person or service providers, want to know your location. It’s a two-way road.
Technology made it easier once again. While our parents used to carry a map when exploring new sites and ran to the public phone booth to call for advice, we are now carrying only a smartphone.
LBS Enablers
As of 2012, we are wittnessing great LBS experience. First, there are the technological platforms enabling LBS: Cell ID (Cell Identifier), GPS (Global Positionning System), aGPS (assisted Global Positionning System) or BSN (Broadband Satellite Network). Secondly there is the hardware for it – multipurpose (like smartphones) or singlepurpose (navigation device, object tracking device, etc.). Third, there are the user parties – personal, corporate and institutional. The criteria that must be considered are: location accuracy, range coverage, security of service, optimal costs.
Demand for LBS
The current LBS market responds to 4 main requests: to navigate, to find people and objects, to advertise&inform and to network. Historically, each of these request was dealt independently by solutions with specific software and hardware. As the mobile technology evolved so much in the past years, smartphones and other similar personal devices tend to replace single purpose devices.
The sectors that integrate most of the LBS technology are military, transportation and logistics, telecom and health. Recently entertainment and mobile commerce are quickly rising, accompanied by a set of personal service set: weather forecasts, networking. Real Estate industry is becoming a VIP demander for location based systems and solutions. Steadily, the overall economy is adopting LBS as we are doing more and more actions „on the go” straight from our personal devices.
Codespring and LBS Experience
Location Based Services is part of our company’s expertise as we have been involved in several large projects. Codespring has integrated location based solutions for terrestrial and maritime fleet management, for navigation, for resources tracking with dynamic distribution, for security systems.
Codespring has also developed its’ own Traffic Enforcement Camera warning system for iPhone. It handles different type of traffic cameras, speed limits in metric and imperial unit systems, has a fully customizable speed camera database, map feature with track recorder, statistics and Google Maps integration provided you have Internet connection. As most laser radar detectors draw your attention too late to photo enforcement systems, iSpeedCam might be your ultimate companion to avoid speed tickets.
Codespring’s work has impact on both business indicators and users’ experience. We are also involved in deploying convergent technologies such as: IPTV, Voice over IP, Voice call continuity, Digital video broadcasting. We have also been involved in developing several social networking oriented LBS functions.Our technical team is constantly involved in the integration of latest hardware for delivering state-of-the-art communication systems.
Location Based Apps Performance
The mobile industry stimulates the developemnt of various applications using location tracking features Some of the key functions to follow are: the number of operating systems supported, if web application is available or not, the way of user identification, the location update frequency, behaviour for stale location, location history, sharing of temporary location, sharing location with friends, precision levels configurable per friend basis, option to manually configure location, check into nearby place, custom locations labels, source of friend’s name and photos, maximum distance to friends locations.
What worth mentionning, based on the previous list, is the degree to which social network has an impact in the development of LBS supported applications.
The Privacy Issue
Probably the most debated topic related to lBS adoption is the privacy around your location. Is it safe to share your location? Different generations may answer this question in different ways. While most of the world smartphone owners use the device in a conventional way, the tech-savvy and younger generations are using it in ways that even their developers did not think of.
While for some, sharing their location is something normal and fun, for others it is subject to confidentiality and privacy matters. In both cases, one fact is sure: in case of health problem, criminal attack or some sort of incident it is safer that the person can be located by security officers, emergency aid or friends.
In this respect some privacy-enhancement technologies (PET) have been developed. PETs may consist in simple on/off switches or in sophisticated solutions that use anonymization techniques or location obfuscation techniques.
Reasons for Enabling LBS Feature
As we learn from the United Stated population, that is by far the one using the most of LBS in the world, the main resons for sharing one’s location are: navigation, weather information, traffic information, city locations and reviews.
Secondly, service providers like restaurants, hotels or shopping centers pushed mobile commerce by launching coupons and promotions for LBS users. This turns out to be a good reason to use LBS for catching offers and benefitting from promotions. And again, sharing location enbales friends to learn in real time where they are and meet at common location: resaturant, museum, cinema or other.
Particular situations are recommended to take advantage of LBS : a pacient seeking for the nearest hospital, a lost child looking for the closest police station, an old person looking for some type of assitance, a driver looking for a car service and many other similar contexts.
Doing Things Different and Better
In the future, all parties: technology providers, users and standards regulators – should focus on making these services safer, more usefull and better. The rising intensity of LBS usage opens new business opportunities and new community-related opportunities. With the latest Augmented Reality (AR) technologies, LBS performance and user experience can be increased. Travelling and navigation already started this process. It is up to our collective imagination to find the right way to do this.
What About Industrial Consumers?
We are particularly interested in how the industry is intaking the LBS phenomenon. Consecutive to our own development experience we find a great value in integrating LBS feature in industrial applications at corporate level. The type of services that may be deployed are related to the Supply Chain Management, Inventory Management, Customer Relationship Management, Smart Transportationa nd Systems Infrastructure.
The greatest leap will be achieved in the nearest future when identification, connectivity and inference will achieve seamless convergence. Dynamic systems exploiting at the maximum LBS capabilities will come alive when materials and objects will be provided with specific sensors that will facilitate the constant stream of information. Some say this is too futuristic but some developments are already in place.
Analysts forecast the Location Based Services (LBS) market to reach values of the order of tens of billions in the next five years. As Europe and Asia are adopting more and more this type of service, we are also curious how the general LBS landscape will look like in 2017-2020. (D.C.)
Codespring at TDC 2012 Today!
May 15, 2012
Today, 15th of May 2012 and tomorrow, 16th of May 2012, Codespring will meet you at TDC (Targul de Cariere) 2012 spring edition. Location: Casa de Cultura a Studentilor , Cluj-Napoca (Cluj-Napoca Students Hall). Fresh jobs, fresh approach – everything to make you find out more about us and our way of working. You are welcome to visit us at our stand and to leave your CV each day between 10.00 a.m. and 04.00 p.m.
What should you look at?
This time, Codespring has structured a customized program for any of you! Our organization is growing day by day and we want to make sure that everyone fits well in the structure.
For Students: You are a software development enthusiast and want to find your way in the industry? Codespring offers you the opportunity of attending a specialized Internship or to prepare your thesis under the mentorship of our experts.
For Junior Software Developers: You are just starting a career in software development? Codespring may be the right place to master the basics and grow the expert in you. Find more about the current opportunities at our stand.
For Expert Software Developers: You have already hands-on experience in software development and you master well your knowledge? We want to hear from you. At Codespring you will be able to add work experience and to grow to the next level. Check the offer and the opportunities at our stand.
For Leader Software Developers: You are an expert and are good at motivating and managing people? Maybe it’s time to deploy your skills and focus on this side of the software development process. Codespring offers you the environment to grow, shift roles and challenge yourself. Check our offer and opportunities at the stand.
For Software Architects: You grasp easily the big picture and have experience in building system architectures? Codespring has a special program for you too. Find out more about opportunities for a software architect career at our stand.
All roles are important for us, therefore please take your time in checking each job description and the way we understand work at Codespring.
Tips for a successful meeting at the fair remain the same:
- Prepare your updated Résumé;
- Bring a few hardcopies with you;
- State your career objective;
- Note all your hard and soft skills;
- If you have already targeted your desired company, prepare a customized “Letter of Intent” to leave at the stand;
- Prepare some questions for the HR representatives;
- …and most important: be fresh and friendly!
Codespring is actively looking for talented people to join its team. It’s up to you to stand out and leave a good impression.
Meet you at TDC!
Q1/2012 Sifted Offshore/Nearshore Candidates
May 10, 2012
The general outsourcing landscape of Europe in the first quarter of 2012 showed a tendency to prefer nearshore candidate companies opposite to the Asian offshore candidate companies. Romania positioned itself as a viable solution both in terms of costs and skills. Large companies involved in IT and Telecom opted for Romania as an outsourcing provider, but also European SME’s chooses Romanian companies to develop their projects. Cluj-Napoca, as the 2nd hub of software development and software services companies in Romania, after Bucharest (the country capital city) attracted important contracts during Q1 of 2012. Codespring itself experienced positive results with clients choosing to locate their outsourcing projects and support services in Romania, rather than in more exotic locations.
The Central Eastern European country group, namely Ukraine, Poland, Romania, and Bulgaria brings the best value to the Western European companies looking to outsource completely or part of their IT Services and Software Development initiatives.
Romania on the Global IT Landscape
Reaching an IT&C market value of 7 billion EURO in 2011 with its 8000, 00 companies involved in software development and IT services, powered by a workforce 23% engaged in the Science and Technology sector, Romania is one of the regional IT poles in Europe.
According to “The Global Information Technology Report 2010-2011” of World Economic Forum, Romania’s rank in the Global Competitiveness Index for 2010-2011was of 67 out of 139 countries submitted to the study. The fact that in the past five years, Romania has always been included in the first half of this index provides the chances for this country to take advantage of some resourceful structural advantages. How does the Romanian ITC sector hold on among the global and regional economic turbulences? What did convince major companies and innovative SME’s to sign development and service level agreements with Romanian, in our case with Cluj-Napoca companies? It is a cumulus of factors that we will describe in the following lines.
Favourable ITC Environment
Romania attracts capital and projects dedicated to the ITC sector by several specific traits of the market, of the regulatory landscape and of the infrastructure. With a fair availability of latest technologies and laws regulating the ITC activity, addressing its major issues, Romania has scored “best” in 2011 for internet & telephony competition(1).
Some essential achievements worth to mention in the ITC infrastructure sector too: Romania is counted among the first 20 economies (2) in the world for International Internet Bandwidth, Mb/s per 10000, 00 pop.; Ranked 22nd (3). and 23rd (4) in the world for tertiary education enrolment and mobile network coverage, Romania is also situated in the first tier in terms of scientists & engineers availability(5) and of accessibility of digital content(6). In addition, the number of secure internet servers and Romania’s capacity of producing electricity from various resources gives the country an impulse to foster ITC investments.
Romanian ITC Readiness
ITC sourcing specialists and investors find Romania as a complete surprise: all parties, individuals, businesses and Government are fairly ready to adopt and develop ITC products and services. There is a tradition and a clear talent pool in STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics) areas, Romania being in Top 50 of the world. Individual ITC buyer’s sophistication (7) is also noticeable, even more as Romania is considered a convergent market, quickly adopting newest technologies. Domestic businesses propelled Romania as the 13th country in the world importing computer, communication and other services. (8)
On top of all the straight-form-the-root preparedness, Romania’s Government has an established strategy and vision in what the ITC sector is concerned. Let’s remember that Romania was the first Eastern European country that built computers, and one of these historical institutions is situated in Cluj-Napoca, Transylvania.
ITC Usage in Romania
Romanians are active Internet users, they rapidly have embraced virtual social networks and one can see this in the impact that Romanian ITC has on the population’s access to basic services. Mobile phone subscriptions and broadband Internet subscriptions are among the highest in the world. Romanian hardware market is expected to grow up to 1.0 billion USD by 2015, (9) while PC sales forecasts indicate a value of 870 million USD in 2015(10). Software spending is estimated to reach 305 million USD by 2015. (11) IT services market value is expected to be of 469 million USD in 2015.(12 In terms of high-tech exports rate compared to exports of goods rate, Romania is ranked 29th in the world out of 139 economies submitted to the study (13).
There is also an interesting activity seizable at patent application level. Romanian inventors leverage the country ranking up in the first third of the featured indexes. But, the truth is that a lot if intellectual capital and innovation is being subcontracted in the work and benefit of Romania’s main ITC partners: Germany, USA, Netherlands, and United Kingdom. A situation that is logical due to the necessary investments in ITC projects.
Romanian Creatives Make a Difference
In close relation to the ITC usage, one should also know that Romania is net creative services exporter. At European level Romania has recorded the biggest EU export growth rate of royalties and licence fees (92.6) during 2002-2010(14). Romania has also achieved the 3rd EU export rate (33.6%)(15) for R&D services and the 3rd EU export growth rate of architectural, engineering and other technical services (32.1%)(16) during 2002-2010. Bottom line: creative industries account for 7% of the Romanian GDP(17).
Exactly beacuse of this searched after creativity, deliverable in multiple languages more and more investors are setting ground in Romania, namely in the cities of Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, Iasi, Brasov – the main centers for outsourcing and custom software development in the country.
ITC Talent Confirms Again
At the crossroads of cultures, Romania deploys multilingual IT specialists. According to recent research, 97% of young Romanians speak English, more than 47% speak another language and 26% speak two foreign languages (18). For example in Cluj-Napoca, aside English as an international language, the locals speak at native level German, Hungarian and speak with professional fluency French or Italian.
The top 5 polytechnic universities (one of them being the Cluj-Napoca Technical University), added to 53 sector universities (of which we mention Babes-Bolyai University of Cluj-Napoca) and 175 colleges with technical profile propelled Romania as the leader in Europe and 6th in the world by the number of certified IT specialists. Romania is counting in average 9000 computer science graduates per year, 600 of Cluj-Napoca universities provenience. The country is also proud of being the 1st in the EU in what implies Computer Science and Mathematics International Olympics Winners, 3rd in the world after Russia and China.
Q1/2012: Time For Decision
The underlying pressure between ITO supply and demand in 2011 has been resented in the first months of 2012 too. Europe’s economy forced 2011 European ITO buyers to put a stress on the price-quality lever. They still have to improve cost efficiency but they also needed to access higher or at least similar quality. In the process, it appears that India has lost the quality competition, while other Eastern European countries may not be on Western European ITO buyer’s radars due to various factors: language barriers, service delivery, costs per man-hour.
As Romania still provides the 2nd cost leadership in ITO sector in Europe, many ITO buyers turned back from Asia (namely India) here or decided to outsource software development processes for the 1st time. In both cases, the main stake is to shorten the time to market (TTT). What Romanian ITO providers promoted in the recent years is enhanced communication, no hidden agenda and dead-line oriented delivery – three main aspects that have a great impact upon the quality of the overall outsourcing process.
As we have witnessed ourselves during Q1 of 2012, requests for Cluj-Napoca ITO providers were headed towards two main goals: a) to undertake full software development lifecycle and deliver final products to market in Europe or Worldwide; b) to overtake existing IT processes from dropped out suppliers in other parts of the world.
The Romanian Way for 2012: Exceeding Expectations
As a conclusion of our investigations and interviews with our local and regional peers, Romanian ITO providers are determined to win more market share by entering in strategic partnerships and mature agreements. As there is still a long way to go, Romania, Cluj-Napoca and Codespring – by default – chose as a winning strategy for 2012 to exceed expectations of their ITO customers. (D.C.)
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References:
(1-8) / the Global Information Technology Report 2010-2011, of World Economic Forum
(9-16) /Romania Your Partner for 2012, Romanian Centre for Trade and Investment Promotion
CODESPRING PAPERS, 7th edition is out!
May 10, 2012
Codespring Company Papers 7th edition is out! Latest market reports, industry insights, thinking point and product focus are brought to you by this spring edition. The way of getting through the 2012 global perspectives: exceeding expections. Learn more about the contents of our latest issue in the lines below.
Exceed Expectations
While there is a set of considerable change in the European and Romanian socio-economic and political landscape, Codespring is striving to highlight the aspects that impact the ITC sector.
The 7th edition of Codespring Company Papers focuses on bringing to your attention the events that have recently triggered our market, our business and our minds. Following the previous market reporting and analysis, today we have tried to describe how the offshore and nearshore candidates have been passed through the market’s sieve. The findings reveal a more powerful tractor force towards the CEE region, namely Romania.
Among the new industry segments on the horizon, we have chosen to have a glance at the LBS (Location Based Services) perspectives. Recently launched on the Romanian market, we have screened for you Qulto, a best of breed integrated collections system. Finally we have shared our reflections on HTML5, the fifth revision of the World Wide Web core language, HTML (HyperText Markup Language).
As a leading thought that guided the providers of all the innovations and developments studied under the present paper, we are now sharing with you the strategy that we are determined to follow in 2012: exceed expectations.
Codespring Team.
JOBSHOP 2012 / Cluj-Napoca
April 18, 2012
Codespring team will be happy to meet you at the Jobshop organized by BEST (Board of European Students of Technology) and the Technical University from Cluj-Napoca , between the 24th and 25th of April 2012. On the occasion of its 18th edition, the JOBSHOP will host 30 companies at the well known venue: Students’ Cultural Hall.
JOBSHOP aims at combining all the factors needed for developing a specilized workforce: students, universities and private companies. “Attending students will learn about the companies willing to hire them. Private companies will have the opportunity to face their futire employees, while the University fulfills its role of mediating the link between the two parties. The University has also the chance to adapt to the market’s needs in respect with the specialities at high demand, offering to their students an education in accordance with the current trends. In this way, during this two days event, interested students may find jobs or internship opportunities” – declared the organizing team.
Apart of the job fair area, the event also includes several workshops, company presentations and meetings with designated company representatives. A central point to book on your calendar is the „BEST Academics and Companies” event – a round table where students, active specialists and official represnetatives of the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca will meet.
Among the participating companies you will find: Codespring LLC, Continental AG, Property Shark, Altom, Autoliv, Coresystems, Emerson, Evoline, EvoPro, Flow Traders, Gameloft, Greppy Systems, Hilti, HP Software, iQuest, Ixia, LMS, Misoft systems, MSG, P&G (Procter&Gamble), Pentalog, PiTech, PWC, RCS&RDS, Star Transmission Cugir/ Daimler AG, Steelcase, SYKES, Technosam, Tenaris Silcotub, Tora Trading Services, UMT software and Yonder.
As usual, we give you some tips for a successful meeting at JOBSHOP:
- Prepare your updated Résumé;
- Bring a few hardcopies with you;
- State your career objective;
- Note all your hard and soft skills;
- If you have already targeted your desired company, prepare a customized “Letter of Intent” to leave at the stand;
- Prepare some questions for the HR representatives;
- …and most important: be fresh and friendly!
Codespring is actively looking for talented people to join its team. It’s up to you to stand out and leave a good impression.
See you at JOBSHOP 2012!
Open Days 2012
April 18, 2012
We continue the tradition of Codespring Open Days event as one of the best times to interact with our teams and learn more about us. The official date is the 10th of May and the location is our new Cluj-Napoca headquarters on 29, Frunzisului street.
Students of the Faculty of Mathematics – Informatics from Babes-Bolyai University & Faculty of Automation and Computer Science from the Polytechnic University Cluj – Napoca will be welcomed by our team. The schedule includes: projects presentations, meetings with our Management team and interesting workshops. Of course, access to our leisure & pleasure facilities will be also part of the visit.
This year we will draw your attention on the reasons for which Codespring is the place to upgrade yourself. We will present your Career Diagram at Codespring and various professional paths for young professionals.
As during the previous editions, we expect you to come with interesting questions and ideas. Remember that we are flexible and willing to share our experience with our future colleagues. ;)
Book Codespring Open Days 2012 on your calendar, now!
We are waiting you with fresh info and interesting opportunities.
Codespring team.
3rd Anniversary of Codespring’s office in Odorheiu-Secuiesc
March 14, 2012
We are happy to inform you that on March 02, 2012 we have celebrated for the 3rd time (!) the opening of Codespring’s office in Odorheiu-Secuiesc (Székelyudvarhely or Oderhellen). We were all eagerly waiting for this day, as we have a lot of fun while planning where to go and what to do on the occasion. Each year, besides the traditional dinner, we choose the sporting activity that best suited our colleagues. This year, the voting brought bowling in the arena.
The party started with a copious dinner in the three star hotel – Septimia, where – as a rule for this special event – the colleagues have also invited their partners. Accompanied by good drinks and nice food, it was a good opportunity to recall the greatest moments from the past years: the motor cycling day, the barbeque party and many more. We also made some plans for the future. For instance, we have agreed that to repeat the motorcycle day, but this time we will be riding to the Bucsin village.
After enjoying the delicious meal and desserts we tried out the newly opened “ Bowling Club” in the Septimia sport complex near the hotel. While drinking some beers, we had a lot of fun playing exciting matches. As alongside our little sports arena some party was going on, those who still got the energy boost were inspired and went on partying in the Friday’s nightlife of the city. There were plenty of places to go, and after several bar-hopping they finally found the best party in the famous G Music Pub where they continued the celebration until dawn.
This is how we stepped in our 4th operating year of the Odorheiu-Secuiesc (Székelyudvarhely or Oderhellen) subsidiary. Should you be nearby, do not hesitate to step in and pay us a visit. We will be happy to walk you around and present our team.
CeBIT 2012: Codespring Review
March 13, 2012
Thank you everybody for visiting CODESPRING at CeBIT 2012!
CeBIT 2012 turned once again into a successful event for Codespring. The five days of tradeshow gave us valuable insight of what 2012 ITC trends look like. The number of visitors stopping at our booth and asking for details about Romania and Transylvania’s (or Siebenburgen) software development and outsourcing landscape was quite large. Our guests have learned about Codespring’s set of services, about our delivery model and quality system. The quest for reliable outsourcing partners and the need to migrate to new environments and to integrate various systems were the hottest topics at our stand. Numerous business talks and business leads have marked our participation at CeBIT 2012.
The “stars” of our booth were our iconic Codespring mascot – the blue elephant, and our newly launched Codespring Software Development Game Board. These two items were intended to transpire the spirit of creativity and innovation that characterizes our team and they made it!
Our incursions in the defined sectors for CeBIT lab, CeBIT life, CeBIT gov, CeBIT pro or at the CeBIT Global Conferences were very enriching and brought on the discussions table some very interesting topics under the “Managing Trust” keynote.
The second edition of our CeBIT Press Kit was once again appreciated. Some press representatives have even visited our stand to look for more information about the company and the city of Cluj-Napoca (also known as Klausenburg). The latest information on the local and national software development market is being constantly delivered by our market research team. We invite you to check our Resources section and our quarterly published Company Papers for being updated about Cluj-Napoca, Transylvania, Romania and the broader CEE region.
As Mr. Szélyes Levente, CEO Codespring points it out, CeBIT 2012 worth its flagship event status of the ITC industry as the number of CIO and decision makers attending have a visible impact on the quality and scale of the tradeshow. We also thank the Romanian organizing team led by Mrs. Valerica Dragomir, Executive Director at A.N.I.S. for all the efforts made to set up the RomaniaIT stand and the “Romanian Night” special event at CeBIT 2012.
Codespring is a software development and outsourcing company from Romania, Cluj-Napoca, an active promoter of the idea of excellence in the Romanian IT industry. During 14 years of work in full software development life cycle, Codespring grew expertise in more than 15 industries. www.codespring.ro
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If you would like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Codespring representatives, please call us at: +40-364-113110 or e-mail us at pr@codespring.ro.
CeBIT 2012: day 1.
March 06, 2012
CeBIT 2012 started yesterday, the 5th of March 2012, with a grandiose opening ceremony in the Hannover Congress Centrum. The event was presided by the German Chancellor, Dr. Angela Merkel. On behalf of the official Partner Country – Brazil – Dilma Rousseff, President, has addressed a welcoming speech. The keynote of the ceremony was given by Eric Schmidt, Executive Chairman of Google, conveying his message to a VIP audience of more than 2000 guests. Dr. Dieter Kampf, President of the German Federal Association for Information Technology, Telecommunications and New Media (BITKOM) and David McAllister, Premier of the State of Lower Saxony have also addressed their message to the CeBIT VIP audience.
This morning all exhibitors opened their stands. Romania is present with a group of 16 companies: our company – Codespring, Ambo Software, Arobs Transilvania Software, Beia Consult International, e-Sourcing Know-how & services, Fortech, IT Six Global Services, jpard, Maguay, Medea Romania, Misoft systems, Pentalog high tech, Prodinf Software, RomSoft, Ropardo and Transilvania Software.
The Romanian stand is neighbored by the Bulgarian, the Polish, the Belgian stands and by a group of Indian companies. Its exact location is Hall 6, stand D46. The atmosphere is good for making connections and establishing future partnerships. We are also delighted to be very close to the Brazilian stand, the official Country Partner of CeBIT 2012.
As it is the first day of CeBIT tradeshow, visitors are curious about what is going on and what opportunities may be found in here. The Conference series has already started , today being the “All Smart” day topic. Smart living, smart grids, smart traffic, smart cities, health, education, broadband, intelligent traffic management, electromobility and open data are the main subjects of the day.
If interested in finding out more about Cluj-Napoca, Transilvania, Romania and Codespring, you are welcome to visit our stand. You will find lots of useful information, a smiling team, a great game and an iconic symbol of Codespring!
Meet you each day from 9.00 to 6.00 at CeBIT 2012.
Computer Simulated Real World Behaviors
February 15, 2012
One of the most spectacular capabilities that human kind has developed is that of planning ahead, of projecting things, phenomena and events in the future. Yet, how to choose among multiple options? How to capture and foresee dynamics? Often, the most reliable and elegant solution is mathematics. Encoding real dimensions and characteristics as numerical markers and adding change factors in the same format, everything resumes at solving several equations. Based on such clear principle, the task becomes difficult when facing the amount of data that needs to be processed. (!) That’s why specific computing technology has been developed and is currently capable of delivering consistent simulations.
Computer simulations
Computer simulations are actual computer programs that attempt to simulate an abstract model of a particular system. Computer simulations make use of computer modelling and may last a few minutes or several days; they may be run by one single computer, by a network of computers or a supercomputer. Based on various computer models (stochastic vs deterministic, steady state vs dynamic, continuous vs discrete, local vs distributed) simulations may be classified as dynamic simulations, DES (discrete event simulations), continuous dynamic simulations, agent-based simulations, and many other.
Time-stepped simulations are generally split in two main categories: a) stencil codes – simulations using regular grids for data storage and needing only next-neighbour access; b) meshfree – using non-regular grids.
In order to push forward the simulation technology several simulation langauges and simulation environments have been developed. The result consists in a set of simulation softwares designed for specific applications and industries. For postprocessing, special computer graphics software visually display the results, completing the forms that computers are designed to show.
Calibration and validation
In order to have a successful simulation model, it is very important to have correct input data, to develop a correct model and to set correct parameters. This stage is called calibration. Then, the simulation model must be validated through repeated verification. Another key role belongs to the reproductibility of the results.
Big Data processing
The most obvious characteristic of big data is that it comes only in one size: large (!). According to IBM featured article, “everyday we create 2.5 quintillion bytes of data – so much that 90% of the data in the world today has been created in the last two years alone.”
Complex physics simulations, meteorlogy forecast, genomics, connectomics, bioresearch or business information use tremendously large data sets at the order of terrabytes, exabytes or zettabytes. Exceptional technologies are needed to process this amount of data and to make them available in nearly real-time. Massively parallel processing databases, datamining grids, scalable storage systems are just a few examples. Therefore, in order to be able to have in place effective complex simulation software, the infrastructure must be able to handle Big Data and reduce error risks.
CFD software
Computational Fluid Dynamics software is used for simulating interactions between fluids and gas with surfaces defined by boundary conditions. Thus flow, thermic and acoustic behaviour may be simulated.
Latest cutting edge developments of CFD software facilitate the analysis of transient problems, free-surface analysis, moving parts and moving boundaries and fluid structure interaction. In order to achieve this, a few steps must be closely followed: defining the boundaries (the geometry), generating the mesh by splitting the fluid’s volume into discrete cells, defining the physical model, defining the boundary conditions. Next, the simulation is engaged and the equations are solved at a steady-state or transient state. The postprocessor releases the analysis and visualisation tools of the found solutions.
NASA and MSC Software Legacy
One of the most successfull initiators and funding organisms for fluid dynamics simulations developments is NASA. Based on MSC Software’s SADSAM (Structural Analysis by Digital Simulation of Analog Methods), a new public domain code has been developed: NASTRAN, which is currently integrated in a sum of different software packages.
As mentioned in the “NASA Technology” official article, among the 10 technologies developed by NASA centers and in collaboration with other entities, that have had a big impact on commercial military and general aviation aircraft, two technologies are key subject of this article: CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) and the already industry-standard tool for computer aided engineering of all types of structures: NASTRAN (NASA Structural Analysis).
CFD Methodology
Various CFD software use different discretization methods and integrate various turbulence models. According to the chosen method and model, linear, differential and integral equations are solved differently and their field of applications vary. Just to have a glimpse on the diversity of methods we mention: FVM (Finite Volume Method), FEM (Finite Element Method), FDM (Finite Difference Method) or boundary element method. As for the models we recall: large eddy simulation, direct numerical simulation, coherent vortex simulation, vorticity confinement method or Reynold-averaged Navier-Stokes.
The Finite Element Method (FEM)
One of the most preferd techniques to solve partial differential and integral equations when the domain is of high complexity (like automotive industry or aerospace), when the field is unstable (various state reactions) or when we focus on a specific test area accuracy is the Finite Element Method (FEM).
FEM is used in building simulation for car crashes, airplane aerodynamics, train derails, and building structures behaviour or weather predictions. FEM softwares enable many simulation options, allowing the engineers to control the model building and analysis steps. It provides cost effective solutions for pre-production testing and optimization. With FEM, all prototypes and projects step faster in the production line.
Applications
Nowadays, simulation software and hardware is supporting diverse industries. In the automotive sector, simulations help increase car safetiness, comfort and energy consumption. In aeronautics, simulations help train performant pilots, prevent malfunctions of the aircraft and improve aerodynamics. For the marine industry, computer simulations improve the ship design and resistance. In civil engineering complex building structures and megastructures can be modelled and improved straight from the project phase. The bioengineering field can simulate the spread of diseases and counteract or develop new products. The defense sector may simulate possible situations and improve its strategy. In manufacturing, the overall production process may be modelled and optimized. In electronics, new product and systems developments have occurred due to computer simulations. Finally, one of the fastest growing sectors, entertainment, takes its share from reality and fiction simulations.
Multiphysics-multidiscipline simulations
Even more complex, multyphisics simulations strive to capture the dynamic image of simultaneous natural phenomena or physical changes. Coupled physics like fluid flow with chemical reactions, electromagnetic fluids or electromagnetical interaction are the subject of latest computer simulations. Ongoing research is being directed towards the creation of advanced multiphysics-multidisciplinary simulation models. Being surrounded by data-intensive technologies, we can expect an acceleration of the complex simulations speed and the relase of new disruptive technologies. (D.C.)
CeBIT 2012, Hannover, Hall 6, stand D46
February 14, 2012
Codespring’s exact location at CeBIT 2012, in Hannover is Hall 6, stand D46 at RomaniaIT stand. Starting from the 6th of March until the 10th of March our representatives will welcome you at the stand with fresh information about the company and its’ success stories, about the people at Codespring, about the country: Romania, the region: Transylvania (also known as Siebenbürgen –“the seven fortresses”) and the city: Cluj-Napoca.
CeBIT - The leading European ICT tradeshow is a great opportunity to get in touch with suppliers and users at a senior decision-making level in the ICT industry. Daily, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. our team will be ready to provide a full range of useful information: technical, economic and cultural data.
Interested corporate representatives are welcome to set a meeting with our senior Board members by contacting us before the tradeshow or by simply visiting our stand. Press representatives will be handed carefully prepared Press Kit 2012 containing up-to-date information. Everybody passing by the stand and curious about us, will get the chance to be answered all questions.
Based on the upcoming Romania’s stand agenda we will also keep you posted on the exact date and time of the traditional “Romanian Night” at the CeBIT tradeshow. Again, we have been preparing little surprises, therefore you should keep an eye on the following February news feed!
For booking a direct meeting with Codespring members at CeBIT 2012 you may write directly to our corporate email: office@codespring.ro or call us at our head office: +40-364-113110 until the end of February 2012.
Grow Faster with Salesforce.com
February 13, 2012
Saying that salesforce.com is an award-winning cloud-computing provider is almost a pleonasm. Over the last decade, salesforce.com has constantly been in the top ranks of SFA (sales force automation) systems and recently, global enterprise platforms. Behind the highly visible and criticised “no to software” statement we find actually the desire to deliver software differently, to align IT resources to a speed that businesses were never used to before.
The inspiration
Founded in 1999 as a company specializing in SaaS (Software as a Service), the initial sales automation software took birth. The idea of services “commodification” was the one that inspired the founders to treat software as a “commodity” too. The next step was to find a solution to lower the cost of businesses, implicitely that of IT -as Marc Benioff, Chairman and CEO of Salesforce pointed it out in a special interview held by Charlie Rose in November 2011.
Currently referred as a “cloud-computing provider designed for you to manage your customer relationships, integrate with other systems, and build your own applications” (User Guide W’12), Salesforce also integrates visionary ideas inspired from the social networking killerapps like Facebook or Twitter.
Having the beginners mind
One of the leading ideas concerning the Salesforce adventure is their capability to “have the beginners mind” as Marc Benioff declares it. Thus, salesforce.com is accessible to sole entrepreneurs, to medium businesses and to large businesses as well. It provides and supports a platform that inspired entrepreneurs can build on. It is a new business model aiming at supporting the development for exciting new businesses. Salesforce.com and similar platforms enable people to smoothly operate their sales, marketing and partner groups. Additionally there is a great deal of fluent data management and of customization opportunities.
Products and services
Salesforce has developed a set of innovative products and services which can be also included in a broarder category classification:
Salesforce Applications
A set of prebuilt applications for customer relationship management (CRM) ranging from sales force automation to partner relationship management, marketing, and customer service are provided to the Salesforce users.
Sales Cloud enables the users to access the application anywhere via the Interenet. It enables the management of marketing campaigns, tracks opportunity-related data including milestones, decision makers, customer communications, and other information specific to the company’s sales process. The collaborative tool named Chatter is used to be up to date with coworkers and customers status or to initiatie common interest groups.
Service Cloud enables businesses to generate and follow cases coming in from every channel, and automatically select and push what’s important. It is designed to offer more responsive customer service, to increase agent productivity, to reduce service costs, and to gain better visibility into your service organization, whether you’re in the office or on the road.
Force.com Platform
The Force.com platform is the first platform as a service (PaaS), enabling external developers to create and deliver add-on applications customized for specific business needs. Additionally, the platform also includes easy-to-use, point-and-click customization tools to help end-users create their own solutions.
Database.com
Database.com is presented as multitenant cloud database service intended to store data for mobile, social, web, and desktop applications. Database.com may be used as the back-end database for applications that are written in any language, and run on any platform or mobile device. Database.com’s built-in social computing infrastructure and native support for building sophisticated REST-based APIs enables users to create employee-facing, native mobile and social apps.
AppExchange
AppExchange is a marketplace featuring hundreds of cloud applications created by salesforce.com customers, developers, and partners. Many of the applications are free and all of them are pre-integrated with Salesforce, enabling users to easily and efficiently add functionality.
Salesforce.com Community
Salesforce.com provides training, support, consulting, events, best practices, and discussion boards to help users be successful. It provides the flexibility to handle a large amount of simultaneuous users and to be upgraded at a convenient cost.
Being receptive to the users’ needs
One of the greatest features that Salseforce has is the openness and the will to listen to what current bsuinesses are asking for. The AppExchange’s strategy is already known among software professionals. It makes room for improvement, for new ideas, for customization and for surprising ideas. In fact it is an extension of the collaborative principle guiding the platform all around.
Professional developers
It is not by mistake that there are special sections for support, training and consulting. As there are customers from multiple and diverse industries, it is natural that each domain should have specific requirements and criteria in monitoring their operations. It is always advised to contact a skilled developer individual or team who know the platform and its underlying technologies. It will reduce the total effort of customization and it will be a shorter road to successful applications.
Overmore, it is important that further developments be done by people who really understand the cloud, the tablet, the phone and any other devices which allow businesses more mobility and office-free activities.
The readiness for alignment
Since Codespring team has been delivering SaaS (Software as a Service) and has been developing various applications for public social networking, for private business networking and various ERP enterprise resources planning software or SFA (sales force automation) software, we are ready to undertake projects involving Salesforce integration. Aligning Salesforce tools to a specific organization’s needs must be considered an investment. Businesses and organizations should catch up with the latest technologies otherwise there is the risk of becoming obsolete and not being part of the game.
The social approach
Social media has a great impact on our day-by-day interaction style and – consequently – it changes the way professional interaction is taking place. Carrying personal devices connected 24/7 to theInternet, we access personal and professional information all along. This way, we get to know more about our colleagues, our customers and partners from social networking portals.
The readiness for incorporating successful social strategies starts with understanding how social networking works and building appropriate business profile. Next, business owners are ought to take into consideration the means of how they present their services and products in the social media reality. The final skill to acquire is the way of building a relevant social business network, to sell via the network and automate the process to the possible extent.
