Festive season holiday bookings coming in thick and fast

The tourism and hospitality industries let out a collective cheer when the adjusted alert level 1 lockdown was announced. Shaun Lamont, Managing Director of First Group Hotels and Resorts says that up till then, many holiday-makers had adopted a “wait and see” attitude before confirming their festive season holiday travel plans. “The easing of the restrictions however has catalysed a flurry of activity. In fact, we have been thrilled to see that some of our properties are almost booked to capacity.”

Description automatically generated with low confidenceHe adds that it has been a tough 18 months, but there is definitely light at the end of the tunnel. “Based on conversations with guests, we know that they have been raring to go for months now but have been hesitant to pull the trigger on their December booking in case Lockdown was prolonged. Fortunately for us all, guests have been given the all-important greenlight and like us, hospitality establishments across South Africa can look forward to a busy, full-filled holiday season.”

If you have yet to book your December accommodation, Shaun advises that you shouldn’t rest on your laurels any longer. “South Africa is a popular tourist destination for good reason. It offers a smorgasbord of gorgeous holiday destinations, for both local and international travellers. So, if you are looking to get your foot in the door this Festive season, it’s best to book now to avoid disappointment.”

If you, like many others, are working on a tighter-than-usual budget, when planning your festive getaway, Shaun suggests that you consider booking directly with your hotel or resort of choice. “Gone are the days where Online Travel Agencies offer the best deals. Worldwide, the perks of dealing directly with hotels and resorts are starting to far outweigh any other savings you may find. Most leading hotel groups have sweetened the deal for travellers to book directly so that they can deliver better overall customer experience from booking right through to check out,” Shaun explains.
“Planning a holiday and looking forward to making magical lasting memories with friends and family is something that we all need right now, and First Group is excited to welcome guests with mask-hidden smiles and industry-defining standards of cleanliness designed to keep its guests safe,” Shaun concludes.

To book your December holiday, visit www.firstgroup-sa.co.za.

Mitigating Cloud-Based Attacks

Sandton, October, 28, 2021 – Microsoft recently issued a warning to some of its Azure Cloud customers that a security research team had discovered a flaw that could have allowed unauthorised access to their data. Fortunately for all involved, it seems that this flaw had gone unnoticed by cybercriminals and was quickly fixed by Microsoft. This could have led to a catastrophic data breach as many large corporations such as Boeing, Samsung, and eBay use Microsoft Azure. Customers were notified to change their login credentials as a precaution.

Cloud customers who were using specific security software may have been able to detect a malicious attack, and these events would have shown up in their logs. This incident highlights the shared responsibility that both Cloud providers and customers should have to manage IT security risks. Although Cloud architecture is generally regarded as safe, there is an increasing incidence of Cloud-based attacks by well-funded organisations, including governments, to steal sensitive Cloud data.

Cloud technology allows for sharing resources over the internet and has dramatically improved operational efficiencies, especially during lockdown when many people were forced to work remotely. However, it remains susceptible to cyber-attacks, which Cloud developers and users need to be aware of and take precautions against.

It should go without saying that Cloud data must be protected outright – from the initial source, during transit, and through to its final storage stage on the database. Besides Cloud service providers implementing and adhering to industry best practices, users and IT departments must take a layered security approach to protect their sensitive data.

Other considerations should include;

Improved IT Security Policies

IT software vendors and clients should be fully aware of each other’s scope of responsibility and take the appropriate security measures from their respective sides.

Strengthened Authentication and Access Management
Multi-factor authentication should be implemented by developers and IT Managers alike, as stealing passwords is one of the most common ways to access and steal data. Cloud developers should also enable Cloud users to assign roles to different administrators – limiting capabilities according to job roles and responsibilities.

Fully-Managed Cloud Intrusion Detection
All Cloud solutions must have a reliable intrusion detection system to monitor the network and forewarn service providers and users alike about any potential intrusions.

Although Cloud computing has many advantages it also comes with its own set of vulnerabilities. An awareness of how cyber-attacks are carried out and a preparedness to counter this will allow users to protect their data assets better while continuing to enjoy the benefits that Cloud computing brings to their daily business operations.

Westech, a leading professional IT company in South Africa, has the expertise to assist companies in conducting a complete IT Security Audit to understand their vulnerabilities better and implement the correct security solution.

Being a ‘senior’ doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still plan and save for a great future

For most individuals, finding themselves in the ‘senior’ age category comes as something of a surprise. For one, many are still leading vibrant and full lives in their late 50s and 60s, so the ‘senior’ label hardly feels appropriate. Some also feel like the senior part of their life snuck up on them far too quickly.

The good news is that approaching, or reaching, retirement age is by no means the end of your life as you may have lived it; it’s merely the start of a new chapter. That’s according to Sisandile Cikido, Head of Retail Investments at Nedbank, who points out that, while many people have financial concerns as they get older, with a little planning and some good money management, this stage of your life can be just as fun, exciting, and rewarding as those that went before.

‘Financial uncertainty is the most common fear we see among the majority of our clients aged 55 plus and individuals approaching their retirement years are worried about whether they have saved enough to ensure that they won’t run out of money,’ says Cikido.

She says that the fear is understandable, given the sudden transition that retirement represents from having financial control over your finances while you’re working and earning a steady income, to suddenly having to rely on the resources you’ve put in place to provide you with the income you need. ‘Many people experience fear as they enter retirement because they feel like they have lost control of their money, and when you add rising costs of living, increasing healthcare expenses, and the reminder that Covid-19 provided of how vulnerable our money and investments can be, the financial stress that many people associate with getting older is understandable.’

But Cikido urges older South Africans to transform the fear and uncertainty about their financial futures into proactive plans for their future, emphasising that being in your 50s or 60s doesn’t mean that it’s too late to see your money differently, and take decisive action to secure a better financial future. That’s especially true when you have a proven financial partner to guide you, an array of top-class savings and investment solutions at your disposal, and many options available to you to continue earning, or supplementing, an income in retirement.

‘The way we think about retirement today is very different from the understanding that previous generations had of it, which means that our plans for our senior years also need to evolve and transform.’

She says that while the foundation of any retirement plan still obviously needs to be a sound investment strategy, the idea of hanging up your work clothes on retirement day and then spending the rest of your days sitting on the couch are long gone.

‘Today’s seniors are healthy and dynamic, with so much experience, insight and value still to offer, which means that most of them have no desire for a traditional retirement, preferring instead to find ways of staying active and continuing to earn an income.’

Cikido adds that acting on this ability to supplement your retirement income is an excellent way of addressing any fears you may have about outliving your money, because it means that you can leave your retirement savings invested and growing for a number of years longer, before you have to begin dipping into them. She explains that having such a financial buffer in place is also a good way of ensuring that you are not forced to access your retirement savings when markets are performing poorly, which could result in a loss of value, as many people discovered when the markets declined suddenly due to Covid-19 early in 2020

‘Of course, a side hustle is not the only way of generating additional income in retirement. An even better option is to have a long-term retirement savings plan in place, that includes a diverse range of savings and investment accounts. These could include fixed-term savings with capital protection, like the Nedbank Optimum Plus fixed deposit, to more liquid day-to-day savings accounts and, of course, a tax-free savings vehicle for efficient long-term growth with quick and easy access to your money after you retire.’

She also points to the importance of sound advice from a trusted financial partner as being one of the cornerstones of a successful plan for secure senior years. ‘Nedbank is much more than a product provider; we’re a trusted partner to all our clients, and we especially recognise the value and importance of walking with our senior clients on their pre- and post-retirement journeys.’

CenterOak Partners Acquires HK Solutions Group

a Dallas-based private equity firm, today announced that it has completed a majority recapitalization of HK Solutions Group (“HK Solutions” or the “Company”), a leading regional provider of infrastructure maintenance services for municipal and industrial customers primarily in the Midwest. Chief Executive Officer Wade Anderson and the existing management team will continue to lead the Company following CenterOak’s investment. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

“HK Solutions represents an attractive opportunity to partner with a regional market leader providing non-discretionary services in a fragmented sector”

 

HK Solutions, headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, provides water and wastewater infrastructure inspection, cleaning, and repair services, as well as industrial services and wastewater treatment, to customers predominantly in Midwestern states. HK Solutions’ diverse set of service offerings are designed to support the ongoing maintenance needs of existing public and private infrastructure, including sewer lines, manholes, stormwater systems, large diameter pipe, and industrial facilities. With an extensive fleet of vacuum trucks, pipe inspection units, and hydroblasting equipment, HK Solutions differentiates itself based on its breadth of services and highly skilled workforce serving the growing needs of municipal and industrial markets in the Midwest.

“We were attracted to the Company after developing an investment thesis around the need to cost effectively repair or replace aging or failing water and wastewater infrastructure,” said Randall Fojtasek, CEO and a Managing Partner of CenterOak. “Sustaining this significant core infrastructure is mission critical for our communities and for the environment. HK Solutions has an impressive operating track record in this large, growing, and important sector.”

“HK Solutions represents an attractive opportunity to partner with a regional market leader providing non-discretionary services in a fragmented sector,” said Jason Sutherland, a Managing Partner with CenterOak. “We look forward to working alongside management to grow the Company’s existing service lines, to expand market presence and to broaden service capabilities, drawing upon CenterOak’s recent relevant investment experience.”

“We are thrilled to partner with the team at CenterOak to drive continued growth,” said Wade Anderson, CEO of HK Solutions. “The team’s knowledge of the wastewater and infrastructure services sectors, operational improvement focus, and significant experience supporting growth through add-on acquisitions made them an ideal partner for HK Solutions. We are excited about entering a phase of accelerated growth and the opportunities that investment in our business can bring our employees, customers and vendors.”

About HK Solutions Group

HK Solutions, headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, provides water and wastewater infrastructure inspection, cleaning, and repair services, as well as industrial services and wastewater treatment, to customers predominantly in Midwestern states. HK Solutions’ diverse set of service offerings are designed to support the ongoing maintenance needs of existing public and private infrastructure, including sewer lines, manholes, stormwater systems, large diameter pipe, and industrial facilities. With an extensive fleet of vacuum trucks, pipe inspection units, and hydroblasting equipment, HK Solutions differentiates itself based on its breadth of services and highly skilled workforce serving the growing needs of municipal and industrial markets in the Midwest. For more information, please visit www.hksolutionsgroup.com

About CenterOak Partners LLC

CenterOak Partners LLC is a private equity firm with a focus on making control-oriented investments in middle market companies organized or operating in the United States. The Firm specializes in three key industry sectors: Industrial Growth, Consumer, and Business Services. Based in Dallas, Texas, the CenterOak team has a strong history of creating significant value through operational improvements. CenterOak and its Partners have managed over $2.4 billion of equity capital commitments and have completed more than 100 transactions, representing over $6.6 billion in value. For additional information, please visit www.centeroakpartners.com

Rolls-Royce Nuclear Programme and Institution of Civil Engineers Make Senior Comms Hires

Rolls-Royce has appointed a government and corporate affairs director for its mini nuclear reactors project, while the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) has hired a new director of communications.

Tas Bhanji starts at the Institution of Civil Engineers in September

Tas Bhanji, who is a director at Blakeney, will take up her in-house role at the ICE in September.

She will take over from Simon Barney, who has served as interim director of comms since Simon Creer left earlier this year to become the Royal Town Planning Institute’s director of comms.

Bhanji will work with with Chris Richards, policy director at the ICE, and will oversee a comms team covering public affairs, media, social media, internal comms, membership and international comms.

Bhanji has worked in comms for more than a decade. Prior to joining Blakeney last year, she spent two-and-a-half years at McDonald’s, where she was corporate relations manager, Eastern Europe.

Her career has also included stints with Weber Shandwick in China, FleishmanHillard in Brussels, and MHP Communications in London. In addition, she held the role of senior campaigns adviser at the Confederation of British Industry.

Commenting on her new job, Bhanji said: “The ICE has a long history of qualifying and supporting civil engineers around the world, and providing professional expertise to decision-makers. The focus in the coming year(s) will be to build on that, and continue to highlight the critical role civil engineers play in tackling climate change, enabling a more sustainable world.”

Nuclear power

 

Alastair Evans, government and corporate affairs director, the Rolls Royce SMR project

Meanwhile, Alastair Evans has joined Rolls-Royce as government and corporate affairs director for its mini nuclear reactor deveopment programme – dubbed the Small Modular Reactor (SMR) project.

Evans, who started his job this week, is responsible for the corporate affairs strategy,  encompassing public affairs, policy and investor relations. He reports to Tom Samson, chief executive of the SMR project.

“The Rolls-Royce SMR project is a pioneering technology solution to the need to deliver firm low-carbon power. In moving to the delivery stage, there are… exciting and challenging  policy, regulatory, communications and political challenges to navigate,” he said.

“The opportunity to join the experienced executive team to deliver this vital project to the UK was too compelling to pass up.”

Evans was previously head of international government affairs at oil and gas company Neptune Energy.

He has worked in public affairs for a decade, mostly in the nuclear sector, with stints as head of government affairs at NuGen and at the Nuclear Industry Association, where he was policy and public affairs manager.

Rolls-Royce has appointed a government and corporate affairs director for its mini nuclear reactors project, while the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) has hired a new director of communications.

Tas Bhanji starts at the Institution of Civil Engineers in September

Tas Bhanji, who is a director at Blakeney, will take up her in-house role at the ICE in September.

She will take over from Simon Barney, who has served as interim director of comms since Simon Creer left earlier this year to become the Royal Town Planning Institute’s director of comms.

Bhanji will work with with Chris Richards, policy director at the ICE, and will oversee a comms team covering public affairs, media, social media, internal comms, membership and international comms.

Bhanji has worked in comms for more than a decade. Prior to joining Blakeney last year, she spent two-and-a-half years at McDonald’s, where she was corporate relations manager, Eastern Europe.

Her career has also included stints with Weber Shandwick in China, FleishmanHillard in Brussels, and MHP Communications in London. In addition, she held the role of senior campaigns adviser at the Confederation of British Industry.

Commenting on her new job, Bhanji said: “The ICE has a long history of qualifying and supporting civil engineers around the world, and providing professional expertise to decision-makers. The focus in the coming year(s) will be to build on that, and continue to highlight the critical role civil engineers play in tackling climate change, enabling a more sustainable world.”

Nuclear power

 

Alastair Evans, government and corporate affairs director, the Rolls Royce SMR project

Meanwhile, Alastair Evans has joined Rolls-Royce as government and corporate affairs director for its mini nuclear reactor deveopment programme – dubbed the Small Modular Reactor (SMR) project.

Evans, who started his job this week, is responsible for the corporate affairs strategy,  encompassing public affairs, policy and investor relations. He reports to Tom Samson, chief executive of the SMR project.

“The Rolls-Royce SMR project is a pioneering technology solution to the need to deliver firm low-carbon power. In moving to the delivery stage, there are… exciting and challenging  policy, regulatory, communications and political challenges to navigate,” he said.

“The opportunity to join the experienced executive team to deliver this vital project to the UK was too compelling to pass up.”

Evans was previously head of international government affairs at oil and gas company Neptune Energy.

He has worked in public affairs for a decade, mostly in the nuclear sector, with stints as head of government affairs at NuGen and at the Nuclear Industry Association, where he was policy and public affairs manager.

Microsoft Renews Global Contract with Xandr

A focus on premium video and omnichannel monetization drives long-term relationship into the future

announced the renewal of a global contract with Microsoft which sees the extension of existing technology solutions, the introduction of new ventures and follows over ten years of successful partnership. Microsoft is extending its use of Xandr’s sell-side platform, Xandr Monetize, and its Global Supply Evangelism relationship with Xandr, as Microsoft expands and diversifies its monetization strategy, focusing on increasing Microsoft’s unique audiences for advertisers across premium display, video and native supply in more than 100 countries. Concurrently, Microsoft is increasing its marketing spend that runs through Xandr’s Invest DSP and extending the Microsoft Audience Network demand platform to bid in the Xandr Marketplace.

“Our holistic relationship with Microsoft is entrenched in innovation and collaboration. We deeply value their continued trust in our platform and team to support formats that are so critical to the future of our advertising business”

 

“We always seek to align our partnership opportunities to serve the best interests of and to directly benefit the marketers and agencies looking to drive growth through our unique Microsoft audience. Our renewal with Xandr, after ten successful years of partnership, extends globally-scaled programmatic access to Microsoft’s audience that marketers rely on today,” said Kya Sainsbury-Carter, VP, Global Partner Sales at Microsoft.

“Our holistic relationship with Microsoft is entrenched in innovation and collaboration. We deeply value their continued trust in our platform and team to support formats that are so critical to the future of our advertising business,” said Dave Osborn, Senior Vice President, North America Commercial & Global Partnerships, Xandr. “Microsoft’s international growth on Xandr, across the buy- and sell-sides, and across leading formats like video and native, are critical components of our global marketplace as Xandr builds to support campaigns that span screens.”

With multiple consumer properties, including Microsoft News, MSN and Outlook.com, Microsoft has leveraged Xandr’s global technology solutions to connect its unique audiences programmatically to advertisers through both video and omnichannel demand at scale. As digital advertising budgets shift to video, Microsoft ramped up video monetization efforts supported by Xandr’s video technology solutions and unique video demand. Initially, Microsoft launched on Xandr Monetize with a single video ad format in one market and quickly expanded to three formats and into over sixty global markets. Those three video ad formats include instream pre-roll, outstream in-article and “BannerStream” which enables multiple media types to participate in a single unified auction.

Most recently, Microsoft was an early adopter of Xandr’s simplified server-side header bidding solution, Prebid Server Premium. With the technology, Microsoft consolidates its demand for video and native through the tools on Xandr Monetize, allowing for efficient private marketplace (PMP) buying and providing advertisers a unified path to access Microsoft supply.

On the buy-side, Microsoft has augmented its media spend through Xandr’s Invest DSP as one of its primary DSPs for marketing campaigns.

In 2020, Xandr joined the Microsoft Audience Network, which serves “Microsoft Audience Ads,” the only native advertising solution built by its trusted search platform, Microsoft Bing. Xandr has integrated premium third-party supply in the network, giving buyers the ability to target Microsoft unique audiences at scale across premium international native supply through Xandr Monetize.

ABOUT XANDR

A business unit within AT&T, Xandr powers a global marketplace for premium advertising. Our data-enabled technology platform, encompassing Xandr Invest and Xandr Monetize,

A focus on premium video and omnichannel monetization drives long-term relationship into the future

announced the renewal of a global contract with Microsoft which sees the extension of existing technology solutions, the introduction of new ventures and follows over ten years of successful partnership. Microsoft is extending its use of Xandr’s sell-side platform, Xandr Monetize, and its Global Supply Evangelism relationship with Xandr, as Microsoft expands and diversifies its monetization strategy, focusing on increasing Microsoft’s unique audiences for advertisers across premium display, video and native supply in more than 100 countries. Concurrently, Microsoft is increasing its marketing spend that runs through Xandr’s Invest DSP and extending the Microsoft Audience Network demand platform to bid in the Xandr Marketplace.

“Our holistic relationship with Microsoft is entrenched in innovation and collaboration. We deeply value their continued trust in our platform and team to support formats that are so critical to the future of our advertising business”

 

“We always seek to align our partnership opportunities to serve the best interests of and to directly benefit the marketers and agencies looking to drive growth through our unique Microsoft audience. Our renewal with Xandr, after ten successful years of partnership, extends globally-scaled programmatic access to Microsoft’s audience that marketers rely on today,” said Kya Sainsbury-Carter, VP, Global Partner Sales at Microsoft.

“Our holistic relationship with Microsoft is entrenched in innovation and collaboration. We deeply value their continued trust in our platform and team to support formats that are so critical to the future of our advertising business,” said Dave Osborn, Senior Vice President, North America Commercial & Global Partnerships, Xandr. “Microsoft’s international growth on Xandr, across the buy- and sell-sides, and across leading formats like video and native, are critical components of our global marketplace as Xandr builds to support campaigns that span screens.”

With multiple consumer properties, including Microsoft News, MSN and Outlook.com, Microsoft has leveraged Xandr’s global technology solutions to connect its unique audiences programmatically to advertisers through both video and omnichannel demand at scale. As digital advertising budgets shift to video, Microsoft ramped up video monetization efforts supported by Xandr’s video technology solutions and unique video demand. Initially, Microsoft launched on Xandr Monetize with a single video ad format in one market and quickly expanded to three formats and into over sixty global markets. Those three video ad formats include instream pre-roll, outstream in-article and “BannerStream” which enables multiple media types to participate in a single unified auction.

Most recently, Microsoft was an early adopter of Xandr’s simplified server-side header bidding solution, Prebid Server Premium. With the technology, Microsoft consolidates its demand for video and native through the tools on Xandr Monetize, allowing for efficient private marketplace (PMP) buying and providing advertisers a unified path to access Microsoft supply.

On the buy-side, Microsoft has augmented its media spend through Xandr’s Invest DSP as one of its primary DSPs for marketing campaigns.

In 2020, Xandr joined the Microsoft Audience Network, which serves “Microsoft Audience Ads,” the only native advertising solution built by its trusted search platform, Microsoft Bing. Xandr has integrated premium third-party supply in the network, giving buyers the ability to target Microsoft unique audiences at scale across premium international native supply through Xandr Monetize.

ABOUT XANDR

A business unit within AT&T, Xandr powers a global marketplace for premium advertising. Our data-enabled technology platform, encompassing Xandr Invest and Xandr Monetize, optimizes return on investment for both buyers and sellers. For more than 143 years, AT&T has used data and technology to inform and improve the consumer experience.

optimizes return on investment for both buyers and sellers. For more than 143 years, AT&T has used data and technology to inform and improve the consumer experience.

Fidelity and Mitsui Form Joint Venture to Accelerate Hyperscale Strategy in Japan

Investment will see Colt DCS take ownership to develop and operate hyperscale data centres across Tokyo and Osaka markets increasing capacity from 50MW to 140MW

Colt Data Centre Services (DCS), a leading provider of global hyperscale data centre solutions, today announced, that Fidelity has entered into a joint venture agreement with Mitsui & Co, and Mitsui & Co Asset Management Holdings, to provide state-of-the-art hyperscale data centres in Japan. The new joint venture will be owned 50:50 and will further strengthen Colt DCS’ presence in the Tokyo and Osaka regions of Japan.

“Data centres play a critical role in the digital transformation of businesses across the globe, and the demand for high-quality and environmentally conscious hyperscale data centres is huge”

 

The joint venture between Fidelity and Mitsui will allow Colt DCS to further accelerate its hyperscale strategy in Japan, where it has seen unprecedented success. The company pre-sold 94% of its capacity before the launch of its Inzai Three facility November of last year, and has recently been named Frost & Sullivan’s 2021 Japan Data Center Services Company of the Year, a prestigious award which examines criteria such as customer experience, operations excellence technical capabilities, and innovation. Colt DCS currently have 50MW existing built in Japan, which will almost triple to 140MW following the joint venture.

“Japan remains a strategic country of focus for our regional expansion, where the demand for large-scale data centre capacity outstrips supply,” commented Niclas Sanfridsson, CEO, Colt Data Centre Services. “Whilst Colt DCS already has a solid reputation in the market for working with the world’s largest hyperscale cloud providers and multi-national companies, the partnership with Mitsui and its strategic alliances will provide new opportunities for us to further penetrate the domestic enterprise sector and accelerate our land banking strategy.”

The joint venture will appoint Colt Data Centre Services as the exclusive service provider for the design, development, operations and customer service management for the venture. Mitsui & Co., Realty Management Ltd., a private real estate fund management subsidiary of Mitsui will serve as the asset manager for the joint venture, covering structuring, financing, land sourcing, development support and Japanese customer marketing by utilising Mitsui group’s deep industrial capabilities.

“Data centres play a critical role in the digital transformation of businesses across the globe, and the demand for high-quality and environmentally conscious hyperscale data centres is huge,” added Shinsuke Waka, GM of Financial Business Division, from Mitsui & Co. “Through the management of the Mitsui Fund and our joint venture, Mitsui will utilise its unique financial and industrial capabilities to respond jointly to these needs with its global prestigious partners.”

About Colt DCS

Colt Data Centre Services provide true service and operational excellence in the design, build, delivery and operational management of hyperscale data centres and hybrid cloud solutions to our customers across Europe and Asia pacific.

We have over 25 years of experience in operating 26 state-of-the-art carrier neutral data centres across 18 cities, offering 24/7 security and local language support.

Our connectivity and colocation solutions allow our customers freedom to plan effectively for the growth of their business, knowing that their data centre strategy is ready for the demands of tomorrow. http://www.coltdatacentres.net/

Investment will see Colt DCS take ownership to develop and operate hyperscale data centres across Tokyo and Osaka markets increasing capacity from 50MW to 140MW

Colt Data Centre Services (DCS), a leading provider of global hyperscale data centre solutions, today announced, that Fidelity has entered into a joint venture agreement with Mitsui & Co, and Mitsui & Co Asset Management Holdings, to provide state-of-the-art hyperscale data centres in Japan. The new joint venture will be owned 50:50 and will further strengthen Colt DCS’ presence in the Tokyo and Osaka regions of Japan.

“Data centres play a critical role in the digital transformation of businesses across the globe, and the demand for high-quality and environmentally conscious hyperscale data centres is huge”

 

The joint venture between Fidelity and Mitsui will allow Colt DCS to further accelerate its hyperscale strategy in Japan, where it has seen unprecedented success. The company pre-sold 94% of its capacity before the launch of its Inzai Three facility November of last year, and has recently been named Frost & Sullivan’s 2021 Japan Data Center Services Company of the Year, a prestigious award which examines criteria such as customer experience, operations excellence technical capabilities, and innovation. Colt DCS currently have 50MW existing built in Japan, which will almost triple to 140MW following the joint venture.

“Japan remains a strategic country of focus for our regional expansion, where the demand for large-scale data centre capacity outstrips supply,” commented Niclas Sanfridsson, CEO, Colt Data Centre Services. “Whilst Colt DCS already has a solid reputation in the market for working with the world’s largest hyperscale cloud providers and multi-national companies, the partnership with Mitsui and its strategic alliances will provide new opportunities for us to further penetrate the domestic enterprise sector and accelerate our land banking strategy.”

The joint venture will appoint Colt Data Centre Services as the exclusive service provider for the design, development, operations and customer service management for the venture. Mitsui & Co., Realty Management Ltd., a private real estate fund management subsidiary of Mitsui will serve as the asset manager for the joint venture, covering structuring, financing, land sourcing, development support and Japanese customer marketing by utilising Mitsui group’s deep industrial capabilities.

“Data centres play a critical role in the digital transformation of businesses across the globe, and the demand for high-quality and environmentally conscious hyperscale data centres is huge,” added Shinsuke Waka, GM of Financial Business Division, from Mitsui & Co. “Through the management of the Mitsui Fund and our joint venture, Mitsui will utilise its unique financial and industrial capabilities to respond jointly to these needs with its global prestigious partners.”

About Colt DCS

Colt Data Centre Services provide true service and operational excellence in the design, build, delivery and operational management of hyperscale data centres and hybrid cloud solutions to our customers across Europe and Asia pacific.

We have over 25 years of experience in operating 26 state-of-the-art carrier neutral data centres across 18 cities, offering 24/7 security and local language support.

Our connectivity and colocation solutions allow our customers freedom to plan effectively for the growth of their business, knowing that their data centre strategy is ready for the demands of tomorrow. http://www.coltdatacentres.net/

Getting businesses back on their feet

State owned insurance company, Sasria, to expedite claims for businesses destroyed in unrest
The recent wave of unrest that has blazed in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng has left a trail of destruction that will impact our economy for years to come. eThekwini Mayor, Mxolisi Kaunda, says that more than 40 000 businesses in the region have been affected and estimates that the damage to property and equipment will exceed R15 billion.
With most companies already in the process of rebuilding, Craig Mendelson, the Short-term Insurance Manager for Consolidated Group says there is some good news for business owners. The South African Special Risks Insurance Association (Sasria) has been proactive in its dealings with insurance companies to ensure that claims will be expedited.
“The state-owned entity, Sasria, is the only insurer in South Africa that provides cover for loss or damage to insured property as a direct result of social unrest, including rioting, strike action and public disorder,” Craig explains.
“Businesses that have Sasria cover and have claims up to R50 000 should be paid out quickly as the Association has given certain insurance companies a mandate to settle these smaller claims directly. All larger claims will however have to go through the usual Sasria approval process; but the Association has promised that even these will be expedited.”
Craig expects that businesses with smaller claims will be paid out within a few weeks whereas larger claims may take up to two months or longer, depending on the complexity of the claim.
Sasria does not deal directly with the public but its cover is included as an option in most commercial and consumer insurance policies. If this is selected, the insurance company is responsible for administering the cover.
“Insurance companies offer insurance for unforeseen incidents including accidental damages, theft (not arising from riots) and weather-related damages. In practice, business owners take up this normal insurance, but supplement it with cover from Sasria,” says Craig.
“It’s a simple box ticking exercise when business owners select their cover and while many companies choose to include it, there are exceptions and unfortunately, there is no recourse now for these businesses as their regular insurance won’t pay out for damages caused by social unrest.”
Sasria cover comprises a number of categories including material damage to domestic and commercial property, goods in transit, motor and business interruption. Craig says this latter cover could be a saving grace for many businesses but cautions them to check their limitations.
“Saria Business Interruption insurance covers consequential or indirect financial losses suffered as a result of looting, property damages such as fire or vandalism during riots, strikes and public disorder amongst others. Usually, a time period is specified for this cover which varies from three to 24 months,” says Craig.
Knowing the period over which the business interruption cover will pay out may help companies with their expenses in the short-term while they are unable to trade but it could leave them exposed in the long-run, depending on how long they need to rebuild and become fully operational.
Sasria limitations also apply to the value of the business insured. If a business owner is insured by Sasria to the tune of R100 million and incurred damages or losses worth R500 million, Sasria will only pay out the insured amount. The owner will have to pay out of pocket to fix the uninsured damages.
To understand all these exclusions and limitations, Craig advises any business owner who is submitting a claim due to the recent riots to work directly with their broker.
“Your broker will help you to fast-track your claim and will handle the administration with Sasria for you. The most important part of this is to ensure that all the correct documentation is submitted from the start and if you get this right, it will assist in your claim been resolved speedily.

AASYS has the technology and products to mitigate the impact of the looting and riots

Tragically, South Africa is in the midst of violent protests and looting. A number of provinces are being affected, and many businesses and properties have been damaged.
AASYS (Advanced Automated Systems) believe they have the products and technology to prevent and contain any further damage.
AASYS is the sole distributor of LIOS products in South Africa. Using LIOS’s world-leading technology, fibre optic cables are deployed as a sensing and condition-monitoring solution fit for a wide variety of different applications – including the monitoring of the perimeter of businesses and buildings.
“The acoustics technology allows you to distinguish specific sounds – whether it’s a truck or car, a group of people or an individual, someone cutting the fence or digging under it – and provides an early warning so you can react in time to prevent an incident,” explains AASYS CEO, Yoni Margalit. “In addition, this technology enables the monitoring of temperature near the fibre optic cable – ensuring the early detection of fires.”
AASYS is also the sole distributor of Dafo. The Dafo Wet Chemical Handheld units are extremely effective at putting out tyre fires. “As reported in the news, many trucks have been set on fire during the rioting, and we believe this product will be useful in preventing further damage.”
Then there’s AASYS’s FOG microcapsule technology. The microcapsules contain a fire-suppressant chemical which is added to a paint, and automatically burst on reaching a certain temperature, thereby extinguishing an approaching fire at a very early stage.
“The paint can be applied to any surface to make it fire suppressant,” says Margalit. “It’s especially useful in this situation to protect armoured vehicles, petroleum tanks, delivery trucks and shop walls.”
AASYS takes pride in offering the most advanced condition monitoring and fire prevention and suppression systems in the world.
“This technology enables clients to save lives and protect assets, while ensuring businesses and industries stay up and running at all times,” says Margalit. “The damage is already severe, but we’d like to put our cutting-edge solutions to work to help prevent and minimise any further disruptions to our economy, and to the businesses which drive it.”

67 000 litre target smashed – 283 588 people fed

Over 280 participants in nine provinces and countless cities have proven the power of collective action, successfully smashing the target of #67000litres of soup set by food rescue organisation Chefs with Compassion.
Despite significant setbacks due to the unrest in KZN and Gauteng, and spiralling Covid cases, the humanity and compassion of South Africans made it possible for a total of 70 897 litres to be cooked, resulting in 283 588 people receiving a cup of soup on Mandela Day.
The #67000litres for Mandela Day initiative was launched by Chefs with Compassion, a volunteer-based food rescue organisation, in 2020 when chefs in professional kitchens stepped up to cook soup in honour of Madiba. This year, the challenge was opened up to corporates and home cooks to cook safely in their own kitchens and donate their lovingly cooked soup to a beneficiary in their immediate area.
Teamwork in Gauteng
Stories of incredible dedication and belief in making a difference were the hallmarks of this year’s #67000litres campaign. One such story emerged from Joburg when a donation of six pallets of lettuce from Fresh Mark was turned into thousands of litres of delicious soup by two neighbouring hotels at OR Tambo International Airport – Protea Hotel by Marriott®? O.R. Tambo Airport and the Radisson Blu OR Tambo Airport. The Radisson Blu’s entire team – from housekeepers to the General Manager – worked round the clock for six days, upping their intended quota of 1 000 litres to an eventual 14 000 litres of soup, resulting in in 56 000 people in the south and east of Joburg receiving a meal. Simultaneously, the Protea Hotel by Marriott®? O.R. Tambo Airport exceeded their target of 200 litres by 3,080%, cooking a total of 6 160 litres. Nationally, the Marriott International group participated through 11 of their hotels around the country, bringing in a total of 8,172 litres to the #67000litres Challenge.
Home cooks
Hundreds of home cooks contributed smaller amounts to the total and here too there were heart-warming stories of great compassion and effort. Well-known foodies Hilary Biller and Jenny Kay, who registered to cook 5 litres ended up taking 50 litres to the Bramfischerville community – 1000% more than their commitment. A partnership of two chef friends, Chef Trey of Brisket & Biscuits and Food Network celebrity chef Katlego Mlambo, cooking at the HTA School of Culinary Art in Randburg, took their intended contribution of 20 litres to 200 litres, which was donated to MES for their work in the inner city of Joburg.
Overberg foraging
In the Western Cape, a collaboration spearheaded by Chef Greg Henderson of The Wild Food Revolution and Culinary Concepts with two local breweries and the local community in Hermanus, Kleinmond and surrounding areas resulted in just under 4 000 litres of soup being cooked almost entirely from foraged ingredients. The soup, along with 800 loaves of bread donated by Blue Ribbon, was donated to communities in Stanford, Hawston, Zwehile, Caledon, Mount Pleasant, Kleinmond, Botrivier. Says Chef Greg, “The rains filled the dams and we lost 1500kg of waterblommetjies with the dam wall bursting, but we made a plan and had 200kg of waterblommetjies and 50kg of amaranth added to our soup, hand harvest salt, wild fennels seeds from last season harvests, plus additional spices from Le Merchant and 800kg of potatoes from Food 4 Love, which enabled us to increase our volume. Over and above the soup cooked, we delivered one ton of produce to a community kitchen in Strand that serves 2 500 children five days a week plus 12 tons of produce was sent to KZN. It was a busy, emotional and humbling week.”
Partnerships
“We are humbled and in awe of the impact that achieving the target of 67 000 litres of cook has had, and of the collective action that made this possible. Thank you to every participant for every drop of soup, to our premier partner, Compass Insure, our technology partner SYSPRO, our many, many sponsors, partners, volunteers, kitchens and beneficiaries,” says Chef Coo Pillay, Chefs with Compassion’s national project manager.
One of the most remarkable stories this year was the collaboration with the SA Poultry Association, who donated over eight tons of chicken meat and almost 10 000 eggs donated through farmers. “There is so much hardship in this troubled time, so as an industry we wanted to reach out in brotherhood this Mandela Day to help those who are facing hunger. For one day at least, there will be a warm and nutritious, protein-rich meal for each of the people reached by this initiative,” says Izaak Breitenbach, GM of Sapa’s broiler organisation. Three of the biggest producers, Astral Foods, RCL Foods and Country Bird Holdings challenged one another to donate chicken meat worth R67 000, or around 2.6 tons, each. Quantum Foods joined in with 67 x 10 dozen Nulaid eggs, and East London producer Beckley Brothers and the Pietermaritzburg-based KwaZulu-Natal Poultry Institute each pitched in with 67 dozen eggs. Gauteng egg farmer Aldabri Agricultural pledged 67 litres of liquid eggs and 67 trays each of large and extra-large eggs. A further ton of meat was donated by Bush-Valley Chicken Farm in Tzaneen, ensuring that feeding programmes in several outlying districts can also benefit from the initiative.
In Johannesburg, the Joburg Market donated 7 tonnes of potatoes, cabbage, green beans, turnip, celery, purchased through their CSI fund and distributed to Chefs with Compassion’s existing kitchens to enable them to cook massive volumes of soup for Mandela Day
Beneficiaries
Beneficiaries of this year’s #67000litres included NGOs that work tirelessly to ensure that people don’t go hungry, such as MES, churches, orphanages, and soup kitchens. On the less formal front, many of the recipients of the #67000litres soup were homeless people who were served by participants driving to find people in need of their nourishing soup.
The future for Chefs with Compassion
“We are called upon to make every day Mandela Day, and that is the philosophy that has driven Chefs with Compassion from the very beginning. We will be continuing the work we do every day in our sharehouse in Joburg, and hopefully expanding beyond that to meet the growing need around the country,” says Arnold Tanzer, chairman of Chefs with Compassion.
“We invite every participant in this year’s challenge, once a week, to cook for those who, through no fault of their own, face the daily desperation of hunger.”
Chefs with Compassion is a volunteer-based food rescue organisation that was founded in May last year in response to the massive increase in hunger. To date, Chefs with Compassion has served over 1,9 million meals.
To find out more about Chefs with Compassion, go to www.cwc.org.za. Donations received through the #67000litres campaign and on an ongoing basis are used to fund the organisation’s Johannesburg operation, which rescues food that would otherwise go to waste and connects this perfectly good food to volunteer chefs, cooks and communities. Chefs with Compassion’s cost per meal to rescue, cook and feed a hungry South African is R10