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AWS for Innovators: Learning to Build, Deploy, and Scale with Confidence

Automatic Brand Sentiment Analysis with Generative AI

Image: n’cloud.swiss Zug is not just a beautiful Swiss city with a beautiful lake; Zug has become known worldwide as “Crypto Valley” — the Silicon Valley for cryptocurrencies. Leading technology experts, innovative companies as well as techies and nerds from numerous countries come to Zug to start new exciting projects, introduce new companies in this area, meet interesting people from all over the world or simply get a taste of the scene. aims to build the world’s leading blockchain and cryptographic technology ecosystem. In this context, the event “First Tuesday Drinks & Networking together with n’cloud.swiss AG from Seengen and Crypto Explorers from the Silicon Valley” was held on May 1st. The Crypto Valley Association During this event, Founder and Chairman André Matter and Chief Marketing Officer Pascal Dossenbach presented the company n’cloud.swiss AG. In addition to the innovative cloud platform , the launch of its own digital cryptocurrency named NCU Token was also presented to an international audience of investors, cryptospecialists and interested trade visitors. www.ncloud.swiss For ambitious growth plans in up to 60 countries over the next 7 years, the company, which is still financed independently, is also open to investors and other forms of external financing opportunities. For this reason, the ICO project was launched. The NCU utility token also serves n’cloud.swiss customers as the digital currency for discounted purchase of n’cloud.swiss services and products, but may also be purchased or sold in the foreseeable future at so-called exchanges (stock exchange venues) which is extremely attractive for investors. n’cloud.swiss AG emerged from an initiative of Netkom IT Services GmbH based in Seengen, Switzerland. Netkom has been successfully active in the IT market in Switzerland and abroad for 17 years, and is also active in various areas, for example as an IT partner for . n’cloud.swiss AG is the Swiss cloud response to Amazon AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud & Co. The innovative cloud platform offers all cloud models from the pure public cloud to the ON-PREM or hybrid cloud with numerous cloud services within one and the same software. The application possibilities are therefore practically unlimited, so that developers, software companies, SMEs, consulting companies up to large international corporations from all branches of industry or services can flexibly cover their cloud needs. Swiss Golf House For more information about the ICO, cloud services or about the company, visit or . For Investor Relations, CEO André Matter is looking forward to your call at +41 (0) 62 511 82 82. www.ncloud.swiss www.netkom.ch

n’cloud.swiss — The Swiss cloud alternative to Amazon AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud & Co.

India is known for a large pool of talented women entrepreneurs who have made a mark for themselves in India as well as Overseas. Today’s women in India and around the world have proven to be successful entrepreneurs. “From making a social impact to being hands-on with technology to opening up new vistas and inspiring their own, these women are the leaders of today.” ( ) YourStory.com Source: 25 women entrepreneurs to draw inspiration from The likes of Indra Nooyi, who is probaboly one of the most popular Indian women entrepreneurs and President of PepsiCo. and who “helped company garner as much as 30 billion dollars worth of crucial deals within the last couple of years” ( ), inspire many young women India to run successfully their own business. Huda Kattan with her beauty empire , Olga Feldmeier with as the world’s first security token exchange for alternative investments or Tijen Onaran who founded to promote female empowerment in the digital industry show the variety of businesses wherein women are achieving outstanding success. Knowstatup.com Huda Beauty Smart Valor GDW Global Digital Women Swagata Chowdhury A young Indian entrepreneur with whom I have the pleasure to work closely with on different projects is Swagata Chowdhury who founded at the age of 24 in 2016 Pofco Solution Consultancy Services, a Kolkata based software development company. After graduating from the West Bengal University of Technology in Software Engineering and gaining experience as Web Developer in the early days of her career, Swagata’s entrepreneurial mindset made her found Pofco Solution Consultancy Services. With her team, she aims to combines the power of creativity and experience to employ a highly skilled team of IT professionals. With the ambition to become one of the most valued and trusted IT solution partners in the industry in the near future, Swagata wants her company’s brand to be recognized as a global leader in making simplified business processes by offering innovative, cost-effective, customized solutions to customers. Recent growth and expansion into international markets are a clear indication that Swagata and her tram have been successful in reaching their goal to deliver cutting edge IT services. As a result, they joined Switzerland based as an authorized reseller to push ahead with the rollout of n’cloud.swiss as a serious “Swiss made” alternative to the leading cloud providers in the Indian market. n’cloud.swiss AG How did you get involved with startups? What was the idea behind your first company? This has been a dream for me since my childhood. However it has been quite challenging enough taking the decision finally and just venturing out with my very own startup. It has not been a very easy path to take but thinking back it was just the right time to start. I had already gathered experience in the IT industry and my partner and present CTO of Pofco, , has had his part of the experience. Satanik Dutta We started out with a vision of being different. We both had already worked in the IT industry and we were very well aware about the reputation that Indian companies were getting. We planned to break the taboo and bring the best services to client globally. It has been like bringing up a baby for both me and my partner. We have pulled all-nighters. We have been through situations when it seemed like there is no coming back but we have been able to fight through. Till now it has been a journey of a lifetime. We have learned a lot, we have fallen down and then again got up. It was not perfect from the beginning but we have worked on it and tried our best to achieve perfection in every aspect. Still there is a long way to go and we are ready to take the journey. Image: Stanford eCorner — Stanford University What has been your biggest challenge along the way? I come from a very normal family. So having a startup or even dreaming about having one is actually not so financially easy. When I started out with the company, I had already left my jobs and did not get much financial support from anyone. So it is like starting out from zero. We had started out from just a small room as our first office from where we have been able to come up to a better office space within a year and a half. But fortunately, for us whoever we have been working with has been very passionate about what we are trying to achieve. We have worked hard to achieve what we have today and the road to this was not challenging, rather a road worth taking. How important do you think is the process of innovation? Which is the strongest capability of Pofco, what differentiates it from the others? Prof. Clayton M. Christensen once said “Motivation is the catalysing ingredient for every successful innovation”. This applies perfectly to how we work at Pofco and what motivates us to stay innovative. I believe that innovation is vital in the workplace because it gives companies an edge in penetrating markets faster and provides a better connection to developing markets, which can lead to bigger opportunities. Innovation can also help develop original concepts while giving the innovator a proactive, confident attitude to take risks and get things done. When a company has an innovation culture, it will grow more easily, despite the fact that the creative process is not always simple. Tried-and-tested-methods may be reliable, but trying out new things is a worthwhile experiment. Being innovative has been our main mantra to deal with different aspects of our business. We have had to deal with everything ourselves. Being a startup, we were unable to hire much support in most of the cases. This has motivated us to be innovative and bring out original ideas. In consequence, our strongest capability as a company is our passion, our indomitable spirit and the fact that we thrive to be different. You have recently announced through Business Standards that you will be pushing ahead with the roll-out of n’cloud.swiss in the Indian market. How do you evaluate the potential of n’cloud.swiss as “Swiss made” alternative to the likes of Amazon AWS, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud Platform? As a company we have been using cloud services for different projects like mobile app development or software application development. However, we have come across issues like lack of instant support or support to set-up projects on cloud and also pricing which was quite high. In addition, often transperency is lacking in the pricing models of the leading cloud providers. The prices for Amazon AWS services are believed to grow exponentially if one is not careful. As an alternative to the major names in cloud services, I feel that n’cloud.swiss as a “Swiss made” alternative has several advantages compare to the major cloud providers. These are Swiss high security standards, cost-effectiveness and transparent pricing models. Support for customers is much better compared to other providers where you are forwarded from one customer services to another. n’cloud.swiss also offers initial support to set-up projects or systems and technical support is given whenever required. The response is also very quick. How do you describe your role as Representative India for n’cloud.swiss AG? What are your goals? Me and my company are pushing ahead with the roll-out of n’cloud.swiss products and services in India. As a representative in India, I plan to get through every company and person in India with the goal to make people in India know n’cloud.swiss as well as they know Amazon, Google or Microsoft. I believe in the potential of n’cloud.swiss and see a huge opportunity for us as Pofco Solution Consultancy Services to grow with them in the coming years. We will put in all our efforts to do so.

Q&A with Indian entrepreneur Swagata Chowdhury

The Pakistani reluctance in investing in an own IT infrastructure is a meaningful sign for the cloud’s potential. Cloud computing omnipresent in today’s Information Technology sector. Considered as the digitization tool par excellence, the cloud has attracted a lot of interest across the globe. As business development progresses, the infrastructure must be able to cope with new modern initiatives and steady growth. With cloud computing the possibility of having a modern and state-of-the-art IT infrastructure without the need for substantial capital investments and personnel increases becomes real. It is therefore not surprising that the cloud market revenue is expected to double in the next three years reaching up to 162 billion USD. However, surprising is the fact that more than 65% of the cloud market is occupied by only a few leading giant providers, mainly American such as Amazon AWS, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud. The remaining 35% market share is in the hands of thousands of cloud providers scattered around the world. The basics of what cloud computing is about Salesforce CEO and Chairman Marc Benioff brings it straight to the point. Cloud computing is a better way to run your business according to him. The possibility of improving your business is something that is appealing to every decision maker across the globe. Who thought that the cloud would one day be considered as the digitization tool par excellence. The year 2000 will always be remembered as the millennium of the more and more outstanding pace of technological progress. New and old technologies are as close together as never before. The almost uncontrollable increase in human knowledge leads to endless incremental innovations. The hunt for the next big thing seems to be never ending. Source: The CFO Imperative: Next-Gen Technology Drives Cost Optimization Even though cloud computing still plays that role, one might think that it is being pushed aside by the likes of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Blockchain. Interestingly, most new technologies are distinguished by a huge number of data and intelligence. In other words, “the many disparate servers which are part of cloud technology hold the data which an AI can access and use to make decisions and learn things like how to hold a conversation. But as the AI learns this, it can impart this new data back to the cloud, which can thus help other AIs learn as well” as noticed Gary Eastwood from the IDG Contributor Network. Same goes for blockchain and other data intensive technology. Cloud computing plays undoubtedly a key role in today’s technological progress. The cloud, in other words, providing IT resources and on-demand applications over the Internet at usage-based prices Whether you run apps that share photos with millions of mobile users or support critical business operations in your organization, the cloud is a technology providing quick access to flexible and cost-effective IT resources. When it comes to cloud computing, you do not have to invest in hardware in advance or spend a lot of time managing it. Instead, you can provide the exact type and size of computing resources you need to implement your latest breakthrough idea or operate your IT department. You can access as many resources as you need almost immediately by paying only for what you use. Cloud computing provides an easy way to access servers, storage, databases and a full range of application services over the Internet. Cloud providers such as , , or “Swiss made” operate and manage the network-attached hardware needed for these application services, providing and using the resources you need through a web application. Amazon AWS Microsoft Azure Google Cloud Platform n’cloud.swiss Advantages of cloud computing, it’s not only about cost-efficiency The cloud has become a technology that influences everyone’s daily life. The adoption of solutions and services in the cloud present a number of advantages and benefits, among others: No more costs for operating and maintaining data centers: Focus on projects that differentiate your company in the market, not the infrastructure. Cloud computing allows to focus on customers rather than setting up, populating, and operating server cabinets. Speed and agility: In a cloud computing environment, new IT resources are always just a click away. The time required to deploy these resources will be reduced to minutes. This leads to a remarkable increase in the agility of the enterprise. In fact, costs and the expenditure for experiments and development decrease substantially. Go for variable costs rather than investment costs: Instead of investing heavily in data centers and servers, cloud computing makes it possible to work by paying only for the computing resources that are actually used. Flexible capacity: No more uncertainty in determining the infrastructure capacity requirements. Customers can access as much or as little capacity as needed and adjust their demand for short notice as desired. Source: Top 10 benefits of cloud computing Why Pakistan? Pakistan is a growing economy with many opportunities. In particular, with the regard to the Pakistani market, companies are known for their reluctance in investing huge capital to buy their own IT infrastructure independently although decision makers are aware of the importance of cutting-edge technologies businesses to compete within a competitive global market. Highly advanced technological and sophisticated environment without important cost is exactly what the cloud presents as one of its advantages. The likes of Amazon AWS and Microsoft Azure have already launched their cloud services in Pakistan. Source: Pakistan To Sign The Information Technology Agreement To Stimulate Its IT Sector “The cloud services market in Pakistan is on the rise. As a result, it presents a huge potential for cloud providers. Safety, reliability and outstanding quality without the need for heavy capital investments in IT infrastructure is indeed something decision makers in Pakistan look for. The reluctance in investing in an own IT infrastructure is a meaningful sign for the cloud’s potential”, explains , Business Development Manager at n’cloud.swiss AG. Danish Ali Chaudhary From a more general point of view, Pakistan’s economy is the 25th largest in the world with a population of over 200 million. According to 36 percent of Pakistan’s overall economy is undocumented. When calculating per capita income these 36 percent are not taken into consideration. As one of the developing country, Pakistan is believed to have the potential of being one of the Next Eleven. Together with the BRICS, they are expected to become one of the world’s large economies in the 21st century. Pakistan Economist Source: Pakistan economy in 2018 — swinging between hope and despair

The Pakistani IT Market, A Market Made For Cloud Computing

While bilateral agreements with the USA will be unavoidable as a result of the CLOUD Act, the Swiss multicloud provider n’cloud.swiss AG is positioning itself as a serious European alternative to the leading cloud providers. When it comes to data protection and security, Germany is one of the most heavily regulated countries in the world. As early as 2015 Europe’s largest economy enforced its demands for data hosted within the EU. As a result Microsoft gave the Telekom subsidiary T-Systems a so-called “Data Trustee” role. Since then, T-Systems has controlled access to customer data in the hands of Microsoft. The Germany Cloud was born with it. This partnership with T-Systems should guarantee customers the security of local providers. At the same time, they were able to benefit from the versatility of the American giant’s cloud. In two data centers in Frankfurt am Main and in Magdeburg, the data of those customers who had opted for Microsoft’s Germany Cloud had a viable solution. The offer was primarily aimed at government-related institutions, banks or insurance companies. Now the surprising turnaround. Microsoft has announced it is now terminating the Data Trustee model with Deutsche Telekom/T-Systems and is no longer accepting new customers. Existing customers are not affected by this and can continue to use the Germany cloud without restriction. As an shows, there is virtually no demand for the German cloud. The latter has the big disadvantage of being more expensive than the “normal” cloud. In addition, the effort to get into the German cloud from Microsoft for customers and Microsoft itself is much higher. justifies the demise of Deutsche Cloud that customers want more functionality and connectivity to Microsoft’s global cloud infrastructure. The Germany Cloud is not able to do this with its special isolation. In addition, both the existing German Cloud and Microsoft’s planned new Azure Data Centers are compliant with GDPR requirements. article by Cloud Computing Insider The statement from Microsoft Microsoft Azure In the future, Microsoft plans more data centers in Germany. From next year, Microsoft Azure will be available from these data centers. Unlike Germany Cloud, Microsoft will manage all its data centers on its own, emphasizing this is in accordance with all local laws and regulations. The big question remains, however, to what extent the CLOUD Act, the American counterpart to the European GDPR, could thwart Microsoft’s efforts. The Clarifying Lawful Overseas Use of Data Act (CLOUD) requires American Internet and IT companies to provide government agencies with access to stored data even if they are not stored in the United States. Conversely, foreign companies can use this method to gain access to data stored by US corporations abroad. The introduction of this law was accelerated to make it easier for US authorities to access data stored in US foreign countries. Customers are not required to be informed by law about data retrieval. GDPR vs. CLOUD Act While bilateral agreements with the US will be conceivable and unavoidable, the Swiss multicloud provider is a serious European alternative to the big cloud providers like Microsoft. Today, more than 65% of the cloud computing market is occupied by a few giants. The top 4 of the most important cloud platforms come from the USA. Serious competition comes only from China with Alibaba Cloud. The remaining market share of 35% is in the hands of thousands of cloud providers worldwide. n’cloud.swiss Unique selling points that distinguish n’cloud.swiss and set it apart from the competition are agility, flexibility, adaptability and the enormous degree of freedom. Customers can deploy a cloud according to individual needs, be it private, public or hybrid. The application possibilities are therefore practically unlimited, so that developers, software companies, SMEs, consulting companies up to large international corporations from all branches of industry or services can flexibly cover their cloud needs.

Microsoft announces the end of the Germany Cloud

Introducing the features of n’cloud.swiss also known as “Swiss made” alternative to the leading cloud providers à la Amazon AWS, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud Platform. Reaching the summIT of cloud innovation with n’cloud.swiss (Image: ) www.beobachter.ch This article aims to provide you with an introductory information on what is capable of. The target is to present you as customer or reseller features, functionalities and applications. We will touch briefly each of these individual features to give you an overview to learn more about our cloud platform which we are aiming to establish as “Swiss made” alternative to the major cloud providers across the globe. The latter led by the likes of Amazon AWS, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud Platform. All of these three are American cloud providers. For this reason, many experts see a huge potential for n’cloud.swiss to herald not only a new era in cloud computing but also to make us less dependent from American giants. In fact, outside the USA serious competition only comes from Chinese giant Alibabcloud. n’cloud.swiss n’cloud.swiss and the world’s leading cloud providers Amazon AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform & Co. The n’cloud.swiss ecosystem — a virtual skyscraper When n’cloud was introduced in 2009 as one of the first clouds in Europe, Founder and Chairman André Matter had the idea of creating a freedom to work anywhere. That is how n’cloud Virtual Office was born. Compared to an apartment that one can rent in a virtual skyscraper, customers cloud ask for as many rooms as they required. The Virtual Office provided everything necessary to enable their work environment. A perfectly organized workspace, integrating all of their workplaces and staff, including a caretaker watching over data and devices, as well as a housekeeper to maintain everything properly and tidy. A security service would guard the office day and night. What exactly is n’cloud? With n’cloud.swiss we went from renting apartments to renting the entire virtual skyscraper. Comparable to the architecture of multi-level load-bearing masonry buildings and structures, the n’cloud.swiss building is characterized by four setbacks. Architects would agree that setbacks help lower the building’s center of mass. Consequently, the building becomes more stable. Stability and reliability play an extremely important role. All our products enjoy “Swiss made” high quality standards in terms of security and reliability in setup and operation of fail-safe cluster-systems. Image: hdfootagestock.com An innovative cloud platform characterized by four different setbacks The foundation of n’cloud.swiss is Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS). On top of that, Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) represents the first setback. Software-as-a-Service follows in a step-like recession and forms the third main category of our cloud computing services. The building is completed by n’STORE, an innovative internal n’cloud.swiss application catalogue. n’cloud.swiss — “Swiss made” alternative to Amazon AWS, Microsoft Azure & Co. Infrastructure-as-a-Service — Provide virtualized computing resources over the Internet On the infrastructure side, one can easily spin up virtual machines, run back-ups or make use of high available blocks and object storage. The idea here is to provide virtualized computing resources over the Internet, as it is the case with n’cloud Virtual Office. Platform-as-a-Service by n’cloud.swiss — Easy and fast transfers of existing developments from or to other major cloud platforms The platform side allows you can run all your EC2 instances. For example if you are an AWS user and look for an alternative, then you can simply with a few steps export your VMs from EC2 and export to n’cloud.swiss. Same thing applies for S3. What is extremely important to keep in mind is that we provide the complete AWS API stack for those services. In other words, whenever you are having your developments running on AWS and you have got your API calls running on a regular basis, you can simply copy-paste these codes by replacing the URLs by the ones provided by n’cloud.swiss. As a result, you can run exactly the same codes and workloads on our platform. Software-as-a-Service — Continuous Development-as-a-Service to revolutionize the cloud making possibilities become endless On the software side, a number of services is provided by n’cloud.swiss. These are amongst others Docker and Kubernetes-as-a-Service, as well as API Monitoring, Analytics Hadoop, VPN and Cloud Watch. A unique feature of n’cloud.swiss is Continuous Development-as-a-Service (CDaaS). The award winning service enables customers to use a complete CI/CD environment while reducing time and costs in the development process. The cost-efficient solution is based on automated n’cloud.swiss tools and can be deployed in any development or productive environment without external dependencies. In short, with CDaaS, the cloud is being revolutionized and the possibilities become endless. n’STORE — The marketplace for business applications and services Within the n’STORE, we offer more than 142 applications from 30 different IT categories “free and ready to go” as well as the opportunity to upload also other development applications and tools easily. As a further competitive advantage and innovation, this type of marketplace allows customers around the world to offer their applications and services in a shop-in-shop environment, as Apple or Google are already doing with their app stores. Customers who are seeking for new solutions/services can enter their requirements (e.g. new CRM, new website, development cases etc.) and receive quotes from vendors for the upcoming projects. An innovative cloud platform characterized by four different setbacks API connectivity and cloud exit strategy as the answer to vendor lock-in Finally yet importantly, two major things have to be mentioned regarding n’cloud.swiss. API connectivity for easy and fast transfers of existing developments from or to other major cloud platforms such as Amazon AWS, Microsoft Azure or Google Cloud Platform takes into consideration the importance of having a cloud exit strategy. Nowadays, cloud customers are often face vendor lock-in. Also known as customer lock-in, they find themselves dependent on a vendor for products and services. . This is something we do not expect our customers to put up with. The cloud as the next big thing and digitization tool par excellence should be a real benefit without creating mistrust towards cloud providers. Our customers should stay with us because of the added value we provide them with and not because we make them stay against their will through customer lock-in. As a result, they become unable to use another vendor without substantial switching costs Image: https://hackernoon.com/is-cloud-computing-insidious-without-a-cloud-exit-strategy-c53e61641209 designing a cloud according to every customer’s specific requirements within the same product At n’cloud.swiss, it’s all about It is a well-known fact that companies with a cloud strategy in place run in or up to 4 clouds simultaneously. Either because they are independent from a single provider, due to legal reasons, services fitting better to certain requirements or just due to more attractive pricing models than others. Companies from the government, energy or financial sectors or the ones working with sensitive data, are not allowed to have their data in a cloud outside their territory. They either have to deploy their own cloud ON-PREM and/or work in public clouds within the territory. The size of the super cloud companies from the US and China and their impact create more and more various concerns. Even when a cloud of the majors is running in any other country than the US, the main questions arising are: Where is my data stored? Who does have access to it? These concerns are due to economic, commercial, legal or protective reasons. Even though most cloud platforms run unmanaged, customers are more and more seeking advice, support and want to learn how to use cloud computing services faster, more efficient and more advanced to make the most of it. Regarding this issue and maybe with the exception of large clients, there is a big lack in assistance for small and medium sized companies from any of the major cloud providers. Last but not least, customers want to have the freedom to decide where to run their cloud (geographic, security perspective) as well as operating them as a Public, Private or Hybrid version or in a combination of the three models. For this reason, we have equipped n’cloud.swiss with a multicloud character. The idea is to enable customers to design a cloud according to their specific requirements with the same product, either as a service model (public cloud), an on-prem version in existing IT environments (private cloud) or as a hybrid variant to bring together the advantages of both private and public cloud. The trend goes from «X-as-a-Service» to «Everything-as-a-Service» By observing the cloud industry, we immediately realize that technology in this industry, especially when it comes to software, it is particularly easy to that your innovation quickly becomes commodity for your competitors. The smartphone industry shows the same characteristics. It has become extremely difficult to stand out and excel competitors through unique innovations that are hard to copy. When it comes to the cloud market, the only option one can have is products or services that respond to a maximum amount of customers’ needs and expectations. Now, cloud providers should get away from that typical “X-as-a-service”. Customers should enjoy flexibility and decide freely how to integrate the cloud into their daily business. We believe that the cloud market might experience a notable change in competition. Multicloud could be the coming USP and a way of innovative differentiation. While the U.S. Congress recently approved the and strictly speaking opened a back door for the FBI, CIA, and NSA to intercept virtually anyone without any court order, the need for an alternative to the major cloud providers becomes probably greater than ever. A market that is dominated by four American (Amazon AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform and IBM Softlayer) and one Chinese (Alibabcloud), definitely presents numerous possibilities for n’cloud.swiss AG. “Swiss made” high quality standards in terms of security and reliability in setup and operation of fail-safe cluster-systems might present for us a valuable competitive advantage. CLOUD Act for data stored overseas

How we went from renting apartments to renting the entire virtual skyscraper with our innovative…

Preliminary technical tasks that have to be fulfilled before heading towards a fully-operational system based on the example of n’cloud Virtual Office Setting up a remote desktop terminal server requires preliminary technical tasks that have to be fulfilled before heading towards a fully-operational system. . The purpose of this technically oriented article is to give the reader an overview of how to configure a main level domain and how to set up an active directory, as well as addressing of IP. I hereby refer to . The latter should be characterized by high quality standards in terms of security, reliability and fail-safety n’cloud Virtual Office n’cloud Virtual Office Creating the server We start with the installation of a main domain server. We shall name it DOM002AD01 and configure the domain DOM002.local, which is the highest domain of the entire structure. The server will get a specific address “123.456.78.910”. The server is also the main DNS and is configured as a forwarding DNS. We obtain the following very basic configuration: Main level domain server: DOM002.local Domain controller main domain: DOM002AD01.DOM002.local IP addressing: 123.456.78.910 Before we can start installing and configuring the server, we need to create the virtual server in Hyper-V on our cluster node (DOMCLN201). In doing so, we need an image which we consider here as already prepared in advance in a preliminary work with SYSPREP. We copy this image on the cluster into a folder, created exclusively for the virtual server and named after the new server. Now let us create the new folders for the virtual servers in Hyper-V to be able to install the virtual servers. For this purpose, we have to select before the procedure, the specific storage locations in which the servers are to be stored. While creating the server, the RAM value and the dynamic function of the hard disk’s memory are set. Determining the generation of the server Generation 1: Generation 1 provides the virtual server with the same virtual hardware as in previous versions of Hyper-V. Generation 2: Generation 2 provides the following new features on a virtual machine: · PXE boot using a standard network card · Boot from a virtual SCSI disk · Starting from a virtual SCSI DVD · Safe startup (enabled by default) · UEFI firmware support Since the virtual hard disk is designed and created on Generation 2, the Generation 2 option is chosen. Generations Selection of virtual servers When creating the server, there is an option where you need to select the network adapter. As the network adapters have already been created on the given cluster, we can simply select the adapter in the section “Configure Network”. This allows to communicate on the network and the Internet. Afterwards, we select the virtual hard disk, which is stored in the folder on our cluster. The creation of the server is then already finished. Now the virtual server can be started, installed and configured. Main domains server naming & IP addressing We launch the server and start with the configuration. First, the computer name is changed to the appropriate and predefined name “DOM002AD01”. Then, the server is restarted. Afterwards, the IP address with gateway and DNS is entered, so that the server can be used in the network of the company providing the virtual server. Roles installation on the main domain The Active Directory Domain Services role needs to be installed for both the domains and the entire AD fabric. After installation, the server can be promoted as a domain controller. Consequently, the first domain “Main domain (DOM002.local)” can be configured. The role also brings additional features like Active Directory Users and Computer Management. Here, one creates the NTFS groups, which are needed later for the nesting of the groups from the subdomains, which allow the RDP users the remote and data access. The “DNS server” role is automatically installed on all Active Directory servers, and the main domain server in the entire structure serves as a forwarding DNS for the servers of the same domain and other domains. Active Directory Admin & NTFS Groups, AGUDLP Principle As a first step, a new domain administrator is created that we name “DOMAdmin@dom002.local”. We now copy the “Administrator” into the Active Directory and rename it to “DOMAdmin”. For this, we create a new organizational unit (OU) called “NTFS groups”. In it, we can create all groups needed later for access via web and for the distribution of the network drives. In retrospect, we should also nest the groups from the subdomains into these NTFS groups on the main domain, so that the web access works in the end. The groups must be set to “universal” in the group area, otherwise you would not be able to nest the groups of the subdomain. The AGUDLP principle At n’cloud.swiss we build up the entire user and group structure according to the AGUDLP principle. AGUDLP is a principle that simplifies the order and structure of users and groups. AGUDLP simply stands for . Accounts > Global Groups > Universal Groups > Domain local > Permissions The user accounts are added to global groups on their subdomains. These global groups are then nested within universal groups on the main domain. On the main domain, these are then nested again into special “domain local” groups and from there they are assigned to the specific programs in their access authorization register. Almost everything in our environment is the same, except that we work without the last “domain local” nesting. This would actually be necessary only if there was confusion and more users and groups. Since we have got here no users on the main domain, except for the new administrator, we do not need this step. Domain Name Server (DNS) The main task of a DNS is to answer name resolution requests. The DNS works much like a directory inquiry. The user knows the name but not the address or phone number. The DNS returns us an IPv4 or IPv6 address instead of a phone number, if we query it for the server name, for example, with the command “nslookup”, in the network. We now create two DNS records. One of these makes possible the resolution of a specific web address ensuring access via the web. The other DNS is forwarding to the DNS of the provider. In doing so, other servers are also available in the network and can access the Internet. For the time being, we create a “reverse lookup zones” so that the pointer entries can be created in it when making a new entry in these “forward lookup zones”. Once done, we can create a new zone which we can call netkom.ch. The important thing is to replicate the zone data to the entire structure so that the servers in the subdomains get redirected as well. Now we integrate the two entries which we already defined. We use the entry WWW, because this ensures that we can reach the website . www.netkom.ch Subdomain Configuration (Subdomain Active Directory Structure) Now we head to the configuration of the subdomains. We start with the domain controller “USER1AD01” and work slightly delayed on the second AD “USER2AD01”. For this purpose, as with the DOM002AD01 of the main domain, the role “Active Directory Domain Services” is installed and then the two are promoted to “Domain Controller”. Before we can install the roles, the IP, DNS and gateway addresses are first entered in the NIC tab and the servers restarted. Since we have set up a forwarding to DOM002AD01, now the DNS address of the DOM002AD01 is entered. After rebooting, the server is now ready to install the roles and promote it as a domain controller. Image: n’world publications

AGUDLP principle for the configuration of a main level domain, AD set-up and IP addressing

The Swiss multicloud provider n’cloud.swiss AG supports Special Olympics Switzerland as a donor for athletes with intellectual disabilities in order to give them access to sports through sports programs throughout Switzerland. Image: www.pieper-salditt.de Sport brings people together. Neither age, language nor the country of origin play a role here. The degree of intellectual disability should in no way determine who might benefit from this unique characteristic of the sport. Even more important are hereby actors like Special Olympics Switzerland to draw attention to how important sport is, especially for people with disabilities. Special Olympics shows to what extent, besides physical fitness, sport can contribute above all to self-esteem, self-reliance and the courage to try something new. Different events and sporting programs will make possible sharing of experiences with other athletes, family members and society. A disability simply means that you cannot do something that others can. This does not mean that you cannot have any goals and face challenges. “The vision of appreciation, acceptance and equality for people with disabilities which is driving and embodying Special Olympics has left a lasting impression on all of us at the company. I am glad that we can show our social vein here and make our contribution,” says André Matter, Founder and Chairman of . n’cloud.swiss AG The cloud provider from Seengen, Switzerland draws on an exciting company history, which was written by none other than André Matter himself, above all through ambition, visions, goals and tireless efforts. While the beginnings laid in consulting services for well-known large companies such as Citibank, Schindler AG or ABB Turbosystems, it is from the entrepreneur’s pen that n’cloud, one the first clouds in Europe, was introduced in 2009. “To have visions and to breathe life into these by pursuing and realizing your goals with great zeal. That is exactly my motivation. Consequently, we as a company dare to make the big international breakthrough. If I can give something back with Special Olympics, from what I have achieved so far, I am all the more pleased”, emphasizes André Matter and wishes that many more donors join him. Further information about the foundation and about ways to actively contribute can be found on . www.specialolympics.ch Image: www.specialolympics.ch

Showing social responsibility with Special Olympics to give people with intellectual disabilities…

Blockchain as an innovative technology of the hour also for companies of great importance Image: FHO Fachhochschule Ostschweiz André Matter will share his experience of n’cloud.swiss ICO for the expansion into new markets on November 22nd , 2018 as a speaker at the Forum Blockchain for Business (B4B) in St. Gallen. Blockchain as technology of the hour is discussed intensively by both business and IT managers. Increasingly, decision makers see in Blockchain a possibility to develop new disruptive business models and create new innovations. The potentials and possible benefits of blockchain-based applications are manifold. If you want to use them for a specific field of application, a series of questions usually arise. This includes the implementability of blockchain-based applications in the industry, but also the sensitivity of the data to be considered and the technical limitations. However, the key question is how blockchain technology can really help a business. The first and best-known use cases arose mainly in the context of the digital currency Bitcoin and the popular crowdfunding method Initial Coin Offering (ICO). ICOs represent a new way of raising capital for companies (and their projects) from around the world. Image: Ethereum World News To answer open questions, fill in gaps and point out the possibilities of blockchain for companies in a practical way, the Institute for Business Management IFU-FHS organized the Blockchain for Business forum on November 22nd, 2018. In the course of presentations, a knowledge base for subsequent experience reports and practical examples will be created. Networking opportunities throughout the day make it possible to interact with various experts and make contacts with them. Founder and Chairman of the Swiss cloud provider n’cloud.swiss AG André Matter is among the speakers and will share his experience with their ICO for the expansion into new markets. As an internationally operating and highly qualified service provider in the areas of IT and cloud solutions, the company is already operating in various countries and aims to establish itself worldwide as a Swiss alternative to the leading cloud providers such as Amazon AWS or Microsoft Azure. Image: n’cloud.swiss Innovation, solution-oriented and visionary thinking are top priorities for André Matter. In 2009, he created one of the first European “clouds” called n’cloud, at the same time as Google and Alibaba. Unsurprisingly, the company supports partners through its Innovation Center in the implementation of new IT and cloud technologies with exciting projects across multiple business lines and use cases. These include, for example, blockchain, machine learning, edge computing, AI and big data projects. Note: The forum “Blockchain for Business” will take place on Thursday, November 22, 2018, from 8.30 am at the restaurant Lagerhaus at Davidstrasse 42 in St. Gallen. All lectures are in German. Registrations and further information at www.blockchain4business.ch Image: City of St. Gallen, Switzerland

Forum Blockchain for Business (B4B)

It might sound awkward but I did not know anything about Medium.com a couple of months ago. At I am in charge of PR and Digital Marketing, as well as International Business Development and Innovation Management. The latter especially because I finished my studies with a Master’s degree in Economics and Innovation Management. While writing my thesis at Daimler AG, I knew from the first day on that I would be working in an innovation driven sector. “Writing” that definitely is a good word to mention! From my childhood on I loved reading and writing. My first letter ever written — I was seven years old — was dedicated to my grandma. This is also why I am still having that feeling that I should go for a Phd. n’cloud.swiss AG Daimler AG “broke” my heart but n’cloud.swiss AG “fixed” it With a “broken” heart I had to leave Daimler. It was just an internship and noooo they did not offer me a job because in today’s world it is not enough to perform very well, to have a Master’s degree and to be young, you should also have at least 10 years of experience before joining such a multinational. No Job No Experience Cycle After having started my post-university career within a gouvernmental and social organization in Germany, I went on joining French IT company Leadeo Groupe before being offered a job at n’cloud.swiss in Switzerland where that “broken” heart by Daimler got fixed! At n’cloud.swiss, we think big and compete with the major cloud providers. Our cloud platform is considered as “Swiss made” alternative to Amazon AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform & Co. Inspired by Daimler and Mercedes as heavyweight brand across the globe, I am striving from the first day on to make every single one of our Earth’s billions of inhabitants know, that we are capable of competing with the big ones and of establishing our cloud platform as a real alternative with the big advantage of being purely “Swiss made”. Refused by Forbes, Entrepreneur and Inc. but what a moment of happiness and pride when David Smooke accepted my first article! As part of my efforts in terms of brand management and development, I immediately focused on Social Media from LinkedIn to Twitter, Facebook and many more. I started writing articles on LinkedIn Pulse and sent out Newsletters. However, I did not see how I could develop my knowledge deeper in the field of cloud computing, artificial intelligence, IoT and other state-of-the-art topics that are having a strong impact on our daily life. Consequently, I was always making researches and educating myself. After all, it is also a crucial part of innovation management to keep on track on what is happening in the markets to understand customers and to be aware of competition. Somehow out of nowhere, I got an e-mail from someone suggesting me to write an article on Medium for twenty dollars. The person emphasized on the fact that Medium is known across the globe and one of the most visited websites. Twent dollars is worth investing and less risky for a test. So this person published an article about the basics of Kubernetes and mentioned Kubernetes-as-a-Service by n’cloud.swiss as one promising solution. Until then I did not know that I could publish myself stories on Medium. I made researches and wanted to learn more about Kubernetes. This is how I came across the article by on…guess it… ! From that day on, I became a regular reader of Hacker Noon and was always impressed by the big contributing network. It became a place to be for me as someone interested by innovation and technology related topics. The more you read, the more you feel like contributing as well. This is basically how I decided to submit one first article via e-mail — I did not even know that I could easily submit a story via Medium to Hacker Noon. is how I named my first Hacker Noon article. Actually, I participated in a conference by , absolute expert on AI and former Microsoft Technical Evangelist who is now Founder and CEO of A.I. SENSE. Honestly, I have tried to submit three or four articles to Forbes, Entrepreneur and Inc. but I never got an answer. Yet, I still have the ambition of writing for the likes of Forbes one day! Kubernetes for dev infrastructure Maxim Leonovich Hacker Noon Combining cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) Frederic Wickert You cannot imagine that feeling of happiness and pride when David Smooke accepted my article! Hacker Noon Contributing Writer at Hacker Noon and Editor of n’world publications at the same time This is basically how everything started. I literally felt under pressure to submit a new story, to write something even better than before, to make people read my stories and to bring them closer to the company I am working for as well. Hacker Noon allowed to me to develop my writing skills further and to learn at the same time from such an amazing contributors network. This is something that did not keep unnoticed by n’cloud.swiss Founder and Chairman of course. He came up with the idea of having a Medium-based blog à la Hacker Noon. This is how I became editor of . The world and the sector wherein we operate as company is changing, moving and in full motion. . As an internationally expanding company, we accept stories besides English in German and French as well. André Matter n’world publications And noooo I will not stop writing for Hacker Noon, no way!!! The idea here is to share and accumulate knowledge on different topics including cloud computing, innovation management, blockchain, and artificial intelligence (AI) About me I am Yahya and I have graduated with a Master’s degree in Economic Analysis and Policy at the University of Strasbourg after completing a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Management. I specialized in the Management of Innovation and spent a semester at the SPRU of the University of Sussex in Brighton. Having grown up in Germany, I am lucky to have benefitted from a trinational education thanks to my studies in France and England. Consequently, intercultural competences, mobility and multilingualism are typical characteristics of my personality.

How everything started with a submission of an article on Hacker Noon via e-mail and David Smooke…

Today’s IT of a company has the role of a real service department. It also covers issues such as cost-efficient IT operations, data security, failure security, BYOD (Bring Your Own Device), mobility and much more. Consequently and logically of course, aging IT infrastructures turn out to be a thorn in the eyes of every decision-maker with a future-oriented thinking. The more modern IT infrastructures are, the more they count as a competitive advantage. The idea is to apply a strategic and innovative approach to technology. The solutions must therefore be perfectly tailored to business requirements. However, as business development progresses, the infrastructure must be able to cope with new modern initiatives and steady growth. Cloud computing with its role as the digitization par excellence is playing an increasingly important role in the IT world. As the “next big thing”, the cloud stands for a changing world. Almost like victorious gladiators from ancient Rome, cloud-based software solutions expel long-held beliefs and products from apparently impenetrable IT landscapes. Decision-makers from companies, whether small, medium-sized or large, are more than ever interested in equipping their companies with cloud-based technologies. Surprising is the fact that only a few years ago the majority of companies were still very closed towards cloud computing. In the 2016 report “The Business-Technology Performance Connection for SMBs”, the SMB Group has shown the shift towards cloud computing. This development is explained by the fact that more and more companies see the cloud as the most cost-efficient, flexible and best solution for providing a future-oriented IT infrastructure. In fact, today’s decision-makers deal with issues such as digitization, Big Data, Internet of Things (IoT) and, in general, the need for innovation to remain competitive. At the same time, however, costs must be kept as low as possible. The opportunity of having a modern IT infrastructure without the need for substantial capital investments and personnel increases, which also meets the high standards of services and products is a chance every decision maker wants to take. Image: www.inform-gmbh.de Due to the rise of the cloud computing industry and many competing companies shifting to the cloud, there is definitely a high risk of making quick shot decisions. Gartner, Inc. predicts that over the next five years more than one trillion dollars of IT spending will be directly or indirectly affected by the shift to the cloud. Forbes goes even further by making clear that the risk of remaining closed towards the cloud is more harmful for one’s business than moving towards it. However, adopting a new technology is one thing, the question or risk of making irreversible investment is another thing, especially in the case of cloud computing. Companies seem to be over-excited towards cloud computing to think about a cloud exit strategy. Without a clear cloud exit strategy, one may end up locked into a single cloud provider. The latter may have the advantage of making the price at will and the customer might have no opportunity to leave anymore since time, effort and money to exit the service are considered too high. Unsurprisingly, the majority of companies regardless their size, have a preference for well-known cloud providers, because established ones like Amazon AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform, IBM Softlayer and Alibabacloud are believed to respect their promises and to stay in business. Today Amazon, Microsoft and Google lead in Gartner’s Magic Quadrant. Together they share a market with a value of billions of dollars. However, is choosing a big name the right strategy? Image: www.arnnet.com.au This is indeed a question that allows new entrants to this promising market such as to convince customers by pointing out several advantages. The cloud platform which is paving its way with an aggressive expansion strategy as the “Swiss made” alternative to the major cloud providers, scores with a number of advantages for customers that range from agility, flexibility and adaptability to a maximum amount of freedom to build their cloud according to their needs. The Cloud Act seems thereby to play in their cards given the fact that the cry for a non American cloud provider and a serious alternative to Amazon AWS, Microsoft Azure & Co. is louder than ever. Global IT service provider has recognized the potential of a Swiss alternative and is planning according to to create by deploying the platform with the help of not only Amazon AWS but with the help of n’cloud.swiss as well. n’cloud.swiss Luxoft Business Insider the first customizable blockchain-based e-voting system in Switzerland All things considered, the entry into the world of cloud computing seems to be easy — however, the exit can turn out to be financially disastrous. American giant Apple is known for making it hard for customers to turn their back to Apple’s World. Dan Tynan once summarized Apple’s strategy as follows: “Once you enter the Big Tent of Apple, it’s exceedingly hard to find the exit.” The question now is: How should cloud providers and their customers deal with the issue surrounding the importance of having a cloud exit strategy?

Is cloud computing insidious without a cloud exit strategy?

Where else than in Zug could one imagine a better place to create the first customizable blockchain-based e-voting system? Zug has become known worldwide as “Crypto Valley” — the Silicon Valley for cryptocurrencies where leading technology experts and innovative companies from across the globe come together to start new exciting projects and introduce new companies in this area. With , a global IT service provider of innovative technology solutions that delivers measurable business outcomes to multinational companies, the City of Zug aims to create an e-voting platform that enables the first consultative vote based on blockchain in Switzerland. As one of the founding members of , which aims to build the world’s leading blockchain and cryptographic technology ecosystem, Luxoft will partner with organizations working on government-based blockchain service solutions and invite them to jointly create Blockchain for Government Alliance. In the pursuit of driving the adoption of blockchain-based services in government, Luxoft is striving to establish a blockchain for government alliance and hence promote blockchain use-cases in public institutions. As Europe’s leading supporter of blockchain, Zug already accepts cryptocurrency for services and has digitized ID registrations built on the blockchain. With Luxoft’s e-voting platform, a safe and secure move towards online voting is now made possible. Luxoft Holding, Inc. The Crypto Valley Association As explained by Luxoft, the blockchain based solution e-Vote, including the platform itself, software and algorithms is built on Hyperledger Fabric. Integrated with Zug’s Ethereum-based digital ID registration application, residents are hereby allowed to cast votes on the blockchain. “The solution uses an innovative encryption technology that on one hand anonymizes the votes and on the other hand allows tamper-proof tally and secure audit”, according to Luxoft. Luxoft’s Chief Technology Officer Vasily Suvorov is aware of concerns with the e-voting platform since it plays the role of a fundamental mechanism for direct democracy. For this reason, he emphasizes that a single company cannot own this technology and that it should be open source “so people can understand what makes up the technology and how it works, ensuring full transparency.” He sees here the potential of encouraging with this technology more people to develop blockchain-based applications for governments across the globe. The solution uses an innovative encryption technology that anonymizes the votes and allows tamper-proof tally and secure audit. With the help from the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Amazon AWS and , the platform is deployed on three different data centers in the cloud. Two of these are in Switzerland and one in Ireland. By distributing the data into three different data centers, security and data loss risks are distributed geographically, making the system more robust. n’cloud.swiss While Amazon AWS is worldwide recognized as the undisputed leader in the cloud computing world, n’cloud.swiss is paving its way towards its establishment as the “Swiss made” alternative to major cloud providers. In contrast to many cloud providers, this innovative cloud platform is a true multi-cloud vendor and is capable of addressing and serving all cloud deployment requirements such as private, public, hybrid and community cloud. In addition, all cloud service models from Infrastructure- over Platform- to Software-as-a-Service models are included within this same product. The advantage for customers range from agility, flexibility and adaptability to a maximum amount of freedom to build their cloud according to their needs. All this is surrounded by an innovative internal n’cloud.swiss application catalogue. Within the latter, n’cloud.swiss offers more than 142 applications from 30 different IT categories “free and ready to go” as well as the opportunity to upload also other development applications and tools easily. Along personal support and competitive pricing models, API connectivity for easy and fast transfers of existing developments from or to other major cloud platforms award n’cloud.swiss a unique selling point and a competitive advantage.

Creating the first customizable blockchain-based e-voting system in Switzerland

Initiated by , a Swiss based IT and cloud provider with a proven track record of 17 years of successful operations in various countries and one of the cloud pioneers in Europe, provides high quality services and products in the field of cloud computing. Founded in 2001 by André Matter, Netkom IT Services GmbH developed early through various consulting mandates and IT projects as a specialist for IT strategy and its implementation in the operational IT infrastructures and organization of the respective customers. The latter were well-known large companies from Switzerland and abroad such as Citibank or ABB Turbo Systems. In the following years, further core competences in the fields of transformation and digitization have been established. Netkom IT Services GmbH n’cloud.swiss AG Swiss made alternative to Amazon AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud and other major cloud providers Since small and medium-sized enterprises are generally unable to afford one’s own datacentre infrastructures, Netkom built its own cloud platform for this segment already in 2009 under the name n’cloud. Today, the platform is considered as a serious “Swiss made” alternative to the major cloud providers like Amazon AWS, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud Platform. With the expertise and experience as a specialist for IT strategy and its implementation in the operational IT infrastructures and organization of the respective customers, n’cloud.swiss AG is expanding on the international level and aiming to provide their products and services to a worldwide market range. Nowadays, cloud computing is the promise of having a modern and state-of-the-art IT infrastructure without the need for substantial capital investments and personnel increases. The cloud market revenue is expected to double in the next three years reaching up to 162 billion USD. Here is where the huge potential of n’cloud.swiss AG of establishing as a Swiss/European alternative to the leading cloud providers becomes clear. n’cloud.swiss n’cloud.swiss heralds a new era in cloud computing n’cloud.swiss stands for a new era in cloud computing. In contrast to many cloud providers, this innovative cloud platform is capable of addressing and serving all cloud deployment requirements such as private, public, hybrid and community cloud. In addition, all cloud service models from Infrastructure- over Platform- to Software-as-a-Service models are included within this same product. The advantage for customers range from agility, flexibility and adaptability to a maximum amount of freedom to build their cloud according to their needs. In addition, all cloud service models from Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), over Platform as a Service (PaaS) to Software as a Service (SaaS) are part of the platform. All this is surrounded by an innovative internal n’cloud.swiss application catalogue. Within the latter, n’cloud.swiss offers more than 142 applications from 30 different IT categories “free and ready to go” as well as the opportunity to upload also other development applications and tools easily. Along personal support and competitive pricing models, API connectivity for easy and fast transfers of existing developments from or to other major cloud platforms award n’cloud.swiss a unique selling point and a competitive advantage. n’cloud.swiss features demo The establishment of n’cloud.swiss across the globe with the launch of an ICO The number of ICO launches nowadays has reached a level making difficult for investors to stay on top of things. More than ever, ICOs of established companies are in demand given the fact that the number of scams is high as well as the number of ICOs leading to projects that fail. is truly the ICO of a proven business case. The particularity here clearly is the fact that investing in this ICO signifies investing in a real company distinguished by a successful record of accomplishment and existing customers. However, the question arises why such a company plans to launch an ICO. The target for n’cloud.swiss is to achieve a substantial market share in the global cloud market for IaaS, PaaS, SaaS services in the next 5 years. Consequently, as a decisive step towards its establishment as the undisputed alternative to the major cloud providers, n’cloud.swiss ICO has been launched to successfully expand and rollout the existing business operations into 60 additional countries around the world. is divided into two main stages. While the Pre-ICO will be held from April 14th to April 29th, 2018, the main ICO event will take place from April 30th to July 8th, 2018. During these two events of ICO, investors can buy tokens. As the first and only company in the world**, n’cloud.swiss AG** is offering to investors the unique service of managing their tokens. The idea behind is to open up the doors to unexperienced ICO investors and allow them to benefit from the company’s success. The ICO of n’cloud.swiss The n’cloud.swiss ICO www.ncloud.swiss/ICO US Cloud Act or how foreign laws do not matter anymore While the U.S. Congress recently approved the CLOUD Act for data stored overseas and strictly speaking opened a back door for the FBI, CIA, and NSA to intercept virtually anyone without any court order, the need for an alternative to the major cloud providers becomes probably greater than ever. A market that is dominated by four American (Amazon AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform and IBM Softlayer) and one Chinese (Alibabcloud), definitely presents numerous possibilities for . “Swiss made” high quality standards in terms of security and reliability in setup and operation of fail-safe cluster-systems can present for the company a valuable competitive advantage. On the other hand, investors in this ICO will be able to join a company with a huge potential, contribute to its international expansion and establishment and benefit from a success story in the making. n’cloud.swiss AG

Increasingly strong and serious competition from Switzerland for Amazon AWS, Microsoft Azure & Co.

Hi Guys !! Many people asking me recently to explain how to deploy Algo VPN on a Cloud provider, VPN that includes 'ad-blocker'. Well, I explained and installed too many, now decided to prepare a video tutorial that all can watch and follow to deploy Algo VPN by themselves. The video is online now on . YouTube Please, comment with beneficial recommendations so we can all enjoy this beautiful open-source project better ! Enjoy ! Regards.

How To Deploy Algo VPN with NextDNS on UpCloud [Video]

Linux is one of the most popular operating systems (technically, Linux is just the Kernel) and has many types (distribution/distro). It may be unclear to choose which one to use, from beginner-friendly distro to those used for special needs. Linux users who use Linux as a daily driver usually have tried a lot of distros before sticking to one. Distro Hoppers Distro Hoppers is a term for users who often change distros regularly. The reason can vary: try new challenges, different features, and different purposes of the distro. Distro hopping is sometimes considered bad because it requires much time and offers little benefit. This article will discuss tools and advice for Distro Hoppers. Virtual Machine: Virtualbox/KVM The virtual Machine application is useful for trying the Linux distro before you even consider installing it or burning it on your flash disk. It is important to have a taste before installing it so you're not wasting so much time if you don't like the distro in the first place. Backups Backup is important to prevent data loss after installing a new Linux distribution. There are several ways. Using backup tools, e.g., , , etc. rsync Timeshift Separate partition for data, or separate partition for directory. With this approach, you must mount that partition after installing the new distribution. /home Save all data to the cloud. Several are out there, e.g., pCloud and MEGA. Just remember only to use a provider that has a Linux Client app. providers I recommend the last approach because saving important data on a local computer is not good practice. USB Bootable: Ventoy is an open-source tool to create a bootable USB drive for ISO/WIM/IMG/VHD(x)/EFI files. Using Ventoy, we can create live USB for multiple distros in one flash disk. This is a revolutionary feature compared to other tools, e.g., Etcher, Rufus, etc., that can only create one live USB at a time. This tool is so important. Don't call yourself a distro hopper if you don't know this tool. Ventoy Package Manager: Flatpak Hopping from one distro to another with a different package manager might require some time to adapt. Using a package manager that can be installed on most distro is one way to help you get to work faster. is one of them; other alternatives are , , or . Flatpak is a good starter, and if you have a bunch of free time, I suggest trying Nix. Flatpak Snap Nix Homebrew Development: Docker With DevContainer If you are using Linux, I think it's safe to assume that your job is somewhat related to programming. Setting up a development environment for a Software Engineer can be a hurdle. The development environment might require installing many tools, e.g., programming language, database, monitoring tools, etc. Docker with DevContainer is one of the fastest solutions to create a development environment faster, even after hopping from several distros. is a containerization tool that ships your app with all the necessary dependencies. Using makes developing software inside a container possible. Several editors, e.g., Visual Studio Code and JetBrains, already support DevContainer. If you use other editors like VIM or Helix, you might develop software directly inside the container or need to find another workaround. But if you are too lazy to configure VIM like me, use VSCode. Docker DevContainer Honorable Mentions Distrobox is a tool that enables us to try Linux distro CLI, including their package manager. This requires a containerization tool (e.g., Docker). In Windows, this can be achieved using WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux) Distrobox EasyBCD is a Windows app that can modify the Bootloader if you dual-boot with Windows. I use this tool to remove Linux Grub when distro hopping. EasyBCD Conclusion Distro Hopping is not always bad, especially if you want to learn something new. Do this responsibly so it doesn't bother your work or your time with family. Utilize the tools above to minimize the time wasted, or even better if there is a separate computer just for that. OK, that's all for now. I hope you gain some insight and become better Distro Hoppers. Thank you. Also published here

Tools for Linux Distro Hoppers: A Beginner-Friendly Guide

167 Stories To Learn About Vpn

For modern organizations, there is a need for reliable options for storing and managing their digital media assets, such as videos, audio, images, and documents, and cloud storage options such as Dropbox have become increasingly popular with most of them, including public safety & law enforcement agencies. Having a reliable cloud data storage and backup platform is a requirement for most organizations in the contemporary world. Employees working in small and medium organizations rely on cloud storage services such as Dropbox to store and share their files. Dropbox is even being used in some law enforcement agencies and policing. However, you might need more than just Dropbox-like storage for managing digital evidence. Why Dropbox May Not Be the Best Option for Law Enforcement Agencies? Dropbox has a few features that help securely store digital evidence, such as 256-bit encryption and password protection. Syncing is faster, since the process is done in blocks and the waiting period to access files on another device is minimal, and the solution is easy-to-use which is why it is preferred by over 500 million individuals, including 11.9 million paying users. But when it comes to managing evidence, that is as far as the advantages of Dropbox go. The system isn’t designed for digital evidence management, and there are several gaps and challenges for securely storing and managing evidence using Dropbox. Its privacy policies are somewhat controversial; the application can access your personal information and share it with third-party organizations such as Google and Amazon Web Services. Dropbox lacks metadata search functionality so a file cannot be searched according to the file information and the date it was created. Now, there are a lot of better alternatives that are designed specifically to manage digital evidence and cater to law enforcement. 9 Dropbox competitors for storing digital evidence: 1. VIDIZMO Digital Evidence Management System (DEMS) VIDIZMO Digital Evidence Management System (DEMS) is custom designed specifically to ingest, store, manage, and share evidence files. Apart from its storage options, multiple features of DEMS such as access management, security and chain of custody make it the ideal option for law-enforcement and governmental agencies. The platform does not store your personal information and protects your sensitive data such as evidence files from third-parties, malicious attacks and otherwise unauthorized access. You can use an array of features such as role-based access control, end-to-end encryption and user groups for controlling access to data and evidence. You can share evidence for only a limited time or number of use. The platform also provides a powerful search using AI by automatically indexing meta data for a quick search using keywords. DEMS offers public cloud storage services (e.g.: Azure, AWS etc.), as well as on-premises and hybrid deployments for specific client requirements. The platform also offers a wide range of features and options for meeting compliances necessary for law enforcement and criminal justice systems, such as CJIS, FedRAMP and more. Unlike DEMS, if you use Dropbox for storing and sharing evidence, files need to be deleted if one wishes to restrict the access of a particular person. In addition to that, DEMS provides an exclusive feature which allows you to search for frames in the video. Instead of having to view the entire video or audio evidence, one can quickly search and jump to the relevant part in the evidence. VIDIZMO understands that evidence may be recorded using different sources such as dash cams, aerial footage such as drone cams, smartphones, body cams and CCTVs. Users can rest assured that in addition to password protection and secured cloud, compatibility is also an essential feature of VIDIZMO DEMS. 2. Google Drive Google Drive is a file storage service which allows organizations to have all files in one place, share the video evidence files online and access them from anywhere. Google Drive has the largest market share when it comes to providing cloud storage services. Google Drive offers 15 GB of free storage space which is huge in comparison to the 2 GB provided by Dropbox. Google Drive is also the leader when it comes to paid storage. Google charges $99.99 per year, whereas Dropbox charges $119.88 per year for a 2 TB of storage space with Drive. Google Drive’s syncing also supports multiple devices which is also possible via the Backup and Sync application. In addition to the two-factor authentication, Google Drive’s Cloud Identity Feature provides endpoint management services. Unlike Dropbox, Google Drive clearly states the number of certifications it follows which includes standards such as ISO 27017, FedRAMP, FISC Compliance and PCI DSS. However, Google Drive has file size limitations such as a restriction of 1,024,000 characters, upper limit of 100MB for slideshow presentations and 2 MB for embedded images. 3. Amazon Drive The tech giant Amazon has a fair share of the market when it comes to providing cloud-based services and storage of video, audio and image files. Similar to Dropbox and Google Drive, Amazon uses block-level file copying so faster syncing speed is one of its traits. Amazon Drive’s free plan includes 5GB of storage space. In addition to providing web-based access, Amazon’s Drive’s desktop app allows access to all the files. Amazon Drive’s ease of syncing with Android, macOS, Windows and iOS is another commendable feature. A drawback is that Amazon Drive only has 2 plans which the restricts the options available for users. 4. Office 365 Office 365 is an ideal platform for collaboration as it provides the facility of sharing content, storing files and collaborating on documents with external users and colleagues through its three main products: OneDrive, Microsoft Teams and SharePoint. Small industries with 50-200 employees and revenue in between 10-50 million dollars comprise the major chunk of the users of 5. Microsoft One Drive. OneDrive is a platform which allows easy file sharing, integration with Windows File Explorer and accessing files from mobile devices. There are three different types of OneDrive sharing links: Shareable (which allows anyone with the link to share), Internal (allows only people within the firm to share) and Direct (only specific personnel can share). Although OneDrive works seamlessly with Microsoft Office apps, there are limited options available for third-party integrations. Furthermore, OneDrive’s right to scan saved files raises security concerns amongst the users. 6. pCloud pCloud is an encrypted cloud storage platform that offers up to 10GB of free storage space. It supports a large number of platforms, including Windows, Mac, SaaS, Android, iPhone, and iPad. The target audience of pCloud is digital-savvy consumers who work with large files. pCloud offers a subscription-based payment plan with its two main tiers being Premium and Premium Plus. The majority of the 10 million customers of pCloud belong to the following industries: retail, legal, insurance, education, accounting, real estate, photographers, and PR/advertising agencies.pCloud offers faster sync and share as compared to Dropbox. The Rewind feature allows users to restore the previous version of the file. pCloud’s great flexibility in terms of its pricing, a wide array of features, and a strict privacy policy comprise of its unique selling points. However, pCloud uses cloud storage for saving without utilizing space from local systems because of which it gets tricky to get the whole backup when needed. 7. WeTransfer is a file transfer service that allows users to share files without having to create an account because of which it is used by officers for quick file transfer. WeTransfer allows sending files up to 2GB for free (which is huge compared to 100MB per file transfer on Dropbox). WeTransfer There are two ways of sending files via WeTransfer: sending a download link via email or creating a download link that allows anyone with the link to download the files. Additionally, WeTransfer Pro allows the transfer limit to be increased to 20GB with 1TB of cloud storage space and custom expiration dates. WeTransfer scans the uploaded files only if it feels the users are breaking the laws or rules. Although WeTransfer allows ease of file transfer without having the premium version, files get deleted after a week. 8. Sync is a Canadian company providing the option to store, share and access files from anywhere in the world and is preferred by organizations for whom security is the highest priority. The best feature that offers is having zero-knowledge encryption – a security feature that ensures that only the user can read their data, thus always having a secure file.  Files are synced using a “vault” which operates as a secure file archive. Sync.com Sync.com is affordable as it offers a Personal Pro 2TB annual plan which charges around $8 a month. It also offers a flexible 500 GB personal plan for users. It also has a multi-user team sharing built-in feature which is compatible with both iOS and Android. Some disadvantages of Sync are slow syncing and lack of support especially for Linux. Sync.com 9. Zoho Docs Zoho Corporation provides an efficient file management system for various firms. Zoho Docs is an online document management system that allows storing, uploading, creating, editing, collaborating and sharing over 160 file types such as spreadsheets, images, audio, videos, and presentations. Unlike many other cloud service providers, Zoho Docs offers a free trial in addition to a free version. It also provides extensive training options such as through webinars, live online, and thorough documentation. Zoho also allows syncing offline files using the drag and drop feature. Moreover, the files can be attached directly to which is beneficial for organizations that require customized domain in their email addresses. The ioS application for Zoho needs improvement and downloads are limited to 10GB per day for users not opting for the paid version. Zoho Mail Conclusion It can be said that law enforcement agencies and government organizations that are on the hunt for alternatives to Dropbox have a variety of options at their disposal. Evidence management systems appear to be the optimal platform for law enforcement agencies who specifically want a platform for their evidence video files to be stored, accessed, reviewed and analyzed. Simple cloud storage solutions are suitable for storing and accessing video evidence files, but unlike digital evidence management, they do not offer features such as chain of custody, transcription services, redaction, and sufficient security. Furthermore, most of them do not offer the necessary compliances such as HIPAA and FedRAMP required for law enforcement. In conclusion, it can be said that the choice of cloud storage platform depends largely on the nature of the business and organizations need to decide carefully which platform will yield the best results for them.

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