The Internet of Behaviors: How Data-Driven Insights Shape Smart Cities

The Internet of Behaviors: How Data-Driven Insights Shape Smart Cities

In the age of digital transformation, the Internet of Things (IoT) has paved the way for a new paradigm known as the Internet of Behaviors (IoB). By harnessing the power of data and analytics, IoB offers unprecedented opportunities to shape and optimize the functioning of smart cities. In this article, we will explore how data-driven insights derived from the Internet of Behaviors are transforming the landscape of urban living, enhancing efficiency and sustainability, and improving the quality of life for citizens. Like fascinating IoT companies, the IoB industry will also bring big changes. Let’s first understand what is IoB.

What is IoB

The Internet of Behaviors (IoB) is a concept that refers to the collection and analysis of data on human behavior through various digital sources. It involves the use of technologies such as sensors, mobile devices, social media platforms, and other digital platforms to gather behavioral data and derive insights from it. IoB focuses on understanding, predicting, and influencing human behaviors by leveraging the power of data analytics and artificial intelligence.

The primary objective of IoB is to gain a deeper understanding of individuals and their behaviors, preferences, and needs. This information can be utilized to tailor experiences, services, and products to meet the specific requirements of individuals or target groups. IoB has applications in various domains, including marketing, healthcare, transportation, security, and urban planning.

For example, IoB can help businesses analyze consumer behavior patterns in marketing to deliver personalized advertisements and offers. In healthcare, IoB can provide insights into patient behaviors and adherence to treatment plans, enabling healthcare providers to deliver more targeted and effective care. In urban planning, IoB can assist city authorities in understanding how people interact with their environment, optimizing resource allocation, and improving the overall quality of life in cities.

Here is how IoB shapes smart cities:

Enhancing Urban Planning

The Internet of Behaviors empowers city planners with granular insights into citizens’ behaviors, preferences, and needs. By leveraging data from various sources such as social media, mobile devices, and sensors, urban planners can better understand how people interact with their surroundings. This valuable information can guide the development of infrastructure, transportation systems, and public spaces to better align with the requirements and preferences of the residents.

Improving Resource Management

Efficient resource management is crucial to smart city development. IoB enables cities to collect and analyze data on energy consumption, water usage, waste management, and other vital resources. By leveraging these insights, cities can identify patterns, optimize resource allocation, and implement sustainable practices. For instance, real-time data on energy usage can be utilized to detect anomalies, optimize energy distribution, and reduce carbon footprint.

Enhancing Citizen Safety and Security

Through the Internet of Behaviors, cities can leverage data-driven insights to enhance citizen safety and security. By analyzing data from surveillance cameras, social media, and connected devices, authorities can identify patterns of criminal activity, proactively respond to emergencies, and allocate resources efficiently. Furthermore, predictive analytics can help identify potential risks and develop preventive measures to ensure the well-being of citizens.

Personalized Services and User Experience

IoB enables smart cities to provide personalized services and enhanced user experiences. By analyzing individual behavior patterns, cities can tailor services such as transportation, healthcare, and public amenities to meet the specific needs of citizens. For example, real-time traffic data can be used to optimize transportation routes, reducing congestion and improving commuting experiences. Similarly, personalized healthcare services can be delivered based on individual health data, improving healthcare outcomes.

Citizen Engagement and Participation

The Internet of Behaviors fosters citizen engagement and participation by providing platforms for feedback, collaboration, and involvement in decision-making processes. Through mobile applications, online portals, and social media platforms, citizens can actively contribute their opinions, report issues, and participate in urban planning initiatives. This participatory approach enables cities to co-create solutions with their residents, leading to a sense of ownership, stronger community ties, and a more inclusive and responsive city environment.

Conclusion

The Internet of Behaviors is revolutionizing how smart cities operate, unlocking unprecedented opportunities to shape urban environments based on data-driven insights. By leveraging the power of data analytics, cities can enhance urban planning, optimize resource management, improve citizen safety, provide personalized services, and foster citizen engagement. As smart cities continue to evolve, the Internet of Behaviors will play a pivotal role in creating sustainable, efficient, and citizen-centric urban ecosystems.

8 Business Ideas That Are Going to be Trendy in 2023

8 Business Ideas That Are Going to be Trendy in 2023

Is doing business on your mind for 2023? If so, you have reached the right place. With endless ideas floating in the market, picking the most promising one can be daunting. To ease this process, we got the top business ideas that will trend in 2023. So, without ado, let us dive into the details.

Top Business Ideas for 2023

Content Creation 

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Convert your passion for writing and expressing into a profitable business in 2023. In this digitally advanced world, businesses seek quality content to create demand for their products and services. So, from eBooks to website copies, there is a huge demand for experienced writers who can deliver engaging content. 

This domain includes content writing, blogging, vlogging, and so on. To start with this idea, you can set up your business and begin taking writing projects from clients. Or you can offer freelancing services on websites like Upwork or Fiverr. There are many options. And the best part is that almost all of them have a bright scope in 2023.

Virtual Assistance 

Many companies seek extra hands to help keep their routine operations functional and manageable. So, if you are comfortable working on laptops, using software programs, writing emails, and taking calls, you can go for this idea in 2023. It is a lucrative business opportunity wherein you can expand your administrative operations by hiring more employees in your team. 

As a virtual assistant, your job is to schedule appointments, answer customer queries, and manage emails regularly. It is a promising business idea that is expected to have a bright scope in the coming time. 

Web Designing and Developing 

With a massive increase in online shoppers, more and more businesses are planning to invest in their web development projects. It gave a boost to the demand for qualified web designers. 

So, if you have the qualification, experience, and passion for ornamenting websites, this can be the thing for you. You can start by taking on freelance projects and gradually setting up your enterprise. However, ensure you stay abreast with the latest web designing trends to carve a niche in the competition. 

Consultancy Business  

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It is a service-based business idea that provides solutions and advises individuals and businesses. Companies usually seek expert opinions and services to handle essential business operations and solve complex problems. For instance, smartphone manufacturing companies can seek expert opinions to know the future of face recognition technology

Be it management, HR, marketing, technology, or finance, the demand for consultants is always on the rise. So, if you belong to any of these niches, consider starting your business in 2023. You must create your website, list your services, and promote your business. You can also target local businesses to build a strong clientele. 

Digital Marketing 

Businesses constantly find innovative and creative ways to reach and tap their target audience. Online marketing is expected to reap the best results among all the available mediums in 2023. The best part is that digital marketing is a comprehensive domain that includes content creation and social media marketing. 

It gives a promising platform for budding business minds. So, as a digital marketer, you will design online marketing policies and campaigns for your clients. Your prime motive will be to improve the online presence of the brands. You can start small with a team of 3-4 employees. However, you can scale up once you start getting good projects. 

Affiliate Marketing 

Have you heard about affiliate marketing? It is an innovative advertising model wherein a brand hires third-party publishers to generate leads and traffic for its products and services. You need to identify the companies that offer affiliate programs to get started. 

Once you identify the best ones, you can start promoting their products and services on your social media accounts and blogs. Some common examples are Clickbank, Amazon, etc. So, as an affiliate marketer, you need to boost online traffic for their website. It is a lucrative business idea where you can earn a commission on every sale you generate.

Graphic Design 

Do you have an eye for graphics and design? If yes, this can be the perfect business idea for you. You see, good graphics help brands gain high visibility in the market. It leads to higher conversions, credibility, and sales. With ever-increasing competition, the demand for professional graphic service providers is expected to peak in 2023. 

So, you can go for it if you have it in you. All you need to do is, manage your clients’ graphic designing requirements. However, to step into this business, you must first learn the industry’s basics. You can find several online and offline graphic designing courses. Once you gain the necessary skills, you can start offering professional services to companies. 

AI Application Development 

App development is another business idea expected to gain momentum in 2023. You see, applications make consumers’ lives easier. Many top brands have introduced advanced AI apps to cater to the different shopping needs of their buyers. But many small startups are still yet to join this league. App development and AI can kickstart the growth of such startups.

However, they will need the services of a professional company that can design an AI app for their brand. To start with this business, you should have basic industry knowledge. Apart from this, you need to create a team of qualified software engineers who can develop advanced applications as per the client’s requirements. You can also develop your app and list it on Google Play or App Store. 

Bottom Line

These are just a handful of top business ideas you can consider in 2023. However, if you are seeking a profitable and successful business idea, one of these can be a perfect pick for you. Experts recommend selecting an idea that will utilise your business acumen and develop your skills. 

With a bit of hard work and planning, you can reach the pinnacle of success with any of these ideas. You can also consult market experts to know more about the pros and cons of these business ideas. 

 

Guide on How the New Battery Technology will Revolutionize Electric Cars

Guide on How the New Battery Technology will Revolutionize Electric Cars

New battery technology benefits companies that strive to meet the world’s growing needs for electric cars. Lithium iron phosphate and lithium-ion are dominating the current battery landscape. However, both have pros and cons regarding raw materials, range, and other factors. For example, Tesla (TSLA) uses lithium-ion and LFP both, whereas BYD (BYDDF) uses specialized LFP batteries only. Let’s learn how new battery technology will revolutionize electric cars.

Automakers and battery companies are heavily investing in making denser, cheaper, and lighter batteries. Some companies give old batteries a new twist for incremental improvements. Others improve battery assembly or battery form factor for a huge cost gain and performance. As a result, it is forecast that big breakthroughs and radically different chemistries will emerge. 

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General Motors (GM) added tweaks in the lithium-ion chemistry to cut costs for its next-generation Ultium batteries. Likewise, Tesla’s 4680 battery cell can save expenses and five other benefits through a larger size and state of engineering. China’s CATL is the world’s largest battery maker, claiming more improvements in its new Kirin battery as its cells are now available in packs.

Various players are working on far-reaching battery innovations. CATL focuses mainly on sodium-ion batteries, QuantumScape (QS), SolidPower (SLDP), SES (SES),  and Toyota Motor (TM) are working on solid-state batteries. Both types of batteries are potential game changers but face some technical hurdles.

Ram Chandrasekaran, a mobility analyst at Wood Mackenzie says that more powerful batteries will increase the adoption of electric cars. So the entire platform of vehicles surrounds the battery that supplies power and serves as a critical structural element in electric cars.

Race of Battery Technology

Another way in which new battery technology will revolutionize electric cars is through battery technology. The race for new technology is not about electric cars only. The battery powers everything from laptops to power drills. Moreover, the utility sector is a growing source of demand for batteries. But many vehicle companies shot the lead in this technology race for certain reasons. Electric cars make up to the order of 80% of lithium-ion batteries. The prices of raw materials for batteries also increase

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In Asia, China commanded 90% of battery manufacturing in the world in 2021. However, Wood Mackenzie forecasts the fall of share below 70% by the decade’s end. Across Europe and the United States, various battery manufacturing plants will form by the decade’s end because of fear of lithium shortages. In addition, companies want to reduce geopolitical risk and transportation costs since it is costly to ship heavy EV batteries.

The Department of Energy in the United States announced $3.1 billion in funding on May 2 to boost battery production. It focuses mainly on processing and manufacturing facilities, and additional $60 million help to find secondary uses for already used batteries. This money comes from the infrastructure bill in 2021.

To Wrap Up

This was a complete guide on how new battery technology will revolutionize electric cars. As per market research firm Auto Pacific, electric car sales will increase four-fold in the United States in the coming five years. It will climb from 2% of car sales to 7% in 2026. Moreover, the demand for cheaper and better electric vehicle batteries is creating a rush. It is because many companies delve into new technologies to meet the demand.

7 Myths About Blockchain Technology

7 Myths About Blockchain Technology

Blockchain technology is an interesting subject emerging in the tech industry and beyond. It offers a way of recording transactions, designed specifically to be transparent, secure, and highly resistant to outages. This technology is young and changing at a rapid pace. Despite its positive aspects, there are some misunderstandings and confusions regarding its nature, such as:

Blockchain and Bitcoin are the Same

The common misunderstanding is that Blockchain technology and Bitcoin are the same thing. Originally, Blockchain is a database of stored transactions across various computers in the distributed form of blocks. Each block has a link with the previous one, creating a chain of blocks. On the other hand, Bitcoin is a decentralized digital currency that you can buy, sell and exchange directly without any intermediary. Bitcoin information gets stored in the public Blockchain.

Operations of all Blockchains are Similar

There are three kinds of Blockchain, each having its own pros and cons. Some are more expensive, and some are greener than others. The variation between these Blockchains makes it difficult to tackle them from a regulatory point of view. To tackle this issue, you must understand the different ways blockchain works and the attributes each of them possesses.

Blockchain is a Big Database in Cloud

Blockchain is a huge database with added properties. Therefore, its entries never get deleted. The growth of the file is indefinite, and its replicas are on all the nodes in the P2P network. Though Blockchain is a huge database, it does not store any physical information (like a document or image). It only holds a document proof of existence (in codes) but not the document.

Blockchain is Free

One of the common myths is that Blockchain is free. Although blockchain cost regarding Bitcoin has been associated with using computers to solve mathematical problems, the actual price shows a different picture. Bitcoin mining needs powerful and expensive hardware with high electricity consumption. So, there is no reason to consider Blockchain free.

Blockchain Signifies Efficiency

Though Blockchain is powerful, it does not have a magic wand that can make everything better. Originally, some sectors benefited from it and have faster and more efficient systems. However, it cannot work for everyone. Some businesses are better with centralized non-blockchain solutions. So, performing a thorough analysis before implementing anything would be best.

Blockchain Does Not Include Verification

The common problem with many traditional transactions is that ledger can get easily tempered to reflect incorrect information. Distributed databases are one of the fundamentals of Blockchain technology. It ensures all parties can access records in the chain. It is decentralized so no single person has complete control over Blockchain, making it difficult to tamper with.

Finding a Blockchain Expert is Easy

Various Blockchain experts have neither designed nor implemented Blockchain systems. However, skilled Blockchain resources are difficult to find. Moreover, they are very expensive. 

To Sum Up

There is no doubt about the Blockchain potential, but this technology is far from perfect. Moreover, misconceptions will only make matters worse. So, it is critical to find the truth about Blockchain technology to improve its implementation.

7 Best Cloud Security Practices

7 Best Cloud Security Practices

With the emergence of cloud-based storage services, you don’t need to worry about taking your portable storage devices everywhere. From Dropbox to Google Drive, various cloud solutions keep data online and provide you with easy access from anywhere. This convenience seems tempting, but unfortunately, data uploading to the Cloud can raise security concerns. Best cloud security practices are more important now than ever it was.

However, you can protect data by making some efforts. So, here are 7 best cloud security  practices to keep cloud data secure:

Access Control Management

Though cloud platforms offer the right tools, it is up to your organization to establish the proper access controls for data safety. For example, in the case of insider theft, the right access control policies can ensure data safety. Furthermore, it is essential so that no one can access stored data without proper clearance.

Train the Staff

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To prevent your access credentials from hackers, organizations should train their workers. They should be able to spot the cyberthreats and how to respond. This training should include basic security knowledge, like creating strong passwords and finding social engineering attacks.

Go Through User Agreements

Remember not to sign up for any cloud service without going through the full user agreement. It contains vital information about how the service protects the critical information and whether you allow them to use or sell your data in any way. Do not sign up for anything without understanding every clause in the agreement.

Encrypt your Data Before Uploading to Cloud

If you want to upload the data to the Cloud, encrypt it first with the help of a third-party tool. Then, upload it. You have to download any cloud-protection app that allows you to apply passwords and generate key sequences to the files before uploading. Even if you opt for an encrypted cloud service, undergoing a preliminary file encryption round won’t be bad.

Perform Penetration and Testing Regular Audits

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Whether your organization decides to select a partner for cloud data security needs or not, you should implement regular penetration testing. It will determine if you made sufficient efforts or not. Then combine it with audits to keep tables on the vendor’s capabilities to access logs to ensure that authorized personnel is handling sensitive data.

Pay Attention to Various Cloud Environments

Managing multi-cloud environment security is tricky as data resides on various platforms. As a result, organizations must devise policies based on data rather than the cloud platform to confirm robust safety.

Enable Security Logs

Apart from conducting audits, organizations should allow logging features for cloud solutions. Logging helps system administrators track the users making environmental changes. For example, if a hacker gains access and makes changes, a log will highlight the activities to be rectified.

Misconfigurations are significant threats to Cloud security and logging capabilities to connect the changes leading to any vulnerability. Also, logging allows you to find individual users with more access than they need. So administrators can make proper adjustments in permissions.

Conclusion

Whatever Cloud solution you select, security remains the main responsibility. Therefore, it is essential to have a basic understanding of best practices to avoid cyber attacks. Furthermore, it ensures that all the employees contribute effectively towards enhancing organizational growth by maintaining a secure environment for data.

 

A Data Catalog Startup, Castor Gets $23.5M to Expand its Platform

A Data Catalog Startup, Castor Gets $23.5M to Expand its Platform

Managing and interpreting data requires time, and the French company Castor deals with the subject. Recently, A data catalog startup, Castor gets $23.5M to expand its platform

So, let’s have a look at all the updates.  

A Data Catalog Startup, Castor, Gets $23.5M to Expand its Platform

The French company provides its clients the full visibility and protection of valuable data. In addition, it makes the data interpretation easy and boosts growth. The Blossom group raised the funding, and the innovative ideas of the Castor group helped it bag $23.5M funding. 

It was a Series A funding in which angel investors look for future-proof and innovative ideas. The Series A round saw participation from previous investor First and Florian Douetteau, angel investor and founder of Dataiku.

Castor’s Plan

CEO of Castor Tristan Mayer said that this raised amount would be used to expand the company’s goals. Mainly it will be used to develop 25 personal teams they have, marketing and sales departments.

This funding is a great advantage for the company, and the startup is constantly planning to take the technology and its services. As a result, the workforce has the skills to become Data scientists. It deals with metadata, data management, and search tools designed to help users find the data they need. 

Castor plans to utilize the new funding to expand its sales and marketing teams in the US. It also plans to use the funding to build its platform’s AI capabilities further. With a 40 percent month-on-month increase in its US customer base, the startup has found a partner with a proven track record of investment and expansion in the US to implement its operations.

Investors

The Series A fund round was led by Blossom Capital, an early-stage venture capital from London. They are looking for innovative European minds who can launch new ideas globally. The firm was established in 2018 and invested in unicorns in the US and Europe.

Blossom partner Imran Ghory said that when we met Tristan, Xavier, Amaury, Arnaud, and the team of Castor, we knew that they were the one. Future technology and companies will need better use of data, and Castor is on the right step.

Everything About Castor

Mayer established Castor in 2020 with Xavier de Boisredon, an ex-data scientist at Ubisoft. They built data catalog software and initially attempted to sell it to the heads of data at Payfit and Qonto — Arnaud de Turckheim (Payfit) and Amaury Dumoulin (Qonto). But Dumoulin and Turckheim, sensing a bigger opportunity, chose to quit their jobs and unite with de Boisredon and Mayer in co-launching Castor.

In an interview, the mayor said, “We’re on a mission to help people find, understand, and use data” “Thanks to increased automation, Castor makes it easier to bring together the context needed to understand data. As a result, we empower people to build a collaborative data culture.”

Castor provides data discovery tools aspired to help users comprehend the context around data. Targeting use cases like streamlining data compliance projects and cloud migration, Castor connects to cloud data warehouses including Snowflake, BigQuery, Redshift, and business intelligence tools such as Looker, Tableau, and Metabase. In addition, it automatically creates and updates documentation that any workforce can refer to when they have data-related questions.

In the country, various State departments are hiring data scientists for their skills; data management is the future tech. So, keep reading for all the latest developments in this news!

 

 

 

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