Tag Archives: Australia

Finalists of Wyndham Business Awards 2023

Celebrating the Finalists of Wyndham Business Awards 2023

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The , known for its thriving local business community, is all set to honor the visionaries who have reshaped industries through their pioneering innovations and technological advancements. 

The Categories of Wyndham Business Awards

The highly anticipated 27th Annual Wyndham Business Awards Gala Event is just around the corner, and the excitement is palpable as the finalists have been announced for various categories like Excellence in Customer Experience, Excellence in Diversity & Inclusion, Excellence in Innovation and Technology, Excellence in Local Community, Excellence in Sustainability, Small, Medium and Micro Businesses, New & Emerging/Start Up, Young Businessperson of the Year and many more.  

Excellence in Innovation and Technology: The Finalists 

FLYONIT is sponsoring the category of Excellence in Innovation and Technology. Under this category four outstanding companies were finalized who demonstrated exceptional prowess in harnessing technology to drive their businesses forward. They are: 

  • BibVault– BibVault is a unique activity-based rewarding platform that connects you with local businesses, event organizers, and Industry experts so that you can get active in your own way.  
  • OFI Weigh and Inspection Solutions– OFI Weigh & Inspection Solutions is a company that designs, manufactures, and service product inspection equipment for various industries like food, packaging, pharmaceutical, and logistics sectors. They have over 25 years of experience in this industry.  
  • The Dental Gallery– The Dental Gallery is a dental clinic based in Point Cook, Victoria. They offer various dental treatments with the help of the latest technology and ensure that their patients get high-quality service.  
  • The Room Xchange– The Room Xchange is a house-sharing platform, who works with the help of the profiling system and matches households and housemates based on the values, personality, and lifestyle of both the landlord and the tenant.    

These remarkable businesses have earned their well-deserved spot in the running for the coveted award, which will be presented on Friday, 25th August 2023, at the gala event. 

The Gala Night 

The 27th Annual Wyndham Business Awards Gala Event promises to be a night to remember, celebrating not only the achievements of the outstanding finalists but also the indomitable spirit of and innovation that defines Wyndham’s business landscape. 

The event will be held in grand style, featuring a sumptuous locally curated 3-course menu and premium beverages. Attendees will be treated to captivating entertainment, making it a memorable night of celebration and camaraderie. 

In Short… 

As the anticipation builds and the countdown to the gala event begins, Wyndham is poised to salute the exceptional businesses and business leaders who continue to push the boundaries of innovation and technology. FLYONIT has always believed in the innovative power of business and feels proud to sponsor the category of “Excellence in Innovation and Technology” as it serves as a beacon of inspiration, reminding us of all the transformative power of creativity, ingenuity, and technological progress. The Wyndham Business Awards 2023 is an ode to their remarkable achievements and a testament to the spirit of growth and progress that thrives within the Wyndham business community.  

Microsoft Cloud pricing globally

Microsoft’s Transparent Cloud Pricing: A Step Towards Global Consistency and Customer Empowerment

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Cloud services have become the backbone of modern businesses, enabling organizations to scale, innovate, and drive efficiency in their business. Microsoft, a key player in the cloud computing industry, has made a noteworthy commitment to enhancing the transparency of its cloud pricing. Recognizing the significance of cloud computing and the need for consistent pricing worldwide, the tech giant pledged to establish a more transparent and defined process for aligning Microsoft Cloud pricing globally with US dollar levels.  

This strategic move empowers businesses of all sizes, regardless of their location, to plan for pricing alignment to USD. By doing so, Microsoft aims to ensure that customers across diverse geographies and currencies encounter a reliable and consistent pricing structure, enabling them to make informed decisions and strategize effectively. 

Understanding the Importance of Transparent Pricing 

In the complex world of cloud services, pricing alignment and transparency are crucial factors that influence a customer’s decision-making process. Microsoft addresses the challenge of varying cloud pricing across regions due to currency fluctuations and other market factors. This enhanced pricing approach provides organizations with predictability, enabling them to budget effectively and make long-term plans without the uncertainty of sudden price changes.  

Pricelist Changes for Select Currencies 

To adjust for local currency fluctuations and bring cloud service pricing in line with global standards, Microsoft has introduced pricelist changes for specific currencies. The affected currencies include the Australian dollar (AUD), New Zealand dollar (NZD), Canadian dollar (CAD), and Swiss franc (CHF). Starting from September 1st, 2023, pricing adjustments will be applied to Microsoft Cloud and on-premises software services in these currencies. This move allows Microsoft to maintain competitive prices within each region while ensuring that customers receive consistent pricing for their cloud solutions.  

The Impact on Cloud and On-Premises Software Services 

Let’s delve into the specific impact of pricing adjustments for cloud and on-prem (perpetual) software services in the affected currencies: 

Country Currency Cloud Change On-Prem Change
AUD +9% +9%
NZD +7% None
CAD +6% +6%
CHF -9% None

While individual SKU percentage changes may slightly vary due to pricing calculations and rounding rules, the overall objective remains consistent with achieving relative pricing parity. 

Assessment of Pricing and Market Conditions 

Microsoft regularly evaluates the impact of local pricing for software products and online services, ensuring alignment across regions. These assessments consider various factors, such as currency fluctuations, inflation, macro-economic events, and prevailing business conditions. By adopting a semi-annual cadence for these assessments, Microsoft provides customers with greater visibility into the timing of pricing adjustments, fostering trust and predictability. 

The Future of Pricing Changes 

Addressing customer concerns, Microsoft provides clarity on future pricing changes. While prices can change at semi-annual intervals, they are assessed for reasonable alignment with global USD levels. Should prices materially differ from USD due to local currency fluctuations, Microsoft will make adjustments up or down to maintain relative pricing parity. This approach ensures that customers receive ample notice in advance of any future local currency price changes, fostering transparency and trust. 

Microsoft’s Commitment to Customer-Centricity 

As a customer-centric company, Microsoft values its existing customers and ensures they are not adversely impacted by pricing changes. Existing orders under commercial licensing agreements for products that are subject to price protection will remain unaffected. However, new product additions under these agreements and purchases under new contracts will be subject to the pricelist changes at the time of order. 

Conclusion 

Microsoft’s transparent approach to cloud pricing marks a significant step towards empowering organizations worldwide. By aligning pricing with global USD levels, adjusting for local currency fluctuations, and fostering consistency, Microsoft enables businesses of all sizes to confidently embrace the cloud. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, Microsoft’s commitment to transparency and customer-centricity will play a pivotal role in driving innovation and growth for businesses worldwide. With a clear vision for the future, Microsoft paves the way for a global cloud computing ecosystem that is both reliable and empowering for its customers.

Apple launches its first virtual reality headset: Apple Vision Pro

Apple Launches Its First Virtual Reality Headset: Apple Vision Pro

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On June 5th, 2023, Apple’s CEO brought out their long-awaited VR headset at the Apple Worldwide Developer’s Conference (WWDC 2023) in Cupertino California. According to reports, this new product line named Vision Pro is said to be the “most ambitious product ever.” 

Apple claims that this headset is not just any VR headset but almost like a wearable computer with twin micro-OLED displays, which will give a clear 3D view of the surroundings and blend it with the digital world. The headset is currently priced at $3,499 and will be made available to the public in early 2024.  

What can Apple Vision Pro do? 

This sleek-looking VR headset is said to augment reality as soon as you wear it and make it seem like your own physical space. It allows you to see the people around you if you want while you enjoy other activities like enjoying a movie or attending a video call through Facetime.  

The users can have full control of the device with their hands, eyes, and voice command and access the apps of their iPhones with it. The home screen can be visible in front of them for the users to control which makes Vision Pro different and exclusive from any other VR devices.  

This will be Apple’s first device with a 3D camera that can help you experience the space and everything in it with a view that will seem exactly like the real world which it is not. It will “blend(s) the digital content with your physical space” in a way that will turn any room you are in into your own personal theatre and that too with ‘spatial audio’.  

There is also an in-built privacy and security system which can help you keep the data under your control. It comes with a new technology called Optic ID which will help you to unlock passwords and authorize purchases with your own unique iris.  

Once you put on the device, your vision through it will have a sense of physicality in the sense that it can control the light settings, cast shadows, and measure the surrounding distance. This will give off an experience that will seem unaltered from reality.  

Some other specifications of Apple Vision Pro 

The Vision Pro headset has two postage stamps like OLED screens with 23 million pixels, each of which can deliver the picture quality of a 4K TV in each eye. This is made to fit the entire visual capability of the human eye.  

The device uses the for its computing power and another chip called R1 that helps to cool down the device, makes it fast, and maintains its overall performance. It is said to have an external battery that can run up to 2 hours and a whole day long when plugged in.  

The device will have a brand-new operating system named VisionOS which is based on Apple’s previous systems like MacOS, iOS, and iPadOS. This will make it easier for other apps to run smoothly and simultaneously and provide an environment that will be more immersive.  

For the users who wear glasses, there will be customized lenses from Zeiss which will be attached to the device for a better visual experience. It will bring more clarity and sharpness without compromising the quality of the display.  

The headset is made from a singular polished glass and the body is made of Aluminum. This helps the device to make it lightweight which in turn helps it to stay in its place when worn by the user. The headband is made from a knitted rib structure with breathable fabric making it stretchable and comfortable.  

This product will not only be used for gaming but a more comprehensive experience where you can enter any reality of your choice, take 3D photos and videos, enjoy movies and entertainment, and the best part, Disney Plus will be available with the device from the day of the launch.  

Apple’s expectations from the device

As we know this is not the first VR headset in the market. Many other companies like Samsung and Sony have successfully launched virtual reality headsets and that too at a much lower price. But Apple has a certain reputation where none of their products are exclusive ones and yet they were capable of dominating the market.  

Although will be available to the public in early 2024, Apple has claimed that they are expecting to vend out 1.5 lack units in the first year with the initial price and more than 1 million units later on with a decreased price. This survey is based on the sales history of the other VR sets and Apple’s own products.  

Analysts don’t really feel that Apple Vision Pro can become a sensation overnight due to its hefty price but with its specification and other features, it can generate billions in the later years within 2026.

The Unprecedented Cyber-Breach That Targeted the Global Giants like PwC, Medibank

The Unprecedented Cyber-Breach That Targeted the Global Giants like PwC, Medibank

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The authorities confirmed that two of the big fours, PwC and EY, were caught in a massive security breach in late May. The infamous hacker group in Russia CL0P, used the third-party software platform MOVEit to get access to sensitive data from other well-known organizations as well.  

This is the same notorious hacker group that orchestrated two other cyber-attacks in the last three years. They have previously demanded ransom or released sensitive information online after their attack. CL0P also published an official statement on the website which says, “Pay attention to avoid extraordinary measures to impact your company,” 

A spokesperson for PwC Australia confirmed that they use the file-sharing platform MOVEit for some of their clients. They also said that they stopped using the software after the breach and have opened an investigation regarding the data that has been exposed.  

PwC claims that their internal IT systems haven’t been compromised after the breach and the attack had a very “limited impact” on the company. They are also in contact with the clients whose information was breached and looking into the matter for future consequences.  

Previously another file-sharing software named GoAnywhere was compromised in Australia which had an impact on The Crown Resorts, the biggest casino operator in Australia. Crown Resorts later claimed that although there was a ransomware demand, no personal information was released. But investigations suggested that the hacker got access to some crown files which were released on the dark web.  

This incident of cyber-attack couldn’t have happened at a much worse time since PwC is still recovering from a tax scandal that took place earlier in 2023, where confidential tax information was released. Several partners have resigned after the incident and the company is momentarily banned from taking over governmental projects.  

The spokesperson also added that their priority has always been to secure its data and that it will continue to use “the right resources and safeguards in place” to protect it from further network breaches.  

On the other hand, their rival EY claims that although they use the same software for file transferring purposes, most of its systems weren’t affected by the breach. They have been following up with their clients and authorities for the same and are still investigating the matter.  

, Australia’s largest private health insurance company was also affected by the attack when they reported that a file that containing private information about their staff was breached. The file had email ids, contact numbers and other details of the staff but it did not contain their bank details or home address, Medibank told Reuters. But their systems were not affected by the data breach.  

This is the second consecutive cyber-attack on Medibank. In the last year October, 9.7 million of its customer’s data was compromised for which the legal disputes are still in progress. 

Some cybersecurity subsidiaries like Norton and Avast also revealed their client information was compromised by this cyber-attack. Authorities say that more than 100 companies and organizations have been affected so far. 

The file transfer service MOVEit is owned by Progress Software who have said that they have contained the vulnerability within 48 hours of the attack.