Steve Watt from HP, talks about Big data, what it’s all about and how to access vast amount of data for the use in businesses. Big data is about mining information from unstructured data, where you ask your own questions and learn something from everything. The video covers the whole model of retrieving, storing, processing and analysing big data using open source software to benefit your business.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCBN0_GeT0Y&w=560&h=315]
Most of the fundamental technologies that were used in the past, and in fact some today, are poor because there was a failure to invest in these technologies and the lack of intellectual property made it difficult for investors to buy in. This was a major cause in the stagnant nature of the global GDP and it is also a major factor in the lack of growth in successful technologies within Africa. Ndubuisi talks about a framework which can lead to a very strong system and encourage Africa to continue to invent new intellectual properties and push forward, not just in ICT but all kinds of technologies i.e. mining and agricultural technology. In essence, this talk will share the redesign to close the missing links as Africa overcomes the barriers in participating industries like microelectronics and nanotechnology which remain drivers of global commerce and modern culture.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvV7xLDCMx0&w=560&h=315]
“The age of competing simply over features is over”. It has become clear over the years that designing a product around its features has become less important than creating a product based around its customers which provides a superior user experience.
UX is an umbrella term where there are disciplines within other disciplines i.e. information architecture, usability research etc. Cennydd and James go in to detail about the importance of having the perfect balance in user experience (UX) design, how the successful companies have followed their practises to release a successful product resulting in loyal customers and how smaller companies can adapt these disciplines to be successful themselves.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r34LOmCw99k&w=560&h=315]
Dr. Barry Devlin is among the foremost authorities worldwide in business intelligence who is also a widely respected consultant, lecturer and author. Barry puts forward all of his 30 year experience in explaining how to take messy bits and bytes and convert those data in to something useful. He covers the evolution of the use and storage of information within businesses in the last 40 years. A topic he also covers is the role of relational database where they move from a supportive platform to a core platform. Essentially, to have relevant information, Barry talks about the importance of having complete, connected and comprehended data through his new architecture for information in businesses.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3_KMQFMgNg&w=560&h=315]
Everyone knows that mobile in Africa will surpass desktop PC’s, but what are the practical examples and success stories that give context to the changing landscape?
Gustav Praekelt (Praekelt Digital), Sébastien Lacour (Powertime)
Global nomad and digital strategist Josh Spear will explore what inspires him, some of his work and projects, and social media trends from across the globe and Africa.
As one of the youngest and most influential marketing strategists in the world, Josh is sought out for his intelligent, no-holds-barred insight on everything from design to authenticity and ‘word-of-mouth.’ His own blog, joshspear.com, uses a network of writers across the globe to unearth trends in art, design, mobile and the future of digital media itself.
Josh’s New York-based consultancy applies a digital worldview to the challenges and ambitions of complex corporate organisations. It creates strategies for deeper, lasting online relationships – including new models to measure performance in emerging environments. As well as advising some of the world’s biggest brands, it also works as a think-tank on the influence of technology on all aspects of human behaviour.
A hugely engaging conference speaker, Josh’s presentations set out new ways for organisations to harness the internet. He analyses what it is that makes certain things catch on, and explains how to position products and services to capitalise on fast-moving trends. And with a billion people online at any one moment, he shows how to get the attention of the digital generation.
Josh is frequently featured in Time Magazine and The New York Times. For several years he has been an active participant and keynote speaker at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he was formally nominated a Young Global Leader.
Often described as the “Bill Gates of Africa”, Herman Chinery-Hesse embodies his mantra “Only Africans can save Africa“, and believes that if Africa misses the current global IT boat, there may never again be an opportunity for rapid wealth creation on the continent. He will talk candidly about the challenges, potential and opportunity present in African technology today.
In his own words, “if Africa misses the current global IT boat there may never again be an opportunity for rapid wealth creation on the continent“.