How To Keep Your Data From ROT-Ing In The Cloud

It’s a brand new year and while it’s not yet the time for “spring cleaning”, you should still consider cleaning up your data. While we can easily brush this time-consuming task aside, understanding and cleaning up your data can save you cloud storage space. Simon Jelley, General Manager for SaaS Protection, Endpoint and Backup Exec at Veritas Technologies, shares an article on Forbes of the importance in managing and keeping necessary data in the cloud. At some point every bit of data was of importance to your company. But as years pass and data retention and compliance comes into play, a lot of that historical data is useless. Jelley coins the term “ROT”, an acronym to describe the three types of antiquated data you may still be storing – data that is redundant, obsolete, and trivial. “Just as rot often takes hold in organic things due to neglect, ROT data results from neglecting good data management practices. As much as a third of enterprise data can be considered ROT (and another 52% is dark data with unknown value, at least a portion of which is almost certainly more ROT),” says Jelley. ROT data can pose many risks to your business such as security, compliance, and liability. Not only that, having unnecessary data means you’re paying for high storage sizes. Below are four steps that Jelley outlines for rooting out your ROT data.

  1. Create a data taxonomy or classification system: “This is a set of definitions, labels and groups to organize your cloud-based data. This will help you identify ROT data.”
  2. Establish a single source of truth (SSOT) location for each category of your cloud data. “This is where the “right” version of each data asset is saved, reducing the chance that ROT versions exist elsewhere in the cloud.”
  3. Define policies for managing the ROT data you’ve identified. “These are rules and procedures you set for purging the ROT from the cloud.”
  4. Remember that this is an iterative process. “Continually update your data taxonomy, manage your SSOT location on an ongoing basis to ensure it’s being used properly, and regularly execute on your ROT data policies with the procedures you’ve established to get rid of it.”

While this process may be a huge project, Jelley concludes how necessary it is and it promotes good organizational management for your business.

 

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5 Major Technology Trends to Observe in 2023

We are at a time in the digital age where new technologies are being developed daily and existing technologies are continuing to improve and evolve. In 2022, we had an overwhelming amount of apps and technology that stemmed from COVID issues. This year, we should see a lot more technology, whether it be pandemic related or a milestone in advancement. Micheal Chukwube, tech enthusiast and SEO Expert, shares an article on ReadWrite.com of 5 major technology trends we should observe in 2023 and beyond.

Metaverse – “The metaverse is a digital domain that connects other technologies together such as virtual reality and augmented reality where users exist in a digital universe. It is a chance for every part of our lives to really be expressed in a different way. GameFi and Play-To-Earn are examples of the metaverse models that now provide stable income streams to people worldwide. These are excellent examples of the future implementation of the metaverse, as they show that people are willing to spend their time living in virtual worlds and earning money.”

Artificial Intelligence (AI) – “AI technology is about intelligence that is as smart as the human brain and reacts like humans. ​​Today, AI makes many contributions to society. For example, in the form of virtual assistants such as Google Assistant, Siri, Cortana, and Alexa. AI has taken over our lives significantly and doesn’t seem to be leaving any time soon. In fact, with each passing day, AI is getting stronger and more innovative to perform more and more human tasks.”

DevOps – “Development and Operations (DevOps) is an organizational approach that enables faster application development and easier maintenance of existing applications. Companies like Netflix, Google, and Amazon are currently using DevOps to increase the productivity and efficiency of their teams. By fostering collaboration between development and operations teams, companies can offer their customers faster software upgrades and feature delivery. It also means companies will see fewer errors and improve product quality.”

Cybersecurity – “Cybersecurity is high on business agendas, as businesses continue to deal with cyber threats associated with the rise of remote working and e-commerce fueled by the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, in 2023, cybersecurity should be on everyone’s agenda.”

Quantum Computing – “Today’s supercomputers encode information in bits (0 and 1), while quantum computers are made up of quantum bits (qubits). Therefore, quantum computing can exist as 1s and 0s at the same time. This means that quantum computers are able to multi-task, allowing for significantly faster results, especially in research and development.”

 

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Lawson Security – loadResource returned identity already exists

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When we try to update some user records on the Infor Security Services (ISS) webpage, it gives an error stating: “loadResource(): returned identity [User:] already exists”

This error is due to missing extended attributes in LDAP. The extended attributes are what allow ISS to know that the user exists in LMK and are created when a user is added via ISS or the user is included in a sync.

To create the extended attributes for the user, you have two options (we recommend step 1):

  1. Run a list-based sync for the user who you are getting the error on.
  2. Run a full sync via the ISS webpage.

 

See LSSCG_11.0.0.0_UWA.pdf via Infor Concierge for example on list-based sync.

 

This is typically done by a Lawson technical resource. Organizations often hire a Lawson consultant team who offer managed services at a fixed monthly rate. These Lawson teams have a wider range of expertise and knowledge and are ideal for larger organizations but also are great for smaller ones that don’t need a dedicated Lawson employee on-site. Nogalis does offer this as a service so feel free to reach out to us via our contact page.

Rosen Hotels & Resorts Expands Partnership with Infor

Infor recently announced that Rosen Hotels & Resorts, one of the most respected names in the hospitality industry, will partner with the tech giant to implement back-of-house hospitality solutions, including automating critical business functions like financials, human resources, talent, analytics and workforce management. Per the press release, as an existing Infor customer for budgeting and reporting, this expanded partnership allows Rosen to utilize Infor’s cloud-based applications specifically built for the hospitality industry to automate time-consuming processes. By automating critical business functions, Rosen will be able to share better data in real time, create processes that can scale and improve its workforce culture. Moreover, by connecting all locations into one common, accessible environment, Rosen Hotels & Resorts can easily track essential activities, trends, and outcomes, thereby increasing visibility, efficiency and profitability.

 

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LASE Fails to Start After Java Update

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There is a known issue after some Java updates where lase won’t start, and attempting to run the bcinstall.jar throws the exception “JCE cannot authenticate the provider BC” in the lase_server logs.  When the LASE fails to start after a Java update, this issue can only be resolved by installing a compatible Lawson CU.

When this happens, you will either need to revert to the previous version of Java, or update LSFCT to the minimally compatible CU (or later).

For Lawson version 10.0.9, the minimum CU is 4.

For Lawson version 10.0.10, the minimum CU is 5.

For Lawson version 10.0.11, the minimum CU is 6.

 

CES 2023’s Biggest Tech Reveals

CES 2023 has arrived and the newest technology reveals are something to be very excited about. Karisa Langlo and Daniel Van Boom of CNET share the newest gadgets and innovations that you should look out for in the coming months. 

Folding and sliding mobile device – Samsung’s Flex Hybrid features a mobile device with the left side that folds, like the Galaxy Fold, while the right side can slide out to extend itself.

A glasses-free 3D laptop – This ASUS laptop’s OLED screen produces a 3D experience without glasses, similar to competitor Acer’s IPS screen laptop. The OLED screen is the difference makers because the technology promises a visibly crisper 3D rendering.

Advancements to health monitoring in Smartwatches – Smartwatches already track your health by offering heart rate, sleep quality, and blood-oxygen levels. Japanese watchmaker Citizen takes it a step further, introducing the CZ Smart watch which can measure fatigue and alertness levels to keep the wearer informed of their overall wellbeing.

The thinnest gaming laptop in the world – Alienware’s lineup of new laptops included the Alienware x14 – which according to the company is the thinnest 14-inch gaming laptop in the world. It features a 2,560×1,600-pixel display with a 165Hz refresh rate. Starting price is $1,799 and the company plans to ship it out this winter.

Invisible laptop touchpads – LG introduced its new Gram Style laptop, featuring a hidden or disappearing touchpad that presents itself only when you touch the palm rest. The stealthy haptic touchpad lights up under your fingers when touched, showing you where to tap and drag to navigate the screen.

A gaming controller for PC gamers who also use consoles – Dell’s Concept Nyx gaming controller plans to bridge the gap between a gamepad and a keyboard for PC gamers who are also console gamers. This controller allows PC gamers to use hotkey setups and have dozens of inputs, similar to a gamepad with more features/options, but to the set up and functionality of a console controller.

Roku TVs – Already a popular smart TV platform, Roku has decided to expand their line and start producing TVs of their own. Roku TVs will feature the same Smart TV platform and Voice Remotes.

Introducing a truly Wireless TV (you read that right) – LG already introduces us to the world’s largest OLED TV last year – their 97-inch model. This year, they announced that this machine has now gone wireless. Gone are the days of cluttered cords behind the screen. The wireless TV will communicate with a top box where you can plug in your HDMI and other inputs. This TV, Langlo and Van Boom comments, is the way of the future, putting all others to shame.

Upgrades coming to your laptop’s brains – Intel unveiled new 13th-generation processors which will power a huge range of products and improve performance on a wide range of laptops.

Cloud gaming in your car – Nvidia’s GeForce 4080 GPU is coming to the cloud, and your cars. If your car has a screen on its dash, you can play games while the car is in park. If there are screens behind the driver or passenger seats, those sitting in the back can game on the go as well.

 

What tech are most excited about this year?

 

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LSU Shreveport Partners with Infor to Create Better Experiences for Faculty and Students

Infor recently announced that Louisiana State University Shreveport (LSUS) has partnered with Infor Hospitality to create better experiences for students and faculty on its campus.  Through mobile ordering with Infor OrderNow and traditional point-of-sale (POS) terminals, this goal can be achieved throughout their over 200-acre campus. With students frequenting the dining areas every day, Infor Hospitality will deliver the tools needed to create the best possible platform to serve guests with efficiency, accuracy, and timeliness. Per the press release, LSUS was looking for a reputable technology partner with a solution that could easily integrate with LSUS’s current campus card management system to enable accessibility, continuity and visibility. Through seamless integrations, student and faculty will be able to easily view and track their balances or even split payments. Infor OrderNow has the ability to integrate with kitchen display solutions to enable a more efficient ordering process, as well as multiple payment options to make frictionless and secure payments. In addition, as part of the Infor Hospitality CloudSuite, Infor POS will help LSUS control incoming data from multiple revenue centers as transactions will securely integrate to leading payment platforms and loyalty applications, making for an easy-to-use, operationally versatile solution. The centralized management structure allows users to analyze performance at a single location in real time, allowing for greater efficiency and more informed decision making. Further, Infor OrderNow will provide LSUS with mobile ordering functionality, providing an alternative to counter-based ordering. And, because an app download is not required, it can be quickly and easily adopted by students and faculty for immediate uptake via QR code with campus management credentials.

 

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AS400 Debug Online Programs

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To debug online programs through command-line entry, follow these steps:

  1. If LAWENV is not called as part of your user profile’s sign-on program, you must call the LAWENV program to set the environment variables correctly.
      1. At the IBM i command line, type
        CALL LAWENV
      2. Type the name of an Environment and press Enter.
  1. Compile the program you want to debug. At the Qshell command line, typeqcompile -D productline systemcode programcode

Note: If you need to include modules in the compile, use qcompile -Dm productline systemcode programcode .

  1. End any jobs using the previously compiled version of the program. At the IBM i command line, type:CALL TMCONTROL PARM(’-rp’ Productline Program)

Example (IBM i command line):

CALL TMCONTROL PARM(’-rp’ LAWAPP9 PR14)

  1. Access the online form either through Lawson Interface Desktop (LID) or Lawson for Infor Ming.le, and perform a transaction.
  2. Start a service job for the program.
    1. Get the job information by typing at the IBM i command line:WRKACTJOB SBS(Subsystem)

      Find the appropriate LATMProgramName job in the appropriate subsystem, and then select option 5 (Work with). Select option 1 to confirm that it is the correct job. If it is correct, return to the previous screen and note the job number, user name, and job name (which will be LATMProgramName).

      Note: You can also use the WRKSBS command to find the appropriate subsystem and then LATMProgramName job.

    2. At the IBM i command line, type:

      STRSRVJOB JobNumber/UserName/JobName
  1. Start debug. At the IBM i command line, type STRDBGand prompt it (F4). Make sure the library is the one where you compiled the source. If the information is correct, press Enter.
  2. When source listing appears, set break points (F6), then press F12.
  3. Perform another transaction with the online program.
  4. After finished with debugging, end debug and the service job. At the IBM i command line, type

ENDDBG

then

ENDSRVJOB

IPA Variable Assignments Lost After Wait Node

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There exists a scenario in IPA where variable values are lost after a wait node, if the variable is set using javascript as opposed to the straight assignment feature.  This article will describe the workaround for this scenario.

In this sample, the first assign node uses javascript to set the variable apples.  The 2nd assign node (after the wait node) sets the debug string variable to the value of the apples variable.

This excerpt from the work unit log shows that the variable debug is set to a blank value.  This is because the value of the variable apples is lost after the wait.

To ensure that the variable value is not lost after a wait node, simply set the value of the variable to itself using the traditional variable assignment.  This can be done any time after the javascript setting, and before the wait node.

As you can see, the debug variable is now successfully set to the value of the apples variable.

Four Predictions For AI In 2023

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to establish itself in the technology space, its subset – machine learning (ML) is making strides to help set a pace for greater success. From major corporations to startups, ML teams are continuously working to deploy products that improve the way we work and live. Aparna Dhinakaran CPO at Arize AI, shares an article on Forbes predicting key AI trends we’ll see in 2023.

  1. Generative AI Will Go Mainstream (and So Will Its Growing Pains). “With powerful applications like Github Copilot and ChatGPT already proving valuable, many companies are eager to embrace the technology more broadly. However, generative AI remains a wild west. There is a lot to unpack over the course of the next year around bias, copyright, scalability, security, and how to monitor this new technology. In short, generative AI will take a village – and we need to build that village.”
  2. Economic Uncertainty Will Be a Crucible for the ML Infrastructure Market. “AI is likely to take on elevated importance as inflation and economic turbulence put pressure on companies to deliver greater efficiency and productivity. Given shifting priorities, the days of central ML teams taking months or years to build and maintain proprietary feature stores or monitoring tools in-house are likely numbered. Buying over building will likely become more common, particularly as teams need to prioritize projects that move the needle on revenue in the near term.”
  3. Best-of-Breed Platforms Will Chip Away At Legacy Players. “It happened in DevOps and now it’s happening in MLOps: in technical fields, best-of-breed platforms tend to win the day. Given the complexity of modern machine learning, ML teams are demanding more depth from tools at each stage of the model lifecycle. As a result, end-to-end platforms that emerged a decade ago to empower both citizen data scientists and ML teams are losing developer-share and undergoing layoffs.”
  4. Working With Unstructured Data Will No Longer Be Optional. “Over the past few years, some of the most powerful modern applications of machine learning – from large language models like ChatGPT to computer vision models that can detect cancer or rare medical disorders – leverage unstructured data. Any ML platform that is not built to handle unstructured use cases risks irrelevance or limited growth prospects. At the same time, ML teams that find ways to harness computer vision or NLP models – even if only applying a pre-trained model to a narrow business use case – may find new competitive advantages.”

While any technology can be unpredictable, there is much to be optimistic about when it comes to the future of AI and ML.

 

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