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How to Simplify Complex Business Processes with Cloud Computing Tools – ReadWrite

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why move to the cloud


Accessing solutions and services over the Internet is not new. However, the speed at which new cloud computing tools and technologies are emerging is rapidly accelerating.

Most businesses turn to the cloud to save money and improve efficiency. Cloud migrations offer businesses the opportunity to simplify functional business processes and their IT architecture.

Rather than spending money on initial software development and maintenance, companies turn to cloud-based infrastructure solutions to outsource the responsibility for upgrades and management.

Companies that utilize the cloud can expedite internal processes and make customer data points more accessible from anywhere in the world.

Why Move to the Cloud?

Organizations using legacy on-premises applications must take steps to modernize their IT and implement cloud computing tools and systems.

  • Companies that embrace and adapt to change are more agile than those that do not. As a result, they can focus on spending more time and resources on core competencies instead of dealing with upgrade and management concerns.
  • Cloud platforms significantly reduce the cost of IT infrastructure in addition to the total cost of ownership.
  • By adopting and implementing a cloud platform, an organization can eliminate traditional processes such as spreadsheet-based accounting and focus on capturing real-time data.
  • Cloud systems ensure better visibility into financial and operational data.
  • Front and back-office processes can be seamlessly integrated to consolidate data across different departments within an organization.

The market is changing dynamically. Companies are moving to the cloud to remain competitive, scale operations, and accelerate growth.

Cloud Computing Tools

Cloud computing tools benefit the organizations that use them in quantitative ways to provide insights on how to improve their businesses.

why cloud computing tools

Some of the processes that are simplified include:

  • Data integration
  • Infrastructure, services, management, and computing architecture monitoring
  • Password management
  • Security issues and risk management
  • Resource optimization to gain insights into inefficiencies and methodologies to reduce them

Data Integration Tools

Data integration involves combining data from various sources for analysis, reporting, and business intelligence.

data integration tools

Cloud data integration tools can be accessed through a web browser and are hosted on a third-party provider’s server.

Below are some popular cloud-based data integration tools that enable businesses to integrate data from multiple sources quickly:

  • Informatica Cloud Data Integration
  • Salesforce Platform: Salesforce Connect
  • Oracle Integration Cloud Service
  • SnapLogic
  • Talend Cloud Integration

Incomplete or inaccurate data has a significant negative effect on your company’s bottom line. Integration tools help companies maintain quality data while enabling them to get the most out of growing data volumes.

Monitoring and Maintenance Cloud Computing Tools

Cloud monitoring tools track safety, performance, and availability of critical cloud services and apps. These tools monitor, manage and evaluate infrastructure, services, and computing architecture.

Below are several of the more popular cloud monitoring tools:

  • AppDynamics
  • Microsoft Cloud Monitoring
  • Amazon CloudWatch
  • Logic Monitor
  • New Relic

cloud monitoring and maintenance tools

Companies use cloud monitoring tools to identify emerging defects to prevent minor issues from growing into more pervasive problems.

Password Management

Anyone who uses the Internet knows how difficult it is to remember passwords for every site they use. Many people try to use the same password or variations of it because it is easier to remember.

However, this practice often results in weak passwords and poses a security threat. How can you use a unique and strong password on all the websites, systems, and applications you use?

Unless you have a photographic memory, it is impossible to remember the vast number of passwords needed to access almost every site online.

For businesses, using a password manager is a critical security feature. It will:

  • Eliminate employees reusing passwords
  • Protect access to accounts with sensitive customer and company information
  • Improve staff security behavior

Rather than having to remember way too many logins for business processes such as cloud storage, Google Drive, and collaboration sites, a password manager will remember your passwords for you.

When using a password manager, users only need to remember one password to the manager itself. Although modern browsers have built-in password managers, they are not secure.

password management

For example, Chrome stores master passwords in an unencrypted form. Hackers can gain access to your master password and then get into all your password-protected sites.

When choosing which password manager to use, avoid the services that allow you to retrieve your master password. Even though it is a pain to reset your master password, the consequences will be much more severe if it is compromised.

In addition to not having to remember tons of passwords, using a password manager also protects from some types of phishing attempts.

While you might not recognize a clone site in an email, your password manager will by not auto-filling your login information.

Cloud Computing Tools for Security Issues and Risk Management

Skimping on security tools is not a wise option, so many businesses today find that they are spending a lot of money on security.

You may be tempted to skip this step, but recent hacks reported in the news should persuade you against it.

  • In February 2019, hackers in China had significantly increased against US companies and did not show any sign of stopping.
  • According to Microsoft, Iranian hackers targeted thousands of people at more than 200 companies in the last two years.
  • North Korean hackers have targeted American businesses for over two years.
  • In 2019, Marriott announced a major security breach where hackers accessed sensitive records of 383 million guests.
  • Capital One’s data breach announced last year had data stolen from anyone who applied for a credit card from 2005 through 2019, including bank account and social security numbers.
  • In September 2020, the United States Department of Justice indicted five hackers with Chinese intelligence service ties for cyberattacks on 100+ organizations, including IT, academia, and social media.
  • 137 million Canva user accounts were hacked in May 2019, exposing information such as names, cities, and usernames.

The statistics above are scary when you think about the havoc a cyberattack can have on your business. This is driving companies to increase their spending on security tools.

However, many small businesses cannot afford to pay for expensive security tools, nor do they have the time and resources to understand how to implement them.

There is a new tool called DevSecOps that combines existing cloud computing tools and integrates security to simplify the process.

What is DevSecOps?

DevSecOps combines two methodologies into a single unified framework. It ensures faster coding by focusing on automating code production and streamlining efficiency. SecOps deals more with security issues.

security issues and risks

By utilizing both frameworks, DevSecOps enables teams to streamline development processes and security together.

Instead of implementing security processes after code has been written, DevSecOps increases coding and production efficiency and streamlines the process by focusing on security from the beginning.

If security issues occur early in the development process, they can be caught and attended to before software is released to customers.

The benefits to security teams and developers of adopting DevSecOps far outweigh its complexity and the time and resources necessary to implement it.

Cloud Computing Resource Optimization Tools

Cloud optimization is the process of selecting and assigning the best resources to an application or workload. Achieve better efficiency by balancing the best-fit infrastructure against compliance, cost, and workload performance.

resource optimization tools

Below are several cloud computing resource optimization tools to minimize performance risks and maximize savings:

  • Microsoft Azure
  • AWS
  • Google Cloud
  • Flexera
  • VMware
  • CloudCheckr

There are considerable differences in each of the tools’ capabilities. Some only report on underutilized instances, whereas others can automatically execute precise rightsizing using AI-based pattern recognition.

Simplify Your Business Processes by Migrating to the Cloud

The ability to scale your business can be inhibited by legacy business processes that were appropriate when implemented based on the business climate and technologies available.

Adopting cloud computing enables companies to accelerate the deployment of new capabilities to maintain a competitive advantage.

By untangling legacy business systems, moving to the cloud also helps businesses improve their functional processes.

Cloud computing tools and systems enable businesses to replace inefficient processes and respond to market conditions faster.

Julie Weishaar

Visual Digital Marketing Specialist

Julie works to grow small businesses, increasing their online visibility by leveraging the latest in internet and video technologies. She specializes in creative camera-less animated video production, custom images, content writing, and SlideShare presentations. Julie also manages HubSpot CRM, blog management, email marketing, marketing automation, and social media for her clients.

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Fintech Kennek raises $12.5M seed round to digitize lending

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Google eyed for $2 billion Anthropic deal after major Amazon play


London-based fintech startup Kennek has raised $12.5 million in seed funding to expand its lending operating system.

According to an Oct. 10 tech.eu report, the round was led by HV Capital and included participation from Dutch Founders Fund, AlbionVC, FFVC, Plug & Play Ventures, and Syndicate One. Kennek offers software-as-a-service tools to help non-bank lenders streamline their operations using open banking, open finance, and payments.

The platform aims to automate time-consuming manual tasks and consolidate fragmented data to simplify lending. Xavier De Pauw, founder of Kennek said:

“Until kennek, lenders had to devote countless hours to menial operational tasks and deal with jumbled and hard-coded data – which makes every other part of lending a headache. As former lenders ourselves, we lived and breathed these frustrations, and built kennek to make them a thing of the past.”

The company said the latest funding round was oversubscribed and closed quickly despite the challenging fundraising environment. The new capital will be used to expand Kennek’s engineering team and strengthen its market position in the UK while exploring expansion into other European markets. Barbod Namini, Partner at lead investor HV Capital, commented on the investment:

“Kennek has developed an ambitious and genuinely unique proposition which we think can be the foundation of the entire alternative lending space. […] It is a complicated market and a solution that brings together all information and stakeholders onto a single platform is highly compelling for both lenders & the ecosystem as a whole.”

The fintech lending space has grown rapidly in recent years, but many lenders still rely on legacy systems and manual processes that limit efficiency and scalability. Kennek aims to leverage open banking and data integration to provide lenders with a more streamlined, automated lending experience.

The seed funding will allow the London-based startup to continue developing its platform and expanding its team to meet demand from non-bank lenders looking to digitize operations. Kennek’s focus on the UK and Europe also comes amid rising adoption of open banking and open finance in the regions.

Featured Image Credit: Photo from Kennek.io; Thank you!

Radek Zielinski

Radek Zielinski is an experienced technology and financial journalist with a passion for cybersecurity and futurology.

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Fortune 500’s race for generative AI breakthroughs

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Deanna Ritchie


As excitement around generative AI grows, Fortune 500 companies, including Goldman Sachs, are carefully examining the possible applications of this technology. A recent survey of U.S. executives indicated that 60% believe generative AI will substantially impact their businesses in the long term. However, they anticipate a one to two-year timeframe before implementing their initial solutions. This optimism stems from the potential of generative AI to revolutionize various aspects of businesses, from enhancing customer experiences to optimizing internal processes. In the short term, companies will likely focus on pilot projects and experimentation, gradually integrating generative AI into their operations as they witness its positive influence on efficiency and profitability.

Goldman Sachs’ Cautious Approach to Implementing Generative AI

In a recent interview, Goldman Sachs CIO Marco Argenti revealed that the firm has not yet implemented any generative AI use cases. Instead, the company focuses on experimentation and setting high standards before adopting the technology. Argenti recognized the desire for outcomes in areas like developer and operational efficiency but emphasized ensuring precision before putting experimental AI use cases into production.

According to Argenti, striking the right balance between driving innovation and maintaining accuracy is crucial for successfully integrating generative AI within the firm. Goldman Sachs intends to continue exploring this emerging technology’s potential benefits and applications while diligently assessing risks to ensure it meets the company’s stringent quality standards.

One possible application for Goldman Sachs is in software development, where the company has observed a 20-40% productivity increase during its trials. The goal is for 1,000 developers to utilize generative AI tools by year’s end. However, Argenti emphasized that a well-defined expectation of return on investment is necessary before fully integrating generative AI into production.

To achieve this, the company plans to implement a systematic and strategic approach to adopting generative AI, ensuring that it complements and enhances the skills of its developers. Additionally, Goldman Sachs intends to evaluate the long-term impact of generative AI on their software development processes and the overall quality of the applications being developed.

Goldman Sachs’ approach to AI implementation goes beyond merely executing models. The firm has created a platform encompassing technical, legal, and compliance assessments to filter out improper content and keep track of all interactions. This comprehensive system ensures seamless integration of artificial intelligence in operations while adhering to regulatory standards and maintaining client confidentiality. Moreover, the platform continuously improves and adapts its algorithms, allowing Goldman Sachs to stay at the forefront of technology and offer its clients the most efficient and secure services.

Featured Image Credit: Photo by Google DeepMind; Pexels; Thank you!

Deanna Ritchie

Managing Editor at ReadWrite

Deanna is the Managing Editor at ReadWrite. Previously she worked as the Editor in Chief for Startup Grind and has over 20+ years of experience in content management and content development.

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UK seizes web3 opportunity simplifying crypto regulations

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Deanna Ritchie


As Web3 companies increasingly consider leaving the United States due to regulatory ambiguity, the United Kingdom must simplify its cryptocurrency regulations to attract these businesses. The conservative think tank Policy Exchange recently released a report detailing ten suggestions for improving Web3 regulation in the country. Among the recommendations are reducing liability for token holders in decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) and encouraging the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to adopt alternative Know Your Customer (KYC) methodologies, such as digital identities and blockchain analytics tools. These suggestions aim to position the UK as a hub for Web3 innovation and attract blockchain-based businesses looking for a more conducive regulatory environment.

Streamlining Cryptocurrency Regulations for Innovation

To make it easier for emerging Web3 companies to navigate existing legal frameworks and contribute to the UK’s digital economy growth, the government must streamline cryptocurrency regulations and adopt forward-looking approaches. By making the regulatory landscape clear and straightforward, the UK can create an environment that fosters innovation, growth, and competitiveness in the global fintech industry.

The Policy Exchange report also recommends not weakening self-hosted wallets or treating proof-of-stake (PoS) services as financial services. This approach aims to protect the fundamental principles of decentralization and user autonomy while strongly emphasizing security and regulatory compliance. By doing so, the UK can nurture an environment that encourages innovation and the continued growth of blockchain technology.

Despite recent strict measures by UK authorities, such as His Majesty’s Treasury and the FCA, toward the digital assets sector, the proposed changes in the Policy Exchange report strive to make the UK a more attractive location for Web3 enterprises. By adopting these suggestions, the UK can demonstrate its commitment to fostering innovation in the rapidly evolving blockchain and cryptocurrency industries while ensuring a robust and transparent regulatory environment.

The ongoing uncertainty surrounding cryptocurrency regulations in various countries has prompted Web3 companies to explore alternative jurisdictions with more precise legal frameworks. As the United States grapples with regulatory ambiguity, the United Kingdom can position itself as a hub for Web3 innovation by simplifying and streamlining its cryptocurrency regulations.

Featured Image Credit: Photo by Jonathan Borba; Pexels; Thank you!

Deanna Ritchie

Managing Editor at ReadWrite

Deanna is the Managing Editor at ReadWrite. Previously she worked as the Editor in Chief for Startup Grind and has over 20+ years of experience in content management and content development.

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