Intelligent CIO Middle East Issue 20 | Page 27

EDITOR’S NOTE Editor’s Note W elcome to issue 20 of Intelligent CIO Middle East, my second edition as the magazine’s editor. Since our last issue I have enjoyed speaking to many of you after you have got in touch. We always enjoy hearing from our readers so if you would like to get in touch please send an email to [email protected]. Of course, the need for communication is one of the main reasons why Technology plays such an important role in our lives. And when the communication channels that technology brings us are not available it can bring both minor and major disruption. For instance, this week I lost the wi-fi connection to my smart phone at home. While this was not a vital issue it did mean that I was unable to check my work emails and my bank accounts. Doing so has become part of my evening routine – just in case I needed to urgently contact a friend of the magazine or ensure I have not gone overdrawn. The issue is much more serious when we are talking about cyber-attacks on major systems. Not a week seems to go by without warnings about the latest ransomware or news of the latest virus that will destroy the very technological system that we so depend on. Please regularly check our website (www. intelligentcio.com/me/) for the latest updates. Here you can find advice from experts about the best course of action to take in times of cyber uncertainty. On a happier note, we bring you all your favourite features. This edition sees us take an in-depth look at how Qatar Airways has activated an advanced space based solution from Inmarsat as well as expert opinion on the intricate workings of network virtualisation. www.intelligentcio.com We also talk to Sarah Parks about the importance of addressing the issue of the level of risk employees can bring to their own organisations. She certainly has some interesting opinions about how to bring the best out of people and the types of intervention you can make to solve any problems. You certainly don’t have to get heavy handed to help an individual improve their performance levels. Our Intelligent Vertical feature puts healthcare under the spotlight or specifically how the revolution in data collection can help predict emerging health trends. We speak to Dave Whitton of Kodak Alaris about how data can provide new opportunities to provide better health for patients and establish health programmes. Elsewhere a report from ServiceNow reveals the proportion of executives who think they will require more automation in the workplace to cope with increasing workloads over the coming years. Unfortunately, there seems to be no decline in the workload you and your colleagues will be expected to tackle. The good news though is it looks as if technology will give you a helping hand to get through it. In the meantime, we hope your current workplace will be a happy one. Enjoy the read! Mark Bowen Editor INTELLIGENTCIO 27