Trending Tech: Digital Transformation: It's critical, but not all serious

Do we need ‘quick wins’ to build public support for smart cities? Or is it the IoT sector’s job (quietly and invisibly) to provide better, safer, greener lives for today’s smart citizens? Should we be winning hearts and minds with dazzling services, or silently enhancing the quality of life? Jeremy Cowan gets some surprising answers from Francesca Serravalle, Colt’s emerging technologies director, and Magnus Melander, founder of Sweden-based IoT Alliance, SMSE and tech hub THINGS. Plus sport takes over from space programmes as a top tech-driver. And <<SHOCK NEWS>> Bill Gates may have backed a winner in electric-powered aviation!

IEEE senior member and Professor of Cybersecurity, Kevin Curran discusses the lack of protection from ransomware, but tells us how Zero Trust Architecture can build stronger protection for businesses with remote and in-office staff. If all else fails, says podcast host, Jeremy Cowan, buy yourself a nuclear bunker in Arizona. Proposed uses include a porn studio, growing medical marijuana, and escaping cosmic ray bit flips. Just $400k.

In this captivating conversation, we dive deep into the intersection of technology, security, and industrial solutions. Azfar, a notable figure in the tech industry, lends his expertise on the significance of the Internet of Things (IoT), the rise of the metaverse, and the importance of security in technology deployment.

One of the standout topics of this episode is the critical role that IoT devices play in our lives and how they can potentially pose threats to wider internet security. With Azfar's insightful commentary, we explore how we can navigate these threats, and discuss the steps being taken to ensure that technology serves as an ally rather than a vulnerability.

So much to cover in 30 minutes: We’re at the beginning of the centralised role that MEC is going to play in enterprise 5G, as Dheeraj Remella, CPO of VoltDB tells Tech Trends Pod. He deftly handles the loaded question of where to bring edge intelligence. And we’re at another watershed, says analyst, Jim Morrish of Transforma Insights; 2020 is a TIPping point in the drive to OpenRAN. Open architecture is in use at Vodafone, Telefonica, Etisalat, and Japan's Rakuten, to name just a few telcos. Oh, and it works! And before we share what made us laugh, hear how virtual reality training in the enterprise is faster and cheaper than old school methods as you learn 3 steps to improve your business training.

Guest Alicia Asin, CEO of IoT specialists Libelium, asks "Is it really necessary to expose our privacy to control pandemics?" Privacy Purists are in the spotlight as Jeremy Cowan and George Malim ask Alicia how enterprises should balance free services and access to our data. And, Sun of a Beach: We see how IoT can help you in Spain this summer; we anticipate the UK's Huawei decision, and see how we can all avoid COVID Cliches.