Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning and Deep Learning are commonly used interchangeably. However, in technological context; Machine Learning and Deep Learning are subsets of AI. In order to understand the difference between these terms, it is important to know the actual meaning of individual term.

Artificial Intelligence (AI): Artificial Intelligence is a term that defines the simulation of human intelligence processes by computer systems. The processes include learning, reasoning and self-correction. AI is broadly classified as weak (narrow) AI and strong AI. Weak AI systems are designed to do a particular task. The most common example of weak AI is the virtual personal assistants. On the contrary, strong AI systems are equipped with generalized human cognitive abilities. These systems are able to find a solution to any problem independent of human intervention.

Machine Learning (ML): ML is an application or subset of Artificial Intelligence. Under this application of AI, a machine is programmed to access and manipulate data. The machine can analyze the data to identify patterns and learn from these patterns. This allows the machine or computer system to modify decisions as per any change in data without explicit programming. Machine Learning is driven by algorithms and stat models. The common usage of Machine Learning can be found in apps such as email filtering, optimization, internet fraud detection, etc. Machine Learning methods are widely grouped as supervised and unsupervised ML.

• Unsupervised ML: These methods group interpret data based only on input data. Clustering methods are an example of unsupervised ML.
• Supervised ML: Supervised ML methods use both input and output data to develop a predictive model. Classification and Regression methods are listed as supervised ML.

Deep Learning (DL): It is a broader subset of AI. Deep Learning involves collection of large unstructured data and combing through it to generate classified structured information. The basic difference between Machine Learning and Deep Learning is that ML is task oriented learning, whereas DL is more general. It is used to derive meaning or identify patterns in unstructured data. This, in turn, helps in spotting large scale trends or irregularities. Some common applications of Deep Learning include self-driving cars, fraud news detection, natural language processing, visual recognition, etc.

For more information about Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Deep Learning, call Centex Technologies at (972) 375-9654.

Cloud computing offers an array of benefits to organizations and thus, it has become a popular choice for data storage and computing. Depending upon individual business requirements, organizations can choose between private cloud and public cloud solutions.

Private Cloud: It is a model of cloud computing where IT services are provisioned on-premises over private IT infrastructure for dedicated use by single organization. It is managed by internal resources of the organization.

Public Cloud: In public cloud model, computing services are offered by a third party over public internet to multiple client organizations as per their capacity or usage requirement. It is managed by the service provider and organizations have to pay according to the storage or bandwidth consumed by them.

However, a new term ‘Hybrid Cloud’ has emerged in recent years. A hybrid cloud combines the services of a private and public cloud to allow seamless sharing of data between them. The organizations can run their workloads partially on private cloud and rest in public cloud. This prevents public or third party service providers from gaining access to entire data of the business.

Working Of Hybrid Clouds

• Private and public clouds work independently in a hybrid cloud setup.
• The resources are abstracted and pooled into private and public clouds by virtualization.
• These abstracted resources are then allocated by automation.
• Management tools provision new environments.
• A hybrid cloud functions properly when APIs, VPNs or WANs connect the private & public clouds as seamlessly as possible.
• The interconnectivity between public and private clouds is the underlying concept for a functional hybrid cloud.

Benefits Of Hybrid Cloud Infrastructure

• It is a cost effective approach. Organizations can use private cloud for managing regular workloads and pay for extra usage on public cloud only when there is a need for scalability arising due to an occasional increase in workload.
• The approach helps in separating sensitive or critical workloads from regular data. Organizations employing hybrid cloud approach have the benefit of storing critical financial data, customer information, etc. on their private cloud while utilizing public cloud to run general applications.
• Public cloud resources can be used for allocation to short-term projects, instead of spending money on buying on-premises hardware and infrastructure for temporary use.
• The availability of private cloud resources facilitates testing of applications as it grants back-end access to the developers.
• Hybrid cloud infrastructure integrates the public cloud computing and private cloud which allows the organization to have control over security and regulations.
• It offers excessive flexibility. A hybrid cloud setup can be scaled up to the use of public cloud or scaled down to private cloud as per the demand.

For more information about hybrid cloud, call Centex Technologies at (972) 375 – 9654.

Although the term ‘Serverless Computing’ implicates the existence of a computing architect with no server, it actually defines a cloud based execution model. The server is hosted by cloud service providers and users are not required to buy it or set it up onsite. The cloud service provider manages the server and machine resources are allocated to users.

As most businesses are making a shift towards serverless computing instead of traditional approach, it is necessary to understand the pros & cons of this approach.

Pros Of Serverless Computing:

1. Cost-effective: Serverless computing is a cost-effective approach for businesses. The users are required to pay as per the amount of resources consumed by their application instead of pre-purchased units of usage capacity.

2. Easy To Scale Up: In case of serverless computing, application developers are not required to implement a code for scaling up. Also, it rules out the need and cost for upgrading existing servers or adding new server units. When considering to scale up, businesses can request additional resources from the service provider and pay according to their consumption. Also, cloud systems are more elastic as they are capable of scaling up and down inherently according to the demand.

3. Low Human Resources Cost: Serverless computing eliminates the need for onsite servers. Thus, businesses are not required to hire staff for managing and operating the hardware. This helps them save cost that was traditionally incurred on human resources.

4. Enhanced User Experience: By switching to serverless computing, the businesses and application developers can save time and resources required for server management. These resources can be used on other tasks such as improving productivity and user experience by developing as well as improving customer-friendly features.

5. Decreased Latency: Depending upon the services offered by the provider, businesses can choose to run the application functions on a server node close to the end user. Thus, it reduces latency as the requests initiated by a user are not required to travel to origin server and can be reverted from the nearest available node.

Cons Of Serverless Computing:

1. Testing Becomes Challenging: A serverless environment cannot be easily replicated to check how an application code will respond after being deployed. Also, developers do not have visibility into backend processes and the application is split into separate functions for running on the cloud. This makes it challenging to debug any arising issues.

2. Vendor Lock-In: When using a cloud based server, the developers are restricted to adapt the rules set by the third party vendor such as using a specific coding language.

3. Multitenancy: In order to avail maximum benefit, cloud service provider may run applications or software for numerous different users on a single server. Although workloads of different customers are isolated, there may still be bugs in initial offerings. This gives rise to data security risks.

For more information on serverless computing, contact Centex Technologies at (972) 375 - 9654.

Rapid advancements in every field are giving birth to numerous new technology buzzwords regularly. Basic understanding of these technological terms assists you in keeping abreast with the current changes.

Stay ahead of upcoming trends with this guide on important technology buzzwords:

• 5G: It is defined as the next generation of cellular network technology and is one of the most trending buzzwords. It offers faster speed & reliable connections on mobile devices and even home networks.
• 8K: A beginning to new era of picture quality. It refers to TV’s overall resolution of 7,680 x 4,230 pixels and is a step up from the current 4K resolution that will elevate home entertainment experience.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI): It is a term used to define machines that display human like intelligence by using machine learning to perform tasks such as cooking, driving, etc. They have the ability to make decisions through capturing & analyzing data in their environment.
• Virtual Reality (VR): A VR encompasses user’s senses to create a digital world through headsets or eyewear. It has become a promising trend in gaming & entertainment industry.
• Augmented Reality (AR): In this technology, real world objects are superimposed with computer generated images like graphics, sounds and touch feedback.
• X Reality (XR): It is a cross over between both augmented and virtual reality with widespread applications in architecture, medicine, healthcare etc. It allows content creators to create common content for users of AR & VR headsets.
• Organic LED (OLED): An organic light-emitting diode emits visible light in response to electric current so that pixels can light-up independently. The result is that OLED screens display pictures that are brighter and have better contrast levels.
• Wearable: They are smart electronic devices with micro-controllers that can be worn as implants or accessories. It stays on the body to perform a particular task like sensing heart rate or keeping a track of your fitness.
• Eye-Tracking: It is a sensor based technology that makes possible for a device to know where a person is looking. It basically detects reflections in both the pupils and cornea.
• Ray-Tracing: It calculates the color of pixels by tracing the path that light would take to create realistic lighting effects. Applications include home computer gaming and developing computer graphics imagery for films and TV shows.
• Biometric: It measures people’s unique physical and behavioral characteristics. The technology uses an aspect of your body like thumbprint or face to authenticate yourself or for unlocking a personal device.
• Haptics: Technology of adding sensation of touch and feeling to VR via vibration or by exuding pressure to make virtual objects seem real and tangible.

For more information on latest technology trends and how to incorporate them in your business, contact Centex Technologies at (972) 375 - 9654. We are located in Dallas, Killeen, Atlanta and Austin.

A Blockchain is a transparent and publicly accessible ledger that is shared among a network of computers called Blockchain Network. It contains a growing list of records called blocks that are linked in chronological order to form a chain. The data is secured using public key encryption which resists the modification of information. Thus, data stored in blocks can be viewed or accessed by the users but it can’t be tampered with. This advantage has led to a rapid growth of Blockchain technology.

However, with the growth of Blockchain technology, some myths and disillusions have also developed around it. Following are some common myths surrounding Blockchain technology:

1. Blockchain Is Same As Bitcoin: Blockchain is the root technology for bitcoin; but they are not interchangeable terms. Blockchain is a technology that allows recording of peer-to-peer transactions on a distributed ledger throughout a network. However, bitcoin is a cryptocurrency. It is used to make direct exchange of currency between two people omitting the involvement of a third party such as a bank.

2. Cryptocurrency Is The Only Application Of Blockchain: Cryptocurrency is a major application of Blockchain, however the technology has numerous other applications. Some common applications of Blockchain include monitoring supply chains, data sharing, digital ids, copyright & royalty protection, etc.

3. Information On Blockchain Activity Is Not Public: A prevailing misconception about Blockchain technology is that the information on the ledger is hidden. On the contrary, reality is that the information can be viewed by anyone. Users can connect their computer to the Blockchain network and receive a copy of ledger on their system. This copy is automatically updated whenever a new block is added to it.

4. Cryptocurrency Transactions Are Anonymous: It is a misconception that crypto transactions are anonymous. In actual, cryptocurrency transactions are recorded in a public ledger and many government agencies tie up with numerous cryptocurrency exchanges to access the ledger & map the address back to the owner.

5. Blockchain Is Fundamentally A Storage Mechanism: Most users consider Blockchain to be essentially a storage mechanism. Undoubtedly, it offers unparalleled advantages for data storage; however, the technology has other advantages such as facilitating convenient exchanges.

6. Tokens & Coins Are Same: Tokens and Initial Coin Offerings are two important terms used in Blockchain terminology. They are often confused to be same but there is an inherent difference between these terms. Coins store simple values; whereas, tokens are used for storing complex levels of value such as property, utility, income, etc.

For more information on Blockchain Technology and its applications, contact Centex Technologies at (972) 375 - 9654.

Customers are the most important asset of a business. It is important for businesses to successfully engage their customers in order to survive in this highly competitive environment. One way to do this is by using technology.

Technology has influenced the business sector positively & empowered businesses to serve their customers in a better way. Following are some ways in which technological advancements can be used to increase customer engagement.

• Virtual Reality & Augmented Reality: VR and AR technology is being used to engage customers innovatively. It improves the customer experience & allows them to perform tasks virtually which may be a little difficult or inconvenient to be performed physically. For example, Room Planner: Design for IKEA, is an app that allows users to browse through their products & preview how the furniture would look in their home by visualizing it from different points using their smartphone’s camera.

• Location-Based Computing: Smartphones these days are location enabled devices that allow businesses to provide personalized services thus increasing customer engagement. For example, businesses can reach out more customers at a geo-location & target their needs. Cinemas, theaters, florists, salons, etc. target their customers in the vicinity & provide them last minute tickets & discounts using location based computing.
  

• 3D Printing: By transforming the way businesses manufacture & distribute goods, the 3D printing technology has significantly affected customer engagement. Using this technology, a virtual design can be instantly transformed into a physical object. Also, any flaws in the manufacturing process can be identified early & fixed to save money and enhance customer experience. 3D printing also enables the customers to modify the shape, color, pattern, material, etc. to get a customized product. Since, they can choose what they need, it results in better customer engagement.

• Chatbots: Chatbots have become quite popular these days. They offer 24/7 customer support and are faster as well as more efficient. These artificially intelligent assistants have self-learning capabilities and can proficiently engage the customers. Emobots have improved abilities & have entered the business scenario now as they can judge real-time emotional reactions of a customer & provide suitable services accordingly.

• Artificial Intelligence: AI helps businesses in understanding customer needs & preferences better. For example, businesses can personalize a customer’s shopping experience in real time to increase engagement. Intelligent algorithms enable the websites and apps to target individuals and recommend them products based on their search history.

• Internet of Things (IoT): Most devices these days are internet-enabled which provide numerous opportunities to increase customer engagement. IoT generates humongous amount of data which can be used by businesses to gain insight about customer behavior for a personalized user experience. For example, this technology enables creation of predictive models that use condition-based monitoring to prevent failures before they occur. Businesses can use this information and provide timely maintenance before the device breakdowns completely.

For more information, contact Centex Technologies at (972) 375 - 9654.