Tuesday, August 29, 2017

Hitachi Accelerates Customers’ Hybrid Cloud Initiatives with Enhanced Hitachi Unified Compute Platform Offerings


New Hitachi UCP RS Offering Integrates VMware Cloud Foundation to Simplify Hybrid Cloud Journey

Hitachi Data Systems (HDS), a wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE:6501) and VMware Global Innovation OEM Partner of the Year, today announced Hitachi Unified Compute Platform (UCP) RS series, a fully integrated, software-defined data center (SDDC) rack-scale platform, powered by VMware Cloud Foundation™. Hitachi UCP RS enables customers to embrace hybrid cloud for faster time to market and pay-as-you-go economics. It also gives customers the freedom to optimize their IT investments by leveraging private and public cloud as an agile extension to their business. UCP RS provides flexibility to customers to either deploy integrated SDDC stack or build their own using Hitachi’s vSAN ready node and VMware software.

Alongside the launch of Hitachi UCP RS, the company has enhanced its hyperconverged system Unified Compute Platform (UCP) HC. Hitachi UCP HC all-flash and hybrid systems are now enabled with non-volatile memory (NVMe) and new sixth-generation Intel Xeon Scalable Processors to deliver faster performance and reduced operating costs, maximizing business value for customers. This enhancement allows for higher performance, lower latency and accelerated workloads through the use of modern data center technology.

John Gilmartin, vice president and general manager, Integrated Systems, VMware said, “Hitachi’s strong track record of innovation led them to be recognized as VMware Global Innovation OEM Partner of the Year at VMware Partner Leadership Summit 2017. This new Hitachi UCP RS solution powered by VMware Cloud Foundation is no exception. The solution improves productivity, delivers faster time to business value and accelerates the customer’s ability to realize the true power of their data.”

“Open questions exist regarding the extent to which advances in SDI technology can support a common virtual data center foundation upon which improved end-to-end IT service interoperability, resilience, elasticity and agility across a hybrid cloud infrastructure can be effectively realized,” according to Market Trends: Software-Defined Infrastructure — Who Can Benefit? (Gartner, June 2017). In addition, the report states that, “Given the current state of public cloud service deployment and the maturity state of SDI, one of two options is possible: The first is an application-independent, common virtual data center infrastructure that can run atop an existing private data center infrastructure, a public cloud service or a combination of the two. This variation is called infrastructure-upward.”

Understanding the new demands placed on IT by data center modernization initiatives, Hitachi has collaborated with VMware to develop the fully integrated, turnkey Hitachi UCP RS system to deliver reliable IT infrastructure for hybrid cloud deployments. Hitachi UCP RS also helps to minimize the complexity and guesswork of deploying and managing IT by uniquely automating provisioning, managing and monitoring for SDDCs, giving customers acompetitive advantage, and delivering faster time to market and high availability of business applications.

“Our deep, collaborative partnership with VMware has led to the creation of powerful systems and innovative solutions that help our customers modernize their IT environments and put data at the center of their business,” said Bob Madaio, vice president of Integrated Solution Marketing at Hitachi. “With the launch of our UCP RS in addition to advancements in our hyperconverged UCP HC, Hitachi is empowering our customers to transform their IT environments, accelerate hybrid cloud deployments and further their digital business initatives.”

Hitachi UCP Portfolio
The UCP family of converged, hyperconverged and rack-scale systems provides enterprise, departmental and cloud service provider environments with a simple path to IT modernization and digital transformation. UCP solutions enable IT organizations to accelerate time to production, automate operations and reduce administrative costs by providing prevalidated, pretested and factory-built converged and hyperconverged infrastructure systems.

Product Availability
Hitachi UCP RS is generally available to customers and partners now in all regions. For more information, visitwww.hds.com/en-us/products-solutions/converged-infrastructure/unified-compute-platform-rs.html.


Learn More. Join the Conversation.

§  Twitter
§  LinkedIn
§  Facebook

Monday, August 28, 2017

The modern Juan paves the way for gender equality at home with Ariel’s #JuanWash

Press release

MANILA, Philippines — August 24, 2017 — Perhaps no era has prompted a more dramatic shift in gender norms than this one; and these changes are most evident in one of the most basic facets of daily life — chores. 

Where household tasks were once viewed as “women’s work” decades prior, nowadays, a more equal division of tasks for cooking, cleaning, laundry duties, and the like in the new millennium is far from unusual.

According to the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB), Filipino men are getting more and more involved in household work. In fact, statistics show that a significant increase was seen in the beginning of 2000s, with employed men allotting an average of 5 hours working on chores. This is a big jump, compared to the average of 1.87 hours from the numbers gathered on employed men from 1979.

With these findings, it’s exciting to see how this would continue to take off to new heights. A contemporary and fresh perspective on equality always starts from the core of the community, the family, and this is precisely why Ariel wants to keep the conversation going for every Juan.

As an homage to the men who show their support with the simple yet powerful act of contributing to housework, Ariel’s #JuanWash campaign seeks to inspire men to embrace one of the crucial roles in making a house a home by simply chipping in on the laundry. On September 1, 2017, Ariel will be launching the campaign online as a thank you to the Juan Washers, or the men who confidently help with the laundry thanks to Ariel Power Gel that makes washing clothes easily done in no time at all.

“For a long time, it has been common for women to have a bigger share in terms of household chores. With the rise of double-income homes and a more open-minded cultural landscape, men are now much more accepting of the idea of contributing to the housework,” explains [INSERT NAME].

Many homes have their laundry washed twice a week. If the men of the household were to set aside one day for laundry, this can mean a world of difference for the family as a whole. As a convenient reminder of how each week gives men an opportune moment to show their support, Ariel is looking to dedicate Fridays as #JuanWash days. With this slight addition to their weekly routine, the men of the household can be a New Man as an expert in laundry, all thanks to Ariel Power Gel that makes superior clean effortless. Especially formulated for better stain removal, anyone can now reach the new standard of laundry with Ariel #JuanWash.


By celebrating the men who take a stand for equality through #JuanWash, Ariel continues to break barriers after coming from the successful launch of #AhonPinay – a project in partnership with TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) that sought to provide women with more work opportunities by training them in commonly male-dominated jobs. Through #JuanWash, Ariel further emphasizes the advocacy of empowering Filipinos by showcasing the modern Juan’s role in laundry chores as a critical step towards welcoming the change to lead. Because someone who is man enough to do laundry, is someone who cares enough to let the women in their lives have the same opportunity to progress even more.

In partnership with Eat Bulaga, Ariel will be scouring through many different barangays in Metro Manila to find Juan Washers every Friday, starting on September 1. Not only is this meant to put the spotlight on individual Juan Washers, but it’s a way to show everyone how valuable their role is in further pushing equality in the family and in the community.


A lot is in store for Ariel’s #JuanWash initiative, and we hope you can also take part in spreading the word for this nationwide movement! Go ahead and be a part of the change by contributing to your share of the household chores with #JuanWash – one wash at a time.


To learn more, visit Ariel’s website, Facebook, and Youtube page.

Thursday, August 24, 2017

Hitachi Transformation Award Finalists Announced

Press release

Award Recognizes Customers Who Are Driving Transformation and Using Digitalization as a Strategic Advantage

Hitachi Data Systems (HDS), a wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE:6501), announces the finalists for the Hitachi Transformation Award to be awarded at NEXT 2017, the premier event for the digital revolution. NEXT 2017 will be held September 18-21, 2017 in Las Vegas at the Mandalay Bay Hotel. This first annual award recognizes leading companies that are transforming their businesses in new and innovative ways, with the support of Hitachi group solutions. Five finalists and four honorable mentions have been selected based on the substantial benefits they have achieved through accelerating business transformation, improving user experience, innovating with data, and enabling the internet of things (IoT).

The following finalists are exemplary models of how digital transformation accelerates business outcomes:

Award Finalists
  • CPFL Energia: With over nine million electricity consumers connected to nine distribution companies, CPFL decided to convert to a Hitachi smart grid universe. With automation spread across their networks, they needed to speed up their mission-critical database to keep up with the enormity of their technical and business challenges. Hitachi helped them assure high quality services and safety for their customers.

  • Curtin UniversityCurtin is making campus operations smarter and bringing innovation to Western Australia with data-driven research. By analyzing people’s movements in and out of classrooms and linking data sets, they will optimize building usage, capacity needs and schedules. Through co-creating solutions with Hitachi, Curtin can use data to lower costs, improve student retention and create a more effective, contemporary learning experience.

  • Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA): How do you optimize livestock production? With data. Through MLA investment, Hitachi’s sensor-driven data collection and analytics helps the red meat industry identify best practices for animal tracing, supply chain efficiency, and on-farm operations. By automating data analytics and driving IoT- led decision making, MLA is helping foster the productivity and profitability of the Australian red meat and livestock industry.

  • Spin Master: Transforming into the fourth-largest toy manufacturer and children’s entertainment powerhouse is not child’s play. Spin Master has adapted to strategically support innovation, acquisitions, new brands, and continued business expansion. With Hitachi’s assistance, they reduced SAP processing time, created significant savings, and gained a 360-degree view of their customers. Now they’re pushing the boundaries of innovation, creativity and fun further and faster.

  • Wiggle: Wiggle, the leading e-commerce sports retailer, knew their inefficient processes and a range of custom systems could not support their ambitious growth plans. Working with Hitachi, they developed a cloud-based, sophisticated retail platform to standardize operations and support their global strategy. Staying customer-centric, with a single customer view, better process efficiencies and soaring customer satisfaction, they leave others trailing behind.


The award winner will be announced on September 20th at NEXT 2017. The five finalists’ stories will be featured throughout the event, showcasing the business outcomes they have achieved from their transformation journeys.  Hitachi is proud to partner with these outstanding companies and honor their accomplishments.

Additionally, Hitachi recognizes the following honorable mentions for their stories of transformation:

Honorable Mentions
  • Daicel Corporation: Daicel, a chemicals and manufacturing expert, improved quality and lowered costs with an integrated smart manufacturing solution co-created with Hitachi.

  • Equifax Incorporated: Equifax worked with Hitachi on a software-defined infrastructure with analytics to improve efficiency, resulting in higher uptime and customer experience. 

  • Salford Royal NHS Trust: Salford Royal worked with Hitachi to prevent Type 2 diabetes with technologies designed to enhance care and support lifestyle changes.

  • The University of Utah Health: University of Utah Health worked with Hitachi to streamline IT environments, improve data analytics and ensure all data is secure.


NEXT 2017 Registration
Registration for NEXT 2017 is now live! The $795 ticket is available at the introductory price of $299. To register to attend Hitachi NEXT 2017, please visit HitachiNEXT.com. Registered attendees will receive dynamic updates on new additions to the agenda in the weeks leading up to the event.

For questions about press or analyst registration, please contact Stefani Finch.

Follow NEXT 2017. Join the conversation with #HitachiNEXT


  

Wednesday, August 23, 2017

adidas Originals EQT

Press release

PHILIPPINES – This month, adidas Originals pays tribute to the city of Detroit with a nostalgic apparel collection inspired by the brand’s enduring EQT Series.


Drawing from the unique ‘90s aesthetic and color palette of the original Equipment series, the new apparel collection offers a range of classic sportswear pieces for men and women in accessible, mixable colors.

For women, iconic EQT colors like white, heather grey and essential EQT Green are brought together across a range of pieces including dresses, sweats and outerwear. Accent details such as textured embroideries, reflective prints and progressive materializations elevate the range with a sportswear perspective in keeping with the EQT philosophy.

    
In the men’s range, similar principles are applied to a more classic apparel collection, switching out EQT Green for a deep EQT Blue shade. Similar details such as EQT 3-stripes graphic prints and paneled constructions return, whilst designs take a more traditional route, modifying classic sportswear designs with subtle adjustments such as extended silhouettes and utility pockets.

The EQT apparel hit stores on 1 Sept 2017, and retails for <> at leading adidas stores and retailers and http://shop.adidas.com.ph/originals/eqt.html


Follow the EQT story on @adidasOriginals / #adidasph

Friday, August 18, 2017

Dinosaurs around the world come alive at The Mind Museum!

Press release

MANILA, Philippines. No other creature in the animal world has captivated the imagination of humans, regardless of age, as the dinosaurs. Very soon, you will have a chance to be in the presence of these magnificent creatures. To celebrate its 5th year with a roar, The Mind Museum, supported in part by Mastercard, is hosting another international traveling exhibition entitled Dinosaurs Around the World from September 1, 2017 to March 2, 2018.


Embark on a time travel and globetrotting expedition to discover this land before our time, together with your schoolmates, family, and friends! Dinosaurs Around the World, takes you on a tour of the Earth that was once very different from today – a time before the continents of today existed, and when lush landscapes covered Africa and beaches were found in Antarctica!

The advanced animatronics that will have these amazing beasts moving, along with an extensive collection of fossils and authentic casts, were created with immersive design elements in mind. All these are backed up by cutting-edge research from world-renowned paleontologists, for you to really experience the Age of Reptiles as it comes to life!

The Mind Museum chose Dinosaurs Around the World to give guests this unique chance to grab their prehistoric passport to Pangaea, back when the continents that we know of today were still connected, and discover the natural processes and events that scattered the dinosaurs and made them different from one another. In the exhibition, you will meet the mighty Tyrannosoraus Rex of North America, the swift Velociraptor of the Gobi Desert, the massive herbivore Amargasaurus of the tropical jungles of South America, and many more.

Curious to learn more? Drop by The Mind Museum’s Dinosaurs Around the World exhibit for you to experience history come to life, with an up close and personal encounter with grand moving dinosaurs.

Operating Hours
Tuesdays to Sundays, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (closed Mondays)
Time Slots: 9am – 10:30am | 10:30am – 12nn | 12nn – 1:30pm
                      1:30pm – 3pm | 3pm – 4:30pm | 4:30pm – 6pm

Admission Fees
Dinosaurs Around the World Only                            Php 300 (Adult/ Child)
Museum 3-hour Visit, PLUS                                         Php 825 (Adult)
Dinosaurs Around the World                                      Php 675 (Child/ Private School Student up to College)

Tickets are available at The Mind Museum’s ticket booth, and online via www.themindmuseum.org

Tuesday, August 15, 2017

adidas Climacool 02/17 Gives 2000's Nostalgia

Press release

PHILIPPINES – adidas Originals steps forward with new colorways of the latest iteration of the Climacool, the 02/17.


True to the original Climacool blueprint, the shoe features a Climacool mesh upper, countered by a perforated Ortholite sockliner for optimum breathability. The silhouette features a three stripes-mark with welded TPU and a concealed lacing system that underscores the shoe’s minimalist upper design. This is offset by the shoe’s aggressive contrast white Adiprene tooling with translucent overlay panels. Finishing touches include the iconic Climacool bubble tongue logo and a rubber outsole, creating a modern expression of the original Climacool ethos; aggressive, uncompromised, modern footwear design.


Climacool’s new colorways for men and women are now available in leading adidas stores and retailers for P4995.


Follow the conversation on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook using #CLIMACOOL #adidasPH. For more information, please visit our adidas News Stream: www.news.adidas.com/

Monday, August 14, 2017

THE NECESSARY THEATRE ALL SET FOR OLIVIER WINNER FOR BEST PLAY 'BLACKBIRD' ON SEPT. 1

PRESS RELEASE:

BLACKBIRD
BY THE NECESSARY THEATRE
DIRECTED BY TOPPER FABREGAS
SEPT. 1 3, 8 10
CARLOS P. ROMULO AUDITORIUM,
RCBC PLAZA, MAKATI

Theater veteran Bart Guingona and Mikkie Bradshaw - Volante will portray the roles of Ray and Una in the forthcoming play BLACKBIRD written by David Harrower.

About the play:

Una, a 27-year-old woman, comes to visit Ray, a 55-year-old man, at his office. They are clearly not comfortable in other's company, and we soon find out why: 15 years before, when Una was only twelve, Ray seduced Una over the course of three months and finally took her away to a hotel for the weekend. Ray spent several years in prison for statutory rape, and Una was ostracized from her community after the incident. Now, she has found him by accident, and the play delves into their complex feelings for each other. Though clearly, and definitional, sexual abuse has occurred, the play that ensues is also part of a love story -- a horrible love story, but a love story all the same.

Winner of the Olivier Award for Best Play,
Blackbird is a deeply complex portrayal of two people
whose ruined lives are inextricably intertwined.

(Synopsis taken from: stageagent.com)

CAST:
BART GUINGONA as RAY
MIKKIE BRADSHAW – VOLANTE as UNA

ARTISTIC TEAM
Playwright David Harrower
Direction Topper Fabregas
Set design Joey Mendoza
Lights design John Batalla
Sounds design Jethro Joaquin
Photography Paul Lao
Poster Design Steven Tansiongco

PERFORMANCE DATES:
First Week:
September 1 (Friday) – 8PM
September 2 (Saturday) – 8PM
September 3 (Sunday) – 3PM
September 3 (Sunday) – 8PM
Second Week:
September 8 (Friday) – 8PM
September 9 (Saturday) – 8PM
September 10 (Sunday) – 3PM
September 10 (Sunday) – 8PM

Venue: Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium
4/F RCBC Plaza, Makati City

Ticket Price: PhP 1,200.00 Orchestra center
PhP 1,000.00 Orchestra sides
and orchestra back
PhP 800.00 Loge
PhP 500 Balcony

For inquiries, please contact:
Dodo Lim Ivy Baggao
Producer Prod Manager
0928-5072924 0915-4676443

Sunday, August 13, 2017

What is Cement Cartel?



Cement is one of the modern inventions this modern civilization enjoyed for generations. Most of our modern structures are dependent on cement. Whenever we make houses or buildings, we need cement. We used it on our roads, buildings, churches, schools, hospitals, malls and so on. Almost all of our structures need cement for constant repairs and restorations.


In recent news, I was surprised when I found out that garlic already had a cartel. I thought that the word cartel is only synonymous with drugs and Mexico. But since there is a shortage of garlic, it also becomes expensive that the price of garlic is starting to go up.


I came across an editorial online about Cement Cartel. It says that there are someone in a government agency is not complying with President Durterte’s recent SONA’s statement about corruption. They allow importing the expensive cement to our country. The cement distributors charges 300 per bag instead of 197. This is troublesome because it will affect the prices of other consumer products.



Our government is spending our tax money to continue making our roads safer. Starting now, I am going to feature more about cement cartel in further posts and I want to hear from you what do you think about cement cartel and the video in this post. Feel free to voice out. Join the discussion and get more updates about Cement Cartel by following L.E.N.S.blogs on Facebook.