PLDT Group and Nokia advocate for a digitally empowered business landscape

Tweet

Many research studies have shown that digital transformation remains to be a fundamental strategy for businesses to stay relevant. Harvard Business Review predicts game-changing technologies like 5G, AI, and the cloud to be front-runners for mass adoption in the next few years while global management consulting firm McKinsey & Company reports that 71% of the 79 largest consumer firms globally have already put down stakes in the metaverse. And as businesses today are faced with challenges on sustainability, it is achievable through data-driven insights and innovative solutions.

These were the trending topics during the Philippine Digital Convention 2022 (PH Digicon). PLDT Enterprise, the business arm of the largest fully integrated telco services provider PLDT, discussed how innovations are expected to change the business landscape after the pandemic during the panel discussion, “Going Beyond the Future of Tech.”

The panel, moderated by PLDT and Smart FVP and Group Head of Corporate Communications, Catherine Yap-Yang, was joined by ePLDT President and CEO, Victor Genuino, Nokia Vice President and Head of Southeast Asia, Daniel Jaeger, and Cisco IOT APJC Senior Sales Director, Simon Rizkallah.

ePLDT President and CEO, Victor Genuino, talking about enterprises adapting to digital change, to respond to evolving needs of their customers.

“Enterprises have realized that in order to remain relevant to their customers, they have to digitally transform, disrupt themselves and the way they conduct business,” says ePLDT President and CEO, Victor Genuino.

Nokia Vice President and Head of Southeast Asia, Daniel Jaeger, discussing the digital transformation happening from within their organization.

When it comes to disruption, global tech giant Nokia is a pioneer. Operating in various industries for over 155 years, it wasn’t until the 1990s that Nokia focused its operations on large-scale telecommunications infrastructure, technology development, and licensing. Since then, Nokia has been operating in 130 countries, won nine Nobel prizes, and has been a trusted partner for critical networks, committed to innovation and technology leadership across mobile, fixed, and cloud networks. They have gone from ‘connecting people’ to now ‘helping the world act together’.

“Indeed, the tagline that we are carrying now is much bigger than the previous one,” shares Daniel Jaeger, Nokia Vice President and Head of Southeast Asia. “It has not completely changed, but…became a bit bigger. Yes, we are still connecting people with technology that we provide with the networks that we build and partners like Smart and PLDT, but it goes way beyond that.”

Just like the theme for the 2022 conference, Nokia continues to embody what it means to be ‘boundless’ going above and beyond for its partners and customers and expanding their technology portfolio to help build the capabilities needed for a more productive, sustainable, and inclusive post-pandemic world.

Adding to Nokia’s commitment and capabilities is their pledge towards an environmentally friendly and sustainable future. As they said at the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference or COP26 climate summit in November 2021: “There is no green without digital.” Nokia wants to lead the way on the global stage in making the case for digitalization as central to addressing the climate challenge.

Jaeger echoed this commitment when he said, “Of course, we start at home, and the first question is how do we make the networks that we build as efficient and as green as possible?”

“It’s not just a job that we have to do,” he explains further. “But it’s really a contribution that we as the communications industry, in a broader sense, need to do.”

Nokia has made the call for accelerated digitalization and green energy uptake and has committed to use 100% renewable electricity in its own operations by 2025.

ePLDT, on the other hand, has been an advocate of sustainability by pushing for greener data centers in the country. Genuino believes that sustainability starts with the customers. “They've been asking us difficult questions that push us to reassess how we run our business,” he says. “It’s our customers that drive us to be innovative in the way we build [our] data centers, source power and manage our operations.”

More than servicing its customers, it has been one of the PLDT Group's core values to champion a sustainable future as it continues to build infrastructures to improve the country's digital ecosystem.

From helping the world connect to ensuring that it does so in as green as possible, Nokia and the PLDT Group are paving the way for the future– in building a sustainable and transformative tomorrow.

PH Digicon remains to be the Philippines’ most prestigious, and one of the most sought-after digital thought leadership events in APAC that brings together global thought leaders and technology experts from across all industries. For more information, visit https://pldtenterprise.com/.

PLDT and Cisco urge organizations to prioritize digital transformation

Tweet

PLDT Enterprise, the business arm of PLDT, and BOUNDLESS: Philippine Digital Convention 2022 (PH Digicon) highlighted emerging technologies and practices to help leaders and consumers adapt to the ever-changing business landscape during the panel discussion “Going Beyond the Future of Tech,” moderated by PLDT-Smart FVP and Group Head of Corporate Communications, Catherine Yap-Yang. The panel was joined by global tech leaders such as ePLDT President and CEO, Victor S. Genuino, Nokia Vice President and Head of Southeast Asia, Daniel Jaeger, and Cisco Head of AppDynamics, APJC, Simon Rizkallah.

 ePLDT President and CEO, Victor S. Genuino on adapting to the ‘new normal’ for consumers and businesses 

“With today’s ever changing business landscape, enterprises are seeing the need to adapt because consumers are changing the way they consume products and services: they want goods and services delivered in a convenient, timely, and secure manner,” explains Victor S. Genuino, ePLDT President and CEO. “Businesses are realizing that if they are to adapt to this new normal, their businesses have to transform as well.” 

Cisco, the worldwide leader in technology, and one of this year’s keystone sponsors for PH Digicon 2022, shared insights on how the company embodies what it means to be boundless–in terms of always putting customers first and helping build a resilient and flexible enterprise as companies bounce back into their new normal.    

“From Cisco’s perspective, the end user is always in mind,” says Simon Rizkallah, Head of AppDynamics, APJC, Cisco. “We also understand that digital transformation really occurs with the service provider. [And so, we congratulate] service providers like PLDT who have managed, during COVID, to live up to the level that customers were looking for and enable people to operate their businesses, for people to work from home, and for kids to continue their education through e-learning.” 

 Simon Rizkallah, Head of AppDynamics, APJC, Cisco talked about how digital transformation is a continuous evolution 

Rizkallah goes on to explain that from a digital transformation perspective, it is still occurring, that it is a continuous task and evolution. Cisco also continues to take steps into adapting to this evolution, from insight and automation to sustainability in smart infrastructure, and data security. 

“For us at Cisco, the Environmental, Social, and Governance requirement is top of mind. So, everything that’s going to come out from Cisco moving forward is going to be focused on power and how we can become greener for the environment,” Rizkallah shares. “Security is also top of mind for everyone. We’ve seen hacks across the globe and power utilities, so, [for us and service providers] how do we protect this critical infrastructure as it becomes digital?” 

PH Digicon remains to be the Philippines’ most prestigious and one of the most sought-after digital thought leadership events in APAC that brings together global thought leaders and technology experts from across all industries. 

For more information, visit https://pldtenterprise.com/.  

ePLDT bags Microsoft Country Partner of the Year award

Tweet

ePLDT Inc., the ICT arm of PLDT Enterprise and the country’s leading enabler of digital solutions, has been awarded by Microsoft as its 2022 Country Partner of Year for the Philippines.

Victor S. Genuino, President and CEO of ePLDT, has expressed his gratitude for the recognition, highlighting their long-standing partnership to deliver solutions that create real value through Microsoft’s leading cloud technology.

“We are grateful to Microsoft for this award. This recognition affirms ePLDT’s thrust to digitally enable organizations and help enterprises accelerate their business goals. We will continue to offer Microsoft solution packages, combined with our capabilities, as we journey with our clients in pursuit of their infinite potential,” said Genuino.

The said award signifies ePLDT’s outstanding achievements and innovations over the past year, as it leverages Microsoft cloud and platforms to build solutions and services, and in turn, drive substantial growth in its customer base and revenue.

“We are honored to receive the Country Partner of the Year award from Microsoft which is proof of our commitment to delivering customer-focused digital innovations. We look forward to creating a more promising future with Microsoft as we further this collaboration through enabling more local businesses,” said Jojo Gendrano, FVP and Head of PLDT and Smart Enterprise.

Since 2015, ePLDT has been an active partner of Microsoft, co-innovating to offer a slew of cloud-based solutions such as infrastructure services, cloud productivity, and collaboration tools to enable businesses.

Nico Alcoseba, PLDT Enterprise FVP & Head of Product Management & Marketing Group, noted that through the years, ePLDT and Microsoft have empowered businesses all over the country to further boost and enhance their operations.

This was made possible through ePLDT’s relentless efforts to grow its cloud business by not only doing license push but also making Professional Services and eventually Managed Services become the primary source of revenue with the deployment of solutions such as Microsoft 365 Business and Enterprise Plans, Microsoft Enterprise Mobility + Security, Microsoft Surface bundled with Intune, ePLDT Calling for MS Teams plus ePLDT’s Professional Services related to Modern Work and Security plus Azure Public and Azure Stack which is hosted in ePLDT’s Vitro Data Center.

Every year, Microsoft offers a variety of awards for its partners with the aim to inspire and drive partner success in driving Microsoft’s business by leveraging on Microsoft technologies that provide relevant solutions across all industries and market segments

These awards celebrate the successes and innovations related to partner competencies, cloud technology, and entrepreneurial spirit, as well as highlight the great work done by partners in various industries and philanthropy arenas.

Other recognitions received by ePLDT through the years include Microsoft Country Partner of the Year in 2017, Tech Intensity Partner of the Year (Philippines) in 2020 and 2021; Para Sa Bayan Award (LearnAsOne Initiative) in 2020, and Azure Customer Recruit Partner of the Year (Philippines) last year.

ePLDT, Microsoft continue empowering PWDs through inclusive workplaces

Tweet

(Manila, Philippines ) ePLDT recently marked its first year as a Microsoft employer-partner for the Microsoft Enabler Program. This seeks to empower persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the workplace by fostering inclusivity and helping them increase their employability through training and mentorship.

PLDT Enterprise AVP & Head of Strategic Partnerships and Alliances Fay Ocampo and ePLDT Group Head for Workplace Management Fe Arlene Villanueva-Bassig

As a Microsoft employer-partner, ePLDT accommodated two students from its accessibility partner Virtualahan to take their internship under the group and acquire the necessary digital skills to help them secure gainful employment.

Rowell Navarro and Alfrey Redd Umali are aspiring graphic artists who have hard-of-hearing conditions. They were trained under ePLDT’s People Experience & Communications Team to hone and contribute their skills in developing creative visuals for the company’s awareness campaign on social sustainability.

“My internship has given me the opportunity to learn more about the company and essentials in Graphic Designing. The team [PWM – People Experience & Communication] gave me advice that was indeed helpful for me to accomplish my tasks more creatively and efficiently,” Navarro shared.

Likewise, Umali expressed his gratitude to ePLDT for the invaluable learning experience he attained as a graphic artist intern, and for the opportunity to support the group in producing short videos and other publicity materials.

“Working with the People Experience & Communication team has been a pleasure as I have gained much practical knowledge about graphic designing and video editing… Thank you again for making my internship a rewarding experience,” Umali said.

ePLDT reflects Microsoft’s commitment to giving utmost importance to building accessibility and a culture of inclusion at work.

The team that assisted Navarro and Umali was encouraged to use a meeting platform with closed-caption capabilities, to convey instructional procedures in text form, and to also attend a sensitivity training organized by Virtualahan to fully equip them towards inclusivity.

“The ePLDT Group is steadfast in its commitment to foster an inclusive working environment that provides opportunities for growth to persons with disabilities. We look forward to assisting more talented individuals through this engagement program with Microsoft,” said Fe Arlene Villanueva-Bassig, ePLDT Group Head for Workplace Management.

Meanwhile, during the launch of the APAC Microsoft Enabler Virtual Hackathon, PLDT Enterprise AVP & Head of Strategic Partnerships and Alliances Fay Ocampo said that as a Microsoft partner, ePLDT’s main goal is to expand their initiatives that foster disability-inclusive workplace within the group.

“Our hearts are full when we on-boarded two Virtualahan interns, Alfrey and Rowell who provided digital creative inputs in ePLDT’s company announcement under the wing and the guidance of People Experience & Communications Team,” Ocampo said.

“Now that we move to the next chapter, we carry on our purpose for having an ever-evolving culture of inclusion which starts by expanding our talent pipeline and connecting job-seeking PWDs in having ICT roles within ePLDT,” she added. 

For more information, visit epldt.com.

CEU opens Smart Online Store in partnership with PLDT Enterprise

Tweet

Enterprise recently partnered with Centro Escolar University (CEU) for the opening of the CEU Smart Online Store that will provide connectivity solutions to support the digital learning needs of its students.

CEU Smart Online Store is a dedicated online shop where students and faculty members can easily avail eLearning solutions. The online store offers a wide range of connectivity products and solutions from Smart WIFI Plans to discounted smartphones which they can use for online learning.

PLDT Enterprise Assistant Vice President and Corporate Relationship Management Head for Academe & FMCG Dick Perez said that the company is offering a one-stop solution through the CEU Smart Online Store to support the educational institution’s digital learning efforts.

“We are excited to work with Centro Escolar University as its eLearning partner to empower their students and educators by offering a strong product suite for their digital learning needs. The CEU Smart Online Store will surely provide the best learning experience to their students,” Perez said.

Moreover, PLDT Enterprise Vice President and Enterprise Revenue Group Head Ding V. Villarino said that the CEU Smart Online Store is part of the company’s efforts to enable the country’s education sector as they employ digital learning initiatives to aid students and teachers.

“This partnership with Centro Escolar University is part of our commitment to help schools and universities enhance the learning experience through digital means. A strong and reliable internet is of utmost importance to students and teachers right now. Thus, we are employing the necessary initiatives to alleviate the difficulties they are experiencing online,” Villarino said.

She also noted that by opening the CEU Smart Online Store, the company provides personalized and convenient shopping experiences to students amid stay-at-home protocols.

“This online store is another way for us to bring our products and services closer to our customers at affordable prices,” Villarino added.

CEU President and Chief Academic Officer Dr. Ma. Cristina D. Padolina expressed her gratitude towards PLDT Enterprise and Smart for their commitment to helping build a stronger CEU through bringing the technologies and solutions to enable their online learning capabilities.

“CEU is grateful to partner with PLDT Enterprise and Smart. Through this partnership, our community will be empowered with the best internet solutions, and our stakeholders can enjoy an enhanced learning experience through PLDT Group’s reliable connectivity,” Padolina said.

PLDT Enterprise and Smart have connected with other educational institutions to provide students access to eLearning solutions and technologies at affordable prices.

For more information, visit pldtenterprise.com. 

ePLDT, MPower partner for its largest renewable energy supply in PH data centers

Tweet

(Manila, Philippines) ePLDT furthers its commitment to sustainability as it partners with MPower—the local retail electricity supply arm of Meralco—for its largest allocation of both contracted power and renewable energy supply that will sustain the group’s data centers in the country.

ePLDT’s collaboration with MPower was first announced during the launch of the Philippine Board of Investments’ Make It Happen in the Philippines Campaign where public and private institutions teamed up to promote the Philippines as the next hyperscaler destination in Southeast Asia and the Asia Pacific region.

The two companies aim to raise the digital and power infrastructure of the Philippines to the standards sought by global hyperscalers looking to expand their operations in the country. Through the partnership, MPower’s renewable energy supply will help decarbonize ePLDT’s VITRO data centers in line with the PLDT group’s sustainability roadmap and in support of the carbon neutrality commitments of hyperscaler companies.

Senior Vice President and Head Roberto Almazora said that sustainability is one of MPower’s top priorities, and in line with Meralco’s sustainability agenda, they target to provide a just, orderly and affordable transition towards renewable energy.

“We're in full support of the government’s aspiration to hit the 50-percent RE energy mix by 2040. We strongly agree, but we would like to ensure that there is an orderly and cost-efficient transition towards clean energy… As One Meralco, we're looking at securing about 1,500 megawatts or more from the RE space in the next five to seven years. We are also in support of the development of greenfield plants, in alignment with the national sustainability agenda to replace old and unsustainable energy sources.” said Almazora during the exclusive CEO Roundtable Discussion of PLDT Enterprise’s Philippine Digital Convention 2021.

ePLDT and MPower recently formalized their partnership in a virtual ceremony to progress ePLDT’s bid to source the power of its data center facilities from RE. Incorporating RE in the energy mix of ePLDT VITRO Data Centers is part of its strategic roadmap which involves putting sustainability at the core of its design and operations.

Jovy I. Hernandez, ePLDT President & CEO and SVP & Head of PLDT and Smart Enterprise and International Business Groups, said that ePLDT is firm in its move towards sustainability and reducing carbon emissions in its data centers through the use of clean energy.

“As the largest data center network service provider in the country, we recognize our crucial role in keeping our operations sustainable and the positive impact that this transformation will bring to the Philippines in general. This initiative is in line with the PLDT Group’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) where sustainability is one of the key fulcrums,” Hernandez said.

“We are glad to formally establish this partnership with MPower as we pave the path to using renewable energy in our VITRO Data Centers. ePLDT recognizes the existing environmental emergency, and we thank MPower for their support as we work for this vision,” Hernandez added.

MPower will provide Renewable Energy for a significant portion of the total consumption for each of ePLDT’s VITRO data center, which is the largest RE supply they will provide to a commercial data center operator and will be sourced from MPower’s greenfield RE plants.

The RE transition is expected to reduce greenhouse and carbon emissions in the data centers by up to 20 percent—which translates to about 924,000 tree seedlings grown for 10 years according to the Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator of epa.gov.

The use of RE supply will initially be rolled out in six VITRO Data Centers, while the other four will later on advance as part of ePLDT’s sustainability workplan.

“Aside from providing superior network and infrastructure services, it is also important for us at PLDT Enterprise to operate our facilities efficiently and sustainably. Through the use of RE, we will be able to decarbonize our data centers and at the same time support the sustainability commitments of both local enterprises and the global hyperscaler market,” said Jojo Gendrano, First Vice President and Head of PLDT Enterprise Core Business Solutions.

MPower is the most trusted Retail Electricity Supplier in the Competitive Retail Electricity Market, holding a 30% market share nationwide. It offers customized energy solutions to meet the needs of Contestable Customers with an average demand of at least 500 kW for the past 12 months, resulting in significant cost savings.

Recently, the PLDT Group and Meralco subsidiaries namely MServ and Spectrum announced its collaboration for new energy efficiency and sustainability initiatives that promote responsible energy use and reduction of carbon footprint.

To learn more, visit epldt.com

CHAMP Cargosystems PH signs with PLDT Enterprise for ePLDT Calling activation

Tweet

CHAMP Cargosystems—the most successful global IT provider dedicated to the needs of the air cargo industry, providing integrated services for cargo carriers and their distribution partners worldwide —recently signed a strategic partnership with PLDT Enterprise, together with its ICT arm ePLDT, for services that would enable their international offices to be more operationally agile and connected amidst the changing demands of the new normal business landscape.

The IT solutions company is the first onboarded customer of ePLDT Calling for Microsoft Teams, a cloud-based phone system that allows businesses to combine their communication and collaboration systems in a single platform.

This hybrid telephony and video conferencing solution is designed by ePLDT highlighting the integrated features of Microsoft Teams, robustness of PLDT SIP connectivity and reliability of VITRO Data Center. Now employees, customers and stakeholders can call, chat and connect together real-time and seamlessly.

In over seven global offices of CHAMP Cargosystems with more than 450 employees worldwide, this solution will help ensure quality reliable calls with built-in security and privacy from Microsoft 365.

“This partnership with PLDT Enterprise will allow us to achieve our goals in providing accelerated IT solutions, services and support for our air cargo and aviation regulator customers. In the air cargo industry context, it is imperative to have reliable, fast, and secure connectivity and communication services that will allow us to collaborate faster and do our business optimally. We believe that PLDT Enterprise is the perfect partner for that,” said Philips Manalaysay, Managing Director of CHAMP Cargosystems Philippines.

CHAMP Cargosystems provides services to over 100 airlines and 200 customers worldwide, including GSAs and Forwarders, over 300 handling stations, more than 1,500 stations spanning across 100 countries, over 3,000 connected forwarders, and over 15,000 users worldwide. Members of the CHAMP community can exchange information securely using industry standards processes and formats, with over 300 million processed messages and 20 million shipments annually. CHAMP Cargosystems’ applications portfolio spans core cargo systems, enterprise systems and community and distribution services, compliance services as well freight forwarding solutions.

“We are pleased to kickstart this partnership with CHAMP Cargosystems Philippines. PLDT Enterprise always values the trust and support of our clients and we commit to providing excellent services that would propel them towards meeting their goals,” said Jovy Hernandez, ePLDT President & CEO and SVP & Head for PLDT and Smart Enterprise Business Groups.

With ePLDT’s ICT expertise and Microsoft 365 certifications, CHAMP Cargosystems is assured that its groundbreaking solution ePLDT Calling for Microsoft Teams is professionally implemented and supported and shall be continually enhanced.

“It is our aspiration to fortify our enterprise accounts of the best ICT and connectivity solutions that will maximize their business capabilities. Such is our dedication to CHAMP Cargosystems. We thank you for your patronage and trust, and you can anchor your long-term plans with PLDT Enterprise,” said Vic Tria, PLDT First Vice President and Enterprise Revenue Group Head

For more information, visit epldt.com

ePLDT Awarded SAP Business One Top Partner in Philippines, Southeast Asia

Tweet

ePLDT Inc., through its subsidiary ABM Global Solutions (AGS), today announced that it has been awarded as SAP® Business One (B1) Top Partner in Southeast Asia and the Philippines.

The SAP® Business One Top Partner award was granted based on ePLDT’s achievement in attaining the highest revenues among its associates in the region.

“We thank SAP for the recognition as its top partner for SAP B1 not only in the Philippines but also in Southeast Asia. We are honored to receive this award as we commit to our shared goal of enabling business through innovative business management solutions,” commented John Gonzales, Vice President and Head of PLDT Enterprise Digital Solutions.

ePLDT, through its subsidiary AGS, is a partner of SAP® Business One. As such, it has access to tools, training, resources and benefits that it needs to deliver solutions and services, such as SimplERP and SAP® HANA Migration Services, that allow businesses to optimize operations and maximize profitability.

SAP® S/4HANA is an intelligent ERP solution that eliminates common obstacles associated with legacy ERP applications, such as batch latency, complex landscapes, and manually driven processes. ePLDT has been leading the Philippines market in bringing the said service to local enterprises.

“Businesses today need to work with trusted technology partners to make the transition to become intelligent enterprises and thrive in the ‘never normal’. By doing so, they can do more with less, deliver a best-in-class customer experience, build resilient supply chains, while inventing new business models and revenue streams,” said Edler Panlilio, Managing Director, SAP Philippines.

"We at AGS are really grateful to receive these awards from SAP. This is a big milestone for us, and receiving such recognition inspires us to strive even harder in reaching more businesses in different industries with innovative digital solutions that we offer in collaboration with SAP," said Raymond Lacdao, AGS Chief Operating Officer.

As part of the ePLDT group, AGS is also well positioned to cover complementary services designed to enhance and maximize the experience of existing SAP users. Services like application managed services, disaster recovery and backup, analytics, cybersecurity, and connectivity are well within the ePLDT portfolio.

“The intelligent use of Information and communications technology defines successful businesses. We express our gratitude to SAP for these prestigious recognitions and we at ePLDT and AGS will always be determined to ensure that enterprises have the most innovative solutions that will elevate their drive for growth and success,” said Jovy Hernandez, ePLDT President & CEO and SVP & Head for PLDT and Smart Enterprise Business Groups.

About ePLDT

ePLDT, Inc. is the industry-leading enabler of digital business solutions in the Philippines. Since its inception at the turn of the millennium, ePLDT has led the industry in the development of end-to-end technologies for enterprises across the country and the Asia Pacific region.

To learn more, visit epldt.com.

ePLDT launches cloud-based phone system service

Tweet

ePLDT recently launched a new, cloud-based phone system called ePLDT Calling for Microsoft Teams, which allows businesses to combine their communication and collaboration systems in a single platform.

As businesses have implemented work-from-home setups at the onset of the pandemic, many had faced challenges around operational inefficiencies brought by the sudden pressure to adopt systems that optimize remote working arrangements. This influx of business applications have thus resulted in largely disconnected legacy and digital platforms.

Organizations caught in this siloed approach (those with disjointed communication and collaboration systems) are predisposed to users toggling from one system to another, which consumes more time and could possibly cause customer dissatisfaction due to simple miscommunication rising from seemingly mundane oversights such as unattended calls and queries and mishandled requests.

In addition, such disparate setups lack operational insights where businesses can gather pertinent data that can be used to improve customer experience.

ePLDT, in partnership with Microsoft and AudioCodes, developed ePLDT Calling for Microsoft Teams—a modern enterprise voice solution that combines both business communication and collaboration systems to enable employees to seamlessly integrate calls into their workflow. The service aims to help boost the efficiency of businesses to improve overall business outcomes while reducing costs, application overload, and worker fatigue.

Businesses are also able to get real-time insights on the quality of calls made to ensure smooth communication and customer satisfaction. Calls are also protected with built-in security and privacy from Microsoft 365.

ePLDT harnessed the collaborative power of Microsoft Teams and utilized the combined robustness and reliability of PLDT SIP connectivity and ePLDT VITRO Data Center, to create a hybrid telephony and video conferencing solution that allows real-time collaboration among employees, customers and other stakeholders. With ePLDT’s ICT expertise and Microsoft 365 certifications, customers are assured that this groundbreaking solution is professionally implemented and supported, and shall be continually reviewed and enhanced.

“Traditional telephony solutions provided limited capabilities at a high cost and effort. ePLDT Calling for Microsoft Teams is the perfect solution for effective internal and external communication,” says Nico Alcoseba, VP & Head of ICT Business for PLDT Enterprise.

Furthermore, ePLDT Calling for Microsoft Teams provides better management of customer experience across legacy and digital channels and aligns technology investments with every company’s business objectives.

“We at ePLDT strive to continuously provide enterprises with innovative solutions that will create real value to their business. We always keep in mind the needs of our customers when we develop a new product to ensure that it answers their problems or challenges, and ePLDT Calling for Microsoft Teams is an illustration of that,” says ePLDT President & CEO and SVP & Head for PLDT and Smart Enterprise Business Groups Jovy Hernandez.

“With ePLDT Calling for Microsoft Teams, we will enable businesses to have maximum productivity and a seamless collaboration among employees,” he added.

To learn more about ePLDT Calling, visit https://www.epldt.com/cloud/epldt-calling-for-microsoft-teams/. For more information on ePLDT’s newest products, go to epldt.com. #

Technology alone can’t protect your business against cyber threats – ePLDT

Tweet

Due to the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT), information is being collected at an unprecedented rate, with much of it being highly personal and confidential. It is because of this that cybersecurity is of much greater importance today.

ePLDT, an industry-leading provider of digital business solutions to enterprises in the Philippines, is warning local companies that employing data security software and hardware is not enough to combat cyber-threats. This is according to its newly appointed head of cybersecurity.

Angel Redoble

“Companies that focus on data security technology alone unfortunately do not understand cybersecurity,” said Angel Redoble, Chief Information Security Officer of ePLDT. 

“Because a single attack can affect every department of a company, cybersecurity therefore should be approached holistically by integrating it in every aspect, not just in technology. To do this, a company must first focus on having a strict protocol or process and must have the right people who are skilled to combat different kinds of threats. Once these are integrated with the appropriate technology, a company can achieve business resiliency.”

This crucial insight follows on the heels of Ernst & Young’s Global Information Security Survey of 2016 and 2017 which reveals that 64% of 1,735 firms surveyed, which includes Philippine companies, admitted that they have zero or mere informal threat intelligence programs. Moreover, 42% do not have an agreed communications strategy or plan in place in the event of a significant attack.

A security process or program provides the framework for keeping a company at a desired security level by assessing the risks, deciding how to mitigate them, and planning on how to keep programs and practices up to date. ePLDT notes that this is where most companies fail because they only treat cybersecurity as technology or software.

“The hundreds of thousands of vulnerabilities that are recorded every day plus the evolving hacking methods just goes to show that like a process, cybersecurity is a never-ending journey and should be evolved to mitigate & manage new threats,” said Redoble.

Data security skills on the other hand are also crucial since a skilled workforce can identify and therefore understand how to handle the vast majority of threats to data, like malware or hackers seeking confidential information.

Redoble recognizes that some institutions do not employ cybersecurity because of financial constraints but also notes that this should not stop them because the tradeoffs are more than beneficial for a company’s performance and existence. 

“Thanks to growing trends, not deploying cybersecurity is and will become more costly in the future. Companies who are serious about surviving must place it as a business imperative as a single attack can break any business.”

Fortunately due to the current trends and developments in cybersecurity, businesses can now achieve the process, technology, and skills to uphold security through inexpensive means. By administering an assessment of their current capabilities, a company can already set certain protocols while the lack of skills problem can be addressed by teaching the staff how to recognize an attack.

With regards to technology, Redoble notes that there are various data security measures that are being offered subscription-based. However, applying these three may leave a company’s in-house I.T. department drained and will lead them to focus on security rather than boosting productivity. As a solution, Redoble recommends to partner with an end-to-end data security provider.

As a leader in data security services in the country, ePLDT’s Cyber Security portfolio is a suite of services that cover devices, systems, processes, and expertise, designed to defend enterprises from multiple security risks, evolving threats, and malicious software attacks. The portfolio is further boosted by ePLDT’s vast infrastructure network due to its 9 state-of-the art data centers and is recognized internationally through its ISO 27001:2005 Information Security Management System (ISMS) certification.

To know more about ePLDT’s cybersecurity offerings, visit www.epldt.com/solutions/cyber-security/.

PLDT opens premier VITRO Data Center in Makati

Tweet

Leading telecoms and digital services provider PLDT has opened the country’s biggest data center at Makati City, the country’s premier business district, to serve a wide range of organizations, particularly those handling vital data such as banks, business process outsourcing (BPO) firms, IT and content providers and government institutions.

VITRO, set up by PLDT subsidiary ePLDT,  is a network of world-class data centers, guaranteeing continuous business operations for enterprise organizations. Highly robust, secure and scalable infrastructure, unparalleled connectivity, and 24×7 technical support capabilities, allowing you to focus on your core competencies.

(L-R) Opening of VITRO Data Center Makati with Jovy Hernandez, FVP; Eric Alberto, PLDT EVP & ePLDT President and CEO; Nerrisa Ramos, Chief Operating Officer; and David Simon, Chief Technology Officer & Service Delivery & Operations Group Head.

The newest VITRO Data Center sits on a nearly two-hectare property with 3,600-rack capacity. It is equipped with systems and facilities to guarantee continuous operations, ensuring that businesses can utilize robust and scalable digital infrastructure, as well as world-class 24/7 technical support capabilities.

“PLDT is investing heavily in our VITRO data centers as we believe that these facilities are one of the basic building blocks of the country’s digital economy. This data center will be a vital resource for companies as they ramp up their own digital services,” said PLDT Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan.

The new earthquake-resistant, purpose-built data center in Makati is built on solid ground without seismic faults within its proximity. In addition, special architectural techniques and materials planning were implemented to provide the data center with fire-rated concrete walls and flood-protected design.

VITRO Makati is rated to withstand earthquakes up to intensity eight in the Richter scale. The data center is also compliant with global design standards.

“PLDT recognizes how vital it is for enterprises to ensure stable operations despite changes in the external environment. The need for scalable and secure hosting facilities to house and manage critical platforms is also growing in importance as the enterprise becomes more data-driven as a result of continuous digital transformation initiatives,” said PLDT Executive Vice President and ePLDT President and CEO Eric R. Alberto.

VITRO Makati offers one of the most secure and impenetrable structures in the Philippines with an eight-layer security design, guaranteeing that data and applications will always be protected and secured 

Each major component of the facility is configured with redundant counterparts in place that seamlessly operate to anticipate adverse events, including power generators and Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) units, among others. 

As part of the VITRO network of data centers, VITRO Makati also serves as a carrier-neutral Internet Exchange facility that provides numerous IP peering services, enabling access to local and international content.

VITRO Makati is also a Nexcenter-certified facility, allowing its clients to use globally standardized Nexcenter services of world leader NTT Com at some 140 locations in 84 cities of 19 countries, in addition to NTT Com’s Arcstar Universal One private-network service, which is already available in the Philippines and which is largely used by the country’s BPO industry.

“As the world becomes even more digitally connected, Filipino enterprises must leverage on new technologies to ensure the security and resilience of their operations. PLDT’s digital platforms can enable enterprises to take advantage of disruptive technologies, secure their operations, and promote growth in their businesses,” said Alberto.

The PLDT Group now operates seven data centers all over the country with a total rack capacity of nearly 7,000 to serve the needs of small, medium, and large enterprises across various industries, including banking, financial services, outsourcing, telecoms, and gaming.

PLDT Enterprise leads digital transformation discussions at the 2016 Philippine ICT Leadership Convention: Digital Now!

Tweet

Philippine companies get a chance this week to take a hard look at how digital technologies are changing the rules of the game for their businesses at the 2016 Philippine ICT Leadership Convention.

PLDT Executives and partners open the technology exhibit at the 2016 Philippine ICT Leadership Convention. Shown in photo from left to right: ePLDT Chief Operating Officer Nerisse Ramos, PLDT Executive Vice President and ePLDT CEO Eric R. Alberto, PLDT ALPHA First Vice President and Head Jovy Hernandez, IDC Asia Pacific Managing Director Dr. Christopher Holmes, and Cisco Philippines Country Manager Louie Castaneda.

Hosted by PLDT Enterprise, the corporate business group of PLDT, the convention will run from June 20 to 21 at the Marriott Grand Ballroom Manila and will focus on how disruptive technologies collectively called “SMACS” – short for Social, Mobility, Analytics, Cloud and Security – are reshaping the strategies of enterprises and organizations.

Invited to the convention are top level executives, business leaders, and decision makers from the country’s leading enterprises across various industries. Presented in association with premier global market intelligence provider IDC, the convention will provide these business leaders with in-depth information on the future of the digital enterprise and the breakthrough technologies that will prominently figure in their business roadmap.

“Today, going digital is no longer just an option for enterprises and organizations. The Philippine ICT Leadership Convention will highlight the strategic challenges and opportunities that digital technologies present to Philippine companies,” said PLDT Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan. 

“As consumers become digitally-connected regardless of demographic, enterprises must also transform themselves by leveraging on new technologies to change the way they operate, and more importantly, to transform the way they engage with their customers and employees. The convention will help enterprises make this shift and usher in a more digitally-empowered Philippines,” he added.

Aside from presentations by industry leaders and technology experts, the 2-day convention will also allow guests to experience various digital technologies within the enterprise environment through workshops, exhibits, and plenary discussions.

“The advent of new digital platforms has introduced disruptive technologies that are changing the way enterprises are interacting with consumers and the digital world. Through the convention, PLDT, along with industry leaders, will provide our insights to serve as a knowledge base for enterprises, enable them to take advantage of these disruptive technologies, and promote growth in their businesses,” said PLDT Executive Vice President and ePLDT CEO Eric R. Alberto.

Attendees can also participate in breakout workshops focused on specific technology tracks that include Data Center and Cloud, Big Data and Analytics, M2M and Internet of Things, Digital Engagement, Cyber security, and Unified Communications and Collaboration. These topics, designed to provide a holistic approach to the benefits of technology tracks to enterprises, will enable participants to better understand the solutions that are at their disposal, and how these can significantly impact their businesses.