2024
C O V E R S T O R Y
Christos Sarantopoulos
Mastering Enterprise and Solution Architecture to Transform Organizations and Redene the Future
A Journey from Inquisitive Toddler to Chartered Engineer
A Journey from Internet Pioneer to Streaming Visionary
ARTICLES
Andy Rawnsley
Eudald Domenech
Editors Note
People Power in the Tech Age
Weliveinatimewheremachinesarebecoming smarterandtakingovermoreofourwork.This hasmanypeopleconcerned.Theyareconcerned aboutlosingtheiremploymenttorobotsorhaving computersmakeimportantdecisionsthatinfluenceour lives.
Buthere'sthething:therealissueisnotwhethermachines canthink.It'saboutwhetherwe,ashumans,canthink carefullyandusetechnologywisely.
Sure,newtechnologycanmakeourlivesbetterinmany ways.Itcanhelpbusinessesworkfasterandmakecoolnew stuff.Buthowgoodorbadtechnologyisforusreally dependsonhowwechoosetouseit.
Whenwetalkabouttechnology,weareoftenactually talkingaboutbiggerworries,likewhatjobswilllooklikein thefutureandwhohaspowerinsociety.Asmachinesstart doingmorejobs,peopleareconcernedaboutmoneyand fairness.Theseareimportantissuesweneedtodealwith, butwealsohavetoacceptthattechnologyisn'tgoingto stopadvancing.
Insteadofjustfocusingonwhatmachinescando,we
shouldthinkaboutwhatmakesushuman.Thingslike thinkingdeeply,beingcreative,understandingothers' feelings,andmakingtoughchoicesbasedonwhat'sright andwrong.Machinescan'tdothesethingslikewecan.
Thesehumanqualitiesenableustosolvedifficult challenges,makevalues-baseddecisions,andenvisiona betterfutureforeverybody.Peopleinlargecorporationsare knownasChiefTechnologyOfficers(CTOs),andtheyare inchargeofmanagingeverything.Theirroleistoleverage newtechnologytobenefittheorganizationwhilealso ensuringthatitisusedinasociallyresponsiblemanner.
Ifweharnessourhumanstrengthsandthinkcarefullyabout howweusetechnology,wecancreateafutureinwhich technologyimprovespeople'slivesratherthangenerating issuesorreplacingthem.InourlatesteditionofTheCIO World, “South Africa's Most Influential CTO to Watch in 2024,” wehighlightRaniBisal,whosimilarlyhasavision forabetterworldandisdevelopingtechnologiesthat challengethestatusquo.Sheisatthevanguardof invention,leveragingtheirexpertiseandcreativitytodrive meaningfulchangeacrossvariousindustries.
Haveagoodreadahead!
AlayaBrown
CoverStory
Christos Sarantopoulos Chief Enterprise Architect
Al-Fu aim LLC
, ,In order to ensure effective communication within the team, Christos prioritizes establishing clear channels of communication that cater to the unique personalities and idiosyncrasies of the team members.
Inourjourneythroughlife,weencountervarious challengesandobstaclesthatdemandourattentionand problem-solvingskills.Whilesomeproblemsare straightforwardandeasilysolvable,otherscanbe complicatedandperplexing,requiringamorethoughtful andstrategicapproach.
Amidstthemyriadchallengesthatlifepresents,thereexists auniquebreedofindividualswhorevelinthefaceof complexity.Theyareproblemsolvers,puzzleenthusiasts, andseekersofingenioussolutions.Forthem,complexityis notadauntingobstaclebutratheranexhilaratingjourney Theyaretheoneswhotrulyenjoythechallengeofsolving complexproblems.
OneofthemisChristos,whoenteredthefieldof architecturetosolvecomplexproblems.Christos Sarantopoulos,avisionaryChiefEnterpriseArchitectat Al-Futtaimwithoverthreedecadesofexperience,hasleft anindeliblemarkonmultipledomains,empowering organizationstothriveinanever-evolvinglandscape.
Hisjourneyintotherealmsofenterpriseandsolution architecturecommencedintheearly2000s.Fuelledbyan innatepassionfortacklingcomplexityhead-on,he embarkedonacareerpaththatwouldnotonlyshapehis futurebutalsoredefinethepossibilitiesforthe organizationshewouldcometoserve.
Throughouthisillustriouscareer,Christoshasexhibitedan unwaveringcommitmenttoexcellence,continuously seekingtoenhance,aswellasoptimiseITsolutionsand businessprocesses,throughinnovativethinkingandreengineering.Histrackrecordofsuccessfullydelivering solutionsandmanaginghighperformingteamsreflectshis prowessasaseasonedleader,capableofdrivingimpactful outcomesandnurturingthegrowthofhiscolleagues.
Christosstandsapartasamultifacetedprofessional, possessingadiverseskillsetthatspansenterpriseand solutionarchitecture,leadership,projectmanagement, solutiondeliveryandoperations,justtonameafew.This versatilityhasbeenakeyassetinnavigatingthecomplex landscapesofmodernenterprises,wheretheabilityto connectthedotsbetweentechnologyandbusinessis paramount.
Asaskilledanalystandevaluator,Christoshasbecome adeptatidentifyingopportunitiesforoptimizationand growth,bringinghisexpertisetobearoneveryprojecthe undertakes.Histalentforcoachingandmentoringhasnot
,,He emphasizes the importance of structured and concise communication, avoiding unnecessary tangents or distractions. He also encourages both formal and informal modes of regular communication.
onlyempoweredhisteamsbutalsofosteredacultureof learningandcontinuousimprovementwithinthe organizationshehasworkedwith.
Let’s explore his excursions more thoroughly!
Odyssey
ForChristosSarantopoulos,theallureofenterpriseand solutionarchitectureliesintheperpetualchallengeit presents.Inarapidlyevolvingtechnologicallandscape,he findsthethrillofinnovationandtheopportunitytocreatea lastingimpactimmenselyrewarding.Hisabilitytomanage relationships,negotiateeffectively,andworkwith stakeholdersandvendorswithfinesse,hasbeen instrumentalindrivingthesuccessofhisendeavors.
AsChristoscontinuestopavethepathforenterprise architecture,heenvisionsafuturewherethefusionof technologyandbusinessnotonlymeetsthedemandsofthe presentbutalsoanticipatestheneedsoftomorrow.His passionforpushingtheboundariesofwhatispossible servesasaguidinglightfororganizationsseekingto navigatethecomplexitiesofthedigitalage.
Many reasons contributed to his decision to follow this career path, like:
Thechallengeofit:EnterpriseArchitecture(EA)presentsa multifacetedanddemandingareaofexpertise.It necessitatesaprofoundcomprehensionofbusinessand technology,aswellasthecapacitytoenvisionthebroader perspective.Individualswhorelishthesatisfactionderived fromresolvingintricateproblemsmayfindgreatfulfillment inthisendeavor
Christos
,,begins the design process by focusing on the business architecture when a solution needs to be developed. Once the business architecture is established, the design of other architectures can proceed in a more organized and coherent manner.
• Theimpactitcanhave:Ithasthepotentialto significantlyinfluenceanorganization’ssuccess.By designingandimplementingrobustarchitectures, architectsplayavitalroleinenhancingefficiency, productivity,andprofitabilityfororganizations.For individualspassionateaboutmakingameaningful impact,thisexperienceisincrediblyfulfilling.
• Thevarietyofworkitoffers:Itprovidesawiderange ofopportunitiesforprofessionals.Architectsinthis fieldengageindiverseprojects,includingnewproduct development,ITinfrastructure,andbusinessprocess improvement.Thisvarietyensuresthatthework remainsconsistentlyinterestingandchallenging.
• Theopportunitytolearnandgrow:Itisinaconstant stateofevolution,providingarchitectswithongoing opportunitiesforlearningandstayingup-to-datewith thelatesttrends.Engaginginthisprocesscanbehighly rewarding,butitrequiresacommitmenttocontinuous educationtokeeppacewiththeever-changing landscape.
InspiringLeadershipandEmpoweringTeams
Christos,anexperiencedleaderandteambuilder,has successfullyestablishednumerousteamsoverthepast decades.Ratherthanmerelymanaging,headoptsa leadershipapproach,settinganexampleforhisteam membersandempoweringthemtosharehisvisionandact inaccordancetoit.Christosalsodemonstratesaremarkable levelofempathy,understandingtheneedsofhisteamand strivingtominimizedistractionstoprioritizeresults.His
teamsareconsistentlymotivatedtosurpassexpectations andgotheextramile.Recognizedforhismentorship abilities,manyindividualsfrombothhisteamsandothers, withintheorganizationshehasworkedfor,havesoughthis guidance,enablingthemtodiscovertheirprofessionaland personalpaths.Withskillssuchaspatience,supportiveness, andhonesty,Christosexcelsasanexceptionalmentorand coach.
PioneeringDigitalTransformation
Christoshasanextensivetrackrecordofspearheading digitaltransformationanddigitalizationinitiatives, predatingtheactualcoiningoftheseterms.Hisprojects havefocusedonenhancingexistingtargetoperatingmodels throughtheintegrationoftechnology,aswellasconceiving newoperatingmodelsandharnessingtechnologyto generatefreshrevenuestreamsfororganizations.Notably, hehasachievedremarkablesuccessinbothrealms.One noteworthyaccomplishmentincludesleadingthe developmentofapeopleandtechnologyecosystemfor wealthmanagement,resultinginasubstantialenhancement ofcustomerexperienceandsatisfaction.Additionally,he hasoverseenthearchitectureofanecosystemdesignedto offeralifestylemanagementsuperapp,whichhasgarnered over1milliondownloads.Furthermore,Christoshastaken chargeofdigitaltransformationeffortsinvarious departments,suchasIT,finance,marketing,sales,andHR amonstmanyothers.Throughhisleadership,hehas achievedunparalleledoutcomes,includingoptimizing businessprocessesbymorethan50%,deliveringcuttingedgedigitalsolutionsthatfacilitatethecreationofnew revenuestreams,andsignificantlyreducingcosts.
HolisticSolutionDelivery
Christosbeginsthedesignprocessbyfocusingonthe businessarchitecturewhenasolutionneedstobe developed.Oncethebusinessarchitectureisestablished, thedesignofotherarchitecturescanproceedinamore organizedandcoherentmanner.Christospossesses extensiveknowledgeandexpertiseinvariousarchitecture domains,includingbusiness,information,application, integration,technology,andsecurity Thisenablesa comprehensiveevaluationofthesolutionintermsofits entiretyandeffectivenessbeforeitisdeliveredto customers.
IntegratingLegacySystems
Whileworkingataprominentfinancialservicescompany, heencounteredthetaskofintegratinga35-year-oldbluescreenmainframesolutionintothecontemporaryrealmof theopenAPIeconomy.Duetothehighrisksandexpenses associatedwithreplacingtheoutdatedsystem,thecompany soughtanalternativeapproachtoconnectingthelegacy systemwiththenewAPIs.Christosproposedthecreation ofanAPIinterfacelayerthatwouldharmonize,orchestrate andchoreographtheAPIs.Thislayerwouldserveasalink betweenthelegacysystemandthenewAPIs,enablingthe companytocircumventthehazardsandexpensesofa completeupgrade.Theimplementationoftheinterface layerprovedtobesuccessful,breathingnewlifeintothe legacysystemandenablingthecompanytomitigatethe considerablerisksandcostsofupgrading.
OutoftheOrdinary
Christosfacedamomentousdecisionwhenthecompany soughttoimplementanewsolution.Thisundertaking wouldrequireasubstantialinvestmentoftimeandfinances. Twopotentialoptionsemerged:acommercialoff-the-shelf (COTS)system,triedandtestedbyothercompanies, offeringcost-effectivenessandswiftdeployment,but lackingalignmentwiththecompany’sspecificneeds(and thusrequiringhighlevelofcustomization),andacustombuiltsystem,promisinggreaterflexibilityandalignment, butentailingaslightlyhighercostandlonger implementationtimeline.
Understandingtheweightinessofthischoice,Christos recognizedthattherewasnosimplesolution.Whilethe COTSsystemseemedsafer,thepotentialadvantagesofthe custom-builtalternativewerecompelling,outweighingthe associatedrisks.Thoughnotwithoutsomedissentamong others,Christosfirmlybelievedthatthecompanywasready tocommitthenecessaryresourcesforthecustom-built system.
Intheend,Christosstoodfirminrecommendingthe custom-builtsystem,confidentinitspotentialtobestserve thecompany’sinterests.Despitedifferingopinions,the custom-builtsolutionwassuccessfullyimplemented, becomingavaluableassetthatsignificantlyboostedthe company’sefficiencyandcost-effectiveness.
ThisexperienceimpartedinvaluablelessonstoChristos.It reaffirmedtheimportanceofmakingdecisionsthat prioritizethecompany’sbestinterests,eveniftheyaren’t
universallypopular.Furthermore,ithighlightedthe necessityofmeticulouslyevaluatingtherisksandbenefits ofavailableoptionsbeforearrivingatawell-informed conclusion.Lookingback,heremainscontentwiththe decisiontoendorsethecustom-builtsystem,asithas proventobetherightandrewardingchoiceforthe companyinthelongrun.
ProvenApproach
Managingmultipleprojectsconcurrentlynecessitatesa considerableamountofskillandleadershipaptitude.The approachemployedincorporatesseveralsequentialsteps.
To be more precise:
• Heisidentifyingthemostimportantprojectsand focusinghiseffortsonthem.
• Oncetheseprojectsareidentified,hesetsclear prioritiestostayfocusedandavoidgettingsidetracked.
• Heisdelegatingtasksinaccordancewiththeskillsof thepeoplewhowouldundertakethem.
• Hecommunicatesclearlytotheteamandstakeholders, ensuringthateverybodyisonthesamepage.
• Ifthingsarenotgoingaccordingtoplan,heisresilient enoughtoadjustpriorities.
BlueprintforTeamSuccess
Toensureeffectivecommunicationwithintheteam, Christosprioritizesestablishingclearchannelsof communicationthatcatertotheuniquepersonalitiesand idiosyncrasiesoftheteammembers.Additionally,he emphasizestheimportanceofstructuredandconcise communication,avoidingunnecessarytangentsor distractions.Healsoencouragesbothformalandinformal modesofregularcommunication.Akeyaspectofeffective communicationthatheemphasizesistheneedforpatience andunderstandingwithintheteam.Underhisguidance, thereisastrictpolicyagainstfinger-pointing,allowing everyonetomakemistakeswithoutfearofreproach. However,itisexpectedthatmistakesarenotrepeated,thus fosteringalearningenvironment.
ImpactfulLegacy
AsChiefEnterpriseArchitect,Christos,hasattained numerousremarkabletriumphsduringhisprofessional journey.Oneparticularaccomplishmentthatshinesbrightly ishispivotalcontributiontotheestablishmentand
enrichmentoftheEnterpriseArchitecturepracticewithina prominentfinancialservicesorganization.Uponhisarrival atthecompany,Christosfacedadearthofcomprehension anddocumentationpertainingtoarchitecture.Witha methodicalandrigorousapproach,headeptlyexecutedthe adoptionofEnterpriseArchitecture,followedbysolution architecture.Furthermore,Christosinstigateda comprehensivedocumentationendeavortorecordthe company’sprocessesandsolutionarchitecture.
After 2 years on the aforementioned projects:
• HeintroducedtheEntepriseArchitecturepracticetothe organization,reachingamaturitylevelof2.7(ona scaleof1–5),withanindustryaverageof2.2.
• Hedesignedandassessednumeroussolutions,to supporttheorganisation’srigorousexpansionplans.
• Hecreatedanextensiveelectroniclibrary documentingthebusinessprocessesandthe architectureoftheITsolutions,aswellasa knowledgemanagementportalwherepeople couldsearchforinformationinaneasyand intuitivefashion.
Theseachievementshelpedthecompanyenormously inachievingitsgoalsaswellasextendingtheITteam tomeettherequirementsofthestrategy
AnExtraordinaryHonor
Throughouthiscareer,Christoshasgarneredmultiple accoladesfromCIOs/CTOsandotherhigh-level executives.Yet,themostcherishedrecognitionhe everreceivedwasduringhistenureataprominent telecommunicationscompany Thisparticular organizationhadimplementedacomprehensive360degreeperformanceevaluationsystem,allowingteam memberstoassesstheirmanagers.Surpassingthe companyaveragebyover10%,heachievedthe highestscoreacrosstheentirecompany.This remarkableaccomplishmentwasadirectoutcomeof hisexceptionalabilitytofosterandguideaunited, purpose-driven,empowered,andachievementorientedteam.
RAndyawnsley
A Journey from Inquisi ve Toddler to Chartered Engineer
Exploring the Early Sparks of Curiosity and the STEM Trail That Led to a Career in Telecommunications!
Childrenareinherentlycuriousbeings.Fromthe
momenttheyopentheireyestotheworld,theyare drivenbyaninsatiabledesiretounderstand,touch, taste,andexplore.Everythingisnew,andeveryexperience isanopportunitytolearn.Thisnaturalcuriosityisthe foundationuponwhichalifelongjourneyofdiscoveryis built."Mum,whyistheskyblue?""Dad,whydobirds sing?"Theincessantquestioningofachildisnotmerelya phase;itistheearlymanifestationofaninquisitivemind eagertounravelthemysteriesoftheworld.Encouraging thesequestions,ratherthandismissingthem,nurturesthe sparkofcuriosity
What'sittodowith?"Asimplequestion,yetonethat ignitedalifelongpassionforunderstandingthe complexitiesoftechnologyandengineeringinthemindof ayoungAndyRawnsley.Fastforwardtotoday,andhe standsasavisionaryChiefArchitectOfficeratGamma, leadingthechargeinshapingthetechnologicallandscape.
Fromchildhoodcuriositytoorchestratingcutting-edge solutions,Andy'strajectoryintheengineeringand technologyspaceisatestamenttodestinyaligningwith passion."IthinkIwasborntobeintheengineeringand technologyspace,"reflectsAndy,reminiscingaboutthe dayswhenheplayedwitharmyfieldtelephones,sparking theinitialflamesofcuriositythatwouldfuelhisjourneyto telecommunications.
STEMsubjectsbecamehisplaygroundduringhisschool days,settingthestageforaformidablefoundation.This academicinclinationseamlesslytranslatedintoapursuitof knowledge,culminatinginaSystemsEngineeringand Computingdegree.Thejourneydidn'tstopthere.Andy embarkedonagraduatetrainingschemethatlaidoutapath toCharteredEngineerstatus,solidifyinghiscommitmentto excellenceinthefield.
I think I was born to be in the engineering and technology space. Apparently, as a toddler, I was very inquisitive and always wanted to know how something worked, often pointing at something electrical or mechanical and uttering the words, "What’s it to do with?
AsCAO,Andystandsattheforefrontofinnovation, steeringthecompanytowardsnewheightsinthedynamic worldoftelecommunications.Hisleadershipnotonly reflectsadeeptechnicalunderstandingbutalsoavisionary approachtoshapingthefutureofconnectivity
Below are the interview highlights:
TwoDecadesofInnovationandEfficiency
SpeakingaboutGamma,Andyexplainedthatnearly25 yearsago,thefounders,PaulBannerandPhilCorbishley, observedthechallengesandunsustainabilityofthe 'deregulated'and'privatized'telcobubble.Analyzingthe cashburnrateandreservesofvariousUKandEuropean alternativeoperators,theypatientlyawaitedopportunities. Inlate2001,whenAtlanticTelecomwentintoreceivership, theyseizedthechance,acquiringallassetsfor£0.003per £1.Thisledtothecreationofadebt-freeNewCo,which eventuallybecameGamma.
Initially,Gammafocusedonapriceandqualityproposition intheUKwholesalevoicetrafficspace,amarket establishedbytheregulatedinterconnectregimefor wholesaleuseoftheBTnetwork.
Architects of Tomorrow: Top 10 CAOs to Watch in 2024
TheacquisitionofacustomerbasethroughM&Aactivities playedacrucialroleinfinancingtheintroductionofVoIP technologyin2003—20yearsago.Sincethen,Gamma's emphasishasremainedoninnovatingcommunication servicesthroughtechnologyandoperationalefficiency,a commitmentthatcontinuestodefineitsapproachtoday
StrategiesforRedefiningOperationalExcellence
Inelucidatingthestrategiesemployed,Andyhighlighted thatGamma'sinitialadoptionofVoIPtechnologywas justifiedbytheoperationalefficienciesitbrought.The transformationinvolvedreplacingpower-hungry,circuitswitchedequipmentwithjustafewracks,significantly enhancingcustomer-servingcapacity.Subsequentiterations oftheVoIPtechnology,nowinitsthirdrefresh,have consistentlydeliveredincreasedefficiency,flexibility,and expandedfeatures.
ApivotalstrategiccomponentcomplementingGamma's VoIPtechnologystackisitsin-housesoftwaredevelopment capability Thiscapabilityhasbeenacontinuousfocussince theacquisitionofthesoftwarehouseresponsiblefor Gamma'sfirst-generationBusinessandOperationalSupport Systems(BSSandOSS).Presently,Gammamaintains dedicatedteamsfordevelopingcommunication applications,coreservicecontrolplatforms(including routingengines),andBSSandOSS.However,the company'sapproachisnotlimitedtoself-development;it emphasizesbuildinginareaswhereinnovationleadsto differentiationandacquiringwhereitmakessenseto harnessthebenefitsofdevelopmentatscale.
TechnologicalEvolutionforSeamlessConnectivity
Andyhighlightstheongoingevolutionofthepubliccloud andthehyperscalemodelindeliveringcommunication services.Thistrendiscloselylinkedwiththeemergenceof UniversalCommunicationsasaService(UcaaS)from majorplayerssuchas8x8,Cisco,Google,andMicrosoft,as wellasnumeroussmallerprovidersenteringthemarket.
Inaddition,theadventofhigh-speedlocalaccess,whether through5GorFibertothePremiseswithWi-Fi6,is steeringtheindustrytowardan'alwayson'modelforrich voiceandvideocommunications.Andyhumorously expresseshishopethatthe'donotdisturb'modeproves effectiveinmanagingconstantconnectivity.
Gamma,asaplayerinthisevolvinglandscape,fully embracesthesetrends.Theyutilizetheseadvancementsnot onlyfordeliveringtheirownservicesbutalsoforproviding wholesaleconnectivityservicestovariouscloudand infrastructureproviders,includinghyperscalers.Leveraging thepubliccloud,Gammasimultaneouslyoperatesa
Andy Rawnsley Chief Architect Officer Gamma
multisiteprivatecloudplatformforitsproductandservice delivery.Intherealmofwirelessconnectivity,theyharness thecapabilitiesofthehigh-speedandhigh-capacity5G mobilenetwork,particularlytheuniqueapproachofpulling datapacketsbackintotheircorenetworkforenhanced processing.Thisdistinctivestrategyensuresasuperior customerexperience.Notably,thismodelmirrorstheir longstandingapproachtobroadbandaccessservices,which hasseamlesslytransitionedintothefiber-to-the-premises servicesconstitutingasignificantpartoftheirconnectivity portfolio.
NavigatingtheInterconnectedLandscape
Andy,withastrongconvictioninthefoundationalroleof interlockinsupplychainrelationships,believesinthe necessityofbothcommercialandtechnicalcohesion. Whetherinhuman-to-humanoperationalinterfacesor machine-to-machineprotocolinterfaces,understanding whattodo,guidedbyspecificationsorstandards,isvitalfor seamlessinterworkingharmony
Andy'sintroductiontoNICC'sworkontelecommunications technicalinterconnectandinteroperabilitystandardscame whilespecifyingGamma'sinitialVoIPplatform requirements.Witnessingthereal-worldbenefitsofthis
workatGamma,AndydelvedintoNICC'sactivities, eventuallyjoiningtheboard.InhiscurrentNICCrole, Andyfocusesonoversight,stayinginformedabouttask groupactivities,andcontributingwherepossible.This journeyreflectstheinterconnectedlandscapeof telecommunicationsstandards.
AJourneythroughTelecomLeadership
DuringAndy'snearlydecade-longtenureatAT&T,hehad theprivilegeofparticipatingintheirLeadershipContinuity Program.Thisuniqueopportunityallowedhimtoacquire skillsandexperienceacrossvariousfacetsofAT&T's operations.Notably,heplayedapivotalroleinestablishing anAT&ToperationintheUK,cateringtomultinational clientswithalocalpresence.Thechallengesfacedduring theUKoperation'sdevelopmentbecamevaluablelessons, significantlyinfluencinghisproblem-solvingapproachat Gamma,especiallyduringitsearlyandformativeyears.
AtGlobalCrossing,Andygainedexceptionalexposureto VoIPtechnologyduringitsearly-scaledeployment.Despite thetechnology'sinitialreliabilitychallenges,this experiencepresentednumerousopportunitiesforskill developmentandproblem-solving.Theemphasison craftinghigh-availabilityandresilientarchitectures emergedasacrucialtakeawayfromhistimeatGlobal Crossing.
MeetingVariedCustomerDemands
Gammaadeptlycaterstobothcorporateandpublic-sector clientele.Exploringthechallengesandopportunities inherentinservingsuchdiversecustomerbasesreveals interestingdynamics.
Fromatechnologicalstandpoint,theneedsofthese customersegmentsexhibitremarkablesimilarities. However,whendelvingintothecommercialand contractualinterfaces,distinctdifferencesemerge.Andy observesthatthepublicsectortakestheleadintechnical andcybersecurity,displayingaproactivestance.In contrast,corporationsappearmorereactiveinthisregard. Gamma’sjourneyinvolvesnavigatingthesevaried landscapes,acknowledgingthenuanceddemandsofeach sector,andensuringaseamlessblendoftechnologyand securitysolutionstomeetthediverseneedsofboth corporateandpublic-sectorcustomers.
SeamlessNetworkTransition
Intherealmofnetworkinfrastructure,Andyrecently completedasignificantupgrade,justbeforethelockdown period.Theprojectinvolvedreplacingtheirtraditional opticalnationalnetworkwithacutting-edge'packeton
fiber'network.Thistransformationstreamlinedtheir architecturebyeliminatinglayers,resultinginahighcapacitynetwork.Theoverhaulnotonlyreducedend-toendlatencyforservicesbutalsofacilitatedthe implementationofvirtualfunctionsacrossmultipledata centers.
Andytakesprideintheseamlesstransitionfromtheold networktothenewone,accomplishedwithoutasingle outage.Thismeantthatbothinternalandexternal customersexperiencednodisruptionduringtheprocess. Thesuccessofthisendeavorspeakstotheeffectivenessof teamworkandtherobustarchitectureanddesign implemented.Theoperationalcolleaguesembracedthe changes,ensuringasmoothdeliveryofservices.
EmpoweringCareers
Inhisperspective,ContinuousProfessionalDevelopment (CPD)isindispensableforkeepingknowledgeandskills up-to-date.Hisuniversityeducationandinitialvocational trainingdatebacktothe1980sandearly1990s,markinga considerablespanoftime.Theresourcesprovidedbythe InstitutionofEngineeringandTechnology(IET), particularlyitsProfessionalNetworks,havebeen instrumentalinhelpinghimconsistentlyenhanceand sustainhisknowledgeandskillsetthroughouthiscareer
EngagingwiththeCPDframeworkhasproventobea valuableexperienceforAndy.Itnotonlypromptsacritical self-assessmentofpersonalobjectivesbutalsoalignswith industryandacademictrends.Hestronglyadvocatesfor everyonetoembraceCPDthrougharelevantprofessional body,emphasizingitsroleincontinuouslearningand professionalgrowth.
CorporateExcellence
• BarryNee/ChiefInformationOfficer:Idefineintegrity asdoingtherightthingwhennobody’s watching—that'swhatwegetfromGammaandits people.
• AlecCampbell/HeadofITProcurement:WithGamma, italwayscomesbacktothepeople.Wecanbuyfrom anybody,butonlyGammacanbringtheethos,the experience,andthebroadknowledgeofourcompany
The Psychology of Space: Understanding Human Behavior in Architecture
Haveyoueverenteredaroomand instantlyfeltrelaxedor,ontheflipside, suddenlyfullofenergy?Theplaceswe spendtimeinreallyaffecthowwefeelandact. Theconnectionbetweenhowourmindsworkand thedesignofbuildingsisasuperinterestingtopic.
Let's dig into the details of space psychology to figure out how the places we're in impact how we feel and how it affects our overall happiness and health.
Everyplace,whetherit'sabigcitywithtall buildingsorasmallcornerinourhomes,affects howwefeel.Architects,psychologists,and designersarecuriousabouthowthedesignof spaces,likethelayoutofwalls,thecolorschosen, andthewaylightisused,caninfluenceour emotions,productivity,andoverallmentalhealth. Let'sexplorethepsychologicalsideof architecturetogether Thebuildingsandspaces aroundusaren'tjustphysicalthings;theyalso quietlyshapeourthoughtsandfeelings.
ThePowerofProximity:SpatialArrangement andSocialDynamics
Considerthelayoutofacoffeeshop;the arrangementoftablesandchairscansignificantly influencethesocialdynamicswithinthespace. Aretheseatingareasintimateandclose-knit, encouragingconversationandconnection,orare theyspacedapart,fosteringamoresolitary experience?Thepsychologyofspatial arrangementplaysapivotalroleinshapingour interactionswithothers.
Architecture is a visual art, and the buildings speak for themselves. ,,
- Julia Morgan
Proximity,asstudiedbyenvironmentalpsychologists,isa keyfactorindeterminingthenatureofsocialinteractions. Inopen-planoffices,forinstance,theproximityof workstationscanimpactcollaborationandcommunication amongcolleagues.Thedesignofcommunalspacesin residentialareascaneitherfacilitateasenseofcommunity or,conversely,createafeelingofisolation.Understanding thepsychologicalimplicationsofspatialarrangement allowsarchitectstocraftenvironmentsthatpromote positivesocialinteractionsandcatertothediverseneedsof individuals.
ColorPaletteandEmotionalResonance
"Color is a power that directly influences the soul."Wassily Kandinsky
Thechoiceofcolorsinarchitecturaldesignisapotenttool thatarchitectsusetoevokespecificemotionsandmoods. Warmtoneslikeredsandyellowscancreateasenseof warmthandenergy,whilecooltonessuchasbluesand greensmayinducecalmnessandtranquility The psychologyofcolorisdeeplyingrainedinourculturaland personalexperiences,shapingouremotionalresponsesto thespacesweinhabit.
Forinstance,hospitalsoftenoptforcalmingandneutral colorpalettestoalleviatestressandanxietyamongpatients. Incontrast,vibrantandenergeticcolorsmaybeemployed inrecreationalspacesorcreativeenvironmentstostimulate enthusiasmandinnovation.Bystrategicallyleveragingthe psychologyofcolor,architectscantransformspacesinto dynamiccanvasesthatnotonlyservetheirfunctional purposesbutalsoresonatewiththeemotionalwell-beingof theiroccupants.
NaturalLight:IlluminatingWell-Being
"Architecture is the learned game, correct and magnificent, of forms assembled in the light." - Le Corbusier
Thepresenceorabsenceofnaturallightwithinaspacecan profoundlyinfluenceourcircadianrhythm,mood,and overallwell-being.Sunlight,withitsdynamicinterplayof shadowsandhighlights,notonlyilluminatesphysical spacesbutalsohasapsychologicalimpactonourmental state.Exposuretonaturallighthasbeenlinkedtoimproved productivity,bettersleepquality,andanenhancedmood.
Architects,recognizingtheimportanceofnaturallight, oftenincorporatelargewindows,skylights,andopen designstomaximizesunlightpenetration.The psychologicalbenefitsofnaturallightextendbeyondmere aesthetics;theycontributetoaholisticandharmonious environmentthatnurturesbothphysicalandmentalhealth.
Understandingtheinterplaybetweenarchitectureand naturallightallowsdesignerstocreatespacesthatnotonly servetheirutilitarianfunctionsbutalsocontributetothe well-beingoftheiroccupants.
TheSanctuaryofPersonalSpace
Inthehustleandbustleofmodernlife,theconceptof personalspacebecomesincreasinglycrucial.Ourhomes, designedtobesanctuariesfromtheexternalworld,playa pivotalroleinshapingourmentalandemotionalwellbeing.Thepsychologyofpersonalspaceexploreshowthe designofourlivingspacesinfluencesoursenseofsecurity, privacy,andcomfort.
Considerthelayoutofabedroom;theplacementof furniture,thechoiceofcolors,andthelevelofcluttercan allimpactthequalityofsleepandrelaxation.Thedesignof privatespaceswithincommunalenvironments,suchas officesorsharedresidences,muststrikeadelicatebalance betweenfosteringcollaborationandprovidingindividuals withtheautonomytopersonalizetheirpersonalspaces. Recognizingandrespectingthepsychologyofpersonal spaceallowsarchitectstocreateenvironmentsthatcaterto thediverseneedsofindividualsandpromoteasenseof well-being.
Conclusion:
Inthemixofhowourmindsworkandthebuildingsaround us,theplacesweliveplayabigpartinhowwethinkand feel.Everything,fromwhereweputourfurnituretothe colorswechoose,affectshowwefeel.Architectsand designersarereallyimportantinmakingplacesthathelpus feelgood,connectwithothers,andlivewellwithour surroundings.Exploringhowhumansandtheirspaceswork togethershowsthatarchitectshavethepowertocreate environmentsthatmakeushappyandliveinharmonywith theworldaroundus.Thinkingaboutthepsychologyof spacehelpsusnotonlythinkabouttheplaceswedesignbut alsounderstandhowthoseplacesshapewhoweare.
- Alaya Brown
Eudald Domenech CEO & Service Architect
TVUP Streaming Media
Architects of Tomorrow: Top 10 CAOs to Watch in 2024
Charting the Evolution of a Tech Trailblazer in Entertainment and Broadcasting!
Innovationisnotaboutsaying,'Ihaveagoodidea.'It's aboutasking,'Whatdoestheworldneedthatnobody elsecando?'It'saresponsibility.Inthedynamicworld ofmediaandtechnology,onemanhasconsistentlyposed thiscriticalquestion,reshapingthelandscapeofstreaming services.
EudaldDomenech,theCEOandServiceArchitectof TVUPStreamingMedia,isavisionarywhosejourney throughtherealmsofinternetentrepreneurship, broadcasting,andcontentdistributionhasleftanindelible markontheindustry.Hisodysseybeganin1993withthe foundingofServicom,markingtheestablishmentofthe firstcommercialinternetconnectionbetweentheUSand Spain.RecognizedasSpain'sfirstinternetentrepreneur,he laterco-foundedISPWorldOnlineintheNetherlands, expandinghisinfluenceglobally.
Venturingintowebdirectoriesandvirtualcommunities withTelepolis,Eudald'sjourneyevolvedwiththefounding ofTechfoundries,exploringIT,homeautomation,cloud desktops,andcontentdistribution.Hisrelentlesspursuitof innovationledtotherestructuringofTechfoundries,paving thewayforfutureventures.
In2017,hefoundedTVUPStreamingMedia,settingthe stageforatransformativeperiodinthestreamingindustry WiththelaunchofTivifyduringthepandemic,the companyrapidlygainedtractioninSpainandexpanded globallywithMundoGoinChileandSimpleTVin Venezuela.
TVUP'sgroundbreakingtechnology,TV-as-a-Service (TVaaS),isempoweringoperatorsandplatformsinthe transitionfrombroadcasttostreaming.TheChannelStore (TCS),anotherbrainchildofEudald,revolutionizescontent ingestionanddelivery,offeringadvancedserviceslike programrestart,pause,recording,andcatch-up.
Beyondtechnology,hisvisionextendstocontent monetizationthroughtheTCSAdNetwork,specializingin connectedTV(CTV).Thisholisticapproachensuresthat TVUPdoesn'tjustprovidestreamingsolutionsbutactively shapesthefutureoftelevision.
Join us as we unravel the visionary mind behind TVUP Streaming Media, where every challenge is an opportunity and every innovation a responsibility!
Canyoutellusabouttheinspirationandstorybehind TVUPStreamingMedia?
Broadcastingisobsolete,streamingisthefuture.200billion inTVadvertisingand150billioninpayTVsubscriptions willmovefromthehandsofbroadcastersandtelcosto streamingplatforms.Advertisersprefertoinvestindigital advertisingandconsumersarecancelingtheirsubscriptions withoperatorstoswitchtothecheaperstreamingTV platforms.
WhatinsightsfromrestructuringInOutTVin2012 influencedthelaunchofTotalChannelandlaterthe creationofTVUPStreamingMedia?
InOutTVwashardwareplusservices,averycapitalintensivebusiness.Totalchannelmovedeverythingtothe
cloud,butatthattimeconsumersdidnothave enoughbandwidthtosupportHDvideo.TVUPhas managedtobringthewholevaluechaintogetherat atimewhenallconsumershavemultipleadvanced devicesandenoughcheapbandwidthtosupport even4Kvideo.
Couldyouelaborateonthechallengesand lessonslearnedduringTotalChannel's acquisitionbyMediapro?
Havingtosellyourcompanytoanindustrialist whenitisreadyto"fly"butyourunoutofmoney isaveryhardlessonforanentrepreneur To undertake,toinnovate,tocreatenewbusiness models,itisimportanttobeabletocounton honestpartnerswillingtohelpfindthenecessary resourcestoconsolidatetheproject.
WhatinspiredthecreationofCBMConsultingwitha focusontheOTTsector,andhowhasyourroleevolved tomeetindustrydemands?
ThesaleofTotalchannelledtothisperiodwithCBM Consulting.Itwasonlyayearandahalf,butitservedto designanewgenerationofstreamingplatformthatwill solvealltheproblemsidentifiedinInOutTVand Totalchannel.
HowdidyourcollaborationwithGoogleand involvementinAgileTVin2016impactthedirectionof yourprojects?
AgileTVwasthefirstplatformtousethisdesignon Google'sAndroidTVecosystem.ThisiswhereImet FranciscoSáez,withwhomwelaterco-foundedTVUP.
Whatmotivatedtheshifttowardsafreestreaming platformandtheintroductionofTivifyProundera B2B2Cmodelduringthepandemic?
In2018,TVUpStreamingMediabeganofferingpayTV solutionstolocaloperators.Duringthepandemic,we launchedTivifyasafreemiumTVplatform,motivatedby thestagnationoftheB2Bbusinessmodel.
CanyoudelveintothemotivationbehindTVUP's developmentofTV-as-a-Service(TVaaS)andThe ChannelStore(TCS)?
Oncewehadbuiltandtestedoursolidplatform,andfound greatuseracceptance,wesawthatthefirst-tiertechnology vendorsweresellingtheirproductatastronomicalprices. Wepackagedourtechnologyandproposedtothemarketto licensetheentireplatform,notjustthetechnology This allowedustoreducethetimetomarkettolessthansix monthsatuptofivetimeslesscosttotheoperator
Ontheotherhand,toproperlymonetizeTivify,wehadto developTheChannelStore,TCS,asanadnetwork specializedinCTV(connectedTV)advertising.TCSnow manages150millionadrequestspermonthinEuropeand theAmericasandisintegratedintoalmostallplatformsthat programFASTchannels.
Whatchallengesandopportunitiesdidyouencounterin theinternationalexpansionofTivifywithMundoGoin ChileandSimpleTVinVenezuela?
DoingbusinessinLatinAmericaisalwayschallenging. BothcustomersareownedbyNorthAmericancompanies, andthishasmadetherelationshipmucheasierasweare abletoinvoiceineurosanddollars.Thelevelofexpertise ofbothteams,bothtechnicalandbusiness,hasalsohelped alot.Theopportunityliesinthefactthattheyhaveboth startedthemigrationofusersfromcableandsatelliteto streaming,whichmeansmovingpracticallythreemillion usersfromonemodeltotheotheroverthenextfewyears.
Pleasegiveusafewtestimonialsfromyourclientsand awardsorrecognitionthataccuratelyhighlightyour achievementsinthecorporateniche.
“We needed to quickly reach the market with a state-of-theart user interface without sacrificing service or functionality. TVUP was the perfect solution for our needs considering their extensive know-how, flexibility to adjust to local conditions, and previous experience with Tivify in Spain. We look forward to extending our partnership with additional services that will continue to enrich the experience of our customers.” -RenatoMotta,CEOLatam StreamingServices
“With MundoGo! Mundo customers obtain the best experience possible today in terms of television consumption, taking advantage of the excellent features of our fiber. TVUP has been a fundamental piece to achieve this achievement.” -EnriqueCoulembier,CEOMundo Pacífico.
Collaborative Design Process
Everthoughtaboutwhatsparksthemost innovativeideas?Isitonepersonworking aloneorateamworkingtogether?Inthe worldofdesign,wherecreativityissuperimportant, theanswerusuallyinvolvesworkingtogetherasa team.
This article looks into how using the creativity of a whole team can come up with amazing solutions that go beyond what we thought was possible.
TheEvolutionofDesign:
Designusedtobesomethingpeopledidalone,but nowit'smoreofateameffort.Thischangeshows howthingshavemovedfromtheoldwaystothe new.Atfirst,designersusuallyworkedalone, dependingonlyontheirownsmarts.Butasthings gotmorecomplicated,werealizedweneeded differentpointsofviewandskills.That'swhen collaborativedesignprocessescameabout–away ofworkingtogetherandconsideringeveryone's ideasforamorecompleteandopenapproach.
TheCollaborativeAdvantage:
Thesynergycreatedthroughcollaborativedesign processesoffersamultitudeofadvantages.Oneof theprimarybenefitsistheamalgamationofdiverse skillsetsandperspectives.Whenindividualswith variedbackgroundsandexpertisecometogether, theybringuniqueinsightsthatcansparkinnovation. Thisdiversityensuresawell-roundedexplorationof ideas,leadingtosolutionsthataddressabroader rangeofconsiderations.
Moreover,collaborativedesignfostersacultureof opencommunicationandideaexchange.
Teamsworkingtogetheroftenfindthatthefreeflowof ideasgeneratesfertilegroundforcreativity.Unlikeisolated design,whereideasmaybecomestagnant,collaboration breatheslifeintoconcepts,allowingthemtoevolveand maturethroughcontinuousfeedbackandrefinement.
BreakingDownSilos:
Inmanyorganizations,differentdepartmentshave traditionallyoperatedinsilos,limitingtheexchangeof ideasandcollaboration.Collaborativedesignprocesses breakdownthesesilos,fosteringcross-functional collaboration.Whendesigners,engineers,marketers,and otherstakeholderscollaborateseamlessly,theresultisa productorsolutionthatnotonlymeetsaestheticstandards butalsoconsiderspracticality,feasibility,andmarket appeal.
ToolsforCollaboration:
Inthedigitalage,collaborationisfacilitatedbyamyriadof toolsandtechnologies.Virtualwhiteboards,project managementsoftware,andcommunicationplatformshave becomeessentialcomponentsofcollaborativedesign. Thesetoolsenablereal-timecollaboration,allowingteam memberstocontributefromdifferentlocationsandtime zones.Thedemocratizationofinformationensuresthat everyteammember'sinputisvaluedandconsidered, regardlessoftheirphysicallocation.
TheCreativeSparkinCollaboration:
Whenpeopleworktogethertosolveadesignproblem, somethingspecialhappens.Theteamworkcreatesa creativespark,andtogether,theycomeupwithnewand cleverideas.Thethoughtsbouncearound,changingand gettingbetterbecauseeveryoneissharingtheirinput.This wayofworkingtogether,calledcollaborativedesign,is specialbecauseitgoesbeyondwhatonepersoncouldthink upontheirown.Ittakescreativitytoawholenewlevelby combiningeveryone'simagination.
CaseStudies:RealizingtheImpact
Toillustratethepowerofcollaborativedesignprocesses, let'sdelveintoacoupleofcasestudiesthathighlight successfuloutcomes.
Apple'sDesignStudio:Apple'sapproachtodesignhas alwaysbeenrootedincollaboration.Theiconicproductswe seetoday,fromtheiPhonetotheMacBook,aretheresultof amultidisciplinarydesignteamworkinginunison.The seamlessintegrationofhardwareandsoftware,thehallmark ofApple'ssuccess,isatestamenttothepowerof collaborativedesignthinking.
IDEO'sHuman-CenteredDesign:IDEO,aglobaldesign consultancy,isrenownedforitshuman-centereddesign approach.Thefirmemphasizescollaborationandempathy inthedesignprocess,involvingend-usersintheideation andprototypingstages.Thiscollaborativeapproachensures thatthefinalproductnotonlymeetsfunctional requirementsbutalsoresonateswiththeintendedaudience.
ChallengesofCollaboration:
Collaborativedesignisgreat,butit'snotalwayseasy Dealingwithdifferentopinionsandmakingsureeveryone understandseachothercanbedifficult.Also,whenabunch ofpeopleworktogether,itneedsgoodplanninganda leaderwhoknowshowtoguidetheteam.Thisleader shouldmakesureeveryoneisonthesamepagewithout stoppingthemfrombeingcreativeontheirown.
Conclusion:
Workingtogetherondesignsisabigpartofcomingupwith newandcreativeideas.It'slikeateameffortthathelpsus thinkofthingswemightnothaveonourown.Weusetools likecomputersandonlinestufftomakeiteasierfor everyonetoworktogether Whendifferentpeoplewith differentideasjoinforces,somethingspecialhappens—we breakdownwallsandthinkofthingsthatseemed impossiblebefore.Eventhoughtherearechallenges,it's clearthatthefutureofmakingnewandcoolthingsisall aboutworkingtogetherandbeingcreativeasateam.
- Alaya Brown
Subscription CIO
www thecioworld.com