Nothing about South African décor 2018 says minimal, the style is bold, exciting, and daring at the same time. Those clean colours and smooth walls are now in the past; a wide variety of designs, textures, and colour combinations have now emerged with grey being the new black in décor. Johannesburg: The old trend of white walls and single monotones is now out and South Africans are embracing elegant and stylish colours that complement one another. People have realized that it is the delicate colours that are more beautiful when creating a living space. What is popular nowadays is what older generations would approve of. When it comes to furniture people are going for unfinished pieces, it’s not uncommon that you walk into a house and find a cut piece of tree trunk that has been customized to match other pieces in the house. In terms of shapes, rounder shapes are the preference of the day. Indoor plants have been in for a long time and they are still in this year. They bring freshness in the home and the great thing about them is that you can always choose the species that you love. Brass and concrete planters that have modern shapes and designs are now the preferred choices. This year, some of the aspects that most people check before making colour decisions, include the amount of natural light a room receives and the direction the light comes from. Grey, being a colour that is in between, has proved to be quite popular as it’s neither bright nor dull. Moreover, people have devised different ways of incorporating it in rooms from sofa colours, seat covers, pillows to even floor rugs. The preferred art and patterns for decoration and decor are big, abstract and inspired by nature; these can range from plants, trees to even hand patterns. Textures and textiles have also become diverse and there is so much to choose from this year. For instance, smooth interior walls are being replaced with bare stone wall on one, two or all sides. In addition, the new . . .
The Real Power Behind Successful Addiction Treatment
Recovery Direct is one of the most exclusive psychological and addiction treatment centres in South Africa. Nestling in a quiet Constantia road, flanked by rolling vineyards, ancient oaks and the breath-taking grandeur of the Constantiaberg mountains, the centre offers a perfect and tranquil environment for recovery. Stunning multi-functional suites, each decked out in Victorian colonial style with en-suite bathrooms, balconies and panoramic views, offer outstanding accommodation for guests who want an upmarket and comfortable rehab experience. Recovery Direct was founded by Vaughan Pankhurst, who recognised the need for a novel approach to addiction treatment after he had successfully completed his own nine-year own journey into long-term recovery. Vaughan realised early on that trauma lies at the heart of addiction, and his centre is unique in that it consciously addresses the underlying traumatic issues on which addiction feeds. As such, it challenges the stigmas surrounding addiction and substance use by focusing its treatment approach around the belief that the effects of trauma lead people to become addicts. This approach contrasts with other rehabilitation centres in that Recovery Direct does not follow a 12-step programme in its treatment methodology. This non-punitive approach is intentional – it enables the centre and its healthcare workers to focus on resolving clients ‘problems by addressing the trauma and pain that drove them to addiction. It also carefully dismantles the destructive forces driving their addictions. Patients are required to see their counsellors every day, as opposed to once or twice a week. This regularity fast-tracks the healing process and enables recovery goals to be achieved sooner. The centre is eco-friendly and environmentally conscious – electricity is produced by energy-efficient solar panels, and water is provided by a natural spring. The exclusive rehab treats a wide spectrum of conditions, from alcoholism, . . .
64% Of Employees Agree Blocking Out Noise Increases Their Productivity
Help your customers understand why workplace noise affects productivity and profitability. And how they can fix it. Today, work happens everywhere — in busy open-plan offices and contact centers, at home, even coffee shops. This flexibility is great for business and people, but with it comes a new challenge: noise. Distraction caused by noise reduces productivity and well-being and, in contact centers, detracts from a positive customer experience. Studies show that it takes 23 minutes to recover from distraction, and over 58% of employees are distracted multiple times each day. That represents a significant impact on your customers’ businesses you can easily help avert through proven noise reduction strategies and products. Plantronics engineers solutions that help people manage the noise around them so they can be more effective — no matter where they work. Together, we can help your customers reduce distractions caused by noise so their businesses can thrive. Plantronics in South Africa offers several solutions for managing noise. This week we focus on the Voyager 6200 UC, a Bluetooth® neckband headset with earbuds that offers professional-grade audio and versatility. On any given day, you might need to collaborate with colleagues remotely, field calls from customers or listen to music to help you focus on your latest project. Now there’s a headset that’s flexible enough to meet the demands of your role inside the office and out. Voyager 6200 UC offers everything you’d expect from Plantronics — active-noise canceling, clear voice transmission and premium audio — in a versatile Bluetooth® neckband headset with earbuds. Intuitive controls make it easy to use, and the neckband vibrates to signal an incoming call. Voyager 6200 UC is so comfortable and low-profile that you can use it all day long, in the office and on the go. IT Managers The professionals in your organization have different roles, responsibilities and work styles, so why offer them . . .
Scott Ambler And Mark Lines Talk Business Agility in South Africa in July
Johannesburg, June, 6, 2018 Scott Ambler and Mark Lines talk business agility in South Africa in July IndigoCube will once more host the internationally renowned and locally popular Scott Ambler and Mark Lines, creators of the Disciplined Agile Framework, but this time with a principally business focus for the first Business Agility Conference hosted in South Africa. The duo will host a conference and present workshops for a week in July aimed chiefly at business people rather than IT people. “The conference is about business agility,” says Jaco Viljoen, the principal consultant and head of digital at IndigoCube. “It’s agile for the whole business, not just IT, so it’s for business people curious about modern practices for the digital enterprise and how that affects all divisions from HR to finance, marketing and the rest.” Scott Ambler, the Senior Consulting Partner of Scott Ambler + Associates, is also the founder of the Agile Modeling (AM), Agile Data (AD), and Enterprise Unified Process (EUP) methodologies and the founding Member of the Disciplined Agile Consortium (DAC). Mark Lines is Managing Partner of Scott Ambler + Associates, coach and co-author, with Scott Ambler, of “Disciplined Agile Delivery: A Practitioner’s Guide to Agile Software Delivery in the Enterprise”, which details their approach to DAD. “Scott and Mark compare this to a racing car,” he says. “IT is the engine but businesspeople put the agile, high performance engines into tractors and make them plough fields. Similarly, IT operations must become suitable high performance engines for the racing car chassis and drivetrain. Both must work together to be competitive in this extremely demanding world.” The two internationally renowned Canadians will be the main attraction at the conference on July 17, from 09:00 to 13:00 held in-conjunction with IBM at the Fairlawns Boutique Hotel. IndigoCube will provide training on Disciplined Agile (DAD) in conjunction with Scott . . .
New Rig 500 Pro Series Delivers Game-Changing Audio At Your Fingertips
Plantronics RIG 500 PRO Photo: Plantronics Stock Image Patent-pending RIG Game Audio Dial enables Xbox One and PS4 gamers to keep hands on their controllers while changing volume. Santa Cruz, Calif. – June 5, 2018 – Plantronics (NYSE: PLT), an audio pioneer and communications technology leader, today announced the RIG 500 PRO Series of gaming headsets, created to deliver high-fidelity audio in an ultra-lightweight design for the truly competitive gamer. RIG 500 PRO Series are the first gaming headsets to feature an exoskeleton earcup design with isolated inner acoustic chambers to reduce distortion, creating the ideal audio solution for today’s high-resolution gaming platforms. Premium 50 mm drivers deliver wide-range frequency response while dual-material ear cushions provide the combination of noise reduction and comfort competitive gamers need for long, focused sessions. In addition, the console editions come with the patent-pending RIG Game Audio Dial, a 3.5mm connector with integrated volume control for wireless game controllers. Console gamers can now adjust volume directly from the controller without lifting their hands. PC models feature an inline volume slider. “The new RIG 500 PRO Series takes the innovative modular design of the RIG 500 to the next level,” said Gregory Morquin, Category Business Manager, Gaming Products, Plantronics. “And, it continues the impressive number of firsts we’ve brought to competitive gamers, including the first VR-focused headsets, Dolby Atmos® activation and now, the RIG Game Audio Dial for Xbox One and PS4 wireless controllers.” RIG 500 PRO Series, available in Console, PC and Esports editions, builds upon the lightweight, modular design of the original RIG 500 with performance-boosting features including: • Premium 50 mm drivers for expanded frequency response • A removable noise-canceling microphone boom and flip-to-mute feature • Removable audio cables that can be easily swapped or replaced • Snap-in . . .
Caveau Provides GDPR and PCI Compliance Solutions for Leading South African Corporate Travel Management Company
Cape Town, South Africa: Caveau, the comprehensive software platform and service designed to simplify financial transactions and protect personal and financial data, has announced it’s partnering with Grindrod Travel to reduce its risks of GDPR and PCI-DSS. As one of the most established and respected travel management companies providing corporate and leisure related travel and conferencing services in South Africa, it was imperative to find a solution for safely handling credit cards and personal information of its a broad range of clients. With multiple deadlines for meeting compliance security standards for account and personal data protection looming, Caveau was able to quickly assess the travel management company’s challenges and deliver customized solutions for addressing their unique requirements. The addition of Grindrod Travel to Caveau’s client roster emphasizes the pressing need for flexible and affordable support dealing with compliance regulation worldwide. Says Gregg Scott-Brown Caveau Managing Director, South Africa based in Cape Town, “We’re excited to be working with Grindrod Travel and other hotels, agencies and a broad range of travel-related businesses in South Africa to decrease dangers and liabilities associated with GDPR and PCI-DSS.” According to Grindrod Travel Divisional Executive, Su Moller, being a single division of a large logistics company with its own IT department presented a variety of complexities in finding a solution. “The technology providers I approached to help us insisted on performing a vulnerability scan of the Travel Division, which was difficult to accomplish without including the entire organization. Time was ticking and we had to move fast. When we were referred to Caveau, their team got right to work on developing a secure vault to store our client’s credit card and personal details,” says Moller. Says Brian Dass, Caveau CSO, “Grindrod Travel’s large client database and the sheer volume of daily . . .
Caveau Announces Partnership with Sure Travel
Caveau Announces Partnership with Sure Travel Innovative NEW Technology Reduces GDPR and PCI Compliance Risks for Leading South African Travel Agency Brand Miami, FL: Caveau, the personalized credit card vault technology designed to simplify financial transactions and safeguard personal and financial data, has announced a new partnership with Sure Travel, based in South Africa. The standardized PCI-compliant software and service custom-built for the travel industry provides a secure platform built upon Amazon Web Services (AWS) to limit dangers relating to processing, storing and transmitting credit cards and personal data in a GDPR, PCI and PII-friendly format. Caveau will deliver customized solutions to help Sure Travel meet critical new industry regulations and protect its customers, assets and public reputation. With GDPR and PCI-DSS with effective dates of May 25 and March 10, 2018, respectfully and the increasing threat of hackers and cyber theft, Sure Travel was searching to identify cost-effective ways to achieve compliance today and into the future. Says company CFO, Stefan van der Merwe, “After extensive research and a long hunt for an effective and affordable solution to secure our payment card handling processes, we are thrilled to have found a provider capable of understanding our needs. Caveau offers state-of-the-art capabilities and deep knowledge of the travel industry, enabling us to serve our global customers and partners confidently and securely.” According to Caveau CSO, Brian Dass, the partnership with Sure Travel is one of a series of new relationships for the recently launched software solution capable of delivering support to travel agencies, hotels and virtually any company that handles credit cards and personally identifiable information. “We’re excited to be working with Sure Travel to reduce the risks associated with of GDPR and PCI compliance. Our innovative product and comprehensive services lets travel businesses of all types . . .
Tetra Pak to develop paper straws for its portion-size carton packages
Johannesburg, May, 02, 2018 Tetra Pak to develop paper straws for its portion-size carton packages: Tetra Pak aims to launch a paper straw suitable for its portion-sized carton packages before the end of the year, as part of a broader programme to help address the issue of plastic straw waste. Straws play an integral role for portion packages that must be consumed on-the-go but they are also a part of the plastics waste problem. Tetra Pak has been working to encourage consumers to push straws back in the pack once they have consumed the contents so they can be collected along with the rest of the package. Now work is under way to develop a paper straw that is suitable for use on its portion-size carton packages. “It sounds simple enough,” says Charles Brand, Executive VP, Product Management & Commercial Operations, “but in reality there are a number of significant challenges to producing a paper straw with the required properties.” “That said, our development team is confident they can find a solution, and that we’ll have a paper straw alternative ready to launch by the end of the year.” Tetra Pak packages are, on average, 75% paperboard. Paper straws would be another important step towards the company’s long-term ambition of offering a completely renewable portfolio. ABOUT TETRA PAK Tetra Pak is the world's leading food processing and packaging solutions company. Working closely with our customers and suppliers, we provide safe, innovative and environmentally sound products that each day meet the needs of hundreds of millions of people in more than 160 countries. With over 24,000 employees around the world, we believe in responsible industry leadership and a sustainable approach to business. Our motto, “PROTECTS WHAT’S GOOD™," reflects our vision to make food safe and available, everywhere. More information about Tetra Pak www.tetrapak.com CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za. More Info on Tetra Pak to . . .
Plantronics Backbeat Go 600 Wireless Headphones: Superior and Personalized Sound for Less
Music lovers will enjoy dual EQ modes, exceptional comfort and hands-free convenience Johannesburg, South Africa – 1 May 2018 – Plantronics (NYSE: PLT), an audio pioneer and communications technology leader, recently announced its Plantronics BackBeat GO 600 Series: wireless, over-the-ear immersive headphones featuring unique capabilities for people who put music first, at an economical price point. To ensure music lovers can create the listening experience they prefer, BackBeat GO 600 comes equipped with dual equalization (EQ) modes, to allow the listener to easily alternate between ‘Bass Boost’ and ‘Balanced’ EQ. Balanced EQ mode is Plantronics’ signature sound, which is tuned to be the most accurate possible representation of the source audio across all genres of music. Listeners can move between modes with a single push of a button – a feature not typically found on headphones in this price range. BackBeat GO 600 is slim and lightweight with an over-ear design and soft memory foam ear cushions that provide the ideal balance of comfort and isolation resulting in deep, rich sound with minimal distraction. “Our core expertise in headphones, wireless and premium experiences make Plantronics uniquely qualified to give music lovers the best possible immersive stereo experience at an affordable price point,” said Greg Miller, director of portfolio business management, Personal Solutions, Plantronics. “Plantronics’ baseline standard in all of our products is to provide superior audio, consistent with that found in our premium products.” Additional BackBeat GO 600 Series features and benefits include: • A rechargeable battery that delivers up to 18 hours of wireless listening time on a single charge. • Remaining connected at up to 33 ft/10 m from Bluetooth® compatible smartphones and tablets. • Ear cups that fold flat for easy storage and transport; ensuring comfort when worn around the neck. • A carrying pouch, a USB cable for charging and an audio cable . . .
Earth Day and World Book Day: Unplug and Read a Paper Book
Johannesburg, April, 19, 2018 - We are well into the age of technology, living an always-on, always-connected lifestyle. But just as we still have bicycles among motor vehicles and pencils in our pen holder, paper will always be close to our computers and smart phones. With Earth Day on 22 April and World Book Day on 23 April, the Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (PAMSA) is highlighting the importance of paper in our lives and environment, and calling on us to put down our phones and pick up a book. Imagine a world without paper Can you think about what that would mean? Think about your bedside table, the doctor’s waiting room or your handbag. There would be no books, magazines and to-do lists on the back of old envelopes. Open your kitchen cupboard – there would be no paper packaging nor labels, no kitchen towel, no milk and juice cartons. A world without paper would also mean no toilet paper or tissues. If you’re a teacher, look around your classroom. Take note of everything that is there from posters to artwork and assessments; egg boxes and cereal boxes waiting to be transformed into something creative; tissue boxes too. These would not be there if it were not for paper. Paper serves many needs Paper is essential, and often hidden in plain sight. It cleans, wipes and mops up spills. It protects goods on their journey from A to B, from cornflakes to computers. It preserves our words and memories when we print photos, write a birthday card or proudly display our child’s first stick man painting for all to see. It conveys and communicates. Paper is tactile and stimulates our senses. The act of turning pages and taking in the words without the distraction of pop-ads and fake news cannot be undervalued. Paper is better for our brains too Researchers and neuroscientists are discovering that our brains prefer paper. We are able to navigate the content more easily. We understand and remember things better if we . . .
- 1
- 2
- 3
- …
- 6
- Older Posts
