Software-defined networking, commonly known as SDN, is defined as an architectural model for enterprise networks that enables them to be managed and optimized using a program-based approach. This article covers the definition, architecture, and applications of SDN.

Software-defined networking, commonly shortened to SDN, is an architectural model for enterprise networks that enables them to be managed and optimized using a program-based approach.

How SDN WorksSource: The METISfiles

Companies leverage SDN to unlink traffic management and network configuration processes from the physical network infrastructure. SDNs allow open application programming interfaces (APIs) to exert more granular control over organizational networks remotely. The SDN architecture offers enhanced flexibility for coordination between network devices that serve specific functions. As a result, it is rapidly gaining popularity among companies across industry verticals.

A report by the International Data Corporation (IDC) pegs the SDN controller software market at $1.2 billion in 2018 and forecasts it to reach $2.8 billion by 2023. IDC also forecasts the SD-WAN market to increase from $1.3 billion in 2018 to $5.2 billion by 2023. Further, a 2020 survey on global networking trends by Cisco found that more than 6 out of every 10 organizations surveyed had deployed controller-based automation in their data centers, while nearly the same number had adopted SD-WAN technologies.

A typical multinational corporation has thousands of devices that need to be programmed, monitored, and managed to ensure day-to-day business processes are carried out seamlessly. Traditional network operations involve configuring all these devices correctly, one by one, and then tracking the performance of every individual device. If this sounds overwhelming, thats because it actually is. Traditional network management is a tedious process that leaves room for errors and security breaches. Even network management systems do not completely eliminate performance issues, network bottlenecks, and other shortcomings.

SDN works by using algorithms to automate device configuration and management. SDN can scale operations according to evolving network requirements, regardless of the number of devices connected to the network. IT administrators can leverage SDN capabilities to program the network according to traffic flow patterns or other factors. Network programmability enables enterprises to optimize business operations at a global scale. With SDN, it becomes easy to achieve a consistent network-wide state that is otherwise impossible when each component is configured individually without the context of its surroundings.

SDN replaces segmented network operations with an optimized, logically centralized network state. Networks are no longer dependent on their underlying limitations, and management consoles can now be operated through APIs to maintain a consistent level of overall network functionality, performance, and control.

In the case of traditional network architectures, the manual configuration of devices is the norm. Hardware-based configuration makes it difficult to locate and fix faults, giving a single device the potential of having a domino effect on network performance.

A traditional business network is made up of three main architectural components:

Traditional networks operate using integrated control and data components. Physical network devices and their associated protocols and software need to be configured to make any changes to the network. Devices operate independently from each other and are only partially aware of the logic used by the other devices on the same network. Naturally, only limited changes are possible to the system at large due to the bottleneck created by having to manage individual network devices.

SDN unlinks the control and data components, thereby centralizing control over the network logic and enabling IT personnel to select the programmable features that need to be moved from the device level to the controller or application server. Organizations can leverage centralized network logic and delinked controller operations to enjoy enhanced agility levels by automating, monitoring, extending, managing, maintaining, troubleshooting, provisioning, and deprovisioning network infrastructure with ease.

Thanks to SDNs unlinked architecture model, applications can interact directly with the control layer and view the network state at the global level. This makes enterprise networks more scalable, flexible, and dynamic, thereby simplifying daily operations and allowing new business opportunities to be tested without having to worry about network architectural bottlenecks.

By enabling network programmability and unlinking network architecture components, SDN enhances vendor interoperability and network openness. This means traffic engineering, network integration, and inventory planning are easier. Device purchasing, commissioning, and management also become more straightforward. A more open, vendor-neutral enterprise network allows infrastructure investments into business and technical requirements to be optimized.

With remote work expected to remain popular in 2022, high data throughput, complicated network architectures, and ever-increasing demand for peak performance are expected to make traditional network management obsolete. This is because static traditional networks are often inadequate for fulfilling the dynamic demands of the post-COVID-19 business landscape.

Today, a robust digital presence is vital for an organization to thrive in its industry. This calls for business network infrastructure that is flexible enough to scale according to the needs of fast-evolving computing environments, cutting-edge technologies, and dynamic business landscapes.

See More: What Is a Content Delivery Network (CDN)? Definition, Architecture, and Best Practices

As outlined above, the SDN architecture decouples the control and data components of traditional networks. This allows companies to design networking and computing systems that use software-based technologies to optimize network hardware. Listed below are the key architectural components of SDN.

The application component consists of programs that communicate with the controller using APIs. This component transmits data about desired network behavior and required resources to the controller, creating an overview of the network status in the process. The application layer also collects data from the controller layer to make the required decisions for fulfilling application goals.

Examples of applications include analytics, networking management, and business processes for data center operations. For instance, an analytics application can be configured to bolster network security by recognizing suspicious activity.

The controller component receives requirements and instructions from the application component and uses logic to process and relay them to the networking layer. This core element of the SDN architecture enables centralized supervision and management, enforcement of network policies, and automation across both virtual and physical network environments.

The controller is also responsible for collecting data about network health and status from the hardware layer and communicating this information to the application component. This allows the application component to create an abstract network overview that includes statistics and events.

The datapath component allows users to supervise and exert control over the forwarding and processing of information by the hardware layer. This layer consists of a control-data-plane interface (CDPI) agent and a traffic-forwarding module and may also contain modules for network traffic processing.

A single network device can contain one or more SDN datapaths. Likewise, a single SDN datapath may be defined across multiple devices. This component can also help with processes such as management of shared hardware, logical to physical mapping, datapath slicing or virtualization, and compatibility with non-SDN networking.

The CDPI is used as an interface between the controller component and the datapath component. Its functions include allowing forwarding operations to be programmed, reporting network statistics, and notifying users of events of interest. Leading SDN solutions feature CDPI components that are open, interoperable, and vendor-neutral.

The NBI relays data between the controller component, the application component, and the policy layer. This component typically provides an abstract view of the network and enables the direct expression of network requirements and behavior, regardless of latitude (abstraction) and longitude (functionality).

The SBI relays data between the controller component and individual hardware units connected to the network, such as routers, access points, switches, and hardware firewalls. This component further classifies network concepts into more granular technical details meant for the lower layer of the architecture.

Simply put, SBIs enable network components to exchange data with lower-level components such as physical and virtual switches, routers, and nodes. For instance, routers rely on the SBI to view the network topology, decide network flow, and execute requests received from the NBI.

See More: What Is a Wide Area Network (WAN)? Definition, Types, Architecture, and Best Practices

Software-defined networking allows networks to be more flexible, agile, and manageable. Here is a list of the top 10 applications of SDNs in 2022.

Wireless internet is rapidly gaining popularity for advanced applications such as the industrial internet of things (IIoT), smart cities, autonomous vehicles, fleet management, and smart farming. This calls for a standard that allows for throughput at previously unheard-of speeds. To fulfill this need, the rapidly evolving telecommunications industry is moving toward 5G as the latest standard for cellular connectivity.

Since 2019, 5G technology is being deployed in a phased manner across the globe. However, the full potential of this technology has not yet been explored. Creating 5G infrastructure that relies on SDN is predicted to create speedy, open-source networks that will be a game-changer for the global telecom industry. SDN-augmented 5G networks are expected to help businesses solve connectivity issues, bolster network security, minimize latency at a competitive price, and enhance the overall user experience.

A software-defined mobile network integrates SDN with cloud computing and network function virtualization principles in mobile networking environments. SDMN is expected to drive the change from rigid and incompatible legacy mobile networks to dynamic and scalable connectivity planes. This would be achieved by separating the data and control planes, a core tenet of SDN. Essentially, SDMN is expected to manifest as an extension of the SDN paradigm, incorporated with functionalities specific to mobile networks.

As 2022 brings with it an exponential increase in new types of network-enabled devices, distributed applications, and their associated users, the complexity of connectivity architecture will increase. That is where intent-based networking comes in.

IBN is expected to transform manual, hardware-centric networks into controller-led environments that capture consumer intent and effectively distill it into policies that can be applied consistently across networks through automation. This would enable the network to monitor and tweak performance continuously to drive operations toward their desired outcomes.

IBN will manifest in the form of a closed-loop system that captures business intent and translates it into policies that the network can act on. These policies are then installed across both virtual and physical network infrastructure with the help of pan-network automation. Finally, machine learning and analytics are used to continuously monitor the network to verify the application of the appropriate intent and fulfill the desired business outcomes.

IBN will leverage SDN to implement a centralized control component for network activity. This will enable IT teams to view the whole network as an integrated entity. Holistic digital transformation would become far less challenging with controller-led networks across domains such as access, data centers, WAN, and cloud.

A software-defined wide area network is a form of virtual network architecture. Businesses leverage SD-WAN to securely connect applications and clients using any combination of LTE, MPLS, broadband internet, and other transport services. SD-WAN uses a centralized control component to securely direct traffic across the network to enhance application performance and user experience.

SD-WAN is managed by applying SDN principles. Decoupling the control and management components enables users to adopt commercially available leased lines to partially or completely replace MPLS lines, thereby minimizing costs. In fact, some estimates suggest that SD-WAN can be up to 2.5 times more economical than traditional wide area networks. Further, configuration and monitoring become easier as network administration is no longer tied to the hardware.

While SD-WAN has existed for some time, 2022 is expected to see relevant technologies packaged together in different ways. This is expected to drive new forms of network aggregation and management, as well as the dynamic sharing of network bandwidth across endpoints. As more businesses digitalize their operations to enhance agility and productivity, SD-WAN is expected to see an increase in popularity in the near future.

A software-defined local area leverages SDN principles in data center environments. This network architecture aims to enhance the flexibility, adaptability, scale, and cost-effectiveness of both wireless and wired access networks.

Businesses from across industry verticals are expected to continue operating online in 2022. For them, ensuring the continuity of network operations is critical. SD-LAN rises to the challenge by delinking hardware- and software-based network layers, thus creating an architecture driven by application and policy.

SD-LAN is expected to see an increase in demand in 2022 for its ability to create centrally managed local area networks that are self-organizing, easy to use, and simple to scale and integrate. Expected applications of SD-LAN in the near future include wireless connectivity without the need for a physical controller and the implementation of effective cloud management systems.

Minimizing latency and ensuring continuity is critical for running a successful online enterprise in the post-COVID-19 business world. One way to bolster redundancy measures and fight lag is to leverage distributed applications that operate across data centers. These applications replicate and synchronize data for load balancing, fault resiliency, and bringing information closer to users. This requires dependable delivery of data from one server to multiple clients. This model of data delivery is known as reliable group data delivery.

An increasing number of enterprises are expected to leverage SDN switches for RGDD in 2022. This is because SDN enables the implementation of rules that allow information to be forwarded to multiple ports simultaneously. For instance, a centralized controller can be set up to create forwarding trees that ensure robust RGDD while accounting for network congestion and load status.

In the dynamic corporate landscape of 2022, one slip-up is all it would take to lose a high-value client to a competitor. As such, a cutting-edge operational methodology is the need of the hour.

SDN addresses this concern by simplifying network control, making corporate networks more agile. This is achieved through direct programmability resulting from the separation of forwarding functions. SDN also enhances organizational agility by extending the ability of a business to use dynamic load balancing. This helps better manage traffic flow according to fluctuations in need and usage.

Simply put, SDN minimizes latency and enhances overall network efficiency.

The trend of remote work is expected to continue well into 2022. This calls for simplification of network configuration operations for a wide array of circumstances, including new employee onboarding, new office setup, and extension of connectivity for clients.

SDN speeds up these processes by allowing users to write automated programs that can configure, optimize, and secure network resources as required. Further, this architecture helps simplify the designing and operation of networks by replacing vendor-specific protocols with open controllers.

SDN also enables the use of micro-segmentation to minimize network complexity. Finally, consistency is established across network architectures such as private cloud, public cloud, hybrid cloud, and multicloud with the help of SDN.

As companies recalculate their attack surfaces due to new vulnerabilities arising from remote work, cybersecurity is expected to be of utmost importance in 2022. SDN assists in bolstering the security posture of companies by offering centralized and granular control over network security. For instance, SDN allows network administrators to implement policies for different network segments and workload types from a central location.

Further use cases for SDN in cybersecurity include detecting and mitigating DDoS attacks, countering worm propagation, and preventing botnet attacks. SDN controllers can also be used to help implement moving target defense (MTD) algorithms, which periodically hide or change the key properties of networks to minimize their attack surface.

In the post-pandemic business world, a strong network defines any company, regardless of the industry. With the manufacturing sector picking up steam once again, there is an increasing need to connect manufacturers with suppliers and distributors to ensure smooth operations and maximize profitability. As a result, smart manufacturing and plant solutions have become more popular than ever.

SDN architecture helps connect numerous categories of endpoints in manufacturing plants, including IoT devices, sensors, and smart machines. The enhanced flexibility and efficient operability offered by SDN are bound to make it popular in the manufacturing space in 2022 and the years ahead.

See More: Wide Area Network (WAN) vs. Local Area Network (LAN): Key Differences and Similarities

Software-defined networking has several applications in the post-pandemic corporate landscape. Its adaptability, ease of implementation, and automation-friendly architecture are expected to help SDN see heightened popularity in 2022 and beyond.

Further, with an ever-increasing number of companies adopting cloud platforms, SDN is expected to help enable the virtualization of cloud-enabled networking infrastructure. The responsiveness, automation capabilities, and cybersecurity applications of this emerging technology are only expected to increase in the near future.

SDN technology is the key for enterprises looking to solve networking challenges such as latency, geo-boundaries, and bottlenecks.

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What Is Software-Defined Networking (SDN)? Definition, Architecture, and Applications - Toolbox

When the US company, Snowflake, started nine years ago, its founders built a data solution to harness the power of the cloud. They created the Data Cloud a global network where organisations could mobilise their data on a virtually unlimited scale. This meant organisations no longer needed a number of data silos scattered throughout their offices and subsidiaries they could use Snowflake instead because of its sheer scale.

Today, Snowflake announced it now supports Python the fastest growing programming language within Snowflake as part of Snowpark, Snowflakes developer framework. This will mean developers can collaborate on data in their preferred language. At the same time, they can leverage Snowflakes platform to build scalable, optimised pipelines, applications, and machine learning workflows.

Snowpark still supports Java and Scala, allowing users to have different languages and different users all working together against the same data with one processing engine, without needing to copy or move the data. This helps developers because it gives them flexibility and a simpler environment which requires less administrative work and maintenance.

SVP of Product at Snowflake Christian Kleinerman said: Snowflake has long provided the building blocks for pipeline development and machine learning workflows, and the introduction of Snowpark has dramatically expanded the scope of whats possible in the Data Cloud.

As with Snowpark for Java and Scala, Snowpark for Python is natively integrated into Snowflakes engine so users can enjoy the same security, governance and manageability benefits theyve come to expect when working with Snowflake. As we continue to focus on mobilising the worlds data, Python broadens even further the choices for programming data in Snowflake, while streamlining data architectures, Kleinerman added.

Canvas Head of Platforms says its easier to grow with Snowflake

At a media launch for Snowpark for Python this week, Canvas Head of Data Platforms Greg Roodt said Canva is taking advantage of the technologies Snowflake provides. He said Canva had previously been with a platform with fixed costs and this became difficult as Canva grew in size so quickly: Canva has obviously grown tremendously, said Roodt.

Our rate of growth is high but Snowflake supports us we dont have those awkward conversations we used to with our previous vendor, Roodt said. With Snowflake were able to pay for what we use and keep adding to that if we need more capacity.

Novartis works with Snowflake

Global Head of Digital Platform & Product Delivery at Novartis Loic Giraud said theyre using Snowflake because: the flexibility and scale of Snowflakes Data Cloud allows us to accelerate our pace of knowledge through data interpretation and insight generation, bringing more focus and speed to our business. Bringing together all available data ultimately unlocks more value for our employees, patients, and health care providers, and data science innovations help us realise this goal.

With Snowpark for Python, data teams can:

New developments within Snowflake include:

About Snowflake: Snowflake enables organisations to mobilise their data with Snowflakes Data Cloud. Customers use the Data Cloud to unite siloed data, discover and share data, and execute diverse analytic workloads. Wherever data or users live, Snowflake delivers a data experience that spans multiple clouds and geographies. You can find out more at snowflake.com or sign up for Snowflakes SnowDay event to hear about the latest advancements in the Data Cloud in keynotes, expert deep dives, and customer sessions.

For more from Women Love Tech on data networks, visit here.

Lets Take A Walk Through A Data Centre And Discover More About Them

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Snowflake Now Supports Python - The Fastest Growing Programming Language - Women Love Tech

PHP, a programing language popular for web and backend development, was once one of the most popular languages. Still, it's showing signs of dropping down the rankings, according to software-testing firm Tiobe.

Tiobe's November 2021 list of the most popular languages puts PHP in 10th position. The language has fallen two places since last November. Today, it's overshadowed by Python, C, Visual Basic, and JavaScript.

"PHP was once the master of web programming, but now it is facing a lot of competition in this field. This is not to say that PHP is dead. There are still a lot of small and medium enterprises relying on PHP. So I expect PHP to decline further but in a very slow pace," notes Tiobe CEO Paul Jansen.

See also: Managers aren't worried about keeping their IT workers happy. That's bad for everyone.

PHP, a scripting language, was created in 1994 and peaked as the third most popular language in 2010 in Tiobe's rankings. On Microsoft-owned GitHub, PHP remains popular too but has been eclipsed by Microsoft's JavaScript superset language Typescript. TypeScript has a type system that compiles into JavaScript and is popular for larger web applications.

Tiobe bases its rankings on queries made on several search engines about programming languages. It's one of several sources that developers can use to track what languages are worth investing time into learning.

However, there are some quirks to Tiobe's list. JavaScript, for example, is in seventh place now. Developer analyst RedMonk has placed JavaScript at the top spot for several years and had PHP in fourth place in the first quarter of 2021. Python's biggest mover across both indexes has enjoyed growing adoption because of machine learning and data science in recent years.

Tiobe's top 10 list of most popular languages in descending order is: Python, C, Java, C++, C#, Visual Basic, JavaScript, Assembly Language. SQL, and PHP.

See also: Want to get things done in tech? You'll need these surprising new allies.

The remainder of the top 20 includes Classic Visual Basic, Groovy, Ruby, Swift, R, Perl, Delphi, Go, Fortran, and MATLAB.

SlashData, a firm that offers recruitment services for freelance developers, found that JavaScript was by far the most popular language. JavaScript had a developer population of 16.4 million, followed by Python (11.3 million), Java (9.6 million), and PHP (7.3 million).

Originally posted here:
Programming languages: Why this former favourite is sliding down the rankings - ZDNet

Its a new era for programmatic advertising, and Index Exchange is leaning in with a new brand identity and completely re-architected exchange.

Seventeen year-old Index Exchange is one of the original supply side platforms helping publishers monetize their inventory programmatically. But a lot has changed in the almost two decades since the company launched.

The loss of online identifiers such as third-party cookies in Chrome and Apples IDFA on mobile devices, tighter regulations around personal data usage and a mass migration of programmatic dollars to connected TV mean that Index Exchanges fundamental architecture needed a rebuild, said CEO Andrew Casale.

At some point, you have to recreate the foundation to really ensure you are modernized and ready for the future, he said.

The new exchange is written on Golang, an open source programming language that allows engineers to build simple programs quickly. It has been re-engineered to solve three core problems: efficiency, speed and compliance.

With the ability to process programmatic auctions more quickly, the new platform allows Index Exchange to pass along greater savings on processing costs to its customers: online publishers. Speed also creates a better user experience for the reader, who does not have to wait for slow loading ads on a webpage, Casale said.

Speed is also important from a privacy perspective, as the landscape continues to shift rapidly. The new platform unlocks even more engineering velocity so we can build and rebuild, and build and rebuild much faster, because that is the name of the game, Casale said.

On the privacy compliance front, the platform supports open identifiers including Unified ID 2.0, LiveRamps IdentityLink and Merkles M1, all of which Index Exchange has worked on developing. When personal identifiers are unavailable, the exchange supports tools including Googles FLoC and Apples SKAdNetwork.

We don't see identity as a solution set that a seller picks and requires marketers to tap into, Casale said. We see it as a decision that starts with each marketer, and we have to be able to connect into that.

Index Exchange began planning for the platform rebuild in late 2019, but the pandemic accelerated the process, Casale said. What was intended to be a three to five year project was compressed into 19 months as the market slowed down and the company was able to refocus all of its engineering efforts on the rebuild, as well as a rebrand including a new logo.

The new platform and brand debut at a time of mass consolidation in the ad tech sector. In Q3 alone, there were 31 deals worth more than $100 million in transaction value across ad tech, mar tech and digital content, according to ad tech M&A advisory Luma Partners.

Supply-side platforms, which support publishers, have tried to resist consolidation in recent years by getting cozier with agencies and marketers, which control budgets in programmatic transactions. Index Exchange has a longstanding partnership with GroupM that has saved the media buying giant $1.5 million in supply fees alone. Index Exchange has also built APIs for marketers to track and audit programmatic spend themselves.

Over the past few years, we have certainly found ourselves spending more time with the buy side as they have done surveys and audits and asked for more details on how the supply chain works and where their money goes in programmatic, Casale said.

As for an exit, Casale, who has been at the helm of Index Exchange since he took over the former Casale Media from his father in 2015, is not tired enough yet and I love what I do too much to sell the company.

Our bet is on innovation, he said. Rather than buying a couple of companies and putting them together, we want to create one unified stack.

Read more from the original source:
Index Exchange overhauls its platform and rebrands for the privacy era - Campaign US

4Q2021 release of Imperas simulator and reference models supports latest RISC-V Extensions for Bit Manipulation 1.0.0, Cryptographic (Scalar) 1.0.0, and Vector 1.0 plus Privilege Specification 1.12 as RISC-V Board formal approval is completed

Oxford, United Kingdom, November 18th, 2021 Imperas Software Ltd., the leader in RISC-V processor simulation and verification technology, today announced the latest product updates as a general release to all customers and users. Offered as freely available, open-source reference models for the RISC-V community and as commercial products, they now support the latest ratified extensions: Bit Manipulation, Cryptographic (scalar), and Vector, plus the Privilege Specification enhancements. These latest additions further extend the range of RISCV projects based on the open standard RISCV ISA (Instruction Set Architecture) targeted at optimized solutions in applications that range from microcontrollers and application processors, through to multicore arrays for AI (Artificial Intelligence), Machine Learning, and HPC (High Performance Computing).

Imperas simulation products and tools are supported with open-source processor and platform models licensed under Apache 2.0 via the Open Virtual Platforms initiative and available at OVPworld.org. To assist the rapid development of a virtual platform / prototype, these models and platforms can be modified and further extended as required. The Imperas commercial simulation technology and products are based on the freely available open-standard public OVP application programming interfaces (APIs). The full range of 300+ processor models is based on over 12 ISAs to support heterogeneous designs or for projects migrating other architectures to RISCV.

The Imperas RISC-V reference models are used for design verification (DV) of RISC-V processors and for virtual platforms / prototypes to support software development and test throughout the design cycle. The RISC-V community is supported with multiple free-to-use options, including riscvOVPsim, riscvOVPsimPlus, and riscvOVPsimCOREV. Additionally, the Imperas commercial solutions are available with professional support plus extra features for more complex designs. They can also integrate within other standard EDA environments, such as SystemC, SystemVerilog, and well-known simulation and emulation tools from Cadence, Siemens EDA, and Synopsys, plus the cloud-based simulation offering from Metrics Technologies.

An ISA specification is probably the most important interface in computer science; it defines the boundary between the software program and the underlying hardware, said Simon Davidmann, CEO, Imperas Software Ltd. RISC-V is the first broadly adopted open standard ISA with many independent implementations. Unlike the single-source developments of the past, RISC-V is community-based with both open-source and proprietary commercial supporters. We are pleased to announce today that the Imperas simulation technology and models are ready to support the fully ratified specifications, plus all the major previous revisions as we continue to support our users.

Availability

The latest release of the Imperas simulation and analysis products and reference models are available now. Current customers can download the latest updated packages via the usual Imperas customer support user portal.

Imperas RISC-V reference models are also available via approved EDA distribution partners. To explore this option in more detail, please contact Imperas or your preferred EDA supplier.

riscvOVPsim is the entry-level free RISC-V model available on GitHub at:

github.com/riscv-ovpsim

riscvOVPsimPlus is a popular free ISS (Instruction Set Simulator), an envelope reference model that can be configured to cover all of the newly ratified RISC-V specifications and standard extensions. Also included are several Architectural Validation Test Suites, which form a basic test plan for software level compatibility within the specification definitions. The Imperas models are available as open-source and released under the flexible Apache 2.0 open-source license. All models, virtual platforms and example models are available to the RISC-V community via the Open Virtual Platforms website at: http://www.ovpworld.org/riscvOVPsimPlus

riscvOVPsimCOREV is a free RISC-V reference model and simulator (ISS) targeted at software developers for the OpenHW CORE-V family of processors. With a proprietary freeware license from Imperas, which covers free commercial and academic use, the simulator package includes a complete open-source model licensed under Apache 2.0. It is available on GitHub for download at: github.com/openhwgroup/riscv-ovpsim-corev

Imperas commercial products provide complete hardware design verification solutions, including golden reference models, simulators, advanced analysis, and debug tools. They support custom RISCV extensions and virtual platforms to model complete multicore heterogeneous SoC and system-level designs. For more details, please email Imperas directly at: info@imperas.com

Imperas at the RISC-V Summit 2021

See all the latest updates from Imperas and the solutions for RISC-V Verification, for more details, see: https://www.imperas.com/articles/imperas-risc-v-summit-december-6-8-2021

About Imperas

Imperas is the leading provider of RISC-V processor models, hardware design verification solutions, and virtual prototypes for software simulation. Imperas, along with Open Virtual Platforms (OVP), promotes open-source model availability for a spectrum of processors, IP vendors, CPU architectures, system IP, and reference platform models of processors and systems ranging from simple single core bare metal platforms to full heterogeneous multicore systems booting SMP Linux. All models are available from Imperas at http://www.imperas.com and the Open Virtual Platforms (OVP) website.

For more information about Imperas, please see http://www.imperas.com.

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Imperas Models - reference for the newly ratified RISC-V Specifications - Design and Reuse

This October, Governor Hochul announced $373 million for home heating aid to assist New Yorkers during cold weather months.

Eligible homeowners and renters may apply for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), which can provide up to $751 depending on income, household size and how they heat their home. A family of four may have a maximum gross monthly income of $5,249 or an annual gross income of $62,983 and still qualify for benefits a modest increase from the previous year's threshold.

Online:myBenefits.ny.gov

When the HEAP Regular benefit is open you may apply online if your household resides outside of New York City. This application is for a Regular HEAP benefit only.

In person:When the HEAP Regular benefit is open you may apply in person at yourHEAP Local District Contact.

In writing:When the HEAP Regular benefit is open, print andmailthe completedHEAP application:

In addition to the $373 million in funding, Governor Hochul announced that New York State is providing $150 million in federal funding to help low-income households pay heating utility arrears. This Regular Arrears Supplement benefit is available to households who are eligible for HEAP and behind on their heating utility bills, but that do not qualify for the utility assistance offered by New York's Emergency Rental Assistance Program. The one-time payments can cover all accumulated heating utility arrears up to $10,000 per household.

You may apply for the Regular Arrears Supplement benefit with yourHEAP Local District Contact.

Applications for assistance are accepted at local departments of social services in person or by telephone, with funding provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Here is a list of local offices by county.Residents outside of New York City may alsoapply onlinefor regular heating assistance benefits. New York City residents may download an application and obtain program information here.

Applicants must meet alleligibility requirementsto receive a regular HEAP benefit, which vary by income and household size, and be in active collections or otherwise facing disconnection or termination of service. Applicants must also be the utility customer of record or pay a utility directly.

Help is also now available to assist eligible homeowners if their primary heating equipment is unsafe or not operating and their furnace or boiler must be repaired or replaced.Benefit amounts through theHEAPHeating Equipment Repair and Replacement programare based on the actual cost incurred to repair or replace the essential heating equipment -up to $3,000 for a repair and $6,500 for a replacement.

Starting Jan. 3, HEAP will also provide a one-time emergency benefit to eligible households that are facing a heating emergency.

You may be eligible for an emergency HEAP benefit if:

and

By Phone:When the HEAP Emergency benefit is open you may call yourHEAP Local District Contactfor assistance.

In person:When the HEAP Emergency benefit is open you may apply in person at yourHEAP Local District Contact.

In person:You may call yourHEAP Local District Contactto apply for Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement benefits. The in-person interview and application requirement is temporarily suspended. The district will provide more information on how to submit the application and required documentation.

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Helping New Yorkers Keep the Heat On - Governor.NY.gov

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif., Nov. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Alsana, an eating disorder treatment provider and community with in-person programs in Alabama, California, and Missouri and virtual programs that serve clients throughout the United States, announced this week that its tenth Residential Treatment Center (RTC) is now open to serve adult clients of all genders in the greater Huntsville area.

Clients who enroll in a Huntsville program can expect to receive the highest quality of holistic care and treatment designed in alignment with Alsana's Adaptive Care Model.

Alsana Huntsville RTC is a 14-bed program that rests on a spacious, 2.3-acre campus, offering an ideal environment for group sessions, mindful movement modalities, a quiet place where clients can spend their free time. It is led by a team of highly credentialed treatment professionals, including Rebecca Barach, M.Ed, MSW, LICSW, Regional Executive Director for Alsana Huntsville Program, who has been helping clients in recovery heal from their eating disorders since 2011.

"It is an honor to serve as part of our dedicated team to provide hope, healing, compassion, and community for adults who are struggling with eating disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions," Barach said. "I am especially proud of the work we've done to ensure that our treatment offerings are inclusive, affirming, and safe."

People in larger bodies often face obstacles and challenges, such as stigma, bias, or weight discrimination, when they attempt to access care. This creates significant and unnecessary risks for this demographic's mental and physical health. Alsana Huntsville RTC was designed to be environmentally and programmatically inclusive for clients of all body sizes and abilities.

Full-size beds are provided in every residential room for client comfort and inclusion. A variety of movement modalities, such as yoga, badminton, and walking are offered during group sessions to support clients in finding exercise that supports their recoveries.

"Eating disorders absolutely do not discriminate, so it is imperative that providers work to become more inclusive, culturally competent, and affirming," said Tammy Beasley, MS, RDN, CEDRD-S, CSSD, longtime Huntsville community member and Vice President of Clinical Nutrition Services for Alsana. "Many people still believe that disordered eating is only a problem for thin, white, young women. The truth is, of the 30 million people in the United States who will develop an eating disorder at some point in their life, most do not occupy lower-weight bodies; most people with eating disorders would be considered 'overweight' or 'average' weight by BMI standards. You have to be willing to listen and see below the surface to know what someone is actually dealing with. Our teams excel in this area, and of that, I am truly proud"

All Registered Dietitians in the Huntsville RTC Program are HAES-trained, and all nutrition education is taught from that perspective.

Gayle Devin, CEO for Alsana, says that Huntsville RTC comes at a time when the demand for eating recovery services and mental health intervention has never been higher. "I believe the Covid-19 pandemic has revealed a significant need for eating disorder treatment services which have required that we expand our programs to meet the moment. As a clients-first eating recovery community, Alsana has kept all levels of care safe and open when clients need help the most. Huntsville RTC will mean even greater access for marginalized communities, and this is only the beginning."

Eating disorder treatment professionals are invited to take part in Alsana's Huntsville Open House Celebration on December 9, 2021.

Media Contact Jordan Watson Chief Growth Officer [emailprotected]866-977-3416

About Alsana

Alsana is an eating recovery community and treatment center that offers a fresh approach focused on the total health and wellness of each individual client. Alsana's data-driven and evidence-based treatments are built on the foundation of their Adaptive Care Model, a five-point approach that empowers clients in every area of their lives by integrating medical, nutritional, and therapeutic care with movement and relational therapies. Alsana is proud to treat a broad spectrum of eating, feeding, and co-occurring disorders and serves all genders, members of the LGTBQ+ community, vegan clients, and, in 2019, they announced programming for clients with ED-DMT1, also known as "diabulimia." Alsana offers care at the residential, day patient, and intensive outpatient levels of care in California, Missouri, and Alabama. From Latin roots meaning "all" or "total health," Alsana offers a new philosophy of eating disorder care that is centered on clients' full well-being, addressing issues that often go untreated. Learn more about Alsana's holistic approach to care at http://www.alsana.com

SOURCE Alsana

http://www.alsana.com

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Alsana's Tenth and Long-Awaited Residential Program opens in Huntsville, AL, Expanding Access to Life-Saving Eating Recovery Care - PRNewswire

@HACK, the cybersecurity event is set to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from November 28-30, 2021. The three-day event will define the future of cybersecurity in the region and help to ensure that the digital transformation in the Middle East.

@HACK is organised by the Saudi Federation of Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones (SAFCSP) and Informa Markets, in association with Black Hat. During the event, cybersecurity experts, ethical hackers, risk and IT professionals, government policy makers, researchers and academics, and other stakeholders in the security sphere will come together to discuss emerging security risks, policy and regulation, best practice and new solutions that will address the wide-ranging issues facing the global cybersecurity sector today.

Saudi Arabia is undergoing a rapid process of digital transformation in line with Vision 2030, and in this highly connected digital world, it is vitally important that we have the knowledge, skills and security tools to protect our critical systems and data. The Saudi Federation of Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones is proud to be presenting @HACK, and we believe this event will become an essential platform for the global cybersecurity community to come together to share expertise and define the strategies that will ensure that Saudi Arabia, and the world, will be able to reap the benefits of the digital future while preventing cybersecurity threats, said, Faisal Al-Khamisi, chairman, SAFCSP.

The SAFCSP is responsible for developing skills and capabilities in the Saudi workforce in next-generation technology fields including cybersecurity, software development, drones and other advanced.

Briefings give the latest research on information security threats, advancements and emerging trends to the #infosec community. Security professionals from all over the world showcase their cutting-edge research, newly discovered vulnerabilities, open-source tools and more. pic.twitter.com/EDVljN9cdD

@Hack (@athackcon) November 17, 2021

Among the speakers confirmed to be taking part @HACK are:

Jayson E. Street, VP of InfoSec, SphereNY, who is described by National Geographic as a World Class Hacker and author of Dissecting the hack: Series who has successfully robbed banks, hotels, government facilities, Biochemical companies, on five continents.

Jenny Radcliffe, AKA The People Hacker, is a social engineer hired to bypass security systems.

Bruce Schneier, dubbed The Security Guru is a candid security critic and commentator.

Alongside of the global line up of speakers, @HACK will also feature the leading companies in the cybersecurity space, including Fortinet, Kaspersky, Spire Solutions, IBM, Honeywell, Cisco, RSA, Qualys and Dragos.

More exhibitors will participate in the show, with demonstrations and product launches of the latest security solutions, from across all areas of the industry including software, services and training.

With over 14,000 visitors expected, @HACK show will feature several different themes and tracks to cater to the diverse audience, includingThe executive summit: The primary conference attracting CISOs from powerhouse organisationsArsenal Where developers submit projects and selected developers demonstrate open-source tools at an informal workshopBriefings Where infosec experts present research on industry trends, hacking tools and security vulnerabilities.Trainings 50 Black Hat approved trainers will conduct these technical sessions in a hands-on environment.Capture The Flag a hacking tournament for 1,000+ (300 teams) participants to enhance their ethical hacking skills

The Training and technical courses that will on offer during @HACK will focus on topics such as offensive security, techniques in penetration testing, infrastructure hacking, mobile application security, and more.

Read: Spire Solutions to support Saudis @Hack, underpin kingdoms cybersecurity endeavour

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The inaugural edition of Saudi's @Hack to tackle challenges of securing the digital world - Gulf Business

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BTC and ETH are currently two of the most famous digital currencies on the market. This article will explore how these currencies work, who made them, and what each offers to the user. Following are the benefits and disadvantages of using this digital currency.

Bitcoin (BTC):

BTC is an electronic currency that has no physical form. The objective of this design was to develop a way for people who didnt know each other to trust, even if there was no intermediary such as a bank that charged a high fee.If you are interested in why they use bitcoin as the mode of payment click here.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Ethereum (ETH):

Ethereum is a decentralized framework that runs a blockchain network with no interruptions, censorship, deception, interaction with third parties, and works as planned. Anyone can create these apps, which help govern everything from exchange transactions to voting systems, inventory management, and sharing economies (such as Uber and Airbnb). If you want to do trading in crypto,Bitcoin Erais the suitable option for you.

Since its release in January 2016, Ethereum (ETH) has become the second-largest digital currency in terms of market value. Unlike Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies that was created to serve as a repository of value, Eisa has created additional features that help developers automate software, such as smart contracts and decentralized apps.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Bitcoin (BTC) or Ethereum (ETH): Which is best?

For those looking for a quick and affordable exchange that can be used as everyday money, Bitcoin might be a good choice. On the other hand, some argue that cryptocurrencies are more volatile than traditional currencies such as gold and the US dollar and cannot guarantee long-term value, so they should not be used as a means of storing value.

Conclusion

In the case of most investments, Ethereum(ETH) is riskier and may have higher rewards. Anyway, its not 2010 anymore. Both investments have gone through the evidence of the concept category, and it is time for investors who have not yet considered this asset class before they start to think seriously about both BTC and ETH.

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Explain the Advantages and Disadvantages of Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH)? - Programming Insider

Governor Laura Kelly today applauded Charter Communications plan to open a new customer retention center in Overland Park creating 510 new full-time jobs by the end of 2022. The leading connectivity providers expansion will invest $18.9 million in the Overland Park community.

Our top-tier workforce and pro-business environment make Kansas an ideal location for Charter Communications expansion, said Governor Laura Kelly. This $18.9 million investment, and the 510 high-paying jobs it will create, is a big deal for our state and economy. My administration will keep investing in the tools that make Kansas the best place in the nation to do business.

Charter is a leading broadband connectivity company and cable operator serving over 31 million customers in 41 states including more than 130,000 customers in Kansas under the Spectrum brand of Internet , TV, Mobile and Voice services.

Broadband investments are taking off in Kansas and Charter Communications has a leading role in making that happen, Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said. By significantly expanding its existing investment and bringing many more jobs to the State, Charter is clearly signaling that the educated workforce and quality of life Kansas offers is top notch.

Charters new Kansas center will provide support for customers from across the country in choosing the right Spectrum Internet, TV, Mobile and Voice services to best fit their needs. The new center is expected to open in early 2022 and hiring is set to begin in late 2021.

This expansion is big news for Overland Parkwere talking over 500 new, good-paying jobs and a significant, $18.9 million investment in the community. Im excited to welcome the opportunity to our area, though Im not surprised Charter is attracted to the thriving business environment and workforce here in the Kansas Third, said Representative Sharice Davids (KS-03). This is an exciting step as we continue to recover from the pandemic, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact on our local economy from Charters investment.

A diverse and talented workforce in Overland Park and surrounding areas, combined with our strong partnerships with the State of Kansas and the Overland Park Chamber of Commerce, made expansion here an obvious choice, Dave Lampman, Group Vice President of Retention at Charter, said. We look forward to beginning the hiring process soon, in support of our commitment to deliver outstanding service to our customers while providing excellent career opportunities in the community.

Residents in Overland Park and the surrounding area will benefit from these new, full-time, growth-opportunity roles, which offer competitive starting pay of at least $18 an hour plus target commissions and lucrative incentive opportunities. Along with highly competitive wages, Charter provides comprehensive employee benefits, including medical, life and disability; a market-leading 401(k) savings plan; tuition reimbursement; plus free and discounted Spectrum services.

Our regions strong workforce continues to attract investment from premier companies like Charter Communications, Overland Park Mayor Carl Gerlach, said. As we work to recover from the pandemic, there is no doubt that these kinds of opportunities are vital to help boost the health of our economy. We welcome their expansion and the many additional jobs they will create in the crucial field of telecommunications.

Charters logo is available here for media use.

About Charter Communications

Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:CHTR) is a leading broadband connectivity company and cable operator serving more than 31 million customers in 41 states through its Spectrum brand. Over an advanced communications network, the company offers a full range of state-of-the-art residential and business services including Spectrum Internet, TV, Mobile and Voice. For small and medium-sized companies, Spectrum Business delivers the same suite of broadband products and services coupled with special features and applications to enhance productivity, while for larger businesses and government entities, Spectrum Enterprise provides highly customized, fiber-based solutions. Spectrum Reach delivers tailored advertising and production for the modern media landscape. The company also distributes award-winning news coverage, sports and high-quality original programming to its customers through Spectrum Networks and Spectrum Originals.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce

As the states lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, nationwide and worldwide. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses.

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Governor Laura Kelly Announces Over 500 New Jobs in Overland Park - Governor of the State of Kansas - Kansas Governor