Dubai tests drone taxi service. Credit: Government of Dubai.

Dubai has conducted its first test of a drone taxi service that it hopes will become a viable transportation system in the city, under an ambitious plan by the United Arab Emirates city to lead the Arab world in innovation.

Dubai has big ambitions for becoming a smart city, with drones and robots central to its plans.

The two-seater, 18-rotor unmanned vehicle took off for a five-minute flight above a strip of sand on the Gulf coast, near Jumeirah Beach Park. The flight was watched by Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed. Attired in crisp white robes and headdresses, Sheikh Hamdan and his entourage clapped approvingly from a nearby viewing deck as the craft alighted.

“Encouraging innovation and adopting the latest technologies contributes not only to the country’s development but also builds bridges into the future,” Sheikh Hamdan said in a statement.

Meant to fly without remote control guidance and with a maximum flight duration of 30 minutes, it comes with plenty of fail-safes in case of trouble: back-up batteries, rotors and, for a worst-case scenario, a couple of parachutes.

Source: Government of Dubai

The drone was designed by German firm Volocopter and the firm said it hopes to have the taxis up and running within five years. Volocopter is in a race with more than a dozen well-funded European and U.S firms, each with its own science fiction-inspired vision for creating a new form of urban transport that is a cross between a driverless electric car and a short-haul, vertical takeoff-and-landing aircraft.

These include aerospace giant Airbus, which aims to put a self-piloting taxi in the air by 2020; Kitty Hawk, a company backed by Google co-founder Larry Page; and Uber, which is working with partners on its own flying taxi strategy.

The drone had previously been tested in April. Rival Chinese firm eHang was supposed to be the first to launch a fleet of flying taxis in the city but its plans appear to have been delayed.

Dubai has positioned itself to become the smartest city in the world with ambitions to have self-driving vehicles account for a quarter of journeys made by 2030.

Source: Government of Dubai

“Implementation would see you using your smartphone, having an app, and ordering a Volocopter to the next Voloport near you,” said chief executive Florian Reuter.

“The Volocopter would come and autonomously pick you up and take you to your destination.”

“It already is capable of flying based on GPS tracks today, and we’ll implement full sense capability, also dealing with unknown obstacles on the way,” he added, saying developers aimed to initiate the taxis within five years.

Noel Sharkey, a computer scientist and robotics expert at Sheffield University, said of the drone plans: “The big challenge will be dynamic obstacle avoidance of other taxis, buildings, birds and delivery drones.

“The skies over Dubai could become uncomfortably crowded very quickly. The ground level of the city could become a dark place of intrigue and mystery like Blade Runner.”

The UAE has sought to distinguish itself in a region mired in war and strife as a high-tech, forward-looking society. It plans to send an unmanned probe to Mars by 2021, the Arab world’s first mission to space, and Dubai has in many ways led their showy march into the future by introducing the region’s first driverless metro and robot policemen prototypes.

“The Autonomous Air Taxis has a variety of unique features that include top security and safety standards, and multiple redundancies in all critical components such as propellers, motors, power source, electronics and flight controls,” says HE Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority.

“It’s also fitted with optional emergency parachutes, nine independent battery systems, and a battery quick-charge and plug-in system, which takes two hours to reach full charge in the prototype version, a time that will be significantly reduced in the production version.”

To know more please read on Dubai starts tests in bid to become first city with flying taxis/Volocopter flying taxi takes unmanned flight over Dubai.

Are you ready to deliver high value software with higher levels of agility using Scrum? To help meet that goal, the folks at Malaysia’s top IT training provider are offering promotions on Agile Scrum Certification to examine, enhance and certify your knowledge of Scrum.

 

 

Before the DevOps revolution, every provisioning of a new server involved a system administrator equipped with an arsenal of shell scripts that automated everything from package installation to configuration. Times have changed, and modern configuration management tools allow system administrators to systematically manage hundreds of servers from a single machine while retaining full integrity over time.

Although each configuration management tool works in a slightly different way, they all share the same benefits and risks:

• Reduced costs by eliminating duplicate work and inefficiencies.
• A Smaller number of errors through the strict enforcement of formal policies and procedures.
• Increased uptimes due to the quick provisioning of new servers and the quick recovery from critical events.
• Improved performance as the result of increased stability and control.
• Decreased risk of security incidents arising from misconfiguration and oversight.
• Better compliance with regulatory standards and simplified auditing.

Because of the vital role configuration management tools play in modern companies, a lot of attention should be paid to their selection. Some are great for supporting a full DevOps environment, while others are not meant to be as inclusive. Some only work when used in a homogenous environment, while others support heterogeneous environments. And, most importantly, some will catch on and give birth to huge communities of users and vendors, while others will become obsolete.

We have selected 3 configuration management tools that have already established their place on the market and proved to be able to evolve and keep up with the changing needs of modern companies.

1. Ansible

Red Hat’s Ansible is one of the newer configuration management offerings on the market, but it has already become the favorite of many DevOps professionals. Ansible was first released in 2012 under the GNU license as an automation engine that automates software provisioning, configuration management, and application deployment.

The name Ansible refers to the underlying automation engine designed to manage nodes over SSH by a controlling machine. Standing on the solid foundation provided by the Ansible engine is Ansible Tower, an enterprise framework for controlling, securing, and managing Ansible automation with a streamlined user interface with integrated notifications and enhanced permissions.

Ansible’s configuration, deployment, and orchestration language is called Playbooks. Each playbook describes a policy that is to be enforced on remote systems, but the actual work is done by modules, which are also referred to as task plugins or library plugins. Ansible modules can be written in many languages, provided they output valid JSON format data.

The biggest obstacle to using Ansible right now is its lackluster documentation. Because of its young age, Ansible’s documentation could use a lot of polishing in many places, and certain important parts are seriously lacking in depth. Fortunately, professional training solutions providers such as Info Trek offer excellent Ansible training and certification courses that can help any IT professional leverage the power of this attractive configuration management tool from Red Hat.

2. Puppet

Being the configuration management tool of choice of over 75 percent of Fortune 100 companies, Puppet is a force to be reckoned with. The company behind it was founded in 2005. Puppet was released in 2011 as the company’s first commercial product, after raising $8.5 million in Series C financing from new investors Cisco, Google Ventures, and VMware.

Puppet employs a model-driven approach to configuration management, which overcomes many inherent limitations to the error-prone procedural scripts of the old days. With Puppet, it is possible to easily define the desired state of infrastructure and applications that should be continuously enforced.

Unlike Ansible, Puppet requires the installation of client agents on each system that requires management. The desired system state is described in documents called catalogs, which list all of the resources that need to be managed and their dependencies. All communication between Puppet clients and the Puppet master application is secured with client-verified HTTPS.

Unlike Ansible, whose modules can be written in many languages, provided they output valid JSON format data, Puppet’s modules are either written in Ruby or in Puppet’s own configuration language that is closely based on Ruby. Not many sysadmins are well-versed in Ruby, which can become a problem when the pre-made modules are not enough. Puppet is also prone to out-of-order execution, making it paramount to carefully declare all pre-requisites to stop modules from stepping the toes of one another.

3. Chef

Chef and Puppet share many similarities. Just like Puppet, Chef is a recognized name in the configuration management arena. It was initially released in 2009, and it can integrate with cloud-based platforms such as Internap, Amazon EC2, Google Cloud Platform, Microsoft Azure, and Rackspace. System configurations in Chef are written in Ruby, and the configuration management tool utilizes a master-agent model.

Apart from a master server, Chef also requires the presence of a workstation to control the master. Part of Chef is a command-line tool called knife, which is used for installing agents over SSH. The development and testing of automation code is done using the Chef Development Kit, which defines a common workflow for describing system states, known as cookbooks.

Cookbooks start as empty skeletons, which only include the standard files. They are then further developed inside Test Kitchen, an integration testing framework tool that tests cookbooks across platforms, before being deployed to the production environment.

Just like Puppet, Chef uses a Ruby-based configuration language and does not give users any other choice. Some will not see this as an issue, but many more will find it difficult to fully customize Chef to meet their needs. The steepness of Chef’s learning curve is especially evident when compared to the Ansible engine and Ansible Tower.

Conclusion

Even though we have only scratched the surface both in terms of the number of configuration management tools compared in this article and in terms of the depth of our comparison, we hope that we have helped you understand what some of the best configuration management tools on the market have to offer and the differences between them.

Interested in learning how to use these softwares? Why dont you head over to http://info-trek.com to find out more.

It’s not always fun looking for a job. Continual rejection can be a hard pill to swallow. Look for ways to improve your approach to your job search and you will get better results. This article has all the information you need.

It is vital to dress the part when you are job hunting. People tend to see a person that dresses nicely as a more qualified candidate. This does not mean that you should always dress formally, but make sure that your dress is appropriate for the occasion even when you are just providing a potential employer with your application.

When job hunting, contact folks already in your personal network. See if anyone you are familiar with knows of any jobs that you would like. It may not seem like an important step, but it can be invaluable for learning about openings and getting an inside edge.

It is important to be better dressed for the job interview than what you would normally wear every day to work as you are trying to make a good impression. Nice clothes show confidence and pride. They need not be expensive, simply clean and well tended.

Never stop learning new skills. Technology and business are always changing so it’s best to stay abreast of everything. Stay on top of changes so you can be prepared for a new job. Take helpful classes and even seminars if you can. The more knowledge you have, the better your employment prospects will be.

Stay positive and realistic. When you’re looking for work, don’t allow yourself to see anything as a failure. Do not rely on unemployment benefits, or you may become too comfortable in your current position. Instead, create goals for yourself with regards to the amount of applications you will fill out.

Find out about the career fairs in your area, and try to attend as many of them as possible. These kinds of fairs can provide you with valuable information while letting you decide what kind of work is best for you. You can also boost your own contact list with some valuable connections that can assist you with landing the job.

Now that you are aware of what you need to do to get that job, you are well on your way to full time employment. Use the tips to ensure optimal results. By doing this, your chances of landing the job will increase.

Today’s economy is still rough, and finding any type of job can be quite difficult. The competition is fierce and there is so much that you need to know to give yourself a better chance. Use the advice here to assist you in getting to the head of the pack.

Regardless of the position you are looking for, dress appropriately when visiting an employer. People usually think that someone who’s dressed nicely is better for the job. You need not overdo it all the time, but dress properly even when you are merely dropping off applications and resumes.

Talk to others you know already when searching for a job. Find out if they know anyone looking for someone with your skillset, and find out if they’d be willing to make an introduction. Many people overlook this step, but it’s important that you start here, because employers are more likely to take on someone who comes recommended.

Take some classes! Your job search may require you to beef up your set of skills. Use your time wisely and learn in order to obtain a higher paying job. You can find online self-paced programs that can fit your schedule.

Never stop upgrading your skills. Technology is always advancing, and things in the business world change rapidly. You’ll need to stay in the know to stay relevant. Professional seminars, as well as classes in a variety of topics, can help you keep up to date with these changes. You increase your worth to any business when you learn new information.

Search for a job that has suitable amenities. Some great employers offer things like saunas, massages, and gyms at the workplace! As the company builds a favorable reputation, talented candidates compete for available openings. Therefore, you are ensured that you are obtaining the best possible prospects for the job.

Develop a form that will help you fill out applications. On many occasions, you will asked to furnish information that is hard to recall from memory. Writing all of the related details on an index card is a clever technique for pulling you through a tough spot. This will help to make the application process go a lot quicker and smoother.

It can be a challenge to find employment, especially in a rough economy. In order to land that dream job, you must be able to stand out from the crowd and please the needs of the potential employers. Take the tips here and add them to your arsenal in getting that job that everyone wants.

Job searching leads you to tons of information. Make certain you’re doing everything possible to get the right information. Start by reading this article. Read on to find a better job.

If you can’t find work, you should rethink your job search strategies. There are a lot of places that may not be hiring these days but that shouldn’t stop you. Spread your search out more to locations you may not previously wanted to go to for work. Make sure that you can cover the cost of the commute, should you land a job there.

Dress for success when heading to an interview. Pay attention to your grooming and dress in an outfit that is tasteful and appropriate. You want to make the best possible first impression since that image will stay in the mind of the interviewer long after you leave.

Social media can be incorporated onto your resume. Many companies want to know that employees understand social media in today’s times. Even if you have used it only for personal use, it shows that you are keeping up with skills that the company will be interested in.

Make sure to answer phone calls with a professional greeting when looking for a job. Employers will be shocked when they hear how polite you are, giving them a positive impression of yourself.

The health insurance plan is something that you want to join up with immediately at your company. Your premiums are deducted from your check on a pre-tax basis, so the cost is less expensive than an individual plan. Married couples should compare plan offerings, so that they choose the better plan.

Use an employment agency. You can use these agencies for free, and they work hard to find you a job. The agency will take a look at the skills you possess and help match you to potential employers. Make sure your agency has your updated resume and is still keeping you in mind.

Consider networking in your job specialty. Networking will help you to get to know people who may be able to help you get into the field you want. Soak up every morsel of knowledge about your chosen field that you can by attending seminars, conferences, networking events and webinars. Learn all that you can from your networking to become a though-provoking leader in your field.

It’s imperative you think through which resources and skills are at your disposal. Follow these tips to find the best job opportunities in your chosen field. You’ll discover that this information is invaluable to you in your search.

These days, folks come to the conclusion that finding work is not possible, but that’s a falsehood. By following certain steps, you can find jobs that you are interested in and be hired for one that matches your skill set. Keep reading to discover some great things that can be done to secure a job.

Ask friends and family for help. Ask them if they of anybody who is hiring someone with your set of skills, and ask if they would be willing to introduce you. Recommendations are one of the best ways for you to land a job.

When struggling to obtain a job, you might need to update your strategy. Though many places are not hiring, do not become discouraged. Consider broadening your search to other areas that could possibly offer employment in a place you can afford.

Do not neglect your current job if you are seeking a better position. Being a slacker will give you a bad reputation. You never know when word might get to potential employers. In order to succeed at anything in life, it’s vital that you are always doing your best, no matter how much you hate something.

It is good to know how much people in your chosen industry are getting paid so you do not low-ball yourself during the negotiation process. Often, people will request lower wages to avoid getting rejected for asking too much. Do not sound desperate and do not ask for too much either.

Questions should be prepared prior to your interview. At the conclusion of almost any job interview, the interviewer will ask you if you have any questions. You can ask about anything from your responsibilities if hired, to the people you’ll be working with.

Avoid getting into conflicts with people you work with. Establish yourself as a team player. By having a good reputation, you will be more likely to receive raises and promotions than other coworkers who stir up drama.

Organize important information in standardized forms. You’ll find yourself having to supply dates and information that may not be fresh in your mind. Keep a piece of paper with you that has all the dates and other pertinant info on it that you’ll need. That will make your applications easier to fill out.

Because you are now more knowledgeable about the job-searching process, you should now feel better. Don’t get overwhelmed. Identify some advice that you found helpful, and then work on putting it into action. Before you realize it, you’ll have that job!

World Cup 2018
Be a part of CNN’s protection of the 2018 World Cup as we bring you the largest stories from Russia. For the draw, the teams had been allocated to four pots based on the FIFA World Rankings of October 2017. Pot 1 contained the hosts Russia (who had been mechanically assigned to position A1) and the very best seven groups, pot 2 contained the next greatest eight groups, and so forth for pots three and 4. 33 This was different from previous draws, when solely pot 1 was based on FIFA rankings while the remaining pots had been primarily based on geographical issues. However, teams from the same confederation nonetheless were not drawn against each other for the group stage, besides that two UEFA teams could possibly be in every group.

Notable countries that didn’t qualify embrace 4-time champions Italy (for the first time since 1958) and three-time runner-up the Netherlands (for the first time since 2002), and 4 reigning continental champions: 2017 Africa Cup of Nations winner Cameroon , two-time Copa América champion and 2017 Confederations Cup runner-up Chile , 2016 OFC Nations Cup winner New Zealand , and 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup champion United States (for the first time since 1986). The opposite notable qualifying streaks broken have been for Ghana and Ivory Coast , who had both made the earlier three tournaments.

Spain in 2010: Core of Barcelona players and enjoying type, all objectives scored by membership’s gamers to turn out to be world champions. Spain in 2018: Core of black magic and voodoo, coach signed by Real Madrid and sacked a day before the World Cup begins. Russian bid personnel rejoice the awarding of the 2018 World Cup to Russia, December 2010. I was pleased that Spain named a alternative supervisor for the 2018 World Cup so quickly. Lots of names had been bandied about however they were holding out for Hierro.
The 2018 FIFA World Cup would be the twenty first FIFA World Cup , a quadrennial worldwide football match contested by the lads’s nationwide teams of the member associations of FIFA It is scheduled to happen in Russia from 14 June to fifteen July 2018, 1 after the nation was awarded the hosting rights on 2 December 2010. In 2010, Barça gained the World Cup for Spain. In 2018, Real Madrid destroys any likelihood of Spain winning the World Cup. Hilarious.

The votes have been counted. The fans have spoken. YOU have determined the 32 Be There With Hyundai Contest Winners for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia. Are you planning to visit Russia for the 2018 FIFA World Cup? is the tourist portal of the Russian government and gives fans travelling to Russia with helpful details about the host nation of the following FIFA World Cup.
For the draw, the groups have been allotted to 4 pots based mostly on the FIFA World Rankings of October 2017. Pot 1 contained the hosts Russia (who had been robotically assigned to place A1) and the best seven groups, pot 2 contained the next best eight teams, and so on for pots three and 4. 33 This was completely different from earlier attracts, when solely pot 1 was based on FIFA rankings while the remaining pots have been primarily based on geographical considerations. Nonetheless, teams from the identical confederation still weren’t drawn towards one another for the group stage, besides that two UEFA teams could be in every group.

Notable international locations that failed to qualify include four-time champions Italy (for the first time since 1958) and three-time runner-up the Netherlands (for the first time since 2002), and four reigning continental champions: 2017 Africa Cup of Nations winner Cameroon , two-time Copa América champion and 2017 Confederations Cup runner-up Chile , 2016 OFC Nations Cup winner New Zealand , and 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup champion United States (for the first time since 1986). The opposite notable qualifying streaks damaged were for Ghana and Ivory Coast , who had each made the previous three tournaments.

Spain in 2010: Core of Barcelona players and taking part in style, all goals scored by club’s gamers to become world champions. Spain in 2018: Core of black magic and voodoo, coach signed by Actual Madrid and sacked a day before the World Cup begins. Russian bid personnel have a good time the awarding of the 2018 World Cup to Russia, December 2010. I was pleased that Spain named a replacement manager for the 2018 World Cup so quickly. A number of names were bandied about but they had been holding out for Hierro.
The 2018 FIFA World Cup will be the twenty first FIFA World Cup , a quadrennial international soccer event contested by the boys’s nationwide groups of the member associations of FIFA It’s scheduled to happen in Russia from 14 June to fifteen July 2018, 1 after the country was awarded the internet hosting rights on 2 December 2010. In 2010, Barça won the World Cup for Spain. In 2018, Real Madrid destroys any chance of Spain profitable the World Cup. Hilarious.