The Power of Subscriptions in Power BI: Automating Data Insights Delivery.  In today's data-driven world, staying updated with the latest insights is crucial for informed decision-making. Power BI, Microsoft's powerful data visualization tool, offers a feature that streamlines this process: Subscriptions. This feature allows users to automate the delivery of reports and dashboards directly to their inbox, ensuring that they never miss out on critical updates. In this blog, we'll explore the benefits of using subscriptions in Power BI, how to set them up, and some best practices to get the most out of this feature.    Use of Subscriptions in Power BI:  Automation of Reporting:   Subscriptions in Power BI allow users to automate the delivery of reports and dashboards on a regular basis. Instead of manually logging into Power BI to check for updates, users can receive the latest data directly in their email. This automation saves time and ensures that important stakeholders are always informed.    Timely Insights: In fast-paced environments, timely insights are crucial. With subscriptions, you can schedule reports to be sent at specific times, ensuring that decision-makers have the most up-to-date information when they need it. For instance, a sales report can be scheduled to arrive first thing in the morning, giving the team a clear view of the previous day's performance.    Customization and Flexibility:   Power BI allows users to customize their subscriptions. You can choose to receive only specific pages of a report or a particular visual from a dashboard. This flexibility ensures that users get exactly what they need, without being overwhelmed by unnecessary information.    Easy Collaboration:   Subscriptions make it easier to share insights with a broader audience. Whether it's a daily sales report or a weekly performance dashboard, you can set up subscriptions for multiple recipients, ensuring that everyone is on the same page.    Setting up a New Subscription in Power BI:        Setting up a subscription in Power BI is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide:  Firstly, open Power BI services.  Navigate to the Report or Dashboard: After that, open the report or dashboard you want to subscribe to. On the top menu, you’ll find an option labeled “Subscribe.” Click on it to open the subscription settings.        Configure the Subscription:  Title: Give your subscription a meaningful title so that it’s easily identifiable.  Add Recipients: You can add multiple email addresses if you want to share the report with others. Ensure that recipients have access to the report in Power BI to view the details.   Frequency: Choose how often you want to receive the report. Frequency has few options that you can select based on your requirements. After data refresh (Once daily): It means that the report will be shared once the dataset has been refreshed, but if the dataset is scheduled for multiple times a day, the subscription will only send it once per day. Hourly Daily. Weekly.   Monthly. Time:  Set a scheduled time for the subscription:  On the hour, or at 15, 30, or 45-minutes past. AM or PM. The time zone.  Page Selection: If subscribing to a report, you can select specific pages you want to include in the subscription.      Save and Activate: After configuring all settings, click “Save and Close.” Your subscription will now be active, and reports will be delivered as per the schedule. After you save it, you can edit the subscription, turn it on or off, or delete the subscription.    Considerations and limitations:  You can add up to 24 subscriptions per scorecard, each with unique recipients, times, and frequencies. You can subscribe to scorecards if you have a Pro license or PPU license, or if the scorecard is in a workspace backed by Premium capacity. You can subscribe to other team members if, in addition to the above, you have a Contributor, Member, or Admin role in that workspace. If the scorecard is hosted in a Premium capacity: You can subscribe to group aliases, whether they're in your domain or not. You can subscribe to external users. If the scorecard isn't hosted in a Premium capacity others must also have a Pro license. You can add other email addresses in the same domain to the subscription. You can't subscribe to a scorecard from within a Power BI org app.   Best Practices for Power BI Subscriptions:  To maximize the value of Power BI subscriptions, consider the following best practices: Keep the Audience in Mind: Ensure that the content of the subscription is relevant to the recipients. Tailor the reports to meet their specific needs and avoid overwhelming them with too much information. Regularly Review and Update Subscriptions: Business needs evolve, and so should your subscriptions. Regularly review the subscriptions to ensure they are still delivering the most relevant insights. Use Filters and Slicers Effectively: Power BI allows you to use filters and slicers to customize the data displayed in your reports. Make sure these are set appropriately in your subscriptions to deliver focused insights. Monitor Subscription Performance: Keep an eye on how the subscriptions are performing. Ensure that emails are being delivered on time and that the reports are generating the expected insights. Leverage Mobile-Friendly Reports: Since many users access their emails on mobile devices, ensure that the reports are mobile-friendly. Power BI offers responsive designs, so take advantage of this feature to improve accessibility.   Conclusion: Subscriptions in Power BI are a powerful tool for automating the delivery of insights, ensuring that decision-makers have timely and relevant data at their fingertips. By setting up and managing subscriptions effectively, you can enhance collaboration, improve decision-making, and keep your team aligned with the latest business trends. Whether you’re a business analyst, a data manager, or an executive, Power BI subscriptions can significantly streamline your reporting processes, allowing you to focus on making informed decisions based on the latest data.

Experience the Future: Why TechExpo Ahmedabad, Gujarat 2024 is a Must-Attend Event  Get ready for TechExpo Gujarat Ahmedabad 2024, one of the most exhilarating technology events of the year, happening on December 20-21, 2024, at Vigyan Bhavan, Science City, Ahmedabad. This year's event, also known as TechExpo Ahmedabad, Gujarat Tech Expot, and India Tech Expo, promises to be a hub of innovation, featuring the latest advancements and solutions in the tech world. MagnusMinds is thrilled to be a key exhibitor, presenting groundbreaking solutions in web development, database management, and Microsoft Business Intelligence (MSBI). Here’s why you should make a point to visit MagnusMinds at TechExpo India 2024.  What is TechExpo Gujarat Ahmedabad 2024?  TechExpo Gujarat Ahmedabad 2024 is a premier technology exhibition bringing together leading tech companies, startups, and industry experts under one roof. As a flagship event in India’s tech calendar, it will showcase cutting-edge technologies, innovative products, and breakthrough solutions. Attendees will have the chance to engage in live demonstrations, attend expert-led sessions, and participate in workshops and networking opportunities.  Why You Should Attend TechExpo Ahmedabad 2024  Uncover Emerging Trends: Get up close with the latest advancements and trends that are shaping the future of technology. Stay informed about what’s next in the tech world.  Learn from Industry Experts: Attend insightful talks and workshops led by top industry leaders and innovators. Gain valuable knowledge and perspectives from those shaping the future of technology.  Expand Your Network: Connect with a diverse array of professionals, entrepreneurs, and tech enthusiasts. Build valuable relationships and explore new opportunities for collaboration.  Discover Innovative Solutions: Explore groundbreaking technologies and solutions that can transform your business operations. Find the tools and ideas that can drive your business forward.  Experience Live Demonstrations: Witness live demos of the latest technologies and solutions. See cutting-edge innovations in action and understand their practical applications.  Engage with Future Technologies: Experience firsthand the newest technological advancements and gain insights into the future trends that will impact your industry.  Connect with Key Industry Players: Network with top tech leaders, experts, and influencers. Engage in meaningful conversations and explore potential partnerships and collaborations.  MagnusMinds at TechExpo Gujarat Ahmedabad 2024  MagnusMinds is excited to showcase its expertise at TechExpo Gujarat Ahmedabad 2024. With over 15 years of experience in delivering high-quality IT solutions, we specialize in Microsoft technologies such as .NET, MS SQL, and Microsoft Business Intelligence (MSBI). Here’s what you can look forward to at our booth:  Discover Our Innovations: Explore our latest technological solutions designed to meet the evolving needs of modern businesses.  Meet Our Experts: Interact with our skilled team and industry thought leaders who are ready to share their knowledge and insights.  Experience Live Demos: Witness firsthand demonstrations of our advanced products and services.  Enhance Your Business: Learn how MagnusMinds' solutions can help optimize your business processes and drive growth.  Build Connections: Network with industry professionals and potential partners to uncover new opportunities.  Key Highlights of the TechExpo  Exhibition: Engage with a variety of tech exhibits and discover innovative solutions from leading companies.  Networking Opportunities: Participate in targeted meetings with investors, mentors, and industry peers.  Digital Transformation: Explore how digital technologies can accelerate innovation and enhance business success.  Knowledge Sessions: Attend sessions led by experts offering valuable insights and strategies for tech-driven growth.  Conclusion  TechExpo Gujarat Ahmedabad 2024 is your gateway to exploring the future of technology and innovation. By visiting MagnusMinds at this prestigious event, you'll gain access to cutting-edge solutions, expert knowledge, and valuable networking opportunities. Don’t miss your chance to be part of one of the most significant tech expos in India. We look forward to welcoming you and demonstrating how MagnusMinds can help elevate your business to new heights. 

Welcome to the world of Power BI! If you're new to Power BI, you've probably heard about its powerful data visualization and analysis capabilities. Power BI Q&A, a natural language query tool that enables users to interact with their data using ordinary language, is a notable feature. In this beginner’s guide, we will walk you through the basics of Power BI Q&A and show you how to get started.  What is Power BI Q&A?  With Power BI Q&A, an easy-to-use feature, customers can ask straightforward questions in simple English regarding their data. Instead of manually creating complex queries or navigating through multiple dashboards, you can simply type or speak your questions and Power BI will generate visualizations based on your query. It's a significant change for users who want quick insights without requiring advanced technical skills.  Getting started with Power BI Q&A: 1. Setting up your data:   Before you can use Power BI Q&A, you need to have data in Power BI. Here's an overview of how to proceed:    Import your data: Load your data into Power BI from various sources such as Excel, SQL Server or online services.  Create dataset: Organize your data into datasets and and build data data models using appropriate relationships. Create a report: Create a basic report with some visualizations to make sure your data is structured and ready for Q&A.   2. Enabling Q&A in your report:  Once you've set up your report, follow these steps to enable it:   Open Power BI Desktop: Once your basic report is created, in Power BI Desktop, navigate to your Visualizations pane and search for the icon that looks like a speech bubble.     After adding this visual to your report, it will review your data and suggest some questions for you.  There are multiple ways to enable Q&A feature: From the Visualizations pane. (as shown above)  You can double click on the blank space of your Power BI page where you have added some visuals.  In the Insert tab, you have an option called “Buttons”, click the down arrow below that and you will be able to see the Q&A button, that will activate the same. Add a question and answer scene: Once you have Q&A visual on your screen, you can either create your own question by typing in the “Ask a question about your data” box or clicking on the pre-made questions below. The Q&A visual can also present more question options by selecting “Show all suggestions” at the bottom.  Configure Q&A: Click on the Q&A setting button for setup and training it to get best out of it. You may also need to provide some configuration to help Power BI better understand your data. 3. How to ask questions: Once Q&A is enabled you can start asking questions about your data. See how here:    View Results: Power BI will process your query and display the results in a separate visualization. If your question is clear, the system will generate specific and relevant charts or tables. 4. Improve your Q&A experience:  To get the most out of Power BI Q&A, consider these tips:  Use natural language: Power BI Q&A is designed to understand natural language, so ask your questions conversationally. You don’t have to be a technical person to ask questions, you can use very simple language that comes to your mind, and it will give you the desired output.   In the above example, you can clearly see that I have simply asked it a question in a very normal language and, asked it the visual in which I wanted the data to be represented, and Q&A immediately understood my question and gave the output accordingly.  Refine your query: If the initial results aren't what you expected, try rewriting your query or adding more contextual information. You can try with some different meaningful words so that it can have a better understanding of your question.  Train Q&A: You can train Q&A by providing questions and answers that you suggest, improving the system's understanding of your data. You can select the configuration (setting) button, and you will get a new window with multiple options.   In the above image you can see, you have a Teach Q&A option, in that you can train the Q&A by giving the input of any specific word to give it an understanding that the word refers to the specific column or any conditions, and once you select the desired column, you will be able see the output on the right side ”preview your result”, and if the output is correct you can save it. After saving it will always use the select column when you enter that word.    5. Customize Q&A for better results:  For more advanced users, Power BI allows customization to enhance Q&A functionality by:  Create Synonyms: Add synonyms used in your data to make the Q&A feature more flexible. To add synonymous, again go to the “Q&A setup” window, and you’ll find an option named synonymous.   In the listed dataset you can drop down the dataset you want to work with and give other meaningful names to the fields in that dataset.   Here you already have suggestions for each field present in the data set, you can directly select meaningful names from the suggestions, or you can enter other synonyms manually and you can use those names in the questions and the Q&A will refer to that same field. For example: Here in the above image, I have selected ”TotalAmt” column and given multiple names to it, and in the question if I say” sales” it will show me the values from ”TotalAmt” column. You can also turn off the extra fields that will not be in use.  Set Spelling Phonetically: This helps and provides correct details if your data contains names or words that users may misspell.   Review and refine: Continuously review how Q&A interprets the questions and refine the dataset or visualization to ensure accurate responses. After publishing the report to Power BI workspace, you can keep a track of the questions asked in the report by the end users and you can fix them if some user has asked or any fix is needed to the question, and you can also keep a track of questions frequently asked.  Suggest Questions: This helps to add a list of questions that are frequently asked by end users, that will be prompted when you open the Q&A.  Common Questions and Answers  Here are a few frequent questions you might ask using Power BI Q&A, along with the type of visualizations you might see:  Question: “What were the total sales last year?” Answer: Visualization: A bar chart or line graph showing sales trends over the year.  Question: “Which products had the highest revenue?”  Answer: Visualization: A pie chart or column chart displaying revenue distribution by product.  Question: “How many new customers were added this quarter?”  Answer: Visualization: A KPI card or a simple count displayed on a table.  Question: “Top 10 discounts given by order id”  Answer: Visualization: A matrix will be displayed with a list of discount column sorted in descending with order id.  Question: “Count of orders by year”   Answer: Visualization: A bar chart will be displayed with Years in Y-axis and count of order in X-axis.  Troubleshooting Tips  If Power BI Q&A isn't working as expected, consider these troubleshooting steps:  Check data quality: Make sure your data is clean and well-structured.  Update data model: Make sure your data model is up-to-date and properly configured.  Synonyms: Use the Synonyms feature to train your Q&A, give the fields multiple meaningful names that a normal user can use, and it will give you the accurate output.  Consult the documentation: Refer to Power BI's official documentation for detailed troubleshooting and guidance.    Conclusion  Power BI Q&A is a powerful tool that simplifies data analysis by allowing you to interact with your data using natural language. By following this beginner's guide, you should now have a basic understanding of how to set up and use Q&A in Power BI, the information we just discussed. As you gain more experience, you can explore advanced features and customization options to further enhance your data exploration capabilities.  Feel free to experiment with different queries and visualizations, and don't hesitate to seek additional resources or community support as you continue your journey with Power BI. If you need further training or specialized assistance with Power BI Q&A, contact us for professional support and services. Happy querying! 

The software development industry is rapidly changing, with key trends shaping the landscape in 2024. Staying informed on these trends is important for professionals and businesses to stay competitive and adapt to technological advancements. Despite financial pressures from inflation, businesses continue to invest in digital transformation initiatives to drive growth and efficiency. In our blog, we explore the top 9 software development trends in 2024, from AI advancements to emerging technologies. Native app development is being replaced by progressive web apps, and low code and no code platforms are gaining popularity. Technologies like IoT, augmented reality, blockchain, and AI are leading the way in software advancements. Stay updated with MagnusMinds blogs to learn about generative AI, quantum computing, and other industry innovations. Keep up with the latest trends in software development to stay ahead in the market. Discover how custom software development can benefit companies and explore upcoming industry developments. Stay informed and explore the top software industry trends for 2024. Generative AI Transforms Development Practices  Generative AI, such as OpenAI's GPT-4, is transforming modern IT development by revolutionizing code generation, debugging, and design. It is no longer just limited to chatbots but has become an essential tool for enhancing development processes. These advanced models are enhancing natural language processing, automating repetitive tasks, creating complex algorithms, and even generating codebases from simple descriptions. With the integration of generative AI into everyday development tasks, developers can streamline workflows, focus on higher-level problem-solving, and make significant strides in the field of IT development. OpenAI's GPT-4 and similar technologies are at the forefront of this AI-powered development revolution.  Example: GitHub Copilot, powered by GPT-4, speeds up development by suggesting code snippets and automating repetitive tasks. For example, a developer writing a Python script for data analysis can use Copilot to create complex functions or handle API integrations with minimal manual effort. Tools like Copilot are changing how code is written, as it can suggest entire functions or snippets based on the code context. This feature expedites development, reduces coding errors, and allows developers to focus on high-level design. OpenAI's Codex is another powerful tool that translates natural language descriptions into code, making it easier to create web forms and other applications quickly.  Quantum Computing: Practical Implications on the Horizon  Quantum computing is advancing rapidly, promising to revolutionize problem-solving methods across industries. While widespread use of full-scale quantum computers is not yet common, progress is evident in quantum algorithms and hybrid models. The year 2024 is expected to bring significant advancements in quantum computing, with practical applications becoming more prominent. Developers will need to learn quantum programming languages to stay ahead of developments. Despite still being experimental, quantum computing is beginning to make a tangible impact in fields such as cryptography and simulations. Transitioning from theoretical research to practical use, quantum computing is on the brink of major breakthroughs.  Example: IBM’s Quantum Hummingbird is a 127-qubit processor pioneering practical quantum computing for drug discovery and material science. By simulating molecular interactions at a quantum level, breakthroughs in creating new pharmaceuticals or materials are on the horizon. On the other hand, D-Wave’s Advantage, a quantum annealing system, is being utilized by companies like Volkswagen to optimize traffic flow in urban areas. Leveraging quantum computing to process complex traffic patterns, Volkswagen aims to enhance city traffic management and overall transportation efficiency.  Cybersecurity: Advanced Threat Detection and Response  Cybersecurity is a top priority in IT development due to the growing sophistication of cyber threats. In 2024, we expect to see more emphasis on advanced threat detection, zero-trust security models, and comprehensive encryption techniques. Companies are investing in AI-powered systems for detecting threats, while developers are integrating robust security measures and staying informed about the latest practices and compliance requirements. With cyber threats constantly evolving, cybersecurity measures are also advancing to keep up. Regulatory compliance will drive the need for stronger security measures across all development levels to protect against these threats.  Example: Google's BeyondCorp is a zero-trust security model that eliminates traditional perimeter-based security measures by continuously verifying user and device identity before granting access. This approach improves security by considering threats from both inside and outside the organization. Meanwhile, Darktrace's Antigena is an autonomous response technology using machine learning to detect and respond to cybersecurity threats in real-time. For example, it can identify unauthorized network activity and promptly act, like isolating affected systems, to prevent further damage.  Edge Computing Enhances Real-Time Data Processing  Edge computing is gaining traction by moving computational power closer to data sources, reducing latency and improving real-time processing. It is essential for applications needing fast data processing by shortening data travel distance. This technology enhances performance for IoT, autonomous vehicles, and smart cities. To adapt to this shift, developers should focus on optimizing software for edge environments and efficiently managing distributed data. Edge computing is transforming data processing by bringing computation closer to the source, benefiting applications that require real-time data processing. As more companies embrace this trend, developers must optimize applications for decentralized environments and manage data across distributed systems effectively.  Example: Edge computing is used in smart cities to analyze data from surveillance cameras in real-time, enabling quick responses to traffic violations or security threats. For example, Cisco's Edge Intelligence platform helps businesses deploy edge computing solutions for real-time analysis of data from IoT sensors, such as predicting equipment failures in manufacturing settings to prevent downtime and improve efficiency.  Low-Code and No-Code Platforms Foster Rapid Development  Low-code and no-code platforms are revolutionizing application development, allowing non-developers to easily create functional software. These platforms are democratizing the process, empowering users with limited coding skills to build their own applications. As we look ahead to 2024, these platforms will continue to evolve, offering more advanced features and integrations. This advancement will streamline development processes and enable a wider range of individuals to contribute to IT solutions. Developers may increasingly collaborate with these platforms to enhance their capabilities and create tailored solutions for businesses.  Example: Low-code/no-code platforms like Microsoft PowerApps, Bubble, and AppGyver empower business users to create custom applications without advanced programming skills. For instance, PowerApps and Bubble enable a marketing team to develop a tailored CRM solution without IT support. AppGyver offers a no-code environment for building complex mobile and web apps, such as a healthcare provider designing a custom patient management system for better service delivery and streamlined information handling. check full details about PowerApps in our Detailed Guide.  Green IT: Driving Sustainable Practices  Sustainability is becoming a key priority in IT development, with a particular emphasis on green IT practices to reduce environmental impact. This includes energy-efficient data centers, sustainable hardware, and eco-friendly coding techniques gaining popularity. Companies are placing a greater importance on incorporating sustainability into their IT strategies to decrease their carbon footprint and uphold environmental responsibility. As a result, developers are being urged to consider the ecological implications of their work and integrate sustainable practices into their projects. This shift towards green IT is essential for minimizing environmental impact and promoting eco-friendly operations in the IT industry.  Example: Tech giants like Google and Microsoft are leading the way in adopting energy-efficient technologies in data centers. Google has committed to operating all data centers on renewable energy, setting a high standard for the industry. Microsoft's Project Natick is developing underwater data centers that use natural cooling properties, reducing energy consumption. These efforts are reducing carbon footprints and creating a more sustainable IT infrastructure.  5G and Emerging 6G Technologies  The roll out of 5G networks is boosting connectivity, speeding up data transfer, and introducing new applications. Research is already in progress for 6G technology, which is expected to bring further advancements. In 2024, we can anticipate significant progress in 5G technology and exploration of 6G possibilities. These advancements will fuel innovation in augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and the Internet of Things (IoT). The expansion of 5G networks is revolutionizing connectivity by supporting fast data speeds and reducing latency. This year, we are witnessing wider acceptance of 5G, driving innovations in AR, VR, and IoT. Additionally, ongoing research into 6G technology is likely to lead to even more advanced connectivity solutions. Developers should stay informed about these developments to harness new opportunities and create applications that can fully utilize next-generation networks.  Example: The deployment of 5G networks has led to the rise of real-time interactive augmented reality (AR) applications like gaming and remote assistance. Researchers are now looking into 6G technology to achieve even faster speeds and lower latency, potentially transforming fields like autonomous driving and immersive virtual reality experiences. Additionally, Qualcomm's Snapdragon X65 5G modem allows for high-speed data transfer and low latency, enabling applications such as high-definition live streaming and AR experiences. The development of 6G may further advance technologies like holographic communication and immersive VR environments.  Enhanced User Experience (UX) with AI and Personalization  User experience (UX) is vital, focusing on personalized and intuitive interfaces. The evolution of UX emphasizes personalization and intelligent design, aided by AI advancements. In 2024, IT development will prioritize creating personalized experiences across digital platforms. AI-driven insights will enable developers to customize applications and services based on individual user preferences and behaviors. Enhancing engagement and satisfaction, developers are increasingly tailoring experiences to user preferences. UX design is becoming more data-driven, emphasizing understanding user behavior to create meaningful interactions. Exceptional user experiences, focusing on personalization, remain a top priority in the industry.  Example: Streaming services like Netflix utilize machine learning algorithms to analyze user preferences and habits, offering personalized content recommendations for an improved user experience. Similarly, Adobe Experience Cloud employs AI technology to personalize content and optimize user experiences on various platforms, enhancing user engagement and satisfaction through tailored recommendations and targeted marketing strategies.  Blockchain Applications Beyond Financial Transactions  Blockchain technology is expanding beyond cryptocurrency into various industries. By 2024, it will be prominently used in supply chain management, identity verification, and smart contracts. The transparency and security features of blockchain make it a valuable tool for businesses. Streaming services like Netflix utilize machine learning to analyze user habits and provide personalized content recommendations, improving user satisfaction. This personalized approach ensures that the content offered matches individual preferences and viewing history. Blockchain developers need to understand its principles and explore its potential in different scenarios outside of financial transactions.  Example: Blockchain is utilized in supply chain management to trace product origins, enhance transparency, and mitigate fraud. IBM and Walmart employ blockchain to monitor goods from production to consumption, improving food safety. Everledger, on the other hand, utilizes blockchain to track diamonds and high-value items, creating an unchangeable record of their journey. This ensures transparency and helps in preventing fraud within the diamond supply chain, offering consumers accurate information regarding their purchases.  Advancements in Remote Work and Collaboration Tools  The remote work trend is advancing with upgraded tools for collaboration and project management. Companies are investing in enhanced tools for productivity and teamwork. Developers are creating more integrated, secure, and efficient solutions like virtual workspaces, collaborative coding environments, and project management tools. The goal is to design solutions that enable seamless communication and productivity, regardless of location.  Example: The remote work trend is growing with improved collaboration and project management tools. Companies are investing in productivity and teamwork tools. Developers are creating secure, efficient solutions like virtual workspaces and collaborative coding environments to enhance communication and productivity.  Conclusion  The software development landscape in 2024 is characterized by rapid advancements and transformative technologies such as generative AI, edge computing, cybersecurity, and sustainability. Staying informed about these trends is crucial for IT professionals and organizations to leverage new technologies effectively and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving industry. Adapting to these changes will be key for developers to push the boundaries of what's possible and shape the future of IT. By embracing innovations like generative AI, quantum computing, and advanced cybersecurity, the industry is presented with new opportunities for growth and progress. Keeping an eye on these trends throughout the year will ensure that you stay current and position yourself for future success. Stay tuned for more insights and updates as we navigate these exciting developments together. 

The concept of a marketing mix, the major components of a marketing strategy, was first developed in the 1960s by marketing scholar E. Jerome McCarthy. His original concept described the four basic components of every marketing campaign, the Four Ps: Product, Price, Promotion, and Place. The concept was groundbreaking at the time and was part of a movement to deconstruct and systematize marketing. It still has tremendous relevance today, but what was once considered leading edge, is now prerequisite knowledge. Classic Mix Oldies but goodies, the original Four Ps are still fundamental concepts that every marketer spends countless hours analyzing and making tough calls on. 1. PRODUCT Put simply, a product is something that you are selling to satisfy a customer’s needs or wants. It can be physical goods or intangible services, ideas, or experiences. The marketing choices that affect a product include the design of the product itself (such as the features, quality, and style), the assortment (i.e. the types of product lines offered), and the branding, packaging, and labeling. Associated services (such as after-sales help desks), guarantees and warranties, and return policies are also considered elements of the product. 2. PRICE  This is the amount you intend to charge for your product as well as the means by which customers can pay (e.g. cash, credit, layaway). The price of a product is important for marketing purposes because the amount a person pays for something affects their perceived value of it. 3. PROMOTION  Promotion refers to communications made to potential customers informing them of your offering. Common sources for that information include advertising, public relations, direct marketing, and sales promotions. The choices to make at this stage include developing a promotional mix (e.g. ad heavy versus PR heavy) and a messaging strategy, a clear idea of what you are saying and the desired response. Other promotional choices include picking the optimal channels to communicate on (e.g. social media versus traditional media) and message frequency. It’s essential to have a well fleshed out buyer persona when making these decisions. The ideal promotional strategy speaks in the language of the target market, reaches them where they already are, and sends a message they are receptive to. 4. PLACE  Last, but not least, place refers to the distribution methodologies employed to get the product into customer’s hands. Choices that need to be made include whether to invest in brick-and-mortar outlets or pursue online, mail-order, or call-center based sales. Place choices also cover your distribution strategy. Are you trying to get your products into the hands of anyone who wants it, or limiting it to an exclusive few? In sum, the four Ps are really asking some simple questions. What are you selling? How much are you charging for it? How are you informing people of your offering and enticing them to purchase it? And, how are you going to get the product to them if they do make a purchase? The Next Generation Today, several additions and alterations are competing to update McCarthy’s original four. Because service industries have grown rapidly since the 1960s an additional three Ps were added to better cover the marketing needs of service-centric companies. The 7Ps model includes the original four but adds: Physical Evidence, People, and Process: 5. PHYSICAL EVIDENCE Physical evidence (or physical environment) refers to the places where services are performed as well as the tangible things that serve as reminders that it took place (e.g. souvenirs, mementos, brochures, photographs, etc.). The place a service happens can have a big impact on how it is perceived. That means special care needs to be taken when considering facility choices such as equipment, furniture, accessibility, as well as signage, and ambient conditions like music, cleanliness, and air temperature.   6. PEOPLE Because services typically involve a human element ‘people’ are given their own category that covers the human actors that help deliver the service, interact with the customers, and form the public face of the company’s values. Choices in this area include staff recruitment and training practices, uniforms or dress codes, conversational scripts, and customer service procedures. 7. PROCESS The seventh P, process, describes how the service is delivered. It requires you to decide on a standardized system or a customizable one. It also involves monitoring and tracking performance (which itself requires developing key performance metrics). Conclusion There are numerous other models as well. Some separate the monitoring parts of the process category into its own heading as an eighth P, Performance. The Four Cs system (Consumer, Cost, Communication, and Convenience) is another system that is optimized specifically for B2C operations. But, regardless of the framework being employed, all it takes is for one miscalculation to ruin the whole thing. It doesn’t matter how easy it is to buy your product if know one knows about it. Likewise, it doesn’t matter how well you promote your product, if no one can find a place to get it. A well thought out and effective campaign is like a cake. You need the right ingredients in the right proportions. More ingredients means more complexity, but in the 21st century you need to master the time-tested fundamentals and the modern additions.   RELATED BLOGS: Importance of going Digital in Covid-19 Pandemic

Recruitment requires a lot of creativity these days. In a largely candidate-driven job market, recruiters need to be on its left, right, and center to find the talent their organization so desperately needs. That includes being aware of the current and rising trends in the recruitment land. Let’s start with a quick recap of what we saw in 2019 – the growing use of AI in recruitment, a stronger focus on diversity hiring, an expanding gig economy, chatbots… Some of these recruiting trends will still be relevant (perhaps even more so than last year) in 2019-20, but at the same time, the focus shifts onto several other parts of the recruitment landscape. In this article, we’ve selected 6 recruiting trends for 2020 we believe will shape recruitment this year. Some of them you may have heard of already, but we’re sure you’ll find at least a few you’ve missed and really should be aware of.   1. COLLABORATIVE HIRING There’s a reason why they say two heads are better than one. When it comes to recruitment, involving your entire team in the recruitment process can be of tremendous value. Just think of the potential that could come out of the combined (personal) networks of your team members, for example. This is one of the reasons we see an increase in employee referrals. Referred hires generally are (among other things) more productive, more engaged, and less likely to leave. Given the current market situation, it seems only natural for companies to increase their focus on collaborative hiring, even more, this year. The same thing goes for internal mobility programs. Although not that many organizations have a (well-developed) internal mobility culture and program in place yet, this can be a great way to meet skill shortages, decrease turnover and boost engagement. Did you know that referrals are one of the best sources of hires? 70% of companies offer Cash Referral Bonus for successful hires. How is your company supporting employee referrals?    2. GROWING IMPORTANCE OF RECRUITMENT MARKETING As we’ve said, 21st-century recruiters need all the help they can get to find the best candidates. This explains the rise in recruitment marketing solutions. Recruitment Marketing – also called the pre-applicant stage of talent acquisition – is the process of attracting and nurturing talent to your organization by marketing to them. Just like the main goal of traditional marketing is to drive individuals to buy a company’s product or service, the primary objective of recruitment marketing is to get people to apply to your organization’s job openings. We’ve already seen the use of certain marketing techniques in recruitment before. Now, however, companies increasingly turn to, let’s call them full-service recruitment marketing providers.   This means a recruitment marketing solution that helps organizations strengthen their employer brand, reach candidates on social media and optimize their career sites (of course, many other possibilities are depending on your company’s specific needs). To stick with the marketing jargon: this year, we’ll continue to see a transition from outbound to inbound recruitment.   3. AI Yes, there it is again, artificial intelligence. And yes, we know you’ve probably been inundated with AI-related content. However, applications of AI in recruitment will become even more widespread in 2019. This year, in one way or another, AI will become a must-have in the recruiter’s toolbox. From automated candidate sourcing, recovery, and matching, to hiring remote workers and creating customized employee value propositions, the number of different uses of AI in recruitment just keeps growing.   4. EMBRACING THE FLEXIBLE WORKFORCE For most organizations, their workforce already consists of a combination of full-timers, contractors, freelancers, and everything in-between. Independent workers like the fact that they can work anywhere they want, when they want and are often happier than ‘traditional’ employees Technology, of course, is a big enabler of this kind of freelance work: people can use their smartphones, have free internet available in a lot of (coffee) places, and freelance platforms like Upwork, PeoplePerHour and Fiverr match freelancers with projects. Especially when companies need to find skilled people urgently – and in an industry where talent is scarce – they’ll have to turn to freelancers, contractors, etc. to meet their needs. Especially when companies need to find skilled people urgently – and in an industry where talent is scarce – they’ll have to turn to freelancers, contractors, etc. to meet their needs.   5. A SHIFT FROM JOB DESCRIPTION BASED HIRING TO PROJECT BASED HIRING This is a result of several of the trends we’ve seen above, like the growing gig economy and the shift from experience-based hiring to hiring based on transferable & soft skills for instance. Both of these developments are likely to change the way organizations manage their projects. In a time where finding good full-time employees are hard and turnover often is high, it could make more sense to start hiring differently. Based on projects rather than job descriptions, for example. This has, among other things, the advantage of gathering those people who are the best in their field for each project. Instead of buying labor, organizations will be buying (and thus recruiting for) results.    6. TREND TO HIRE FRESHERS AND TRAIN THEM ACCORDING TO THE NEED They’ve been entering the global workforce for a while now, although so far, mainly in internship and entry-level positions. Slowly but surely though, Generation Z (the cohort that comes after the Millennials, born somewhere between the mid-’90s and the mid-2000s) is now finding its way into the workplace. If your knowledge about these Digital Natives is a little rusty, you might want to bring it up to speed again, because this year the recruitment of Gen Z will, without a doubt, accelerate. To succeed in recruitment in 2020, make sure to consider these points when creating your recruitment strategy.