Cisco has launched new solutions designed to simplify IT operations across on-premise data centers and multicloud environments, the company reported on Wednesday. The solutions will deliver greater scale and innovative application experiences.

“Today, Cisco is announcing IT platforms for multicloud operations that provide advanced insights and automation to help organizations transform faster," said Todd Nightingale, SVP and GM, Cisco Enterprise Networking and Cloud.

Cisco’s solutions will enable users to control their IT and operations by providing greater visibility from the application to the infrastructure. Cisco has launched Cisco Intersight to provide a hybrid cloud platform that connects private data centers to private clouds.

Cisco Nexus Dashboard is an automation platform to operate multicloud data center networks to drive the adoption of cloud-native application practices. Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) will simplify secure network access across all domains, extending the zero-trust workplace.

In addition, Cisco has announced new solutions to support governmental organizations with business resiliency efforts. Cisco’s solutions will enable justice and legislative systems to continue critical functions that support remote operations. 

Webex Legislate is a secure, purpose-built cloud solution that will extend Webex's built-in security and privacy capabilities. The new solution has met the specialized requirements of global legislatures.

These new solutions bring secure delivery of virtual government services across multiple platforms of previously disparate technology to provide greater efficiencies, reduce cost associated with travel and maintain public safety.

"The beauty of Cisco's courtroom technology, using Webex and the underlying secure infrastructure, is that the public now sees virtual courtrooms as a way to keep the wheels of justice turning, not only during Covid-19, but beyond," said Elkhart County Director of Information Technology Matthew Dietz. "For judges is it was easy to use and serves our citizens efficiently—allowing people to take a 15-minute break to attend a hearing instead of spending a half-day in court."

Accenture has announced that it will help Siemens Gamesa develop and implement a cloud-based human resources (HR) solution to support Siemens Gamesa’s HR operations, reduce operating costs and improve user experience, Accenture reported on Wednesday. 

“We are excited to work with Siemens Gamesa on this critical project to transform their HR capabilities and services, which are helping them become more efficient and differentiated in terms of their recruitment efforts,” said Patrick Vollmer, a managing director at Accenture and global client account lead for Siemens Gamesa.

As part of a multi-year agreement, Accenture will consolidate Siemens Gamesa’s HR functions to create a single integrated HR platform to portray the full employee lifecycle, including recruiting, onboarding, workforce administration, compensation, benefits, pre-payroll activities and performance management.

“We are transforming, standardizing and digitizing our HR processes while consolidating them into a single, unified global platform,” said Javier Fernandez-Combarro, Siemens Gamesa’s human resources director. “The program will help us drive consistency and efficiency in our HR operations — providing a better employee experience and increased service levels.”

Accenture will integrate a variety of technology tools, including Avature for candidate relationship management and Harqen to conduct video interviews. Accenture will operate and maintain the new platform.  

Eric Schaeffer, a senior managing director at Accenture who leads its Industrial practice globally, said, “Siemens Gamesa understands the value that high-quality streamlined HR services can provide to its workforce and its bottom line.”      

About Accenture

Accenture is a global professional services company with leading capabilities in digital, cloud and security. Combining unmatched experience and specialized skills across more than 40 industries, we offer Strategy and Consulting, Interactive, Technology and Operations services—all powered by the world’s largest network of Advanced Technology and Intelligent Operations centers. 

Our 506,000 people deliver on the promise of technology and human ingenuity every day, serving clients in more than 120 countries. We embrace the power of change to create value and shared success for our clients, people, shareholders, partners and communities.

Ajit Pai, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), told SpaceNews in an interview published Tuesday that FCC is in the process of reviewing comments from federal agencies and stakeholders in the private sector on the proposed orbital debris mitigation rules.

“With some of the new innovations in space it’s important to ensure that the orbital debris rules can protect the space environment,” Pai said. “What we’re looking to do is to strike a balance, as we do when it comes to terrestrial-based innovation, to encourage innovation in a reasonably safe way.”

He responded to a question about the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund and its use by some companies to help fund their broadband networks in low-Earth orbit.

“When it comes to RDOF, one of the things we tweaked compared to the Connect America Fund Phase 2 is that we are putting our thumb on the scale in favor of faster speeds and lower latency while still maintaining that principle of technological neutrality,” Pai said. “If any company, including the LEO constellation companies, want to compete at a certain service threshold and have demonstrated that they are able to do so, we want them to have a full and fair chance to compete.”

Pai discussed FCC’s preparation for the C-band auction in December and explained the commission’s ruling on Ligado Networks’ application.