Bentley Systems Announces the Acquisition of ACE enterprise Slovakia, Provider of Enterprise Software Interoperability

Extends scope of infrastructure engineering digital twins beyond IoT, to include IT




Dubai, 15 November 2018 - Bentley Systems Incorporated, the leading global provider of comprehensive software solutions for advancing the design, construction, and operations of infrastructure, today announced the acquisition of ACE enterprise Slovakia, provider of innovative technology solutions to interface with enterprise resource planning (ERP), enterprise asset management (EAM), and geographical information systems (GIS). ACE enterprise has been a technology partner of Bentley Systems, and the ACE Enterprise Platform is used for the Bentley AssetWise connector that is certified for both SAP ERP and SAP HANA.




Alexander Cimbalak, founder of ACE enterprise, said, “We have enjoyed our partnership with Bentley to provide enterprise connectors and are very excited to be part of Bentley and also now to enable Bentley’s digital twin cloud services to uniquely synchronize with infrastructure assets’ enterprise IT, OT, and ET data sources.”




Alan Kiraly, senior vice president, asset performance for Bentley Systems, said, “ACE enterprise has consistently overcome IT interoperability challenges for us at Bentley. Now, as colleagues, this talented team will enable us to continue to expand the scope and breadth of information that can be accessed through AssetWise and digitally aligned within infrastructure digital twins.”




About ACE enterprise Slovakia

ACE enterprise Slovakia is an innovative provider of interoperability and mobile solutions for industrial users. They have developed the ACE Enterprise Platform, which enables quick, visual development and configuration of interoperability solutions. ACE enterprise Slovakia has provided solutions to interface with ERP and EAM systems for automotive, manufacturing, mining, oil and gas, and utilities. The company was established in 2003 and is headquartered in Bratislava, Slovakia. www.ace-eprise.com




About Bentley Systems

Bentley Systems is the leading global provider of software solutions to engineers, architects, geospatial professionals, constructors, and owner-operators for the design, construction, and operations of infrastructure. Bentley’s MicroStation-based engineering and BIM applications, and its digital twin cloud services, advance the project delivery (ProjectWise) and the asset performance (AssetWise) of transportation and other public works, utilities, industrial and resources plants, and commercial and institutional facilities.




Bentley Systems employs more than 3,500 colleagues, generates annual revenues of $700 million in 170 countries, and has invested more than $1 billion in research, development, and acquisitions since 2012. From inception in 1984, the company has remained majority-owned by its five founding Bentley brothers. Bentley shares transact by invitation on the NASDAQ Private Market; strategic partner Siemens AG has accumulated a non-voting minority stake. www.bentley.com

Design International’s MAPIC spotlight: Physical in the age of digital

Design International, one of the world’s most prolific architects with a vast experience tailoring unique designs on a global scale to enhance the experience of the public believe that every design has its own individual story; bespoke spaces are created to trigger a unique experience for entire communities, residents and guests alike.




As an early creator of transformative retail architecture, Design International is at MAPIC exhibiting at booth P-1, N.2, to showcase the journey from retail to hospitality in the digital era and the importance of technology as both common denominator and driver of change in consumer behaviour.




The success of DI lies in the ability to shape a story that transforms the physical experience. For example, they were instrumental in the design of the first food courts in North America and Europe, some of which have been so successful that they continue to operate to this day.

Design International joins a new initiative this year, Space Vision, a collaborative group formed of Design International, Acqua Group, Dedem, and Spazio Futuro, who will join forces to create innovative and contemporary products of a high technical quality.






Recent research reports that show that online shopping continue to increase, however despite this trend retail stores still account for most of the sales. The challenge for the retailer is to understand how to attract the new digital customer to his store and present a place where the customer can experience a product as well as make a purchase.





At MAPIC, Design International will present a selection of their recent exemplary projects. These will include Ferrari Centro Stile, a recently opened project directed by the Ferrari Design team led by Arch. Flavio Manzoni and design in cooperation with Design International London studio, led by Arch Davide Padoa and with Planning engineering studio, Reem Towers in Dubai, with a promenade dedicated to dining and an innovative façade digital system; Izmir, the striking mixed-use centre that is a key landmark; and Linkong Mall in Shanghai with its minimalist and modern design which will provide a green and fresh haven for people to appreciate and encounter.



Dubai Tourism to Inaugurate ‘HITEC Dubai 2018’

HITEC Dubai 2018, the Middle East’s largest hospitality technology exhibition and conference, will be inaugurated by Dubai Tourism on 5th December 2018. The annual business-to-business (B2B) exhibition will give Middle East buyers, currently worth over USD 75 billion, access to the world’s leading technology solution providers and experts in the hospitality sector.

Commenting on the critical role technology is playing in driving tourism, Issam Kazim, CEO, Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM)stated, “Dubai is a global hub of innovation with the ongoing development of technology at the centre of our strategy. Disruptive technologies are creating new opportunities for our industry while reengineering the marketplace, and Dubai is at the forefront of capitalising on these emerging technologies to optimise travellers’ journey. We will continue our focus on harnessing the power of data to redefine the customer journey whilst strengthening developments of advanced technology solutions as we invest in entrepreneurship and environmental sustainability that sets a new benchmark for global travel. As such, we are delighted to support HITEC Dubai as the tourism sector continues to lead the way when it comes to evolving technology.”

Dubai Tourism is the destination partner for HITEC Dubai 2018 that will feature regional and international case studies, thought provoking panel discussions and technology demonstrations from 70+ solution and service providers. Co-produced by Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) and Naseba, the two-day trade show will be held on 5th and 6th December 2018 at the Madinat Jumeirah Dubai.

Frank Wolfe CAE, CEO of HFTP, said: “It’s an honour to receive DTCM’s endorsement to HITEC Dubai for the second consecutive year and have their CEO Mr. Issam Kazim lead the show’s official opening ceremony. DTCM’s support reemphasizes the government’s commitment to transform the hospitality industry through proactive adoption of innovative and intuitive technology, and further position the UAE as a regional driver of innovation.”

Few industries have felt the impact of enabling technology like hospitality. HITEC Dubai’s Advisory Council Chairperson Laurent A. Voivenel, Senior Vice President, Operations and Development for the Middle East, Africa and India for Swiss-Belhotel International, said, “Technology holds the key to a more advanced, sustainable and smart future which is revolutionising the hospitality sector like every other industry. Tech-savvy tourists are demanding more from hotels and therefore it is essential to give them the enhanced experiences they crave. Internet of Things, Cloud Technology, Virtual Reality, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Blockchain, etc are all paving the way for the future of technology in the hospitality sector and HITEC Dubai will give be a great platform to see the latest developments transforming our industry.”

دبي للسياحة تفتتح في الخامس من الشهر القادم "هايتك دبي 2018" 

من المقرر أن تفتتح دبي للسياحة في الخامس من ديسمبر (كانون الأول) 2018 مؤتمر ومعرض تكنولوجيا صناعة الضيافة "هايتك دبي 2018"، العلامة التجارية الأشهر لمؤتمرات ومعارض تكنولوجيا صناعة الضيافة على مستوى الشرق الأوسط. وسيتيح معرض التبادل التجاري هذا والذي يقام بشكل سنوي للمشترين من سوق السياحة والضيافة في الشرق الأوسط، والذي تصل قيمته إلى ما يزيد عن 75 مليار دولار أمريكي، فرصة مثالية للتعرف على الشركات والمؤسسات الرائدة ذات الخبرة العالمية في توفير الحلول التكنولوجية في قطاع الضيافة. 

وتعليقاً على الدور الحاسم الذي تلعبه التكنولوجيا في تعزيز قطاع السياحة، قال السيد عصام كاظم، الرئيس التنفيذي لدائرة السياحة والتسويق التجاري بدبي: "تعد إمارة دبي مركزاً عالمياً للابتكار، وتأتي التطورات المستمرة في مجال التكنولوجيا في صميم استراتيجيتنا، لا سيما وأن التقنيات التكنولوجية الناشئة تسهم في خلق فرص جديدة لصناعتنا وفي الوقت ذاته إعادة هيكلة السوق. وتأتي دبي في طليعة المدن التي تعمل على الاستفادة من هذه التقنيات الناشئة بهدف تحسين رحلات المسافرين على النحو الأمثل. وسنستمر في تركيزنا على تسخير قدرة تكنولوجيا المعلومات بهدف تقديم مفهوم جديد لرحلة العملاء وفي الوقت ذاته تعزيز التطورات الحاصلة في الحلول المتقدمة لتكنولوجيا المعلومات، إلى جانب استثمارنا في ريادة الأعمال والاستدامة البيئية من أجل وضع معيار جديد للسفر العالمي. وبهذا يسرنا أن نقدم الدعم لمؤتمر ومعرض تكنولوجيا صناعة الضيافة "هايتك دبي" حيث يواصل قطاع السياحة جني ثمار التكنولوجيا الناشئة".

وستكون دبي للسياحة شريك الوجهة السياحية لمؤتمر ومعرض تكنولوجيا صناعة الضيافة "هايتك دبي 2018"، والذي يتميز بتقديم أكثر من 70 من مجهزي الحلول والخدمات لدراسات حالة إقليمية وعالمية، بالإضافة إلى حلقات نقاش محفزة على التفكير وعروض تقديمية حول آخر التطورات التكنولوجية. وسوف يُقام المعرض التجاري الذي يستمر على مدار يومين في الخامس والسادس من ديسمبر (كانون الأول) 2018 في مدينة جميرا بإمارة دبي، بتنظيم وإشراف مشترك من قبل شركتي هوسبيتاليتي فايننشال آند تكنولوجي بروفيشنالز (HFTP) وشركة ناسيبا. 

وبهذه المناسبة، تحدث السيد فرانك وولف، الرئيس التنفيذي لشركة هوسبيتاليتي فايننشال آند تكنولوجي بروفيشنالز، قائلاً: "نحن ممتنون للغاية لدائرة السياحة والتسويق التجاري بدبي على دعمها لمؤتمر ومعرض تكنولوجيا صناعة الضيافة "هايتك دبي" للسنة الثانية على التوالي، وسعداء بأن يتولى رئيسها التنفيذي، السيد عصام كاظم، الافتتاح الرسمي للمعرض. ويأتي دعم دائرة السياحة والتسويق التجاري بدبي تأكيداً على التزام الحكومة بإحداث تحول جذري في صناعة السياحة عبر الاعتماد بشكل استباقي على التكنولوجيا الابتكارية والبديهية، وبتعزيز مكانة الإمارات العربية المتحدة بوصفها محركاً إقليمياً للابتكار".

يذكر أن التطورات التكنولوجية كان لها الأثر الأكبر على صناعة الضيافة. وتعليقاً على ذلك، قال السيد لوران ايه. فوافنيل، رئيس المجلس الاستشاري لمؤتمر "هايتك دبي" ونائب الرئيس الأول للعمليات والتطوير في الشرق الأوسط وأفريقيا والهند في شركة سويس-بلهوتيل انترناشيونال: "التكنولوجيا تمتلك المفتاح لمستقبل أكثر تقدماً واستدامة وذكاء، مستقبل يسهم في إحداث تغيير جذري في قطاع الضيافة مثل أي صناعة أخرى. وحيث أن السياح المحنكين تكنولوجياً يتوقعون المزيد من الخدمات من الفنادق، فقد أصبح من الضروري أن نمنحهم الخبرات المثلى التي يتوقون إلى تجربتها. وتسهم التقنيات التكنولوجية من قبيل إنترنت الأشياء والتكنولوجيا السحابية والواقع الافتراضي والذكاء الاصطناعي والروبوتات وتقنية كتل البيانات المتسلسلة في تمهيد الطريق لاحتضان قطاع الضيافة لمستقبل تكنولوجي واعد، ولذا سيكون مؤتمر ومعرض تكنولوجيا صناعة الضيافة "هايتك دبي" منصة مثالية للاطلاع على أحدث التطورات التي تفضي إلى إحداث تحول غير مسبوق في صناعتنا".

THE RITZ-CARLTON RAS AL KHAIMAH, AL WADI DESERT AND THE RITZ-CARLTON, RAS AL KHAIMAH, AL HAMRA BEACH LAUNCH THANKSGIVING AND FESTIVE OFFERINGS

Experience signature festivities in the heart of the desert or dine at home with the help of the hotel’s legendary Ladies and Gentlemen




Ras Al Khaimah – 15 November 2018 – With Thanksgiving and the festive season approaching, The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert and The Ritz-Carlton, Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach is ready to help make this festive season a memorable one.




Whether guests chose to dine at home or in illustrious The Ritz-Carlton style, the hotel’s team of culinary experts are ready to craft a celebration like no other. Join in the festive spirit with family and friends over a luxury afternoon high tea at the iconic Farmhouse restaurant, or celebrate the season and order a turkey-to-go to the comfort of your own home.




Give thanks with a thoughtfully prepared turkey

This holiday season, The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert and Al Hamra Beach will be transformed into a stylish Arabian retreat designed to help guests create unforgettable #RCmemories. From a signature festive afternoon tea, to celebratory gala dinners at the iconic Farmhouse and Shore House restaurants, to a traditional supper under the stars, there is something for the whole family.




Take the stress out of preparing a Thanksgiving or festive feast by pre-ordering a turkey with The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach. Prepare ahead of time by ordering an extravagantly prepared roast turkey served with all the trimmings prepared by the hotel’s team of talented chefs. Accompaniments include apple, celery and chestnut stuffing, market vegetables, mash potato, roasted maple glazed carrot and turnip, with cranberry sauce and gravy.








Priced from AED799 for a roasted 8-10kg turkey and accompaniments, suitable for 10-12 guests. Available for collection between 24 November until 25 December 2018. Please order 48 hours in advance via +971 7 206 777




Festive high team at Farmhouse

As the festive season approaches, guests are encouraged to treat themselves to much-earned relaxation with The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert’s exquisite afternoon high tea at the iconic Farmhouse restaurant. The mouth-watering assortment of cinnamon flavored scones, mini yule logs, festive stollen, foie gras terrine and flavoursome mince pies are ideal for a festive treat.




The festive afternoon tea is served between 24 November and 25 December 2018, daily from 2.00pm to 5.00pm. AED 160 inclusive of Festive Afternoon High Tea and a choice of hot beverage,

AED 260 per person, inclusive of Festive Afternoon High Tea, a choice of hot beverage and two glasses of sparkling drinks.




Christmas Day in the desert

This is a day for love, laughter, family and feasts so treat yourself and your loved ones to The Ritz-Carlton, Al Wadi’s lavish Christmas Day! Guests will be spoiled for choice with a festive lunch and dinner celebrations. Choose from sitting and enjoying the magic in the beautiful Kaheela restaurant or at Farmhouse complete with the scenic views of the magnificent Arabian Desert. Feast on all the festive favourites, as you sip on sophisticated beverages. Don’t worry about the little ones, Santa and his helpers are on hand to keep them entertained with fun activities and special surprises. There is even entertainment from a live duo jazz band.




Tuesday 25 December 2018 from12.30pm to 4.00pm. AED 295 per person inclusive of festive buffet and soft beverages, AED 395 per person, inclusive of festive buffet and unlimited house beverages




Christmas Day Brunch at Shore House

Enjoy an opulent brunch at Shore House with seasonal décor, live musical entertainment, kids play area, carols and an appearance by Santa Claus. Menu highlights include fresh seafood, sushi, sashimi, ceviche, caviar service, traditional turkey along with the trimmings and a decadent sweet station.




Tuesday 25 December 2018 from 1.00pm to 4.00pm. AED 395 per person, inclusive of soft beverages and a glass of sparkling, AED495 per person, inclusive of free flow of house beverages and sparkling. Christmas brunch attendees can enjoy additional two hours of house beverages from 4.30pm to 6.30pm for AED 150 per person. Entertainment will include a live saxophonist and kids face painting. A complimentary boat transfer is available to and from the Marina.




NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATIONS




Gala Buffet at Kaheela

Round off the year with a culinary journey and indulge in an extensive dinner at The Ritz-Carlton, Al Wadi Desert, while a live duo jazz band accompanies your meal with soothing music.




Monday 31 December 2018 from 8.00pm to 11.30pm. AED 650 per person, inclusive of gala dinner buffet and soft beverages, AED 850 per person, inclusive of gala dinner buffet and house beverages, AED 250 per child age 6 to 12 years (children under 6 years old dine complimentary).




Gala Dinner at Farmhouse

A rustic and refined ambiance is the key to a sophisticated New Year celebration. With The Ritz-Carlton, Al Wad’s saxophonist, DJ tunes and a sumptuous family-style gala dinner carefully prepared by the exclusive culinary team of experts, this is sure to be an evening to remember at Farmhouse.




Monday 31 December 2018 from 8.00pm to 11.30pm. The celebration will continue at the countdown party with a sparkling toast. AED 1,999 per person, inclusive of family-style gala dinner and free flow of premium beverages including sparkling drinks, AED 999 per person, inclusive of family style gala dinner and free flow of soft beverages, AED 499 per child age 6 to 12 years (children under 6 years old dine complimentary).




Gala Dinner at Shore House

Ring in the New Year at Al Hamra Beach and enjoy a sumptuous buffet including live oyster stations, seafood, caviar service, beverage stations and more. An exhilarating live band will entertain guests while they witness the magnificent world record fireworks at Al Hamra Beach.




Monday 31 December from 8.00pm to 1.00am. AED 1,999 per person, inclusive of gala dinner buffet and free flow of premium beverages including sparkling drinks.




Advanced reservations are required for all bookings, subject to availability. Early bird bookings before 10 December will receive 20 percent off per person.




For more information or for reservations please visit www.ritzcarlton.com or call 07 207 7777.

Sophos 2019 Threat Report: Unveils the rise of the hand-delivered, targeted cyberattacks as criminals stalk victims to bank millions

Sophos (LSE: SOPH) today launched its 2019 Threat Report providing insights into emerging and evolving cybersecurity trends. The report, produced by SophosLabs researchers, explores changes in the threat landscape over the past 12 months, uncovering trends and how they are expected to impact cybersecurity in 2019.

“The threat landscape is undoubtedly evolving; less skilled cyber criminals are being forced out of business, the fittest among them step up their game to survive and we’ll eventually be left with fewer, but smarter and stronger, adversaries. These new cybercriminals are effectively a cross-breed of the once esoteric, targeted attacker, and the pedestrian purveyor of off-the-shelf malware, using manual hacking techniques, not for espionage or sabotage, but to maintain their dishonorable income streams.” - Joe Levy, CTO, Sophos, as referenced in the SophosLabs 2019 Threat Report.

The SophosLabs 2019 Threat Report focuses on these key cybercriminal behaviors and attacks:

· Capitalist cybercriminals are turning to targeted ransomware attacks that are premeditated and reaping millions of dollars in ransom - 2018 saw the advancement of hand-delivered, targeted ransomware attacks that are earning cybercriminals millions of dollars. These attacks are different than ‘spray and pray’ style attacks that are automatically distributed through millions of emails. Targeted ransomware is more damaging than if delivered from a bot, as human attackers can find and stake out victims, think laterally, trouble shoot to overcome roadblocks, and wipe out back-ups so the ransom must be paid. This “interactive attack style,” where adversaries manually maneuver through a network step-by-step, is now increasing in popularity. Sophos experts believe the financial success of SamSam, BitPaymer and Dharma to inspire copycat attacks and expect more happen in 2019.



· Cybercriminals are using readily available Windows systems administration tools- This year’s report uncovers a shift in threat execution, as more mainstream attackers now employ Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) techniques to use readily available IT tools as their route to advance through a system and complete their mission – whether it’s to steal sensitive information off the server or drop ransomware:
Turning admin tools into cyberattack tools
In an ironic twist, or Cyber Catch-22, cybercriminals are utilizing essential or built-in Windows IT admin tools, including Powershell files and Windows Scripting executables, to deploy malware attacks on users.
Cybercriminals are playing Digital Dominos
By chaining together a sequence of different script types that execute an attack at the end of the event series, hackers can instigate a chain reaction before IT managers detect a threat is operational on the network, and once they break in it’s difficult to stop the payload from executing.
Cybercriminals have adopted newer Office exploits to lure in victims

Office exploits have long been an attack vector, but recently cybercriminals have cut loose old Office document exploits in favor of newer ones.
EternalBlue becomes a key tool for cryptojacking attacks

Patching updates appeared for this Windows threat more than a year ago, yet the EternalBlue exploit is still a favorite of cybercriminals; the coupling of EternalBlue to cryptomining software turned the activity from a nuisance hobby into a potentially lucrative criminal career. Lateral distribution on the corporate networks allowed the cryptojacker to quickly infect multiple machines, increasing payouts to the hacker and heavy costs to the user.



· The continued threat of mobile and IoT malware – Malware’s impact extends beyond the organization’s infrastructure as we see the threat from mobile malware grow apace. With illegal Android apps on the increase, 2018 has seen an increased focus in malware being pushed to phones, tablets and other IoT devices. As homes and businesses adopt more internet-connected devices, criminals have been devising new ways to hijack those devices to use as nodes in huge botnet attacks. In 2018, VPNFilter demonstrated the destructive power of weaponized malware that affects embedded systems and networked devices that have no obvious user interface. Elsewhere, Mirai Aidra, Wifatch, and Gafgyt delivered a range of automated attacks that hijacked networked devices to use as nodes in botnets to engage in distributed denial-of-service attacks, mine cryptocurrency and infiltrate networks.