Enabling data-driven governments

Issue 9 2020 Editor's Choice

Across the globe, governments are exploring ways to use data to improve the life of citizens, increase efficiency of operations, and create more innovative business models. Gathering, accessing and analysing data can assist governments with insight to implement strategies, monitor the impact of those policies, and ensure a safe living and working environment, while data can also assist in delivering proactive services to the public.

Aruba is focused on creating intelligent network solutions that deliver the innovation and flexibility to power this next generation of data-driven, real-time applications.

Enhancing the citizen experience

Artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and other emerging technologies automate and streamline processes, monitor workflows and connect citizens digitally to government agencies, for improved citizen experience, where data analytics from cloud-based network software can offer actionable insights for increased operational efficiency.

Analytics from data gathered from a variety of sources, including citizens themselves, can help to enhance daily life. For example, sensors can alert citizens to a change in air quality or traffic congestion. Insight from this data can then be used by governments to plan infrastructure improvements or prioritise projects for urban change, and in turn create employment and ensure a more sustainable environment for the future.

In terms of public security, AI, cameras and sensors, along with data analytics, can improve safety for real-time surveillance and emergency response. Security forces can draw on real-time data and predictive analytics to help police and military officers make more informed decisions while on patrol.

Remote sensing data from satellites and ground-based sensors can also provide a wealth of real-time information to actively monitor public utilities to reduce waste and costs, and ensure service delivery. In Kenya, remote sensors use predictive technology at water pumps in rural areas to alert local governments of problems in real time, so that they can plan and respond efficiently. Data-driven analytics based on municipal consumption patterns can encourage citizens to manage their own usage of utilities, where notifications warn of overconsumption. This can also help governments to balance the supply of utilities with the actual need, reducing wastage.

Secure and efficient networking capabilities

These real-time applications have to have the capability to receive, analyse and communicate huge amounts of data, and achieving this requires powerful computing and an intelligent edge network, which offers a flexible, highly reliable connection to cloud services, such as Aruba Central. If the network connecting the sensors or devices goes down, a local computer, storage and resources can keep the devices working until the cloud connection re-establishes. Safety and efficiency is therefore not compromised.

Many governments require the separation of open networks from classified networks but while sharing the same physical access point. With MultiZone, a capability of the ArubaOS v8 operating system, government IT can create separate zones to allow multiple data classifications to share the same network infrastructure, but with appropriate levels of control. This control can be managed by Aruba ClearPass, which simplifies role-based access controls across wired and wireless networks for a unified approach.

Enabling safe operations from anywhere

There’s an increasing move by governments to develop smart cities, built on a foundation of sensors, data analytics and intelligent edge networks, to enhance operations and conserve resources, and connect with citizens and businesses in new ways. For example, automated building management systems can be used in public spaces to control lighting and temperature to maximise comfort, save energy and lower operational costs.

As government agencies are exploring IoT to increase efficiency and safety of smart cities, it’s important that the network on which the IoT is built is secure. An intelligent network can handle encryption for these devices, ensuring the integrity of communications, detect suspicious activity through analytics, and respond timeously to limit the spread of a cyber-attack.

This enhanced cybersecurity can be applied to the workplace, particularly as the coronavirus has accelerated the need for a smartly re-imagined working environment. Employees in both the public sector and private sector are no longer office-bound but can operate anywhere using a number of devices, which makes them more vulnerable to threats.

Aruba Central is an economically viable cloud-managed network, which can deliver secure network services in new locations, whether to support work-from-home or government operations. Aruba SD-WAN solutions allow IT teams to quickly optimise connectivity across a hybrid WAN of Internet, MPLS, and cellular in far-reaching locations, without waiting for service providers. These systems are integrated with Aruba 360 security exchange technology, which delivers cloud-based firewall and threat protection.

New business models

As public-private ecosystems around key areas such as health care, transportation, and education, are increasingly driving dynamic and collaborative networks, government data-driven applications can be used by other stakeholders. Many businesses depend on government data to guide business investments, create new products, and encourage innovation.

Aruba’s cloud solutions can help in the creation of an open platform for collaboration between the private and public sectors. These solutions provide storage capacity needed for new initiatives with easy access to data, while resolving security and compliance issues. Cloud can also help to cut costs significantly by enabling computing power and additional services to be purchased as needed, with scaling of resources up or down to support fast reaction to changing demands.

Data-driven applications can provide governments with the ability to make informed decisions to benefit citizens and economies. Through optimising solutions offered by Aruba, governments can leverage data securely, increase efficiency in operations and services, and encourage innovation for a better future.




Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page



Further reading:

Making drone security more accessible
Editor's Choice Integrated Solutions Residential Estate (Industry) AI & Data Analytics IoT & Automation
Michael Lever discusses advances in drone technology, focusing on cost reductions and the implementation of automated services, including beyond line of sight capabilities, for residential estates with SMART Security Solutions.

Read more...
Private fire services becoming the norm?
Technews Publishing SMART Security Solutions Editor's Choice
As the infrastructure and service delivery in many of South Africa’s major cities decline, with a few, limited exceptions, more of the work that should be done by the state has fallen to private companies.

Read more...
View from the trenches
Technews Publishing SMART Security Solutions Editor's Choice Integrated Solutions Security Services & Risk Management Residential Estate (Industry)
There are many great options available to estates for effectively managing their security and operations, but those in the trenches are often limited by body corporate/HOA budget restrictions and misunderstandings.

Read more...
SMART Estate Security Conference KZN 2025
Arteco Global Africa OneSpace Technologies SMART Security Solutions Technews Publishing Editor's Choice Integrated Solutions Security Services & Risk Management Residential Estate (Industry)
May 2025 saw the SMART Security Solutions team heading off to Durban for our annual Estate Security Conference, once again hosted at the Mount Edgecombe Country Club.

Read more...
Get the AI fundamentals right
Leaderware Editor's Choice Surveillance AI & Data Analytics
Much of the marketing for CCTV AI detection implies the client can just drop the AI into their existing systems and operations, and they will be detecting all criminals and be far more efficient when doing it.

Read more...
SMART Surveillance Conference in Johannesburg
Arteco Global Africa Technews Publishing SMART Security Solutions Axis Communications SA neaMetrics Editor's Choice Surveillance Security Services & Risk Management Logistics (Industry) AI & Data Analytics
SMART Security Solutions hosted its annual SMART Surveillance Conference in Johannesburg in July, welcoming several guests, sponsors, and speakers for an informative and enjoyable day examining the evolution of the surveillance market.

Read more...
South African fire standards in a nutshell
Fire & Safety Editor's Choice Training & Education
The importance of compliant fire detection systems and proper fire protection cannot be overstated, especially for businesses. Statistics reveal that 44% of businesses fail to reopen after a fire.

Read more...
LidarVision for substation security
Fire & Safety Government and Parastatal (Industry) Editor's Choice
EG.D supplies electricity to 2,7 million people in the southern regions of the Czech Republic, on the borders of Austria and Germany. The company operates and maintains infrastructure, including power lines and high-voltage transformer substations.

Read more...
Standards for fire detection
Fire & Safety Associations Editor's Choice
In previous articles in the series on fire standards, Nick Collins discussed SANS 10400-T and SANS 10139. In this editorial, he continues with SANS 322 – Fire Detection and Alarm Systems for Hospitals.

Read more...
Wildfires: a growing global threat
Editor's Choice Fire & Safety
Regulatory challenges and litigation related to wildfire liabilities are on the rise, necessitating robust risk management strategies and well-documented wildfire management plans. Technological innovations are enhancing detection and suppression capabilities.

Read more...










While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd. | All Rights Reserved.