Data and Digital Insights: Simple and Clear

Welcome to a series of brief articles touching on data
and digital topics. I will be presenting different topics in “plain and simple English.” I subscribe to the “simplicity
is the ultimate sophistication” principle. So, I will do my
best to keep things simple and basic.

Commence Nkomo
Chief Data & Analytics Architect

AI and Data Analytics: A Powerful Partnership.

In line with our commitment to the security and well-being of our community, we highly encourage you to join us in this initiative. Opting in for MFA will not only protect your personal information, but will also play a vital role in maintaining a more secure digital environment.We will soon share further details on how to opt in and navigate this new security feature. We welcome your enthusiasm and participation in embracing MFA for a safer digital experience at the NWU.

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Exposing the AI Hype: When Marketing Meets Misleading Tech

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AI is one of the most abused terms in our day. One of the secrets to successfully market products or services that people discovered around 2019 is: take the worst idea one can think of and add the phrase “with AI.” It will sell. I can sell you “goat milk… with AI.” [Hey, am not promoting the practice… just illustrating J.] I remember I once had a recurring plumbing situation at my place some few years back. One of the plumbing companies that I contracted had claimed that they had some cameras and AI software that could analyse my pipes and recommend a very comprehensive solution. You will understand when I say Sad to say it was money that went down the drain for me… they had no AI solution, not even a single camera!

AI Simplified: Teaching Machines to Think
and Solve Like Humans,

So, put simply, AI is a branch of computer science that is focused on programming computers to create intelligent machines capable of solving problems and performing tasks that would typically require human intelligence. As an example, AI can see patterns in big data that would take humans weeks or months. Such capabilities are created and trained by humans at the onset until the models have been trained well enough that they can perform the tasks and make decisions on their own. It's like teaching a Grade 1 child. At first, it's difficult, but with homework, practice, and adult supervision, the pupil learns. Eventually 5 + 3 becomes 8 and it's automatic, without thought or time.

Keep looking out for the next editions – and you'll be the smartest person at the dinner table or at least know your facts about data and the digital world. Let me conclude by saying: No matter where you stand in the spectrum of thoughts and opinions, AI will have a place in our world, so let's clinch the opportunities it presents us and make sure it's used for social and business good for generations to come. Stay Digi-Data connected!