Brands: SNS Network

A powerful AI computing solution for enterprises, by this M’sian biz with NVIDIA & Dell

[This is a sponsored article with SNS Network.]

I think that it’s safe to say that we’re all pretty familiar with the term “artificial intelligence” or “AI” at this point.

It’s a technology that saw explosive growth in 2023 with the development of generative AI models such as ChatGPT, and it has only gained momentum since.

Come 2030, the industry is expected to contribute an estimated US$15.7 trillion to the global economy.

But as convenient as the technology can make things, incorporating it into business models can prove tricky in more ways than one.

Training AI models effectively requires immense computational power, making GPUs more or less essential for handling vast amounts of data. 

Originally designed for digital image processing and computer graphics, GPUs have evolved into the backbone of AI workloads due to their parallel processing capabilities. 

The challenge for businesses, then, often comes in the form of the high cost of acquiring and maintaining these similarly high-performance GPUs.

And that’s where a GPU-as-a-Service, or GPUaaS, comes in.

Breaking ground without breaking bank

A GPUaaS can essentially be described as a service that allows businesses to “rent” powerful GPUs via the cloud.

This is especially important for businesses looking to adopt AI, because they operate on a pay-as-you-use model.

Organisations can align their expenses with how much they’ll actually be using the GPU without having to overcommit one way or the other.

Meaning, they can scale up when workload is high, or scale down during lower-demand periods, giving businesses the freedom to experiment.

Having a GPUaaS also means having access to a ready-to-use AI-optimised infrastructure, eliminating the complexities of procurement and setup. This extends to re-equipping themselves with the latest GPU technologies, removing the need to spend more money on upgrading pre-existing equipment.

SNS Network, a local ICT reseller, told Vulcan Post that it launched its own GPUaaS, SNS AI Factory, to bridge the AI infrastructure gap and accelerate AI adoption across industries in Malaysia.

In partnership with giants

Named SNS AI Factory, SNS Network’s GPUaaS is powered by NVIDIA’s H100 GPUs, which is said to be a first for local GPUaaS platforms.

For those not in the know, the particular significance of this is that NVIDIA is the market leader when it comes to GPUs, the beating heart of AI technology.

Their H100 is the company’s first GPU specifically optimised for machine learning, and was noted by the World Economic Forum to be the “most powerful GPU chip on the market” at the time of release.

The SNS AI Factory also provides users with full exclusive access to NVIDIA AI Enterprise (NVAIE), a software suite equipped with tools that aid in the development and deployment of AI.

This includes NeMo which can be used to fine-tune generative AIs and language-learning models as well as AI blueprints which offer pre-configured workflows for “rapid” AI implementation.

These systems bridge the skill gap required to set up AI, allowing organisations to focus on actually using it.

Additionally, SNS Network is also a Dell Technologies Titanium Partner, giving the company priority access to Dell Technologies’ latest AI-optimised hardware.

This includes Dell PowerEdge servers, which SNS AI Factory is built on.

“Being a Titanium Partner also means direct engagement with Dell Technologies’ technical and engineering teams, enabling us to design and deploy solutions based on validated architectures that meet the highest industry standards,” said the company.

“Through this partnership, SNS Network can offer tailored AI solutions with flexible financing and enterprise-level support, making AI adoption easier and more cost-effective for Malaysian businesses.”

In healthcare, for instance, SNS Network notes that GPUaaS can be utilised for accelerating medical imaging analyses, drug discovery, as well as personalising treatment plans.

Financial institutions meanwhile can leverage GPUaaS for fraud detection, risk analysis, and real-time trading strategies.

The manufacturing sector benefits by having AI-powered predictive maintenance and process optimisation, improving productivity.

Under lock & key

But those benefits aside, a major concern when it comes to cloud services like a GPUaaS is what’s known as “data sovereignty.”

Essentially, it means that data originating from a certain country is subject to the laws and regulations of said country. The government thus reserves the right to regulate the collection, storage, processing, and distribution of data originating from home soil.

Utilising the services of foreign cloud providers comes with the risk of clashing with data sovereignty regulations on top of being a security concern.

This is especially the case for heavily regulated industries that deal with sensitive data such as the financial, healthcare, and public sectors.

SNS AI Factory ensures complete data sovereignty by having its servers hosted in Malaysia, fully managed by a Malaysian company.

Their AI infrastructure is deployed in a Tier-III certified data centre in Cyberjaya, featuring end-to-end encryption. And this too, of course, is run by a Malaysian operator.

Fun fact: Data centres are rated in four tiers according to the reliability of their infrastructure, Tier I being the worst and Tier IV being the best. A Tier III data centre notably does not require a complete system shutdown for maintenance and can continue operating for at least 72 hours in the event of a power outage. Read more about it here.

“Our collaborations with government agencies such as MDEC and NAIO reinforce our commitment to providing a trusted AI ecosystem for Malaysian businesses,” they shared.

“By keeping AI workloads and data processing local, SNS Network ensures that enterprises can innovate with AI without exposing their data to foreign jurisdictions, aligning with national AI goals while safeguarding digital sovereignty.”

Paving the way

The long-term vision for SNS Network with their GPUaaS is to position Malaysia as a regional lead in the field of AI.

To that end, their aforementioned collaborations with MDEC and NAIO will see SNS Network facilitate various AI adoption programs for businesses of all sizes. 

This includes bootcamps, hackathons, and industry-specific initiatives, providing Malaysians with “the necessary resources, guidance, and funding support to explore and scale their AI capabilities,” SNS Network explained.

“With flexible subscription models tailored for startups, SMEs, and large enterprises, SNS AI Factory’s GPUaaS aligns with Malaysia’s National AI Roadmap to accelerate AI-driven transformation and strengthen the country’s position in the global digital economy.”

If what the trusted and authorised reseller has to offer interests you, then you can register your interest through their Microsoft Form here.

You can also follow SNS Network’s Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for the latest info on what they have in store.

• Learn more about SNS AI Factory here.
• Read other articles we’ve written about Malaysian startups here.

Also Read: This HP smart printer proves that M’sian SMEs don’t have to break the bank for reliability

Featured Image Credit: SNS Network

What makes these Intel AI-powered PCs suitable for businesses looking to boost efficiency

[This is a sponsored article with SNS Network.]

Staying ahead in today’s fast-paced business world often means leveraging the latest technology to streamline operations and enhance productivity. 

Yet, many businesses still struggle with computers that are sluggish, prone to security threats, and unable to keep up with the increasing demands of a dynamic work environment. 

These challenges can hamper efficiency, cause frustration, and even put sensitive data at risk.

To combat these challenges, AI-powered computers, such as the JOI® Work PCs equipped with Intel® technology, offer a promising solution. 

These advanced machines are engineered with intelligent features tailored to address the specific needs of the modern workplace. 

In collaboration with SNS Network, a local IT solutions provider, we explore the benefits of integrating AI-powered PCs into various business operations.

1. Optimised performance

Nowadays, our dependency on cloud-based large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT or Bard is significant for various functions. Although their outputs are beneficial, they often lack specificity as they are developed using broadly accessible public datasets.

On the other hand, AI-enabled computers, such as the JOI® Work PCs, possess the capability to scrutinise data and deliver insights that facilitate informed decision-making within the commercial sphere.

That means AI PCs can provide personalised responses based on your previous work and preferences, especially when paired with Intel® Arc™ applications like AI Playground. 

By using such powerful software, the computer can intuitively understand your needs and offer more relevant suggestions when it comes to learning, creating, and enhancing your creative work.

This might be helpful to marketing or sales teams, as they can use these capabilities to quickly analyse customer data to segment audiences, personalise marketing messages, and predict the effectiveness of campaigns.

2. Lower latency

AI PCs are specifically engineered to enhance the performance of AI and machine learning workloads. This specialised design enables quicker and more streamlined processing of intricate AI operations, thereby decreasing the need for cloud-based computing and cutting down on latency.

AI computers can also manage and allocate system resources more efficiently, ensuring smooth performance even under heavy loads.

JOI® Work PCs come with the Intel® Core™ Processor which works with the Intel® ARC™ Graphics simultaneously for seamless AI processing.

This means those who work with large datasets can use AI tools for data analysis, pattern recognition, and visualisation, with the GPU accelerating computations for quicker insights.

This would be beneficial to programmers running multiple virtual machines and intensive development environments, for example. They can experience seamless performance, enabling them to work more effectively without system slowdowns or downtimes.

3. Heightened collaboration 

AI computers like the JOI® Work PCs come with a special technology called Intel® Deep Link Technology, which is part of the tools under Intel® Adaptix. This technology is found in Intel® Iris® Xᵉ Graphics and helps make the computer’s performance better.

In simple terms, Deep Link Technology allows the different parts of the computer’s graphics system to work together more smoothly.

This teamwork enables features like faster video processing (Hyper Encode), better performance for complex tasks (Hyper Compute), smart power usage (Power Share), and improved applications using AI.

This might be helpful to content creation or game-developing teams, as they can use these capabilities to quickly export and maximise their creative momentum, making workflows more efficient.

4. Cost-effective

Ultimately, AI PCs can be more cost-effective for businesses by optimising data analysis and creative workflows from the use of dedicated AI-powered software.

These efficiencies lower operational costs and increase productivity, providing a significant return on investment.

Furthermore, AI PCs are less reliant on cloud computing and storage fees for AI workloads than traditional PCs would demand in a business setting. This can also make them more cost-effective in the long run. 

Ultimately, AI PCs represent a fundamental shift in how our computers operate. 

It’s not a solution to a problem that didn’t exist before. Instead, it promises to be a huge improvement for everyday PC usage.

Offered in four variants, the Intel®-powered JOI® Work PCs are priced between RM3,699 to RM5,899 depending on the specs chosen:

By incorporating AI capabilities, AI PCs not only meet the essential requirements of business PCs but also provide enhanced performance, security, and user experience, making them a worthy choice for modern workplaces. 

• Get the JOI Work PCs here.
• Read about other tech-related articles we’ve written here.

Also Read: 5 ways this UK uni in Johor gives students real-world training to prepare for their future careers

Featured Image Credit: SNS Network

3 GenAI use cases with the potential to take off in M’sia, based on global examples

[This is a sponsored article with SNS Network.]

Most people would know the basics of generative AI (GenAI) by now, with ChatGPT being one of the most popular and widely adopted examples.

But the tech goes beyond language models—take this Japanese-founded AI called BakeryScan that was developed to differentiate pastries at bakery checkouts. It was later found to be capable of detecting cancer cells with up to 99% accuracy too.

It’s pretty fascinating what AI can do when coupled with other forms of deeptech, including IoT, AR, VR, robotics, biotech, and more.

In partnership with SNS Network, we’ve selected three use cases of how GenAI has been utilised to solve real-life industry problems, powered by Dell Technologies GenAI solutions. 

For context, Dell Technologies GenAI solutions are capable of providing organisations with:

1. Purpose-built integrated solutions that are tested for specific use cases.
2. Purpose-built AI and high-performance computing (HPC) capabilities, offering quality acceleration and diverse GPU options.
3. Flexible storage solutions tailored for performance.
4. Workstations that can accelerate AI development, enabling faster experimentation and calibration for GenAI models.

1. Healthcare

If the above cancer-detecting pastry AI is anything to go by, it’s clear that healthcare has plenty to benefit from GenAI. Another example comes from New York City-based Medivis. The company built an FDA-cleared solution called SurgicalAR to help surgical teams use immersive AI-based, 3D holographs to rehearse their procedures.

Here, AR and digital recreations of the human body are used by surgeons to practice difficult procedures, especially those involving the brain, throat, and heart. This way, surgeons can practise their moves ahead of time in a zero-risk environment, reducing both the stress and duration of the actual operation. 

Pre-op patients can also preview their upcoming procedures to increase their understanding, and potentially help reduce their anxiety.

Coupled with the Microsoft HoloLens 2, Medivis built SurgicalAR on the Dell Technologies Precision workstation and NVIDIA RTX GPUs. Simply put, the servers and tech are tightly integrated for ultra-fast processing to provide high performance, reliability, and security.

SurgicalAR also utilises Dell Technologies EMC PowerEdge servers with NVIDIA GPUs and EMC data storage systems. 

Together, they’re designed to work in conjunction with a hospital’s picture archiving and communications system (PACS). It’s basically a huge server and storage system that contains all the medical imaging files that a hospital generates.

Moreover, GenAI can also transform personalised medicine. By analysing a patient’s data, AI algorithms can identify a patient’s prognosis, help detect disease earlier, and develop effective treatment plans.

Locally, Focus Point’s 2023 World Sight Day event displayed how an AI ocular tech could detect more than 35 types of diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and glaucoma with a reported accuracy of more than 95%.

By knowing this information, patients can proactively take preventative steps towards improving their health.

With Malaysia aiming to generate RM2.4 billion in revenue from the health tourism sector this year, AI could even be used to help health facilities predict the influx of patients during peak seasons. 

This can support healthcare centres adjust staffing levels accordingly, and ensure that the hospital has sufficient treatments on hand to meet the increased demand. 

2. Agriculture

GenAI can provide local farmers with access to a wealth of information and tools, enabling them to make more informed decisions about their farming practices. 

For example, the Canadian-based Nature Fresh Farms utilises timelapse videos to monitor the growth of their tomato crops. These videos give their farmers insights into optimal planting times, soil health management, efficient water usage, and pest control strategies. 

As Nature Fresh Farms’ greenhouse grew from 64 to 128 acres, the IT team ran out of space on their servers to store all the videos. The videos were also spread across multiple servers, leading to the team facing issues with reliable and fast video access.

Eventually, the company upgraded to the Dell Technologies PowerScale storage running the Milestone VMS video surveillance solution to solve their storage-related challenges. Nature Fresh Farms also uses VMware SD-WAN by VeloCloud, meaning that they can get a unified view of data and video across the greenhouses.

By leveraging data-driven AI tools, farms and greenhouses can optimise their yields and resource utilisation, leading to increased crop productivity and income. 

Malaysia’s agritech industry is undeniably resilient, and is a notable sector embracing emerging tech. 

We’ve seen the local agritech industry utilise drones for farm monitoring, 5G sensors for crop harvesting, and AI to control the weather in indoor farms.

If used sufficiently, GenAI solutions in agritech could contribute to solving the food security issue that still remains a challenge locally.

3. Environmental management

Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef (Citizens) aims to help scientists collect up-to-date insights on the Great Barrier Reef (GBR). These insights can then help scientists increase their understanding of coral health to form effective and scalable conservation efforts.

However, continuously capturing and analysing images of the world’s largest coral ecosystem (spanning 348,700km²) requires more resources than what the scientists had. 

So, Citizens partnered with Dell Technologies, using deep learning models and AI-powered analytics that could create a visual map of the entire reef and accelerate image analysis. 

Dell Technologies’ AI-powered servers are also used to store, manage, and analyse reef data, which automated Citizens’ workflows, accelerating the categorisation of the coral in individual images in seconds.

Other than mapping the world’s seabed, GenAI can also help communities endure the harsh effects of climate change.

In Malaysia, existing AI systems include tools that predict the weather, which can help disaster management agencies reduce the impact of floods, landslides, and earthquakes on communities.

We’ve witnessed these tools be used in disaster simulation exercises, preparing first-response teams, agencies, and communities in the event of real disasters as Malaysians continue to experience more severe weather.

When GenAI is used to predict dangerous climate events accurately in advance, it can give organisations and communities ample time to come up with management and preparedness strategies.

By knowing this information ahead of time, it could also lead experts in urban planning and industrial design to plot more resilient buildings and civil structures. With hardier irrigation systems, bridges, and tunnels that can withstand natural disasters, it can ultimately protect lives and property, as well as save costs in the long run.

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These are just three impressive use cases for GenAI, which still has plenty more applications as the tech becomes more sophisticated.

Thus, leveraging the expertise of reputable IT companies such as Dell Technologies can provide organisations with tailored solutions for individual business needs.

Dell Technologies offers a range of servers designed to work super fast, especially when paired with NVIDIA GPUs, which can be likened to powerful computer processors.

These GenAI servers are built with a special approach called PowerEdge. This makes them efficient at handling the latest technology, from training and running AI, or doing complex maths for science and engineering, to analysing data and running heavy applications.

• Register your interest in Dell Technologies Generative AI Solutions here, and Dell Technologies Titanium partner, SNS Network here.
• Read about other AI-related topics we’ve written here.

Also Read: Airbot’s new self-cleaning robot vacuum boasts 3 promising features, we test each one out

Featured Image Credit: BakeryScan / Medivis

What makes Dell’s lightest Latitude 13” essential laptop a worthy choice for digital nomads

[This is a sponsored article with SNS Network.]

Imagine a world where your office view changes from sandy beaches to lush tropical forests, and your coffee breaks are spent in cosy corner cafes.

The ability to work from anywhere with the right laptop as your trusty companion is enticing for many adventurers in the digital age.

Even if your lifestyle isn’t as grand as that of an actual digital nomad, hybrid workers would know the struggle of lugging around your laptop and hastily setting up your workstation for the next appointment.

Thus, finding the ultimate laptop that can suit your needs may be tricky. 

In that case, you might prefer having a device that’s designed with hybrid working features in mind, such as Dell’s 13″ essential laptop, the Latitude L3330.

In partnership with local IT solutions provider SNS Network, here’s a breakdown of the laptop’s features that make it a worthy choice for digital nomads.

1. You can easily bring it around if you’re on the go

The Latitude L3330 laptops are Dell’s lightest 13″ essential laptop.

Starting at 1.2kg, it is small, thin, and lightweight, making it easily portable for those regularly working on the go.

The laptop comes with a 13.3″ FHD (1920×1080) display, and a HD camera with a manual shutter that allows you to control when the camera shutter is open and closed, for better privacy.

For your productivity comfort, the Dell Latitude L3330 laptop boasts a large edge-to-edge keyboard and a mylar touchpad that feels smooth and glass-like.

2. You can maximise your connection anywhere

Have you ever been in a rush and needed to download a work document or media file but it’s going at a snail’s pace? Worse, there’s nothing much you can do about it but wait.

To curb that struggle, Dell’s Latitude 3330 laptop comes with what it calls intelligent connectivity.

It has a feature where you can simultaneously connect to two networks around you for faster data and video downloads. 

Speaking of connectivity, Dell’s Latitude 3330 laptops also come with all the ports you would need as a hybrid worker, including a USB 3.2 Gen 1 with PowerShare, USB Type-C, HDMI, and an audio jack. 

This would negate the need for tiny dongles that easily go missing as you travel.

3. You can count on it to keep up with your work demands

Video calls are essential for digital nomads and hybrid working professionals. 

Catering to this need, the Dell Latitude L3330 features Neural Noise Cancellation, which works both ways to cancel unwanted background noise from you and your caller.

According to Dell, the device’s performance is also optimised to its battery life, which can reach up to 80% charge in an hour with the brand’s ExpressCharge. 

It’s a perk that will be appreciated by those working on the go, especially when you have limited time left to boost your laptop’s juice before the next meeting.

Powered by an 11th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-1195G7 and 12th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-1255U processors, the Latitude L3330 laptops also feature ExpressResponse. Based on your user behaviour, this feature can optimise your CPU to improve the performance of the apps you’re currently using.

4. You don’t have to break the bank 

Offered in two variants, the Dell Latitude L3330 laptops are economically priced at RM2,499 and RM2,699 for the 11th Gen and 12th Gen processors respectively.

If you purchase with SNS Network—a Dell Technologies Titanium Partner and 100% trusted authorised reseller—on their Shopee or Lazada stores, you could further reduce the laptop’s price point with up to RM300 in vouchers available this April 25-27, 2024. 

To make the deal more attractive, they’re also offering further savings of up to RM200* (T&Cs apply)

Under SNS Network’s limited-time promotion, you could also get the Dell E2222HS Monitor at a starting price of RM599.

With a wide viewing angle on its 21.5” FHD screen and integrated speakers, the monitor would make a good addition to your home office if you’ve been eyeing an affordable dual-screen set-up.

• Get the Dell Latitude L3330 and E2222HS Monitor Lazada or Shopee.
• Learn more about SNS Network here.
• Read about other tech-related articles we’ve written here.

Also Read: Here’s the startup idea that won these Sixth Form students RM50K from 1337 Ventures

Featured Image Credit: SNS Network / Dell / Canva

Cybersecurity shouldn’t be an afterthought for your biz, here’s how this laptop can help

[This is a sponsored article with SNS Network.]

Did you know that SMEs account for 43% of cyberattacks annually, with 46% of cyberattacks happening to small businesses with 1,000 or fewer employees?

This could happen because SMEs may give higher priority to their day-to-day operations and growing their business. Therefore, cybersecurity takes a backseat.

There are third-party software that can protect your device against viruses and malware, but some companies might want an added layer of security. 

In that case, you might prefer having a device that comes designed with cybersecurity features, such as the commercial-grade performance notebook, HP ProBook 445 G9.

In partnership with local IT solutions provider SNS Network, here’s a breakdown of how the laptop’s security features work in a way that entrepreneurs and business professionals can count on.

1. It acts like a personal bodyguard for your business’s digital activities

For an online business, especially an ecommerce venture, plenty of financial transactions and customer data get exchanged every day.

If cybercriminals get ahold of sensitive information, it could compromise customer trust and in a worst-case scenario, lead your business to legal complications.

Hence, the HP ProBook 445 G9 comes equipped with HP Wolf Security for Business. It offers a unified platform for managing all aspects of security, including endpoint protection, network security, and more.

Think of HP Wolf Security for Business as an all-in-one security system for your digital store. It’s like having an attentive security guard for your computers, phones, and servers, keeping out all the bad guys like viruses and cyberattacks.

This means that you can shield your customer data and online transactions from malicious threats, helping your online store remain a safe and trusted destination for customers, while safeguarding your brand’s reputation.

HP Wolf Security for Business also allows you to set granular rules, much like handing out different keys to various parts of your physical store. 

You can control who has access to sensitive information, payment processing, or administrative functions. This ensures that your team can work efficiently while minimising the risk of internal threats.

2. It can predict cyber threats coming your way, and fight them off in the background

Another way the HP ProBook 445 G9 keeps your business operations safe is via HP Sure Sense.

The software has a smart prediction model that guesses when cybercriminals might try to mess with your computer via viruses or malware. 

As the software can also defend against cyber threats in the background, it can keep your sensitive data safe without interrupting your business’s day-to-day operations.

3. It detects hidden cyber attacks in shared files

SMEs may frequently have clients and stakeholders working from different locations, making digital document sharing essential for remote collaboration.

Sometimes, there may be malicious code hidden in these PDFs or read-only Microsoft Office files, which is why the HP ProBook 445 G9 comes with HP Sure Click pre-installed.

Think of the software as a highly sceptical and protective parent for your computer. When you click on a website or open a suspicious document, HP Sure Click doesn’t trust it right away.

Instead, it creates a little protective bubble called a micro-VM (virtual machine).

Imagine the micro-VM as a sealed container. If there’s any sneaky malware hiding inside a digital file trying to mess with your computer, it gets trapped inside this container so your computer stays unaffected.

For SMEs, this means added security and peace of mind when dealing with potentially harmful websites and documents.

4. It keeps your confidential meetings safe from surveillance

In today’s world of hybrid work, privileged discussions and confidential Zoom calls often occur using devices with built-in cameras. 

Ensuring that these cameras can be physically blocked when they’re not in use adds an extra layer of protection against unauthorised surveillance or potential breaches.

Understanding the needs of businesses in this area, the HP ProBook 445 G9 is integrated with the HP Privacy Camera. It’s a manual shutter that seamlessly sits behind the cover glass of the device and can be enabled with a simple swipe.

5. It’s powered by a security-focused processor

In addition, the HP ProBook 445 G9 has an added security layer that’s powered by AMD Ryzen™ PRO, which are processors built to enable businesses to crunch data or create content with ease.

The AMD PRO Security can be likened to a watchdog that helps defend your company’s sensitive data no matter the time of day, with its integrated on-chip security features.

This includes the Microsoft Pluton security processor, AMD Secure Processor, AMD “Zen” Architecture, and AMD Platform Secure Boot.

All in all, the AMD Ryzen™ PRO processor contributes to a secure laptop boot-up, safeguards the device against firmware vulnerabilities, fortifies the operating system against potential attacks, and deters unauthorized access to the device.

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Part of implementing proactive cybersecurity measures requires companies to have the right awareness to keep themselves protected in the digital sphere.

This task can be made easier by utilising devices that can keep your business safe from the get-go, such as the HP ProBook 445 G9. 

Powered by the AMD Ryzen™ processor, this also means that the laptops are designed to keep you efficient as you collaborate with your team remotely to grow your business.

To help businesses easily integrate such security-based laptops into their workforce, SNS Network is offering special deals to businesses that register their interest. This includes an instant rebate of RM600 from the HP ProBook 445 G9’s original selling price of RM3,999.

This arrangement also includes a complimentary warranty upgrade to three years, with next-business-day on-site assistance. 

• Register your interest in getting the HP ProBook 445 G9 here.
• Read about other tech-related articles we’ve written here.

Also Read: 5 reasons why drone deliveries have yet to fully take off in M’sia

Featured Image Credit: Vulcan Post

This Ipoh-born biz grew from a small printer & PC supplier to creating its own IT brand

[This is a sponsored article with SNS Network.]

Not everyone gets fired up and excited about ICT (Information and Communications Technology), but Kelvin Pah, the Sales and Marketing Director of SNS Network founded a business based on a more niche interest.

“When you’re passionate about something, you want to share it with others, so this is how we keep our business growing by sharing technology to demonstrate what technology means to us,” said Kelvin.

He makes up one half of the co-founding team of SNS Network alongside Ko Yun Hung, the Managing Director of SNS Network. The duo started the company in Ipoh back in 1999.

Building the brand name from scratch

During the first 10 years of the company’s existence, Kelvin said they could only focus on customers in Ipoh as they lacked the manpower to diversify and expand. They had just 40 staff members on their payroll. Thus, they honed in on providing IT solutions to the B2B and B2C markets in that region.

Like any other business, they were a relatively unknown name when they started. But through tireless networking, the duo onboarded brands such as Intel and Compaq (which merged with HP in 2000), and some of these partnerships have lasted till today.

In their 21 years of operation, they’ve supplied IT equipment to schools, SMEs, government services, corporates and the like. They even provided services such as cabling work, networking services and broadband installation to their customers.

But as time went by, they’ve shifted their focus to concentrate on 3 core segments in the business:

• B2C: Running and managing omnichannel outlets such as GLOO, and mono-brand outlets such as iTworld and Mi Stores.
• B2B: Providing IT solutions to corporates and enterprises
• Services Business: Providing broadband services, cabling work, networking services and software installation.

“We started from the small town of Ipoh, which is situated right in the middle between Penang and Kuala Lumpur. But when you have a smaller city, you also have a smaller market,” said Kelvin. However, it was that strategic location in between 2 hubs that allowed the business to expand to Klang Valley and neighbouring cities in 2009.

Kelvin revealed that 2021 is poised to be the breakthrough year for the company, as they’re hoping to breach the RM1 billion mark by the end of the fiscal year. The company also ships around 300,000 units of laptops and PCs yearly to customers nationwide.

Working closely with big-name brands

While SNS Network does have a host of brands under their umbrella, one of their mainstays is Hewlett Packard (HP). Kelvin told us that while they previously dealt with Compaq which was subsequently merged with HP, they only began working closely together 14 years ago. 

As one of HP’s main partners locally, they’ve brought products ranging from laptops to printers from HP into the local market. Kelvin said that working with the brand has always been a breeze and he believes that HP has great products that can fit the needs of many. 

For example, one of the products that SNS Network is bringing in under the GLOO store is the HP Color Laser MFP 179fnw.

It is an all-in-one printer that can print, scan and copy. The printer can also be set up easily using a mobile device and you can even print pictures and documents straight from your phone, as it is built with wireless and mobile printing functionalities. 

This means you don’t have to go through the hassle of finding a USB plug and wasting time connecting software and the likes to just print a document. If you wish, you can also print directly from a USB device plugged into the printer. The printer is also one of the smallest from HP, measuring at 421.9 x 422.9 x 344.1mm.

SNS Network also has a dedicated support and service team to handle any HP enquiries that come their way.

Providing affordable solutions for local consumers

While providing IT services and solutions proved to be a fruitful endeavour for the company, they felt that Malaysia lacked an affordable solution that caters specifically to the needs of the locals. Thus, SNS Network decided to create their own brand of devices all the way back in 2014, launching their first mobile tablet for under RM500.

To date, they’ve created several devices such as smart boards for classrooms, all-in-one devices, mobile tablets and many more.

On top of distributing their own brand locally, SNS Network relies on strategic partnerships to provide competitive offerings in the local market. Kelvin then told us that they’ll be working closely with HP to bring in a variety of products from the brand.

Fuelled with a passion and a team that is now 300+ strong, Kelvin hopes he can continue to provide more options and choices for Malaysians of all walks of life for their IT solutions.

He also plans to expand their B2B network, so they can cater to more companies and enterprises with their solutions. For example, one of the B2B-centric solutions they’ve come up with is called SNS OnePlan. It is a DaaS (Device as a Service) which allows companies to obtain ICT products through a monthly subscription, which can be a more affordable option without the need for heavy initial investment.

• You can find what other HP printers that SNS Network has in store here.
• Find out more about SNS Network here.

Also Read: 9 facts about personal loans in M’sia you should know to borrow responsibly in a pandemic

Featured Image Credit: SNS Network