With millions of people sheltering in place amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the cloud computing market is getting a serious usage boost.
Schools, corporations, and individuals are using cloud-based software to learn, collaborate, and stay connected.
The pandemic is changing the way the world operates, including how we work.
A significant number of companies deemed non-essential have transitioned to remote work environments to remain in operation, using cloud-based software to collaborate and work.
At the same time, a large segment of the population is practicing social distancing and turning to virtual tools to stay connected.
That demand for cloud-based services isn’t going to go away anytime soon, even if cities begin easing social distancing rules in the coming weeks or months.
One attractive alternative to Microsoft 365, is Korea’s Hancom suite of productive software. The company in business since 1990 offers a number of Cloud-based products, including Hancom Space and Hancom DocsConverter.
Hancom offers a number of Cloud-based products, including Hancom Space and Hancom DocsConverter.
Hancom Space provides a full-featured suite of office productivity tools in a modern collaboration space for enhanced team effectiveness.
You can create and share documents conveniently from a desktop, mobile device, or web browser. You can work together on documents stored in the cloud.
You can even combine cloud storage services and manage them from one place.
Hancom DocsConverter is a server solution that enables you to convert MS Office documents into a variety of formats. It provides features such as document preview, content security, search keyword extraction, and more.
DocsConverter integrates with Groupware, EDMS, CMS, email systems, search engines, and more.
The Hancom DocsConvertor business application is available through the AWS Marketplace with a free trial period, too.
SEOUL, April 9 (Yonhap) — South Korean IT solution providers are introducing various artificial-intelligence (AI)-based solutions to help the country’s fight against the novel coronavirus, industry insiders said Thursday.
Hancom Group, South Korea’s leading software developer, said it has been offering an AI-powered phone calling system, known as Hancom AI Check25, for free to help local municipalities monitor those in self-quarantine.
The outbound call system asks people about their health conditions and can quickly analyze data from their answers. Its AI voice assistants can make many phone calls at once, allowing authorities to save time and check quarantined people efficiently.
The AI call center platform is currently used by cities, like Seoul and Daegu. Hancom said Naver Business Platform Corp., an IT infrastructure management firm, is also supporting systems by proving cloud infrastructure.
In the wake of the novel coronavirus outbreak, South Korea’s ICT ministry has since last month been supporting IT firms that develop AI algorithms or solutions for the containment of COVID-19. For more information, please contact Don Southerton
If times are a challenge or you have an urgent need to talk regarding Korea, text me and we can connect.
310-866-3777
Don
Don Southerton
To stay proactive here are some of my thoughts for this week
Like you, I miss meeting in person, travel and much of the daily routine. That said, after more than a decade + of 24/7 working remote, virtual and online support for teams in Korea, North America and worldwide, technology today allows us to stay very well connected.
I do however recognize the uncertainty most are experiencing and have blocked off time in my schedule to not only catch up with teams and leadership but feel free to reach out as a sounding board and for a strategic, culturally savvy perspective.
Here are a few examples… but not limited to these 🙂
1. Short term how will Korea HQ’s’ team and leadership respond globally vs, in their own Domestic market? i.e. Will HQ work to maintain their Korean workforce, but mandate overseas operations cut employment, budgets, etc.
2. As a caveat, what countermeasures can global subsidiaries recommend to their Korea-based / HQ organization as an alternative to drastic global cuts across the board? ( I always try to suggest 3 options) [Same goes for western operations in Korea for a western-based / HQ company who may be pondering cutting backs.]
3. How can western-based teams and organizations with new and/or ongoing ventures in Korea ensure their Korean partners do not pull back amid the uncertainty? (This has been common in the past with recessions, the China boycott, etc.)
4. Noting Korea’s cross-cultural high-risk avoidance, how do we structure re-assurances?
5. Noting western cross-cultural frankness, how do we structure constructive Korea facing dialogue and conversations dealing with the Crisis?
6. As a partner, service provider, or vendor, how can I mitigate Korea-facing / HQ budget cutbacks in programs and services?
As always, all communication is kept private and confidential.
Hancom Group in the news. Heading up their global PR, I look to share Hancom news with the world.
Korean media reports that South Korea’s Hancom Group plans to launch a drone pilot training academy in Korea in collaboration with Chinese drone maker DJI.
The Chinese partner, DJI is a leading drone maker, which currently owns roughly 70 percent of the world’s market share.
Under the joint agreement, the two companies will be tasked with developing new drones for public safety purposes together with new technologies used for unmanned aerial vehicles.
Hancom WITH division an online security arm of Hancom Group, which will be responsible for the education business, will also utilize Hancom’s virtual reality technology-based drone simulator.
DJI technicians control drones used to spray disinfectant in public areas in an attempt to control 2019-nCoV in China, Feb. 17. The Chinese drone maker said Monday it signed a partnership with Hancom to launch a drone pilot training school in Korea. / Courtesy of DJI Korea
The Year of the White Rat. South Korea (as well as China and Vietnam) celebrate two New Years’. One on Jan. 1 and the Lunar New Year celebration, which this year falls on Saturday, January 25.
For your Korean colleagues (living and working in Korea), you can wish them Happy Lunar New Year on Wednesday afternoon by phone, text, or email, which is Thursday AM in Korea and their last workday before the holiday.
Koreans this year will have a 4-day weekend starting Friday K time.
For expatriate Koreans working outside Korea/ globally, you can wish them a Happy Lunar New Year and Year of the White Rat on the day itself, Saturday, January 25, or at some time prior on Friday.
Here is the formal greeting.
Sae hae bok mani ba deu say yo
One more thing… The year of the rat opens up a new 12-year cycle of animals in the Chinese zodiac. As the first animal to finish the Great Race of the Chinese zodiac legend, the quick-witted rat represents new beginnings and versatility.
According to legend, a Great Race was organized by China’s Jade Emperor to determine the order for the annual calendrical signs. The competition saw the small but clever rat crossing a final river race obstacle by riding on the back of the ox. Then nearing the finish line, the resourceful rat jumping off to cross before the other animals. Thus, being name first among the animals of the 12 Chinese zodiacs.
In Korean folk tales, though the tiniest among the zodiac animals, rats are seen resourceful, nimble, diligent and productive—this translates into 2020 being seen as a year of wealth and abundance.
As always, I appreciate your comments and thoughts, as well as any inquiries to support you and teams by steering through Korea facing business issues with a proven strategy, work throughs, and solutions.
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA, Dec. 20, 2019 /Hancom Group, South Korea’s leading ICT company has announced it will unveil its next-generation Life Blockchain technology at the 2020 CES Show in Las Vegas.
How Hancom sees Blockchain Within the Group’s “Safe World” vision, affiliate Hancom WITH has built upon its 30 years of core competencies as a trusted and integrated information security provider. Ever evolving and steering the 4th Industrial Revolution IT ecosystems Hancom WITH offers convergence solutions that enhance productivity in both Blockchain and Intelligent City Platforms.
Next generation Blockchain Hancom provides a robust and trustworthy blockchain service by integrating security technology and blockchain technology. Within our lineup of products is HancomSLedger, a blockchain platform that allows privileged user access, providing electronic contracts, document notarization services, civic applications/certifications and public data access.
HancomSLedger optimized modules support various areas like supply chain, IoT and finance and can be easily configured for new services. As a result, it assures data integrity, transparency and service efficiency.
Next generation Intelligent City Platform Hancom’s Intelligent City Platform acts as an urban controller tower collecting and analyzing information from transportation, safety, and the environment to help make the most suitable decisions. Hancom simplifies the development process in the complex data processing and monitoring of literally thousands of devices. As Hancom provides a proven seamless rapid development process, Hancom Intelligent City Platform is scalable and customizable to fit each city’s environment.
Intelligent City Platform Stop by the Hancom 2020 CES booth located at South Hall 2, AI & Robotics, Booth 25628 of the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Media Contact Don Southerton +1-310-866-3777 Dsoutherton@bridgingculture.com
About The Hancom Group Founded in 1989, today South Korea Hancom Group is a leader in creating innovative ecosystems that will lead the world through the convergence of technology.
With its reach of 13 affiliate companies covering Hardware, Software, and the Finance industry, the Group’s mission is to create a “Convenient World, Connected World, and Safe & Secure World.”
Convenient World Hancom Inc. Global smart work solutions from AI to productivity software solutions. Hancom MDS Intelligent convergence solution leader based on IoT and embedded technology IoT. Hancom Mobility Sensor-based smart parking sharing solution. Hancom Robotics Intelligent logistics and service robots.
Connected World Hancom Interfree Voice recognition and translation that remove language barriers. Hancom Teladin IoT-based wireless solutions. Hancom Talkafe Communication solutions. Accufly.AI AI-based solutions for barrier-free communication with the best technology from Korea & China.
Safe World Hancom WITH Next-generation smart city platform creating a secure urban ecosystem based on blockchain. Hancom Lifecare Integrated safety solution ranging from personal safety equipment to social safety. Hancom GMD Mobile Forensic & AR/VR Solution based on Digital Data Analysis. Hancom Investment Investing in companies with excellent technology in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Who is Hancom? How does Hancom envision Robotics, Smart City and AI Life Blockchain technology?
For Immediate Release
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA, Dec. 13, 2019 /Hancom Group, South Korea’s leading ICT company today announced that it will participate at CES 2020, Jan.7-10, 2020, in Las Vegas. The company will present its visions for making the world better through pioneering future innovation for an ever-evolving tech industry.
Rendering of the Hancom Group CES 2020 Exhibit
The new exhibit will be located at South Hall 2, AI & Robotics, Booth 25628 of the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Who is Hancom?
Hancom like the other highly recognized South Korean market leaders will share with the industry how it uniquely envisions Robotics, Smart City and AI Life Blockchain technology.
How Hancom sees Robotics
Led by Hancom’s Convenient World vision for work and life, Toki is one in a line-up of specialized robots for home and educational use. With customized AI conversations through face and voice recognition tailored to each family member, Toki also has home monitoring and video calling capabilities. Come experience Toki live at the Show.
Toki, Home and Education Robot
How Hancom sees Smart City and Blockchain
Driven by Hancom’s Safe World vision, the innovator has developed an Intelligent City Platform, the next-generation smart city platform creating a secure urban ecosystem by connecting everything to each other utilizing the latest technologies. This connectivity will improve city services and infrastructure, as well as the quality of life for urban dwellers.
The Intelligent City Platform acts as urban control tower integrating AI technology, blockchain and IoT, while utilizing real-time data for easy visualization.
Intelligent City Platform
On Life Blockchain, Hancom’s efforts are game changing and wide ranging. They include a seamless, private blockchain platform to allow privileged user access, providing electronic contracts, document notarization services, civic applications/certifications and public data access.
Life Blockchain
“As South Korea’s leading ICT company, we look forward to sharing at CES how Hancom will contribute to make the world Smarter and Better,” Dr. Peter Wonsok Yun, President of Global Business, Hancom Group.
Pre-show and Show media interviews are welcome.
About The Hancom Group
Founded in 1989, today Hancom Group is a leader in creating innovative ecosystems that will lead the world through the convergence of technology.
With its reach of 13 affiliate companies covering Hardware, Software, and the Finance industry, the Group’s mission is to create a “Convenient World, Connected World, and Safe & Secure World.”
Convenient World
Hancom Inc. Global smart work solutions from AI to productivity software solutions.
Hancom MDS Intelligent convergence solution leader based on IoT and embedded technology IoT.
I’ve been in editing mode for the past few days. Plans are for an end of December release of my new book Korea 2020: A workplace in transition.
Many thanks to those of you who previewed the manuscript and shared comments. If you, too, would like to preview and comment, I’ll email you a draft copy.
Korea 2020: the book, shares not only what’s behind the current corporate trends but also the impact of Change both in South Korea and for operations outside Korea.
Exploring this change is at the core of this new book. Topics include the restructuring of age-old corporate norms such as more casual dress, a simplification of workplace titles leading to flatter organizations, and the pushback against workplace bullying and gender discrimination.
It also drills deeper and provides readers with workarounds, work throughs, and insights.
Trying to not doze off and miss a late evening phone or Facebook Message call.
Responding early morning to a previous evening’s urgent Text.
This week we look at some of the new challenges as we’re finding more open and direct communications between Korean HQ and local teams. This is more and more commonly surfacing for teams.
Waking up to a rather lengthy request for revisions on a multi-page document that the Korean team needs to finalize as is due that day in Korea.
Don Southerton
By its very nature, Korean facing business is the interaction of worldwide teams operating in different zones—with Korea and North America—their working days beginning as our ends and visa versa.
Beyond the different cultures globally working together on a daily basis, which I speak of often, we have seen the advancements in telecommunications as well as more open communications between working-level teams in the West and Korea.
(BTW I can recall a time when an international call between the US and Korea was not only costly but few Korean office landlines even had international access.)
That said, it’s now common for Staff in Korea to now pick up their mobile phone and reach out via an app for a one on one with a western team member. This contrasts with the old model where all communication between HQ and local subsidiaries went through and was screened by the local expatriate team.
The new model is not without its challenges.
For one, email requests often need clarification and even a message received in the AM in the West with hopes that by the end of day (morning in Korea) there will be substantial progress—without some clarity—little may have been accomplished.
More so, even if a request is made—local teams are often stretched thin—and any new workload can be seen as overwhelming.
Also common are End of Day requests—again sent at the beginning of the day in Korea—but received as the day is wrapping up in the West. In contrast for an expat team their “second day” often begins around 4-5 PM as the Korean HQ is back on-line and their work often running late into the evening—but for western employees working late is most often not an option.
I do have a number of work-arounds—most the result of nearly 20 years working directly with teams and leadership in Korea.
Here I share two among my long list many proven cross-culture approaches and solutions.
Hint 1
In the case of a last-minute request or a request that may require more clarity and/or substantial research….
As I learned from a senior Korean executive, in many cases Korea often requests local input so teams and leadership can finalize an important decision. They are aware of time restraints and that a comprehensive response could take days. Noting that they are looking for some input, even input limited in scope, that may help sway their decision—pro or con.
Hint 2
In the case of a request and not wishing to seem uncooperative—but unable to respond as requested due to commitments and workload….
Given my experience in dealing with urgent HQ request as noted in Hint 1, I suggest sharing with the Korean team that you’d be happy to assist but you’ll need additional time due to current deadlines, end of day, etc.
As a caveat, I always ask for their timeline and then share some options on when you may be able to assist. I have found what is assumed to be an urgent request often does have flexibility.
In closing, I feel the move to more open and direct communications between HQ and the local team is quite positive. It is not without its challenges as we learn to adapt, build relationships and work within the restraints in time difference, life balance and work hours.
I look forward to your thoughts and comments. Again, if needed I can share more regarding proven cross-culture approaches and solutions.
Cloud demand surges during the COVID-19 pandemic
With millions of people sheltering in place amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the cloud computing market is getting a serious usage boost.
Schools, corporations, and individuals are using cloud-based software to learn, collaborate, and stay connected.
The pandemic is changing the way the world operates, including how we work.
A significant number of companies deemed non-essential have transitioned to remote work environments to remain in operation, using cloud-based software to collaborate and work.
At the same time, a large segment of the population is practicing social distancing and turning to virtual tools to stay connected.
That demand for cloud-based services isn’t going to go away anytime soon, even if cities begin easing social distancing rules in the coming weeks or months.
One attractive alternative to Microsoft 365, is Korea’s Hancom suite of productive software. The company in business since 1990 offers a number of Cloud-based products, including Hancom Space and Hancom DocsConverter.
Hancom offers a number of Cloud-based products, including Hancom Space and Hancom DocsConverter.
Hancom Space provides a full-featured suite of office productivity tools in a modern collaboration space for enhanced team effectiveness.
You can create and share documents conveniently from a desktop, mobile device, or web browser. You can work together on documents stored in the cloud.
You can even combine cloud storage services and manage them from one place.
Hancom DocsConverter is a server solution that enables you to convert MS Office documents into a variety of formats. It provides features such as document preview, content security, search keyword extraction, and more.
DocsConverter integrates with Groupware, EDMS, CMS, email systems, search engines, and more.
The Hancom DocsConvertor business application is available through the AWS Marketplace with a free trial period, too.
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