%PDF-1.3 1 0 obj << /Type /Catalog /Outlines 2 0 R /Pages 3 0 R >> endobj 2 0 obj << /Type /Outlines /Count 0 >> endobj 3 0 obj << /Type /Pages /Kids [6 0 R ] /Count 1 /Resources << /ProcSet 4 0 R /Font << /F1 8 0 R /F2 9 0 R /F3 10 0 R /F4 11 0 R >> /XObject << /I1 56 0 R >> >> /MediaBox [0.000 0.000 612.000 792.000] >> endobj 4 0 obj [/PDF /Text /ImageC ] endobj 5 0 obj << /Creator (DOMPDF) /CreationDate (D:20250717015255+00'00') /ModDate (D:20250717015255+00'00') /Title (Report 07-2025) >> endobj 6 0 obj << /Type /Page /Parent 3 0 R /Annots [ 12 0 R 14 0 R 16 0 R 18 0 R 20 0 R 22 0 R 24 0 R 26 0 R 28 0 R 30 0 R 32 0 R 34 0 R 36 0 R 38 0 R 40 0 R 42 0 R 44 0 R 46 0 R 48 0 R 50 0 R 52 0 R 54 0 R ] /Contents 7 0 R >> endobj 7 0 obj << /Length 7444 >> stream 0.702 0.800 0.816 rg 34.016 34.016 543.969 723.969 re f 1.000 1.000 1.000 rg 45.266 96.368 521.469 650.366 re f 0.773 0.773 0.773 RG 0.75 w 0 J [ ] 0 d 45.641 96.743 520.719 649.616 re S 0.773 0.773 0.773 rg 61.016 112.118 m 550.984 112.118 l 550.984 112.868 l 61.016 112.868 l f 0.200 0.200 0.200 rg BT 61.016 693.716 Td /F1 14.4 Tf [(THE \(RO\)BOTS ARE HERE)] TJ ET 0.400 0.400 0.400 rg BT 61.016 664.909 Td /F2 9.0 Tf [(Posted on )] TJ ET BT 104.045 664.909 Td /F3 9.0 Tf [(January 01,1970)] TJ ET BT 173.588 664.909 Td /F2 9.0 Tf [( by )] TJ ET BT 188.096 664.909 Td /F3 9.0 Tf [(IT Communications)] TJ ET 0.153 0.153 0.153 rg BT 61.016 637.420 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(For decades sci-fi movies have told us robots will take over the world one day. We don't have )] TJ ET BT 61.016 626.431 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(to prepare for a robot war just yet, but they are part ofour lives. We just don't realiseit.)] TJ ET 0.373 0.169 0.255 rg BT 61.016 606.442 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(Bots)] TJ ET 0.373 0.169 0.255 RG 0.18 w 0 J [ ] 0 d 61.016 605.291 m 79.025 605.291 l S 0.153 0.153 0.153 rg BT 79.025 606.442 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [( have been in the news recently; some, )] TJ ET 0.373 0.169 0.255 rg BT 237.605 606.442 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(like Tay)] TJ ET 0.18 w 0 J [ ] 0 d 237.605 605.291 m 268.610 605.291 l S 0.153 0.153 0.153 rg BT 268.610 606.442 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(, for the wrong reasons. But why all the )] TJ ET BT 61.016 595.453 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(fuss suddenly?)] TJ ET BT 61.016 575.464 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(One of the reason is the swiftimprovement of the artificial intelligence technology bots are )] TJ ET BT 61.016 564.475 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(powered with.Key Silicon Valley players Facebook, Google and )] TJ ET 0.373 0.169 0.255 rg BT 318.128 564.475 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(Telegram )] TJ ET 0.18 w 0 J [ ] 0 d 318.128 563.324 m 358.637 563.324 l S 0.153 0.153 0.153 rg BT 358.637 564.475 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(have been at the )] TJ ET BT 61.016 553.486 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(forefront of these developments. At Wednesday's F8 conference )] TJ ET 0.373 0.169 0.255 rg BT 319.865 553.486 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(Facebook)] TJ ET 0.18 w 0 J [ ] 0 d 319.865 552.335 m 359.384 552.335 l S 0.153 0.153 0.153 rg BT 359.384 553.486 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(announcedthat )] TJ ET BT 61.016 542.497 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(were adding various bots, including a CNN bot, to their )] TJ ET 0.373 0.169 0.255 rg BT 281.111 542.497 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(Messenger)] TJ ET 0.18 w 0 J [ ] 0 d 281.111 541.346 m 325.625 541.346 l S 0.153 0.153 0.153 rg BT 325.625 542.497 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [( app.)] TJ ET BT 61.016 522.508 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(Most of us don't know what a bot is and what it does. Even though it sounds suspicious, a bot )] TJ ET BT 61.016 511.519 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(is merely software designed to automate and complete simple and repetitive tasks you would )] TJ ET BT 61.016 500.530 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(usually perform yourself.For example, adding appointments to your calendar or making )] TJ ET BT 61.016 489.541 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(reservations, ordering food, etc.If you were living in America, you'd be able to use the)] TJ ET 0.980 0.980 0.980 rg 404.897 498.332 0.000 0.000 re f 91.031 477.719 125.559 9.158 re f 0.373 0.169 0.255 rg BT 404.897 489.541 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(Taco )] TJ ET 0.18 w 0 J [ ] 0 d 404.897 488.390 m 427.406 488.390 l S BT 61.016 478.552 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(Bell bot)] TJ ET 0.18 w 0 J [ ] 0 d 61.016 477.401 m 91.031 477.401 l S 0.153 0.153 0.153 rg BT 91.031 478.552 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(to order and pay for your meal.)] TJ ET 0.373 0.169 0.255 rg BT 61.016 458.563 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(Chatterbots)] TJ ET 0.18 w 0 J [ ] 0 d 61.016 457.412 m 107.537 457.412 l S 0.153 0.153 0.153 rg BT 107.537 458.563 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(or chatbots are used in messaging apps and to simulate conversationsvia )] TJ ET BT 61.016 447.574 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(auditory or textual methods. They are designed to engage in small talk and ideally they should )] TJ ET BT 61.016 436.585 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(convince the person on the other end thatthe program is human.)] TJ ET BT 61.016 416.596 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(Large international companies Lloyds Banking Group, Royal Bank of Scotland, Renault and )] TJ ET BT 61.016 405.607 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(Citron all use automated chatterbots. They canbe used to answer basic customer enquiries, a function a call centre )] TJ ET BT 61.016 394.618 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(agent might normally deal with, or to acquire information.)] TJ ET BT 61.016 374.629 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(Other bots can help you schedule meetings by e-mail. The bot is added to your e-mail thread and continues the )] TJ ET BT 61.016 363.640 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(conversation needed to schedule a meeting.)] TJ ET BT 61.016 343.651 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(Unfortunately, bots can be used for malicious purposes. For example, posing as a human in chat rooms to tempt users to )] TJ ET BT 61.016 332.662 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(divulge personal information.They can be found onYahoo! Messenger, Windows Live Messenger, AOL Instant )] TJ ET BT 61.016 321.673 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(Messenger and other instant messaging protocols.)] TJ ET BT 61.016 301.684 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(Next time you send a chat message to someone at a call centre, you might be talking to Amy, the bot, not Amy, the )] TJ ET BT 61.016 290.695 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(human. We can confirm that all our own IT Service desk agents are 100% human.)] TJ ET BT 61.016 270.706 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(More recent articles on bots \(and robots!\):)] TJ ET 0.373 0.169 0.255 rg BT 61.016 250.717 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(Shopify acquires Kit, the artificially intelligent marketing bot)] TJ ET 0.18 w 0 J [ ] 0 d 61.016 249.566 m 295.106 249.566 l S BT 61.016 239.728 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(Hitachis cute new customer service robot seeks out lost customers)] TJ ET 0.18 w 0 J [ ] 0 d 61.016 238.577 m 328.604 238.577 l S BT 61.016 228.739 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(Fear the future: Donalddrumpfbot coming to Facebook Messenger)] TJ ET 0.18 w 0 J [ ] 0 d 61.016 227.588 m 324.635 227.588 l S 0.153 0.153 0.153 rg BT 324.635 228.739 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [()] TJ ET 0.373 0.169 0.255 rg BT 61.016 217.750 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(Facebook's David Marcus explains how bots are going to change Messenger)] TJ ET 0.18 w 0 J [ ] 0 d 61.016 216.599 m 367.367 216.599 l S BT 61.016 206.761 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(This personal shopping startup just launched one of the first Facebook Messenger bots)] TJ ET 0.18 w 0 J [ ] 0 d 61.016 205.610 m 407.687 205.610 l S BT 61.016 195.772 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(Facebook launches Messenger platform withchatbots)] TJ ET 0.18 w 0 J [ ] 0 d 61.016 194.621 m 276.107 194.621 l S BT 61.016 184.783 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(Microsoft created a bot to auto-caption photos and it's going hilariously wrong)] TJ ET 0.18 w 0 J [ ] 0 d 61.016 183.632 m 368.879 183.632 l S 0.153 0.153 0.153 rg BT 307.399 164.794 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [([SOURCES:)] TJ ET 0.373 0.169 0.255 rg BT 359.410 164.794 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(http://www.recode.net)] TJ ET 0.18 w 0 J [ ] 0 d 359.410 163.643 m 446.449 163.643 l S 0.153 0.153 0.153 rg BT 446.449 164.794 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(, )] TJ ET 0.373 0.169 0.255 rg BT 451.453 164.794 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(http://www.wikipedia.org)] TJ ET 0.18 w 0 J [ ] 0 d 451.453 163.643 m 548.482 163.643 l S 0.153 0.153 0.153 rg BT 548.482 164.794 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(])] TJ ET BT 545.980 146.305 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [()] TJ ET 0.400 0.400 0.400 rg BT 61.016 126.316 Td /F2 9.0 Tf [(Posted in:General | Tagged:Bots | With 0 comments)] TJ ET q 109.500 0 0 225.000 441.484 421.211 cm /I1 Do Q endstream endobj 8 0 obj << /Type /Font /Subtype /Type1 /Name /F1 /BaseFont /Helvetica-Bold /Encoding /WinAnsiEncoding >> endobj 9 0 obj << /Type /Font /Subtype /Type1 /Name /F2 /BaseFont /Helvetica-Oblique /Encoding /WinAnsiEncoding >> endobj 10 0 obj << /Type /Font /Subtype /Type1 /Name /F3 /BaseFont /Helvetica-BoldOblique /Encoding /WinAnsiEncoding >> endobj 11 0 obj << /Type /Font /Subtype /Type1 /Name /F4 /BaseFont /Helvetica /Encoding /WinAnsiEncoding >> endobj 12 0 obj << /Type /Annot /Subtype /Link /A 13 0 R /Border [0 0 0] /H /I /Rect [ 61.0157 605.6092 79.0247 614.7667 ] >> endobj 13 0 obj << /Type /Action /S /URI /URI (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_bot) >> endobj 14 0 obj << /Type /Annot /Subtype /Link /A 15 0 R /Border [0 0 0] /H /I /Rect [ 237.6047 605.6092 268.6097 614.7667 ] >> endobj 15 0 obj << /Type /Action /S /URI /URI (http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-03-24/microsoft-removes-racist-comments-from-millennial-focused-ai-bot) >> endobj 16 0 obj << /Type /Annot /Subtype /Link /A 17 0 R /Border [0 0 0] /H /I /Rect [ 318.1277 563.6422 358.6367 572.7997 ] >> endobj 17 0 obj << /Type /Action /S /URI /URI (https://core.telegram.org/bots) >> endobj 18 0 obj << /Type /Annot /Subtype /Link /A 19 0 R /Border [0 0 0] /H /I /Rect [ 319.8647 552.6532 359.3837 561.8107 ] >> endobj 19 0 obj << /Type /Action /S /URI /URI (https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/apr/13/facebook-army-chatbots-messenger-news-sports?CMP=twt_a-technology_b-gdntech) >> endobj 20 0 obj << /Type /Annot /Subtype /Link /A 21 0 R /Border [0 0 0] /H /I /Rect [ 281.1107 541.6642 325.6247 550.8217 ] >> endobj 21 0 obj << /Type /Action /S /URI /URI (http://www.engadget.com/2016/04/13/here-are-all-the-facebook-messenger-bots-we-know-about-so-far/?sr_source=Twitter) >> endobj 22 0 obj << /Type /Annot /Subtype /Link /A 23 0 R /Border [0 0 0] /H /I /Rect [ 404.8967 488.7082 427.4057 497.8657 ] >> endobj 23 0 obj << /Type /Action /S /URI /URI (http://www.theverge.com/2016/4/6/11378258/taco-bell-ai-bot-slack-crunchwrap-supreme) >> endobj 24 0 obj << /Type /Annot /Subtype /Link /A 25 0 R /Border [0 0 0] /H /I /Rect [ 61.0157 477.7192 91.0307 486.8767 ] >> endobj 25 0 obj << /Type /Action /S /URI /URI (http://www.theverge.com/2016/4/6/11378258/taco-bell-ai-bot-slack-crunchwrap-supreme) >> endobj 26 0 obj << /Type /Annot /Subtype /Link /A 27 0 R /Border [0 0 0] /H /I /Rect [ 61.0157 457.7302 107.5367 466.8877 ] >> endobj 27 0 obj << /Type /Action /S /URI /URI (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chatterbot) >> endobj 28 0 obj << /Type /Annot /Subtype /Link /A 29 0 R /Border [0 0 0] /H /I /Rect [ 61.0157 249.8842 295.1057 259.0417 ] >> endobj 29 0 obj << /Type /Action /S /URI /URI (http://venturebeat.com/2016/04/13/shopify-acquires-kit-the-artificially-intelligent-marketing-bot/) >> endobj 30 0 obj << /Type /Annot /Subtype /Link /A 31 0 R /Border [0 0 0] /H /I /Rect [ 61.0157 239.3614 61.0157 248.5189 ] >> endobj 31 0 obj << /Type /Action /S /URI /URI (http://venturebeat.com/2016/04/13/shopify-acquires-kit-the-artificially-intelligent-marketing-bot/) >> endobj 32 0 obj << /Type /Annot /Subtype /Link /A 33 0 R /Border [0 0 0] /H /I /Rect [ 61.0157 238.8952 328.6037 248.0527 ] >> endobj 33 0 obj << /Type /Action /S /URI /URI (http://www.theverge.com/2016/4/13/11420326/hitachi-EMIEW3-assistant-robot) >> endobj 34 0 obj << /Type /Annot /Subtype /Link /A 35 0 R /Border [0 0 0] /H /I /Rect [ 61.0157 228.3724 61.0157 237.5299 ] >> endobj 35 0 obj << /Type /Action /S /URI /URI (http://www.theverge.com/2016/4/13/11420326/hitachi-EMIEW3-assistant-robot) >> endobj 36 0 obj << /Type /Annot /Subtype /Link /A 37 0 R /Border [0 0 0] /H /I /Rect [ 61.0157 227.9062 324.6347 237.0637 ] >> endobj 37 0 obj << /Type /Action /S /URI /URI (http://venturebeat.com/2016/04/13/fear-the-future-donalddrumpfbot-coming-to-facebook-messenger/) >> endobj 38 0 obj << /Type /Annot /Subtype /Link /A 39 0 R /Border [0 0 0] /H /I /Rect [ 61.0157 216.9172 367.3667 226.0747 ] >> endobj 39 0 obj << /Type /Action /S /URI /URI (http://bloom.bg/23BOGda) >> endobj 40 0 obj << /Type /Annot /Subtype /Link /A 41 0 R /Border [0 0 0] /H /I /Rect [ 61.0157 206.3944 61.0157 215.5519 ] >> endobj 41 0 obj << /Type /Action /S /URI /URI (http://bloom.bg/23BOGda) >> endobj 42 0 obj << /Type /Annot /Subtype /Link /A 43 0 R /Border [0 0 0] /H /I /Rect [ 61.0157 205.9282 407.6867 215.0857 ] >> endobj 43 0 obj << /Type /Action /S /URI /URI (http://www.forbes.com/sites/rachelarthur/2016/04/12/shopping-start-up-spring-launches-one-of-first-bots-on-facebook-messenger/?utm_campaign=ForbesTech&utm_source=TWITTER&utm_medium=social&utm_channel=Technology&linkId=23382986#63e2d1004ee7) >> endobj 44 0 obj << /Type /Annot /Subtype /Link /A 45 0 R /Border [0 0 0] /H /I /Rect [ 407.6867 215.5519 407.6867 215.5519 ] >> endobj 45 0 obj << /Type /Action /S /URI /URI (http://bloom.bg/23BOGda) >> endobj 46 0 obj << /Type /Annot /Subtype /Link /A 47 0 R /Border [0 0 0] /H /I /Rect [ 61.0157 195.4054 61.0157 204.5629 ] >> endobj 47 0 obj << /Type /Action /S /URI /URI (http://bloom.bg/23BOGda) >> endobj 48 0 obj << /Type /Annot /Subtype /Link /A 49 0 R /Border [0 0 0] /H /I /Rect [ 61.0157 194.9392 276.1067 204.0967 ] >> endobj 49 0 obj << /Type /Action /S /URI /URI (http://link.techcrunch.com/click/6497395.32875/aHR0cDovL3RlY2hjcnVuY2guY29tLzIwMTYvMDQvMTIvYWdlbnRzLW9uLW1lc3Nlbmdlci8_bmNpZD10Y2RhaWx5/56137654e9a8a23c5d8b5687B9ba09396) >> endobj 50 0 obj << /Type /Annot /Subtype /Link /A 51 0 R /Border [0 0 0] /H /I /Rect [ 61.0157 183.9502 368.8787 193.1077 ] >> endobj 51 0 obj << /Type /Action /S /URI /URI (http://mashable.com/2016/04/14/microsoft-captionbot/?utm_cid=mash-com-Tw-main-link#WVeKxla1Y8qB) >> endobj 52 0 obj << /Type /Annot /Subtype /Link /A 53 0 R /Border [0 0 0] /H /I /Rect [ 359.4103 163.9612 446.4493 173.1187 ] >> endobj 53 0 obj << /Type /Action /S /URI /URI (http://recode.net/2016/04/11/what-are-bots/) >> endobj 54 0 obj << /Type /Annot /Subtype /Link /A 55 0 R /Border [0 0 0] /H /I /Rect [ 451.4533 163.9612 548.4823 173.1187 ] >> endobj 55 0 obj << /Type /Action /S /URI /URI (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_bot) >> endobj 56 0 obj << /Type /XObject /Subtype /Image /Width 146 /Height 300 /ColorSpace /DeviceRGB /Filter /DCTDecode /BitsPerComponent 8 /Length 9265>> stream JFIF;CREATOR: gd-jpeg v1.0 (using IJG JPEG v62), quality = 90 C     C   ," }!1AQa"q2#BR$3br %&'()*456789:CDEFGHIJSTUVWXYZcdefghijstuvwxyz w!1AQaq"2B #3Rbr $4%&'()*56789:CDEFGHIJSTUVWXYZcdefghijstuvwxyz ?QZAE/zJ^N+ſ ?d[Fw#ⵧJuN-ƭjt"VJ+^QJxVWÑhcz/# v ¼?$~C/!g_?5x*;Vl<'  ,R SMZXzpnMY4,G(9?M_r39?My+ﾥQW}???K|Ϫx3Es=RI&A' C?<)ckb4cRN{_~|4'{FP{p@^C)NRW{x.#TaRn-%uOh xD񝠹ѵ;k_bG+x_5(Jq>!V*PwO(4 ):񢌊(-%.h3V/9K{xP$*j6$şƹaM&ndfd?(Ga׫`'Vq-dxٮeO,e˻.ڲV}/V }DK/G_|uu5ė<9I#f>|1mSZVhvcܚ_ iⱘʯ5V~I]5w|9 >'zf81F ?P*:u&%XxFfY4G};j#=_{V=|G X\7e}4QNEox+et\؝Ŀv?)47d5J ?Z+n -Ɨm)%Α72|]NC[:c/-m2pr |WO3UgH<_ 8 0}Z8:5ﴫ٬.K ? ~v%FQRb)`O}sJ =)rZ}WϚӪR8q9W|Al<'_Ǜ)<pu}+_c00Uw?jcif#^ϧgZ;Qڊ=ϽQ/|1ֵXF- s# ?~ybrI$)oV}|W_8淓Քʛ1_k<#Mٯ>)^Ǧ =dʞA^/^Fk~dO7 <佬^שҩ[ M^;wI_ cnucJ>fgvfb,I$'ֽ{ϊ9;;`N⑶þ7n}kJSqsF>1܋{oN@#+GÏ:x͎[@Niy% >8{^N+✕dAsIkku<]ʪU(Wu;fi៊#ӬU#H0ʏ`X Rhciw{ĉoZk~)/{y{3M)'+>x?5i! Pnk0q<ZXA{<˽?8G3#GnA WK[ӥgEÞ:kwAEr~ }NC-ĭ4Icj &`'vxTe9J*ɷoCOυC֎R{IPA~ZƓe}RU0r+_J |&frOъ(gJ[}UVK'j(=?N}h(o2xfio#!~}{}k.@ FA Mˬit $9%ksa&w_?:⼾Sl/qbQ_@jxQ/[Sb#iZQֺ2[-= (K .=D;X@@_6_=br>W\E"MC_\/ BXv(>N}(RR4;~lVwRH hQM7u2qg_?eWϩq$մ~]QǦ?{kJ1R`pA5*EyϏxKym|h|ϩ߈q#T[cªru0N{|[u̖w)8Fs_  ڏMb|@~񞯢3\Gep,0X?_rPĥRPR=>gʮ# )Rlk]3GO&^n4kxo_^OΧ_鏧 l] %NAZ G -PXmeI$vjOLNvDDUlmhRW8 :VKNԊ%,} ~i=(դR,B8?~ [Ad6FvkWهT'K c߯/,xy*%ӧdQ,(*((S袾8(?()(nFS^֍@  |GĞ/Xo7-Aڼ/nz¾~{ٴsDN7nIgT׻(}`:?mVW1Ѵn3? pC?ݟo}=/).ŗH:MFM-Q@EPe4.aii)O2Ǯ r (閻l#.Gm_8x?;kh0XQݫ幤,Qg5nl{>'6 `aooOcc9/_2O*M ӣ<_hBjq~~sĔeαH͵ $ѵ =dUxIV-*?5N٭5krA1\\;N fqFiBo#R(Ɵ^OÏZ.m 5BPacEUY4Rp}xө'ٵ ?dUxIV-?}^֧?_2O*VܱR:[7f{c8|Y^!%mc yٍO R64< SF~EJ]{La귑凈Vciw )\_x=dIB GtksghGk{eb?Ҋ菋l(wx/?־W'nwXm IX}2 õ~Q=O2JgZVk&mN?Bj}[֍mƣ[q(3GV%zI)a~Gqmjx!֤U(]gɅQ@Q@袀 ( zG5]'~ju{hkeRUҼ|p%-})axZb8Ac#^CZ1k?:ŭЌO͙ktNxd~տk^f)eknTwxZVO>ʢWW];CjXIW?l(wx/O=7&ВR_#?C|Wױ~a?et¿$x9K ( ( PEPEP_AxWkcǏuּ|¯1d~ןVxVc#^CZ?䭟foG[DV>Q_?Qt_ }%boGW?l(x/O>7fУԗ%}s|>xךc{t4&24;ßL?\W(|U,_$z_MSF0JqMke}tQE~~PQEQEQEQE}"[I>մmA""spd \=ƕYi-Hd9Bj}¿*XԝlpO/Qs]e}SJj~տkY?^0կׁ־#|m/(?}F(ˏl(wx/K>7fВoko>& e+q$ =j??mxZm2Kݭ|!yZO+mo?_QN{ߚWck?ګƭ=ae3E 2g<_d' onP:/-FX2ViIa.]S H2#Gڡb'v 91(l{gѣ|ft` jAK@~7:q~A~P=+oxA zk+9lc<״ص;xd¸5}v~ך[e|:ˎE^RR]ß9a?1\zAR٘W~/SU>tۯՅi%fqaQ_viϿ&3A|-Bm *OS>?~z7GtVKMc9@%}2:tZm(sr'z״ص( ͍&W{^k^+?~ߞ_Wh6S=h.棍QLk~ 1L2OkBWuO~ROmq!,H?aڧ}ip4NpdDP~bY^5Y k谸 -[~3Tn)ٗ/j͇mV&K-Rߝ{wŖ WbNU>+n3AbŘ ſ,k/_ʿ-.߭|?"-_#GQ𾳤ʱiWR0Б*mM~}giqڍ_=_mGw+s#Ƽf <7|ѿz5/#`ѯ >? ?e[>^FO+kco&@J8~ȺQEzEdQER@ E( H}C{7ּKi|=z9tq-ōVaarI-{$|=^ Zo|5\^]_1GRLT'6>CpU#4qvIugkh>"_>hڍ_={Tn5|kׯֲU`iFSIgya:rwME7m$2 ^_>:W 5,0 Q6>/0Zx\T*EYO(O@(OŠ\Q@ ރҊ QE߶ & Gsv8} V&\${$I%4z H:sؼ&"yPi$~qc\628}6>Q) jK_ ~|-yI??c_RLtGBF͟#ߋ |L<%6~em&/TNNgYYTUa6M?n2+?}_+'+4ʳn0kbS7tQ\GQE(=i( )i;PH}C{-xi$zf^FO+k fEqm1?,h{#־W9rVc u%{+?&QExgЅQ@EP3GzZ(:PeqN($񿈥gm^g.w 'G0+xxdQԫ Wؓ\r%heҩ*m%k|k<+fq2IFV?3LQߟ Z_ ٛ Krf$gxy|A9|ieV I|/\O*-0 &_C%b,-dhĎc'Xwt Vŝd12áʐk刡,9_'5~ 6"9oչ徶ݯ}课؃; krg/_n{OmZAI W6Ҭ8#W鮓YE*~μ krMҬSʶE$;U@dҾg:̰o۳g9V#+ui&mHGJ(>(4zP endstream endobj xref 0 57 0000000000 65535 f 0000000008 00000 n 0000000073 00000 n 0000000119 00000 n 0000000332 00000 n 0000000369 00000 n 0000000507 00000 n 0000000736 00000 n 0000008232 00000 n 0000008344 00000 n 0000008459 00000 n 0000008579 00000 n 0000008687 00000 n 0000008813 00000 n 0000008907 00000 n 0000009035 00000 n 0000009201 00000 n 0000009329 00000 n 0000009411 00000 n 0000009539 00000 n 0000009717 00000 n 0000009845 00000 n 0000010012 00000 n 0000010140 00000 n 0000010275 00000 n 0000010401 00000 n 0000010536 00000 n 0000010663 00000 n 0000010755 00000 n 0000010882 00000 n 0000011032 00000 n 0000011158 00000 n 0000011308 00000 n 0000011435 00000 n 0000011560 00000 n 0000011686 00000 n 0000011811 00000 n 0000011938 00000 n 0000012085 00000 n 0000012212 00000 n 0000012287 00000 n 0000012413 00000 n 0000012488 00000 n 0000012615 00000 n 0000012906 00000 n 0000013034 00000 n 0000013109 00000 n 0000013235 00000 n 0000013310 00000 n 0000013437 00000 n 0000013658 00000 n 0000013785 00000 n 0000013932 00000 n 0000014060 00000 n 0000014155 00000 n 0000014283 00000 n 0000014377 00000 n trailer << /Size 57 /Root 1 0 R /Info 5 0 R >> startxref 23810 %%EOF General « Informasietegnologie
Language:
SEARCH

  • Recent Posts

  • Categories

  • Archives

General

« Older Entries

Upgrade to Windows 11 now available on compatible devices

Thursday, May 15th, 2025

Stellenbosch University’s Information Technology Division is rolling out upgrades to Windows 11 to ensure all university devices remain secure, up to date and optimised for performance. With Microsoft ending support for Windows 10, it is critical that devices transition to Windows 11 to continue receiving security updates and technical support.

The IT configuration team has now made the Windows 11 upgrade available to all compatible Windows 10 devices. If your device is eligible, you can complete the upgrade at a time that suits you.

How to upgrade

If your device is compatible:

1.Click on Start > Settings > Update & security > Windows update.

2. Look for Windows 11, version 24H2 under View optional updates.

3. Select Download and install to begin the upgrade.

4. You can continue working while the installation takes place. You’ll be prompted when a restart is required.

If you do not see the Windows 11 upgrade listed, your device may require assessment. Please log a request via the ICT Partner Portal, select “Upgrade my computer” and complete the form. A technician will then contact you to assess your device and advise on the next steps.

Why upgrade?

  • Enhanced security: Windows 11 includes advanced security features and improved integration with Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, providing better protection against modern cyber threats.
  • Improved performance: Experience faster start-up times, better power management and optimised performance – particularly on newer hardware.
  • Modern software compatibility: Windows 11 is designed to support cloud-based platforms, AI-enhanced applications and modern productivity tools, all in line with SU’s governance and compliance standards.

What happens if you don’t upgrade?

  • Increased security risks: Without critical updates, Windows 10 devices become vulnerable to malware, ransomware and data breaches.
  • Compliance concerns: Using unsupported software can lead to non-compliance with SU’s cybersecurity policies.
  • Reduced efficiency: Older systems often slow down and are harder to maintain, leading to productivity loss and increased support needs.

What if my device isn’t compatible with Windows 11?

Some older devices may not meet Windows 11’s hardware requirements. If your device is ineligible, it may be time to upgrade. You can request a quote for a Windows 11-compatible device by logging a “Get new hardware” request via the ICT Partner Portal.

Don’t delay – upgrade today

Upgrading to Windows 11 isn’t just a visual update – it’s a critical step towards a more secure, efficient and future-ready digital workspace. While transitions can bring short-term inconvenience, the long-term benefits far outweigh the risks of staying on outdated software.

Email

Posted in General, Microsoft 365 | Comments Off on Upgrade to Windows 11 now available on compatible devices

Scheduled IT Maintenance 2025

Friday, April 4th, 2025

CAMPUS COMMUNICATION (3)

Dear Colleagues and Students 

We want to inform you about a scheduled upgrade to critical IT systems (both hardware and software) that will take place over the weekend from 05:00 on Saturday, 5 April, until 14:00 on Sunday, 6 April. During this time, various IT services will be impacted, including: 

  • Payment of application fees and student fees via SUNePay 
  • Vehicle pool bookings funds reservation 
  • Parking applications via the web 
  • Meal bookings and meal quota increases via the Meal Booking web application (students with existing quota and bookings are unaffected) 
  • SUN-E-HR 
  • Printing quota increases from student accounts and cost centres (students & staff with existing quota are unaffected) 
  • Password changes and resets 
  • Academic transcripts & qualification requests and payments  
  • Short course registration and payments 
  • Planon work-order integration to SUNFin 
  • All web apps (i.e. MySUN Menu links)  

This weekend’s maintenance builds on last weekend’s scheduled maintenance and focuses on additional critical upgrades. Although every attempt will be made to limit interruptions, the IT services and systems listed will be affected and may become unavailable during this time, either partly or entirely.  

If you have any questions, please log a request through the ICT Partner Portal. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. 

 

CAMPUS COMMUNICATION (2)

Dear Colleagues and Students 

Last week, we informed you about the scheduled maintenance on IT infrastructure components that will take place next weekend from Friday, 28 March, at 21:00 until Monday, 31 March, at 07:00. This maintenance weekend has been scheduled during the University’s first recess to minimise the impact on the SU community.  

Although every attempt will be made to limit interruptions, various IT services and systems will be affected and may become unavailable during this time, either partly or entirely. 

PLEASE NOTE 

Due to the reconfiguration and upgrade of the University’s network on Saturday, 29 March from 09:00 until 15:00, the network and internet services will be unavailable on ALL campuses and no access will be possible from inside or outside the campus during this period. This includes services such as SUNLearn, Microsoft 365 (including email, Teams, OneDrive and SharePoint), the MySUN portal, the Stellenbosch University website, VPN access, library databases, and any other cloud-based university applications. 

For any enquiries, please log a request through the ICT Partner Portal. 

Thank you for your understanding. 

 

CAMPUS COMMUNICATION (1)

Dear Colleagues and Students 

As per the University’s annual calendar, Information Technology will conduct its quarterly scheduled maintenance on IT infrastructure components from Friday, 28 March 2025 at 21:00 until Monday, 31 March 2025 at 07:00. This will take place during the first weekend of the University’s recess. 

Although every attempt will be made to limit interruptions, various IT services and systems will be affected and may become unavailable during this time, either partly or entirely. This includes internet access that will be interrupted on Saturday, 29 March from 09:00 until 15:00. More information about the impacted services will be shared during the week of 17 March 2025. 

For any enquiries, please log a request through the ICT Partner Portal. 

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. 

Email

Posted in General | Comments Off on Scheduled IT Maintenance 2025

Why you should upgrade to Windows 11

Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025

Stellenbosch University’s IT Division is upgrading devices to Windows 11 to keep systems secure, up-to-date and running smoothly. Windows 10 is nearing its end of support, which means it will no longer receive important security updates soon. Upgrading to Windows 11 will help improve security, performance and the overall user experience.  

Our antivirus software, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, works best with Windows 11, offering advanced protection against cyber threats. It helps detect and prevent security risks, keeping your data and the university’s network safe.  

To help with this transition, we have added a notification to all Windows 10 devices. If you see this message, your device may need an upgrade. Please log a request so we can assess if your device is ready for Windows 11. Not upgrading in time could leave your device and data vulnerable to security risks. Stay ahead by ensuring your device is up to date! If your device isn’t eligible for Windows 11, we will guide you on the next steps. 

Benefits of upgrading to Windows 11  

  • Enhanced security features: Security is a top priority at Stellenbosch University. Windows 11 comes with stronger security protocols.  
  • Improved performance and efficiency: Windows 11 is designed to be more efficient, providing a smoother experience with faster boot times and improved power management and better memory for enhanced performance on modern hardware.  
  • Better compatibility with modern applications: Windows 11 ensures better support for new software, cloud-based services and AI-driven applications (with correct compliance and governance safeguards in place).  

Risks of not upgrading to Windows 11  

  • Security vulnerabilities: As Windows 10 reaches its end-of-life, security updates will stop, leaving devices and data vulnerable to cyberattacks and data breaches, unpatched security exploits that hackers can target and increased phishing and malware attacks.   
  • Compliance and regulatory risks: Stellenbosch University must adhere to strict cybersecurity regulations. Running an outdated OS could result in non-compliance with security standards and increased liability in case of data breaches.  
  • Decreased system performance and supportability: Over time, older operating systems become sluggish and outdated, causing decreased productivity and efficiency for the end user, higher support costs to maintain aging systems, and increased downtime and frustration.  

What to do if your device can’t upgrade to Windows 11  

Some computers in your Faculty/Department may not meet Windows 11’s hardware requirements. If your device is ineligible, consider upgrading your hardware. If your system is below the minimum requirements to run Windows 11, it may be time to replace it with a modern, Windows 11-compatible device. Please follow the link to log a Get New Hardware request. A quote will be provided for a device that is compatible with Windows 11.  

Upgrading to Windows 11 is more than just a cosmetic change – it’s a necessary step toward a more secure, efficient and modernised workstation. While the transition can sometimes be troublesome and inconvenient, the benefits far outweigh the risks of staying on an outdated OS and incompatible hardware. Don’t delay, upgrade today! 

Email

Posted in General, Security | Comments Off on Why you should upgrade to Windows 11

Keeping SU connected

Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025

At Stellenbosch University (SU), the Information Technology (IT) Division performs regular, scheduled maintenance to ensure our digital systems remain secure, reliable and efficient. While we acknowledge that there have been instances of slow running of systems during peak times, such as the student registration period, the scheduled IT maintenance is a critical part of how we work to maintain and improve SU’s IT infrastructure. In this article, we explore why this scheduled maintenance is important and how it helps to keep the university running smoothly.  

What happens during scheduled IT maintenance? 

To ensure that SU’s IT systems remain secure, reliable and up to date, the IT Division follows a structured maintenance schedule. While major system upgrades take place during four scheduled maintenance weekends each year, additional maintenance activities are strategically planned throughout the year to ensure essential updates and improvements are made regularly while minimising disruptions for users.  

This approach includes: 

  • Regular maintenance during working hours for testing and development systems, in consultation with affected group of users. 
  • Smaller system updates (such as specific services or applications that form part of larger systems) can be performed at any time, if they do not cause interruptions for end users. 
  • Thursday evening maintenance (from 20:00) for non-student-facing services, ensuring minimal impact on daily operations. 
  • Sunday morning maintenance (06:00 – 12:00) for systems that affect students, scheduled during a time that avoids peak usage. 
  • Major system upgrades will still take place during scheduled maintenance weekends, with at least 10 days’ advance notice to the campus community. 

This strategy aims to balance the need for system updates with minimal disruption to daily university operations. 

How are the IT maintenance weekends, specifically, determined? 

IT maintenance weekends, held four times a year, are planned well in advance as part of the university’s annual calendar. Each July, the IT Division participates in the scheduling process, ensuring that maintenance periods align with academic and operational requirements. While these weekends are scheduled ahead of time, the IT team continuously evaluates evolving needs and is working on improving the process to ensure better service delivery. 

What are the risks of skipping IT maintenance? 

Without regular IT maintenance, systems become vulnerable to security breaches, performance slowdowns and unexpected failures. Preventative maintenance helps ensure that students, lecturers and staff can rely on SU’s digital infrastructure. 

How can you stay informed? 

The IT Division ensures that all stakeholders are informed well in advance of scheduled IT maintenance: 

  • Staff and students receive direct email notifications. 
  • Important updates are shared via the SU staff newsletter, social media channels and website notices. 
  • It is also included in the university’s annual calendar. 

By staying informed, you can plan ahead and make the most of SU’s digital resources with minimal interruption. 

Email

Posted in General | Comments Off on Keeping SU connected

Revision of the Information and Communication Technology Acceptable Use Policy

Friday, February 28th, 2025

The Information Technology Division is in the process of reviewing and updating its Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Acceptable Use Policy to guide the acceptable use of SU’s information and communication technology resources (ICT resources) to ensure the lawful and secure use in support of the University’s activities whilst adhering to SU’s values. The Policy addresses the need to protect the University’s intellectual property and stakeholder(s)’ data while enabling them to do their work aligned with SU’s vision.

As part of a transparent and consultative approach, we invite input from stakeholders throughout the revision process. This page will serve as a central hub for updates and timelines in the consultation rounds. 

Where are we now?

The first draft of the revised policy was presented to the General Management Meeting (GMM) at the end of February 2025. Following this, a questionnaire was distributed to staff and students to gather feedback and recommendations.

We have now received and worked through the responses. Thank you to everyone who participated and provided valuable input. A response report has been compiled to summarise the feedback received and our responses to the key themes and suggestions. Further updates will follow as we move into the next phase of the policy revision process.

First draft: Stakeholder input phase (February – March 2025)

The initial draft of the policy will be presented for feedback and input before broader consultation.

  • Presented to the General Management Meeting (GMM) for input and comment.
  • Distributed to all stakeholders (SU staff and students) for input via a questionnaire.

Second draft: Consultation and feedback phase (May – June 2025)

After incorporating feedback from stakeholders, the second draft will be circulated for further consultation and discussion.

  • Presented to GMM for consultation and feedback.
  • IT Committee consultation and feedback.
  • Institutional Forum consultation and feedback.
  • Faculty Board meetings for consultation and feedback.
  • Rectorate consultation and feedback.
  • Senate consultation and feedback.
  • Council consultation and feedback.

Final draft: Approval and recommendation phase (August – September 2025)

Following a final round of revisions, the final draft will be submitted for approval through the relevant governance structures.

  • IT Committee review.
  • Institutional Forum recommendation to Council.
  • Faculty Board meetings for recommendation to Senate.
  • Rectorate review.
  • GMM review.
  • Senate recommendation to Council.
  • Council approval.

First draft

Read the full draft and response report by clicking on the icons below:

Email

Posted in General, Policy | Comments Off on Revision of the Information and Communication Technology Acceptable Use Policy

« Older Entries
 

© 2013-2025 Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this page are strictly those of the page author(s) and content contributor(s). The contents of this page have not been reviewed or approved by Stellenbosch University.