Latest news with #OpenData
DW
25-06-2025
- DW
What a new AI protocol means for journalists
Coding agents and the Model Context Protocol are reshaping journalism's digital toolkit, enabling small newsrooms to build capable tools, but also raising new questions about responsibility. There is a "rupture in journalism around AI" as media researcher David Caswell puts it. And this rift runs similarly through other sectors where people work with knowledge and words. Yet beyond the often heated debates about the usefulness and drawbacks of generative AI, which allow little room for nuance, there is bustling activity: Besides the large tech corporations, countless IT companies, startups, and individual enthusiasts are working on building an infrastructure for artificial intelligence (AI). Currently, artificial intelligence (AI) primarily refers to large language models (LLMs). Through this activity, two areas have emerged in recent months that carry significant implications for journalistic work. Methods and approaches that were previously only possible with great effort, steep learning curves, or high costs are now becoming accessible: programming and operating complex software applications. Through LLMs, journalists' digital toolkits are now directly connected to an entire hardware store with its huge variety of equipment. Coding agents Using a coding agent means software is semy autonomously writing other software itself. This approach is also called "vibe coding " — presumably because it involves a rather fluid, iterative, and dialogic way of working. The user engages with the oscillations of large language models — with LLMs, there's always an element of chance involved. Using a coding agent means software is semy autonomously writing other software itself Image: Sirijit Jongcharoenkulchai/Zoonar/picture alliance These tools enable something that previously posed difficulties for people who couldn't program themselves: Implementing their ideas in practice. Yes, you still need a basic understanding of digital technologies and software coding. But until recently, digital projects, whether designing a new website or creating small tools, usually required a human software developer. For example, to collect information via crowdsourcing or to automate the processing of recurring datasets. And for more complex projects, designers were also needed for the interface (User Interface, UI) and functionality (User Experience, UX). Coding agents now take on this work: From developing the UI, the structure, setting up a database, to publication (deployment). The resulting code "belongs" to you; everything is based on open-source software. This means prototypes and ideas can be further developed elsewhere. The tools are particularly suitable for web applications (web apps). For instance I have used coding agents to retrieve real-time data from German railways via their official OpenData interface (API), to build a tool for collecting, visualizing, and analyzing delay data. Or to quickly craft a streamlined interface that allowed me to easily read and search through an extensive archive of messenger data. Finally, from the idea of obtaining a simple tool to quickly create transcripts of long radio pieces, we built a tool that was completely developed by coding agents without human developers: DIVER summarizes podcasts and newsletters, analyzes them, and provides users with overview reports and recommendations for podcast episodes and newsletter issues. It should be clear: Data-sensitive applications intended for use in critical areas should still not be developed without the involvement of professional human programmers. However, it is also clear that the increase in performance of these tools will likely continue for some time. This means that even larger software projects will soon be implementable quickly and cost-effectively. Meanwhile, there are about two dozen providers whose products differ in nuances, approaches, and focus areas — a selection can be found at the end of the article. Almost all offer free entry or even a daily free budget that can be used. Typical prices for the first payment tier range from 15 to 20 euros per month. Google recently entered the ring with its "Firebase Studio;" LLM manufacturer Anthropic agreed to work with Apple on a coding agent for the Xcode programming language. And OpenAI recently purchased the development environment "Windsurf" for $3 billion, which can also be used as a coding agent. Model Context Protocol In spring 2025, a crucial component of the AI infrastructure took shape: The MCP protocol. The open "Model Context Protocol" was introduced by Anthropic, known for its Claude chat, in late 2024. OpenAI, Microsoft, and others have since joined. So what does it do? "Think of MCP like a USB-C port for AI applications," says the opening line on the standard specification website . Or to illustrate it differently: Those who have seen the film The Matrix might remember this scene: Trinity and Neo stand within the digital world of the Matrix in front of a helicopter. Neo asks her: Can you fly this? She answers: Not yet. A few seconds later, she has downloaded the corresponding skill and can pilot the helicopter. MCP reads the handbook to steer complicated software for you. MCP positions itself as an intermediate layer between existing software applications and data sources on one hand, and large language models on the other. This means programs like Photoshop, 3D software like Blender and Cinema 4D, and music programs like Ableton, which come with complex user interfaces and steep learning curves, can now be operated via language: Users describe via chat, spoken or written, what they need or want to change. The MCP then controls the user interface of the software. It has essentially read the manual and knows how to operate it. The result of its activity can then be observed immediately and, if necessary, tested. In this respect, the MCP enables something comparable to the WYSIWYG approach (what you see is what you get) in graphic programs, etc. This should be particularly interesting for data journalists. There is already an MCP solution for RStudio , an application for using "R" for statistical analysis. It can be controlled via prompts like "Load the dataset and create a scatterplot of X vs. Y with a trend line." It is only a matter of time before visualization tools like DataWrapper can be controlled via MCP via chat to create map and data visualizations. What does this mean for journalists? As often happens, such technological change presents a double-edged sword. On one hand, it empowers individuals and resource-poor newsrooms directly with working methods that were previously unaffordable: Extensive research, persistent monitoring, complex analyses, and sophisticated digital formats. Used skillfully and knowledgeably, this can significantly increase the quality of journalism. Major AI corporations see the future in digital employees and digital twins Image: Knut Niehus/Zoonar/picture alliance On the other hand, it's also clear that these new tools will be used to obscure and complicate research: For example, to create credible forgeries of digital content. And the major AI corporations see the future in digital employees and digital twins — digital representatives of a person. It's still unclear exactly how this will take shape. Amazon , for example, recently showed how an LLM agent can operate directly on webpages in a browser. And Google introduced the open A2A protocol , which is intended to regulate the communication and coordination of AI agents with each other, regardless of who manufactured them. What kind of relationship should journalism maintain with digital representatives? How are their "actions" to be evaluated? How can responsibility be clarified and assigned when concrete effects on people occur through the digital activity of a digital twin? These are all open questions. The new possibilities offered by programming agents and the simplification of operating complex software applications will help find answers to these. List of coding agents Magic Patterns (User Interface) V0 (for beginners, but still powerful) Lovable (beginners and advanced users) Replit Agent (beginners and advanced users) Windsurf (professional users) Lorenz Matzat is a journalist and software producer working on LLM tools for journalism and knowledge retention. In 2017, he co-founded the NGO AlgorithmWatch, where he led its Research & Development efforts until 2022.
Malaysian Reserve
14-06-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Guardians of the Ocean: SUS ENVIRONMENT's Pioneering Waste-to-Energy Plant by the Sea
SHANGHAI, June 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Nestled along Sanmen Bay in the heart of China's 'Golden Coastline,' a waste-to-energy plant stands as a beacon of innovation and sustainability. Operated by SUS ENVIRONMENT—the world's largest provider of waste incineration technology and a top three global investor in waste-to-energy projects, this coastal facility has become the county's most unexpected tourist attraction. Beyond its groundbreaking waste-to-energy technology and solutions, the plant is celebrated for its deep commitment to community engagement. Cutting-Edge Technology for a Cleaner Future The facility employs SUS ENVIRONEMNT proprietary high-calorific waste incineration technology, featuring a modular design that adapts to diverse waste. Emissions surpass the stringent EU Emission Standard, while wastewater is fully recycled within the plant. In 2024, these efforts earned it the title of Water-Saving Enterprise of Zhejiang Province. Architecture in Harmony with Nature Inspired by the surrounding landscape, the plant's design embodies the philosophy of 'Mountains Integrate Waters,' blending seamlessly with the coastal scenery. But its harmony with the environment extends beyond aesthetics—the facility also serves as an environmental education hub. Through interactive workshops and community events, it has redefined its role as a guardian of both nature and public awareness. A Shared Space for Growth The plant fosters a symbiotic relationship with the local community. Employees regularly engage with residents, sharing insights into sustainable living. By providing communal facilities such as basketball courts, the plant deepens its bond with the local community. 'We love spending weekends here—sipping coffee, enjoying the view, and appreciating how the plant coexists with nature,' one resident remarked. For SUS ENVIRONMENT, every project is more than infrastructure—it's a commitment to a greener, more connected world. About SUS ENVIRONMENT SUS ENVIRONMENT is the global leading comprehensive environment provider. As of December 2024, SUS ENVIRONMENT has established 11 management centers worldwide, providing environmental and energy services to over 100 million people. It has invested in and constructed 89 waste-to-energy projects (low-carbon Eco-industrial parks), with a daily processing capacity nearly 120,000 tons of municipal solid waste and annual green power generation of approximately 18,000 GWh. Its equipment and technology are applied in 287 waste-to-energy plants across the world, comprising 532 incineration lines, with a daily capacity over 300,000 tons of municipal solid waste. * Data from the Open Data of AVP Research (Total Design Scale)
Emirates 24/7
09-05-2025
- Business
- Emirates 24/7
UAE ranks 10th globally in Open Data Inventory report
The UAE ranked 10th globally in the 2024/2025 Open Data Inventory (ODIN) report, issued by the Open Data Watch (ODW), surpassing major countries such as Sweden, the Netherlands, Germany, Canada, and the United States. This marks a new milestone for the country, reinforcing its global leadership in adopting digital government concepts and open data. The ODIN 2024/25 Biennial Report, published biennially by the Open Data Watch, assesses the openness and comprehensiveness of data published on the websites of national statistical offices in 197 countries. It covers vital sectors, including economic, financial, social, and environmental statistics, making it one of the world's leading specialized reports. The report's ranking is based on 64 indicators that measure the availability of statistical data provided by countries through official open data platforms and assess whether they meet the international standards of openness. This includes criteria such as machine-readable data, unrestricted data downloads, metadata availability, and comprehensive geographic coverage. The UAE secured first place globally in several indicators, including monetary and banking statistics, food security and nutrition, and the prices and inflation index, where it advanced by 45 ranks. It also ranked second globally in the global trade index and educational outcomes index, with a leap of 54 ranks, alongside other indicators such as environment, health, and gender balance. Majed Sultan Al Mesmar, Director-General of the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), highlighted that this achievement reflects the UAE's commitment to a forward-looking vision where digital policies are integrated with comprehensive development efforts. He noted that the UAE has established itself as a global platform for data-driven decision-making and a leader in comprehensive digital transformation in the region and worldwide. 'This achievement demonstrates the UAE's enabling role in enhancing the country's digital readiness by developing legislative and regulatory frameworks, supporting national open data policies, and providing a strong digital infrastructure, ensuring integration between government entities and positioning the UAE as a global reference in adopting digital government concepts, transparency, and data-driven innovation,' Al Mesmar said. Hanan Ahli, Managing Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC), emphasised that the UAE's advancement in the 2024/2025 ODIN report represents a pioneering model of a future government based on transparency, openness, and the strategic use of data to drive comprehensive development. She noted that this achievement reflects the UAE's forward-thinking vision and continuous investment in building a resilient and advanced statistical system based on digital readiness. It supports the country's global competitiveness and its main objectives in achieving integration between entities, supporting future planning in various vital sectors, developing policies, promoting community participation, and positioning the UAE as a global leader in adopting digital government and open data concepts. Open data refers to a collection of freely available data and statistics that can be used, reused, distributed, or shared by any individual or organization without restrictions. Governments around the world make these datasets accessible to everyone online. In the current edition of the ODIN report, the UAE achieved 92 points in the data openness component and 74 points in data coverage, with an overall score of 84 points. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
Zawya
08-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
UAE ranks 10th globally in Open Data Inventory report
The UAE ranked 10th globally in the 2024/2025 Open Data Inventory (ODIN) report, issued by the Open Data Watch (ODW), surpassing major countries such as Sweden, the Netherlands, Germany, Canada, and the United States. This marks a new milestone for the country, reinforcing its global leadership in adopting digital government concepts and open data. The ODIN report, published biennially by the Open Data Watch, assesses the openness and comprehensiveness of data published on the websites of national statistical offices in 197 countries. It covers vital sectors, including economic, financial, social, and environmental statistics, making it one of the world's leading specialized reports. The report's ranking is based on 64 indicators that measure the availability of statistical data provided by countries through official open data platforms and assess whether they meet the international standards of openness. This includes criteria such as machine-readable data, unrestricted data downloads, metadata availability, and comprehensive geographic coverage. The UAE secured first place globally in several indicators, including monetary and banking statistics, food security and nutrition, and the prices and inflation index, where it advanced by 45 ranks. It also ranked second globally in the global trade index and educational outcomes index, with a leap of 54 ranks, alongside other indicators such as environment, health, and gender balance. Majed Sultan Al Mesmar, Director-General of the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), highlighted that this achievement reflects the UAE's commitment to a forward-looking vision where digital policies are integrated with comprehensive development efforts. He noted that the UAE has established itself as a global platform for data-driven decision-making and a leader in comprehensive digital transformation in the region and worldwide. 'This achievement demonstrates the UAE's enabling role in enhancing the country's digital readiness by developing legislative and regulatory frameworks, supporting national open data policies, and providing a strong digital infrastructure, ensuring integration between government entities and positioning the UAE as a global reference in adopting digital government concepts, transparency, and data-driven innovation,' Al Mesmar said. Hanan Ahli, Managing Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC), emphasised that the UAE's advancement in the 2024/2025 ODIN report represents a pioneering model of a future government based on transparency, openness, and the strategic use of data to drive comprehensive development. She noted that this achievement reflects the UAE's forward-thinking vision and continuous investment in building a resilient and advanced statistical system based on digital readiness. It supports the country's global competitiveness and its main objectives in achieving integration between entities, supporting future planning in various vital sectors, developing policies, promoting community participation, and positioning the UAE as a global leader in adopting digital government and open data concepts. Open data refers to a collection of freely available data and statistics that can be used, reused, distributed, or shared by any individual or organization without restrictions. Governments around the world make these datasets accessible to everyone online. In the current edition of the ODIN report, the UAE achieved 92 points in the data openness component and 74 points in data coverage, with an overall score of 84 points.
Associated Press
15-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Modius® Inc. Launches Game-Changing 3D Visualization for OpenData® Platform
Revolutionizing Data Center Management with Real-Time 3D Visualization for Enhanced Asset Control and Decision-Making 'This new 3D visualization capability is a significant leap forward for our OpenData platform.'— Craig Compiano WASHINGTON, DC, UNITED STATES, April 15, 2025 / / -- At the Data Center World event, Modius Inc. is thrilled to unveil an innovative 3D visualization capability for its OpenData® DCIM platform. This new feature provides users with 3D floor plan representations directly from the asset database, ensuring real-time accuracy without the need for external tools. With this enhancement, users can seamlessly drag and drop assets and apply dynamic filters to visualize complex scenarios, effectively highlighting asset structures and attributes. This capability significantly improves the visualization of space, power, and cooling capacity constraints. Key Benefits of the 3D Visualization Capability Include: * Visual Asset Representation: Display 3D models of data center assets. * Status-Based Highlighting: Indicate power utilization, U-space utilization, and alarm statuses. * Immediate Floorplan Updates: Reflect asset changes instantly when modified by the user. * Interactive Asset Configuration: Select and modify assets directly within the floorplan. * Predefined Asset Filters: Toggle visibility of assets based on predefined categories. * Drag-and-Drop Repositioning: Move assets within the floorplan using intuitive controls. * Layered Image Display: Support multiple overlaid image layers for enhanced visualization. Craig Compiano, CEO of Modius, said, 'This new 3D visualization capability is a significant leap forward for our OpenData DCIM platform. Our users will benefit from enhanced clarity and control over their data center environments, enabling them to make informed decisions quickly and efficiently.' If you are at Data Center World this week, stop by Booth 436 and chat with our team onsite! About Modius Modius Inc. is a world-leading end-to-end solution provider for managing the availability, capacity, and efficiency of critical facilities, including data centers, smart buildings, telecommunications environments, and IoT (Internet of Things) ecosystems. OpenData®, our flagship offering, provides a comprehensive suite of tools for managing mission-critical infrastructure, from device integration to advanced analytics and real-time dashboards. Headquartered in San Francisco, Modius is proud to be ISO/IEC 27001 certified, and a Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB) certified company. Brett Udashkin Modius Inc +1 647-718-2738 email us here Visit us on social media: Facebook X LinkedIn YouTube Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
