Prázdny
Prázdny
5/28/2021

Silvin Galus: We offer a work with technologies that one does not usually encounter

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Silvin is a ambassador of our brand for the topics of Edge computing and Big data. Since joining the company in 2015, he has held several positions and currently holds the role of Product Delivery Manager with global responsibility.

 

Why did you become an ambassador of our brand?

The one who nominated me should probably answer. Anyway, I covered both above mentioned topics as a manager before. My role is helping launch products and implement projects not only in their creation phase, but also deliver these services to clients. I also participate in the development of products as well as in their implementation to fulfill a client's needs.

 

Why do you think the Big Data area is important?

Because development of technology goes hand in hand with increasing volume of data. Before, downloading a movie form the internet was a difficult thing, today we don't even have to download a movie. Technologies are moving forward and increasing the amount of data we need to analyze and transmit. As for specific technologies, we can talk about technologies such as Apache Hadoop, various analytical tools, from the point of view of application management it can be Kubernetes and from the point of view of infrastructure management it can be for example Openstack, to which we add other individual technologies that provide a solution to the customer's requirements.

 

At DT ITSO SK we have a team dedicated to Edge computing. Could you tell us more about it?

We have been involved in Edge computing in the company since 2019. This initiative was created as a new project, which I took responsibility for when accepting a global position. We are still relatively new team with about 20 experts. Our goal is to build the service focused on architecture, product development and a support of new opportunities.

 

Could you also describe the projects you are working on?

We primarily focus on customers in the field of industry, but also in the field of re-sales and production. We design platforms for clients that enable collecting and processing large amounts of data. This includes the development of infrastructure outside the data centers, which we design to suit the customer's needs. We are developing a self-service platform that will ensure the smooth running of the application in the field (on-premise). The entire product development - process and technical part, takes place here in Košice. The application will be user-friendly at the level of common products, but also at a price. The computational power will take place directly at the place where the data is generated. In automated production, there are specific technical requirements for low latency, high data transfer, large amounts of data and, of course, also in terms of data security and sensitivity.

In addition, we are currently implementing a project for one of the largest players in the oil and gas industry, which needs to ensure the operation of various applications that run at gas stations. We develop a platform for them to collect and analyze data for software that focuses, for example, on identifying customers' problems.

 

How has your career been developed at DT ITSO SK?

In 2015, I took up a managerial position after giving up a previous job, where I had worked as an IT consultant. Since joining the company, I have been helping to the Big Data team, which was a new at that time. In addition, I had the honor to launch other projects, especially in the field of migration of customer data centers to the cloud. In this area, I covered two teams, helped build a team of project managers and architects, I also engaged in educational activities, but I still tried to stay close to technology and work on specific products and projects.

 

Did you see yourself in IT even before you joined the company?

Before I joined DT ITSO SK, I had changed several employers in the IT field including my own projects. I did not study the technical field, but during university studies I had a group of students around me, with whom I started to focus on IT and I gradually moved to this branch. Personally, I don't believe there is a sphere that you might be taught everything  at the university and come out like a complete person. One gets the basics, but especially in IT, he or she has to constantly educate himself/herself.

 

What do you think a person needs to work in IT?

That's a good question. Probably one should have a positive relationship to technology, because there is a lot of information. There must be a passion and positive attitude to one's work, whether it is  serving servers or writing codes. Important is motivation to learn, because lot of the work in IT is about learning and keeping up. Don't be afraid to start new things, be able to cope, to overcome obstacles and do not let yourself to be discouraged.

 

What do you see as an added value of Deutsche Telekom IT Solutions Slovakia?

Our company gives a lot of space for self-realization for many people. If a person has a desire and work is fullfilling to him, he can move. It doesn't matter whether it is technically or managerially. Such success may not be a matter of course everywhere.

 

Why should one focus on this area?

It is interesting and creative work, but also very demanding. We offer work with technologies that one does not normally encounter. On the other hand, we have an opportunity to create a lot, because solutions for customers are created and tailor-made. It is simply a creative activity; it is not work lined up from A to Z. One must deal with new situations on a daily basis, with new technological challenges that need to be solved.

1. Reducing E-waste: IT companies are known for their rapid innovation cycles, which often lead to the disposal of outdated electronic equipment. To combat this, we are focusing on extending the lifespan of our IT devices - laptops, monitors, keyboards, printers, etc. - through a repair and refurbishment programme.

In 2022, our company (in partnership with AfB company), donated and reprocessed 1.935 pieces of IT and mobile equipment that didn’t end up in landfill, saving 3.7 tonnes of electrical waste. By reusing IT devices, we reduced our carbon footprint by 220 tonnes.

We donated more than 500 laptops to schools, hospitals, and NGOs. In one year, we helped create 20 new computer labs in regional schools and universities. The numbers for 2023 are looking even better compared to last year.

In this way, we are not only reducing e-waste, but also supporting the circular economy by reusing valuable components.

2. Cloud Computing: The cloud has revolutionized IT infrastructure, allowing for more efficient resource utilization. By consolidating data and applications in data centres, we can optimize server usage, leading to a reduction in energy consumption. Our company is also investing in renewable energy to power our data centres, further enhancing our sustainability.

3. Energy efficiency: The energy demands of data centres are substantial. However, DTITSO is investing heavily in improving energy efficiency. This includes purchasing only 100% renewable energy from 2020 onwards, reducing the amount of energy consumed for heating, ventilation and air conditioning of offices. We have set the temperature to 20 degrees and reduced the air flow for ventilation.

We have reduced office space by almost 30% in terms of square meters, which equates to 900 workplaces. By the end of 2024, we plan to reduce office space by 50% of sqm compared to 2020. We have thus reduced the rent and maintenance costs of the building. These efforts not only reduce our carbon footprint, but also save on operational costs.

4. Remote Work and Reduced Carbon Footprint: The shift to remote work, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has been embraced by many IT service companies. This reduces the need for commuting, which, in turn, lowers carbon emissions and supports sustainability goals. Remote work aligns with circular economy principles by reducing resource consumption associated with office spaces.

As part of our efforts to reduce our carbon footprint, in March this year we inaugurated and put into operation the first 10 electric vehicle charging stations. At the same time, we are gradually replacing our car fleet with electric company cars. This gives our employees the opportunity to use the new electric cars and charge them directly at the charging stations that we operate.

In addition, our employees have the opportunity to rent electric scooters as well as classic bicycles. We believe that this move can help raise awareness of environmentally sustainable transport and motivate employees to consider their environmental impact and choose a more environmentally friendly alternative.

5. Green Procurement: Our IT company is increasingly selective in our supply chain choices, favouring suppliers that adhere to sustainable practices. By supporting environmentally responsible suppliers, we are indirectly contributing to a more sustainable and circular economy across our industry.

6. Employee Engagement: Sustainability initiatives are not limited to services and operations. We engage involve our employees in sustainability efforts.

This year, our employees planted 401 trees in the High Tatras, reducing our carbon footprint by 4 tonnes. We also built a new ecosystem - a lake for frogs in a city park in Košice, helping to improve the environment for the benefit of the citizens in Košice. Our employees participated as volunteers who enthusiastically planted plants and made the surroundings of the pond.

These days we are planning to place 2 textile recycling containers in our company premises, where not only our employees will be able to throw in old and unnecessary clothes, which will then be reused or recycled. This will help to reduce material consumption and CO2 emissions in textile production.

Moreover, DTITSO organise awareness campaigns and events for our employees to promote energy saving and recycling, such as Earth Hour, Earth Day, World Environment Day, World Cleanup Day, European Mobility Week, etc.

In conclusion, sustainability and the circular economy are no longer optional for IT companies; they are imperative. By embracing these principles, Deutsche Telekom IT Solutions Slovakia not only reduce its environmental impact but also position itself as a socially responsible company and meet the growing demand for environmentally conscious products and services. As technology continues to evolve, the IT sector's commitment to sustainability ensures that progress doesn't come at the expense of the planet.

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