The FM Monitor has now been launched for the second time after 2023 due to the particularly positive response. The professional associations in Switzerland and Austria are also involved in the FM Monitor 2025. The results here therefore already reflect the DACH region in the management of facility services.

According to 63% of users and 55% of service providers, the strategic responsibility of facility management within the corporate organization is also increasing. "Facility management is becoming a central component of corporate strategy that makes a significant contribution to value creation," says Dirk Otto, President of RealFM. "Companies are increasingly recognizing that efficient and sustainable provision and management of their properties not only reduces costs, but also makes a significant contribution to achieving corporate and climate protection goals."

Increasing customer satisfaction with facility services

Just under half (48%) of users are (somewhat to completely) satisfied with the services provided by their facility service provider, as the joint study by PwC and the industry associations RealFM, SVIT FM Switzerland and Facility Management Austria (FMA) shows. The level of satisfaction is highest in the public sector (60%). The users surveyed in Austria (67%) and Switzerland (60%) were significantly more satisfied than users in Germany (42 %). "Stability in service quality and long-term contractual relationships play a key role in customer satisfaction," explains David Rouven Möcker, Partner and Head of Real Estate Consulting & Transformation at PwC Germany. "This stability must also be maintained in the future, as the industry is characterized by high fluctuation."

Digitization remains top trend

For 62% users and service providers, the introduction of IT hardware and software as well as the implementation of digitalized processes is a top priority in order to increase their own efficiency, save costs and ensure data protection. Digitization is at the top of the industry agenda, especially in Germany (62%) and Switzerland (63%). In addition, new hybrid working environments with flexible room design and digital solutions are currently bringing about changes in facility management (40%).

The challenge of staff shortages

The biggest challenges cited by 81% of service providers and 76% of users are staff shortages and a lack of qualifications. "Shortages of qualified personnel restrict the industry's growth opportunities and increase recruitment costs. This leads to competitive disadvantages and inhibits the innovative strength and professionalization of the industry," explains PwC partner David Rouven Möcker. In Germany (78%) and Switzerland (84%) in particular, staff shortages are cited as the biggest challenge.

Sustainability and the fulfillment of ESG criteria are a major challenge for 72%. "This involves high initial investments and complex supply chain management," says Christian Hofmann, President of SVIT FM Switzerland. "The successful implementation of ESG strategies in the industry requires clear measurability of sustainability-related key figures, the targeted expansion of internal capacities and strategic budget planning," emphasizes Doris Bele, CEO of Facility Management Austria.

No preference for a specific award model

A good 59% of users prefer bundled and integrated awards per trade, while a further 28% prefer individual awards. For Germany, the study forecasts that integrated procurement models will grow by 24% to USD 8 billion by 2027, significantly more than bundled procurement models (up 22% to USD 19 billion) or individual awards (up 14% to USD 20 billion). The procurement of facility services usually takes less than six months. In addition, significant price increases are expected for all facility services: Prices for technical and infrastructural facility services in particular are likely to increase by more than 10% in some cases.

AI use in facility services still in its infancy

According to the study, the level of digitalization in facility management is still low. However, the use of innovative technologies in facility management (FMTech) and cooperation with FMTech providers can contribute to more effective and sustainable facility management. "The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) will become a key driver for the digitalization and optimization of corporate real estate and facility management processes," says Kai Ukena, PwC Real Estate Consulting, Senior Manager.

However, although artificial intelligence offers opportunities for cost reductions, more efficient decision-making and more precise determination of requirements, it has hardly been used in the facility services sector to date: Only 2% of respondents regularly use AI solutions in the procurement of facility services and the preparation of quotations, while almost two thirds (65%) do not use AI in this area at all. 61% of users do not work with FMTech companies. Among service providers, this figure is slightly less than a third.

Source: SVIT FM Switzerland

This article originally appeared on m-q.ch - https://www.m-q.ch/de/markt-fuer-facility-services-durch-digitalisierung-und-fachkraeftemangel-gefordert/

Valuable mistakes - Right kind of Wrong

The practical science of clever failure.

• Amy Edmondson
• Publisher: Vahlen
• Publication year: 2024
• Pages: 325
• ISBN: 9783800674312

Even though it is often said that "mistakes make perfect" - nobody likes to make mistakes. What's more, you can learn from valuable mistakes. Amy Edmondson explains which mistakes are necessary in order to make progress and which mistakes can be avoided in a clear and understandable way, using many practical examples. She takes a differentiated look at different types of mistakes and gives helpful tips on how to deal with failure wisely, both on a personal and organizational level.

getAbstract rating: 10

Qualities:

• Innovative
• Realizable
• Eye opener

Deepfakes and manipulated realities

Technology assessment and recommendations for action for Switzerland.

• Murat Karaboga
• Publisher: vdf Hochschulverlag
• Publication year: 2024
• Pages: 436
• ISBN: 9783728141859

Modern deepfake technologies make anything imaginable presentable: whether natural disasters or terrorist attacks, celebrity romances or business reports - if a simple voice command can put it into the world, who or what can we still believe? The research team behind this report interviewed Swiss citizens, politicians, economic players and journalists about AI-generated content. Conclusion: the topic is hugely explosive for society. In order to defuse it, we need well thought-out regulation, effective education and more personal responsibility on the part of users.

getAbstract rating: 7

Qualities:

• Science-based
• Systematic
• Overview

Between egoism and excellence

How narcissism is changing our working world and what we can do about it.

• Ramzi Fatfouta
• Publisher: Haufe
• Publication year: 2024
• Pages: 212
• ISBN: 9783648180990

Current articles on the subject of narcissism in the world of work usually focus on the negative aspects. Wrongly so, says psychologist Ramzi Fatfouta. The pronounced will to lead and perform as well as the innovative and motivational power of narcissistic people can actually be an advantage for companies. Using many examples from everyday working life, he shows how you as a manager or team can make constructive use of the positive sides of narcissists. His differentiated view of narcissism allows a new, open approach to dealing with it without concealing the risks.

getAbstract rating: 8

Qualities:

• Analytical
• Eye opener
• Background

Self-care for dummies

• Eva Kalbheim
• Publisher: Wiley-VCH
• Publication year: 2024
• Pages: 352
• ISBN: 9783527723355

Living mindfully in the here and now, breathing consciously, being grateful - the self-care tips offered in this guide are well known in themselves. Its advantage is that all the tips and practical advice are clearly summarized and enriched with everyday examples. Individual chapters deal with specific life situations, such as work or parenthood. It is inevitable that the advice will be repeated. Instead of reading the book from cover to cover, it is therefore advisable to look for specific sections and useful exercises.

getAbstract rating: 7

Qualities:

• Comprehensive
• Overview
• Practical examples

Of course, the zeitgeist does not stop at branding and rebranding. And this means that for some time now, brands have wanted to be approachable, likeable and at eye level. In discussions about the specific design, the question almost always arises as to whether you shouldn't communicate on a first-name basis. Because in the end, everything looks different again - just like in a good Greek drama.

Act One: Euphoria (short)

(Re)branding workshop, at some point the sentence comes, something like: "...but then we would have to go with you." Bummer, the show begins. Nods, smiles, affirmative votes. You can literally see how the participants' imaginations run wild - finally free of this formal, unnatural "you"! Okay, cool, let's enjoy this naive moment before we spoil it again.

Act two: Struggling for the solution

The first clouds are gathering: "So also towards the suppliers, for example? Or the chairman of the board? Or the shareholders?"...*chirpchirp*... "Good point - of course we can't all but simply the customers". "So also the customer's CEO? And also when the customer calls the call center in a huff? And the invoice also says you?"

And there we have the mess, the drama is set. Whether fresh or cheeky - how the "you" is received is determined by the matrix of horror: there are different target groups, different channels and different situations - and all possible combinations of these. Now you can go and actually play through this matrix, at least to some extent. Because a generic "you" on a poster is really different from a personal "you" on the phone or on the invoice. The former comes across as casual and often very natural, while the latter tends to be overbearing. In other words, if you really, really wanted to, you could probably find an okay solution. But the mounted principle police are guaranteed to stand in the way with the tiresome killer argument "but that's inconsistent". Not like that, anyone could come along, we've never done it that way before!

Act three: The decision

We have reached the climax: what will take over? Confidence that these problems can be solved when they arise? The fear of not being consistent enough?

But suddenly he stands there in shining armor: the supposedly saving deus ex machina and says nonchalantly "we can simply dispense with direct speech (and thus avoid the problem, as Ulysses should have done with the Island of the Sirens)?". Everyone nods, dazzled by the brilliant idea, and is already happy that the discussion has finally been put to rest.

The only thing is: when you approach someone, it's a bit like making eye contact. If you avoid it, you come across as anything but approachable and likeable. This statement usually marks the end of the conversation: The last hint of euphoria leaves the room like the air leaves the released balloon. Weak, tired and hungry, the decision is made to postpone the topic (it will never be discussed again).

This classic drama will be repeated many more times. And all those who more or less consistently address their target group as "you" deserve a pat on the back: You've found a way out somewhere and you're either sticking to the "you" or you've found compromises - perhaps even using common sense. Gods be the judge of whether this is good or not in your case. But it's at least pretty heroic.

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Analyzed since 2025 Sarah Pally In her column "Blossoms and Pearls", she uses industry-related terms and comments on them with a personal touch, from a linguistic perspective - as well as with a precise view of developments in the industry. Pally is a partner in the Partner & Partner agency in Winterthur. She has been working in the fields of content marketing, text/concept and storytelling in the communications and marketing sector for 15 years.

Mobile working means being able to access important company resources at any time and from any location. Such a working environment automatically brings with it a new threat situation: traditional security measures reach their limits when network perimeters become more permeable and numerous new devices are vulnerable. Companies must therefore invest in technologies such as modern endpoint security solutions, zero-trust architectures, resilient cloud strategies, comprehensive contingency plans and AI-based security solutions in order to arm themselves against the ever-growing cyber threats.

• Endpoint security in a distributed landscape. As employees access company resources from different locations and devices, endpoint protection is a crucial aspect of cyber security. Companies need modern endpoint security solutions to protect all devices connected to the company network and close open attack surfaces for cyber criminals. Special detection and response systems help them to identify and mitigate threats across various endpoints. Regular software updates, patch management and device encryption are further key components of a comprehensive security strategy. 
• Zero-trust architecture for more cyber security. The traditional approach of trusting entities within the corporate network has proven to be outdated in the face of today's cyber threats. Zero trust architecture assumes that every user and every device inside or outside the corporate network is a security risk. Implementing a zero trust model includes strict access controls, continuous monitoring and multi-factor authentication. By applying a least-privilege approach, organizations can limit user access to only the resources required for their role, minimizing the potential impact of a security breach. 
• Cloud security in a flexible working environment. The cloud offers scalability and flexibility, which are essential for mobile working with its communication and collaboration requirements. When employees use cloud services from a wide variety of locations and devices, the underlying infrastructure must be protected accordingly. This includes implementing an identity and access management solution to control and regulate who can access what. Encryption of data both in transit and at rest, regular security checks and compliance monitoring are essential to further improve your own resilience to threats in the cloud. 
• Robust emergency response plan. No company is immune to cyber threats. Even if many still hope to get all their data back in the event of a successful attack, the reality is often different: The stolen information is not released even after a ransom is paid. This makes a comprehensive response plan with clear processes, roles and responsibilities all the more important. This is the only way for companies to react appropriately in the event of a security incident - from identification, containment and removal to data recovery and learning from the incident. Regular testing of the response plan and appropriate adjustments ensure its effectiveness. At the same time, companies must develop comprehensive strategies to maintain important business processes in the event of a cyberattack in order to minimize downtime and financial losses.  
• AI for an innovative and safe working environment. Artificial intelligence is an effective tool for strengthening cyber defense. It can detect and respond to anomalies almost in real time. By continuously monitoring network activity, attacks can be isolated at an early stage and damage can be prevented from spreading further. At the same time, authorizations can be adjusted on the basis of risk assessments. AI-based computers that already have this technology integrated take protection against cyber criminals to a new level, as all the necessary functions are available locally without sensitive data having to leave the computer. 

"The future of work is ultra-mobile - but without a holistic approach to security that covers all touchpoints within the IT environment, this future is only seemingly secure. Companies need to invest in technologies that not only enable innovation, but also detect and defend against cyber threats in real time," explains Roland Kunz, Principal Systems Engineer for Emerging Technologies in EMEA at Dell Technologies. "It's also important to remember that security is not a static state, but an ongoing process - especially in a world where mobile working opens up new avenues and brings challenges."

Source and further information: Dell Technologies

This article originally appeared on m-q.ch - https://www.m-q.ch/de/mobiles-arbeiten-und-sicherheit-wie-unternehmen-das-dilemma-loesen/

The Swiss Blockchain Federation, the Crypto Valley Association and the Bitcoin Association Switzerland have jointly published a manifesto containing a comprehensive 12-point program to strengthen Switzerland as a blockchain location. The document analyzes the current situation as well as the strengths and weaknesses of the Swiss financial center and derives action points and recommendations for politics, administration and industry. The aim is to sustainably secure and expand Switzerland's competitiveness and innovative strength in the blockchain and fintech sector.

Future-oriented strategy

In recent years, Switzerland has established itself as a leading location for blockchain technology - thanks to a progressive regulatory framework, an innovation-friendly attitude on the part of the authorities and close cooperation between politics and industry. But this lead is under threat: Countries in Asia and the Middle East, are rapidly catching up and offering increasingly attractive conditions for blockchain companies; the Trump administration's sharp change in policy is acting as a beacon. At the same time, lengthy processes, regulatory uncertainties and new international requirements are perceived as obstacles in Switzerland.

In order to counteract this trend and make Switzerland fit for the future, a joint and coordinated approach is necessary, according to the stakeholders mentioned at the beginning. The manifesto's 12-point program addresses precisely this issue and offers concrete measures to promote innovation and competitiveness and remove regulatory hurdles.

12 Recommendations and demands for politicians, administration and industry

The manifesto formulates twelve specific fields of action that serve as the basis for a strong and future-oriented blockchain industry in Switzerland:

1. Strengthen innovation-friendly framework conditionsFINMA should reinstate the promotion of innovation as a strategic objective and report on progress.
2. Technology-neutral and proportionate regulationRequirements for crypto service providers and stablecoins must be differentiated and made competitive.
3. Binding deadlines for FINMA authorization proceduresProcedures should be clearly structured and completed within six months.
4. Promoting digital moneyStablecoins and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) are intended to create the basis for a digital economy.
5. Use of technology for complianceInnovative technologies are designed to make compliance processes more efficient and cost-effective.
6. Strengthening self-regulationSelf-regulatory organizations (SROs) are to be given more scope for action.
7. Transparent supervisory practiceFINMA should make its supervisory practice more open and strengthen dialog with the sector.
8. Removing technical barriers to investment: Barriers to foreign investment are to be identified and reduced.
9. More precise regulationVague standards are to be fleshed out through dialog between the authorities and industry.
10. Critically examine international standardsThe adoption of international standards into Swiss law must serve the interests of the location.
11. Encouraging industry to take the initiativeThe industry should develop standards and proactively address weaknesses.
12. Strengthening financing for start-ups and SMEsState support programs and tax incentives are to be expanded.

The Swiss Blockchain Federation, the Crypto Valley Association and the Bitcoin Association Switzerland have initiated this manifesto in order to position Switzerland as a leading blockchain location in the long term. The implementation of the objectives will be regularly reviewed and adjusted as necessary with the aim of implementing concrete measures. Other organizations interested in strengthening Switzerland as a blockchain location are also welcome to join the initiative.

Source and further information

This article originally appeared on m-q.ch - https://www.m-q.ch/de/finanzstandort-schweiz-staerken-mit-blockchain-technologie/

The collaboration starts with a comprehensive image campaign that aims to further build and expand Garmin's brand awareness and image in the Swiss market. The campaign focuses on moving images in linear TV, connected TV, YouTube and online video. It is aimed at people with an active lifestyle.

"With its claim 'Beat Yesterday', Garmin is the epitome of a challenger brand. It is precisely this aspiration to constantly challenge, question and create improvements that we at Pilot Suisse live every day. That's why Garmin and Pilot Suisse are a perfect match and we are incredibly proud to be able to challenge consumers and the Swiss media landscape for Garmin together from now on," says Ben Moser, Managing Partner of Pilot Suisse. Pilot Suisse.

Felix Hegar, Head of Brand Management at Garmin, describes Pilot as innovative and reliable and is now looking forward to working with the Swiss branch: "With its convincing planning approach, distinctive expertise and a keen sense for the special features of the Swiss communications landscape, Pilot Suisse convinced us right from the start, creating significant added value for our brand presence and campaigns in Switzerland," says Hegar.

Jochen Sengpiehl, as the former CMO of Volkswagen China, you experienced the dynamic Chinese market at first hand and played a key role in shaping Volkswagen's transformation towards electromobility and digitalization. What challenges did you have to overcome?

Jochen Sengpiehl: Due to the global travel restrictions caused by the Covid pandemic, it was not possible to analyze the Chinese market and the competitive situation for more than two years. When we saw the street scene and the competitive situation for the first time in August 2022 after ten days of hard quarantine in a hotel in Beijing, we could hardly believe our eyes. It was unbelievable to see the innovative power that Chinese manufacturers had developed during this time - and how clearly they had shown us German OEMs [Original equipment manufacturer, editor's note]. technology in terms of software, sensors, batteries, design, autonomous driving and so on.

 

What was there to do?

In the first phase, it was imperative to carry out a tough and relentless analysis of the competitive situation and derive concrete strategies and measures from this. The key learnings were: five things are needed. First and foremost, a "China for China" strategy, i.e. greater independence from the German headquarters with more autonomy. Secondly, we need to build up our own research and development expertise and develop our own long-term and competitive product strategy for China. Thirdly, we need to reposition and modernize the brand in China. Fourthly, we need to establish and expand strategic alliances in the areas of software, purchasing and development. And fifthly, we need to develop a new design language for electric cars based on Chinese customer needs.

 

What can Western companies learn from the pace of innovation in China?

"China speed" is the key word. Chinese companies are digitizing the entire value chain of all B2C sectors. They are building holistic digital ecosystems and integrating social commerce options into them. At the same time, innovative key industries are being supported by the state. And finally, society as a whole is motivated, ambitious and performance-oriented - and has internalized this as its purpose.

 

How must organizations adapt to avoid being overrun by this speed?

European companies have already largely overslept the digital transformation. China and the USA are two to three years ahead of us in the areas of digital sales and marketing and are already in the next generation of transformation with AI. The key is a radical rethink of organizational responsibilities and the management of the process-related marketing value chain. Things like sales, marketing, PR and customer data must be digitally networked and become part of a holistic strategy along all customer touchpoints.

 

What is your most important recommendation to CMOs when dealing with AI?

AI is a matter for the boss and must be integrated holistically into the organization from the top down. Vertical silo organizations and divisional egoisms stand in the way of the goal of an agile organization. CMOs are becoming "E-CMOs" and need to rewrite their job profiles. The following applies to almost all sectors: digital, digital, digital! In addition, in future there will need to be a separate board member for the AI department - with power and access to all units.

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The Swiss Brand Congress is the biggest industry get-together for brand decision-makers, service providers and media representatives. The industry will meet again on June 23, 2025 at "The Dolder Grand Hotel" in Zurich. The focus will be on the challenges of brand management. m&k is a media partner.

With the recently announced extension of the maintenance period for SAP ECC until 2033, the pressure to switch to S/4HANA as quickly as possible appears to have eased - but appearances are deceptive. Patrick Sommer, Managing Director of the consulting firm CNT Management Consulting in Switzerland, explains why there is an urgent need for action and what advantages Swiss companies will benefit from after the system change. 

Standard maintenance expires in 2027

According to a KPMG study from 2024, over 70 percent of the Swiss companies surveyed are not yet using S/4HANA productively: a quarter have already migrated, a third are in the process of doing so and 28 percent are planning to switch - although 15 percent have no plans to migrate at present[1]. Now - following customer demands to extend the deadline to the end of 2027 - support for SAP ECC is being extended. "This gives companies with large SAP landscapes in particular more time - but the deadline extension is subject to conditions. A prompt switch to S/4HANA remains the best solution," Patrick Sommer from CNT Management Consulting is convinced. This is because standard maintenance for older ERP systems still ends in 2027, with the more expensive Extended Maintenance not until 2030. "An extension until 2033 only applies to SAP ECC. The systems must run on a HANA database; other databases are not supported. The old Java stack cannot be transferred either," Sommer continues. The new offer is also subject to conditions: Companies must make a long-term commitment to SAP and decide to switch to RISE with SAP. There is also the threat of an extended fee from 2031 to 2033. "In the short term, it may seem sensible to keep old systems running. But in the long term, it costs companies more time, money and innovative strength," the Managing Director is convinced.

The end is approaching - what the first steps are now

With the extension, the software group is primarily creating a transition period for large companies with a complex system landscape. For Swiss companies that work with a single SAP system, a changeover before 2030 should be feasible, according to Sommer. As a first step, he advises communicating the urgency of the migration within the company in order to create awareness. "Companies should also internalize the benefits of S/4HANA, such as real-time data and the optimization and automation of business processes. It also requires not only a clear strategy that takes into account the company's business objectives, but also a comprehensive analysis of the current SAP system landscape," says Sommer. He recommends archiving or deleting data that is no longer required and improving data quality to ensure a smooth migration. The Managing Director comments on the time required: "Generally speaking, the changeover takes between 12 and 36 months, although smaller companies may be able to complete it in up to 18 months. More complex systems in large companies, on the other hand, tend to take up to 36 months." It is important to note that the preparation phase, in which the strategy and inventory are carried out, makes up a significant part of this overall schedule.

Why act now if there is supposedly still time?

Looking at the deadlines, the need for action for Swiss companies does not appear to be particularly great at present, as the KPMG survey also shows. However, Sommer warns: "Even if it may seem sensible in the short term, switching to new systems is always the better decision in the long term. After all, those who opt for a modern solution in good time secure their investment, can use new technologies and benefit from greater automation and more efficient processes." S/4HANA, which is based on the SAP HANA in-memory database, enables lightning-fast data processing. This allows companies to access important information in real time and make informed decisions. Intelligent technologies such as AI, machine learning and IoT make it possible to make predictions and develop new business models. "The optimization and automation of business processes through S/4HANA also leads to greater efficiency, lower costs and improved customer satisfaction," Sommer continues.

Cloud strategy polarizes - recommendations must be made individually

However, according to a DSAG survey, the fact that SAP recommends the cloud variant for S/4HANA is not well received by Swiss companies. Just under a quarter rate this negatively, while 13% of respondents rate it positively[2]. "The question of the optimal strategy - whether cloud or on-premise - is complex and depends heavily on the individual needs and priorities of a company. S/4HANA Public Cloud is suitable for companies that prefer a standardized solution, want to act faster and focus on their core business. The S/4HANA private cloud or on-premise variant, on the other hand, is suitable for more complex business processes, strict compliance requirements and a high need for individualization, for example in production," explains Sommer. There is therefore no blanket recommendation - according to the Managing Director, the decision should be based on a thorough analysis of the requirements. CNT supports Swiss companies in gaining clarity about their migration path at an early stage - be it to the cloud or on-premise. Sommer concludes: "The switch to S/4HANA is more than just a technical update. It is an opportunity for companies to optimize their processes, increase their competitiveness and prepare for the digital future."

[1] https://assets.kpmg.com/content/dam/kpmgsites/ch/pdf/kpmg-studie-wie-gehen-schweizer-unternehmen-mit-der-umstellung-um.pdf.coredownload.inline.pdf

[2] https://dsag.de/presse/dsag-jahreskongress-2024-schweizer-anwender-sehen-potenziale-von-ki-und-saps-cloud-losungen/

Source and further information: CNT Management Consulting

This article originally appeared on m-q.ch - https://www.m-q.ch/de/s-4hana-umstieg-auf-spaeter-verschieben-experte-raet-zu-vorwaertsstrategie/

 

The Clio Awards in New York are one of the most prestigious international creative competitions. As the only agency nominated, Farner | Team Farner was able to convert its shortlist place for the award-winning campaign "Giving a Voice to the Unheard" into a bronze statue in the Local/Regional category.

The campaign for Islam Alijaj from the SP appeared at the beginning of 2023 and supported his election to the National Council the following October. Part of the campaign was an AI avatar. With the help of text-to-speech, the National Council candidate was able to largely compensate for his speech impediment for the presentation of his election program. Supported by over 100 supporters, his campaign became a movement for the rights of people with disabilities.

On Wednesday, the Federal Council appointed Martin Bürki as the new Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission Comcom. He succeeds Christian Martin, who has been a member of the Commission since 2018 and has chaired it since 2024, as reported by the Confederation.

Bürki studied sports science and history at the University of Bern and holds an Executive MBA from the Bern University of Applied Sciences. He has worked in the Swiss telecommunications industry for more than 17 years and has headed Ericsson Switzerland for the past 14 years.

Bürki thus has many years of management experience with in-depth knowledge of the industry as well as a sound understanding of technological developments and the challenges of the telecommunications market. The 57-year-old will take over the role of Comcom President on August 1, 2025.

As an independent licensing and regulatory authority in the telecommunications sector, Comcom is responsible in particular for awarding universal service and radiocommunications licenses. Among other things, it is currently preparing for the award of new mobile radio licenses from 2029, according to the statement.

The previous Chairman, Christian Martin, stepped down as Chairman of Comcom at the end of March 2025. "The Federal Council would like to thank him for his services," the statement continues. (Marc Landis/NetzKI Bot/jor)

This article first appeared in Netzwoche.

The major power outage on the Iberian Peninsula has shown that our digital world is fragile. Despite the power outage, Equinix's data centers in Spain and Portugal were fully operational at all times. If the power supply is interrupted by the utility company, the emergency power systems switch on and continue to carry the loads until the power supply is restored.

Data centers are critical infrastructures

Data centers have become just as important to society as, for example, water treatment plants or power stations. It is gratifying to see that governments around the world not only recognize this fact, but also act accordingly, such as in Switzerland, where data centers are classified as critical infrastructure.

However, it is important to recognize that data centers are only one part of the digital infrastructure equation and do not function as islands of data. Our digital world is inherently interconnected, and many of the applications we rely on are not run from a single data center. They require many distributed data centers at the digital edge, close to data sources and end users, and these data centers need to be interconnected.

Investments in individual data centers are important, but they are not enough. We also need a robust network infrastructure to enable our networked society. This network infrastructure is just as important as the data centers themselves, because without it we would not be able to fully exploit the potential of these data centers.  

Data centers can enable the smart age, but not without connectivity

We are living at the beginning of a new era: the intelligent age (the Intelligent Age), which is characterized by digital technology and its massive influence on society. To better understand this change, we can look back at a similar period in history: the industrial revolution.

The industrial revolution was characterized by the emergence of new factories, which led to an enormous increase in productivity, but factories alone were not enough. Manufacturers needed a global shipping network to get the raw materials to the factories and the finished products to the markets. Otherwise, factories on one continent would be idle and warehouses on another would be overflowing.

Today's data centers play a similar role. Just like these factories, data centers would not be able to function without a constant stream of raw materials - in this case, data. Instead of ships and ports, they rely on a global network infrastructure to transfer data from a variety of sources, including end users, IoT devices and other data centers.

High-performance data centers are networked data centers

Global network connectivity is part of what makes real high-performance Data Center makes up. In contrast, on-premises data centers are often isolated. These conventional data centers were built for a different era, long before the advent of data-intensive applications like AI. Companies that continue to rely on these data centers may struggle to reach ecosystem partners such as cloud and network service providers. They must fend for themselves in a complex and ever-changing digital world.

High-performance colocation data centers provide access to ecosystem services that make life easier, whether it's the flexibility and scalability of a multi-cloud infrastructure or the global reach and reliability of an extensive portfolio of network service providers. These data centers also offer scalable, private Interconnection servicesthat enable companies to easily connect with their ecosystem partners and move their data to where it is needed.

Many companies are also faced with the challenge of new data sovereignty requirements. They have data sets that need to remain in their country of origin and therefore require data centers in these countries. The traditional "hub-and-spoke" model of digital infrastructure, where all data is consolidated in data centers in a few central locations, no longer works in this new reality. Instead, companies need many data centers in many locations that are all interconnected. This provides the flexibility to store certain data sets within certain boundaries, while other data sets can be moved freely around the world.

The introduction of AI underlines the importance of a distributed digital infrastructure

The need for distributed data centers is not new, but the emergence of advanced AI use cases in recent years has underscored this need.

AI applications are highly distributed by nature. AI training workloads and AI inference workloads have different infrastructure requirements and are therefore best served by different data centers at different locations supported. These various data centers rely on a robust network infrastructure to ensure a free flow of data between the processing locations.

Most IT managers do not need to think about AI training infrastructure on a regular basis, especially as many companies purchase models from a service provider rather than training their own. The provision of a Edge infrastructure for AI inference is, however, a prerequisite for any company that wants to be successful with AI.

This inference is not a one-off process either: as new data is constantly emerging, it needs to be performed consistently over time. This ongoing AI inference requires a network infrastructure that simply works when and how it should. Therefore, organizations need access to a reliable, resilient network infrastructure on a global scale to support their AI initiatives.

Access to a global interconnection platform

The idea that networks are critical infrastructure is nothing new to us at Equinix. We have continually invested to ensure that we can provide our customers with the reliable connectivity they need to succeed in a changing digital world. Our dedicated interconnection solutions allow our customers to bypass the public internet with its performance and privacy issues. Instead, they can opt for a hybrid network model that combines physical Equinix Cross Connects as well as virtual networks with Equinix Fabric includes. This helps them to harmonize their requirements in terms of performance, safety, cost efficiency and flexibility.

Author: Roger Semprini is Managing Director Switzerland of the data center operator Equinix.

This article originally appeared on m-q.ch - https://www.m-q.ch/de/nach-dem-mega-blackout-auch-netzwerke-sind-kritische-infrastrukturen/

In our digital era, brands are omnipresent. Consumers are constantly inundated with targeted content strategies, influencer marketing and data-based campaigns. Despite these modern methods, one question remains crucial: does the product deliver what the marketing promises? After all, only those who convince customers in the long term can retain them in the long term. Seals such as the SIQT quality ranking provide a valuable orientation framework for consumers in the brand jungle. Every year, SIQT, the Swiss Institute for Quality Testing, investigates which manufacturer brands are particularly popular in Switzerland. In the fifth edition of the study series "Swiss Brand of the Year 2024/25 - Swiss Brand Monitor", over 1,200 brands from 84 product segments were put to the test. More than 235,000 customer opinions were included in the evaluation.

RAUSCH in 1st place in the "Hair Care" product segment

RAUSCH wins the award for the best price-performance ratio in the "Hair Care" product segment, which received 3,198 reviews. This proves that consumers appreciate the high quality of the products and are prepared to dig a little deeper into their pockets than for competitor products. RAUSCH products are known for their high-quality ingredients and high proportion of plant extracts. The company also keeps the entire value chain in Switzerland, in Kreuzlingen in the canton of Thurgau. In addition to the price/performance seal, RAUSCH also wins two other awards, namely for "Outstanding Customer Satisfaction" (1st place) and "Outstanding Quality" (1st place). Our background report (available for a fee, published in print issue 3-4/2025) provides an insight into quality management.

Sandra Banholzer, CEO of RAUSCH, is proud of the award. "First place in the Swiss Brand Monitor is confirmation of our commitment to offering the highest levels of customer satisfaction, quality and excellent value for money. These awards are not only an accolade for our 135-year-old family business, but also clear proof that our sustainable and effective product philosophy resonates with consumers."

Seal of quality serves as orientation for consumers

Test seals have a significant influence on purchasing decisions: 81 % of consumers rate products with a seal better, 61 % of new customers use them for orientation and 41 % of existing customers feel confirmed. Companies also benefit: Test seals differentiate products from the competition, strengthen the brand image and promote employee motivation.

Source: Rausch AG Kreuzlingen

This article originally appeared on m-q.ch - https://www.m-q.ch/de/siqt-qualitaetsranking-rausch-belegt-platz-1/