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/

The department, which emerged from the HWZ Academy, is now being expanded to include entrepreneurship and innovation. The HWZ is thus consistently pursuing its vision of becoming the "most entrepreneurial" university in Switzerland. Barth, who has extensive experience in corporate management and product management, will in future be responsible for the orientation and further development of the study programs in this area.

Dr. Linard Barth holds an M.A. HSG in Business Management and a PhD in Business Economics and Management. Even before starting his business studies at the HSG, he founded his first limited company with two school friends. After graduating, he gained experience in industry, including as Head of Business & Sales Development at DMG MORI. In 2017, he moved to the Zurich University of Applied Sciences ZHAW, where he took on responsibility in several areas of the Institute of Marketing Management at the Competence Center for Product Management. There he supported numerous start-ups and SMEs with innovative projects, worked in training and further education, including as head of the CAS Pricing & Sales course, and completed his doctorate on the topic of "Value generation with digital twins". At the end of 2024, he founded his latest company together with former students.

Source and further information: www.fh-hwz.ch

In a comprehensive analysis of 29 international studies with over 90,000 participants, researchers from the Institute of Psychology at the University of Zurich investigated how the five basic personality traits - openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness and emotion control - correlate with social engagement.

The results show that extraversion and agreeableness in particular are associated with a higher level of involvement in volunteering and a greater willingness to donate money to charity. People who are extraverted are more likely to volunteer, while helpful and empathetic people are more likely to donate.

In contrast, other personality traits such as conscientiousness or openness had less influence on social engagement. The study therefore offers valuable insights for organizations and decision-makers who want to develop targeted strategies to promote volunteering. "Our results confirm that individual differences in personality play a role in whether and to what extent people are socially engaged," explains Wiebke Bleidorn, Professor of Psychology at the University of Zurich. According to the lead author, a better understanding of these relationships could help to encourage people to work for the common good based on their individual strengths and motivations.

The study by Bleidorn et al. was published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.

Influencer marketing is at a turning point: while younger industry insiders and large companies continue to see potential, the general appeal of this form of advertising is declining. This is shown by a recent study by Marketagent in cooperation with the Austrian Marketing Association (ÖMG) and the Public Relations Association Austria (PRVA), in which 600 marketing and communication experts from Switzerland and Austria were surveyed.

Have we had enough of content creators?

In the attractiveness ranking of digital forms of advertising, influencer marketing is in last place - in Switzerland, only 37% of advertising professionals find it attractive, in Austria 41%. Older communication professionals are particularly critical: only 26% of experts aged 50+ still find this form of advertising attractive (under 30s: 70%). Influencer marketing is also only viewed positively by 2 out of 10 Swiss respondents.

Nevertheless, around 4 in 10 (39%) domestic industry insiders expect influencer marketing to become increasingly important in the coming years - paradoxically, in an environment that is increasingly showing signs of "influencer fatigue".

"Hardly any other topic is currently being discussed as controversially as influencer marketing," explains Thomas Schwabl, founder of Marketagent Switzerland. "While large corporations such as Unilever want to massively increase their use, we are hearing more and more about influencer fatigue and declining importance. And our study results are just as dualistic: While influencer marketing is rated the least attractive of all digital advertising formats, more than half of the communication experts surveyed expect it to become more important in the future."

Content creator in transition: attitude instead of glossy

The biggest challenges associated with influencer marketing are the oversaturation of consumers (49%), the loss of authenticity (48%) and the problem of fake followers and bots (48%). Around two thirds of those surveyed are experiencing the first signs of fatigue, with 24% already talking about very pronounced fatigue. When selecting content creators, the focus should therefore be on authenticity (87%), content quality (86%) and thematic relevance (82%). Marketing professionals consider reach to be of secondary importance. On the contrary: micro-influencers in particular (10,000-100,000 followers) are considered the most effective option according to 32% of respondents.

"In an increasingly oversaturated digital world, it is not the size of the reach that determines success, but the credibility of the message," says Roland Zeindler, Managing Director of Marketagent Switzerland. "Authentic, relevant content is more important today than ever before - and it is micro-influencers in particular that marketing and communication professionals believe have the greatest potential here."

Despite criticism, many industry insiders appreciate the advantages of influencer marketing: addressing specific target groups (39%), reach (38%) and setting trends (31%) are cited as key strengths. The use of influencers appears to be most suitable for addressing new target groups (42%), increasing awareness (40%) and promoting impulse purchases (39%).

Under the motto "Big Time", Bernexpo officially inaugurated the new festival hall on Friday at the same time as the opening of the BEA spring fair. At the ceremony in the new congress center, presenter Sandra Studer welcomed numerous prominent guests, including Federal Councillor Albert Rösti and National Council President Maja Riniker.

The new Festhalle will create additional space for concerts, trade fairs and congresses on the Bernexpo site. The new building combines the Stage concert hall and the Cube congress center, connected by a spacious foyer. A multifunctional infrastructure, modern technology such as a large LED wall and a comprehensive logistics concept should make the location attractive for various formats.

As part of the BEA, various focus topics will also be presented in exhibitions and events until the beginning of May. After that, the area will also be revitalized outside of event times with a restaurant and new meeting areas.

The event program for the new Festhalle already includes over 30 cultural and congress events. Concerts by Dropkick Murphys, Kraftwerk and Gotthard as well as the Xaver Award of the Swiss LiveCom Association Expo Event are planned, among others.

According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), almost 3 million people worldwide die at work every year - an increase of over 12 percent compared to 2000. Most of these deaths are due to occupational diseases.

Deaths in Switzerland significantly lower compared to the rest of the world

According to statistics, deaths from occupational diseases are also higher than deaths from accidents at work in Switzerland. Between 2019 and 2023, around 218 employees died each year as a result of their work, 153 of these deaths were due to occupational diseases. The proportion of these deaths due to occupational diseases (70%) is well below the global average. It is also worth noting that 90 percent of deaths from occupational diseases in Switzerland are attributable to asbestos.

The culture of prevention: a cornerstone of health and safety in the workplace

On the occasion of World Day for Safety and Health at Work on April 28, 2025, Suva reminds us that the vital rules and checklists are still part of the basics of accident prevention. At the same time, however, the integration of a strong, evolving prevention culture that is practiced by all stakeholders must be further promoted.
For Suva, this requires six dimensions: Communication, values & rules, leadership, learning, responsibility and operational organization.

In order to master the current challenges in the area of occupational safety, health protection and leisure safety, it is important to integrate this prevention approach into everyday working life. "A strong prevention culture can be recognized by the fact that safe and healthy working is a matter of course for the company and its employees," reminds Heinz Waldmann, occupational safety/health protection expert at Suva.

After all, a strong prevention culture not only helps to significantly reduce accidents and absences, but also helps to improve performance, efficiency, the quality of work and the image and reputation of the company. According to Suva, a culture of prevention is therefore an important investment in the company and its employees.

More information: Suva

This article originally appeared on m-q.ch - https://www.m-q.ch/de/28-april-welttag-fuer-sicherheit-und-gesundheit-am-arbeitsplatz/

There is a change in the shareholder structure at Excom Media. The long-standing co-owners Hans-Ueli "Jöggi" Rihs and Theo Meister have decided to hand over their shares to Marc Goetti due to their age. Goetti is CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the company and will take over all shares from Rihs and Meister on Thursday. He will thus become the main shareholder of Excom Media.

Rihs and Meister played a key role in the establishment and development of the company. Their departure is part of an orderly handover. With the takeover by Goetti, the management remains in experienced hands. According to a press release, he sees the move as an incentive to continue the company's development: "We will continue to pursue bold ideas, develop creative solutions and position Excom Media as a pioneer in the Swiss media landscape."

There will be no further changes to the Board of Directors. In addition to Marc Goetti, Dragan Dojcinovic, Managing Director and CCO of Nau.ch, and Markus Rihs, CFO of Excom Media, will remain in their roles.

Valérie Schelker will take over as Head of the Migros Group's Human Resources Management (HRM) department from November 2025. In her new role, she will also be responsible for Migros' quality organizations - namely SQTS and quality management - and will be a member of the Executive Board of the Federation of Migros Cooperatives.

The Migros Group employs around 99,000 people and is currently undergoing a comprehensive corporate transformation. As part of this realignment, the focus is to be increasingly placed on the core business. The HR department plays a central role in this process, particularly with regard to corporate culture, talent development and sustainable working relationships, according to a press release.

Valérie Schelker has many years of management experience in human resources. She has been a member of the Executive Board of Swiss Post since 2017, where she is responsible for the HR strategy for around 45,000 employees. Prior to that, she was a member of the Executive Board of PostFinance, among others. In her career to date, she has played a key role in shaping the transformation of the working world within the Swiss Post Group and successfully positioned the company in the labor market. She is also a member of the BLS Board of Directors and a board member of the Swiss Employers' Association.

In a statement, the agency paid tribute to outgoing Managing Partner Felix Adank, saying that he had played a key role in shaping the agency's strategic and content-related development - particularly in public relations and social media. He looked after numerous clients from the worlds of business and administration. He supported municipalities and cities in the communicative implementation of site development projects and in participation processes with the population. For three years, he also managed the office of the Smart City Association Bern.

He continues his commitment as climate officer and project manager of the "Smart Urban Heat Map" a publicly accessible online monitoring network that documents the urban heat in the Bern region. The agency's existing and new mandates in the areas of content, media relations and social media will in future be managed by the two Managing Partners Lorenz Jaggi and Marco Di Piazza. As part of this change, Consign is focusing on the targeted expansion of partnerships with established agencies or qualified individuals with proven expertise. Felix Adank will remain associated with Consign as Associated Partner and will continue to manage individual mandates and selected projects.