Zero Trust security has emerged as one of the key principles of cloud security. Unlike on-premise IT, which focuses on network access and permiter control, Zero Trust is designed for a world where IT systems are intrinsically connected. As one of the leading content delivery networks and infrastructure providers, Cloudflare’s acquisition of BastionZero will help the company better provide such an important layer of security.

Combined with existing Cloudflare One capabilities, the acquisition of BastionZero gives IT and security teams Zero Trust controls for infrastructure like servers, Kubernetes clusters, and databases. This expands the scope of Cloudflare’s VPN replacement solution beyond apps and networks to infrastructure resources. As a result, security teams can centralize management of even more of their hybrid IT environment, while using standard Zero Trust practices to keep DevOps teams productive and secure.

The need for Zero Trust security is more important than ever, thanks to an evolving work landscape in which remote and hybrid work have become the new normal.

“The world of work has changed dramatically. Employees have the expectation that they can effectively do their work from anywhere. There’s no reason why teams managing an organization’s most important systems can’t have the same flexibility,” said Matthew Prince, co-founder and CEO, Cloudflare. “Incorporating BastionZero into Cloudflare One gives IT teams access to an organization’s most critical inner workings securely, wherever they are. Millions of organizations around the world trust Cloudflare to protect their systems and data so they can focus on their business and their customers. The addition of BastionZero is just one more way we can protect them like no one else can.”

According to Reuters, AWS is looking to either expand its existing facilities in Milan or build on a new site. The investment will help support the company’s cloud presence in Europe.

Much of AWS’ increased investments in Europe are being driven by the company’s commitment to data sovereignty, promising to store data for EU organizations and companies within the bloc. The issue has been a growing source of concern in recent years, as EU lawmakers have grown wary of data being sent to the US where it could be vulnerable to US intelligence agencies.

The company recently announced a major expansion in Spain as well, although Reuters reports that an expansion in Italy may not be as large as that 15.7 euros deal.

AlmaLinux is a RHEL-based distro that aims to provide binary compatibility with RHEL, but the distro has been steadily improving on areas above and beyond RHEL. One of those areas is compatibility with hardware that RHEL has dropped.

“Releasing AlmaLinux 8.10 less than one week after the release of RHEL 8.10 proves again the power of AlmaLinux community and its ability to deliver on speed, quality, and security,” said lead architect at AlmaLinux, Andrew Lukoshko. “Powered by people and organizations that provide infrastructure and deep technical knowledge, we have proven our commitment to deliver the enterprise Linux that people need.”

Some of the hardware AlmaLinux 8.10 supports includes:

• Aacraid – Dell PERC2, 2/Si, 3/Si, 3/Di, Adaptec Advanced Raid Products, HPNetRAID-4M, IBM serveRAID & ICP SCSI
• be2iscsi – Emulex OneConnect Open-iSCSI for BladeEngine 2 and 3 adapters
• hpsa – HP Smart Array Controller
• lpfc – Emulex LightPulse Fibre Channel SCSI
• megaraid_sas – Broadcom MegaRAID SAS
• mlx4_core – Mellanox Gen2 and ConnectX-2 adapters
• mpt3sas – LSI MPT Fusion SAS 3.0
• mptsas – Fusion MPT SAS Host
• qla2xxx – QLogic Fibre Channel HBA
• qla4xxx – QLogic iSCSI HBA
• be2net – Emulex BladeEngine 2 and 3 adapters

In addition continued hardware compatibility, AlmaLinux 8.10 brings a number of additional improvements.

Updates in 8.10 also bring improvements in web-console and system roles to automate operations and ensure consistency in intricate IT settings. The new system roles streamline the creation and administration of logical volume manager (LVM) snapshots for better data backup and recovery processes. Additionally, AlmaLinux 8.10 further enhances system availability and recovery processes while also improving virtual machine snapshot functions in hybrid cloud scenarios.

Project leaders emphasized how this latest release emphasizes the commitment to keeping pace with RHEL releases.

“Our consistently speedy releases, as illustrated by today’s announcement and the recent release of
9.4, underscore the reliability and timeliness offered via AlmaLinux,” said benny Vasquez, chair of
the AlmaLinus OS Foundation. “With AlmaLinux, users can confidently deploy robust, scalable, and
secure Linux environments, ensuring seamless integration and maximum operational efficiency.”

Once a 1:1 RHEL clone, AlmaLinux has adapted to be application binary compatible since Red Hat began restricting access to its source code. As a result, AlmaLinux developers have been free to improve on some areas, going beyond RHEL’s limitations while still maintaining full compatibility.

AlmaLinux 9.4, and now 8.10, continue to demonstrate the project’s role in providing a free and fully open-source alternative to Red Hat.

Meanwhile, a recent industry report shows a 50% year-over-year increase in DDoS attacks during the first quarter of 2024. Why does DDoS remain such a potent and common threat? On the surface, the way DDoS attacks work seems to be a straightforward problem to solve, since their main goal is simply to overwhelm servers or network resources with illegitimate requests. However, the problem is more complex than it appears. 

DDoS attacks evolve and find ways to evade existing detection and prevention solutions. Also, the way organizations use anti-DDoS tools impacts the effectiveness of their defenses. On the other hand, the growing sophistication of attacks cannot be an excuse for failing to address the DDoS threat. After all, leading DDoS protection services also evolve. 

Here are three of the crucial reasons why enterprises continue to struggle when it comes to dealing with denial-of-service attacks.

Failure to Deploy the Right Solutions

Security firms work ceaselessly to counter the rise of new threats including new DDoS strategies. The leading DDoS protection services come with everything necessary to detect and prevent advanced DDoS attacks – including those that use multiple vectors, IoT botnets, dynamic IP addresses, short-burst attacks, and encrypted attacks. However, many organizations fail to deploy the right defenses. Worse, a considerable number of them maintain a false sense of protection.

One study shows that nearly 56% of the protection faults discovered by DDoS solutions are classified as critical, while around 12% are considered severe. No DDoS protection solution can ever be perfect, but it is alarming to learn that an overwhelming majority of their flaws are critical or severe. There is a need for organizations to revisit the defenses they have in place and consider switching to options that deliver better outcomes.

The right DDoS solution should have robust detection and mitigation capabilities. It should be able to analyze traffic in real-time, identify multi-vector attacks, analyze activity or behavioral patterns, and accurately distinguish legitimate traffic from malicious ones. In terms of mitigation, it should be backed by high-capacity scrubbing centers to absorb and sanitize huge amounts of traffic without becoming overwhelmed. It should also come with blackholing and rate-limiting functions to effectively block malicious traffic as well as automatic mitigation to minimize downtime.

Moreover, it is important for a DDoS solution to have elastic capacities, to handle even the largest DDoS attacks. It is important to be flexible in handling an attack and be scalable to meet the changing needs of a growing organization. Additionally, it helps to have a global network infrastructure to ensure rapid and efficient mitigation regardless of the origin of the DDoS traffic.

Cost Advantage for Attackers, Disadvantage for Defenders

DDoS protection is not cheap. There are no adequately effective freeware options for it. Defending against DDoS requires active servers to handle web traffic whenever attacks are encountered. 

The detection part may be addressed by free solutions, but mitigation is an entirely different challenge. There are no free services for traffic scrubbing and cleaning. The “free” services being offered by some providers are extremely limited – designed only to compel organizations to pay their way into the premium or enterprise version of the service.

In contrast, DDoS perpetrators have the advantage of launching their attacks with minimal cost. Darknet prices for DDoS-as-a-service packages cost as low as $5 per hour or $30 per day. It is not necessary to undergo any training or learn a skill to deploy DDoS against a target. However, perpetrators can reduce the cost of an attack even further by creating their own malware. A multitude of basic DDoS attack scripts are readily available online. 

Attackers might also employ social engineering tricks to direct large amounts of traffic or requests to a website or app with limited bandwidth or network resources. Additionally, attackers can use free tools to build botnets. This entails infecting a massive number of devices, mobile and IoT devices in particular, to make them overwhelm servers with incessant requests or traffic.

There is a massive divergence between the cost of launching a DDoS attack and the cost of defending against it. Organizations have limited resources to sustain defenses, but threat actors have an abundance of free tools and resources to stage attacks. In this sense, it is understandable why many organizations cannot keep up with DDoS attacks.

Misconfiguration and Human Errors

DDoS solutions cannot be fully foolproof, but their vulnerabilities can be significantly worsened by misconfigurations. One example is the failure to update denylists, which leads to either the inability to detect anomalous traffic or the blocking of legitimate traffic. The faulty tuning of rate-limiting thresholds can impair the effectiveness of DDoS solutions, as it can also lead to erroneously allowing malicious traffic or the restriction of legitimate website visits.

Additionally, automation in DDoS defenses can go awry. If automation parameters are not properly set, the effects may mean more harm than good. Automatic mitigation systems need to be carefully fine-tuned to make sure that they yield minimal false positives and do not lead to unnecessary and costly interruptions. It is also possible for automatic DDoS response systems to become entirely unresponsive because of mistakes in the configuration.

On the other hand, the integration of DDoS tools with the rest of a company’s cybersecurity tech stack may also be problematic. Communication gaps between tools may exist, resulting in the lack of real-time information to enable timely and accurate security decisions.

It is important to perform sufficient system testing and monitoring, to make sure that everything works as intended. Configuration issues may appear minimal, but their impact can mean the considerable degradation of threat detection and mitigation.

In Summary

DDoS continues to be a major threat in the current IT landscape because of three main reasons: the failure to choose the right protection solution, the inability to allocate enough resources for protection, and human errors. If it’s not obvious enough, all of these factors eventually come down to human decisions. 

The Push for an Open Platform

AT&T’s substantial investment in its network infrastructure is driven by the need to manage the ever-increasing demand for data and connectivity. By embracing an open platform that separates hardware and software, AT&T aims to achieve greater cost efficiency and flexibility. This strategic shift is about keeping pace with current demand and preparing for future technological advancements and the inevitable surge in data traffic.

“Open separating hardware and software in our infrastructure starts to give us that cost curve and that flexibility,” Stankey explained. “It’s crucial for us to scale efficiently and meet the growing demands of our customers. This approach allows us to integrate new technologies more seamlessly and maintain our competitive edge.”

Investing heavily in an open platform also responds to the evolving telecommunications landscape. As data usage continues to soar, driven by the proliferation of smart devices and the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT), the need for robust and adaptable network infrastructure becomes increasingly critical. AT&T’s move to an open platform ensures that the company can handle these demands without compromising performance or customer satisfaction.

Stankey highlighted the importance of this investment, particularly in the context of the broader industry trends. “We are at a point where the integration of advanced technologies like 5G and AI into our network infrastructure is essential,” he said. “An open platform enables us to adopt these technologies more rapidly and efficiently, ensuring that we can continue to provide high-quality services to our customers.”

Moreover, the open platform strategy aligns with AT&T’s commitment to fostering innovation within the telecom sector. By creating a more flexible and modular network infrastructure, AT&T can collaborate more effectively with technology partners and developers, driving the development of new applications and services that can enhance the user experience. This collaborative approach not only benefits AT&T but also contributes to the overall growth and advancement of the telecommunications industry.

“We believe that an open platform will serve as a foundation for future innovations,” Stankey noted. “It allows us to stay ahead of the curve and be more responsive to the needs of our customers and the market. This is about building a network that is not just ready for today’s demands but is also prepared for the technological advancements of tomorrow.”

Meeting the Demand for Always-On Connectivity

In today’s hyper-connected world, the demand for always-on connectivity has never been higher. AT&T is at the forefront of meeting this demand, leveraging its robust network infrastructure to ensure that customers remain connected wherever they are. As digital lifestyles become increasingly prevalent, the expectation for seamless, uninterrupted connectivity has become a non-negotiable aspect of daily life.

“Our customers wake up every morning expecting to be connected, whether at home, on a road trip, or even at the bottom of the Grand Canyon,” said John Stankey. “It’s our job to ensure that their connectivity needs are met, no matter where they are.” This focus on ubiquitous connectivity is a core aspect of AT&T’s strategy, and the company is continuously innovating to meet these expectations.

AT&T’s recent partnership with AST SpaceMobile exemplifies its commitment to providing always-on connectivity. This collaboration aims to extend coverage to even the most remote areas, ensuring that users can stay connected in places where traditional networks might falter. “We know there’s a segment of the population that truly needs always-on connectivity,” Stankey explained. “Whether it’s for business or personal reasons, being able to stay connected is crucial, and our partnership with AST is a significant step towards achieving that.”

The initiative is particularly relevant as the world becomes more mobile and users demand reliable internet access in diverse and often challenging environments. From business professionals needing to stay connected during travel to adventurers documenting their journeys in remote locations, the ability to maintain a connection is increasingly seen as essential.

Moreover, the increasing integration of IoT devices in everyday life means that constant connectivity is not just a luxury but a necessity. Devices ranging from smart home systems to wearable health monitors rely on continuous data transmission. AT&T’s investment in expanding its network capabilities ensures that these devices can operate seamlessly, providing users with the benefits of modern technology without interruptions.

Stankey also emphasized the importance of simplicity in achieving always-on connectivity. “Customers don’t want to manage multiple relationships to stay connected,” he said. “They want a straightforward solution that just works, whether they’re at home or on the go.” This customer-centric approach drives AT&T’s efforts to integrate its fiber and wireless networks, offering a unified service that simplifies user connectivity.

In conclusion, AT&T’s commitment to meeting the demand for always-on connectivity reflects its understanding of its customers’ evolving needs. By investing in innovative partnerships and advanced network infrastructure, AT&T ensures that it can provide reliable, high-quality connectivity that meets the demands of today’s digital lifestyle.

Differentiating in a Competitive Market

Despite challenges in the telecom sector, including data security concerns, AT&T continues to focus on providing superior service to its customers. Stankey emphasized that while the growth in customer net additions may be slowing, the utility and usage of their services are increasing.

“We had a very good year in terms of service revenue growth, leading the industry,” he noted. “Our focus is on making sure we take our great fiber assets, we take our wireless business, bring it together, and start to do things like add value to ensure that their privacy is protected, their traffic is secure.”

AT&T’s strategy revolves around simplifying the customer connectivity process. “Customers want to be connected everywhere without managing multiple relationships for their connectivity needs,” Stankey explained. “Our position at AT&T is about doing that better than anybody else.”

Ensuring Future Connectivity Needs

The conversation also touched on the importance of spectrum policy in handling the rising workloads that come with increased connectivity demands. Stankey stressed the need for proper policy to ensure enough spectrum is available to support the growing demand for wireless data.

“If you’re going to continue to see usage go up 30-35% a year, you’ve got to build bigger highways to take that,” he said. “That all comes on the foundation of spectrum, and we need to make sure we’ve got policy right in this country to get more spectrum out there to deal with the rising workloads.”

The Road Ahead

Looking forward, AT&T is poised to remain a leader in the telecom industry by focusing on customer needs and technological advancements. Stankey is optimistic about the future, believing the company’s strategic investments and partnerships will pay off in maintaining its competitive edge.

“Our race right now is ensuring customers can use our services seamlessly at home or on the go,” Stankey concluded. “We’re focused on making sure we deliver great value and secure, reliable connectivity that meets the demands of our customers, no matter where they are.”

In summary, AT&T’s strategic focus on innovation, customer-centric technology, and efficient resource use positions it well to navigate the evolving landscape of connectivity and maintain its status as a telecom leader.

Microsoft has taken significant heat for its security lapses, with the lawmakers, CEOs, and a government review board saying the company’s security was inexcusably lax, putting individuals, corporations, and government agencies in danger. In response, Microsoft has re-committed to putting security first, even tying executive’s bonuses to the company’s efforts.

Read More: Security Firm CEO Blasts Microsoft’s ‘Grossly Irresponsible’ Azure Security

Google is adding to Microsoft’s troubles, releasing a white paper calling the company out for its lapses and positioning itself as the more secure alternative. Entitled A More Secure Alternative, Google opens by highlighting Microsoft’s recent troubles:

Microsoft’s ongoing security struggles recently came to a head with a series of high-profile incidents that put its customers at risk. One such incident in the summer of 2023 by the group known as Storm-0558 resulted in the compromise of senior U.S. and U.K. government official accounts, including 22 organizations, over 500 individuals, and tens of thousands of emails. This prompted the Department of Homeland Security’s Cyber Safety Review Boards (CSRB) to issue a detailed report identifying the company’s “cascade of security failures” that led to the data breach. The details in this report speak to prolonged system issues and a “corporate culture that deprioritized both enterprise security investments and rigorous risk management.”

On the heels of the Storm-0558 compromise, CISA issued emergency Directive ED 24-04 in response to a separate Microsoft data breach that occurred just a few months later in November 2023: “state-sponsored cyber actor known as Midnight Blizzard has exfiltrated email correspondence between Federal Civilian Executive Branch (FCEB) agencies and Microsoft through a successful compromise of Microsoft corporate email accounts.”

See Also: Sen. Wyden: ‘Hold Microsoft Responsible for Its Negligent Cybersecurity Practices’

Google then contrasts its own security and history, noting that it began experiencing nation-state attacks in 2009, prompting it to make “far-reaching security improvements,” improvements that were acknowledged by the CSRB and that continue to benefit customers to this day.

As an example of Google’s differentiated approach to security, the CSRB report acknowledged the significant efforts we’ve taken over time to make our systems and products resilient to these types of attacks: “Google re-worked its identity system to rely as much as possible on stateful tokens, in which every credential is assigned a unique identifier at issuance and recorded in a database as irreversible proof that the credential Google receives is one that it had issued. Google also implemented fully automatic key rotation where possible and tightened the validation period for stateless tokens, reducing the window of time for threat actors to locate and obtain active keys. Google undertook a comprehensive overhaul of its infrastructure security including implementing Zero Trust networks and hardware-backed, Fast IDentity Online (FIDO)-compliant two-factor authentication (2FA) to protect these identity systems.”

Google then goes on describe some of the technical aspects of its security measures, as well as its security-focused corporate culture. The company outlines how its cloud-first approach is designed to provide industry-leading security, while simultaneously offering the benefits of being constantly updated and improved.

Conclusion

As we stated in our coverage of Microsoft’s security issues, the company suffers from a number of issues, including the fact that it started out in the desktop space before transitioning to cloud-based services. In contrast, Google and AWS have the benefit of their products and services being cloud-first, with the necessary security built-in from the ground up.

Microsoft also suffers from “missed-out syndrome” after missing out on several significant trends in the tech industry, potentially causing it to rush into businesses without being properly prepared.

Google clearly believes it can take advantage of Microsoft’s mistakes and, to be fair, the company may be better poised now than ever before to take advantage of Microsoft’s missteps. In years past, the choice between Microsoft and Google came down to a choice between local and cloud-based computing.

Recently, however, Microsoft has been blurring the line between desktop and the cloud, especially with Microsoft 365 and its efforts to integrate AI into Windows. As a result, the choice is no longer as distinct as it once was, increasingly giving Google an advantage among users how may have initially been reluctant to rely on cloud-based options.

One thing is clear: Microsoft needs to deliver on its promise to revamp its security or it will continue to lose business to its more secure rivals.

Mir is a Canonical project that was once seen as a competitor to Wayland. Although Mir never took off in the desktop space, it became a popular option in IoT devices. The protocol has since been adapted to support Wayland, opening up the possibility of wider adoption.

Miracle is a window manager that is based on Mir and includes its various advantages, including the ability to run on low-end hardware.

The Fedora project will include Fedora Miracle as an official spin with Fedora 41.

Miracle will provide Fedora with a high-quality Wayland experience built with support for all kinds of platforms, including low-end ARM and x86 devices. On top of this, Fedora will be the first distribution to provide a Miracle based spin, ensuring that it will become the de facto distribution for running Miracle.

“Cyberattacks are no longer just hacks; they are full-on assaults involving nation-states and advanced technologies,” said Mirchandani. “We focus on building out our cloud capability and platform centered around cyber resilience to protect our customers in this challenging environment.”

Commvault’s shares have reached an all-time high, with management targeting a billion dollars in annual recurring revenue by the end of fiscal 2026. This optimistic projection comes as the company distinguishes itself from competitors like Rubrik, which recently went public with a successful IPO. Mirchandani attributed Commvault’s success to its dual approach of technological innovation and business simplification. “There is an absolute need for our platform, and we are keeping things simple on the business side to deliver the results,” he explained.

Revolutionizing Data Recovery

Commvault’s advanced data recovery technology is a beacon of hope in an increasingly perilous cyber landscape. The ability to restore operations quickly and securely following a ransomware attack is a game-changer for many businesses. Sanjay Mirchandani emphasized the importance of trust in the recovery process: “During an attack, trust in your infrastructure is completely eroded. Our technology provides a clean, trusted space where customers can safely restore their core data and infrastructure settings while conducting forensics to understand the breach.”

This innovation is not just about recovery but about ensuring the restored environment is free from malicious code, preventing reinfection. “What sets our technology apart is the assurance it offers to businesses. They can resume operations knowing their data is clean and secure,” Mirchandani explained. The technology’s ability to simultaneously handle recovery and forensic analysis is a significant advancement, allowing businesses to bounce back swiftly while understanding the root cause of the breach.

Democratizing Data Security

Commvault’s approach to democratizing data recovery means that small and medium-sized enterprises now have access to capabilities that were once the preserve of large corporations. “We’ve taken a solution traditionally available only to large companies and made it accessible to everyone,” said Mirchandani. This playing field leveling is crucial as cyber threats do not discriminate by company size.

Another highlight is the technology’s flexibility, enabling businesses to recover specific applications without waiting for a full system restore. “Our platform gives customers the agility to bring back critical applications first, ensuring minimal downtime,” Mirchandani noted. This modular recovery capability is critical for businesses that cannot afford prolonged disruptions.

Final reminder! This is your last opportunity to register for our webinar tomorrow — Leveragining AI For Data Security. Sign up now before it's too late and be at the forefront of #cybersecurity evolution: https://t.co/lvnzdXhsw9 pic.twitter.com/9L8hOyHUgj

— Commvault (@Commvault) May 21, 2024

Customer Testimonials and Market Response

Feedback from Commvault’s customers underscores the transformative impact of their data recovery solutions. A mid-sized financial firm’s Chief Information Officer (CIO) shared, “Commvault’s technology was pivotal during our recovery from a ransomware attack. The clean, secure environment allowed us to get back to business swiftly and confidently.”

Industry analysts have also noted Commvault’s innovative approach. “Commvault’s focus on providing a secure, pristine recovery environment sets a new standard in the industry,” commented a leading cybersecurity analyst. Their commitment to democratizing these capabilities ensures that even smaller firms can protect themselves against sophisticated cyber threats.”

As cyber threats continue to evolve, Commvault’s revolutionary data recovery technology offers a robust shield, ensuring businesses can recover swiftly and securely, maintaining the trust of their customers and stakeholders. Mirchandani’s vision of a democratized, secure digital landscape is not just a goal but a reality, setting a new benchmark for the industry.

Balancing Growth and Profitability

In the high-stakes arena of cloud cybersecurity, balancing rapid growth with sustained profitability is a challenge few companies navigate successfully. Commvault, under the leadership of CEO Sanjay Mirchandani, is demonstrating how this balance can be achieved through strategic planning and disciplined execution. “We are committed to building a responsible company, not pursuing growth at all costs,” Mirchandani stated. “Our focus is on sustainable growth that aligns with delivering consistent value to our customers and shareholders.”

Commvault’s financial results underscore this strategy. In the second half of its fiscal year, the company reported double-digit growth, setting ambitious yet achievable targets for the future. “We’ve set a goal of reaching a billion dollars in annual recurring revenue by 2026, and we’re well on our way,” Mirchandani said. This confidence is bolstered by the company’s robust performance, including nearly $200 million in free cash flow and significant stock buybacks totaling almost $600 million.

Strategic Investments and Cost Management

One key to Commvault’s success has been its ability to invest strategically while maintaining cost discipline. A significant portion of their growth is driven by their SaaS offerings, which now account for a third of their business. “The shift to SaaS is critical because it aligns with how customers are looking at the future of data protection and cyber resilience,” Mirchandani explained. This transition not only meets customer needs but also provides a predictable revenue stream that supports ongoing investment in innovation.

The company’s partnership with Dell is another strategic move that enhances its market position. “Partnering with Dell allows us to offer a modern data protection solution that meets the needs of customers with existing Dell infrastructures,” Mirchandani noted. This collaboration helps Commvault penetrate markets dominated by incumbents, providing a competitive edge.

Maintaining Competitive Edge

Competing with nimble upstart companies requires more than just robust technology; it demands operational efficiency and market responsiveness. “Our business model is designed to deliver profitability without sacrificing growth,” Mirchandani emphasized. This approach has allowed Commvault to differentiate itself from younger competitors who may prioritize rapid expansion over sustainable practices.

Investors have responded positively to this balanced strategy. “Commvault’s disciplined approach to growth and profitability sets it apart in a crowded market,” commented a prominent industry analyst. “Their ability to deliver consistent financial performance while investing in key areas like SaaS and strategic partnerships is a testament to their strong leadership and clear vision.”

Many companies don’t have the time, money, or staff required to test all interdependencies to know they can recover when attacked. Addressing this problem, #Commvault has reimagined #cleanroom from the ground up. Find out more here: https://t.co/DoRBSq8x9I

— Commvault (@Commvault) May 20, 2024

As Commvault continues to navigate the evolving cybersecurity landscape, its balanced approach serves as a blueprint for success. By aligning growth ambitions with profitability goals, the company ensures it remains a reliable partner for customers and a sound investment for shareholders. Mirchandani’s vision of a responsible, growth-oriented company is not just aspirational but a reality, positioning Commvault as a leader in the industry.

Strategic Partnerships and Future Prospects

Commvault’s strategic partnerships play a crucial role in its vision for the future, enhancing its ability to offer comprehensive and cutting-edge solutions to its clients. One of the most significant of these partnerships is with Dell. “Partnering with Dell allows us to offer a modern data protection solution that meets the needs of customers with existing Dell infrastructures,” Mirchandani highlighted. This collaboration broadens Commvault’s market reach and reinforces its position as a trusted leader in data protection and cyber resilience.

Leveraging Partner Ecosystems

The Dell partnership exemplifies Commvault’s strategy of leveraging established ecosystems to deliver superior solutions. By integrating its offerings with Dell’s robust infrastructure, Commvault provides a seamless and efficient experience for customers looking to modernize their data protection capabilities. “Our partnership with Dell is designed to help customers who want modern data and cyber resilience capability,” Mirchandani said. This integration helps customers navigate the complexities of modern IT environments, ensuring they can recover swiftly and securely from cyberattacks.

In addition to Dell, Commvault collaborates with other key players in the tech industry to expand its solution portfolio and enhance its market presence. These alliances are instrumental in driving innovation and ensuring that Commvault remains at the forefront of technological advancements in data protection. “Strategic partnerships are critical to our growth strategy,” Mirchandani explained. “They enable us to deliver more value to our customers by integrating best-of-breed technologies and providing comprehensive solutions.”

Looking Ahead: Future Prospects

Commvault’s forward-looking strategy is centered on continuous innovation and adaptation to the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape. The company is committed to staying ahead of emerging threats and delivering solutions that meet its customers’ changing needs. “The cybersecurity landscape is dynamic, and we must be agile in our approach,” Mirchandani noted. Our focus is on anticipating future challenges and developing solutions that not only address current threats but also prepare our customers for what’s next.”

The company’s investment in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) is a testament to this forward-thinking approach. These technologies enhance Commvault’s data protection solutions, enabling faster detection and response to cyber threats. “AI and ML are game-changers in cybersecurity,” Mirchandani said. “They allow us to identify patterns and anomalies that human analysts might miss, providing an additional layer of protection for our customers.”

Commitment to Customer Success

At the heart of Commvault’s strategy is a steadfast commitment to customer success. By prioritizing its customers’ needs and delivering solutions that drive business value, Commvault ensures long-term growth and sustainability. “Our customers’ success is our success,” Mirchandani emphasized. We are dedicated to providing solutions that not only protect their data but also empower them to achieve their business objectives.”

The future looks promising as Commvault continues to innovate and expand its partnerships. The company’s balanced approach to growth, strategic investments in technology, and unwavering commitment to customer success position it well for continued leadership in the cybersecurity industry. “We are excited about the future and confident in our ability to deliver on our promises,” Mirchandani concluded. “Commvault is poised for continued success, and we look forward to helping our customers navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead.”

Wayland is the display protocol that is replacing the aging X11 system. While many users are able to use Wayland with little to no issues, the protocol is notorious for causing issues for some Nvidia users. With X11’s EOL approaching, developers have been working to smooth out the remaining bugs, a process Canonical engineers believe is now far enough along to make Wayland the default.

In Ubuntu 24.10 we’re also planning to take the plunge and switch to Wayland by default for those with NVIDIA graphics cards. There are still a few known issues with this combination and due to the heavy use of Ubuntu Desktop in AI/ML, VFX and other industries we concluded that it was too early to make that switch in Ubuntu 24.04 LTS. That list has now shrunk to a number that makes us feel confident in enabling it in the upcoming interim release and give us the time to discover and resolve any additional “unknown unknowns” ahead of Ubuntu 26.04 LTS.

Wayland brings a number of improvements over X11, both in performance and security. With Fedora defaulting to Wayland and Ubuntu now doing the same, the protocol will hopefully see the rest of its rough edges smoothed out quickly.

Microsoft has made a slew of controversial decisions in recent years, including ads in the Windows 11 Taskbar, aggressive ads promoting Edge, a rumored move to a subscription model for Windows, trying to force users to have a Microsoft account to use Windows, and turning Outlook into spyware by sharing users’ Outlook data with 801 companies. To make matters worse, a former Microsoft software engineer has slammed the company for “comically bad” Windows 11 performance.

At WPN, we have repeatedly called Microsoft out for this behavior, but we’re not the only ones. In fact, a Windows Central op-ed by Jez Corden makes the case that Microsoft is destroying goodwill, the consumer experience, and possibly its own future in the interests of short-term cash grabs.

After acknowledging that Microsoft jumped to an early lead in AI, thanks to its deal with OpenAI, Corden points out that Microsoft could be even further ahead in many areas if it hadn’t made some confusing choices.

Despite the hype surrounding Microsoft’s lead in this category, what’s often less talked about is how much further ahead Microsoft would be if Satya Nadella and the team at Microsoft hadn’t made a range of baffling, short-sighted decisions in previous years. Whether it’s Windows Phone’s death and handing Apple and Google a mobile duopoly, short-changing Xbox investment for years until it was too late, or announcing awesome-looking Surface products only to cancel them — Microsoft’s biggest consistency is that it’s inconsistent. The lack of investment in winning over customers with raw quality is returning to haunt Microsoft in various ways, yet the company doesn’t seem to learn from these mistakes.

In 2015, surrounded by holograms for the HoloLens reveal, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said, “We want to move from people needing Windows to choosing Windows, to loving Windows. That is our goal.”

Corden goes on to say that such statements were welcome and reassuring. Unfortunately, Microsoft has not lived up to that promise.

Microsoft’s Security Woes

Citing Microsoft’s recent security issues, and the company’s pivot to promoting security above all else, Corden quotes CEO Satya Nadella’s memo on the subject and highlights the issues with it.

Recently, CEO Satya Nadella sent a memo imploring staff to put security first above everything. “If you’re faced with the tradeoff between security and another priority, your answer is clear: Do security,” the memo reads. “In some cases, this will mean prioritizing security above other things we do, such as releasing new features or providing ongoing support for legacy systems. This is key to advancing both our platform quality and capability such that we can protect the digital estates of our customers and build a safer world for everyone.” You’d have thought that one of the world’s most pre-eminent cloud companies would have been prioritizing security, but this memo reads like that wasn’t the case.

This emerged as a result of a pretty colossal hacking scandal that has been practically ongoing for the past year and, honestly, even longer ago. Microsoft provides email and cloud solutions to thousands of businesses across the globe, but also governments, nation-states, and even military installations. Microsoft revealed that Russian hackers had recently breached many of its systems, including source code, Microsoft execs’ emails, and even U.S. government entities’ emails. Naturally, this was a massive breach of trust and to the detriment of Microsoft’s reputation in this space, but it also indicates how under-invested Microsoft is in this area.

Corden ties the company’s security issues with the lack of overall support the company provides, especially compared to Microsoft’s early days when it was relatively easy to get support for almost any product.

Microsoft’s Failed Mobile Goals

Corden highlights Microsoft’s failed Windows Phone efforts, spending billions to purchase Nokia before shuttering the division a short time later. Nadella has called the move a mistake since it essentially left the mobile market squarely in the hands of Apple and Google, making it nearly impossible for a viable third-party option to survive, let alone thrive.

Once the company decided to try again with the Android-powered Surface Duo, Microsoft once again abandoned its efforts, leaving users hanging. Corden points to Microsoft’s flakiness with its mobile efforts and makes the case that it undermines confidence in the company’s current Surface plans.

While I am excited about the Snapdragon X Elite Surface iterations, as a consumer, my faith in Surface’s future couldn’t be lower. Surface suffers the same customer support cut-corners as Microsoft 365, with retail stores shut down and marketing spend nearly nonexistent. Microsoft’s fickle attitude to its products doesn’t inspire the kind of consumer confidence competitors like Apple or Dell enjoy and need through its short-sighted designs.

Winning trust in the consumer space is incredibly difficult. In previous years, Microsoft had invested a lot of time and effort in curating the goodwill and prestige around the Surface brand. Still, now it’s throwing it all away with inconsistency and a downgraded presence atop a lack of innovation. The death of Surface won’t just be the death of Surface; it’ll be the death of trust should Microsoft ever attempt anything like this again, as an extension of the trust damage already playing out from the death of Windows Phone.

Microsoft’s Obsession With Ads

Corden takes Microsoft to task for its obsession with aggressively advertising its own products within Windows, something we have pointed to numerous times.

Microsoft will start placing recommended apps in the Start Menu, as depicted above. It’ll roll out gradually in the coming weeks, and it seems some of these will be quite easily turned off.

However, Microsoft has also gotten incredibly aggressive with marketing Microsoft Edge within Windows 11 recently, moving beyond simple “hey, Microsoft Edge is actually pretty good” to outright resetting your default browser when you run major updates. Microsoft will drop pop-ups to warn you not to install Chrome and beg you to stay with Microsoft Edge when searching for Chrome within Bing.

I actually use Microsoft Edge, and I like it a lot. The password manager is incredibly easy to use and syncs between Edge on my desktop and Samsung Galaxy well. But punishing users who don’t want to use it is egregious and a problem of Microsoft’s own making. Google made a browser that was simply better through innovation and hard work. Microsoft didn’t invest enough in its browser technology, and excluded themselves from the market by putting customers last — notice a pattern here?

Conclusion: ‘Microsoft Needs to Learn Some Patience’

Corden’s overall conclusion is that “Microsoft’s biggest consistency is that it’s inconsistent,” that the company needs to learn patience.

Hindsight is 20/20, and I’m admittedly not privy to the full range of factors driving some of Microsoft’s decision-making. But after ten years, the results tend to speak for themselves. I always hear that Microsoft is “learning, learning, learning” from its mistakes, but it never seems to do so. They acquire companies at a breakneck speed, underinvest in integrations, and then shut down those divisions and products while wondering what went wrong. We’ve seen it repeatedly: reams of layoffs, underbaked integrations, low investment, and taking customers for granted.

I used to wonder why many Microsoft reporters seemed jaded, but after almost a decade, I feel like I’m starting to understand. There’s still plenty to love here, and I’m certainly not denigrating the efforts of individuals in those teams — I want them to be supported better and for customers to be treated with more care. I like Windows 11 for the most part, and I like the possibility of using Surface with ARM. Xbox seems to have an impressive slate of upcoming games. But because of the patterns Microsoft keeps throwing at us, it all comes with a cloud of doubt. Doubt is easy — building trust is hard, and Microsoft hasn’t learned this yet.

Corden’s take is an incredibly well-reasoned, in-depth take on Microsoft’s current issues and is well worth a read. The full article can be found here.

Unity riled the development market in late 2023 when the company announced a major price change that would have seen many developers pay a fee every time a customer installed their game. In the ensuing uproar, the company had to close its offices as a result of death threats. Unity quickly apologized and backtracked, but the damage was done, with CEO John Riccitiello announcing a month later that he was resigning.

According to an SEC filing, CTO and Unity Create head Marc Whitten is now exiting the company as well.

On May 13, 2024, Unity Software Inc. (the “Company”) announced that Marc Whitten will resign as the Company’s Chief Product and Technology Officer, Create, effective as of June 1, 2024 (the “Transition Date”). Mr. Whitten will assist with the transition of his responsibilities and has agreed to continue serving as an employee until he departs from the Company, effective December 31, 2024 (the “Resignation Date”).

In connection with his resignation and transition, the Company and Mr. Whitten entered into a resignation and transition agreement (the “Agreement”), pursuant to which, from the Transition Date until the Resignation Date (the “Transition Period”), Mr. Whitten will serve as a Strategic Advisor. Mr. Whitten will continue to receive his base salary and his previously granted equity awards will continue to vest during the Transition Period. The Agreement also provides for a customary release of claims by Mr. Whitten.

As the filing indicates, it appears Whitten will continue to serve as a Strategic Advisor, at least for the time being.

In a groundbreaking move set to redefine the landscape of cybersecurity, IBM and Palo Alto Networks have announced a strategic partnership aimed at leveraging the power of artificial intelligence to bolster security measures across the globe. This alliance, which brings together the advanced AI capabilities of IBM’s Watson and the robust security solutions of Palo Alto Networks, marks a significant step forward in the ongoing battle against cyber threats.

“This partnership represents a monumental shift in how we approach cybersecurity,” said Arvind Krishna, CEO of IBM. “By combining our strengths, we can offer a comprehensive, AI-driven security platform that is unparalleled in the industry.” This collaboration is expected to provide enhanced threat detection and response capabilities, utilizing AI to predict and mitigate cyber threats more efficiently than ever before.

Nikesh Arora, CEO of Palo Alto Networks, echoed Krishna’s sentiments, emphasizing the transformative potential of the partnership. “This is a historic day for our companies and our customers. Together, we are setting a new standard in cybersecurity,” he said. “Our combined expertise and innovative technologies will enable us to deliver superior security solutions that are both scalable and highly effective.”

The integration of IBM’s Watson AI with Palo Alto Networks’ security platforms is poised to deliver significant advancements in threat intelligence, incident response, and overall security management. “The synergy between our AI capabilities and Palo Alto’s security solutions will create a formidable defense against cyber threats,” Krishna added. “We are committed to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in cybersecurity.”

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the need for robust, AI-enhanced security solutions has never been greater. This partnership is not only a strategic business move but also a response to the escalating complexity and sophistication of cyber threats facing organizations today. “Our goal is to provide our customers with the most advanced security tools available, ensuring they can protect their data and operations in an increasingly digital world,” said Arora.

With regulatory approvals expected by October, the partnership between IBM and Palo Alto Networks is set to usher in a new era of cybersecurity, characterized by unprecedented levels of innovation and collaboration. “We are excited about the future and the possibilities this partnership brings,” concluded Krishna. “Together, we will redefine the standards of cybersecurity and set a new benchmark for the industry.”

A Strategic Alignment

The partnership between IBM and Palo Alto Networks signifies more than just a business collaboration; it represents a strategic alignment aimed at redefining cybersecurity for the AI era. By integrating their extensive portfolios, both companies aim to address the increasing sophistication of cyber threats through advanced AI-driven solutions.

Creating a Comprehensive Security Solution

Nikesh Arora highlighted the comprehensive nature of the agreement, stating, “We are not just combining products; we are creating an integrated ecosystem that leverages the best of what both companies have to offer. This will enable us to provide a seamless and highly effective security solution to our customers.”

This integrated ecosystem will see IBM incorporating Palo Alto Networks’ entire security portfolio, including its highly regarded Cortex XSIAM platform. The collaboration will enhance IBM’s capabilities in threat detection, prevention, and response, providing a more robust defense against cyber attacks. “The goal is to create a unified platform that can anticipate and neutralize threats before they cause significant damage,” Arora explained.

Leveraging AI for Enhanced Security

Arvind Krishna emphasized the transformative role of AI in their joint efforts. “AI is at the heart of this partnership. By leveraging AI, we can significantly improve our ability to detect and respond to threats in real time. This is crucial as cyber threats become more sophisticated and faster,” he said.

IBM’s Watson X, an advanced AI platform, will be integrated with Palo Alto Networks’ security systems to provide enhanced analytical capabilities. This integration aims to reduce the time it takes to identify and mitigate threats, thus minimizing potential damage. “AI allows us to automate many of the processes that were previously done manually, increasing efficiency and effectiveness,” Krishna added.

A Historic Milestone

For both companies, this partnership marks a historic milestone. Arora reflected on the journey leading up to the agreement: “This has been almost a year in the making. Arvind and I, along with our teams, have worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life. Today, we are not just announcing a partnership; we are setting a new standard in cybersecurity.”

The strategic alignment is expected to yield significant benefits for both companies, expanding their market reach and enhancing their product offerings. IBM will adopt Palo Alto Networks’ security solutions internally, showcasing their confidence in the capabilities of the partnership. “Our internal adoption of these solutions is a testament to our belief in their efficacy. We are committed to leading by example,” Krishna noted.

Historic day, exciting times. https://t.co/q3AaCsqH7j

— Nikesh Arora (@nikesharora) May 15, 2024

Industry Impact and Future Prospects

The partnership is poised to have a far-reaching impact on the cybersecurity industry. By combining their strengths, IBM and Palo Alto Networks aim to offer unparalleled protection to their clients, addressing the complex challenges posed by modern cyber threats. Arora emphasized the broader industry implications: “This partnership is not just about us. It’s about raising the bar for the entire industry and ensuring that organizations are better protected against cyber threats.”

Looking ahead, both CEOs expressed optimism about the future of their collaboration. “We are just getting started,” Krishna said. “There is immense potential for growth and innovation as we continue to integrate our technologies and expand our offerings.”

In conclusion, the strategic alignment between IBM and Palo Alto Networks represents a significant advancement in the field of cybersecurity. By leveraging their combined expertise and the power of AI, both companies are well-positioned to lead the industry in delivering comprehensive, effective, and innovative security solutions. This partnership not only strengthens their market positions but also sets a new benchmark for the future of cybersecurity.

Enhancing Cybersecurity Through AI

The collaboration between IBM and Palo Alto Networks aims to revolutionize cybersecurity by leveraging the transformative power of artificial intelligence. With cyber threats becoming increasingly sophisticated, the integration of AI into security operations is seen as a critical step in enhancing threat detection, response, and mitigation.

AI-Driven Threat Detection

Arvind Krishna underscored the importance of AI in modern cybersecurity strategies: “AI allows us to analyze vast amounts of data in real time, identifying patterns and anomalies that would be impossible for humans to detect. This capability is essential in staying ahead of cyber threats that are constantly evolving.”

The use of AI in threat detection enables faster and more accurate identification of potential attacks. By integrating IBM’s Watson X with Palo Alto Networks’ Cortex XSIAM platform, the partnership aims to provide clients with advanced threat intelligence and automated responses. “With AI, we can reduce the time it takes to detect a threat from hours or days to mere seconds,” Krishna explained. “This speed is crucial in preventing breaches and minimizing damage.”

Automated Response and Mitigation

Nikesh Arora highlighted the role of AI in automating response actions: “Automation is key in cybersecurity. It allows us to respond to threats instantly, without waiting for human intervention. This not only speeds up the response time but also ensures consistency and accuracy in how threats are handled.”

The integration of AI-driven automation within their security platforms is expected to enhance the overall efficiency of security operations. “Our systems can automatically isolate affected systems, block malicious traffic, and initiate remediation processes without delay,” Arora added. “This level of automation is essential in managing the sheer volume and complexity of modern cyber threats.”

Advanced Analytics and Predictive Capabilities

Another significant advantage of AI in cybersecurity is its ability to provide advanced analytics and predictive insights. By analyzing historical data and current threat landscapes, AI can predict potential attack vectors and vulnerabilities. “AI gives us the ability to anticipate threats before they occur,” Krishna noted. “This predictive capability is invaluable in developing proactive security measures and staying one step ahead of attackers.”

The partnership’s focus on AI-driven analytics aims to equip organizations with the tools they need to protect their assets effectively. “Our goal is to provide our clients with a comprehensive understanding of their security posture and the potential risks they face,” Arora said. “With AI, we can deliver insights that were previously unattainable, enabling better decision-making and more robust security strategies.”

Transforming Security Operations

Ultimately, the integration of AI into cybersecurity operations is expected to transform how organizations approach security. By combining the strengths of IBM and Palo Alto Networks, the partnership aims to set a new standard for AI-powered security solutions. “This partnership is about more than just technology,” Krishna emphasized. “It’s about transforming the way we think about and approach cybersecurity. Together, we are creating solutions that are not only powerful but also adaptable to the ever-changing threat landscape.”

Arora echoed this sentiment, stating, “The future of cybersecurity lies in the intelligent use of AI. Our collaboration with IBM represents a significant step towards realizing this vision. We are committed to delivering innovative, AI-powered security solutions that protect our clients and drive the industry forward.”

In conclusion, the partnership between IBM and Palo Alto Networks represents a bold move towards enhancing cybersecurity through the strategic use of AI. By leveraging advanced AI-driven threat detection, automated response capabilities, and predictive analytics, the collaboration aims to provide unparalleled protection against the increasingly complex and sophisticated cyber threats of today and tomorrow.

Addressing Cybersecurity Challenges

The cybersecurity landscape is fraught with challenges, from the ever-evolving tactics of cybercriminals to the sheer volume of data that needs protection. The partnership between IBM and Palo Alto Networks is designed to tackle these challenges head-on, leveraging their combined expertise and resources to create more robust and resilient security solutions.

Combating Evolving Threats

Arvind Krishna highlighted the dynamic nature of cyber threats and the need for adaptive security measures. “Cyber threats are constantly changing, becoming more sophisticated and harder to detect. Our collaboration with Palo Alto Networks allows us to stay ahead of these threats by combining our strengths in AI and cybersecurity,” he said.

Nikesh Arora added that the integration of AI is crucial in this battle. “AI is the game-changer here. It enables us to detect patterns and anomalies that traditional methods might miss. By incorporating AI into our security operations, we can anticipate and respond to threats more effectively,” he noted.

Handling Data Overload

One of the significant challenges in cybersecurity is managing and analyzing the vast amounts of data generated by modern digital environments. IBM’s watsonx platform, combined with Palo Alto Networks’ Cortex XSIAM, aims to address this issue by providing advanced data analysis capabilities. “Our platforms are designed to handle large-scale data analytics, making it easier for organizations to identify potential threats and vulnerabilities,” Krishna explained.

Arora emphasized the importance of real-time data processing in preventing cyberattacks. “In cybersecurity, timing is everything. The ability to process and analyze data in real-time allows us to respond to threats as they emerge, rather than after the fact. This proactive approach is essential in today’s fast-paced digital world,” he said.

Enhancing Security Posture

Improving an organization’s overall security posture is another key goal of the partnership. By offering comprehensive security solutions that integrate seamlessly, IBM and Palo Alto Networks aim to provide organizations with a unified approach to cybersecurity. “Our joint solutions are designed to work together, providing a cohesive security strategy that covers all aspects of an organization’s digital environment,” Arora explained.

Krishna also pointed out the importance of customization and scalability in their offerings. “Every organization has unique security needs. Our solutions are highly customizable and scalable, allowing businesses to tailor their security measures to their specific requirements. This flexibility is crucial in addressing the diverse challenges faced by different industries,” he said.

Training and Support

Addressing cybersecurity challenges also involves ensuring that organizations have the right expertise and support. As part of their partnership, IBM and Palo Alto Networks are committed to providing extensive training and resources to their clients. “We are not just providing technology; we are also investing in the training and development of our clients’ security teams,” Krishna said. “This includes over 1,000 IBM security consultants who will be trained on Palo Alto Networks’ platforms to ensure seamless adoption and implementation.”

Arora echoed the importance of education and support. “Effective cybersecurity requires a combination of advanced technology and skilled professionals. By offering comprehensive training and support, we empower organizations to make the most of our security solutions and enhance their overall security posture,” he stated.

Future-Proofing Security

Finally, the partnership aims to future-proof cybersecurity strategies by continuously innovating and adapting to new challenges. “Cybersecurity is not a one-time effort; it’s an ongoing process. Our collaboration with IBM ensures that we are constantly evolving and improving our solutions to meet the demands of the future,” Arora said.

Krishna concluded, “This partnership represents a significant step forward in the fight against cyber threats. By combining our strengths and focusing on innovation, we are well-positioned to help organizations navigate the complex and ever-changing cybersecurity landscape.”

Through their strategic alliance, IBM and Palo Alto Networks are not only addressing current cybersecurity challenges but also paving the way for a more secure and resilient digital future.

Expanding Capabilities and Market Reach

The partnership between IBM and Palo Alto Networks is set to expand both companies’ capabilities and market reach significantly, leveraging their complementary strengths to offer more comprehensive and integrated security solutions. This collaboration is expected to accelerate innovation and provide new opportunities for both companies in the cybersecurity market.

Integration of Advanced Technologies

One of the key aspects of this partnership is the integration of advanced technologies from both companies. IBM’s watsonx platform and Palo Alto Networks’ Cortex XSIAM will combine to offer unparalleled security solutions. Arvind Krishna emphasized the significance of this integration: “By bringing together our AI capabilities with Palo Alto Networks’ advanced threat detection and response technologies, we are creating a powerful security ecosystem that can address the most complex challenges faced by our clients.”

Nikesh Arora highlighted the potential of AI in enhancing cybersecurity measures. “The integration of watsonx with Cortex XSIAM allows us to leverage AI in ways that were previously unimaginable. This combination not only enhances our threat detection capabilities but also enables us to provide more precise and effective security solutions,” he said.

Reaching New Markets

The partnership also aims to expand the market reach of both companies by tapping into new customer segments and geographical regions. IBM’s extensive global presence and Palo Alto Networks’ leading cybersecurity solutions create a powerful synergy that can drive growth in untapped markets. “Our collaboration with IBM allows us to reach new customers and markets that were previously beyond our reach. This partnership provides us with the resources and expertise needed to expand our footprint and deliver our solutions to a wider audience,” Arora explained.

Krishna added, “IBM’s global network and market expertise, combined with Palo Alto Networks’ innovative security solutions, enable us to offer a comprehensive range of services to clients worldwide. This partnership is about expanding our capabilities and reaching new markets to better serve our clients’ needs.”

Palo Alto Networks @IBM

We’re excited to announce our expanded partnership with IBM to deliver AI-powered security and consulting services across platforms.

What does this mean? Details pic.twitter.com/ZXovG07Gjd

— Palo Alto Networks (@PaloAltoNtwks) May 15, 2024

Strengthening Customer Relationships

Strengthening customer relationships is another critical goal of the partnership. By offering integrated solutions and seamless customer support, IBM and Palo Alto Networks aim to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty. “Our joint efforts are focused on providing a superior customer experience. By integrating our technologies and offering comprehensive support, we can ensure that our clients receive the best possible service,” Krishna said.

Arora emphasized the importance of trust and reliability in cybersecurity. “In the world of cybersecurity, trust is paramount. Our partnership with IBM allows us to build stronger relationships with our customers by offering reliable, integrated solutions that they can depend on. This collaboration is about creating long-term value for our clients,” he stated.

Driving Innovation and Growth

The partnership between IBM and Palo Alto Networks is also expected to drive innovation and growth in the cybersecurity industry. By pooling their resources and expertise, the companies can develop new technologies and solutions that address emerging threats and challenges. “Innovation is at the heart of our partnership. Together with IBM, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in cybersecurity. This collaboration allows us to innovate at a faster pace and bring new solutions to market more quickly,” Arora said.

Krishna echoed this sentiment, highlighting the potential for growth. “Our partnership with Palo Alto Networks positions us at the forefront of cybersecurity innovation. By working together, we can accelerate our growth and deliver cutting-edge solutions that help our clients stay ahead of the curve,” he said.

Through this strategic alliance, IBM and Palo Alto Networks are not only expanding their capabilities and market reach but also setting the stage for future growth and innovation in the cybersecurity industry. The partnership represents a significant step forward in the fight against cyber threats, offering a comprehensive and integrated approach that is poised to redefine the landscape of cybersecurity.

A Promising Future

The EU’s strict privacy laws set limits on how and when companies can transfer data to the US. As a result, US-based cloud companies must provide a way to handle EU customer data within the bloc. AWS has made clear its long-term commitment to its AWS European Sovereign Cloud.

From day one, AWS has believed it is essential that our customers have control over their data, and choices for how they secure and manage that data in the cloud. AWS gives customers the flexibility to choose how and where they want to run their workloads, including a proven track record of innovation to support specialised workloads around the world. We help customers meet stringent security, sovereignty, and privacy requirements in our existing sovereign-by-design AWS Regions.

The company says its investment will also help launch its first AWS Region in Brandenburg, Germany by the end of 2025. The investment is expected to contribute €17.2 billion to Germany’s economy through 2040, and support roughly 2,800 jobs in German businesses per year.

“This investment reinforces our commitment to offer customers the most advanced set of sovereignty controls, privacy safeguards, and security features available in the cloud. We’re investing heavily in new local talent and infrastructure, which will help provide the operational sovereignty our customers require,” said Max Peterson, Vice President of Sovereign Cloud at AWS. “This is an exciting milestone, and we’re looking forward to the ways that our customers and partners across Europe will drive further innovation with the AWS European Sovereign Cloud.”

“High performing, reliable, and secure infrastructure is the most important prerequisite for an increasingly digitalised economy and society. Brandenburg is making progress here. In recent years, we have set on a course to invest in modern and sustainable data centre infrastructure in our state, strengthening Brandenburg as a business location,” said Prof. Dr. Jörg Steinbach, Brandenburg’s Minister of Economic Affairs, Labour and Energy. “State-of-the-art data centres for secure cloud computing are the basis for a strong digital economy. I am pleased Amazon Web Services (AWS) has chosen Brandenburg for a long-term investment in its cloud computing infrastructure for the AWS European Sovereign Cloud.”

The Rise of SaaS and the Evolving Insider Threat Landscape

The proliferation of SaaS applications has transformed how businesses operate. Their ease of use and accessibility are undeniable advantages. However, this very ease can create security vulnerabilities.  Employees can readily connect various SaaS applications, potentially bypassing established security protocols and creating a “shadow IT” network. This network operates outside the IT department’s control, increasing the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access.

Furthermore, the rise of negligent insider incidents adds another layer of complexity. These incidents involve unintentional data leaks or lax security practices by authorized users. Imagine a marketing team member or any other employee uploading customer data to a public cloud storage platform for easy access by collaborators, completely unaware of the security risks involved.

The increasing prevalence of both shadow IT and negligent insider behavior necessitates a proactive approach to mitigating insider threats.

Understanding Insider Threats: A Spectrum of Risk

Insider threats come in two main forms:

• Negligent Insiders: These individuals lack proper security awareness or prioritize convenience over security protocols. They might share sensitive data on unauthorized platforms, reuse weak passwords, or fail to report suspicious activity.
  
• Malicious Insiders: These individuals deliberately misuse their access for personal gain or to harm the organization. This could be a disgruntled employee stealing confidential data, a disgruntled former employee sabotaging systems, or even a cybercriminal who has gained access through compromised credentials.
  

Empowering Security with SSPM: A Multi-Pronged Approach

In today’s SaaS-driven landscape, robust security tools are crucial for mitigating insider threats. SSPM emerges as a powerful solution. It’s a cloud-based, automated security platform specifically designed to secure your SaaS environment. Here’s how SSPM helps you combat insider threats:

• Shine a Light on Shadow IT: SSPM acts as a discovery tool, detecting and identifying unauthorized SaaS applications. This allows you to assess the potential risks associated with shadow IT and take steps to mitigate them. You can educate employees about approved applications, disable unauthorized ones, and implement policies to prevent future shadow IT usage.
  
• Take Control of User Access:  Manual user access reviews can be a time-consuming and error-prone process. SSPM automates this process, ensuring that only authorized individuals have access to critical data and applications based on their job roles and responsibilities. This minimizes the potential for misuse by both negligent and malicious insiders.
  
• Monitor for Unusual Activity:  Real-time user activity monitoring is a core strength of SSPM.  It allows you to detect suspicious behavior, such as unauthorized data transfers, access attempts from unusual locations or devices, or attempts to access unauthorized data. By establishing baselines for normal user behavior, SSPM can identify anomalies that might indicate a potential insider threat. This enables you to investigate and take swift action to prevent security breaches.
  
• Streamline Offboarding:  The offboarding process can be a vulnerable time for insider threats. Departing employees may still have access to sensitive information after their employment has ended.  SSPM helps ensure a secure offboarding process by automating the revocation of access privileges. This minimizes the risk of insider threats from disgruntled or negligent former employees.
  
• Educate and Empower Users: While SSPM offers powerful automated tools, it shouldn’t replace user education.  A comprehensive security strategy should also include ongoing security awareness training for employees.  This training can help employees understand the risks of insider threats, identify suspicious activity, and report potential security issues.
  

The Takeaway: Building a Comprehensive Security Strategy

By automating security tasks, providing comprehensive visibility into your SaaS environment, and offering tools to streamline user access and offboarding, SSPM empowers you to proactively manage insider threats.  However, a truly comprehensive security strategy goes beyond technology.  Incorporating SSPM alongside user education and strong security policies is essential for protecting your organization’s data and resources in the ever-evolving world of SaaS. This multi-layered approach can significantly reduce the risk of insider threats and improve your organization’s overall cybersecurity posture.

After almost 15 combined years at AWS, I am going to be moving on. It has been a true privilege to help lead this business from pre-revenue to $100B annualized revenue. I’m humbled by the many customers who have said they wouldn’t be what they are without AWS, thankful to our…

— Adam Selipsky (@aselipsky) May 14, 2024

A Legacy of Leadership and Innovation

Adam Selipsky, who rejoined AWS as CEO after a successful stint at Tableau, has been instrumental in driving the growth and innovation of the cloud unit. Under his leadership, AWS achieved a remarkable $100 billion revenue run rate, solidifying its position as the mainstay of Amazon’s cash flow. In a heartfelt letter to staff and shareholders, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy praised Selipsky’s contributions. “Adam leaves AWS in a strong position, having reached a $100 billion annual revenue run rate this past quarter, with YoY revenue accelerating again,” Jassy wrote. “I’m deeply appreciative of Adam’s leadership during this time, and for the entire team’s dedication to deliver for customers and the business.”

Selipsky’s departure follows a dynamic three-year tenure during which AWS navigated the complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the challenges, the division thrived, making strategic decisions to help customers optimize their spending and launching several impactful generative AI services, such as Amazon Bedrock and Amazon Q. “Leading this amazing team and the AWS business has been a privilege,” Selipsky noted in his farewell message. “I am proud of all we’ve accomplished, going from a start-up to where we are today.”

The Rise of Matt Garman

Matt Garman, who will succeed Selipsky, brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of AWS’s operations. Having joined Amazon as an MBA intern in 2005, Garman has held numerous positions across the company, from product management to leading worldwide sales, marketing, support, and professional services for AWS. His journey within Amazon is a testament to his adaptability and leadership skills.

“Matt has an unusually strong set of skills and experiences for his new role,” Jassy wrote. “He’s very customer-focused, a terrific product leader, inventive, a clever problem-solver, and has high standards and a meaningful bias for action.” Garman’s ascent to CEO reflects Amazon’s commitment to internal development and continuity. His appointment ensures that the cloud unit remains at the forefront of innovation and customer service.

Strategic Vision and Future Prospects

Garman’s appointment comes at a critical juncture for AWS. The cloud unit not only supports Amazon’s other ventures in e-commerce, healthcare, and logistics but also serves as a leader in providing infrastructure for large language models and AI. As Amazon continues to expand its footprint in the generative AI market, Garman’s experience in both product development and sales will be invaluable.

In his message to the AWS team, Garman expressed optimism about the future. “I am more optimistic than I have ever been for the potential for innovation and growth ahead of us, and I look forward to helping us move faster, invent more, and operate as one team to help our customers,” he said. “For me, AWS is much more than just a business. We are a team of missionaries working passionately to help make our customers’ lives and businesses better every day.”

Navigating the Pandemic and Beyond

Selipsky took over AWS in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, a period marked by unprecedented challenges and rapid changes. Under his direction, AWS made strategic long-term decisions to help customers become more efficient in their spend, even if it meant less short-term revenue for AWS. This customer-centric approach has been a hallmark of AWS’s strategy, reinforcing its reputation as a reliable partner for businesses navigating digital transformation.

“Adam took over at a time of great uncertainty,” noted Jassy. “Under his leadership, the team made the right long-term decisions to help customers become more efficient in their spend, even if it meant less short-term revenue for AWS. Throughout, the team continued to invent and release new services at a rapid clip.”

Innovation at the Core

During Selipsky’s tenure, AWS continued to innovate at a breakneck pace, introducing several impactful services that have set new standards in the industry. One of the notable achievements was the launch of Amazon Bedrock, a platform designed to help businesses build and deploy AI models efficiently. Another significant introduction was Amazon Q, a service aimed at simplifying the integration of AI into everyday business operations.

“We’ve always focused on helping our customers be more successful,” Selipsky remarked in an internal memo. “By continually innovating and launching new services, we’ve enabled businesses of all sizes to leverage the power of the cloud and AI to drive their own success.”

Preparing for the Future

As AWS looks to the future, Garman’s leadership is expected to bring a renewed focus on customer experience and product innovation. His extensive background in product management and his recent experience leading global sales and marketing efforts position him uniquely to drive AWS forward.

“Matt knows our customers and business as well as anybody in the world,” Jassy emphasized. “His senior leadership experience on both the product and demand generation sides will be invaluable as we continue to invent our future.”

Garman, in his message to the team, highlighted his commitment to maintaining AWS’s trajectory of growth and innovation. “Over the last 18 years, I have been fortunate enough to get to work on many different aspects of the AWS business,” Garman stated. “But one constant has been the world-class talent and the unwavering customer obsession of the people I have gotten to work with. I’m excited to get started and help us move faster, invent more, and operate as one team to help our customers.”

Wow! Quite the change coming for @awscloud. I thought @aselipsky brought what AWS needed for the next phase. Matt Garman will bring a different vibe more toward @ajassy's style.

Amazon Web Services CEO Adam Selipsky to step down https://t.co/3zBA5nhJXX#CIO #cloud $AMZN

— Tim Crawford (@tcrawford) May 14, 2024

Broader Implications for Amazon

The leadership transition at AWS is not just a significant event for the cloud unit; it has broader implications for Amazon as a whole. AWS is a crucial component of Amazon’s overall strategy, contributing significantly to the company’s revenue and profitability. As the primary driver of Amazon’s cash flow, the continued success of AWS is vital to funding Amazon’s diverse ventures and innovations across various sectors.

Amazon’s investment in cloud technology has positioned it as a leader in the industry, with AWS providing the backbone for many of the world’s most prominent digital services. The division’s continued growth and innovation under Garman will be closely watched by competitors and customers alike. As AWS continues to push the boundaries of what cloud technology can achieve, it will play a critical role in shaping the future of digital infrastructure and AI development.

The Future of Cloud Computing

The future of AWS, under Garman’s leadership, promises to be exciting. With a strong foundation built by Selipsky and a visionary leader in Garman, AWS is well-positioned to continue leading the cloud computing market. The division is expected to further its advancements in AI, machine learning, and other cutting-edge technologies.

“AWS has always been about pushing the envelope,” Garman said. “From our early days as a start-up to becoming a key player in the tech industry, we’ve always strived to be at the forefront of innovation. I look forward to continuing this tradition and helping our customers achieve their goals.”

As AWS continues to evolve, its impact on the tech industry and the broader economy will be profound. The division’s strategic investments, such as the recent $11 billion commitment in Indiana, underscore its long-term vision and commitment to growth. These investments are expected to create at least 1,000 jobs and support new workforce development training programs, highlighting AWS’s role in driving economic development alongside technological innovation.

Conclusion

As Adam Selipsky steps down and Matt Garman steps up, AWS is poised for a new chapter of growth and innovation. With a strong foundation built by Selipsky and a visionary leader in Garman, AWS is well-positioned to continue leading the cloud computing market and driving forward the next wave of technological advancements. The seamless transition in leadership ensures that AWS will maintain its momentum and continue to deliver exceptional value to its customers and stakeholders.

The cloud computing giant’s next steps will be closely watched, as Garman takes the helm with a blend of deep institutional knowledge and a forward-thinking vision. The world will be eager to see how AWS continues to shape the future of technology and what new heights it can achieve under its new leadership.

UniSuper began experiencing issues on Thursday, May 2, with members unable to access many of the company’s services. The outage continued for several days, and is still causing problems as of the time of writing. The cause of the outage is the most interesting fact, however, with Google Cloud admitting that “an isolated, one-of-a-kind occurrence’ caused UniSuper’s entire private cloud subscription to be canceled.

“This is an isolated, ‘one-of-a-kind occurrence’ that has never before occurred with any of Google Cloud’s clients globally,” said a joint statement from UniSuper CEO Peter Chun and Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian. “This should not have happened. Google Cloud has identified the events that led to this disruption and taken measures to ensure this does not happen again.”

UniSuper maintained its data in two geographies, specifically to protect against outages. Unfortunately, when Google Cloud canceled the company’s subscription, it deleted UniSuper’s data in both locations.

Restoring UniSuper’s Private Cloud instance has called for an incredible amount of focus, effort, and partnership between our teams to enable an extensive recovery of all the core systems. The dedication and collaboration between UniSuper and Google Cloud has led to an extensive recovery of our Private Cloud which includes hundreds of virtual machines, databases and applications.

The incident is not a good look for Google Cloud and raises serious questions about how the issue was able to happen in the first place. Kurian’s response that it was a “one-of-a-kind occurrence” is not reassuring, since this scenario happening even once is one too many times.

While UniSuper has assured its members that their accounts and funds are safe, not being able to access those accounts for the better part of a week is a worst-case scenario for the superannuation fund, a scenario of Google’s creation.

Interestingly, and not unexpectedly, UniSuper has not committed to remaining with Google Cloud following this episode. In response to a FAQ on its site about whether it would continue using Google after the incident, UniSuper had this to say:

UniSuper takes our responsibility to provide reliable services to our members extremely seriously. Our focus is on getting systems back online swiftly, safely and securely.

We are concurrently working closely with Google Cloud on finalising a full root cause analysis. Google Cloud has confirmed that this was an unprecedented, isolated occurrence, and that measures have been taken to ensure this issue does not happen again. We will assess this incident and ensure we are best positioned to deliver services for our members.

The IT services industry is often overlooked in favor of flashier tech segments like cloud computing and AI, but its growth story is no less remarkable. Forrester’s report reveals that IT services currently capture over a third of global tech spending, dwarfing the annual expenditure on computer equipment.

“By 2028, annual spending on IT services will reach $2 trillion,” noted Michael O’Grady, principal forecast analyst at Forrester. “Despite strong forecasted growth over the next few years, IT service firms must stay ahead of current challenges, including optimizing headcount for cost and efficiency, staying abreast of competition from software and engineering firms, and utilizing GenAI judiciously to reshape service delivery.”

Key Drivers of Growth

Financial Services and Manufacturing
Financial services, manufacturing, and energy are central to the IT services industry’s growth, with the ten largest companies generating 44% of their revenue from these segments. Accenture estimates that only 5% of manufacturing and engineering companies scale mature digital capabilities across their organizations, highlighting a significant opportunity for IT service firms to expand.

Managed Services
Infrastructure as a service (IaaS) is projected to nearly double its share of the IT services market, growing from 8% in 2022 to 15% in 2028. AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud are leading the way, benefiting from an enterprise shift toward cloud-based infrastructure. Google Cloud and AWS saw growth rates of 26% and 13%, respectively, in 2023, while Azure and other cloud services experienced 17% growth for Microsoft.

Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity spending remains a critical driver of growth. Canalys estimates that two-thirds of the $224 billion projected for 2024 will be allocated to IT services such as consulting, outsourcing, managed services, solution deployment and integration, maintenance, and support.

Generative AI and Automation
Generative AI (GenAI) is reshaping how IT services are delivered. In the US, 57% of the jobs lost to automation in professional services are expected to be directly attributable to GenAI. By increasing productivity and reducing project delivery costs, GenAI could free up resources to tackle project backlogs and support the shift toward project onshoring as parts of consultant roles become semi-automated. For IT service companies, harnessing the productivity gains of automation will be crucial to improving margins while managing headcount reductions.

Market Overview and Regional Dynamics

The global IT services market is poised for robust growth, with Forrester forecasting annual spending to reach $2 trillion by 2028. This growth will be fueled by an average annual growth rate of 4.6% across the industry. While infrastructure as a service (IaaS) is expected to lead the way, averaging nearly 16% growth annually, other critical segments like cybersecurity and managed services will also contribute significantly.

Regional Trends and Dynamics
Growth in the IT services market will not be uniform across regions. Asia-Pacific is set to outpace the global average, with nearly 6% annual growth driven by rapid digital transformation in emerging economies and a growing appetite for advanced IT solutions. Countries like India, China, and Japan are becoming innovation hubs for technology services, particularly in areas like cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.

North America remains the largest market for IT services, with the US leading the charge in cloud adoption, cybersecurity, and managed services. The region’s financial services, healthcare, and retail sectors are substantial consumers of IT services, reflecting their need to stay competitive through digital innovation. Major US companies like Accenture, IBM, and Cognizant are investing heavily in emerging technologies like generative AI to bolster their service offerings.

In Europe, the IT services industry is expected to grow more modestly, at approximately 4.5% annually. This growth will be driven by heightened regulatory compliance requirements and the need to modernize legacy IT systems across the continent. European companies are increasingly partnering with US and Asian IT service providers to gain access to global expertise and advanced technologies, particularly in cybersecurity and cloud computing.

Latin America and the Middle East and Africa (MEA) are emerging as promising markets due to rising IT adoption rates and their respective governments’ digital transformation efforts. Latin American companies increasingly source IT services from global firms with nearshoring capabilities in the region, such as Eastern Europe. In MEA, governments invest in digital infrastructure projects, creating opportunities for IT service firms to capitalize on cloud computing, data analytics, and cybersecurity services.

Strategic Challenges for IT Services Firms

Despite strong projected growth, the global IT services industry anticipates subdued results in 2024 due to economic headwinds like trade conflicts and geopolitical tensions. Forrester outlines several key challenges IT services firms must address.

Optimizing Headcount and Automation
One of the primary challenges facing IT service companies is balancing headcount and automation. Many firms expanded their workforce to meet the pandemic-fueled surge in demand, only to now find themselves needing to reduce their payrolls. According to Forrester, headcount and revenue have historically been closely linked, meaning that workforce reductions could negatively impact service quality and profitability.

Automation, especially through generative AI, offers significant productivity gains that could help IT service companies cut costs and improve margins. However, while many firms explore automation, most of its benefits remain unrealized. For instance, integrating generative AI into professional services could reduce 57% of jobs due to automation, according to Forrester. Nevertheless, these productivity gains could free up resources to address project backlogs, optimize project delivery costs, and streamline internal processes.

Managing Competition from Software and Engineering Firms
Competition from adjacent sectors, particularly software and engineering firms, poses a significant challenge for IT service companies. These competitors are increasingly moving into consulting, security, maintenance, digital, and networking services, traditionally dominated by IT service providers. This competition drives firms to forge closer partnerships with software companies to bolster their capabilities.

A prime example is Cognizant’s acquisition of Thirdera, strengthening its strategic partnership with ServiceNow for AI-driven automation. Collaborating with software companies allows IT service firms to tap into cutting-edge technology and offer a broader range of services, helping them stay competitive in the rapidly evolving marketplace.

Integrating Generative AI into Service Delivery
Generative AI is set to reshape service delivery by automating processes, reducing project costs, and freeing up enterprise dollars for additional modernization. Companies like Capgemini and Accenture plan to increase their in-house data and AI specialists by 17% and 11% over the next three years. However, fully integrating generative AI into service delivery presents challenges in managing workforce reductions and ensuring a seamless transition to semi-automated processes.

As parts of consultant roles become automated, firms must identify areas where human expertise is essential and upskill their workforce accordingly. This will require comprehensive training programs and strategic workforce planning to ensure employees can add value to the new AI-driven landscape.

Navigating Economic Uncertainty
Economic headwinds, driven by trade conflicts, geopolitical tensions, and budgetary caution, have dampened IT services revenue projections for the near term. Forrester predicts that real global GDP growth will only exceed pre-pandemic levels in 2025, making it crucial for IT service companies to navigate this period of uncertainty strategically.

Firms must remain agile in adjusting their business models, pricing strategies, and service offerings to align with changing market conditions. They should also explore diversifying their client base and expanding into new geographies to mitigate the risks of economic downturns in specific regions.

In summary, the IT services industry stands at a crossroads where strategic foresight, adaptability, and embracing automation determine which firms thrive and which falter. Forrester’s report emphasizes that companies that skillfully navigate these challenges will be well-positioned to capture a significant share of the $2 trillion market opportunity by 2028.

Co-Innovation and Global Collaboration

In an increasingly interconnected global economy, co-innovation and collaboration are emerging as essential strategies for IT service companies to differentiate themselves and drive growth. According to Forrester, the technology services market represents nearly half of the $4.2 trillion global tech economy, and companies that leverage strategic partnerships can maximize their potential in this rapidly evolving landscape.

To understand how organizations select and work with technology services providers, Forrester surveyed 1,955 enterprise service decision-makers globally. The study revealed that 29% of respondents see investment in emerging technologies as a primary benefit of partnering with IT service firms. In particular, generative AI has the potential to significantly enhance productivity and streamline processes, enabling organizations to focus on higher-value activities.

Generative AI exemplifies how co-innovation can revolutionize service delivery. Providers like Accenture, Cognizant, and Capgemini actively incorporate AI tools and methodologies to transform their service offerings. Accenture, for instance, has invested billions in AI development and workforce upskilling. The firm sees a significant opportunity in AI consulting and has already booked $600 million in new generative AI-related projects. Meanwhile, Capgemini plans to increase its in-house data and AI specialists by 17% over the next three years to meet the rising demand for these skills.

Global collaboration has also become a cornerstone of IT service delivery. Nearshoring is gaining traction as enterprises seek to balance cost efficiency with the benefits of proximity. More than half of the decision-makers surveyed expect their providers to source labor from Eastern Europe, while 41% anticipate sourcing from Latin America. Working with nearshore and onshore providers facilitates seamless collaboration in blended agile teams and enables transformative work across multiple time zones.

However, successful collaboration requires a solid commitment to coordination. In the survey, 70% of respondents working with multiple providers to implement business applications indicated using outcomes-based contracts. By aligning providers with common outcome metrics, enterprises can motivate collaboration and ensure that all parties work toward shared goals.

These trends underscore the importance of treating technology services providers as extensions of an organization’s internal capabilities. Companies that adopt a strategic partnership approach focusing on shared goals and mutual success can unlock new levels of innovation and business value.

In this context, IT service companies must adapt their business models to become indispensable co-innovation partners. By fostering strategic alliances, investing in emerging technologies like generative AI, and optimizing global collaboration, they can enhance their value proposition and capture a significant share of the $2 trillion market opportunity by 2028.

Pivotal Juncture

The global IT services industry is at a pivotal juncture, facing significant opportunities and considerable challenges. Forrester’s “Global IT Services Market Forecast 2023-2028” paints a picture of substantial growth, with annual spending expected to reach $2 trillion by 2028. However, this growth is contingent upon the industry’s ability to navigate an evolving landscape shaped by automation, competition, and the rapid rise of generative AI.

Generative AI, in particular, stands as a transformative force capable of reshaping the industry. While it promises to enhance productivity, streamline project delivery, and reduce costs, it also presents challenges regarding headcount optimization and displacing traditional roles. IT service firms will need to strike a delicate balance between embracing the efficiencies of automation and maintaining a skilled workforce capable of delivering high-quality services.

Moreover, competition from software and engineering firms intensifies, with adjacent sectors increasingly encroaching on traditional IT service domains. Strategic partnerships and acquisitions will enable IT service companies to bolster their capabilities, particularly in emerging cybersecurity and AI-driven automation technologies.

The concept of co-innovation is poised to redefine how companies engage with their technology service providers. The survey findings underscore that clients seek more than just capacity and expertise; they seek partners who can bring cutting-edge technologies, strategic alliances, and a commitment to shared outcomes. Firms that deliver on this promise will stand out in a crowded marketplace.

Global collaboration and nearshoring trends offer additional avenues for growth. By sourcing talent from regions like Eastern Europe and Latin America, IT service firms can enhance their agility and facilitate closer collaboration with clients. The shift toward outcomes-based contracts further reinforces the need for coordination and shared goals across multiple providers.

The road to $2 trillion presents a complex yet rewarding journey for the global IT services industry. As Michael O’Grady, principal forecast analyst at Forrester, aptly notes, “IT service companies that manage these challenges well will thrive and scale globally.” The firms that embrace strategic partnerships, harness the power of generative AI, and navigate the intricacies of global collaboration will be best positioned to lead the market in the years ahead.

AlmaLinux is a popular clone of RHEL, giving users an enterprise-grade distro for free. While AlmaLinux used to be 1:1 RHEL compatibility, the project had to change direction when Red Hat began restricting access to its source code. AlmaLinux is now Application Binary Interface (ABI) compatible with RHEL. This frees the distro to improve on RHEL, while still maintaining compatibility.

That newfound freedom is on full display with AlmaLinux 9.4, with the latest release bringing a number of improvements.

Introducing updates to enhance machine security and data protection, AlmaLinux 9.4 also provides improvements in web-console and system roles that automate additional operations and promote consistency in complex environments. Its new system roles enable the creation and management of logical volume manager (LVM) snapshots for improved data backup and recovery processes while its new features also aim to improve system availability and reliability, facilitate easier recovery operations, and enhance virtual machine snapshot capabilities in hybrid cloud environments.

One of the big features of AlmaLinux’s new release is support for older hardware that the latest RHEL has dropped support for.

With RHEL 9.4, Red Hat changed how they manage device drivers that are deprecated, disabled, or unmaintained, and also removed support for several older hardware devices. The way those devices are managed makes it easy for AlmaLinux to re-add support for those devices that the AlmaLinux community still needs. The release of AlmaLinux 9.4 marks a pivotal moment for any industry looking to keep hardware and human costs low by extending the life of still-good, but aging servers.

The list of devices deprecated in RHEL and supported in AlmaLinux include:

• aacraid – Dell PERC2, 2/Si, 3/Si, 3/Di, Adaptec Advanced Raid Products, HP
• NetRAID-4M, IBM ServeRAID & ICP SCSI
• be2iscsi – Emulex OneConnectOpen-iSCSI for BladeEngine 2 and 3 adapters
• hpsa – HP Smart Array Controller
• lpfc – Emulex LightPulse Fibre Channel SCSI
• megaraid_sas – Broadcom MegaRAID SAS
• mlx4_core – Mellanox Gen2 and ConnectX-2 adapters
• mpt3sas – LSI MPT Fusion SAS 3.0
• mptsas – Fusion MPT SAS Host
• qla2xxx – QLogic Fibre Channel HBA
• qla4xxx – QLogic iSCSI HBA

“This significant enhancement not only streamlines installation and updates for our clusters but also revitalizes older systems, particularly in VFX studios where legacy CPU rendering blades still play a vital role,” said Tristan Theroux, IT infrastructure & security director for SHED. “In the realm of VFX, where every resource counts, these trusted, resilient servers tackle less intensive tasks, allowing more powerful rendering servers to be reserved for more intensive projects. AlmaLinux 9.4 doesn’t just bridge the gap between the past and present; it propels us toward a future where innovation knows no bounds.”

The AlmaLinux team emphasized the importance of the project’s newfound freedom, as well as the team’s commitment to its user base.

“The release of 9.4 stands as the latest testament to AlmaLinux’s steadfast commitment to our community while maintaining the ever-improved performance, scalability and reliability,” said benny Vasquez, chair of the AlmaLinux OS Foundation. “This is our second point release for AlmaLinux 9 since last year’s shift from copying Red Hat bit-for-bit, and we are starting to take advantage of our freedom.”

“Releasing AlmaLinux 9.4 less than one week after the release of Red Hat 9.4 is a testament to the strength and depth of knowledge of the AlmaLinux community and its commitment to speed as well as stability,” said lead architect at AlmaLinux, Andrew Lukushko. “We have the backing of companies and organizations that provide the infrastructure and fundamental understanding needed to deliver the enterprise Linux that our community needs.”

Charlie Bell, EVP of Microsoft Security, pointed out the company’s recent Secure Future Initiative (SFI) that it rolled out last November, saying the company must do more given its role in the world’s digital ecosystem.

Microsoft plays a central role in the world’s digital ecosystem, and this comes with a critical responsibility to earn and maintain trust. We must and will do more.

We are making security our top priority at Microsoft, above all else—over all other features. We’re expanding the scope of SFI, integrating the recent recommendations from the CSRB as well as our learnings from Midnight Blizzard to ensure that our cybersecurity approach remains robust and adaptive to the evolving threat landscape.

Bell says that everything Microsoft does moving forward will be based on three key principles:

1. Secure by design: Security comes first when designing any product or service.
2. Secure by default: Security protections are enabled and enforced by default, require no extra effort, and are not optional.
3. Secure operations: Security controls and monitoring will continuously be improved to meet current and future threats.

Bell then outlines six prioritized security pillars, including protecting identities and secrets; protect tenants and isolate production systems; protect networks; protect engineering systems; monitor and detect threats; and accelerate response and remediation.

We are delivering on these goals through a new level of coordination with a new operating model that aligns leaders and teams to the six SFI pillars, in order to drive security holistically and break down traditional silos. The pillar leaders are working across engineering Executive Vice Presidents (EVPs) to drive integrated, cross-company engineering execution, doing this work in waves. These engineering waves involve teams across Microsoft Azure, Windows, Microsoft 365, and Security, with additional product teams integrating into the process weekly.

Bell emphasized the importance of existing standards, or paved paths, that “significantly improves the developer or operations experience or security, quality, or compliance.”

Notably, Microsoft is instituting new governance in an effort to hold the entire company accountable and ensure teams are putting security first:

We are also taking major steps to elevate security governance, including several organizational changes and additional oversight, controls, and reporting.

Microsoft is implementing a new security governance framework spearheaded by the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). This framework introduces a partnership between engineering teams and newly formed Deputy CISOs, collectively responsible for overseeing SFI, managing risks, and reporting progress directly to the Senior Leadership Team. Progress will be reviewed weekly with this executive forum and quarterly with our Board of Directors.

Finally, given the importance of threat intelligence, we are bringing the full breadth of nation-state actor and threat hunting capabilities into the CISO organization.

Bell acknowledged that one of the biggest challenges is building a culture that puts security first, outlining how the company is doing this, and the importance of Microsoft earning the trust so many organizations have place in it.

Culture can only be reinforced through our daily behaviors. Security is a team sport and is best realized when organizational boundaries are overcome. The engineering EVPs, in close coordination with SFI pillar leaders, are holding broadscale weekly and monthly operational meetings that include all levels of management and senior individual contributors. These meetings work on detailed execution and continuous improvement of security in context with what we collectively deliver to customers. Through this process of bottom-to-top and end-to-end problem solving, security thinking is ingrained in our daily behaviors.

Ultimately, Microsoft runs on trust and this trust must be earned and maintained. As a global provider of software, infrastructure, and cloud services, we feel a deep responsibility to do our part to keep the world safe and secure. Our promise is to continually improve and adapt to the evolving needs of cybersecurity. This is job number one for us.

Much of Bell’s post seems a direct response to the Cyber Safety Review Board’s conclusion, in which it said:

The Board finds that this intrusion was preventable and should never have occurred. The Board also concludes that Microsoft’s security culture was inadequate and requires an overhaul, particularly in light of the company’s centrality in the technology ecosystem and the level of trust customers place in the company to protect their data and operations.

Similarly, Senator Ron Wyden called out Microsoft “for its negligent cybersecurity practices.”

The company seems to realize it has played fast and loose with cybersecurity for far too long and must work hard to regain the trust it has lost. Only time will tell if Microsoft can deliver on its promise.

Challenges in Detecting Bitcoin Fraud

Crypto crime has its own set of hurdles that are caused by the mainstream blockchain system which is anonymous and decentralized. Regular fraud investigation methods aimed at duplicated events, smothering systems and manual checking may simply not be able to effectively distinguish complex crypto-investment schemes in the process to buy Bitcoin, based on the anonymity of Bitcoin transactions. Failure to address Bitcoin scams also leads to the financial loss of individual people in addition to harming the cryptocurrency industry which makes its widespread adoption unlikely.

Detecting Fraud with AI

Artificial Intelligence (AI) such as Machine Learning and Natural Language Processing are viable options for software specialized in the prevention of Bitcoin fraud. These tools can distinguish relevant data sets from a wide range of sources, including for instance transaction databases and social media, so that the patterns of activity that indicate fraudulent activity will emerge. One of the major benefits of machine learning algorithms is fraud pattern recognition and timely responsiveness to modern-day threats. This can reshape anti-fraud activities in the Bitcoin ecosystem becoming rather revolutionary.

AI Solutions for Bitcoin Fraud Detection 

Increasingly, different AI-based strategies and instruments have been specially designed to stem fraud or scams related to Bitcoin. For instance, there are encryption technologies, blockchain analytics tools, and transaction monitoring systems among others that rely on AI algorithms to analyze transaction data and flag suspicious behaviors. This plowing through the judicial stream follows the contrail of the money on the blockchain, assisting law enforcement agencies in the apprehension and recovery of ill-gotten assets.

Benefits and Limitations

Fraud detection, which is AI-powered, has numerous benefits that include: improved accuracy, enhanced efficiency, and scalability. Machine learning algorithms help quick detection of various minute frauds earlier than before due to their ability to touch tremendous volumes of data and discover fraud patterns which means the detection rates are increased and the rates of wrong detection are decreased.

Future Directions

The likelihood of AI-assisted fraud detection applications in the Bitcoin network is bright thanks to the continuing enhancement of AI technology and combined efforts between the players and regulators. Studies and innovations in AI-generated fraud detection systems of the future will have an answer to more complex and advanced problems.

However, taking into account ethical, legal, and technological challenges will need to be a priority. Proactivity will be the key component in the fight against fraud which includes the implementation of AI solutions for detecting fraud in the field of cryptocurrency. This will ensure the integrity of the cryptocurrency market and encourage trust among the users of the market and its investors.

Endnote

Through utilizing AI technologies, the cryptocurrency industry can augment the ability to detect and reduce risks and thus contribute to the restoration of trust among users and investors. AI-enabled fraud detection is full of promises to continue the good fight against criminal activities and try to come up with innovative solutions. However, their use and impact are not free from questions related to privacy, justice, and security. Moving ahead, cooperation, research, and innovation will be crucial in strengthening the security of the Bitcoin system and protecting its reputation against the wide range of new threats.