This week in CIOInfluence, we turn our focus to the game-changing trends and innovations poised to redefine IT in 2025. Between December 23rd and 27th, the tech landscape witnessed major developments that promise to set the stage for the future.
Cloud computing continues to evolve, with businesses leaning into agile and cost-effective solutions to tackle rising infrastructure demands. In parallel, AI-driven data tools are automating processes, streamlining operations, and uncovering insights that drive smarter strategic choices. On the cybersecurity front, the focus has shifted towards proactive and intelligent defense systems to counter increasingly complex threats.
As we peer into the coming year, we’ll spotlight the most anticipated IT events and dissect the buzzworthy trends expected to dominate discussions in 2025.
Whether you’re a CIO mapping out your next big initiative, an IT professional adapting to rapid changes, or simply a tech enthusiast keeping a pulse on the industry, this edition delivers essential insights. Let’s step into the future together!
This Week in IT: Top CIO Insights & Emerging Trends
Nodepay Raises $7M Total Funding To Power AI Growth with Real-Time Data Infrastructure
Nodepay, a decentralized AI platform transforming unused internet bandwidth into real-time data pipelines for AI training, today announced it has raised a second round of funding, bringing its total to $7 million. The latest funding round welcomed new strategic investors IDG Capital ($23 Billion AUM), Mythos, Elevate Ventures, IBC, Optic Capital, Funders.VC, Matthew Tan (Etherscan founder) and Yusho Liu (CoinHako Co-founder & CEO) as notable angels. They join an impressive roster of previous backers that includes Animoca Brands, Mirana, OKX Ventures, JUMP Crypto, Tokenbay Capital and more.
Lantronix Closes Strategic Acquisition of DZS’s NetComm Enterprise IoT Portfolio
Lantronix Inc. a global leader in IoT compute and connectivity IoT solutions, today announced that it has finalized its acquisition of NetComm Wireless Pty Ltd (“NetComm”), a subsidiary of DZS Inc., for all of its enterprise Internet of Things (IoT) business assets for $6.5 million in cash, together with assumptions of certain liabilities.
“We are pleased to complete the strategic acquisition of DZS’s IoT portfolio, which enables Lantronix to accelerate its position of leadership with expanded enterprise and industrial IoT solutions,” stated Saleel Awsare, president and CEO of Lantronix.
Securin Releases Groundbreaking Report on Threats to Critical Infrastructure Sectors
Securin, a leader in proactive cybersecurity solutions and continuous threat monitoring, has released its Critical Infrastructure Overview 2024 report. This comprehensive analysis, examining over 1,700 attacks on critical infrastructure, sheds light on the vulnerabilities plaguing vital industries, including manufacturing, energy, water, and healthcare at a time when cyberattacks on these sectors are escalating at an alarming rate.
What report includes:
- The Most Vulnerable Sectors: The report identifies manufacturing, water and wastewater utilities, energy, and healthcare as the most vulnerable critical infrastructure sectors, collectively accounting for the majority of targeted attacks. These sectors face escalating risks due to a mix of legacy systems, misconfigurations, and a growing attack surface.
- Attack Vectors: Vulnerability and misconfiguration exploits remain the leading attack vector (30%), followed by compromised credentials (22.8%) and spearphishing via links or attachments (19%). Threat actors are exploiting legacy systems and poor security hygiene to gain entry into critical systems.
- Threat Actors: Nation-state actors from countries such as Iran and Russia are among the leading attackers targeting critical infrastructure. Ransomware groups like Sandworm and BlackCat have exploited outdated software and unpatched vulnerabilities, often leveraging geopolitical tensions to focus their efforts on critical sectors.
- Common Vulnerabilities and Common Weakness Enumeration (CWEs): The report identifies Cross-Site Scripting (CWE-79), Exposure of Sensitive Information (CWE-200), and SQL Injection (CWE-89) as persistent vulnerabilities across critical infrastructure systems. These weaknesses highlight the need for secure by design software development practices and rigorous patch management.
Impactful Tech: Today’s Must-Read Trends
Data Portability v/s Sovereignty: Technical Solutions for Resolving Contradiction
This article explores the growing tension between data portability and data sovereignty—two principles critical to the digital ecosystem. Data portability promotes seamless data transfer across platforms, empowering users and fostering competition, while data sovereignty enforces regional control over data storage and compliance with local laws. The article delves into the challenges posed by these conflicting priorities, including regulatory compliance, security, and interoperability.
Readers will gain insights into innovative technical solutions, such as federated data architecture, privacy-enhancing technologies (PETs), decentralized identifiers, Data Residency-as-a-Service (DRaaS), and AI-driven compliance frameworks. These approaches aim to bridge the gap between portability and sovereignty, enabling businesses to meet regulatory demands without compromising on innovation or user-centric services.
Overall, the piece emphasizes the importance of collaboration among governments, organizations, and international bodies to create standardized frameworks that balance innovation, security, and compliance in a globally connected yet locally governed digital landscape.
The Intentional Hybrid Cloud: Empowering People and Innovation for the Future
This article explores how an intentional hybrid cloud strategy can empower businesses to navigate increasing IT complexity while driving innovation, scalability, and security.
Readers will gain insights into:
- AI Integration Challenges: Despite widespread AI experimentation, most organizations lack a cohesive generative AI strategy.
- Hybrid Cloud as a Strategic Enabler: The role of hybrid cloud in connecting IT environments, modernizing applications, and enhancing data mobility.
- Application Modernization with Generative AI: Leveraging tools like IBM watsonx Code Assistant for Z to modernize legacy systems efficiently.
- Data Integration and Mobility: Breaking down silos for seamless data access across on-premises and cloud environments.
- Hybrid-by-Design vs. Hybrid-by-Default: Transitioning from fragmented cloud adoption to an intentional, integrated hybrid cloud architecture for higher ROI and operational efficiency.
Leading Minds: Perspectives on the Future of Innovation
Move Over AI, It’s Time for The Golden Age of Database Administrators
In his thought leadership article, Graham McMillan highlights the evolving significance of databases and the critical role of Database Administrators (DBAs) in the AI and data-driven era. Historically viewed as mundane utilities, databases have become strategic assets driving business insights, innovation, and competitive advantage.
Key Insights:
- Growing Importance of Databases
- Challenges for DBAs
- Solutions for Optimization:
Companies can unlock database value through:- Improving SQL code quality
- Automating database processes
- Implementing advanced monitoring tools for efficiency and proactive problem-solving
- AI and Automation in Database Management:
Automation streamlines repetitive tasks, while AI enhances monitoring capabilities with intelligent alerts and predictive analytics. However, trust and workflow integration remain barriers to full AI adoption. - Cybersecurity and Compliance:
Databases are prime targets for cyberattacks. Proactive security measures, immutable backups, and compliance with industry standards (e.g., ISO27001, SOC 2) are essential for safeguarding data. - Evolving Role of DBAs:
Modern DBAs need to balance technical expertise, flexibility, and strategic foresight to handle dynamic, data-driven demands.
Zero Trust Networking: A Paradigm Shift in Network Security
Manan Shah highlights the limitations of traditional perimeter-based security models in today’s distributed and hybrid work environments. He emphasizes that Zero Trust Networking (ZTN) represents a transformative shift by adopting a “trust nothing, verify everything” philosophy.
Key Insights Shared:
- Identity-Based Access Control: Every access request is continuously verified, regardless of origin, ensuring users and devices meet stringent identity and authorization checks.
- Granular Permissions: Access is strictly limited to only the necessary resources, reducing unnecessary exposure.
- Continuous Monitoring: Real-time behavioral analysis detects anomalies, triggering alerts or access restrictions.
- Seamless Multi-Cloud Security: Consistent policies are enforced across on-premises, cloud platforms, and hybrid environments.
- Technical Foundations: ZTN relies on distributed points of presence, centralized policy enforcement, integration with identity providers, and multi-layered security stacks.
- AI and ML Integration: Advanced technologies enhance predictive threat detection and automated anomaly responses.
Tech Buzzwords Decoded: What You Need to Know
- Integrated development environment (IDE): IDE is a software application with source code editors, automation tools and debuggers for software development.
- Wireframe: A wireframe is a sketch or a user guide that shows what will appear on a website.
The Brand to Watch: What’s Driving Its Success This Week
Akamai is a global leader in content delivery network (CDN) services, cybersecurity, and cloud optimization solutions. Renowned for its intelligent edge platform, Akamai enables businesses to deliver secure, high-performing digital experiences across the globe. With a focus on scalability and real-time threat intelligence, Akamai helps organizations safeguard their online assets, ensure seamless performance, and maintain reliability under high-traffic conditions. Constantly innovating, Akamai addresses evolving security challenges while empowering businesses to thrive in an increasingly digital-first world.
CEO – Tom Leighton
Recent Launch – Akamai Introduces Advanced Cloud Security Solutions to Combat Emerging Cyber Threats
Beyond 2024: The IT Events Set to Define 2025
Product World
Date: Feb. 11-13 (in-person)
Date: Feb. 18-20 (online)
Location: Hybrid | San Francisco, CA
Join 1,500 tech product managers and developers at the world’s largest product management & development conference/tradeshow! ProductWorld is co-located with DeveloperWeek, where 8,000 software engineers and IT managers converge annually.
Product-Led Summit Austin
Date: Feb. 11-12, 2025
Location: Austin, TX
Join product leaders in Austin to network with PLG experts to discover groundbreaking case studies, proven strategies, and real-world solutions you need to build exceptional products and propel your career forward.
Sales Enablement Summit Austin
Date: Feb. 11-12, 2025
Location: Austin, TX
Discover cutting-edge sales enablement strategies, best practices, and case studies to drive your career forward. Network with 100+ enablement pros and discover actionable insights that will keep you ahead of the curve, boost performance and drive results.
Chief AI Officer Summit UK
Date: Feb. 12, 2025
Location: London, UK
Discover unique insights and technical use cases from AI specialists and data scientists across various sectors such as finance, healthcare, retail.
Generative AI Summit Austin
Date: Feb. 12, 2025
Location: Austin, TX
The Silicon Hills community of applied AI engineers, developers, and tech innovators is assembling. With greater hardware efficiency and growing industry demand, fine-tuning infrastructure & optimizing deployment environments is essential. Join your peers in facilitating the LLM & multimodal AI era, and leave with the tools to scale powerful, cost-effective applications on the journey to AGI.
