Welcome to the current issue of CIOInfluence’s Weekly CIO Insights, covering the updates from June 24 to June 28, 2024:
Explore the latest developments in the IT industry, featuring key insights and updates on cloud computing, data management, cybersecurity, and other innovative technologies. This edition includes a curated selection of top articles and viewpoints from Industry experts and IT Industry’s Thought Leaders.
Cloud News Announcements:
#1 Hivelocity Launches Next Generation Private ClouId
Hivelocity, recently acquired by Colohouse, has launched a new enterprise private cloud service powered by VMware. Leveraging VMware Cloud Foundation, Cloud Director, and NSX, the offering includes integrated backup, restore, and disaster recovery capabilities. Designed to address cloud cost control and VMware licensing changes, Hivelocity’s solution provides high-performance computing and scalable storage with NVMe technology. The service aims to meet rigorous security and compliance needs while offering self-service capabilities through the myVelocity portal.
“Hivelocity has developed a platform tailored to these needs. Whether it’s navigating VMware licensing changes, refreshing outdated hardware and upgrading to modern architectures, or requiring instant access to available capacity, Hivelocity’s private cloud solution and expert team are ready to deliver.” – Scott Fuhriman, Hivelocity’s CTO
#2 Oracle to Invest More Than $1 Billion in AI and Cloud Computing in Spain
Oracle plans to invest over US $1 billion to open a third cloud region in Madrid, in partnership with Telefonica España. This new Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) region aims to support Spain’s financial sector and other industries with advanced AI, data analytics, and compliance capabilities. It will enable organizations to migrate mission-critical workloads to the cloud, enhance data residency compliance, and meet regulatory requirements such as the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA). The region will expand Oracle’s capacity to deliver sovereign cloud services in Europe, reinforcing its commitment to supporting Spain’s digital transformation.
Highlights:
- Telefonica España will host the new Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) region, which aims to boost resilience and digital innovation in Spain’s financial sector and other key industries.
- Advanced Cloud Capabilities: The new OCI region will offer high-performance AI, data analytics, and comprehensive compliance features, supporting organizations in migrating critical workloads to the cloud and meeting regulatory standards like the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA).
- Commitment to Sovereign Cloud: Oracle’s investment underscores its commitment to delivering sovereign cloud services in Europe, enhancing data residency compliance and supporting Spain’s digital transformation efforts.
Latest Insights about Data:
#1 Datadog Launches New Product to Observe, Troubleshoot and Optimize Data Processing Jobs
Datadog, the monitoring and security platform for cloud applications, announced the general availability of Data Jobs Monitoring, a new product that helps data platform teams and data engineers detect problematic Spark and Databricks jobs anywhere in their data pipelines, remediate failed and long-running-jobs faster, and optimize overprovisioned compute resources to reduce costs.
“When data pipelines fail, data quality is impacted, which can hurt stakeholder trust and slow down decision making. Long-running jobs can lead to spikes in cost, making it critical for teams to understand how to provision the optimal resources. Data Jobs Monitoring helps teams do just that by giving data platform engineers full visibility into their largest, most expensive jobs to help them improve data quality, optimize their pipelines and prioritize cost savings.” – Michael Whetten, VP of Product at Datadog.
#2 Freshworks Unveils New Data Center in UAE to Serve Customers Across Middle East and Africa
Freshworks announced the launch of its new data center, powered by Amazon Web Services (AWS), in the UAE. This underscores Freshworks’ commitment to driving innovation across the Middle East and Africa (MEA) by making it easier for businesses to harness the full power of its modern, AI-powered customer and employee service solutions.
News in short:
- The move underscores Freshworks’ commitment to supporting regional business growth and digital transformation initiatives.
- Freshworks will collaborate with AWS on joint go-to-market efforts to serve mutual customers in the region, leveraging AWS’s robust cloud infrastructure.
- The data center will cater to customers from 72 countries, positioning UAE as the hub for Freshworks’ operations in the MEA.
- Enhanced data residency compliance and improved solution performance are expected to benefit businesses in the UAE, facilitating better customer and employee service experiences.
Weekly Security News:
#1 Akamai Completes Acquisition of API Security Company Noname
Akamai Technologies, Inc., the cloud company that powers and protects life online, announces the company has completed its acquisition of application programming interface (API) security company, Noname Security. On May 7, Akamai announced an agreement between the two parties for Akamai to acquire the company in exchange for approximately $450 million.
Key Takeaways:
- Noname Security’s advanced capabilities are set to bolster Akamai’s ability to meet increasing customer demands and market needs in API security. This includes extending protection across all API traffic locations, catering to diverse business, integration, and deployment requirements.
- Akamai anticipates leveraging Noname’s sales, marketing resources, and established channel relationships to achieve greater scale in API security solutions.
- The acquisition underscores Akamai’s commitment to enhancing digital security and reinforces its position as a leader in protecting online experiences through its Connected Cloud platform.
#2 76 Percent of Companies Improved Cyber Defenses for Cyber Insurance, Sophos Survey Finds
Sophos, a global leader in innovative security solutions for defeating cyberattacks, released findings from its survey, “Cyber Insurance and Cyber Defenses 2024: Lessons from IT and Cybersecurity Leaders.” According to the report, 97% of those with a cyber policy invested in improving their defenses to help with insurance, with 76% saying it enabled them to qualify for coverage, 67% to get better pricing and 30% to secure improved policy terms.
Survey Highlights:
- 97% of organizations with cyber insurance invested in improving defenses to qualify for coverage, with 76% achieving coverage qualification, 67% obtaining better pricing, and 30% securing improved policy terms.
- Despite cyber insurance, only 1% of claimants received full funding for incident recovery costs, often due to policy limits being exceeded.
- Many incidents stemmed from poor cybersecurity practices like delayed patching and lack of multi-factor authentication, despite awareness and investment spurred by insurance requirements.
- 99% of organizations reported broader security benefits beyond insurance compliance, including enhanced protection and operational efficiencies.
- Investments in cyber defenses are seen as pivotal, potentially improving overall security posture amid rising ransomware threats.
Suggested IT Reads
#1 How CFOs and CIOs are Collaborating to Drive IT ROI
In the article “How CFOs and CIOs are Collaborating to Drive IT ROI,” the evolving partnership between CFOs (Chief Financial Officers) and CIOs (Chief Information Officers) is analyzed in the context of maximizing the return on investment in information technology. Significant trends are emphasized, including IT leaders collaborating increasingly to align their financial and technological strategies, thus enhancing business outcomes.
The article highlights key findings from a Censuswide survey sponsored by Rimini Street, indicating that an effective CFO-CIO relationship is pivotal for successful digital finance strategies. In addition, solutions to the challenges in technology investments are shared.
#2 Misconceptions and Myths around the Role of a Modern CTO
The article defines the role of a Chief Technology Officer (CTO), which has evolved significantly, moving beyond traditional IT functions to become a pivotal player in shaping a company’s technological future. Modern CTOs are strategic visionaries who drive innovation, manage digital transformation, and ensure technological infrastructure and operations align with business objectives.
Key misconceptions addressed include:
- More Than Tech Support
- General Influence Beyond IT
- Innovation Leadership
- Distinct Roles from CIOs
Read the article to learn about the revised perspective of ‘Modern CTO.’
CIO Influence’s IT Voices of the Week
TK Keanini, CTO of DNSFilter
Reflecting on cybersecurity trends, TK underscores the rise of phishing and social engineering threats, emphasizing DNSFilter’s role as the initial line of defense through proactive policy enforcement and global threat intelligence.
His advice to aspiring tech leaders underscores the importance of understanding both customer needs and threat landscapes for impactful cybersecurity solutions.
Read the complete Interview with TK to know his Insights on cybersecurity Trends: https://cioinfluence.com/security/cio-influence-interview-with-tk-keanini-cto-of-dnsfilter/
David Sztykman, VP of Product management of Hydrolix
In the latest interview, David discusses Hydrolix’s solutions for managing time-series data at scale, emphasizing scalability, simplicity, and real-time analytics capabilities.
He highlights the importance of AI Ops in enhancing data observability, addresses challenges in managing time-series data, and outlines Hydrolix’s innovative approach to supporting multi-cloud environments and data privacy. In addition, he also shares insights on the future of data management and strategic partnerships at Hydrolix.
Get the detailed Q&A with David here: https://cioinfluence.com/data-management/cio-influence-interview-with-david-sztykman-vp-of-product-management-of-hydrolix/
This Week’s CIO Influence Brand Shout-Out
CyberArk is a global leader in Identity Security specializing in privileged access management. The company offers comprehensive security solutions for human and machine identities, business applications, distributed workforces, hybrid cloud workloads, and the DevOps lifecycle.
- CEO – Udi Mokady
- Recent Partnership – Collaboration with Cognizant to strengthen cybersecurity defenses
- Latest Launch Announcement – Fearlessly Forward Customer Video Series to explore cybersecurity and the human connections
Save the Date: Upcoming Conferences/Events
- Prepare Now for the Next Generation of Enterprise Applications and GenAI
Date: July 01, 2024
Organizer: Gartner
The webinar explores Generative AI (GenAI), composable SaaS application platforms, and new UI form factors that are transforming enterprise applications. It will have a discussion on the shift from tools to intelligent systems and learn about aligning technology priorities with business goals, deploying GenAI for quick wins, and optimizing employee workflows.
- WOMEN IMPACT TECH SAN FRANCISCO 2024
Date: July 11, 2024
Location: San Francisco, CA
“Empowering Women in Tech, Together,” a unique event celebrating women in the technology industry. It gathers inspiring women who are breaking barriers, innovating, and thriving in the tech world.
Attendees will benefit from:
- Learning: Engage with keynote speeches, workshops, and panel discussions covering various tech-related topics. Expand your skills, stay current with trends, and gain insights from industry leaders.
- Community: Connect with a supportive community of women in tech. Share experiences, find encouragement, and build relationships with peers facing similar challenges.
- Career Advancement: Explore opportunities with forward-thinking companies dedicated to diversity and inclusion. Discover new career paths, develop essential skills, and forge connections to propel your career forward.
- 2024 Systems of Signal Synchronization, Generating and Processing in Telecommunications (SYNCHROINFO)
Summit Date: Aug 1-2, 2024
Location: Norfolk, VA & Live Online
The 11th annual SANS Security Awareness: Managing Human Risk Summit invites professionals from across the globe to explore the latest advancements in security awareness, behavior, and culture. Attendees, whether joining online or in person, will engage in the following:
- Summit Talks: Featuring industry leaders presenting cutting-edge research, technologies, and case studies in human risk management. Topics include effective strategies for workforce engagement and security, collaboration with various departments, and methods for measuring program impact.
- Workshops: Interactive sessions designed to enhance practical skills and knowledge, exclusively available to in-person participants.
- Networking: Opportunities to connect with peers, experts, analysts, SANS instructors, and staff. These connections provide valuable insights and opportunities for professional development and collaboration.
- Summit Night Out: An informal gathering at The Harbor Club, offering attendees a chance to network in a relaxed setting with scenic views of the Elizabeth River.
- SANS Courses: Hands-on courses taught by top instructors and course authors, aligned closely with summit themes to deepen attendees’ understanding and expand their professional toolkit in security awareness and related fields.
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