Enterprise IT is undergoing a structural transformation, not just a speed upgrade. CIOs and tech leaders now face the dual challenge of integrating next-gen technologies while architecting systems that are flexible, secure, and built for long-term impact.
This week, the spotlight is on the rapid advancement of cloud-native strategies, where agility and scalability are driving infrastructure redesigns. AI is making its way into day-to-day business operations, no longer a pilot experiment but a foundational layer of digital intelligence. On the cybersecurity front, the shift is clear—proactive, data-informed defense models are replacing reactive approaches.
In this edition of CIO Influence, we break down the key developments redefining the IT landscape—from cloud transformation and AI integration to forward-thinking security practices. Whether you’re rethinking your tech roadmap or navigating industry shifts, these updates are essential for staying ahead.
Executive Moves & Strategic IT Updates
Data Strategy in Flux: This Week’s Snapshot
Peer Software Introduces New Features to PeerGFS for Enterprise Data Orchestration in Heterogeneous Infrastructure Environments
Peer Software, an enterprise provider of distributed data management and file synchronization solutions, announced the latest release of its flagship solution, Peer Global File Service (PeerGFS). New capabilities include:
- Integrated data automation for multi-vendor storage environments utilizing both Server Message Block (SMB) and Network File System (NFS) protocols
- Support for Linux file server platforms
- Advanced data management and storage optimization for edge locations
This latest edition of PeerGFS builds on a heritage of simplifying data interoperability highlighted by multi-protocol replication that powers simultaneous access to the same data volume via both SMB and NFS protocols across multiple storage systems and geographic distances. This is particularly impactful for AI workflows, where data is often ingested at the edge using SMB and processed centrally using Linux-based tools that typically require NFS.
Arctera Delivers Next-Generation Data Resilience for Hybrid Cloud with InfoScale
Arctera, a global leader in data management, today announced updates to Arctera InfoScale, delivering full-stack resilience for mission-critical applications with the most demanding uptime requirements. This release enables non-stop business operations across hybrid and multi-cloud architectures in the face of ransomware, natural disasters or any other cause of downtime.
Bhooshan Thakar, Vice President and General Manager, Data Resilience, Arctera, said: “In today’s data-driven world, more and more applications are now being recognized as ‘business critical’
Cybersecurity Weekly Brief
ColorTokens and Nozomi Networks Join Forces to Deliver Unmatched OT and IoT Security Through Zero Trust Microsegmentation
ColorTokens Inc., a leader in zero trust microsegmentation, today announced a powerful new integration with Nozomi Networks, the leader in OT and IoT cybersecurity. This collaboration delivers unparalleled visibility and protection across operational environments – seamlessly uniting Nozomi Networks’ AI-powered threat monitoring with ColorTokens’ breach-ready microsegmentation.
This integration empowers customers in sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, and energy to:
- Automatically detect and isolate anomalies in real-time
- Prevent lateral threat movement across hybrid OT/IoT networks
- Deploy flexibly to match operational needs—from cloud to edge
- Advance Zero Trust security without compromising uptime
Corero Network Security Appoints Adrian Crawley as VP of International Sales to Accelerate Global Expansion
Corero Network Security, the distributed denial of service (DDoS) protection specialists, today announced the appointment of Adrian Crawley as Vice President of International Sales—a strategic addition to its leadership team aimed at accelerating Corero’s global growth and deepening its presence in key international markets.
“Adrian’s appointment comes at a time when Corero is poised for its next phase of international growth,” said Carl Herberger, Chief Executive Officer at Corero Network Security.
Next-Gen Cloud: Infrastructure Trends Shaping the Future
Juniper Networks Delivers the Next Era of AI-Native Innovation with Expanded Client-to-Cloud Insights and Self-Driving Network™ Operations
Juniper Networks, a leader in secure, AI-native networking, today announced key innovations in the Mist™ AI-native networking platform that bring expanded insight and assurance to wired, wireless and WAN customers and partners. Enhanced Marvis Minis extends digital experience twinning across the global WAN, reaching into both public and private cloud environments and applications.
“The Mist AI-native networking platform was purpose-built to converge AI and networking for exceptional operator and end user experiences,” said Sudheer Matta, Senior Vice President, Products, Campus and Branch, Juniper Networks.
GuidePoint Security Simplifies Cloud Security with New CNAPP Enablement Service
GuidePoint Security, a cybersecurity solutions leader enabling organizations to make smarter decisions and minimize risk, announced today its new Cloud-Native Application Protection Platform (CNAPP) Enablement Service.
GuidePoint Security’s CNAPP Enablement Service offering includes:
- Assessment & Planning: GuidePoint Security experts assess your current cloud security posture and create a plan tailored to your business goals, ensuring seamless integration.
- Integration & Configuration: Connect your CNAPP to critical systems, including CI/CD pipelines and identity management, for streamlined security.
- Automation & Optimization: Automate your security processes to ensure consistent monitoring and immediate threat responses.
- Knowledge Transfer & Ongoing Support: Your team is equipped with the training and documentation they need to succeed, while receiving ongoing updates to maintain a secure environment.
Weekly Intelligence: Insightful Reads for Tech Leaders
Leveraging Full Stack Development to Build Robust and Scalable APIs for SaaS Ecosystems
The article “Leveraging Full Stack Development to Build Robust and Scalable APIs for SaaS Ecosystems” explores the critical role of full stack development in shaping API-driven SaaS platforms. It underscores how full stack developers bridge frontend and backend operations, creating tighter, more agile integrations that power scalable digital services. The author highlights the architectural choices—REST, GraphQL, and SOAP—each with strengths suited to specific use cases. REST remains dominant for its simplicity, while GraphQL offers precision in data fetching, and SOAP continues to support high-security enterprise environments.
The article also provides a deep dive into how Raygun, a SaaS provider, engineers scalable APIs using horizontal scaling, background data queues, and real-time monitoring via tools like RabbitMQ and DataDog. Security practices like API key rotation, penetration testing, and code reviews are emphasized as essential to API integrity.
Case studies from companies like Airbnb, e-commerce retailers, and telemedicine platforms demonstrate how well-integrated APIs drive business outcomes—boosting engagement, accelerating development, and enhancing performance. The author concludes that in an API-centric SaaS world, full stack development is not just beneficial but foundational for delivering seamless, secure, and scalable software experiences.
Digital Transformation Failures: Top Lessons Learned from Enterprise Missteps
The article, “Digital Transformation Failures: Top Lessons Learned from Enterprise Missteps,” explores why nearly 70% of digital transformation (DX) initiatives fail despite massive investments. The author outlines how digital transformation is not simply about adopting new technologies, but about reshaping organizational value delivery through cultural, strategic, and operational change. A major theme is the absence of clear ownership and accountability, with many transformations faltering due to a lack of strategic alignment, employee resistance, insufficient expertise, and siloed innovation.
Real-world case studies like Nokia and Ford illustrate the dangers of failing to adapt to digital shifts. Nokia’s hardware-focused strategy and delay in embracing software led to its downfall, while Ford’s isolated Smart Mobility project weakened enterprise cohesion. The article emphasizes the importance of embedding transformation across all levels of an organization, rather than treating it as a side project.
To mitigate failure, the author provides a five-step guide: start with a clear vision, align initiatives with business needs, form cross-functional teams, maintain open communication, and foster a culture of continuous change. These steps aim to help leaders convert digital ambition into sustainable outcomes.
What’s On the Minds of Today’s Tech Leaders
Cloud Strategy 2025: Repatriation Rises, Sustainability Matures, and Cost Management Tops Priorities
In “Cloud Strategy 2025,” Jay Litkey explores the rapidly evolving priorities shaping cloud computing, drawing insights from Flexera’s 2025 State of the Cloud Report. The analysis, based on responses from over 750 global decision-makers, highlights three major trends: the gradual rise of cloud repatriation, the growing maturity of sustainability initiatives, and the continued dominance of cost management in cloud strategies.
Cloud repatriation—bringing workloads back to on-premises—has started to unfold, with 21% of workloads already shifted. However, overall cloud spend continues to climb, with a significant number of enterprises allocating over $12 million annually to public cloud services. Simultaneously, sustainability is gaining strategic traction, with more than half of the organizations planning to implement programs that include carbon footprint tracking. Notably, 31% of companies now balance cost savings and sustainability equally in priority.
Cost optimization remains the top goal for IT leaders, with 87% citing it as a key success metric. The rise of FinOps is a pivotal response to these challenges, enabling teams to improve forecasting, ensure financial accountability, and control spend. As cloud usage grows and environmental accountability rises, enterprise leaders must rethink cloud strategies for efficiency, responsibility, and agility in 2025.
The Deepfake Dilemma: How Synthetic Media is Eroding Trust in the Enterprise
Dr. Tina Nikoukhah, is head of research at GetReal Security in her guest article “The Deepfake Dilemma: How Synthetic Media is Eroding Trust in the Enterprise,” Dr. Tina Nikoukhah, Head of Research at GetReal Security, explores the dual-edged impact of generative AI (genAI). While acknowledging the transformative power of AI in healthcare, climate modeling, and content creation, she raises urgent concerns about the proliferation of deepfakes and synthetic media. Dr. Nikoukhah warns that as genAI becomes more accessible, it’s also empowering bad actors, leading to a surge in identity theft, misinformation, and reputational damage, particularly within enterprises.
Citing research from Forrester and Gartner, she emphasizes how easily and cheaply deepfakes can now be created, posing new security threats, from fake job candidates to impersonated executives. With deepfake tools increasingly used to mimic identities and voices, traditional identity verification methods are becoming obsolete. She urges organizations to proactively update security protocols, educate all employees on deepfake risks, and incorporate safeguards like digital watermarks.
Ultimately, Dr. Nikoukhah calls for a shift in enterprise security thinking—from reactive to adaptive, highlighting the need for vigilance, awareness, and agile strategies to confront the rising tide of synthetic media threats. The article serves as both a warning and a guide for enterprises navigating an era of blurred digital realities.
This Week’s Featured Leader
ForgeRock is a leading digital identity and access management (IAM) company, renowned for enabling secure and seamless digital experiences. The platform provides robust solutions for managing identities across users, devices, and applications, supporting complex enterprise needs in identity governance, access control, directory services, and user authentication. ForgeRock leverages AI-driven analytics, adaptive risk assessment, and contextual access management to safeguard digital ecosystems at scale.
With global deployments across industries including finance, healthcare, and public sector, ForgeRock empowers organizations to deliver secure access while ensuring compliance with evolving data privacy regulations. Its flexible, cloud-native architecture supports both on-premises and hybrid environments, enabling rapid integration and scalability. ForgeRock’s identity-first security approach is critical in today’s zero trust and passwordless authentication strategies.
CEO – Fran Rosch
Latest News: ForgeRock recently announced new enhancements to its Identity Cloud platform, including AI-powered access decisions and advanced orchestration capabilities, aimed at accelerating secure digital transformation and improving user experience across multi-cloud environments.
Top Industry Events You Can’t Miss
AI & Big Data Expo Europe
Date: Sep. 24-25, 2025
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Join us again for AI & Big Data Expo Europe 2025. It is a showcase of next-generation technologies and strategies from the world of Artificial Intelligence & Big Data, an opportunity to explore and discover the practical and successful implementation of AI & Big Data in driving forward your business in 2025 and beyond.
Cyber Security & Cloud Expo Europe
Date: Sep. 24-25, 2025
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Immerse yourself in the world of Cyber Security & Cloud technology alongside industry leaders. Gain unique insights, discover essential strategies, and forge valuable connections.
