At VMware Explore, the stage was set for a symphony of innovation as industry titans like Nvidia, Oracle, IBM, Dell, and Lenovo harmonized their efforts with VMware's ecosystem 

## 1. VMWARE

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Zia Yusuf, VMware's Senior Vice President of Strategic Ecosystem and Industry Solutions, highlighted the company's focus on strategic collaborations aimed at crafting solutions that streamline operations while reducing the substantial costs associated with AI infrastructure. 

- VMware Private AI Foundation Unveiling: The excitement peaked when Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang joined VMware CEO Raghu Raghuram on stage to unveil the groundbreaking VMware Private AI Foundation. This partnership heralds a transformative leap into generative AI capabilities, unlocking a potential $4 trillion market globally. Raghuram described it as a "giant offering," while Huang emphasized their longstanding collaboration, envisioning a redefined landscape of enterprise computing driven by accelerated computing. 
 
- Collaborations with Major Partners: The innovation extended beyond the unveiling, with partners like IBM, Oracle, Dell, and Lenovo showcasing their contributions to VMware's ecosystem. This collaborative effort, led by VMware's global systems integrators, aims to deliver not just products but a symphony of solutions designed to propel businesses into the future with enhanced speed and efficiency. 

This convergence of cutting-edge technology and strategic alliances represents a significant advancement in the AI and computing landscape, offering businesses a robust platform to accelerate their operations and harness new opportunities. 

## 2. NVIDIA
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At VMware Explore, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and VMware CEO Raghu Raghuram introduced the VMware Private AI Foundation, a groundbreaking innovation set to transform enterprise use of generative AI. Huang hailed it as "ground-breaking computer science," emphasizing the shift from traditional CPU virtualization to the virtualization of GPUs. 

Key features of the VMware Private AI Foundation include: 

- Bare-Metal Performance: Delivers bare-metal performance with unmatched security, manageability, and vMotion capabilities across multiple GPUs and nodes. 

- Scalability Across Multi-Cloud Environments: Raghuram highlighted the platform's ability to scale seamlessly across multi-cloud environments, empowering enterprises to deploy private AI on a massive scale. 

- Support for Up to 16 GPUs in a Single VM: This feature provides immense compute power, giving users direct access to storage, streamlining data processing, and enhancing overall efficiency. 

Raghuram underscored the platform's ability to provide enterprises with a convergence of cutting-edge technology, enabling them to fully harness AI's potential in their operations. The VMware Private AI Foundation represents a significant leap forward in AI, offering enterprises a robust platform to integrate AI into their workflows with ease and efficiency. 

## 3. ORACLE
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VMware and Oracle have announced an innovative partnership designed to simplify procurement and accelerate the adoption of VMware Cloud services. This collaboration introduces a flexible purchasing and consumption program, specifically tailored to meet the needs of organizations dealing with hybrid cloud architectures, various migration timelines, and cloud bursting requirements. 

Key highlights of the partnership include: 

- Flexible Purchasing and Consumption: Customers can apply their credits to Oracle Cloud VMware Solution subscriptions, streamlining the management of cloud-related expenses. 
 
- VMware Cloud Acceleration Benefit: This feature allows VMware Cloud Universal customers to maximize the value of their VMware Software Defined Data Center (SDDC) perpetual licenses during the migration of on-premises workloads to Oracle Cloud VMware Solution. 

One of the standout advantages of this collaboration is the seamless management of cloud infrastructure and VMware consoles, providing users with complete administrative control. This streamlined approach facilitates migrations from on-premises to the cloud without the need for new skills or tools, simplifying the entire process. 

Zia Yusuf, Senior Vice President of Strategic Ecosystem and Industry Solutions at VMware, emphasized the combined benefits of VMware and Oracle, highlighting: 

- Enhanced Business Agility and Resiliency: The partnership offers improved business agility and resiliency, enabling customers to effectively leverage cloud economics and scale. 

- Simplified Migration Process: The collaboration makes it easier for organizations to transition to the cloud, ensuring a smoother, more efficient migration process. 

This partnership between VMware and Oracle empowers organizations to navigate the complexities of cloud adoption, providing them with the tools and flexibility needed to succeed in the digital era. 

## 4. IBM
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In a strategic collaboration to address the unique challenges of regulated industries such as financial services, healthcare, and the public sector, IBM and VMware are pioneering solutions to streamline the migration and modernization of mission-critical workloads in the cloud. 

VMware recently announced that IBM has become the first public cloud provider to introduce a new partner-managed service based on VMware Cloud editions, marking a significant milestone in the VMware Cross-Cloud managed service initiative. 

This innovative hybrid cloud solution, aligned with a NIST-validated framework, enables seamless workload migration between on-premises and IBM cloud environments, ensuring both flexibility and compliance. According to a joint statement, VMware Cross-Cloud managed services offer several key advantages: 

- Reduced total cost of ownership through optimized cloud operations 

- Accelerated application development and modernization, driving faster innovation 

- Simplified operations while upholding stringent security and industry compliance standards 
 
Rajeev Bhardwaj, VMware’s vice president and general manager of cloud service providers, emphasized that the collaboration delivers consistency, flexible commercial models, and faster application modernization processes.

Customers benefit by focusing less on infrastructure management, with IBM providing a robust cloud infrastructure, allowing businesses to prioritize driving outcomes and innovation. 

Additionally, the shift towards a flexible consumption and cloud operating model enables customers to maximize the value of developer and data services, enhancing agility in their operations. 

## 5. DELL
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VxRail is at the forefront of modern computing, capable of handling everything from virtualization to AI, machine learning, and GPU-accelerated tasks. Dell emphasizes the system's exceptional performance and scalability, which translate into significant business benefits: 

- Impressive ROI: According to IDC data cited by Dell, VxRail offers an average payback period of just 11 months and delivers an extraordinary 463 percent return on investment over five years. 

- Compact and Efficient: The system’s compact footprint and reduced floor space requirements highlight its efficiency and adaptability in diverse deployment scenarios. 

Having evolved over seven years and undergone more than two dozen releases, VxRail continues to push the boundaries of innovation. 

- Relentless Innovation: Dell and VMware’s dedication has led to the introduction of hundreds of new features in the past two years alone, catering to the evolving needs of partners and customers. 
 
- Versatile Deployment: Whether it’s modernizing data centers, deploying multi-cloud environments, or supporting applications in remote edge locations, VxRail remains the cornerstone of transformative IT solutions. 

By empowering organizations to thrive in the digital age, VxRail solidifies its role as an essential component in modern IT infrastructure. 

## 6.LENOVO
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Lenovo, a global leader in PC sales, has introduced a groundbreaking generative AI offering in collaboration with VMware Cloud. This solution leverages Nvidia-accelerated computing and advanced software to deliver a GPU-dense platform designed for next-generation workloads. 

This innovative solution marks the start of an expanded partnership between Lenovo and VMware, following Lenovo's spinoff from Dell in 2021. Seeking to chart new paths in the industry, Lenovo has begun collaborating with other hardware makers, with VMware being a key partner in this endeavor. 

- Generative AI Offering: Integrated into Lenovo's ThinkSystem lineup, this offering underscores the company's dedication to driving innovation and empowering businesses with transformative technologies. 
 
- Expanded Collaboration: Lenovo is also working with VMware and Nvidia to support the newly launched VMware Private AI Foundation with Nvidia, further establishing its leadership in AI and hybrid cloud capabilities. 

Kirk Skaugen, President of Lenovo Infrastructure Solutions Group, highlighted the importance of this expanded collaboration: 

- Seamless Edge Computing and AI: Skaugen emphasized its potential to enable businesses to effortlessly harness the power of modern edge computing, AI, and hybrid cloud solutions. 

- Accelerated Business Outcomes: By leveraging Nvidia's expertise and VMware's industry-leading technologies, Lenovo aims to help organizations unlock the full potential of their data, driving accelerated business outcomes in the digital era. 

This collaboration solidifies Lenovo's position at the forefront of AI and hybrid cloud innovation, empowering businesses to thrive in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. 


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At VMware Explore, a major industry event, VMware unveiled a series of strategic alliances with leading technology giants, highlighting its commitment to driving innovation and transforming the IT landscape. The conference showcased five powerhouse partnerships with Nvidia, Oracle, IBM, Dell, and Lenovo, each poised to enhance VMware's cloud and AI capabilities. 

VMware Explore: Five Key Partnerships with Nvidia, Oracle, IBM, Dell, Lenovo


## IBM and VMware Partner to Launch Hybrid Cloud Solution, Accelerating Digital Transformation
IBM and VMware are joining forces to propel mutual clients along their digital transformation journeys, regardless of their current stage. 

IBM is set to become the inaugural public cloud provider to introduce a new partner-managed service based on VMware Cloud editions, a pivotal step within the VMware Cross-Cloud managed service initiative.  

This upcoming service promises a hybrid cloud solution aligned with a NIST-validated framework, facilitating seamless workload migration between on-premises and IBM Cloud environments. 

The VMware Cross-Cloud managed services offer customers an opportunity to reduce total cost of ownership, accelerate application development and modernization, and streamline operations while addressing crucial security and industry compliance requirements. 

Additionally, IBM and VMware are expanding the capabilities of the IBM Cloud for VMware as a Service by introducing a cloud-managed multi-tenant vCloud Director solution. Clients can leverage applications in a shared environment while tailoring application instances to suit their unique business needs.  

With IBM Cloud's management plane overseeing the operations, clients benefit from built-in maintenance, upgrades, monitoring, and security controls provided by IBM experts well-versed in VMware technologies. 

## Prioritizing Security Maturity in Complex Hybrid Cloud Environments

Businesses face a critical juncture in addressing the rising cost and frequency of data breaches, as highlighted in IBM's latest Cost of a Data Breach Report. 

To combat modern threats and safeguard valuable data, IBM introduced IBM Cloud Cyber Recovery, encompassing backup, disaster recovery, and cyber recovery solutions. Now, clients can leverage IBM Consulting to access IBM Cloud Cyber Recovery (ICCR) Service as a managed service, offering fast and scalable recovery capabilities across cloud environments.  

This service empowers clients to minimize the business impact of cyberattacks while maintaining compliance controls and data resiliency required for their overall business operations. 

## Leveraging the Transformative Power of Ecosystem Partnerships

Collaboration with ecosystem partners is paramount in accelerating clients' modernization journeys by providing access to new technologies, research, and competencies. 

Dizzion's new Digital Workspaces for Financial Services, available on IBM Cloud for Financial Services, addresses the challenges of securing hybrid workforces and mission-critical workloads while prioritizing resiliency, performance, and regulatory compliance. 

HCLTech, an IBM ecosystem partner and leading GSI, is launching Shared Data Center as a Service (Shared DCaaS) offering on IBM Cloud for VMware solutions. This service aims to expedite enterprises' hybrid cloud transformation journeys by providing shared and dedicated data centers and regulated workloads in a catalog-based model. 

PrimaryIO is unveiling its Disaster Recovery as a Service (DRaaS) platform, ProtectIO, exclusively on IBM Cloud. This platform, consumable via the IBM Cloud Catalog, supports clients in modernizing disaster recovery by delivering an attractive total cost of ownership and recovery point objective through low-cost cloud object storage and continuous data protection. 

To learn more about how IBM and VMware are helping clients to modernize within hybrid environments, please visit: https://www.ibm.com/cloud/vmware. 

IBM and VMware are teaming up to advance their mutual clients' digital transformation journeys, regardless of their current stage. As part of this collaboration, IBM will become the first public cloud provider to launch a new partner-managed service based on VMware Cloud editions. 

IBM and VMware: Pioneering the Path to Workload Modernization!

## Cisco Bids Farewell to HyperFlex: Navigating a Shifting Market

In a strategic move reflecting "evolving customer needs and market dynamics," Cisco announced to The Register today that it is discontinuing its HyperFlex hyperconverged infrastructure (HCI).  

HyperFlex, which combined a hybrid cloud software stack with Cisco’s Unified Computing System (UCS) servers, aimed to compete with VMware, Dell’s vXRail, Nutanix, and HPE’s HCI solutions. However, the growing influence of hyperscalers like Oracle, which recently introduced an on-premises cloud competing with larger HCI systems, presented significant challenges. 

Cisco has not provided a detailed rationale for discontinuing HyperFlex, stating only that the decision was "timed to best support our customers, partners, and employees. 

Despite this, a Cisco spokesperson emphasized the company's ongoing commitment to simplifying hybrid multi-cloud operations. In an interesting twist, Cisco has partnered with Nutanix, allowing Nutanix’s software stack to run on Cisco hardware. 

This partnership also enables Cisco salespeople to sell these combined solutions, earning commissions even on Nutanix software. 

HyperFlex customers will receive five years of support and service, but those using VMware’s ESXi hypervisor with HyperFlex face complications. 

Cisco will not certify future versions of ESXi on its hardware, leaving customers to either continue with ESXi 8.0 after its support ends or operate unsupported code. 

Alternatively, customers can migrate away from HyperFlex, with Cisco providing a white paper outlining migration options, including repurposing HyperFlex hardware as standard UCS servers.
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Customers have until March 12, 2024, to place orders for HyperFlex hardware and software, with Cisco aiming to fulfill these orders by June 10, 2024.

However, Cisco’s FAQ on the discontinuation notes that HyperFlex licenses cannot be converted into credit for Nutanix products, though the two companies are developing various migration offers. 

Primary reason for discontinuation:

- Hyperflex was discontinued primarily due to its lackluster sales performance. 
- Market share comparison: 
- VMware leads the HCI market with a 41% share. 
- Nutanix holds 25% of the market. 
- HPE ranks third with a 7.3% market share. 

Cisco's market position: 

- Cisco likely fell into the "Other" category, which accounts for 26.8% of the market. 

Cisco has been content with its UCS servers occupying a niche market, particularly in the blade server segment, without significantly challenging giants like Dell, HPE, or Lenovo. HyperFlex did little to alter this dynamic and imposed the additional burden of maintaining a management software stack at a time when Cisco is transitioning most of its tools to cloud and subscription models. 

Moreover, Cisco's business strategy favors scalable units with robust growth prospects. With hyperscale cloud providers threatening all server makers and hybrid cloud reducing the demand for extensive on-premises infrastructure, HyperFlex’s discontinuation appears a logical step. 

Smaller or open-source HCI vendors, such as Scale Computing and Proxmox VE, have shown they can thrive long-term, often under the radar. Additionally, China boasts a vibrant market of HCI vendors, many leveraging open-source technology, catering to mid-market companies. Cisco, however, has no plans to pursue this market segment. 

The decision to phase out HyperFlex may also prompt speculation about Cisco’s future involvement in the server business altogether. The Register is left pondering what this means for other niche HCI offerings from major vendors, like IBM’s SpectrumFusion. ® 

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Cisco has announced the discontinuation of its HyperFlex hyperconverged infrastructure (HCI) solution, citing "evolving customer needs and market dynamics" as key factors in the decision. HyperFlex, which integrated Cisco’s Unified Computing System (UCS) servers with a hybrid cloud software stack, was designed to compete with leading HCI solutions from VMware, Dell, Nutanix, and HPE. 

Cisco Unplugs HyperFlex: Hyperconverged No More!


Amazon is said to be investing more than $1 billion in Microsoft, its primary competitor in cloud services, to purchase Microsoft 365 licenses for 1 million Amazon employees.

AWS and Microsoft are known rivals in the cloud computing sector.

Amazon, a dominant force in cloud computing, is making a strategic move by investing $1 billion in Microsoft, its main cloud rival, to adopt Microsoft 365 as a major cloud solution provider. 

This decision is notable given Amazon's own extensive suite of productivity tools, which it has opted not to leverage or further develop in favor of partnering with a direct competitor. 

According to a high-level executive from a leading solution provider that collaborates closely with both Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft, this move reflects a significant shift in perspective influenced by recent advances in generative AI. 

The executive emphasized the irony of the world's largest cloud company investing heavily in its second-largest competitor's cloud products, suggesting a profound change in strategic outlook driven by emerging technologies.
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## Amazon's Strategic Shift Towards Microsoft 365

According to a report from Insider, Amazon has committed over $1 billion across five years to secure more than 1 million Microsoft 365 licenses. These licenses will be utilized by Amazon's corporate employees and frontline workers.

## Market Dynamics and AWS Dominance
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As of the second quarter of 2023, AWS commands a 32% share of the global cloud market, while Microsoft holds a 22% share, based on data from Synergy Research Group.

Amazon offers its own collaboration tools like Chime for video conferencing and WorkDocs for content collaboration and storage. However, these tools are perceived to lack the comprehensive capabilities of Microsoft 365, especially in areas such as Teams, which competes directly with Chime.

AWS boasts an extensive portfolio of over 200 cloud services, yet its productivity offerings have not achieved the same level of popularity as Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace.

## Amazon's Historical Approach and Shift in Strategy

Historically, Amazon preferred on-premises versions of Microsoft Office products over Microsoft's cloud offerings due to concerns about storing data on a competitor's infrastructure. The $1 billion deal with Microsoft represents a departure from this strategy, marking an unprecedented move by Amazon to engage a rival on such a large scale.

## Implications and Response

The magnitude of this contract has reportedly prompted Microsoft's Office and security divisions to ramp up operations to meet the anticipated demand. While AWS continues to innovate aggressively, leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, such as Microsoft's upcoming enhancements to 365 with generative AI, suggests a strategic realignment at Amazon.
Future Outlook

Both Amazon and Microsoft declined to comment on the matter at the time of reporting. Microsoft plans to roll out generative AI capabilities through its Copilot tool across its 365 applications, aiming to enhance user experience and functionality.

In conclusion, Amazon's significant investment in Microsoft 365 reflects a strategic pivot aimed at leveraging Microsoft's robust cloud productivity suite while navigating a competitive landscape driven by AI advancements and evolving market dynamics.

## Future Outlook

Both Amazon and Microsoft declined to comment on the matter at the time of reporting. Microsoft plans to roll out generative AI capabilities through its Copilot tool across its 365 applications, aiming to enhance user experience and functionality. 

In conclusion, Amazon's significant investment in Microsoft 365 reflects a strategic pivot aimed at leveraging Microsoft's robust cloud productivity suite while navigating a competitive landscape driven by AI advancements and evolving market dynamics.


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In a surprising turn of events, Amazon is set to invest over $1 billion in Microsoft, its major rival in cloud services, to purchase Microsoft 365 licenses for 1 million employees. This strategic move marks a notable shift, as Amazon, a leader in cloud computing through AWS, opts to adopt Microsoft 365 rather than leveraging its own suite of productivity tools. 

Amazon's $1B Microsoft 365 Deal Signals Cloud Shift

Throughout the 17-month journey of this deal, one constant has been that only Broadcom CEO Hock Tan truly knows what VMware's future will look like post-acquisition. Although Tan has declined to speak with CRN, his blog posts offer some valuable insights.

By the time Halloween decorations hit the discount bins, Broadcom should finalize its acquisition of VMware.

Since the May 2022 announcement, CRN has meticulously covered every development in the $61 billion deal, engaging with partners, analysts, customers, competitors, regulators, VMware's CEO (twice), and VMware's largest shareholder, Michael Dell, to explore the implications for VMware partners.

Only Broadcom President and CEO Hock Tan knows for certain what VMware's future will look like post-acquisition. Tan has often stated his intention to "embrace the channel." However, partners are still waiting to see how this will materialize.

“It’s yet to be seen,” said Bob Venero, president of VMware partner and Dell Federal Titanium partner Future Tech, based in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. “There’s no real direction or answer outside of, ‘Hey, this is what we’re going to do.’ We don’t see it in the contracts. We don’t see that in written emails or from a channel engagement perspective.”

Regulators worldwide have approved the deal, with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission allowing its objection period to expire without challenge.

The European Commission secured concessions from Broadcom to ensure fair practices, including a fast-track dispute resolution process for rival chip manufacturer Marvell Technology if Broadcom restricts access to VMware's technology.
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However, China has posed a minor obstacle. Tracy Woo, principal analyst at Forrester, believes China won't hold out much longer. “China has been slowing the process down, but ultimately I don’t believe they will block the deal,” Woo told CRN via email. “This is a flex from China marking their presence on this major deal.”

CRN has repeatedly requested an interview with Tan to clarify his plans for Broadcom and VMware’s channel, but he has not granted one. Instead, Tan has addressed concerns through regular blog posts. Despite this, as the deal nears its Oct. 30 closure, VMware partners remain anxious about pricing, products, and channel strategy.

Bob Venero commented, “I think it’s still an unknown whether or not they’re going to let VMware be VMware, which is probably the smartest thing that they can do.”

Adding to the uncertainty last week was Rajiv Ramaswami, the CEO of Nutanix. Ramaswami, who spent four years at VMware and six years as EVP of Networking at Broadcom, discussed past issues with Broadcom's acquisitions of CA Technologies and Symantec during an interview at the XChange Best of Breed Conference.

“Customers are not necessarily very happy. They typically will see pricing going up, road maps potentially getting shrunk, some products being divested and support levels potentially coming down,” he said. “VMware, of course, is being used for mission-critical workloads by many customers. These are areas of concern [for customers].”

As the acquisition draws to a close, the industry is watching closely to see how Broadcom will navigate these challenges and shape VMware's future.

## Pricing
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Analysts and partners are skeptical about Broadcom's assurance that VMware product prices will not increase, despite CEO Hock Tan's repeated statements to the contrary in his October and November 2022 blogs. 

Tracy Woo from Forrester, specializing in cloud management and high-performance computing, doubts Broadcom's commitment, citing reports of price hikes among VMware customers influenced by Broadcom leadership. 

Bob Venero of Future Tech echoes this skepticism, advising clients to secure current pricing through new deals amid expectations of future increases.
This skepticism contrasts with Tan's assertions that Broadcom's growth strategy does not hinge on price hikes but rather on delivering enhanced value through continuous innovation and customer-focused research and development. 

However, concerns persist among VMware users about potential price increases and reduced support levels, prompting exploration of alternative solutions. 

Despite Tan's reassurances, the industry remains cautious as Broadcom prepares to integrate VMware and shape its pricing and product strategies moving forward.

## Products

Solution providers like VirtuIT Systems are deploying VMware’s advanced products, including vSphere 8.0, with optimism about the Broadcom deal.

VirtuIT CEO Gary McConnell notes that it's "business as usual" as they prepare for upgrades. VMware identified vSphere and vSAN as core revenue drivers, and Broadcom CEO Hock Tan has praised these technologies for their potential to enhance enterprise application management and security.

Broadcom plans a $2 billion investment in VMware, focusing on R&D and accelerating solution deployment.

Tan also addressed concerns about VMware Tanzu, emphasizing its strategic importance and Broadcom's commitment. Tanzu, which optimizes applications across any cloud, remains a key part of VMware’s portfolio. 

Average Tanzu sales are substantial, with significant recurring revenue and services. Tan highlighted the crucial role of modern applications in customers' multi-cloud strategies, reinforcing Broadcom's dedication to supporting and investing in Tanzu.

## Partners

Following Broadcom's announcement of its $61 billion acquisition plan for VMware, partners expressed a primary concern summed up by one anonymous quote to CRN: "Don’t screw VMware up.

"This sentiment reflects apprehensions among VMware partners about potential changes under Broadcom's ownership, given Broadcom's historical approach to channel management, as noted by Nutanix CEO Rajiv Ramaswami.

Addressing these concerns, former Broadcom Software Group President Tom Krause initially reassured stakeholders that Broadcom intended to support and invest in the channel, learning from past acquisitions like CA 
Technologies and Symantec.

However, Krause departed from Broadcom in July 2022, shortly after these statements, to become CEO of VMware competitor Citrix Systems.

Since then, Broadcom CEO Hock Tan has reiterated a commitment to embracing VMware's partner ecosystem, emphasizing a "no customer left behind" approach and highlighting VMware's robust channel engagement.

Gary McConnell of VirtuIT Systems noted ongoing communication with VMware's account teams, indicating continued channel focus despite the impending acquisition.


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As Broadcom's $61 billion acquisition of VMware approaches its final stages, set to conclude by Halloween, the future of VMware remains largely unknown. Despite extensive coverage by CRN and insights from partners, analysts, and industry leaders, the precise impact of the deal on VMware's operations and channel strategy is still unclear. 

Amazon's $1B Microsoft 365 Deal Signals Cloud Strategy Shift

## Nutanix's Strategic Growth Trajectory: Forecasting Strong Financial Performance and Market Expansion 

Nutanix CEO Rajiv Ramaswami forecasts the company to achieve $700 million to $900 million in free cash flow by 2027, driven by an anticipated annual recurring revenue (ARR) of $3 billion. This projection represents a doubling of their reported $1.56 billion ARR at the close of fiscal year 2023, which already marked a 30% rise from fiscal 2022. 

In a regulatory filing on Monday, Nutanix CEO Rajiv Ramaswami highlighted the company’s recent strategic partnership with Cisco, describing it as a significant boost amid a shifting competitive landscape. Ramaswami emphasized the scale and reach of Cisco’s go-to-market capabilities, which he expects to expand Nutanix’s market penetration. 
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Additionally, he noted that Broadcom’s pending acquisition of VMware, Nutanix’s leading competitor, has heightened customer interest in Nutanix solutions and contributed to a robust sales pipeline expected to extend over the coming years. 

Ramaswami conveyed optimism about early successes resulting from these developments while anticipating further gains in the quarters ahead. 

- Ramaswami highlighted insights from IDC and Bain Capital on infrastructure modernization:
- 17% of the market has modernized business-critical applications and data management.
- 16% of the market has modernized general IT workloads.
- Nutanix views the remaining 80%+ of the market as a significant opportunity to capture market share through infrastructure upgrades.

He emphasized that for IT teams developing new applications, a container-based approach is widely preferred for its portability across different platforms. 

Nutanix offers flexibility by supporting major Kubernetes platforms, enhancing developer productivity through self-service APIs and tools, reducing total cost of ownership with its scalable architecture, and accelerating time to market with pre-validated designs. 

Ramaswami noted that these distinctive features have recently contributed to securing major customer wins for Nutanix. 

## Advancing AI and Financial Growth: Nutanix's Strategic Initiatives and Governance Focus 

Ramaswami highlighted Nutanix's advancements in generative AI, noting emerging use cases at the edge such as fraud detection, customer service, and search and analysis. He underscored Nutanix GPT-in-a-Box as a comprehensive AI stack deployable across diverse environments. 

"We anticipate generative AI to be ubiquitous, from training models on large datasets in public clouds to fine-tuning with proprietary data in core data centers, and deploying compact AI inference at the edge," he wrote. 

"_Through GPT-in-a-Box, Nutanix offers a full AI stack adaptable for deployment anywhere, from small-scale edge environments to large-scale private clouds_." 

Supporting these initiatives is Nutanix's robust financial performance, transitioning from cash negative to positive over recent quarters. 

With $200 million in free cash flow last quarter and plans to repurchase $350 million in stock, the company forecasts free cash flow between $700 million and $900 million by 2027, driven by doubling annual recurring revenue to $3 billion from $1.56 billion in fiscal year 2023, marking a 30% increase over fiscal 2022. 

"_As we move beyond our subscription transformation phase and enter a scaling period, I am highly optimistic about our prospects for sustained profitable growth_" 

Ramaswami affirmed. "_Our product strategy aligns closely with customer needs in the hybrid multicloud landscape._" 

Nutanix is concentrating its direct sales force on its top 25,000 customers, representing over 90% of its serviceable market. 

Meanwhile, channel partners have been empowered with autonomy to target the next tier of 75,000 potential customers, supported by robust enablement and incentives. 

Additionally, the company is investing in specialized product teams to drive adoption across its full stack. 
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In its proxy statement, Nutanix proposed items for shareholder vote including executive compensation, board member elections, accountant ratification, and an amendment to its certificate of incorporation regarding officer exculpation. The annual meeting is scheduled for December 8 at 9 a.m. Pacific Time. 

**Three board members**—Max de Groen, Steven J. Gomo, and Mark Templeton—are up for re-election. Nutanix highlighted de Groen's corporate finance expertise from Bain Capital Private Equity and The Boston Consulting Group, Gomo's governance and financial acumen as CFO of NetApp and board member of Micron Technology, and Templeton's extensive management experience as CEO of DigitalOcean, Inc., and Citrix, also serving on boards of Equifax, Inc., Arista Networks, and Health Catalyst, Inc. 

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Nutanix is poised for significant financial and market growth, with CEO Rajiv Ramaswami projecting the company will achieve between $700 million and $900 million in free cash flow by 2027. This forecast is bolstered by an anticipated annual recurring revenue (ARR) of $3 billion, reflecting a substantial increase from the $1.56 billion ARR reported for fiscal year 2023—a 30% rise from the previous year. 

Nutanix CEO: Cisco, Broadcom-VMware Deals Boost Growth


The technology market thrives on companies taking bold risks and succeeding against seemingly insurmountable odds. 

Dell’s acquisition of EMC and subsequent privatization were initially deemed near-impossible feats, yet Dell triumphed. Similarly, HP’s acquisition of the struggling Compaq transformed it into a dominant PC powerhouse.

IBM’s early bet on Watson, long before the rise of generative AI, set a visionary precedent.

Now, Lenovo has masterfully integrated a modest Asian PC company with faltering IBM units to emerge as a formidable global tech leader, uniquely blending Eastern and Western technological principles into a successful portfolio of products and services.

## Lenovo’s Strategic Gamble with AMD Threadripper Pro

One of the recent standout success stories in the tech industry involves AMD and its Threadripper processor. Originally launched as a consumer product, Threadripper represented a significant risk due to its high development costs.

Though its performance on paper was unmatched, its primary market—professional workstations—typically catered to professionals rather than everyday consumers, making the transition to a professional workstation a daring move.

Lenovo, however, recognized the appetite for performance among engineers. While its larger competitors hesitated, Lenovo seized the opportunity to introduce Threadripper workstations, quickly claiming leadership in the high-end segment. 

Following this success, the Threadripper Pro was launched, prompting Lenovo’s peers to follow its lead and leaving Intel trailing behind AMD in this high-profile category. This collaboration underscores the impressive work by both Lenovo and AMD.
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## Embracing Risk and Capturing Market Share

This week, we explore how Lenovo’s willingness to take risks has enabled it to capture significant market share. We’ll also discuss an intriguing head-mounted display from Rokid that I’ve been testing, which could revolutionize mobile PC or smartphone experiences.

## The Role of Risk Tolerance

Having worked with both thriving and struggling companies, I’ve observed that the successful ones are characterized by their tolerance for failure and their readiness to take calculated risks that others might deem unreasonable.

I recall a meeting with Ford’s then-CEO, where analysts focused on the automotive sector. I warned that failing to embrace the innovative strides of Tesla could result in job loss—a prediction that, unfortunately, came true. 

This anecdote underscores the importance of genuine risk-taking. Unlike Ford’s cautious approach, Tesla’s willingness to take bold risks has contributed significantly to its soaring valuation.

## The Magic of Lenovo

Lenovo’s transformation over the past two decades from a relatively unknown small PC company in the West to a formidable competitor in almost every segment it enters is nothing short of remarkable. 

The story of AMD’s Threadripper is just one among many where Lenovo took bold, seemingly irrational risks. 

Lenovo also acquired the IBM Think brand, succeeding where IBM couldn’t because Lenovo embraced risks that IBM avoided. This strategy is evident in its approach to Threadripper.

In the server market, Lenovo took over IBM’s underperforming x86 server unit and turned it into a success, despite the challenges posed by resource allocation within IBM. Lenovo’s ability to recognize and harness the potential of overlooked technologies has been a key factor in its success.

## Turning Risks into Leadership Opportunities

While Lenovo doesn’t yet lead the server market as it does in PCs, it’s making significant strides. Its acquisition of Motorola, a unit Google had essentially dismantled, was seen as a high-risk move. 

Yet, Lenovo revitalized the brand, positioning it as a viable challenger to Apple with competitive pricing.

These feats—transforming the IBM PC business, revitalizing the x86 server unit, and turning around Motorola—each seemed nearly impossible, yet Lenovo achieved them all.
![3.webp](https://strapiassets.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/3_940c217023.webp)

## The Path to Becoming a Global Powerhouse

Despite its impressive track record, Lenovo, like many tech companies, underinvests in marketing. Companies like AMD, which often outperform their competitors technologically, struggle with market perception due to insufficient marketing efforts. 

Lenovo could benefit greatly by adopting a marketing-centric approach similar to Lou Gerstner’s strategy at IBM. Gerstner, a marketing genius from Nabisco, understood that perception often trumps reality. His marketing prowess helped IBM recover from a dire situation, much like Steve Jobs did for Apple.

While Lenovo excels in product development and risk-taking, integrating powerful marketing strategies could elevate it to unparalleled heights in the tech industry. Historically, the most successful tech companies have combined strong marketing with outstanding products, a balance Lenovo is poised to achieve.

## Close Note

Lenovo’s remarkable execution, coupled with its willingness to take significant risks, sets it apart as a market leader. However, by adopting a more aggressive marketing strategy, Lenovo could harness the perfect storm of exceptional products and powerful marketing, creating an unstoppable force in the tech industry. 

While past examples like the initial iPhone and IBM’s recovery showcased the impact of strong marketing on weaker products, Lenovo has the opportunity to align perception with its impressive reality, potentially reshaping the market landscape.


huh.png

One of Lenovo's recent standout successes involves its strategic gamble with AMD's Threadripper processor. Initially launched as a consumer product, Threadripper faced significant risks due to high development costs and a market that was predominantly professional rather than consumer-focuse 

Lenovo + Threadripper Pro: The Formula for Incredible Success!

## Microsoft and China Engage in Strategic Dialogue on AI and Trade Relations

In a pivotal meeting that underscores the intricate interplay between technology and geopolitics, Microsoft President Brad Smith held discussions with China’s Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao on Wednesday. 

The talks centered around key issues such as artificial intelligence (AI) and the complexities of U.S.-China trade relations. 

This high-level engagement, as reported by a translated announcement from the Chinese government via Youdao, reflects both nations' strategic imperatives to navigate the challenges posed by ongoing geopolitical tensions while seeking areas of mutual benefit. 

The dialogue between Smith and Wang comes at a time when China is actively working to maintain favorable conditions for American businesses operating within its borders. 

Despite the broader backdrop of strained relations with the United States, China recognizes the importance of fostering constructive relationships with global technology leaders like Microsoft to stimulate economic growth. 

This meeting also followed closely on the heels of recent high-level discussions between U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, signaling a shared interest in exploring cooperative opportunities amidst broader diplomatic challenges. 

![Microsoft and China Engage in Strategic Dialogue on AI and Trade Relations.webp](https://strapiassets.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/Microsoft_and_China_Engage_in_Strategic_Dialogue_on_AI_and_Trade_Relations_762741761b.webp)

## AI Innovation Amidst Geopolitical Tensions 

During the discussions, China’s Ministry of Commerce reiterated its commitment to enhancing support services for foreign enterprises, with a particular focus on fostering collaboration in the AI sector. 

As both the U.S. and China make significant investments in AI, this area of technological innovation has become a critical component of their respective economic development strategies.  

Microsoft, a global leader in AI advancements and substantial investments, including partnerships with entities like OpenAI, is well-positioned to collaborate with China’s tech giants—Alibaba, Baidu, and Tencent. 

These companies are at the forefront of developing and deploying cutting-edge AI technologies and competitive products on the global stage. 

The intersection of AI and geopolitics remains a delicate and complex arena. The U.S. has imposed stringent controls on China’s access to critical technologies, including semiconductors, which are essential for AI advancements. 

Recent export restrictions have targeted components vital to AI model training, affecting companies like Nvidia that supply crucial tools for AI development.

The discussions between Smith and Wang echoed the broader themes addressed in the Biden-Xi talks, with both sides acknowledging the risks associated with advanced AI systems. 

There was a mutual recognition of the need to enhance AI safety through strengthened bilateral cooperation channels, a sentiment articulated by the White House too. 

## Navigating Regulatory Challenges and Strengthening Economic Ties 

![Navigating Regulatory Challenges and Strengthening Economic Ties.webp](https://strapiassets.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/Navigating_Regulatory_Challenges_and_Strengthening_Economic_Ties_01fb30f673.webp)

In recent years, engagements between U.S. technology firms and the Chinese government have become increasingly rare, largely due to escalating trade tensions and regulatory hurdles. 

Many U.S. tech giants, such as Google and Meta, have faced stringent regulatory barriers to market entry in China, leading to a reduced operational footprint within the country.  

However, the easing of pandemic-related travel restrictions in 2022 has seen a resurgence in visits by prominent CEOs like Apple’s Tim Cook and Tesla’s Elon Musk, highlighting Beijing’s strategic outreach to attract foreign investment and expertise. 

Despite the complexities of the current geopolitical landscape, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce expressed optimism about Microsoft’s potential role in China’s digital economy transformation. 

Brad Smith affirmed Microsoft’s commitment to actively participate in this transformation, emphasizing the company’s dedication to fostering robust economic partnerships and promoting technological innovation that can benefit both the Chinese market and the broader international community.  

The outcomes of this meeting, however, remain sensitive, and Microsoft has not immediately responded to requests for comment from CNBC, reflecting the strategic implications of these bilateral discussions on technology and economic cooperation between the U.S. and China. 

## Footnote 

The dialogue between Microsoft and China exemplifies the delicate balance of fostering innovation amidst complex geopolitical challenges. 

As both nations navigate these intricacies, the outcomes of such strategic engagements will play a critical role in shaping the future of AI and trade relations on a global scale. 

Microsoft’s president meets with the Chinese government to discuss AI co-operation.webp

Microsoft President Brad Smith recently engaged in a high-stakes dialogue with China’s Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao, focusing on critical topics like artificial intelligence (AI) and the nuanced dynamics of U.S.-China trade relations. This meeting highlights the delicate balance between technology and geopolitics, as both nations strive to find common ground amidst ongoing tensions. 

Microsoft President Discusses AI Cooperation with China

## Cisco and AWS Forge Ahead with Groundbreaking Partnership at AWS reinvent 2023 

Returning from AWS reinvent 2023, it's clear that the buzz surrounding the Cisco and AWS partnership is electrifying. This excitement is not just from our customers and partners but is evident from recent achievements and announcements. 

A highlight of the event was Cisco being honored with the 2023 AWS Global ISV Partner of the Year Award. This accolade underscores Cisco's dedication to delivering a diverse range of software solutions through the AWS Marketplace, reflecting our commitment to offering flexibility and choice.  

Our solutions, spanning security, networking, and collaboration, including Cisco Enterprise Agreements, are now globally accessible, aligning with our strategy to cater to diverse customer needs. 

At the event, Cisco and AWS unveiled a groundbreaking integration: the Cisco ThousandEyes Network Assurance Platform with AWS CloudWatch Internet Monitor (CWIM).

![2.webp](https://strapiassets.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/2_232fd5db3b.webp)

This integration is a game-changer, providing unparalleled visibility into cloud deployments by optimizing AWS instance placement and enhancing monitoring tailored to user traffic patterns. 

This announcement follows closely on the heels of the ThousandEyes AWS Network Path Enrichment, which improves visibility into AWS cloud networks and facilitates rapid issue resolution with service providers. 

This collaboration is more than a technological advancement; it represents a strategic leap in cloud environment management. By combining Cisco's and AWS's strengths, we empower customers to manage and optimize their digital experiences effectively. 

This partnership is pivotal as we navigate the evolving landscape of cloud technology, ensuring that digital transformation journeys are managed and optimized to their fullest potential. 

The integration of Cisco ThousandEyes with AWS CWIM is now available on the AWS Marketplace, seamlessly aligning with customers' Enterprise Discount Program (EDP) commitments. 

This combination of technological innovation and procurement benefits offers unparalleled visibility and optimization capabilities. 

## The energy and enthusiasm at AWS reinvent

![3.webp](https://strapiassets.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/3_0bc6e6ccf1.webp)

2023 highlighted our shared commitment to innovation and customer empowerment. Winning the AWS Global ISV Partner of the Year Award reflects Cisco’s dedication to offering comprehensive software solutions through AWS, empowering customers with choice and advanced capabilities. 

The Cisco ThousandEyes and AWS CWIM integration sets a new benchmark for optimizing digital experiences and reinforces our leadership in the market. 

As our partnership evolves, we continue to advance technological innovation and strategically empower our customers with the tools and insights necessary to maximize their outcomes, leveraging the strengths of AWS and Cisco. 

Returning from AWS reinvent 2023, it’s evident that the Cisco and AWS partnership is creating significant momentum in the tech industry. The excitement surrounding this collaboration was palpable, marked by substantial achievements and announcements that underscore the strategic importance of their alliance. 

Cisco Sparking Contagious Excitement at AWS reinvent 2023

## Nvidia Eyes Strategic Partnerships in Vietnam to Bolster Semiconductor Industry 

Nvidia, the U.S. semiconductor giant renowned for its AI chips and graphics processing units, is poised to strengthen its footprint in Southeast Asia by engaging in high-level discussions with Vietnamese tech companies and government officials in Hanoi next Monday. 

The focus of the meeting is to explore potential cooperation deals that could significantly enhance Vietnam's burgeoning semiconductor industry, especially in light of escalating trade tensions between the United States and China. 

Vietnam, which already hosts major chip assembly facilities, including Intel's largest globally, is now positioning itself as a key player in the semiconductor sector by expanding into chip design and potentially manufacturing. 

This strategic move aligns with the shifting global supply chain dynamics, offering Vietnam a unique opportunity to advance its semiconductor capabilities and secure a more prominent role in the global tech landscape. 

![Nvidia-Eyes-Strategic-Partnerships-in-Vietnam-to-Bolster-Semiconductor-Industry-.webp](https://strapiassets.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/Nvidia_Eyes_Strategic_Partnerships_in_Vietnam_to_Bolster_Semiconductor_Industry_f738088a04.webp)

Leading the discussions will be Jensen Huang, Nvidia’s president and CEO, who will focus on enhancing Vietnam's semiconductor industry and exploring potential partnerships with local tech firms. 

The meeting is expected to involve significant Vietnamese companies such as FPT, Vingroup (the parent company of VinFast), and Viettel, along with representatives from the Vietnamese government. According to an invitation letter seen by Reuters, these discussions aim to lay the groundwork for deeper collaboration between Nvidia and Vietnam's tech ecosystem. 

An industry source familiar with the preparations suggested that Nvidia may finalize a technology transfer agreement with at least one Vietnamese company during the meeting. 

However, the details of such agreements remain confidential, with official announcements expected only after the discussions conclude. Nvidia has already established a strong collaborative presence in Vietnam, working with leading tech firms to deploy AI solutions across various sectors, including cloud computing, automotive, and healthcare. 

![Nvidia’s president and CEO.webp](https://strapiassets.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/Nvidia_s_president_and_CEO_12534acd9b.webp)

The event, hosted by Vietnam's Ministry of Investment, highlights the country's strategic intent to leverage foreign partnerships and investments to advance its semiconductor capabilities. 

This engagement is seen as a crucial step in Vietnam's broader strategy to become a key player in the global semiconductor industry. 

The specific outcomes and agreements from this pivotal meeting are eagerly anticipated, with official statements from Vietnamese authorities and participating companies expected to provide further clarity on the impact of this collaboration. 

As the global semiconductor landscape evolves, Vietnam’s collaboration with industry leaders like Nvidia could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of its tech sector, offering new avenues for growth and innovation in the region. 


Nvidia, a leader in AI chips and graphics processing units, is set to advance its engagement in Southeast Asia with a strategic meeting in Hanoi next Monday. The discussions will focus on potential partnerships with Vietnamese tech companies and government officials, aiming to bolster Vietnam’s growing semiconductor industry amid increasing U.S.-China trade tensions. 

Nvidia Gears Up for Chip Deal Talks in Vietnam Next Week 

![juniper.png](https://strapiassets.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/juniper_8041c6f6be.png)
Juniper Networks® (NYSE: JNPR), a leader in secure, AI-Native Networking, today announced the launch of the industry’s first comprehensive multivendor lab for validating end-to-end automated AI Data Center solutions. 

This innovative lab includes automated operations with leading vendors' switching, routing, storage, and compute solutions. Additionally, Juniper introduced new Juniper Validated Designs (JVDs) to expedite the deployment of AI clusters, alongside key software enhancements for optimizing AI workload performance over Ethernet.

**Key Highlights:**
- **Ops4AI Lab and Juniper Validated Designs (JVDs):**
o	Juniper's new Ops4AI Lab is located at their Sunnyvale, CA headquarters, enabling customers and partners to test AI workloads using advanced GPU compute, storage technologies, and Ethernet-based networking fabrics.
o	Juniper Validated Designs (JVDs) provide detailed, proven implementation guides, ensuring faster and more reliable deployment of AI clusters.

- **Advanced AI Networking Solutions:**
o	Juniper's existing Networking for AI solution is built on a spine-leaf data center architecture, utilizing AI-optimized 400G and 800G QFX Series Switches and PTX Series Routers. This architecture ensures high performance and scalability, essential for handling the demanding workloads of AI applications. 

The solution is further enhanced by Juniper Apstra and Marvis software, which provide intent-based networking, multivendor switch management, and comprehensive workload awareness. These tools also enable AIOps proactive actions, significantly improving the management of AI workloads.

## New Software Enhancements:

![5.webp](https://strapiassets.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/5_b4f99e8f3a.webp)

Juniper has introduced several key software enhancements to maximize the performance and manageability of AI workloads. Fabric Autotuning for AI leverages telemetry from routers and switches to automatically configure optimal settings for congestion control, ensuring peak performance. 

Global Load-Balancing uses an end-to-end view of network congestion to balance AI traffic in real time, reducing latency and improving overall network utilization. Additionally, the new End-to-End Visibility feature provides a holistic view of the network, including SmartNICs from Nvidia, offering deeper operational insights.

## Collaborative Ecosystem:
Juniper's Ops4AI Lab, located at their Sunnyvale, CA headquarters, exemplifies their commitment to fostering an open and flexible environment for AI Data Center solutions. 

The lab collaborates with ecosystem partners such as Broadcom, Intel, Nvidia, and WEKA, enabling the development and validation of multivendor infrastructure solutions. 

This collaborative approach helps transition AI Data Centers from early adoption stages to widespread, mass market deployment. The lab's support for multivendor infrastructure ensures that AI Data Centers can benefit from the best technologies available, providing a versatile and future-proof foundation for AI workloads.

## Industry Impact:

![6.webp](https://strapiassets.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/6_c78e50bdd0.webp)

Juniper's Ops4AI initiatives are set to revolutionize AI Data Centers by providing scalable, high-performance, and low-latency solutions that are easy to deploy and manage. By collaborating with industry leaders, Juniper ensures that their solutions are open, flexible, and future-proof.

## Upcoming Event:

Join Juniper's Seize the AI Moment virtual event on July 23 to learn more about the rapidly evolving AI Data Center ecosystem. Hear from industry leaders like AMD, Broadcom, ePlus, Intel, WEKA, and AI Data Center end-users such as Deutsche Bahn and PayPal.


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Juniper Networks® (NYSE: JNPR), a leader in secure, AI-Native Networking just announced ..

Juniper Networks Launches First Ops4AI Lab for Top AI Performance

## Enhanced Virtualization, and AI Support 

Dell and Red Hat have upgraded their APEX Cloud Platform for Red Hat OpenShift with new software enhancements, virtualization capabilities, and expanded storage options. 

Nearly a year after launching their APEX Red Hat OpenShift service, Dell now supports Red Hat’s container orchestration on its PowerEdge servers and PowerFlex block storage with SSDs. APEX offers Dell’s compute, storage, and networking solutions through a subscription model akin to public cloud services. 

Alyson Langon, Dell’s Director of Product Marketing for Multicloud and as-a-Service, highlighted the platform’s streamlined operations: _“Managing everything on a single platform simplifies operations.”_

The latest update includes Red Hat OpenShift Virtualization by default, allowing users to efficiently run and manage both virtual machine workloads and containerized applications, including AI/ML tasks. 

Dell and Red Hat have also broadened their storage options beyond PowerFlex to include PowerStore and Red Hat OpenShift Data Foundation, offering customers more flexibility and a smaller footprint. 

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## Advanced Storage, AI Support, and OpenShift Upgrades 

The OpenShift Data Foundation (ODF) encompasses a range of features, including Ceph for storage, NooBaa for multicloud object storage and data management, persistent container storage, and various data services like snapshots, clones, encryption, replication, and disaster recovery. 

Dell’s PowerStore, a dual-controller storage array offering unified block and file storage, is also integrated into the new APEX OpenShift platform. 

Additionally, customers can utilize existing PowerStore and PowerFlex appliances with the upgraded APEX OpenShift service. The platform also supports Dell’s enterprise storage solutions, such as PowerScale and ObjectScale, which are crucial for handling the increasing demands of AI workloads. 

PowerEdge servers, which are x86-based and support 5th generation Xeons as well as Nvidia GPUs, complement these storage solutions. PowerScale is certified for Nvidia SuperPOD, enhancing its compatibility with AI applications. 

The new APEX OpenShift offering supports Red Hat OpenShift versions 4.14 and 4.16, introducing features like CPU hot-plug and the ability to select specific nodes for live migration. 

![3.webp](https://strapiassets.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/3_bca6854279.webp)

Langon highlights that the new APEX OpenShift cloud platform simplifies the management of complex systems and varied workloads, streamlining IT operations for greater efficiency and minimizing the challenges of handling multiple software versions. 

Dell and Red Hat have elevated their APEX Cloud Platform for Red Hat OpenShift with a suite of enhancements, delivering upgraded software, virtualization capabilities, and expanded storage options. Building on their initial launch nearly a year ago, these improvements are designed to streamline operations and provide greater flexibility for managing both virtual and containerized workloads. 

Dell and Red Hat supercharge OpenShift for APEX! 

## Microsoft's Azure Surges Ahead in Cloud Computing Growth 

In the fiercely competitive arena of cloud computing, Microsoft has clearly emerged as a frontrunner. Following the release of third-quarter results for major tech giants, Microsoft's Azure platform demonstrated robust growth at 29%, outpacing Google Cloud's 22% and significantly surpassing Amazon Web Services (AWS) with a 12% increase.  

Despite AWS maintaining its lead in market share, Microsoft's accelerated growth can be attributed in part to its strong appeal for hosting AI models. Notably, Azure powers widely-used AI applications such as the ChatGPT chatbot, developed in collaboration with OpenAI since 2019. 

During an analyst conference call, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella highlighted the pivotal role of AI in Azure's growth, emphasizing that AI projects drive not only AI-related metrics but also overall cloud usage.  

Bernstein Research analysts, led by Mark Moerdler, underscored Microsoft's performance as indicative of its potential to surpass AWS in prominence among hyperscale cloud providers, noting Microsoft's increased capital expenditures to $11.2 billion. 
![b 27.1.webp](https://strapiassets.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/b_27_1_89fab041ca.webp)
## Competitors Intensify Focus on AI and Cost Optimization 

While Microsoft leads in AI advancements, competitors like Google and Amazon are also intensifying their focus on AI. Sundar Pichai, CEO of Alphabet, noted that more than half of all funded generative AI startups are Google Cloud customers, while Amazon's CEO Andy Jassy highlighted the rapid growth of AWS's generative AI business.  

Despite these efforts, Amazon lagged behind Microsoft in deploying a tool for generative AI, with Microsoft's Azure OpenAI Service launched earlier this year compared to Amazon's Bedrock service in September. 

Meanwhile, Oracle has emerged as a notable contender in the cloud computing landscape, reporting significant growth driven by key client acquisitions. Amidst ongoing economic uncertainties and inflationary pressures, all cloud giants are navigating client demands for cost optimization strategies, reflecting a broader trend towards financial prudence in cloud spending.  

This strategic shift towards financial discipline is becoming increasingly important as clients seek to maximize the value of their cloud investments while minimizing expenditure. 


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Microsoft's Azure platform is rapidly gaining momentum in the cloud computing landscape, solidifying its position as a formidable competitor. Recent financial reports reveal that Azure's growth has significantly outpaced that of its rivals, Google Cloud and Amazon Web Services (AWS), signaling a shift in the competitive dynamics of the industry. 

Microsoft's AI Surge Boosts Cloud Business Ahead of Amazon, Google

## Amazon Doubles AWS Credits for Series A Startups, Extends Validity Period

Amazon is set to double the credits offered to certain startups for using its cloud services. Starting July 1, startups that have recently raised Series A funding can receive $200,000 in AWS credits through the Activate program, up from the previous $100,000. 

Seed-stage startups remain eligible for $100,000 in credits. The extension now allows these credits to remain valid for up to three years, compared to the previous one-year expiration.

Matt Garman, recently promoted to CEO of AWS, emphasized AWS' commitment to startups during a recent visit to Silicon Valley. AWS views AI companies as pivotal customers, aiming to bolster its position amid growing competition from Microsoft in AI services.

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AWS acknowledged the credit increase and Garman's outreach, underscoring their leadership with over 280,000 startups, including 96% of AI and machine learning "unicorns," relying on AWS. 

Despite Amazon's dominance in cloud services, competitors like Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud are rapidly advancing, particularly in AI capabilities.

## Amazon Enhances AI and Startup Support to Counter Growing Cloud Competition

To counter this, Amazon has invested significantly in generative AI through initiatives like the Anthropic project. This move follows AWS CEO Adam Selipsky's recent departure, amidst Microsoft and Google gaining ground in the cloud infrastructure market.

Microsoft, in particular, has partnered with accelerators like Y Combinator, offering startups $350,000 in Azure credits and GPU access. They've also expanded credits through programs like the AI Grant and Founders Hub, catering to diverse startup needs.

![3.webp](https://strapiassets.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/3_2306a150d8.webp)

In response, Amazon has launched a new generative AI accelerator program offering up to $1 million in cloud credits. The company has also made strategic hires and technology acquisitions to strengthen its AI capabilities, illustrating its ongoing commitment to innovation in cloud computing.

Overall, while AWS maintains leadership in cloud infrastructure, the competitive landscape with Microsoft and Google continues to evolve, prompting Amazon to enhance its support for startups and AI innovation.


Amazon is set to double the credits offered to certain startups for using its cloud services.

Amazon Doubles AWS Credits for Startup Growth

## Cisco Change in Multicloud Networking

Cisco's recent decision to phase out its legacy multicloud networking software controller in favor of an SD-WAN-based platform indicates a broader slowdown in the once-thriving multicloud networking software sector.  

However, analysts at Analysys Mason believe that market vendors can rejuvenate interest by adopting the security integration strategies pioneered by the Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) market. 

## Growth & Challenges in Multicloud Networking

According to Gorkem Yigit, Research Director at Analysys Mason, the multicloud networking software market has experienced significant growth in recent years, primarily driven by enterprises' need to efficiently connect distributed applications across multiple cloud environments.  

Despite this growth, Cisco's move to discontinue its Cloud Network Controller platform in favor of SD-WAN Cloud OnRamp, along with Aviatrix's more cautious approach to sharing segment results, suggests that the market has lost some of its initial momentum. 

Yigit attributes part of this slowdown to differing perceptions within organizations regarding the added complexity multicloud networking software may introduce to their IT operations.  

He notes that while younger members of cloud teams, particularly those in DevOps, are generally enthusiastic about adopting these solutions, more traditional roles like NetOps and data center managers have been slower to embrace them. 

Gartner's Andrew Lerner provided further insight during an analyst conference in late 2022, explaining that enterprises typically invest in multicloud networking software to fill specific gaps in their cloud environments—such as the need for route encryption or enhanced troubleshooting capabilities.  

This desire for a consistent networking stack across various platforms is driving these purchasing decisions. 

## Market Expectations and Future Directions

IDC also anticipates growth in the multicloud networking sector, projecting an early adoption inflection point for enterprises in 2024. 

This anticipated growth is attributed to factors such as artificial intelligence (AI) workloads, business resilience, and cybersecurity—key drivers behind the demand for multicloud networking solutions. 

Yigit suggests that multicloud networking vendors can reinvigorate the market by expanding their platforms into more comprehensive offerings.  

He envisions a shift in perception from simple connectivity tools to robust solutions capable of managing a wider array of applications. 

He draws a parallel to how SD-WAN vendors have successfully unified networking and security to enhance user access across distributed environments through SASE. 

## Introducing ACSON: A New Framework for Multicloud Networking

Analysys Mason proposes a new framework, termed Application Connectivity, Security, Optimization, and Network Intelligence (ACSON), as a way to unify multicloud networking software. 

 This framework would position such software as a holistic platform for enterprise application networking and management, serving as a coherent networking fabric across various cloud environments—public, private, and edge—while reducing silos and complexity. 

Yigit explains that an ACSON platform would integrate these components into a cloud-native system that provides centralized management and visibility, enhancing intelligence and streamlining processes.  

It would also support integration with SASE and underlying networks to meet service level agreements and security requirements. 

Several companies are already moving in this direction, including Equinix and Megaport, which are collaborating with multicloud networking vendors like Aviatrix and Prosimo, along with a recent partnership between IBM and Vapor IO. 

Cisco's recent decision to phase out its legacy multicloud networking software controller in favor of an SD-WAN-based platform indicates a broader slowdown in the once-thriving multicloud networking software sector.  

Cisco’s SD-WAN pivot drives growth in multicloud network software 

Fortinet has once again earned accolades in the SD-WAN arena, being recognized as a Leader in the Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for SD-WAN for the fifth consecutive year. 

Additionally, the company has secured the highest position in Ability to Execute for four years running. 
 
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Fortinet distinguishes itself from competitors not only through its visionary outlook but also by acting as a dependable partner amid the rapid pace of digital transformation.

Our consistent track record demonstrates our ability to meet customer demands, establishing Fortinet as a leader in the industry. 

## The Ability to Execute

Gartner evaluates both Completeness of Vision and Ability to Execute, emphasizing a vendor’s capacity to deliver tangible results. 

Fortinet’s solutions are successfully deployed across various industries and use cases globally, delivering measurable advantages to our customers. 

Our time-tested operational excellence sets Fortinet apart. We excel in implementing and optimizing SD-WAN solutions at scale, regardless of environmental complexity. 

## What This Means

For Fortinet customers, this recognition signifies a partnership with a vendor committed to an ambitious future vision while ensuring their businesses are equipped to thrive today. Our reliable, secure solutions yield real results—proven in practice, not just theory. 

## High ROI and Unmatched Support

One of the criteria for Gartner's recognition of a vendor's Ability to Execute is the cost-effectiveness of their solutions and the support provided throughout their lifecycle. Fortinet is dedicated to competitively pricing and supporting all our products and services. 

In an era where downtime can lead to significant financial losses and damage reputations, our commitment to execution translates into more than just industry-leading performance. 

![3.webp](https://strapiassets.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/3_c4427dfedf.webp)
It encompasses unmatched support and reliability, ensuring our customers' networks remain secure, optimized, and operationally efficient. 

## Discover Fortinet Customer Experiences Here.

Fortinet Secure SD-WAN enables organizations to create intelligent networks that offer optimized user experiences and resilient architectures. 

With over 40,000 SD-WAN customers benefiting from smoother, faster, and more secure networks daily, this recognition is particularly meaningful. 

SD-WAN is a cornerstone of our single-vendor SASE strategy, and leading in this area reinforces our capability to deliver comprehensive SASE solutions tailored to the demands of today’s hybrid work environments. 

## Recent Enhancements to Fortinet SD-WAN

Fortinet continuously refines its Secure SD-WAN product to meet the evolving needs of our customers. Recent updates include: 

FortiAI Integration: This feature streamlines the management and orchestration of your entire SD-WAN infrastructure, enhancing operations from Day 0 through Day 2. 

It provides visual assistance, configuration support, and troubleshooting, resulting in faster problem resolution and smoother operations. 

Enhanced Network Performance: Our solutions support on-demand full mesh networks with self-healing capabilities that rectify issues in real time, crucial for building autonomous SD-WAN networks. 

The self-healing features automatically resolve problems before they impact your business. 

Improved Efficiency and Scalability: Our offerings now include functionalities such as multicast routing, an integrated SD-WAN Manager, enhanced overlay orchestration, multi-hub orchestration, and multi-device group support. 

## An Industry Leader

Fortinet Secure SD-WAN has garnered recognition from leading analyst firms and thousands of satisfied customers worldwide for its reliability, security, and scalability. 

However, it’s not just a leader in name; it’s a practical solution that enables businesses to navigate complexity with ease and confidence. 

Customer feedback echoes this sentiment. Alongside our recent acknowledgment as a Leader in the 2024 Gartner Magic Quadrant for SD-WAN, Fortinet has also been honored as a 2024 Gartner Peer Insights Customers’ Choice for SD-WAN for five consecutive years. 

Ready to Discover Why Fortinet is a Leader in SD-WAN? Download the complete 2024 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for SD-WAN report now. 

 

Fortinet has once again earned accolades in the SD-WAN arena, being recognized as a Leader in the Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for SD-WAN for the fifth consecutive year. 

Fortinet leads the Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for SD-WAN for the fifth year 

With millions of deployments across homes, small businesses, enterprises, service providers, and government organizations, pfSense® Plus software stands as the world’s premier solution for firewalls, routers, and VPNs in both network edge and cloud secure networking. 

One of the most anticipated features for pfSense Plus has been Multi-Instance Management (MIM). In response to user feedback, we are excited to present a first look at the new Netgate Multi-Instance Management system designed for pfSense Plus software.

## System Overview

The Multi-Instance Management (MIM) system comprises a controller and its managed instances. Starting with version 24.11, a limited version of the controller will be integrated into pfSense Plus. 
![2.png](https://strapiassets.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/2_ebcc4cca16.png)

This innovative architecture enables a pfSense Plus system to manage MIM clients while being managed by a separate instance. A more comprehensive version of the controller is planned to be released as a standalone instance in the future.

Once activated and configured on the managed devices, a secure private tunnel is established to facilitate communication between the clients and the controller. 

This VPN utilizes the Noise Protocol Framework, a trusted standard for developing secure channel protocols.

## Enhanced Management Capabilities

Upon connection, network operators can efficiently manage instances by issuing direct API calls to the controller or using the Multi-Instance Management GUI.

This setup provides a robust set of tools that allow operators the flexibility to customize device management to meet their specific needs.

## Controller GUI Features

The Multi-Instance Management system features a user-friendly GUI that showcases its core capabilities.

In this initial look, users can manage up to three instances of pfSense Plus alongside the instance running the MIM controller service. 
![3.png](https://strapiassets.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/3_9bf687ce6f.png)

The MIM GUI allows for the management of firewall rules, aliases, and more. Once activated, access to the MIM GUI is available through the designated port on the pfSense Plus instance configured as the controller.

It's important to note that the new GUI operates on the controller rather than on the individual client firewalls, leveraging the API for communication. 

This architecture enhances the speed and responsiveness of the MIM API.

## Empowering Management Solutions

Netgate equips Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and large organizations with the tools and flexibility needed to create powerful management systems tailored to their specific requirements. 

This first look at the Multi-Instance Management system highlights some of its capabilities and offers insight into upcoming features on our pfSense Plus roadmap. 

To learn more about the Multi-Instance Management system, please explore our example videos and documentation linked below.

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With millions of deployments across homes, small businesses, enterprises, service providers, and government organizations, pfSense® Plus software stands as the world’s premier solution for firewalls, routers, and VPNs in both network edge and cloud secure networking. 

First Look at pfSense Plus Multi-Instance Management 

In today’s digital-first landscape, organizations are increasingly prioritizing artificial intelligence (AI) adoption, national digital sovereignty, and cyber resilience. 

Broadcom Inc. (NASDAQ: AVGO) is addressing these challenges with its VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF), a private cloud platform designed for easy deployment and cost-effectiveness. 
![2.webp](https://strapiassets.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/2_befde71a81.webp)

At VMware Explore 2024 in Barcelona, Broadcom announced a series of innovations, ecosystem partnerships, and modernization programs to enhance generative AI development, cybersecurity, and sovereign cloud adoption.

“Broadcom is enabling the private cloud everywhere with VMware Cloud Foundation,” stated Krish Prasad, Senior VP and General Manager of the VCF Division at Broadcom. 

VCF is the industry’s first private cloud platform that combines public cloud agility with private cloud security and resilience, facilitating digital innovation and infrastructure modernization.

## Key Innovations and Services Announced:

- VMware Tanzu Data Services: A new service to streamline data services deployment, enhancing application delivery, security, and operational efficiency—essential for AI applications.

- End-to-End Cyber Resilience: VMware Live Recovery now supports Google Cloud VMware Engine (GCVE), offering a secure and consistent recovery solution for on-premises and cloud workloads.
![3.webp](https://strapiassets.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/3_75871886d2.webp)
- GenAI-Based Security Enhancements: The VMware vDefend Advanced Service now includes AI-driven assistance to help IT security teams manage threats more effectively.

- Generative AI Ecosystem Expansion: Broadcom announced support for Microsoft’s Azure AI Video Indexer on VMware Private AI, further enabling rapid innovation in AI projects.

- VMUG Advantage Benefits: Members will receive a 50% discount on certification exams, with successful candidates gaining access to a free VMware Cloud Foundation license.

- Private Cloud Modernization Program: Ongoing investments to support customers in their private cloud transformation journey, including a new VMware Certified Professional - VCF Architect certification to validate skills in designing robust VCF solutions.

- Sovereign Cloud Initiatives: Broadcom has partnered with 50 VMware Cloud Service Providers (VCSPs) to offer sovereign cloud services, ensuring compliance with local data regulations and enhanced security through features like encryption and data residency.

“As data evolves, the need for digital sovereignty is becoming critical,” remarked Eric Chambriard, VP of Strategic Alliances at OVHcloud. With VMware Cloud Foundation, organizations can ensure compliance while maintaining control over their data.

Broadcom's advancements at VMware Explore 2024 reflect its commitment to empowering organizations with robust, secure, and flexible cloud solutions to thrive in an increasingly complex digital environment.

In today’s digital-first landscape, organizations are increasingly prioritizing artificial intelligence (AI) adoption, national digital sovereignty, and cyber resilience. 

VMware Cloud Foundation Boosts AI, Sovereignty, and Security 

Approaching the one-year anniversary of its controversial acquisition of VMware, Broadcom is unveiling revised subscription options designed to make VMware's powerful virtualization technology more accessible to small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs).  

This move comes as Broadcom aims to respond to feedback from smaller organizations that were priced out of VMware’s services after the transition to a subscription-only model. 

## Flexible Compute Virtualization

To broaden its appeal and address budgetary constraints within the SMB sector, Broadcom has introduced two new subscription options specifically focused on compute virtualization: VMware vSphere Enterprise Plus and VMware vSphere Standard.  

Prashanth Shenoy, Broadcom's VP of Product Marketing, recently confirmed the next stages of VMware Cloud Foundation, announcing these additions. 
![2.webp](https://strapiassets.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/2_462ba879af.webp)
“To expand the portfolio, we’re now offering two focused options, VMware vSphere Enterprise Plus and VMware vSphere Standard, for customers prioritizing compute virtualization,” Shenoy said. 

These two subscriptions aim to provide scalable virtualization choices to SMBs that need high-quality virtualization services without the premium pricing of VMware’s bundled enterprise solutions. 

Both options are now available directly through Broadcom as well as via distribution channels, providing flexibility and increased access for organizations with limited IT budgets. 

## Responding to Strong Market Demand for VCF and VVF

The introduction of these more accessible VMware subscription tiers reflects Broadcom’s recognition of “strong customer momentum” for VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) and VMware vSphere Foundation (VVF).  

By listening to feedback from customers and addressing their specific needs, Broadcom is enhancing the affordability of VMware products, hoping to regain the trust of smaller businesses that felt priced out by recent changes. 

![3.webp](https://strapiassets.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/3_6a883540c1.webp)

The overhaul in VMware’s pricing structure had initially generated significant backlash from SMBs, as Broadcom moved to a subscription-only model and consolidated the VMware lineup into fewer, more expensive bundles. 

The elimination of perpetual licenses and increase in minimum pricing left many smaller businesses struggling to maintain their use of VMware services. 

With these new options, Broadcom is seeking to restore the balance by offering cost-effective, stand-alone options for companies primarily focused on compute virtualization. 

Ultimately, these changes highlight Broadcom's efforts to adapt to a diverse customer base and make VMware’s advanced virtualization technology accessible to companies of all sizes, especially smaller businesses looking for reliable, scalable solutions in an increasingly competitive market. 

As it nears the one-year mark of its VMware acquisition, Broadcom is rolling out new subscription options to make VMware’s virtualization technology more accessible for SMBs.

Broadcom Introduces New VMware Subscription Tier for Small and Medium Businesses 

IBM has unveiled its new AI-driven solution, Autonomous Security for Cloud (ASC), designed to automate cloud security management and decision-making. 
![2.webp](https://strapiassets.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/2_d9f3318d9a.webp)
Developed by IBM Consulting, ASC aims to reduce security risks for organizations accelerating their cloud migration on Amazon Web Services (AWS). 

In its 2024 Cloud Threat Landscape report, IBM highlighted that misconfigurations and compliance failures were among the top security threats organizations face as they embrace cloud computing. 

These challenges are especially prevalent in highly regulated sectors like financial services, manufacturing, and the public sector, where legacy compliance processes struggle to keep pace with rapidly evolving cloud infrastructures and stringent regulatory standards. 

As more organizations adopt cloud technologies, ensuring robust and specific security configurations is critical to minimizing risks.  

ASC addresses these challenges by leveraging Amazon Bedrock generative AI to automate and enforce security controls chosen by clients, accelerating deployment, reducing manual work, and providing real-time adjustments and proactive threat mitigation. 

## Generative AI at the Heart of Cloud Security

ASC combines the power of generative AI and automation to simplify cloud security management, providing continuous monitoring and autonomous decision-making capabilities. 

By augmenting traditional Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM) systems, ASC tailors cloud security to each organization’s unique needs. It helps enforce security hygiene, resolve misconfigurations, and prevent long-term policy drift, ensuring cloud environments remain secure as they evolve. 

"Generative AI-driven automation is a game-changer," said Dave Vellante, Chief Analyst and co-founder of theCUBE Research. "It enables organizations to adapt, enforce, and control data policies with speed and precision, addressing the ever-growing complexity of cloud security." 

## How ASC Enhances Cloud Security

IBM’s ASC solution provides several key benefits for organizations: 

- AI-Powered Insights: Utilizing large language models (LLMs) and retrieval-augmented generative (RAG) applications, ASC helps organizations understand and implement their security policies. 

- Regulatory Compliance: ASC autonomously infers AWS native technical controls that match a client’s workload and regulatory requirements. 

- Proactive Threat Mitigation: ASC continuously monitors the cloud environment, automatically deploying security controls and addressing misconfigurations. 

- Faster Policy Deployment: By automating security policy mapping and compliance processes, ASC reduces the time security teams spend on manual tasks and accelerates the deployment of security protocols. 

## Accelerating Cloud Transformation

ASC is designed to support organizations at every stage of their cloud journey, especially in industries with complex regulatory demands.  
![3.webp](https://strapiassets.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/3_803812fdaf.webp)
By leveraging IBM’s cloud expertise and AWS capabilities, ASC accelerates cloud adoption, enhances security, and ensures compliance. 

With ASC, organizations can streamline their cloud migration, reduce operational burdens, and unlock new opportunities for business transformation. 

IBM Consulting’s cloud-certified experts will assist clients in deploying ASC, providing tailored assessments, continuous monitoring, and proactive risk management to ensure optimal security and compliance. ASC will also be integrated with AWS to enhance cloud infrastructure accuracy and effectiveness. 

## Availability and Future Plans

IBM’s Autonomous Security for Cloud will be available globally in December 2024, with an exclusive session at AWS re 

2024 titled "Harnessing AI for Autonomous Cloud Security: IBM & AWS Game-Changing Solution." For more information about ASC, visit IBM’s website. 

With this new offering, IBM is reaffirming its commitment to advancing cloud security and empowering organizations to navigate the complexities of cloud adoption with confidence. 

IBM has unveiled its new AI-driven solution, Autonomous Security for Cloud (ASC), designed to automate cloud security management and decision-making

IBM advances generative AI and automation to strengthen security in AWS environments

Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) has introduced a suite of advanced wireless innovations, including smart Wi-Fi 7 access points and a unified subscription licensing model. 

![2.webp](https://strapiassets.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/2_97ec503c34.webp)

These enhancements are designed to deliver intelligent, secure, and reliable connectivity, enabling organizations to create smart spaces effortlessly. 

The solutions address challenges in connectivity, security, and assurance while providing a flexible foundation to future-proof workplaces for evolving needs. 

## The Role of Wireless in the Modern World

Wireless technology has revolutionized daily life, transforming how people work, shop, and learn. 

Today’s advancements blur the boundaries between physical and digital spaces, paving the way for AI-driven innovations and immersive digital experiences.  

While Wi-Fi 7 offers critical performance improvements, organizations such as retailers, manufacturers, and hospitals require more than just faster speeds—they need an intelligent, secure, and assured platform to power their transformative initiatives: 

- Retailers can redefine shopping experiences. 
- Manufacturers can enhance operations with precision asset tracking. 
- Hospitals can improve patient care with real-time insights. 

## Next-Generation Cisco Wireless Solutions

Cisco’s Wi-Fi 7 access points bring the latest in wireless technology to businesses worldwide. Designed for seamless management, they offer the flexibility to operate on-premises or via the cloud, allowing users to switch between the two effortlessly. 
![3.webp](https://strapiassets.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/3_359ada2f39.webp)
This adaptability is made possible through Cisco’s unified networking subscription, a streamlined licensing model covering the entire Wi-Fi 7 ecosystem. 

The Cisco Networking Subscription simplifies procurement and management, giving organizations the confidence to invest in wireless networks that scale and adapt as their needs evolve. 

## Empowering the Future of Connectivity

Cisco’s innovations provide a comprehensive solution for businesses seeking to enhance digital experiences while maintaining robust security and assurance. 

With the flexibility to adapt to future demands, these advancements position organizations for success in an increasingly connected, AI-driven world. 

Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) has introduced a suite of advanced wireless innovations, including smart Wi-Fi 7 access points and a unified subscription licensing model. 

Cisco debuts Wi-Fi 7 access points

Microsoft is introducing the Windows 365 Cloud Link, a lightweight and secure PC designed to connect corporate employees directly to their cloud-based programs and files. 

![2.webp](https://strapiassets.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/2_3a46b10527.webp)

This innovative device is currently available for preview in select markets, including the U.S. and Canada, with sales starting in April at a price of $349. 

## A New Direction for Microsoft’s PC Efforts

After years of struggling to gain significant traction in the PC hardware market with its Surface line, Microsoft is entering the thin client category with a fresh perspective. 

While the company’s devices revenue dropped 11% to $1.2 billion in the second quarter, global PC shipments rose by 2%, highlighting the challenges faced by traditional PC makers. 

The Windows 365 Cloud Link represents a strategic pivot, targeting a growing need for simple, secure devices in workplaces like call centers and shared office spaces. Early users have praised its efficiency in hot-desking scenarios, where employees share available workstations instead of having fixed desks. 

## Compact and Efficient Hardware

- Weighing under a pound, the puck-shaped device is powered by an Intel chip and includes: 
- 8GB RAM for smooth performance. 
- 64GB storage, enough to support essential operations. 

Designed for simplicity, the Cloud Link runs Windows CPC, a stripped-down operating system with no local applications or users. It enforces strict security policies and automatically downloads and installs updates overnight. The device is small enough to sit on a desk or mount behind a monitor. 

## Bridging to the Cloud

The Windows 365 Cloud Link builds on Microsoft’s success with desktop virtualization services, such as Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop, which surged in adoption during the pandemic. 

In July 2023, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella revealed that these services had generated over $1 billion in revenue for the 2024 fiscal year. 

![3.webp](https://strapiassets.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/3_61c4d8f88b.webp)

Microsoft’s new device allows businesses to seamlessly integrate with their cloud environments, providing employees with consistent access to their virtual desktops from any location. 

## A Secure Alternative to Thin Clients

Unlike traditional thin clients offered by companies like Dell and HP, the Windows 365 Cloud Link is tailored for simplicity and security. Melissa Grant, Microsoft’s senior director of product marketing, described it as a “nice alternative” to conventional thin clients. 

## Availability and Outlook

With its focus on flexibility and streamlined cloud connectivity, the Windows 365 Cloud Link could redefine how businesses approach desktop infrastructure. As it prepares for general availability in April, the device positions Microsoft as a serious contender in the thin client PC market. 

 

Microsoft is introducing the Windows 365 Cloud Link, a lightweight and secure PC designed to connect corporate employees directly to their cloud-based programs and files. 


Microsoft unveils a PC designed solely for cloud computing. 

Bruce McCully, Chief Security Officer of Galactic Advisors, emphasized the importance of integrating high-value security services into managed service provider (MSP) offerings. 

McCully addressed an audience of MSPs and managed security service providers (MSSPs) at the XChange conference, highlighting the threat posed by commoditized IT and security solutions offered at low prices.  

Phil Walker, CEO of Network Solutions Provider, echoed McCully's sentiments, emphasizing the necessity for MSPs to enhance their security practices. Walker's company has successfully incorporated cybersecurity offerings, including vCSOs, to provide strategic expertise and consulting to clients.  

To address the growing demand for vCSO services, McCully outlined recommendations for building a vCSO practice. These recommendations included developing tools such as vCSO client profilers, risk assessment questionnaires, and incident response procedures.  

## Transforming Managed Security Services with vCSO Integration

Bruce McCully, Chief Security Officer of Galactic Advisors, delivered a warning to MSPs and MSSPs at the XChange conference, urging them to evolve their offerings beyond basic IT and security services.  

McCully emphasized the need for MSPs to integrate virtual Chief Security Officer (vCSO) solutions and recurring third-party assessments to stay ahead of commoditized offerings. By adding these high-value services, MSPs can demonstrate their value proposition and secure their position as trusted advisors to clients. 

Phil Walker, CEO of Network Solutions Provider, affirmed the importance of bolstering security practices within MSPs. Walker highlighted the success of his company's cybersecurity offerings, including vCSOs, in providing strategic expertise to clients.  

By reframing security as a profit center and a reputation enhancer, Walker has effectively differentiated his company from competitors and emphasized the necessity for MSPs to offer comprehensive security solutions. 

McCully provided recommendations for building a successful vCSO practice, including the development of tools such as vCSO client profilers and risk assessment questionnaires.  

By offering holistic security services, MSPs can mitigate the threat posed by commoditized security solutions and position themselves as indispensable partners to their clients. 
![b 5.1.webp](https://strapiassets.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/b_5_1_8d7f87e06f.webp)
## Embracing vCSO Solutions for Enhanced Managed Security Services

At the XChange conference, Bruce McCully, Chief Security Officer of Galactic Advisors, called on MSPs and MSSPs to adapt their offerings to meet evolving security challenges. McCully emphasized the importance of integrating virtual Chief Security Officer (vCSO) solutions and recurring third-party assessments to differentiate their services and fend off competition from commoditized IT providers. 

- Phil Walker, CEO of Network Solutions Provider, shared insights into his company's success in cybersecurity, highlighting the provision of vCSOs to clients. 
- Walker stressed the transformative impact of viewing security as a profit center and reputation enhancer, enabling MSPs to elevate their value proposition and attract more clients. 

To compete effectively in the evolving security landscape, Walker emphasized the need for MSPs to offer comprehensive security services that go beyond basic IT solutions. 

McCully provided practical recommendations for building a robust vCSO practice, including the development of tailored client profilers and risk assessment frameworks. 

By embracing vCSO solutions and a holistic approach to security, MSPs can navigate the competitive landscape and position themselves for sustained growth and success. 

b 5.webp

At the XChange conference, Bruce McCully, Chief Security Officer of Galactic Advisors, highlighted the critical need for managed service providers (MSPs) and managed security service providers (MSSPs) to integrate high-value security services into their offerings. 

Guardian Solutions: High-Value MSP Security Services

Palo Alto Networks has risen to the top echelons of the cybersecurity realm, securing a prestigious position as the lone leader in Gartner's groundbreaking Magic Quadrant for single-vendor Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) solutions.  This accolade places Palo Alto Networks in a league of its own, outshining formidable competitors like Fortinet, Cisco, and VMware.
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## Palo Alto Networks Dominates Gartner's Inaugural Magic Quadrant for Single-Vendor SASE

Gartner's inaugural Magic Quadrant for single-vendor SASE was a highly anticipated event, signaling a significant shift in the cybersecurity landscape. Palo Alto Networks emerged as the clear frontrunner, demonstrating unparalleled excellence in delivering integrated networking and security solutions under the umbrella of SASE. 

The demand for SASE solutions has witnessed a meteoric rise as organizations grapple with the challenges of securing distributed workforces and enabling seamless access to corporate resources. 

Palo Alto Networks' leadership in the single-vendor SASE space is a testament to its commitment to addressing these pressing needs with innovative and comprehensive offerings. 
![b 6.2.webp](https://strapiassets.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/b_6_2_55c5fb921f.webp)
## Gartner's Evaluation and Market Insights

Gartner's assessment criteria for single-vendor SASE solutions cover a broad range of capabilities, including Software-Defined Wide Area Networking (SD-WAN), Secure Web Gateway (SWG), Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB), Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), and network firewall functionalities. 

Palo Alto Networks surpassed these benchmarks, earning recognition for the robust functionality, extensive customer base, and strategic product roadmap of its Prisma SASE platform. 

During the company's quarterly call, Nikesh Arora, CEO of Palo Alto Networks, celebrated this milestone, highlighting over $1 billion in bookings for its SASE business in fiscal 2023. 

- Gartner's evaluation also highlighted other players in the single-vendor SASE landscape, categorizing them as visionaries, challengers, or niche players. 

- Cisco and Forcepoint were recognized as visionaries. 
 
- Challengers included Cato Networks, Versa Networks, and Fortinet. 
 
- Niche players were identified as VMware and Juniper Networks, showcasing the market's diversity. 

It's worth noting that while some vendors opt for a single-vendor approach to SASE, others deliver SASE through integrations with third-party technologies. 

- Notably absent from Gartner's Magic Quadrant were Netskope, HPE, Cloudflare, and Check Point due to various factors such as incomplete offerings or insufficient enterprise adoption by the cutoff date. 

- The release of the single-vendor SASE Magic Quadrant complements Gartner's existing rankings for SD-WAN and Security Service Edge (SSE), with Palo Alto Networks consistently emerging as a leader across multiple categories. 

Gartner's Magic Quadrant serves as a trusted benchmark for industry players, guiding organizations in their selection of technology solutions and reaffirming Palo Alto Networks' position as a cybersecurity powerhouse. 

b 6.webp

Palo Alto Networks has ascended to the pinnacle of the cybersecurity industry, earning a distinguished position as the sole leader in Gartner's groundbreaking Magic Quadrant for single-vendor Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) solutions. 

Palo Alto Networks: Lone Leader in SASE - Gartner Magic Quadrant


## Edge Under Siege: Massive Attack Compromises Tens of Thousands of Cisco Devices

In a striking wave of cyberattacks, tens of thousands of Cisco devices have been compromised, marking one of the largest edge attacks to date. Experts have revealed that malicious actors are increasingly targeting edge networks, with the recent exploits on Cisco IOS XE devices serving as a stark reminder.
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## A Critical Vulnerability Exploited

This week, researchers reported that nearly 42,000 Cisco devices running the IOS XE operating system have fallen victim to a zero-day vulnerability disclosed on Monday. 

John Gallagher, VP of Viakoo Labs at IoT security firm Viakoo, emphasized the significance of this breach, noting it as one of the most impactful edge attacks ever recorded.

Cisco has not yet released a patch for the critical vulnerability but has provided effective mitigations to thwart these attacks. 

The IOS XE platform is widely used across various Cisco devices, including branch routers, industrial routers, aggregation routers, Catalyst 9100 access points, and IoT-ready Catalyst 9800 wireless controllers.

## The Vulnerability of the Edge

Edge attacks have surged as cybercriminals seek the path of least resistance, Gallagher told CRN. With data center security becoming increasingly robust, attackers are now focusing on the more vulnerable edge networks. A _"set it and forget it"_ mentality often plagues edge environments, making them prime targets.

Protecting edge environments is possible, but it requires prioritization and proper management, Gallagher stressed. Effective network security practices and vigilant management can significantly reduce vulnerabilities at the edge.
Questionable Security Practices

Bill Suarez, CISO at Whalley Computer Associates, highlighted a key issue: the current wave of compromised IOS XE devices was primarily due to their exposure to the web. 

_"Deploying an outer edge switch with a web server turned on is not sound network security practice,"_ Suarez told CRN. Such decisions reflect either a lack of understanding or misplaced trust in vendor software.

Suarez advocates for using an edge firewall in addition to a core firewall, creating an "outer barrier" to protect against similar attacks. He stressed that relying solely on vendor code security is unrealistic in today’s threat landscape.

## Escalating Threats
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Cybersecurity firm Censys reported that the number of compromised IOS XE devices surged by 8,000 in just one day, totaling 41,983 compromised devices. 

The critical vulnerability, tracked as CVE-2023-20198, has a maximum severity rating of 10.0 out of 10.0. Exploiting this flaw allows attackers to gain full control over compromised devices, enabling unauthorized activities.

Cisco's advisory indicated that the vulnerability impacts the web user interface in IOS XE when exposed to the web or an untrusted network. The flaw allows privilege escalation by a remote, unauthenticated user. 

Cisco has shared an access restriction measure that is effective in stopping exploits of the vulnerability.

## A Call to Action

Cisco has committed to addressing this critical security issue as a top priority. In a statement to CRN, Cisco emphasized its ongoing efforts to provide a software fix and urged customers to take immediate action as outlined in their security advisory.

This incident underscores the escalating cyber threats targeting edge networks and highlights the urgent need for comprehensive security measures and vigilant management of edge devices.


b 18.webp

In a major cybersecurity incident, tens of thousands of Cisco devices have been compromised in one of the largest edge network attacks ever recorded. The attack, which exploited a critical zero-day vulnerability in Cisco's IOS XE operating system, has highlighted the growing threat to edge networks as cybercriminals shift their focus from well-secured data centers to more vulnerable edge environments. 

Cisco IOS XE Attacks Spotlight Rising Cyber Threats

## Palo Alto Networks Emerges as Top Leader in 2024 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Security Service Edge (SSE)

Today marks a significant milestone for Palo Alto Networks as we proudly announce our recognition as a Leader in the 2024 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Security Service Edge (SSE). 

This prestigious acknowledgment underscores our unwavering dedication to delivering excellence and innovation in cybersecurity solutions, particularly through our acclaimed Prisma® Access SSE solution.

## Continuing a Tradition of Excellence

Our designation as a Leader in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for SSE follows closely on the heels of our similar recognition in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for SD-WAN. We stand out as the sole vendor acknowledged as a Leader in both categories. 

This consistent recognition speaks volumes about our steadfast commitment to providing advanced, integrated security solutions that safeguard organizations' networks, applications, and data.

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## Empowering SASE Transformation with Prisma Access

Since its inception in 2019, Prisma Access has been a trailblazer in the SASE transformation landscape. Our platform addresses critical security requirements, including:
- Evolution from legacy VPN solutions to ZTNA 2.0.
- Replacement of traditional on-premises secure web gateways (SWG) with Cloud SWG.
- Strengthening of SaaS applications with Next-Generation CASB.

As global adoption of SASE gains momentum, organizations encounter challenges in implementing these expansive solutions. At Palo Alto Networks, we champion platformization to streamline management and advocate for a single-vendor strategy.  

This approach simplifies management processes and leverages the power of AI and machine learning across security, networking, and user experience management, all derived from a unified data source. 

This comprehensive strategy ensures data integrity, accuracy, and consistency—fundamental prerequisites for effective AI/ML applications. By minimizing complexity, our unified approach enables organizations to meet these critical data standards more efficiently than fragmented solutions. 

## Looking Towards the Future

According to Gartner projections: 

By 2025, 80% of enterprises will adopt a strategy to unify web, cloud services, and private application access using a SASE/SSE architecture, compared to 20% in 2021. 

Palo Alto Networks is thrilled to spearhead this transformative journey, persistently innovating and propelling security forward in an increasingly digital landscape. 

For further insights into this recognition and its implications for your security strategy, we invite you to download a complimentary copy of the 2024 Gartner Magic Quadrant for SSE. 

Today, Palo Alto Networks celebrates a major achievement with its recognition as a Leader in the 2024 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Security Service Edge (SSE). This prestigious accolade highlights our relentless commitment to advancing cybersecurity solutions and reflects the exceptional capabilities of our renowned Prisma® Access SSE solution. 

Palo Alto Networks Leads 2024 Gartner for Security Service Edge

In a blog post, President Brad Smith stated that the implementation of multiple alterations to the tech giant’s software engineering procedures aims to establish a 'benchmark for security' at Microsoft.

Microsoft has announced significant updates to its software engineering process aimed at enhancing the security of its widely used platforms. In a recent pair of blog posts, top executives detailed these changes, which are designed to ensure Microsoft software defaults to a secure state. 

The initiative also focuses on bolstering identity security and strengthening cloud vulnerability management. These efforts are part of Microsoft's new Secure Future Initiative.

## AI Integration for Cyber threats

Microsoft's new initiative underscores an increased reliance on AI to combat evolving cyber threats, aiming to deploy artificial intelligence across Azure, Windows, and Office 365 to enhance threat detection and response capabilities. 

This strategic shift toward making software inherently secure by default will influence the design, development, testing, and operational phases of Microsoft's technology, ensuring security is integrated from the outset.

These enhancements are poised to significantly impact Microsoft's flagship platforms, Azure, Windows, and Office 365, by fortifying security measures and proactively addressing vulnerabilities.

In the wake of a high-profile cloud breach affecting U.S. government email accounts, Microsoft faced scrutiny over its security practices, prompting critiques from industry leaders and federal cybersecurity officials advocating for stronger and timelier security measures.

Brad Smith, Microsoft's President, emphasized that this initiative aims to establish "a new standard for security" within the company, signaling a comprehensive organizational evolution to prioritize cybersecurity across all operations. 

These proactive changes underscore Microsoft's commitment to confronting security challenges directly and strengthening its products against current and future cyber threats.
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## Enabling ‘Secure by Default’ Software Development

Microsoft is advancing its software development lifecycle (SDL) with a shift to what it terms "dynamic SDL," leveraging increased automation and AI integration. This approach aims to embed cybersecurity measures continuously throughout coding, testing, deployment, and operational phases.  

According to Microsoft President Brad Smith and Executive Vice President Charlie Bell, this AI-powered dynamic SDL will ensure that software is inherently secure by design, default, and deployment.  

The company plans to integrate tools like CodeQL with GitHub Copilot to enhance code analysis and bug fixing at scale, while expanding the use of memory-safe languages to prevent traditional software vulnerabilities. These initiatives underscore Microsoft's commitment to fortifying its products against evolving cyber threats while maintaining the integrity of its software supply chain. 

## Expansion Of Default MFA Settings 

Microsoft is expanding its default Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) settings to enhance security across a broader range of customer services, aiming to implement these changes over the next year.  

Brad Smith emphasized the company's commitment to providing more secure default policies for MFA, aligning with customer feedback and insights gained over the past year.  

According to Charlie Bell, Microsoft's focus on scaling MFA where it's most needed reflects their strategy to fortify customer protection through both engineering advancements and effective communication. Looking ahead, Bell highlighted Microsoft's plans to accelerate the adoption of security defaults across various aspects of their services. 

## Faster Cloud Vulnerability Mitigation 

As part of its newly announced security initiative, Microsoft aims to accelerate the response to cloud vulnerabilities significantly. According to Brad Smith's blog post, the company intends to slash the time required to mitigate cloud vulnerabilities by 50 percent. 

This commitment underscores Microsoft's proactive approach to enhancing cloud platform security. 

Additionally, Microsoft plans to enhance transparency in reporting by implementing new measures to ensure clearer and more consistent communication regarding security incidents.  

Charlie Bell highlighted in his post that these improvements are made possible through Microsoft's investments in automation, orchestration, and intelligence-driven tools and processes. 

These advancements are geared towards reinforcing Microsoft's capability to swiftly address security challenges and maintain robust cybersecurity across its cloud platforms. 

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Microsoft has unveiled plans to bolster its identity protection capabilities across its product lineup in response to the rising threat of identity-based attacks. 

Charlie Bell emphasized the introduction of a "new identity system" aimed at unifying and standardizing the management and verification of identities and access rights across Microsoft's various products and platforms.

This initiative marks a significant step towards enhancing security by providing a cohesive framework for user, device, and service authentication. 

Moreover, Microsoft intends to democratize these advanced identity capabilities by offering them for free to non-Microsoft application developers. 

Brad Smith highlighted in his blog post that this strategic move aims to extend the robust security features beyond Microsoft's ecosystem, fostering broader adoption and strengthening overall cybersecurity across digital environments. 

 

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Microsoft is taking decisive steps to enhance the security of its software platforms through a series of substantial updates to its engineering processes. In a recent announcement, the company outlined these changes as part of its broader Secure Future Initiative, emphasizing a commitment to making security the default across its products. 

Microsoft's Security Overhaul: 5 Key Changes

## IBM Consulting and Palo Alto Networks Expand Strategic Partnership

IBM Consulting and Palo Alto Networks have unveiled a major expansion of their strategic alliance, aimed at enhancing cybersecurity defenses in an increasingly complex threat landscape. This enhanced partnership designates Palo Alto Networks as one of IBM Consulting’s elite strategic partners, while IBM Consulting solidifies its role as a leading security services provider for Palo Alto Networks. 

## Enhancing Security Operations and Cloud Transformations

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In response to the growing need for advanced cybersecurity measures, the expanded collaboration will focus on two key areas: modernizing security operations and securing cloud transformations.

The first initiative integrates IBM Consulting’s Cybersecurity Services with Palo Alto Networks' Cortex platform to offer advanced managed security operations. 

This combination leverages AI-driven capabilities to improve threat detection, incident response, and security posture management. The second initiative involves incorporating Palo Alto Networks' Prisma Cloud into IBM Consulting’s service suite to support secure cloud transitions, encompassing comprehensive security assessments, application development, and ongoing monitoring. 

**Footnote**: This strategic expansion is set to bolster cybersecurity frameworks across industries, equipping organizations with the tools and expertise needed to navigate their digital transformation securely and effectively. 

IBM Consulting and Palo Alto Networks have announced a significant expansion of their strategic partnership.

IBM and Palo Alto Networks Strengthen Cybersecurity Partnership


Endpoint devices are primary targets for cyberattacks, with attackers making numerous attempts to breach a single device using tools from the dark web and AI. This scalability increases the risk to your entire fleet. A vulnerability in your enterprise's security setup is an open invitation for attackers.

The security of your fleet hinges on each individual PC. A breach is problematic enough, but an undetected breach allows attackers to escalate privileges and extract sensitive data across your network. 

According to CrowdStrike's Global Threat Report, eCrime breakout times have decreased significantly, emphasizing the need for swift detection and response.

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Here are key factors that make PCs attractive targets for attackers:

- Visibility Gaps: Despite investments in securing the OS layer with tools like SIEM, NGAV, and EDR, attackers exploit less visible areas such as BIOS and firmware. These attacks are difficult to detect and increase the likelihood of successful breaches.
- Operational Challenges: Organizations often deploy multiple isolated security tools, leading to fragmented responses to threats. Coordinating these tools for effective detection and rapid response is daunting, especially with limited IT and security resources.

Addressing these challenges is crucial to safeguarding your enterprise against evolving cyber threats targeting endpoint devices.

A well-secured PC can be a formidable weapon against cyber adversaries
Dell, as a global technology and infrastructure leader, places a strong emphasis on security.

Their commercial PCs are designed from the ground up to prioritize visibility and action ability. This approach empowers IT and security operations, supporting a Zero Trust strategy by providing comprehensive data for informed decision-making and swift response to emerging threats.

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At the device level, Dell integrates robust defenses and telemetry to enhance security:

- Built-in Defenses: Dell PCs incorporate features like BIOS and firmware verification, enabling administrators to validate device integrity and detect unauthorized changes.
- Behavior-Based Threat Detection: Indicators of Attack (IOA) monitor device behavior for anomalies such as BIOS downgrades or chassis intrusions, enabling proactive threat mitigation.
- Forensic Capabilities: BIOS Image Capture allows for detailed forensic analysis of compromised BIOS instances, ensuring thorough incident response.

These security measures generate valuable telemetry, such as alerts for outdated BIOS versions or physical tampering. Dell's Trusted Device Application (DTD App) aggregates and presents this telemetry at the OS layer, facilitating rapid investigation and response by IT teams.

Dell's commitment to security is validated by third-party assessments, confirming their leadership in built-in PC security. According to Principled Technologies, Dell is recognized for delivering the world's most secure commercial PCs, setting them apart in an industry where security claims are commonplace.

Dell emphasizes proactive security and manageability in their PC designs, ensuring that visibility translates into effective action for both security and IT operations.

- Benefits for SecOps: Dell's Trusted Device Application (DTD App) leverages built-in security telemetry, collaborating with partners like CrowdStrike and Intel for hardware-assisted security. This continuous stream of device-level data enhances threat detection and response capabilities, bolstering overall security posture and optimizing security investments.

- Benefits for ITOps: Integration of Dell telemetry allows administrators to enforce policies through Microsoft Intune, enabling actions such as quarantining infected devices, applying patches, and adjusting access rights to enhance security and compliance. Intel vPro's out-of-band management capabilities further enable remote device management and data wipe as needed, ensuring fleet security.

- Built-in Security for Cyber Survival: Dell stresses the importance of integrating security from the outset of product design to protect organizations from evolving threats. 

Unlike retroactively adding security measures post-manufacturing, Dell’s approach ensures PCs are resilient and better equipped to defend against cyberattacks out-of-the-box. 

By feeding device-level telemetry into security software, Dell enhances threat detection and response capabilities, making actions more informed and effective.

Dell remains committed to securing PCs comprehensively, aiming to make them resilient against cyber threats in an increasingly complex digital landscape. 

For more insights on Dell's approach to PC security, you can watch their ISMG interview or reach out to Dell's security specialists for further information.


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Endpoint devices are primary targets for cyberattacks, with attackers making numerous attempts 

Why Your PC is a Prime Target for Cyberattacks - DELL

The digital transformation reshaping the global economy has been a goldmine for investors, emerging as a dominant force in the stock market. 

As technology becomes more ingrained in our everyday lives, the surge in cyber threats targeting individuals and businesses has made cybersecurity a critical priority. 

Companies that deliver cutting-edge solutions to safeguard online networks and sensitive data are poised to capitalize on substantial long-term growth. 

Below are two cybersecurity stocks that could be valuable additions to your investment portfolio. 

## 1. Palo Alto Networks
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Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ: PANW) stands out as a trailblazer in cybersecurity, becoming the first pure-play company in the sector to surpass a $100 billion market capitalization last year. 

This achievement cements its status as the largest cybersecurity provider globally, offering a major competitive edge through brand recognition and market influence—key factors driving its appeal as an investment. 

Palo Alto's success stems from its disruptive innovations, which have built a comprehensive cybersecurity platform spanning network, endpoint, and cloud security. The stock has surged 394% over the last five years, driven by robust growth and accelerating profitability. 

In its fiscal fourth quarter (ended June 30), the company posted 12% year-over-year revenue growth, while earnings per share (EPS) increased by 5%. 

Even more impressive was the 43% year-over-year growth in annualized recurring revenue (ARR) from next-generation security products, indicating a strong growth runway extending into 2025 and beyond. 

Management projects that ARR from next-gen security, including zero-trust solutions, could triple by fiscal 2030, with artificial intelligence (AI)-driven subscription products as a strategic focus. 

Though Palo Alto shares are currently trading at a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 53, which may seem high, the premium is justified by its market leadership and growth potential. 

As the company consolidates market share and continues delivering strong earnings, the stock is expected to trend higher over the long term. 

## 2. Fortinet

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Fortinet (NASDAQ: FTNT) is another heavyweight in the cybersecurity space, competing directly with Palo Alto Networks but distinguishing itself through its unique technology approach. 

Fortinet emphasizes the integration of specialized hardware with proprietary software to safeguard networks from threats like unauthorized access and hacker attacks. 

While cloud-based security solutions have grown in popularity for their cost-effectiveness, hardware firewalls remain a critical component of network security. 

Fortinet’s flagship product, the FortiGate firewall, commands over 50% of the global market share and forms the backbone of its broader operating system. 

Fortinet is also positioned to benefit from the rise of AI and data center infrastructure, with the company forecasting a 15% annual growth rate in the secure networking market through 2028. 

The company’s use of machine learning and automation in threat detection and security monitoring further strengthens its competitive edge. 

In the near term, Fortinet projects full-year revenue growth of over 10% for 2023, with an EPS target of $2.02, a 25% increase from the previous year. 

Despite the stock climbing 31% over the past year and trading near an all-time high, it remains an attractive value play compared to Palo Alto, with a forward P/E ratio of 33. 

## The Big Picture for Investors

With secular trends driving strong demand for cybersecurity solutions, both Palo Alto Networks and Fortinet are well-positioned to thrive over the next decade. 

Their leadership, innovation, and strategic focus on AI make them compelling long-term investments, deserving of a buy rating for investors looking to capture the growth potential in the cybersecurity market.

Dell Technologies is making significant strides in the AI landscape, stepping out from under Nvidia's shadow and carving its own niche in the rapidly evolving tech market. With an intensified focus on artificial intelligence, Dell is leveraging its robust infrastructure and innovative solutions to accelerate growth and enhance performance across various sectors.

2 Cybersecurity Stocks to Watch for Long-Term Growth

The convergence of IT and operational technology (OT), along with the digital transformation of OT environments, has opened up new avenues for innovation and efficiency in Industrial Automation and Control Systems. 

However, these advancements have expanded the potential attack surface, increasing the need for enhanced security measures.  

To address these growing cybersecurity threats, Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ: PANW) has introduced new features in its OT Security solution, including the industry's first fully integrated, risk-based guided virtual patching system powered by Precision AI™.  

Other key updates include the Prisma® Access Browser with Privileged Remote Access and ruggedized ML-powered Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFWs) designed for industrial settings. 

Key OT Threat Statistics: According to the 2024 State of OT Security report from Palo Alto Networks and ABI Research, 70% of industrial organizations faced a cyberattack on their OT systems last year, with nearly 25% of these attacks leading to operational shutdowns. 
 
 
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## Enhanced Protection for OT Environments

Anand Oswal, SVP and GM of Network Security at Palo Alto Networks, emphasized that the increasing frequency and complexity of OT attacks—often driven by AI—underscore the critical need for robust OT-specific security solutions.  

The new OT Security suite provides end-to-end protection, real-time visibility, and simplified security management, securing both OT and converged IT/OT infrastructures.  

- Comprehensive Protection: The solution secures all OT environments, including networks, assets, remote operations, and 5G systems. 
- Consistent IT/OT Security: The integrated approach helps protect converged IT/OT operations, ensuring critical infrastructure remains safe from emerging threats. 

## AI-Powered Tools for Improved Cybersecurity

Sid Snitkin, Vice President of Cybersecurity Services at ARC Industrial Cybersecurity, stated that the increasing complexity and interconnectivity of OT environments have made them more vulnerable to cyber threats. AI-powered tools like Guided Virtual Patching are revolutionary for industrial cybersecurity.  

- AI-Driven Patching: The Precision AI-powered virtual patching system automates asset inventory, risk assessment, and vulnerability prioritization, allowing security teams to address hard-to-patch systems swiftly without operational disruptions. 
- Operational Continuity: By enabling real-time patching, the solution extends the lifespan of legacy OT assets while preventing costly interruptions. 

## New Features to Enhance OT Security 

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Palo Alto Networks' latest OT Security updates include several new features designed to improve remote operations and protect critical infrastructure in challenging environments: 

Secure Remote Operations: The new Prisma Access Browser with Privileged Remote Access simplifies the management of remote operations.  

- Ruggedized Firewalls: The PA-400R Series firewalls are designed for industrial environments where traditional firewalls often fail. 

- Built to withstand extreme conditions such as wind, rain, and extreme temperatures, they offer continuous security and connectivity, even in space-constrained environments like factory floors or utility substations.  

- 5G Connectivity: These firewalls also include models with 5G connectivity, ensuring remote industrial sites remain secure and connected. Features such as fail-to-wire capabilities ensure uninterrupted security while reducing costs. 

## Future of OT Security

At the Industrial Control Systems (ICS) Cybersecurity Conference, attendees can explore Palo Alto Networks’ new OT security capabilities through an interactive CyberWall tour. 

Qiang Huang, head of product management for IoT Security at Palo Alto Networks, will deliver a keynote on “Navigating the OT Security Nexus: AI, Digital Transformation, and Emerging Threats,” addressing how AI-driven solutions are transforming OT cybersecurity. 

With these cutting-edge tools and solutions, Palo Alto Networks is positioned to help organizations tackle the growing challenges of OT cybersecurity while driving innovation in critical industrial sectors. 

As the integration of IT and operational technology (OT) accelerates alongside the digital transformation of OT environments, opportunities for innovation and efficiency in Industrial Automation and Control Systems are on the rise. 

Palo Alto Networks Launches OT Security to Combat Industrial Cyber Threats

As the landscape of hybrid cloud, AI, and quantum technologies presents new data security challenges, IBM (NYSE: IBM) has launched the IBM Guardium Data Security Center.

This innovative platform enables organizations to safeguard their data across various environments throughout its entire lifecycle, employing unified controls. 

## Unified Data Protection and Governance

The IBM Guardium Data Security Center offers a comprehensive view of an organization’s data assets, empowering security teams to streamline workflows related to data monitoring, governance, detection, response, and cryptography management through a single dashboard.  

By incorporating generative AI capabilities, the platform aids in generating risk summaries and enhances the productivity of security professionals. 

One of the standout features of the center is IBM Guardium AI Security, a solution designed to shield organizations’ AI deployments from security vulnerabilities and data governance violations. 

This is particularly relevant as the adoption of generative AI surges and concerns regarding "shadow AI" — unsanctioned models operating outside organizational oversight — grow. 

## Quantum-Safe Protection

In addition, the IBM Guardium Data Security Center includes IBM Guardium Quantum Safe, a software tool that safeguards encrypted data against potential future cyberattacks that may be executed using quantum computers.  

"Generative AI and quantum computing offer vast opportunities, but they also introduce new risks," noted Akiba Saeedi, Vice President of IBM Security Product Management. 

"During this transformative era, organizations must enhance their crypto-agility and diligently monitor their AI models and training data. The IBM Guardium Data Security Center — with its AI Security, Quantum Safe, and integrated capabilities — provides extensive risk visibility." 

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## Comprehensive Visibility and Management

IBM Guardium Quantum Safe facilitates visibility and management of enterprise cryptographic security, addressing vulnerabilities and guiding remediation efforts.  

By consolidating information on crypto algorithms, vulnerabilities, and network usage into a single dashboard, security analysts can effectively monitor policy compliance and track remediation progress. 

The tool also offers customizable metadata and flexible reporting features to prioritize critical vulnerabilities. 

Furthermore, IBM Guardium AI Security helps organizations manage security risks and data governance for sensitive AI data and models.  

It identifies AI deployments, ensures compliance, mitigates vulnerabilities, and protects sensitive data through a holistic view of data assets. Integration with IBM watsonx and other generative AI SaaS providers allows for the identification and governance of "shadow AI" models. 

## An Integrated Approach to Data Security 

As risks associated with hybrid cloud, AI, and quantum technologies escalate, protecting key data — such as medical records, financial transactions, and intellectual property — necessitates innovative security solutions.  

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Organizations require a trustworthy partner and a cohesive approach to data security, rather than relying on a fragmented array of point solutions. IBM is at the forefront of pioneering this integrated strategy. 

IBM Guardium Quantum Safe complements broader quantum-safe initiatives from IBM Consulting and Research.  

This software is bolstered by advanced technologies developed by IBM Research, which recently had several post-quantum cryptography algorithms standardized by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). 

IBM Consulting also offers Quantum Safe Transformation Services that utilize these technologies to help organizations assess risks, inventory them, and develop scalable strategies for addressing these vulnerabilities.  

With a deep pool of cybersecurity professionals experienced in cryptography and quantum-safe technologies, IBM Consulting has supported numerous clients across sectors like telecommunications, finance, and government in fortifying their defenses against both current and emerging risks. 

## Enhanced Identity Management Solutions

The new IBM Verify Digital Credentials allows users to manage and store their credentials securely, digitizing physical documents like driver's licenses and employee badges. This solution standardizes, secures, and facilitates the sharing of credentials while maintaining privacy and control. 

As IBM continues to innovate in the realms of data security and identity management, organizations can trust that they are equipped with the tools needed to navigate the complexities of today's digital landscape. 

As the landscape of hybrid cloud, AI, and quantum technologies presents new data security challenges, IBM (NYSE: IBM) has launched the IBM Guardium Data Security Center.

IBM upgraded Guardium for secure AI and quantum-safe technology.

## Dell Enhances PowerMax High-End Arrays

Dell has upgraded its PowerMax high-end arrays, delivering enhanced performance, improved management efficiencies, robust data protection, cyber resilience, and seamless data mobility between on-premises and public cloud environments.

The new subscription business model aims to provide flexible options for users. 

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PowerMax is a high-availability enterprise block storage solution that competes with IBM’s DS8000, Hitachi Vantara’s VSP One, and Infinidat’s InfiniBox. 

According to Brian Henderson, Director of Primary Storage and ISG (Infrastructure Solutions Group) Portfolio Messaging at Dell, the key objectives of this update include improving AI-driven efficiency, enhancing cyber resiliency, and enabling multicloud mobility. 

- Performance Boost: PowerMax v10.2 OS utilizes AI for dynamic cache optimization, reducing data access latency and increasing speed without management overhead. 
- Increased IOPS: The PowerMax 8500 model claims up to a 30% boost in IOPS performance for Random Write Miss (8K) I/Os per second compared to the previous v10.1 OS. 
- Faster Connectivity: New 100 Gb Ethernet I/O modules offer up to 3x faster connectivity, while 64 Gb Fibre Channel I/O modules provide up to 2x faster performance than their predecessors. 

## Enhanced Data Protection and Management Features

PowerMax v10.2 also improves IOPS performance and reduces latency for unbalanced mainframe workloads, enhancing cyber intrusion detection (zCID) with auto-learning access patterns. Additionally, it utilizes IBM’s System Recovery Boost to facilitate quicker recovery during planned or unplanned outages. 

On the protection front, Storage Direct Protection integrates with PowerProtect, allowing for up to 1 PB of backups daily and 500 TB of restores. It supports various cloud providers, including AWS, Azure, Google, and Alibaba, helping customers avoid vendor lock-in. 

Dell’s Cyber Recovery Services for PowerMax provides a secure vault against cyberattacks, ensuring faster data recovery through granular data protection. Furthermore, YubiKey multifactor authentication enhances security by simplifying user access processes. 

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PowerMax management now features autonomous health checks that offer corrective actions and self-healing capabilities, addressing potential issues like storage capacity levels and loose cabling before they impact performance. 

- Automated Incident Resolution: The Fabric Performance Impact Notification (FPIN) system identifies Fibre Channel network congestion, enabling up to 8x faster incident resolution. 
- AIOps Assistant: This feature supports GenAI natural language queries for quicker infrastructure optimization. 
- Improved RAID Efficiency: The new RAID 6 24+2 scheme allows 92% of drive capacity to be utilized effectively. 

Additionally, Dell offers simple options for moving live PowerMax workloads to and from APEX Block Storage, which can be deployed on-premises or within AWS and Azure public clouds through RiverMeadow Cloud Mobility. 

 

Dell’s PowerMax storage systems have been enhanced with advanced management features, including autonomous health checks designed to optimize performance and ensure reliability. 

Dell Upgrades High-End PowerMax Array 

## Sophos to Enhance Cybersecurity Offerings

Thoma Bravo-backed cybersecurity firm Sophos announced its acquisition of Secureworks, a subsidiary of Dell Technologies, for $859 million in cash.  

The acquisition is aimed at strengthening Sophos' product lineup for enterprise customers, adding more advanced capabilities to its cybersecurity portfolio. Sophos is keen to enhance its presence in the cybersecurity market by offering more comprehensive protection and services to its clients. 

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Thoma Bravo-backed Sophos will acquire Secureworks, a Dell Technologies subsidiary, for $859 million in cash. 

- The acquisition strengthens Sophos' enterprise cybersecurity product lineup, enhancing its market presence. 
- Sophos aims to offer more advanced protection and services to its clients through this deal. 
- Secureworks' shareholders, including Dell, will receive $8.50 per share. 
- Following the news, Secureworks' stock dipped 1.5% to $8.35 in early trading. 
 
Despite the acquisition, Secureworks has struggled against larger competitors in the cybersecurity sector. 

## Expanding Cybersecurity Portfolio

Founded in 1998, Secureworks became known for its Taegis platform, a cloud-based solution designed to detect and combat advanced threats.  

However, despite its innovative approach, Secureworks struggled to differentiate itself from larger competitors in the cybersecurity industry. 

The company reported a quarterly loss of 17 cents per share for the period ending July 31, which highlighted the difficulties it faced in keeping pace with other providers. 
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Dell acquired Secureworks in 2011 for $612 million and later took the company public in 2016. 

Despite previous attempts to sell Secureworks, including a reported effort in 2019, Dell finally turned to investment bankers from Morgan Stanley and Piper Sandler to assess takeover interest.  

Thoma Bravo, which has been actively building a portfolio of cybersecurity assets, is expected to finalize the deal by early 2025, further solidifying its presence in the market after its earlier acquisition of UK-based Darktrace for $5.3 billion. 

 

Thoma Bravo-backed cybersecurity firm Sophos has made a significant move in the tech industry by acquiring Secureworks, a subsidiary of Dell Technologies, for $859 million in cash.

Sophos acquired SecureWorks for $859 million to boost Cybersecurity 

## Barracuda Networks Wins Prestigious Awards

Barracuda Networks, recognized as a prominent player in the cybersecurity landscape, has recently garnered two prestigious product innovation awards from CRN and CyberSecurity Breakthrough.  

In a notable achievement, Barracuda Managed XDR has been awarded the title of Best Cybersecurity Offering in the esteemed CRN MSP Innovation Awards.  

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Concurrently, Barracuda Email Protection has been honored as the Email Security Platform of the Year at the Cybersecurity Breakthrough Awards, further solidifying Barracuda’s reputation for excellence in the industry. 

## Commitment to Cybersecurity Innovation 

Expressing pride in these achievements, Hatem Naguib, CEO of Barracuda Networks, stated, “We are incredibly honored to earn recognition from CRN and Cybersecurity Breakthrough as the gold standard in cybersecurity with our industry-leading email and managed XDR solutions.”  

Naguib emphasized Barracuda's ongoing commitment to empowering resource-constrained organizations, helping them navigate the complexities of an ever-evolving threat landscape. 

He further noted that Barracuda remains dedicated to continuous innovation, ensuring that its platform adapts to meet the diverse and changing needs of partners and customers alike. 

Barracuda Managed XDR has been recognized by CRN for its exceptional capabilities in threat detection and response, providing organizations with robust protection through 24/7 security operations center (SOC) monitoring.  

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This proactive approach strengthens cyber resilience by accelerating the identification and mitigation of threats across various attack surfaces. 

Organizations benefit significantly from having access to a skilled team of security operations specialists, ensuring around-the-clock coverage that alleviates the pressure on internal resources. 

On the other hand, Barracuda Email Protection adds another critical layer of security to the comprehensive cybersecurity platform offered by Barracuda. It has been recognized by CyberSecurity Breakthrough for its advanced threat protection capabilities.  

Powered by cutting-edge machine learning and artificial intelligence, Barracuda Email Protection safeguards against email threats with high detection accuracy, effectively minimizing false positives.  

The platform also facilitates incident response, enabling automated post-delivery remediation by quickly identifying and eliminating instances of malicious emails, thus mitigating potential damage. 

The recent accolades from CRN and CyberSecurity Breakthrough are the latest highlights in a series of product recognitions for Barracuda.  

This year alone, Barracuda has received numerous honors, including distinctions in the CRN Annual Report Card, being named a CRN Security 100 leader, earning CIO Choice recognition, and being awarded the Global InfoSec Award across five categories. 

These achievements underscore Barracuda's ongoing commitment to providing cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions and its leadership in the industry. 

Barracuda Networks, recognized as a prominent player in the cybersecurity landscape, has recently garnered two prestigious product innovation awards from CRN and CyberSecurity Breakthrough.  

Barracuda wins two awards from CRN and Cybersecurity Breakthrough

## Released Updates
Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) has released updates for its Instant AOS-8 and AOS-10 software to fix two critical security vulnerabilities affecting Aruba Networking Access Points. 

The vulnerabilities could allow remote attackers to execute unauthenticated command injection by sending specially crafted packets to Aruba's Access Point management protocol (PAPI) via UDP port 8211. 

The flaws, identified as CVE-2024-42509 and CVE-2024-47460, are rated with severity scores of 9.8 and 9.0, respectively, and impact the command line interface (CLI) service accessed through the PAPI protocol. 

Additionally, the update addresses four other security issues: 

- CVE-2024-47461 (severity score 7.2): Enables authenticated remote command execution, allowing attackers to run arbitrary commands on the underlying OS. 
- CVE-2024-47462 and CVE-2024-47463 (severity score 7.2): Allow authenticated attackers to create arbitrary files, which could potentially lead to remote command execution. 
- CVE-2024-47464 (severity score 6.8): Allows an authenticated attacker to access unauthorized files via path traversal. 

These vulnerabilities affect AOS-10.4.x.x (version 10.4.1.4 and older), Instant AOS-8.12.x.x (version 8.12.0.2 and earlier), and Instant AOS-8.10.x.x (version 8.10.0.13 and previous versions). 

HPE’s advisory also mentions that older software versions that have reached their End of Maintenance date are affected, but will not receive security updates. 

## Recommended Updates and Workarounds

To mitigate these vulnerabilities, HPE advises users to upgrade to the following versions or later: 

- AOS-10.7.x.x: Update to version 10.7.0.0 or newer. 

- AOS-10.4.x.x: Update to version 10.4.1.5 or later. 

- Instant AOS-8.12.x.x: Update to version 8.12.0.3 or above. 

- Instant AOS-8.10.x.x: Update to version 8.10.0.14 or newer. 

For situations where immediate updates aren’t possible, HPE has suggested the following workarounds: 

For critical vulnerabilities: Restrict or block UDP port 8211 from any untrusted networks. 

For other vulnerabilities: Limit access to the CLI and web-based management interfaces by isolating them on a dedicated layer 2 segment or VLAN, and manage access with layer 3 or higher firewall policies to reduce exposure. 

No instances of active exploitation have been reported, but HPE strongly recommends applying these updates or mitigations to secure systems. 

Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) has released updates for its Instant AOS-8 and AOS-10 software to fix two critical security vulnerabilities affecting Aruba Networking Access Points. 


HPE Warns of Severe RCE Flaws in Aruba Access Points 

Palo Alto Networks is advising its customers to secure access to the PAN-OS management interface following reports of a potential remote code execution (RCE) vulnerability.  

While details about the origin of the claim are unclear, the cybersecurity firm has acknowledged that an individual has allegedly identified a new RCE vulnerability within the PAN-OS management interface. 

## No Evidence of Exploitation So Far

The company is closely monitoring for any exploitation attempts but has not observed any evidence of a zero-day exploit in action. 
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Palo Alto Networks also stated that it currently lacks specific information about the claimed vulnerability or any indicators of compromise (IoCs) related to it. 

Despite not having full details of the vulnerability, Palo Alto Networks is confident that securing the PAN-OS management interface would mitigate the risk, regardless of the nature of the vulnerability. 

The company emphasized that Prisma Access and cloud NGFW products would not be affected by the issue. 

## Best Practices for Securing the Interface

Palo Alto Networks strongly recommends that customers ensure their management interface access is configured according to its best practice deployment guidelines.  

Access should be restricted to trusted internal IPs only, and not be accessible from the internet. The company highlighted that most firewalls already adhere to these industry best practices. 

The company has provided instructions on how to identify internet-exposed management interfaces and secure them to prevent potential threats. 

## Related Vulnerability Alert: CVE-2024-5910
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This advisory comes shortly after the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) added a Palo Alto Networks Expedition vulnerability, tracked as CVE-2024-5910, to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog.  

This flaw, patched in July, allows attackers to take over an admin account and access sensitive data. While technical details have been available since early October, there is no public information on any attacks exploiting the vulnerability. 

Palo Alto Networks is advising its customers to secure access to the PAN-OS management interface following reports of a potential remote code execution (RCE) vulnerability.  

Palo Alto Networks Responds to Allegations of Remote Code Execution Vulnerability 


## Nvidia Shatters Expectations with AI-Driven Revenue Surge

Nvidia (NVDA.O) delivered a stellar quarterly revenue forecast on Wednesday, far surpassing expectations due to an AI boom driving demand for its chips. The company also announced a $25 billion stock buyback, causing shares to soar after hours. 

- The forecast, which exceeded expectations by billions, underscores the ongoing boom in generative AI technologies—largely powered by Nvidia's chips—that shows no signs of slowing down. 

- The Santa Clara-based AI chip giant reported record revenue of $13.5 billion for the second quarter of its 2024 fiscal year, ending July 30.

Nvidia's data center business was a major growth driver, with revenue increasing 141 percent to $10.32 billion, beating analyst estimates by more than $2 billion. 

## AI Systems Propel Growth Beyond Chips
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Jensen Huang, Nvidia’s co-founder and CEO, highlighted the transition of companies worldwide from general-purpose computing to accelerated computing and generative AI. This shift significantly boosts performance and efficiency.  

Nvidia's comprehensive AI systems, not just its chips, were the largest contributors to this quarter's growth. These systems include memory chips from other suppliers and tens of thousands of other parts, reflecting Nvidia's dominant position in the AI market. 

- Nvidia announced an additional $25 billion in share repurchases on Wednesday.
- Nvidia's shares have already tripled in value this year.
- Nvidia is now the first trillion-dollar chip company.
- Analysts estimate that demand for Nvidia's AI chips exceeds supply by at least 50%.
- This supply-demand imbalance is expected to persist for several quarters.

This high demand also lifted shares of other Big Tech and AI-related companies, with Microsoft jumping 1.9%, Meta Platforms up 2.1%, and Palantir Technologies surging 4.6% in extended trading. 

## Securing Supply Amid AI Boom

Nvidia is investing heavily to secure supply, reporting a 53% increase in inventory commitments to $11.15 billion from the previous quarter. This move is crucial to meet the long-term supply needs for its data center chips. Nvidia forecast third-quarter revenue of about $16 billion, plus or minus 2%, well above analysts' expectations of $12.61 billion. 

The company's stock price rose 9.6% in after-hours trading, hitting an all-time high. Nvidia’s AI chips and related technologies, such as software for powering AI products like ChatGPT, are expected to drive data center segment revenue to as much as $40 billion for fiscal 2025, according to Refinitiv estimates. 

Despite the competition from AMD's (AMD.O) key AI chip, analysts believe Nvidia’s software has a significant lead. Nvidia's gaming segment also saw revenue rise to $2.49 billion, above analyst estimates. Excluding items, Nvidia earned $2.70 per share in the second quarter, compared to estimates of $2.09. 

While U.S. export restrictions on AI chip sales to China may pose a future challenge, Nvidia's CFO Colette Kress noted that these would not have an immediate impact. Instead, they could result in a permanent loss of opportunity for U.S. industry leadership in one of the world's largest markets. 

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Nvidia (NVDA.O) has delivered an impressive quarterly revenue forecast, surpassing all expectations due to a surge in demand for its AI-driven chips. The company also revealed a $25 billion stock buyback, sending shares soaring in after-hours trading. 

Nvidia Posts Record Results and $25B Buyback

Lenovo's scalable, energy-efficient solutions, powered by 5th Gen Intel® Xeon® processors, empower organizations of all sizes to enhance their AI capabilities and achieve superior business outcomes. Today's organizations demand a hybrid mix of personal, private, and public AI for both training and inferencing.

## Tailored AI Solutions for Every Business

Lenovo and Intel have partnered to offer purpose-built solutions for AI inferencing. By lowering processing requirements and entry barriers, AI inferencing enables businesses to leverage AI across various applications, from pocket-sized devices to cloud-based systems.

AI inferencing applies pre-trained models to new proprietary data sets for specific tasks, providing precise and relevant insights. This process demands significantly less computational power than initial training, making AI more accessible.

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## Seamlessly Extend Your Infrastructure for Generative AI

Generative AI has the potential to revolutionize every business aspect, from customer service to operations and employee engagement. 

Lenovo and Intel research demonstrates that the Lenovo ThinkSystem SR650 V3, with 4th or 5th Gen Intel Xeon processors, delivers high performance and scalability for Generative AI without costly GPU accelerators.

Studies show that a single node SR650 V3 with 4th Gen Intel Xeon processors offers a powerful, scalable solution. Additionally, a cluster of SR650 V3s with 5th Gen Intel Xeon processors can support real-time applications like chatbots with instantaneous response times. 

Deploying these solutions on a Red Hat® OpenShift® container platform ensures easy deployment, usability, and scalability, supporting a variety of use cases with integrated security and operations management.

## Simplify AI Implementation with Lenovo AI Innovators

The Lenovo AI Innovators Program offers state-of-the-art AI solutions across multiple industries, ensuring faster, safer, and more efficient deployments. 

These infrastructure solutions are optimized for the complexities of delivering AI from edge to cloud, enabling organizations to quickly move toward real applications without developing foundational training models.

## AI Transforming Retail: Enhancing Customer Experiences

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Lenovo, Intel, and Sensormatic Solutions provide retailers with computer vision technologies for personalized shopper experiences. Lenovo ThinkEdge servers, powered by Intel Xeon processors, enable rapid data processing and real-time analytics at the edge.

This helps retailers understand customer behavior, optimize merchandise placement, and enhance security by identifying suspicious activities, thereby boosting sales and reducing risk.

Lenovo, Intel, and byteLake have created an AI-assisted Visual Inspections Solution that delivers up to 93% prediction accuracy. By integrating Lenovo ThinkEdge servers with Intel® Distribution of OpenVINO™ toolkit, manufacturers can improve quality control, process monitoring, and predictive maintenance, significantly enhancing productivity and safety.

## AI in Food Service: Streamlining Quick-Service Restaurants

Lenovo and Intel, in partnership with Sunlight.io, offer a solution that consolidates restaurant infrastructure, allowing new and existing applications to run on a highly available platform. 

This reduces hardware complexity and costs while accelerating innovation. AI-based applications improve ordering and fulfillment processes, enhancing efficiency in quick-service restaurants and at drive-through and curb-side pick-up points.

By leveraging Lenovo and Intel's advanced AI solutions, organizations can unlock new levels of efficiency, performance, and customer satisfaction across various industries.

Lenovo continues to lead the charge in AI innovation with its scalable, energy-efficient solutions powered by 5th Gen Intel® Xeon® processors. Designed to meet the diverse needs of modern organizations, these solutions enable businesses of all sizes to elevate their AI capabilities and achieve superior results. 

Deploy AI Anywhere: From Pocket to Cloud with Lenovo and Intel


_“Intel actively collaborates with the leaders in the AI software ecosystem to deliver solutions that blend performance with simplicity. Meta Llama 3 represents the next big iteration in large language models for AI. As a major supplier of AI hardware and software, Intel is proud to work with Meta to take advantage of models such as Llama 3 that will enable the ecosystem to develop products for cutting-edge AI applications.”_

–Wei Li, Intel vice president and general manager of AI Software Engineering

## Why It Matters: Intel's Commitment to Ubiquitous AI

Intel is dedicated to integrating AI into every aspect of technology, investing heavily in software and the AI ecosystem to ensure its products stay at the forefront of innovation. 

In data centers, Intel Gaudi and Intel Xeon processors, enhanced with Intel® Advanced Matrix Extension (Intel® AMX) acceleration, provide versatile solutions to meet diverse and evolving demands.

Intel Core Ultra processors and Intel Arc graphics products support comprehensive software frameworks and tools, including PyTorch and Intel® Extension for PyTorch®, for local AI research and development. 

The OpenVINO™ toolkit further aids in model development and inference, facilitating deployment across millions of devices.

## Running Llama 3 on Intel: Initial Insights

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Intel’s initial testing of Llama 3 models (8B and 70B parameters) utilizes open-source software like PyTorch, DeepSpeed, Intel Optimum Habana library, and Intel Extension for PyTorch to deliver cutting-edge software optimizations. For detailed performance insights, visit the Intel Developer Blog.

## Optimized Performance with Intel Gaudi Accelerators

Intel® Gaudi® 2 accelerators, previously optimized for Llama 2 models (7B, 13B, and 70B parameters), now also support the new Llama 3 model with notable performance improvements in inference and fine-tuning.

The recently announced Intel® Gaudi® 3 accelerator extends this support, ensuring robust performance for the latest AI workloads.

## Intel Xeon Processors for End-to-End AI Workloads

Intel Xeon processors are designed to handle demanding AI tasks, with significant investments made to optimize LLM results and minimize latency.

Intel® Xeon® 6 processors with Performance-cores (code-named Granite Rapids) show a 2x reduction in Llama 3 8B inference latency compared to 4th Gen Intel® Xeon® processors, and can run larger models like Llama 3 70B in under 100ms per generated token.

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## Exceptional Performance with Intel Core Ultra and Arc Graphics

Intel Core Ultra processors and Intel Arc graphics deliver outstanding performance for Llama 3. Initial tests reveal that Intel Core Ultra processors generate text faster than typical human reading speeds. 

The Intel® Arc™ A770 GPU, equipped with Xe Matrix eXtensions (XMX) AI acceleration and 16GB of dedicated memory, provides exceptional performance for large language model (LLM) workloads.


Intel actively collaborates with the leaders in the AI software ecosystem to deliver solutions that blend performance with simplicity.

Intel Powers Meta's Llama 3 with Gaudi, Xeon, and AI PCs

## Nvidia and Google Unite to Transform AI in the Cloud

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang announced a groundbreaking collaboration with Google this week, revealing plans to redefine cloud infrastructure for the generative AI era. Addressing thousands of Google partners and customers, Huang emphasized the revolutionary impact of generative AI on the computing stack, highlighting the combined expertise of Nvidia and Google’s world-class computer science teams. 

_“Generative AI is revolutionizing every layer of the computing stack, and our two companies—with some of the most talented and deep computer science teams in the world—are joining forces to reinvent cloud infrastructure for generative AI,_” Huang declared on stage alongside Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian at Google Cloud Next 2023. 

_“We’re re-engineering everything from chips, like the H100 for training and data processing, to model serving with Nvidia L4 GPUs. This overhaul spans processors, systems, networks, and software to accelerate GCP’s Vertex AI and build cutting-edge infrastructure for AI researchers and developers.”_
 
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Launching New AI Offerings and Supercomputing Power 

During the event, the partnership introduced several innovations aimed at enhancing the development and deployment of large generative AI models. These include integrating Google’s serverless Spark offering with Nvidia GPUs, launching Google A3 VM instances powered by Nvidia H100 Tensor Core GPUs, and optimizing Google’s PaxML for Nvidia-accelerated computing. 

PaxML, a collaborative framework for creating extensive large language models, enables developers to leverage Nvidia’s H100 and A100 Tensor Core GPUs for advanced, scalable experimentation. 

_“We’re reengineering and optimizing the software stack to reinvent software,”_ Huang explained. _“Our collaborative efforts on frameworks like PaxML allow AI researchers to save time, scale up next-generation models, save money, and conserve energy, pushing the boundaries of large language models distributed across vast infrastructures.”_

Google Cloud will also be among the first to access the Nvidia DGX GH200 AI supercomputer, powered by the revolutionary Grace Hopper Superchip, to explore its potential for generative AI workloads. “Our teams are building the next-generation processors and AI infrastructure together. This includes the DGX GH200 AI supercomputer, a truly groundbreaking development,” Huang said. 

In addition, Nvidia DGX Cloud AI supercomputing and software will soon be available to Google Cloud customers, providing the speed and scale needed for advanced training workloads. “We’re integrating Nvidia DGX Cloud into GCP, benefiting all users instantly,” Huang added. 

Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian expressed enthusiasm about the strengthened partnership, noting the company’s dedication to offering a wide range of optimized accelerators to meet evolving AI needs. _“Google is a platforms company, and we aim to attract developers and customers who appreciate Nvidia’s GPU technology and software,_” _Kurian stated. “It’s an exceptional partnership_.” 

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Nvidia and Google have announced a transformative partnership aimed at revolutionizing cloud infrastructure for the generative AI era. With innovations like Nvidia H100 Tensor Core GPUs powering Google’s A3 VM instances and optimizations in frameworks like PaxML, this alliance promises to set new standards in AI research and cloud computing. 

Nvidia CEO Teams Up with Google to Revolutionize AI in the Cloud

## Intel Unleashes AI Powerhouse: New Program Aims to Empower ISVs and Revolutionize PCs

_“We believe this is going to unlock 100 million AI PCs over the next couple of years by 2025, a scale that our competition can’t reach,”_

Andrew Marsee, general manager of Intel Partner Alliance, told CRN

Intel is ramping up its efforts to supercharge the AI PC revolution by equipping over 100 independent software vendors (ISVs) with extensive engineering, design, and marketing resources. 

This initiative, unveiled Thursday, is part of Intel’s groundbreaking _“AI PC Acceleration Program,”_ which promises to fundamentally transform the PC experience as envisioned by CEO Pat Gelsinger.
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Set to coincide with the release of Intel’s first Core Ultra laptop processors, codenamed Meteor Lake, this program is poised to usher in a new era of AI-powered PCs. 

The more than 100 ISVs, including big names like Adobe, Zoom Video Communications, and Cisco Systems, are working on over 300 AI-enhanced features for PCs.

Zoom, for instance, plans to leverage the neural processing unit (NPU) in the upcoming Core Ultra processors to enhance image and audio AI workloads, thus improving the videoconferencing experience. 

_“Intel’s adoption of the NPU across their roadmap means the Zoom experience will benefit from improved power efficiency for AI workloads,”_ said Eric Yu, head of hardware partnerships at Zoom.

This initiative builds on Intel’s vision, showcased at the recent Intel Innovation event, where AI-powered applications running locally on PCs demonstrated improved latency, privacy, and reduced reliance on cloud-based solutions.

Intel is not alone in this AI PC push. Rivals like AMD, with its Ryzen 7040 CPUs, and Qualcomm, with its upcoming Snapdragon X chips, are also in the race. However, Intel believes it has the edge.

_“We believe this will unlock 100 million AI PCs by 2025, a scale our competition can’t reach,”_ said Marsee.

If successful, Intel’s AI PC Acceleration Program could spark a new wave of refresh opportunities for channel partners in both commercial and consumer segments. _“This unlocks new business opportunities and models we haven’t even dreamt of yet,”_ Marsee added.

**Program objective:**  

Connect Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) and hardware vendors with Intel's resources. 

**Available resources:** 

- Co-engineering: Collaboration in product development. 
- Design tools: Access to advanced design tools. 
- AI toolchains: Provision of AI development toolchains. 
- Technical expertise: Support from Intel's technical experts. 
- Hardware access: Availability of Intel hardware for development. 
- Marketing opportunities: Support in marketing and promoting products. 

**Goal:** Help partners maximize the potential of Intel's upcoming Core Ultra processors. 

**Focus**: Drive new AI use cases in the PC industry. 

While Intel encourages the use of its tools, like OpenVINO, there are no requirements for developers to use specific frameworks. “It’s about making sure these applications work well to raise all boats,” said Robert Hallock, senior director of client technology and performance marketing at Intel.  

“Our NPU is just the most flexible, which may naturally result in applications running best on Intel.” 

When AI-powered applications and features are ready, Intel plans to help ISVs connect with partners to create new sales opportunities. “We will activate our channels for AI PCs, from consumer through business,” Marsee concluded. 

Intel is set to revolutionize the PC industry with its new "AI PC Acceleration Program," aiming to empower over 100 independent software vendors (ISVs) and drive the AI PC revolution. Andrew Marsee, General Manager of Intel Partner Alliance, announced that the program is projected to unlock 100 million AI-powered PCs by 2025, a scale unmatched by competitors. 

Intel Supercharges AI PCs with New ISV Empowerment Program

## Dell Technologies Poised for AI-Driven Growth: Investor Optimism Mirrors Nvidia’s Market Surge 

Dell Technologies Inc. is experiencing a transformative shift in investor sentiment, akin to market leader Nvidia Corp., with growing anticipation surrounding its potential to capitalize on the artificial intelligence (AI) boom. 

As Dell prepares to unveil its first-quarter results, the company, renowned for its personal computers and servers, finds itself at the forefront of the AI revolution, positioning it as one of the major beneficiaries of this burgeoning trend.

In recent times, Dell's strategic initiatives have gained traction, particularly with the launch of a line of AI-optimized PCs. 

This move has sparked optimism among investors, fueling expectations of an imminent upgrade cycle among both individual consumers and businesses alike. 

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This sentiment is further bolstered by HP Inc.'s recent announcement of the first increase in PC sales in two years, signaling a potential industry-wide resurgence.

Furthermore, Dell's prowess in the server market has garnered significant attention, particularly with endorsements from Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang. 

At Nvidia's GTC conference, Huang lauded Dell's high-powered servers, emphasizing the company's expertise in building end-to-end systems of large scale for enterprise use. 

Such endorsements underscore Dell's integral role in the AI ecosystem, positioning it as a key player in driving technological advancements in the server domain.

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Despite boasting a market capitalization exceeding $127 billion, Dell's exclusion from the S&P 500 index has somewhat obscured its prominence among investors.

However, there is growing speculation regarding Dell's potential inclusion in the index, which could serve as a catalyst for renewed investor interest and inflows from passive funds tracking the S&P 500.

Analysts remain bullish on Dell's prospects, attributing its positive outlook to a combination of factors, including its AI-driven servers, advanced storage solutions, and resilient PC market. 

With over 80% of analysts recommending buying the stock, and leading institutions like Morgan Stanley touting it as a top pick, Dell's valuation remains attractive relative to its peers.

While Dell's earnings and revenue projections have witnessed upward revisions, its current price-to-earnings multiple of 22 indicates room for further expansion. 

This underscores the company's potential for sustained growth, particularly as it solidifies its position as a strategic AI vendor in the tech industry.

However, amid the optimism surrounding Dell's AI-driven growth trajectory, concerns persist regarding potential cyclical downturns that could impact its diverse business segments. 

Nevertheless, Dell's strategic positioning and focus on innovation serve as key pillars for navigating market uncertainties and sustaining long-term growth.

In conclusion, Dell's ascent in the AI arena is gaining recognition, positioning the company for sustained success in the evolving tech landscape. 

With AI serving as a key catalyst for innovation and growth, Dell's strategic initiatives and market leadership are poised to drive value creation for investors and stakeholders alike.

As the company continues to capitalize on AI-driven opportunities, it remains well-positioned to emerge as a leader in the tech industry for years to come.


Dell Technologies Inc. is experiencing a transformative shift in investor sentiment, akin to market leader Nvidia Corp., with growing anticipation surrounding its potential to capitalize on the artificial intelligence (AI) boom.

Dell Emerges from Nvidia's Shadow with Accelerating AI Momentum

## Dell Navigates Financial Challenges While Embracing AI Opportunities 

"As the leading infrastructure provider, we are uniquely positioned to serve the generative AI market in a distinct and superior manner. Our extensive GenAI infrastructure portfolio, which covers everything from cloud to client, is the broadest in the world. 

Businesses of all sizes are leveraging their own data and business insights to train, refine, and implement AI using Dell infrastructure solutions, integrating advanced AI into their essential business operations," stated Dell Technologies Vice Chairman and COO Jeff Clarke. 

Dell Technologies' latest quarterly financial results indicate that the company's fiscal 2024 second quarter was underwhelming. Despite this, company executives assert that AI and other emerging technologies, along with better macroeconomic trends, made the quarter strong. Investors responded positively late Wednesday. 

On Thursday, Dell reported a significant year-over-year decline in revenue and GAAP net income, with only slight growth in non-GAAP net income. The company's revenue guidance for the next quarter also predicts another double-digit decline. 

Nevertheless, discussions about Dell's investment in AI persuaded investors that the company is heading in the right direction, leading to a more than 7 percent increase in Dell's share prices in after-hours trading. 

## Dell Technologies Optimistic About AI Despite Financial Dip 

During his prepared remarks, Jeff Clarke, Vice Chairman and COO of Dell Technologies, noted that the company had taken a cautious approach following its first fiscal quarter results. However, demand improved more quickly than expected in June and July. 

Clarke highlighted Dell's effective operational management, which included expense controls, pricing discipline, and lower input costs. Despite a year-over-year decline in revenue, these factors contributed to strong Q2 results. 

Clarke expressed optimism about macroeconomic trends for the latter half of the year, citing better-than-expected demand in the U.S. and EMEA regions, as well as growth in government and SMB sectors. 

Dell's AI-enabled servers and PowerFlex software-defined storage technology also showed significant strength, with PowerFlex recording revenue growth for eight consecutive quarters. 
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Workstation demand, driven by the rise of AI, was another bright spot, as developers and data scientists can now fine-tune GenAI models locally before deploying them at scale. 

Clarke emphasized that AI is a strong growth driver for data and compute, expanding the total addressable market for technology spending, which is projected to grow at an 18% CAGR to approximately $90 billion. 

The launch of Dell's PowerEdge XE9680 GPU-enabled server marked the fastest ramping of a new product in Dell's history, contributing to a significant portion of AI server orders. 

Dell currently has about $2 billion in XE9680 orders in backlog, with a robust sales pipeline. 

Clarke described generative AI as a transformative force driving innovation, productivity, and new ways of working. Dell's extensive GenAI infrastructure portfolio supports customers in training, fine-tuning, and deploying AI solutions across various environments, including on-premises and at the edge, to meet performance, cost, and security requirements. 

Dell sees businesses focusing on four key GenAI use cases: customer operations, content creation and management, software development, and sales. 

Clarke reiterated that AI presents growth opportunities across PCs, data centers, and cloud environments, enabling domain-specific AI solutions tailored to individual business needs. 

Despite a 13% year-over-year drop in Q2 revenue to $22.93 billion, Dell's earnings exceeded analyst expectations. GAAP net income was $455 million, down from $506 million the previous year, while non-GAAP net income saw a slight increase to $1.28 billion. 

Dell CFO Yvonne McGill projected a 7% revenue decline for the fiscal 2024 third quarter but raised full-year revenue expectations to $89.5 billion to $91.5 billion. 

Clarke concluded by highlighting the long lead times for AI-related GPU orders and Dell's advocacy for more supply, with around 30 different accelerator chips in development. 

Dell remains focused on leveraging AI to drive growth and innovation across its infrastructure solutions. 

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Dell Technologies is currently navigating a period of financial uncertainty, as evidenced by a notable decline in revenue and GAAP net income for the fiscal 2024 second quarter. Despite these challenges, the company remains optimistic about its future, highlighting its strategic investments in artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies. 

Dell 2Q24: Massive AI Opportunities to Drive Future Growth

## VAST Data Prepares for IPO After Securing $118 Million in Latest Funding Round 

VAST Data is positioning itself for an initial public offering (IPO) following the successful completion of its latest funding round, which brought in $118 million and valued the data infrastructure firm at an impressive $9.1 billion—a substantial increase from its valuation just two years ago. This information comes from an interview with Reuters, highlighting the company's remarkable growth trajectory. 

The funding round was led by Fidelity Management & Research, with participation from prominent venture capital firms including New Enterprise Associates, BOND Capital, and Drive Capital. This late-stage financing round is particularly noteworthy in a year that has seen sluggish funding activities, underscoring VAST Data's strong market position and investor confidence. 

## Accelerating Growth Amidst the AI Boom 

VAST Data has reported a phenomenal tripling of its revenue year-over-year, surpassing $200 million in annual recurring revenue by September. 

This growth has been fueled by the increasing demand for generative AI workloads, as enterprises and AI labs seek to harness the power of vast datasets. The New York-based company specializes in providing data-intensive computing solutions, enabling clients to manage and preserve both structured and unstructured data—a critical capability in today’s data-driven world. 

Supported by industry giant Nvidia, VAST Data has formed strategic partnerships with specialized AI cloud computing providers such as CoreWeave, Lambda, and Core42 in Abu Dhabi. According to Jeff Denworth, co-founder of VAST Data, the company is not only addressing the needs of emerging AI workloads but is also serving some of the largest global enterprises. 

Denworth anticipates that AI will increasingly integrate with their data systems, further driving the demand for VAST Data’s solutions. 

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## Strategic Plans for Public Listing and Market Expansion

While VAST Data is internally preparing for an IPO, Denworth indicated that the company is carefully evaluating market conditions and timing for a potential public listing. 

Although the company has not yet engaged banks for the IPO process, Denworth hinted that 2024 could be a target year, contingent on favorable market dynamics. 

Amidst a cautious tech IPO market this year, where investors have shown a preference for profitability over rapid growth, VAST Data distinguishes itself with consistent positive cash flow and an impressive gross margin nearing 90%. 

As enterprises accelerate their adoption of AI technologies, AI-focused firms like VAST Data remain particularly attractive to investors seeking opportunities in the technology sector. 

Previously valued at $3.7 billion during its last private funding round with Tiger Global in 2021, VAST Data counts General Atlantic and Norwest Venture Partners among its backers. 

With a global workforce of over 700 employees, the company is actively expanding into new international markets, including Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Europe. 

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## Footnote

VAST Data’s journey toward an IPO exemplifies the resilience and growth potential of AI-focused companies in a challenging economic environment. As the demand for AI and data-intensive computing continues to rise, VAST Data’s strategic partnerships, robust financial performance, and global expansion efforts position it well for future success. 

The company’s ability to navigate market conditions and seize the right moment for its public debut will be crucial in determining its long-term trajectory and impact on the global technology landscape. 

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VAST Data is gearing up for an initial public offering after securing $118 million in its latest funding round, which valued the data infrastructure firm at $9.1 billion

VAST Data Plans IPO After $9.1B Valuation

## IBM's Bold AI Strategy Under CEO Arvind Krishna: WatsonX and Beyond 

IBM is embarking on an ambitious AI resurgence under the leadership of CEO Arvind Krishna, signaling a significant shift in the company’s strategy to reclaim its position in the competitive enterprise AI sector. 

Since May, IBM has rebranded its AI platform from Watson to WatsonX, a versatile platform designed to enable businesses to develop, refine, and deploy machine learning models. 

Krishna has highlighted that WatsonX has already secured substantial bookings, with projections suggesting it could approach a billion dollars in annual revenue. 

Despite these strides, IBM is confronting stiff competition from tech giants like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon, which have established strong footholds in the AI market. 

The company has faced criticism for lagging behind its competitors in the enterprise AI space and has previously struggled to monetize its AI innovations effectively. 

Notably, IBM has divested its Watson Health division and is in the process of selling its weather unit, acknowledging past missteps and emphasizing a strategic pivot toward more agile and accessible AI solutions tailored to diverse business needs. 

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In a recent interview with CNBC, Krishna shared IBM’s perspective on AI regulation. He expressed support for President Biden’s executive order on AI safety standards, while also cautioning against overly restrictive regulations that could impede innovation. 

Krishna advocated for accountability in AI model deployment, balancing regulatory compliance with the need to protect intellectual property. 

Krishna detailed WatsonX’s flexibility, noting that it offers deployment options beyond the cloud-restricted models of its competitors. 

## IBM’s Strategic Vision: Harnessing AI for Innovation, Efficiency, and Responsible Growth

This versatility has enabled WatsonX to gain traction across a wide array of sectors, extending beyond traditional industries such as finance to address diverse business applications. This broad appeal is indicative of IBM's commitment to providing adaptable AI solutions. 

The impact of generative AI on business productivity was another key topic Krishna addressed. He emphasized the potential of generative AI to significantly enhance efficiency, particularly through language-based applications. 

IBM has introduced new governance tools designed to ensure AI models meet regulatory standards, underscoring the company’s commitment to working collaboratively with regulatory bodies and the broader tech community. 

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Despite recent workforce adjustments aimed at leveraging AI-driven efficiencies, Krishna reaffirmed IBM’s dedication to upskilling employees in AI technologies. 

This effort reflects IBM's focus on fostering internal innovation and preparing its workforce for evolving market demands. 

Looking forward, Krishna dismissed exaggerated fears about AI domination, instead highlighting its transformative potential to streamline bureaucratic tasks and boost productivity across industries. 

He stressed the importance of balanced AI governance that promotes innovation while mitigating potential risks. 

Overall, Krishna’s vision for IBM is centered on leveraging AI as a growth catalyst. By addressing past shortcomings through strategic realignments and positioning itself as a leader in AI-driven digital transformation, IBM aims to drive significant advancements and maintain a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving tech landscape. 

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IBM is aggressively positioning for an AI resurgence under CEO Arvind Krishna's leadership. 

IBM's AI Journey: CEO Arvind Krishna Charts the Future

## Nvidia and YTL Power International Forge $4.3 Billion Partnership to Transform Malaysia’s AI Landscape 

YTL Power International, a leading Malaysian conglomerate, has announced a groundbreaking collaboration with Nvidia, the renowned U.S. technology giant, in a monumental $4.3 billion investment initiative. 

This strategic partnership is set to reshape Malaysia’s technological landscape by integrating Nvidia’s state-of-the-art AI technologies to propel the nation to the forefront of global AI innovation. 

Central to this transformative project is the establishment of Malaysia's fastest supercomputers, which will be powered by Nvidia's cutting-edge AI chips. 

These supercomputers are poised to significantly enhance Malaysia's computational capabilities, providing critical support for complex AI applications across various industries, including healthcare, finance, and beyond. 

The first phase of this initiative is scheduled to commence operations by mid-2024 at YTL's advanced data center park in Kulai, Johor. 

This facility will not only be the hub for Malaysia’s computational power but will also integrate Nvidia’s robust AI cloud computing platform, enabling scalable and efficient development and deployment of AI models. 

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One of this partnership's key features is developing a sophisticated large language model tailored for Malay.

This endeavor underscores Nvidia’s commitment to supporting localized AI solutions and highlights the broader goal of aligning with global AI development standards. By focusing on creating a model that addresses Malaysia's unique linguistic and technological needs, the initiative positions the country as a significant hub for AI-driven innovation in Southeast Asia. 

Economically, the $4.3 billion investment marks a notable endorsement of Malaysia's growing appeal as a strategic destination for high-tech investments.

The collaboration reinforces Malaysia’s ambitions to become a leading player in semiconductor manufacturing and AI development. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has praised the partnership as a testament to Malaysia's increasing attractiveness to global tech giants, emphasizing how such foreign investments are vital for driving economic growth and job creation. 

![Economically, the $4.3 billion investment marks a notable endorsement of Malaysia's.webp](https://strapiassets.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/Economically_the_4_3_billion_investment_marks_a_notable_endorsement_of_Malaysia_s_3e74f242d5.webp)

In summary, the Nvidia-YTL partnership represents a landmark achievement in Malaysia’s quest to become a regional powerhouse in AI infrastructure. 

By leveraging Nvidia’s technological expertise alongside YTL’s extensive infrastructure capabilities, Malaysia is well-positioned to accelerate innovation, diversify its economy, and strengthen its leadership role in the global AI arena. 

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YTL Power International and Nvidia are embarking on a groundbreaking $4.3 billion partnership to revolutionize Malaysia’s technology sector. This collaboration aims to position Malaysia at the forefront of global AI innovation by establishing the country’s fastest supercomputers and developing advanced AI solutions tailored to local needs. 

Nvidia Partners with YTL Power for $4.3B AI in Malaysia

Dell Technologies (DELL) is rolling out upgraded PowerScale systems designed to enhance storage capabilities, particularly for AI and Generative AI applications. 

These systems are optimized to deliver faster data access and improved performance through advanced smart scale-out features.

By leveraging GPUs more efficiently, Dell PowerScale enables accelerated storage throughput for AI tasks such as training, checkpointing, and inferencing.

In collaboration with NVIDIA (NVDA), Dell has enhanced the NVIDIA DGX SuperPOD with new enterprise data storage enhancements and validations.

This partnership integrates NVIDIA AI Enterprise software platform with Dell's upgraded storage solutions, empowering users to accelerate their AI initiatives effectively.

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Dell's robust performance in the market, reflected in its 70.5% year-to-date share increase compared to the 43.6% rise in the Zacks Computer and Technology Sector, underscores its strong portfolio and growing customer and partner ecosystem.

## Dell Technologies Inc. Price and Consensus

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Dell Technologies continues to strengthen its position in the AI sector with innovative offerings and strategic partnerships. 

Their latest service, the Dell Validated Design for Generative AI in collaboration with NVIDIA, simplifies model customization by providing pre-trained models that extract insights from data, eliminating the need for businesses to start from scratch.

The Dell Validated Designs for Generative AI support model tweaking and inferencing, leveraging robust hardware like the Dell PowerEdge XE9680 AI server and the Dell PowerEdge XE8640, equipped with NVIDIA Tensor Core GPUs and NVIDIA AI Enterprise software. 

This comprehensive solution includes frameworks, pre-trained models, and development tools such as the NVIDIA NeMo framework and Dell software, enhancing operational efficiency in AI applications.

Dell's expanding collaboration with Microsoft is noteworthy, evidenced by initiatives like Microsoft 365 Copilot for scalable AI capabilities and the integration of Microsoft Azure into Dell APEX File Storage, broadening their cloud offerings.

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Additionally, Dell has partnered with Imbue to develop a high-performance computing cluster aimed at training AI agents across various domains using foundation models.

Despite these advancements, Dell faces challenges in a tough macroeconomic environment, which is expected to impact its near-term prospects. 

For the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, Dell anticipates revenues between $21.5 billion and $22.5 billion, with analysts projecting a decline in both revenue and earnings year-over-year. 

The fiscal 2024 outlook reflects a similar trend, with revenue and earnings estimates indicating decreases compared to fiscal 2023.

Nevertheless, Dell Technologies remains committed to driving innovation in AI and expanding its market presence through strategic alliances and cutting-edge solutions.



Dell Technologies (DELL) is unveiling its next-generation PowerScale systems, aimed at revolutionizing storage capabilities to meet the growing demands of AI and Generative AI applications. These upgraded systems are engineered to provide faster data access and superior performance through advanced smart scale-out features. 

Dell Enhances Customer Experience with Upgrades

##Nvidia's Shares Surge Past $1,000 Amid Strong Earnings and Upcoming AI Innovations 

Nvidia's shares surged above $1,000 in after-hours trading following its fiscal first-quarter earnings report, surpassing analyst expectations. 

The results underscored strong demand for Nvidia's AI chips amid a booming market. CEO Jensen Huang also hinted at upcoming revenue from their next-gen AI chip, Blackwell, slated for later this year.

The stock jumped 7% in extended trading, buoyed further by Nvidia's announcement of a 10-to-1 stock split, which is expected to propel shares even higher on Thursday. 

Nvidia reported adjusted earnings per share of $6.12, exceeding analysts' expectations of $5.59, and revenue of $26.04 billion, beating estimates of $24.65 billion. Looking ahead, Nvidia forecasts sales of $28 billion for the current quarter, surpassing Wall Street's expectations.

**Surge in Sales:**

Driven by major tech players like Google, Microsoft, Meta, Amazon, and OpenAI investing heavily in Nvidia’s high-performance GPUs for AI applications. 

** Data Center Business Growth: **

- Revenue soared by 427% year-over-year, reaching $22.6 billion. 
- Crucial for AI chips and big AI servers. 
- Growth attributed to robust shipments of Hopper graphics processors, including the powerful H100 GPU. 

During an analyst call, Kress highlighted Meta's significant use of Nvidia's technology, particularly their deployment of 24,000 H100 GPUs for Lama 3, their latest large language model. 

She emphasized that major cloud providers contribute approximately "mid-40%" of Nvidia's data center revenue, underscoring their pivotal role in driving the company's growth in this sector. 

Even amidst Nvidia's significant business expansion, CEO Huang emphasized that their next-generation AI GPU, Blackwell, will drive further growth. Speaking on an analyst call, he projected substantial revenue from Blackwell starting this year, with deployment in data centers expected by the fourth quarter. 

Nvidia also highlighted robust sales in its networking division, particularly its InfiniBand products, which generated $3.2 billion in revenue—a more than threefold increase from the previous year.

These networking parts are crucial as companies increasingly build massive clusters of interconnected chips. 

While Nvidia initially gained prominence in 3D gaming hardware, it has since become a leader in supplying AI infrastructure to major corporations.  

Gaming Revenue: 

- Increased by 18% to $2.65 billion for the quarter. 
- Driven by strong demand.  
- Other Revenue Streams: 
- Professional Visualization Sales: Totaled $427 million. 
- Automotive Sales: Reached $329 million. 

Both sectors contribute to Nvidia’s revenue but are on a smaller scale compared to data center operations. 

During the quarter, Nvidia demonstrated its commitment to shareholders by repurchasing $7.7 billion worth of its shares and paying $98 million in dividends. 

The company also announced an increase in its quarterly cash dividend from 4 cents per share to 10 cents, adjusted for the upcoming stock split, after which it will be a penny per share. 


Following Nvidia's fiscal first-quarter earnings report, the company's shares surged above $1,000 in after-hours trading, exceeding analyst expectations and highlighting robust demand for Nvidia's AI chips in a rapidly expanding market. CEO Jensen Huang also hinted at future revenue from the upcoming next-gen AI chip, Blackwell, anticipated later this year.

Nvidia Stock Surges Past $1,000 on AI-Driven Sales Boom

## Early Benchmarks Suggest AMD Ryzen 9000 Series Outperforms Previous Generations

As businesses race to deploy AI faster, data responsibility has become more crucial than ever.

Big tech companies, in particular, are facing an overwhelming demand for data as they develop new AI capabilities. Optimizing data processes is essential to meet growing business needs. 

Cleaner data can enhance efficiency for data teams without compromising standards.

IBM is one such company striving to continually improve its data management practices. The tech giant, which has seen a surge in demand for its services, builds AI systems for a wide range of applications and handles vast amounts of data to train and test its models.

IBM is now focusing on enhancing its data governance processes to build trust.

As part of this effort, IBM is co-creating the Data Provenance Standards, the first cross-industry standards for metadata. In partnership with 19 other enterprises, including the Data & Trust Alliance, this initiative aims to define data origin, lineage, and suitability for purpose.

The goal is to develop the first universal cross-industry data transparency standards to foster greater trust in enterprise AI.
Harnessing Clean Data for a Brighter AI Future

## Harnessing Clean Data for a Brighter AI Future

Standardizing data enables enterprise teams to effectively access an expanding and diverse catalog of high-quality data, essential for developing trustworthy AI that drives real business outcomes. 

A Cloudera report recently found that 90% of IT leaders view unifying data lifecycles as critical for AI and analytics growth.

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_“AI holds immense potential for good. It will boost productivity for individuals and society,”_ says IBM Chief Privacy & Trust Officer, Christina Montgomery. _“However, AI can also cause significant harm if not built or deployed responsibly.”_

IBM’s data governance program includes a thorough data clearance process. Focusing on AI and enterprise data, IBM acknowledges the need to manage, understand, and safeguard the data used in AI models.

## The Dangers of Enterprise AI Bias

Developing AI without a solid culture of data governance can lead to flawed results. As AI increasingly takes on decision-making roles, training these systems on clean data is crucial to prevent faults that could result in reputational damage or significant loss of trust.

Biased AI systems pose risks and can even harm individuals, raising ethical concerns about such digital systems. IBM notes that AI bias reflects and perpetuates human biases, including existing social inequalities.

IBM’s commitment to trust is integral to its mission of creating more responsible AI systems. The company emphasizes robust enterprise data standards and governance practices to promote enterprise responsibility.

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_“For IBM, building trustworthy AI means having clear principles for trust and transparency, putting those principles into practice, and embedding ethics into every facet of the AI lifecycle,”_ explains Christina Montgomery, IBM's Chief Privacy & Trust Officer, on the company blog.

_“We are ready to support clients in implementing their own data governance frameworks.”_

Big tech companies, in particular, are facing an overwhelming demand for data as they develop new AI capabilities.

IBM's Pledge to Data Governance: Shaping AI's Positive Future

## Dell Technologies and AMD Revolutionize Enterprise Solutions with Advanced AI Integration

As artificial intelligence continues its rapid advancement, Dell Technologies and AMD are driving innovation in enterprise solutions by integrating open-source technologies with state-of-the-art hardware acceleration. 

These solutions offer significant cost savings—up to 75% more cost-effective than public cloud IaaS—tailored specifically for empowering generative AI applications.

Here are the latest updates enhancing the deployment of open AI ecosystems and frameworks:

- PowerEdge XE9680 with AMD Instinct MI300X Accelerators: Dell now ships the PowerEdge XE9680 equipped with AMD Instinct MI300X accelerators. This configuration is optimized for enterprises leveraging generative AI, featuring eight MI300X accelerators, 1.5 TB of HBM3 memory, and a peak theoretical FP8 performance of 42 petaFLOPS with sparsity precision.
- Dell Validated Design for Generative AI with AMD: Dell has published a Validated Design for Generative AI in collaboration with AMD, facilitating custom application development on open-framework foundations.
- New Deployment Services: Scheduled for availability in September, Dell's new deployment services ensure seamless integration of these cutting-edge innovations into enterprise operations.

These advancements enable faster training and inferencing of large language models, empowering organizations to deliver AI-driven insights and innovative applications more efficiently. 

Recent tests have demonstrated leading total cost of ownership benefits, showcasing significant performance enhancements and cost efficiencies across various AI workloads.

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## Dell's Validated Design for Generative AI with AMD

Released in May and available now, the Dell Validated Design for Generative AI with AMD marks a significant advancement in Dell's Generative AI Solutions, simplifying deployment for organizations aiming to implement reliable GenAI. 

This design provides comprehensive guidance for organizations and developers, offering detailed instructions on deploying LLM inferencing, model customization, and advanced techniques such as fine-tuning and retrieval augmented generation (RAG). 

Embracing open standards and reducing reliance on proprietary AI software suites, developers can streamline development and customize workflows freely using open-source LLM models from partners like Hugging Face and Meta.

## Accelerating Modern Workloads: Innovate and scale for agile business outcomes.

Powered by AMD Instinct MI300X accelerators, the Dell Validated Design supports near-linear scaling and low-latency distributed GenAI training and inferencing. The PowerScale F710 enhances AI pipeline efficiency with significant gains in streaming performance for faster AI insights. 

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**Dell PowerSwitch Z9664F-ON:** 

- 64 ports of 400GbE. 
- Ensures low latency and high throughput Ethernet fabrics. 
- Ideal for modern AI clusters. 

**Broadcom Thor2 AI Optimized NIC:**
- 
- Provides 400G connectivity. 
- Industry-leading power efficiency. 
- Seamlessly links MI300X accelerators. 

**Driving Application Development:**

- Foster innovation with open-source software and ecosystems. 
- AMD ROCm-Powered Frameworks: 
- Expands Dell Generative AI Solutions ecosystem. 
- Supports open-source LLMs such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, ONNX-RT, and JAX. 
- Includes comprehensive driver stacks, development toolkits, and APIs for AMD Instinct accelerators. 

Dell Omnia simplifies AI cluster creation and management, automating configuration for efficient workload processing. Enterprise SONiC distribution by Dell Technologies combines the open-source SONiC platform with Dell PowerSwitch, delivering scalable networking solutions with advanced features and robust enterprise-grade support.  

Dell Validated Designs for Generative AI streamline platform development, ensuring Dell customers can build tailored GenAI platforms confidently with clear integration, performance, and sizing guidelines.

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## Explore Our Services for AI Success

Embark on your AI journey confidently with Dell's future-proofed, open development framework tailored for AI. Complementing our new Dell Validated Design, we're introducing platform implementation services launching this September. 

Our trusted experts will guide you through swiftly establishing a fully operational platform, integrating essential tools and frameworks into your environment while sharing best practices for maintaining secure and efficient operations.

Unsure where to start? Dive into an Accelerator Workshop—a half-day facilitated event designed as an excellent initial step to unlock your organization's AI potential. 

These collaborative sessions engage key stakeholders, focusing on addressing core challenges to bring clarity to your vision. With over 1,000 workshops conducted annually and decades of expertise, we're dedicated to accelerating your AI success.


As artificial intelligence continues its rapid advancement, Dell Technologies and AMD are driving innovation in enterprise solutions by integrating open-source technologies with state-of-the-art hardware acceleration. 

Dell and AMD Introduce Latest Generative AI Developments

## Nvidia Stock Rebounds Following TSMC's Optimistic Update Amid Geopolitical Concerns

Nvidia shares rose by approximately 3% during trading on Thursday, rebounding after a significant 7% plunge the previous day. 

This initial drop was triggered by geopolitical concerns following comments from U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump, which cast uncertainty over U.S. policy towards Taiwan and potential implications for Nvidia's chip supply.

The recovery in Nvidia's stock price was largely driven by an optimistic update from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), which stated that demand for high-end AI chips remains extremely strong, with supply continuing to be constrained.

TSMC manufactures these advanced AI chips for Nvidia. TSMC Chairman C.C. Wei addressed analysts on Thursday, explaining, _"I also try to reach the supply and demand balance, but I cannot. Today, the demand is so high I had to work very hard to meet customer demand."_

Wei further highlighted that the tight supply situation is expected to persist through 2025. On the same day, TSMC reported revenue and net income that exceeded analyst expectations, resulting in a slight stock dip of less than 1%.

The semiconductor sector as a whole faced a tumultuous day on Wednesday, marking its worst performance since 2020. Major players like AMD, Arm, Broadcom, and Qualcomm experienced significant drops alongside Nvidia. 

![2.webp](https://strapiassets.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/2_ce28f8eb91.webp)

**Other Chipmakers' Performance:** 

- Arm: 2% decline. 
- AMD: 2% decline. 
- Qualcomm: Flat. 
- Super Micro Computer: 2% drop. 

**Companies with Positive Movements:**

- Intel: Rise of over 1%. 
- Broadcom: Increase of approximately 3% (following reports of discussions to produce AI chips for OpenAI). 

On the geopolitical front, Bloomberg reported on Wednesday that the Biden administration is considering additional trade restrictions on exporting chip manufacturing equipment to China.  

This development impacted ASML, a Dutch company that produces the machinery used by TSMC for chip manufacturing, which saw its stock fall by 1% after issuing a light sales guidance for the current quarter. 

In a note released on Thursday, UBS analysts observed that investors are reallocating gains from high-performing semiconductor stocks into other sectors.  

However, they suggested that forthcoming updates on the return on investment for AI chips later this year could potentially spur the semiconductor sector higher again. Despite recent volatility, Nvidia's stock has surged by more than 150% so far in 2024.

UBS analysts also noted that after the sharp outperformance of the semiconductor sector in the first half of the year, some investors are rebalancing their portfolios, moving AI-linked semiconductor exposure into large-cap platform and profitless tech companies. 

This trend reflects a strategic shift as investors seek to optimize their returns amid a dynamic market environment.


Nvidia shares rose by approximately 3% during trading on Thursday, rebounding after a significant 7% plunge the previous day. 

Nvidia surges as TSMC confirms soaring demand for AI chips

At NVIDIA GTC, Lenovo made waves with the launch of its most comprehensive portfolio of generative AI systems, leveraging NVIDIA GPUs, networking, and software. 

This lineup includes two new full-stack AI systems aimed at delivering large language model (LLM) and machine learning capabilities across cloud providers, enterprises, and HPC labs.

The Lenovo ThinkSystem SR680a V3 and ThinkSystem SR780a both support up to eight NVIDIA H100 and H200 Tensor Core GPUs, alongside the newly introduced NVIDIA B100 and B200 Tensor Core GPUs, interconnected via NVIDIA NVLink for high-speed data exchange.

The ThinkSystem SR780a features Lenovo Neptune™ liquid-cooling technology, efficiently cooling CPUs, GPUs, and the NVLink switch within a compact 5U form factor. 

This liquid cooling system ensures sustained peak performance by effectively managing heat, surpassing traditional air cooling methods.

Meanwhile, the ThinkSystem SR680a, an 8U air-cooled system with Intel CPUs, is optimized for accelerating complex generative AI workloads such as model development and machine learning. 

Designed to seamlessly integrate into standard 19-inch racks, the SR680a offers rapid deployment and scalability within existing data center infrastructures.

Stay tuned for more announcements in the first half of the year, as Lenovo continues to expand its range of accelerated systems, providing customers with the widest selection of solutions in the industry.

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## Expanding Lenovo's Accelerated Systems Portfolio
 
The ThinkSystem SR780a features Lenovo Neptune™ liquid-cooling technology, efficiently cooling CPUs, GPUs, and the NVLink switch within a compact 5U form factor. This liquid cooling system ensures sustained peak performance by effectively managing heat, surpassing traditional air cooling methods. 

Meanwhile, the ThinkSystem SR680a, an 8U air-cooled system with Intel CPUs, is optimized for accelerating complex generative AI workloads such as model development and machine learning. Designed to seamlessly integrate into standard 19-inch racks, the SR680a offers rapid deployment and scalability within existing data center infrastructures. 

Stay tuned for more announcements in the first half of the year, as Lenovo continues to expand its range of accelerated systems, providing customers with the widest selection of solutions in the industry. 

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## Lenovo Unveils AI Innovations and Collaborations at NVIDIA GTC 

At NVIDIA GTC, Lenovo unveiled significant advancements for cloud service providers offering AI capabilities, in collaboration with NVIDIA. 

Lenovo introduced the NVIDIA MGX modular reference architecture, leveraging NVIDIA's full software stack, including NVIDIA AI Enterprise, to accelerate the development of customized models economically and at scale. These solutions cater specifically to cloud environments and include: 

- Lenovo HG630N – MGX 1U: An open standard server featuring Lenovo Neptune™ direct liquid cooling, designed to reduce power consumption while supporting high-performance GPUs. 
- Lenovo HG650N – MGX 2U: A highly modular, GPU-optimized system air-cooled for use in industry-standard racks, supporting deployments of NVIDIA GH200 Grace Hopper Superchips. 
- Lenovo HG660X V3 – MGX 4U: This system supports up to 8 double-width 600W NVIDIA GPUs in an air-cooled setup, ideal for AI workloads using NVIDIA OVX systems, developed in collaboration with NVIDIA. 
- Lenovo HR650N – MGX 2U: A high-performance ARM CPU server with multiple cores and flexible storage options, leveraging the NVIDIA Grace CPU Superchip and supporting DPUs. 
- Beyond hardware, Lenovo and NVIDIA Professional Services announced innovative solutions aimed at helping enterprises navigate and accelerate their AI initiatives: 
- AI Discover: Conducts interactive workshops and assessments to define AI strategies, offering a blueprint for successful AI integration across ecosystems. 
- Generative AI Services with NVIDIA: Offers professional services focused on generative AI and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), guiding organizations from development to deployment using comprehensive data insights and reference architectures. 
- Enhanced Professional Services for AI: Provides business advisors, data scientists, and AI-optimized infrastructure-as-a-service to accelerate AI transformation and ensure sustainable deployment. 

In a notable collaboration with the Scott-Morgan Foundation, Lenovo showcased its commitment to responsible AI by developing an avatar for Erin, a person diagnosed with ALS, enabling communication in her own voice despite challenges posed by the disease. This initiative exemplifies Lenovo's dedication to using AI to address real-world challenges and deliver "Smarter AI for All." 

At NVIDIA GTC, Lenovo took a bold step forward in advancing AI technologies by unveiling a series of groundbreaking innovations tailored for cloud service providers. In collaboration with NVIDIA, Lenovo introduced the NVIDIA MGX modular reference architecture, a transformative solution designed to accelerate the development of customized AI models with unparalleled efficiency and scalability. 

Smarter AI at NVIDIA GTC: LLM Servers & Assistive Tech


## Empowering Security Excellence: Cisco XDR Released at RSAC 2024

Cisco XDR stands at the forefront of safeguarding against threats across the entire attack landscape. At RSA Conference 2024 in San Francisco, from May 6-9, we're unveiling groundbreaking enhancements that provide security teams with unparalleled insight, automation, and control over their environments.

## Launching Pioneering Advancements 

Central to these advancements is the Cisco AI Assistant in XDR, a game-changing tool empowering security analysts of all levels to swiftly and decisively address evolving threats. 

Armed with contextual insights, guided responses, and optimal next steps, the Cisco AI Assistant enables security teams to operate with greater efficiency and efficacy through AI-driven workflows.

Moreover, Cisco XDR introduces Identity Intelligence capabilities, enabling detection and response to sophisticated identity-based attacks with unparalleled accuracy and speed. 
Leveraging identity as a telemetry source, coupled with the depth of Cisco's visibility and Talos threat intelligence, equips security teams with a formidable advantage in combating the most advanced threats.

## Accelerating SOC Excellence

Engaging with Cisco at RSAC 2024 offers numerous opportunities:

- **Keynote Address:**"The Time is Now: Redefining Security in the Age of AI" Kickstarting the event on Monday, May 6, is our keynote featuring Jeetu Patel, Cisco EVP & GM of Security & Collaboration, and Tom Gillis, SVP & GM of the Security Business Group.
- **SecOps Innovation Luncheon** Join executives, Talos researchers, and SecOps experts on Tuesday, May 7, to explore groundbreaking innovations that tilt the scales in favor of defenders. Learn about SOC transformation with Cisco + Splunk and discover the latest advancements in AI and Identity.
- **Demos and Presentations** Visit Cisco booths N-5845 and S-926 for immersive demos and presentations led by security experts, covering topics such as SOC acceleration with Cisco + Splunk, breach detection and prevention, the future of SOC, and harnessing the power of the Cisco AI Assistant to empower administrators.

Cisco XDR's presence at RSAC 2024 exemplifies our commitment to shaping the future of cybersecurity, arming organizations with the tools and insights needed to stay ahead of evolving threats.

At RSA Conference 2024 in San Francisco, Cisco is set to redefine the landscape of cybersecurity with the release of Cisco XDR. Scheduled from May 6-9, this unveiling introduces cutting-edge enhancements designed to elevate threat protection across the entire attack surface. Cisco XDR promises to deliver unmatched insight, automation, and control, empowering security teams to better safeguard their environments and respond to threats with unprecedented effectiveness. 

Cisco XDR Unveils AI & Identity Intelligence at RSAC 2024

## Oracle Thrives Amid AI Boom
While legacy tech giants like Intel and Cisco struggle to navigate an AI-driven landscape, Oracle has emerged as a standout performer on Wall Street. 

Following a strong earnings report on Monday, Oracle’s stock surged 11% on Tuesday and continued climbing, hitting a record high of $157.10 by Wednesday. This marks Oracle’s third consecutive quarter of double-digit stock gains, all driven by its booming cloud business. By contrast, the company saw no such increases last year and had only one in 2022. 

Guggenheim analysts summed up the market sentiment with their post-earnings report titled “The Excitement is Back,” noting positive momentum across all sectors of Oracle’s business. 

Oracle shares have risen 49% this year, second only to AI chipmaker Nvidia, which has soared 136%. Meta follows close behind with a 45% gain. In contrast, Intel’s stock has plummeted 60%, while Cisco has dropped nearly 3%, with both companies announcing major layoffs in their recent earnings reports. 

The biggest beneficiary of Oracle’s stock surge is founder and chairman Larry Ellison, who owns over 40% of the company’s shares. Ellison’s net worth has skyrocketed to $192 billion, placing him behind only Tesla CEO Elon Musk ($251 billion) and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos ($202 billion) on the list of the world’s wealthiest individuals. 

Despite its success, Oracle remains relatively conservative compared to other high-growth tech firms. Revenue in the latest quarter increased by 8% to $13.31 billion year-over-years, with CEO Safra Catz projecting growth between 8% and 10% for the current period. 

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Since 2011, Oracle has achieved double-digit revenue growth only once—an 18% rise in fiscal 2023—while four other times, the company saw declines. 

However, JMP analysts expressed renewed optimism in a note on Tuesday, upgrading their rating from hold to buy. “After 13 years of single-digit organic revenue growth, Oracle is now accelerating into double digits,” they wrote. “We remain highly confident in EPS and expect full-year revenue growth to maintain double digits.” 

## Partnerships, AI Innovation, and a Vision for a Password-Free Future 

Oracle is currently hosting its annual CloudWorld conference in Las Vegas, concluding on Thursday. Coupled with its strong earnings report, the event has fueled investor excitement around Oracle’s cloud strategy, particularly in infrastructure and databases. 

Although Oracle lags behind Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, and Google in cloud infrastructure market share, the sector has become a major growth driver for the company. Cloud revenue surged 45% year-over-year, reaching $2.2 billion in the recent quarter. 

Oracle has not only been competing with these top cloud providers but also increasingly partnering with them. Last year, founder Larry Ellison visited Microsoft’s headquarters for the first time, marking a new collaboration with a long-time rival. 

![3.webp](https://strapiassets.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/3_6e841eee79.webp)

On Monday, Oracle announced that its database software will now be available to AWS customers via Oracle hardware hosted in Amazon’s data centers. This follows similar partnerships Oracle has forged with the other leading cloud vendors over the past year. 

“We believe our cloud collaborations with AWS, Microsoft, and Google will supercharge the growth of our database business for years to come,” Ellison said during the earnings call. 

For years, Ellison promoted Oracle’s autonomous database, comparing it to self-driving cars. He boasted that Oracle's product required no manual patching or downtime, something he claimed no other cloud provider could offer. Recently, however, he has adopted a more collaborative approach. 

After years of criticizing AWS, Ellison now ensures that customers can use Amazon’s leading cloud platform with Oracle’s robust database capabilities. 

According to AWS, clients have long been able to use Oracle on their platform, but the new partnership streamlines access, allowing customers to easily subscribe through AWS’s marketplace and move data seamlessly to AWS analytics tools. 

As Oracle deepens its focus on AI, Ellison, now 81, is turning his attention to eliminating passwords, which he considers “utterly ridiculous” due to their insecurity and vulnerability to hacks. 

“This is how login will work in the future,” Ellison explained. “I’ll type in Larry.Ellison@oracle.com, and the computer will recognize me, saying, ‘Hi Larry.’ That’s it.” He added that if people like Catz and his children can recognize him, there’s no reason a computer shouldn’t be able to do the same. 

“No more passwords,” he emphasized. “Those have got to go.” 


Oracle is experiencing a resurgence, driven by its cloud infrastructure and strategic partnerships with industry giants like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google. As the company embraces AI and plans to revolutionize digital security, its stock is soaring, and founder Larry Ellison’s bold vision continues to shape the future of technology. 

Oracle Surges, Closing in on Bezos, Trails Only Nvidia

## Nvidia Stock Surge Ahead of Earnings Season

Nvidia shares have experienced a remarkable surge of 25% in the last month, rapidly approaching record highs as the tech earnings season looms on the horizon.  

This exciting period is particularly significant as major clients like Meta, Microsoft, and Alphabet are poised to provide updates to their shareholders regarding their expected investments in artificial intelligence.  

Following a brief but notable dip in late August and early September, Nvidia's stock has rebounded sharply, closing slightly lower on Wednesday at $132.65, just shy of its previous closing high of $135.58 reached in June.  

This impressive performance not only reflects growing investor confidence but has also allowed Nvidia to surpass Microsoft in market valuation, positioning it as the second-most valuable company in the world, with Apple leading the pack. 

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## AI Demand Fuels Nvidia's Growth

Nvidia stands as the primary beneficiary of the ongoing AI boom, with significant investments from companies like Meta, OpenAI, Alphabet, Microsoft, and Oracle driving demand for its graphics processing units (GPUs).  

In August, Nvidia reported a remarkable 122% year-over-year revenue increase for its fiscal second quarter, with net income more than doubling to $16.6 billion. The company also issued stronger-than-expected guidance for the current quarter, anticipating shipments of several billion dollars worth of its new Blackwell AI chip.  

Demand for the current-generation Hopper chip is expected to rise over the next two quarters. 
![3.webp](https://strapiassets.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/3_785e0bdbd0.webp)

Analysts at Mizuho have expressed confidence in Nvidia's continued leadership in AI training and inference chips for data center applications, estimating the company holds approximately 95% market share.  

They have set a price target of $140 for the stock, but caution against potential risks related to escalating export restrictions to China, geopolitical tensions concerning Taiwan, or a significant reduction in AI server spending.  

CEO Jensen Huang highlighted the “insane” demand for the Blackwell chip, which is expected to cost between $30,000 and $40,000 per unit, with production ramping up in the fourth quarter and extending into fiscal 2026. Additionally, Nvidia shares gained 4% on September 23, following a filing that revealed Huang's completion of stock sales. 

Nvidia is making waves in the stock market as shares have surged 25% in the past month, nearing record highs just ahead of a pivotal earnings season for major tech players. With leading companies like Meta, Microsoft, and Alphabet set to disclose their anticipated investments in artificial intelligence, all eyes are on Nvidia as it continues to solidify its dominance in the GPU market. 

Nvidia Soars 25% as AI Boom Drives Record Rally

## Unison to Transform Business with Autonomous AI Systems

Nvidia and Accenture are teaming up to develop and implement autonomous AI systems, promising to revolutionize enterprise operations and decision-making processes. 

AI technology has significantly evolved from simple rule-based systems; machine learning algorithms are now capable of outperforming world champions in chess. While generative AI (Gen AI) tools like ChatGPT and DALL-E have captured public interest, tech giants are setting their sights on the next frontier—agentic AI. 

This cutting-edge technology has the potential to elevate automation and decision-making to unprecedented levels, fundamentally changing how organizations function on a global scale. The partnership between industry leaders Nvidia and Accenture aims to transition agentic AI from theoretical research into practical applications at the core of enterprise operations. 

## Collaboration for Innovation: Nvidia and Accenture Join Forces

Nvidia, a leader in high-performance computing and AI chip development, has forged a strategic alliance with Accenture, a global powerhouse in professional services and IT consulting. This collaboration seeks to expedite the development and adoption of agentic AI across various sectors, establishing a new ecosystem for AI innovation. 

Nvidia will assist Accenture in creating a dedicated NVIDIA Business Group and launching the AI Refinery platform, designed to leverage Nvidia's extensive AI technology stack, including advanced tools such as AI Foundry, AI Enterprise, and Omniverse. 

Tech analysts predict that this partnership could be transformative for businesses striving to maintain a competitive edge in the AI landscape. 

By combining Nvidia's hardware expertise with Accenture's consulting capabilities, organizations may soon gain access to AI systems capable of not only processing data but also autonomously making complex decisions. 

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Understanding Agentic AI: A New Era of Autonomy 

What distinguishes agentic AI from its predecessors? While generative AI has garnered attention for its ability to create content based on learned patterns, agentic AI goes a step further. These systems are engineered to operate as autonomous agents, equipped to plan actions, decompose complex tasks, analyze input, make predictions, and even engage with other systems independently. Industry experts liken the difference to that between a highly skilled assistant and an autonomous manager. 

Where generative AI excels at drafting reports or creating images from prompts, agentic AI has the potential to oversee entire projects, making real-time decisions and adjusting strategies without constant human supervision.  

This level of autonomy could transform various sectors, from supply chain management to financial trading. Imagine an AI system that not only predicts market trends but actively manages investment portfolios, adjusting allocations based on real-time data and long-term strategies. 

Or consider a manufacturing process where AI optimizes not just individual tasks but orchestrates the entire production line, from raw material sourcing to final product delivery. 

## The Global Impact and Market Potential of Agentic AI
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The promise of agentic AI is already drawing considerable investment, with North America currently holding about 20% of the global market share. However, this growth is not limited to Silicon Valley or other tech hubs.  

The Nvidia-Accenture partnership marks a significant push to introduce agentic AI to enterprises around the world. Accenture's commitment to deploying 30,000 professionals in this initiative underscores the global scale of this endeavor. 

These workers, sourced through a combination of upskilling current employees and onboarding new talent, will spearhead the implementation of agentic AI solutions across diverse industries and regions. 

Applications range from optimizing energy grids for enhanced sustainability to transforming healthcare delivery in underserved areas. 

Jensen Huang, Founder and CEO of Nvidia, encapsulated the vision behind this partnership: _"AI will supercharge enterprises to scale innovation at great speed. Nvidia's platform, Accenture's AI Refinery, and our combined expertise will help businesses and nations accelerate this transformation, driving unprecedented productivity and growth.''_

In a groundbreaking collaboration poised to redefine enterprise operations, Nvidia and Accenture have joined forces to develop and implement agentic AI systems. This partnership aims to transition advanced autonomous AI from theoretical research to practical applications, setting the stage for a new era of automation and decision-making across industries. 

Nvidia and Accenture Join Forces to Propel Agentic AI in Business 

IBM has introduced its Granite 3.0 family of open-source AI models, designed to strengthen its foothold in the enterprise AI market. With businesses worldwide increasingly adopting AI technologies to boost productivity, competition among tech giants to offer the best solutions has intensified. 

IBM’s latest offering aims to meet the growing demand for enterprise-focused AI, delivering flexible, high-performance solutions for various business applications. 

**The Granite 3.0 models are divided into three key categories:**

- General Purpose/Language Models – versatile systems for tasks requiring human-like understanding and text generation. 
- Guardrails & Safety Models – designed to ensure ethical use and safety of AI systems, addressing concerns about misuse. 
- Mixture-of-Experts Models – advanced AI systems that combine specialized models to efficiently handle a wide range of tasks. 

IBM's innovation in the AI space is reshaping how enterprises harness technology to drive efficiency, productivity, and competitive advantage. With the release of the Granite 3.0 models, IBM is making strategic moves to secure its leadership in the enterprise AI market. 

However, this is just one aspect of IBM's broader efforts to innovate and differentiate itself in the ever-evolving tech landscape. 

## Watsonx Ecosystem: A Holistic AI Suite

IBM’s Watsonx ecosystem represents a comprehensive platform designed to enable businesses to not only implement AI models but also customize, train, and deploy them across their own infrastructure. 

The Watsonx suite brings together data management, AI training, and governance tools, making AI more accessible for organizations of all sizes. This flexibility enables businesses to manage their AI models more effectively, ensuring the models are tailored to their specific needs and secure within their environments. 

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## Open-Source Accelerating Innovation

By adopting an open-source approach with Granite 3.0, IBM is driving widespread AI adoption and contributing to a community-driven innovation model. This strategy fosters collaboration across industries, research institutions, and developers, enabling faster advancements in AI technologies. 

Open-source distribution under the Apache 2.0 license encourages the development of applications, tools, and services that integrate with Granite 3.0, pushing innovation in ways that proprietary models from competitors may not facilitate. 

## Hybrid Cloud and AI Integration

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IBM’s leadership in hybrid cloud solutions has been enhanced through deep AI integration. By seamlessly combining AI with hybrid cloud infrastructures, IBM provides enterprises with the ability to deploy AI models across various environments—public clouds, private clouds, and on-premises data centers. 

This allows organizations to have greater control over their data and AI workloads, offering flexibility in deployment and reducing concerns about data privacy and compliance.  

## Hardware Innovation

A key element of IBM’s innovation lies in its partnership with Nvidia. IBM has integrated Nvidia’s H100 GPUs, which are among the most advanced chips for AI processing, to train its Granite models. These GPUs are designed to handle the intense computational demands of training large AI models, enabling faster training times and greater efficiency in model inference.  

## Focus on AI Governance and Safety

IBM places a strong emphasis on AI governance, ensuring that AI models are safe, reliable, and ethically sound. With the increasing concerns over AI misuse, bias, and unintended consequences, IBM’s Guardrails & Safety Models are designed to address these issues head-on. 

By building ethical guardrails directly into its AI models, IBM ensures that its AI solutions can be trusted by enterprises, especially in regulated industries such as finance, healthcare, and government. 

Moreover, IBM’s AI governance framework includes tools for model monitoring, bias detection, and fairness evaluation, empowering organizations to not only deploy AI models but also continuously monitor and optimize them for responsible AI use. 

Incorporating advanced hardware like Nvidia's H100 GPUs for training, the Granite 3.0 models are poised to enhance AI adoption, providing businesses with tools that balance cutting-edge performance and operational efficiency. 



IBM has launched its Granite 3.0 family of open-source AI models, marking a significant step in expanding its presence in the enterprise AI landscape. As businesses worldwide increasingly leverage AI to enhance productivity, IBM's Granite 3.0 offers a flexible and high-performance solution tailored to meet the specific needs of enterprise applications. 

IBM’s AI Strategy for Tech Sector Competitiveness 

Nvidia and Accenture have joined forces to develop and implement autonomous AI systems, setting the stage for a revolution in enterprise operations and decision-making. 

Artificial intelligence has advanced far beyond simple rule-based systems, and now machine learning algorithms can defeat world champions in complex games like chess. 

While generative AI (Gen AI) technologies, such as ChatGPT and DALL-E, have captured widespread public attention, the next technological frontier is already on the horizon: agentic AI. 

## A Collaborative Force for Innovation

Nvidia’s reputation for creating cutting-edge computing hardware, particularly in the AI space, makes it a natural partner for Accenture, whose deep expertise in IT consulting and enterprise solutions is renowned. This powerful collaboration is more than just a merger of technology—it is about establishing a new ecosystem that accelerates AI innovation and adoption across a variety of industries. 

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As part of this partnership, Nvidia will support Accenture in forming a dedicated NVIDIA Business Group, which will focus on advancing AI-driven solutions for enterprises. 

Central to this initiative is the launch of the AI Refinery platform, an ecosystem designed to fully leverage Nvidia’s expansive AI technology stack, including advanced tools like AI Foundry, AI Enterprise, and Omniverse. 

Industry experts believe that this collaboration could dramatically alter the landscape of AI in business. 

By combining Nvidia’s unparalleled hardware capabilities with Accenture’s consulting expertise, businesses will gain access to AI systems that not only process and analyze data but also make complex, autonomous decisions. 

This fusion of capabilities has the potential to unlock new levels of operational efficiency and innovation across the board. 

## The Next Evolution in Artificial Intelligence

What makes agentic AI so different from previous generations of AI technology?  

While generative AI has made waves for its ability to create content based on learned patterns, agentic AI goes much further by adding autonomy to its capabilities. 

Agentic AI systems can act as independent agents, capable of making decisions, planning actions, breaking down complex tasks, analyzing inputs, and interacting with other systems autonomously, all without the need for human intervention. 

## Nvidia and Accenture’s Global Push for AI

The growing excitement around agentic AI is already attracting considerable investment, particularly in North America, which accounts for roughly 20% of the global AI market share. 

Yet, the impact of this emerging technology is far from confined to Silicon Valley or other traditional tech hubs. The partnership between Nvidia and Accenture is a clear indication that agentic AI is being developed for enterprises worldwide, not just for a handful of industries. 

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A key aspect of this global initiative is the large-scale workforce Accenture is dedicating to the implementation of agentic AI solutions. With over 30,000 workers committed to this endeavor, Accenture plans to upskill a significant portion of its existing employees while also hiring new talent to meet the growing demand for AI expertise.  

## Autonomous Decision-Making at Scale

Jensen Huang, the founder and CEO of Nvidia, has long been a visionary in the field of AI and high-performance computing. His perspective on the future of AI reflects the vast potential that agentic AI holds for enterprises. As he puts it, "AI will supercharge enterprises to scale innovation at great speed." 

This quote encapsulates the transformative potential of AI systems that are not only smart but capable of making independent decisions—freeing up human employees to focus on higher-level strategic tasks while the AI handles day-to-day operational complexities. 

Through their partnership, Nvidia and Accenture aim to push the boundaries of what AI can achieve in business environments. 

By developing agentic AI systems capable of functioning as autonomous decision-makers, the two companies are laying the groundwork for a future where AI isn't just a tool for analysis but an active participant in the operational and strategic decision-making processes of enterprises. 

Nvidia and Accenture have teamed up to drive the development and deployment of autonomous AI systems, paving the way for a transformative shift in enterprise operations and decision-making. As artificial intelligence evolves beyond traditional rule-based frameworks, modern machine learning algorithms now boast the capability to outperform world champions in complex games like chess.

Nvidia & Accenture Partner to Drive AI in Business 

## Tech Giants Tackle Healthcare AI at HLTH 2024

Nvidia, Google, Microsoft, and other leading tech companies are set to converge in Las Vegas next week for the HLTH 2024 conference. 

With over 12,000 industry leaders expected, the conference will focus heavily on AI tools designed to ease administrative burdens for healthcare professionals. CNBC will cover the event as it unfolds. 

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**[Alex Schiffhauer, group product manager at Google, speaks during the Made By Google event at the company’s Bay View campus in Mountain View, California, Aug. 13, 2024.]**

AI innovations aimed at reducing the time doctors and nurses spend on paperwork will be the highlight of this year’s show. 

These tools promise to streamline processes such as patient record management, insurance interfaces, and regulatory compliance, all of which contribute to the high levels of burnout in the healthcare sector. 

- Healthcare admin overload: Doctors and nurses are swamped with tedious documentation tasks, much of which is manual due to fragmented health data systems. 
- Burnout crisis: The immense paperwork load is a key contributor to burnout, and by 2028, there could be a shortage of 100,000 healthcare workers in the U.S. 

Tech companies’ pitch: Companies like Nvidia, Google, and Microsoft aim to address this issue with generative AI solutions, which they claim can significantly reduce time spent on clerical tasks and allow professionals to focus on patient care. 

## Google’s Expansion into Healthcare AI

Google has made substantial strides in the healthcare sector. It recently announced the availability of Vertex AI Search for Healthcare, which allows medical professionals to quickly search across various medical records.

Additionally, new updates to Google’s Healthcare Data Engine will enable healthcare organizations to better support generative AI integration. 

- Survey results: A Google survey revealed that clinicians spend an average of 28 hours per week on admin tasks, with 80% indicating that it detracts from patient interaction. 91% of respondents expressed optimism about using AI to streamline these tasks. 

## Microsoft’s AI Tools for Clinicians

Microsoft is also focusing on easing the documentation workload. On October 11, the company unveiled a suite of healthcare tools, including medical imaging models, a healthcare agent service, and automated documentation solutions for nurses. 

Though many are still in development, these tools aim to transform clinical workflows. 

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- DAX Copilot: A standout tool from Microsoft’s subsidiary, Nuance Communications, DAX Copilot uses AI to transcribe doctor-patient conversations and generate clinical notes. This tool has surged in popularity, helping doctors avoid manually typing out notes. 

- Competitors: Other companies, like Abridge and Suki, are also at the forefront of AI-powered clinical documentation, with both set to attend HLTH 2024. 

## Nvidia’s Role in AI-Powered Healthcare

Nvidia, a key player in the AI revolution, is extending its influence in the healthcare industry. 

Kimberly Powell, Nvidia’s VP of healthcare, will deliver a keynote speech at HLTH on how generative AI can enable doctors and nurses to spend more time with patients by reducing administrative tasks. 

- Expanding partnerships: Nvidia has forged new collaborations with Johnson & Johnson and GE HealthCare and continues to make strides in areas like medical imaging, genomics, and drug discovery. 

## The Challenge Ahead

Despite the promise of AI, many health systems are still in the early stages of adoption.

The HLTH exhibition will be a proving ground, as tech companies must demonstrate their ability to address the complex challenges of healthcare administration and win the trust of providers. 

Las Vegas will play host to the highly anticipated HLTH 2024 conference, where industry giants like Nvidia, Google, and Microsoft will gather to explore the future of healthcare technology. With more than 12,000 leaders from the healthcare sector expected to attend, the conference will center on innovative AI tools aimed at alleviating the administrative challenges faced by healthcare professionals. 

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