Embracing Digital Transformation

Exploring GenAI and Automation Insights

Darren interviews Michael Greenberg this week and discusses GenAI, RPA, and process automation for small and mid-sized companies. The second part of the interview will be available next week. Remember to come back and listen to it. Also, spread the news with your smart speaker and ask for "Embracing Digital This Week" in your daily briefing.

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Data Management

Revolutionizing Data with Open Lakes Initiative

Microsoft's "Open Lakes, Not Walled Gardens" initiative aims to revolutionize data analytics with a unified data lake and integrated analytic engines, prioritizing openness, security, and global data estate governance. With built-in security controls and integration with Microsoft Purview, the vision promises to enable analytics without proprietary lock-ins. Future plans include cross-cloud and cross-tenant data sharing, aligning with the demand for streamlined analytics on expansive data estates. Stay tuned for updates.

Altair Acquires Cambridge Semantics: AI Revolution

Altair, a leading computational intelligence firm, has acquired Cambridge Semantics, a renowned data fabric provider. The acquisition is expected to expand Altair's data analytics and artificial intelligence offerings significantly. The move aims to enable organizations to build advanced analytics ecosystems with AI infusion by integrating Cambridge Semantics' knowledge graph technology with Altair's tools. The acquisition will also enrich Altair's RapidMiner platform with features such as knowledge graphs, data governance, and data discovery, which could revolutionize enterprise data fabrics and generative AI.

Gaia: Revolutionizing Data Retrieval with AI

Cohesity introduces Gaia, an AI-powered enterprise search assistant that is revolutionizing data access. By leveraging enterprise backup data, Gaia offers conversational search capabilities, enabling users to interact with their data using natural language. Unlike traditional engines, Gaia directly answers queries based on indexed data, simplifying data retrieval. Built on stringent security measures, Gaia ensures data protection and compliance. Analysts applaud its strategic enhancement and scalability, positioning Cohesity as a data management and protection leader.

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Artificial Intelligence

VASA-1: AI for Animated Video Creation

Microsoft Research Asia has developed VASA-1, an AI model that can generate synchronized animated videos of individuals speaking or singing from a single photo and an existing audio track. With the ability to analyze images and audio using machine learning, it creates realistic videos with precise facial expressions and lip-syncing. The innovation eliminates the need for video feeds and allows virtual avatars to be rendered locally with real-time applications such as video conferencing. However, researchers have opted to withhold code release due to concerns about misuse.

Meta Launches Llama 3 with Intel Collaboration

Meta introduces Llama 3, its latest large language model. At the same time, Intel validates its AI product portfolio for Llama 3 8B and 70B models across Gaudi accelerators, Xeon processors, Core Ultra processors, and Arc GPUs. This collaboration ensures readiness for cutting-edge AI innovations, with optimized performance results using open-source software like PyTorch and DeepSpeed. The partnership aims to provide development and deployment capabilities across various hardware platforms, with plans for further enhancements in the coming months.

Transforming Government Workflows with AI

In partnership with Iron Bow, Intel's AI PC solutions are reshaping government workflows by integrating AI directly into processors. This eliminates the need for external servers, providing AI capabilities directly on workstations and laptops. With optimized performance and enhanced efficiency through API acceleration, government agencies achieve sustainability goals while empowering employees with self-help capabilities. This technology fosters collaboration and innovation, driving mission success and addressing evolving societal needs, contingent on agencies' flexibility and commitment to continuous learning.

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Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity Threats Challenge Water Facilities

Water facilities are increasingly vulnerable to cybersecurity threats, prompting the EPA and White House to urge states to submit plans to address risks by June 28. The proposed legislation seeks to mandate cybersecurity standards, but budget constraints hamper efforts. Hackers, including state-sponsored actors, pose significant risks, leaving many facilities vulnerable despite investments. Safeguarding critical infrastructure remains an ongoing challenge, with persistent vulnerabilities underscoring the difficulty of addressing these threats. The EPA's withdrawal of cybersecurity guidelines highlights the complexity of the issue.

Cisco Launches AI-Powered HyperShield Security

Cisco has launched HyperShield, an AI-powered security system that safeguards applications, devices, and data across various IT environments. This move aims to enhance Cisco's position in the cybersecurity market following its recent acquisition of Splunk. HyperShield provides autonomous segmentation and self-qualifying upgrades to improve security and streamline operations, addressing critical infrastructure needs. Cisco's goal is to become a significant player in the AI security landscape, and this launch will help them achieve that aim amidst growing competition.

NSA Issues Cybersecurity Guidance for AI

The National Security Agency (NSA) has released a Cybersecurity Information Sheet (CSI) with best practices for deploying secure and resilient AI systems. Developed in collaboration with various cybersecurity agencies, including CISA and the FBI, the guidance is aimed at National Security System owners and Defense Industrial Base companies. The CSI provides insights on safeguarding AI systems against malicious activities and is the first release from the NSA's Artificial Intelligence Security Center (AISC) under the Cybersecurity Collaboration Center (CCC). The AISC plans to release more guidance on various AI security topics.

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Embracing Digital Transformation

#64 2024-04-21