The IT industry continues to evolve at breakneck speed, setting the stage for a transformative year filled with innovation and strategic advancements. As we wrap up the week ending January 24th, 2025, the digital domain is buzzing with developments that promise to reshape industries and redefine business strategies.
This week’s key themes highlight the surging adoption of cloud technologies and the transformative power of AI-driven automation as organizations pivot to stay ahead in a rapidly changing market. At the same time, the ever-growing focus on cybersecurity underscores the critical need to protect data in an increasingly interconnected world. These trends mark the beginning of a year in which tech innovation will define how industries embrace the future.
In this edition, we’ve curated a powerful lineup of CIO insights and emerging tech trends shaping the IT narrative. From disruptive technologies to strategic foresight, these highlights provide actionable insights to help you lead with confidence in a dynamic digital ecosystem.
This Week in IT Leadership: Essential CIO Trends and Updates
This Week in Cybersecurity
Splunk Report: CISOs Gain Influence in the C-Suite and Boardrooms Worldwide
Splunk, the cybersecurity and observability leader, in collaboration with Oxford Economics, released The CISO Report 2025 today. This global research report details the goals, priorities, and business strategies of Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and their boards of directors.
“As cybersecurity becomes increasingly central to driving business success, CISOs and their boards have more opportunities to close gaps, gain greater alignment, and better understand each other in order to drive digital resilience,” said Michael Fanning, Chief Information Security Officer, Splunk.
Rocket Software Introduces Phishing-Resistant Solution for Secure Host Connectivity
Rocket Software, a global technology leader in modernization software, announced the launch of Rocket Secure Host Access, a security-first terminal emulator differentiated in its ability to integrate green screen access with existing identity and access management (IAM) solutions. This new solution provides comprehensive protection against threats like fake workers and phishing attacks, while helping organizations achieve regulatory compliance through multi-layered security features, such as multi-factor authentication (MFA), single sign-on (SSO), and other advanced security best practices.
Benefits:
- Simplified Security Integration: Offers centrally managed, high-availability host application access that can be deployed across different systems and utilized via either a desktop or zero-footprint web emulator.
- Cost-Effective Risk Mitigation: By extending enterprise authentication best practices to host applications, we reduce the risk of costs associated with non-compliance and cyberattacks. This eliminates the need for additional security vendors.
- Future-Ready IT Security: Offers a forward-looking and scalable security strategy. Rocket Software is a security-first partner committed to helping enterprises secure their mainframe to the same degree as the rest of their IT.
Cloud Tech Insights: What’s New This Week
Deep Instinct Expands DSX for Cloud Protection to Amazon FSx NetApp
Deep Instinct, the zero-day data security company built on the first and only AI-based deep learning framework for cybersecurity, today announced the launch of DSX for Cloud – Amazon FSx NetApp, delivering real-time prevention and explainability of zero-day attacks for NetApp workloads, wherever they reside.
“Storage repositories are home to your most valuable data, making them prime targets for bad actors,” said Yariv Fishman, Chief Product Officer at Deep Instinct.
RiverMeadow Unveils Integration with Pure Cloud Block Store for Enhanced Workload Mobility to Azure, AVS, and AWS
RiverMeadow, a leader in Workload and Data Mobility, has announced significant enhancements to its Workload Mobility Platform. The new capabilities extend Pure Storage’s on-premise Evergreen storage-as-a-service approach to the cloud, utilizing Pure Cloud Block Store on platforms like Azure, AVS (Azure VMware Solution), and AWS. This advancement provides unprecedented flexibility and elasticity for cloud-based workloads and disaster recovery.
News highlights:
- RiverMeadow’s integration with Pure Cloud Block Store enables faster workload migration and optimized target architecture, reducing overall node requirements while scaling storage capacity.
- RiverMeadow’s Mobility Platform streamlines the migration process, providing cost-effective solutions for moving workloads to Azure, AVS, or AWS.
- The collaboration ensures data optimization during migration, significantly reducing storage costs and delivering efficient destination architectures.
- RiverMeadow and Pure Storage offer predictable pricing for workload migration, making cloud adoption more accessible for enterprises.
Transformations in Data Management
Apica Launches Ascent Freemium to Democratize Intelligent Telemetry Data Management and Observability
Apica, an intelligent data management and observability company, announced a Freemium version of its Ascent platform, providing f********** to enterprise-grade telemetry pipeline management and intelligent observability. Ascent is designed to help organizations centrally manage and automate their telemetry data workflows, gain key insights from their data, and maximize their users’ digital experience.
Ascent Freemium offers users access to essential telemetry data management and observability features, including:
- Processing of up to 1TB/month of logs, metrics, traces, events, and alerts
- Monthly data ingestion, unlimited users, and no storage costs
- Unlimited users and dashboards for team collaboration
- Integration with popular platforms, including Kafka, ElasticSearch, Splunk, and Datadog
- Support for OpenTelemetry, Fluent Bit, Logstash, and other open-source agents
- Fleet management for data collection supporting up to 25 agents, including OpenTelemetry Collector for Windows, Linux, and Kubernetes
- 10 URL, Ping, Port, and SSL checks for maximizing the digital experience
LogicMonitor and OpenAI Supercharge Data Center Operations
LogicMonitor, the leading SaaS-based platform for AI-powered data center transformation, today announced its strategic collaboration with OpenAI, solidifying its leadership in AI-powered innovation and data center transformation. Together with OpenAI, LogicMonitor advances its mission to enable seamless, scalable, and intelligent IT operations (ITOps) that benefit the management of AI and the shaping of the future workforce.
“LogicMonitor has long been the trusted, strategic partner to CIOs, helping them build resilient, scalable businesses ready for the Agentic AI era,” said Christina Kosmowski, CEO, LogicMonitor.
Weekly IT Reading List
Advanced Signal Processing for Immersive Audio Experiences in Personal Computing
This article delves into the crucial role of advanced signal processing in shaping immersive audio experiences for personal computing. As audio becomes an essential component of gaming, video conferencing, and content creation, the need for high-quality sound is more important than ever. The article explores how signal processing technologies, including spatial audio, noise reduction, and dynamic range compression, are transforming the way users experience sound on modern devices.
Key advancements like spatial audio rendering and beamforming are enhancing realism in gaming and virtual reality, while noise cancellation ensures clarity in video calls and recordings. The article also touches on the potential of AI and 5G integration to further revolutionize audio experiences.
Why read it?
To gain insights into the cutting-edge technologies driving the future of audio in personal computing. Whether you’re a gamer, content creator, or professional working in remote environments, this article offers a comprehensive understanding of how advanced signal processing is improving audio quality and creating more immersive interactions.
The Growing Significance of Data Management Systems in Digital Transformation
This article dives into the critical role data management systems (DMS) play in driving digital transformation across industries, particularly in the healthcare and life sciences sectors. As organizations increasingly recognize the value of data in optimizing operations and decision-making, the article explores how a cohesive data management strategy is essential for success. Key insights include the importance of integrated systems for data accessibility, security, and real-time analytics. The article also discusses the key features of an effective DMS, the challenges organizations face in digital transformation, and the strategic opportunities that a robust data management framework unlocks for innovation and growth.
Why You Should Read It:
In today’s data-driven world, understanding how to manage and leverage data is essential for organizations looking to stay competitive. This article offers valuable insights for business leaders, IT professionals, and data managers on optimizing data management practices to drive digital transformation, enhance operational efficiency, and foster innovation.
Leadership Insights: Industry Innovators on the Future of Tech
CIO Influence Interview with Doug Kersten, CISO of Appfire
In this insightful Q&A with Doug Kersten, CISO of Appfire, readers gain key takeaways on the evolving role of CISOs in today’s complex cybersecurity and compliance landscape.
Doug highlights the increasing complexity of compliance mandates and stresses that true security goes beyond merely meeting regulations. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration across teams and staying proactive in adapting policies to evolving regulations.
Key Insights:
- Challenges for CISOs: Doug discusses the difficulty of keeping up with the rapid pace of changing regulations and advises businesses to hire specialized GRC experts to manage risk and compliance.
- Cybersecurity in 2025: With cyberattacks becoming more sophisticated, Doug warns against relying on a single layer of defense. He recommends a multi-layered security approach, powered by AI-driven tools to detect and respond to threats quickly.
- The Rise of Deepfakes: Doug also flags deepfakes as a growing concern, urging businesses to educate employees to avoid manipulation and deception.
- AI in Cybersecurity: Doug explains how AI is revolutionizing threat detection, allowing security teams to act faster and more effectively.
Finally, Doug discusses the future of the CISO role, urging CISOs to align closely with business objectives and promote a security-first culture across organizations. The interview provides valuable direction for CISOs seeking to navigate the evolving threat landscape while building resilient, security-focused teams.
Emerging Brand of the Week
SonicWall is a trusted leader in network security, renowned for its innovative solutions that safeguard organizations from ever-evolving cyber threats. With a robust portfolio of products, including next-generation firewalls, secure remote access and advanced threat detection systems, SonicWall empowers businesses to maintain a resilient cybersecurity framework. Its proprietary Real-Time Deep Memory Inspection (RTDMI™) technology provides advanced threat protection, ensuring businesses can identify and block sophisticated malware in real time.
CEO – Bob VanKirk
Recent Launch – SonicWall Enhances Cloud Edge Secure Access Solution for Zero-Trust Adoption
Looking Ahead: Key Events to Watch in 2025
Chief Product Officer Summit New York
Date: Mar. 18, 2025
Location: New York, NY
Join this exclusive network of Chief Product Officers to address challenges in scaling strategy, aligning teams, and driving innovation—and leave with actionable insights to elevate your leadership
Product Operations Summit New York
Date: Mar. 18-19, 2025
Location: New York, NY
With this summit, one will experience the brightest minds in product ops for two days of unrivaled networking, learning, and discussion about:
– Implement impactful tactics to accelerate product delivery.
– Gain a strategic edge by leveraging the latest trends & emerging tech.
– Build a local support network within our global community.
Product-Led Summit New York 2025
Date: Mar. 18-19, 2025
Location: New York, NY
Elevate your product leadership. Join industry experts as they share proven strategies, real-world case studies, and actionable insights. Learn how to navigate complex challenges, drive innovation, and accelerate your career.
eMerge Americas
Date: Mar. 27-28, 2025
Location: Miami, FL
Immerse yourself in groundbreaking keynotes, engaging panel discussions, and a vibrant atmosphere charged with the latest technological advancements. Explore eMerge Americas 2025 – your gateway to the future of technology.
