As 2025 gains momentum, the IT landscape is brimming with transformative innovations and strategic pivots. This week, we explore the most critical developments shaping the digital world, from groundbreaking advancements in AI and cloud technology to the escalating focus on cybersecurity resilience.
Cloud adoption continues to surge across industries, redefining operational efficiency and scalability. Meanwhile, AI-driven automation is revolutionizing business processes, enabling companies to drive productivity and streamline decision-making. Amid these advancements, the cybersecurity landscape remains a focal point, with organizations intensifying efforts to safeguard data and fortify digital defenses against evolving threats.
In this edition, we spotlight the most pressing CIO insights, emerging tech trends, and industry-defining innovations that are setting the agenda for 2025. Whether navigating digital transformation or keeping pace with market shifts, these updates offer the strategic intelligence needed to stay ahead in an ever-evolving digital economy.
Tech Trends & CIO Insights: Your Essential Weekly Recap
The IT Security Bulletin
Netskope Sets New Standard on Infrastructure Requirements for Modern Security and Networking
Netskope, a leader in modern security and networking, today announced new technology advancements for NewEdge, the carrier-grade infrastructure that underpins Netskope One, its converged platform for delivering critical security, network, and analytics services. With continued expansion of NewEdge itself—and the services such as Netskope One Digital Experience Management (DEM) that NewEdge helps deliver—Netskope sets a new standard for modern security and networking using infrastructure that addresses customers’ requirements for world-class coverage, end-to-end performance, and resilience for business continuity against “black swan” events such as natural disasters and cable cuts.
Snaarp Introduces Complete Cybersecurity Solution for Global SME Market
Snaarp, a cybersecurity startup, introduced its comprehensive, mobile-first security platform designed to transform data protection and device management for enterprises worldwide. This breakthrough solution delivers a smooth, straightforward path to securing and protecting business data with remarkable ease and efficiency.
“Snaarp represents a fundamental shift in enterprise cybersecurity,” said Victor Ariyibi-Oke, CEO of Snaarp. “We have created an all-in-one solution that protects businesses with advanced technology, seamless security, and proven reliability to shield against evolving threats.”
Cloud Technology Brief
CData Software Expands Embedded Connectivity Partnership with Google Cloud
CData Software, a leading provider of data connectivity solutions, today announced the expansion of its collaboration with Google Cloud, further extending data access capabilities for Google Cloud users.
“We’re thrilled to expand our strategic partnership with Google Cloud. Meeting the growing data connectivity needs of modern enterprises is one of the biggest challenges facing enterprise software providers. To help customers address this pain point, we’ve built out our embedded data connectivity solutions to ensure they provide unmatched breadth and depth of data access while also providing fast, easy deployment within our customers’ products,” said Manish Patel, CPO at CData
VDURA Launches All-Flash NVMe V5000 to Power AI Factories and GPU Clouds with Unmatched Performance, Scale, and Reliability
VDURA, a leader in AI and high-performance computing data infrastructure, today announced the launch of its V5000 All-Flash Appliance, engineered to address the escalating demands as AI pipelines and generative AI models move into production. Built on the revolutionary VDURA V11 data platform, the system delivers GPU-saturating throughput while ensuring the durability and availability of data for 24x7x365 operating conditions, setting a new benchmark for AI infrastructure scalability and reliability.
By combining client-side erasure coding, RDMA acceleration, and flash-optimization handling, the V5000 sustains AI workloads at any scale, delivering:
- Seamless AI Storage Expansion – Scale effortlessly as GPU clusters grow, with no downtime or overprovisioning.
- AI Checkpoint Optimization – Eliminates write bottlenecks that slow AI training.
- Data Center Efficiency – 1.5PB+ per U, reducing power, cooling, and footprint costs.
- RDMA Acceleration – Architected for NVIDIA GPU Direct and RDMA, with optimizations rolling out later this year.
What’s Next in Data Management?
Cockroach Labs and AWS Collaborate to Accelerate Windows-based Application and Database Modernization
Cockroach Labs, the pioneer in cloud-native distributed SQL databases with CockroachDB, today announced a collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to modernize Windows-based applications reliant on monolithic legacy databases. The collaboration simplifies .NET application modernization with generative AI-powered Amazon Q Developer transformation capabilities and uses Cockroach Labs’ tools to accelerate database migration to CockroachDB, a resilient, scalable database optimized for Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (Amazon EC2) or Amazon Elastic Kubernetes Service (Amazon EKS) and hybrid AWS Outposts deployments.
“We’re thrilled to deepen our relationship with AWS to streamline and reduce the risks associated with .NET application and database modernization,” said Allen Terleto, VP Global Partners and Ecosystem, at Cockroach Labs.
Bigeye Launches Industry-First AI-Powered Features for Faster, Smarter Data Incident Resolution and Prevention
Bigeye, the leader in enterprise data observability, is redefining the category with the introduction of bigAI, a new suite of AI-powered capabilities that go beyond detection into resolution and prevention. While most observability platforms stop at surfacing anomalies, Bigeye takes action. It pinpoints root causes, provides clear AI-driven guidance to resolve issues faster, and proactively recommends changes to prevent future failures. The market has made advances in anomaly detection, but data teams are still left with the hardest part–figuring out what’s wrong, how to fix it, and how to keep it from happening again. Bigeye is changing that.
IT Reads of the Week: What’s New & What Matters
Optimizing SIEM for the Age of Exponential Data Growth
As cybersecurity threats grow in complexity and scale, traditional Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems struggle to keep pace with soaring data volumes. This article explores how organizations can modernize their SIEM strategies to enhance threat detection, streamline security operations, and reduce operational overhead.
Legacy SIEM systems often suffer from fragmented data, slow search speeds, and high costs, leaving security teams overwhelmed with alerts and limited real-time visibility. The article highlights the importance of integrating SIEM with Security Operations Centers (SOC) to bridge the gap between automation and human expertise, ensuring faster incident response and smarter security decisions.
Next-generation SIEM solutions offer a unified security platform that seamlessly integrates with cloud security, endpoint protection, and identity management tools. These modern systems leverage AI-driven automation, pre-built connectors, and real-time data processing to optimize security workflows, reduce noise, and enhance visibility.
The article also emphasizes the critical role of expert-driven SIEM implementation, advising organizations to collaborate with experienced security service providers for effective deployment. By adopting a strategic approach to SIEM optimization, businesses can improve their cybersecurity resilience, reduce costs, and proactively mitigate threats in an era of exponential data growth.
The Role of 6G in Data Center Connectivity: Preparing for an Ultra-Low Latency Future
The article explores how 6G will transform data center connectivity with ultra-low latency, THz spectrum (0.1–10 THz), AI-native networking, and quantum-secure communications. It highlights 6G’s impact on high-performance computing (HPC), edge data centers, and inter-data center connectivity through THz wireless links.
Key advancements include AI-driven automation for predictive maintenance, load balancing, and security, ensuring lower operational costs and enhanced efficiency. Quantum encryption will safeguard data center communications, while AI-optimized energy management will support sustainability.
The article emphasizes the need for early preparation, urging data centers to explore AI-driven network management, THz wireless interconnects, quantum-resistant encryption, and sustainable infrastructure. As 6G reshapes cloud computing, hybrid IT, and global connectivity, businesses must adopt new paradigms to stay competitive in a data-driven world.
The Future of Innovation: Voices of Bold Industry Leaders
The Cybersecurity Awareness-Action Gap: Are People Ready to Protect Themselves?
Gaidar Magdanurov, President at Acronis, highlights a critical gap between cybersecurity awareness and action. While 64% of consumers cite data breaches as their top privacy concern, many fail to implement basic protections. The Acronis Data Privacy Survey 2025 reveals that 25% of respondents have experienced data theft or loss, often undetected.
Key vulnerabilities include weak password practices, lack of two-factor authentication, and inadequate data backups. Despite growing ransomware threats, 13% do not back up their data, and only 43% use mobile security apps. Cybercriminals exploit these gaps through phishing, credential theft, and dark web marketplaces.
To bridge this gap, Magdanurov urges users to adopt strong passwords, enable 2FA, use security software, encrypt backups, and stay vigilant against cyber threats. He emphasizes that cybersecurity must become a proactive habit, not an afterthought, as AI-powered attacks grow more sophisticated.
Three Steps to Take with Governance and Culture to Catalyse AI Success
Matt Ausman, CIO at Zebra Technologies, highlights the urgency for businesses to establish governance and culture to maximize AI’s potential. While AI, particularly GenAI, presents immense opportunities, organizations must navigate risks effectively. Here’s how:
1. Establish AI Governance
AI governance ensures ethical, secure, and compliant use of GenAI. Organizations must create a governance framework with defined principles covering data privacy, security, and legal risks. A cross-functional AI steering committee, including legal and security experts, is crucial to prevent data leaks, ensure regulatory compliance, and mitigate liabilities associated with AI adoption. Governance isn’t about restricting innovation but enabling responsible AI-driven transformation.
2. Operationalize AI Excellence
After setting governance structures, businesses must integrate AI into operations. A working committee or Center of Excellence should develop standardized AI frameworks, tools, and best practices. Aligning AI platforms with existing enterprise tech stacks enhances security and efficiency. Zebra Technologies, for example, built proprietary GenAI tools, ensuring data remains internal and secure while democratizing AI access for employees.
3. Build an AI Culture from Top to Bottom
A strong AI culture bridges the gap between governance and execution. Zebra fosters a company-wide AI culture through a multi-tiered training approach, including executive education, train-the-trainer programs, and AI evangelists. Employees at all levels receive GenAI training, reducing fear and promoting widespread AI adoption. Encouraging knowledge-sharing and hands-on experimentation fosters innovation and confidence in AI-driven workflows.
This Week’s Breakout Brand
Proofpoint is a leading cybersecurity and compliance company dedicated to protecting organizations from advanced threats, data loss, and compliance risks. Specializing in email security, threat intelligence, and insider risk management, Proofpoint provides cutting-edge solutions to safeguard businesses from phishing, malware, and ransomware attacks. Leveraging AI-driven threat detection and real-time analytics, Proofpoint helps enterprises secure their communications, prevent data breaches, and ensure regulatory compliance. With a focus on human-centric security, Proofpoint empowers organizations to defend against evolving cyber threats while simplifying risk management for security teams across industries.
CEO – Sumit Dhawan
Recent Launch – Proofpoint Introduces AI-Powered Advanced Email Security to Combat Sophisticated Phishing Threats
Must-Attend Tech & Business Events in 2025
TECHSPO Twin Cities
Date: May 29-30, 2025
Location: Minneapolis, MN
TECHSPO Twin Cities is a premier technology expo that unites top developers, brands, marketers, tech providers, designers, and innovators. This dynamic event showcases the latest advancements, cutting-edge solutions, and emerging trends shaping the future of technology.
CDAO APEX Financial Services
Date: May 2025
Location: Charlotte, NC
The event focuses on enhancing data-driven decision-making, accelerating digital transformation, addressing resource constraints, and implementing effective AI strategies. Industry experts will share insights on emerging technologies, best practices, and innovative approaches shaping the future of business and technology.
Net Zero USA 2025
Date: May 2025
Location: West Coast, USA (TBA)
Reuters Events: Net Zero USA 2025 brings together 500+ senior practitioners to explore industry-leading insights backed by real-world examples and data. The event focuses on innovative transition strategies, supply chain decarbonization, and investment in cutting-edge clean technologies to help businesses meet sustainability targets now and in the future.
