Coffee Briefing November 21 – Microsoft Ignite Updates; Canadians want more AI training; SalvageData expands to Canada; and more

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Microsoft announces new services and updates at Ignite

At Microsoft Ignite, Microsoft introduced nearly 100 new services and updates for technologists around the world.

Updates include advancements in cloud infrastructure, new features and updates for Microsoft Copilot, new Windows experiences, and new security solutions.

Some of the key announcements include:

The Microsoft Azure Maia AI Accelerator, optimized for artificial intelligence (AI) tasks and generative AI, and the Microsoft Azure Cobalt Processor, an Arm-based processor, are designed to run purpose-built compute workloads. general on the Microsoft cloud. The Microsoft Azure Maia AI Accelerator is designed for training and inference of large-scale language models in the Microsoft cloud.

Microsoft Fabric is now generally available. Microsoft Fabric is reshaping the way teams work with data by bringing everyone together on a single platform built for AI experiences.

At Ignite, Microsoft also revealed the expansion of AI for Security and Security for AI. Its new generative AI solution, Microsoft Security Copilot, provides protection against unique digital threats while helping security teams in this new era of security.

ServiceNow study finds Canadian office workers want more AI training

ServiceNowa digital workflow company, announced the results of its fourth annual edition World of work study. It reveals that Canadian office workers spend almost two workdays per week on simple tasks and see AI tools as a way to ease the workload.

The study reveals that although only 20 percent of workers currently use AI, half believe the training will give them a competitive advantage at work.

In fact, 45 percent of office workers said AI would improve productivity, and 42 percent said it would help minimize errors.

According to ServiceNow, the range of use cases for AI is expanding. The study found that employees view AI tools that automate work as the most useful, particularly automation of routine and repetitive processes (41%), IT services (38%), analytics and reporting (37%) and summarizing meetings. documents and emails (37 percent).

“Adopting AI in the workplace isn’t just about doing more. It’s about eliminating repetitive and mundane work from everyday life. When employees feel productive and can spend more time on meaningful activities, everyone wins,” says Chris Ellison, vice president and general manager of ServiceNow Canada. “Leaders and individual contributors see the benefits of AI, want to use it, and are looking for more training to develop the necessary skills. Successful companies will be those that listen and invest in the tools that enable their employees to perform at their best.

SalvageData expands to Canada

SalvageData, a data recovery service, announced its expansion into Canada. With its Canadian debut, it is bringing its services to a new market by launching a dedicated website, SalvageData.ca. The company handles data recovery scenarios and specializes in ransomware recovery services.

Recovery Data The main offers include:

• Hard Drive Recovery: Specialized in data recovery from damaged or failed hard drive discs.

• iPhone Data Recovery: Offer lost or inaccessible recovery solutions data from iPhones including contacts, messages, photos, etc.

• Memory card recovery: Solutions to recover lost, deleted or corrupted data from different types of memory cards

Three-quarters of tech employers are actively seeking AI skills in their graduates

Nearly 75% of employers looking for technology skills in their graduates want them to be proficient in AI and machine learning, a new survey from the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) reveals.

The Corporate Recruiter Survey focuses on future job skills that employers see as increasingly in demand. The research found that employers looking to hire tech-focused graduates said AI and machine learning were essential skills.

Additionally, 80% of companies are actively seeking candidates with technical expertise in Web3, blockchain and virtual reality. Businesses are also looking for cloud skills, with 75% of employers highlighting the importance of mastering cloud-based technology.

Other findings from the report highlight that communication, data analysis and strategy expertise are the most essential skills for graduates, according to employers surveyed.

“We are seeing a significant transformation in the recruitment landscape, with a clear shift towards prioritizing cutting-edge technologies in recruitment,” said Nalisha Patel, Regional Director Europe at GMAC. “As technology continues to shape the workplace of tomorrow, it is not only changing the way we work and the skills we need to succeed, but it is also impacting the people we work with.

Equinix and Alice & Bob announce partnership to help businesses enter the era of quantum computing

Equinix Inc., a digital infrastructure company, announced its collaboration with Alice & Bob, a quantum computing company developing quantum processors.

Through this new collaboration with Alice & Bob, Equinix customers in the UK and globally will benefit from secure access to Alice & Bob’s quantum technology through Equinix Metal and Equinix Fabric, as well as quantum strategy from Alice & Bob.

Alice & Bob’s technology aims to help businesses accelerate innovation, and through the partnership with Equinix, businesses will be able to experience the possibilities that quantum computing can offer.

“We are proud that our technology is moving out of the lab and into the real world. Equinix is ​​the ideal partner to introduce the quantum revolution into society,” says Théau Peronnin, Managing Director of Alice & Bob. “We look forward to helping Equinix customers solve some of the world’s toughest problems.” »

Organizations interested in exploring potential use cases for quantum computing can now securely access Alice & Bob’s quantum computers. on demandhosted in Alice & Bob’s on-site data center, via Equinix Metal and Equinix Fabric, the announcement reveals.

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More to explore

Analyst reaction to OpenAI turbulence: a smart move from Microsoft

The trick now for Microsoft Corp. will be managing its ongoing business relationship with OpenAI while housing its executives in exile, says Brian Jackson, senior research director at Info-Tech Research Group, following the stunning news that former OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and company co-founder Greg Brockman are traveling to Redmond, Washington.

Canada has strengths but shows no improvement in network readiness: report

Canada ranked 11th in the 2023 annual Network Readiness Index (NRI), the same position as last year, ahead of the United States, Singapore, Finland, Netherlands, Sweden and other high-income countries.

Canadian SMEs lack confidence in their ability to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, survey finds

Canadian businesses are struggling to reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, reveals a new study from KPMG in Canada.

Data stolen from Canadian federal employees in third-party hack could date back 24 years

Ottawa now says data thefts from companies that manage federal personnel relocation arrangements include those of members of the Canadian Armed Forces, current and former federal employees, as well as personnel of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police over the past 24 years. last years.

Five Canadian IT leaders win at Info-Tech’s 2023 CIO Awards

Five Canadian IT leaders, representing diverse sectors and organization sizes, have been honored as winners of the Info-Tech Research Group’s annual 2023 CIO Awards.

Cisco Launches AI Readiness Index; Canada is late

With all the hype around artificial intelligence (AI), businesses are jumping into the technology in hopes of gaining a competitive advantage. But, Cisco wondered, are they really ready to succeed?

Channel Bytes November 17, 2023 – High Wire and Exclusive Partner on Managed Security Services; SonicWall acquires Solutions Granted; Flare Launches Enhanced MSSP Program; and more

Staying informed is a constant challenge. There is so much to do and so little time. But we have what you need. Grab a coffee and have five while you munch on these treats.

Listen to the latest episode of Hashtag Trends

Hashtag Trending Nov.21-ChatGPT thought it was stupid to fire Altman; Microsoft wins; More than half of the tech industry thinks AI is overrated

Listen to the latest episode of Cybersecurity Today

This episode reports on ransomware attacks and 1.6 million additional victims of MOVEit hacks

Listen to the latest episode of Hashtag Tendances

If you live in Quebec or prefer to consume the latest technology news in French, our sister publication Direction Informatique is here for you. Follow them on Twitter Also.