The ITAM Roundup: 3/4/24
Microsoft introduces Copilot AI chatbot for finance workers in Excel and Outlook
Microsoft unveils Copilot for Finance, an AI chatbot designed to assist finance professionals with tasks in Excel and Outlook, offering time-saving benefits already observed within Microsoft's own finance department. Initially capable of variance analysis, data reconciliation, and expediting the collections process, the tool is expected to integrate additional features leveraging data from SAP and Microsoft Dynamics 365 later this year. While designed to streamline workflows, usage remains optional for Microsoft's finance employees, aiming to reduce tedious tasks and potentially expedite financial processes for companies adopting the tool at scale.
Jordan Novet
KKR to acquire VMware’s end user computing biz from Broadcom for $4B
KKR announces a $4 billion acquisition of Broadcom's end user computing business, which includes VMware Workspace One and VMware Horizon. This move follows Broadcom's $61 billion acquisition of VMware last year, with the aim to recover costs through strategic divestments. KKR plans to enhance the end user computing division as remote work becomes a permanent fixture, emphasizing security and management while also implementing an employee ownership program.
Ron Miller
Hands up if you want to volunteer for layoffs, IBM tells staff
IBM is initiating global job cuts, asking staff to volunteer for layoffs, with a significant impact expected in Europe. The layoffs, referred to euphemistically as "Resource Actions," are part of a transformative process aimed at achieving $3 billion in annual savings by 2024, with 80 percent of the reduction target focused on specific departments. While voluntary redundancy is encouraged, particularly in Europe, IBM asserts that the initiative is not solely a cost-saving measure but also aims to align the workforce with skills in demand, such as AI and hybrid cloud.
Paul Kunert
There are growing calls for Google CEO Sundar Pichai to step down
Calls for Sundar Pichai's resignation at Google amplify amid public AI blunders, including the suspension of the Gemini image generator. Concerns about rushed product releases and internal stagnation fuel doubts about Pichai's leadership. Speculation arises about potential successors as Google faces mounting challenges in the AI race and shifting search behavior.
Hugh Langley5 Predictions for SAP Customers in 2024
In 2024, SAP customers face significant changes, including the inevitable adoption of SAP RISE, with a focus on generative AI and innovative technologies driving service offerings. Predictions indicate a shift in SAP's commercial models, increased reliance on client success stories to drive RISE adoption, and consulting firms leaning into generative AI to deliver transformation initiatives. Customers are urged to reevaluate their SAP ecosystem, considering impacts on existing partnerships and internal initiatives as they navigate critical decisions for successful digital transformations.
Len Riley
Exchange Online Changes, Copilot + Viva plus Identity Migration with Becky Cross: The Practical 365 Podcast S4 E14
In the podcast, Practical 365 discusses the retirement of EWS Application Impersonation in Exchange Online and the release of Exchange Server 2019 H1 Cumulative Update (CU14). Becky Cross from Quest Software also shares insights on transitioning from traditional Active Directory setups to Entra ID smoothly.
Steve Goodman
Einstein Co-pilot: A deep dive into Salesforce AI
Salesforce's Einstein Copilot is an AI-powered assistant for CRM applications, enhancing customer experience through conversational AI and customizable features via Einstein Copilot Studio. It integrates with Salesforce Data Cloud for data-driven insights and offers tools like Prompt Builder, Skills Builder, and Model Builder for tailored AI experiences. Implementing Einstein Copilot involves leveraging best practices for customization, workflow automation, and data privacy, with real-life use cases demonstrating its versatility across various business operations.
Fredrik Filipsson
Seven FinOps trends that are reshaping cloud cost management
FinOps, the practice of managing cloud costs, is evolving to address trends like AI impact, containerized workloads, granular cost reporting, data analytics costs, cloud networking, forecasting, and team expansion. Organizations must invest in comprehensive solutions to meet these evolving challenges effectively.
Willy Sennott
GitHub besieged by millions of malicious repositories in ongoing attack
GitHub is facing an ongoing attack flooding the platform with millions of malicious code repositories, some of which contain obfuscated malware targeting developers' devices for password and cryptocurrency theft. The attack involves cloning legitimate repositories and adding a payload under layers of obfuscation, making them difficult to distinguish. Despite GitHub's efforts to remove these repositories, thousands remain, presenting a significant threat to developers.
Dan Goodin
