The ITAM Roundup: 7/21/24
📰 News
CrowdStrike Debacle - Debrief and Guidance
By now, you've definitely already heard... On July 19, 2024, CrowdStrike released a sensor configuration update to Windows systems, which triggered a logic error causing blue screen (BSOD) crashes on impacted systems. This impacted millions of Windows systems across the globe.
For those who still need more information on remediation & guidance:
CrowdStrike
Google parent in talks to buy cybersecurity startup Wiz for $23 billion
Google's parent company, Alphabet, is in advanced negotiations to acquire the cybersecurity startup Wiz for approximately $23 billion, which would mark Alphabet's largest acquisition to date. Wiz, an Israeli-founded company headquartered in New York, specializes in cloud-based cybersecurity solutions and generated $350 million in revenue in 2023, working with 40% of Fortune 100 companies. The potential deal, funded mostly in cash, comes amid heightened regulatory scrutiny in the U.S. under President Biden's administration.
Google Offered Cloud Firms $512M to Fight Microsoft
Google offered European cloud firms a package worth €470 million ($512 million) to maintain their antitrust complaint against Microsoft, but the offer was rejected. Instead, the Cloud Infrastructure Services Providers in Europe (CISPE) accepted a deal with Microsoft, which included enhanced access to Microsoft Azure features and a €10 million financial contribution. This failed counteroffer by Google underscores the competitive tension in the cloud market, where Google is striving to gain ground against leaders Amazon and Microsoft amid ongoing regulatory scrutiny.
Introducing the Coalition for Secure AI, an OASIS Open Project
The Coalition for Secure AI (CoSAI), launched at the Aspen Security Forum, is an OASIS-hosted open-source initiative aimed at providing guidance and tools for Secure-by-Design AI systems. Supported by major industry players like Google, IBM, and Microsoft, CoSAI will create a collaborative ecosystem to share methodologies, standardized frameworks, and tools for AI security. Initial workstreams will focus on software supply chain security, preparing defenders for evolving cybersecurity landscapes, and developing AI security governance best practices.
Mary Beth Minto
Google Cloud Ups the Ante on VMware Workload Migration
Google Cloud has introduced incentives of up to 40% for customers migrating their VMware workloads to its platform, now fully supporting VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) on Google Cloud VMware Engine (GCVE). This partnership with VMware parent Broadcom allows for license portability, enabling customers to leverage existing VMware investments for cost-effective and seamless migration. Additional benefits include discounts on VE1 and VE2 nodes for long-term commitments and migration service incentives, positioning Google Cloud as a competitive alternative to Microsoft Azure's VMware solution.
📖 Tips
From complexity to clarity: Future pathways for VMware clients
Following Broadcom's acquisition of VMware, clients face complex decisions regarding their hybrid cloud strategies, including adapting to licensing changes and partnership impacts. IBM Consulting offers bespoke support through assessment, advisory, migration, and modernization, leveraging its expertise and ecosystem partnerships with hyperscalers like AWS, Azure, and IBM Cloud. Clients have several pathways: containerizing applications, continuing modernization with VMware, or rehosting to other virtual platforms, all aimed at minimizing risks, reducing costs, and promoting sustainable growth.
Vikas Ganoorkar
AI-powered procurement: Decode, deploy, deliver
Published by Ivalua, this whitepaper explores the transformative potential of AI in procurement, highlighting its ability to automate tasks and generate valuable insights despite challenges related to data, funding, and skills. The report provides an in-depth look into the evolving procurement technology landscape, investment priorities, and practical AI use cases. It also discusses how procurement leaders are preparing for AI adoption by enhancing data infrastructure and upskilling their teams.
Places, Outlook Classic, and Teams Rooms Upgrades: The Practical 365 Podcast S4 E23
In this week's Practical 365 podcast, Stev and Paul discuss Microsoft Places entering an opt-in limited preview, debating its potential impact on the hybrid work landscape. Microsoft is rebranding the current version of Outlook to "Outlook Classic" to pave the way for the new web-based Outlook. Additionally, AI-powered speaker recognition technology is being expanded to all Teams Rooms on Windows devices, enhancing features like speaker attribution and noise suppression.
Steve Goodman
