Small-business infrastructure and operations
Small-business infrastructure and operations management of IT systems can be difficult for a modern business with big data governance needs and finite resources. Find the latest news, tips and opinion to assist small-business infrastructure and operations management, including advice to ensure the proper flow of data throughout the organization despite a limited budget.
Top Stories
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News
04 Nov 2021
Aruba launches more powerful Instant On switches
Aruba is launching the 1960 series, the latest addition to its small business-optimized Instant On portfolio. The new switch offers more bandwidth and scalability. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Apr 2020
SAP Business One overview: Features, benefits and more
SAP Business One promises holistic business management software. Learn more about its advantages and pitfalls, as well as pricing and integration, in this SAP Business One overview. Continue Reading
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News
16 May 2018
Build a culture of innovation on PaaS platforms
Tech execs from Deutsche Bank and Experian at the Red Hat Summit in San Francisco shared their thoughts on reaping the benefits of PaaS platforms by addressing the risks head-on. Continue Reading
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Video
14 May 2018
Digital transformation program: How to drive business success
When embarking on their digital transformation journey, CIOs must first understand the problems they are trying to solve. CIO Bill Gillis explains why. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 May 2018
CISO soft skills in demand as position evolves into leadership role
Cybersecurity industry veteran Joan Pepin discusses how the evolution of the CISO role has made soft skills essential to thrive in the information security field. Continue Reading
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News
11 May 2018
Build 2018 gives the office meeting a high-tech sheen. Does it matter?
A display on the future of meetings at Microsoft's Build 2018 event was a technology tour de force. But analysts said the fanfare sort of misses the point. Continue Reading
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News
11 May 2018
Force multipliers in cybersecurity: Augmenting your security workforce
During his RSA conference keynote, IBM Security's van Zadelhoff highlighted cybersecurity's top three force multipliers and explained best practices to deploy them. Continue Reading
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News
10 May 2018
With machine learning models, explainability is difficult and elusive
The enterprise's demand for explainable AI is merited, say experts, but the problem is more complicated than most of us understand and possibly unsolvable. Continue Reading
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News
10 May 2018
Four CIO strategies for finding the business ROI in emerging tech
IT execs from Yamaha, Union Pacific, the city of Las Vegas and UL share their CIO strategies for deriving business benefit from emerging tech. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 May 2018
Optimizing an artificial intelligence architecture: The race is on
As AI architecture improves and costs decrease, experts say enterprise adoption will go up, spurring yet more innovation and benefits for businesses and AI vendors alike. Continue Reading
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News
09 May 2018
IT pros name users, GDPR as biggest cloud computing security threats
The cloud is growing faster than companies can prepare for cloud computing security threats, a quartet of tech leaders say at a Boston forum. But managing risk is within reach. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 May 2018
CISO: Data integrity and confidentiality are 'pillars' of cybersecurity
When it comes to protecting online info, one cybersecurity veteran says the role of a CISO is to first incorporate processes that maintain data integrity and confidentiality. Continue Reading
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Answer
09 May 2018
What's the difference between chatbots and virtual assistants?
Forrester's Thomas Husson gives his take on the difference between virtual assistants and chatbots. He says one is closer to a 'dynamic FAQ' and the other is a third-party aggregator. Continue Reading
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News
08 May 2018
Artificial intelligence for social good: Big tech spins a new narrative
AI for social good is a thing. SAS touts research on tracking cheetah populations, Microsoft showcases work on precision farming at the Artificial Intelligence Conference. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 May 2018
CIO uses master data management to speed digitalization
IMA Financial Group CIO Michelle Vercellino's effort to clean up, protect and govern the firm's data is an important step in the firm's quest for 'data intelligence.' Continue Reading
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Answer
04 May 2018
Best practices for cloud security: Be cognizant of what's in the cloud
In this Ask the Expert, Booz Allen Hamilton's Anil Markose offers the cloud security best practices organizations need to protect their cloud information. Continue Reading
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News
04 May 2018
Corporate IT rebrands its modern role: Reduce complexity
The days of corporate IT as a back-end function with its practitioners relegated to the basement are long over. But IT strategy in 2018 has its own host of challenges. Continue Reading
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Feature
03 May 2018
Tackling the 'ask me anything' challenge of a conversational interface
IBM researchers discuss the challenge of designing conversational interfaces where the potential incoming questions are limitless. The solution: narrowing the scope and training end users. Continue Reading
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Answer
02 May 2018
What are the top RPA security risks and how do CIOs prevent them?
RPA security risks often take a back seat to the technology's promise of costs savings and reliability. HfS Research's Saurabh Gupta and KPMG's Martin Sokalski set the record straight. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 May 2018
Machine learning use case to ID unhappy employees
Telus International CIO Michael Ringman analyzes the machine learning use case he launched to curb high attrition rates in call centers. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
30 Apr 2018
Some types of artificial intelligence aren't ready for their close-up
Michael Ringman, CIO at TELUS International, has a unique vantage point on artificial intelligence and how the technologies under the AI umbrella are developing. He's helping build an artificial ... Continue Reading
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Blog Post
30 Apr 2018
The Wild Wild West of conversational design
Sociologist and conversation analyst Bob Moore and artist and UX designer Raphael Arar -- researchers at IBM Research -- are working at the forefront of an emerging field: Conversational UX design. ... Continue Reading
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News
30 Apr 2018
Cloud Foundry deployments boost customer experience, communication
IT pros from Comcast, American Airlines and Zipcar sound off on benefits of the software development platform at April's Cloud Foundry Summit in Boston. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Apr 2018
Cloud workload protection tool speeds cloud migration, saves time
Informatica deployed Aporeto's IT security tool to protect its cloud servers. It gained peace of mind -- and valuable time. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Apr 2018
Informatica enlists cloud workload protection platform for 'zero-trust' IT security
To secure its immense cloud operations, Informatica looks to a new tool, a cloud workload protection platform by Aporeto, with a deny-all approach to server access. Continue Reading
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News
30 Apr 2018
Security awareness programs that work against human nature will fail
Security awareness programs should take into account that humans are basically 'lazy, social, creatures of habit,' said KnowBe4's Perry Carpenter at the CIO Boston Summit. Here are three tips. Continue Reading
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News
30 Apr 2018
Top 2018 cybersecurity trends to watch out for
A glance at IT news shows cybersecurity trends remain on companies' radar. At the CIO Boston Summit, Cybereason's Jessica Stanford discussed steps to defend against risk. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Apr 2018
IoT initiatives raise new complications for CIOs
As CIOs integrate IoT team projects, they must find a new balance between operational technology and IT -- a process that requires as much political savvy as tech expertise. Continue Reading
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News
27 Apr 2018
Gartner on blockchain: Questions to ask and lots of caveats
It's immature, misunderstood, untested in the enterprise, risk-laden -- and needs to be on the CIO agenda. Gartner's Nick Heudecker frames the blockchain questions you should be asking. Continue Reading
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Podcast
27 Apr 2018
'Virtual humans' pick up on social cues
Carnegie Mellon University's Justine Cassell talks about her efforts to turn software into 'virtual humans.' Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Apr 2018
How to make AI agents better conversationalists: Context is key
IBM's Bob Moore and Raphael Arar are committed to designing AI agents that actually understand -- and retain -- context. The aim? To make AI exchanges more like conversations. Continue Reading
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Opinion
27 Apr 2018
Is the future of robotic process automation intelligent?
Intelligent process automation may eventually supplant traditional robotic process automation as AI propels the technology away from automating rote tasks. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
27 Apr 2018
Vulnerability management programs need an upgrade for the cloud era
Gone are the days of simple, easily secured corporate networks. The proliferation of cloud computing, virtualization and containers means that the network is changing constantly, said Nate Palanov, ... Continue Reading
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Blog Post
27 Apr 2018
The need for mainframe work continues amid staff shortages
The need for mainframe work continues as important applications continue to reside on these computing machines, but staff shortages are an issue in maintaining big iron's health. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Apr 2018
Conversational UX design: What it is and who's paving the way
Two researchers at IBM aim to make AI systems converse more like humans. Here, they discuss the emerging field of conversational UX design and the expertise that goes into it. Continue Reading
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Answer
26 Apr 2018
Cloud computing optimization: A CIO's perspective
Optimizing cloud means having a solid strategy in place, evaluating the services in use and ensuring the business is served, according to CyrusOne CIO Blake Hankins. Continue Reading
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News
24 Apr 2018
The CIO voice in the boardroom: Skills needed to get there
At a recent webinar, IT leaders discussed the factors driving the absence of a CIO voice in the boardroom and highlighted the skills they need to earn a seat at the table. Continue Reading
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News
23 Apr 2018
Workplace 'mindfulness' as coping mechanism for AI disruption
Two tech titans investing in the AI tools that automate jobs are also sinking money into workplace mindfulness programs aimed at helping employees become better at being human. Continue Reading
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News
20 Apr 2018
Juniper CEO Rahim stresses cybersecurity training, automation at RSA 2018
During his RSA Conference keynote, Juniper CEO Rami Rahim encouraged leaders to be "agents of change" that embrace automation in cybersecurity and new training techniques. Continue Reading
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News
20 Apr 2018
Will the next act in the ongoing evolution of IT be its last?
The evolution of IT keeps on keeping on -- for now. But as technology becomes more integral to the business, the IT department may become extinct. MIT's Joe Peppard explains. Continue Reading
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News
20 Apr 2018
Digital factory strategy needed to support omnipresent IT
Digital factories, framed as a business process re-engineering strategy for our tech-centric economy, reflect how the IT function continues to evolve to meet business demands. Continue Reading
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News
20 Apr 2018
MIT Sloan: Finding your digital business model
Companies may understand the threats and opportunities a digital economy presents, but research from MIT Sloan suggests many don't have a clear sense of how to make digital revenue. Continue Reading
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News
20 Apr 2018
Four digital business models and the capabilities they demand
Research scientist Stephanie Woerner expounds on the digital business models companies are using to compete in the digital economy and the capabilities required to succeed. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Apr 2018
Fostering human-machine collaboration is a CIO's job
Uncover why human-machine collaboration was singled out in a Forrester Research report that says it's time for enterprises to embrace AI in the workplace -- and IT has a special role to play. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Apr 2018
Tackling security debt: The role of risk register, patch management
In this Q&A, Akamai's Dave Lewis offers pointers on how to address security debt and also discusses how organizations can avoid incurring such debt. Continue Reading
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News
17 Apr 2018
Bold cloud computing plan puts Accenture on fast track
Three years ago, the consulting company aimed to go from 10% in the public cloud to 90%. How's it faring? Infrastructure chief Merim Becirovic tells in this interview. Continue Reading
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News
17 Apr 2018
At Accenture, benefits of public cloud are business benefits
In this Q&A, infrastructure chief Merim Becirovic reports on the consulting company's cloud journey, discusses new technologies cloud will make possible and offers some getting-started advice. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Apr 2018
How CIOs can support black box testing techniques
Ben Clark, Wayfair's chief architect, offers advice to CIOs on how to knowledgeably support AI endeavors in the enterprise, including the use of black box testing. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Apr 2018
CIOs won't own enterprise machine learning -- they'll enable it
How can CIOs support an enterprise machine learning initiative? They can start by building a data lake. Continue Reading
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News
13 Apr 2018
Onus is on CIOs to address limitations of artificial intelligence
Recognizing the limitations of artificial intelligence is step No. 1 for CIOs aiming to reap its benefits, according to AI luminaries at the recent EmTech Digital conference. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Apr 2018
Using RPA development to bridge the gap between legacy and cloud apps
RPA tech has evolved into sophisticated frameworks that automate IT tasks and rules-based processes. Now, RPA benefits are bridging the gap between legacy apps and modern ones. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Apr 2018
Security debt: Why you should pay attention
Akamai's Dave Lewis -- a speaker at the upcoming RSA Conference 2018 -- discusses how organizations build security debt over time and its potential risks. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Apr 2018
How to measure usability when selecting an RPA tool
If an RPA tool isn't user-friendly and isn't built for the long term, chances are the dividends won't be immediate. Read this before choosing your RPA tools. Continue Reading
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News
13 Apr 2018
Twitterverse debates necessity of chief transformation officer role
IT pros on Twitter have questions about the chief transformation officer role. For starters: Isn't that role already filled by other C-level execs? Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Apr 2018
Lacking data management processes holds back digital business
The business fallout of poor data management processes goes well beyond security and privacy implications. Evident IT CEO David Thomas explains in this SearchCompliance Q&A. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Apr 2018
Enterprise digitization's secret ingredient: Fusion teams
Cross-functional or 'fusion' teams are critical to meeting fast-changing digital challenges. Here are the four must-have team attributes for successful enterprise digitization. Continue Reading
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Answer
11 Apr 2018
How do attackers build and use phishing kits?
With attackers looking to maximize their ROI, they are employing what is called a phishing kit to run scam campaigns. In this Ask the Expert, learn how such kits are built. Continue Reading
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News
11 Apr 2018
Computer vision, machine learning skills help fuel surge in AI jobs
A report by the world's No. 1 job site, Indeed, finds there are more AI jobs than ever, but job-seeker interest is leveling out. What accounts for the dwindling enthusiasm among job hunters? Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Apr 2018
CIOs dissect what makes their artificial intelligence projects tick
AI has been described as the ultimate disruptor. These three IT leaders are prepping for the shake-up with artificial intelligence projects designed to harness that potential. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Apr 2018
Readying your IT shop for RPA software
IT's role in an RPA implementation varies depending on the scope of the project and the company's enterprise architecture. Here's how Fannie Mae, Duke Energy and Abbyy handle RPA. Continue Reading
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News
06 Apr 2018
Voice computing goes to work with Microsoft Teams addition of Cortana
Microsoft is integrating Cortana into its Teams collaboration platform. Will it be the baby step voice computing needs to gain traction in the enterprise? The jury is out. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Apr 2018
Crypto-agility: Strategies and best practices to get there
Staying crypto-agile is vital for data security. Venafi's Paul Turner discusses how to establish crypto-agility and the need for creating an inventory of cryptographic assets. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
05 Apr 2018
Data, the cloud and its impact on the job of CIO
Cloud computing has made it so easy to create data and move into and out of business, according to one tech vendor exec, it's changed the focus of the job of CIO. Continue Reading
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News
02 Apr 2018
Airbnb incorporates tech to help build digital trust in data economy
Automated bots have made it difficult to determine whether someone online is real, but Airbnb is turning to tech to help build digital trust among its customers. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
31 Mar 2018
Deep neural networks, speed limit signs and training on the fly
Because of data and compute power requirements, training a deep learning algorithm doesn't typically happen on so-called edge devices such as smartphones or drones. But Neurala Inc., a deep ... Continue Reading
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Blog Post
31 Mar 2018
Vendor briefing on standardizing processes for RPA services
Robotic process automation (RPA) services promise eye-popping returns on investment. Here, a veteran business process improvement expert talks about his experiences in preparing Fortune 100 ... Continue Reading
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Blog Post
30 Mar 2018
Serverless computing architecture won't kill containers
As a way of building applications, serverless computing architecture is gaining in popularity. But it won't replace containers or any other development method, Red Hat's Rich Sharples says. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
30 Mar 2018
Artificial intelligence strategies tackle 'reasonable goals' -- not moonshots
The Gartner Data & Analytics Summit I've been writing about recently was filled with prescriptive advice for data analytics leaders. Much of that advice, unsurprisingly, was focused on the ... Continue Reading
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Blog Post
30 Mar 2018
AI voice assistants won't just book your meetings, they'll partake in them
Imagine asking Cortana about your revenue last quarter. That could be the future, according to Gartner analyst Svetlana Sicular. At the Gartner Data and Analytics Summit, Sicular discussed some of ... Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Mar 2018
Serverless computing model puts the developer in the driver's seat
The application design method is all the rage in IT circles. A former developer sounds off on what it's good for -- and what it isn't. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
30 Mar 2018
Cyber awareness program: How one CISO became a believer
It took a nation-state attack for Alan Levine to realize the importance of implementing a cyber awareness program. "I believed that cyber awareness training was useless because I believed my users ... Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Mar 2018
How to overcome multi-cloud disaster recovery challenges
As multi-cloud environments proliferate, data backup and recovery tech is essential. Here's how to assess enterprise multi-cloud disaster recovery capabilities -- and limitations. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
30 Mar 2018
Data literacy training: CIOs just got a new job, yippee!
Data literacy is fast becoming a requirement in the modern digital enterprise, but many so-called knowledge workers lack the ability to read data. Should CIOs take on the job of data literacy training? Continue Reading
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Opinion
30 Mar 2018
Savvy reasons not to use public cloud platforms
Going to the cloud could lead to business benefits aplenty. Yet, for some, sticking to terra firma may be the solid choice. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Mar 2018
Machine learning use cases, touch-text-talk on Box CIO's to-do list
Intuitive interfaces, automating menial work so people can focus on big ideas, finding AI and machine learning use cases -- Box CIO Paul Chapman's to-do list is awesome. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Mar 2018
Box CIO talks IT innovation and pressures in an 'all-cloud' environment
Box CIO Paul Chapman discusses the demands of running IT at a company that was 'born digital' and why an 'all-cloud' environment doesn't preclude having to manage legacy IT. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Mar 2018
FAQ: How is digitization influencing SEC compliance priorities?
As online trading and digital finance becomes the norm, updated SEC compliance regulations target these transactions in an effort to improve digital asset security. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Mar 2018
Digital transformation for insurance: Idaho firm opts for HCI
An Idaho-based property and casualty insurance company has swapped out its VMware infrastructure and separate storage systems for hyper-converged hardware from Scale Computing. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Mar 2018
Rapid prototyping process brings technology to life
Carnegie Mellon University's Chris Harrison and his team are developing the user interfaces of the future. He explains why a rapid prototyping process is critical to building technology that changes lives. Continue Reading
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Podcast
29 Mar 2018
Artificial intelligence and machine learning forge path to a better UI
Carnegie Mellon University's Chris Harrison talks about the future of the user interface in this episode of 'Schooled in AI.' Continue Reading
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Blog Post
29 Mar 2018
Today's great cloud challenge: The hybrid IT puzzle
Companies are still in an early phase of a big cloud challenge: managing a mishmash of public and private cloud systems and data centers. And they may have to wait on vendors to help tackle it. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Mar 2018
From phishing attempt circumvention to AI, new CIO has a big job
As the new CIO at Snow Software, Alastair Pooley is taking on a range of priorities, from helping the business to recognize a phishing attempt to exploring AI for customer support. Continue Reading
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News
29 Mar 2018
Intel debuts new nGraph compiler for neural networks models
Built on open source software, Intel's new nGraph DNN compiler takes aim at Nvidia's advantage by making it easier to run neural networks on different kinds of hardware. Continue Reading
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Opinion
29 Mar 2018
What technical challenges face voice AI technology? There are many
Conversational AI will change enterprise communications -- eventually. In the meantime, Gartner analyst Svetlana Sicular details the areas where voice AI technology needs to grow. Continue Reading
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News
27 Mar 2018
MIT: Energy-efficient chip improves IoT encryption, authentication
MIT researchers have developed an energy-efficient, hard-wired chip that they say will benefit IoT encryption and ease authentication processes in the IoT environment. Continue Reading
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News
27 Mar 2018
Conversational AI: Start by enlisting the big vendors
It's time to develop a conversational AI strategy, according to Gartner analyst Svetlana Sicular. Her advice: Stay focused on the business case and lean on the AI platform vendors. Continue Reading
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Guide
27 Mar 2018
IT Priorities survey predicts 2018 IT strategy for tech pros
In TechTarget's annual IT Priorities survey, information technology professionals across industries provide a glimpse of their 2018 IT strategy plans and pet projects. Continue Reading
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News
27 Mar 2018
How to build end-user data literacy skills, step by step
Top-notch hospital systems are filled with smart, knowledgeable people eager to use data. But first, they must improve their data literacy, as this case study shows. Continue Reading
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News
27 Mar 2018
Machine learning algorithms: New tool for fighting cyberthreats?
As hackers use increasingly sophisticated tech to tap into corporate data, machine learning platforms can help companies fight fire with fire by detecting cyberthreats early on. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
23 Mar 2018
Voxbone tech chief: Customer service is the new job of CIO
The job of CIO is changing all right, and cloud computing is hastening that transition. Today, IT leaders are using cloud to solve old problems -- and form new bonds with the business. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Mar 2018
Cybersecurity skills gap: Get creative about cyber hiring
Hiring candidates from disciplines beyond infosec can go a long way to address the widening cybersecurity skills gap, says industry veteran Javvad Malik. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Mar 2018
How cloud is changing the role of the CIO today
Cloud has had a colossal impact on IT -- for starters, it's changed how it works and what it can pull off. And its effect on the role of the CIO today is no less transformational. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Mar 2018
Biometric security technology readies for corporate prime time
Companies are turning to biometric security technology to improve user authentication and experience, but its use presents unique challenges that could slow enterprise adoption. Continue Reading
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News
21 Mar 2018
Daniel Pink: How the science of timing can boost productivity
At the recent Gartner Data and Analytics Summit, best-selling author Daniel Pink urged digital leaders to follow the science of timing -- and spread the word. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Mar 2018
Natural-language processing technology boosts BI at Penn Medicine
Natural-language processing technology lets Penn Medicine tap unstructured data, improving its analytics and patient care. Success required a multidisciplinary effort. Continue Reading
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Answer
20 Mar 2018
How can the CISO become a business enabler?
For a cybersecurity program to be effective, CISOs must be viewed as business enablers. Kudelski Security's John Hellickson offers tips on how CISOs can make the transformation. Continue Reading
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News
19 Mar 2018
Gartner issues four-part prescription for data and analytics leaders
Fake facts, discrimination, complexity and illiteracy are four challenges CIOs and data experts must overcome to reap the value of data analytics. Also, forget about bimodal IT. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Mar 2018
Cybersecurity trend forecast: Streamlined, simplified security
In this SearchCIO Q&A, Javvad Malik discusses why streamlining infosec processes is becoming a top cybersecurity trend and how new tech influences the infosec industry. Continue Reading
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News
16 Mar 2018
Ex-Equifax CIO's insider trading indictment a red flag for IT execs
A former Equifax CIO has been indicted for insider trading following the company's 2017 data breach. Will it force IT execs to reexamine the importance of proper breach response? Continue Reading
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News
16 Mar 2018
Two data scientists offer advice on breaking down siloed data
Data scientists offer insight into why the age-old problem of siloed data persists and some concrete advice to CIOs on how to break down the walls. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
15 Mar 2018
AI's exponential curve: More from my interview with ISACA's Rob Clyde
I recently talked about the use of AI in the enterprise with Rob Clyde, vice chairman of the board of directors at ISACA, an organization focused on IT governance. The conversation focused on a new ... Continue Reading
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News
15 Mar 2018
ISACA: Build security into artificial intelligence hardware
A new paper on how to fight off malicious AI recommends adding security features to AI chips. ISACA's Rob Clyde explains why that's a good idea. Continue Reading