Briefing Desk
Latest Briefings
Concise reporting on the developments shaping internet governance and infrastructure. Browse each area for recent news, context and watchpoints.
OpenAl, Anthropic sign work with governments to test AI
The agreement, the first of its kind, comes as the two companies face regulatory scrutiny over the safe and ethical use of AI technology.
BYD partner with Huawei to develop autonomous electric vehicles
Huawei has struck a deal with electric car maker BYD that will see the tech giant supply its autonomous driving system for electric vehicles.
Sonangol: exploring for liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons
Sonangol is committed to becoming a benchmark in the African market and fulfilling the task of becoming an integrated company in Angola.
Orange Cameroun SA: Choice for 90% of Cameroon’s population
More than 12 million subscribers trust Orange Cameroon to make calls, send text messages, watch or forward videos, and hold remote meetings.
Cloud vs bare-metal servers: Navigate cost and security with IPTP
Businesses nowadays often face a crucial decision: Should they opt for cloud services or invest in bare-metal servers and manage their own data centres? Both options have unique benefits and challenges, and the right choice depends on your specific business needs, strategies, budget, and long-term g…
Google considers building a large data centre in Vietnam
OUR TAKEAlphabet is considering a major investment in Vietnam by building a “hyperscale” data centre near Ho Chi Minh City. This would be the first major U.S. tech investment in the country. The move is motivated by Vietnam’s growing digital economy and high demand for cloud services, despite challe…
Apple cuts about 100 digital services jobs as priorities shift
OUR TAKEApple has recently cut around 100 jobs in its digital services group, focusing on reducing roles related to Apple Books and other services. This move reflects a shift in priorities, as Apple re-evaluates its focus within the services division. Despite the layoffs, Apple continues to see serv…
Meta’s Puffin glasses aim to redefine mixed reality
Meta is developing a smaller mixed reality device code-named “Puffin” as an alternative to bulky VR headsets.
Super Micro shares plunge amid filing delay
Super Micro delayed its annual report, triggering a 25% drop in stock amid allegations of accounting manipulation.
What is hardware virtualisation in cloud computing?
With the continuous development of information technology, cloud computing has become one of the core concepts in the modern computing field.
The role of vulnerability assessment in disaster management
Vulnerability assessment is a critical component of disaster management that involves identifying, analysing, and evaluating the vulnerabilities of a community, organisation, or system to potential hazards. This assessment helps in understanding the weaknesses and risks that could be exacerbated by …
Cumulative automation: The key to sustainable efficiency and growth
Cumulative automation is a strategy for implementing automation in incremental steps rather than all at once. This approach allows organisations to start with smaller, manageable automation projects and gradually build on their successes. By doing so, businesses can reduce risks, quickly realise ben…
What is an automated control system?
Automated control systems are integral to modern industrial processes and technology. These systems utilise automation technology to regulate and manage various operations, enhancing efficiency, consistency, and safety. In essence, an automated control system automatically directs the behaviour of m…
Apple partners with Airtel to expand streaming services in India
OUR TAKEThis partnership allows Apple to significantly expand its reach in India, a country with a rapidly growing digital consumer base. By collaborating with Airtel, which has 281 million subscribers, Apple can access a larger audience for its streaming services, thereby increasing its market shar…
What is zero trust architecture and why is it important?
Zero trust architecture shifts cybersecurity to a more prudent access control model, crucial for future security.
What is vulnerability management and why is it important?
Vulnerability management is key to cybersecurity, constantly adapting to protect digital assets amidst evolving threats.
What is a virtual server and how does it work?
Virtual servers are essential for building applications and tools, enabling organisations to lower hardware expenses and save on power costs.
What is security vulnerability management?
What is security vulnerability management? Security vulnerability management is the practice of systematically identifying, assessing, and mitigating security vulnerabilities within an organisation’s IT infrastructure. The primary goal is to reduce the risk of exploitation by cybercriminals, thereby…
What is vulnerability management lifecycle?
Vulnerability management lifecycle is a structured approach to identifying, assessing, prioritising, and mitigating security vulnerabilities within an organisation’s IT infrastructure. This process is crucial for maintaining a robust security posture, as it enables organisations to systematically ad…
Interview with NIO: Transforming the EV industry with battery-swapping tech
NIO is a leading Chinese EV manufacturer committed to leading the global new energy vehicle market through innovative technology and exceptional service. The company is known for its premium brand positioning, competing primarily with traditional luxury brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi. NIO …
What are the different types of intrusion detection systems?
IDS is an important part of an organisation’s network security architecture as it identifies and alerts the SOC to threats that it may have missed, which traditional firewalls do not have. Although all intrusion detection systems fulfill the same purpose, they work in slightly different ways. Altoge…
Sudatel: Connecting the Arab world, Africa, and global telecoms
The April 2023 Sudan war impacted Sudatel’s “Sudani,” which provided free services for 10 weeks. Despite this, the Group achieved a 42% EBITDA margin and $19.9 million net income. All operations reported positive net income for the first time since 2017. Sudatel’s cost management and recovery effort…
Comium Gambia Ltd expands network reach and digital offerings
Comium has made a huge impact on The Gambia’s telecommunication sectors by expanding its network and offering innovative services like the ComCach eWallet. The company’s strategic focus on enhancing connectivity and customer experience, alongside substantial investments in advanced technology, under…
Jenny Internet: Reducing Africa’s internet anxieties
On the African continent, the popularisation and application of the internet have far-reaching significance in narrowing the digital divide and improving the quality of life of local residents. Jenny Internet is one such company that is committed to connecting Africa with the world’s information net…
Why vulnerability matters: A deep dive into risk management
In risk management, vulnerability refers to the susceptibility of an asset, system, or individual to potential threats or hazards. It is a measure of how exposed or prone something is to experiencing harm or damage when a risk event occurs. Understanding vulnerability is crucial for developing effec…
California advances landmark legislation to regulate AI models
A landmark California legislation aimed at establishing the nation’s first security measures for AI systems has received an important vote.
Apple enters India’s streaming market with Bharti Airtel deal
Intense competition in India’s entertainment market as Apple partners with Bharti Airtel to escalate rivalry.
X outage briefly disrupts service before swift recovery
OUR TAKE The brief outage on X is a reminder of the platform’s vulnerability even as it transitions under its new branding. The rapid recovery may have mitigated some immediate user frustration, but the frequency of such disruptions could erode trust over time. As X continues to evolve, maintaining …
German firms struggle with $298B losses from cybercrime
OUR TAKECybercrime and sabotage have caused significant financial losses for German companies, with the threat of attacks increasing. Despite allocating more of their IT budgets to digital security, many companies still lack adequate emergency plans to handle security incidents, underscoring the gro…
Samsung SDI and GM to build a $3.5B EV battery plant in US
Samsung SDI and GM are investing $3.5 billion in an EV battery plant in Indiana, aiming for a production capacity of up to 36 GWh.
India’s Paytm gets government nod for investment in payments arm
OUR TAKE Paytm payment services are one of the fintech company’s largest remaining businesses, accounting for a quarter of its consolidated revenue in the financial year ending March 2023. Vivek Joshi, India’s financial services secretary, had said in July that the company can approach India’s centr…
Brazil’s Supreme Court threaten to suspend X operations
Earlier this year, the company clashed with de Moraes over free speech, accounts linked to the far right, and misinformation on the platform.
Malaysian government requires tech companies to comply with laws
The Malaysian government has demanded that tech companies comply with laws after strong opposition to a social media licensing scheme.
Appeals court reopens lawsuit against TikTok over child’s death
A U.S. appeals court has reinstated a lawsuit filed by the mother of a 10-year-old girl who died while attempting a blackout challenge.
CrowdStrike faces fallout from Windows outage
The global outage caused by CrowdStrike’s faulty software update led to a decline in customer confidence and potential market share losses.
What is automated reasoning and why is it important?
Automated reasoning is a field within artificial intelligence and computer science that focuses on the development of algorithms and systems capable of performing logical reasoning tasks automatically. The primary goal is to enable computers to reason about knowledge and solve problems based on form…
Meta partners with Sage for sustainable geothermal energy supplies
OUR TAKEMeta’s deal to purchase geothermal power is a significant step towards sustainability. By investing in renewable energy, Meta is actively working to reduce its carbon footprint and contribute to global efforts to combat climate change. This proactive approach is crucial for maintaining opera…
What is hybrid automation and what are the benefits?
Hybrid automation refers to the integration of various automation strategies, combining both human intervention and automated processes to optimise efficiency and flexibility. This approach is designed to leverage the strengths of different automation techniques, creating a system that can adapt to …
What is server virtualisation and why do we use it?
What is server virtualisation? Server virtualisation is a technology that allows a single physical server to run multiple isolated virtual servers, each capable of operating its own operating system and applications. This is done through a hypervisor, software that sits between the hardware and the …
Nvidia’s Q2 earnings report to impact AI market
OUR TAKE Nvidia’s upcoming earnings report is poised to be a major market event, with the potential to either reinforce or undermine the AI rally. As the company’s stock continues to be a bellwether for the broader AI industry, investors will be closely watching how Nvidia navigates production chall…
What is AI Builder in Power Automate and why is it important?
AI Builder is a Microsoft feature that lets users add AI to apps with little coding, essential for competitiveness in the digital economy.
7 benefits of automation every engineer should know
Engineers drive innovation and efficiency. Automation enhances these qualities, transforming design, manufacturing, and innovation processes.
4 common types of industrial automation tools
Automation boosts productivity and efficiency in the industrial sector, with advancing technology driving continuous innovation in processes.
Apple to hold fall event next month, new iPhones expected
OUR TAKEApple will hold its autumn event on 9 September at its headquarters in Cupertino, where it is expected to unveil new iPhones and updates to other devices and apps. This event is especially important for Apple because they want to reverse a global sales slowdown, especially in China, and show…
Zuckerberg regrets Meta’s pandemic censorship under government pressure
Mark Zuckerberg admits regret over Meta’s content moderation decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic, influenced by pressure from the Biden administration.
China’s BYD collaborates with Huawei on autonomous driving
Chinese EV giant BYD has partnered with Huawei to integrate its advanced Qiankun intelligent driving system into the Bao 8 SUV.
What is climate-resilient infrastructure?
In the context of growing climate challenges, building climate-resilient infrastructure is critical to protecting communities and economies from extreme weather events. This proactive approach to infrastructure development prioritizes resilience, ensuring that vital systems can withstand and recover…
7 key benefits of Software-Defined Networking
Software-Defined Networking (SDN) is an approach to network management and architecture that aims to make networks more flexible, programmable, and efficient. It separates the control plane from the data plane, allowing network administrators to manage and configure network resources centrally and d…
Apple to reveal iPhone 16 series and new products at September 9 event
OUR TAKEApple’s September 9 event is set to be pivotal as it not only introduces new hardware but also highlights the company’s growing focus on AI. With competitors like Samsung and Google pushing their own AI advancements, Apple’s integration of AI features into its products could be a strategic m…
ION partners with Fibrain for advanced technology solutions
The National Information Technology Day event held in Benghazi provided valuable insights and conclusions regarding the role of technology in local development. this event featured a wide range of presentations that covered modern technological topics. This diversity highlighted the various opportun…