Briefing Desk
Latest Briefings
Concise reporting on the developments shaping internet governance and infrastructure. Browse each area for recent news, context and watchpoints.
Coverage
Market / Trends / Global Trends / Global Cloud Services Trends
In this section: 29 briefingsThe power of data automation: Streamlining efficiency and accuracy
In today’s fast-paced digital world, data is a valuable asset that drives decisions, strategies, and innovations across industries. However, managing vast amounts of data efficiently and accurately can be a daunting task. Enter data automation—a transformative approach that is revolutionising how or…
What is an automated call distribution and what are its functions?
ACD systems boost contact centre performance with advanced features for improved call handling and customer service.
8 key differences between manual testing and automation testing
Software testing has manual and automation methods. The decision depends on project size, budget, complexity, and testing requirements.
What is subnet zero and why does it matter?
Understanding subnet zero Subnet Zero is the first subnet that is created when an IP network is divided into smaller subnets. In the past, network administrators often avoided using Subnet Zero due to concerns that it could be confused with the network’s base address, potentially leading to configur…
2 different types of subnets and their importance
What is a subnet in a VPC? A subnet in a Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) is a segment of the VPC’s IP address range where you can place groups of isolated resources. When you create a VPC, you’re essentially creating a private, isolated section of the cloud where you can deploy and manage your resources…
Why is QA automation important?
Boosting efficiency and accelerating release cycles QA automation plays a crucial role in speeding up the software development process. In today’s fast-paced development environment, time is of the essence, and the ability to quickly release new features and updates is critical. Automated testing si…
Bronfman’s plans for Paramount Global include partnering with Amazon or Apple
OUR TAKEEdgar Bronfman Jr.’s efforts to acquire Paramount Global have introduced significant competition to an existing merger deal with Skydance Media, leading to extended negotiations and uncertainty regarding the future leadership and ownership of the company.-Rae Li, BTW reporter What happened E…
Intelligent automation: Streamlining operations and enhancing efficiency across industries
Intelligent automation integrates advanced AI technologies with traditional automation tools to automate complex, data-intensive tasks, enabling systems to learn from processed data, make decisions, and improve over time.
Look back: IBM debuts first Olympic website at Atlanta 1996
The 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games marked a pivotal moment in the convergence of sports and technology, with IBM taking centre stage. As the official IT partner, IBM developed and launched the inaugural Olympic Games website, fundamentally altering how global audiences could engage with the event. The g…
Google taps former Character.AI founder to lead AI innovations
OUR TAKEBy founding Character.AI, Shazeer has pushed the boundaries of conversational AI, creating a platform that utilises advanced AI techniques. The startup’s significant funding and valuation reflect the growing interest and investment in AI technologies, highlighting the importance of innovatio…
Perplexity AI to launch ads on search platform by fourth quarter
Perplexity AI announced the launch of an advertising platform, marking a significant shift from its focus on unbiased search results.
Top tech news stories today: August 26, 2024
IT infrastructure 1. Microsoft to host cybersecurity summit after CrowdStrike-induced IT outage Microsoft will hold a summit in September to discuss steps to improve cyber security systems, after a faulty update from CrowdStrike caused a global IT outage last month. (IT news) 2. Edged Energy opens f…
7 key uses of power automate
Microsoft Power Automate is a service that helps you create automated workflows between your favourite apps and services to synchronise files, get notifications, collect data, and more. Enter Power Automate, Microsoft’s powerful cloud-based service designed to automate repetitive tasks and streamlin…
Telecom company agrees to $1M fine over Biden deepfake
Federal authorities hope the settlement will discourage the deceptive use of AI-generated images posing as politicians and others.
Why is AI art so creepy? Exploring psychological, aesthetic, and ethical dimensions
The creepiness of AI art is largely due to the uncanny valley effect, the absence of human touch, and aesthetic dissonance, leaving viewers feeling detached and questioning the artwork’s purpose.
Cubic Information Systems: Driving digital transformation across sectors
Cubic Information Systems has built a reputation for excellence in providing technology solutions that drive business success. The company’s roots are embedded in a commitment to technological innovation and customer-centric service. With a focus on integrating modern information systems into divers…
DGDA warns public against fake auction announcements online
These fraudulent communications falsely claim upcoming car auctions in August, with subscription fees of USD 100 and USD 200.
Intuit boosts revenue outlook with AI innovations
Intuit forecasts fiscal 2025 revenue above Wall Street estimates, driven by increased demand for its AI-driven financial management tools.
Amazon ruled joint employer of subcontracted drivers in California
Teamsters filed several unfair labour practice charges against Amazon after it refused to negotiate a union contract with them.
Insist Net Limited introduces INET TV for Gambian viewers
INET’s launch of INET TV marks a pivotal moment for The Gambia’s digital landscape, offering a local solution to slow internet speeds and inaccessible foreign content. With competitive pricing for diverse content packages, INET TV enhances the viewing experience while demonstrating INET’s commitment…
What is the deep neural network?
Understanding deep neural networks A deep neural network is an advanced type of artificial neural network (ANN) that consists of multiple layers of interconnected nodes, often referred to as neurons. These layers are organised into three main types: the input layer, hidden layers, and the output lay…
Google snags AI pioneer to boost its models
Google has appointed the co-founder of Character to co-lead its AI project, emphasising its commitment to advancing AI technologies.
SET unites to support flood-affected communities
SET mobilised employees to deliver essential relief packages to flood-affected communities, reinforcing commitment to social responsibility.
3 differences between machine learning and deep learning for neural networks
Understanding neural networks in machine learning Neural networks are computational models inspired by the human brain, consisting of interconnected nodes that process information. In the context of machine learning, neural networks are used to recognise patterns, make predictions, and learn from da…
BMW overtakes Tesla in European battery electric vehicle market
OUR TAKE BMW’s recent success in the European BEV market marks a significant shift in the electric vehicle landscape. While Tesla has long dominated this sector, BMW’s ability to surpass Tesla in sales reflects the growing influence of established automakers in the EV space. This development could s…
Perplexity AI to launch ads on search platform by fourth quarter
Perplexity AI said it plans to run ads on its AI-powered search platform in the fourth quarter on Thursday.
Cruise and Uber announce cooperation to deploy robotaxis
The alliance is the latest change in Cruise’s direction since 2023, when its licence to offer driverless rides in California was suspended.
Infineon agrees to pay $837M in Qimonda transfer dispute
Infineon Technologies has settled a legal dispute with Qimonda’s insolvency administrator, agreeing to pay €753.5 million ($837.2 million).
Semiconductor veteran Lip-Bu Tan exits Intel’s board
OUR TAKE Lip-Bu Tan, a semiconductor industry veteran, was brought to Intel two years ago to help the chipmaker make a comeback. Tan, who previously served as executive chair and CEO of Cadence Design Systems, joined Intel’s board in September 2022.–Zora Lin, BTW reporter What happened Intel directo…
Coverage
Market / Trends / Asia-Pacific Trends / Asia-Pacific Cloud Services Trends
In this section: 4 briefingsSilicon Connection to showcase innovations at NEPCON Vietnam
Silicon Connection is set to exhibit at NEPCON Vietnam 2024, a premier event for the electronics industry, highlighting new trends in global supply chains.
M1 launches Maxx plan with massive data and low prices
M1, one of Singapore’s leading telecommunications providers, has launched an exciting new addition to its Maxx SIM-only mobile plan lineup. Unbeatable price with 199GB data and extensive roaming benefits This new plan is designed to deliver outstanding value with an unbeatable price point and exten…
Inligo: AU launches centre to boost Indo-Pacific cable resilience
Launch: the cable connectivity and resilience centre Australia is launching a new Cable Connectivity and Resilience Centre to ensure that undersea cable networks in the Indo-Pacific are resilient and that all countries benefit from reliable connectivity and the growth of the digital economy. This in…
Web Impian’s Mail Niaga: Streamlining MSME email marketing in Malaysia
What is Mail Niaga? Mail Niaga, an email marketing software by Web Impian Sdn Bhd, offers a versatile email communication platform that bridges the gap between businesses and their audiences, available through a convenient monthly subscription. This platform enables businesses to set up autoresponde…
Coverage
Governance / IETF
In this section: 1 briefingIETF seeks feedback with a post-meeting survey for IETF 120
The IETF 120 meeting, which concluded earlier this month, brought together a diverse group of professionals, researchers, and stakeholders from the internet technology sector. The post-meeting survey is a crucial tool for the IETF, allowing organisers to assess various aspects of the event, includin…
Coverage
Market / Trends / Africa Trends / Africa Regional ISP Trends
In this section: 1 briefingMicroTeck drives Botswana towards an internet-connected future
MicroTeck Enterprises is a long-established internet service provider in Botswana with its own 4G and LTE networks providing reliable internet access and value-added services. As a partner in national infrastructure development, MicroTeck not only serves the domestic market, but also connects Botswa…
Coverage
Market / Trends / North America Trends / North America Cloud Services Trends
In this section: 3 briefingsVolvo selects Monterrey for its new heavy-duty truck plant
The Swedish multinational Volvo Group announced that it has chosen Monterrey, located in northern Mexico, as the site for its new heavy-duty truck manufacturing facility in North America.
GM’s Cruise recalls 1,200 robotaxis to conclude US investigation
General Motors’ autonomous driving unit, Cruise, has recalled around 1,200 robotaxis following an investigation by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration into hard braking issues that led to three rear-end collisions.
Chinese firms seek US chips via Amazon cloud
State-linked Chinese entities utilises cloud services from Amazon to gain U.S. AI chips, which they cannot get due to export restrictions
Coverage
Market / Trends / Africa Trends / Africa Cloud Services Trends
In this section: 2 briefingsWasabi’s innovations in Australia’s higher education IT landscape
iRENALA promotes education and scientific network in Madagascar Remote learning and data access With the rise of remote learning and global research collaboration, seamless access to data and IT systems is critical. Wasabi offers agile, secure, and efficient cloud storage solutions, inclu…
EFG Hermes unveils a rebranded, all-new seamless trading platform
EFG Hermes, the leading investment bank in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, offers a comprehensive range of financial services including advisory, asset management, securities brokerage, research, and private equity.
Coverage
Market / Trends / Europe and Middle East Trends / Europe and Middle East Cloud Services Trends
In this section: 2 briefingsMeta and Spotify press Europe for clearer open-source AI rules
Mark Zuckerberg and Daniel Ek used a joint August 2024 statement to argue that fragmented EU AI and privacy rules risk delaying model releases, developer access and creator tools in Europe.
Mike Lynch death turns Bayesian sinking into a tech-governance watchpoint
Mike Lynch's death in the Bayesian sinking is a technology-sector event because it changes founder legacy, litigation memory, and continuity questions around Lynch-linked companies.
Coverage
Market / Trends / North America Trends / North America Datacenter Trends
In this section: 1 briefingEdged Energy opens first North American data centre
OUR TAKE Edged, a subsidiary of Endeavour, has nearly a dozen new data centres either operational or under construction across Europe and North America. Each data centre on the Edged Atlanta campus is fitted with the ThermalWorks waterless cooling system. This system is expected to conserve nearly …
Coverage
Market / Trends / Global Trends / Global Regional ISP Trends
In this section: 1 briefingMalawi launches LIONEX: The first neutral internet exchange point
Malawi introduces LIONEX, its first neutral internet exchange point, to enhance local and connectivity, driving digital economy growth.
Coverage
Market / Trends / Global Trends / Global National Telecom Trends
In this section: 2 briefingsVerizon introduces free Netflix with new NFL+ streaming bundle
OUR TAKEIn a competitive telecommunications market, bundling services like National Football League (NFL) streaming and Netflix helps Verizon differentiate itself from other providers. This strategy can make Verizon’s offerings more appealing compared to competitors who may not provide similar bundl…
What are different types of spectrum internet plans?
Spectrum Internet, a leading broadband service by Charter Communications, is recognised for its reliable high-speed internet and broad national coverage. With flexible plans tailored to various needs, Spectrum offers a straightforward and hassle-free internet experience, making it a popular choice f…
Coverage
Market / Trends / Global Trends / Global Institutional Trends
In this section: 3 briefingsItalian minister pressures Stellantis for battery plant commitment
OUR TAKEItaly’s government is pressing Stellantis to commit to its planned battery plant in Termoli, emphasiing the urgency due to significant public investment at stake. This situation highlights the broader challenges and tensions between governments and multinational corporations regarding strate…
6 reasons why the government should regulate the internet
The internet revolutionises life and communication. Government regulation navigates digital challenges, balancing freedom and oversight.
What is an internet policy and why is it important?
Internet policy is essential for a secure digital environment. Comprehensive regulations are also crucial in the digital age.
Coverage
Governance / ICANN
In this section: 1 briefingICANN publishes new DNSSEC trust anchor to prepare for 2026
OUR TAKEICANN, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, recently announced an important update in the realm of internet security with the publication of a new DNSSEC (Domain Name System Security Extensions) trust anchor. This update is going to make the DNS, which is basically the in…