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: 37 briefingsMicrosoft previews Bing generative research
Microsoft has unveiled Bing generative search, a new feature that aims to rival Google’s AI-powered search capabilities. This feature is supported by a combination of AI models, which gather and summarise information from the web in response to search queries.
ServiceNow reports strong sales on expanded product line
OUR TAKESoftware company ServiceNow has reported impressive second-quarter results, with subscription sales up a substantial 23% to $2.54 billion, beating analyst forecasts. The increase reflects robust demand for the company’s expanded suite of AI-powered software tools. By expanding into new areas…
SK Hynix’s revenue more than doubles as demand for AI booms
OUR TAKESK Hynix has shown a remarkable financial performance this quarter, with revenues reaching $11.9 billion, exceeding the expected $11.7 billion. This success is largely due to the company’s dominance in the AI hardware market, particularly in high-bandwidth memory chips, which are critical fo…
Decoding RTO: Your disaster recovery lifeline
Recovery time objective (RTO) is a critical measure in disaster recovery planning, defining the maximum amount of time an organisation’s operations can be down following a disaster before unacceptable consequences occur. As businesses become more reliant on digital infrastructure, the RTO becomes in…
Crisis management: The role of disaster recovery centres
Disaster Recovery Centres (DRCs) play a key role in ensuring business continuity in the event of unforeseen disruptions, such as natural disasters or cyber-attacks. These specialised facilities are designed to protect critical data and maintain essential operations, minimising downtime and potential…
IBM reports growth in AI bookings, beating earnings estimates
In the second quarter, IBM’s sales grew by 2% to $15.8 billion, with the software division seeing revenues climb by 7% to $6.7 billion, both exceeding analysts’ expectations.
What is disaster recovery and how does it work?
Disaster recovery is a subset of business continuity planning, focusing on restoring critical business functions after a disruptive event.
What are the goals of a disaster recovery plan?
A disaster recovery plan (DRP) is a meticulously documented strategy that delineates how an organisation will react to and recover from unplanned incidents, enabling the resumption of business operations.
What is RTP and RPO in disaster recovery?
In a DRP, setting appropriate values for RPO and RTO is fundamental for businesses seeking to minimise data loss and downtime.
SK Hynix hits record profit amid AI chip demand surge
SK Hynix reported its highest quarterly profit since 2018 due to high demand for AI-essential HBM chips, but its shares fell 8.4%.
Key management server: Guardian of a secure digital world
In today’s digital age, data security is one of the important issues that organisations and enterprises must pay high attention to. Key management server (KMS), as a key tool for data security, is increasingly becoming an integral part of organisations. The effective use of KMS can help organisation…
Quectel expands antenna portfolio for IoT devices with 5G
OUR TAKE Quectel has also added YECN001J1A and YECT000WBA external 5G antennas to its portfolio. Both antennas cover 5G NR bands below 6ghz and are compatible with 4G, 3G, 2G and LPWA bands. For those who prioritise GNSS, Quectel has introduced the YEGB000Q1A and YEGN000Q1A active GNSS L1 and L5 ext…
Grayscale’s Ethereum lead at risk as big investors launch ETFs
OUR TAKEGrayscale’s position in the cryptocurrency world is getting increasingly tumultuous. The market went wild when bitcoin ETFs were first approved. Now, with Ethereum ETFs on the rise, Grayscale’s dominant status seems to be tottering. Look at the financial giants like Fidelity and BlackRock, t…
When the management server fails: A digital disaster
In our hyper-connected, always-on digital world, the management server’s role cannot be overstated. It is the unseen conductor orchestrating the symphony of IT operations, ensuring seamless interactions, optimal performance, and stringent security protocols. But what happens when this linchpin goes …
SK Hynix posts record profit as AI demand boosts investment
OUR TAKESK Hynix is turning things around. After a deficit last year, the company posted a significant profit in the second quarter, marking its strongest performance in six years. Fueled by the AI boom, their high-bandwidth memory (HBM) has become highly sought after, driving prices up rapidly. Des…
We may meet the iPhone SE 4 early next year
Apple launched the iPhone SE two years ago, and the fourth-gen may arrive next year,offering a premium experience at a budget-friendly price.
Trump shooter employed a drone as a ‘rearview mirror’ prior to the incident
Trump shooter used a drone prior to the rally like a ‘rearview mirror’.The camera drone made by DJI that maybe helped him plan his attack.
Microsoft introduces AI-Powered summaries in Bing search experience
OUR TAKEMicrosoft’s focus on AI-powered summaries in search engines signifies a significant shift towards more efficient and personalized search experiences for users, leveraging advanced technologies to deliver relevant information quickly. Compared with a similar tool from a few years ago called A…
CrowdStrike glitch causes $5B in losses
OUR TAKE The unprecedented global IT outage caused by CrowdStrike’s software glitch highlights the critical need for more robust testing and validation processes in cybersecurity firms. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities within our interconnected digital infrastructure a…
Kremlin jails father of Russia’s Internet
OUR TAKE Soldatov, a nuclear physicist by training, began his career at the Kurchatov Institute of Atomic Energy, the Soviet Union’s leading nuclear research facility during the Cold War. He was accused of abusing his power while managing a pool of ip addresses for an organization for which he had n…
Mistral launches $640M Large 2, rivaling AI giants with new model
OUR TAKEMistral’s Large 2 makes a strong debut, challenging Meta and OpenAI’s giants. However, size isn’t everything. With 123 billion parameters compared to Llama’s 405 billion, Large 2’s precision over brute force is intriguing. Yet, its closed-source nature and expensive licensing could be off-pu…
Microsoft unveil new GenAI search Bing with billion-user potential
OUR TAKEMicrosoft’s got a new trick up its sleeve with Bing generative search. It’s like Google’s AI Overview, but with a Microsoft twist. They’re aiming to spit out comprehensive summaries that’ll make your head spin. But, let’s be real, AI-generated info ain’t always spot on like Google’s AI Overv…
Zuckerberg aims to rival OpenAI, Google with new Llama AI model
OUR TAKEMeta has unveiled a new and powerful AI model, the Llama 3.1, which it aims to make the world’s most used chatbot by the end of the year. This model powers the Meta AI chatbot in apps such as Instagram and WhatsApp, marking Meta’s shift towards becoming a foundational player in AI, independe…
Google sees $85B revenue surge with Search and AI success
OUR TAKE Alphabet’s remarkable financial performance highlights the crucial role of its Search and AI innovations in driving revenue growth. The impressive Q2 results underscore Google’s strategic focus on expanding its AI capabilities and cloud services, reflecting its ongoing commitment to technol…
What are the different types of EV chargers?
EV chargers are classified as Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3, each with different charging speeds and power requirements. Choosing the Right Chargers involves considering charging speed requirements and usage habits to enhance the EV charging experience.
Why are EV chargers so expensive?
Electric vehicles (EVs) are seen as a major step forward in reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable transport. However, there are still several factors that contribute to the high cost of EV chargers, ranging from technological complexity, installation and infrastructure requirements, to…
Tesla moves toward humanoid robots and self-driving Taxis
OUR TAKEIn the face of weakening demand for electric vehicles and pressure to cut costs, Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk announced a major direction for the company’s future via social media: Starting next year, Tesla will begin producing and using humanoid robots, with initial plans for internal use, and Tes…
Spotify CEO reveals upcoming ‘deluxe version’ with hi-fi audio
OUR TAKESpotify is planning to launch a new service tier called deluxe version which will offer lossless audio and a range of advanced features such as advanced library management, AI-powered playlists, and headphone sound quality optimisation as additional options to its existing premium subscripti…
Why are EV chargers so unreliable?
Electric vehicle (EV) chargers are crucial to the adoption and functionality of electric vehicles. However, users often find themselves facing issues with these chargers, such as complete malfunctions to slow charging speeds. Addressing these challenges will require a concerted effort by manufacture…
Who manufactures EV chargers?
Modern EV chargers are equipped with smart technology that enhances the user experience by enabling remote monitoring, control via smartphone apps and integration with renewable energy sources to optimise energy use. Key manufacturers such as Tesla, BYD, ChargePoint and ABB are responding to these m…
OpenAI transfers key AI safety executive to focus on AI reasoning
OpenAI reassigned its AI safety executive to a role aimed at AI reasoning, demonstrating the company’s dedication to enhancing AI technology.
Multiple uses for air tags: More than just tracking
Air tags are not just for tracking lost items, but they offer a myriad of applications that enhance convenience, security, and peace of mind.
What are EV chargers and how do they work?
An EV charger is a device that pulls electrical current from a power source and delivers it to an EV, ensuring the battery remains charged. EV chargers are classified as Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3, each with different charging speeds and power requirements.
Meta launches an enhanced version of its Llama 3 AI model
OUR TAKEMeta Platforms has released an enhanced version of its Llama 3 AI model which advances significantly in multilingual capabilities and performance, approaching and surpassing paid models in the industry. By making these models freely available to developers, Meta aims to foster innovation and…
Can Apple’s AirTag be equivalent to GPS tracker?
While Apple‘s AirTag can effectively track the location of personal items, it does so not through GPS technology, but through a Bluetooth connection and the Find My network for location tracking. The main difference between AirTag and GPS is the way they acquire location information and the scenario…
Using Apple AirTags with Android phones: Is it possible?
Apple’s AirTags offer excellent tracking features, but its functionality is significantly limited for Android users.
Can all EVs use Tesla Superchargers?
While Tesla has its own extensive network of superchargers tailored to Tesla vehicles, other electric vehicles (EVs) often use different charging standards, and compatibility between Tesla chargers and non-Tesla EVs is not widespread without additional equipment. The exclusivity of Tesla’s charging …
Coverage
Market / Trends / Global Trends / Global Institutional Trends
In this section: 2 briefingsChinese stocks in worst slump since January as policy hopes fade
OUR TAKEThe recent downturn in the Chinese stock market has caused widespread concern, with the CSI 300 Index falling significantly, losing over 3% in just three days. This decline, the sharpest since January, indicates growing investor concern following the Third Plenum, which failed to deliver the…
Tyler Technologies boosts forecast by $40M amid soaring demand
OUR TAKEIn the realm of tech and profits, Tyler Technologies is a standout. The company is essentially the digital whisperer for the public sector, fulfilling its IT needs. When states like California modernised their online services, streamlining tax payments and license renewals, Tyler’s expertise…
Coverage
Market / Trends / Global Trends / Global Datacenter Trends
In this section: 1 briefingHow does your data centre recover from a disaster?
Data centre disaster recovery plan(DRP) is critical to maintaining business continuity and protecting valuable data from a range of threats, including cyber-attacks, human error and power outages. A comprehensive DRP includes detailed risk assessments, strategic backup protocols and robust redundanc…
Coverage
Market / Trends / Asia-Pacific Trends / Asia-Pacific Institutional Trends
In this section: 1 briefingMalaysia pushes social media giants to tackle cybercrime
Malaysia’s government has urged social media platforms to intensify efforts against a surge in harmful online content.
Coverage
Market / Trends / Asia-Pacific Trends / Asia-Pacific Cloud Services Trends
In this section: 3 briefingsTaiwanese startup TiSpace aims to launch rocket in Japan
TiSpace, a Taiwanese startup, is poised to become the first foreign company to launch a rocket from Japan in early 2025.
China’s BYD surpasses Tesla in the Singapore and Southeast Asia EV market
OUR TAKEOn the one hand, BYD’s success in Singapore and Southeast Asia highlights the increasing competition in the EV market. On the other hand, Tesla has faced challenges with a decline in market share in Southeast Asia, reporting its lowest profit margin in over five years and missing earnings ta…
Credit Saison invests $100M in Brazil to boost Latin American expansion
OUR TAKECredit Saison’s Brazil play is bold, echoing their India success story. Mori’s ambition to scale up from $100M to potentially half a billion in a few years shows they’re betting big on Brazil’s fintech potential. But let’s not forget, rapid expansion in emerging markets can be tricky. Rememb…
Coverage
Market / Trends / Africa Trends / Africa Institutional Trends
In this section: 1 briefingMercury cuts services in Ukraine, Nigeria amid compliance shift
OUR TAKEMercury’s move to cut ties with Ukraine amidst their risk-tightening spree feels a bit off-key. It’s not like Ukraine’s been on any sanctions list, and their startup scene’s been buzzing. Reminds me of when PayPal famously froze accounts of foreign freelancers, citing similar compliance reas…
Coverage
Market / Trends / Global Trends / Global Regional ISP Trends
In this section: 1 briefingThe backbone of digital infrastructure: Server management
In an era where digital transformation is the mantra, the invisible engine that drives this transformation is server management. This often-overlooked aspect of IT is the bedrock upon which modern enterprises stand. But what exactly is server management, and why should you care? Uptime and reliabili…
Coverage
Market / Trends / North America Trends / North America Cloud Services Trends
In this section: 3 briefingsRegulators from the US, Europe unite to safeguard effective competition in AI industry
OUR TAKEThe effective regulation of AI competition is vital to ensure a competitive, innovative, and fair environment that promotes growth and benefits society as a whole. And a joint statement is a effective way to promote that. This move signals a proactive stance by these major regulators to addr…
Ferrari expands crypto payment system to Europe after US success
Ferrari is expanding its cryptocurrency payment system to its European dealership network from the end of July 2024, following a successful launch in the United States.
Top tech news stories today: July 25, 2024
Fintech 1. Ferrari extends cryptocurrency payment system to Europe after US launch Ferrari said on Wednesday it would extend its scheme to accept payments in cryptocurrency for its luxury sports cars to its European dealership network from the end of this month, after starting in the US last year. (…
Coverage
Market / Trends / Global Trends / Global National Telecom Trends
In this section: 1 briefingHackers cash in, AT&T’s $370K payout for stolen data deletion
OUR TAKEAT&T’s decision to pay a ransom to a hacker underscores the severity and complexity of cybersecurity threats faced by major corporations. This incident highlights the urgent need for stronger security measures and protocols to protect sensitive data from breaches.— Zoey Zhu, BTW reporter Wha…