< Previous10 edge_september 2023 news The move follows a series of turbulent years for the company Toshiba prepares for $14 billion buyout deal to go private BUSINESS Toshiba has announced the initiation of its previously declared plan to privatize the struggling Japanese conglomerate, in a transaction valued at approximately $14 billion. This move follows a series of turbulent years for the company. According to reports, the consortium led by Japan Industrial Partners, which will take over control through the nearly $14 billion agreement, comprises 17 Japanese enterprises and six Japanese banks. Toshiba had indicated that if the consortium fails to acquire a minimum of 66.7 percent of the outstanding shares, the tender offer announced in March would be terminated. Two years ago, the company faced uncertainty due to a substantial buyout proposal from the private equity firm CVC Capital Partners. The subsequent abandonment of the CVC offer prompted discussions about splitting the company and divesting its device segment, a move met with resistance from certain investors. Although Toshiba grew into a sprawling conglomerate, it has been in a state of turmoil since a profit-inflation scandal in 2015. The first space tourism flight by Virgin Galactic carried six passengers The reusable rocket-powered spacecraft VSS Unity operated by Virgin Galactic, which was carrying the company’s first group of space passengers, launched and landed successfully. Galactic 02, the mission, launched from Spaceport America in New Mexico. Six people, including the spacecraft’s commander, former NASA astronaut CJ Sturckow, pilot Kelly Latimer, and chief astronaut instructor Beth Moses of Virgin Galactic, who prepared the crew for the journey, were on board. Anastatia Mayers and Keisha Schahaff travelled to the edge of space for the first time as a mother and daughter. 80-year-old Jon Goodwin also joined them on Virgin Galactic’s maiden tourism flight, where the group experienced zero gravity. Virgin Galactic completes first space tourism flight SPACEB efore the cloud, AirDrop, and USB flash drives reigned the data storage space, there was the floppy disk. To today’s Gen Z’ers and even some younger millennials, it’s often playfully referred to as the 3D-printed version of the “save” icon. But back in the day, this square-shaped wonder was the ultimate keeper of data. The floppy disk, also known as a “diskette,” was the prominent storage medium. These disks were used for reading and writing data using a floppy disk drive (FDD) and were made with a slender, pliable magnetic disk, snugly encased in a rectangular plastic shell. Floppy disks dominated the market from the 70s to the 90s, serving as primary tool for data storage, backups, and data transfer between computers. Their history traces back to 1967, when IBM in San Jose, California, pioneered the world’s first 8-inch floppy disk and drive, which hit the market in 1971. A smaller 5.25-inch format emerged in 1976, finding popularity in word processing and personal computers. However, most people associate floppy disks or diskettes with the more compact 3.5-inch format, which was introduced in 1982. The standard 3.5-inch floppy disk could only hold a paltry 1.44 MB of data. Yes, that’s it! If you needed to move file sizes larger than 1.44 MB, there were programmes that could partition files into blocks, which would require multiple disks. To put things into perspective, the maximum file size for a TikTok video can reach 278.6 MB. This means that in order to save just one TikTok video, you would need 194 3.5- inch floppy disks. For over four decades, floppy disks enjoyed popularity, but their usage began to decline in the mid-to late 90s. The rise of high-speed computer networking and the advent of formats based on NAND flash technology, such as USB flash drives and memory cards, contributed to the eventual obsolescence of the floppy disk as a dominant storage device. After the year 2000, floppy disks became increasingly rare and were primarily used with older hardware and legacy industrial computer equipment. Though floppy disks have long been obsolete, these little square plastics that once ruled the world of data will forever be fondly regarded as an integral part of the technology that fuelled the rise of personal computing. No, it’s not the 3D-printed ‘save’ button efore the clo USB flash data storage the floppy disk. To today’s Gen Z’e younger millennials, i referred to as the 3D- the “save” icon. But ba square-shaped wonder keeper of data. The floppy disk, a “diskette,” was the p medium.These disk reading and writing d disk drive (FDD) and a slender, pliable mag encased in a rectang Floppy disks dom from the serv tottt ssto aaand bbbbetwe ThThThTheir bbbback to iiiin San ppioneered 888-inch floppy which hit the m ssmaller 5.25-inch iiin 1976, finding p processing and per However, most peop No, it vintage tech 11 edge_ september 2023 By Adelle Geronimo12 edge_september 2023 feature GITEX GLOBAL 2023 The year to imagine AI in everything EVENTedge_september 2023 13 feature G ITEX Global has emerged as a beacon of innovation, a gathering of the brightest and boldest minds shaping the future through technology. With its 43rd edition set to take place between October 16 and 20, 2023, the event is poised to once again redefine the boundaries of what’s possible in the tech industry. After a remarkable and record-breaking 2022 edition, which generated a total economic output of $707 million (AED 2.6 billion), GITEX Global has earned its reputation as the world’s largest and most inclusive tech event. It’s considered as a global stage where ideas and revolutionary technologies take centre stage. To be held under the theme ‘The year to imagine AI in everything,’ GITEX Global 2023 promises to be an extraordinary convergence of tech innovators, inventors, academics, researchers, and developers. It will bring pioneers of artificial intelligence, architects of tomorrow’s urban landscapes, and guardians of cybersecurity together to shape our collective future. Here are the different showcases you can expect at GITEX Global this year: Co-located events GLOBAL DEVSLAM Inaugurated in 2022, the Global DevSlam is an event with the objective of establishing a dynamic $707MN Revenue generated by GITEX Global in 2022 X-VERSE Experience 25 industry-intensive metaverse applications that are recognised both globally and regionally14 edge_september 2023 feature New venues GITEX Global has expanded significantly, surpassing the capacity of the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). Consequently, several key events, including an upgraded Expand North Star, will take place from October 15 to 18, 2023 at a second prestigious location, Dubai Harbour. EXPAND NORTH STAR Expand North Star is an international startup exhibition presented by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy and managed by the Dubai World Trade Centre. This annual event boasts over 1,000 exhibitors hailing from 60 different countries. Originating seven years ago as GITEX Future Stars, the event was initially held in conjunction with GITEX Global. As its structure, format, and content evolved, it transformed into an independent exhibition with a primary focus on venture capitalists, unicorns, scale-ups, startups, and key stakeholders from the technology ecosystem. FINTECH SURGE Fintech Surge is dedicated to the Paytech, Insurtech, Regtech, Wealth and Asset Management, and Digital Banking sectors. It aims to serve as a focal point for entrepreneurs, innovators, investors, and regulators in the MENA region. In 2022, the event hosted over 100 prominent financial institutions, including Mastercard and Mashreq Bank, as well as global regulators, financial entities, and unicorns, engaging in groundbreaking discussions and workshops. MARKETING MANIA Marketing Mania is a trade show dedicated to marketing, communications, and creative technology. In its 2022 iteration, the event featured an hub for international coders and developers within the United Arab Emirates (UAE). According to its organisers, the 2022 iteration successfully brought together 10,000 coders and developers from renowned tech companies such as Anaconda, AWS, Google, Instagram, Microsoft, Oracle, and Red Hat. Spanning four days, the event also encompasses Pycon MEA, featuring a roster of accomplished Python experts. X-VERSE Making its return this year is X-VERSE, an immersive metaverse experience. Inspired by Dubai’s strategic plan to secure a place among the world’s top 10 cities in the Metaverse Economy, X-VERSE is set to bring together the most cutting-edge tech ecosystems from across the globe. AI EVERYTHING Ai Everything is hosted under the patronage of the United Arab Emirates’ Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy & Remote Work Application Office. The event is committed to the field of artificial intelligence, aiming to foster a deeper comprehension of AI technology and its enduring possibilities. What’s new? Excitingly, GITEX Global 2023 also unveils two new co-located shows: GITEX IMPACT and Future Urbanism Expo, reinforcing its commitment to empower and unite tech communities on a global scale. These additions promise to amplify the impact of technology on our lives and environment, from enhancing business solutions to fast-tracking sustainability and the evolution of our cities. AI takes centre stage GITEX Global exhibitors will share the latest in all things AI Inspiring insigths The event will feature 18 conference tracksedge_september 2023 15 feature extensive programme offering 120 hours of content presented by more than 80 industry experts. Additionally, young professionals had the valuable opportunity to receive mentorship from 40 Directors and Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs) representing renowned international brands such as Google, Pearson, Boots, and Camelot. FUTURE BLOCKCHAIN SUMMIT The Future Blockchain Summit is known as the MENA region’s most immersive large- scale blockchain event. This year, the event is undergoing a transformation with a fresh concept aimed at empowering disruptors, enabling change-makers, and inspiring innovators within Global audience GITEX Global attracts over 5,000 exhibiting companies from 90 countries In May 2023, GITEX launched the first African edition of Dubai’s annual tech show, which took place in Marrakech, Morocco the Web 3.0, blockchain, crypto, NFT, metaverse, and gaming communities. SUPERBRIDGE SUMMIT DUBAI The sidelines of this year’s GITEX Global will also see the launch of the Superbridge Summit Dubai, a 2-day conference that will drive strategic partnerships and powerful collaborations between investors, business leaders, family offices and major institutions making an impact in the fastest-growing economies. The inaugural edition of the SuperBridge Summit Dubai will take place from October 16 to 17, 2023 at the Museum of the Future in Dubai, UAE. 16 edge_september 2023 interview Securing the future with AI This year’s theme for GITEX is ‘The year to imagine AI in everything.’ How is artificial intelligence (AI) reshaping the cybersecurity industry? AI is a transformative force in the industry, and we recognise the profound impact that it’s having on enhancing cybersecurity strategies. With the ever- evolving threat landscape, AI-powered technologies are helping us to not only predict and prevent cyberattacks, but also respond to them in real-time. AI-driven solutions enable organisations to analyse vast amounts of data and identify patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed. This empowers them to proactively detect threats, even those with sophisticated attack techniques. AI-enhanced cybersecurity solutions have improved threat detection accuracy, reduced false positives, and enabled faster incident response, thereby bolstering the overall security posture of businesses. By integrating AI into our security operations, we can automate routine tasks, freeing up human resources for more strategic and complex decision- making. This synergy between human expertise and AI capabilities empowers organisations to stay ahead of emerging threats, mitigate risks, and ensure a robust Alain Penel, Regional Vice President for the Middle East, Turkey, and CIS, Fortinet, delves into how AI is reshaping the cybersecurity landscape, how the company is harnessing this technology to combat evolving threats, and shares their key objectives for GITEX Global 2023 CYBERSECURITY defence against cyber adversaries. By incorporating AI into our Security Fabric, Fortinet is at the forefront of creating an intelligent cybersecurity ecosystem. As we continue to imagine AI in every aspect of cybersecurity, we’re witnessing a revolution that’s reshaping the industry, making it more proactive, responsive, and adaptive than ever before. How can AI help address challenges such as declining ransomware detection and increasing APT activity? What is Fortinet’s approach to this? In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, Fortinet recognises the pivotal role that AI plays in addressing these challenges head-on. Our approach to countering these threats is grounded in the integration of AI-powered technologies that enhance our ability to detect, prevent, and respond to emerging risks. AI-driven threat detection models analyse real-time data to uncover intricate patterns and anomalies that might otherwise go unnoticed. This empowers us to identify new ransomware variants and recognise the sophisticated tactics, techniques, and procedures associated with APTs with heightened accuracy and speed. edge_september 2023 17 interview Additionally, behavioural analysis – a cornerstone of our strategy, enables us to establish baseline user and network behaviours, promptly flagging deviations indicative of ransomware attacks or APT campaigns. Fortinet leverages AI to analyse vast repositories of threat intelligence data, thus allowing us to remain proactive in the face of evolving threats. Furthermore, our AI-driven automation ensures swift responses to potential threats. Upon detection, automated responses can be activated to contain the threat, isolate compromised systems, and initiate incident response workflows. This, combined with adaptive learning, ensures that our AI models continuously evolve to counter new threat vectors and attack methodologies. Fortinet’s commitment to integrating AI into our Security Fabric also empowers organisations to pre- emptively safeguard their networks, data, and critical assets, establishing a robust defence against even the most sophisticated cyber adversaries. AI, like cybersecurity, involves not only technology but also about skilled professionals. What initiatives is Fortinet undertaking to promote education and build a skilled workforce, both globally and in the Middle East region? We firmly believe that the synergy between technology and skilled professionals is the key to a robust cybersecurity landscape. That’s why we’re committed to fostering education, nurturing talent, and building a skilled workforce globally and within the Middle East. Our initiatives are designed not only to address the immediate skills gap, but also to cultivate a sustainable pipeline of talent that can adapt to the evolving threat landscape. Globally, Fortinet’s NSE (Network Security Expert) Institute stands as a testament to our dedication to education. Through this initiative, we provide individuals with the opportunity to enhance their knowledge and skills, earn certifications, and stay up to date with the latest industry trends. In the Middle East specifically, we also actively engage in initiatives that promote cybersecurity education. We collaborate with educational institutions, government bodies, and industry partners to develop tailored programmes that address regional challenges and requirements. By providing resources, training, and certification programmes, we empower local professionals to excel in the dynamic field of cybersecurity. Moreover, Fortinet actively supports cybersecurity competitions and hackathons globally and in the Middle East. Additionally, we are committed to bridging the gender gap through programmes that encourage women’s participation in the industry. We believe that diversity enhances innovation and problem-solving, making our collective defence against cyber threats stronger. What are Fortinet’s key objectives and focus areas for GITEX this year, and what can attendees expect from your team? At GITEX GLOBAL 2023, Fortinet will be showcasing an array of advanced cybersecurity solutions and innovations, including SASE/SD-WAN, OT, Cloud, SecOps, and the Fortinet Security Fabric. At the Fortinet booth in Hall 7, Booth A20, attendees will be able to experience hands-on demonstrations that exemplify the power of our cutting-edge solutions, while our global cybersecurity experts will be available to discuss the latest industry trends and future-proof strategies. Attendees will be able to uncover our expertise in securing IT/OT convergence, including how we ensure that operational technology environments have the highest level of protection. Furthermore, with an emphasis on detecting, protecting, and proactively responding to evolving threats, we’ll be sharing how we place a premium on Threat Intelligence. Our cybersecurity specialists will be able to engage with you and discuss customised security solutions based on your specific needs. We look forward to seeing you there! “We firmly believe that the synergy between technology and skilled professionals is the key to a robust cybersecurity landscape” Alain Penel, Regional Vice President – Middle East, Turkey, and CIS, Fortinet18 edge_september 2023 cover storyedge_september 2023 19 cover story LEARNING CURVE How technology innovations are reshaping the educational landscape and redefining the future beyond classrooms EDUCATION By Adelle GeronimoNext >