july 2024 / vol. 2 issue 7 / an ITP Media Group publication How local clouds are leading Middle East’s digital evolution The strategic shiftedge_ july 2024 3 contents july 2024 12 10 24 cover story The Middle East’s cloud revolution Embracing local infrastructures for data sovereignty 244 edge_ july 2024 contents From Page 32 32 contents 38 other stories From insight to automation The evolution of Riverbed IQ 2.0 38 Gadget Watch 6 amazing gadgets to keep an eye out for 44 Review The Honor Magic 6 Pro redefines smartphone capabilities 48 Establishing Dubai as an AI hubedge_ july 2024 5 editor’s letter PO Box 500024, Dubai, UAE Tel: +971 (0)4 444 3000 Web: www.itp.com Offi ces in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, London, Mumbai, Riyadh & Geneva ITP Media Group CEO Ali Akawi Managing Director Alex Reeve Editorial Group Editor Kate-Lynne Wolmarans +971 4 444 3541 / kate.wolmarans@itp.com Editor Sindhu V Kashyap +971 4 444 3497 / sindhu.varadarayan@itp.com Commercial Editor Arya Devi +971 4 444 3175 / arya.devi@itp.com Art Art Director Amjad Ayche Art Editor Tofi q Memon Contributing Designer Muhammed Nahas Advertising Group Commercial Director Anup Nagpurkar +971 4 444 3573 / anup.nagpurkar@itp.com Group Commercial Manager Priyanka Pillai +971 4 444 3399 / priyanka.pillai@itp.com Client Services Manager Cherylann DAbreo +971 4 444 3404 / cherlyann.dabreo@itp.com Photography Videographer Muhammad Kaleem Senior Video Editor Liju Cheruvathur Social Media & Production Manager Andy Ruedas Production Production Coordinator Manoj Mahadevan Senior Image Editor Emmalyn Robles Distribution Circulation Executive Rajesh Pillai Distribution Coordinator Avinash Pereira ITP Group CEO Ali Akawi CFO Toby Jay Spencer-Davies Welcome to this edition of edge/, where we explore the pivotal themes of localisation, data sovereignty, and the construction of local cloud infrastructure. Our cover story explores the growing importance of building a localised digital ecosystem in the Middle East, focusing on how regional cloud services shape the future of data management and security. Data sovereignty, a critical aspect of this narrative, underscores the role of businesses in ensuring data is stored and processed within national borders, in compliance with local regulations. This issue provides a comprehensive look at the strategies you can employ to navigate the complexities of data sovereignty and enhance your operational resilience, empowering you to take control of your data. The spotlight also shines on the development of local cloud platforms, highlighting key players and innovative solutions that prioritise data security and regulatory compliance. These localised infrastructures boost the economy and ensure faster and more reliable services for users within the region. In addition to our cover story, we dive deeper into the ethical aspects of technology with tips on building unbiased and inclusive AI models. This includes employing diverse training datasets to prevent algorithmic biases, continuously monitoring discriminatory patterns, and engaging multidisciplinary teams to assess AI systems from various cultural and ethical perspectives. We are also excited to feature an exclusive interview with a pioneer in the region, the Deputy CEO of Dubai Future Foundation. We hope this edition empowers you to make informed decisions in technological endeavours. Localise to optimise Stay curious, stay secure! Sindhu V Kashyap editor Published by and © 2024 ITP MEDIA GROUP FZ-LLC The publishers regret that they cannot accept liability for error or omissions contained in this publication, however caused. The opinions and views contained in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. Readers are advised to seek specialist advice before acting on information contained in this publication, which is provided for general use and may not be appropriate for the readers’ particular circumstances. The ownership of trademarks is acknowledged. No part of this publication or any part of the contents thereof may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form without the permission of the publishers in writing. An exemption is hereby granted for extracts used for the purpose of fair review.6 edge_ july 2024 news Epicor acquires KYKLO to drive digital transformation and enhance B2B Sales Epicor, the industry-specific enterprise software company, has acquired KYKLO, a product information management (PIM) and content- driven lead generation solutions company, to drive sales for distributors and manufacturers. While the financial terms of the deal were undisclosed, a company statement stated that the acquisition accelerates delivery of Epicor’s AI-driven cognitive ERP vision to transform traditional ERP from a system of record to a system of insight and action, keeping employees at the forefront with easy-to-use, practical, outcome- focused, and responsible AI. With KYKLO, Epicor customers can easily create, manage, and deploy product information such as content, price, and inventory across multiple channels to generate qualified leads and revenue. news bytes Stay in the loop with the latest news and trends from the tech scene With this acquisition the industry-specific enterprise software company will enable better product information management and robust lead generation for B2B industries BUSINESSedge_ july 2024 7 news BUSINESS The combined entity now aims to offer a larger variety of software capabilities to their clients IFS expands global footprint with the acquisition of Copperleaf Technologies IFS, the cloud and industry AI software company, announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to buy Copperleaf Technologies. An advanced provider of AI- powered enterprise Asset Investment Planning and Management (“AIPM”) software, Copperleaf offers compelling capabilities that add further depth to IFS’s position as the foremost global Enterprise Application Software provider for Asset—and service-centric industries. The transaction’s completion is subject to customary conditions, including court approval, Copperleaf shareholders’ approval, and regulatory approval under the Canadian Competition Act. It is anticipated that the acquisition of Copperleaf will be completed in the third quarter of 2024. Both IFS and Copperleaf combined can one offer organisations a large breadth and depth of software capabilities. The clients will now have access to advanced Industrial AI-powered software to manage every element of the assets that are so crucial to their business – across their lifecycle – in order to drive efficiency and effectiveness in their operations. Copperleaf ’s software manages over two trillion dollars of physical and digital assets worldwide, providing data and insights to help customers optimise investment decisions. The study reveals a cautious yet promising approach to AI in cybersecurity Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI and ML) are widely acknowledged as vital components in the future cybersecurity landscape. Yet, their current integration into cybersecurity functions remains limited. According to the Check Point 2024 Cloud Security report, 91 per cent of organisations view adopting AI as a priority and highlight vulnerability assessment and threat detection as the key benefits. However, 61 per cent of respondents also acknowledged that their organisation is in the planning or development phases of adopting AI and ML for cybersecurity. The survey reveals an industry proceeding cautiously. Only 24 per cent described their efforts as “maturing” or “advanced,” and 15 per cent have yet to implement these technologies. This cautious approach highlights the industry’s ongoing evaluation of AI’s benefits and risks and the development of best practices that comply with evolving regulations. Check Point survey reveals slow uptake of AI in cybersecurity amid regulatory concerns CYBERSECURITY8 edge_ july 2024 news CYBERSECURITY The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region experienced a dramatic 183 per cent year-on-year increase in Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks A report by StormWall stated that the number of Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region surged by a whopping 183 per cent year- on-year. Based on an in-depth analysis of attacks against the company’s customers, the report illuminates the significant impact of escalating geopolitical tensions on cybersecurity threats in the region. The report identified the UAE at 21 per cent, Saudi Arabia at 18 per cent, and Iran at 14 per cent as the most targeted countries in the MENA DDoS attacks skyrocket in the Middle East amid rising geopolitical tensions region in Q1 2024. It pointed out that Iran and Israel’s high ranking (12 per cent) underscores the prevalence of politically motivated attacks in today’s DDoS threat landscape. The report added that a notable driver of this surge of DDoS attacks can be attributed to the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which has, in fact, fuelled a wave of hacktivism. It stated government services bore the brunt of these attacks, suffering 34 per cent of all incidents in the region. It experienced a whopping 218 per cent year-over-year increase.edge_ july 2024 9 news OpenAI announced it has acquired Rockset On the social media platform X, OpenAI, ChatGPT’s parent company, announced it has acquired Rockset, a real-time analytics database that provides data indexing and querying capabilities. The move is strategic for OpenAI, which will leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to transform how people and organisations use their own data. The company’s blog stated, “We will integrate Rockset’s technology to power our retrieval infrastructure across products, and members of Rockset’s world-class team will join OpenAI.” “Rockset’s infrastructure empowers companies to transform their data into actionable intelligence. We’re excited to bring these benefits to our customers by integrating Rockset’s foundation into OpenAI products,” said Brad Lightcap, OpenAI COO. He emphasised that integrating Rockset’s technology would enhance OpenAI’s ability to provide real-time data insights, a critical component for developing sophisticated AI- driven solutions. Masayoshi Son, Founder of SoftBank Group Corp, stated in the company’s annual meeting that he is ready to make his next big tech investment. He suggested the sizeable Japanese conglomerate is set on majorly investing in AI. He added that investment firms had to take more risks in the sector as AI development accelerated. Son also stated SoftBank will ramp up its renewable power generation business to focus on supplying the power needs of generative AI, especially in the US. Son added that their next big move needs to be made without fear of whether it will be a hit or a miss. After several years of missteps with its sovereign wealth fund-backed investment group – Vision Fund bet on startups, Son is turning his focus to AI and semiconductors. Vision Fund, in the meantime, is writing down assets in its portfolio. SoftBank has accumulated a cash pile of a whopping ¥6.2 trillion at the end of March. According to news reports, Son is looking at $100 billion to bankroll a chip venture that competes with NVIDIA. The Japanese conglomerate is also in talks to acquire Graphone, a British semiconductor startup. Son and SoftBank are currently bullish towards the AI and semiconductor industry. AI This is a strategic move for the GenAI company, it will now focus on how AI can transform how data is used TECHNOLOGY The Japanese conglomerate is now back in the saddle and aims to make its investments on newer technologies SoftBank set to focus big on AI and semiconductorsNext >