< PreviousPARTNER CONTENT 80 Edge/ October 2024 TURNING VISION INTO REALITY Federico Pienovi, CBO and CEO, APAC & MENA, Globant on the company’s Middle East Growth Words by Sindhu V Kashyap BRAND VIEW Edge_Oct2024_80-83_Globant Advertorial_13402880.indd 8030/09/2024 16:04PARTNER CONTENT Edge/ October 2024 81 When Federico Pienovi, Chief Business Offi cer and CEO for APAC and MENA at Globant, arrived in the Middle East, he was struck by the region’s audacity and ambition. His experience in leading Globant’s operations across Latin America, Europe, and the United States had prepared him for many challenges, but nothing could have fully prepared him for the Middle East’s unique blend of vision and dynamism. “I was surprised by the sheer ambition of the region,” Pienovi says, refl ecting on his fi rst visit in 2022. “The vision that countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE have for their future is unlike anything I’ve seen elsewhere. There’s a strong alignment between government policies, private sector initiatives, and societal goals, all aimed at driving innovation and digital transformation on an unprecedented scale.” Born and raised in Argentina, Pienovi joined Globant in 2011, quickly rising through the company’s ranks. Over the years, he developed a reputation for being a connector—someone who could translate Globant’s global expertise into local solutions. This skill made him the ideal leader for the company’s expansion into one of the world’s most rapidly evolving regions, the Middle East. Globant’s foray into the Middle East was serendiptious. “We stumbled upon the Middle East by chance,” Pienovi says. “While I was managing our European operations, we started hearing from our partners about large-scale projects in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE. It wasn’t something we had pursued actively, but the more we explored, the more we realised the immense opportunity.” It was in 2023 that Globant formally planted its fl ag in the region. What began as cautious exploration transformed into a full-scale strategic expansion. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the UAE’s relentless push to become a global tech hub, and Qatar’s focus on infrastructure all aligned with Globant’s expertise in digital transformation. “When we grasped the scale of what was happening here—especially with Saudi’s Vision 2030—it became clear that the Middle East wasn’t just another market for us,” Pienovi explains. “It was a region that demanded our full attention and commitment. The visions here are monumental, and we saw a unique role for Globant in bringing these visions to life.” The company wasted no time embedding itself in the region’s most significant projects. A prime example of Globant’s The vision that countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE have for their future is unlike anything I’ve seen elsewhere. There’s a strong alignment between government policies, private sector initiatives, and societal goals, all aimed at driving innovation and digital transformation on an unprecedented scale / Globant formally forayed in the region in 2023 Edge_Oct2024_80-83_Globant Advertorial_13402880.indd 8130/09/2024 16:04PARTNER CONTENT 82 Edge/ October 2024 expertise is its work with Disney, one of its largest global clients. Globant has been developing digital solutions to enhance visitor engagement at Disney’s parks and resorts for years. These skills translated seamlessly to the Middle East, where Saudi Arabia is focused on creating cities that double as immersive experiences. “We’ve been working with Disney for a long time, developing digital products that keep visitors engaged and ensure they return,” Pienovi explains. “This aligns perfectly with Saudi Arabia’s Giga projects, where the focus is not just on building cities, but on creating destinations—places that off er seamless, immersive experiences powered by digital technology.” Globant is now deeply involved in some of the most ambitious Giga projects in Saudi Arabia, helping transform vision into reality. “These are not just cities being built from scratch—they’re designed to be digital-fi rst from day one,” Pienovi says. “It’s a rare opportunity to embed cutting- edge technology at the core of urban design, something that’s diffi cult to achieve in older cities.” However, Pienovi’s work in the Middle East is not limited to overseeing large- scale projects. He has also taken on the challenge of managing Globant’s multicultural and global regional workforce. With over 29,100 employees worldwide, the company is no stranger to diversity. However, Pienovi quickly learned that the Middle East required a more nuanced approach. “Globant is inherently multicultural,” Pienovi says, “but entering the Middle East meant understanding how relationships and trust are fundamental to business here. Business is built on personal connections, and we had to adjust our approach accordingly.” This understanding led Pienovi to focus on building a local team that refl ects the values and culture of the region, while also bringing in Globant’s global expertise. “We didn’t want to just bring people in from other regions,” he says. “We’re heavily investing in developing local talent, creating a sustainable presence that is both locally rooted and globally supported.” This emphasis on talent development is something that Pienovi is particularly passionate about. “The future of the Middle East lies in its ability to develop its own talent,” he notes. “Just as we’ve done in Latin America—where we built an IT talent pool that serves global markets—we aim to replicate that success here. It’s about creating opportunities from within.” As the Middle East continues to grow as a tech hub, Pienovi is keen to highlight that the region is no longer in the ideation phase. “The Middle East has had these grand visions—Saudi’s Vision 2030, the UAE’s tech ambitions—but now, we’re seeing a shift,” he says. “Governments and businesses are moving from planning to execution. They’re no longer just talking about the future; they want to see results.” This is where Pienovi believes Globant’s strengths truly shine. “We’re not just a consulting fi rm that creates strategies,” 29,100 employees worldwide / Globant develops digital soltuions and infrastructure Edge_Oct2024_80-83_Globant Advertorial_13402880.indd 8230/09/2024 16:04PARTNER CONTENT Edge/ October 2024 83 he says. “We build things. We turn those PowerPoints into actual, working solutions. And that’s exactly what the Middle East needs at this stage of its development.” The projects Globant is involved in are diverse, from smart city initiatives and AI-driven public services to healthcare innovation and robotics. “Our work in the Middle East spans a wide range of sectors, all united by a common goal— using technology to improve lives,” Pienovi explains. “Whether it’s through more effi cient city management, better healthcare services, or creating more engaging entertainment experiences, our focus is always on leveraging digital It was a region that demanded our full attention and commitment. The visions here are monumental, and we saw a unique role for Globant in bringing these visions to life solutions to make a tangible impact.” Looking ahead, Pienovi sees the Middle East playing a central role in Globant’s global strategy. “The Middle East is now a strategic priority for us,” he says. “We’re committed to deepening our relationships with governments, businesses, and local talent, and we’re excited to be part of the region’s transformation.” One trend he is particularly focused on is the role that AI will play in shaping the future of the region. “AI is going to be a game-changer here,” he says. “Whether it’s in healthcare, public services, or smart cities, the adoption of AI will accelerate rapidly in the coming years.” For Pienovi, the most exciting aspect of working in the Middle East is the region’s commitment to turning vision into action. “The Middle East isn’t just talking about the future anymore—it’s building it,” he says. “And that’s what makes it such an exciting place to be right now. We’re not just dreaming; we’re doing.” As Globant continues to expand its presence across the Middle East, Pienovi’s leadership will be key in navigating the complexities of a region that is as rich in tradition as it is in innovation. With his deep understanding of both local culture and global markets, Pienovi is guiding Globant through a transformative era—one where grand visions are not just talked about but realised, and where the future is being built today. / Globant is involved in diverse AI-driven projects in the region / Globant aims to focus on strong talent and tech development in the region Edge_Oct2024_80-83_Globant Advertorial_13402880.indd 8330/09/2024 16:05SMARTBUYS 84 Edge/ October 2024 PROTECTING THE CLOUD How Qualys’ Total Cloud is Shaping the Future of Cloud Security SECURITY Words by Sindhu V Kashyap As organisations increasingly embark on digital transformation journeys, the shift from traditional on-premise data centres to multi-cloud environments has become a key focus. This move off ers signifi cant advantages, such as enhanced scalability, agility, and cost savings, but also introduces new challenges. Security is one of the primary concerns, as businesses are now responsible for protecting their cloud environments, even though the infrastructure itself is managed by cloud providers like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure. While these providers ensure the safety of their platforms, the responsibility for securing the data and applications running in the cloud rests squarely with the organisations themselves. This is where Qualys’ Total Cloud comes into play. Total Cloud, a product under the Cloud / Total Cloud was developed to address emerging security concerns Native Application Protection Platform (CNAPP) category, was developed to address these emerging security concerns. “The goal of Total Cloud is to help organisations secure their cloud workloads and containerised environments,” says Kunal Modasiya, VP of Product & Growth at Qualys. The platform was designed to address vulnerabilities and provide comprehensive threat detection in the cloud. It enables businesses to confi dently manage their cloud environments, ensuring compliance while reducing security risks. Total Cloud’s journey began in 2016- 2017 under the initial name CloudView. At the outset, the development process was customer-focused, working closely with design partners to understand their specifi c challenges during their transition to cloud infrastructures. Modasiya explains, “We started with an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) and ran continuous feedback loops with our early adopters. It was all about understanding what worked and what didn’t as organisations adopted cloud technology.” This iterative process allowed the development team to quickly identify areas that required improvement as customers raised issues that had not been anticipated. For example, compliance workfl ows and vulnerability management became signifi cant challenges for many customers, particularly those in highly regulated industries such as fi nance and healthcare. One of Total Cloud’s key strengths is its scalability. Initially, the product faced issues when larger clients came on board, and the platform needed help to meet the demands of these more complex environments. “We had to go back to the drawing board to improve the foundational architecture, ensuring that the product could scale eff ectively for larger clients,” says Modasiya. This continuous improvement and adaptation process was essential in transforming Total Cloud into a solution that could cater to businesses of all sizes. Today, Total Cloud provides signifi cant value to its users by addressing a broad spectrum of cloud security concerns. The platform off ers vulnerability scanning, compliance management, and cloud detection and response (CDR), enabling businesses to maintain security while meeting industry standards. “We provide 34 built-in templates for Edge_Oct2024_84-85_Smartbuys Qualys_13401589.indd 8430/09/2024 16:11SMARTBUYS Edge/ October 2024 85 various industries, making it easier for organisations to achieve compliance without creating reports from scratch,” Modasiya notes. This out-of-the-box functionality is precious for smaller businesses needing more resources to manage complex security and compliance tasks independently. Total Cloud off ers a range of customisation options for larger enterprises, such as multinational banks or healthcare institutions. “We’ve built open APIs and customisable templates to cater to the needs of larger organisations, allowing them to tailor the product to their specifi c environments,” says Modasiya. This fl exibility ensures that the platform can be seamlessly integrated into more complex environments, providing a bespoke solution that addresses each organisation’s unique challenges. Total Cloud’s ability to cater to businesses of varying sizes and across different industries is a testament to its fl exibility and adaptability. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) benefi t from a streamlined setup process, Modasiya explaining says, “For smaller businesses, we off er out-of- the-box templates and dashboards, making it easy to get up and running within just a few steps.” This simplicity does not come at the expense of security, as even the smallest companies can leverage the same advanced features that larger enterprises enjoy. Looking ahead, the development team at Total Cloud is not resting on its laurels. “Our roadmap for the next two years is focused on addressing the evolving landscape of cloud security,” Modasiya says. One of the key areas of focus is managing misconfi gurations and attacks, which are becoming increasingly prevalent as more organisations migrate to the cloud. To tackle this, Total Cloud has introduced new features like Cloud Infrastructure and Entitlement Management (CIEM), which helps organisations detect over-privileged users and misconfi gured permissions. Additionally, the team is emphasising container security signifi cantly, as more businesses adopt microservices and containerised environments to enhance their scalability and fl exibility. Another exciting development on the horizon is introducing an “attack path visualisation” feature. Modasiya explains, “This will help customers understand the potential routes attackers could take to access their most sensitive data, and more importantly, provide actionable steps to block these pathways.” By giving businesses greater visibility into their cloud environments, this feature will allow them to secure their most critical assets proactively. The world of cloud security is constantly evolving, with new threats emerging near- daily. Staying ahead of these threats requires innovative technology and a strong feedback loop with customers. “We maintain a constant dialogue with our users, aligning our product development roadmap with their needs and the challenges they face,” says Modasiya. This approach ensures that Total Cloud continues to evolve rapidly, incorporating advanced features such as AI-driven threat detection, container runtime security, and malware scanning. Modasiya concludes, “Our product evolves with it, providing our customers with the security they need to thrive.” / Total Cloud has the ability to cater to needs of organisations of different sizes / Total Cloud Dashboard View Edge_Oct2024_84-85_Smartbuys Qualys_13401589.indd 8530/09/2024 16:1186 Edge/ October 2024 Apple Inc. has unveiled its latest fl agship device, the iPhone 16, during an event led by CEO Tim Cook. Available in stores from 20th September, the iPhone 16 is engineered “from the ground up” for artificial intelligence, with AI capabilities to be added via software updates. While the initial models won’t include Apple’s new suite of AI tools, Apple Intelligence, these features will begin rolling out in a beta release in October. The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus off er minor visual and hardware updates, including new colours and a customisable Action button previously reserved for premium models. They also feature a more powerful chip and a new Camera Control button for easier photo-taking. The base iPhone 16 costs $799, while the Plus version costs $899. The Pro models boast slightly larger displays with slimmer bezels and are powered by the A18 Pro processor with an enhanced neural engine for AI tasks. They off er improved camera systems with higher-resolution photos and advanced slow-motion video capabilities. The iPhone 16 Pro is priced at $999, and the Pro Max at $1,199. APPLE’S NEW LAUNCH GADGETS MOBILES Edge_Oct2024_86-89_Gadgets_13401516.indd 8630/09/2024 16:06Edge/ October 2024 87 HUAWEI TRI-FOLD PHONE GADGETS Huawei Technologies Co. has unveiled the Mate XT, the world’s fi rst commercial device with two folds, asserting its dominance in mobile design shortly after Apple’s latest iPhone release. Priced at 19,999 yuan (£2,800), the innovative trifold phone has been developing for over fi ve years and can fold a 10-inch tablet into a pocket-sized device. Introduced during a live-streamed event from Shenzhen, the Mate XT aims to capture China’s premium smartphone market, where Huawei has regained signifi cant ground from Apple over the past year. Featuring an impressive 3.6mm thickness when fully opened (excluding the camera bump), the Mate XT off ers three modes: standard smartphone, near-square foldable device, and whole 10.2-inch tablet. Operating on Huawei’s proprietary Harmony OS, the device underscores the company’s emphasis on hardware innovation amidst competitors focusing on artifi cial intelligence. By launching its trifold phone just hours after Apple’s iPhone 16 reveal, Huawei signals its intent to maintain an innovative edge and intensify competition in the upcoming holiday season. MOBILES Edge_Oct2024_86-89_Gadgets_13401516.indd 8730/09/2024 16:0688 Edge/ October 2024 GADGETS A global technology leader, Lenovo unveiled groundbreaking products at Lenovo Innovation World 2024 in Berlin. Key announcements include the premium ThinkPad™ X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition powered by Intel Core™ Ultra processors and the innovative Lenovo Auto Twist AI PC proof of concept. The company also introduced the ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 and ThinkBook™ 16 Gen 7+, powered by AMD Ryzen AI processors, and the ThinkBook 16 Gen 7 with a Snapdragon X Plus 8-core processor. To accelerate AI adoption, Lenovo launched AI PC Fast Start, offering organisations AI-powered advisory and simplifi ed deployment to maximise ROI on AI-ready devices. Aiming to lead the AI devices era—with over 60 per cent of PCs expected to be AI-capable by 2027—Lenovo enhances user experiences through natural interactions and personalised models. Additionally, Lenovo expanded its ThinkShield security solutions by integrating SentinelOne’s Singularity Platform for advanced endpoint protection. The new products will be available in EMEA starting from October 2024. LAPTOPS THINKPAD X1 CARBON GEN 13 Edge_Oct2024_86-89_Gadgets_13401516.indd 8830/09/2024 16:06Edge/ October 2024 89 GADGETS Bose has introduced the second-generation QuietComfort Earbuds at a more aff ordable $179, bringing their top-tier active noise cancellation (ANC) to a lower price point. These earbuds off er critical features like wireless charging and multipoint Bluetooth, making them a strong contender. With over eight hours of battery life and ANC enabled, they are comfortable for extended use. The sound profi le leans heavily on bass, but users can customise it through a fi ve-band EQ. While the noise cancellation is nearly on par with Bose’s pricier models, some premium features like immersive audio and AptX Adaptive support are missing. A unique feature is the earbuds’ ability to function as a remote shutter for your phone’s camera, a rare addition in this category. A standalone app handles customisations like low-latency mode and controls, although it feels less polished than Bose’s main app. Despite a few trade-off s, these earbuds deliver excellent ANC and decent sound quality at a competitive price, making them an attractive option for those prioritising noise cancellation over high-end audio features. BOSE’S SECOND- GEN QUIETCOMFORT EARBUDS REVIEW Edge_Oct2024_86-89_Gadgets_13401516.indd 8930/09/2024 16:06Next >