< PreviousFEATURE 40 Edge/ November 2024 In today’s information-rich world, where data is readily accessible from countless sources, the importance of industry analysts remains critical. Despite the abundance of free information, thought leaders like Gartner, Forrester, and IDC continue to off er the clarity and foresight that technology firms and end-users depend on for strategic decision-making. Across the tech industry, companies invest signifi cantly in relationships with analysts, relying on their expertise to guide product development, navigate competitive markets, and shape purchasing decisions. Julia Ballesteros, Director of Analyst Relations at BeyondTrust, highlights analysts’ infl uence: “Analysts remain a crucial part of the technology landscape, especially when infl uencing purchasing decisions. Their expertise provides companies with insights that are not easily accessible elsewhere.” While some might think the rise of online reviews and free information challenges the How Industry Analysts Drive Tech’s Next Big Moves AI /Analysts provide companies with insights that are not accessible anywhere FROM AI TO MARKET TRENDS Words by Sindhu V Kashyap need for analysts, industry leaders believe analysts remain essential, particularly for businesses aiming to stay competitive and refi ne their long-term strategies. Ballesteros also emphasises the strategic value of analyst insights: “Analysts are invaluable in helping companies anticipate future needs and industry shifts. Their guidance allows us to stay proactive, rather than reactive, in a fast-changing market.” Edge_Nov2024_40-41_AI and Analyts_13414546.indd 4024/10/2024 13:08FEATURE Edge/ November 2024 41 For many, the strength of analyst fi rms like Gartner lies in their extensive research and direct relationships with key industry players. Ballesteros recalls an early experience in her analyst relations career when a Gartner analyst embedded within a military agency infl uenced a signifi cant IT procurement bid, helping her employer secure a contract against a major incumbent vendor. “That experience showed how much infl uence analysts can have in shaping the specifi cs of a deal, down to advising on the products or services to include in a bid,” she explains. This infl uence extends beyond single contracts. Analysts from fi rms like Gartner and Forrester often shape entire product roadmaps. “They provide the foresight needed to stay competitive in an ever- evolving landscape,” adds Ballesteros. Their guidance ranges from vendor selection to Communications, stresses how crucial analysts are for testing market messaging: “Before we release any messaging, we consult with analysts to determine whether it will resonate with our target audience. Their feedback allows us to refi ne our communication to address the challenges and needs of the end-user directly.” This continuous feedback loop between analysts and vendors creates a distinct advantage in the fast-moving tech world. The rise of artifi cial intelligence (AI), for example, has led companies like Pure Storage to seek analyst guidance. “We’ve asked analysts how best to align our AI strategy with broader industry trends, and their input has been invaluable,” Fallstrom explains. At Backbase, Yashita Arora, Director of Product Marketing, underscores the importance of analysts in evaluating long-term capabilities: “This is especially crucial in industries like banking. Analysts help banks identify which vendors have the long-term vision to align with theirs and whose R&D roadmap supports their growth trajectory.” As businesses face increasing competition and a fl ood of information, analysts remain a trusted source of clarity. Arora of Backbase highlights how analysts help cut through the noise. “Banks are inundated with data and trends, and knowing which insights to act upon is diffi cult.” In the end, while how companies consume information might change, analysts’ depth and credibility ensure their continued relevance. Analysts remain a crucial part of the technology landscape, especially when infl uencing purchasing decisions. Their expertise provides companies with insights that are not easily accessible elsewhere broader corporate strategy. Steven Knuff , Head of Analyst Relations at Epicor, supports this view, highlighting how analysts shape product and service off erings. “We involve analysts early in the product development process. They help us understand where the market is heading and what our competitors are doing, allowing us to adapt our products accordingly.” Knuff continues, “Their value lies not only in market validation but in their ability to help us fi ne- tune our strategies. Analysts can often identify blind spots that we wouldn’t have noticed internally.” BeyondTrust and Epicor are just two companies that recognise the value analysts bring. At Pure Storage, Rena Fallstrom, Vice President of Global /Analysts are involved early in the product development process /Analyst feedback helps companies refine their communications Edge_Nov2024_40-41_AI and Analyts_13414546.indd 4124/10/2024 13:09FEATURE 42 Edge/ November 2024 91% organisations use two or more cloud service providers As global organisations increasingly adopt multi-cloud strategies, managing network services like DNS, DHCP, and IP addresses has become increasingly complex. Infoblox, a cloud networking and security company, is addressing these challenges with the launch of its Universal DDI Product Suite. This innovative solution streamlines operations, enhances visibility, and improves security, providing a comprehensive approach to managing critical network services across hybrid, multi-cloud environments. The Universal DDI Product Suite was developed in response to the growing complexity businesses face as they manage multiple cloud platforms. Today, 91 per cent of organisations use two or core DDI at Infoblox, explains the driving force behind this new product suite: “We identifi ed several key challenges our customers were facing, especially as they adopted multi- cloud environments. Many had multiple DNS systems, which led to confi guration errors and operational ineffi ciencies. Addressing these pain points through cohesive DDI management was at the core of why we built Universal DDI.” A vital feature of the Universal DDI Product Suite is its Universal DDI Management component, which simplifi es the complexity of managing critical network services across diff erent cloud environments. It provides a single, centralised platform that automates tasks, reduces the risk of human error, and accelerates business operations. Infoblox’s approach allows organisations to manage both on-premises and cloud-native DNS environments, integrating with third-party DNS services such as Amazon Route 53, Azure DNS, and Google Cloud DNS. “Universal DDI Management allows customers to manage both their on-premises and cloud-native DNS environments from a single platform,” says Dave Signori. “We’re not asking customers to replace their existing systems; instead, we manage their DNS services, whether it’s Amazon Route 53, Azure DNS, or Google Cloud DNS. This dramatically simplifi es operations and lowers A New Standard for Hybrid Multi-Cloud Management CLOUD more cloud service providers to drive innovation, streamline operations, and modernise workloads. However, managing siloed DNS environments and fragmented IP address allocations across public clouds and on-premises infrastructure can lead to costly ineffi ciencies, human errors, and security vulnerabilities. Infoblox’s suite tackles these issues by centralising the management of DNS, DHCP, and IP addresses, improving operational effi ciency, cutting costs, and boosting security. Dave Signori, Vice President of products— UNIVERSAL DDI BY INFOBLOX Words by Sindhu V Kashyap Edge_Nov2024_42-43_Smartbuys Infoblox_13414060.indd 4224/10/2024 13:09FEATURE Edge/ November 2024 43 the risk of outages.” Universal DDI Management’s SaaS-based model sets it apart. It enables faster updates and reduces the maintenance burden, allowing IT teams to focus on innovation and strategy rather than day-to-day network management tasks. Another standout feature of the Universal DDI Product Suite is Universal Asset Insights, which off ers unrivalled visibility across a company’s entire network. This tool provides a unifi ed, context-rich view of assets, whether they are located on-premises, in the public cloud, or in an IoT environment. By continuously tracking assets and keeping the IPAM inventory updated, Universal Asset Insights helps businesses eliminate outdated manual tracking methods that are prone to errors and delays. “Visibility is a major challenge in today’s environments. With assets spread across on- premises, public cloud, and IoT environments, many customers struggled to maintain control,” Dave Signori notes. “Universal Asset Insights solves this by providing a comprehensive view of all network assets, identifying zombie workloads and unused IP addresses, which helps reduce operational costs and mitigate security risks.” By identifying unused IP addresses and zombie workloads in real-time, Universal Asset Insights allows businesses to optimise their network resources, reducing operational costs and the risk of network and application outages. NIOS-X as a Service is completing the suite, a fi rst-of-its-kind off ering that extends critical network services such as DNS and multi-cloud DNS environments and optimise branch operations with infrastructure-free services. It’s a perfect solution for businesses looking to reduce costs and complexity while ensuring high availability and security.” The Universal DDI Product Suite is managed through the Infoblox Portal, a unifi ed interface that helps break down operational silos between NetOps, CloudOps, and SecOps teams. This centralised platform enhances collaboration across IT departments, allowing them to make faster, more informed decisions. “One of the key challenges we identifi ed was that teams were using diff erent tools and systems, which led to ineffi ciencies,” says Dave Signori. “With Universal DDI, we’ve provided a single platform that allows teams to work together more eff ectively, reducing the chances of human error and streamlining operations.” Integrating AI-driven insights further enhances operational effi ciency, off ering real-time recommendations to improve network performance and security. Looking ahead, Infoblox plans to expand the capabilities of its Universal DDI Product Suite to integrate additional third-party DNS systems and apply more AI-driven insights. DHCP without requiring infrastructure deployment. This infrastructure-free approach is particularly beneficial for businesses looking to reduce operational costs and complexity while maintaining the resilience, visibility, and security necessary for high-performance networks. “With NIOS-X as a Service, customers can modernise their DNS infrastructure quickly and easily,” explains Dave Signori. “This product supports rapid deployment, allowing organisations to streamline their /Universal DDI Product Suite was developed in response to the growing complexity businesses face We identifi ed several key challenges our customers were facing, especially as they adopted multi-cloud environments. Many had multiple DNS systems, which led to confi guration errors and operational ineffi ciencies /Universal Asset Insights, helps businesses eliminate outdated manual tracking methods Edge_Nov2024_42-43_Smartbuys Infoblox_13414060.indd 4324/10/2024 13:09PEOPLE 44 Edge/ November 2024 Innovation today is unrelenting, and the stakes are higher than ever. At this pace, Anand Eswaran, CEO of Veeam, stands out with a calm and refl ective approach, balanced by enthusiasm for the world of data. His leadership has been shaped by decades in the tech industry, driven by a curiosity about how things work and how they can be improved. With over two decades of experience and senior roles at some of the world’s biggest tech companies, Eswaran’s journey is rooted in curiosity. He’s far from the stereotypical “tech geek.” Instead, his love for technology stems from curiosity, not code or mathematics. As a boy, he would tinker with watches and household gadgets, driven by a fascination for how things worked. “I wouldn’t call myself geeky,” he says with a smile in his Veeam offi ces in Dubai. Eswaran’s leadership is global, and he is particularly excited about the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. “The level of innovation in the MENA market is unmatched,” he explains. technology didn’t just survive; it thrived.” His time at Microsoft was particularly transformative, where he played a key role in shifting the company from a software provider to a digital transformation partner, focusing on how technology could drive meaningful outcomes. Working closely with Satya Nadella, Eswaran learned the importance of empathy and cultural transformation. “Satya’s leadership was focused on empathy and culture, which I’ve taken with me in my leadership journey,” he says. In 2022, Eswaran took the helm at Veeam, a company specialising in data resilience. A lifelong fascination with data drove his decision to join Veeam. “The world is generating more data than ever, but not enough companies focus on ensuring that data is resilient, secure, and intelligent,” he explains. Veeam is about more than just backup and recovery—it’s about enabling organisations to use their data smarter and more strategically. “As data and cybersecurity converge, we’re uniquely positioned to lead that transformation,” Eswaran says. Under his leadership, Veeam has become a global leader in data resilience, demonstrating his ability to drive innovation and growth. Eswaran’s leadership philosophy is rooted in curiosity and humility. Refl ecting on his early career at Vignette, where the company rose rapidly during the dot-com boom but later fell, Eswaran says, “The leaders became arrogant and took their eyes off the ball. That experience taught me the importance of CEO Anand Eswaran’s Vision for Veeam’s Future DATA MANAGEMENT /Anand Eswaran, CEO, Veeam “The adoption of new technologies, the ambition behind smart cities—it’s incredible. With that comes an enormous amount of data, which is why Veeam is critical here. We help protect that data and ensure it’s resilient, secure, and accessible.” Eswaran’s journey into technology began with his love for reading and a fascination with how things worked. His father, a mechanical engineer, had a methodical approach to machines, which left a lasting impression on Eswaran. His father’s empathy and leadership style also influenced Eswaran’s own approach to leading teams. Eswaran pursued a degree in engineering in Bombay, switching from chemical engineering to computer science—a decision that set him on the path to becoming a tech industry leader. His career has spanned roles at HP, SAP, and Microsoft, witnessing fi rsthand the dot-com boom and bust, the 2008 fi nancial crisis, and the pandemic. “Tech has always used crises to amplify its impact,” Eswaran says. “In these moments, EMPOWERING TEAMS AND DATA Words by Sindhu V Kashyap Edge_Nov2024_44-45_Anand Eswara_13415401.indd 4424/10/2024 13:10PEOPLE Edge/ November 2024 45 continue leading through innovation. His advice to other tech leaders is simple yet profound: “You have to empower your people, but you also need to hold them accountable. It’s about striking the right balance. Most importantly, I will never stop being curious. No matter how successful you are, there’s always something new to learn.” For Eswaran, leadership is not about maintaining the status quo; it’s about fostering a culture of continuous learning, innovation, and empathy. Whether leading a company through a pandemic or navigating the complex world of data resilience, his journey is a testament to the power of curiosity and compassion in a rapidly evolving world. The world is generating more data than ever, but not enough companies focus on ensuring that data is resilient, secure, and intelligent Under Eswaran’s leadership, Veeam has expanded its footprint in the MENA region, positioning itself as a critical player in the smart cities movement. “The data generated here is several times higher than in most other markets, and we’re in a unique position to help manage and protect that data,” he says. As Eswaran looks to the future, he focuses on empowering his team and Veeam to /As data and cybersecurity converges Veeam is uniquely positioned to lead the transformation /Veeam aims to become a global leader in data resilience curiosity and humility. You must constantly innovate and never assume you’ve arrived.” Building diverse and empowered teams is another key aspect of Eswaran’s leadership. “Leadership is a team sport,” he says. “You need to strike the right balance between empowerment and accountability. You want people to bring their best selves to work, but you must also hold them accountable for delivering results.” Edge_Nov2024_44-45_Anand Eswara_13415401.indd 4524/10/2024 13:1046 Edge/ November 2024 Amazon has unveiled its fastest- ever Kindle Paperwhite and a new entry-level Kindle in a vibrant Matcha colour. “Customers love Kindle, and global sales last year reached a decade-high, with most purchases coming from fi rst-time users,” said Eric Saarnio, Vice President of Amazon Devices International. “We’ve focused on every detail to deliver the best reading experience.” The all-new Kindle Paperwhite off ers 25 per cent faster page turns, a larger 7-inch display, and improved contrast, making text and images clearer. It’s also the thinnest Paperwhite yet, with up to three months of battery life, 16 GB storage, and a waterproof design. The Signature Edition includes 32 GB storage, wireless charging, and auto-adjusting light. The new entry-level Kindle, weighing just 158g, features a 300 ppi display, faster page turns, and a brighter front light, comparable to the Paperwhite. It is available in Matcha and has weeks of battery life and 16 GB of storage, off ering a compact and portable reading solution. Amazon’s latest devices cater to a growing demand for seamless digital reading experiences. The new Kindle Paperwhite’s 7-inch display provides an immersive feel without compromising portability, while the enhanced oxide thin- fi lm transistor off ers sharper visuals. These upgrades, combined with faster browsing and page turns, aim to make reading even more enjoyable at home or on the move. The new entry-level Kindle in Matcha brings a fresh look to the lineup. With a lightweight design and improved performance, it’s perfect for both new readers and those upgrading their devices. Amazon’s emphasis on colour options and brighter screens demonstrates its commitment to making reading accessible and fun, attracting a broader range of users to the Kindle ecosystem. Both devices refl ect Amazon’s ongoing eff ort to innovate within the e-reader market, balancing performance and style. The introduction of features like wireless charging, auto-adjusting front light, and longer battery life caters to user convenience, ensuring a more tailored reading experience. By off ering varied models, Amazon continues to solidify Kindle’s place for digital readers worldwide. AMAZON’S ALL-NEW KINDLE PAPERWHITE GADGETS TABLET Edge_Nov2024_46-49_Gadgets_13429094.indd 4624/10/2024 13:17Edge/ November 2024 47 HUAWEI WATCH D2 GADGETS At GITEX 2024, Huawei introduced the HUAWEI WATCH D 2, the world’s fi rst 24-hour wrist-based ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) smartwatch. This cutting-edge device is the culmination of a decade of research into blood pressure technology, setting a new benchmark for wrist-based health monitoring. Launched at Huawei’s event in Barcelona this September, it is now available in the UAE for AED 1,599. Visitors at the Huawei booth eagerly tried out the HUAWEI WATCH D 2, praising its user-friendly features and accuracy. Attendees were impressed by the smartwatch’s innovative blood pressure monitoring capabilities, which were showcased through live demonstrations. Huawei has also partnered with the Dubai Health Innovation and Digital Health team for a validation study to assess the watch’s ABPM performance, reinforcing its commitment to healthcare advancement. The HUAWEI WATCH D 2 is sleek and compact, off ering users convenient blood pressure monitoring on the go. It uses an infl atable airbag to measure blood pressure regularly, with smart reminders and measurements triggered by simply raising the wrist. The watch adapts to various scenarios—standing, sitting, or reclining—and can even measure blood pressure during sleep with minimal disturbance. Hypertension is a signifi cant concern in the UAE, with 28.8% of adults aff ected, rising to over 41% among those aged 30- 79, according to national surveys and the World Health Organisation. As the gold standard for hypertension diagnosis, ABPM is endorsed by major guidelines, including the ISH 2020 Global Hypertension Practice Guidelines. The HUAWEI WATCH D 2 aims to empower users to manage their blood pressure patterns eff ectively, off ering real- time insights for better health management. Beyond ABPM, the smartwatch includes features like Health Glance and Health Community, enabling users to track critical health metrics and share updates with family members. This comprehensive health tool represents a significant step forward in accessible, continuous health monitoring, off ering transformative benefi ts for those with hypertension and those aiming to stay proactive about their health. SMART WATCH Edge_Nov2024_46-49_Gadgets_13429094.indd 4724/10/2024 13:1748 Edge/ November 2024 GADGETS H uawei has launched its latest tablet in the UAE, the HUAWEI MatePad Pro 12.2”. It features a stunning Tandem OLED PaperMatte Display, innovative digital art tools, and the all-new HUAWEI Glide Keyboard. Designed for both productivity and creativity, this tablet off ers advanced anti- glare technology, a powerful battery, and a luxurious design, making it a standout device for users seeking style and performance. Now available through Huawei’s online store and select UAE retailers, the HUAWEI MatePad Pro 12.2” starts at AED 2,999 and comes in two colours: Golden Silk and Black. Huawei also off ers the HUAWEI Care+ Service alongside the tablet for added peace of mind. Central to the MatePad Pro 12.2” is its remarkable Tandem OLED PaperMatte Display. With up to 2000 nits of brightness, it provides vibrant HDR visuals while minimising glare through advanced anti-sparkle and nanoscale etching technology. The display’s PaperMatte fi nish off ers a natural, paper-like feel, making it comfortable for extended use, whether for work or casual reading. The MatePad Pro 12.2” also debuts the HUAWEI Glide Keyboard, featuring integrated stylus storage and charging. The HUAWEI M-Pencil pairs and charges automatically when placed in the slot, while the stain- proof keyboard allows for seamless switching between modes, making it as intuitive as a laptop. The tablet comes with the GoPaint app for digital artists, which introduces unique tools like Splatter and Fluid brushes. The Splatter brushes mimic real-world eff ects such as spray paint and scattered leaves, while the Fluid brushes replicate the blending of watercolours and inks, enhancing the creative experience. Crafted with over 1,000 rounds of polishing, the Golden Silk fi nish is a testament to Huawei’s dedication to premium design. It off ers a luxurious look that subtly glows under light. The HUAWEI MatePad Pro 12.2” packs a 10,100 mAh battery, delivering up to 14 hours of video playback, with 100W HUAWEI SuperCharge technology for a full charge in just 55 minutes. The HUAWEI MatePad Pro 12.2” is now available in the UAE. TABLET HUAWEI MatePad Pro 12.2 Edge_Nov2024_46-49_Gadgets_13429094.indd 4824/10/2024 13:17Edge/ November 2024 49 GADGETS BANG & OLUFSEN - BEOPLAY H100 Bang & Olufsen has introduced its latest fl agship headphones, the Beoplay H100, setting a new standard for audio wearables by combining the brand’s rich heritage with cutting-edge technology. Building on the success of the Beoplay H95, the Beoplay H100 off ers enhanced sound quality, advanced digital noise cancellation, and a stylish modular design crafted from premium materials. Available in three colours—Infi nite Black, Hourglass Sand, and Sunset Apricot—the H100 aims to redefi ne the future of personal audio. “The Beoplay H100 represents a new era of sound, combining our iconic designs with the latest in audio innovation,” says Bang & Olufsen CEO Kristian Teär. Drawing inspiration from the brand’s Beolab speakers, the H100 delivers Hi-Res audio powered by 40mm custom titanium drivers, supported by advanced noise cancellation and a ten-microphone system for clear communication. It also features the new EarSense™ technology, which adjusts sound to the wearer’s fi t in real- time, off ering an immersive listening experience. The Beoplay H100 isn’t just about sound; it’s designed for comfort and ease of use. With a sleek glass touch interface, precision haptic dials, and lambskin leather ear cushions, it off ers an eff ortless user experience. The headphones also introduce the HUAWEI Glide Keyboard, allowing users to quickly switch between active noise cancelling, transparency mode, or “TrueTransparency,” allowing them to hear their surroundings clearly without removing the headphones. The H100 is built with modular components to ensure longevit y, making it repairable and aligned with Bang & Olufsen’s commitment to product circularity. It features replaceable parts, a fi ve-year warranty through Beocare, and a software platform that can evolve with new technologies, ensuring future compatibility. With up to 32 hours of battery life and fast charging (5 hours of playtime with just 5 minutes of charging), the Beoplay H100 off ers seamless performance. It is now available for purchase, providing users with a sophisticated blend of luxury, technology, and sustainability. HEADPHONES Edge_Nov2024_46-49_Gadgets_13429094.indd 4924/10/2024 13:18Next >