In a Forrester landscape report published in May 2024, we predicted that M&A activity would continue to change and disrupt the enterprise architecture management suite (EAMS) market. This trend started in 2023, continued throughout 2024, and now, amazingly, as we enter 2025, the market has reached a further peak with three of the leading players, Bizzdesign, MEGA International, and Alfabet (Software AG), coming together under the Bizzdesign brand. With the newly formed Bizzdesign, a new EAMS leader emerges. All three vendors are Leaders in our recent evaluation, The Forrester Wave™: Enterprise Architecture Management Suites, Q4 2024, which points to the market potential of the combined product set and the level of impact that this merger will have on clients and their transformation agendas. From an analyst perspective, this merger makes sense: The existing products’ capabilities are mostly complementary, the geographical coverage of the three vendors doesn’t overlap too much, and the R&D functions of the three vendors will surely create a powerful engine for developing a new platform and integrating best-of-breed intellectual property. What type of solution can clients expect? The new platform (the name of which is kept secret for now) is planned for launch in April 2025, aiming to take the best features of each of the existing products (Horizzon, HOPEX, and Alfabet) but adding additional capabilities to create a comprehensive end-to-end enterprise transformation platform. The plan is to bring some fresh perspectives, including providing connections between the unstructured world (whiteboards, sticky notes, etc.) and the more structured formal world of enterprise architecture, platform notation analysis, and planning, to name a few. From a technical perspective, the platform is naturally planned to be cloud-native and will use a fresh tech stack to take advantage of all cloud-native features including AI. What will the new organization look like? The combined entity has about €110 million (US$113 million) in revenues and approximately 2,000 customers and over 600 employees. The new company’s setup is already in place, with leads in each region: EMEA, North America, Latin America, and APAC. There is already a single marketing team, while the sales teams will continue to sell the different existing products until the next-gen platform becomes available. The clear message is that Bizzdesign, MEGA International, and Alfabet are now working as one company. Should existing customers be concerned? There is clearly no need to panic for existing clients. The current product roadmaps will remain in place for at least the next 5–7 years. The company states that no pressure will be put on customers to migrate to the new platform once it becomes available. Clients will be able to choose between sticking to the old products or migrating to the new platform. Obviously, clients should review their existing contracts and review their current engagement to ensure that it delivers the value they expect and then decide on the best way forward. What does this mean for the enterprise architecture tool market? Running a simulation based on our recent EAMS Forrester Wave scores and taking into account what each of the three vendors brings to the table, the prospective new platform, at least on paper, will clearly outplay every other competitor in the EAMS market. The coming months will thus be very critical for Bizzdesign to deliver on the promises of the combined entity. But the new platform clearly has the potential to become the best on the market. Forrester clients can reach out and schedule an inquiry or guidance session with me to discuss this further. source

The U.K. government is investigating whether IBM’s acquisition of cloud infrastructure firm HashiCorp will result in a “substantial lessening of competition” within markets in the country. IBM announced its intention to buy HashiCorp for $6.4 billion in April 2024 to help it support its customers’ growing AI-related demands. HashiCorp provides hybrid and multi-cloud lifecycle management products, such as infrastructure as code tool Terraform, which facilitate building and running AI applications. HashiCorp will operate as a division of IBM Software rather than being brought into Red Hat, IBM’s open-source subsidiary. It said that the deal would help its products reach a larger audience. The Competition and Markets Authority notified the two companies of an upcoming Phase 1 probe on Aug. 1, 2024, and formally launched it on Dec. 30. It will have to make a preliminary decision on whether to carry out a full-scale investigation by Feb. 25 and relevant third-parties can submit comments up to Jan. 16. IBM declined to provide additional comment. TechRepublic has reached out to HashiCorp for a response. IBM-HashiCorp deal has inspired criticism IBM has faced challenges since announcing the acquisition, with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission reviewing it for potential antitrust concerns. SEE: Ansible vs Kubernetes | DevOps Tools Comparison IBM’s stock tanked by about 9% shortly after the announcement due to simultaneously posting a total first-quarter revenue of $90 million below London Stock Exchange estimates. Conversely, HashiCorp’s stock rose by 4% after suffering considerable declines in 2023 brought on by relicensing Terraform from open-source Apache 2.0 to the more restrictive Business Source License. This alienated parts of the open-source community, and they forked the original Terraform code into the open-source OpenTofu and placed it under the oversight of The Linux Foundation. Additionally, in June, a HashiCorp investor sued the company, claiming that the acquisition by IBM disproportionately benefited its board members over the shareholders. The executives allegedly stood to gain substantial personal benefits from the deal, such as certain “golden parachutes” and converting their large, illiquid stock holdings into cash. Such incentives created conflicts of interest, according to the plaintiff, leading the board to favor the IBM acquisition over potentially more lucrative opportunities for shareholders and potentially diminishing the value of their investments. However, the suit was mysteriously withdrawn two days later. U.K. cloud market does not present a level playing field In October 2023, telecoms regulator Ofcom identified various issues in the U.K. cloud market that present challenges for businesses and consumers, including Amazon and Microsoft’s dominance. Microsoft’s Azure and AWS have between 70% and 80% of the U.K.’s cloud service market share compared to Google Cloud’s 10%. One of the most pressing concerns is the cost of migrating data from cloud platforms. This cost barrier discourages customers from switching between cloud providers, stifling competition in the sector. SEE: Microsoft, OpenAI Partnership Draws UK Antitrust Regulators’ Eyes Shortly after these results were published, the CMA began investigating the issues raised. These results — and any potential remedies to anti-competitive practices — are expected to be announced later this month. Synopsys and Ansys merger likely to be approved On Dec. 20, the CMA completed its Phase 1 investigation into the $35 billion acquisition of simulation software company Ansys by chip design software provider Synopsys. It represents the biggest tech deal since Broadcom acquired VMware for $69 billion in 2023. The CMA found that the merger has the potential to substantially lessen competition in the chip design and light simulation market but may still approve it if the two companies submit acceptable mitigations. Synopsys and Ansys compete in three key sectors. The first is register transfer level power consumption analysis, which assesses a chip’s power demands and usage. The other two are optics and photonics software, both used to design and model light-related products like camera lenses, TV displays, car headlights, and lasers. Merging these companies could reduce the choice of products in the three areas, as they would become a market leader, and smaller companies would struggle to compete. “This could lead to a loss of innovation, lower quality software, and/or higher prices, which may then be passed onto UK businesses and consumers,” the CMA said in its press release. SEE: UK Regulator Probes Apple’s Mobile Browser Dominance The CMA also suspected the deal would allow Synopsys and Ansys to limit their products’ interoperability to maintain dominance. However, the investigation found that this element is so important to their customers that they would switch providers if it was compromised, so they don’t have the incentive to do so. Synopsys announced the deal in January 2024, claiming it wanted to expand its reach across silicon-to-systems designs, combining its expertise in electronic design automation with Ansys’ in simulation. Ansys accepted the deal to accelerate its growth and offer more integrated solutions to its customers. The two had already been working together for several years up to this point. If the companies did not propose suitable mitigations by Dec. 31, 2024, the competition authority would conduct a more in-depth Phase 2 investigation. However, Synopsys said it had “already taken steps to address all concerns raised by the CMA” in a published response. One such step is its promise to sell its optical solutions business to another company once the Ansys acquisition has closed. Ansys confirmed on Jan. 6 that it will be divesting its PowerArtist tool, used for analysing power consumption in digital chips, “to obtain regulatory approval for Synopsys’ proposed acquisition.” On Jan. 8, the CMA announced it was considering accepting the undertakings offered by Synopsys and Ansys to address competition concerns, involving the divestment of certain businesses. It has until March 5 to make a final decision, but could extend the deadline up to May 6. The merger is also expected to be approved by the European Commission, according to Reuters. Sources added that Synopsys will offer the same remedies to the CMA that it did to address competition concerns in the E.U. “Together, Synopsys and Ansys can help drive innovation across industries by

Spurred by the rapid adoption of generative AI, cloud computing’s 20% year-over-year growth is driving its status as today’s default operating model. However, the workforce skills gap has many organizations struggling to leverage the cloud’s full potential. While security and cost controls are key challenges to cloud adoption, the skills gap continues to vex enterprises seeking to maximize their investments in cloud computing, as more than 75% of organizations have abandoned projects due to skills gaps.   Many companies hire new talent to address the cloud skills gap, which is only a temporary solution. To implement a sustainable transition to the cloud, leaders must adopt a long-term strategic approach to upskill existing employees with a comprehensive workforce development plan. Continuous learning programs can help companies close their cloud computing skills gap and evolve the workforce to stay ahead of technology. These programs should also include non-technical employees to ensure enterprise-wide cloud literacy. Impact of AI and the Cloud on Security, Compliance, and Upskilling AI’s rapid evolution and influence on the cloud are game changers for businesses’ innovation and management of the complex security and compliance landscapes that come with this shift. Addressing these challenges through upskilling is vital to ensuring companies can navigate the new era of AI and cloud computing confidently and securely.  Related:Why So Many Customer Experiences Are Mediocre at Best Companies can use AI to automate routine tasks, improve customer experiences through chatbots and recommendations, and analyze large datasets to derive actionable insights. AI also helps cloud environments to be more adaptive and self-optimizing, enabling them to scale based on real-time demand and usage patterns. This integration of AI and the cloud enhances efficiency and innovation but also creates new challenges related to security, compliance, and the need for specialized skills.   AI can be a powerful tool to enhance cloud security through advanced threat detection and real-time risk analysis. However, using AI in cloud systems makes these environments more complex, creating more entry points for potential security threats. AI-driven systems that are not properly secured could become targets for malicious actors seeking to exploit vulnerabilities. For example, adversarial AI techniques in which data is manipulated to deceive AI models are an emerging threat to cloud security.  To mitigate these risks, businesses need cloud security professionals with expertise in both cloud infrastructure and AI-driven tools. These professionals must know how to use AI to strengthen security measures while also being vigilant about the unique security challenges that AI introduces. Through continuous learning and targeted upskilling programs, organizations can equip their workforce with the knowledge needed to navigate these challenges and unlock the full potential of AI and the cloud.   Related:Tech Company Layoffs: The COVID Tech Bubble Bursts Upskilling Teams, Optimizing Cloud Usage, and Alignment Across industries, the cloud is now table stakes, but its successful adoption requires more than just implementing a cloud infrastructure. It demands a holistic approach that optimizes cloud usage and aligns its strategies with business objectives. When done right, cloud computing allows teams to enhance agility and speed, drive innovation, and improve cross-team collaboration. To operationalize cloud computing effectively, businesses must focus on leadership and organizational alignment, cloud governance and security, and continuous upskilling of employees.  Cloud adoption should be an integral part of the business’s overall strategy rather than an isolated IT initiative. Key considerations include creating a cloud-first mindset and culture across the organization, from leadership to front-line employees. By utilizing the cloud, organizations can pivot quickly based on market conditions and leverage data analytics and AI to make more informed, data-driven decisions.  Related:UK Launches Antitrust Investigations Targeting Big Tech Cloud computing is a highly specialized skill that requires a deep understanding of cloud platforms, security, DevOps practices, and data management. Training that includes AWS, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud certifications helps employees stay current on the latest cloud technologies and best practices. As cloud computing affects many aspects of a business, from IT and development teams to marketing and operations, a cross-functional collaboration ensures that cloud capabilities are utilized as effectively as possible across the enterprise.   Fostering a Culture of Continuous Learning As the cloud continues to evolve, the need for workforces with the skills to use it will intensify. To remain competitive, organizations must foster a culture in which employees are empowered to update their skills through a mix of formal training, hands-on experience, and knowledge sharing.   Organizations that fail to address the skills gap risk falling behind in the race to leverage cloud technologies effectively. By investing in cloud training programs, certifications, and continuous learning, businesses can ensure they have the talent to innovate, scale, and secure their operations in the cloud.  source

Network packets are small units of data that are sent from one network device to another. When you send information online — like an email, a file, or a video stream — it’s broken down into packets, which travel separately to the destination. Once all the packets reach their destination, they are put back together to form the original message or file. This guide explores network packets in detail: why they are essential, their structure, and how they influence network performance and traffic. 1 RingCentral RingEx Employees per Company Size Micro (0-49), Small (50-249), Medium (250-999), Large (1,000-4,999), Enterprise (5,000+) Medium (250-999 Employees), Large (1,000-4,999 Employees), Enterprise (5,000+ Employees) Medium, Large, Enterprise Features Hosted PBX, Managed PBX, Remote User Ability, and more 2 Talkroute Employees per Company Size Micro (0-49), Small (50-249), Medium (250-999), Large (1,000-4,999), Enterprise (5,000+) Any Company Size Any Company Size Features Call Management/Monitoring, Call Routing, Mobile Capabilities, and more 3 CloudTalk Employees per Company Size Micro (0-49), Small (50-249), Medium (250-999), Large (1,000-4,999), Enterprise (5,000+) Any Company Size Any Company Size Features 24/7 Customer Support, Call Management/Monitoring, Contact Center, and more Why network packets? A computer network transfers digital data in the form of network packets, a method far more efficient and flexible than traditional circuit-based transmission, like a copper wire phone network. Unlike antiquated circuit switching, which requires the establishment of dedicated point-to-point connections before full-signal communications can happen, packet switching breaks data into small, standardized chunks. These chunks (or packets) are self-contained bundles that have digital address information in their headers, directing them to the appropriate recipient. Then, intermediate network nodes such as routers and switches examine those headers to determine where to forward the packets throughout their journey on the global network mesh. There are many reasons why this method of delivery is used: 1. Flexible routing saves time Since packets travel independently, physical routers can determine alternative routing paths as needed to avoid congested network links or nodes. This agility allows packets to flow around digital obstacles to find the least congested and fastest routes to their destinations at any given time. Thus, packet-switching networks like the internet can adapt in real time to changing demands far better than rigid legacy networks built on static paths. 2. Error resistance and effective resending With traditional circuit switching, if any node along the fixed path between users were to fail, the whole connection would drop. Meanwhile, with independently routed packets in packet-switching networks, only the missing packets would require retransmission after a failure, not the entire message. Additionally, packet switching is also less wasteful when message data gets lost or corrupted along its journey. With old-school networks, even one failure could disrupt an entire communication, forcing the endpoints to start the whole transfer over again from scratch. Thanks to the sequence numbers stamped on every data packet, however, packet switching is much more resilient. This means devices can easily identify missing packets in a transmitted message stream. Then, instead of pointlessly resending error-free packets again, the devices simply request replacements for the specific lost or damaged packets. This resilience is particularly evident in VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) systems when compared to the traditional PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network). While PSTN relies on circuit-switched technology, which establishes a dedicated line for the duration of a call, VoIP transmits voice data as packets over the internet. If a packet is lost or damaged, VoIP systems can request only the missing pieces, unlike PSTN, where any network issue can disrupt the entire call. SEE: The PSTN is still in use, but there are better options.  3. Highly efficient infrastructure sharing In circuit-switched networks, dedicated connections between endpoints become dormant whenever parties pause active communications, which is technically a waste of network capacity. Packet-switching networks, on the other hand, are extraordinarily efficient at using available communication capacity. The networks can juggle many different phone calls and internet transmissions at the same time by chopping up data into little packets first. By blending together little pieces of simultaneous flows, the network makes sure no wires go idle when only one call pauses. This process is called statistical multiplexing — but the important part is that it makes the most of every bit of available capacity. The efficiency of packet switching also lends itself to maximizing things like fiber optic cables and LTE bands. When combined, these innovations enable more calls, videos, chats, posts, and page views to operate concurrently through shared lines. 4. Enhanced security through selective encryption The bite-sized encapsulation of session data into packets also offers several network security advantages. While packet headers must remain unencrypted for successful routing, packet payloads can utilize encryption to keep application-level data confidential. Packet switching also enables more secure communication through public networks like the internet. The little data bundles can use special encryptions that securely verify the true sender without decrypting the content itself. Technologies like VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) use these methods to create encrypted tunnels within public networks. Thus, when you connect through a VPN to your office or home network, your packets stay safe from prying eyes. Of course, the destination knows the packets originate from you, but potential hackers won’t be able to trace them back to their source. Altogether, the packet-switching system allows billions of devices to communicate at high speeds in a flexible, efficient, and secure manner. Today, these humble information packets power everything we do across today’s digital networks, from sending emails to video chatting with friends across the globe. Three parts of a network packet Every packet has distinct parts that work together in unison. The three essential components of a network packet are as follows: 1. The packet header The packet header contains vital metadata for transport, such as: Source and destination: These are the sending and receiving IP addresses. Like postal addresses, they identify where packets come from and where they end up. Verification fields: This includes checksums and other data to confirm validity and accurate delivery. Priority

Cybersecurity leaders always have a lot on their minds. What are the latest threats to their enterprises? What emerging technologies can bolster their defenses? How can they secure the necessary talent and the budget? What’s on the regulatory horizon?   As 2025 begins, InformationWeek spoke to four leaders in the cybersecurity space about some of the biggest issues on their minds.    AI-Fueled Threats and Defense   AI was on everyone’s lips in 2024, and there is every reason to expect that this technology boom will continue to be top of mind in 2025.   AI makes threat actors more prolific and sophisticated. They can use it to automate large-scale attacks. They can make phishing lures more convincing. Deepfake audio and video continue to improve, making them harder to spot. In 2024, scammers effectively manipulated a finance worker into paying them $25 million, thanks to a deepfake video conference.   The same powerful capabilities of AI are, of course, being applied on the defensive side. AI-driven automation, for example, speeds threat detection and frees up analysts’ time for more complex work.   But AI has myriad use cases. In addition to cybersecurity threats and defensive tools, this technology is being applied up and down the technology stack. Cybersecurity leaders must think about the security implications of AI throughout their enterprises.   Related:Nation-State Threats Persist with Information Breach of US Treasury “We are seeing a lot of projects moving [forward] and it sort of feels like security is … being asked to follow behind the business and reduce the risk after the fact,” says Patrick Sullivan, CTO, security strategy at Akamai Technologies, a cloud computing and security company.   Insider Threats  In 2024, KnowBe4 hired a North Korean hacker to fill an open IT position. The cybersecurity company recognized the insider threat early on, before the person was even onboarded. But this is not an isolated kind of threat.   Aggressor nation states will continue to use this kind of approach to infiltrate US companies and critical infrastructure providers, whether to steal intellectual property and data or to cause disruption to essential services.   “We’re really seeing a need now for advanced controls in that talent acquisition process and in our ongoing insider threat monitoring programs to be able to mitigate against these new kinds of attacks that are out there,” Sharon Chand, principal of cyber risk services at consulting firm Deloitte, asserts.  Escalating Geopolitical Tensions  The escalating geopolitical tensions across the world play out, in part, in the cybersecurity space. Nation state-backed threat actors and hacktivists target organizations in the US and across the world in the service of political goals.   Related:How AI Can Speed Disaster Recovery The UK rang alarm bells regarding Russia’s ability to conduct cyber-warfare on British businesses, BBC reports. US Cyber Command warns of China’s ability to disrupt US critical infrastructure in the event that conflict erupts between the two countries, according to Reuters.     Disruptive Cyberattacks  This year is set to be a record for ransomware payments, and blockchain data platform Chainalysis points out that “big game hunting” is a big driver.   Sam Rubin, senior vice president of Unit 42 consulting and threat intelligence at cybersecurity company Palo Alto Networks, tells InformationWeek that attacks that cause crippling business disruption are on the rise.   “These disruptive attacks especially for large organizations that have a big role in the economy or in their market are becoming the target and a way for the threat actors to get very large multimillion-dollar pay days,” he explains.   Zero Day Vulnerabilities   In November, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the National Security Agency (NSA), and a number of their partners released a list of the top routinely exploited vulnerabilities in 2023. Of the 15 top common vulnerabilities and exposures (CVEs), 11 were zero days.   Related:Bridging a Culture Gap: A CISO’s Role in the Zero-Trust Era “Some of that is nation state actors. Some of that is ransomware operators. So, all adversary classes seem to be pivoting more toward zero days,” says Sullivan.   Third-Party Risks   In the summer of this past year, business at thousands of car dealerships was upended following two cyberattacks on a single software provider: CDK Global. The health care industry experienced a major disruption when Change Healthcare, a payment and claims provider, was hit with ransomware. The potential of another cyberattack with a massive ripple effect looms large in 2025.   “There’s just so much dependency on third parties among lots and lots of companies and different industries. And, I think there will be a large-scale attack on a company that impacts not only that company but those [that] depend on it,” says Ann Irvine, chief data and analytics officer at Resilience, a cybersecurity risk management company.   As enterprises incorporate more third parties into their supply chains, more web apps and APIs are exposed, Sullivan points out. “[Businesses need] to understand where those vulnerabilities emerge, prioritize them, and then have an efficient patching process to remediate,” he urges.   The Need for Integrated Security Platforms  The market for security platforms and tools is massive. If you can think of a security challenge, there are probably a host of vendors clamoring to serve up a solution. But there is a movement to consolidate those solutions.   “We’re seeing continued creativity of the bad actors coming into multiple different types of attack vectors, and historically, some of our defenses have been quite siloed in their ability to prevent [and] mitigate those kinds of attacks,” says Chand. “We’re seeing the need for enterprise clients to really think about integrated security platforms.”  Networking company Extreme Networks surveyed 200 CIOs and IT decision markers, and 88% reported a desire for a single integrated platform that includes AI, networking, and security.   Upskilling the Cyber Workforce   The cybersecurity challenge shortage is an ongoing concern. Consulting firm Gartner predicts that more than half of cyber incidents will stem from a lack of talent and human failure by 2025.   In addition to filling roles, enterprises are also tasked with the prospect of upskilling their current cybersecurity talent. As threats evolve, in

Starting in the second quarter, IBM will offer “RISE with SAP on IBM Power Virtual Server” to help enterprises migrate their SAP applications from Power servers on-premises into the cloud in as little as 90 days, working with its own IBM Consulting or other SAP partners. To further speed things along, it will make its new IBM Transformation Suite for SAP Applications available to other SAP partners. This includes a bundle of software and services for assessing existing IT environments, migrating data, and automating testing. The new offering provides “another option for SAP customers who want to move to the cloud and run S/4HANA to utilize the IBM Power Virtual Server,“ said Scott Bickley, advisory practice lead at Info-Tech Research. ‘Unique advantage’ says IBM According to a product advisory from IBM, RISE with SAP “brings together outcome-driven services, Cloud ERP with SAP S/4HANA, and additional platforms to rethink the enterprise operating model. IBM Power Virtual Server offers a unique advantage to the enterprise that run SAP landscape on IBM Power Servers: It is designed for a faster and non-disruptive move to RISE with SAP.” source

The B2B event technology landscape has continued to transform apace over the past two years. In this environment, standalone virtual event platforms have struggled as leading vendors have broadened their capabilities to support a wider range of event types. Despite these expanded capabilities, enterprises continue to run multiple, overlapping event technology platforms, with 22% of large enterprises deploying six or more event tech solutions. With event budgets under massive pressure, leaders should explore the benefits of consolidating onto an all-in-one event management platform. When evaluating all-in-one event technology, marketers should ask themselves three questions: What mix of events will we be running? In-person events have seen a robust resurgence over the past two years. Vendor data indicates that approximately three-quarters of all registrations are currently for in-person or hybrid events, with only a quarter for virtual-only events. But event formats are evolving. The fastest-growing event type is the small, owned/hosted in-person event with fewer than 200 attendees, while virtual events are becoming simpler and shorter. Marketers need to assess the range of events that they’re running and choose a partner that can provide centralized, scalable support. Are we maximizing the value of our event data? With increasing restrictions on access to audience data, event data has become one of the most valuable sources of zero- and first-party data, and marketers are prioritizing the maximization of its value. An all-in-one event management platform is crucial in this regard. Marketers should evaluate vendors based on their ability to capture and analyze attendee data to deliver more personalized experiences. Leading vendors can aggregate data across events and accounts, benchmark it against peer data, and use AI to answer data questions, run predictive analytics, and make customized attendee recommendations. Does this platform integrate into our broader martech stack? To fully leverage the value of event data, it is essential for marketers to integrate their all-in-one event platform into their broader marketing technology stack, but many organizations fail to do this and must prioritize it. Most vendors offer a range of native, API, and webhook integrations into leading marketing automation platforms and CRM systems, as well as app marketplaces for additional event solutions. Top vendors go further by offering deeper levels of integration, dedicated CRM objects, and exclusive partnerships. Are you interested in learning more? Forrester clients can access The Forrester Wave™: All-In-One Event Management Platforms, Q4 2024, schedule a guidance session or inquiry with me, and also register for an upcoming ask the analyst webinar, where I’ll be sharing highlights from the Wave research and taking questions! source

The management of Software GmbH, which will continue to act as the holding company for ARIS, Adabas & Natural (A&N) and the central functions of the Software AG Group, has been transferred by financial investor Silver Lake Partners to Martin Biegel, Martin Clemm, Robin Colman and Toktam Khatibzadeh with immediate effect. Important contribution to development and decline In his role as head of the company, Brahmawar has a mixed record — but Silver Lake is not entirely innocent of this. Taking over as CEO in August 2018, Brahmawar was instrumental in Software AG’s transformation from a legacy software company to a modern subscription and SaaS business focused on recurring revenue growth. He also spearheaded the acquisition of StreamSets, combining it with webMethods into a unified AI-powered platform, Super-iPaaS. At the same time, however, he also played a leading role in the subsequent sell-off of the company led by Silver Lake Partners. While Software AG hoped for support in its growth plans when the financial investor came on, the opposite was ultimately the case:  After completion of the takeover, the investors sold the newly created integration business to IBM for €2.13 billion with the help of Brahmawar. The CEO was also instrumental in the spin-off and divestiture of TrendMiner, Cumulocity and Alfabet.  source

In today’s dynamic environment, the focus isn’t just on achieving efficiency—it’s about achieving “intelligent efficiency,” where cutting-edge technologies enable smarter, faster, and more adaptive processes tailored to the unique challenges of the region. Technologies like AI, ML, and Generative AI (GenAI) are empowering Asia/Pacific supply chain participants to enhance logistics, optimize inventory management, and respond dynamically to disruptions caused by regional complexities such as varying regulations, diverse markets, and evolving consumer demands. This approach drives unprecedented levels of operational agility and precision in one of the world’s most dynamic supply chain ecosystems. “Intelligent efficiency” also bridges the gap between sustainability and profitability. By leveraging cloud platforms and IoT-driven digital twins, organizations are not only enhancing operational speed and accuracy but are also enabling circular supply chains that reduce waste and comply with stringent environmental regulations. This holistic approach ensures that efficiency is no longer just about cost-cutting but also about building long-term resilience and competitiveness. When thinking about approaching organizational goals, whether they be focused on efficiency or otherwise, organizations can leverage IDC’s Futurescape predictions to strategically prepare for and adapt to the rapidly evolving supply chain landscape. These predictions act as a “north star,” guiding organizations toward smarter decision-making and long-term success. By incorporating predictions into strategic planning, businesses can focus on how they will integrate technology to support organizational outcomes. Prediction statements can provide clarity on building resilience through technology adoption, highlighting how the outcomes and goals of the organization while navigating disruptions and proactively managing risks. That’s why, at IDC, each year we come up with 10 predictions that we expect to drive supply chain organizations forward (Figure 1) and publish it in our report  IDC FutureScape: Worldwide Supply Chain 2025 Predictions ― Asia/Pacific (Excluding Japan) Implications. Here are five of those supply chain FutureScape predictions that are shaping how Asia/Pacific organizations will support operational efficiency and build resilience for future success. 1. Predicting the Unpredictable with LLMs IDC Predicts: By 2028, 50% of A1000 supply chain organizations will deploy LLM-powered platforms to simulate and predict risks related to geopolitics, regulatory frameworks, and weather impacts to increase resiliency. These platforms not only enable faster, data-driven decisions but also highlight the shift towards predictive, proactive supply chain management. By identifying potential disruptions in advance, these tools help organizations build more resilient operations, ensuring stability and agility in an increasingly volatile global environment. This trend reflects the growing emphasis on leveraging advanced technologies to future-proof supply chains and respond effectively to complex challenges. 2. Sustainability Gets Smarter IDC Predicts: By 2029, 60% of A2000 supply chain participants will deploy AI to comply with circularity regulations, achieving adherence to environmental regulations and 20% efficiency gains. As circularity regulations grow stricter, organizations are increasingly turning to AI to navigate these demands while aligning with sustainability goals. This shift represents more than compliance; it underscores a fundamental transformation in how supply chains operate—from reducing waste to optimizing resource use. By embedding AI into their strategies, companies are not only meeting environmental expectations but also enhancing operational efficiency and building more competitive and sustainable supply chains for the future. 3. Cloud Levels the Playing Field IDC Predicts: By 2026, 45% of A2000 supply chain organizations will have migrated to cloud solutions, improving inventory velocity by 5% and making small and medium-sized businesses competitive with larger players. Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of the Asia/Pacific region’s economy. In APEC in 2020, it was estimated that they make up approximately 98% of businesses. Most businesses created today are likely to be digitally native, and that often means adopting cloud-based solutions. These solutions enable SMEs to compete effectively by offering cost-efficient tools that enhance connectivity, scalability, and collaboration. This shift empowers a new wave of businesses to improve visibility, agility, and operational efficiency, laying the foundation for interconnected, resilient supply chains and accelerating digital transformation across the region. 4. AI Supercharges Logistics IDC Predicts: By 2028, 60% of A2000 supply chains organization will utilize AI/ML for dynamic shipment planning and network optimization, reducing disruption response time by 75% and delivering 5% reduction in transportation spend. AI and ML are taking center stage in shipment planning and network optimization, enabled by the increasing adoption of cloud-based technologies that provide a stronger data foundation. With this improved infrastructure, these tools can deliver smarter, more adaptive logistics systems that respond dynamically to real-time conditions. By leveraging these advancements, supply chains are achieving unprecedented efficiency and resilience, positioning themselves to thrive in an increasingly interconnected and unpredictable global environment. 5. GenAI Transforms Risk Management IDC Predicts: By 2029, 40% of APeJ manufacturers will utilize AI and GenAI for compliance automation, ensuring a 90% reduction in manual compliance tasks and cutting operational costs by 15%. AI and GenAI are driving significant advancements in compliance automation, helping businesses streamline traditionally manual and resource-intensive tasks. These technologies are a response to increasing regulatory complexity, enabling organizations to ensure adherence while reducing costs and errors. By leveraging these tools, supply chains can focus on more strategic priorities, improving overall operational efficiency, enhancing compliance accuracy, and significantly boosting productivity. This enables businesses to not only adapt swiftly to evolving compliance landscapes but also gain a competitive edge in a highly regulated environment. A Future of Intelligent Supply Chains Asia/Pacific* supply chains are evolving into ecosystems of intelligence and resilience. Technologies including AI/ML, GenAI, IoT, cloud computing, and digital twins are not just enhancing operational efficiency but redefining the boundaries of what is possible. From smarter sourcing and predictive risk management to sustainability-driven efficiencies, AI and emerging technologies are transforming challenges into opportunities. Ready to embrace the future of intelligent supply chains? For more insights and detailed analysis, explore our report: IDC FutureScape: Worldwide Supply Chain 2025 Predictions ― Asia/Pacific (Excluding Japan) Implications, or join us for our FutureScape webinar “Building a Future-Ready Supply Chain” on January 22. *Asia/Pacific excludes Japan. source

HR teams across the Asia-Pacific region increasingly deploy AI and machine learning technologies to create more efficiencies in managing their workforces. A survey of 1,515 business and HR leaders in the region, conducted by HR and finance platform Workday, found 69% of organisations are using AI or machine learning for one or more HR functions. Additionally, 42% of respondents reported increasing their reliance on digital tools to streamline HR tasks. The survey also found that: The top three use cases for leveraging AI and ML in HR were data analytics and reporting (49%), workforce management (45%), and performance management (44%). Most professionals (91%) believe deploying AI and ML has positively impacted HR functions. Businesses are also deploying AI and/or ML for employee records management (43%) and to manage HR support or service desks (42%). SEE: A Sovereign Cloud Boom is Happening In APAC Right Now The report aligns with the 2024 State of HR Survey from the HR Exchange Network, which found Asia-Pacific HR teams are investing in AI technologies (35%) more than other core technologies like HR management systems (25%). 1 New Relic Employees per Company Size Micro (0-49), Small (50-249), Medium (250-999), Large (1,000-4,999), Enterprise (5,000+) Any Company Size Any Company Size Features Analytics / Reports, API, Compliance Management, and more 2 Wrike Employees per Company Size Micro (0-49), Small (50-249), Medium (250-999), Large (1,000-4,999), Enterprise (5,000+) Medium (250-999 Employees), Large (1,000-4,999 Employees), Enterprise (5,000+ Employees) Medium, Large, Enterprise Features 24/7 Customer Support, 360 Degree Feedback, Accounting, and more HR teams in ASEAN nations are the most proactive in rolling out AI AI and ML use in HR was found to be most common among ASEAN respondents, with 88% of surveyed individuals in that region saying they were already using the technology in their organisations. Other countries or regions where AI and ML were most popular, according to the Workday findings, were: South Korea (80%). North Asia (72%). Australia and New Zealand (70%). SEE: Rethinking AI: How Organisations Can Become More Sensitive & Resilient The technology was less popular in Japan, where only 48% used the technologies in HR functions. This was despite many Japanese respondents having challenges like talent acquisition (48%). IBM’s AI Adoption Index from 2024 found that nations in South Asia, including ASEAN nations, were among the fastest global AI adopters in general, led by India (59%) and Singapore (53%). More must-read AI coverage HR teams found to be managing more data than ever before Business and HR professionals said they increasingly relied on data for informed decision-making. According to the Workday survey, 70% of senior managers and HR professionals are performing more data management than before the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey noted HR teams were using data for various use cases, including: Creating a view of workforce costs and trends to support better productivity and profitability. Delivering data-driven insights to engage hiring candidates throughout the hiring process. Understanding engagement across different age groups using employee sentiment data. AI seen as way to keep up with change and overcome challenge HR teams are dealing with “the greatest work transformation in a century,” according to the report. Workday also noted the significant shift toward hybrid and decentralised work and some changes in employee expectations that have occurred since 2020. Such an environment is creating difficult challenges for HR in APAC, the biggest of which are: Talent acquisition (36%). Employee upskilling (35%). Staff retention (31%). SEE: AI Market Trends: Key Insights & How Enterprises Should Adapt Organisations are looking at creating efficiencies or new ways to deliver value through AI in areas like sourcing or hiring new staff. HR is exploring use cases such as resume summarisation or skills matching to reduce the time taken by staff in recruiting new team members. AI could help HR become more strategic HR leaders are playing increasingly strategic roles within organisations in Asia-Pacific and Japan. The Workday survey found 23% of respondents attended board meetings “significantly more” since 2020, while 35% said they were attending these meetings “somewhat more” than previously. AI and digital tools could allow HR leaders to deliver value at a high level. However, HR leaders must be aware of the risks of AI deployment. Tools that shortlist candidates based on existing employee data were one of the first examples of where AI could go wrong due to bias. Law firm Bird & Bird warned regional organisations in a client update to ensure their AI models are ethically sound. “Ethical and legal questions on the liability or fairness of AI applications in HR decision-making remain unclear and untested … in our view, a strong argument may be made that employers have a legal obligation to ensure their AI algorithms are sufficiently trained to avoid discriminatory outcomes,” the law firm’s update said. source