Broadcom acquired VMware in late 2023 and almost immediately began raising prices for existing customers. The company’s tactics have drawn criticism from the cloud industry, with EU cloud organization CISPE calling its actions “brutal” and warning Broadcom “will decimate Europe’s independent cloud infrastructure sector.”

Catch our chat on AT&T claiming Broadcom hiked VMware’s price by 1,050%!

Although not based in the EU, AT&T is one company that Broadcom has tried its heavy-handed tactics with, resulting in AT&T suing Broadcom for breach of contract. AT&T’s original support period was scheduled to expire in early September, but the company had a clause in its VMware license that gave it the option of extending support for up to two additional years. AT&T claimed in its lawsuit that Broadcom was not honoring AT&T’s existing agreement with VMware, insisting the telecoms company pay for additional subscriptions and services that it doesn’t need in order to continue receiving support.

Although AT&T has already advised Broadcom that it is exercising its option to renew support services for at least another year, Broadcom is refusing to honor AT&T’s renewal.

Instead, Broadcom states it will only continue to provide support services if AT&T agrees to purchase scores of subscription services and software that: (1) AT&T does not want or need; (2) would impose significant additional contractual and technological obligations on AT&T; (3) would require AT&T to invest potentially millions to develop its network to accommodate the new software; (4) may violate certain rights of first refusal that AT&T has granted to third-parties; and (5) would cost AT&T tens of millions more than the price of the support services alone.

Despite AT&T’s claims, the details were still a bit fuzzy…at least until now. An email that is being used as evidence in AT&T’s case contains damning information regarding Broadcom’s practices. First spotted by The Register and provided by the outlet, the email is from AT&T executive VP Susan A, Johnson and is seems to be addressed to Brodcom CEO Hock Tan.

After a 10 plus year strategic relationship with Broadcom that started under John Donovan, I am sad to report that we appear to be at an impasse on our VMware deal. The latest offer that we have received would put us at an average of $___ per year for a 5 year deal, where we currently pay $___ per year to support previously purchased perpetual licenses with a right to renew support through September, 2026. This proposed annual increase of +1,050% in one year is extreme and certainly not how we expect strategic partners to engage in doing business with AT&T.

Johnson then goes on to highlight AT&T’s existing agreement with VMware, as well as the company’s willingness to resort to legal action if Broadcom refuses to honor the agreement.

What we are willing to pay for VMware licensing and support is bounded by two basic facts: 1) The strength of our contractual position to pursue a legal course to preclude Broadcom from discontinuing support, and 2) The estimated costs of migrating away from VMware. We are running out of time given Broadcom’s unreasonable position that the agreement does not permit AT&T to exercise its two remaining one-year options after September 9, 2024. As a result, AT&T has decided to pursue a legal strategy along with a disciplined plan to invest to migrate away, all of which will quickly become public. I truly wish we had another option. Unfortunately, this decision will impact the future of our overall relationship and how we manage spend in other Broadcom areas.

Johnson then goes on to summarize AT&T’s position.

In summary:

• We feel that we are being treated very unfairly with a drastic change in how we have been operating with VMware including your failing to abide by our agreement terms and the magnitude of the increase in costs.
• We have reviewed our licensing agreement. We believe we both have enough licenses to
  cover our current usage and that it does legally protect us to preclude Broadcom from discontinuing contractually agreed upon support.
• The cost to migrate away from VMware (projected at $40-$50M) has a very quick payback and strong IRR, especially given the high licensing costs proposed. As a result, we are planning to prioritize investment to migrate off of VMware.

Broadcom’s Business Model Is Backfiring

Broadcom is a successful company with strong books, solid financials, and a track record of solid growth. One of the major concerns many had with a Broadcom buyout of VMware, however, is the former’s brutal efficiency in its pursuit of growth and profitability.

As we wrote when it announced its intention to acquire VMware, Broadcom is known for “requiring business unit leaders to agree to milestones, goals, and financial targets. As long as those are met, everything runs smoothly. If the goals aren’t met, the business leader is given four or five quarters to get on target; otherwise, the business is sold off or killed.” No one had any doubt that Broadcom would require the same of VMware, pushing for price hikes in an effort to boost its margins.

Unfortunately, few could have predicted the astronomical price hikes that Broadcom would inflict on VMware customers, increases so large that many have had no choice but to move to alternative solutions.

Computershare CTO Kevin O’Conner detailed his company’s experience dropping one of the two hypervisor providers it used as a result of price increases in the 10-15x range. Wile O’Conner didn’t specifically say VMware was the hypervisor his company dropped, his presentation left little doubt that’s the company he was referring to. In the case of Computershare, Broadcom/VMware lost a 24,000 license customer.

With AT&T now engaging in a very public fight against what appears to be predatory and “brutal” behavior on the part of Broadcom, it’s a safe bet Broadcom’s tactics are finally catching up with it.

Oracle Corporation, once seen as a laggard in the cloud industry, is making a powerful resurgence in the artificial intelligence (AI) market. With partnerships that include tech giants such as Nvidia and Amazon Web Services (AWS), Oracle is leveraging its newfound AI momentum to accelerate its growth in the cloud computing space. The company’s shares have surged, boosted by an earnings report that surpassed Wall Street’s expectations. This revival story is a testament to Oracle’s strategic pivot into AI and cloud services, areas that are increasingly defining the future of technology.

Surprising Earnings and AI Growth Power Stock Surge

Oracle’s most recent earnings report exceeded all projections, triggering a 9% spike in the company’s stock in premarket trading. The stock is now up roughly 33% for the year, significantly outpacing competitors such as Microsoft, Google, and Amazon. The earnings for the fiscal first quarter of 2024 showed a 6.9% rise in revenue to $13.31 billion, alongside a 10% leap in profits, which stood at $2.93 billion.

CEO Safra Catz underscored how Oracle’s shift to cloud services has transformed the company’s bottom line. “As cloud services became Oracle’s largest business, both our operating income and earnings per share growth accelerated,” said Catz, emphasizing that cloud infrastructure is now at the heart of Oracle’s business model.

Oracle’s AI strategy is playing an integral role in this shift. The company reported new contracts worth $3 billion for 42 additional Nvidia graphics processing units (GPUs), a clear indicator of its growing influence in AI. As AI becomes a major driver of enterprise transformation, Oracle’s cloud infrastructure is quickly emerging as a go-to solution for businesses looking to leverage this technology. Nvidia’s GPUs, essential for training AI models, have been a linchpin in Oracle’s cloud growth. “Nvidia’s GPUs are critical for the AI training workloads, and our partnership has created incredible demand for Oracle’s cloud infrastructure,” Catz added.

AI and Cloud Computing: Oracle’s Late-Mover Advantage

For years, Oracle’s competitors dominated the cloud computing space, leaving Oracle in the shadows. Oracle’s late entry into the cloud sector may have been a blessing in disguise. The company’s more modern cloud infrastructure is specifically designed to support AI workloads, a key differentiator as demand for AI processing power grows. According to Larry Ellison, Oracle’s co-founder and Chief Technology Officer, “Building giant data centers is something that Oracle has proven to be very good at. It’s the reason we’re doing so well in the AI training business.”

Ellison highlighted that Oracle’s approach is unique in that it does not compete directly with clients in the AI market, a neutral stance that has helped the company secure partnerships with some of the biggest names in tech. Microsoft, Google, and Amazon all allow Oracle’s databases to run on their clouds, and Oracle even provides the infrastructure for Microsoft’s Bing AI chatbot. The neutral positioning has attracted clients who want to avoid being upsold on proprietary cloud services. “They’re not testing out experimental things. They’re just building something that really works,” said Nick Frosst, co-founder of AI startup Cohere, which uses Oracle’s cloud services.

One of the most noteworthy partnerships Oracle has secured is with Nvidia. Nvidia selected Oracle to host its own cloud offering, which includes Nvidia’s advanced GPUs. These GPUs are critical for AI model training, a process that consumes vast amounts of computational power and resources. “Nvidia’s GPUs have been a scarce and highly sought commodity in the tech industry,” Ellison said, noting that Oracle’s data centers are well-equipped to handle the growing demand for AI training.

Strategic Alliances: Amazon, Nvidia, and Beyond

Oracle’s partnerships with Amazon and Nvidia are central to its current success. The company recently announced a strategic partnership with Amazon Web Services, which will allow customers to access Oracle’s Autonomous Database and Exadata Database Service on AWS infrastructure. The deal gives Oracle a foothold in one of the world’s largest cloud ecosystems. Larry Ellison spoke enthusiastically about the deal, stating, “We are seeing huge demand from customers that want to use multiple clouds. Amazon and Oracle are seamlessly connecting AWS services with the very latest Oracle Database technology.”

AWS CEO Matt Garman echoed Ellison’s sentiment, noting, “This new, deeper partnership will provide Oracle Database services within AWS to allow customers to take advantage of the flexibility, reliability, and scalability of the world’s most widely adopted cloud.”

These partnerships reflect Oracle’s strategic pivot toward offering a hybrid cloud environment, which allows companies to run Oracle databases on their preferred cloud platforms. In addition to AWS, Oracle has inked similar deals with Microsoft and Google, making Oracle’s cloud a popular choice for enterprise customers looking to leverage AI and machine learning tools across multiple platforms.

AI as a Long-Term Growth Driver

Oracle’s transformation is largely driven by the explosive growth in artificial intelligence, and the company is capitalizing on this trend. A recent Morgan Stanley report estimated that AI will grow to represent more than half of Oracle’s total cloud revenue by 2027, a significant leap from its current 15%. Larry Ellison remains confident that AI demand will continue to grow, stating, “There’s no slowdown or shift coming. This business is just growing larger and larger and larger.”

One reason for this optimism is the sheer scale of investment needed to build advanced AI models. Ellison remarked, “The entry price for a real frontier model is about $100 billion over the next 4 to 5 years. That’s a lot of money, and it doesn’t get easier.” Given the high cost and complexity of developing AI, Oracle’s modern data centers are well-positioned to capture market share as businesses increasingly turn to AI to drive growth.

However, some analysts have raised concerns about the sustainability of this growth. Brad Reback, an analyst at Stifel, warned that the demand for AI training could be transitory, particularly as competitors build more AI-specific data centers. “I do wonder whether Oracle can sustain what I view as a transitory architecture lead,” Reback said, questioning whether Oracle’s current momentum can be maintained over the long term.

Tech Investors Love the New Oracle

Oracle’s recent moves in the AI and cloud markets have garnered significant attention from tech investors, who are increasingly bullish on the company’s prospects. The buzz around Oracle’s AI initiatives and partnerships with Nvidia and Amazon is clear from investor sentiment on social media, where influential voices are weighing in on the company’s strategy and future.

Ben Pouladian, a noted tech analyst, emphasized Oracle’s methodical approach to scaling AI infrastructure, comparing it to Elon Musk’s Starlink satellites in terms of consistency. “Oracle has more demand than supply, scaling through the same AI automation they sell. The key? Repeating the exact same process—just like Elon Musk’s Starlink satellites or In-N-Out burgers, every data center is identical no matter the location,” he tweeted. This highlights Oracle’s disciplined strategy in building AI-ready data centers, which has been crucial to meeting the surge in demand for AI-powered cloud services.

Another tech influencer, Amy Marlow, praised Oracle’s focus on AI, tweeting, “Oracle’s strong earnings and new cloud services show they’re ready to compete in the AI market.” This sentiment is shared by investors who are excited about Oracle’s ability to pivot successfully toward AI and cloud, further evidenced by the 33% year-to-date increase in the company’s stock.

Larry Ellison’s vision for AI at Oracle is also resonating with the investment community. Ellison made a bold statement during the company’s earnings call, noting, “The entry price for a real frontier AI model is about $100 billion. That’s a lot of money, and it doesn’t get easier.” His remarks underline the capital intensity and exclusivity of the AI market, which has positioned Oracle as a critical player. Investors see this as a competitive advantage, particularly in light of the company’s strong partnerships and growing demand for AI infrastructure.

For those who have followed Oracle’s journey, it’s clear that the company is shedding its legacy image and emerging as a key enabler of AI technologies. As one investor tweeted, “Until people understand AI is not an application, but a way of computing that will live in all technology, they won’t understand the magnitude of what is going on.”

The combination of strong financial results, strategic AI partnerships, and consistent execution in cloud services has driven a wave of positive sentiment among investors. Oracle, once perceived as a laggard in the tech space, is now a stock to watch in the eyes of the tech investment community.

Oracle’s AI Renaissance

Oracle’s transformation from a cloud laggard to an AI powerhouse is a testament to the company’s strategic focus and partnerships. By aligning itself with tech giants like Amazon and Nvidia, and by investing heavily in AI infrastructure, Oracle has positioned itself as a key player in the AI revolution. Its financial performance reflects this resurgence, with strong earnings growth and a stock price that continues to climb.

As AI reshapes industries and economies, Oracle’s ability to sustain this momentum will depend on its continued innovation and its ability to meet the growing demands of AI developers. For now, Oracle’s AI-powered resurgence is proving that even tech giants from a bygone era can rise again—if they have the right strategy in place.

The Power of Gaudi 3 in the Cloud

Intel’s Gaudi 3 AI accelerators, designed to handle the most demanding AI workloads, are now set to power IBM Cloud’s AI services. This collaboration is poised to revolutionize how enterprises scale their AI operations, making advanced AI more accessible and cost-effective.

“Unlocking the full potential of AI requires an open and collaborative ecosystem that provides customers with choice and accessible solutions,” said Justin Hotard, Intel’s executive vice president and general manager of the Data Center and AI Group. “By integrating Gaudi 3 AI accelerators and Xeon CPUs with IBM Cloud, we are creating new AI capabilities and meeting the demand for affordable, secure, and innovative AI computing solutions.”

Gaudi 3 is a game-changer in the AI accelerator market, offering enterprises the ability to scale AI workloads more efficiently. With its integration into IBM Cloud, businesses can leverage AI in a hybrid environment—whether in the cloud or on-premise—while maintaining control over their software stack. This flexibility is particularly crucial for industries that require stringent security and compliance measures, such as finance, healthcare, and government sectors.

IBM’s Role in Scaling AI Innovation

IBM, a leader in cloud and AI solutions, plays a critical role in this partnership by integrating Gaudi 3 into its IBM Cloud infrastructure. This move aligns with IBM’s broader strategy of helping clients innovate and scale AI across hybrid cloud environments.

“IBM is committed to helping our clients drive AI and hybrid cloud innovation by offering solutions to meet their business needs,” said Alan Peacock, general manager of IBM Cloud. “Leveraging Intel’s Gaudi 3 accelerators on IBM Cloud will provide our clients access to a flexible enterprise AI solution that aims to optimize cost performance. We are unlocking potential new AI business opportunities, designed for clients to more cost-effectively test, innovate, and deploy AI inferencing solutions.”

IBM Cloud’s support for Gaudi 3 will extend to its watsonx AI and data platform, providing clients with additional infrastructure resources for scaling AI workloads. This integration is expected to optimize model inferencing price/performance, a crucial factor for enterprises looking to maximize their AI investments.

A Strategic Partnership with Deep Roots

The collaboration between Intel and IBM is not a new one; it builds on a longstanding relationship between the two tech giants. From the development of the IBM PC to the creation of enterprise AI solutions, Intel and IBM have a history of innovation that spans decades. This latest venture into AI accelerators represents the next chapter in their partnership, one that is set to redefine how AI is deployed in the enterprise space.

“Intel Corporation is expanding our partnership with IBM to bring the power of Gaudi 3 to the cloud,” said Pat Gelsinger, CEO of Intel. “This collaboration will give customers access to affordable and open-source solutions, ultimately enhancing overall performance and helping reduce the total cost of ownership for their AI applications.”

This partnership is particularly significant given the rising demand for AI-driven solutions across industries. As companies increasingly rely on AI to gain competitive advantages, the need for robust, scalable, and secure AI infrastructure becomes paramount. Gaudi 3’s deployment on IBM Cloud is designed to meet these needs, providing enterprises with the tools they need to innovate and scale efficiently.

Enhancing Performance and Security

One of the key advantages of integrating Gaudi 3 into IBM Cloud is the enhancement of both performance and security. Gaudi 3 is built to support demanding AI training and inference workloads, making it ideal for enterprises that require high-performance computing. By running these workloads on IBM Cloud Virtual Servers for Virtual Private Clouds (VPC), x86-based enterprises can experience faster and more secure application performance than ever before.

“Integrating Gaudi 3 into IBM Cloud Virtual Servers for VPC will help enable x86-based enterprises to run applications faster and more securely than before the integration, enhancing user experiences,” Intel noted in its announcement.

This focus on security is crucial, especially as enterprises increasingly move sensitive data and critical operations to the cloud. IBM Cloud’s renowned security and compliance capabilities, combined with the power of Gaudi 3, provide a robust solution for enterprises looking to balance performance with stringent security requirements.

The Road Ahead: Preparing for 2025 and Beyond

As Intel and IBM prepare to roll out Gaudi 3 on IBM Cloud in early 2025, the tech world is eagerly watching. This collaboration not only highlights the growing importance of AI in the enterprise but also sets the stage for future innovations in cloud computing and AI infrastructure.

“IBM Cloud with Gaudi 3 offerings will be generally available at the beginning of 2025,” according to the announcement. “Stay tuned for more updates from Intel and IBM in the coming months.”

This partnership represents a significant leap forward in making AI more accessible and cost-effective for enterprises around the world. As AI continues to evolve, collaborations like this will be crucial in driving the next wave of innovation and helping businesses harness the full potential of AI in the cloud.

In conclusion, the collaboration between Intel and IBM to deploy Gaudi 3 AI accelerators on IBM Cloud is more than just a technological advancement—it is a strategic move that will shape the future of enterprise AI. By providing scalable, secure, and cost-effective AI solutions, Intel and IBM are not only meeting the current demands of the market but are also paving the way for the next generation of AI-powered innovation.

The Traditional Cloud Business Model: A Quick Overview

Before AI’s dominance, cloud computing was largely driven by a subscription-based model. Companies paid for cloud services based on the number of users or the capacity they needed, which worked well in a growing digital economy. The focus was on scalability, reliability, and access to vast computing resources without the need for heavy upfront investments in physical infrastructure.

This model flourished as enterprises shifted their operations to the cloud, taking advantage of the flexibility and cost savings that cloud computing offered. As Deidre Bosa, a prominent technology analyst, points out, “The subscription model was ideal when companies were expanding, hiring more employees, and needing to scale their operations. But AI is changing the equation.”

The AI Disruption: A Shift from Subscription to Consumption

As AI capabilities become more integrated into cloud services, a significant shift is occurring. AI’s ability to automate tasks, optimize resources, and enhance decision-making is driving a move from the traditional subscription-based model to a consumption-based model. This shift is particularly pronounced in compute-heavy applications where AI’s demand for resources fluctuates based on the complexity and volume of tasks.

Deidre Bosa highlights this transition: “Companies like Snowflake, DataDog, and Confluent are prime examples of how the cloud business model is evolving. These companies are now benefiting from AI by adopting consumption-based pricing, which aligns more closely with the real-time demands of AI-driven workloads.”

This model charges customers based on actual usage rather than a flat subscription fee. It’s a more flexible approach, allowing companies to scale their AI applications up or down depending on their immediate needs. This is especially crucial as AI continues to make workforces more efficient, potentially reducing the number of users or ‘seats’ a company needs, thus challenging the viability of the subscription model.

AI’s Impact on Cloud Adoption: The Early Days of a New Era

While the integration of AI into cloud computing is still in its early stages, the impact is already profound. Aaron Levie, CEO of Box, offers a telling perspective: “If you look at where cloud adoption is today, we’re in 2006 or 2007 relative to where we are with AI. The potential upside is enormous, but we’re just scratching the surface.”

Levie’s analogy underscores how early we are in the AI revolution within the cloud. Just as cloud computing revolutionized IT infrastructure and services over the past decade, AI is poised to drive the next wave of innovation, fundamentally altering how cloud services are consumed and delivered.

AI-Driven Efficiency: Fewer Seats, More AI

One of the most significant disruptions AI brings to the cloud business model is its impact on workforce efficiency. Generative AI, in particular, has the potential to automate tasks traditionally performed by large teams, reducing the need for a broad user base while increasing the demand for AI-powered solutions.

Deidre Bosa explains this dynamic: “If companies are selling software by seats and subscription, there are fewer seats to sell to, even though their usage of generative AI goes up. This could lead to a paradox where AI-driven efficiency actually reduces the market for traditional cloud subscriptions.”

This shift is already being observed in companies that have downsized their workforces while ramping up their AI capabilities. The result is a leaner, more efficient operation that consumes more cloud resources dynamically rather than on a per-user basis.

The Case for Consumption-Based Models

As AI continues to evolve, the case for consumption-based models becomes more compelling. These models align more closely with the unpredictable and fluctuating demands of AI workloads, offering a more cost-effective and scalable solution for enterprises.

Priyanka Vergadia, a cloud and AI expert, notes, “AI is going to impact every vertical, from entry-level jobs to sophisticated roles like site reliability engineers (SREs). As AI models become more complex and their usage more widespread, companies need cloud services that can adapt in real-time to changing demands.”

The consumption-based model, therefore, not only offers flexibility but also incentivizes cloud providers to optimize their services continuously. This dynamic creates a win-win situation where companies only pay for what they use, and cloud providers are motivated to enhance their offerings to meet the growing and variable demands of AI applications.

AI and Cloud Infrastructure: A Symbiotic Relationship

The rise of AI in the cloud has also driven advancements in cloud infrastructure, particularly in the development of specialized hardware optimized for AI workloads. Traditional CPUs and GPUs are being complemented by new AI-specific processors like Tensor Processing Units (TPUs) and Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) designed to handle the heavy computational demands of AI models.

Google Cloud’s CEO Thomas Kurian emphasizes the importance of this evolution: “Our AI-optimized infrastructure is essential for delivering the performance and reliability our customers need. With products like the A3 virtual machines, we’re offering up to three times faster training and ten times greater networking bandwidth, ideal for demanding AI workloads.”

This focus on AI-optimized infrastructure is crucial as more enterprises look to leverage AI’s power without being constrained by traditional hardware limitations. The collaboration between cloud providers and hardware manufacturers is creating a new generation of cloud services that are more powerful, efficient, and adaptable to AI’s demands.

The Future of Cloud Computing in the Age of AI

As we look ahead, it’s clear that AI will continue to shape the future of cloud computing in profound ways. The traditional subscription-based model may give way entirely to consumption-based models as AI-driven efficiency and dynamic resource allocation become the norm.

Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, captures this sentiment: “Generative AI is revolutionizing every layer of the computing stack. Our collaboration with Google Cloud is just the beginning of reengineering the entire infrastructure to meet the demands of AI. This is a whole new way of doing computing.”

This transformation will not only change how cloud services are consumed but also how they are developed, deployed, and managed. The cloud’s role as the powerhouse behind AI is set to grow, driving innovation across industries and redefining the competitive landscape.

Embracing the AI-Driven Cloud

The integration of AI into cloud computing is more than just a technological advancement; it’s a fundamental shift in how businesses operate and compete. As AI continues to take over the cloud, companies must adapt to new business models, rethink their infrastructure strategies, and embrace the opportunities that AI offers.

The shift from subscription to consumption-based models reflects the dynamic nature of AI workloads and the need for flexibility in an increasingly automated world. Cloud providers that can navigate this transition and offer AI-optimized solutions will be well-positioned to lead in the coming era of AI-driven innovation.

As Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google, aptly puts it: “We are embarking on a golden age of innovation, and AI will be at the heart of this transformation. The cloud is not just a platform; it’s the foundation upon which the future of AI will be built.”

This future is unfolding rapidly, and those who can harness the power of AI in the cloud will be the ones to define it.

Yet, how do you choose the right one? Below will walk you through the top qualities cloud-based accounting software should possess. From ease of use to automation capabilities, you will understand what truly matters and make an informed choice that takes your business to new levels.

1. Ease of Use

Ease of use is paramount when selecting cloud-based accounting software. A user-friendly interface can make the transition smoother for your team, reducing the learning curve.

Look for an intuitive system with clearly labeled features and simple navigation. Additionally, the software should offer quick setup and seamless integration with your existing systems. 

Access to customer support is also crucial. If you encounter issues or need guidance, prompt and helpful support can save you time and effort. Remember, software should simplify your tasks so you can maintain high productivity.

Consider QuickBooks, for instance. Its intuitive interface, with a clearly marked table and easy navigation, makes it a favorite among users. Sage Business Cloud also smoothly integrates with numerous third-party apps, and FreshBooks offers comprehensive support through multiple channels, ensuring help is at your fingertips when needed.

2. Scalability

Scalability in cloud-based accounting software is essential, ensuring it grows with your business. This flexibility is vital across various sectors. This year, plans to invest in such software are on the rise, with about 52% of nonprofits, 58% of education organizations and 57% of government bodies intending to do so.

One example that offers scalable solutions is NetSuite, providing small businesses with the resources they need while also accommodating large corporations with more complex requirements.

Meanwhile, software like Zoho Books provides flexible pricing plans, allowing businesses to upgrade as they expand. Therefore, always choose software with the capacity to adapt to your business’s evolving needs.

3. Security

Security is another key aspect when choosing cloud-based accounting software. You are entrusting the software with sensitive financial data, so robust protection is non-negotiable.

Look for features such as data encryption, which scrambles your information to make it unreadable to unauthorized users. Another feature it should have is two-factor authentication, which adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification step.

Additionally, data backup and recovery are essential. Sage Business Cloud, for instance, regularly backs up your data and allows for easy recovery in case of loss. In a world where cyberattacks are a significant threat to businesses, prioritizing security is crucial.

4. Mobility

With the world being highly interconnected and fast-paced, mobility in cloud-based accounting software is game-changing because it provides the flexibility to manage your finances. For instance, FreshBooks offers a mobile app with a range of functionalities, from tracking expenses to creating invoices.

Similarly, QuickBooks’ mobile app provides real-time updates, ensuring you are always informed about your business’s financial health. This kind of on-the-go access can enhance efficiency, allowing you to make quick, informed decisions.

When choosing your cloud-based accounting software, consider the mobile features it offers. Your business does not stop when you are away from your desk, nor should your software.

5. Comprehensive Reporting

Comprehensive reporting is another important quality to consider in cloud-based accounting software. Detailed and customizable financial reports give you a clear picture of your business’s financial health. 

Real-time reporting should also aid your decision, as it is beneficial in delivering up-to-the-minute financial data. Look for a variety of report types, such as profit and loss statements, balance sheets and cash flow forecasts. Sage Business Cloud offers these and more.

With comprehensive reporting, you can make informed business decisions, so ensure your chosen software delivers in this aspect.

6. Integration Capabilities

The ability to integrate with other business tools is a critical quality of a good cloud-based accounting software. This feature enhances productivity by enabling seamless data flow between systems. 

For example, software like QuickBooks integrates with apps like PayPal and Shopify, simplifying the tracking of sales and payments. Xero, too, boasts integration capabilities, connecting with over 800 third-party apps, including those for inventory management, CRM and time tracking.

Such integration reduces manual data entry and potential errors, making your business operations more efficient. When choosing your software, consider how well it plays with other tools you depend on to make the most of its integration abilities.

7. Cost-Effectiveness

Cost-effectiveness is a key consideration when selecting your cloud-based accounting software. Understanding the pricing structure becomes even more important in light of recent industry trends. Once lauded for its rapid growth during the pandemic, the cloud computing industry now shows signs of deceleration. Rising costs have raised concerns for many businesses, with some high-profile companies even scaling back their commercial cloud investments.

This context underscores the importance of assessing not just the upfront cost of the software but also its long-term financial implications. Consider the value for money, with some solutions offering time-saving features, like automatic billable time tracking, boosting their cost-effectiveness.

For instance, while software like QuickBooks might seem pricey at first glance, its comprehensive capabilities could lead to significant savings over time. Ultimately, the goal is not to find the cheapest software but the one that provides the greatest value for your investment.

8. Customer Support

Customer support is a vital feature to consider in cloud-based accounting software, as efficient, readily available support can enhance your user experience — especially when issues arise.

For example, Xero offers round-the-clock email support, ensuring assistance is always within reach. Sage Business Cloud provides multiple support channels for support, including live chat, email and phone. Additionally, access to online resources and self-help options, like a comprehensive knowledge base and community forums, can offer invaluable troubleshooting assistance.

When choosing your software, remember the importance of robust customer support. It can significantly improve your user experience. 

9. Automation Capabilities

Automation capabilities are a major advantage of cloud-based accounting software, as these features can significantly improve efficiency and accuracy. For instance, FreshBooks is great for automating tasks like invoicing and expense tracking — freeing up your time for other business activities.

Moreover, other types of software leverage machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) to automate processes like bank reconciliation. This is vital in saving time while also minimizing manual errors.

Automation can transform the way you manage your finances, making it more streamlined and less labor-intensive. So when selecting your software, consider how its automation capabilities can benefit your business.

Choosing the Right Cloud-Based Accounting Software for Your Business

Choosing the right cloud-based accounting software is a critical step that can significantly impact your business’s success. From the ease of use and scalability to robust security and automation capabilities, the qualities mentioned here are essential to consider.

Keep in mind that your software should be a partner in your business, not just a tool. It should simplify tasks, provide valuable insights and ultimately drive your business growth.

Now that you are armed with this knowledge, you are ready to find the perfect software solution for your business. Make an informed choice, take the plunge, and watch your business soar to new heights.

Microsoft recently struck a deal with Cloud Infrastructure Services Providers in Europe (CISPE) to settle a complaint that the Redmond giant was “irreparably damaging” the EU cloud industry. The deal paved the way for EU cloud providers to offer the same Microsoft and Azure applications and services that would normally require being a direct Microsoft customer.

According to Bloomberg, via Ars Technica, Google offered a $500 million deal, including $15 million in cash, in an effort to stop Microsoft’s deal. The majority of the package included software licenses for a five-year period.

CISPE spokesperson, Ben Maynard, told Ars the “members were presented with alternative options to accepting the Microsoft deal.”

Maynard didn’t elaborate on what the alternatives were, but did say Microsoft’s deal won by a wide margin.

“However, the members voted by a significant majority to accept the Microsoft offer, which, in their view, presented the best opportunity for the European cloud sector,” Maynard told Ars.

Because CISPE’s original complaint was aimed at protecting EU cloud providers, neither AWS nor Google Cloud will benefit from the agreement, and AWS was excluded from the negotiations despite being a member of CISPE.

Google wasted no time voicing its disapproval of the deal, with Google Cloud VP Amit Zavery saying Microsoft’s deal was little more than a payoff.

MSFT playbook of paying off complainants rather than address their complaints shouldn’t fool anyone. The deal doesn’t apply to all CISPE members. CISPE admits to a payoff. EU cloud competitors become Azure customers. CISPE members under gag order, can’t file complaints anymore.

Given the lengths to which Google was trying to go to derail Microsoft’s CISPE deal, Zavery’s salty comments make far more sense.

CISPE filed a complaint against Microsoft in late 2022, saying Microsoft was “irreparably damaging” the EU cloud industry. Microsoft made a number of concessions—including give EU cloud providers the ability ot offer Microsoft products and services on their own cloud services—leading to an agreement between the two organizations and a withdrawal of CISPE’s complaint.

Interestingly, as part of the deal, AWS and Google Cloud were excluded from benefiting from the terms of the deal, with AWS even excluded from the negotiations, despite being a CISPE member.

Zavery took to X to decry the deal, saying it amounted to Microsoft buying CISPE’s support.

MSFT playbook of paying off complainants rather than address their complaints shouldn’t fool anyone. The deal doesn’t apply to all CISPE members. CISPE admits to a payoff. EU cloud competitors become Azure customers. CISPE members under gag order, can’t file complaints anymore.

Amit Zavery (@azavery) | July 10, 2024

Zavery goes on to quote Ryan Triplette, executive director for the Coalition for Fair Software (CFSL), in a statement he gave to TechCrunch:

“This settlement is Microsoft’s latest attempt to avoid regulatory scrutiny without addressing the underlying anticompetitive practices that impact millions of cloud customers worldwide,” Ryan Triplette said

Amit Zavery (@azavery) | July 11, 2024

Zavery’s statements are a strong condemnation of Microsoft and its business products, and very much in line with previous statements that have been made by Google Cloud executives.

Microsoft has worked hard to improve its image since it was prosecuted by the US government over antitrust accusations decades ago. The company openly signals a willingness to work with regulators and industry groups in the interest of fair competition.

Based on Zavery’s comments, it appears that those with Google believe Microsoft’s actions are little more than an act, and that the company is still up to its old tricks.

CISPE filed an EU complain in late 2022, alleging that Microsoft was “irreparably damaging” the EU cloud industry. The company was accused of leveraging its Windows and Office dominance to force companies to adopt its cloud services, rather than use options from competing solutions. Microsoft announced changes to address the issues at the time, but CISPE said the proposed solutions didn’t go far enough and were little more than an attempt by the Redmond company to stave off a formal EU investigation.

“CISPE members represent the vibrant, autonomous and independent foundations of Europe’s digital transformation and growth. We have filed this sector complaint to rectify the harms suffered by vendors and customers alike as a result of unfair software licensing practices,” Francisco Mingorance, Secretary General of CISPE, said at the time. “Leveraging its dominance in productivity software, Microsoft restricts choice and inflates costs as European customers look to move to the cloud, thus distorting Europe’s digital economy. DG Comp must act swiftly to open a formal investigation with a statement of objections against Microsoft’s software licence abuses to defend the robust cloud ecosystem Europe needs and deserves.”

Microsoft and CISPE have finally reached an agreement, one that will see CISPE withdraw its EU complaint against Microsoft. Because the complaint was on behalf of smaller cloud providers, AWS was excluded from the negotiations despite being a CISPE member, and neither AWS nor Google Cloud will benefit from the terms agreed upon.

The agreement between the two parties will give European cloud providers the ability to offer Azure and Microsoft-based features that would normally be reserved for Microsoft customers.

Central to the agreement is a collaboration between the parties to release an enhanced version of Azure Stack HCI for European cloud providers (Azure HCI Stack for Hosters) to offer features that Microsoft customers using Azure Stack HCI enjoy today. These features include:

• Multi-session virtual desktop infrastructure based on Windows 11
• Free Extended Security Updates (ESU)
• Pay-as-you-go licensing for SQL Server.

This collaboration will enable European Cloud providers to offer Microsoft applications and services on their local cloud infrastructures, meeting the demand for sovereign cloud solutions and addressing the disruption experienced by European cloud providers and their customers following Broadcom’s acquisition of VMware.

The European Cloud Observatory (ECO) will also be established by CISPE, and include Microsoft, to monitor the solution and ensure compliance.

“This is a significant victory for European cloud providers,” said Secretary General Mingorance. “CISPE has given Microsoft the benefit of the doubt and believes that this agreement will provide a level playing field for European cloud infrastructure service providers and their customers. Microsoft has nine-months to make good on its commitment by offering solutions that allow fair licensing terms for its productivity software European cloud infrastructures.

“To ensure the continued primacy of European members, the CISPE General Assembly has also instructed the Board to revise the governance of the association to ensure that European businesses and SMEs remain in the driving seat for CISPE campaigns should Microsoft or other global hyperscalers ask to become members. Proposed modifications will be presented ahead of the next General Assembly on 18th October 2024.”

The CSA is an organization dedicated to helping secure cloud computing. A survey the organization conducted with Netskope found that DLP solutions are a critical component used in cloud security.

Unfortunately, that’s where the good news ends. While companies are relying on DLP systems, nearly a third struggle to use them effectively.

Among the top challenges cited by organizations are management difficulties (29%), too many false positives (19%), the need for manual version upgrades (18%), and deployment complexity (15%).

“DLP solutions are an integral part of organizations’ data security strategy, but leaders are still struggling with this strategy and the implementation of solutions, especially for how complicated legacy and on-prem based solutions are to manage and maintain,” said Naveen Palavalli, Vice President of Products, Netskope. “These findings highlight the need for a comprehensive and easy-to-use cloud delivered data protection solution that integrates into their existing security controls and is a key tenant of their Zero Trust security strategy.”

Cloud security is increasingly in the spotlight as more and more organizations experience data breaches at a time when the cloud is becoming integral to more companies and industries.

The Biden administration has signaled it is preparing to regulate cloud security in an effort to better protect organizations. If the CSA’s findings are any indication, it looks like the industry could use the help.

Under Selipsky’s guidance, AWS has not only maintained its position as a leader in cloud services but has also set its sights on achieving more extraordinary milestones. The company recently celebrated reaching a $100 billion annual run rate, underscoring its critical role in the tech industry and highlighting the immense scale at which it operates. This achievement is not just a testament to AWS’s financial success but also reflects its pivotal role in hosting and managing the digital backbone of thousands of businesses worldwide, from startups to global conglomerates.

As AWS continues to expand its services and infrastructure, Selipsky’s strategy remains firmly rooted in a profound understanding of customer needs and a relentless drive to innovate. This approach has allowed AWS to stay ahead of rapid technological advancements and emerging industry trends, positioning the company not just as a service provider but as a key enabler of the modern digital economy.

Selipsky’s leadership is marked by a forward-looking approach that anticipates the needs of AWS’s diverse clientele, ensuring that the company remains at the forefront of technological innovation while fostering a culture of customer obsession. This customer-first approach is crucial as AWS navigates the complexities of integrating AI into its offerings, ensuring that these powerful tools serve to enhance customer capabilities and drive their success in an increasingly competitive market.

Yahoo Finance Executive Editor Brian Sozzi chats with Amazon AWS CEO Adam Selipsky:

The Financial Milestone and Future Trajectory

Under the leadership of CEO Adam Selipsky, Amazon Web Services (AWS) has not just reached but soared past a remarkable financial milestone, achieving a $100 billion annualized revenue run rate. This achievement is not just a testament to AWS’s dominance in the cloud sector but also marks it as one of the few technology companies to reach such a towering figure. The significance of this milestone extends beyond its sheer financial scale; it underscores AWS’s critical role in the digital transformation sweeping across industries worldwide.

Selipsky views this milestone as both an affirmation of AWS’s past strategies and a beacon for its future trajectory. “It’s a notable milestone this quarter… AWS did hit the hundred billion annualized revenue run rate milestone,” Selipsky noted, reflecting on the rapid growth and the innovative drive that propelled AWS to this point. The growth is not merely a reflection of AWS’s market position but also indicative of the broader adoption of cloud computing across various sectors, including government, healthcare, finance, and beyond.

Looking ahead, AWS’s future trajectory appears poised for even greater expansion. The shift from traditional on-premises IT infrastructure to the cloud is expected to continue, if not accelerate. Industry analysts estimate that a substantial majority of enterprise-level computing will transition to the cloud over the next decade, suggesting a vast growth runway for AWS. Moreover, emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and the increasing need for data analytics promise to further expand AWS’s service offerings and, by extension, its revenue potential.

Selipsky is optimistic about the future, grounded in a strategy that continues to prioritize innovation and customer service. “I don’t really see an upper limit on it,” he stated regarding AWS’s growth potential. This sentiment is anchored in the belief that as long as AWS continues to lead in delivering high-value, innovative cloud solutions that cater to the evolving needs of its customers, its market leadership and financial growth will be sustained. AWS’s journey thus far has been marked by a relentless pursuit of service excellence and technological leadership, setting the stage for its next chapters of growth in an increasingly cloud-centric world.

Stewardship and Strategy: A Customer-First Approach

At the heart of Amazon Web Services (AWS) ethos lies a steadfast commitment to customer satisfaction, which fundamentally shapes its strategic direction. AWS CEO Adam Selipsky reiterates this focus, explaining, “We don’t wake up thinking about how to beat our competitors; we wake up thinking about how we can delight our customers.” This customer-first approach is deeply ingrained in the company’s operational philosophy and is a key driver of its continuous innovation and sustained growth.

Selipsky’s stewardship of AWS highlights the importance of understanding and anticipating customer needs, which often involves a granular approach to service delivery. This involves not only providing cutting-edge cloud solutions but also ensuring these solutions are accessible and tailored to meet the diverse requirements of different industries. By maintaining close relationships with customers, AWS can adapt its offerings in real-time, ensuring responsiveness that competitors struggle to match.

Furthermore, AWS’s strategy extends beyond mere customer satisfaction to embedding customer needs at the core of product development. “Our job is to listen carefully to our customers and then work backward from their needs,” Selipsky notes. This process has led to the development of a broad spectrum of products and services, ranging from infrastructure solutions like storage and compute services to more sophisticated AI and machine learning platforms.

This approach has cultivated an environment where innovation is not just encouraged but systematically aligned with the practical and evolving demands of AWS customers. It also fosters a culture where AWS’s success is directly connected to the success of its customers, creating a symbiotic relationship that drives mutual growth. Such a strategy not only enhances customer loyalty but also solidifies AWS’s position as a leader in the cloud computing space, underpinning its expansion and reinforcing its market dominance.

In essence, the stewardship and strategy at AWS under Selipsky’s leadership demonstrate a clear, customer-first approach that permeates every level of the organization. This approach not only defines the company’s present operations but also its trajectory into the future, ensuring AWS remains at the forefront of technological advancement while steadfastly serving the real-world needs of its global customer base.

The AI Revolution in Cloud Computing

The AI revolution is reshaping the landscape of cloud computing, with Amazon Web Services (AWS) at the forefront of this transformative wave. As businesses increasingly rely on artificial intelligence to drive innovation, enhance efficiency, and maintain competitiveness, integrating AI capabilities into cloud services has become a crucial strategy for major industry players.

AWS CEO Adam Selipsky articulates AI’s centrality to AWS’s future strategy, noting, “Generative AI is transformative. It is fundamentally changing almost every application that both consumers and enterprises interact with daily.” This transformative impact is not just limited to enhancing existing applications but extends to redefining the very fabric of how businesses operate and deliver services.

The integration of AI in cloud computing enables a myriad of functionalities, from automated data analysis and enhanced predictive capabilities to more sophisticated machine learning models that can drive decision-making processes in real time. For AWS, this means offering a suite of tools that allow customers to easily deploy and manage AI solutions. These tools are designed to be as accessible as they are powerful, ensuring that even organizations without extensive in-house AI expertise can leverage advanced AI functionalities.

Selipsky further emphasizes the importance of meeting customer needs through rapid innovation, “Our customers are looking for speed and agility in their operations, and AI is a key enabler of both.” By continuously developing and deploying new AI features and services, AWS not only supports the diverse needs of its customers but also maintains its competitive edge in the fast-evolving cloud market.

Moreover, AWS’s approach to AI extends beyond functionality and into the realm of ethics and security, recognizing the critical need for responsible AI usage. As part of its commitment, AWS incorporates built-in features to promote AI safety and responsible usage, ensuring that its powerful capabilities are matched by robust safeguards.

In essence, the AI revolution in cloud computing is not merely about technological advancement but also about enabling a smarter, more responsive, and responsible digital infrastructure. For AWS, it represents both a challenge and an opportunity to lead the cloud industry into a future where AI is ubiquitous and integral to business success.

Ensuring Security and Operational Excellence

Ensuring security and operational excellence is fundamental to AWS’s strategy, reflecting a core priority that CEO Adam Selipsky repeatedly emphasizes. For AWS, security is not just another layer of technology but the bedrock upon which all its services are built. This approach is encapsulated by what Selipsky refers to as “security is job zero,” highlighting that it is the first consideration in every AWS operation, well before any feature development begins.

“From the outset, we’ve built our services with security embedded in every layer,” Selipsky states. This begins with the very architecture of AWS services, which are designed to provide robust protection against threats, ensuring customer data’s confidentiality, integrity, and availability. AWS’s commitment extends beyond its technology to its processes, which are designed to continuously monitor and react to threats swiftly, ensuring that security measures evolve in step with emerging cybersecurity challenges.

Operational excellence at AWS is about ensuring that services are not only available but also performant and reliable at all times. “Our customers rely on us to be their infrastructure. That means we must be operational 24/7, without fail,” Selipsky remarks. AWS achieves this through a relentless focus on precision engineering and a comprehensive approach to disaster recovery and data redundancy. Their global network of data centers is built to withstand various failures and catastrophes, ensuring that customer applications run uninterrupted.

The operational philosophy at AWS also involves a rigorous approach to testing and deployment, where new features and updates undergo extensive evaluation before they are rolled out broadly. “We employ a staggered deployment strategy,” explains Selipsky. “This allows us to monitor performance and catch potential issues in smaller, controlled environments, significantly reducing the risk of widespread problems.”

Moreover, AWS’s operational excellence is not solely about maintaining the status quo but also about advancing capabilities. “We’re constantly looking at how we can push the envelope further—not just in terms of scaling up but also in refining our processes to improve efficiency and effectiveness,” says Selipsky. This ongoing improvement is crucial for keeping pace with the rapid growth of customer demands and the ever-expanding scale of AWS operations.

These stringent measures in security and operational performance underline why AWS continues to be the preferred provider for organizations requiring the highest levels of data protection and service availability. By embedding these priorities into every aspect of its business, AWS not only protects its customers but also sets a high industry standard that reinforces its market leadership.

The Cultural Fabric of AWS

The cultural fabric of AWS is woven deeply into its operations, setting a tone that encourages innovation and relentless pursuit of customer satisfaction. This “Day One” culture, as CEO Adam Selipsky describes, is pivotal to maintaining the drive and dynamism that characterizes a startup, even as the company scales to unprecedented heights in the tech industry. Selipsky emphasizes that this culture is about viewing each day as an opportunity to innovate and improve, with the customer at the heart of every decision.

“At AWS, ‘Day One’ isn’t just a mantra; it’s the lens through which we view all our challenges and opportunities,” Selipsky explains. It represents a state of mind that resists complacency and pushes for continual growth and innovation. This approach helps AWS maintain its lead in a fiercely competitive market by ensuring that the company remains agile, despite its vast size and scope.

Selipsky also highlights the role of Amazon’s leadership principles in shaping the company’s culture. These principles, which include customer obsession, commitment to operational excellence, and a penchant for long-term thinking, guide the decision-making processes at AWS. They ensure that the company does not just react to market trends but anticipates and shapes them. “These leadership principles are not just theoretical. They are practical, actionable beliefs that influence everything from hiring to new product development,” Selipsky notes.

Furthermore, the culture at AWS promotes a deep sense of ownership among its employees, encouraging them to take initiative and act as leaders in their respective roles. This ownership mentality fosters an environment where innovation is not just welcomed but expected. Employees at all levels are empowered to question the status quo and drive changes that enhance value for customers.

Selipsky is proud of the way AWS has managed to preserve its foundational culture through periods of rapid growth and change. “As we scale, our Day One culture is a critical anchor that keeps us focused on what truly matters: delivering value and innovation to our customers,” he asserts. This enduring commitment to a foundational startup mentality helps AWS not just to meet customer expectations but to exceed them, continuously setting new standards for the industry.

Vision for the Future

As AWS navigates through a landscape increasingly dominated by cloud services and sophisticated technology demands, CEO Adam Selipsky’s vision for the future is both expansive and detailed. Selipsky envisions a future where AWS not only continues to lead in cloud services but also pioneers new technological realms, particularly in areas like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML).

Selipsky foresees a transformative impact from AI across all sectors, driving innovation and efficiency. “Generative AI is transformative,” he asserts, highlighting its potential to fundamentally change how businesses operate and engage with customers. AWS plans to be at the forefront of this transformation by providing robust AI and ML frameworks that empower customers to create new and improved services, enhance decision-making processes, and automate operations, thereby reshaping industries.

Moreover, AWS aims to extend its leadership in cloud infrastructure by continuously evolving its offerings to meet the increasingly complex requirements of modern enterprises. This includes expanding its global infrastructure to ensure it can handle the growing influx of data and computing needs, thus maintaining high performance and reliability standards. The goal is to provide seamless scalability and flexibility, enabling businesses of all sizes to innovate and grow without being hindered by technological constraints.

Selipsky’s vision extends to making AWS synonymous with not just cloud computing, but also with being a catalyst for business transformation. Through a combination of leading-edge technology, customer-centric service, and a robust ecosystem of partners, AWS aims to support businesses in navigating their digital transformations, thus driving forward the global economy.

In sum, the future vision for AWS under Selipsky’s leadership is one of continuous innovation, customer-focused solutions, and global expansion, all while leading the charge into the next generation of technology with AI and cloud computing at its core. This proactive approach ensures that AWS not only anticipates the needs of its customers but also defines the future of technology itself.

Microsoft’s investment will help develop Malaysia as a cloud and AI hub in the region, as well as help drive the local economy.

“We are committed to supporting Malaysia’s AI transformation and ensure it benefits all Malaysians,” said Satya Nadella, Chairman and CEO, Microsoft. “Our investments in digital infrastructure and skilling will help Malaysian businesses, communities, and developers apply the latest technology to drive inclusive economic growth and innovation across the country.”

Microsoft cites research by Kearney stating that “AI could contribute nearly US$1 trillion to Southeast Asia’s gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030, with Malaysia poised to capture US$115 billion of this amount.”

As part of the company’s AI skilling commitment to Southeast Asia, Microsoft expects some 200,000 people in Malaysia to benefit via the AI TEACH Malaysia program, the Ready4AI&Security program, and other training initiatives.

YB Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Malaysia’s Minister of Investment, Trade & Industry said, “Microsoft’s 32-year presence in Malaysia showcases a deep partnership built on trust. Indeed, Malaysia’s position as a vibrant tech investment destination is increasingly being recognized by world-recognized names due to our well-established semiconductor ecosystem, underscored by our value proposition that ‘this is where global starts’.”

“Microsoft’s development of essential cloud and AI infrastructure, together with AI skilling opportunities, will significantly enhance Malaysia’s digital capacity and further elevate our position in the global tech landscape. Together with Microsoft, we look forward to creating more opportunities for our SMEs and better-paying jobs for our people, as we ride the AI revolution to fast-track Malaysia’s digitally empowered growth journey.”

Dominating the Infrastructure Layer

Daniel O’Regan, Managing Director at Mizuho Americas, noted during a Bloomberg Technology segment that Amazon’s strategy has been firmly rooted in providing the essential infrastructure for developers to build and deploy AI applications. AWS commands over 40% of the cloud market, which it has maintained despite stiff competition from tech giants like Microsoft. “Amazon only plays on the infrastructure layer, which is trying to give people raw material to build their applications,” O’Regan explained, emphasizing AWS’s pivotal role in supporting developers’ productivity and innovation.

Expanding AI Capabilities

While AWS has established dominance in the infrastructure realm, it faces intense competition in the consumer-facing AI domain. In partnership with OpenAI, Microsoft has edged out competitors by integrating advanced AI capabilities like those seen in ChatGPT into its cloud services. This integration has positioned Microsoft as a leader in the consumer AI space, a segment where AWS is still playing catch-up.

However, O’Regan expressed optimism about AWS’s potential to penetrate deeper into this market. He highlighted the company’s strategic focus on enterprise-level AI solutions, which continues to attract significant business from large corporations. This approach could balance its slower advance in the consumer AI segment. “There’s a high likelihood they’re going to choose AWS as much as they’re going to choose Microsoft or Google,” he remarked, suggesting a robust growth trajectory for AWS in enterprise AI applications.

Strategic Investments and Future Prospects

Strategic investments in AI infrastructure also fuel AWS’s growth. The company has announced plans to significantly ramp up capital expenditures to expand its data centers and upgrade hardware, which are crucial for developing and deploying more sophisticated AI services. This investment underscores Amazon’s commitment to maintaining and extending its lead in the cloud market.

O’Regan was bullish about AWS’s strategy, noting that Amazon is prepared to spend tens of billions of dollars to capitalize on AI opportunities. He drew parallels between AWS’s current investment phase and previous cycles where initial profit dips due to high capital expenditure were later offset by substantial profitability gains as the investments bore fruit.

As the AI revolution continues to reshape the landscape of cloud computing, AWS is not just keeping pace but actively shaping the industry’s future. With its significant market share, strategic focus on enterprise AI, and ambitious investment in infrastructure, AWS is poised to remain a key player in the burgeoning field of artificial intelligence. The company’s ability to leverage its vast resources and innovate continuously allows it to meet the evolving needs of developers and businesses, making it a formidable force in global cloud computing.

Google Cloud has unveiled its latest innovations, aimed at helping companies unify database, analytics and AI.

Google Cloud is the third leading cloud provider, behind AWS and Microsoft Azure. The company is particularly viewed as a good option for machine learning development, and has strong support for open source software.

The company’s latest tools will go a long way toward improving its stand even further, with Dataplex, Datastream and Analytics Hub.

Dataplex is designed to “centrally manage, monitor and govern your data across data lakes, data warehouses and data marts, and make this data securely accessible to a variety of analytics and data science tools.”

Datastream, currently available in preview, helps “move and synchronize data between heterogeneous databases, storage and applications reliably to support real-time analytics, database replication and event-driven architectures with Datastream, our serverless change data capture (CDC) and replication service.”

Analytics Hub is designed to make it easy to “access and share valuable datasets and analytics assets (think BigQuery ML models, Looker Blocks, data quality recipes, etc.) across any organizational boundary.” Those interested will need to sign up for preview access.

The company’s latest tools should go a long way toward helping its customers make the most of their data, as well as AI applications.

“The advent of artificial intelligence has propelled the story of the transformation to the cloud,” Asam stated, noting a 25% increase in cloud revenue on a constant currency basis. This shift is part of a broader trend where businesses across the globe are transitioning to the cloud to leverage advanced AI capabilities.

This strategic pivot is about adapting to new technologies and capitalizing on them. SAP reported a staggering growth rate in its Cloud Committed Bookings (CCB), representing the revenue expected from cloud subscriptions over the next year. With a 28% increase, the company has set a new record in growth, highlighting its successful capture of market demand for cloud services.

Central to SAP’s success is its Cloud IP suite, an integral part of the company’s offerings that has generated more than 30% growth for nine consecutive quarters. This suite supports a wide range of applications across various sectors of enterprise operations, including finance and supply chain management, where AI’s impact is particularly pronounced.

“The market for cloud services, particularly those enhanced by AI, is robust, but we are outperforming it significantly,” Asam explained. He mentioned that while the market growth rate hovers in the low to mid-teens, SAP has achieved more than twice that rate, indicating a strong competitive edge and market share gains. These gains come at the expense of competitors and from replacing in-house solutions that companies previously relied on.

Despite recent concerns about tech companies’ performance in China, Asam expressed confidence in SAP’s positioning. While acknowledging the potential for growth in China, he emphasized that other regions are more critical for SAP’s overall performance. “We have been super strong in Asia-Pacific outside China, Europe is performing well, and the United States remains our biggest market,” he noted.

This geographic diversification helps mitigate risks and leverages opportunities across global markets. As companies increasingly rely on sophisticated cloud solutions to drive efficiency and innovation, SAP’s focus on integrating AI into its cloud offerings positions it well to lead in the evolving enterprise software landscape.

John Ferrier, Founder and co-CEO of Silicon Angle and an attendee at the event, shared his insights in an interview on NYSE TV, underscoring the transformative impact of AI technologies being integrated into Google’s offerings. “Google Cloud is crafting a comprehensive package aimed at businesses strategizing for the next generation of growth, primarily driven by generative AI,” Ferrier explained.

Despite playing catch-up in the cloud, Google has introduced several innovative products that may redefine its market standing. Central to Google’s strategy is Gemini, its large language model, which, despite a rocky start, is gaining traction due to enhancements making it faster and more intelligent. Alongside Gemini, Google’s Vertex AI models stand out for their multimodal capabilities, which process and analyze images, text, video, and audio seamlessly — all powered by extensive data integration, mainly through BigQuery, Google’s expansive data warehousing solution.

The conference buzz wasn’t just about product launches. Ferrier noted the shifting dynamics in how companies engage with AI technologies. “Businesses are grappling with decisions about whether to build their own AI systems or to lean heavily on external suppliers like Google,” he said. This pivot is part of a broader, industry-wide move towards creating proprietary AI-driven workflows and applications, increasingly viewed as vital corporate intellectual property.

From the ground, the response to Google’s innovations has been cautiously optimistic. Partners and customers are intrigued by the possibilities AI can offer. Still, they are also wary of over-reliance on a single provider, emphasizing the need for optionality in their technological commitments. This sentiment is echoed in boardrooms across industries, where directors are pressuring management teams to articulate clear AI strategies to drive growth.

The technological underpinnings of Google’s AI advancements involve sophisticated silicon integration, leveraging GPUs and CPUs to enhance performance significantly. “The tech is there,” Ferrier remarked, highlighting Google’s efforts to refine its products continually. For instance, Google’s new token models in Gemini can contextually process up to a million tokens, and BigQuery has been upgraded to handle more complex data queries efficiently.

As Google Next wrapped up, the consensus among attendees was clear: Google is no longer just a challenger in the cloud space but a formidable innovator looking to lead. With its latest AI-driven tools and solutions, Google is poised to transform how businesses leverage cloud computing, making operations more intelligent and connected.

In a rapidly evolving market, Google’s trajectory at Next suggests a future where AI not only supports but drives enterprise growth, fundamentally altering the landscape of cloud computing. As companies worldwide watch and weigh their options, Google’s bet on AI might be the lever that shifts its position from follower to leader in the cloud hierarchy.

Providing insights on the deal, Steve Kovach of CNBC highlighted the multifaceted strategy behind Microsoft’s latest international venture. “This isn’t just about gaining another customer for Azure; it’s about integrating AI capabilities deeply across global markets,” Kovach said.

Strategic Expansion and Geopolitical Nuance

The partnership is set to dramatically enhance Microsoft’s presence outside the United States, ensuring that Azure becomes a pivotal player in the AI transformations across various industries worldwide. With Microsoft President Brad Smith joining G42’s board, the collaboration is poised to leverage Microsoft’s cloud prowess to power G42’s ambitious AI models.

“This move by Microsoft is designed to lock up significant technological and cloud infrastructure capabilities in a region that is rapidly modernizing and looking to diversify its technological partnerships beyond the usual players,” Kovach explained.

Building Local AI Expertise

An additional billion dollars from the two companies will be directed towards cultivating a local AI workforce, which dovetails with the UAE’s broader economic diversification and technological self-reliance goals. This initiative is expected to foster innovation within the region and create high-skilled jobs, driving the local tech ecosystem forward.

A Countermove Against Chinese Technological Proliferation

The investment comes at a critical time when geopolitical tensions around technology transfers and data sovereignty are at a peak. Previously, G42 faced scrutiny from U.S. policymakers due to its use of Chinese technology — a significant concern given the broader U.S.-China tech rivalry. The firm has since shifted its stance, distancing itself from Chinese tech, which facilitated Microsoft’s investment.

“The U.S. and UAE governments have endorsed this deal, which underscores a strategic pivot in the region to reduce reliance on Chinese technology while boosting local capabilities with American partnerships,” Kovach noted.

The Azure Cloud at the Heart of AI Expansion

Azure is central to Microsoft’s growth strategy as a cloud service provider and a platform for global AI development. “With every AI task that runs on Azure, Microsoft enhances its service delivery capabilities and cements its revenue streams from high-growth regions,” Kovach added.

This deal is part of a broader series of investments by Microsoft aimed at strengthening its AI infrastructure globally. Recent expansions include a $2.9 billion AI investment in Japan, the establishment of an AI office in London, a partnership with a French startup, and a $3.5 billion initiative for German data centers.

Looking Ahead

As Microsoft deepens its global integration, the implications for Azure are profound. It solidifies Microsoft’s commitment to expanding its technological ecosystem and strategically positions Azure at the heart of the next generation of global digital infrastructure — particularly in AI and cloud computing.

“This deal is a cornerstone in not just fostering closer ties between American and UAE tech sectors but also in setting a benchmark for how American cloud giants can effectively enhance their global footprint in a geopolitically astute manner,” Kovach concluded.

As the world watches how this partnership develops, the intersection of technology, business, and geopolitics is set to become more entwined, positioning Microsoft and G42 at the forefront of the global AI and cloud computing stages.

Cultural Heritage and Its Impact on Leadership

Tahta’s journey is a testament to the power of cultural diversity in shaping visionary leaders. Born to Armenian parents in Istanbul and educated across Argentina and the UK, Tahta’s multicultural upbringing has imbued him with a blend of resilience, creativity, and disciplined work ethic. These attributes have profoundly influenced his professional role at AWS, where he spearheads technology-driven public sector transformations in Latin America.

His rich cultural heritage fosters a deep understanding of resilience and tradition, virtues he attributes to his ancestors who survived the 1915 Armenian genocide. This historical consciousness, combined with the vibrant creativity necessitated by Argentina’s fluctuating economic landscape and the structured rigor of British education, forms the cornerstone of Tahta’s leadership philosophy.

Global Travel Enhancing Leadership Skills

Storelli highlights Tahta’s extensive travel experiences, having visited over 80 countries since turning 18, which enrich his leadership capabilities. These travels have broadened his worldview and enhanced his ability to empathize, adapt, and collaborate effectively with diverse teams. This global perspective is invaluable in his role at AWS, enabling him to navigate Latin America’s complex social, economic, and political fabrics.

The Power of Diversity in Team Dynamics

In the podcast, Tahta emphasizes the critical role of diversity in driving AWS’s success. He champions the inclusion of varied cultural backgrounds and skill sets within his teams, believing that this diversity fuels creativity and innovation. This approach is crucial in Latin America, where AWS leverages local talents and insights to tailor technological solutions that meet specific regional needs.

Leadership Principles That Resonate

Of the 16 Amazon Leadership Principles, Tahta resonates most profoundly with “Customer Obsession.” His passion for customer service is intertwined with his commitment to societal impact, mainly through AWS’s public sector projects. These initiatives often transcend business metrics, affecting broad societal systems, including governance, healthcare, and education.

Inspirational Figures and Aspirational Goals

Tahta credits his parents and children as his greatest inspirations. Their influence reinforces his commitment to ethical leadership and sustainable practices. Through AWS’s climate pledge and public sector engagements, he aspires to leave a lasting positive impact on the planet and future generations.

Reflecting on his legacy, Tahta desires to be remembered as a devoted family man and a leader who significantly elevated Latin America’s technological landscape. He is particularly excited about the potential of generative AI to revolutionize regional public administration, enhancing governmental transparency and efficiency.

Future Outlook: Generative AI’s Role in Latin America

Looking ahead, Tahta is optimistic about the role of generative AI in transforming Latin America’s public sector. He envisions AI technologies streamlining judicial processes and enhancing governmental operations, thus providing substantial benefits to society. His leadership is geared towards realizing these technologies’ full potential, fostering a more connected, efficient, and transparent governmental landscape across Latin America.

Andrés Tahta’s interview with Sarah Storelli not only illuminates his multifaceted leadership approach but also highlights his visionary plans for incorporating advanced technologies like AI in Latin America. His story is a compelling narrative of how diverse cultural experiences and robust technological insights can merge to foster significant socio-economic advancements.

With the unveiling of its latest advancements, Google is reaffirming its commitment to driving AI innovation and reshaping industries worldwide. At the heart of its endeavors lies a relentless pursuit of excellence, exemplified by the evolution of its AI infrastructure, including the fifth-generation Tensor Processing Units (TPUs).

Over the years, Google’s investments in AI infrastructure have yielded remarkable results, enabling customers to train and deploy cutting-edge language models with unparalleled efficiency. These advancements have positioned Google Cloud as a leader in the AI platform shift, with a substantial portion of AI startups and unicorns choosing Google Cloud as their preferred platform.

Among Google’s recent milestones is the introduction of Gemini, their most significant and capable AI model. Gemini represents a significant leap forward in AI capabilities, boasting enhanced performance and breakthroughs in long-context understanding. With the ability to process vast amounts of information consistently, Gemini opens up new possibilities for enterprises to innovate and create using AI.

Moreover, Gemini’s multimodal capabilities, encompassing audio, video, text, and code processing, further expand the horizons of what enterprises can achieve with AI. Gemini’s potential applications are boundless, from offering personalized gaming experiences to streamlining insurance claims processing.

However, Google’s commitment to AI innovation extends beyond infrastructure advancements. By integrating AI into products like Search, Maps, and Android, Google aims to make everyday experiences more seamless and intuitive. December marked the release of Gemini 1.5 Pro, an enhanced version of their flagship model offering even more outstanding performance and capabilities.

The unveiling of AI Hypercomp, Google’s integrated and optimized AI training and serving system, marks another significant milestone. Designed to meet the escalating computational demands of large language models, AI Hypercomp represents a paradigm shift in AI infrastructure. By leveraging a comprehensive hardware and software ecosystem, Google is empowering developers to push the boundaries of AI innovation.

Central to Google’s vision is democratizing access to AI tools and technologies, ensuring that businesses of all sizes can harness AI’s transformative power. With offerings like Vertex AI and Google’s Enterprise AI platform, companies can access various pre-trained models and tools tailored to their needs.

The integration of Gemini into Vertex AI further amplifies its capabilities, enabling enterprises to leverage the world’s largest context window for AI processing. From analyzing complex documents to generating personalized recommendations, Gemini empowers businesses to extract valuable insights and drive informed decision-making.

In addition to AI models, Google is revolutionizing how content is created and consumed with innovative tools like Google Vids. Powered by AI, Google Vids streamlines the video creation process, offering a suite of writing, production, and editing features. Whether creating engaging marketing videos or dynamic social media content, Google Vids empowers users to unleash their creativity.

However, Google’s ambitions extend beyond content creation to AI-driven code development. With Gemini Code Assist, developers can leverage AI to navigate complex codebases, accelerate software development, and enhance productivity. By harnessing the power of Gemini’s multimodal capabilities, developers can tackle coding challenges with unprecedented speed and precision.

In conclusion, Google’s relentless pursuit of AI innovation reshapes industries, empowering businesses to thrive in the digital age. From groundbreaking AI models to cutting-edge infrastructure, Google is laying the foundation for a future powered by AI. As we embark on this transformative journey, the possibilities are limitless, and the potential for innovation knows no bounds.

Acknowledging Google’s storied legacy as a trailblazer in AI and its unrivaled talent pool, Kurian addresses the imperative for clearer messaging, especially compared to more vocal competitors like Microsoft. He affirms, “We are not a closed system. We are not trying to lock people into the tools and technology. We allow people to use it exactly how they want to.” This ethos of openness lies at the heart of Google Cloud’s strategy.

Kurian elaborates on Google Cloud’s commitment to providing an open platform, emphasizing the importance of empowering users with choice. “They have a choice of models, choice of tools, choice of chips, choice of many other elements,” he explains. According to Kurian, this flexibility is a cornerstone of Google Cloud’s success.

In contrast to competitors who may offer closed ecosystems or lack expertise in AI, Kurian emphasizes Google’s unique blend of proprietary models and third-party solutions. “We have our models, and we have the expertise to build systems and integrate these models into our products so people can use them,” he states. This approach allows Google Cloud to cater to diverse customer needs while leveraging its deep AI expertise.

On monetization, Kurian provides concrete examples of how Google’s AI solutions drive tangible value for businesses. He illustrates, “For the startups and people building foundational models, they use our infrastructure and pay us for the use of the infrastructure, just like the way they used to pay for classical computing.” This model reflects Google Cloud’s commitment to providing value-driven solutions to its customers.

Regarding partnerships with AI startups like Anthropic, Kurian underscores Google Cloud’s collaborative approach. He emphasizes, “We never wanted to say if you want to serve a model through us, you have to be owned or tethered to us. We give model providers a choice of where to run the models.” This philosophy of empowerment aligns with Google Cloud’s broader strategy of fostering innovation and choice.

In discussing the significance of investments in AI startups, Kurian underscores Google Cloud’s commitment to driving technological innovation. He emphasizes the company’s role in shaping the future of cloud computing and AI, positioning Google Cloud as a leading force in the ongoing Cloud Wars.

In conclusion, Kurian’s insights offer a nuanced understanding of Google Cloud’s strategic vision, characterized by a dedication to openness, innovation, and collaboration. As the Cloud Wars evolve, Google Cloud remains poised to lead the charge, driving transformative change in cloud computing and artificial intelligence.

The job cuts primarily target roles in sales, marketing, and global services within AWS. Additionally, the physical stores’ technology team, responsible for developing the systems powering Amazon’s cashierless checkout programs, is expected to see a significant staff reduction.

This announcement follows Amazon’s decision to discontinue its “Just Walk Out” cashierless technology at Amazon Fresh grocery stores across the United States. According to the company’s statement, the technology will be replaced by an alternative cashierless system.

An Amazon Web Services spokesperson defended the layoffs, stating that the company identified areas where streamlining was necessary. Emphasizing a commitment to innovation, the spokesperson reiterated Amazon’s focus on hiring within its core business areas.

“While these decisions are difficult, they are necessary as we continue to invest, hire, and optimize resources to deliver innovation for our customers,” the spokesperson told WSJ.

Amazon’s cloud-computing business has long been a significant contributor to its profitability. However, sluggish demand last year prompted the company to reassess its operations and prioritize cost-reduction initiatives. Despite this, Amazon has continued investing in emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI).

Amazon’s AI efforts have been mainly spearheaded by AWS, which recently made headlines with a $4 billion investment in AI startup Anthropic. This move underscores Amazon’s commitment to advancing AI capabilities within its cloud platform.

The tech industry has witnessed a spate of job cuts in recent months, with companies like Alphabet, Microsoft, and Salesforce also trimming their workforces. In January, Amazon announced significant layoffs across its film and television studio divisions and Twitch streaming platform as part of broader cost-cutting measures.

Despite these layoffs, major tech companies, including Amazon, have experienced overall workforce growth since the onset of the pandemic. An earlier analysis shows that Amazon has nearly doubled its workforce since 2019.

To mitigate the impact on affected employees, Amazon has pledged to provide pay and benefits for at least 60 days following their termination and offer severance packages to eligible individuals. However, the news of layoffs underscores the challenges facing tech companies and their employees in an ever-evolving business landscape.