News in the Channel - issue #19

ALSO CLOUD SUMMIT 24

enterprise security in an informative way. “Our security vendors were able to share insights and collaborate to build a complete and comprehensive analysis of modern cloud solutions and challenges. Each keynote speaker and vendor representative talk built off the last, painting a complete picture of MSP cybersecurity threats. “With this comprehensive overview, ALSO is in the best position to leverage and tailor solutions to our client base. Overall, the event's successes are due to the benefits of our extensive alliance of partnerships – we bring all the expert voices together in one room, for the greater good of our client offering.” Highlights from the ALSO UK Cloud Summit included: l Cybersecurity expert Acronis showcasing the dangers of AI-boosted ransomware attempts, as well as the latest AI tools being developed to counter malicious actors l Password manager LastPass outlined the ongoing compromised credential crisis and the urgent need to address poor cyber-hygiene practices l Security awareness solutions expert Vade explained how easy and accessible hacking has become with GenAI with their ‘10 mins to make you a hacker’ talk l CrowdStrike demonstrated the potential of GenAI tools when used for good in boosting cybersecurity efforts l AvePoint outlined the business expansion benefits of tools such as Copilot for MS365. The importance of GenAI As mentioned, GenAI was one of the main topics at the event, and Robert highlighted the importance of AI in the modern cloud landscape. “The world has changed completely in recent years, with cloud-first dominating as the best solution, even though securing it is not without challenges,” he says. “The old model (‘on-prem’ and trusted network) is outdated, and legislation for service providers is coming as the risk to critical infrastructure now dependent on modern technology services needs protection more than ever.” In addition, David noted in his keynote speech that 87% of organisations believe that AI offers a competitive edge for their business. “While the technology brings security challenges, there is clear value to business operations and SME growth,” notes Steve Grey, head of sales at ALSO Cloud UK. “Tools such as Copilot are expected to continue the

WHAT THE VENDORS SAID

value add of AI to systems, aiding in business productivity, improving work quality, time efficiency with task completion and improving ease of data and information access. “When it comes to the current era of AI, businesses are at a turning point. Investments in this new technology are shifting from not just a bonus to business operations, but a necessity to integrate for enterprises to compete in the future. The benefits to organisations are clear, not just in sheer productivity figures, but also for team member morale as they can stop spending time on tedious and repetitive tasks, and instead apply more creativity to their work.” Steve adds that ALSO is unified with its vendor partners in empowering its organisations with top, mission-critical technologies and cloud solutions. “One finding from the event was the reveal that 75% of workers are already using AI at work, so from our viewpoint it’s no longer introducing something new for people to learn, but tailoring the AI tools to what is both secure and going to help that business grow and thrive,” he says. “Our partners at AvePoint highlighted that any investment in AI tools needs a robust data foundation, as building trust in AI tools and harnessing its full potential starts with data. Part of our offering to customers is also helping them prepare, secure and optimise their data access and operations so that when an AI tool is integrated, it can focus on streamlining relevant data access and speeding up operations without sacrificing security. “Not all AI tools will be entirely relevant or helpful to all businesses, but ALSO’s offering can be tailored to customer needs. Moreover, ALSO is wholly invested in “At the summit, on display at the Hornetsecurity stand was Hornet-branded merchandise, and there was also a brief presentation on Hornetsecurity too. “The day was a success for Hornetsecurity as we engaged with new and existing partners and got an insight into other vendors’ portfolios. “These events are important for companies like Hornetsecurity as they give us an opportunity to engage and existing partners. There were a range of topics that came up in discussions with attendees, including cybersecurity in general, Copilot and Hornetsecurity.”

James Nganga

hornetsecurity.com

Steve Grey head of sales

also.com

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Investments

in this new technology are shifting from not just a bonus to business operations, but a necessity to integrate for enterprises to compete in the future.

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