EdgeConneX, a global data center operator with regional headquarters in Singapore, is firmly set on catalyzing this shift. By deploying edge data centers across key markets in the Asia-Pacific region and forming strategic partnerships with local industry leaders, the company will establish a robust network infrastructure that aligns with recent escalating data demands through cloud and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The APAC data center market is fit to burst

Source: Shutterstock

Kelvin Fong, EdgeConneX’s Managing Director for the APAC region, said: “Cloud technology and the increasing adoption of AI, are likely to lead to significant expansion into markets beyond the traditional APAC markets of Singapore and Hong Kong.” These new markets are developing now in India and Indonesia due to burgeoning digital transformations in their economies and throughout the region.

Mr. Fong noted that governments in Southeast Asian countries are also being more proactive and supportive towards digital infrastructure development. Leaders have picked up on how digital advancement can lay the foundation for exponential economic growth in the coming years, by attracting new skill sets, creating employment opportunities, and fostering innovation and global competitiveness.

Fiber investment has also worked as a data center investment driver. Don MacNeil, EdgeConneX’s Chief Revenue Officer, said: “Investments in fiber optics hold great significance, both domestically and across the wider region. They are notably simplifying the challenge of connectivity and adding essential network diversity.”

How EdgeConneX is reaching APAC

Malaysia

Government digitalization in Malaysia has spurred interest in expanding its data center infrastructure. Mr. Fong said: “The local government is playing a catalytic role by facilitating land sales, ensuring power availability, and streamlining administrative processes. These efforts are attracting data center operators and end-users to the area.”

Malaysia was also taking advantage of the data center moratorium in Singapore, which was only lifted in 2022, and attracted much of the country’s outbound traffic. As a result, the industries in Johor and Kuala Lumpur have seen significant growth and are now key markets.

He added that there are new opportunities for “mega-campuses” in Greater Kuala Lumpur rather than just the center, where limitations on space and power availability make it expensive. Mr. Fong said: “In fact, they have already opened up some of the technology parks just to cater to the hyper-scalers.” Last year, EdgeConneX unveiled its plans to build data centers in downtown Kuala Lumpur, Bukit Jalil in Greater Kuala Lumpur, and Cyberjaya, with nearly 300 MW of total capacity. Malaysia’s dense network connectivity, power availability, multiple port cities, and connections to 22 submarine cables position it as a strategic data center destination.

Indonesia

Indonesia is Asia’s third most populous country, and its population is still growing, so data demands are likely to continue escalating in parallel. In 2022, EdgeConneX acquired the GTN data center, which allowed the company to gain an initial foothold in its ninth market in Asia. In September this year, it secured $403.8 million in investment to support the growth of a 120 MW hyper-scale data center campus in Jakarta. As well as the capital, Mr. Fong says that Eastern Java and Batam are becoming key data center markets in Indonesia. He said: “They’re not just drawing in international demand, but also experiencing substantial domestic interest. With a thriving community of e-commerce and fintech enterprises in Indonesia, there’s a significant surge in locally-driven demand.”

China

In December 2021, EdgeConneX unveiled its new strategic partnership with leading Chinese data center provider Chayora to help expand its solutions throughout the mainland, including in Tianjin and Greater Shanghai. Tech Wire Asia recently spoke with Chayora CEO James Wei, to discover his insights on how China can sustain a thriving data center landscape going into 2024.

Philippines

In 2022, EdgeConneX forged a partnership with Aboitiz InfraCapital to capitalize on its extensive local market knowledge, as well as its land and power assets in the Philippines. Presently, discussions are underway with potential customers about breaking ground.

Mr. Fong noted: “Aboitiz brings a wealth of essential components to the table for success in the market. With ownership of power resources and real estate, as well as involvement in the construction industry, they offer crucial assets. These complement our [EdgeConneX] global data center platform, build, and operational capabilities, which is why we’ve partnered with Aboitiz.”

India

EdgeConneX has partnered with Adani Enterprises, India’s largest multi-infrastructure organization, since 2021. The joint venture ‘AdaniConneX’, has already set up a data center in Chennai and aims to build out 1 GW of data center capacity by 2030.

Mr. MacNeil stated: “Adani not only brings just the local infrastructure expertise of the Adani Group but, more importantly, the infrastructure supporting power transmission and generation. Adani Group has a similar goal for renewable, sustainable energy; to be at 25 GW by 2025, and it’s well underway. So, in many cases, India has the advantage of significant, fresh investment on all aspects – not only digital infrastructure but also the broader infrastructure requirements.”

Challenges faced by the APAC data center industry

One of the main challenges of expanding the data center industry in Asia is doing so sustainably. Getting access to renewable energy directly, rather than via carbon offsetting, can be difficult in certain countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore. Mr. Fong said: “The region’s commitment to sustainability is evident, with countries like Indonesia and Malaysia planning to significantly ramp up their renewable energy generation in the coming years. These initiatives will eventually power the burgeoning data center industry, ensuring a greener and more sustainable digital future for Southeast Asia.”

EdgeConneX is making significant strides in sustainable data center development, even in countries where it is less straightforward. For example, the deal struck for the hyper-scale data center campus in Jakarta was explicitly for ‘sustainability-linked senior facilities’, meaning it will be equipped with sustainability capabilities. Adjustments will be made to the financing terms when EdgeConneX meets certain Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) concerning the Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) of data centers, the use of renewable electricity, and achieving safety goals.

Looking to the future

Source: Shutterstock

As Mr. MacNeil noted, “Over the next 24 months, we will see the impact of the next wave of data center expansion, driven by AI, building on the already healthy pace of growth of Cloud. All of that also driving the virtuous infrastructure expansion in connectivity through terrestrial fiber optics and submarine cable expansion – it’s exciting to be a part of this wave.”

According to the Asia-Pacific Trade and Investment Report 2023-2024, the region posted a 9 percent growth rate in digitally deliverable exports from 2015 to 2022, outpacing the global average of 6.8 percent. Now, the continuation of this growth is paired with ambitious sustainability and net-zero goals, pledged by many APAC countries including China, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore.

EdgeConneX’s strategic vision and collaborations aim not only to meet the burgeoning demands of Cloud and AI but also committed to contributing to growth in a responsible and sustainable manner across the Asia-Pacific data landscape.

Mr. Fong said: “This sets the momentum for our investments in Indonesia and Malaysia. We aim to seize this market opportunity as it begins to rise. Therefore, pinpointing the optimal locations and timing is crucial for our success in this endeavor.”

To explore EdgeConneX’s comprehensive array of cutting-edge data centers throughout the Asia-Pacific region, and to inquire about tailored data center solutions for your business, visit the EdgeConneX website today.

The post The view of APAC data centers in 2024: Trends, challenges, and EdgeConneX’s impact appeared first on Tech Wire Asia.

The higher the ad viewability score, the more improved the campaign performance report will be, heightening the demand for the ad inventory. One of the industry’s best practices to maximize viewability. This is an imperative for both publishers and advertisers, is to capitalize on ad formats that will hold the viewer’s attention.

From a publisher’s perspective, optimizing viewable impressions for advertisers is crucial to bolster their confidence in online spending. Using the MRC definition of ad viewability, a study by Google concluded that viewable display ads across the Google Display Network had a 4X higher lift in conversions than display ads that didn’t meet the MRC standard.

APAC INDIVIDUALS UNDERSTAND GENERATIVE AI – BUT BRANDS HESITATE

Muhammad Zulhusni | 6 October, 2023

Disrupting the traditional ‘billboard’ format with tech

As technology continues to evolve in this space, Bonzai, The Creative Automation Platform trusted by publishers, agencies, and advertisers, today announces the launch of its latest offering—Fillboard, a premium digital ad format that can help advertisers capture and hold user attention without disturbing the experience of the site content. The new format also enhances viewability and user experience (UX) for ads served across desktop, tablet, and mobile devices.

The Bonzai team took a deep dive into ad format innovation, intent on surfacing a solution to the challenge that every publisher must tackle. Following the launch of Fillboard in H1 of 2024, there is now great excitement to see how publishers adopt this new ad format, which can positively influence ad revenues.

Ad Viewability with Bonzai (Source – Bonzai)

Innovation already snapped up by The Guardian

Ash Tanwar, Head of Ad Operations at The Guardian comments, “Our long-standing partnership with Bonzai has played a pivotal role in shaping our vision for a product geared towards enhancing ad effectiveness. Close collaboration with the team has culminated in an ad format that ensures heightened viewability for our readers, thanks to its ingenious cross-screen experience. With initial testing already proving to have promising results, this new product in market will undoubtedly excite our advertisers.”

Rahul Pandey, Founder and CEO at Bonzai

Rahul Pandey, Founder and CEO at Bonzai, highlighted the pivotal role of user attention in digital advertising. He said, “With a keen understanding of how the slightest boost in user attention can bring significant gains in ad awareness, Bonzai Fillboard was designed with care. We are offering a solution that helps avoid outdated intrusive methods, prioritizing contextual advertising that aligns with user intent. Moving away from formats that interrupt, cover site content or don’t work across devices, advertisers can now utilize Fillboard, a fresh way to connect with all their audiences and stand out in the crowded digital landscape.”

Bonzai Fillboard comes just months after the launch of their BrandStory,  another innovative, disruptive ad format with triple the ad space and 2.8 times greater time-in-view than single scroll ad formats. These innovative products are addressing the surging demand from brands worldwide, looking to drive real results from their advertising spend.

Headquartered in Singapore, Bonzai has been making significant strides across APAC, serving virtually every major publisher and thousands of advertisers with its ad-tech products. Bonzai can boast of partnering with multiple iconic brands from Westfield to Mercedes-Benz. Even the relatively smaller regional businesses have harnessed Bonzai’s display ad solutions to become more productive and agile in generating creative content and winning customers with relevant digital marketing.

Find out more about Bonzai Fillboard here.

About Bonzai:

Since its inception in 2013, Bonzai—The Creative Automation Platform has proven to be a pioneer cloud-based SaaS platform for automated production and programmatic management of digital display ad creatives. The self-serve platform has empowered media owners, brands, and designers to drive efficient and effective digital ad campaigns of high-quality standards with innovative ad-tech products.

Bonzai’s comprehensive solutions have simplified and streamlined the end-to-end display ad production process, from design to deployment, delivering brand engagement experiences at scale.

Having achieved benchmark success across APAC, Bonzai has established itself as the trusted ad automation partner for a wide range of clients, including renowned media companies such as NewsCorp, The Guardian, Stuff and Car Advice, and several direct-to-consumer brands.

Headquartered in Singapore, Bonzai also operates offices in key global locations, including Sydney, Australia and Pune, India.

Partner with Bonzai now, visit www.bonzai.co.

The post How Bonzai is disrupting the digital ad landscape with rapid innovation appeared first on Tech Wire Asia.

Islamic banking operates on principles of Shariah law, emphasizing ethical, moral, and social values in all transactions. In Malaysia, a country with a significant Muslim population and a strong commitment to Islamic finance, banks like Bank Muamalat Malaysia Berhad (Bank Muamalat) are at the forefront of integrating traditional values with the latest technological advancements. This blend of tradition and innovation sets the stage for Bank Muamalat’s strategic partnership with Google Cloud, aiming to lead the digital transformation in Islamic banking.

This alliance is set to harness Google Cloud’s comprehensive suite of capabilities, including modern infrastructure, data analytics, security measures, and generative AI, to offer Malaysians personalized and inclusive digital banking services.

Amidst the banking sector’s growing recognition of artificial intelligence’s transformative potential, a study by Google Cloud underscores the industry’s increasing interest in generative AI. The research, which surveyed 350 banking executives and over 2,000 consumers, highlighted a widespread demand for generative AI technologies. A substantial 92% of executives acknowledged a “high demand” within the sector, with 95% affirming its capacity to revolutionize the industry.

These executives anticipate generative AI to significantly contribute to revenue growth through enhancements in investment research, marketing, customer segmentation, and customer acquisition and retention strategies.

GOOGLE GEMMA: AN OPEN SOURCE AI MODEL FOR EVERYONE?

Aaron Raj | 23 February, 2024

The consumer sentiment towards generative AI shows a division based on age, with younger generations more open to the technology than older age groups. Highlighted applications for AI include improved AI chatbots, expedited credit card processing, and comprehensive financial insights, indicating critical areas for enhancing adoption and perception.

Enhancing customer experience with AI

Zac Maufe, Global Head of Regulated Industries for Google Cloud, highlighted generative AI’s potential to redefine banking and investment, noting its role in boosting productivity and operational efficiency within the sector. Maufe also noted the technology’s ability to create personalized digital experiences, catering to the preferences of new banking consumers.

As generative AI evolves, it is expected to attract increased regulatory attention. Maufe advocates for a forward-looking risk management strategy to securely leverage this technology. Reflecting on the research, a trend emerges of executives planning to expand their generative AI investments, anticipating returns on their initial outlays.

Nearly half of the banking executives are exploring generative AI through proof-of-concept projects, with 35% already engaging in active pilot and testing phases. These projects primarily aim to enhance employee productivity and innovate in content creation, marketing, and software development.

Yolande Piazza of Google Cloud observed that the industry has moved beyond experimental stages with generative AI, now focusing on practical applications to improve efficiency. She believes success will favor banks that solve specific business challenges in alignment with strategic goals.

Bank Muamalat’s comprehensive cloud transformation includes adopting technologies from Mambu and Backbase, reinforcing its dedication to delivering advanced digital banking solutions that comply with Shariah principles.

Mambu announces Bank Muamalat’s partnership with Google Cloud (Source – X)

Khairul Kamarudin, Bank Muamalat’s CEO, stated the bank’s commitment to advancing Malaysia’s Islamic banking sector through digital innovation. Leveraging Google Cloud is expected to streamline IT operations and foster innovation, notably through enterprise-grade generative AI, enhancing overall banking experiences.

The bank’s strategic shift towards a cloud-based model includes migrating digital applications and databases to Google Cloud. This integration with Mambu’s digital core banking platform and Backbase’s engagement banking platform aims to introduce a suite of new Islamic financing and deposit products. This transition is poised to reduce costs, improve operational efficiency, and expedite software development, facilitating quicker deployment of banking services.

Bank Muamalat is utilizing Google Cloud’s infrastructure to enhance its Muamalat Application Platform (MAP), focusing on improving personal and home financing applications. Innovations like automated document data capture are expected to significantly reduce application times and increase the Islamic financing share in Malaysia’s banking sector.

Additionally, the bank plans to bolster its security measures using Google Cloud’s platforms, integrated with advanced threat detection capabilities. Mambu’s CEO, Fernando Zandona, acknowledged Bank Muamalat’s pioneering role in adopting cloud banking solutions in Southeast Asia, emphasizing the initiative’s endorsement by Malaysia’s regulatory authority and its potential to modernize core banking systems.

Embracing a data-driven, AI-first strategy with the help of Google Cloud

Bank Muamalat’s strategy to advance its digital banking platform involves integrating Google Cloud BigQuery and Looker with its marketing platform for comprehensive customer data analysis. This move aims to enhance the bank’s understanding of customer behaviors and preferences through data gathered from direct interactions and marketing activities. By creating detailed customer profiles, the bank intends to offer more personalized banking products, particularly to underserved segments of the Malaysian population.

Additionally, the bank plans to implement generative AI tools like Vertex AI Search and Conversation to streamline internal processes. These tools will enable staff to quickly access insights from the bank’s data, reducing the time spent on information retrieval and allowing more time for customer engagement.

GOOGLE GEMINI TO GIVE CHATGPT A RUN FOR ITS MONEY

Aaron Raj | 7 December, 2023

This approach is part of Bank Muamalat’s broader strategy to improve its banking services by leveraging data analytics and AI, without compromising the personal touch essential to Islamic banking. The initiative is designed to make banking more efficient and customer-centric, aiming to meet the evolving needs of their clientele.

Through this partnership, Bank Muamalat sets a new standard for traditional financial institutions to embrace technological innovation to better serve their customers and society.

The post Bank Muamalat embarks on AI-driven digital Islamic banking transformation with Google Cloud appeared first on Tech Wire Asia.

领先的数据中心提供商 EdgeConneX 和朝亚于2021年12月宣布建立战略合作伙伴关系。EdgeConneX 已经是超大规模数据中心部署领域的全球领导者，因其在全球不同市场提供顶级解决方案方面的丰富经验和熟练程度而广受赞誉。朝亚在中国开发和运营前沿的超大规模数据中心园区，以其成熟的高密度、高性能计算（HPC）完备设计而闻名，朝亚擅长提供高效、定制的数据中心解决方案，从而加速客户业务的上市速度。EdgeConneX 与朝亚合作提供最先进的基础设施解决方案，以满足日益数字化的生态系统不断增长的需求。

Tech Wire Asia 采访了 EdgeConneX 亚太区董事总经理 Kelvin Fong 和朝亚首席执行官 James Wei，了解他们对中国如何在 2024 年维持蓬勃发展的数据中心格局的见解。

TWA：是什么推动了中国数据中心行业的增长？

JW：“中国在发展和提升云、人工智能和量子计算等关键技术能力的愿望正在创造合适的条件，让各种技术创新能够在中国蓬勃发展。

“人们越来越需要数字基础设施来支持新的企业应用和用户在线服务，特别是在互联网普及率继续以健康的速度增长的情况下。2023 年初，互联网普及率约为 73.7%。到 6 月份，这一比例已增至约 76.4%。

“此外，人工智能驱动的服务和能力的爆炸式增长需要比以前更多的高密度数据中心支持。随着人工智能技术不断融入日常应用，导致对人工智能训练和推理的电力需求更大。强大的超融合基础设施（HCI）系统可提供更强大的内部部署能力和计算能力。

“由于这些新的高密度系统，机架级的能源需求预计将迅速增加。这推动了更新的解决方案设计和功能，用于提供足够的能源和足够的冷却。”

KF：“中国一直在人工智能研发方面投入巨资。机器学习和深度学习等人工智能技术的实施需要大量的计算能力，因此需要先进的数据中心。

“此外，中国政府一直在推动政务云服务的发展。中国各个电信公司在建设和维护这些政府云基础设施方面发挥着至关重要的作用，满足了对强大数据中心的需求。

“中国蓬勃发展的电子商务行业也产生了大量与在线交易、用户行为和物流相关的数据。中国数字支付和金融分析等金融科技服务的发展推动了对数据存储和处理能力的需求不断增长。

“最后，自动驾驶汽车的开发和测试在很大程度上依赖于数据处理和存储。中国在自动驾驶汽车技术方面一直在进步。此外，实时收集和分析来自传感器和摄像头的大量数据，需要强大的数据中心基础设施。”

TWA：企业如何利用数据中心获得增长机会，同时有效管理计算能力需求和挑战？

KF：“中国企业可以利用数据中心的能力来适应下一代技术，特别是人工智能。数据中心提供人工智能算法、机器学习和数据处理所需的计算资源，使公司能够提取有价值的见解并改进决策流程。

JW：“数据中心还必须跟上技术发展的步伐并采用相关的尖端系统来增强数据中心的能力和性能。”

KF：“中国企业可以利用数据中心作为创新枢纽来促进协作、创造和创新。通过创造一个鼓励实验和开发尖端解决方案的环境，中国企业可以在快速发展的技术领域保持领先地位。”

JW：“企业可以与拥有技术能力的领先数据中心运营商合作，提供具有市场领先能量使用效率（PUE）的高效设计。在此过程中，企业可以采用根据具体要求量身打造的定制数据中心部署，以最大限度地减少效率低下的情况。”

TWA：据您所知，客户是否积极寻求节能解决方案，特别是那些旨在实现低 PUE 值的解决方案？

KF：“低 PUE 值的重要性取决于所涉及的具体技术。例如，在涉及人工智能训练的应用中，延迟不是关键因素，重点往往会转向优化计算机性能，而不是尽量减少延迟。在这类情况下，管理 PUE 值变得至关重要，许多客户探索各种策略，例如采用可再生能源来增强可持续性。

“此外，投资太阳能或风能等可再生能源可以带来长期成本节约。通过采用可再生能源，中国企业可以为更加稳定和可持续的商业模式做出贡献。”

TWA：您如何看待朝亚与 EdgeConneX 之间建立合作伙伴关系来支持中国不断增长的数字基础设施需求？

JW：“[通过]利用彼此最好的数据中心专业知识和能力。EdgeConneX 在全球超大规模部署方面拥有丰富的经验，而朝亚是中国[本土]平台和市场专家，拥有深厚的本地关系。由于朝亚很熟悉中国数据中心生态系统，我们可以快速执行。

“我们共同提供了一个完整的全球超大规模数据中心平台，涵盖 50 多个最热门的市场，随时随地满足企业的扩张需求。”

KF：“随着中国企业踏上全球扩张之旅，与强大的合作伙伴合作对于精简化这个扩张过程至关重要。这一战略联盟有潜力提供宝贵的专业知识、必要资源和专业服务，从而支持中国企业在数字领域的国际化努力。

“汇集我们的优势，我们可以利用双方顶级数据中心无与伦比的知识和能力。朝亚对中国数据中心的生态系统的熟悉程度将使我们能够快速执行。我们的合作伙伴关系将加速我们的集体成功。

“此外，两家公司都在积极培养自己在高性能计算解决方案方面的能力。这种融合符合我们的共同目标，并针对‘东数西算’战略建立了理想的双赢局面。”

要了解更多关于京津数据中心园区的信息，请访问：https://www.edgeconnex.com/locations/asia-pacific/tianjin/

有关大上海数据中心的更多信息，请访问：https://www.edgeconnex.com/locations/asia-pacific/shanghai-data-center-campus/

The post 中国迈向2024年数字化技术先进时代的征程：对话 对话EdgeConneX和朝亚 和朝亚 appeared first on Tech Wire Asia.

Source: Shutterstock

Leading data center providers EdgeConneX and Chayora unveiled a strategic partnership in December 2021 to expand their solutions throughout mainland China, including Beijing and Shanghai.  EdgeConneX has carved its niche as a global leader in hyperscale data center deployments, recognized for its extensive experience and proficiency in delivering top-tier solutions across diverse markets worldwide. Chayora is a trailblazer in data center innovation in China, renowned for its proven high-density, High-Performance Computing (HPC)-ready designs. The company excels in delivering efficient, customized data center solutions, allowing unparalleled speed to market. The collaboration between EdgeConneX and Chayora provides state-of-the-art infrastructure solutions in China that cater to the burgeoning demands of an increasingly digitalized ecosystem.

TechHQ spoke with Kelvin Fong, the Managing Director of EdgeConneX Asia Pacific, and James Wei, the CEO of Chayora, to uncover their insights on how China can sustain a thriving data center landscape in 2024.

THQ: What is driving the growth of the data center industry in China?

Source: Shutterstock

JW: “The country’s desire to develop and advance capability in key technologies such as cloud, AI, and quantum computing is creating the right conditions for tech innovations to bloom and flourish in China.

“There is growing demand for digital infrastructure to power new business applications and online services for users, especially as internet penetration continues to grow at a healthy rate. At the start of 2023, internet penetration was about 73.7 percent. By June, it had increased to about 76.4 percent.

“In addition, the explosion of AI-powered services and capabilities requires more high-density data centers than before to support. The continued integration of AI technologies into everyday applications will culminate in greater power demand for AI training and inferencing. Powerful hyper-converged infrastructure (HCI) systems deliver more powerful on-premises and computing capabilities.

“Power demands at the rack level are expected to increase rapidly due to these new high-density systems. This drives newer solution designs and features to provide enough power along with adequate cooling.”

KF: “China has been investing heavily in AI research and development. The implementation of AI technologies, such as machine learning and deep learning, requires significant computational power, driving the need for advanced data centers.

“Furthermore, the Chinese government has been promoting the development of government cloud services. Chinese telecommunications companies play a crucial role in building and maintaining these government cloud infrastructures, contributing to the demand for robust data centers.

“The booming e-commerce industry in China also generates massive amounts of data related to online transactions, user behavior, and logistics. The growth of fintech services in China, such as digital payments and financial analytics, contributes to the increasing demand for data storage and processing capabilities.

“Finally, the development and testing of autonomous vehicles rely heavily on data processing and storage. China has been making strides in autonomous vehicle technology. Further, collecting and analyzing vast amounts of data from sensors and cameras in real-time require robust data center infrastructure.”

THQ: How can businesses utilize data centers for growth opportunities while effectively managing computing power demands and challenges?

KF: “Chinese businesses can harness the power of data centers to accommodate next-generation technologies, particularly AI. Data centers provide the computational resources needed for AI algorithms, machine learning, and data processing, enabling companies to extract valuable insights and improve decision-making processes.

JW: “They must also stay abreast of technological developments and adopt relevant cutting-edge systems to enhance data center capabilities and performance.”

KF: “Chinese businesses can foster collaboration, creativity, and innovation by leveraging data centers as innovation hubs. By creating an environment that encourages experimentation and the development of cutting-edge solutions, they can stay ahead in the rapidly advancing tech landscape.”

JW: “Businesses can partner with leading data center operators with the technical capabilities to deliver efficient design with market-leading power usage effectiveness (PUE). In doing so, they can adopt customized data center deployments tailored to exact requirements to minimize inefficiencies.”

THQ: To your knowledge, are customers actively pursuing energy-efficient solutions, particularly those aimed at achieving a low PUE?

KF: “The importance of low PUE varies depending on the specific technology involved. For instance, in applications that involve AI training, where latency is not a critical factor, the focus tends to shift towards optimizing computer power rather than minimizing latency. In these cases, managing PUE becomes crucial, and many customers explore strategies such as incorporating renewable energy sources to enhance sustainability.

“Furthermore, investing in renewable energy, such as solar or wind power, can lead to long-term cost savings. By adopting renewable energy sources, Chinese businesses can contribute to a more stable and sustainable business model.”

THQ: How do you see the partnership between Chayora and EdgeConneX supporting China’s rising demand for digital infrastructure?

JW: “[By] leveraging the best-of-the-breed data center know-how and capabilities from each other. EdgeConneX has extensive experience in global hyper-scale deployments, while Chayora is the China [native] platform and market expert with deep local relationships. We can execute quickly through Chayora’s familiarity with the Chinese data center ecosystem.

“Together, we provide a complete global hyperscale data center platform spanning over 50 of the hottest markets, spring-boarding businesses’ expansion where and when they need it.”

Source: Shutterstock

KF: “As Chinese enterprises embark on their global expansion journey, collaborating with a robust partner becomes pivotal in streamlining this process. This strategic alliance has the potential to provide invaluable expertise, essential resources, and specialized services, thereby bolstering the internationalization endeavors of Chinese companies operating in the digital sector.

“Pooling our strengths, we can harness the unparalleled knowledge and capabilities of top-tier data centers from both sides. Leveraging Chayora’s familiarity with the intricacies of the China data center ecosystem will enable us to execute swiftly. Our partnership is poised to accelerate our collective success.

“Moreover, both organizations are actively cultivating their proficiency in high-performance computing solutions. This convergence aligns with our shared objectives and establishes the ideal win-win scenario for ‘East Data and West Computing’.”

For more information on the Beijing-Tianjin Data Center Campus, please visit here.

For more information on the Greater Shanghai Data Center, please visit here.

The post China’s journey towards a digitally advanced 2024: In conversation with EdgeConneX and Chayora appeared first on Tech Wire Asia.

Emerging technologies continue to revolutionize work and businesses. As the world continues is fascinated by the possibilities and capabilities of generative AI, businesses need to also look at other emerging technologies that can be beneficial to them. While there is no denying that AI is a game-changer, it actually only represents a slice of the technology pie that businesses can rely on to boost their efficiency and productivity.

In a conversation with Tech Wire Asia, Andrew Lim, managing director in ASEAN for Kyndryl explained how the managed service provider has been helping businesses in their digital transformation journeys, especially in adopting emerging technologies.

KYNDRYL: SOLVING AI CHALLENGES FOR BUSINESSES

Aaron Raj | 8 February, 2024

Kyndryl has already  helped several organizations in the region in their AI and digital transformation journey. Success stories include Singapore Airlines (SIA). As a strategic IT service partner, Kyndryl’s collaboration with SIA includes the implementation of SIA’s server computing infrastructure based on state-of-the-art technologies. More recently, Kyndryl collaborated with SIA to transform the digital workplace experience for its employees worldwide, to modernize its end-user services and consolidate all back-end infrastructure.

In the financial services sector, the Bank of Ayudhya (Krungsri), Thailand’s leading financial institution, announced a five-year partnership with Kyndryl. Kyndryl will bolster the bank’s ability to adapt to market changes, fortify its legacy systems and enhance its customer-centric digital banking services through the implementation of data analytics, cloud solutions and automation.

Kyndryl also recently commemorated its partnership with the Bank of the Philippine Islands. Kyndryl supported the bank across its data center operations, server and storage management, IT service desk, security management and asset management operations, helping it grow its technical talent to better serve its customers.

We asked Lim where else the smart investor would be looking in 2024.

Kyndryl has already assisted several organizations in the region in their AI and digital transformation journey. (Image generated by AI).

Apart from AI, what other emerging technologies should businesses look to invest in this year?

The demand for adaptable and scalable services has never been more critical. In the coming year, we anticipate increased investment in emerging technologies like smarter cloud strategies to address rising costs, secure infrastructure, and data governance.

Navigating rising costs with smarter cloud strategies

While the pace of public cloud adoption has slightly slowed, the growth trajectory remains evident, with a focus on implementing generative AI and optimizing workloads for efficiency. According to insights from a recent Ecosystem study commissioned by Kyndryl, 42% of enterprises in ASEAN are actively undergoing technology change management, reflecting a commitment to cloud-native applications and cloud-first strategies.

In ASEAN, Kyndryl works with customers across sectors such as banking, financial services, transport (aviation), healthcare, manufacturing, and food and beverage.

With these sectors set for rapid adoption of distributed cloud, customers are looking to navigate the inherent friction and uncertainty that come with complex distributed cloud deployments, by looking at their transition and journey to cloud holistically – from advising and helping their businesses identify the right workloads to integrating security into their strategy, and co-creating the right cloud solutions to drive digital transformation where and when our customers need them.

Security infrastructure for cyber-resilience

With the rapid innovation and digitalization that have taken place, cybercrime has surged by 82% throughout Southeast Asia, with the region having faced 68 documented attacks out of 86 meticulously monitored global advanced persistent threat (APT) campaigns in just eight months in 2023, according to a report by Cyfirma. These attacks primarily targeted Singapore, followed by Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia.

While many organizations have globally pivoted from modernizing already-aging infrastructure and introducing new digital capabilities to enable new ways of working for existential reasons, oftentimes they have skipped security control. This has resulted in a mix of very old and very new, but insecure infrastructure. Businesses will need to assess and deal with the complexity and age of their environment to become more resilient.

Kyndryl is aware of the critical role that data in modern enterprises will play. Therefore, we believe that our contribution towards the region’s cybersecurity plans will center around designing, building, managing, and modernizing the mission-critical technology systems that organizations depend on every day, and ensuring these organizations implement cyber resilience strategies and incident recovery capabilities.

Data governance for AI adoption

Given the critical role that data quality plays in forming generative AI solutions, businesses are increasingly reaching out to partners or IT experts for assistance in AI adoption and implementation.

The demand for adaptable and scalable services has never been more critical. (Image generated by AI).

What would Kyndryl focus on this year in reaching its goals in the region?

2024 is a year of acceleration for us at Kyndryl. We will continue to advance our strategy of three A’s (Advanced Delivery, a customer-centric delivery operating model – Accounts – Alliances) to drive the growth of our business whilst strengthening our alliances and signing hyperscale contracts with local companies that are advancing in their digital transformation.

In the past two years, we have invested in Kyndryl Consult and Kyndryl Bridge and want to continue positioning ourselves even stronger in ASEAN by being the partner of choice to support the IT modernization journey of the most important companies.

QUANTUM COMPUTING CHALLENGES IN APAC

Aaron Raj | 5 February, 2024

We are also very focused on leveraging Kyndryl Bridge, to support companies to have greater visibility and control over their complex IT operations, resulting in better returns on investment and fewer incidents. In ASEAN, the platform has been deployed for most of the managed-service customers to integrate AIOps and automation capabilities to deliver enhanced, uninterrupted resilient services. We are anticipating to have over 1,000 global customers by the end of the fiscal year (March 2024).

Additionally, this year, we will continue to focus on three key things:

• Expand our partner ecosystem to support IT modernization for our customers: Cloud is one area that is growing rapidly across the ASEAN region and partnerships we have formed with players like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft, and Google Cloud will allow us to continue providing enterprise-level services to support mainframe modernization solutions for our customers from the banking, transportation, retail and healthcare industries across the region.
• Build cyber resilience across ASEAN businesses: According to a recent Kyndryl survey, while 88% of respondents said that their organization is well-prepared to recover from these IT disruptions, 92% confirmed experiencing adverse events. Our goal is to empower enterprises to prioritize cybersecurity by freeing up time for comprehensive training programs that address diverse threats such as phishing and social engineering. This involves establishing clear policies, conducting simulated exercises, and fostering a culture of incident reporting without fear of reprisal among teams.
• Build and provide generative AI solutions that help customers better manage their data: As greater volumes of data and analysis require more computing power, our Kyndryl Bridgesolution will enable customers to easily manage their complex technology estates through services such as AIOps and FinOps, and will leverage AI to help customers achieve their business goals in a cost-effective, insightful and security-rich manner.

Businesses are increasingly reaching out to partners or IT experts for assistance in AI adoption and implementation. (Image generated by AI).

Lastly, what is your opinion on the AI regulations being discussed, and how much of an impact will it have on businesses as well as other emerging technologies?

We place a strong emphasis on ethical considerations throughout our AI development and deployment. We are committed to ensuring that AI technologies are used responsibly and ethically, in full compliance with relevant regulations.

Our ongoing collaboration with clients, coupled with rigorous monitoring of AI solutions, ensures that they align with ethical standards, addressing the unique needs of businesses in the Philippines and beyond.

We are all observing the increased attention that governments are paying to AI – especially with the boom in Generative AI use.  Some countries, such as those represented by the EU, have decided to pursue a legal framework of regulation.  Other countries, such as the UK and Japan, have taken a more multilateral approach in developing voluntary codes of conduct with industry – both developers and deployers of AI technologies.

We understand the recent proposal by the government of the Philippines to pursue a more legal framework for ASEAN, in advance of its presidency in 2026 and certainly commend the government for its commitment to think through both the risks and opportunities that AI presents.

We hope that any future regulation includes a robust period of industry consultation, during which time we would welcome sharing more on our decades’ worth of experience and insight; and that any amended ASEAN framework is one that harmonizes well with those of other markets – to help ensure greater efficiencies in operation for industry.

The post Emerging technologies businesses should look into in 2024 appeared first on Tech Wire Asia.

Data center builders and operators are drawn to Indonesia’s strategic location in the Asia Pacific region, abundant land and power resources, and youthful and tech-savvy population. Furthermore, the government’s supportive policies have created an enabling environment for technology sector investments.

Shifting tides and market dynamics

Indonesia’s data center market, once characterized by an unwavering upward trajectory, is now facing pressing questions about the sustainability of its burgeoning demand for data. Take-up from large enterprises of cloud services has continued. However, major cloud platforms are looking to individual consumers for growth alongside businesses, tapping into their near-constant application use for everyday needs and streaming content. Artificial intelligence (AI) is a growing factor in new deployments, driven by the scalable and relatively low-cost power available locally.

Indonesia’s data center market remains resilient, supported by robust network connectivity, diversity, and strong demand for data services. As the market continues its rapid growth, it remains to be seen if power availability will continue to match or if constraints seen throughout much of Asia will appear in Indonesia.

Source: Shutterstock

Exploring new frontiers

Beyond the confines of the Greater Jakarta area, Indonesia’s data center market is venturing into new territories. Batam Island has emerged as a potential data center hub thanks to its proximity to Singapore. However, its development has been hampered by the sluggish pace of infrastructure development and power availability, posing significant challenges to its integration into the broader data center ecosystem.

Long-term prospects amidst short-term challenges

The nation’s long-term growth prospects remain bright. Propelled by a growing population, a flourishing digital economy, and a stable political climate, Indonesia is a compelling contender within the global data center landscape.

The thriving digital economy, projected to reach a gross merchandise value of $360 billion by 2030, will be a crucial driver for sustained demand. Additionally, enticing government incentives, such as tax reductions for data-related industries, will further boost investment.

The Indonesian government’s ambitious digital transformation initiatives, including the complete digitalization of its services by 2025, will also lead to a sharp increase in demand for data services. Progressive data protection regulations will also create a mature environment for long-term development.

However, the political uncertainty surrounding the 2024 presidential elections poses a potential obstacle. Navigating this transition period effectively will require a delicate balance between addressing short-term challenges and capitalizing on the country’s long-term technological advancement potential.

Moving forward: A path to success

Indonesia’s data center market stands at a crossroads, grappling with a multitude of challenges while poised to seize many opportunities. Navigating the shifting tides of the market demands a nuanced understanding of the intricate dynamics, a commitment to innovation, and a strategic approach that balances between short-term obstacles and long-term ambitions.

Source: Shutterstock

As the industry evolves, collaboration among stakeholders, infrastructure development, and adaptable business strategies will emerge as pivotal factors propelling Indonesia’s data center market towards sustained growth and relevance on the global technological stage. By embracing these essential elements, Indonesia can secure its place as a leading player in the international data center landscape, driving economic growth and shaping the future of digital connectivity.

For more information on EdgeConneX Indonesia, please visit here

The post Navigating challenges and unveiling opportunities in Indonesia’s data center market appeared first on Tech Wire Asia.

In the ever-accelerating space of AI, superpowers often grapple with the profound implications of non-allied entities gaining momentum, especially in military applications. That’s most apparent between the US and China, marked by a tit-for-tat strategy to curtail each other’s developmental strides. Just after the US added advanced computing chips to its export control arsenal, China retaliated by prohibiting certain firms from dealing with Micron Technology and imposing export restrictions on essential metals for advanced chip production. 

But that was 2023.

This week, we are witnessing the latest twist in this tech saga unfold, as reports suggest the Biden administration is now contemplating requiring US cloud service providers to unmask all foreign AI developers. The proposal mandates explicitly firms like Amazon and Google to gather, store, and scrutinize customer data, resembling the weight of stringent “know-your-customer” regulations akin to those shaping the financial sector. 

“We’re beginning the process of requiring US cloud companies to tell us every time a non-US entity uses their cloud to train a large language model,” US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said at an event on January 27. Raimondo, however, did not name any countries or firms, but the maneuver is anticipated not only to intensify the technological trade war but also to signify a notable step toward the politicization of cloud provision.

CLOUD COMPETITION AND AI DRIVE IN SOUTHEAST ASIA AS US AND CHINA COMPETE FOR DOMINANCE

Muhammad Zulhusni | 14 December, 2023

For Raimondo, the aim is simple: to eradicate national security threats posed by AI development–an effort experts believe would likely focus on firms from China. If enacted, these measures would almost certainly strangle a vital pathway for Chinese firms to reach the core of data centers and servers essential for nurturing and accommodating their AI goals. 

Of AI, cloud computing, and US-China tech war

Although the US broadened chip controls in October, focusing on Chinese firms in 40+ nations, a gap remains. That is why it is paramount for the US to address how Chinese companies can still leverage chip capabilities through the cloud. From start to finish, cloud computing is inherently political, Trey Herr, director of cyber statecraft at the Atlantic Council, told Raconteur. He said that its reliance on extensive physical infrastructure tied to specific jurisdictions makes it susceptible to local politics, adding that conversations about cloud security inevitably take on political dimensions.

In October 2023, Biden mandated the US Department of Commerce mandate disclosures, aiming to uncover foreign actors deploying AI for cyber-mischief. The Commerce Department, building on stringent semiconductor restrictions for China, is now exploring the regulation of the cloud through export controls. Raimondo said the concern is Chinese firms gaining computing power via cloud giants like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google.

“We want to make sure we shut down every avenue that the Chinese could have to get access to our models or to train their models,” she said in an interview with Bloomberg last month. In short, China’s strides in AI and cutting-edge technologies are a paramount worry for the administration. After all, despite Washington’s efforts to curtail China’s progress through chip export restrictions and sanctions on Chinese firms, the nation’s tech giants continue to make substantial breakthroughs, challenging the effectiveness of US constraints.

Nevertheless, regulating such activities in the US is still being debated because cloud services, which do not involve the physical transfer of goods, fall outside export control domains. Thea Kendler, assistant secretary for export administration, mentioned the potential need for additional authority in this space during discussions with lawmakers last month.

Addressing further loopholes, the Commerce Department also plans to conduct surveys on companies developing large language models for their safety tests, as mentioned by Raimondo on Friday. However, specific details about the survey requests were not disclosed.

What are cloud players saying?

As with previous export controls, US cloud providers fear that limitations on their interactions with international customers, lacking reciprocal measures from allied nations, may put American firms at a disadvantage. However, Raimondo said that comments on the proposed rule are welcome until April 29 as the US seeks input before finalizing the regulation.

What is certain is that the cloud will persist as an arena for trade war extensions and geopolitical maneuvers. 

The post Biden’s new firewall to halt China’s AI development via US cloud firms appeared first on Tech Wire Asia.

Beyond being a global technological powerhouse, Google Cloud has become the steadfast ally of governments worldwide, ushering in an era of innovation. Google’s commitment to transforming lives, modernizing public services, and revolutionizing operations within the UK has been a dynamic reality. As the sun sets on traditional computing landscapes, Google Cloud is rising, rapidly expanding its presence in the UK and reshaping the essence of cloud computing.

One of the critical pillars of Google Cloud’s presence in the UK is its substantial investment in cutting-edge data infrastructure. Google recently announced a staggering US$1 billion investment in a new data center, a testament to its dedication to meeting the escalating demand for cloud services. This move signifies a boost for the UK’s technological infrastructure and aligns with the government’s aspirations to position the nation as a global leader in technology.

GOOGLE CLOUD CUSTOMERS CAN SWITCH SERVICE PROVIDERS FOR FREE

Aaron Raj | 16 January, 2024

“As more individuals embrace the opportunities of the digital economy and AI-driven technologies enhance productivity, creativity, health, and scientific advancements, investing in the necessary technical infrastructure becomes crucial. That’s why we’re investing $1 billion in a new UK data center in Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire—a 33-acre site creating jobs for the local community,” Debbie Weinstein, VP of Google and Managing Director of Google UK & Ireland, said in a statement last week.

Illustration of Google’s new UK data Centre in Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire. The 33-acre site will create construction and technical jobs for the local community. Source: Google

In short, this investment will provide vital computing capacity, supporting AI innovation and ensuring dependable digital services for Google Cloud customers and users in the UK and beyond. As stated on its website, the upcoming data center in the UK marks the company’s first in the country. 

Google already operates data centers in various European locations, including the Netherlands, Denmark, Finland, Belgium, and Ireland, where its European headquarters are also situated. The company boasts a workforce of over 7,000 people in Britain.

Google Cloud’s impact extends far beyond physical infrastructure. The company’s robust suite of cloud services has become integral to businesses across various sectors in the UK. From startups to enterprises, organizations are leveraging Google Cloud’s scalable and flexible solutions to drive efficiency, enhance collaboration, and accelerate innovation. 

The comprehensive nature of Google Cloud’s offerings, including infrastructure as a service (IaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), and software as a service (SaaS), ensures that it caters to the diverse needs of the UK’s business landscape.

That said, the investment in Google’s Waltham Cross data center is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to the UK. It follows their significant assets, such as the US$1 billion acquisition of our Central Saint Giles office in 2022, the development in King’s Cross, and the launch of the Accessibility Discovery Centre, fostering accessible tech across the UK.

“Looking beyond our office spaces, we’re connecting nations through projects like the Grace Hopper subsea cable, linking the UK with the United States and Spain,” Weinstein noted. However, investments by Google extend beyond infrastructure to empower communities and individuals across the UK. In fact, since 2015, Google has reached over 500 locations in the UK, providing free digital skills training to over one million individuals.

“In 2021, we expanded the Google Digital Garage training program with a new AI-focused curriculum, ensuring more Brits can harness the opportunities presented by this transformative technology,” Weinstein concluded. 

24/7 Carbon-free energy by 2030

Google Cloud’s commitment to sustainability also aligns seamlessly with the UK’s environmental goals. The company has been at the forefront of implementing green practices in its data centers, emphasizing energy efficiency and carbon neutrality. “As a pioneer in computing infrastructure, Google’s data centers are some of the most efficient in the world. We’ve set out our ambitious goal to run all of our data centers and campuses on carbon-free energy (CFE), every hour of every day by 2030,” it said.

This aligns with the UK’s ambitious targets to reduce carbon emissions, creating a synergy beyond technological innovation. In a dynamic move, Google forged a robust partnership with ENGIE for offshore wind energy from the Moray West wind farm in Scotland, adding 100 MW to the grid and propelling its UK operations towards 90% carbon-free energy by 2025. 

Beyond that, the tech giant said it is delving into groundbreaking solutions, exploring the potential of harnessing data center heat for off-site recovery and benefiting local communities by sharing warmth with nearby homes and businesses.

The post Google is making a billion-dollar bet on its first data center in the UK appeared first on Tech Wire Asia.

As the Asia-Pacific region continues to lead as an early adopter of technology, its impact on the cybersecurity landscape in 2024 becomes increasingly significant. There are dynamic challenges and strategic responses that businesses in the region face amid the evolving cyberthreat environment. Focusing on issues like social engineering, cloud security, and the ongoing shortage of skilled IT professionals, particularly cybersecurity, let’s take a comprehensive look at cybersecurity in the Asia-Pacific region’s current – and future – state.

Tech Wire Asia spoke with Rob Le Busque, regional vice president of Asia Pacific at Verizon Business, for his insights while he shared data from Verizon to shed light on the heightened risks and the proactive measures available to counteract them. From data classification and cloud controls to collaborative efforts in talent development and innovative network architecture, the strategies discussed here aim to equip organizations with the knowledge and tools to navigate the complex cybersecurity landscape.

As the region continues to grow in its technological capabilities, this article serves as a critical guide for businesses to understand and prepare for the challenges that lie ahead in cybersecurity.

VERIZON MOBILE SECURITY INDEX SHOWS INCREASE IN CYBERCRIME DUE TO REMOTE WORK

Aaron Raj | 4 August, 2022

Tech adoption in the Asia-Pacific region, and how it will impact 2024

TWA: How will the Asia-Pacific region’s position as an early adopter of technology impact the cybersecurity landscape in 2024?

The Asia-Pacific region’s stance as an early and rapid adopter of technology positions it as a leader on the global stage, impacting the cybersecurity landscape in 2024 in distinct ways. This adoption represents both an opportunity and a risk. The opportunity stems from the region’s proven ability to adapt and evolve technologies swiftly, a skill that will be crucial in responding to external cybersecurity threats and evolving attack strategies.

However, this rapid adoption also introduces significant risks, particularly in cloud adoption and migration. Organizations must adopt a different mindset towards cybersecurity, focusing on developing strategies that protect against the unique challenges presented by these technologies.

TWA: What measures are being taken to combat the rise in sophisticated cyber threats in the APAC region, especially social engineering?

In the APAC region, significant efforts are being made to counteract sophisticated cyberthreats, especially social engineering. Verizon’s data indicates that such attacks, including pretexting, have more than doubled year-over-year, with the APAC experiencing a higher increase compared to other regions. Countries like Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, and increasingly Australia, known for their strong IT governance, risk, and compliance, are enhancing their cybersecurity standards, setting an example for other companies and sectors.

Rob Le Busque, Regional Vice President of Asia Pacific at Verizon Business

Understanding the motives behind these attacks is essential for developing effective cybersecurity strategies. Although the frequency of ransomware attacks has stabilized, the cost per attack has nearly doubled, showing a refinement in cybercriminal tactics. This highlights the need for more sophisticated governance, risk, and compliance strategies that address these changing threats.

Recognizing these motives and trends is crucial in improving cybersecurity approaches. Another concern in the APAC region is the prevalence of cyber-espionage, with a significant focus on intellectual property theft.

“In our investigations, the motive associated with cyber espionage accounted for 39% of cases in this region, compared to just 1% in the United States. Thus, for Asia Pacific-based organizations, it is crucial to consider data classification and better secure what is most important to them,” says Rob.

TWA: How can businesses in the Asia-Pacific region prepare to face the increasing number and complexity of cyber threats as technology adoption grows?

First, effective data classification is vital. Businesses need to understand the types of data they hold, their importance, and their locations. Identifying critical data, such as personal information, payment details, or health records, is key. Organizations should develop a clear data classification model.

Second, implementing strong cloud controls is necessary. This includes solid governance and control strategies for cloud migration and usage, especially as application-based attacks, particularly on cloud applications, have increased recently. When migrating to the cloud, robust cybersecurity measures are crucial for a more secure IT architecture.

Third, consistent practice and preparation are crucial. Organizations should assume that a cyber-incident is inevitable and prepare to respond and recover effectively. This means regularly simulating and practicing responses to various cyber-events. Even companies with established simulation programs might find their real-world readiness lacking, as evidenced by a regional CIO rating their preparedness as low despite annual simulations.

Therefore, it’s important to practice not just as an IT issue, but as an organization-wide concern, necessitating a comprehensive business response.

APAC businesses rationalizing cloud deployments

TWA: What strategies should APAC businesses adopt in 2024 to rationalize their cloud deployments effectively?

This question is particularly fascinating as we witness the convergence of two significant trends: cloud optimization and the surge in generative AI, large language models, and innovative operating models. These latter technologies depend heavily on cloud computing resources.

Organizations must evolve from the initial ‘lift and shift’ method of simply moving data and applications to the cloud. The new focus should be refining the operational model, including managing cloud spending and governance. For example, cloud-based data storage significantly affects overall cloud costs. Implementing a strategic data purging policy is thus vital for any cloud strategy, considering its wider impact on cloud deployment effectiveness.

Moreover, security remains a paramount concern in cloud discussions. Transferring applications and workloads to the cloud does not relieve organizations of their security responsibilities. Organizations must maintain control over the security of their applications and data, which necessitates a comprehensive cloud security migration strategy.

TWA: Cloud cost management involves understanding and managing the costs and needs associated with cloud technology. How will the focus on reining costs influence how APAC businesses manage their cloud-based application deployments?

Key to cloud cost management is implementing an application review process. This process involves regularly assessing the relevance and use of cloud-based applications. Organizations transitioning to the cloud often find discrepancies in application usage, leading to inefficiencies. Addressing this might involve changing licensing models or making architectural adjustments.

Another important aspect is managing shadow IT. Due to the easy accessibility of cloud technology, departments like marketing or sales might independently acquire cloud services without IT department knowledge. Establishing a clear governance framework for cloud usage, defining permissions, and controlling privileged access is essential.

Understanding and managing the costs and needs associated with cloud technology. (Generated with AI).

Lastly, the role of micro-segmentation in network architecture is crucial. It involves creating distinct access and control mechanisms for different users, improving data access and actions oversight. Without micro-segmentation, organizations often depend on log data analysis for understanding information flow, which is time-consuming and less efficient. Incorporating micro-segmentation can significantly aid in controlling cloud-related costs.

TWA: Shadow IT can pose security and compliance risks to an organization. Can you provide examples of cost-effective practices APAC businesses might implement for cloud deployment management in 2024?

Reviewing your storage and implementing a well-governed data purge policy is essential. This approach offers dual benefits: reducing cloud storage costs and enhancing security. The more data you have stored in the cloud, the greater your vulnerability. Therefore, if certain data and information are not needed, especially in the cloud, it’s wise to purge it.

Secondly, consider your network architecture, focusing on micro-segmentation or other architectural changes. These changes can introduce more refined methods for managing costs. By restructuring your network, you can achieve greater efficiency and potentially lower expenses associated with cloud services.

The demand for IT skills in businesses and the vision from Verizon Business

TWA: What initiatives are being taken to address the shortage of IT talent in the APAC region, particularly in cybersecurity?

The increase in cybersecurity threats underlines the need to develop IT skills, especially in cybersecurity, in the APAC region. Addressing this shortage involves several approaches:

First, a broader view of skills and experience in cybersecurity recruitment must be considered. Instead of focusing on traditional criteria like years of experience in specific roles, it’s important to value core skills such as event correlation, anomaly investigation, and data analysis, which might be transferable from other fields. This approach can help diversify the cybersecurity workforce.

Second, addressing the talent gap requires collaboration among service providers, customers, governments, and educational institutions. Creating shorter and alternative entry paths into the industry is essential. This approach includes traditional degrees and vocational training, micro-credentialing, and other ways to gain crucial skills and knowledge, allowing quicker integration into the industry and further development.

Addressing the shortage of IT talent in the APAC region. (Image generated with AI).

For example, in Australia, the number of IT graduates annually is insufficient to meet industry demand. To match the need over the next decade, a significant increase in IT professionals is required, indicating that relying solely on traditional tertiary education is not enough. Innovative solutions are needed to enable more people to enter the IT industry.

TWA: How significant is the impact of the lack of technology talent on APAC businesses, and what are their plans to mitigate this challenge in 2024?

The solution to the challenge we’re facing lies in partnership. No single organization can tackle this issue alone. It requires a collaborative effort involving industry, education, and government across all regional jurisdictions. Together, we must identify ways to uplift and upskill the workforce.

The impact of this challenge is stark. For years, we’ve spoken about a ‘war on talent,’ and nowhere is this more pronounced than in the IT and cybersecurity sectors. The competition for talent here is intense and relentless. Organizations are increasingly adopting new strategies to retain staff in these areas, often leading to wage increases. While addressing this issue isn’t easy, fostering partnerships is crucial. Additionally, finding innovative ways to bring skills and capabilities into the marketplace is equally vital in navigating this challenge.

TWA: In what ways are businesses in the APAC region adapting to the ongoing challenge of finding skilled IT professionals, especially in security sectors?

At Verizon, we respond to this challenge through graduate intakes and partnerships with industry and educational institutions, enhancing our workforce capabilities. This approach is also seen in other organizations. A key adaptation for businesses is collaborating with service providers to augment and strengthen their IT and cybersecurity skills.

A recent business model in the APAC region is providing surge capacity in cybersecurity operations. Instead of continuous cybersecurity support, companies are increasingly seeking targeted assistance during high-activity periods. For example, a retailer in India might need heightened cybersecurity for their online platform only during peak months. This flexibility allows businesses to efficiently manage cybersecurity risks during critical times.

The growing trend of seeking adaptable, surge cybersecurity support reflects a shift in the market, and it’s a shift we at Verizon are ready and capable of addressing.

For Verizon, the focus this year is on two aspects of cybersecurity: preparation and maturity. So, strategically, if you’re not preparing and ensuring that your organization is well-organized, well-practiced, and well-prepared to respond to breach events, then that’s something you should focus on. If you’re not actively investing and focusing on increasing your overall cybersecurity maturity, then you should question where you’re spending your money today.

On the network side, it has become a significant part of the AI fabric. When you think about the architectural design and model of large language models, it is cloud-based and server-based. As a result, data in transit becomes more important than ever before.

In the last 12 months, we’ve seen an explosion in large data transits on our core backbones in the region. The demand for that is increasing exponentially. Therefore, another focus in 2024 for large and small organizations is the architecture and design of your core network, so that organizations can achieve their applications or AI objectives.

The post Verizon Business shares its tech predictions for 2024 appeared first on Tech Wire Asia.