The speed of technological change continues to race ahead at breakneck speed, but it will never move this slowly again.
In 2024, businesses and their emplo...
3110: Why Film Could Be Key to Centuries-Long Data Preservation
In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, recorded at the IT Press Tour in Malta, I am joined by Antoine Simkin, co-founder of Digi Film Corporation. Antoine Simkine is also the lead producer and managing director of the Paris-based Les Films d’Antoine, which was founded in 2004. He was also the executive producer of the VFX of about one hundred feature films such as “The City of Lost Children”, “Amelie”, “Alien Resurrection” by Jean-Pierre Jeunet, “The Ninth Gate” by Roman Polanski, “Ronin” by John Frankenheimer, “Joan of Arc” by Luc Besson, and “The Man Who Cried” by Sally Potter. Antoine Simkine has then worked for 20th Century Fox as VFX producer during the final phase of development of “I Robot” by Alex Proyas. With a unique background in cinema and digital visual effects, Antoine brings a fascinating perspective on the challenges and solutions for long-term data preservation in our rapidly evolving digital age. Antoine shares his journey from pioneering digital visual effects in the 1980s and 90s to tackling one of the industry's most pressing issues: the longevity of digital data. Reflecting on his experience working with formats like Sony DIR and DTF tapes, he highlights the challenges of data migration, evolving standards, and the risks of losing critical digital assets. His work with Digifilm Corporation introduces an innovative approach to solving these problems by blending the permanence of film with the precision of digital encoding. We explore how Digifilm's Archifix solution offers a robust alternative to traditional storage methods, ensuring data preservation for decades, if not centuries. Antoine provides insight into the diverse applications of this technology, from the cinematic world to industries such as nuclear power, defense, and architecture, where the need for secure, offline data storage is paramount. As data volumes grow exponentially and regulations around data integrity and security tighten, Antoine's vision for the future of Digifilm highlights the critical importance of balancing technological advancements with sustainable, long-term preservation strategies. Could this approach be the missing piece in solving the global data storage puzzle? What role could Digifilm play in securing our digital heritage for future generations? Listen, reflect, and join the conversation. Learn more at https://digifilm-corp.com/home
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3109: Inside Thales’ Cyber Resilience Lab
What happens when the backbone of modern society—our critical national infrastructure—faces an evolving cyber threat landscape? In this episode, Tony Burton, Managing Director of Cyber Security & Trust at Thales UK, joins the show to explore the growing cybersecurity risks posed to smart grids and essential utilities, backed by insights from Thales' 2024 Data Threat Report. Tony sheds light on the vulnerabilities introduced by the digitalization of critical infrastructure, explaining how the shift to smart grids and interconnected systems has opened new avenues for cybercriminals. He highlights the startling rise in ransomware attacks, insider threats, and human error as key contributors to data breaches in these high-stakes environments. With over 42% of critical infrastructure organizations reporting a cyber breach and 93% noting an increase in attacks, the stakes couldn’t be higher. We’ll discuss the real-world implications of these risks, from the potential for widespread blackouts and disruptions to essential services, to the theft of energy resources and compromised public safety. Tony also shares actionable strategies for safeguarding the future of energy supplies, emphasizing the importance of multi-layered defenses, proactive threat detection, and robust incident response plans. The episode also dives into the cutting-edge work at Thales' Cyber Resilience Lab in Ebbw Vale, where smart grid technology is stress-tested against a variety of cyber scenarios—all in a controlled offline environment. Tony underscores the critical role of innovation and compliance in building resilience, offering a forward-looking perspective on how the future of UK energy and national security hinges on addressing both present and emerging cyber threats. What do you think about the growing risks to critical infrastructure in a hyper-connected world? Join the conversation, and share your thoughts on how technology can help safeguard our most essential services.
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3108: How IBM Consulting is Driving Generative AI Innovation
What does it take to transform a $19.9 billion consulting powerhouse in the age of AI? In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I’m joined by Mohamad Ali, Senior Vice President of IBM Consulting, to explore how his unique blend of expertise in cybersecurity, data, analytics, and AI is redefining the consulting industry and unlocking new possibilities for businesses worldwide. Mohamad shares how IBM Consulting is leveraging an open ecosystem approach to help enterprises fully harness the power of AI. We delve into real-world examples of top generative AI use cases that are driving innovation, efficiency, and transformation across industries. From improving decision-making to optimizing workflows, these stories offer valuable insights into AI's practical applications. Beyond technology, Mohamad emphasizes the human element—discussing strategies for upskilling talent in the AI era and creating access to opportunities for professionals at all levels. He highlights the importance of empowering teams to embrace AI, not as a replacement, but as a tool to amplify their capabilities and drive meaningful impact. With a software-first mindset cultivated from his tenure as CEO of IDG and Carbonite, Mohamad explains how he’s reshaping IBM Consulting to be more agile, innovative, and responsive to the evolving needs of clients in a digital-first world. How can businesses build an AI strategy that drives real results? What role does upskilling play in creating a future-ready workforce? Tune in to this conversation with Mohamad Ali, and discover how IBM Consulting is leading the charge in transforming challenges into opportunities with AI. Want to learn more? Connect with IBM Consulting online to explore the ideas and innovations discussed in this episode.
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3107: Reducing Cyberattack Risks by 90% with Illumio’s Zero Trust Model
What does it truly mean to "never trust, always verify"? In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I’m joined by John Kindervag, Senior Vice President of Cybersecurity Strategy at Illumio and the pioneer of the Zero Trust approach to cybersecurity. With cyber threats evolving at an unprecedented rate, John argues that Zero Trust is no longer optional for organisations moving to cloud-based environments—it’s a necessity. John explains why the traditional trust-based approach to cybersecurity is obsolete and shares actionable insights on adopting a Zero Trust strategy. He highlights the critical steps in implementing Zero Trust, emphasizing the importance of starting small with Protect Surfaces and flow maps to create manageable, effective security policies. Through real-world examples, he demonstrates how organisations have reduced their attack surfaces by up to 90% by embracing this model. We also explore common pitfalls, such as attempting to implement Zero Trust all at once, and how incremental changes can set the stage for long-term success. John sheds light on how Zero Trust dramatically enhances an organisation's resilience against cyberattacks, providing continuous monitoring and automated policies to safeguard critical assets in an increasingly cloud-driven world. How can organisations move beyond outdated approaches to cybersecurity and embrace the transformative power of Zero Trust? Are you ready to take the first steps toward securing your digital future? Tune in to this essential conversation with John Kindervag, and let us know your thoughts!
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3106: Reddit COO on User Growth, AI, and the Future of Conversational Commerce
Have you ever wondered why Reddit has become the go-to platform for authentic conversations, community-driven insights, and even purchasing advice? In this episode, we sit down with Jen Wong, COO of Reddit, to explore the platform’s remarkable evolution and its growing role in the digital world. With 97M daily active uniques—a staggering 47% growth from last year—Reddit is shaping the way people discover information, make decisions, and connect with communities around shared interests. Jen shares how Reddit’s unique positioning, as a platform rooted in anonymity and interest-based communities rather than follower counts, allows it to stand apart from its peers. She highlights how Reddit’s users “age into” the platform, deepening their engagement over time, and how this creates unparalleled opportunities for authentic conversations and valuable user insights. Whether you’re looking for advice on concert tickets or in-depth discussions about hobbies, Reddit offers the kind of information and perspectives you simply can’t find elsewhere. The conversation delves into Reddit’s AI and machine learning initiatives, such as improving search functionality, enabling machine translation, and leveraging data to create better user experiences. Jen also discusses how these advancements help people find their “home” on Reddit, making it easier for anyone, regardless of their background or interests, to engage meaningfully on the platform. We also examine Reddit’s innovative ad platform, designed to support brands with unique formats and targeting capabilities, while emphasizing brand safety and community-first values. Jen explains how Reddit’s focus on conversational commerce is transforming the consumer journey, enabling two-way dialogues between users and businesses that inform and validate purchasing decisions in real time. What does the future hold for a platform that continues to evolve and innovate at this pace? Tune in to discover how Reddit is leveraging its unique community dynamics to shape the next generation of digital interaction and commerce. As always, we’d love to hear your thoughts—how do you see Reddit influencing your online experiences? Let us know!
The speed of technological change continues to race ahead at breakneck speed, but it will never move this slowly again.
In 2024, businesses and their employees will be expected to get to grips with AI, Machine Learning, Quantum Computing, Extended Reality, Cloud Computing, Edge Computing, Sustainable Tech, Green Computing, Cybersecurity, 5G, Blockchain, Crypto, IoT, Autonomous Everything, Human Augmentation, Data Sovereignty, Privacy, AI ethics and the Digital Transformation of everything.
Navigating these uncharted digital waters can feel daunting and overwhelming for business leaders, IT teams, and employees in every sector. Especially when scrolling down newsfeeds full of hype, buzzwords, and confusing technical jargon/acronyms. Does this sound familiar? Welcome to Tech Talks Daily, a podcast uniting business and technology.
Tech Journalist Neil C. Hughes brings you the latest insights into business technology, digital transformation, and the evolving business landscape and IT. This technology podcast focuses on real-world applications and business strategies around digital transformation.
From AI's impact on business operations to navigating the complexities of cloud computing and cybersecurity, Neil explores how technology reshapes industries and redefines personal and business success in 2024.
The lineup of guests includes tech leaders, CEOs, entrepreneurs, visionaries, and even the occasional celebrity who has walked the path of tech innovation. High-profile guests share their startup stories, their journey through digital transformation, and how technology has revolutionized their businesses and lives.
Whether you want to understand how to harness technology for business growth or stay informed, Tech Talks Daily is your daily dose of inspiration and insight. Join the conversation and be part of a community shaping the future of business and technology.
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