Pure Storage has introduced new capabilities in its platform, including storage automation, a generative AI copilot for data management, and improved cyber resilience. The platform offers a unified storage architecture across on-premises and cloud environments, with continuous upgrades and service-level agreements. Other innovations include AI storage-as-a-service options and secure application workspaces with fine-grained access controls.
Splunk has expanded its AI Assistant capabilities in its observability and security portfolios. The AI Assistants leverage natural language processing (NLP) to simplify data analysis and provide recommendations for improving variables and addressing errors. The AI Assistant in Observability can help identify and fix errors, while the AI Assistant in Security can summarize security alerts and generate incident reports. Splunk’s integration with Cisco’s product platform is expected to enhance its AI capabilities and expand its domain-centric AI approach.
Google is acquiring software virtualization company Cameyo to integrate virtualized Windows app support into ChromeOS. This acquisition will deepen the integration of virtualized apps into ChromeOS, improving the user experience and simplifying deployment for IT admins. With improved virtualized app support, Google aims to entice more businesses to consider ChromeOS over Windows, especially as more apps move to the cloud and web-based technologies.
Microsoft has acknowledged issues with upgrading from Windows 11 Pro to Enterprise, following recent updates. The problem, which may result in OS upgrade failures, is expected to be resolved in a future Windows update. The issue has been present since April 2024; no workaround is available.
Cloud accounting platform Xero has introduced an AI-powered smart business companion called Just Ask Xero (JAX). The proprietary development model ensures greater accuracy and data security, with a control system to ensure relevant task-related data is fed into the large language model. Xero aims to reimagine accounting through AI and mobile, allowing customers to complete tasks using Just Ask Xero in Xero or other commonly used apps and devices. Xero has also introduced other AI developments, including generative AI-powered help content summaries and tailored AI guides for small businesses, accountants, and bookkeepers.
Kaseya has launched TruPeer EMERGE, a program designed for MSPs with 1-5 employees, providing them a framework to grow and scale their business. The program focuses on boosting profitability, increasing monthly recurring revenue, and overcoming operational challenges. It also emphasizes marketing to help MSPs build their brand and generate leads. TruPeer EMERGE is currently available in North America and Europe, with plans to expand into the APAC region.
Lots of tactical today. Some quick thoughts.
AI providing more insights on backup is intriguing – wouldn’t you like to have more analysis and ideally recommendations and adjustments? Same with Splunk’s move – I’m looking for more of this. The ability to ask about data, like in Just Ask Xero, interestingly solves a reporting problem in a lot of products. One can’t necessarily dream up every scenario about data for a report, but if I could just ask about the data I need and get analysis, that would be a win.
Virtualized apps remains an area I think is a bit underserved – it’s a great security solution.
Finally, I wanted to note that program for emerging MSPs – it’s not necessarily unique, but that doesn’t mean it’s not valuable to some.