EMA Blog: Business Intelligence and IT Management

More than 41% of DDI (DNS, DHCP and IP address management) teams lack sufficient influence over their companies’ cloud strategies, according to my research. This stat was published in my market research report, “DDI Directions: DNS, DHCP, and IP Address Management Strategies for the Multi-Cloud Era.” The report was based on a survey of 333 DDI-focused IT professionals.

I will soon publish new market research about enterprise network automation strategies. The report is based on a survey of 350+ IT professionals and one-on-one phone interviews with a dozen experts from a variety of well-known enterprises, universities, and government entities. 

HPE announced this week its intent to acquire Juniper Networks for $14 billion. When this deal closes, Juniper will combine with HPE's Aruba Networks division, which is itself a product of multiple acquisitions by HPE, including Aruba Networks (Wi-Fi and switching) and Silver Peak (SD-WAN and WAN optimization). 

In 2024, we will continue to see globally significant advancements in information security and regulatory compliance spending for organizations of all sizes. From zero trust architecture to the integration of AI-driven solutions and the growing emphasis on regulatory alignment, 2024 will redefine how organizations safeguard sensitive information, navigate compliance complexities, and fortify their API ecosystems. Understanding and adapting to these transformative trends will be pivotal for businesses aiming to stay resilient, secure, and compliant in a time noted for rapid technological advancements and stringent regulatory landscapes. Here are our predictions for information security in 2024.

The Black Hat Europe 2023 conference, a gathering of cybersecurity professionals and experts, delved into the intricate world of cybersecurity, exploring emerging threats, innovative defense strategies, and the pressing need for collaboration between the private sector and government entities. Here's a breakdown of the key takeaways and highlights from a few of the conference sessions.

Every year, technology enthusiasts and industry leaders gather at the serene Rocky Gap in Western Maryland for Tech at the Gap, an event that has earned the reputation of being one of the hidden gems of Maryland's tech conference scene. This year, the conference's theme, "Decoding Intelligence," promised to unveil the mysteries behind artificial intelligence and its transformative potential. With an impressive lineup of keynote speakers and breakout presenters, the event did not disappoint.

Articles proclaiming the death of CMDB started appearing with regularity as early as 2010. Cloud was named as the likely killer. The problem with this bit of folk wisdom is that it isn’t true.

EMA experience and field research consistently find that CMDB use not only continues but is on the rise. In a 2022 EMA initiative on the rise of ServiceOps, 400 global IT leaders stated that CMDB use was central to major functions. For many of those respondents, CMDB use was viewed as increasing in importance for automation of complex processes.  

Where is the disconnect?

The stage was set, the players were ready, and Black Hat USA 2023 delivered a cybersecurity spectacle that left no doubt—this was a game-changing event. As we unpack the highlights, one overarching theme emerges: a united front against ever-evolving threats. From generative AI to cloud security and a glimpse into the future of defense, this year's conference illuminated the power of collaboration and innovation. Amidst these pivotal discussions, one revelation—the TETRA:BURST vulnerabilities—took center stage, leaving an indelible mark on the field.

Last week, I had the privilege of attending ConnectWise’s IT Nation Secure conference. The three-day conference focused on managed service providers (MSPs) – specifically, how those MSPs can better secure and protect small businesses and midmarket companies. If you haven’t attended this conference in the past but have attended others, I highly recommend attending the ConnectWise IT Nation Secure conference due to the unique perspective they provide for the cybersecurity industry.

The 2023 RSA Conference was one of the largest and most impactful cybersecurity events of the year. The conference brought together a large number of exhibitors, training sessions, and sponsor briefings and generated a lot of buzz on social media platforms, such as Twitter and LinkedIn. We took some time to analyze the data from social media and the conference and found some interesting trends.