Searchlight News Analysis

Federal privacy regulations usher in the age of tech lawmakers

Big tech and privacy advocates are lobbying for dramatically different federal data privacy rights. CIOs should pay attention to whom -- and what -- the legislation seeks to regulate. Continue Reading

Build 2018 gives the office meeting a high-tech sheen. Does it matter?

A display on the future of meetings at Microsoft's Build 2018 event was a technology tour de force. But analysts said the fanfare sort of misses the point. Continue Reading

IT Priorities 2018: Network upgrades, automation, cloud make the cut

The TechTarget IT Priorities 2018 survey finds that networking, automation and cloud projects will keep IT pros busy. IoT and AI lag, but that doesn't mean they aren't happening. Continue Reading

CES 2018 for CIOs: Rise of the AI voice assistant class

What happens in Vegas doesn't stay there -- not at CES 2018, where AI voice assistants and sentient objects were ubiquitous and the crossover to workforces was obvious. Continue Reading

Conversational commerce rudimentary but full of promise

Conversational commerce between a human and an artificial intelligence is immature and mostly brokered by the tech giants. That doesn't mean CIOs shouldn't put in their two cents. Continue Reading

A general tells CFOs what people want from leaders in crisis times

Times of crisis require certain leadership traits beleaguered business execs would do well to cultivate. That was the pitch from a retired general at the MIT Sloan CFO Summit. Continue Reading

AI future is nigh, but enterprises are unready

The AI future is terrifying, terrific -- and companies are unprepared to exploit it. Also: Big tech testifies on 2016 election meddling; iPhone X privacy concerns. Continue Reading

Top technology trends will put CIOs, companies in warp-speed mode

Don't get too attached to those predictive models you've been churning out. In a few years, software will be calling the shots. Also: CIO salaries surging; first robot citizen. Continue Reading

Google Glass device finally finds a use case -- in the enterprise

Understand the problem first, then invent the technology -- unless you're Google and the technology is its Google Glass device. Also: KRACK attack, AlphaGo Zero, IoT security strategies on the rise. Continue Reading

Kaspersky news, Equifax security hack push CIOs to trust no one

The Kaspersky news has IT pros pondering everything from the dystopia of zero-trust security to deliverance by blockchain. Also: Samsung CEO resigns; Google's $1 billion for training. Continue Reading

Gartner Symposium 2017: Zen and the art of digital business

Companies doing digital projects aren't yet digital businesses, Gartner analysts warn. Deep thought may help. Also: Russia's NSA exploit; Facebook to open Virginia data center. Continue Reading

Microsoft bets on topological qubits as future of quantum computing

Experts react to Microsoft's 'moonshot' claim on the future of quantum computing. Also: Wal-Mart joins Workplace; the Twitter-Russia connection. Continue Reading

Google-HTC deal about conversational AI, a better Android OS

Welcome to the dawn of conversational computing. A big part of this week's Google-HTC deal is about building smartphones -- and other AI-powered devices -- that talk to us. Also: Facebook turns over Russian-linked ads. Continue Reading

CIOs, ask not what Apple's iPhone X can do today, but what comes next

ARKit, neural engine, Face ID -- here's how CIOs should be looking at Apple's iPhone X. Also: Equifax sued, Microsoft and Intel's Confidential Compute, Samsung's $300M bet. Continue Reading

Data-driven decision-making in the face of catastrophe

Seeking better disaster management, governments strive to turn data insights into action. Also: The Equifax breach, Amazon's 'HQ2' and federal regs for driverless cars. Continue Reading

Uber CEO's exit puts spotlight on importance of company culture

Uber’s scandals underscore why corporate culture matters. Read about how CIOs can help their companies reinforce corporate values. Also: AI in 2020; job search by Google. Continue Reading

Will GE stay on digital path following CEO's departure?

GE CEO Jeffrey Immelt is stepping down after boldly paving the company's digital path. He stuck to his guns and CIOs should too. Also: Amazon to buy Whole Foods. Continue Reading

Digital transformation projects cry out for a human touch

Don't do digital for digital's sake, CIOs and industry observers say -- solve a business problem. Also: SoftBank grabs Boston Dynamics; Apple launches Siri-powered HomePod. Continue Reading

MIT CIO Symposium 2017 elucidates the digital playbook

IT leaders speaking at the MIT CIO Symposium 2017 reveal that a digital playbook is taking shape with elements that transcend industry, company size and age. Also: Hackers get into apps through subtitles. Continue Reading

WannaCry ransomware attack: Dry those tears and get back to basics

The recent WannaCry ransomware attack reminds CIOs and CISOs there are no good excuses for bad security. Also in Searchlight: Google's 'AI-first' agenda, net neutrality in trouble. Continue Reading

Live from Boston and the world over: The OpenStack platform

Far from dead, the open source project is alive -- and kicking -- say founders and users at OpenStack Summit Boston. Also in Searchlight: Microsoft goes to computing's edge; Trump signs cybersecurity executive order. Continue Reading

Signs point to cloud future at Red Hat Summit 2017

The open source software company is transitioning from its Linux roots to cloud services. Continue Reading

Trump's order on H-1B program puts tech employers on notice

The H-1B program is now officially under review. Don't be the next headline, experts warn. Also: Steve Ballmer's public service project, Facebook's brain-computer interface. Continue Reading

Gartner cuts 2017 IT spending forecast, sees shift to 'digital business'

As companies embrace their digital future, the shift in IT spending to software plows on. Continue Reading

In aftermath of FCC privacy rules repeal, uncertainty, ironies abound

Rollback of FCC privacy rules on selling personal data is seen as a boon for ISPs and a blow to privacy rights. But the issue is complicated. What are the implications for CIOs? Continue Reading

IBM InterConnect pushes new new thing as now

Cognitive computing, blockchain and other cutting-edge technologies get the spotlight in Las Vegas. Also: CIA builds Apple-spying tools; Senate votes against internet privacy. Continue Reading

Intel buys into the future of autonomous cars with Mobileye

The hype around the future of autonomous cars and the value of data was reinforced with Intel's buying Mobileye this week. Also in Searchlight: Russian agents behind Yahoo hack. Continue Reading

Gartner summit: Get a CDO and other tips for achieving data-centricity

Is your organization suffering from data analytics scarcity? This week's Gartner summit on data and analytics offers a path to abundance. Also: WikiLeaks releases CIA hacking files. Continue Reading

Amazon cloud outage: A CIO survivor's guide

Industry watchers sound off on cloud worries following Tuesday's disruption. Also in Searchlight: FCC issues stay on privacy rule; Wendy's will serve up self-ordering kiosks. Continue Reading

How 5G wireless technology will dazzle, confuse and be of use for CIOs

The hype around 5G technology is crazy. That doesn't mean CIOs shouldn't get ready for it. Also, Google cracks SHA-1; Ryzen arrives; Yahoo discounted. Continue Reading

The IoT explosion is upon us -- what's holding CIOs back?

The IoT explosion is certain, CIO reservations and ill-fated use cases notwithstanding. So says new research from Gartner, HCL. Also: Microsoft launches IP protection program. Continue Reading

Musk, Hawking and other luminaries sign AI principles into being

Introducing the Asilomar AI Principles, a set of guidelines to protect us against an AI apocalypse and ensure that the many, not just the few, reap AI's benefits. Also: Tech vs. Trump on Muslim ban. Continue Reading

Trump's FCC pick may trim net neutrality rules -- what's a CIO to do?

With Ajit Pai likely to roll back regulations governing internet providers, IT leaders need to ponder an uncertain future. Continue Reading

Oculus trial: Even if Facebook loses, VR to prevail

The outcome of the Oculus trial is up in the air, but VR is gaining ground. Also in Searchlight: Oracle faces discrimination suit; Twitter sells Fabric to Google. Continue Reading

PrivacyCon: Tech's assault on (obliteration of?) consumer privacy

The attack on consumer privacy by new tech is huge and growing, enabled by consumers and greased by profit; in other words, a fait accompli? Continue Reading

CES 2017 for CIOs: Making consumer tech business-ready

Artificial intelligence and the internet of things were big at this year's extravaganza. Here's what IT chiefs need to know. Continue Reading

How is the billion-user Yahoo breach different from other email hacks?

News of a 2013 Yahoo breach will likely not be the jolt Americans need to become more cyber-savvy -- and that's scary. Also, Trump meets with tech leaders; FCC chair to resign. Continue Reading

Forget about Trump's tech policy -- it's the economy, CIOs

Trump invites tech leaders to a meeting next week, but tech policy is far from the whole story. Also in Searchlight: Google goes green; Twitter, Facebook and others join forces on limiting terrorist content. Continue Reading

Record-busting online holiday sales and the rise of the omnishopper

Record online holiday sales foretell the arrival of conversational commerce, digital humanism and the omnishopper. Also: AWS goes all-out on AI; San Fran Muni metro hacked. Continue Reading

MIT CFO Summit: A lesson in change from GE CFO

The message from the MIT CFO Summit: Get out of the office and embrace change. Also in Searchlight: Facebook and Google crack down on fake news; cloud boom expected. Continue Reading

Presidential election predictions cast doubt on data analysis

Donald Trump's surprise presidential election win has media, pollsters soul-searching on the predictive power of data. Also in Searchlight: Yahoo hack may mean no Verizon sale. Continue Reading

Microsoft Teams work tool another sign that chat is where it's at

The Microsoft Teams versus Slack news speaks to a bigger story about the nature of work. Also in Searchlight: CenturyLink's $34 billion deal; Google rejects EU charges. Continue Reading

Microsoft Windows 10 event rings in immersive computing

At this week's Microsoft Windows 10 event, the company offered a glimpse of an immersive computing future. Also in Searchlight: AT&T, Time Warner and the future of 5G wireless services. Continue Reading

Gartner 2016: A grand vision, through CIOs' eyes

CIOs will change the world with 'civilization architecture.' That was the word at the Gartner 2016 gathering. Now how does that happen? Also: Massive DDoS attack; AI ascends. Continue Reading

Samsung Note 7 disaster a CIO parable about quality assurance

Reasons for the Samsung Note 7 disaster are not fully known, but experts are certain of this: A shoddy quality assurance process can kill you. Also: Gig economy up; PC orders down; Amazon stores a-coming. Continue Reading

Security versus privacy: What's a company to do?

An expert panel debates the merits of privacy in a cybercrime world at the Cambridge Cyber Summit. Also in Searchlight: Google's new smartphone and Yahoo scans emails. Continue Reading

Part techie, part people person? You're a business technologist

The SIM Boston Technology Summit puts a spotlight on IT folks who can help make the business go. Also in Searchlight: Who will buy Twitter? Microsoft opens AI group. Continue Reading

Google's Allo touts smarter messaging, but at a price

With Google's Allo, the tech giant is hoping you'll choose messaging smarts over privacy. Also in Searchlight: Yahoo confirms colossal breach; Oracle beefs up cloud offerings. Continue Reading

Uber self-driving car event a red-letter day in the auto ecosystem

Is the Uber self-driving car event this week the start of a total rethink of the auto industry? Also in Searchlight: the Galaxy Note 7 fiasco, changes at HP, hybrid cloud rules. Continue Reading

CIOs, who will buy iPhone 7? Your users

Apple adds a better camera and takes away the headphone jack. Employees care; so should CIOs. Also in Searchlight: HPE slims down; Google gets ready for Apigee. Continue Reading

Dropbox hack and the password security conundrum

The Dropbox hack is the latest reminder that the end is near for traditional authentication methods. Also in Searchlight: VMware comes at cloud from a new direction. Continue Reading

WhatsApp messaging app comes of age with user privacy shift -- mazel tov?

WhatsApp's new privacy policy may dismay some users. For businesses, it signals the popular mobile messaging app has come of age. Also: VMworld 2016 and self-assembling cell phones. Continue Reading

Gartner Catalyst 2016: Cloud enables a connected future

Gartner has a message for IT: To thrive, get into the cloud. Also in Searchlight: Cisco layoffs, Eddie Bauer malware hack, Google's rumored new OS, China's quantum satellite. Continue Reading

Delta outage is a wake-up call for IT execs, CEOs

The Delta outage isn't the first DR-related debacle to strike a well-known organization and it won't be the last. Also: Data theft on the rise; Intel the latest to buy AI startup. Continue Reading

Intel CIO is a woman. So what?

The appointment of a woman to replace another woman for the Intel CIO job might suggest the IT gender gap has closed. Not so. Also in Searchlight: Bitcoin gets robbed. Continue Reading

Verizon purchase of Yahoo a risky bid for digital content

With the Verizon purchase of Yahoo, the telecommunications company hopes to break into the cutthroat business of digital content, but challenges await. Also: Oracle invests in cloud; more Microsoft layoffs. Continue Reading

CIO, business must wield EU-U.S. Privacy Shield

CIOs have a part to play in adopting the enhanced data transfer pact. Also in Searchlight: Survey says majority of companies not ready for digital business; Dell-EMC merger is close to done. Continue Reading

Pokemon Go craze: A harbinger of the augmented enterprise?

Pokemon Go is pushing augmented reality closer to enterprise adoption. Also on Searchlight, Microsoft wins in warrant case; Google hit with new charges. Continue Reading

Google snaps up startup in push to master computer vision

The future of computer vision looks bright following a string of tech acquisitions in the field, most recently by Google. Also in Searchlight: Microsoft COO exits; Gartner forecasts uptick in cloud adoption. Continue Reading

Brexit strategy: CIO Planning for UK-EU split

For CIOs, the U.K.-EU split opens up a continent of unknowns. Also in Searchlight: Cisco locks on to security startup CloudLock; IBM woos blockchain coders; $4 smartphones hit India. Continue Reading

Will workers be wooed by Dropbox collaboration tools?

Dropbox's new collaboration tools are aimed at increasing the file-sharing company's footprint in the enterprise. Better now than never, industry experts say. Also in Searchlight: Ethereum fund on life support; China builds the fastest supercomputer. Continue Reading

Microsoft-LinkedIn deal to shake up enterprise social networking

The Microsoft-LinkedIn deal gives us a glimpse into a hyper-social business future. Will employees like what they see? Also in Searchlight: Federal court upholds FCC net-neutrality rules; big announcements from Apple's WWDC. Continue Reading

Cloud Expo goers are cloud doers, triers

This week's cloud computing convention drew industry veterans and newbies. Also in Searchlight: France launches terrorist-alert app; Microsoft aims to use search queries to detect cancer. Continue Reading

Myspace, Tumblr megabreaches put spotlight on security knowledge gap

The Myspace and Tumblr megabreaches show that it's past time companies address the security skills gap. Also in Searchlight: Google helps find your phone. Continue Reading

Microsoft's cuts to smartphone division underscore new mobile imperative

What does Microsoft's curtailment of its smartphone division say about the company's mobile future? Also in Searchlight: Study links cell phones to cancer; Silicon Valley billionaire bankrolls lawsuits against Gawker. Continue Reading

MIT CIO: Cooperation vs. competition in the digital ecosystem

"Digital ecosystem" was the catchphrase at this year's MIT Sloan CIO Symposium. To vie as competitors, companies need to play by a new directive: Share or be left out. Continue Reading

The new AI virtual assistant Viv gets what you're saying

Viv, endowed with the ability to hear what you say and act on it, is set to disrupt search and a whole lot more. Should enterprises take notice? Also in Searchlight: U.S. military eyes AI; is Facebook liberal? Continue Reading

Can IBM fast-track quantum computing via the crowd?

IBM is giving the public an all-access pass to its cloud-enabled quantum computing platform. Is it a milestone in quantum computing or just a lot of noise? Also in Searchlight: Facebook rewards 10-year-old hacker; self-driving minivans to hit the road. Continue Reading

One bad Apple earnings report doesn't signal a mighty fall

After 13 years of growth, an Apple earnings report showed a decline. Also in Searchlight: Amazon and Facebook revenues soar; 'Snowden' preview goes online. Continue Reading

Intel's job cuts: The 'PC is dead' or PC evolution?

Intel sheds 12,000 jobs in its shift away from PCs. The PC is dead -- or is it? Also in Searchlight: Google faces more antitrust charges; Viber encrypts all its messages. Continue Reading

Facebook's chatbots pave way for centralized mobile platform

Facebook's chatbots aim to change the mobile experience. What are the implications for IT execs? Also in Searchlight: Microsoft sues feds over consumer rights; Box expands global reach. Continue Reading

Hip to be square: Microsoft gets in early on blockchain technology

The tech giant announces a partnership with big banks to develop blockchain technology. Also in Searchlight: IT spending expected to slide; Trump hotels get hacked -- again. Continue Reading

In Brussels' wake, biometric surveillance draws interest, concerns

The age of biometric surveillance is just beginning. Will it make us safer? Also in Searchlight: Intel mastermind remembered; DHS opens cyberthreats information sharing program. Continue Reading

Congress questions blockchain security amid ransomware news

Spreading cybercrime, like the ransomware attacks on NYT and BBC, has Congress considering Bitcoin security. Also in Searchlight: Apple might boost iCloud encryption; Amazon eyes selfie payments. Continue Reading

RSA Conference 2016: IoT will crash and burn if security doesn't come first

The message from RSA Conference 2016: Build security into IoT devices early on, or court disaster. Also in Searchlight: Apple gets a boost; a chance to 'hack the Pentagon.' Continue Reading

Apple-FBI case: IT execs brace for privacy, security fallout

The Apple-FBI case is igniting an enterprise-wide discussion on privacy versus security. What CIOs need to know. Also in Searchlight: Facebook's population map; Intel's latest diversity push. Continue Reading

Apple fight gives glimpse of a 'backdoor' world

A federal court orders Apple to help feds unlock a phone in its San Bernardino case; CEO Cook opposes. Also in Searchlight: AT&T reveals 5G plans; IBM's blockchain gambit. Continue Reading

Obama's $19B cybersecurity plan takes aim at cybercrime, underscores skills gap

President Obama's new national cybersecurity plan will beef up cyberdefense, but does it do enough to close the cyber-skills gap? Also in Searchlight: The Obama family's Wi-Fi is patchy; Twitter posts lackluster earnings. Continue Reading

Intel report puts spotlight on diversity at work

A new report from Intel on its efforts to increase diversity at work is noteworthy for its transparency. Will it spark industry change? Also: Yahoo struggling to keep employees; wearables' upward trend. Continue Reading

Minsky, early explorer of AI future, dies at 88

MIT professor Marvin Minsky set artificial intelligence on its current, unfolding course. Also in Searchlight: EMC head says Dell deal is on track despite jitters; top Twitter execs take flight. Continue Reading

Global IT spending stagnant amid rising appetite for ITaaS

Global IT spending hits a plateau, says Gartner, but SaaS expenditures are up. What does it mean for CIOs? Also, in Searchlight: Dell-EMC deal in trouble? Microsoft to donate $1B in cloud. Continue Reading

FTC report puts spotlight on consumer protection in the big data era

A new FTC report zeroes in on the unethical use of big data. Also in Searchlight: Uber pitches customized entertainment; Google cars not yet ready for the road. Continue Reading

Top Searchlights of 2015: Big data trends, Windows 10 and more

Just in time for the new year, we've rounded up our top Searchlight columns. Read about the year's top technology stories on 2015 big data trends, Windows 10, the Apple Watch and more. Continue Reading

New EU data protection legislation will challenge U.S. IT execs

The EU has agreed upon a radical set of data protection rules. What does it mean for U.S. IT execs? Also in Searchlight: Apple has a new COO; Republican candidates fumble on tech knowledge. Continue Reading

Should big tech join the fight against online terrorism?

U.S. calls on tech giants to combat terrorist threats online. Also in SearchLight: Yahoo to split; Bitcoin founder, found and lost; Zuckerberg under fire for giving away billions. Continue Reading

Gilbane Conference: HBR's IT team uses Agile and wins a seat at the table

At the Gilbane Conference, Harvard Business Review shared how its IT team became a partner to the business. Also in SearchLight: Yahoo's board might sell core business; NSA shuts down surveillance. Continue Reading

Google fortifies search dominance with mobile app streaming

Google's new app streaming feature takes mobile deep linking to the next level. Is this good or bad news for developers? Also in SearchLight: Encryption is back in the spotlight following Paris attacks; the Word of the Year is an emoji. Continue Reading

Gartner: IoT services, connected 'things' to surge in 2016

The IoT services boom is on, says Gartner. What does that mean for CIOs? Also in Searchlight: Four indicted in last year's JP Morgan hack; Google's self-driving car pulled over. Continue Reading

Gartner: IoT services, connected 'things' to surge in 2016

The IoT services boom is on, says Gartner. What does that mean for CIOs? Also in Searchlight: Four indicted in last year's JP Morgan hack; Google's self-driving car pulled over. Continue Reading

Too much, too soon? CIOs sound off on IDC 2016 predictions

IDC gazed into its crystal ball this week, predicting the rise of 'third-platform' tech. Also in Searchlight: Toyota drives toward autonomous autos; CIO Ralph Loura leaves HP. Continue Reading

HP shutters Helion Public Cloud, while Oracle takes on Amazon

HP ditches Helion Public Cloud and refocuses on the data center. Meanwhile, Oracle's new cloud services take on Amazon. Also in SearchLight: IBM buys The Weather Co.'s digital assets; MasterCard wants to turn everything into a payment device. Continue Reading

Dell World 2015: New hybrid cloud service and 'coopetition'

Dell and Microsoft introduced a new hybrid cloud service. What does it mean for the enterprise? Also in Searchlight: IBM reports drop in profit; drone registration required. Continue Reading

Planned Dell deal shines another light on changing role of the CIO

Dell's designs on EMC are yet another indicator that CIOs need to focus on projects that make the business stand out. Also in Searchlight: Twitter layoffs, Intel Skylake chip and Arx Pax hoverboard. Continue Reading

IBM forms new cognitive business unit to promote Watson

Can IBM bring cognitive computing to the masses? That's the mission for IBM's new Cognitive Business Solutions group. Also in Searchlight: Apple breaks up with VMware; Dell might buy EMC. Continue Reading

Evaluating fingerprint biometrics in a post-OPM hack world

The OPM breach called into question the safety of fingerprint biometrics. What can CIOs learn from it? Plus: Google unveils latest Nexus devices; Experian hack exposes 15 million T-Mobile customers. Continue Reading

Hybrid cloud environments, choice territory for CIOs

Cloud computing watchers touted the hybrid approach as fast and fortified at the Hybrid Cloud Summit on Thursday. Also in Searchlight: China on cyberattacks; Apple sets target date for an electric car. Continue Reading

Apple iPad Pro and the great app gap

Is the business-focused Apple iPad Pro poised for enterprise glory? Yes and no, according to analysts and CIOs. Also in Searchlight: Drone privacy bill shot down; Intel invests in quantum computing. Continue Reading

Apple and Cisco partner to bolster iOS in the enterprise

Apple is looking to Cisco for a bigger bite of the enterprise market. What can CIOs take away from the Apple-Cisco deal? Also in Searchlight: Samsung takes on the Apple Watch; Google unveils a new logo. Continue Reading

Will stock market instability incite IT strain?

Wall Street's roller-coaster week has left many unnerved. Does this stock market volatility spell trouble for IT budgets and tech companies? Also in Searchlight: Google fights claims of market abuse; Windows 10 hits 75 million devices in one month. Continue Reading

Will data privacy finally come to the fore, post-Ashley Madison hack?

Moral questions abound after the Ashley Madison hack, but will the latest high-profile breach finally spur companies to improve consumer privacy? Also: Amazon's data-driven motivation tactics under scrutiny; Target reaches breach settlement. Continue Reading