Tech Talks Daily

Have you ever wondered how businesses are transitioning from isolated AI experiments to integrated strategies that truly drive transformation? In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Pandurang Kamat, Chief Technology Officer at Persistent Systems, to explore this fascinating evolution. With over 12 years at Persistent and a PhD in Computer Science from Rutgers University, Dr. Kamat brings a wealth of knowledge about innovation, R&D, and the future of AI in the enterprise. Dr. Kamat explains how the AI revolution is reshaping both the technical and business aspects of organizations. From automating workflows to modernizing data and digital engineering, he dives into how AI platforms are becoming indispensable tools. He also highlights Persistent’s unique approach with its flagship platforms SASVA for digital engineering, iAURA for data engineering, and the GenAI Hub for orchestrating AI across enterprises.  These platforms are enabling businesses to adopt AI faster and more effectively, paving the way for what he calls "services as software." We also discuss the role of partnerships with hyperscalers like AWS and Google in scaling AI initiatives securely and responsibly. Dr. Kamat shares insights into Persistent’s industry-specific applications of AI, from enhancing customer service to revolutionizing construction risk management and accelerating drug research. What challenges do businesses face when transitioning to platform-driven strategies? Dr. Kamat unpacks the critical steps, including shaping data readiness, identifying impactful use cases, and implementing responsible AI frameworks. Looking ahead, he envisions a future where AI delivers disproportionate outcomes through purpose-built agents and multi-year transformation projects. Join us as we navigate the next wave of enterprise AI with Dr. Pandurang Kamat and uncover how Persistent Systems is pushing the boundaries of innovation. What excites you most about the potential of AI to transform industries? Share your thoughts after the episode—we’d love to hear from you!

Join Hans de Visser, Chief Product Officer at Mendix and expert in low-code development, as he explores how low-code is driving digital transformation. He reveals why 73% of C-suite leaders now endorse low-code as a strategic enabler. Discover how AI integration is revolutionizing the development cycle, enhancing productivity, and fostering collaboration between IT and business teams. Hans also discusses the critical issues of governance, security, and upskilling, alongside the increasing influence of non-technical executives in adopting low-code solutions.

Bivu Das, UK General Manager of Kraken, shares insights on the UK’s potential to lead in global crypto adoption. He discusses the thriving cryptocurrency market, the significant regulatory changes, and how these could add £57 billion to the UK’s GDP by 2030. With over 7 million crypto owners, the discussion reveals the importance of strong partnerships, like those with Tottenham Hotspur and Williams Racing, to educate the public. Bivu emphasizes the need to eliminate bad actors to build trust and foster innovation in this booming sector.

In this episode, I explore the findings of Akamai’s latest State of the Internet report, “Navigating the Rising Tide: Attack Trends in Financial Services,” with Richard Meeus, Director of Security Technology and Strategy EMEA at Akamai. The conversation reveals why financial services remain the top target for cyberattacks, with incidents ranging from DDoS events to brand impersonation schemes that exploit sensitive data. Richard offers insights into the unique challenges faced by the financial services sector, especially in the context of rising geopolitical tensions. We discuss a recent DDoS attack in the Middle East that underscores the intensity and sophistication of threats in this space. The episode also examines the growing threat of shadow APIs, which often go unmonitored, leaving organizations exposed to data exfiltration and other vulnerabilities. The conversation shifts to actionable strategies, including the implementation of Zero Trust frameworks, proactive DDoS defenses, and the importance of balancing automated tools with human oversight for complex, multi-vector attacks. Richard highlights the evolving landscape of cybersecurity regulations, such as the EU’s Digital Operational Resilience Act, and what organizations need to do to stay ahead. If you’re curious about how businesses can better defend against these emerging threats and what it takes to build resilience in a rapidly changing digital environment, this episode offers a wealth of practical advice and industry expertise. What are the most pressing cybersecurity challenges your organization is facing? Tune in to explore solutions and strategies.

François Machacec, an IT veteran and green IT ambassador at EasyVirt, shares his extensive experience in sustainable technology. He dives into the environmental costs of data centers and AI, promoting real-time measurement tools that help businesses minimize their carbon footprints. François explains the integration of GreenOps and FinOps principles to balance financial efficiency with ecological responsibility. Discover how EasyVirt empowers organizations to optimize infrastructures while adhering to tightening environmental regulations and actively managing their impact.

Join Alexander Alten, the Co-founder and CEO of Scalytics, as he discusses the transformative potential of federated learning in AI. With a rich background in leading data-driven teams, Alexander reveals how businesses can extract insights while maintaining strict privacy protocols. He tackles the challenge of data silos, highlighting the importance of decentralized solutions, especially in industries like healthcare. The conversation also dives into the advantages of open-source technologies and their sustainability in modern business, positioning them as long-term winners.

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

Tony Burton, Managing Director of Cyber Security & Trust at Thales UK, shares his expertise on the pressing challenges in cybersecurity for critical national infrastructure. He discusses the alarming rise in ransomware attacks and insider threats that endanger smart grids and essential utilities. Burton emphasizes the necessity for multi-layered defenses and proactive threat detection to safeguard against these evolving risks. The conversation also touches on the important role of mentorship in career growth within the cybersecurity field.

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.

What does it truly mean to "never trust, always verify"? In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I’m joined by John Kindervag, Chief Evangelist 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!