Vendor news
Amazon Web Services
AWS Application Migration Service has introduced Launch Actions, which enables users to automatically run predefined custom scripts and install software during the migration process. This feature streamlines application migrations by automating tasks like updating configurations, security settings, or installing required applications on the target environment post-migration, enhancing efficiency and reducing manual effort.
AWS Network Firewall now integrates with AWS Private Link, allowing users to securely access firewall endpoints without exposing traffic to the public internet. This enhancement improves security by enabling private connections between Virtual Private Clouds (VPCs) and AWS services, streamlining the setup of firewall protections while maintaining data privacy.
AWS Security Hub has released 8 new security controls, increasing the total number of controls offered to 423. With this release, Security Hub now supports controls for additional AWS services such as Amazon WorkSpaces and AWS DataSync.
AWS IAM Identity Center now allows users to set preferences for language and visual mode in the AWS access portal, enhancing efficiency and comfort. The AWS access portal offers 12 language options and a dark mode for improved readability, with preferences inherited from browser settings and customisable by users.
AWS Chatbot has added support for Amazon Bedrock Agents, enabling users to interact with AI agents in Microsoft Teams and Slack. This feature allows teams to seamlessly integrate generative AI into their communication workflows, enhancing collaboration by providing real-time AI-driven insights, automation, and responses directly within these platforms.
AWS Amplify introduces Scheduled Cron Jobs and Streaming Logs for serverless functions, enabling automated function execution and real-time log monitoring. Scheduled Cron Jobs can be configured using natural language or cron expressions for tasks such as data processing and batch operations.
AWS IoT Device Management has introduced a Software Package Catalog for Jobs, enabling users to organise, distribute, and deploy software updates more efficiently across IoT devices.
AWS Neuron has introduced NKI and NXD for Training in JAX, expanding support for neural network accelerators in machine learning workloads. This update enables developers to optimise training performance for deep learning models using AWS Neuron's integration with JAX, a machine learning library.
Availability updates:
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AWS announces support for running Windows Server 2022 on workers in service-managed fleets in AWS Deadline Cloud.
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AWS Config conformance packs now available in additional AWS regions.
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AWS Glue now offers optimisation features for Apache Iceberg tables in its Data Catalogue.
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AWS Elastic Disaster Recovery now supports recovery in AWS Local Zones, allowing businesses to enhance disaster recovery plans by using Local Zones for faster recovery times.
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AWS CodeBuild now supports managed GitLab runners, enabling users to integrate GitLab with CodeBuild for automated CI/CD workflows.
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AWS announced the general availability of the AWS SDK for Swift, enabling developers to build applications for Apple platforms using Swift.
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AWS CloudFormation now supports Git sync for pull request workflows, allowing users to manage infrastructure as code by integrating Git repositories directly into their CloudFormation workflows.
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AWS Resource Access Manager now supports AWS PrivateLink, allowing users to securely share services and resources across accounts and Virtual Private Clouds without exposing them to the internet.
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AWS IoT SiteWise Edge now supports over 100 industrial protocols through integration with Litmus Edge, enabling seamless data collection and processing from various industrial systems.
Microsoft
Microsoft and Oracle have expanded their partnership by integrating Oracle Database@ Azure with Microsoft AI and data services. This enhancement provides customers with high-performance cloud applications, improved security, and the ability to leverage AI through Microsoft Fabric. The collaboration is also expanding into 21 global regions, offering greater resilience and availability for mission-critical workloads.
Windows App is now generally available for Windows, macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and web browsers, with public preview for Android, offering a unified and secure gateway to connect to Windows resources. The app provides a customisable and enhanced user experience, with features such as multi-monitor support, USB redirection, device management actions, and account switching for Microsoft Entra ID.
Microsoft and G42 are collaborating to establish two new centers in Abu Dhabi that will advance responsible AI practices and support AI projects addressing key societal goals in the Middle East and the Global South.
Microsoft has been named a Leader in the
2024 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Container Management. This is the second year in a row that Microsoft has been named a Leader in this Gartner Magic Quadrant.
Adobe
Adobe Experience Cloud's new AI-powered innovations enable brands to personalise, test, and measure content across various channels, boosting customer engagement and business impact. Adobe Content Analytics provides attribute-level insights on content performance, allowing brands to optimise their marketing assets based on specific colors, objects, and styles that resonate with target audiences.
Premiere Pro's latest version (beta) introduces a new colour management system that transforms raw and log formats into stunning, consistent footage without requiring LUTs, making professional colour workflows more powerful and accessible for video editors.
Adobe Workfront Planning is now available, providing a comprehensive view of marketing activities and allowing teams to plan and execute strategies more strategically. It offers a single view of campaign goals, timelines, and objectives, supported by generative AI-powered assistance.
IBM
IBM and Microsoft have opened three new Experience Zones in Bucharest, Romania, Buffalo, New York, and Leicester, UK, to help clients explore generative AI and hybrid cloud technologies. The Experience Zones provide clients with hands-on access to Microsoft technologies and allow them to co-create generative AI solutions with IBM experts.
IBM has expanded its consulting services to help clients maximise generative AI investments and optimise compute and implementation costs for Oracle cloud applications. The company aims to address the rising concern about compute spend and lack of expertise in generative AI.
IBM is acquiring Accelalpha, a global Oracle services provider, to enhance its consulting expertise in supply chain, logistics, finance, EPM, and CX-CPQ for Oracle Cloud Applications. The acquisition is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2024.
IBM and Microsoft announced the official opening of three new IBM-Microsoft Experience Zones within IBM's Client Innovation Centers. These Experience Zones are designed to help global clients across industries, such as financial services, government, healthcare, industrial, manufacturing and consumer packed goods.
Oracle
Oracle has launched a new cloud service called Oracle Financial Crime and Compliance Management Monitor, designed for banks and financial services companies. The service delivers advanced visualisations and reporting capabilities to help manage risk, combat financial crime, and meet compliance requirements.
Oracle's Java 23 release introduces 12 JDK Enhancement Proposals (JEPs) aimed at increasing developer productivity, enhancing language features, and improving performance, stability, and security.
Oracle is partnering with AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure to enable customers to access Oracle Database services running on Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) directly in the data centers of these cloud providers. This collaboration aims to simplify cloud migration, multicloud deployment, and management for customers, allowing them to combine services from across these cloud platforms.
Oracle has integrated new AI capabilities into its Fusion Cloud Applications Suite to optimise finance, supply chain, HR, sales, marketing, and service functions. The new AI agents and capabilities aim to increase productivity, automate workflows, and provide personalised insights across various business processes.
Oracle announced its Industry Playbooks at Oracle CloudWorld 2024. These playbooks provide industry-specific strategies and tools to help organisations optimise cloud and AI investments. Oracle also introduced the world's first zettascale cloud computing cluster.
Oracle introduced a powerful Generative AI Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) agent and enhanced AI services at Oracle CloudWorld 2024. The RAG agent integrates real-time data into AI queries, improving accuracy and decision-making.
Oracle and Google Cloud announced the general availability of Oracle Database on Google Cloud. This collaboration allows customers to run Oracle databases natively on Google Cloud, combining the strengths of Oracle’s database technology with Google Cloud’s global infrastructure.
Salesforce
Salesforce announced Agentforce, a new innovation aimed at empowering customer service teams by enhancing collaboration between agents and AI. This solution provides advanced AI-driven insights, streamlining case resolution and improving overall customer experience. Agentforce enables teams to deliver faster, more personalised support while maintaining a seamless workflow.
Salesforce and Google have partnered to develop autonomous AI agents, leveraging Google's advanced AI capabilities within Salesforce's platform. Salesforce and IBM have also partnered to enhance autonomous AI agent capabilities within Salesforce’s platform.
Salesforce has been recognised as a Leader in the 2024 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Sales Force Automation. This acknowledgement highlights Salesforce’s innovation and leadership in providing comprehensive sales automation solutions.
Salesforce announced its new Unified Commerce platform, designed to integrate sales, service, marketing, and commerce for a seamless customer experience. The platform enables businesses to offer personalised, consistent interactions across all channels, from online shopping to in-store visits.
Salesforce introduced new AI capabilities for Tableau, aimed at enhancing data visualisation and analytics. These innovations include advanced AI-driven insights that help businesses quickly identify patterns and make data-driven decisions.
SAP
SAP has completed the acquisition of WalkMe Ltd., a digital adoption platform company, to enhance workflow execution and user experience across business software applications. SAP has also partnered with ChannelEngine to integrate their Order Management Services.
SAP AppHaus Network empowers organisations to turn cutting-edge technology into tangible business value by leveraging design thinking and enterprise architecture. The newly renovated SAP AppHaus in Silicon Valley provides a holistic engagement space for customers and partners, driving sustainable co-innovation through human-centred design.
SAP has been recognised as a Challenger in Gartner's 2024 Magic Quadrant for Robotic Process Automation, showcasing strong execution and vision in RPA.
