Industry News

Adobe has launched a free web app that allows creators to attach Content Credentials to their digital work, providing protection and attribution. This tool helps prevent unauthorized use and ensures recognition, with features to opt out of generative AI training. The app integrates with Adobe Creative Cloud tools and offers durable, verifiable content metadata throughout a digital asset’s lifecycle. A public beta will be available in early 2025.

Oracle has integrated “Agentic AI” into its Fusion Cloud Customer Experience (CX) suite. This AI-powered solution aims to enhance customer engagement by automating processes and personalizing customer interactions. The addition of AI-driven tools in Fusion Cloud CX helps businesses improve service quality, boost customer satisfaction, and streamline workflows.

A new study by IBM and Oxford Economics highlights how AI is transforming mainframe capabilities. With 78% of surveyed IT leaders piloting or deploying AI in mainframes, businesses are leveraging AI for innovation, cybersecurity, and application modernization. Mainframes also play a key role in hybrid cloud strategies, supporting critical workloads. The study emphasizes modernizing mainframe applications, integrating AI tools, and upskilling talent to unlock greater value in the AI and hybrid cloud era.

Thoma Bravo, the private equity firm behind Flexera, announced plans to acquire USU Software AG’s ITSM, ITAM, ITOM, and Knowledge Management products, forming a new entity called USU Product. The acquisition excludes USU’s digital consulting services. This move positions Thoma Bravo to strengthen its IT management tools portfolio, creating a competitive edge against market leaders like ServiceNow. USU Product will remain based in Germany with the same management team.

Microsoft has released Office 2024 on October 1 for consumers and small businesses. The suite includes updated versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Outlook (for Business) for PC and Mac, available as a one-time purchase without a subscription. Key improvements include enhanced performance, new features in Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, and better accessibility tools. Office 2024 comes in two editions: Home ($149.99) and Home & Business ($249.99).

Oracle has transitioned Java 17 to a paid licensing model, requiring users to pay for an Oracle subscription. Alternatives include upgrading to Java 21 for continued free use or migrating to OpenJDK distributions like Azul, which offers support and updates at a lower cost. Azul’s Platform Core provides a drop-in replacement for Oracle Java, helping companies maintain security and performance while potentially saving 70% on costs.

The longstanding rivalry between Google and Microsoft in the cloud computing and AI markets is escalating into open conflict. Both tech giants are competing fiercely for dominance, with recent tensions sparked by allegations of unfair competitive practices. Microsoft’s cloud partnerships and AI advancements challenge Google’s stronghold in online search and advertising. As the battle heats up, the competition is expected to shape the future of cloud infrastructure, AI innovation, and broader market dynamics.

Microsoft is phasing out support for older versions of Windows, meaning no more security updates, patches, or technical assistance. Users are encouraged to upgrade to newer versions of Windows to maintain security and performance. This transition impacts Windows 10, 8.1, and 7, with extended support deadlines for certain editions. Microsoft provides guidance on how to prepare for the end of support and transition smoothly to newer versions.