Industry News

Microsoft has announced key changes affecting Copilot AI subscriptions and Enterprise Agreements (EAs). Certain cloud EAs will no longer be renewable, encouraging shifts to the Microsoft Customer Agreement or the Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) program. Copilot subscriptions will offer monthly billing at a slight premium, and new copyright protections will extend to partners. Additionally, Microsoft introduced new discounts and incentives to boost adoption across smaller enterprises and public sector partners.

Gartner forecasts substantial IT spending increases in 2025, driven by enterprises investing heavily in digital transformation and AI-driven initiatives. The focus will be on enhancing cloud infrastructure, advanced analytics, and automation tools to support business resilience and agility. This expected rise reflects ongoing digital priorities across industries aiming to boost operational efficiency and innovation.

Microsoft claims that Google is running a covert campaign to sway cloud regulation in Europe, alleging that Google has been discreetly working through third parties to influence policy. Microsoft asserts that Google’s actions aim to protect its dominant position in the cloud market, citing Google’s relationships with organizations that advocate for specific regulatory outcomes. This adds tension to the already competitive relationship between the tech giants amid increasing regulatory scrutiny in the EU.

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.