Industry News

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.

Many VMware customers are reportedly seeking alternative solutions or transitioning to open-source options due to concerns surrounding Broadcom’s acquisition of VMware. Fears about increased prices, reduced customer support, and a potential shift in product focus are driving this exodus. Customers are looking for more flexible, cost-effective, and reliable options as Broadcom’s acquisition strategy often involves price hikes and limited innovation. This uncertainty is motivating many businesses to re-evaluate their cloud and virtualization needs, accelerating the shift toward open-source solutions.

Microsoft and Oracle have announced an enhanced collaboration, integrating Oracle Database@Azure with advanced data and AI services. This partnership allows Oracle databases to run natively on Microsoft Azure, enabling businesses to use Azure’s AI and analytics capabilities alongside Oracle’s database technology. The integration offers better performance, security, and seamless access to AI-driven insights, helping enterprises innovate faster while optimizing cloud infrastructure.