AiThority’s Weekly Brief: Top Highlights and Must-Reads for December 16th to 20th
Dive into the fascinating world of Artificial Intelligence and cutting-edge technology with AiThority.com‘s weekly roundup! This week, we’re spotlighting the stories shaking up the digital landscape—from groundbreaking AI infrastructure advancements to the latest trends in cloud computing and innovative approaches to product development.
Explore the frontiers of AI technology, one headline at a time.
1. Databricks is Raising $10B Series J Investment at $62 Billion Valuation
Databricks, announced $10 billion in Series J funding, valuing the company at $62 billion. Led by Thrive Capital, this round includes major investors like Andreessen Horowitz and Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan. Databricks, growing over 60% yearly, plans to invest in AI products, global expansion, and employee benefits. The company expects to hit $3 billion in revenue run-rate and achieve positive free cash flow soon. Its AI-driven platform helps customers innovate, cut costs, and address challenges like disease detection and climate change.
2.Infosys Strengthens Strategic Collaboration with Google Cloud to Boost Enterprise AI Innovation, Establishes Center of Excellence
Infosys launched a Google Cloud Center of Excellence powered by Infosys Topaz to drive AI innovation and co-creation. The center will enable businesses to leverage generative AI for growth, addressing challenges in areas like contact center AI, app modernization, and speech-to-image tech. Supported by Infosys Cobalt and Google Cloud, it showcases AI solutions in Bengaluru’s new AI Experience Zone. Leaders from Infosys and Google Cloud emphasized their shared goal to accelerate digital transformation through data-driven, generative AI-powered breakthroughs.
3. Synopsys and SiMa.ai Announce Strategic Collaboration to Accelerate Development of Automotive Edge AI Solutions
Synopsys and SiMa.ai announced a collaboration to create AI-driven solutions for next-gen vehicles, combining Synopsys’ EDA tools and IP with SiMa.ai’s machine learning accelerator and software stack. This partnership aims to develop AI-ready, power-efficient architectures for ADAS and in-vehicle infotainment, addressing automakers’ needs for real-time, multi-modal experiences. The integrated solution will optimize performance, reduce costs, and accelerate time-to-market while supporting future upgrades. Synopsys and SiMa.ai will showcase their innovations at CES 2025.
4. Qlik Identifies Key Trends to Shape the AI Economy That Will Separate Leaders From Laggards
Qlik shared its 2025 AI and data trends: Authenticity, Applied Value, and Agents. Authenticity emphasizes trust-building and verifying data sources amid generative AI’s rise. Applied Value highlights embedding AI into practical applications for clear ROI. Agents foresee the transformative impact of autonomous technologies on workflows by 2030. Qlik urges businesses to create smart, interconnected ecosystems to harness AI’s potential responsibly. A webinar on January 15, 2025, will explore these trends, offering strategies for leveraging AI to drive innovation and growth.
5. Ataccama Extends Generative AI Capabilities to Accelerate Enterprise Data Quality Initiatives
Ataccama, launched version 15.4 of its AI-driven Ataccama ONE data trust platform, enhancing AI functionality, user experience, and task management. Updates include extended generative AI for creating data quality (DQ) rules using natural language, unified data observability for tracking data issues, improved data lineage tools, and streamlined task workflows. Chief Product Officer Jay Limburn emphasized the importance of data trust in driving AI success and competitiveness. Ataccama ONE supports data lifecycle management, empowering businesses to secure, monitor, and improve data quality for better insights and decisions.
6. Equinix Collaborates with Dell Technologies to Help Enterprises Deploy Flexible and Scalable AI Infrastructure
Equinix launched a private AI solution that lets businesses train models in scalable, secure, and cost-efficient environments while ensuring low-latency performance. Leveraging Dell AI Factory with NVIDIA, Equinix’s 260+ global data centers provide advanced infrastructure, enabling seamless connections to public clouds, private clouds, and on-premises systems. This collaboration supports demanding AI workloads with cutting-edge technologies like Dell PowerEdge servers and NVIDIA accelerators. Equinix’s platform prioritizes performance, security, and sustainability, helping businesses innovate efficiently.
7. IBM Study: More Companies Turning to Open-Source AI Tools to Unlock ROI
IBM’s research reveals that companies are increasingly investing in AI for long-term benefits, with a focus on open-source tools to boost ROI and innovation. The study, surveying 2,400+ IT decision-makers globally, found that 85% are progressing in AI strategies, with 47% seeing positive ROI. Open-source users report higher ROI (51% vs. 41%) and plan more AI pilots in 2025. AI investments are set to grow in 2025, with IT operations, data quality management, and innovation as key areas. Companies prioritize faster software development, innovation, and productivity over traditional ROI metrics, aiming for sustainable returns within three years.
Weekly Expert Perspectives on Emerging AI Trends
AiThority Interview with Eric Sydell, PhD, Cofounder and CEO of Vero AI
Dive In!
Eric Sydell, PhD, Cofounder and CEO of Vero AI, dives into the transformative power of AI and its role in data processing, regulatory compliance, and effective governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) strategies. Eric shares insights into Vero AI’s innovative AI-native platform, which helps organizations harness AI’s potential while mitigating risks, and discusses the future of AI’s impact on industries and businesses. He also highlights some standout AI innovators shaping the tech landscape today.
Must-Read Recommendations
Thriving in Uncertainty: How IA Is Turning Challenges to Sustained Growth for Financial Services
Must-catch Staff Article
Amid economic uncertainty, financial services must evolve or fall behind. Inflation, tighter regulations, and shifting customer expectations are pushing firms to adapt. AI and intelligent automation (IA) are now essential for navigating this landscape. AI helps firms anticipate market changes, protect assets, and streamline operations. The global economy shows mixed recovery: Europe is cautiously optimistic, the U.S. faces slower growth, and Asia-Pacific remains strong. Financial firms using AI are thriving, with 76% expecting business growth and improved efficiency, customer satisfaction, and revenue.
AI in Supply Chains: Enhancing Decision-Making and Operational Efficiencies
Businesses are adopting AI to improve supply chain efficiency, from sourcing to delivery. AI helps optimize inventory, predict demand, streamline logistics, and assess supplier performance. With real-time data, AI supports faster, data-driven decisions and enhances operations like quality control and route optimization. Challenges include data security, model accuracy, and AI transparency. Despite these, AI boosts operational efficiency, reduces costs, improves decision-making, and strengthens supply chain resilience. It also supports sustainability, improves workforce productivity, and enhances risk management, ensuring businesses stay competitive in a complex market.
This Week’s Insightful AI Quote
“AI gives us new ways to process and understand all this data, and we designed our platform to take advantage of this exciting new capability. Using the core intelligence of modern large language models (LLMs).“-with Eric Sydell, PhD, Cofounder and CEO of Vero AI
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