Technology Trends Archives | Page 2 of 4

Prepping your team for Generative AI

The emergence of generative AI heralds a new era of creativity, innovation, and efficiency. But, as businesses embrace this cutting-edge technology, it’s vital to tread carefully. Teams need to have a strong plan in place, to help navigate the ethical, security and operational implications of this emerging technology.

Let’s dive deeper into a few of the major considerations for businesses harnessing generative AI, and how you can approach its use in your team.

Generative AI: What’s the big deal?

If you haven’t heard of generative AI at this stage (which is unlikely at this point!), it’s a form of AI based in language models that works to generate novel content based on prompts. It’s transforming the way teams across industries can work —boosting productivity, streamlining operations and acting as ‘another set of hands’ as teams work with reduced headcounts or try to do more with fewer resources.

But with all the good, comes the bad: content or programs created using public generative AI tools run the risk of breaching IP laws, failing compliance obligations and exposing data to serious breaches. So while these tools can do wonders in terms of productivity, it’s important to approach their use with caution, and have strong rules in place to mitigate any risks.

Some of the major issues flagged with material produced by generative AI are:

Inaccurate data
Plagiarism or IP breaches
Data leaks through third-party APIs
Bias
Security and privacy risks

How to use AI effectively in your organisation

As generative AI tools become more and more embedded in our work days and processes, the solution isn’t to avoid: but rather to ensure you’ve got the right ‘guardrails’ in place to steer use of this technology in the right direction. Let’s take a look at a few ways you can harness generative AI safely, securely, and ethically:

Use it for the right tasks: balancing human intervention

Incorporating generative AI into business practices requires careful consideration of its application: you can’t aim to replace humans with generative AI. Instead, it’s about identifying the areas that could be enhanced by the tool.

By strategically deploying generative AI in tasks where it can augment human capabilities rather than replace them entirely, organizations can use the technology to streamline operations, enhance creativity, and improve decision-making processes. Balancing the strengths of both human expertise and machine efficiency fosters synergy, allowing businesses to tap into the best of both worlds.

Bring all teams along

Generative AI isn’t just a tool for data scientists and engineers; it has the potential to impact every aspect of your organisation: from marketing and design to customer service and operations.

It’s essential to involve all teams in the conversation surrounding its implementation. By fostering cross-functional collaboration and ensuring that diverse perspectives are heard, you can harness the full potential of generative AI while mitigating potential risks —across the whole organisation.

Prioritise safety and security

With great power comes great responsibility, and this holds true for generative AI. This technology has advanced rapidly —faster than the security and safety protocols that surround it. This means that as you integrate this technology into your business processes, it’s crucial to prioritise safety and security within your organisation at every step —not rely on the security of the AI applications being used.

Implementing robust safeguards, such as encryption, access control, and data anonymization, can help protect sensitive information and mitigate the risk of misuse. Additionally, conducting regular security audits and staying abreast of emerging threats can ensure that your systems remain resilient in the face of evolving cybersecurity challenges.

Setting limitations and guardrails

While generative AI offers immense potential, it’s essential to establish clear limitations and guard-rails to prevent unintended consequences. By defining the scope of permissible uses and identifying potential risks upfront, you can mitigate the likelihood of ethical dilemmas or negative outcomes.

This may involve setting thresholds for AI-generated content, implementing content moderation mechanisms, or establishing ethical guidelines for AI development and deployment. Ultimately, putting thoughtful limitations in place can help ensure that generative AI is used responsibly and ethically in your organisation.

Train your team

As generative AI becomes increasingly prevalent in the workplace, it’s essential to invest in ongoing training and upskilling initiatives to ensure that your team remains adept at using this technology effectively.

Providing comprehensive training programs and resources can empower employees with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate generative AI tools confidently.

Embedding generative AI into your business operations requires careful consideration and proactive measures to ensure it’s used responsibly. At Bespoke, we’re excited to offer courses to help teams learn the skills needed to harness the power of AI, safely, securely and ethically —to help you and your team boost efficiency, supercharge productivity and fast-track adoption of this emerging technology.

If you’re ready to jump on board with generative AI, get in touch to build a learning path tailored to your team’s long term goals.

Top 6 Takeaways from Skillsoft’s Lean into Learning 2023 Report

Learning and Development, Technology Trends

Continuous learning and development have become indispensable in the modern workplace. Why? It’s the best way for companies to drive long-term success and foster organisational resilience. With technology evolving at breakneck speed, and disruptive forces building and reshaping industries, staying ahead of the curve has never been more critical. What lies at the heart of this transformation? Empowering your teams to learn.

Skillsoft have released its latest Lean into Learning report, offering a comprehensive overview of the latest trends shaping the landscape of learning and development. Here are our top takeaways:

1. Gen AI: Teams need to embrace this ‘Great Disruptor’

According to Deloitte, 94% of executives believe AI will be critical to business success in the next five years. With Gen AI bringing digital fluency and innovation to the forefront, organisations need to redefine what skills are needed to stay competitive and meet evolving customer demands. In this environment, learning becomes more than just a way to increase knowledge —it becomes a bridge to the roles of the future.

With Gen AI driving digital fluency and innovation, there’s a pressing need to redefine skill requirements to remain competitive and meet the evolving demands of customers, and upskill teams to harness this emergency technology effectively. Skillsoft’s report showed a surging demand for AI and machine learning expertise. This emphasises the mindset shift underway in the skills landscape. It’s crucial for teams to embrace AI skill development to navigate the challenges —and opportunities— of the future world of work.

2. Certifications are paving the path to success

In today’s competitive job market, certifications have emerged as a powerful differentiator for professionals seeking to enhance their skills and career prospects. Skillsoft’s report underscores the growing significance of certifications, with 97% of IT leaders acknowledging that having certified staff actually makes the business more valuable. Moreover, Skillsoft’s data indicates a significant uptick in the number of certifications held by IT professionals, with the average rising from four to nearly seven.

According to Skillsoft’s survey, certification holders report improvements in work quality, increased engagement, and enhanced productivity, underscoring the real-world advantages of certification in driving success —for both individuals and organisations. In an increasingly competitive technological space, certifications will be the key differentiator between novice practitioners and seasoned professionals, offering a clear pathway to success and recognition in the field.

3. Cybersecurity Training: safeguarding against evolving threats

Although not a new focus area, Skillsoft’s report showed that a focus on cybersecurity isn’t going anywhere. It’s gone from being a problem for the “tech guys” to now being a responsibility for all team members to uphold high cybersecurity standards.

The report highlighted the critical need for comprehensive training programs to mitigate risks and safeguard sensitive data. With the proliferation of AI-driven cyber threats, organisations must prioritise cybersecurity education to stay ahead of malicious actors and protect their digital assets from novel —and fast advancing— threats.

4. Instructor-Led training becomes central to the learning experience

Blending digital learning content with instructor-led training presents a compelling opportunity to deepen understanding and proficiency in complex subjects. As highlighted in Skillsoft’s report, the increasing demand for instructor-led training underscores the recognition of the irreplaceable value of human interaction in the learning journey. Certain topics need face-to-face interaction to solidify learning —an often overlooked aspect in an increasingly digital landscape. This blended learning approach enables businesses to effectively align with their strategic objectives while accommodating learners’ preferences, ultimately fostering a more engaged and successful workforce.

5. A rising need for fundamental technology skills

As organisations increasingly rely on cloud services and emerging technologies, it’s no surprise that fundamental technical skills like networking and server management are gaining more traction. These foundational skills serve as the backbone of modern IT infrastructure, enabling teams to build robust and scalable systems that support their business operations.

What’s more, a strong grasp of networking and server management principles lays the groundwork for exploring more advanced technologies and innovative solutions in the future. In essence, investing in fundamental technical skills is not only essential for meeting immediate business needs but also for fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation that drives long-term success.

6. Balancing technical prowess with on-point ‘Power Skills’

While technology skills are crucial, power skills such as creativity, agility, and resilience are equally essential for success in the digital age. By investing in a balanced blend of technical and power skills development, organisations can position themselves for growth and resilience in an ever-changing world. Better leadership leads to better outcomes —so invest in your team to help future-proof your organisation.

That’s just the tip of the iceberg. If you’re wanting to learn more about the latest data surrounding training and development, take a look at Skillsoft’s full report: Lean into Learning.

Putting it into practice

How can you put these insights into practice? It starts with a commitment to training and development. Each of these key insights are based on skills — skills that can be learned.

Bespoke is the premier training partner for organisations wanting to train their team in the cloud. With expert instructor-led training available across a range of specialities and functions —from fundamentals up to advanced technical courses —we help organisations to embark on a transformative learning journey that empowers their workforce and propels them towards a brighter future.

Give your team the skills they need to succeed. Get in touch with our team today to put together a learning pathway tailored to your organisation’s goals.

7 biggest challenges for IT team leaders

Leadership, Technology Trends

It’s a tough time to be in IT leadership. Today’s teams are faced with a slew of new challenges daily: from cyber attacks, to talent shortages and the relentless pursuit of innovation. But, it’s not all bad news: with the right tools, leaders can position their teams to come out on top.

Let’s delve into seven common challenges that today’s tech leaders are up against, and explore how you can tackle them.

1. Increased cybersecurity threats

We’ve seen a marked increase in hacks, data leaks and system breaches in the past 12 months; it’s clear, the cybersecurity threats looms large. As businesses become more interconnected and increase reliance on data, the challenge is not just about building protections.

It’s about staying one step ahead of the sophisticated tactics employed by malicious actors. Teams need constant vigilance to protect sensitive data and maintain the integrity of digital infrastructures.

What you can do:

Regularly update security protocols
Invest in ongoing upskilling for your cybersecurity team
Stay informed about the latest cyber threats

2. Attracting and retaining high-performing teams

The war for top-tier talent wages on, with highly skilled professionals in high demand. Tech leaders are not only tasked with identifying and recruiting the best minds but also with retaining them —by creating work environments that nurture professional growth. Workplaces need to go above and beyond to cultivate a sense of loyalty and dedication among new and existing team members.

Without a strong talent pipeline and highly engaged workforce, organisational outcomes —and important considerations like security and optimisation— begin to suffer.

What you can do:

Foster a positive work culture
Offer competitive compensation
Provide pathways for ongoing skill development

3. Operationalising AI in practice

The democratisation of artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed the way businesses can work. It offers businesses the chance to boost efficiency, unlock automation and accelerate decision-making. But, actually implementing AI tools presents its own challenges — from choosing the right algorithms and managing diverse datasets to ensuring its seamless integration into existing workflows. It’s a big challenge for IT teams to overcome: game-changing in theory, but how do teams make it work in practice?

Successfully operationalising AI requires a commitment to continuous improvement and a proactive approach to staying abreast of AI advancements. By ensuring your team is well-versed in the latest AI trends, you position your organisation to reap the full benefits of artificial intelligence in the long run.

What you can do:

Regularly assess and optimise your current AI implementations
Stay informed about advancements in AI technology and methodologies
Invest in ongoing training for your team to keep their AI skills up-to-date

4. Data usage and management

Data is critical for business. It provides insights that drive decision-making and fuel innovation. But, effectively managing huge datasets —and being able to leverage them for business intelligence is a challenge that tech leaders grapple with.

The challenge is to create data management strategies that align with business goals and regulatory requirements, turning raw data into a strategic asset.

What you can do:

Prioritise solutions that offer advanced analytics tools
Ensure compliance with data protection regulations
Equip team members with the skills to interpret and leverage data effectively

5. Chasing endless innovation

As businesses grow and evolve, innovation is key to staying ahead of the competition. And, IT leaders often find themselves under constant pressure to lead the charge. But ‘innovation’ extends beyond adopting the latest technologies; it encompasses fostering a culture of innovation within the organisation.

It doesn’t just happen —leaders need to create a safe environment for experimentation, and be willing to take some (calculated) risks. How can leaders reduce risk while driving innovation? By building a highly skilled team —equip your team with the right skills, then encourage them to test, learn and grow.

What can you do:

Encourage a environment that values experimentation
Allocate resources for research and development
Implement a culture of ongoing learning

6. Maximising impact with limited resources

Budgetary constraints are always a consideration for tech leaders as they strive to align IT initiatives with organisational goals. Leaders must prioritise resources and investments strategically, ensuring that every dollar spent contributes to the overall objectives of the business.

In cloud environments, a team that understands cost-optimisation is critical to long-term success and ongoing resource management.

What can you do:

Conduct regular cost-benefit analyses
Plan out projects based on strategic goals
Prioritise efficiency and cost optimisation in your cloud architecture

7. Building future-ready employees

Tech leaders must also ensure that their teams are equipped to handle the ever-evolving technological landscape. A future-proof team means ongoing professional development, but also cultivating a culture of adaptability, innovation and hunger for growth.

When it comes to cultivating this culture, leaders need to look ahead, and work out plans to equip their employees with in-demand skills, in order to build a future-ready workforce.

What can you do?

Invest in ongoing training programs
Encourage a culture of curiosity and learning
Provide learning paths for upskilling

How can IT leaders navigate these challenges?

The role of an IT leader is akin to captaining a ship through uncharted waters. The challenges are many, but so are the opportunities for growth and innovation. Investing in your team’s development is the best way to ensure success in a dynamic environment.

With ongoing education and support from a training partner, your team can be equipped to deal with any challenges thrown their way.

Want to get started? Get in touch with our team to create a customised cloud training plan for your team, to supercharge their success in an ever-evolving tech world.

Top 5 cloud trends transforming businesses in 2024

Technology Trends

Technology is changing rapidly. To effectively build a resilient and future-proof business powered by the cloud, you need to know what trends are predicted to shape cloud computing.

Some IT leaders and managers may already be proactively embracing these trends, as they implement their cloud plans and strategies in the new year. Either way, these will soon be almost impossible to ignore.

Here are the five top trends you need to be across in 2024:

1. Hybrid and multi-cloud strategies

Embracing a hybrid and multi-cloud approach is no longer a nice-to-have —it’s a must for organisations seeking optimal flexibility and resource utilisation.

In 2024, the number of organisations using a multi-cloud or diverse strategy is expected to rise to 85%. A hybrid and multi-cloud strategy enables organisations to leverage the strengths of different cloud providers and avoid vendor lock-in. By strategically distributing workloads across various cloud platforms, businesses can boost performance, optimise scalability, increase security and ensure resilience in the face of unforeseen challenges.

2. ‘Zero-Trust’ cloud security

In an era where cybersecurity threats are more sophisticated than ever, a proactive approach to security is key. Companies are increasingly leaning into the ‘Zero-Trust’ model, emphasising continuous verification and authorisation, even for users within the network perimeter.

As we head into 2024, executives must continue to prioritise investment in robust security measures, ensuring data protection, compliance, and the ability to withstand evolving cyber threats.

3. Edge computing

As Internet of Things (IoT) devices continue to dominate the market, its need for low-latency processing has propelled edge computing to the forefront of cloud trends. Edge computing involves processing data closer to the “edge” of the network —reducing latency and enhancing real-time decision-making.

This year, it’s predicted that more organisations will be looking to use edge computing in their services and products —and cloud will play an integral role in the development of this technology.

4. AI and Machine Learning

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) into cloud services is becoming a game-changer. AI-as-a-Service (AIaaS) lets organisations access and implement advanced AI and ML capabilities without the need for in-house specialists, or access to the intense resources needed to power some of the larger AI models being used today (looking at you, ChatGPT!).

This democratisation of AI allows for enhanced data analysis, predictive modelling, and automation, driving innovation across various business functions —without diverting resources from other parts of the business.

5. Real-time cloud computing

The way decision-makers approach analytics has changed. Now, real-time and instant data is in high demand. Real-time cloud computing enables this instant data access and analysis, facilitating quicker decision-making and response times. From customer interactions to supply chain management, the ability to process and act on data in real-time has completely transformed business operations.

By providing scalable and on-demand resources, the cloud has not only fueled the demand for instant data access but has also democratised advanced computing capabilities —and we expect this to continue as more and more businesses reap the rewards of always-on data analytics.

Final thoughts

Navigating the cloud landscape in 2024 requires a strategic mindset and a proactive approach. Stay ahead of the curve, and lead your organisation into a future where cloud technology is not just a tool but a transformative force driving business excellence.

If you’re ready to upskill your team and empower them, take a look at our training directory to get started. Or, get in touch to talk about personalised organisational learning pathways to get your company armed and ready for the year to come.

News: AWS Gateway Load Balancer, AWS Network Firewall, Alexa and Australia’s cybersecurity spending

Technology Trends

November 2020 updates on AWS Gateway Load Balancer, AWS Network Firewall, Alexa running EC2 Inf1 instances and Australia’s cybersecurity spending news.

News: Amazon EventBridge, Amazon S3, AWS Lambda, Bespoke Anniversary, ASIC and Zoom

Technology Trends

October 2020 updates on Amazon EventBridge, Amazon S3, AWS Lambda, Bespoke Anniversary, ASIC and Zoom.

Bespoke Training’s 7th Anniversary: A Message from our CEO

Technology Trends

As of October this year, Bespoke Training has been operating for 7 years. To celebrate this milestone Bespoke Training CEO, Trent Rosenthal, looks back on 7 years of providing world-class cloud training.