Channel Brief: Microsoft’s ‘Next Phase’ of Copilot, HackerOne Names Kara Sprague CEO

NVIDIA has been one of the major beneficiaries of the AI boom, as its chips and technology are powering many AI-based solutions. As Bloomberg reported, NVIDIA recently became the world’s most valuable chipmaker, and sales have been more than doubling each quarter. The company has surpassed onetime chip leaders such as Intel Corp.

But now, the Department of Justice is investigating NVIDIA to determine if the company violates antitrust laws.

According to Bloomberg, DOJ investigators have been involved since NVIDIA's acquisition of RunAI in April. RunAI makes software for managing AI computing, and "there are concerns that the tie-up will make it more difficult for customers to switch away from Nvidia chips. Regulators also are inquiring whether Nvidia gives preferential supply and pricing to customers who use its technology exclusively or buy its complete systems," sources told Bloomberg.

Analysts project that Nvidia will chalk up $120.8 billion of revenue in calendar 2024, up from $16 billion in 2020, with most of that money coming from its data center unit. In fact, Nvidia is set to bring in more profit this year than the total sales of its nearest rival, Advanced Micro Devices Inc., Bloomberg said. The company's stock fell after news of the investigation broke.

As always, drop me a line at [email protected] if you have news to share or want to say hi!

Grab your coffee. Here's what else you need to know today.

Today’s Tech, Channel and MSP News

1. HackerOne names Kara Sprague to CEO role: HackerOne has appointed Kara Sprague to succeed Marten Mickos as CEO. Sprague will take over starting November 4, 2024. Sprague comes from public security firm F5, where she was EVP and Chief Product Officer. She brings 20+ years of experience growing private and public tech organizations and has held leadership roles with McKinsey & Company. She has hands-on technical expertise as an engineer at Oracle and Hewlett-Packard and is a strong advocate of DEIB in security and served on the board of Girls Who Code from 2016-2022. Sprague holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and master’s degree in Technology and Public Policy from MIT and is a Director on the board at Trimble. Congratulations!

2. Microsoft to rebrand Copilot: Later this month, The Verge reports, Microsoft will hold a special Copilot event focused on “the next phase of Copilot innovation.” Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and Vice President of AI at Work, Jared Spataro, will host the “wave 2” Copilot event on September 16 on LinkedIn. It's expected that Microsoft will use the event to also launch new features for both the business and consumer subscriptions.

3. CSIS acquires SecAlliance: CSIS Security Group (CSIS) has acquired Security Alliance Limited (SecAlliance) as it executes its strategy to grow its reach and scale in Europe, the companies said in a statement. CSIS was founded in Copenhagen in 2003 and is an MDR, emergency incident response and offensive security consulting services provider. Since 2022, CSIS is part of Allurity, a leading European cybersecurity group for technology-enabled cybersecurity services backed by Trill Impact, the pioneering Impact House that engages with companies that make a positive Impact on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) and have a firm commitment to ESG. Founded in London in 2007, SecAlliance, a CREST certified provider, is Europe's leading threat intelligence provider. SecAlliance delivers managed threat intelligence services, intelligence consultancy and advisory Ssrvices to banks, central banks, financial market infrastructures, governmental and EU agencies, international organizations, and critical national infrastructure operators (telco, power grid, transport). The company will operate as an integrated entity, while also leveraging both the CSIS and SecAlliance brands initially, but will eventually fully integrate to a common organization and service delivery model.

4. Xobee Networks partners with South Coast Computers: California-based managed IT support provider Xobee Networks announced a strategic partnership with South Coast Computers — a well-established technology solutions provider based near Anaheim, California. South Coast Computers now joins the Xobee Networks family of brands. This partnership enables Xobee to extend its state-of-the-art technology services, cybersecurity and network support to more businesses, nonprofits, and organizations throughout the state, the companies said, and allows the company to offer additional staffing and enhanced services, such as NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics and more, to its existing and future clients.

5. SAP CTO resigns, citing 'incident': The Register reported that SAP CTO Jürgen Müller will step down over an "incident" at a company event. According to The Register, while the incident was not explained, SAP said its supervisory board had reached a "mutual agreement" with Müller to leave the company's executive board at the end of September. In a prepared statement, Müller said, "I want to address an incident at a past company event where my behavior was inappropriate. I regret being inconsiderate and sincerely apologize to everyone affected. I recognize my behavior at that moment did not reflect our values at SAP. I take full responsibility and believe stepping down is best for the company. I wish the team continued success." Of course, morbid curiosity takes over, leaving me wondering ... what the heck happened?!

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