Channel Brief: Nerdio Adds New MSFT, Cloud Management Capabilities

There's a lot of news this week around AI -- including Unisys's release of its latest survey findings, The AI Equation: 2024 AI Business Impact Research, revealing how AI is reshaping industries by creating leadership roles and boosting tech training initiatives.

While AI’s productivity benefits are well-known, the rise of roles like Chief AI Officer and AI-specific training programs highlights how companies are embracing AI-driven innovation, according to the research.

The Unisys report found that 86% of organizations with a Chief AI Officer report significant time savings. More than half (58%) of companies are actively training staff on AI, signaling a demand for new tech roles and, potentially, for training and education providers to carve out a niche teaching and delivering these trainings.

Another interesting finding: A full 49% of AI-forward companies reported higher adoption levels than their competitors—more than double the rate of cautious companies (19%). Check out the report here.

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 you need to know today.

Today’s Tech, Channel and MSP News

1. Nerdio adds new modern work capabilities for Microsoft cloud management: Microsoft and cloud management solutions provider Nerdio expanded its Nerdio Manager for MSP platform with new Modern Work capabilities and an updated pricing model. Long been recognized for simplifying AVD management, the new Modern Work functionality transforms Nerdio Manager into a comprehensive Microsoft cloud management suite. With this enhancement, MSPs are able to manage their clients' full Microsoft 365 environments with ease, streamlining endpoint management, ensuring complete control over devices, and improving overall operational efficiency. With the addition of Modern Work capabilities, Nerdio Manager for MSP goes beyond AVD, enabling MSPs to manage the full spectrum of Microsoft 365 applications.

2. AWS launches generative AI partner alliance: AWS launched the Generative AI Partner Innovation Alliance to expand the reach of its Generative AI Innovation Center (GenAIIC), a program that connects customers with AWS AI/ML scientists and strategy experts to help companies identify, develop, and launch generative AI solutions. The alliance will bring industry- and regional-specific expertise to the GenAIIC, giving customers access to a network of systems global integrators and consulting firms with proven expertise in genAI, including Booz Allen Hamilton, Deloitte, Rackspace, and more.

3. Lumifi acquires Critical Insight: Managed detection and response (MDR) firm Lumifi has acquired Critical Insight, marking its third acquisition in 13 months. This strategic move expands Lumifi's service offerings and strengthens its presence in the healthcare and critical infrastructure cybersecurity sector. The acquisition adds to Lumifi's existing offerings, including its 24/7 SOC, MDR, and ShieldVision platform. Critical Insight's incident response capabilities complement Lumifi's real-time threat monitoring, while its professional services expand the ability to provide tailored cybersecurity strategies, the companies said.

4. Lincoln International acquires TCG Corporate Finance (TCG): Investment bank Lincoln International announced that it has acquired TCG Corporate Finance (TCG), a boutique European technology and digital economy advisory firm with offices in Munich, Berlin, Stockholm, and London. With the acquisition, Lincoln’s team of dedicated tech investment bankers has doubled to over 150 professionals worldwide. The TCG team adds leadership and vertical specialization around software and IT.

5. LogicGate adds AI features to GRC platform: Governance, risk and compliance solutions firm LogicGate has launched two new AI features to its Spark AI lineup, AI Text Assistant and Record Linking Recommendations (RLR). AI Text Assistant provides guidance and recommendations for writing effective control test plans, risk remediation, policy statements, issues, emails drafts, and more. The RLR feature leverages Spark AI to provide Risk Cloud users with holistic recommendations for connections between any risk, control, incident, policy, or other object across the platform. These new updates address common challenges such as resource constraints, audit fatigue, complex data relationships, and cross-department silos, the company said.