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Sanket Karode Appointed as Marketing Lead for India & SAARC at Trellix

Trellix, a global cybersecurity leader, has announced the appointment of Sanket Karode as the new Marketing Lead for India and the SAARC region. This strategic move underscores Trellix’s commitment to strengthening its presence in one of the world’s most dynamic and rapidly evolving cybersecurity markets.

Karode brings to Trellix a wealth of experience in marketing and strategic communications within the technology sector. His deep understanding of the regional market dynamics, coupled with a proven track record in driving impactful marketing campaigns, positions him well to spearhead Trellix’s growth initiatives across India and neighboring countries. In his new role, Karode will be responsible for developing and executing comprehensive marketing strategies tailored to the unique needs of the India and SAARC markets. His focus will be on enhancing brand visibility, fostering customer engagement, and driving demand generation for Trellix’s suite of cybersecurity solutions.

The announcement of Karode’s appointment was met with enthusiasm across the industry. Peers and colleagues took to LinkedIn to extend their congratulations, reflecting the high regard in which he is held within the professional community. His leadership is anticipated to bring fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to Trellix’s regional marketing efforts.

Trellix’s decision to onboard a seasoned marketing professional like Karode aligns with its broader strategy to deepen market penetration and address the growing cybersecurity needs of businesses in the region. As cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated, the demand for robust security solutions is on the rise, and effective marketing plays a crucial role in educating and attracting potential clients. Karode’s appointment is expected to catalyze Trellix’s initiatives aimed at expanding its footprint in India and the SAARC countries. By leveraging his expertise, the company aims to build stronger relationships with clients, partners, and stakeholders, thereby reinforcing its position as a trusted cybersecurity provider.

As he steps into his new role, Karode expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to contribute to Trellix’s mission of delivering cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions. His vision includes not only driving business growth but also playing a pivotal role in enhancing cybersecurity awareness and resilience across the region.

With this strategic appointment, Trellix is poised to navigate the complexities of the regional market more effectively, ensuring that organizations across India and the SAARC nations are better equipped to tackle the evolving landscape of cyber threats.

Coforge and Nylas Partner to Transform Salesforce Customer Engagement

Coforge, a global digital services and solutions provider, has announced a strategic alliance with Nylas, a leading communications API platform, to enhance customer engagement and streamline scheduling within the Salesforce ecosystem. This collaboration aims to deliver a more connected and intelligent experience for enterprises using Salesforce by embedding advanced communication functionalities directly into the CRM platform.

The partnership brings together Coforge’s deep experience in Salesforce implementation with Nylas’ robust communication infrastructure, which includes APIs for email, calendars, and scheduling automation. The integration is expected to reduce operational complexity, improve communication workflows, and empower users to manage customer interactions with greater efficiency. One of the key features of this joint solution is the ability to automate and manage scheduling within Salesforce. This function is particularly useful for businesses that rely on high volumes of customer interaction, such as sales teams or service organizations. By simplifying the appointment booking process and centralizing communications, the solution helps teams spend more time engaging meaningfully with customers and less time on administrative tasks.

The offering is designed to address longstanding challenges in the CRM space, especially for franchise-based organizations. In many cases, franchisors and franchisees operate on disconnected email systems, making unified communication and coordination difficult. With the new Coforge-Nylas solution, these entities can collaborate more seamlessly through a standardized, Salesforce-native interface that allows for synchronized scheduling and centralized customer management.

Vinay Rawat, Senior Vice President of Salesforce and Digital Process Automation at Coforge, emphasized the significance of this initiative. “Our collaboration with Nylas aligns with our commitment to providing intelligent and results-driven solutions to our clients. By integrating advanced communication capabilities into Salesforce, we are not only enhancing user productivity but also delivering a more engaging and responsive customer experience,” he said.

Christine Spang, Co-Founder and CEO of Nylas, also highlighted the benefits of the partnership. “Teaming up with Coforge gives us the opportunity to bring our powerful communication tools to a broader audience. Together, we are enabling organizations to rethink how they manage customer interactions — from scheduling to real-time engagement — all within a secure and scalable framework,” she noted.

In a business environment where customer experience is increasingly tied to speed, personalization, and efficiency, the Coforge-Nylas partnership positions itself as a timely solution. By embedding intelligent APIs into an already familiar platform like Salesforce, the companies are offering enterprises a way to extend their CRM capabilities without having to overhaul existing systems.

The integration is already being piloted across several industries, and the early feedback has been positive. Businesses are reporting improved scheduling accuracy, faster response times, and a reduction in communication gaps across departments.

As digital transformation continues to redefine customer relationship management, collaborations like this one underscore the importance of innovation, interoperability, and automation in enterprise software. The Coforge and Nylas alliance is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of CRM-driven customer engagement.

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IBM Strengthens B2B Marketing Strategy Through Influencer Engagement

IBM is enhancing its business-to-business marketing approach by integrating influencer partnerships and employee advocacy to connect with broader audiences and humanize its brand. This initiative reflects a strategic shift towards more personalized and relatable engagement in the B2B sector.

Kirsten Echeverry, IBM’s Director of Social Media and Influence, highlighted the company’s journey in influencer marketing. “While we’ve collaborated with influencers since 2015, it was in 2019 that we formalized our efforts, establishing a centralized function with standardized processes,” she noted. This structured approach has enabled IBM to effectively leverage external creators and internal advocates to amplify its messaging.

The company’s strategy involves partnering with influencers who align with IBM’s values and can authentically communicate its offerings. By doing so, IBM aims to reach potential clients in more engaging ways, moving beyond traditional corporate communications. In addition to external collaborations, IBM is fostering internal advocacy by encouraging employees to share their experiences and insights. This dual approach not only broadens the company’s reach but also adds a layer of authenticity to its messaging.

This move aligns with a broader trend in B2B marketing, where companies are increasingly recognizing the value of influencer partnerships to build trust and credibility. By embracing this strategy, IBM is positioning itself to better connect with decision-makers and stakeholders in a more meaningful way.

As the B2B landscape continues to evolve, IBM’s integration of influencer marketing and employee advocacy serves as a model for how companies can adapt to changing communication dynamics. By humanizing its brand and engaging audiences through trusted voices, IBM is enhancing its ability to resonate with clients and partners alike.

IBM Implements AI-Driven Workforce Restructuring, Affecting Approximately 8,000 Positions

IBM has initiated a significant workforce reduction, laying off approximately 8,000 employees, with a substantial number of these cuts occurring within the Human Resources department. This move is part of the company’s broader strategy to integrate artificial intelligence into its operational framework, aiming to enhance efficiency and streamline processes.

The decision follows IBM’s recent implementation of AI agents to handle routine HR tasks such as sorting information, responding to employee inquiries, and processing internal documentation. These AI systems are designed to perform repetitive functions that traditionally required human intervention, leading to a decreased need for personnel in these roles.

IBM CEO Arvind Krishna has previously indicated that the adoption of AI and automation is intended to optimize enterprise workflows and improve team efficiency. He noted that while certain positions are being phased out due to automation, the company is simultaneously investing in other areas, including software development, marketing, and sales, where human expertise remains essential.

This development is part of a larger trend within the technology industry, where companies are increasingly leveraging AI to automate functions and reduce operational costs. In 2025 alone, over 61,000 jobs have been eliminated across more than 130 tech companies, including major players like Microsoft, Google, Amazon, and CrowdStrike. These workforce adjustments are driven by factors such as slowing revenue growth, global economic uncertainties, and the rapid integration of AI into business operations.

IBM’s recent actions underscore the transformative impact of AI on the workforce, particularly in administrative and back-office functions. As the company continues to evolve its operational model, it reflects a broader shift in the industry towards embracing technological advancements to drive efficiency and innovation. The company has not disclosed specific details regarding the timeline or departments affected beyond the HR sector. However, the emphasis on AI integration suggests a continued focus on automating processes across various facets of the organization.

As IBM navigates this transition, the company maintains that the reallocation of resources towards areas requiring human creativity and strategic thinking will position it for sustained growth in an increasingly digital landscape. This strategic shift highlights the evolving nature of employment within the tech industry, where adaptability and proficiency in emerging technologies are becoming increasingly vital for workforce sustainability.

TCS Partners with DNA to Drive Cloud Transformation Over Five Years

Tata Consultancy Services has announced a strategic five-year partnership with Finnish telecommunications company DNA, aiming to migrate up to 80% of DNA’s enterprise applications to the public cloud by 2030. This initiative builds upon a 17-year collaboration between the two companies and is set to enhance operational efficiency, customer experience, and cost optimization.

Under the agreement, TCS will utilize its Cloud Counsel and Migration Factory tools on Google Cloud to facilitate the transition. Over the next 24 months, more than 100 applications are scheduled for migration. TCS will establish a Cloud Migration Factory in Portugal to support the cloud migration of DNA, a Telenor Group subsidiary with around 3.7 million subscribers. This migration aims to enhance DNA’s AI services and data strategy by providing a more flexible and scalable infrastructure to address changing customer needs.

This partnership underscores TCS’s commitment to driving digital transformation in the Nordic region. With over 20,000 employees in the area and a consistent record of high customer satisfaction over the past 15 years, TCS is well-positioned to support DNA’s modernization efforts. The collaboration reflects a broader industry trend of telecom companies adopting cloud technologies to improve service delivery and operational agility. By leveraging TCS’s expertise and Google Cloud’s capabilities, DNA aims to achieve a more resilient and responsive IT infrastructure.

As the migration progresses, both companies anticipate that the enhanced cloud environment will enable faster deployment of new services, improved data analytics, and a more personalized customer experience. The initiative is also expected to contribute to DNA’s sustainability goals by optimizing resource utilization and reducing the carbon footprint associated with traditional data centers.

This strategic move positions DNA to better navigate the rapidly changing telecommunications landscape, ensuring that it remains competitive and responsive to customer needs in the digital age.

Zscaler Recognized as Leader in Cloud Security by Gartner and IDC

Zscaler, a prominent cloud security company, has been acknowledged as a leader in the 2025 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Security Service Edge and the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Data Loss Prevention 2025 Vendor Assessment. These recognitions underscore Zscaler’s commitment to providing comprehensive cloud-native security solutions.

In Gartner’s evaluation, Zscaler was positioned highest for “Ability to Execute” among all vendors in the SSE category. This placement reflects the company’s performance in delivering secure, identity- and policy-driven access to internet resources, SaaS platforms, and private applications. Gartner identified key market drivers for SSE adoption, including the shift from traditional VPNs to Zero Trust networking and the increasing need for security in SaaS and GenAI environments.

Zscaler’s SSE platform, developed over 15 years with insights from numerous CIOs and CISOs, aims to extend Zero Trust principles across users, branches, workloads, and IoT/OT devices. Jay Chaudhry, CEO and Founder of Zscaler, stated, “Being named a Leader in the Magic Quadrant for SSE is a testament to our commitment to delivering a comprehensive, industry-leading SSE platform that safeguards enterprises against today’s rapidly evolving and complex threat landscape.”

In addition to Gartner’s recognition, IDC’s MarketScape report highlighted Zscaler’s DLP capabilities through its Zero Trust Exchange platform. The assessment focused on the company’s ability to help enterprises mitigate data breaches, ensure compliance with data sovereignty regulations, and support hybrid workforces. Customer feedback emphasized Zscaler’s responsive customer service and the interoperability of its product portfolio.

Andreas Hartl, Senior Vice President for Asia Pacific & Japan at Zscaler, commented on the IDC recognition: “Our Zero Trust Exchange platform eliminates the complexity of securing sensitive data across jurisdictions, helping organizations navigate evolving cloud threats such as AI-driven attacks, undersea cable interruptions, and public cloud outages.”

These accolades from Gartner and IDC reflect Zscaler’s strategic focus on cloud-native security solutions that address the evolving needs of modern enterprises. As organizations continue to embrace digital transformation, Zscaler’s platform aims to provide the necessary tools to ensure secure and efficient operations in a complex threat landscape.

Kaspersky Highlights Rising AI-Driven Cyber Threats in the META Region

Kaspersky’s Global Research and Analysis Team has unveiled critical insights into the evolving cybersecurity landscape of the Middle East, Türkiye, and Africa region. The findings, presented during the annual Cyber Security Weekend, underscore a significant uptick in ransomware activities, the emergence of sophisticated advanced persistent threats, and the growing utilization of artificial intelligence by cybercriminals.

In the META region, Kaspersky is tracking 25 active APT groups, including SideWinder, Origami Elephant, and MuddyWater. These groups are increasingly targeting mobile platforms using sophisticated methods to exploit weaknesses and avoid being detected. This growing focus on mobile devices aligns with the region’s digital transformation, making them key targets for cyber espionage and data breaches.

Data from the first quarter of 2025 reveals a concerning rise in web-based cyber incidents. Türkiye reported the highest rate, with 26.1% of users affected, followed by Kenya at 20.1%. Other countries experiencing significant impacts include Qatar (17.8%), Nigeria (17.5%), and South Africa (17.5%). These statistics highlight the pressing need for enhanced cybersecurity measures and awareness campaigns to protect users from increasingly sophisticated online threats.

Ransomware continues to pose a significant threat globally, with a modest increase in incidents from 0.42% in 2023 to 0.44% in 2024. However, certain regions within the META area have experienced more pronounced rises. The Middle East saw an increase to 0.72%, Türkiye to 0.46%, and Africa to 0.41%. The proliferation of ransomware in these regions is attributed to rapid digitization and varying levels of cybersecurity preparedness, particularly in sectors like manufacturing, finance, and government.

A notable development in the cyber threat landscape is the rise of AI-driven ransomware groups, exemplified by the emergence of FunkSec in late 2024. Operating under a Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) model, FunkSec has surpassed established groups like Cl0p and RansomHub by leveraging AI-generated code, complete with professional-quality annotations likely produced using large language models. Their strategy focuses on low-cost, high-volume attacks, utilizing automation to reduce operational expenses and expand their reach. This approach not only enhances efficiency but also poses significant challenges for traditional cybersecurity defenses.

The evolving threat landscape in the META region underscores the urgent need for robust cybersecurity frameworks. Organizations are encouraged to invest in advanced threat detection systems, employee training programs, and collaborative efforts with cybersecurity experts to mitigate risks. As cybercriminals continue to adopt AI and other emerging technologies, proactive and adaptive security strategies will be essential in safeguarding digital assets and maintaining trust in digital infrastructures.

University of Liverpool to Launch Bengaluru Campus by 2026, Enhancing India’s Global Education Landscape

The University of Liverpool has received formal approval from the University Grants Commission to establish its first overseas campus in Bengaluru, Karnataka. This initiative marks a significant milestone in India’s higher education sector, aligning with the National Education Policy 2020’s vision to internationalize education and provide students with access to world-class academic opportunities within the country.

Scheduled to commence operations in August 2026, the Bengaluru campus will offer a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including business management, accounting and finance, computer science, biomedical sciences, and game design. This development positions the University of Liverpool as the second institution from the prestigious Russell Group to establish a presence in India, following the University of Southampton’s campus in Gurugram.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, during the formal handover of the Letter of Intent (LoI) to the university’s administration, emphasized the significance of this collaboration. He stated that the establishment of the University of Liverpool’s campus in Bengaluru would “push the boundaries of research and innovation and foster a scientific temper for contributing to global welfare and prosperity.”

The University of Liverpool’s decision to expand into India is bolstered by its existing partnerships with prominent Indian institutions such as the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) in Bengaluru. These collaborations have laid a strong foundation for the university’s engagement with India’s academic and research communities.

Professor Tim Jones, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Liverpool, expressed enthusiasm about the new venture, stating, “We are delighted to have received approval from the University Grants Commission to open Bengaluru’s first international campus. The Indian government’s ambition to significantly increase enrolment in higher education is visionary, and we are excited to be developing plans to play our part.”

The establishment of the University of Liverpool’s campus in Bengaluru is part of a broader trend of international universities setting up operations in India. The UGC has approved campuses for five foreign universities, including the Illinois Institute of Technology (USA), Victoria University (Australia), Western Sydney University (Australia), and Istituto Europeo di Design (Italy). These initiatives aim to enhance the Indian academic landscape by integrating global educational standards and providing students with greater access to world-class education domestically.

As India continues to position itself as a hub for global education, the University of Liverpool’s Bengaluru campus represents a significant step towards achieving this goal. By offering high-quality programs and fostering research collaborations, the university aims to contribute to the development of a robust and internationally competitive higher education ecosystem in India.

Google DeepMind CEO Advises Students to Embrace Adaptability Amid AI Advancements

Demis Hassabis, CEO of Google DeepMind, has issued a compelling message to students embarking on their college journeys: prioritize adaptability and continuous learning to navigate the rapidly evolving technological landscape. Speaking at the recent Google I/O developer conference, Hassabis highlighted the imminent arrival of artificial general intelligence within the next decade, emphasizing its potential to significantly disrupt traditional career paths while creating new opportunities.

Hassabis, renowned for his pioneering work in artificial intelligence and recipient of the 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, underscored the importance of developing the ability to learn how to learn. He advised students to immerse themselves in understanding their personal learning styles and to cultivate the skill of quickly acquiring new knowledge. “The world you’re entering will face an incredible amount of disruption and change,” he remarked during a discussion at Queens’ College, Cambridge. “It’s crucial to use your undergraduate years to understand yourself better and learn how to learn.”

Highlighting fields such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, augmented reality, and quantum computing, Hassabis pointed to these areas as promising industries poised for growth over the next five to ten years. He encouraged students to explore these emerging technologies, not only through formal education but also by experimenting in their spare time to stay abreast of the latest developments. “Learn the basics through your formal education, but experiment in your spare time so you’re up to date when you graduate,” he advised.

Hassabis also emphasized the value of combining deep knowledge of one’s passions with core skills developed during academic pursuits. He suggested that students should not only focus on acquiring specific hard skills, which may become obsolete due to rapid technological advancements, but also on developing a robust foundation that enables them to adapt to new tools and methodologies. In addressing the broader implications of AGI, Hassabis acknowledged that while certain jobs may be displaced, new roles—often more engaging and valuable—are likely to emerge. He drew parallels to past technological shifts, such as the rise of the internet and mobile technology in the 1990s, which, despite initial disruptions, ultimately led to the creation of entirely new industries and career paths.

As the CEO of Google DeepMind, Hassabis leads initiatives that are at the forefront of AI research and development. His insights serve as a crucial reminder for students and professionals alike to remain agile and open to lifelong learning in an era where technological advancements are reshaping the fabric of the workforce.

In conclusion, Hassabis’s message is clear: in a world increasingly influenced by AI and other emerging technologies, the ability to adapt, learn continuously, and embrace change will be the defining factors of success.

Canon Unveils New Business Centre in Dhaka to Enhance Customer Experience

Canon, in collaboration with Smart Technologies (BD) Limited, has inaugurated the Canon Business Centre in Dhaka, aiming to provide a comprehensive experience for customers and professionals in the imaging and printing sectors.

Canon Singapore Pte. Ltd.’s President and CEO, Toshiyuki “Tiger” Ishii, and Smart Technologies (BD) Limited’s Managing Director, Mohammad Zahirul Islam, inaugurated a new Canon center on Begum Rokeya Swarani. This facility aims to be a central point for innovation, creative activities, and customer assistance, providing a comprehensive Canon experience in a single location.

The Canon Business Centre is divided into three specialized zones, each catering to different customer needs. The “Canon Business Engineering Division” focuses on after-sales support and maintenance for Canon’s printing and imaging product portfolio, ensuring clients receive timely and efficient service. The “Experience Zone” allows visitors to interact directly with the latest Canon technologies. This area features live demonstrations of Canon’s cutting-edge imaging solutions, providing customers with a hands-on feel of the products and their capabilities.

For content creators, videographers, YouTubers, and filmmakers, the “Videography Zone” offers a fully equipped space for video shoots. This zone showcases Canon’s professional cinema cameras, photography cameras, live streaming equipment, and a vast range of lenses, catering to the diverse needs of visual storytellers. During the inauguration, Toshiyuki “Tiger” Ishii expressed his appreciation for the hospitality of the Bangladeshi people and emphasized Canon’s commitment to expanding its business in the Bangladesh market through its partnership with Smart Technologies. Mohammad Zahirul Islam thanked the Canon team for their visit and reiterated the company’s dedication to providing top-notch services and products to customers in the region.

The launch event also included a business session led by Noor Md Shahrier, Business Head of Canon at Smart Technologies (BD) Ltd. Representatives from Canon Singapore Pte. Ltd., including Norihiro “Nick” Katagiri, Senior Vice President of Digital Printing and Business Solution Operation; Koh Chee Yan Andrew, Senior Vice President of Domestic Operation Group; and Ichinomiya Takashi, Director of Regional ICP, were present to discuss future collaborations and strategies.

The establishment of the Canon Business Centre in Dhaka signifies a strategic move to enhance customer engagement and provide comprehensive solutions tailored to the evolving needs of the Bangladeshi market. By offering a centralized location for product experience, technical support, and creative exploration, Canon aims to strengthen its presence and foster deeper connections with its customer base in the region.

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