BTEX 2024: AI is Everywhere – How Would You Put it to Best Use?
AI was on full display at BTEX 2024. The ORBIT-themed event showcased a range of AI innovations that can help our customers shoot for the moon, with next-gen AI solutions to be found at every turn.
An AI camera that turns you into a life-like astronaut in real time was just the beginning. The event featured AI that battles cyberthreats, PC chips that run AI locally and a quite hard to miss dog-like AI robot walking freely through the crowd.
With digitization comes the need for greater cybersecurity
“We have some great technology today, but that alone can’t solve the security problem, we need the right people working with the right processes,” said Ivo Wiens, Field CTO for Security Solutions Architecture at CDW Canada, as he presented during the opening keynote on the findings of CDW’s 2024 Canadian Cybersecurity Study with IDC. As per the study, more cyberattacks became cyberincidents for Canadian organizations and caused more extended downtime during the past year.
Wiens addressed these concerns with recommendations around improving how cybersecurity technologies such as zero-trust architecture and threat detection are operationalized.
New addition to the arsenal – CDW Managed Detection and Response
In light of higher infection rates and more sophisticated attacks, organizations may need help to defend their critical assets. Wiens mentioned CDW Managed Detection and Response, a cybersecurity service designed to enhance threat detection and response across the security journey of an organization. It provides several security competencies, including advanced threat detection, incident monitoring, EDR/XDR agent health and response reporting.
Making AI work for everyone at work
Many of our Tech Brief sessions that mentioned AI were standing room only, as more professionals are using AI for work, from managing projects to building PowerPoint presentations. And many partners are busy building under-the-hood technology that facilitates AI at work. We saw new-age SoC chipsets for AI-ready computers, more robust networks for AI on the edge, server racks that can handle AI workloads and AI app ecosystems for coworkers.
Women lead tech from the front
Nicky Panfer, Sr. Field Solution Architect at CDW Canada, led the Women in Tech sessions addressing CDW’s ambitious plans for the coming quarters. The sessions celebrated our women leaders across departments who bring a wealth of value to the organization. Whether helping clients better understand the evolving world of AI or enabling the public sector with bespoke solutions, our women in tech are leading from the front.
Intel x CDW: AI PC at work
The closing keynote featured Phil Vokins, Director of Channels, ISVs and Cloud, Intel Canada in a riveting talk on AI in the hands of knowledge workers. Remember the autonomous dog-like AI robot? Vokins brought it onto the stage and commanded it to “Sit,” and, with that, continued to explain how everyone could wield AI’s magical powers safely in the workplace.
As per Vokins, the work PC is set to become the first AI access point for professionals and Intel is ready with the PCs that will power this productivity revolution. Vokins mentioned Intel’s AI-optimized microprocessors for running power-thirsty AI apps and software solutions designed to make the AI PC a reality for enterprises at scale.
Not only do these PCs push boundaries in terms of battery life and compute capabilities, but they also come with enhanced endpoint security. CDW Canada, with our expertise in workspace solutions, is partnering with Intel, among others, to bring the AI PC experience to our customers.
The event ended on a high as everyone witnessed a glimpse of the future from some of CDW’s leading technology partners. Suffice to say it was an afternoon to remember.