The 10 Most Influential Women In Tech, 2024

1. VOL 04 I ISSUE 11I 2024 Trailblazing in Technology Path to Diversity, Governance and Community Impact The 10 Most Influential Women In Tech, 2024 Explainable AI Bridging the Gap between Algorithms and Interpretability Hybrid Cloud Architecture Op�mizing Workloads and Data Management Loice Ngulube Chief Information Officer POSB Zimbabwe

3. Data scientists are kind of like the new Renaissance folks, because data science is inherently interdisciplinary.

4. Editor’s Editor’s Note Note

5. Women Leadership in Tech s we enter 2024, the tech industry landscape In a field historically dominated by men, these continues to evolve, driven by innovation, trailblazing women serve as role models and catalysts A diversity, and the relentless pursuit of for change, driving progress and pushing the excellence. In this editorial note, we shine a spotlight on boundaries of innovation. Their achievements enrich The 10 Most Influential Women In Tech, 2024, whose the tech industry and pave the way for a more inclusive contributions shape the future of technology and and equitable future. inspire generations to come. In 2024, we acknowledge their invaluable contributions These women embody resilience, vision, and to shaping the digital age. As we honor their leadership, breaking barriers and redefining the achievements, let us also recognize the importance of boundaries of what is possible in the tech world. From fostering diversity and empowering women in STEM pioneering groundbreaking technologies to fields, ensuring that the tech industry reflects the rich championing diversity and inclusion initiatives, their tapestry of talent and perspectives that drive impact reverberates across industries and societies. innovation and progress. Prince Bolton

6. Cover story 08 Trailblazing in Technology Path to Diversity, Governance and Community Impact Alicia Asin Profiles 16 Making an Impact with ‘Never Settle’ Approach Fabiana Lacerca - Allen Leading teams through a crisis Karen Seror A Creative Leader Embracing Digitization 2230 Articles 26 34 Explainable AI Hybrid Cloud Architecture Bridging the Gap between Op�mizing Workloads Algorithms and Interpretability and Data Management

8. Pooja M Bansal Editor-in-Chief CONTENT FOLLOW US ON Deputy Editor Anish Miller www.facebook.com/ciolook Managing Editor Prince Bolton www.twi�er.com/ciolook WE ARE ALSO AVAILABLE ON DESIGN Visualizer Dave Bates Art & Design Director Davis Mar�n CONTACT US ON Associate Designer Jameson Carl Email info@ciolook.com SALES For Subscrip�on Senior Sales Manager Wilson T., Hunter D. www.ciolook.com Customer Success Manager Richardson D. Copyright © 2024 CIOLOOK, All rights reserved. The content and Sales Execu�vesTim, Smith images used in this magazine should not be reproduced or transmi�ed in TECHNICAL any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, Technical Head Peter Hayden photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission Technical Consultant Victor Collins from CIOLOOK. Reprint rights remain solely with SME-SMO CIOLOOK. Research Analyst Eric Smith SEO Execu�veAlen Spencer sales@ciolook.com April, 2024

9. Featured Person Company Name Brief Alicia is a highly accomplished CEO and Board Member with LIBELIUM Alicia Asin a strong background in integration, investor relations, libelium.com CEO recruiting, corporate governance and reporting. As a C-level compliance executive with over 20 years of Fabiana Lacerca-Allen experience, Fabiana has dedicated her career to leading global Aimmune Therapeutics teams in developing and managing comprehensive Chief Compliance aimmune.com compliance strategies and programs for F100 pharma and Officer biotech companies. Karen is a visionary marketer known for launching and scaling iconic brands, driving multimillion-dollar acquisitions, and Gamestream Karen Seror orchestrating award-winning campaigns, while fostering team gamestream.biz CMO excellence and embodying values of integrity, innovation, and mentorship. Linda is a forward-looking business leader and technology expert, I bring over 25 years of experience, driving digital Fannie Mae Linda Tai transformation within regulated environments for top global fanniemae.com CTO financial institutions Fannie Mae, Bank of America, and Goldman Sachs. Loice is a highly skilled, competent and experienced IT Executive, Board and Corporate Governance Leader and Loice Ngulube POSB Zimbabwe Director with 17 years’ experience working in challenging CIO posb.co.zw roles providing bespoke business solutions to organizations. Sejal is an experienced leader driving growth through Shutterstock Sejal Amin innovation and operational excellence, fostering collaboration shutterstock.com CTO and executing dynamic strategies with agility. With over 6 years of experience as a Chief Information Officer, Taren Rodabaugh Bridgestone Americas Taren is a visionary and collaborative leader who delivers Global CIO bfusa.com business transformation for global enterprises. Bridgestone Experienced CIO in the entertainment sector, proficient in Theresa Miller strategic planning, CRM, IT strategy, and business Lionsgate CIO & EVP, intelligence, leveraging a BBA in Management Information lionsgate.com Information Technology Systems from Texas A&M University. Walaa leads IoT and cloud innovations at CardioDiagnostics, pioneering HIPAA-Compliant Heart Monitoring solutions Walaa Alkerdy Wakilni and driving growth initiatives, with notable recognition from CTO wakilni.com the UK Lebanon Tech Hub. Wendy is an experienced, persuasive leader with strategic Wendy Zacchio vision, logistical planning and delivery execution expertise Zelis driving digital innovation and transformational technology CTO zelis.com change to drive desired business outcomes.

10. Trailblazing in Technology Path to Diversity, Governance and Community Impact Loice’s leadership style is inclusive, embracing cultural diversity and empathetic to the needs of team members. Cover Story

11. Loice Ngulube Chief Information Officer POSB Zimbabwe

12. he setting of a conference room, filled with eager Her career trajectory took a significant turn when she faces hang onto every word spoken by a secured a two-year Graduate Trainee program with a T seasoned executive—a role model for aspiring bank. Climbing the corporate ladder, Loice transitioned ICT and business practitioners and continues to mentor from trainee to branch manager before finding her them. In the world of information technology, Loice niche in the ICT Department as a Business Analyst. Ngulube is an embodiment of leadership and Through dedication and hard work, she eventually innovation. With her commanding presence and wealth assumed the role of acting ICT Manager. of experience, she captivates the room, inspiring all who have the privilege of hearing her insights. However, life’s twists and turns led Loice to Tanzania where she embarked on a new chapter as a Computer From her early days as a nurse to her current role as Science teacher, achieving remarkable results Chief Information Officer at POSBZimbabwe, Loice recognized by Cambridge University. Transitioning has consistently pushed boundaries and shattered glass back to the corporate world, she became a Microsoft ceilings. Her vision? To utilize her expertise in Assurance Account Manager in a private company. enhancing shareholder value, a testimony to her dedication to organizational success. Returning to Zimbabwe, Loice seized an opportunity as an IT Executive at a bank, a role that evolved into her But Loice’s influence extends far beyond her role at current position as Chief Information Officer. Her POSB. As a board member of the Attorney General’s influence extends beyond her workplace as she serves Office and ISACA Harare Chapter, she shapes as a director on various boards including the Zimbabwe governance frameworks and mentors aspiring ICT Open University Council and the Zimbabwe Office of professionals. Her leadership roles in various the Attorney General’s board. Additionally, her organizations including the Computer Society of commitment to community service is evident through Zimbabwe and Zimbabwe Open University Council her involvement as a Rotarian. underscore her commitment to driving positive change. Throughout her journey, Loice has been an ideal Loice’s accolades speak volumes about her example of resilience and determination, garnering achievements. From winning Gold as Female Business national awards and continually upgrading her skills as Executive of the Year to being recognized as one of the technology advances. “My motto is to never give up and Top 100 Gartner CIOs, her impact is undeniable. Yet, always strive to win,” she affirms. amidst the accolades, Loice remains grounded, guided by her passion for empowering others and driving innovation. Inspiring Paths Loice’s journey into the realm of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) is nothing short of Customer education inspiring. Starting her career as a nurse, Loice’s ensures a quick uptake fascination with ICTs began when she accompanied her spouse to an ATM launch in the United States. “The of the products with passion for ICTs was ignited,” she recalls. the creation of seamless user While working as a nurse for a decade, Loice pursued part-time studies in information technology, eventually experiences to prevent earning her Higher National Diploma in Systems customer aversion. Analysis. This was followed by a degree in Business Studies and Computing Science, opening doors to a career shift. Landing a job as a Networks Engineer in a manufacturing company marked the beginning of her journey in the ICT sector.

13. Despite her professional pursuits, Loice prioritizes family, raising three accomplished children, one of whom follows in her footsteps in ICT while the others pursue careers in law and quantity surveying. As Loice reflects on her journey, she acknowledges that the road ahead is filled with both challenges and opportunities. Yet, with her stanch determination and thirst for knowledge, she embraces the adventure, knowing that the destination is still on the horizon, waiting to be reached. Strategic Alignment Loice emphasizes the importance of aligning technology with business strategy. To balance the strategic vision of leveraging technology with operational needs. She says, “I spend time understanding the business strategy.” Engaging in discussions with key stakeholders, Loice identifies pain points and collaborates with them to prioritize projects. She highlights the significance of governance frameworks for alignment and oversight, stressing that effective communication is key. “If poorly executed,” she warns, “projects may fail to meet the desired outcome.” Loice’s approach underscores the essential link between technology and business objectives, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently and projects are executed effectively to drive organizational success. Securing Trust and Driving Growth Deeply engaged in the dynamic financial sector, Loice is enthusiastic about driving electronic banking initiatives. She notes, “The financial sector has been quite dynamic and I have enjoyed being part of the force driving the initiatives.” Her approach involves building strategic partnerships and conducting market research to understand customer needs. She highlights “Customer education ensures a quick uptake of the products with the creation of seamless user experiences to prevent customer aversion.” Prioritizing security and trustworthiness, Loice’s initiatives have resulted in enhanced operational efficiency, customer retention and expanded reach. These initiatives have seen the bank enjoy increased revenues and minimized operational costs. Through her

14. The 10 Most Influential Women In Tech, 2024 I aim at creating an environment where all team members ‘feel’ valued and respected.

15. strategic vision and proactive measures, Loice attending conferences are essential for staying abreast continues to propel her organization forward in the of emerging trends. As a member of professional ICT ever-evolving landscape of electronic banking. societies, she remains connected to industry advancements. The Power of Valuing Differences Collaborating closely with executives and business unit Loice prioritizes fostering diversity and inclusion within leaders, Loice ensures alignment with the bank’s her team, recognizing its crucial role in fostering strategic priorities. Understanding strategic priorities creativity and innovation. She asserts “Every member of helps in leveraging emerging technologies while driving the team irrespective of gender, religion, or ethnicity is value. By proactively seeking opportunities to integrate valued.” new technologies, Loice plays a pivotal role in shaping the bank’s technological landscape to meet evolving Setting a clear vision for diversity outcomes, Loice needs and strategic objectives. ensures that team members agree to shared goals and regularly track progress. When recruiting, she avoids Achieving Strategic Objectives biased job descriptions to widen the recruitment pool. She stresses, “I aim at creating an environment where all Loice emphasizes a combination of essential qualities team members ‘feel’ valued and respected.” for driving innovation and achieving strategic objectives. “Technical expertise, collaboration skills and For Loice, effective contribution to team goals and communication skills,” she notes, “are among the key traits objectives is what truly matters irrespective of needed.” background. By championing diversity and inclusion, she cultivates a collaborative and empowered team Additionally, Loice values results orientation, emotional culture that drives success and fosters a sense of intelligence and the ability to make decisions and solve belonging for everyone involved. problems. She explains that once these skills are nurtured, a high-performing team capable of value Meeting Sectoral Needs creation can be developed. While conversing about the banking and healthcare By fostering these qualities within her team, Loice sectors and leveraging her IT expertise, Loice explains, ensures they are equipped to adapt quickly to new “In both sectors, improved operational efficiency and innovations and deliver exceptional results, customer satisfaction are paramount.” To tackle contributing significantly to the organization’s success. challenges, she leads digital transformation initiatives, enhancing both internal and external customer Leadership in a Global Context experiences. Security is crucial to building trust and protecting data. Loice’s leadership style and problem-solving approach are significantly influenced by cross-functional and Loice also navigates regulatory requirements ensuring cross-cultural experiences. Adapting to various technology compliance within the sector. By addressing working styles and organizational cultures has these challenges head-on, she drives sustainable enhanced her adaptability. She underlines the value of growth and innovation, meeting the evolving needs of collaboration and effective communication in working both sectors while fostering trust and reliability in with diverse teams acknowledging the importance of technological solutions. embracing cultural differences. Integrating Technology Trends Loice’s leadership style is inclusive, embracing cultural diversity and empathetic to the needs of team Loice accentuates the importance of staying updated members. Emotional intelligence helps one understand on technology trends by continuing to learn her mantra. unconscious bias. She highlights its importance in Attending webinars, reading online publications and

16. decision-making. Her experiences working with people Moreover, Loice aims to give back to the community by from different cultures and religions have shaped her staying updated on new technology initiatives and empathetic leadership style, making her a serving as a technology consultant. Embracing new transformational leader who considers individual interests, she sees potential in agricultural technologies needs. to improve farm management and crop yields. Through her cross-cultural experiences, Loice has With a mindset open to limitless possibilities, Loice developed a leadership approach that values diversity, embraces the idea that the world is full of opportunities effective communication and empathy. By embracing for her to make a significant impact. Her unwavering cultural differences and leveraging emotional determination and commitment to growth ensure that intelligence, she fosters a collaborative and inclusive she will continue to pursue her aspirations with work environment conducive to innovation and enthusiasm and dedication. success. Thriving in Technology Safeguarding Success Reflecting on her professional journey, Loice offers Loice emphasizes that in the tech industry, effective valuable advice to aspiring individuals. “Grow your governance is crucial due to its constant evolution. She support network,” she advises, “by seeking like-minded highlights risk management as paramount requiring peers, mentors, or sponsors.” Emphasizing the importance robust systems security measures to mitigate evolving of diverse support networks beyond the tech industry, threats. The risk function reports to the board offering she acknowledges the encouragement she received oversight and leadership. during challenging times. Loice underscores the importance of fostering a culture Continual curiosity and staying informed are essential, Loice stresses. “Attend seminars, conferences and of innovation and responsibility, alongside stakeholder engagement and compliance with industry standards. demonstrations,” she suggests, to remain updated on In a rapidly changing landscape, staying abreast of new trends and opportunities for growth. Building self- industry standards and engaging stakeholders ensures confidence and self-awareness is crucial. She highlights alignment with best practices while fostering the importance of showcasing one’s uniqueness innovation. By prioritizing effective governance confidently, stating “Know your strengths and practices, tech companies can navigate uncertainties weaknesses.” and capitalize on opportunities, driving sustainable growth and success in the dynamic tech sector. For students, Loice advocates embracing STEM subjects to progress in the ICT industry. STEM Empowering the Future education is key. Loice accentuates recognizing its significance in building a foundation for future success Loice’s aspirations for the future are driven by a desire in technology-related fields. By following these pieces for greater diversity in technological leadership. “I of advice, aspiring individuals can navigate their would like to see more women in the technology leadership professional journeys with confidence and resilience, space,” she asserts, actively mentoring aspiring students equipped with the necessary skills and support to and fresh employees entering ICT roles. As an engaged thrive in the ever-evolving world of technology. member of the ISACA Harare Chapter and IFIP, she is already taking steps towards this goal. In addition to her passion for mentorship, Loice envisions herself continuing in the governance space as a non-executive director offering valuable insights and contributions. “I believe I could offer valuable insights,” she affirms, acknowledging her potential to shape organizations.

18. 16 www.ciolook.com | April 2024 |

19. 17 www.ciolook.com | April 2024 |

20. 18 www.ciolook.com | April 2024 |

21. Data is the new oil. It's valuable, but if unrefined it cannot really be used.

23. Data science is not a magic wand; it's not going to magically give you insights. You have to ask the right questions.

24. 22 www.ciolook.com | April 2024 |

25. 23 www.ciolook.com | April 2024 |

26. 24 www.ciolook.com | April 2024 |

27. 25 www.ciolook.com | April 2024 |

28. Bridging the Gap Bridging the Gap between Algorithms and between Algorithms and Interpretability Interpretability n the realm of artificial intelligence (AI), algorithms have long been revered for their ability to process I vast amounts of data and produce intricate patterns, insights, and predictions. However, as AI systems become more ubiquitous in critical decision- making processes, the need for transparency and interpretability has never been greater. Enter Explainable AI (XAI), a burgeoning field aiming to shed light on the black box nature of algorithms, fostering trust and understanding between humans and machines. The Rise of Algorithmic Complexity With the advent of deep learning and complex neural networks, AI algorithms have achieved unprecedented accuracy in tasks ranging from image recognition to natural language processing. Yet, this success often comes at the cost of interpretability. Deep neural networks, for instance, operate as opaque systems, making it challenging to discern how they arrive at their decisions. This lack of transparency poses significant hurdles in domains where accountability, fairness, and safety are paramount. The Importance of Interpretability Interpretability serves as a crucial bridge between AI systems and human stakeholders. In fields like healthcare, finance, and criminal justice, decisions made by algorithms can have profound implications on individuals' lives. Consequently, understanding the rationale behind AI-driven decisions is imperative for ensuring accountability, mitigating biases, and maintaining ethical standards. Moreover, interpretable AI models empower users to trust and effectively collaborate with AI systems, leading to more informed decision-making processes. 26 www.ciolook.com | April 2024 |

29. Explainable AI 27 www.ciolook.com | April 2024 |

30. Enter Explainable AI applications necessitates a tailored approach to interpretability, making it challenging to develop one- Explainable AI (XAI) emerges as a response to the size-fits-all solutions. Additionally, communicating opacity of traditional AI algorithms. At its core, XAI complex AI concepts in a comprehensible manner to seeks to demystify the decision-making processes of AI non-technical stakeholders requires careful design and systems, providing human-readable explanations for visualization techniques. their outputs. This entails developing AI models that not only deliver accurate predictions but also justify Future Directions their decisions in a transparent and interpretable manner. XAI encompasses a spectrum of techniques, As the field of XAI continues to evolve, several avenues including rule-based systems, model-agnostic for future research and development emerge. This approaches, and visualization tools, each tailored to includes the exploration of hybrid approaches that address different aspects of interpretability. combine the strengths of complex AI models with the interpretability of simpler techniques. Moreover, Promises of XAI advancing techniques for post-hoc explanations, such as counterfactual explanations and causal inference, 1. Enhanced Trust and Accountability: By unraveling hold promise for deeper insights into AI decision- the inner workings of AI algorithms, XAI fosters trust making processes. Additionally, interdisciplinary between users and AI systems. Stakeholders can collaboration between AI researchers, ethicists, social scrutinize the decision-making process, validate model scientists, and policymakers is essential for addressing outputs, and hold algorithms accountable for their the ethical, societal, and regulatory implications of XAI. actions. Conclusion 2. Bias Mitigation: XAI facilitates the identification and mitigation of biases inherent in AI models. Through Bridging the gap between algorithms and interpretable features and decision rules, biases can be interpretability is paramount for realizing the full surfaced and rectified, promoting fairness and equity in potential of AI in a responsible and ethical manner. algorithmic decision-making. Explainable AI (XAI) offers a pathway towards transparency, accountability, and trust in AI systems, 3. Domain Understanding: XAI enables domain experts empowering stakeholders to understand, validate, and to gain insights into complex AI models, facilitating collaborate with AI algorithms effectively. As we knowledge transfer and collaboration between data navigate the complexities of an AI-driven world, scientists and domain practitioners. This investing in XAI research and development is not just a interdisciplinary approach fosters a deeper technological imperative but a moral imperative, understanding of both the data and the underlying ensuring that AI serves humanity's best interests. problem domain. 4. Regulatory Compliance: With the advent of data protection regulations such as GDPR and CCPA, explainability has become a legal requirement in many contexts. XAI aids organizations in complying with regulatory standards by providing transparent explanations for AI-driven decisions. Challenges and Considerations Despite its promises, XAI is not without challenges. The trade-off between accuracy and interpretability remains a significant hurdle, as simpler, interpretable models often sacrifice predictive performance. Moreover, the diversity of AI techniques and 28 www.ciolook.com | April 2024 |

31. Data is the new oil. It's valuable, but if unrefined it cannot really be used.

32. E � � A Ề � ễ n the fast-paced business world, few traits make you As you can imagine, the lessons I’ve learnt support me stand out as a leader from the crowd. And yet, there daily at Gamestream. Leveraging the culmination of I are women who have not only made their mark in skills I have acquired throughout my career – their respective industries but are standing out as adaptability, thinking outside of the box and agility, to admired leaders, role models and trailblazers in the name a few keeps my team and Gamestream one step business arena. ahead. Working with start-ups to leading marketing teams in big corporate groups has been pivotal in As an exemplary and inspirational leader, Karen Seror shaping the steps taken to elevate Gamestream’s continual evolution. has been making waves in the gaming solution industry. Through her hard work, dedication and innovative thinking, Karen has been able to navigate the ever- I also played a pivotal role in launching Gamestream’s changing gaming industry and drive growth for consumer brand, Pleio, distributed by Bouygues Gamestream as its Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). Telecom. Pleio implements our proprietary tech and Spearheading global marketing strategies for its clients gaming experiences, including a community worldwide is an exhilarating experience for Karen, with management offering. I was at the very start of the activations in our home city of France to as far as India initial ideation of what Pleio can bring to the market, to diverse parts of the world. followed through to its launch and ongoing adoption by consumers. We at CIOLook, interviewed Karen’s to understand her leadership and strategic vision. For some, the “blank page” can be seen as a terrifying challenge. Although this may seem daunting for some, it Let’s delve into the intercepts of the interview. excites me and gives me immense pride and satisfaction when I succeed in building something significant from Please briefly describe your professional journey for scratch, regardless of adversities. our readers. What challenges did you face along the way? What significant impact have you brought to the industry? My journey has been one that has been filled with dynamic reinventions, sensational twists and rousing Having worked with companies that have moments. I’ve had the privilege of working with some of revolutionized and disrupted their respective markets, I the most innovative and disruptive companies had to imagine with my teams new and creative throughout my career. approaches to achieve success. With passion, determination and ambition, I climbed Success in executive leadership roles is a 24/7 job in the proverbial ladder, starting as a Communication itself. Mine is partly attributed to several key qualities Manager for the web-hosting company jumping that are commonly recognized in female executives. As through the steps to Marketing Manager for Adobe a good listener and empathetic leader, I prioritize Stock. For the past three years, I’ve had the pleasure of effective communication and believe in trust-building being the Chief Marketing Officer for the world leader to foster a strong and cohesive team particularly in B2B cloud gaming solutions, Gamestream. valuable in international business contexts. 30 www.ciolook.com | April 2024 |

33. Karen Seror Chief Marke�ng Officer Gamestream 31 www.ciolook.com | April 2024 |

34. As a female leader in the gaming industry, I am Gamestream firmly believe in the healing power of passionate about empowering other women to succeed video games. in this male-dominated field. To achieve this, when I started at Gamestream, I was the first female As such, we work closely with partners such as employee, and it was my mission to address and aid in BePlayer One, which aims to make gaming more bringing more women into this exciting company. By inclusive for people with disabilities, and L’École des championing greater gender diversity and inclusion, we Héros, which helps teenagers overcome social anxiety can create a virtuous cycle that benefits everyone in the through games. industry. How does it promote workforce flexibility, and what is Tell us about Gamestream and its foundation pillar. your role in it? Gamestream’s mission-Democratize and ensure high-level Over the past 20 years, I have seen the major changes gaming experiences to anyone, anywhere, at any time. in the make-up of startups to large-scale enterprises inspiring me with changing workforce attitudes. For The company’s purpose is built on the foundation of example, Gen Z is quite inspiring in the way they view cutting-edge technology; for instance, we make cloud the workplace to transform the traditional hierarchical gaming possible even in low bandwidth environments nature of the “office.” With greater respect put towards at just 3mbps and on rudimentary devices. We want the autonomy, in tandem, with the pandemic, more earnest world to enjoy the powerful medium of video games. is put towards improving the work-life balance. Another strong motivation for Gamestream for the At Gamestream, I have made it my mission to promote future is to bring video games to the hospitality and these practices, creating an environment where people healthcare fields. Inspired by the game Re-Mission, can do their best work without sacrificing their which has been shown to help young people navigate personal lives. As a flexible leader, I have seen the their cancer diagnoses and treatments, we at positive impact of prioritizing employee well-being on productivity and innovation. K 32 www.ciolook.com | April 2024 |

35. What is your take on technology’s importance, and how are you leveraging it? First-hand, I’ve witnessed the rapid pace at that technology has reshaped the world. However, keeping the human factor at the forefront of our minds is crucial when developing new digital concepts by taking a holistic approach is essential in my viewpoint. Understanding the added value of a tool or innovation for your organization is important. Simply jumping on the latest trend can be risky and potentially detrimental to your business. Therefore, it's essential to assess the potential risks to the business, ensure security protocols are in place, and determine if a simple swap will suffice or if a complete overhaul is necessary to stay ahead of the curve. Only by taking a thoughtful and comprehensive approach to technology implementation can we ensure that we achieve our desired outcomes and that our innovations What are your goals in the upcoming future? serve the needs of our employees and customers alike. We're constantly pushing ourselves to innovate and What will be the next significant change in the Tech take the next step in our industry at Gamestream. Our industry, and how are you preparing for it? vision for the future is to industrialize our solution and become the go-to source for entertainment that As the world becomes increasingly digital, it's essential combines Cloud Gaming with other media. We're for businesses to stay on top of new technologies like already collaborating with other companies to make 5G and artificial intelligence (AI). this vision a reality so that we can offer a one-stop shop for people to have fun with friends and family. The video game industry is already feeling the effects of these advancements, particularly in the realm of cloud Our goal is to create an all-inclusive entertainment gaming. With 5G's increased bandwidth and speed, platform that brings people together and provides an gamers can play anywhere without the need for unparalleled experience. expensive hardware or game purchases-this has ushered in the third revolution of video games, What advice would you like to give the next changing the way we play forever. generation of aspiring business leaders? AI and deep learning are also significantly impacting the It's essential not to shy away from taking bold risks as a gaming industry. These technologies can help create business leader. Throughout our lifetime, we have seen smarter enemies and more dynamic obstacles, groundbreaking innovations emerge not because of ultimately improving gameplay and enhancing the user complacency or fear but because of boldness and experience. courage. Being a change agent and inspiring others at all levels is crucial to creating a diverse and dynamic However, it's important to approach new technologies future. By embracing new ideas, challenging the status with caution and a thorough understanding of their quo, and fostering a culture of innovation, we can lead benefits and risks. Business leaders must carefully our organizations towards greater success and achieve consider the added value of these tools for their our goals. organizations and their customers, as well as ensure that proper security protocols are in place. So, let's not be afraid to take that leap and be the driving force behind the next wave of transformation in our industry. 33 www.ciolook.com | April 2024 |

36. Optimizing Workloads and Data Management n today's digital landscape, organizations face the dual challenge of managing ever-expanding I workloads and the proliferation of data. Traditional on-premises infrastructure struggles to keep pace with dynamic business demands, prompting many enterprises to adopt cloud computing solutions. However, the one-size-fits-all approach of public or private cloud environments may not always align with the diverse needs of modern businesses. Enter hybrid cloud architecture, a flexible and scalable solution that combines the benefits of both on-premises infrastructure and cloud services. Understanding Hybrid Cloud Architecture Hybrid cloud architecture seamlessly integrates on- premises infrastructure with public and private cloud environments, providing organizations with a hybrid IT environment tailored to their specific requirements. This architecture enables businesses to leverage the scalability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness of cloud services while retaining control over sensitive data and critical workloads. By strategically distributing workloads across multiple cloud environments, organizations can optimize performance, enhance resilience, and mitigate risks associated with data sovereignty and compliance. Workload Optimization in Hybrid Cloud One of the primary advantages of hybrid cloud architecture is its ability to optimize workloads across diverse computing environments. Through workload orchestration and management tools, organizations can dynamically allocate resources based on workload characteristics, performance requirements, and cost considerations. For example, latency-sensitive applications may run on-premises to minimize network latency, while bursty or seasonal workloads can 34 www.ciolook.com | April 2024 |

37. 35 www.ciolook.com | April 2024 |

38. leverage the elasticity of public cloud resources. By 2. Define Data Management Policies: Establish data adopting a workload-centric approach, organizations classification, retention, and governance policies to can maximize efficiency, scalability, and agility, ensuring ensure consistent data management practices across optimal performance across heterogeneous hybrid environments. infrastructures. 3. Implement Security Controls: Deploy robust security Data Management Strategies measures, including encryption, access controls, and threat detection, to protect data and applications in Effective data management is critical in hybrid cloud transit and at rest. environments, where data resides across multiple locations and platforms. Hybrid cloud architecture 4. Embrace Automation and Orchestration: Leverage enables organizations to implement data management automation and orchestration tools to streamline strategies tailored to their unique needs, balancing provisioning, deployment, and management of hybrid performance, security, and compliance requirements. cloud resources, reducing operational overhead and Data replication and synchronization mechanisms improving agility. facilitate seamless data movement between on- premises and cloud environments, ensuring data 5. Foster Collaboration and Training: Promote availability and integrity. Additionally, data tiering collaboration between IT operations, development techniques allow organizations to optimize storage teams, and business stakeholders to align hybrid cloud costs by dynamically migrating data across storage tiers initiatives with strategic objectives. Invest in training based on access patterns and usage policies. and skill development to empower teams with the necessary expertise to leverage hybrid cloud Security and Compliance Considerations technologies effectively. Security and compliance are paramount in hybrid cloud Conclusion environments, where sensitive data traverses multiple boundaries and jurisdictions. To mitigate risks and Hybrid cloud architecture offers a compelling solution ensure regulatory compliance, organizations must for organizations seeking to optimize workloads and implement robust security controls and governance data management in an increasingly complex and mechanisms across the hybrid infrastructure. This dynamic IT landscape. By combining the scalability and includes encryption, access controls, identity agility of cloud services with the control and security of management, and threat detection capabilities to on-premises infrastructure, the hybrid cloud enables safeguard data at rest and in transit. Furthermore, organizations to achieve the perfect balance between organizations must adhere to industry-specific performance, cost, and compliance. As businesses regulations and standards governing data privacy, continue to embrace digital transformation, hybrid residency, and sovereignty, such as GDPR, HIPAA, and cloud architecture will play a pivotal role in driving PCI DSS. By adopting a holistic approach to security innovation, accelerating growth, and delivering value in and compliance, organizations can build trust, mitigate the digital era. risks, and safeguard their digital assets in hybrid cloud environments. Best Practices for Hybrid Cloud Adoption Successful adoption of hybrid cloud architecture requires careful planning, execution, and continuous optimization. Key best practices include: 1. Assess Workload Suitability: Evaluate workload characteristics, performance requirements, and dependencies to determine the optimal deployment model (on-premises, public cloud, or hybrid). 36 www.ciolook.com | April 2024 |

39. Data will talk to you if you're willing to listen.