business intelligence trends Fuel Data Excellence

Business News

Have you ever wondered how fast decisions could be if data moved as quickly as live sports scores? Business intelligence trends are changing the game for companies. They turn a jumble of numbers into clear insights almost instantly.
Imagine having a smart helper that nudges you in the right direction so you can focus on choosing what comes next. This new way of working brings speed and instinct to every part of a business, giving everyone a boost in making better decisions.
Modern Innovations in Data-Driven Decision Making

Augmented analytics with AI and machine learning is totally changing how companies deal with data. It’s like having a smart helper that sifts through tons of information almost instantly. You can think of it as having a dashboard that updates as quickly as your favorite sports score – fast and clear.
This new way of working with data helps teams spot chances and risks without waiting for long reports. Real-time business intelligence tools give quick insights so that leaders can make choices while things are still happening. It feels like you’ve got a friendly guide right there with you, ready to point out what to watch for next.
Mobile tools add even more power. Imagine a sales manager getting instant updates on customer habits right on their phone. That’s data in action – direct and on the go. These smart systems quickly adjust to new data, cutting down the wait between gathering info and actually using it.
Overall, these cool methods help everyone rely on fast, trustworthy data at every decision point. They turn plain numbers into clear actions, making the whole business world feel more dynamic and responsive. It’s like watching a live game where every move counts, and you’re right there cheering on the next play.
Business Intelligence Trends Fuel Data Excellence

Enterprise analytics is changing fast as new tech makes reporting smoother for everyone. Tools like augmented analytics (which helps mix data smartly) and prescriptive analytics (that offers clear next steps) turn messy numbers into easy actions. Imagine a handy assistant that scans through huge spreadsheets in seconds and even suggests what to do next, kind of like a coach giving a quick tip on the field. It really cuts down on long reports and speeds up decision-making.
Self-service BI platforms put powerful insights in everyone’s hands. You don’t need to be a tech expert to jump in and explore interactive dashboards or whip up reports that highlight the trends that really matter. It’s like having a friendly guide so that a sales rep, a marketer, or a customer support person can quickly grab exactly what they need. This makes the workplace more active and helps decisions happen faster.
Embedded analytics is another cool trend. It brings clear, visual data right into the apps you already use. That means you see key numbers update in real time without having to switch tools. Plus, automated data storytelling turns raw figures into simple stories everyone can understand. All these trends work together to make team chats smoother and strategies smarter, helping businesses run more efficiently every day.
Integrating AI and Machine Learning in Business Intelligence Trends

Natural Language Processing in BI
Natural language processing helps us get data answers in a way that feels simple and natural. Instead of writing complicated code, anyone can type a basic question like “What were our top sales regions last month?” and get a clear answer in moments. This tool changes complex data queries into plain language, so everyone can quickly understand the facts their business relies on.
It also speeds up how we explore and understand data. It uses deep learning (a way for computers to learn from lots of data) to catch little hints in our language. This means folks can get answers without waiting for IT help or diving into confusing tech talk. It’s like having a smart helper that listens and explains things in a way that makes sense.
Personalized BI Platforms
Adaptive BI platforms adjust what they show based on what each person needs. They keep track of which information matters most and then update dashboards or reports to highlight those trends. Picture a marketing manager getting real-time updates on campaign performance, while a sales rep sees a clear, simple view of daily customer talks. This custom touch helps teams focus on the important stuff, speeding up decisions and making work feel natural.
These platforms also use generative AI to shape how apps are designed and how data is set up. By automating parts of the ETL process (that is, extracting, transforming, and loading data), companies get faster access to smart, built-in predictions. It’s like turning raw numbers into useful tips in real time, which makes planning your next move much easier.
Future Outlook and Market Forecast for Business Intelligence Trends

The global business intelligence market is set to grow big over the next decade. Experts say it will jump from $29.42 billion in 2023 to $63.76 billion by 2032. This surge comes from more companies moving to cloud-based systems, which give real-time access to data and lots of flexibility. Think about a business leader checking important numbers on a tablet during a meeting, quick, clear, and efficient.
Self-service analytics is really shaking things up. Estimates show this part of the market rising from $5.71 billion in 2023 to $20.22 billion by 2030. With these tools, everyday users can pull reports themselves instead of waiting on IT help. That means faster decisions and more immediate insights. Plus, new digital tools are turning raw data into smart stories that everyone can follow.
Embedded analytics, which is built right into everyday business apps, is also growing fast. It’s expected to go from about $68.88 billion in 2024 to $132.03 billion by 2029. Meanwhile, companies are putting more into data quality and security as rules get stricter. This helps protect the sensitive information they handle daily.
Investment in strong data security is a must. Companies are focusing on serious security measures and proper data governance to keep large amounts of data safe. All of these changes are pushing businesses to plan with a mindset that’s more agile and secure in our fast-paced, tech-driven world.
Practical Strategies for Implementing Business Intelligence Trends in Organizations

Businesses are speeding up decision-making by tapping into new trends that turn everyday data into clear actions. Companies have shared that switching to automated reporting has cut down their manual work by 90% and even brought in triple the return on investment. Mobile BI (that is, business intelligence on your phone) lets teams grab real-time updates wherever they are, so acting fast becomes much easier. And with collaborative platforms, everyone, from sales to support, talks the same data language. Imagine a project manager getting instant performance updates while on the go. It really helps in making quick and smart decisions.
To put these ideas to work, here are some simple steps:

Use mobile BI tools to give everyone quick access to insights. For example, one shift to mobile reporting cut a team’s manual tasks by 90%.
Bring in shared platforms that let all departments view the same dashboard. This keeps everyone in sync without needing extra meetings.
Switch to automated reporting systems to save time on data entry. Automation means updates come faster so leaders can focus on big-picture moves.
Try custom analytics that tweak dashboards to what each team really needs. When insights are tailored, it’s easier for everyone to focus on what matters.

Adopting these steps creates a nimble, data-friendly work space where smart choices are part of daily routines. When you align the right technology with your goals, every bit of data turns into a step toward faster, smarter actions. Isn’t that pretty cool?
Final Words
In the action, we explored how modern tech empowers smarter decisions. We looked at agile, real‑time systems, mobile BI that delivers rapid insights, and AI-powered features that simplify data queries. We also examined how innovative strategies shape enterprise analytics and help organizations adapt swiftly. Today, business intelligence trends serve as a trusted guide for making thoughtful choices. It’s amazing to see technology ease our push for clarity. Embracing these trends brings fresh energy and a clearer vision for the future.
FAQ

What are some resources and examples for business intelligence trends?
The business intelligence trends resources include examples shown in PDFs and PPTs. They offer clear case studies and visuals that explain data-driven strategies in a practical way.

What are the upcoming business intelligence trends for 2024 and 2025?
The business intelligence trends for 2024 and 2025 focus on real‑time analytics, mobile solutions, and AI integration. They highlight how companies adopt agile systems for quicker and smarter insights.

What emerging technologies are shaping business intelligence?
The emerging technologies in business intelligence include augmented analytics, machine learning, and natural language processing (tech that lets computers understand human language). These tools make data easier to access and use.

What does current business intelligence news say about its future?
The current business intelligence news shows rapid innovations like AI, self‑service platforms, and embedded analytics. This suggests a future where BI is more agile and accessible, driving smarter decision-making.

What is trend analysis in business intelligence?
The trend analysis in business intelligence studies data patterns over time to reveal shifts in technology and consumer behavior. It guides companies in adjusting strategies based on observed changes.

What is the forecast for business intelligence?
The forecast for business intelligence predicts strong market growth and broader use of AI-powered solutions. Increasing investments in cloud and self‑service tools signal ongoing expansion in the field.

What are the 5 stages of business intelligence?
The five stages of business intelligence typically are data collection, integration, analysis, visualization, and decision support. They provide a structured path from gathering data to making informed decisions.

Is business intelligence in high demand?
The business intelligence field is in high demand as companies seek faster insights and efficient data‑based decision methods. Its growing popularity reflects the need for smarter, technology‑driven business solutions.

Filmmaker Paul Schrader accused of reneging on settlement over alleged sexual assault of assistant

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

Director and screenwriter Paul Schrader, best known for films like “Taxi Driver,” “American Gigolo” and “Raging Bull,” has been accused of reneging on a settlement with his former assistant over claims he sexually assaulting and harassed her for years, according to civil court documents. Schrader allegedly broke a confidential settlement he agreed to in February with “Jane Doe,” his 26-year-old former assistant, in a motion filed Thursday night in New York State Supreme Court. The civil suit accuses Schrader of breach of contract for violating the settlement over the alleged sexual assault and harassment, which Doe said happened from 2021 to 2024. NBC News obtained a statement on Friday morning from Doe’s attorney, Menaka Fernando, saying, “As stated in our motion, Ms. Doe is simply seeking to enforce the settlement agreement between the parties resolving her sexual harassment and sexual assault claims. We have no further comment at this time and ask that the media respect Ms. Doe’s privacy.” In a phone call Friday morning, NBC News also spoke with Schrader’s attorney, Phillip Kessler, who called the claims “desperate and opportunistic,” and labeled some of the allegations as “legally frivolous.” “I can tell you that Mr. Schrader never had sex with the plaintiff, nor did he attempt to have sex with the plaintiff,” Kessler told NBC News. “Much of what has been alleged has been taken very substantially out of context.” Kessler also affirmed the intent “to defend this vigorously.” He did not address the specific allegations of sexual harassment, sexual assault or breach of contract. The motion states that throughout Doe’s tenure as Schrader’s assistant from May 2021 through her termination in September 2024, the now 78-year-old Schrader “used his position of power over Ms. Doe (who is 52 years younger than him) to force her to work in a sexually hostile, intimidating, and humiliating environment on a daily, if not hourly, basis.” Schrader also “used his position of power over Ms. Doe to sexually assault her, by luring her into a hotel room and forcibly grabbing her and kissing her, despite her verbal protests,” according to the motion.  He “forced Ms. Doe into his hotel room, under the guise of packing his bags for him, and he exposed his penis to her,” the motion said. The motion says that Schrader sexually assaulted Doe at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2024, when he “demanded Ms. Doe go to his hotel room, trapped her inside, grabbed her arms, and thrust his face into hers to kiss her against her will, and then further restrained her in an effort to keep her in the room before she managed to free herself and flee the hotel room.” “Three days later, Ms. Doe returned to Defendant Schrader’s hotel room after receiving numerous calls and angry text messages, in which Defendant Schrader claimed that he was ‘dying’ and could not pack his own bags,” Doe’s motion continues. “Afraid, Ms. Doe reluctantly acquiesced,” the motion said.  “Upon arriving, however, Defendant Schrader opened the door to his hotel room wearing nothing but an open bathrobe with his penis fully exposed,” it continued. “As Ms. Doe attempted to pack Mr. Schrader’s bags in terrified silence, he repeatedly commented, ‘I am so sweaty. I sweated through the bedsheets. Feel how wet they are.’ Ms. Doe packed his bags as quickly as she could, and left.” In multiple emails from Schrader to Doe, the filmmaker demonstrated his understanding that his conduct was “unwelcome and offensive” to his assistant, the motion states. For example, in one email he allegedly wrote to her last year, he said, “I sense you recoil every time I have the impulse to touch you.” In another sent in May 2023, Schrader wrote, “I cringe at the thought you fear I might touch you,” according to the motion. After Doe refused Schrader’s sexual advances, she was fired, the motion says.  “Two days later, in full acknowledgment of his unlawful and predatory behavior, he wrote in an email to her, ‘So I f**ked up. Big time… If I have become a Harvey Weinstein in your mind then of course you have no choice but to put me in the rear view mirror.’” The motion also states that since Schrader’s “brutal attack on Ms. Doe, exposure of his genitals to her, and his countless other acts of sexual harassment, she has suffered … nightmares, extreme anxiety, and trauma, and has withdrawn almost completely from her former life.” Doe retained legal counsel and, after months of negotiations, eventually reached a settlement with Schrader’s lawyers in February of this year, the motion states. The settlement was agreed to in writing and the payment was to be made over the course of seven months. Last month, Schrader’s attorney spoke to Doe’s legal team over the phone, saying that his client had been ill, had done some “soul searching” during that time, and had decided he didn’t want to pay Doe the full settlement payment to which he had previously agreed under the settlement agreement, according to the motion. In response, Doe filed the motion in an attempt to propel Schrader to comply with his obligations. The settlement amount is currently confidential, and details have been redacted in court filings. 

“Impressive” Growth for Bahamas Cruise Industry, As Tourism Surge Continues 

Travel

It’s the powerhouse of Caribbean cruising, and The Bahamas continues to see renewed growth in the cruise industry. 

Last year, The Bahamas’ Nassau Cruise Port (the most-visited cruise port in the region) broke its all-time record, helping to contribute to a total of 11.22 million international visitors to the country last year. 

The broader cruise industry remains a major pillar of The Bahamas, contributing nearly $655 million in cruise tourism spending during the past cruise season. When you factor in employment, taxes and other levies, that adds up to a more than $1 billion economic impact for The Bahamas. 

Nassau is often the first port of call for cruise ships heading out of South Florida to the Caribbean.

“The impressive growth in visitor numbers to The Bahamas not only reflects the increasing appeal of our destination on the global stage but is also a clear testament to the success of our collective efforts in crafting a tourism product that truly resonates with travelers,” said Latia Duncombe, Director General of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation. 

The Margaritaville Beach Resort in Nassau.

The Bahamas is continuing its cruise push at the Seatrade Cruise Global conference in Miami Beach next week, the region’s most important gathering, one that brings together more than 10,000 attendees including more than 80 different cruise line brands. 

Seatrade is a “ivotal event for the cruise industry, bringing together leaders and visionaries from around the world to shape the future of cruising. The Bahamas’ presence at this prestigious conference underscores our commitment to enhancing the cruise tourism experience, creating and strengthening partnerships, driving investment and further elevates our country’s innovation in serving the cruise industry and its vast passenger market.,” said Bahamas Deputy Prime Minister and Tourism Minister Chester Cooper. 

The Bahamas’ overarching goal, he said in a statement provided to Caribbean Journal, is to “ensure continued growth and success in the years ahead as the industry makes giant steps forward in cruise product offerings for our part of the world.”

The Bahamas will soon welcome the year’s most-anticipated new ship, MSC World America, which will be heading to the country as part of its inaugural cruise next week. 

“As we engage with key players in the cruising industry at Seatrade Cruise Global, we are excited to showcase the exciting developments and innovations we have in store. Our commitment to enhancing and expanding our tourism offerings remains unwavering, and we are eager to continue building a dynamic and sustainable future for The Bahamas,” Duncombe said. 

Diamond UK And Lunar Questions For British Comic Book Shops

Arts & Culture, Books

Posted in: Comics, Comics Publishers, Current News, DC Comics, Image, Mad Cave Studios | Tagged: diamond, Diamond UK, lunarBritish comic book store distribution questions being asked right now, Diamond UK or Lunar? And what about tariffs?Article Summary
UK comic stores face choices between Diamond UK and Lunar Distribution for their comic supplies.
Diamond UK’s status is uncertain after the Chapter 11 bankruptcy of its US counterpart.
Lunar Distribution improves its UK service, attracting stores with better deals for DC and Image Comics.
Potential UK tariffs on American comics pose new challenges for distribution strategies.
Last year, it was pretty easy. Comic book stores ordered for the direct market from Diamond UK for all their monthly comic book needs. While some used Penguin Random House or others for graphic novels, depending. Lunar Distribution was too expensive; they couldn’t amortise their shipping costs to hundreds of individual stores through a central warehouse, as Diamond UK could do, and returns or replacements were hard.  So Diamond UK distributed DC Comics, Image Comics and the rest; the deal was done, it worked (mostly), and everything was ticking along.Then Diamond Comics Distributors in the USA declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Diamond UK, a still very profitable part of the Steve Geppi empire, received a Stalking Horse bid alongside Alliance Games from Canadian distributor Universal, and the idea that a Canadian comics distributor might own Diamond UK made some kind of sense. But I hear there are more changes.
There has been no mention of Diamond UK as a result of the auction, and it doesn’t appear to be in the assets gained by Diamond-winning bidder Alliance Entertainment. But neither does there seem to be any more forward from Universal either. Might there be other players who wanted to snap it up? The auction paperwork is still being delayed in finding out who has what.

There have been a few other changes. Diamond UK is no longer distributing Mad Cave Studios or TwoMorrows, as they made deals with Lunar and no deal with Diamond UK in the way that Image Comics did. But what is emerging is that the Lunar distribution deal direct to UK stores is a lot better than it initially used to be, though the Image Comics discount tiers will be tougher to hit in 2026 for a lot of shops. But some UK comic stores have been switching to Lunar for their DC, Image, and more.
The problem is that Diamond UK is still more reliable in terms of timing than Lunar is. Diamond stores pretty much know when their deliveries are coming in, and they are usually there for a release date. The only thing is that Image Comics are now predictably one week late across the UK, as their comics go on a more roundabout route to Diamond UK than those from DC Comics. Lunar is far more variable in their delivery from the USA to the UK, relying on hundreds of separate parcels being shipped by airmail, and delays are common. But they are beating Diamond UK at getting Image Comics titles to stores, and they have Mad Cave and Tomorrows titles, for which there is strong demand in certain UK stores.  Especially when certain regulars realise they haven’t had their Gatchaman or Alter Ego for some time. For those who don’t care too much about having their comics bang on time, Lunar is now a more attractive option for some and can often be cheaper than Diamond UK.
The only other question to ask right now, is if the UK are going to launch tariffs on American comic books coming into the UK, as part of reciprocal retaliation. Then we will be in a whole new ball game.
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Strategic health reforms key to unlocking Ghana’s medical tourism potential – Expert

Travel

Ghana should prioritise medical tourism as a key growth sector by implementing targeted healthcare reforms and making strategic investments, according to Medical Tourism Coordinator A.B. Kafui Kanyi, who highlighted the country’s strategic location and improving infrastructure as major advantages.”With the right reforms, investment in healthcare infrastructure, and global branding, Ghana could become a leading medical tourism destination in Africa, offering affordable, high-quality healthcare in a culturally rich and peaceful environment,” Kafui Kanyi noted in a piece sighted by GhanaWeb Business. He pointed out that government is already finalizing a National Medical Tourism Policy and Strategy aimed at positioning Ghana as a regional hub for specialized healthcare. “Plans are in place to upgrade key facilities, including transforming Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital into a quaternary specialist center and expanding Ho Teaching Hospital (HTH) to improve access to advanced care in the Volta Region,” he added. Experts say Ghana’s location near the Prime Meridian and Equator, along with short flight times and year-round warm weather, makes it a convenient recovery-friendly destination for medical tourists from Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, and parts of Africa.Former Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Prof Agyeman Badu Akosa, recently questioned why public officials continue to seek treatment abroad.“Whether you like it or not, health is expensive and when they go out, they pay through their nose. So why can’t we develop our own system here?” he said.Ho Teaching Hospital touted as a modelLocated in Ho, the capital of the Volta Region, HTH is gaining recognition for its role in cross-border healthcare. It has recently served patients from neighboring countries including Togo, Benin, and Nigeria.New facilities such as a family health centre, pharmacy complex, and a serene hospital annex have been commissioned to support recovery and wellness. The hospital’s eco-friendly design and tranquil environment are seen as key selling points for attracting international clients.Tourism and healthcare synergyAccording to the Ghana Tourism Authority, over 1.1 million tourists visit Ghana annually. Stakeholders believe that integrating healthcare services with cultural, historical, and eco-tourism experiences can strengthen Ghana’s appeal in the $55.83 billion global medical tourism market, as projected by Statista (2025).The country’s diaspora of skilled healthcare professionals is also being viewed as a resource that can be tapped to support the development of niche medical services and specialist care.Economic potential and next stepsMedical tourism is expected to boost foreign exchange earnings, create employment opportunities, and attract private investment into the healthcare sector. However, health policy experts stress the need for international hospital accreditation, competitive pricing, and improved marketing to build global trust in Ghana’s health services.Meanwhile, a proposal has been made for the establishment of a Medical Tourism Coordinating Unit under the Ministry of Health, as well as the creation of a Medical Tourism Agency, backed by legislation, to manage and regulate the sector.MAWatch the latest edition of BizTech below:[embedded content]Click here to follow the GhanaWeb Business WhatsApp channel

RAKEZ, Koshima to enhance business efficiency with AI

Business News

Image Courtesy: RAKEZ | Cropped by GBN Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) has teamed with Koshima, a company that specializes in Artificial Intelligence education and consulting, to empower businesses with AI solutions that boost efficiency, optimize costs and drive growth. This initiative is the first of its kind among UAE licensing authorities. The partnership…

The Shift Toward a Business Outcomes Mentality in OT Cybersecurity

Business News

Summary

What “business outcome” means will vary by project. But, to put it simply, the question is: “Has what I’ve done even worked?”

The Shift Toward a Business Outcomes Mentality in OT Cybersecurity

Throughout the past decade, some things in the OT Cybersecurity industry have not changed (or at least, changed very little). A small percentage of asset owners have detection tools deployed at scale (despite it being an established product market). Systems remain inherently vulnerable, asset owners continue to struggle to maintain OT cybersecurity talent, and comprehensive risk management programs are very rare.However, what has changed is recognition of the risk, mindshare amongst organization leaders and regulations which are beginning to include punitive remedies including legal and financial penalties under certain conditions. Recent examples of the latter include (i) the Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act of 2022 (CIRCIA), which drove the requirement for covered entities to report cybersecurity incidents, and (ii) Transportation Security Administration (TSA) directives which place requirements for network segmentation, access controls, monitoring and detection, and patching across transportation entities such as airports and railways. These shifts are driving formal responsibility and accountability toward CISOs, as well as prioritizing a focus on business risk (vs. technical mindsets) amongst the CISO population. And thus, the question they are increasingly asking is: “for my OT cybersecurity investments, can I demonstrate the business outcomes it achieved?” What “business outcome” means will vary by project. It could be, has the monitoring and detection tool investment improved operational resilience/uptime in a measurable and demonstrable way? Or, has the security program improvements reduced the time needed for, and increased the accuracy of, the company’s compliance reporting? But, to put it simply, the question is: “has what I’ve done even worked?” That question has been notoriously difficult to answer. Even insurance providers–the actuarial masters of the universe with ostensibly the greatest amount of OT Cybersecurity incident data on-hand–have struggled to quantify the risk for one simple reason: the numbers are too volatile. For practitioners, service providers and vendors, this poses as both a challenge and an opportunity. While it is difficult to answer, those that can will certainly earn the attention (and the dollars) of CISOs. For the industry to prove business outcomes, such as x, y and z, data that comes from providers and users alike is needed, and tracking of that data before and after solutions are implemented. Projects to address this challenge exist and are in the works. One such example is the Emerging Threat Open Sharing (ETHOS) project, formed by a collection of organizations and with a goal of making an open-source platform available for real-time, anonymous threat information sharing. As an example, the ETHOS platform would allow for organizations to be alerted when a security threat occurs at another participating organization, without disclosing any sensitive data about the source, and would be available to organizations regardless of what technologies they do and don’t have.  While–yes–information sharing such as (but not only) ETHOS would be an important step towards knowing “is what we’re doing even working?” it would also drive progress forward in many other areas. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)’s Director, Jen Easterly, has long professed the need for government and commercial collaboration to progress the industry and shore up our critical infrastructure defenses. And further, impact data is what will evolve leading OT Cybersecurity standards–such as ISA/IEC’s 62443 series of standards, a consensus-based set of requirements and guidance, from being based primarily on expertise to being additional reinforced and refined by demonstrable data. Ultimately, the shift in mindset towards business outcomes is timely, and needed. It will drive demand for data which we must have. It will promote collaboration between governmental and commercial entities–even competitors–and steer both users and providers alike towards solutions that make a real impact.

About The Author

Jacob Chapman has a professional background in automation engineering, project management, account management, industrial networking and ICS cybersecurity within the food and beverage, pharmaceutical and energy generation sectors, among others.  In his role as Director – BD & Alliances at Nozomi Networks, he leads the organization’s partnerships with strategic OT OEMs and technology vendors. Within the ICS cybersecurity community, he participates in international societies and standard bodies – including serving as an advisory board member to ISA’s Global Cybersecurity Alliance, a member of the Cybersecurity Committee of ISA’s Smart Manufacturing & IIoT Division, and a contributor within the ISA99 standards development committee.

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CDW Executive SummIT: 3 Ways Platform Engineering Boosts Business Velocity

Business News

Digital velocity isn’t just about moving fast, it’s about moving smart. To meet this challenge, IT leaders are turning to platform engineering because it’s a way to align infrastructure, development, security and operations teams around one automated and resilient platform.
At the CDW Executive SummIT, hosted April 1-3 in Chicago, experts said embracing this model isn’t just a technical decision, it’s a strategic one that allows any business to grow faster.
Here are three ways platform engineering boosts digital velocity by aligning with NetOps, SecOps and AIOps:
RELATED: How artificial intelligence solutions are transforming the workplace.
1. Integrated NetOps Automation Speeds Up Connectivity
Traditionally, network operations have been a bottleneck in the software delivery lifecycle. Too often, manual network provisions, static configurations, and siloed teams slow down the deployment of new apps and services. However, platform engineering flips the script by incorporating NetOps capabilities directly into the developer platform.
Using Infrastructure as Code, policy-based automation and API-driven networking, teams can now provision secure network connectivity on demand. For example, instead of submitting tickets for firewall changes or VLAN provisioning, developers can request these services through a self-service portal, with preapproved templates that fit governance policies.
This level of automation not only accelerates delivery but also reduces misconfiguration errors across hybrid and multicloud environments. Research shows that “by 2026, 30% of enterprises will automate more than half of their network activities,” according to a Gartner press release.

2. Use SecOps to Achieve a Security-by-Design Approach
Rather than apply security as a post-deployment layer, embed SecOps capabilities directly into the platform. Experts said this ensures that security controls are built into every step of the pipeline, including automated security scanning in continuous integration/continuous delivery workflows, role-based access controls and runtime policy enforcement.
Developers work within a framework that ensures all deployments meet enterprise security and compliance requirements by default. Abbott also noted that with a security-first design, there are fewer audit delays and less back-and-forth between development and security teams.
And since security breaches frequently occur along networking endpoints, Cisco has brought the two together with its new XDR Security and Network Operations Center, which integrates with Meraki MX appliances. The platform unifies security and networking operations under one roof for faster threat detection and greater visibility across the entire network.
“The SNOC brings these teams together. I can take Meraki networks flows, send them into XDR, and now I’m able to see the different types of security events in Meraki again. The network team sees this, and the security team can take action immediately,” said Dave Abbott, security engineering leader at Cisco.
This speed makes a difference, especially since it only takes an adversary “51 seconds from initial access to lateral movement,” to move deeper into the network, noted Todd Felker, executive healthcare strategist at CrowdStrike.
It also improves overall cyber resilience. A unified, role-based approach helps teams operate from a central command center and adapt to adversaries’ tactics in real time. Compare this with the fact that “55% of security teams say critical alerts are missed,” due to managing more than 76 disparate security tools that lack context and direction, according to a Cisco infographic.
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3. AI-Driven Operations (AIOps) Keep Teams Productive
As platforms scale, traditional monitoring and incident management tools can’t keep up with the volume, velocity and variety of telemetry data. That’s where AIOps comes in. By integrating AIOps, organizations gain real-time intelligence into system behavior.
“So many customers tell us, I’m not sure that I need hyperconverged in order to achieve the automated and orchestrated environment,” said Ryan Shullaw, vice president of Americas presales at Dell Technologies. But often, he said, that convergence is useful. “AI has fundamentally changed where my data lives and how close I want those applications to be to that data.”
In the case of the AIOps, having data close to operational systems means that insights can be implemented that much faster.  Platform-native observability feeds these artificial intelligence and machine learning models with logs, metrics and traces so that they can detect anomalies, predict outages and automate remediation. For example, if an application experiences performance degradation, AIOps can trigger autoscaling, rollbacks or network rerouting before end users even notice.
This automation reduces mean time to resolution, increases uptime and frees up IT teams to focus on strategic initiatives.
Combining NetOps, SecOps and AIOps successfully requires that businesses consider how the people, process and technology will work together. Make sure that any unified platform works with your team and organizational structure.
To begin that process, Abbott said, decision-makers must evaluate how and why their NetOps and SecOps teams operate currently. Ask what needs to change for them to collaborate more closely. What infrastructure and cloud security tools work for convergence? And consider when NetOps and SecOps must be triaged for certain incidents.
Follow our live news coverage of the CDW Executive SummIT here, on the social platform X at @BizTechMagazine and by using the hashtag #CDWExecutiveSummIT.