Don’t forget IBM in the AI world. IBM has launched the third generation of its Granite large language models to enhance enterprise AI capabilities. With a significant $2 billion in business related to generative AI, IBM’s new models include options with 2 billion and 8 billion parameters and advanced Mixture-of-Experts models. The models, trained on 12 trillion data tokens, are designed for various enterprise applications such as customer service and cybersecurity. Importantly, these models are released under the Apache 2.0 open-source license, offering flexibility for enterprise partners.
Nvidia has unveiled its new AI model, Llama-3.1-Nemotron-70B-Instruct, which reportedly outperforms competitors like OpenAI’s GPT-4 and Anthropic’s Claude 3.5 Sonnet. The model achieved impressive scores, including 85.0 on the Arena Hard benchmark and 57.6 on AlpacaEval 2 LC, showcasing its advanced language understanding capabilities. The company emphasizes the model’s ability to handle complex queries without additional prompting, aiming to provide businesses with a robust and cost-efficient AI solution. However, Nvidia has cautioned that the model may not be suitable for specialized domains such as mathematics or legal reasoning.
Intel has launched the AI PC SMB App Pack, a new software suite to empower small- and medium-sized businesses to leverage artificial intelligence for improved operations. This package, which will be bundled with Intel-powered PCs globally, includes applications like Generate by Iterate.AI for on-device AI processing, Laplink PC Mover Business for easier PC migrations, and CrowdStrike Falcon Go for enhanced cybersecurity.
Dropbox has launched Dash for Business, an AI-driven universal search tool aimed at helping teams efficiently manage and secure content across various applications. Designed to address the challenges of information fragmentation, Dash allows users to search through multiple disconnected apps, including Google Drive and OneDrive, all from one interface. Key features include universal search capabilities, advanced content access control, and the “Answers” function for generating insights.
LevelBlue, a managed cybersecurity company spun out from AT&T, has announced four new security services for managed security service providers and managed service providers, set to launch in the first quarter of 2025. These services include Managed Threat Detection and Response, Incident Response Retainer, Managed Vulnerability, and Managed Endpoint Security, all integrated with LevelBlue’s USM Anywhere platform.
Rubrik has launched its Data Security Posture Management for Microsoft 365 Copilot, aimed at enhancing the security of sensitive data within the Microsoft 365 environment. This tool helps organizations manage access controls, identifying and preventing potential data exposure due to misconfigurations. The service is now generally available, allowing businesses to prepare their Microsoft 365 setup for secure Copilot use, and aims to reduce excessive permissions and fix data sensitivity label issues.
Logicalis has launched its Sustainable IT solutions blueprint, which aims to help customers enhance their sustainability efforts. Initially rolled out in the UK and Ireland, the initiative focuses on reducing carbon emissions through five key components, including sustainability maturity assessments and smart building solutions.
Why do we care?
This release marks a significant shift for Nvidia, traditionally known for its GPU hardware, as it ventures into sophisticated AI software development. IBM too in the model game – these are big enough players to consider them important.
The consistent thread is AI’s integration into enterprise workflows and security, offering new service models for MSPs. There’s a strong case for focusing on solutions that blend AI innovation with practical, deployable tools for businesses of all sizes.