36 01732 759725 TECHDIGEST European cloud leader OVHcloud is taking its next step in the creation of a European quantum ecosystem with the launch of the first European QaaS (Quantum-as-a-Service) solution providing on-demand access to real quantum computers in the cloud. OVHcloud laid the groundwork for its QaaS solution in 2022 when it launched its first quantum emulator, now one of nine running on its infrastructure that nearly 1,000 users have used to try out different quantum computing models. Its new Quantum Platform will give customers access to real quantum computers, starting with the Pasqal Orion Beta QPU (available now), with a further eight QPUs, including seven from European suppliers, due to be integrated by the end of 2027. Fanny Bouton, Quantum Lead at OVHcloud, said: “This launch gives us the means to offer our customers the most advanced technologies, while continuing to develop a European quantum cloud. Today, at OVHcloud, we are at the forefront of quantum computing and want to provide our customers with the means to iterate, test and learn, so that we can all be ready to embrace quantum together.” www.ovhcloud.com … CrowdStrike has extended its Falcon platform with general availability of Falcon AI Detection and Response (AIDR) for securing the AI prompt and agent interaction layer (where AI systems reason, decide and take action). In addressing this fast growing attack surface targeted by adversaries looking to hijack agents, manipulate outcomes and access sensitive data, CrowdStrike has become the first unified platform to secure every layer of enterprise AI – data, models, agents, identities, infrastructure and interactions – across development workflows and workforce AI usage. Michael Sentonas, President of CrowdStrike, said: “Adversaries are injecting hidden instructions into GenAI tools to weaponise the very systems transforming how work gets done. Falcon AIDR secures every prompt, response and agent action in real time, extending the power of the Falcon platform to the interaction layer and delivering complete protection across our customers’ AI infrastructure.” www.crowdstrike.com … Thinventory, a global provider of business-toengineer (B2E) field inventory networks, has launched a new pick-up and drop-off (PUDO) service to complement its existing smart box network. PUDO+ extends Thinventory’s network of more than 1,500 locker locations with manned handover points. This gives customers the option to blend collection points based on stock type (e.g. oversized parts that may not fit in standard lockers), engineer requirements or project needs. PUDO+ is available with the full suite of Thinventory services including end-to-end parts tracking, the Thinventory Mobile app and a range of solutions designed to tackle supply chain challenges. https://thinventory.com … Fujifilm is addressing the growing need for reliable data protection amid escalating cyber threats by increasing the capacity of its LTO magnetic tape storage by one third. With 30% longer tape, thanks to the use of thinner tape, the Fujifilm LTO Ultrium 10 (40TB) Data Cartridge has a maximum recording capacity of 40 TB per cartridge (100 TB compressed), 33% more than the FUJIFILM LTO Ultrium 10 (30TB) Data Cartridge launched in June 2025. Fujifilm says data centres and major IT companies still trust magnetic tape for the secure and cost-effective storage of large amounts of data due to its stable read/write performance and ability to be physically isolated from networks, which reduces the risk of data loss from cyber-attacks. In 2024 LTO tape shipments grew by 15% to a record 176.5 exabytes. www.fujifilm.com Qlik, a leader in data integration, data quality, analytics and artificial intelligence, has launched a no-code portal developed by UK-based ISV Partner Catalyst Cloud that turns complex data into personalised, role-based dashboards offering every employee instant access to the insights they need to do their job. Sitting on top of Qlik Cloud Analytics, Fusion Portal provides a new way for Qlik partners to increase adoption, expand use cases and deliver greater value across customer accounts. Marcus Adams, Managing Director at Catalyst Cloud, said: “We are simplifying analytics for everyone within a business, and making it truly work for whatever role they are doing. With Fusion Portal, everyone can get insights from Qlik without having to be a data analyst. We know many people don’t have the time in their job – from being a nurse to a manufacturing expert – to also be a data analyst. With Fusion Portal, they don’t have to be. They can access a webpage that gives them all the information they need to do their job that day and make the right decisions.” www.qlik.com … With IT budgets under pressure and sustainability goals rising to the top of corporate agendas, Lenovo has added Lenovo Certified Refurbishment Services to its EMEA portfolio of IT sustainability and lifecycle solutions. The services enable organisations to refurbish, upgrade (e.g. with additional RAM) and redeploy existing Lenovo devices internally to save money, maximise their IT budgets and reduce e-waste. They are offered in a choice of three options: light refresh, replacement of minor parts and full refurbishment. www.lenovo.com … Goldilock Secure, the NATO-backed cyber security firm behind the FireBreak physical connectivity controller, is advancing its mission to bring simple and instant, on-demand network connection/ disconnection and segmentation to all sectors by launching a new Global Partner Programme. Rise AV extends AV mentoring programme Following the success of its 2025 Mentoring initiative in the UK, Rise AV, the advocacy organisation promoting gender diversity and professional development in the AV, Live and Production Technology sectors, is extending its six-month programme of structured mentorship and professional development to Singapore and Hong Kong. Designed for women in any AV-related role at all career stages, both the UK and APAC programmes will run concurrently from May 2026, giving participants free one-to-one mentorship, networking opportunities, training and the support of the Rise AV community. Rachael Hamilton, Managing Director of Rise AV, said: “The 2025 Mentoring Programme has already shown how mentorship transforms careers, empowers mentees and gives mentors the chance to grow and reflect. The interest from APAC proves the industry is listening, and with the incredible talent on our Global Leadership Team and Regional Committees, Rise AV is set to be a real force. But we need sponsors to help even more women access these opportunities and build the next generation of AV leaders.” Sponsors to date include: Global Headline sponsor – QSC; Gold sponsors – Audiologic, Diversified, Midwich, Sennheiser; Silver sponsors – Aura, AV User Group, Shure, Epson, iiyama, Roe Visual, Yorktel, Northamber; and Bronze Sponsors – Faye Bennett Consultancy Services, LTSMG, Unicol, Nuvias UC, Uniguest, Peerless AV, Project AV, Hewshott, Exertis, Kinly, proAV and Woop Jobs!. The deadline for applications for the 2026 programme is January 31, 2026. www.rise-av.com
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