AI Adoption Challenges, Cybersec Funding, Overtime Rules, Net Neutrality, Apple Vision Pro Sales

[00:00:02] [SPEAKER_00]: It's Wednesday, July 17th, 2024, and I'm Dave Solbel, three things to note today.

[00:00:07] [SPEAKER_00]: Only 17% of businesses are making enterprise-wide AI plans.

[00:00:12] [SPEAKER_00]: Small businesses must comply with new over-time pay thresholds by 2025, and the Apple Vision Pro Sales flop.

[00:00:20] [SPEAKER_00]: The future hinges on a more affordable model release by 2025.

[00:00:25] [SPEAKER_00]: This is the Business of Tech.

[00:00:28] [SPEAKER_00]: According to a Tata Consultancy Services study, businesses are eager to incorporate artificial

[00:00:34] [SPEAKER_00]: intelligence but need help to assess its impact.

[00:00:37] [SPEAKER_00]: Many companies are unsure how to revamp their operating models and measure the success of AI implementations.

[00:00:44] [SPEAKER_00]: The lack of standardized assessment metrics is a challenge and companies risk losing their budget if they cannot demonstrate the effectiveness of AI investments.

[00:00:52] [SPEAKER_00]: While businesses recognize the need to adopt AI, only 17% are actively discussing and making enterprise-wide plans for its implementation.

[00:01:02] [SPEAKER_00]: The study also highlights the growing market potential for AI with the generative AI industry projected to reach $1.3 trillion in revenue by 2032.

[00:01:12] [SPEAKER_00]: Companies are exploring options to mitigate costs such as building their models or seeking assistance from external vendors.

[00:01:19] [SPEAKER_00]: The report emphasizes the emergence of AI focused startups and the significant private investment in the field.

[00:01:27] [SPEAKER_00]: Why do we care?

[00:01:29] [SPEAKER_00]: Well, let's balance this with the skepticism of banks I reported on earlier in the week.

[00:01:33] [SPEAKER_00]: The disparity between AI adoption, eagerness, and actual implementation plans signifies a need for more robust strategic frameworks.

[00:01:42] [SPEAKER_00]: Companies must prioritize not just recognizing the importance but also developing comprehensive strategies to integrate AI effectively.

[00:01:51] [SPEAKER_00]: Early adopters with clear strategic plans and effective assessment measures will likely gain a competitive edge.

[00:01:58] [SPEAKER_00]: These companies can better optimize AI investments, streamline operations, and achieve that higher ROI.

[00:02:04] [SPEAKER_00]: And this is why the current value is about helping customers with planning, even if that isn't implementation yet.

[00:02:14] [SPEAKER_00]: Well, there's many breaches and security concerns as I report in this show.

[00:02:18] [SPEAKER_00]: It should be obvious that cybersecurity is not just about technology but also the human expertise needed to interpret and respond to complex threats.

[00:02:27] [SPEAKER_00]: Huntress is focused on elevating SMBs and MSPs around the world. Huntress has a suite of fully managed cybersecurity solutions powered by a 24x7 human-led sock dedicated to continuous monitoring, expert investigation, and rapid response.

[00:02:44] [SPEAKER_00]: And the proof is the execution. Huntress is the number one rated EDR 4F SMBs on G2.

[00:02:53] [SPEAKER_00]: Want to know more about the platform? Visit huntress.com slash MSP radio to learn more.

[00:03:02] [SPEAKER_00]: The White House is urging federal agencies to request more funding to enhance the nation cybersecurity defenses.

[00:03:08] [SPEAKER_00]: The memo from the Office of Management and Budget and the National Cyber Director directs agencies to align their budget requests with the Biden administration's national cybersecurity and implementation plan.

[00:03:20] [SPEAKER_00]: The White House is also pushing to adopt the Fully mature zero-trust architectures and develop minimum cybersecurity requirements for critical infrastructure sectors.

[00:03:28] [SPEAKER_00]: Additionally, federal agencies are called upon to address the cyber workforce issue by adopting skills-based best practices and removing four year college degrees as minimum requirements.

[00:03:42] [SPEAKER_00]: The U.S. Department of Labor has updated over time rules impacting small businesses with salary to employees.

[00:03:48] [SPEAKER_00]: Under the new rules, salary workers earning less than $844 per week and $43,888 annually are eligible for overtime pay.

[00:03:59] [SPEAKER_00]: The rates will increase to $1,128 per week and $58,656 per year by January 1st, 2025.

[00:04:10] [SPEAKER_00]: Small businesses must update their scheduling and payroll practices to comply with these regulations.

[00:04:17] [SPEAKER_00]: Out of federal appeals, court has temporarily halted the reinstatement of net neutrality rules until August 5 while considering whether or more permanent action is justified.

[00:04:27] [SPEAKER_00]: The setback comes after the FCC attempts to reclassify ISPs under Title II of the Communications Act.

[00:04:35] [SPEAKER_00]: The Court's ruling is influenced by a recent Supreme Court decision to strike down Shephron Dafferance, may weaken the FCC's position.

[00:04:42] [SPEAKER_00]: The court has requested additional briefs regarding the application of national cable

[00:04:46] [SPEAKER_00]: and telecommunications association versus brand X Internet services to this lawsuit.

[00:04:53] [SPEAKER_00]: And Microsoft has settled with a cloud infrastructure services provider in Europe over

[00:04:57] [SPEAKER_00]: anti-trust complaints.

[00:04:59] [SPEAKER_00]: The agreement includes changes to address their concerns, such as releasing an enhanced version

[00:05:04] [SPEAKER_00]: of Azure Stack HCI for European Cloud providers.

[00:05:07] [SPEAKER_00]: However, the settlement excludes major cloud providers like AWS, Google and Ali Baba.

[00:05:14] [SPEAKER_00]: AWS criticized the deal, stating that Microsoft can make it software more readily available

[00:05:19] [SPEAKER_00]: to rival cloud providers.

[00:05:21] [SPEAKER_00]: Some see the settlement as a way for Microsoft to avoid regulatory scrutiny without addressing

[00:05:25] [SPEAKER_00]: the underlying anti-competitive processes.

[00:05:29] [SPEAKER_00]: A recent poll by the artificial intelligence policy institute found that American voters

[00:05:34] [SPEAKER_00]: prefer a careful and controlled approach to AI development, prioritizing regulation

[00:05:39] [SPEAKER_00]: and security measures over being the first country to develop powerful AI.

[00:05:44] [SPEAKER_00]: The poll also revealed that a majority of voters believe the US should use its position

[00:05:48] [SPEAKER_00]: in the AI race to enforce safety restrictions and testing requirements on other countries.

[00:05:55] [SPEAKER_00]: This comes as federal regulatory efforts remain stalled and state by state regulation takes

[00:06:00] [SPEAKER_00]: precedence.

[00:06:01] [SPEAKER_00]: Why do we care?

[00:06:03] [SPEAKER_00]: Well, for some small businesses, potentially some IT services companies, there are new

[00:06:08] [SPEAKER_00]: over time rules.

[00:06:09] [SPEAKER_00]: Be aware.

[00:06:10] [SPEAKER_00]: I wanted to highlight the feeling of American voters here, a desire to have regulation.

[00:06:15] [SPEAKER_00]: It's worth noting.

[00:06:16] [SPEAKER_00]: Voters also support using the US's position to enforce safety restrictions globally.

[00:06:22] [SPEAKER_00]: Well, lean into your customer sentiment and help them with their own guidance.

[00:06:28] [SPEAKER_00]: Well, let's revisit the Apple Vision Pro.

[00:06:31] [SPEAKER_00]: Shall we?

[00:06:32] [SPEAKER_00]: Mark and analysts at IDC predict that sales for Apple's vision pro headset will remain

[00:06:37] [SPEAKER_00]: low in the US, dropping off by 75% by the end of August 2024.

[00:06:43] [SPEAKER_00]: The headset has yet to sell 100,000 units, an Apple reportedly cut its sales expectations.

[00:06:50] [SPEAKER_00]: An Apple has suspended work on its next high-end vision headset and is focusing on releasing

[00:06:55] [SPEAKER_00]: a more affordable model with fewer features before the end of 2025.

[00:07:01] [SPEAKER_00]: Apple had initially planned to release two models, similar to the standard and pro versions

[00:07:06] [SPEAKER_00]: of the iPhone.

[00:07:08] [SPEAKER_00]: And one use case that's been a success is that the Apple Vision Pro is a powerful tool

[00:07:13] [SPEAKER_00]: for disabled users, providing accessibility features that enhance their ability to work,

[00:07:18] [SPEAKER_00]: communicate and enjoy entertainment.

[00:07:20] [SPEAKER_00]: Users with physical disabilities, visual impairments, and cognitive challenges, in benefit

[00:07:25] [SPEAKER_00]: from features like sticky keys, eye tracking and immersive experiences.

[00:07:30] [SPEAKER_00]: If you want more, check out the article in New York Magazine.

[00:07:34] [SPEAKER_00]: Now why do we care?

[00:07:36] [SPEAKER_00]: I had earlier stated that 500,000 units would be a success.

[00:07:39] [SPEAKER_00]: Well, that will not happen by a lot.

[00:07:42] [SPEAKER_00]: A failed product launch or an early developer kit?

[00:07:46] [SPEAKER_00]: Well, the answer is yes.

[00:07:48] [SPEAKER_00]: It's worth keeping an eye on, but there's nothing here to see for 2024.

[00:07:53] [SPEAKER_00]: And now we know.

[00:07:56] [SPEAKER_00]: Looking to reach an audience of thousands of MSPs and IT service providers,

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[00:08:29] [SPEAKER_00]: There's information at MSPradio.com slash engage, including a button to book a time to talk.

[00:08:37] [SPEAKER_00]: I'm looking forward to that discussion.

[00:08:41] [SPEAKER_00]: Thanks for listening.

[00:08:42] [SPEAKER_00]: It's National Huckdog Day.

[00:08:44] [SPEAKER_00]: That one really should be July 4th.

[00:08:47] [SPEAKER_00]: It's also National Peach Ice Cream Day, so perhaps dinner is covered.

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[00:08:55] [SPEAKER_00]: at questionedmspradio.com.

[00:08:58] [SPEAKER_00]: The next week of the live show, you tweak on Wednesdays, YouTube and LinkedIn, 3pm Eastern.

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[00:09:11] [SPEAKER_00]: I'll talk to you again tomorrow.

[00:09:14] [SPEAKER_00]: The Business of Tech is written and produced by me Dave Solbel under Ethics guidelines,

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[00:09:51] [SPEAKER_00]: Once again, thanks for listening to me.

[00:09:54] [SPEAKER_00]: I'll talk to you again on our next episode of the Business of Tech.