Fingers crossed for an early summer release.All eyes are on Nintendo's 2nd April Direct for more official news of Switch 2, but until then, the rumour mill is working overtime to gather as much information as it can about the upcoming console launch.The latest chatter comes from Famiiboards member LiC (also shared to the GamingLeaksAndRumours Reddit), and it's all to do with a series of North American shipments believed to be carrying a boatload of Switch 2 units. Get your pinches of salt at the ready, folks (thanks for the heads up, wccftech).Read the full article on nintendolife.com

Kerry Washington is expanding her angel investment portfolio, serving as lead investor in the pre-seed round of the wedding marketplace Cheersy.Cheersy, which was founded in 2024 by Amy Shack Egan, helps couples find day-of service wedding coordinators and has raised a total of $550,000, from other investors including Christina Tosi, the founder of Milk Bar; Jennifer Gilbert, founder of Save the Date; and Joanna Rosholm, the former press secretary to First Lady Michelle Obama.Washington did not immediately respond to our request for comment. Shack Egan said she met Washington through the actors director of social impact. They both attended a dinner party in Los Angeles where Shack Egan struck up a conversation. By the end of the dinner, the director of social impact offered an introduction to Washington as a possible angel investor. Washington has been making a name for herself as an angel investor alongside other Hollywood titans edging their way into the world of startups.Lensy MichelleImage Credits:Amy Shack EganShes an investor in the social website Spill, a Black-owned alternative to X. Shes also backed the eating disorder treatment startup Equip and, according to Pitchbook, has cut checks into the charity fundraising platform Omaze, the healthcare company Solv, and was once an investor in The Wing.The dinner was a few days after I was supposed to fly home, but I knew I needed to be in that room of power players, Shack Egan told TechCrunch. I extended my trip and went to the dinner.From there, Shack Egan dealt with the rest of the fundraising market, an experience she called challenging. I didnt know what I didnt know. I said yes to everything. Jumped on a flight. Got strung along, told no, and put my foot in my mouth more times than I can count, she said.This is Shack Egans second business. She also founded wedding planning business, Modern Rebel, launched in 2015. She founded Cheersy because Modern Rebel was getting so many requests for day-of wedding coordination, meaning having someone make sure that the wedding is running smoothly the day it happens.Day-of coordination is the most booked wedding planning service, and so I responded to requests for this service we didnt offer with handpicked recommendations, she said, adding that she then realized that her offering recommendations could simply be built into a marketplace business. The result of that was Cheersy, which, she says, has a similar model to AirbnbCouples look for vetted matches that fit their budget, vision and vibe, searching by date, price, and specialty. Then, the two parties can book a call and, if everything is a fit, the couple can book the talent.Shack Egan considered her small business background a strength, but said it was not the easiest pill to swallow for investors who were looking for Big Tech companies on her resume.The fundraising journey can be so lonely and a real knock on your mental health, she continued.She joined the Power to Pitch program, which helped connect her with more people in the startup world. The company will use this fresh capital to enhance the features on the booking platform, and make some hires, such as a user experience designer. Shack Egan also wants to up the marketing budget a bit and bring in a community manager as the company seeks to expand into six new cities in the upcoming months. Its currently offered in New York City and Hudson Valley.I started in this industry in 2015 as an event freelancer, Shack Egan said. I know the pain points of this job personally. I love the idea that were making the experience of being someone that works in the wedding industry, in such a tough and often, thankless job more supported and more fun.

In BriefPosted:3:59 AM PDT March 14, 2025Image Credits:AppleUKs secret iCloud backdoor order triggers civil rights challengeThe U.K. governments secret order to Apple demanding it backdoor the end-to-end encrypted version of its iCloud storage service has now been challenged by two civil rights groups, Liberty and Privacy International, which filed complaints Thursday. They called the order unacceptable and disproportionate and warned of global consequences as the access order is thought to extend to non-U.K. users too.The pair, along with two named individuals Privacy Internationals exec director Gus Hosein and the civil liberties advocate Ben Wizner have instructed law firm Leigh Day to challenge Home SecretaryYvette Coopers decision to serve Apple with a so-called Technical Capability Notice (TCN) under the Investigatory Powers Act (IPA). The existence of the secret order only emerged via press reports last month.Privacy International and Liberty fear this TCN, or similar TCNs in the future, could be used to undermine end-to-end encryption essential to the protection of privacy and free expression, they write in a press release. Apple has already filed a legal challenge to the TCN and its appeal is due to be heard by the Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT), the body that oversees complaints against U.K. intelligence agencies. Both civil rights groups, Hosein, and Wizner contend that they are direct victims of the governments TCN decision and are asked for their complaints to be joined to Apples.They are also calling for the case to be heard in public, rather than behind closed doors joining earlier calls from privacy rights groups. The IPT hearing is thought to be scheduled for today, Friday, March 14.Topics

Londons ExCeL center recently hosted Space-Comm Expo 2025, the UKs largest industry event for the space sector. More than 5,000 people attended the two-day trade show, which featured 200 exhibitors and over 120 speakers from the global space, aerospace, and defense industries.Now in its fifth year, the UK space expo was headlined by Virgin Galactic founder Sir Richard Branson and musician-turned-experimental physicist Professor Brian Cox. They discussed the vast potential of the space economy, projected to surpass $2 trillion by 2035.Cox expects technological development to accelerate, leading to commercial space stations and human bases on the moon within the next 15 years. Branson shared his ambition to take 750 people to space annually by 2027. The British billionaire believes Virgin Galactics new Delta spaceship will eventually be able to fly twice a week. He also outlined Virgins optimistic goal to produce a new spaceship every six weeks.Space-Comm 2025 exhibitors dedicated primarily to 3D printing included US-based OEM Markforged, Windform composite developer CRP Technology, and on-demand manufacturing provider Protolabs. Digital design and simulation software developers, including Dassault Systmes, Siemens Digital Industries Software, and COMSOL, were also in attendance.Elsewhere, many companies on the show floor actively leverage 3D printing for prototyping and end-use production. I caught up with Scottish private rocket manufacturer Skyrora to learn about their 3D printed 70kN rocket engine. Similarly, UK-based aerospace firm Orbex 3D prints rockets in Copenhagen. The company is currently developing the Prime two-stage launch vehicle, and plans to propel satellites into orbit from the SaxaVord Spaceport and its proposed Sutherland Spaceport in northern Scotland. I also spoke with the Founders of UK startup Initium Aerospace about their combustion-free space rocket enabled by additive manufacturing.ExCel London hosted Space-Comm Expo 2025. Photo by 3D Printing Industry.Brian Cox and Richard Branson on the $2TN space opportunity In his opening address at Space-Comm 2025, Cox discussed the future of space exploration and the economic and scientific opportunities it presents.In particular, Cox highlighted the untapped potential of asteroid mining. The celebrity scientists pointed to a photograph of Ceres, the largest object in the asteroid belt between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. Cox called the dwarf planet both scientifically interesting and exciting from a resource perspective because of the vast reserves of water beneath its surface.According to Cox, Ceres may contain more liquid water than Earth. Ceres shows us the opportunities, he continued, highlighting the substantial deposits of platinum, iron, and other precious metals on similar celestial bodies.He also highlighted what he believes to be the often-overlooked value of knowledge in space exploration, particularly in fundamental physics. He discussed how Albert Einsteins century-old prediction of black holes, modeled on his theory of general relativity, has been visually confirmed by the Event Horizon Telescope.The University of Manchester professor added that research into black holes has helped advance quantum sensors and quantum computing technology, fields now key to economic growth. Cox believes this exemplifies the serendipitous link between scientific curiosity and technological progress.Theres an intimate link between the knowledge that we have generated invested in these things in the sky, and the direct engineering challenge, explained the former Dare and D:Ream keyboardist. Quantum computing, astrophysics, fundamental theoretical physics and space exploration join together in a way that would have been unforeseen, probably even 10 or 15 years ago.Brian Cox speaking at Space-Comm Expo 2025. Photo by 3D Printing Industry.Branson joined Space-Comm 2025 via video link from Necker Island. He believes the recent actions by US President Donald Trump will create unity in Europe, driving new levels of European space innovation. The business magnate called space tech vital in the war between Ukraine and Russia. We can no longer rely on the Americans, Branson explained. Europe must act on its own and work as one to replace everything and anything that America has been doing.Looking ahead, the Time 100 Most Influential People in the World alumni highlighted the development of Virgin Galactics new Delta Spaceship. Having started subsystem testing last May, Branson is confident Delta will drastically increase the number of commercial spaceflights.While only about 700 people have been to space to-date, Branson hopes his commercial space ships will eventually take 750 people a year. Virgins previous vehicles required up to two months of checks and repairs between flights, limiting their annual capacity. Branson hopes his new Delta systems will be able to fly twice a week and set out the ambitious goal of eventually producing a new ship every six weeks.Bransons company has not revealed whether it uses 3D printing, but the time savings from additive manufacturing could help it reach his ambitious production targets.Richard Branson speaking with Brian Cox at Space-Comm Expo 2025. Photo by 3D Printing Industry.3D printing space rockets3D printing allows for more complex designs, reduced material usage, and shorter lead times than conventional manufacturing. As a result, several Space-Comm 2025 exhibitors use additive manufacturing to produce rocket engines.Skyrora is well known for its 3D printed 70kN rocket engine. The companys large-scale Skyprint 2 Directed Energy Deposition (DED) 3D printers reportedly cut production times by 66%, unlocking 20% cost savings.At Space-Comm 2025, Derek Harris, Skyroras Head of Business Development, explained that 70% to 80% of the 70kN is 3D printed in-house, including the chambers and gas generators. Additive manufacturing allows the company to achieve otherwise impossible geometries while reducing the number of parts. According to Harris, this significantly streamlines the inspection and non-destructive assessment stages that follow engine tests.In 2023, Skyrora began full-duration testing to qualify its updated 70kN engine design. The company now only has to complete two more tests to achieve ESA qualification. Following this, the space manufacturer is targeting a major first-stage engine testing program. Harris explained that the company has 3D printed six of the nine main first-stage engines. He expects the remaining three will be ready by July 2025, before first-stage testing begins in October. Its certainly going to be a sight to see, added Harris.The Skyrora 70 kN rocket engine. Photo via SkyroraInitium Aerospace is another UK company 3D printing rocket engines. Officially incorporated last year, the graduate and student-led space startup boasts one of the youngest teams in the industry. Its Co-founders, Daniel Choupak and Conrad Elbouridi Scheibye, are just 16 years old.The company is currently developing the Initium I, a two-stage launch vehicle for nano and micro-scale satellites. Powered by bipropellant liquid fuel, the rocket utilizes a hydrogen peroxide turbopump, removing the need for internal combustion. This lowers internal heat stress and removes soot buildup for easier re-usability.Choupak told me they use metal 3D printing for the rockets nozzle and impeller components. There are very small cooling channels inside the nozzle, given that it is a very small system, explained the co-founder. This is pretty difficult to machine in any other way. He stated that CNC machining the impeller would require a lot of material, while additive manufacturing significantly reduces those requirements.Generally speaking, for any satellite between 50 to 200 kilos, we are the best option, added Choupak. We have the benefits of pricing and mission versatility without any of the wait times.On the show floor at Space-Comm Expo 2025. Photo by 3D Printing Industry.Digital design and simulation for space applicationsDigital design, modelling, and simulation are key stages in the process chain when manufacturing space-ready parts. They enable engineers to assess a parts performance before it is 3D printed, saving time and material. Simulation also facilitates digital troubleshooting, allowing designers to optimize part performance.Stockholm-based COMSOL is active in this area, offering mathematical modeling and simulation software. During Space-Comm, the companys Technical Manager, Nathaniel Davies, explained how these digital capabilities optimize space manufacturing.COMSOL can be used to build digital models, including computational models, of real-world devices. This allows users to gain insights that are either impossible to achieve in the physical world, or would be inhibitingly expensive to do manually. According to Davies, these capabilities unlock improved knowledge, better products, faster time to market, optimized production methods, and fewer prototypes.COMSOLs computational software can also simulate complex, interconnected physical phenomena, known as multiphysics. Essentially, it brings you a software that can simulate all of these different disciplines, structural mechanics, thermal modeling, electromagnetism, chemistry, you name it, explained Davies. This allows the impact of different physical inputs to be simulated on digital models, ensuring they perform as intended.The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry has used COMSOL software to prevent deformations in metal 3D printed components. The UK research organization developed an app using COMSOL Multiphysics, integrating a CAD import feature. This tool helps designers predict stresses and deformation during 3D printing, giving them a clear understanding of how thermal cycling will distort the final part. With this insight, they can adjust designs to minimize defects.Optimization of an impeller component using the MTCs COMSOL Multiphysics app. Image via The Manufacturing Technology CentreSpace-COMM Expo 2025 also saw Airbus Defence and Spaces Head of Digital Mock Up Process and Implementation, Roy Haworth, and Scott Higgs, Dassault Systmes UK Space Lead, discuss digital complexity.Higgs explained that Dassault works extensively with the UK aerospace multinational as digital engineering partner. This collaboration spans over thirty years, and has seen Airbus adopt the French software developers 3DEXPERIENCE platform to join together the disparate systems we have used in the past. The leading airplane maker used 3DX to create a digital thread that manages the companys entire product development cycle from design to production. This increased manufacturing efficiency, overcoming historical data handoff and manual transformation challenges.Haworth also explained how Airbus is leveraging additive manufacturing, highlighting its value for mass optimization and design efficiency. In space, additive manufacturing has got very subtle possibilities, explained the former Royal Navy engineer. While the company doesnt use 3D printing for serial production, it is valuable for small-batch manufacturing where design efficiency matters.He pointed to performance advantages for space, aerospace, and defense applications. For example, Haworth explained, you can 3D print filters exactly as you want them to perform, eliminating the need for lengthy tuning and testing processes. In particular, he identified satellites as increasingly incorporating 3D printed components.Additive manufacturing also plays a key role in rapid prototyping at Airbus, helping simulate spacecraft components before they arrive. Theres many different uses, and theres no single killer business case, added Haworth. Its about understanding what the capabilities are, and then delivering it.Roy Haworth (left) and Scott Higgs (right) in discussion at Space-Comm Expo 2025. Photo by 3D Printing Industry.Who won the 2024 3D Printing Industry Awards?Subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter to keep up with the latest 3D printing news.You can also follow us on LinkedIn, and subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry Youtube channel to access more exclusive content.Featured image shows Brian Cox speaking at Space-Comm Expo 2025. Photo by 3D Printing Industry.

Direct-to-consumer (DTC) 3D printing furniture startup Model No. has been acquired by Ohio-based 3D printing company IC3D.The sale comes as Model No. faced challenges in scaling its operations, particularly the high costs of maintaining and upgrading its specialized 3D printing equipment. As part of the acquisition, CEO Phillip Raub will depart from the company, and none of Model No.s employees will be transitioning to IC3D.The Ohio-based company has acquired the brands equipment and intellectual property but will be moving forward without its original team. Although the financial details remain undisclosed, IC3Ds Founder Michael Cao said the goal is to stabilize the business and make it profitable.We were originally looking [to sell to a] large-scale commercial furniture company, Raub told Business of Home. But [IC3D] had the best vision and the resources to preserve Model No.The 3-Piece Platform sofa and ottoman in Smoke fabric by Model No. Image via Model No.Challenges faced by Model No.Established in 2018, Model No. was founded by Vani Khosla, Jeffrey McGrew, and Jillian Northrup with a vision of using large-scale 3D printers to turn agricultural waste into furniture. The companys approach received attention for its focus on sustainability and local production.Rather than manufacturing in a centralized location and relying on long-distance shipping, Model No. planned to establish smaller production facilities in major cities. The idea was to produce furniture close to where it would be used, reducing shipping costs and the need for large inventories.With that concept, Model No. secured venture funding and built a facility in the Bay Area, primarily serving corporate clients, real estate developers, and institutions. While the model had advantages, scaling the business proved difficult.Unlike traditional furniture manufacturing, where costs are tied to labor and materials, Model No.s biggest expense was its equipment. The machines were expensive to purchase, maintain, and modify. As investors weighed the amount of capital required for future growth, the financial outlook made it difficult to justify continued investment.On the contrary, IC3D does not rely on venture capital, which Cao believes gives it more flexibility to make the model work. He sees opportunities in niche markets such as large-scale commercial outdoor planters, where customization is common and international shipping costs are high. These products are expensive to store and transport, making local on-demand production a more practical alternative.Raub remains optimistic about the future of 3D printed furniture, though he acknowledges that the design industry has been slow to adopt it. He believes larger furniture brands are hesitant to move away from traditional production methods due to risk concerns. However, with growing interest in domestic manufacturing and sustainability, he expects 3D printing to gain more traction over time.This Adirondack and Solis Side Table were designed specifically for the needs of a client looking for outdoor furniture. Image via Model No.3D printing in furnitureAway from Model No., other companies have explored 3D printing in furniture production, applying the technology in different ways to improve efficiency and design flexibility.In 2021, 3D printer manufacturer Flashforge demonstrated how 3D printing can improve furniture design and production efficiency. Working with an undisclosed furniture manufacturer, the company helped integrate 3D printing into the prototyping process, cutting development time from up to ten days to just two or three.Costs dropped as a result, and keeping prototyping in-house provided better control over intellectual property. Flashforges Creator 4 3D printer played a key role in optimizing material use and reducing inefficiencies in production, particularly for plastic components used in outdoor furniture. Over 30 days of continuous printing, the manufacturer saw improvements in accuracy and design flexibility.Elsewhere, US-based experimental design studio Slicelab created the Delicate Density Table, a concrete furniture piece formed using a 3D printed mold. Weighing 86kg and measuring 1525 x 455 x 380mm, the table was designed to explore the structural limits of concrete while maintaining intricate aesthetics.To achieve this, the team used digital simulation and structural optimization to create a detailed yet structurally sound form. The mold was divided into 23 3D printed PLA components, allowing for efficient assembly and controlled surface texture. By filling the mold upside down, air bubbles were confined to the underside, leaving the top smooth. The final table was polished to a mirror-like finish using diamond pad wet sanding.What3D printing trendsshould you watch out for in 2025?How is thefuture of 3D printingshaping up?To stay up to date with the latest 3D printing news, dont forget to subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter or follow us on Twitter, or like our page on Facebook.While youre here, why not subscribe to our Youtube channel? Featuring discussion, debriefs, video shorts, and webinar replays.Featured image shows the 3-Piece Platform sofa and ottoman in Smoke fabric by Model No. Image via Model No.Ada ShaikhnagWith a background in journalism, Ada has a keen interest in frontier technology and its application in the wider world. Ada reports on aspects of 3D printing ranging from aerospace and automotive to medical and dental.

Tech Solar-powered roof wraps new mega-modern opera house Can this solar-powered opera house help environment, lower costs long term? Published March 14, 2025 8:00am EDT close Solar-powered roof wraps new mega-modern opera house Theater in Pritina is a modern symbol of national pride. In the heart of Pritina, the capital of Kosovo, a small country in Southeast Europe, an architectural and cultural revolution is underway.The Kosovo Opera and Ballet Theatre, recently unveiled, promises to become a landmark not just for the city but for the entire region.As the first opera house in Kosovo, this project represents a monumental step forward for a nation that has been steadily building its cultural identity since gaining independence in 2008.Combining cutting-edge technology, sustainable design and a deep connection to local traditions, the theater is poised to captivate audiences from around the world.STAY SAFE & IN THE KNOW AT NO COST! SUBSCRIBE TO KURTS THE CYBERGUY REPORT FOR FREE SECURITY ALERTS & TECH TIPS The Kosovo Opera and Ballet Theatre (Bjarke Ingels Group)A solar-powered symbol of traditionThe theaters most eye-catching feature is its flowing, undulating roof, which spans an impressive area and is entirely clad in solar panels. These photovoltaic panels are designed to generate renewable energy on-site, significantly reducing the buildings environmental impact while also lowering its operational costs.WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?The roofs design is more than just functional; it takes inspiration from the xhubleta, a traditional bell-shaped skirt worn by women in Kosovo. This cultural reference transforms the structure into a modern symbol of national pride while creating an exterior that is both elegant and dynamic. The roofs soft curves intuitively guide visitors toward key entrances and spaces, making navigation seamless and inviting from every angle. The Kosovo Opera and Ballet Theatre (Bjarke Ingels Group)Architecture that balances beauty and functionalityInside, the theater is designed to deliver an unparalleled experience for performers and audiences alike. The central foyer, illuminated by a massive skylight, serves as a welcoming hub that connects all four performance spaces. These include a 1,200-seat Concert Hall, a 1,000-seat Theatre Hall, a 300-seat Recital Hall and a flexible Theatre Room. Each space is crafted with meticulous attention to acoustics and sightlines to ensure every performance feels intimate and immersive.The interior design features curved wooden elements that not only add sculptural beauty but also enhance sound quality throughout the venue. The use of natural materials like timber creates a warm and cohesive atmosphere, while deep velvet upholstery and acoustic curtains add both comfort and functionality.GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE The Kosovo Opera and Ballet Theatre (Bjarke Ingels Group)Connecting culture with communityThe theater does not stand alone; it has been carefully integrated into its urban surroundings to serve as both a cultural hub and a public gathering space. Located near major landmarks like the Palace of Youth and Sports and Fadil Vokrri Stadium, the building sits at the heart of Pritinas emerging cultural district. A large public staircase connects the theater directly to Garibaldi Street, improving pedestrian access while creating an inviting plaza where locals and visitors can gather. The existing podium of the nearby Palace of Youth has been extended to merge with the theaters base, further enhancing connectivity and activating the area as a vibrant public space.The surrounding landscape has been thoughtfully designed to complement the buildings architecture while promoting biodiversity. Natural stone paving is interspersed with planted islands featuring beech trees and other vegetation native to the region. These green spaces provide shade during warmer months while adding seasonal variety to the environment. (Bjarke Ingels Group)A collaborative visionThe Kosovo Opera and Ballet Theatre is a collaborative effort between some of Europes most innovative designers.Bjarke Ingels Group, an internationally renowned architecture firm based in Denmark, partnered with ALB-Architect to bring this vision to life. Commissioned by Kosovos Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport, the project reflects a shared commitment to creating a space that meets both artistic and community needs. Bjarke Ingels himself described the theater as "an efficient factory for artistic performances," emphasizing its adaptability and functionality alongside its striking visual appeal. The Kosovo Opera and Ballet Theatre (Bjarke Ingels Group)Kurt's key takeawaysThe Kosovo Opera and Ballet Theatre is truly a remarkable blend of modern technology and sustainable practices, all while paying homage to local traditions. With its stunning solar-powered roof and inviting spaces designed for artistic excellence and community engagement, this theater is set to shine as a beacon of innovation in Southeast Europe and beyond. As Kosovo carves out its place on the international cultural map, this landmark is sure to play a vital role in shaping the future narrative of the nation.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPCould integrating solar technology into iconic buildings, like this opera house, change how we view renewable energy in the U.S., or is it just architectural eye candy? Let us know by writing us atCyberguy.com/Contact.For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading toCyberguy.com/Newsletter.Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you'd like us to cover.Follow Kurt on his social channels:Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions:New from Kurt:Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com.All rights reserved. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on "FOX & Friends." Got a tech question? Get Kurts free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Androm - stock.adobe.comOpinionWhere next for cloud market regulation in Europe? Competition in the cloud market is a hot topic, but are things heading in the right direction? ByNicky StewartPublished: 14 Mar 2025 A cloud market characterised by openness, interoperability, and fairness has to be the aspiration for Europe, but we are currently far from that.I fear policymakers may feel that efforts to tackle cloud switching through the Data Act and contestability in digital markets through the Digital Markets Act (DMA) may have already set us on a course to achieve this. This is a false sense of security, because the reality is that significant gaps remain.The Data Act tackles egress fees and some aspects of technical lock-in but it does not deal with unfair licensing practices, committed spend agreements, or cloud credits which limit choice and ultimately innovation.The issue of unfair licensing practices concerns the actions of certain software companies who charge customers more for using competitors clouds to host their software, and is under investigation by competition authorities across Europe.Committed spend agreements are often touted, particularly in the public sector, as being great value for customers, despite the fact many find themselves having to commit in advance to growing their cloud footprint with that provider to maintain their discounts.This has implications where the risk of lock-in is concerned, and the same is true of firms who offer free cloud credits to give customers a taste of what their platforms can do.For any cloud user wishing to pursue a multi-cloud approach to sourcing services, the Data Act will not help to unpick the web of complexity and cost that unfair licensing practices impose on them.Similarly, the DMA is a tool that would seem to be inappropriate to deal with any of the same issues.The DMA is designed to tackle gatekeepers intermediating between business users and consumers. Cloud is not a market of this type and even if it were the obligations that the DMA might place on any cloud gatekeeper would not tackle any of the unfair practices that members of the Open Cloud Coalition experience.Finally, public procurement, where smaller players struggle to penetrate a system that is stacked in favour of incumbents and those companies with the resources to absorb the bureaucracy and assurance needed to be competitive, is not addressed either by any recent efforts by European policymakers to deal with the cloud market.There are opportunities on the horizon to deal with these issues: upcoming reform of public procurement rules and a mooted AI & Cloud Development Act, which Mario Draghi at least believed should level the playing field.These could be vehicles to improve the situation. Rather than attempt to frame new ex-ante rules or reopen the DMA, the quickest route to deal with the major anti-competitive practices in the market today is antitrust enforcement.The European Commissions Directorate General for Competition and National Competition Authorities have been looking at the cloud market for some time and we think that decisive action is much needed.Thankfully it seems that some in the European Parliament understand this with proposed amendments to its competition report acknowledging the urgency of addressing anti-competitive practices, such as unfair licensing practices, and urging competition authorities to take swift action.In the wake of the Paris AI Action Summit, the Commission has talked a lot about Europe grasping the AI opportunity, but it will fail unless it has a healthy and fair market for cloud services to underpin it.The UKs Competition and Markets Authority watchdog does seem to be making progress in tackling some of these issues, but Europe needs to make sure that its own house is in order or it will be left behind.There is much to do but much that can be achieved, if there is the political will to do so and a focus on the issues that really matter.In The Current Issue:Digital twins map the world and guide strategic decisionsLiverpool reinvents customer service through digital platformDownload Current IssueThe pros and cons of enterprise refurbished tech use Green TechSLM series - Cloudinary: The role of SLMs in visual media CW Developer NetworkView All Blogs

Minister asks for evidence of Post Office ECCO+ system problems

A tiling window manager can be a thing of efficient beauty, but with them can come a steep learning curve. Regolith Linux aims to lesson that curve and ease the transition.

How successful is Microsoft's bug bounty program?gettyMicrosofts bug bounty program, established to help secure products and services from attack, has been operational since 2013. In that time it has paid more than $60 million to hackers for uncovering vulnerabilities, $16.6 million in the latest reporting period alone. Which begs the question, why are there so many vulnerabilities, including the dreaded ones used in zero day exploits, coming out of the Windows woodwork.How Hackers Get Paid To Hack Microsoft Without Breaking The LawThe security threats to users of Microsoft platforms and services, from Windows zero-days to Microsoft Account takeover attacks, have one thing in common, namely vulnerabilities. Something, somewhere, buried in the code of a product or even the flow of a service process, that can leave a way in for hackers and cybercriminals. Uncovering these vulnerabilities before they can be exploited is key to protecting users from those who would do them and their data harm. Its why Google paid $11.8 million to hackers through its bug bounty program across 2024. And its what Microsoft has spent in excess of $60 million, $16.6 million the last reporting period alone, paying hackers for the exact same thing.A March 13 posting by Tom Gallagher, vice president of engineering at the Microsoft Security Response Center, has confirmed that the discovery and rapid mitigation of security vulnerabilities is more crucial than ever before. MSRC partners with product teams across Microsoft, as well as external security researchers, Gallagher said, to investigate reports of security vulnerabilities affecting Microsoft products and services.It is the latter, the external security researchers, the hackers in question, that are often eligible for payments as part of Microsofts incentivized bug bounty programs.Microsoft follows the coordinated vulnerability disclosure principle for such hackers when responding to and mitigating security vulnerabilities. This approach gives researchers recognition for their work, Gallagher said, and provides Microsoft an opportunity to address newly reported vulnerabilities before bad actors can exploit them. Apart from when they dont get that opportunity, and the threat actors do. And thats where the zero-day exploits enter the equation.When Hackers Attack Before A Vulnerability Is DisclosedA zero day attack, as described by my friend and colleague Kate OFlaherty, is a vulnerability that has not yet been fixed. The term zero day stems from the fact that its out there and known to the vendor, and there are zero days to issue a fix, OFlaherty said; Its therefore a race against time for the vendor responsible for the operating system to issue a patch for the flaw, before attackers can get hold of the details.Heres the shocking truth: not all hackers are cybercriminals, but all cybercriminal hackers are. Which means that while there are hackers who take part in bug bounty programs such as the ones operated by Google and Microsoft, there are plenty of others who will do the same kind of work to uncover a vulnerability but rather than then disclosing it to the vendor concerned in exchange for cash, will sell it to the highest bidder for a lot more money instead. State sponsored attack groups may uncover such zero day vulnerabilities themselves or, more likely, buy them from zero day brokers and pay six figures or more depending on the target involved. This is why bug bounty programs alone will never stop the zero day threat. But that doesnt mean the money heading to hackers from Microsoft isnt well spent, far from it. Without the good hackers finding these vulnerabilities there would be way more zero days out there, and way more harm being done as a result.