Google Cloud & Verizon's AI Customer Service, IBM's New Cloud Region, and AI Phishing Detection by SK Telecom - Enterprise AI Brief #12

Hi there,

Welcome to this edition of the Enterprise AI Brief dated April 11, 2025. In today's newsletter, we cover a range of developments in the AI landscape. Google Workspace has introduced new AI automation and summary features, aiming to enhance productivity for its users. Meanwhile, DEME has selected IBM AI for managing its vessel operations, showcasing the growing role of AI in maritime management.

In the business sector, IBM has acquired Hakkoda to strengthen its AI consulting capabilities, and Mynd.ai has appointed Arthur Giterman as its new CEO. Additionally, Redpanda has secured $100 million to expand its AI services, and DaveAI is gearing up for global expansion with new funding. Stay tuned for more updates on these stories and other exciting developments in the world of AI.

Google is enhancing its Workspace suite with new AI features, including automation flows and podcast-style summaries, to improve productivity. DEME Group has selected an IBM-based software to manage its fleet, aiming to enhance operations and reduce downtime using AI and data analytics.

IBM announced its acquisition of Hakkoda, a New York-based AI consultancy, to enhance its consulting capabilities in various industries. Mynd.ai has appointed Arthur Giterman as the new CEO, succeeding Vin Riera. Redpanda secured $100 million in Series D funding led by GV to enhance its real-time data platform, while AI startup DaveAI raised a new funding round for global expansion.

Fortanix Inc. has unveiled Armet AI, a service designed to enable secure and compliant generative AI applications for enterprises. SK Telecom has launched an AI-based service to detect and prevent voice phishing, implemented at the Industrial Bank of Korea, using the ScamVanguard engine to block phishing risks in real time.

IBM has launched a new Cloud Multizone Region in Montreal to support Canadian enterprises with AI and data needs, ensuring compliance with local regulations. Nvidia is shifting its focus from gaming to telecoms, aiming to assist telecom companies in integrating AI technologies and infrastructure. On April 9, 2025, Google Cloud announced its collaboration with Verizon to improve customer service using generative AI technology, achieving a 95% answerability rate for inquiries. Alphabet, the parent company of Google, plans to invest $75 billion to expand data centers and support AI tools like Gemini, following its acquisition of Wiz. NVIDIA is collaborating with Google Cloud to offer enterprises access to Google Gemini AI models on-premises, using NVIDIA Blackwell infrastructure and Confidential Computing for improved data security. Eon has formed a strategic partnership with Google Cloud to boost enterprise data analytics and AI adoption. Premier Cloud has been chosen as a launch partner for Google Agentspace, an AI platform designed to boost enterprise search and productivity. Capgemini has expanded its partnership with Google Cloud to develop AI solutions aimed at transforming customer experience across various industries.

MAGIC Research has unveiled Fabric Hypergrid, a private AI platform that aims to cut AI computing costs by 90%. A report by The Hackett Group indicates that 63% of Global Business Services organizations that piloted generative AI in 2024 have experienced improvements in productivity, cost savings, and service quality. AppLovin Corporation has addressed allegations from short seller reports about its AI platform, which could risk de-platforming by Apple.

Copec WIND Ventures identifies AI and energy storage as top investment priorities in Latin America, with renewed interest in China as a growth market. EPAM Systems, Inc. wins the 2025 Google Cloud Industry Solutions Partner of the Year Award for its AI-powered geospatial data visualization solution in the oil and gas sector.

Bahwan CyberTek announced Vish Srinivasan as the new CEO of its Global Services Business on April 8, 2025, to enhance AI-driven digital transformation. Growth Acceleration Partners appointed Michael Labate as Chief Revenue & Marketing Officer to drive revenue growth and support AI-driven transformations. Anytime AI appointed John W. Blake as Vice President of Revenue to lead marketing, sales, and customer success efforts. Squirro promoted Lauren Hawker Zafer to Chief Operating Officer, effective April 8, 2025, focusing on efficiency, innovation, and financial health.

China Telecom and HKUST have signed an agreement to collaborate on AI and quantum technology, establishing innovation labs and a talent development program. Nova Energy Ventures has partnered with DashFuel to market an AI-powered fuel transaction management platform. Knight-Swift Transportation is teaming up with Netradyne to install advanced dash cameras in 15,500 trucks. 3CLogic has expanded its partnership with Glidefast Consulting to enhance ServiceNow's CRM and workflows. Prime Focus Technologies is partnering with Tiara Vision to enhance AI-led media solutions in Malaysia. Deloitte is expanding its partnerships with Google Cloud and ServiceNow to boost the adoption of agentic AI in enterprises. OMRON Corporation and Cognizant are partnering to integrate IT and OT in manufacturing. Globant has entered a Strategic Partner Agreement with Google Cloud for industry-specific solutions. CellPoint Digital and Checkout.com are partnering to enhance payment performance for travel merchants.