In the face of increasing demands for artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity, Lenovo is gearing up to develop work devices that can meet these evolving needs. The company’s global executive director and general manager of commercial security, Nima Baiati, emphasized the importance of robust and secure firmware in work laptops.
The importance of firmware security
The potential threat posed by firmware or BIOS vulnerabilities is a growing concern, asserting that Lenovo is committed to continuously enhancing this critical component. The hardware manufacturer is leveraging AI and supply chain management expertise to address these challenges. Although Baiati declined to provide specific details, he revealed that new features resulting from this focus would be rolled out over the next one to two years.
A cybersecurity innovation center that Lenovo was inaugurated in Israel in February. The center’s primary objective is to explore how AI can be harnessed in areas not traditionally associated with security. This initiative is particularly relevant given the potential security risks introduced by generative AI, which could lower the threshold for cybercriminals to launch attacks.
The growing need for computer power
Work devices need more computing power, especially with the growing use of cloud-based AI applications. He noted that organizations increasingly opt to build their cloud infrastructures to support these processes, which can significantly increase spending. To mitigate costs, Lenovo is exploring ways to improve efficiencies, such as compute power and ensure low latency for on-device AI processing.
AI, machine learning, and cybersecurity
According to a Lenovo report, 43% of CIOs feel an “urgent pressure” to prioritize AI and machine learning, just below the 51% who pointed to cybersecurity. The survey included 682 CIOs across nine global markets: China, Singapore, India, the UK, Germany, and the US.
A comparative analysis of regional priorities
In China, AI, machine learning, data management, and analytics were the top priorities for 43% of CIOs, while 34% pointed to cybersecurity as their most urgent priority. In contrast, security was a top priority for 62% of CIOs in India. In Singapore, AI and machine learning were the second most urgent priority, cited by 42% of CIOs.
The critical role of robust connectivity
Lenovo Singapore’s general manager, Nigel Lee, stated that with 75% of data expected to be generated outside of data centers by 2025, robust connectivity on personal work devices will be essential. He emphasized the importance of 5G-enabled laptops for seamless cloud connection.
Advancements in AI for applications like natural language processing (NLP) and computer vision (CV) are helping industries like financial services, healthcare, and automotive speed up innovation, improve customer experience, and reduce costs. Gartner estimates that up to 70% of people will interact with conversational AI platforms daily by the year 2022. NLP and CV provide a valuable link between humans and robots: NLP helps computer programs understand human speech, and CV applies machine learning models to images and is perfectly suited for everything from selfie filters to medical imaging.
The rise of hybrid work and 5G-enabled laptops
Lee spoke at the launch of Lenovo’s 5G-enabled eSIM business laptops, stating that with hybrid work becoming the norm in Singapore, IT products and services must support employee productivity and mobility. He concluded that IT is no longer just about maintenance but must facilitate business productivity and mobility.
Lenovo is taking significant strides to meet businesses’ growing AI and cybersecurity needs. By focusing on firmware security, leveraging AI, and prioritizing robust connectivity, the company is positioning itself to provide work devices that can support the evolving requirements of organizations worldwide. The company’s focus on these areas is a testament to its commitment to staying ahead of the curve in a rapidly changing technological landscape.
