AI and Copilots

Welcome to the Acceleration Economy AI Index, a weekly segment where we cover the most important recent news in AI innovation, funding, and solutions in under 10 minutes. Our goal is to get you up to speed – the same speed AI innovation is taking place nowadays – and prepare you for that upcoming customer call, board meeting, or conversation with your colleague.

Cybersecurity

The practice of defending computers, servers, mobile devices, electronic systems, networks, and data from malicious attacks.

Cloud Wars Contributors

Bob Evans

Cloud Wars Founder Bob Evans actively analyzes the Cloud and AI categories through video reports, in-depth analyses, and interviews with the Cloud and AI market’s leaders and innovators. He’s also the creator of the Cloud Wars Top 10, a ranking and ongoing analysis of the world's most influential tech companies driving digital business and the digital economy. Bob is recognized as a world-class strategic communicator focused on emerging business strategy, disruptive innovation, and forward-looking leadership.

John Siefert

John Siefert is the CEO of Dynamics Communities and Cloud Wars, where he leads the strategic direction, business, and community-based focus of the organization by collaborating with colleagues, customers, partners, and friends. Prior to DCI, Siefert has worked in multiple leadership positions, including President roles at Questex and Informa, SVP at UBM, CMO at STYR Labs, and CEO at Virgo, LLC. Siefert’s passion for creating unique content, community, and event-based programming has helped to build some of the largest media brands in the B2B market, serving the business technology and health/nutrition categories.

Crystal Ahrens

Crystal Ahrens is a seasoned force to be reckoned with in the realm of technology solutions. With a remarkable 18-year track record as a Solution Architect, Delivery Program Director, and Technical Project Manager, she consistently delivers exceptional results in every role she undertakes. Her accomplishments speak volumes, showcasing her expertise and unwavering commitment to excellence.

Kieron Allen

Kieron Allen is a Cloud Wars Analyst examining innovations in, and the future impact of, the latest AI, cloud, cybersecurity, and data technology developments. In his ongoing analyses and video reports, Allen focuses on the platforms, applications, people, and ideas that will mold our digital future.

Manny Korakis

Manny Korakis is a Cloud Wars Analyst with extensive expertise in how cloud, AI, and data technologies are reshaping business operations and financial strategies. As a seasoned financial executive with global experience, he has led major initiatives in finance, accounting, and operations across industries like IT services, life sciences, and financial services.

Chris Hughes

Chris Hughes is a Cloud Wars Analyst focusing on the critical intersection of cloud technology and cybersecurity. As co-founder and CEO of Aquia, Chris draws on nearly 20 years of IT and cybersecurity experience across both public and private sectors, including service with the U.S. Air Force and leadership roles within FedRAMP.

Joanna Martinez

Joanna Martinez is a Cloud Wars Analyst specializing in procurement and supply chain transformation. As founder of Supply Chain Advisors LLC, Joanna empowers individuals and organizations to achieve their transformational goals by leveraging technology, engaging stakeholders, and optimizing processes.

Kenny Mullican

Kenny Mullican is a Cloud Wars Analyst focusing on cloud and AI strategy. As the current CIO of Paragon Films, Kenny analyzes the impact of technology on driving business, process, and customer value for mid-market companies.

Wayne Sadin

Wayne Sadin, a Cloud Wars analyst focused on board strategy, has had a 30-year IT career spanning logistics, financial services, energy, healthcare, manufacturing, direct-response marketing, construction, consulting, and technology.

Tom Smith

Tom Smith analyzes AI, copilots, cloud companies, and tech innovations for Cloud Wars. He has worked as an analyst tracking technology and tech companies for more than 20 years.

Tony Uphoff

Bringing his experiences as a 5x CEO, Tony provides a leadership analyst perspective to Cloud Wars. He’s an award-winning technology, data, digital media and marketing services executive specializing in transformative leadership of companies, cultures, people, and organizational performance.

Scott Vaughan

Scott Vaughan is a Cloud Wars analyst focusing on the Chief Marketing Officer and marketing’s role and contribution to this massive business movement. He shares his perspective, ideas, and examples of what marketing is and can do to drive impact at a time when the pace of change is rampant.

Toni Witt

In addition to keeping up with the latest in AI and corporate innovation, Toni Witt co-founded Sweet, a startup redefining hospitality through zero-fee payments infrastructure. He also runs a nonprofit community of young entrepreneurs, influencers, and change-makers called GENESIS.