Latest posts three columns - Digital Carbon

As smart factories become the cornerstone of modern manufacturing, integrating Industrial IoT (IIoT), AI-driven automation, and cloud platforms, cybersecurity has emerged as a non-negotiable priority. The convergence of operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) creates unprecedented vulnerabilities, with cyberattacks on manufacturing now outpacing those on financial sectors.

The manufacturing industry is facing an unprecedented cybersecurity crisis, and the statistics are genuinely alarming. A comprehensive survey reveals that 84% of manufacturing leaders fear malware and ransomware attacks above all other threats, whilst 68% of IT teams are dangerously understaffed to handle growing network complexities. With manufacturing accounting for 25.7% of all cyberattacks globally, IT managers can no longer afford to treat network security as an afterthought.

As organisations grow and digital demands accelerate, IT managers are increasingly tasked with scaling their networks rapidly-without sacrificing reliability, security, or operational simplicity. At Digital Carbon, our mission is to deliver secure, seamless connectivity across branch locations, data centres, remote workers, and cloud environments. Here’s how enterprises should approach the evaluation and integration of new network technologies and partners to ensure both scalability and long-term success.

The construction industry stands at a pivotal moment, with technology poised to redefine how projects are planned, executed, and maintained. As we look toward 2025, several emerging trends are set to transform the sector-delivering gains in productivity, safety, sustainability, and efficiency. Here are the top five technology trends every construction professional should watch.

Generative AI (GenAI) tools are transforming the way organisations operate, streamlining everything from content creation to workflow automation across sales, marketing, product development, and IT. With 65% of companies now using GenAI in at least one business function—and this figure set to rise—security is more crucial than ever. Without robust protection, these tools can expose your business to data breaches, cyber-attacks, and compliance failures.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries at an unprecedented pace, and manufacturing is no exception. From predictive maintenance to AI-driven automation, the integration of AI into manufacturing processes demands more from enterprise networks than ever before. But is your Wide Area Network (WAN) ready to support the AI-driven future?

The past five years have been a whirlwind for manufacturers. From pandemic-induced supply chain disruptions to geopolitical tensions, economic shifts, and rapid digitalization, the industry has faced challenge after challenge. Yet, these disruptions have also paved the way for a more resilient, agile, and technology-driven future. For IT leaders in manufacturing, 2025 is shaping up to be a year where digital investments will no longer be optional—they will be essential for staying competitive. As technology continues to redefine industrial operations, the focus is shifting from experimental implementations to full-scale digital transformation.

Reliable, high-performance connectivity is essential in manufacturing and construction, where real-time data, IoT devices, cloud applications, and AI-driven systems are becoming the norm. However, traditional wireless connectivity has struggled to meet the rigorous demands of these industries, often falling short in terms of reliability, security, and performance.

The tech industry has been rocked by Broadcom’s acquisition of VMware, bringing sweeping changes to licensing models and pricing structures. Businesses that have relied on VMware for their virtualisation infrastructure are now facing significantly higher costs due to the elimination of perpetual licences in favour of a subscription-based model. With reports of price increases reaching up to 700%, IT managers must urgently seek alternatives to avoid budget overruns.