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Info-Tech LIVE 2024 Day 3 Highlights: Key Insights on IT Leadership, Ethical AI, and the Future of IT

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Day 3 of Info-Tech LIVE 2024 delivered actionable insights on IT leadership, AI, and future IT trends, featuring thought leaders and experts from across the technology landscape.

TORONTO, Sept. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ – The third and final day of Info-Tech LIVE 2024 concluded with impactful sessions designed to equip IT leaders with strategies to navigate the exponentially changing technology landscape. Day 3 delivered valuable insights on critical topics such as ethical AI, leadership, and the evolving role of the CIO.

Key Highlights From Day 3 Featured Keynotes:

1. Adaptive IT Leadership: Leading at the Pace of Exponential Change
Speaker: Carlene McCubbin, AVP of Research Development at Info-Tech Research Group

Carlene McCubbin explored the critical importance of building strong IT leadership teams capable of navigating the rapidly evolving technology landscape. She emphasized the shift from a purely technical focus to a more balanced approach that includes people leadership and business acumen. McCubbin highlighted the findings from the 2024 Info-Tech and McLean & Company surveys, which revealed a growing gap in leadership skills within IT and underscored the urgent need for leadership development and prioritization.

Key Takeaways:

There is a significant disconnect between CxO expectations and IT department capabilities. While 50% of CxOs view IT as a driver of transformation, only 5% of IT departments are currently meeting this expectation.The top challenges for IT leaders include staffing shortages, skills gaps, and difficulties in meeting business demands, which can hinder IT’s ability to deliver value and adapt to changing business needs.Despite advancements in technology, 35% of IT employees’ time is still spent on administrative tasks, a figure that has remained unchanged over the past five years. The finding indicates a persistent inefficiency that could be addressed through better use of AI and automation.Many IT employees believe that efficiency can be improved, with 37% identifying opportunities to eliminate low-value activities and 47% seeing potential for greater operational efficiency through innovative approaches.

2. AI Hype vs. Reality
Speaker: Dr. Timnit Gebru, Founder and Executive Director at the Distributed AI Research Institute

Dr. Timnit Gebru’s keynote dissected the current AI landscape and how to navigate the fine line between hype and the tangible benefits of AI technologies. She explained how AI can be misused, highlighting issues such as unauthorized data usage, copyright infringement, and machine bias. Dr. Gebru emphasized the need for critical thinking and skepticism when evaluating AI systems and stressed the importance of establishing ethical guidelines and accountability to ensure responsible AI development and deployment.

Key Takeaways:

There is a significant disconnect between the hype surrounding AI and its real-world applications, with many organizations overestimating the capabilities of current AI technologies.A critical, evidence-based approach is essential for evaluating the true capabilities and risks of AI systems, particularly in avoiding the misuse of data and ensuring compliance with copyright and ethical standards.AI systems must be developed and integrated with strict ethical guidelines and accountability frameworks to prevent biases, protect user data, and ensure responsible AI usage.

3. The New CIO: Leading IT Into the Future
Speaker: Heather Leier-Murray, Research Director at Info-Tech Research Group

Heather Leier-Murray discussed the evolving role of the CIO and the skills necessary to lead IT into the future. The session focused on the strategic shift required for CIOs to move from traditional IT management to becoming key business partners. Leier-Murray emphasized the need for modern CIOs to balance technological innovation with leadership and influence, positioning IT as a central driver of organizational success in an increasingly technology-driven world.

Key Takeaways:

The role of the CIO has transformed significantly over the past 40 years, evolving from optimizing back-office operations to becoming a leader in driving organizational value through advanced technologies. Despite these shifts, 81% of respondents to Info-Tech’s CxO-CIO Alignment Diagnostic feel their IT maturity level is only at a supporting or struggling stage, indicating a need for further evolution.While 35% of CxOs believe their IT department must achieve the highest level of maturity to transform the organization, only 2% feel confident that their IT department is capable of driving this transformation.Over 50% of a CIO’s weekly time is consumed by day-to-day management and operational tasks, leaving less than 20% for strategic initiatives and technology advancements. This misalignment must be addressed so that IT leaders can effectively guide organizations through rapid technological changes.

Looking Beyond Info-Tech LIVE 2024

Over the three days of Info-Tech LIVE 2024, attendees explored the critical intersections of technology, leadership, and innovation, gaining insights into how to navigate the future of IT. From the transformative discussions on Exponential IT and AI to in-depth sessions on modernizing IT frameworks and developing effective leadership strategies, the conference provided a comprehensive roadmap for IT leaders aiming to drive their organizations forward in an era of exponential change.

Info-Tech Research Group looks forward to announcing details for the next LIVE event, including plans to expand the conference to Australia in March 2025.

For media inquiries, including requests for interviews with featured speakers and experts from LIVE 2024, or for access to session recordings and additional content, please contact pr@infotech.com. For conference-related press releases and images, please visit the online Info-Tech LIVE 2024 Media Kit.

About Info-Tech Research Group

Info-Tech Research Group is one of the world’s leading research and advisory firms, proudly serving over 30,000 IT and HR professionals. The company produces unbiased, highly relevant research and provides advisory services to help leaders make strategic, timely, and well-informed decisions. For nearly 30 years, Info-Tech has partnered closely with teams to provide them with everything they need, from actionable tools to analyst guidance, ensuring they deliver measurable results for their organizations.

To learn more about Info-Tech’s divisions, visit McLean & Company for HR research and advisory services and SoftwareReviews for software-buying insights. 

Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to research across IT, HR, and software and hundreds of industry analysts through the firm’s Media Insiders program. To gain access, contact pr@infotech.com.

For information about Info-Tech Research Group or to access the latest research, visit infotech.com and connect via LinkedIn and X.

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In HelloNation, Real Estate Expert Lee Malcom Explains Why Local Knowledge Matters When Buying Older Homes

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The article outlines key inspection priorities and explains how local expertise helps buyers evaluate older properties.

MONROE, Ga., Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — What should buyers look for when purchasing an older home?

HelloNation published an article that answers this question, drawing on insights from Lee Malcom, real estate expert at Malcom & Malcom Realty Professionals LLC in Monroe, Georgia.

The article examines the unique opportunities and responsibilities of buying older homes. While many buyers are drawn to historic details, mature landscaping, and established neighborhoods, the article explains that age can also bring maintenance concerns that deserve careful evaluation before a purchase.

According to a HelloNation article, one of the most important areas to assess during an older-home inspection is the roof. Roofing systems naturally deteriorate over time, and replacement costs can be substantial. The article notes that understanding the roof’s age, condition, and maintenance history can help buyers anticipate future expenses and avoid unexpected repairs. Professional evaluations can also reveal leaks, damaged materials, and ventilation issues that may not show up during a casual walkthrough.

The article also highlights the importance of reviewing plumbing systems. Many older homes contain materials and components installed decades ago that may no longer meet modern standards. Corrosion, leaks, and reduced water pressure can create challenges for homeowners. The article explains that evaluating plumbing systems before purchase allows buyers to better understand potential upgrade or repair needs.

Electrical systems represent another key area of focus. The article explains that older wiring, electrical panels, and outlets may have been designed for households with much lower power demands than today. Modern families often rely on many electronic devices and appliances, so it’s important to determine whether existing electrical systems can safely support current usage.

The article also discusses foundation concerns as part of a comprehensive evaluation process. The article explains that while minor cracks may be common in some homes, larger issues can signal structural problems. Uneven floors, sticking doors, and visible foundation movement may warrant additional professional assessment before buyers decide to purchase.

The HelloNation article emphasizes that a detailed inspection of an older home can uncover concerns early and provide valuable information about future maintenance responsibilities. Understanding the condition of major systems allows buyers to make more informed decisions and prepare for potential ownership costs.

Beyond physical inspections, the article explains why local real estate knowledge matters when buying an older property. Experienced professionals often understand neighborhood histories, regional building practices, and long-term housing trends that may not appear in standard property disclosures. This knowledge helps buyers better evaluate the risks and opportunities associated with older homes.

For those exploring Walton County real estate, local expertise can provide important context regarding construction methods, neighborhood development patterns, and common maintenance issues found throughout the area. The article notes that this understanding helps buyers approach purchasing decisions with greater confidence and a clearer understanding of long-term ownership expectations.

The article also discusses the value of working with professionals who maintain strong local networks. Access to trusted inspectors, roofing specialists, contractors, and foundation experts can help buyers obtain reliable assessments and accurate information before finalizing a transaction.

Why Local Knowledge Matters When Buying Older Homes features insights from Lee Malcom, real estate expert in Monroe, Georgia, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation

HelloNation is America’s Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused publications and innovative “edvertising” approach, HelloNation delivers content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

www.hellonation.com

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EZRA, the coaching arm of the Adecco Group, launches Loop – the first connected human and AI coaching experience

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The first connected coaching experience pairs a dedicated ICF-accredited coach and Cai, an AI development partner that remembers conversations, priorities and organizational context to enable manager performance enhancement

ZURICH, Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — EZRA, the enterprise coaching arm of the Adecco Group (SIX: ADEN), today launched EZRA Loop, a first-of-its-kind fully connected coaching experience that combines human expertise with AI to help managers build the skills needed to lead in the age of AI.

As AI becomes part of everyday work, hybrid workforce orchestration is about redesigning work so people and AI agents each contribute where they create the most value and impact.

In this new environment, managers are under increasing pressure to lead change, navigate complexity and develop their teams. Yet coaching remains out of reach for most employees. EZRA Loop democratizes coaching: businesses can now provide managers with an always-on AI development partner that knows exactly when to loop in a dedicated, accredited human coach.

Denis Machuel, CEO of the Adecco Group: “As AI changes how work gets done, organizations need to bring their people along with them. Loop shows how human expertise and AI support can work together to make coaching more accessible, in the flow of work. This is an excellent example of how to leverage technology, while retaining a human touch, judgement and trust that only people can provide. In the hybrid – human-AI – workplace, it is essential to intentionally design how people and technology interact.”

Research shows that teams led by coached managers resolved customer problems 18% faster. Drawing on insights from more than a million coaching sessions with 200,000 people across its customers including companies like Microsoft, Spotify, Mastercard, HSBC, Eli Lilly and KPMG, EZRA found that AI and human coaching each excel in different areas. It noticed that AI support outperformed human coaches on task skills such as prioritization and goal setting, while human coaching outperformed on interpersonal skills like emotional intelligence and executive presence. Together, humans and AI, outperform either alone, driving a 37% increased chance of behavioral changes. 

This combination reflects a broader shift across organizations where the greatest value is increasingly created not by humans or AI working independently, but by orchestrating the interaction between people and technology.

To access the full text of the press release, click here: https://www.adeccogroup.com/our-group/media/press-releases/ezra-launch-loop-human-ai-coahing

About The Adecco Group

The Adecco Group is the world’s leading talent and technology expertise company. Our purpose is making the future work for everyone. Through our three global business units – Adecco, Akkodis and LHH – across 60 countries, we enable sustainable and lifelong employability for individuals, deliver digital engineering consulting to innovate and accelerate business transformation and empower organizations to optimize their workforces. The Adecco Group leads by example and is committed to fostering sustainable employability and supporting resilient economies and communities. The Adecco Group AG is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland (ISIN: CH0012138605) and listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ADEN). https://www.adeccogroup.com/

About EZRA

EZRA is the connected coaching company that gives every manager a coach. Founded in 2019 as part of The Adecco Group, EZRA has delivered more than a million coaching sessions to over 200,000 people in 120 countries and 75 languages. EZRA combines behavioral science with 4,500 ICF-accredited human coaches and Cai, its AI development partner, to deliver coaching that drives behavior changes, leadership development and better performance. Companies like Microsoft, Spotify, Mastercard, HSBC, Eli Lilly, KPMG and ServiceNow rely on EZRA coaching. 

For further information please contact:

The Adecco Group Corporate Press Office
media@adeccogroup.com
Rodrigo Sánchez Flórez – Tel: +34 658 06 54 02 / Jürg Schneider – Tel: +41 79 876 09 21
r.sanchezflores@adecco.com / Juerg.Schneider@adeccogroup.com

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EaseUS Software Releases Disk Health Insights Report 2026 H1 from 440K Disk Samples, Finding HDDs Show a 20x Higher Share of Caution/Bad Ratings Than SSDs

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NEW YORK, Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — EaseUS Software released the Disk Health Insights Report 2026 H1 from 444,282 disk samples, highlighting differences in HDD and SSD health ratings, key warning indicators, and storage characteristics that may warrant closer monitoring.

According to this report, HDD samples were substantially more likely than SSD samples to receive a Caution or Bad health rating: 24.83% of sampled HDDs received one of these ratings, compared with 1.22% of sampled SSDs – a difference of approximately 20 times in the share of health warnings.

The findings highlight the importance of regular disk health checks and proactive data protection, particularly for users who continue to rely on hard disk drives.

How Did EaseUS Lab Conduct This Disk Health Report?

EaseUS Lab, in collaboration with the EaseUS Partition Master R&D and technical support teams, conducted this study and analyzed 444,828 HDD and SSD samples collected from February 1 through July 31, 2026.

The EaseUS Lab examined disk health ratings and S.M.A.R.T. diagnostic indicators, as well as drive capacity, power-on hours (POH), partition styles, and Windows system drive configurations. Rather than measuring actual failure rates or predicting the remaining lifespan of individual drives, the report identifies patterns in observed health ratings and characteristics associated with a higher share of warnings in the dataset.

Alongside the differences between HDDs and SSDs, the findings revealed several noteworthy patterns, including:

HDDs with capacities below 500 GB showed a 35.89% share of Caution/Bad ratings, while those with more than 5,000 power-on hours recorded a 28.10% share.MBR HDDs also showed a higher share of Caution/Bad ratings than GPT HDDs, at 34.14% versus 19.29%.The share of HDDs receiving Caution/Bad ratings was nearly identical when C: drive utilization reached 90% or higher.

These findings help Windows users identify key disk health warning signs, protect important data, and prepare for migration or replacement when needed.

The following key findings offer a more thorough look at the report’s most notable disk health patterns and the factors that may warrant closer attention.

Core Findings: Five Key Insights Into Windows Disk Health

According to the report, EaseUS Lab identified five key findings to help users better understand disk health and prioritize maintenance.

1. HDDs Show a Higher Share of Caution and Bad Health Ratings

Among sampled HDDs, 74.73% were rated Good, 23.04% Caution, and 1.78% Bad. By comparison, 98.26% of sampled SSDs were rated Good, while 0.21% were rated Caution and 1.01% Bad.

Overall, 24.83% of HDDs were rated Caution or Bad, compared with 1.22% of SSDs.

Although SSDs show a much lower risk of getting Caution/Bad ratings, it still matters to run regular SSD health checks and take timely action when significant warnings remain.

2. Reallocated Sectors and Read Errors Stand Out Among HDD Warning Indicators

The report identifies S.M.A.R.T. attribute 05, Reallocated Sectors Count, and attribute 01, Read Error Rate, as notable HDD warning indicators.

Reallocated Sectors Count was reported in 5.06% of HDD samples, while Read Error Rate was reported in 1.62%. Among the warning indicators recorded in HDDs rated Bad, these attributes accounted for 70.00% and 22.47%, respectively.

These findings highlight the importance of combining overall health rating with significant diagnostic indicators. When significant warnings appear, users should prioritize protecting important data and determine whether disk cloning, migration, or replacement is appropriate.

3. Smaller-Capacity, Longer-Running, and MBR HDDs Show Higher Shares of Health Warnings

The report found higher Caution/Bad shares in several HDD groups:

35.89% of HDDs with capacities below 500 GB were rated Caution or Bad.28.10% of HDDs with more than 5,000 power-on hours (POH) were rated Caution or Bad.34.14% of MBR HDDs were rated Caution or Bad, compared with 19.29% of GPT HDDs.

These patterns identify scenarios that may warrant closer monitoring. However, the findings do not indicate that smaller capacity, longer operating hours, or MBR partitioning style may directly cause disk health to decline. Users should consider these characteristics alongside diagnostic results, device configuration, and usage history when planning maintenance or migration.

4. Low C: Drive Space Does Not Necessarily Indicate Poor HDD Health

This study also examined the relationship between C: drive utilization and disk health, using 90% utilization as the threshold for high storage pressure.

Among HDDs, 29.04% of samples with C: drive utilization at or above 90% were rated Caution or Bad, compared with 29.32% of those below 90%. The similar result doesn’t show a direct relationship between C: drive utilization and poorer HDD health in this dataset.Among SSDs, the Caution/Bad share was 1.83% in the high-utilization group and 0.89% in the lower-utilization group. Although the high-utilization group showed a higher share of Caution/Bad ratings, the data do not show a causal relationship.

For Windows users, low disk space and disk health issues are distinct concerns and should be evaluated separately, even when both issues affect the same device.

5. HDDs Continue to Power a Meaningful Share of Windows Systems

Despite the growing adoption of SSDs, HDDs accounted for 17.79% of sampled Windows system drives. GPT accounted for 75.46% of system drives, while MBR remained in use on 24.54%.

These findings show effective disk health management requires more than mere disk diagnostics. Windows users with HDDs should also consider storage capacity, data protection, partition compatibility, and SSD migration operations.

Industry Implications: Disk Health Detection Is Shifting to Proactive Management

According to this report, disk health diagnostics are taking a broader role in Windows storage management.

A single health rating can indicate whether a further investigation is needed, but it can’t provide a complete picture of storage readiness or determine the remaining lifespan of a disk drive.

This report highlights three practical priorities for disk management providers, PC support teams, and individual users:

Don’t ignore and check for early warning signs. Review overall health status along with S.M.A.R.T. indicators, power-on hours, and other drive details rather than relying on a single indicator.Back up data in advance. When a drive receives a Caution or Bad rating, confirm the reported issue and back up important files before making further decisions.Prepare for disk drive upgrade. If a drive is aging or running out of space, check the new drive’s capacity, partition style, and BIOS/UEFI compatibility before migrating or replacing a system drive.

This approach helps users understand disk health warnings and take appropriate action without assuming every warning signals an immediate drive failure.

Actionable Suggestions to Protect HDD and SSD Health in Windows

Based on the report’s findings, EaseUS Lab recommends a practical approach to disk health management tailored to the condition of each drive.

Drives in Good Status: Continue normal use, back up data regularly, and check disk health periodically.Drives in Caution Status: Review warning indicators, back up important files, and monitor disk health.Drives in Bad Status: Back up data first and consider drive replacement or data recovery if needed.Using small or aging HDDs: Monitor disk health and consider upgrading to an SSD if appropriate.Disk with low C: drive space issue: Free up space or expand the partition; low space alone does not indicate disk failure.HDD-to-SSD migration: Check disk health, target capacity, and boot compatibility before migrating.

The report emphasizes a complete process to take as long as a user is using a disk drive on their devices: Check Disk Health → Protect Data → Prepare New Disk → Migrate or Replace Disk. The goal is not simply to label a drive as healthy or unhealthy, but to help users respond appropriately to the available evidence.

The full report, including detailed findings and practical recommendations, is available at: https://www.easeus.com/whitepapers/disk-health-insights-report-2026-h1.html

About EaseUS Software

Founded in 2004, EaseUS is a software provider specializing in data recovery, disk management, data backup, and multimedia solutions. Trusted by users in more than 160 countries and regions, EaseUS develops accessible software to help individuals and businesses manage, protect, and make the most of their digital data. For more information, visit https://www.easeus.com.

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