Latest Reports

• Business and Data Analytics Continues Its Upward Trajectory

  Business and data analytics cemented its position as a top priority for organizations, with adoption rates and investment levels reaching an all-time high. This appetite for data-driven decision-making signifies a fundamental shift in how businesses operate, recognizing data as a strategic asset paramount to success in today's competitive landscape. This Research Byte discusses these challenges and summarizes our full report on business and data analytics technologies.

  February, 2025

• GCC Region: Advancing the GCC Region with Emerging Technologies for the Next Era

  The GCC region is undergoing a dynamic economic transformation driven by strategic reforms, digital upskilling, and foreign direct investment (FDI). Regional governments are addressing talent gaps by fostering local expertise, while regulatory relaxations attract global technology enterprises and fuel growth. AI adoption, backed by Saudi Arabia and the UAE, is accelerating, positioning the region as a global leader. With rapid advancements in digital finance, while having sustainability at the core, regional firms are actively collaborating with service providers to develop innovative digital solutions, enhance efficiency, and manage costs.

  February, 2025

• The Open-Source Gambit: Did DeepSeek Ignite an AI Arms Race?

  On January 20, 2025, DeepSeek stunned the industry with the release of DeepSeek-R1, an open-source, cost-efficient AI model that rivaled OpenAI’s GPT-4 on multiple benchmarks. DeepSeek did not just disrupt the AI industry; it sparked a geopolitical AI arms race. The battle for AI sovereignty has begun. While multiple governments have banned DeepSeek over data security concerns, its impact on AI’s trajectory is definite. Just as Sputnik’s launch in 1957 ignited the space race, DeepSeek has triggered a reckoning in AI strategy, forcing the world to reconsider the balance between accessibility, security, and sovereignty.

  February, 2025

• DBA Staffing Continues to March Onward

  After years of remaining steady, there has been a notable increase in the proportion of database administrators (DBAs) within IT departments, particularly in small organizations. New data-driven initiatives, including generative AI, omnichannel communication, and real-time analytics, are inspiring enterprises to make their data lakes deeper and deeper, while data security concerns and regulatory requirements intensify. DBAs’ expertise in maintaining and safeguarding sensitive information is paramount. This Research Byte summarizes our full report on database administration staffing ratios.

  February, 2025

• Despite High Adoption, HCM Systems Fail to Deliver on Satisfaction and ROI

  Despite widespread adoption, disappointing satisfaction and return on investment levels plague many human capital management (HCM) implementations. HCM is a core function, but many organizations struggle to realize the full potential of these systems. Is HCM falling short of its initial promise? This Research Byte summarizes the full report, HR/HCM Adoption Trends and Customer Experience.

  February, 2025

• Focusing on Mental Health and Data Privacy due to Changing Consumer Priorities

  The content trust and safety industry is undergoing a transformative evolution fueled by technological advancements, shifting regulatory landscapes, and rising user expectations. Transparency and accountability are becoming core principles in moderation policies, with companies actively incorporating diverse perspectives to minimize bias and enhance fairness. The increasing focus on user safety has fostered stronger collaboration between platforms, regulatory bodies, and third-party organizations to combat pressing issues such as misinformation, hate speech, and child safety. In parallel, there is a growing recognition of the emotional toll on trust and safety teams, prompting companies to invest in robust mental health support programs. As platforms continue their global expansion, localized content strategies and multilingual moderation are emerging as critical priorities. These approaches address regional cultural sensitivities and ensure compliance with varying legal frameworks, underscoring the industry’s commitment to creating safer, more inclusive digital spaces.

  January, 2025

• Embracing Pragmatic AI: How Acumatica is Transforming Cloud ERP Solutions

  Acumatica, a cloud-based ERP provider, has been making significant strides in recent years, focusing on delivering innovative solutions for mid-market businesses. Over the past year, the company has expanded its product offerings with regard to AI solutions.

  January, 2025

• DeepSeek Hype: All That Glitters Is Not Gold

  DeepSeek-R1, a Chinese open-source AI model, is challenging Silicon Valley’s dominance by delivering high performance at a fraction of traditional costs. DeepSeek has redefined AI efficiency, slashing training costs to just $5.6 million. However, while its innovation is undeniable, concerns around transparency, data security, and ethical safeguards raise critical questions. This whitepaper explores DeepSeek’s disruptive potential, its implications for the global AI landscape, and the pressing need for responsible deployment before enterprises integrate it into high-stakes environments.

  January, 2025

• Shift toward a Skill-based and Flexible Recruitment Operating Model for a Wider Talent Pool and Agility

  The talent acquisition space is transitioning from a job-driven operating model to a skill-based approach, enabling organizations to tap into broader talent pools and address skill gaps effectively. The growing emphasis on flexibility and scalability underscores the importance of adopting flexible recruitment models. Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives foster a diverse workforce, enhance employee engagement, and drive innovation. Through tech-enabled talent acquisition, enterprises are improving candidate experience, enhancing talent quality, optimizing operational efficiency, and bolstering employer branding. Service providers are augmenting their capabilities in hiring, sourcing, skilling, and candidate experience by leveraging generative AI, advanced analytics, and workflow automation. Strategic moves such as acquisitions, vendor partnerships, and AI-driven innovation are enabling enterprises to reduce costs, build agile workforces, and achieve operational excellence in a highly competitive and evolving talent landscape.

  January, 2025

• The Golden Age of America: Implications for Enterprises in Trump’s Second Term

  President Donald Trump’s return to the White House on January 20, 2025, marked the beginning of a policy revolution that is reshaping the socioeconomic landscape of the United States. A mix of ambitious initiatives and polarizing decisions, these actions have already left a significant mark on enterprises operating in the region. From high-profile tech projects to dismantling diversity mandates, the administration’s “Build in America, by America” ethos signals a transformative era for businesses. Here is a closer look at key executive orders and their potential impact.

  January, 2025

• Avasant Research Releases its Annual Benchmarks for F&A Budget, Spending, and Staffing

  The Finance and Accounting (F&A) function is no longer limited to bookkeeping and basic compliance. It has evolved into a strategic enabler responsible for driving business value through enhanced financial planning, intelligent automation, and process optimization. This Research Byte is a brief description of some of the findings in our F&A Budgets, Staffing, and Process Metrics 2024/2025 study.

  January, 2025

• Stargate’s Vision for AI Leadership: Opportunities, Challenges, and Enterprise Impact

  Stargate, a USD 500B initiative announced by President Donald Trump and backed by prominent tech players such as OpenAI, Oracle, SoftBank, Microsoft, and NVIDIA, represents a bold leap toward establishing the US as a global leader in AI infrastructure. For enterprise customers, Stargate offers unprecedented access to advanced computing resources, collaborative opportunities, and scalable AI services that can redefine business models and improve competitiveness. To fully capitalize on these benefits, organizations must invest in workforce development, strengthen cybersecurity measures, and adopt strategic planning to responsibly navigate this new era of AI-driven possibilities.

  January, 2025