Michele Montecchio, General Manager, Acer Middle East, discusses the cutting-edge technologies the company is implementing to fundamentally reshape enterprises in the Middle East region.
Can you outline to our readers how your company has harnessed cutting-edge technologies to transform how you conduct your day-to-day operations to deliver the ‘experience’ that your customers, end-users, and partners’ demand in the experience economy?
Acer stands at the forefront of evolution in line with industry trends and the changing lifestyles of our users. The company remains dedicated to innovation across our computer and display businesses while spearheading new initiatives such as AI and AoIT.
In 2022, Acer achieved the remarkable rank of #2 in patent applications in Taiwan, boasting a portfolio of over 300 patents in cutting-edge thermal cooling technology. Our commitment to sustainability is unwavering, which is evident in initiatives like the Earthion platform and the eco-friendly Vero product line.
Our forward-looking approach is further exemplified by the establishment of a new Innovation Business Development Department within Acer’s Taiwan operations, with a strategic focus on smart solutions driven by AI extensions. Acer’s innovation efforts will encompass four pivotal domains: production, lifestyle, security, and energy.
OpenAI and ChatGPT are all the rage, and these new AI integrations have been tipped to fundamentally reshape all major industries as we know them. What is your view on OpenAI, are you excited by the new opportunities that it will present, or do you think more regulation is needed to control its impact on society?
I believe that OpenAI can open a lot of opportunities and it’s something we’re very excited for at Acer, as we’re always looking for new innovations that we can implement into our products.
Our commitment to innovation is underscored by the increased investment from the Acer Value Lab into the development of AI solutions. Our latest innovations proudly feature AI-based technologies, notably the immersive stereoscope 3D experience offered by SpatialLabs and cutting-edge AI-assisted medical diagnosis software.
Acer is at the forefront of creating smart solutions for diverse sectors, including healthcare, transportation, and urban development, all powered by AIoT (Artificial Intelligence of Things) technology.
There has been a swathe of digital and cloud transformation projects in the Middle East over the last 3-5 years. However, many have struggled with the demands of cloud transformation, especially legacy-heavy players. What are the key processes that enterprises need to adopt to ensure a successful transformation journey?
In today’s landscape, digital transformation is imperative for a more seamless and promising future. Central to this transformation is the widespread adoption of new technologies and ensuring accessibility to these advancements.
As a prominent provider of comprehensive hardware and software solutions, our mission is to offer a complete spectrum of products, including computers, monitors, and servers, designed to cater to the diverse needs of enterprises. These solutions encompass crucial attributes such as security, durability, ease of access, and streamlined maintenance, all with the goal of empowering organisations to thrive in the digital age.
In your expert opinion, what do you view as the biggest problem facing enterprises in the IT and technology industry across the Middle East?
In a comprehensive assessment encompassing the broader tech industry, it’s evident that digital transformation is a domain still evolving, particularly in the Middle East, which is striving to catch up. The expansion of cloud-based solutions in this region has been notably slower compared to other areas, and this progression has further decelerated during the challenging COVID-19 years. Now, there is an imperative need to accelerate these advancements.
Simultaneously, the critical domain of cybersecurity requires considerable enhancement, particularly as it aligns with the expansion of cloud technology. The two go hand in hand, necessitating a robust and holistic approach to safeguarding digital assets and data.
Furthermore, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is currently the hot topic and is poised to become ubiquitous, both within and outside enterprises. It is our collective responsibility within the industry to ensure that the integration of AI into business operations occurs in a secure and ethically responsible manner, prioritising the well-being of individuals and organisations alike.
This supplement is titled Tech Vision, so with that in mind, what do you think the future holds for the IT and tech sector across the Middle East, what will be the key trends and technologies that will really champion change over the next ‘digital decade’?
In the ever-evolving tech landscape, several key trends and technologies are set to shape the future. Sustainability stands at the forefront, with a growing focus on eco-friendly practices and solutions. Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to revolutionise industries, bringing automation and intelligence to the forefront. The cloud, with its scalability and accessibility, is driving digital transformation across sectors.
Simultaneously, robust data storage solutions are indispensable in managing the vast amounts of information generated daily. The importance of cybersecurity remains paramount, safeguarding digital assets and privacy.
Lastly, the immersive world of virtual reality is poised to redefine how we experience and interact with technology, opening new realms of possibility in various domains. These trends collectively pave the way for a dynamic and transformative digital era.
