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Seagate Projects Third-Quarter Revenue Below Expectations Amid Slow PC Market Recovery

Seagate Technology has forecasted a disappointing third-quarter revenue, projecting figures below analyst expectations due to weak sales of its storage devices for personal computers, as the PC market remains sluggish.

Key Points:

  • Weakened PC Market: Despite the integration of on-device AI features and an expected Windows 11 refresh cycle, Seagate’s outlook reflects the ongoing struggles in the PC market. Global PC shipments in 2024 saw only a 1% rise, with the total number of units falling below 250 million for the second consecutive year.
  • Revenue Forecast: Seagate anticipates third-quarter revenue to be around $2.10 billion, plus or minus $150 million. This forecast is below analysts’ average estimate of $2.19 billion, based on data from LSEG.
  • Profit Estimates: Seagate expects an adjusted profit of $1.70 per share for the third quarter, which is slightly above analysts’ estimate of $1.69.
  • Cloud and AI Prospects: While the forecast is gloomy for the near term, analysts suggest that the growing investment in infrastructure for generative AI development by cloud providers could provide a boost to Seagate’s sales in 2025. Seagate’s disk drives are crucial for storing vast amounts of data, making the company a key player in the evolving AI-driven tech landscape.
  • Recent Performance: For the second quarter ending Dec. 27, Seagate reported revenue of $2.33 billion, in line with analysts’ expectations of $2.32 billion.

Infosys CTO Discusses Evolution of Talent Management at Davos

At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Infosys’ Chief Technology Officer, Rafee Tarafdar, discussed the evolving landscape of talent management within the Indian IT sector, highlighting shifts in traditional models and the impact of emerging technologies such as generative AI.

Key Points:

  • Shift in Talent Management: Traditionally, the IT industry has operated under a “pyramid” model, where the majority of employees are at the entry level, with fewer in more senior roles. Infosys, a major player in India’s IT sector, is exploring how this model will evolve in response to industry changes, particularly as the demand for specialized skills grows.
  • Generative AI’s Impact: The widespread use of generative AI is expected to affect job structures in the tech industry, with roles like “responsible AI” emerging to address the ethical concerns surrounding AI. Infosys is adapting by creating new roles and ensuring its employees are upskilled to meet the demands of the evolving job market.
  • Internal Experiments: Infosys is experimenting internally to understand the best approaches to talent management and skill development, focusing on creating specialists in new areas while reskilling the existing workforce. This includes new roles in AI and model engineering, both of which are expected to grow in importance.
  • Upskilling and New Hires: To stay ahead of the curve, Infosys is fostering continuous learning among its employees, with a focus on both upskilling current staff and hiring new talent for emerging roles in AI and technology.
  • Future Talent Needs: Looking ahead, Tarafdar highlighted the increasing demand for expertise in responsible AI and model engineering, signaling a shift towards more advanced and specialized roles within the tech industry.

Trump Reverses Biden’s Executive Order on AI Risk Mitigation

U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday revoked an executive order signed by former President Joe Biden in 2023, aimed at addressing the risks associated with artificial intelligence (AI). The order, which required AI developers to disclose safety test results for AI systems with potential risks to national security, the economy, public health, or safety, has been a point of contention as it came at a time when Congress had yet to pass comprehensive AI regulation.

Key Points:

  • Revocation of Biden’s Executive Order: Trump’s decision to revoke Biden’s 2023 executive order dismantles the framework that sought to introduce safety protocols for AI development. Biden’s order mandated AI developers to provide test results for high-risk AI systems to the U.S. government before they were made public, underlining concerns over national security and public safety.
  • Republican Stance on AI: The 2024 Republican Party platform had previously called for the repeal of Biden’s order, citing its potential to stifle AI innovation. The platform emphasized that AI development should be grounded in principles of free speech and human flourishing, aligning with Trump’s decision.
  • Risks and Opportunities in AI: While AI, particularly generative AI, has generated both excitement and concern due to its potential to automate tasks and disrupt industries, there are also fears about its consequences on jobs and security. The rapid advancements in AI technologies, such as those capable of creating text, images, and videos, have raised alarms about unforeseen risks.
  • Recent Developments in AI Oversight: Just last week, the U.S. Commerce Department introduced new restrictions on AI chip and technology exports, drawing backlash from tech companies like Nvidia. While Trump revoked Biden’s order concerning AI safety protocols, Biden’s administration has not yet fully relaxed its regulatory approach, as seen in a separate executive order aimed at supporting energy needs for AI data centers.