Cisco vs Microsoft

Cisco Uses OpenAI Models for Machine-Speed Security Defense

Cisco is leveraging OpenAI's frontier AI models, including GPT-6 Astra and the Daybreak Defense Network, to enhance its enterprise security offerings. By combining network telemetry with AI reasoning, Cisco aims to close the gap between vulnerability exploitation and patching. The partnership emphasizes enterprise data privacy, with OpenAI's zero data retention and strict customer data boundaries. Cisco's Chief Product Officer Jeetu Patel highlights the need to defend at machine speed against AI-powered attacks. The collaboration focuses on integrating AI into existing security workflows and addressing challenges in an agentic world, such as protecting agents and detecting unintended behavior.

• Cisco and OpenAI are collaborating to integrate AI models into Cisco's security defenses.
• OpenAI's commitment to zero data retention enables Cisco to deploy AI on sensitive telemetry.
• Cisco's initiatives include Daybreak and GPT-6 Astra to improve vulnerability patching.

Hidden AI Debt of Tech Giants Nearly Doubles to $3.2 Trillion

According to a Nikkei Asia analysis, the hidden AI-related debts of five major US tech companies—Alphabet, Microsoft, Amazon, Meta, and Oracle—have surged to approximately $3.2 trillion, a 90% increase since March 2026. These off-balance-sheet obligations stem from 'shadow borrowing' via special purpose vehicles that finance AI infrastructure like data centers and chips, which the companies then lease. The total represents about 80% of their combined assets. Alphabet leads with $1.05 trillion in hidden debt, up 160%. Market confidence is wavering as investors question the return on massive AI investments, contributing to recent stock declines.

• Hidden AI debt of Alphabet, Microsoft, Amazon, Meta, and Oracle totals approximately $3.2 trillion as of late 2026.
• The hidden debt increased by 90% since March 2026.
• About 60% of the debt consists of purchase commitments and 40% of not-yet-started lease agreements.

ITS Academy Angelo Rizzoli and Microsoft Italia inaugurate the new Server Room to train datacenter and cloud infrastructure specialists

Microsoft Italia and ITS Academy Angelo Rizzoli have inaugurated a new Server Room to train datacenter and cloud infrastructure specialists.

Aker CEO dismisses Microsoft Nscale contract loss as minor

The CEO of Aker ASA, Øyvind Eriksen, the largest investor in UK AI infrastructure startup Nscale, downplayed Microsoft's withdrawal from a data centre deal as a "minor contract". Speaking during Aker's Q3 results presentation, Eriksen reassured investors ahead of Nscale's planned US IPO targeting a $35bn valuation. He noted that since Nscale's Series C funding round, the company's activity and contract portfolio more than doubled, and the termination was expected. Microsoft cancelled the deal to lease compute capacity from Nscale's Essex data centre due to anticipated power supply issues. Nscale is reportedly close to a new multibillion-dollar deal with Anthropic, which would increase its commitment in West Virginia. Aker owns approximately 23% of Nscale, valued at $3.31bn based on the Series C valuation.

• Aker ASA CEO Øyvind Eriksen called Microsoft's cancellation of a data centre deal with Nscale a 'minor contract'.
• Aker owns approximately 23% of Nscale, valued at $3.31bn based on Nscale's Series C valuation.
• Microsoft cancelled the lease agreement due to expected power supply issues at Nscale's Essex data centre.