Author: David Botero
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Automation covers a spectrum, from simple software rules to physical robots. Software automation (the easiest place to start) – Workflow automation: tools like Power Automate or Zapier move data and trigger tasks between apps – Robotic process automation (RPA): software “bots” that mimic repetitive clicks and keystrokes in legacy systems – AI assistants and agents:…
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Outsourcing is growing as skills shortages persist. The decision isn’t only whether to outsource, but where and how. Why outsourcing is increasing – Skills gaps research from ISC2 found that skills shortages are now a bigger challenge than headcount, and that outsourcing is one of three main responses organizations use – 24/7 coverage is difficult…
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Digital transformation sounds big, but for small and mid-sized businesses it means using technology to work better: faster processes, better customer experience, and sound decisions. What the data says about conditions Statistics Canada’s second-quarter 2026 business survey shows that businesses are juggling inflation, rising input costs, and difficulty recruiting skilled employees, while about two-thirds are…
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Security agencies publish a steady stream of alerts. Knowing which ones apply to you is a practical skill. Where advisories come from – Canadian Centre for Cyber Security: alerts, advisories, and guidance for Canadian organizations – U.S. CISA and the FBI: joint advisories and emergency notices, including a list of vulnerabilities known to be exploited…
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On June 15, 2026, Bill C-8, An Act respecting cyber security, received Royal Assent. It amends the Telecommunications Act and creates the Critical Cyber Systems Protection Act (CCSPA). What the law does – Telecommunications Act changes took effect immediately, making the security of Canada’s telecommunications system an explicit policy objective. – The CCSPA sets mandatory…
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After years of adding tool after tool, many organizations are asking: do we really need all of these? Why consolidation is rising – Cost pressure: subscription prices are climbing, and overlapping tools waste money – Security complexity: every extra platform is another console, login, and set of settings to secure – Skills: small teams can’t…
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Most business software is now rented by the month or year. That makes budgeting predictable in theory, but prices rarely stand still. What’s happening – Microsoft’s July 1, 2026 price changes raised commercial Microsoft 365 list prices by roughly 5% to 43% depending on the plan, while adding bundled features like Copilot Chat. – AI…
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“Right to repair” means the ability of owners and independent technicians to fix products, with access to parts, tools, manuals, and software. Why it’s in the news Many devices have been designed with glued batteries, soldered memory, and restricted parts, which makes repairs expensive and shortens life. Governments in several regions, including the European Union,…
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Digital technology uses energy, and the AI boom is making that more visible. The big picture The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects that electricity demand from data centres will more than double by 2030, reaching about 945 terawatt-hours, from roughly 415 TWh in 2024. In an April 2026 update, the IEA reported that data centre…
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Smart building systems connect heating, cooling, lighting, access control, elevators, and security into networked platforms. What’s included – Building management systems (BMS) for HVAC and energy – Smart lighting with occupancy sensing – Access control and visitor management – Video surveillance and analytics – Room booking and occupancy displays – Air quality and environmental sensors…