Daily Tech Briefing: April 24, 2014

Cisco Systems is launching new managed security services, as part of the company’s efforts to build out its larger data center capabilities. The newest aspect of Cisco’s security portfolio is its Managed Threat Defense.

This is an on-premise system that leverages predictive analytics to detect and counter cyber-threats that may be on a customer’s networks. Bryan Palma, senior vice president of Cisco Security Solutions, explained that security is a major concern for businesses as more data moves into the cloud.

Nuance Communications recently announced the launch of its PowerShare Network, which is a cloud-based network for securely connecting physicians, patients and other government and medical-related entities to share essential medical images and reports.

The goal is to allow physicians and patients to view, share and collaborate while addressing patients’ health care needs. It’s possible for anyone to join the network regardless of what IT systems are in place and have the ability to view and manage images needed to consult, diagnose or treat patients.

AT&T is planning on expanding its fiber network and bring its U-verse with GigaPower service to 100 cities and municipalities nationwide. The cities the company hopes to deliver the network to include Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Miami and San Francisco.

AT&T began offering U-verse with GigaPower to customers around Austin, Texas and recently announced intentions to bring it to the Triangle and Piedmont Triad regions of North Carolina.

Finally, Microsoft’s new CEO Satya Nadella marked Earth Day by discussing some of his company’s efforts to help the tech industry go green. Nadella penned a letter to Business Roundtable, an association of U.S. CEOs, where he explained that the company has been utilizing teams of computer scientists to take big data and use it to develop a deeper understanding of complex environmental challenges.

He stated that having Microsoft researchers sift through all of this extensive scientific data could help scientists and policymakers take better approaches to addressing environmental challenges.