Microsoft will sunset free support and security updates for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. The company has put forth some basic recommendations in its Windows 11 transition guide: Back up your files, prepare your devices, and get familiar with what the new OS has to offer.

But with the clock ticking, enterprise security and IT teams have bigger tasks to tackle. They must determine soon whether remaining Windows 10 machines should (or can) be updated or upgraded now, or if it makes sense to pay for a year (or more) of extended support. 

Here are the questions every IT pro should know the answers to as the transition looms.

Q: What does “end of support” for Windows 10 mean for your organization?A: Microsoft has a standard 10-year lifecycle policy for operating systems. After Oct. 14, 2025, the company will no longer provide free security patches, software updates, bug fixes, or technical support. 

(The October 2025 deadline does not apply to devices enrolled in the Windows Enterprise long-term servicing channel (LTSC). Mainstream support for Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021 devices ends on Jan. 12, 2027.)

Q: What happens if I don’t update to Windows 11 by October 14?A: Devices that continue to run the old operating system without Microsoft support will be exposed to known security threats, and some Windows 10 OS functionality may no longer be supported. Other features and functionality may also stop working over time.

Q: What are the primary risks and potential business impacts of continuing to use Windows 10 after the end-of-support date?A: Because Windows 10 will no longer receive security updates, OS flaws that will be patched on Windows 11 systems will remain as vulnerabilities on Windows 10, which makes you a target for hackers and malware.

Even if you don’t fall victim to a direct attack, you may fall out of compliance with regulations and industry standards: Windows 10 point-of-sale systems will no longer meet PCI-DSS requirements, for instance. You may also find that some software you rely on will receives update that make it no longer compatible with Windows 10.

Q: What are some of the advantages of Windows 11?A: Windows 11 officially launched in 2021 as a measure to support how the pandemic changed work, promising chip-to-cloud security and better protection for remote and hybrid professionals. Since then, the operating system’s phased rollout, along with new hardware features on Windows 11-ready PCs, have brought consumers and organizations an updated user interface, additional applications, and advanced developer tools.

Q: What are the new security features Windows 11 provides? A: Windows 11 requires security-focused hardware enhancements including use of the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 for encrypting data and malware protection, as well as UEFI Secure Boot. Additionally, the OS allows users more control over privacy and data settings and utilizes a passwordless login option for reduced reliance on passwords. 

The system also supports VPNs and secure browsing tools. Its BitLocker feature encrypts your PC’s entire hard drive and all its data, and can also work to encrypt files on external media like USB drives. 

Advanced administrator protections have been added as well that require user authentication through Windows Hello before any administrator actions can be performed. And Windows 11 also automatically includes Microsoft Defender antivirus protection and a Smart App Control functionality that screens the trustworthiness of applications with AI before they run on the device.

At a glance: 5 key Windows 10 end-of-support facts
>
The deadline is final: Free security updates, bug fixes, and technical support for Windows 10 end on October 14, 2025.
Security risks are real: Using Windows 10 after October 15 exposes your devices to unpatched vulnerabilities and makes you a target for malware and hackers.
Hardware can be a hurdle: While the Windows 11 upgrade is free for eligible devices, many older PCs won’t meet the new hardware requirements.
There’s a paid grace period: Commercial customers can opt into the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program to get one more year of Windows 10 support for $61 per device. Organizations can purchase two additional years of extended support, but fees double each year. (Consumers can get one year of extended support for free if they meet certain requirements.)
ESU is a temporary solution: Even if you opt for extended support, you still need to build a phased rollout plan well before your October 2026, 2027, or 2028 deadline.

Q: Can my hardware run Windows 11?A: While many Windows 10 computers can run Windows 11, not all can: The Windows 11 requirements include specific hardware that supports Microsoft’s aim to enhance security. The new system requirements include a recent processor, TPM 2.0, UEFI Secure Boot, and a minimum of 4GB of RAM. 

While technically Windows 11 can be installed on incompatible devices and unsupported hardware, functionality is not guaranteed. If your device is not compatible, the safest route is to replace it with a new PC with the updated operating system already installed, or to upgrade individual hardware components as needed.

Q: What will it cost to upgrade to Windows 11? How can I determine if I qualify for a free upgrade?A: Windows 11 is free to install on supported devices that meet the system requirements. Most Windows PC users eligible for direct upgrades to the new operating system have already received notifications; but you can check for eligibility by navigating to Settings > Update & security, then selecting Windows Update and Check for updates. You can also use Microsoft’s PC Health Check app.

Q: We have a large number of devices that don’t meet the Windows 11 hardware requirements. What should we do with them?A: As noted, it is not recommended that you install Windows 11 on unsupported devices. The registry can bypass compatibility checks and produce a working install of the OS, but the device may run more slowly than normal due to compatibility issues and will be left open to security vulnerabilities. Organizations considering doing this should run a cost-benefit analysis to determine the potential risks of unsupported methods vs. the costs of upgrading hardware. 

It’s also possible, and more secure, to upgrade device hardware components like the TPM module or processor to meet Windows 11 requirements. This too would involve a cost-benefit analysis, as it may ultimately be cheaper to simply buy new Windows 11-compatible PCs rather than spending time upgrading old ones. 

If your organization needs more time to make a decision, consider enrolling in Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates program. 

Q: What is the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program and how I do enroll? Is it a viable long-term solution for our business?A: Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates program will provide security updates and support to devices running Windows 10 beyond the October 14 deadline.

Commercial customers can purchase extended support for Windows 10 devices in one-year increments for up to three years, but the fees double each year, from $61 per device for the first year to $122 per device the second year and $244 per device the third year. After an organization’s ESU period has ended, support will be discontinued and devices running Windows 10 will be at risk for vulnerabilities.

For the first time, Microsoft is offering its ESU program to consumers, for one year only. Individuals who sign up for extended support can do so for free if they use Windows Backup to sync their PC’s settings, or they can pay Microsoft $30 or redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points. You’ll find step-by-step instructions on how to sign up here.

Q: How can we manage the migration process smoothly across our organization?A: Although time is tight, you can still do an audit of the devices across your enterprise that are running Windows 10 before the October 14 deadline. Such an audit can determine which devices are eligible for Windows 11 updates and which will need hardware upgrades for compatibility with the new operating system, or will need to receive extended support or be replaced.

An important part of that audit is determining what legacy software is running your Windows 10 devices — and whether that software can run on Windows 11, be updated to do so, or be replaced with a more modern application.

From there, outline a rollout approach. Consult with C-suite leadership, security, and IT professionals on a timeline and best practices to communicate the changes to employees. Make sure files are backed up and other security systems are up to date before the launch. 

Q: What is the role of our IT team versus our C-suite and security leadership in this transition?A: If you haven’t upgraded to Windows 11, you’ll most likely need C-suite buy-in for your Windows 11 transition, as leadership will need to approve resource allocation and budget across the organization and lead rollout communication, stakeholder updates, and change management. You’ll also need C-level approval to opt in to Microsoft’s ESU program. 

IT leaders should work alongside security teams to assess any existing vulnerabilities and patch them before the transition. The IT team should also lead technical aspects of the migration, audits, hardware and software compatibility assessments, and training for employees as the rollout happens. 

Security professionals should ensure compliance and data protection, and should educate employees around best practices with Windows 11’s new security features. 

If your organization relies on Windows, don’t let the short time frame paralyze you. Get started now for the transition to Windows 11: you’ll never regret being prepared. 

Source:: Computer World

By Cem Ötkün Founders’ takes is a new series featuring expert insights from tech leaders transforming industries with artificial intelligence. In this edition, Cem Ötkün, CEO and co-founder of startup scouting platform Bounce Watch, shares his views on how AI is reshaping investing. Venture capital, once built on networks and narratives, is now undergoing a structural shift. AI is no longer a futuristic add-on to the investment process — it’s becoming an operating system. And for those investing in the opaque world of private markets, it’s not optional. It’s existential. The broken machinery behind the pitch Despite all the capital flowing through venture, much…This story continues at The Next Web

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By Andrea Hak In a recent interview with TNW, Jelle Prins, the mind behind Uber’s first app, shared his vision of a world transformed by autonomous vehicles. “Imagine getting into a car here in Amsterdam in the evening,” he mused, “and waking up the next morning in a mountain village in France for a day of snowboarding.” In his mind, self-driving is the next step in the evolution of mobility, and the question is not if but when it will land in Europe. He shared his vision for this future — and his plans to design proteins using AI — with TNW founder…This story continues at The Next Web

Source:: The Next Web

By TNW Team We want to share an important update with our contributors and community. After the FT Group acquired a majority stake in TNW in 2019, the Covid-19 pandemic severely disrupted TNW’s core revenue stream. Despite significant efforts in the years since, no sustainable path to commercial viability was found. In light of this and the broader financial outlook, the TNW Board has had to make the difficult decision to close its Events & Media division. TNW Spaces will continue to operate as usual, but the media site will only publish new content until the end of September, and there will be…This story continues at The Next Web

Source:: The Next Web

As we await Apple’s new range of iPhones, new iPads, a refreshed Apple Watch range and a compelling AirPods Pro upgrade, it’s worth noting that the new devices may hit a market eager to upgrade.

SellCell claims almost 70% of iPhone owners might upgrade this year. I have to say that I find that percentage much too high, but it could hint at a degree of pent-up interest ready to be unleashed across the coming months as Apple introduces the biggest iPhone redesigns for years – this year’s thin iPhone Air and the expected folding iPhone in 2026.

What SellCell sees

While I leery of accepting all of SellCell’s claims, they do reflect years of data analysis:

iPhone Pro/Pro Max account for 38.1% of planned upgraders; 16.7% will choose the standard model; 13.5% the ultra-thin Air.

72.9% of iPhone owners say they are more satisfied today than in past years, but over a quarter (27.1%) feel Apple has “lost its edge” versus rivals.

Apple could see interest in its devices dwindle if it doesn’t ship a folding device soon — 20.1% of users would consider switching if it does not.

Almost half of iPhone users (49%) say nothing about Android appeals to them — yet the majority admit Android is becoming more attractive.

This is all interesting and might reflect some of the ways in which the prevailing negativity is beginning to affect consumer sentiment. That might be less of a problem given Apple’s track record of regularly delighting consumers with new products. Those faint hearts among its congregation could easily be won again if Apple makes the right moves.

What will drive consumer upgrades? Mostly it’s the same as it ever, with battery life an enduring concern, and pricing — particularly any tariff-driven price hikes — also in mind. People seem a lot more ready to embrace eSIMs than before: “eSIM adoption is now mainstream, with 72.5% saying they like it — though more than a quarter still prefer a physical SIM,” SellCell said.

There is growing speculation Apple might move to offer eSIM-only iPhones across most nations, as it already does in the US.

What to expect from Apple this week 

iPhone 17

The device will look like an iPhone 16 with a 6.3-in. display, possibly at 120Hz. Colors may include black, white, steel gray, green, purple, and light blue. The processor will be a 3nm A19 chip, with advanced thermal performance and support for Apple’s own network chips.

iPhone 17 Pro

More durable, the devices might use an aluminium frame and less glass than before. The camera system changes too, becoming a larger horizontal bump across the width of the device, featuring three lenses and up to 8x zoom. Better battery life and a super speedy A19 Pro chip (with more RAM) are also on the tab;e. The Pro Max brings all the above with an even better camera.

iPhone 17 Air

Replacing the iPhone 17 Plus, the star of the show might be the new iPhone Air. Set to replace the iPhone Plus, the iPhone Air is just 5.5mm thin and carries a 6.6-in. display. Lighter, it will use AI to help optimize battery life, comes in four colors, including sky blue, and might cost around $1,000. (The price is tariff sensitive). It may use an eSIM, Apple’s C2 5G modem, and carry a single camera. It could still boast a powerful A19 chip.

Apple Watch Ultra 3

Expect an updated (and larger) LTPO3 display for an even brighter device with a wider viewing angle. There will be a new chip, but this will be focused on efficiency rather than performance, with space dedicated to additional battery life. You’ll also have satellite connectivity built in, enabling satellite based texting and emergency SOS.

Apple Watch Series 11 and SE

Expect an S11 chip, a brighter display, and perhaps blood pressure monitoring features. The Apple Watch SE is expected to get bigger, gain the new S11 chip, and look a lot more like the ever popular Apple Watch Series 7 design.

AirPods Pro 3

The most interesting accessory could be the new AirPods Pro 3, which we expect will have a smaller charging case, better sound quality and cancellation, and in-ear heart tracking and temperature sensing. Apple should introduce Live Translation for these devices when its 26 series of operating systems ship.

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Source:: Computer World

Uber just turned its transportation network into an AI training ground. The ride-hailing giant’s announcement that Indian drivers could earn some extra money by labeling data for AI systems represents a direct assault on the rapidly expanding data labeling industry.

The move positioned Uber’s over one million Indian drivers as an instant workforce competing against established players like Scale AI and Amazon’s Mechanical Turk platform.

For enterprise technology leaders, this represented a potential paradigm shift in how AI training data gets produced—and priced.

Controlled rollout reveals strategic caution

The pilot program would enable drivers across 12 Indian cities to complete “digital tasks” during downtime — encompassing everything from image classification and text analysis to audio transcription and receipt digitization, according to Megha Yethadka, Global Head of Uber AI Solutions. “Until now, in India and other countries, these tasks, such as labelling work, text classification, object counting, and receipt digitisation, were completed by independent contractors outside the app,” Yethadka told ComputerWorld.

The company reported early traction. “Early engagement has been strong, with many thousands of tasks already completed,” Yethadka noted, adding that the pilot was “about giving drivers more choice, flexibility, and ways to earn” during downtime periods.

However, interviews with multiple New Delhi-based drivers revealed none had access to these features yet, though one mentioned hearing about “extra earning opportunities coming up for Uber drivers.”

This indicated Uber was likely implementing a phased deployment strategy, testing with select driver cohorts before broader activation. These digital tasks feed data directly into AI systems for Uber’s enterprise clients.

Economics of idle capacity

The economics were compelling. While traditional data labeling companies recruited separate contractor pools, Uber leveraged pre-verified drivers already familiar with app-based workflows. According to Yethadka, these tasks for Uber were “completed by independent contractors outside the app” earlier.

“Uber is tapping into idle capacity that already exists within its network, converting minutes between rides into productive cycles of annotation,” said Sanchit Vir Gogia, chief analyst and CEO at Greyhound Research. “This is a clever reallocation of labour and could lower the barrier to entry for enterprises that have struggled with spiralling labelling costs.”

This infrastructure advantage aligned with market trends, showing outsourced data labeling capturing 84.6 percent market share as enterprises sought scalable alternatives.

Market dynamics favor disruption

Uber’s entry came at an opportune moment. The AI data labeling market is expected to reach $5.46 billion by 2030, with large enterprises representing 61.11 percent of spending, yet many remained frustrated with quality inconsistencies and slow turnaround times from traditional providers.

Scale AI, despite approaching $1 billion in annual revenue, faced mounting enterprise complaints about “low quality and high turnaround times,” according to a recent Amplify Partners analysis. Amazon’s Mechanical Turk struggled with quality control and enterprise-grade security requirements.

However, disruption came with trade-offs. “Traditional vendors, while slower and often more expensive, offer the assurance of trained annotators, mature governance frameworks, and long-standing audit processes that inspire confidence in regulated industries,” Gogia noted. “Uber’s strength is speed and neutrality at a time when buyers are wary of entanglements with Big Tech-owned providers, but it must still prove that a transient workforce can deliver the same rigour.”

Uber’s secret weapon was domain expertise. According to Mordor Intelligence, the automotive sector accounted for 23.34% of the data labeling market, driven by the development of autonomous vehicles. Uber’s partnership with Aurora and transportation knowledge created natural competitive advantages in this lucrative segment.

Global platform advantage

Uber AI Solutions already operated in over 30 countries — a sixfold increase from five markets when it launched last November. Yethadka confirmed “worldwide expansion” plans, stating that “insights from the India pilot will inform how Uber scales this kind of work to drivers and delivery partners elsewhere in the world.” This signaled a serious strategic commitment that could appeal to multinational enterprises managing fragmented vendor relationships.

While Scale AI relied heavily on workers in the Philippines, Nigeria, and Kenya, Uber’s approach distributed work across established transportation networks with existing regulatory compliance and payment infrastructure. “This offered enterprise buyers concerned about data sovereignty built-in advantages that traditional crowdsourcing platforms couldn’t match,” Gogia added.

The broader implications extended beyond data labeling. “Uber’s strategy reflects a larger realignment in the digital economy, where gig platforms are no longer confined to mobility or food delivery but are recasting themselves as distributed labour infrastructures for AI,” Gogia observed. “What Uber has launched is not a sideshow but a blueprint for how other platforms may monetise their dormant workforce cycles.”

For enterprise procurement teams, Uber’s entry forced strategic recalculation. “In areas such as retail, logistics, and consumer technology, where datasets are vast but not highly sensitive, Uber’s model is immediately attractive,” Gogia explained. However, “the challenge lies in extending that appeal to regulated domains” where banks, insurers, and healthcare providers require tightly controlled, auditable environments.

Strategic cautions

Despite the compelling opportunity, Uber’s data labeling venture faces significant challenges. “Uber is well-placed to unsettle incumbents in commoditised, high-volume tasks, but unlikely to dislodge established players in sectors where compliance and precision define the contract,” Gogia warned. “The transition from transportation to knowledge work represented significant operational complexity, and pricing strategy remained undisclosed.”

Manual labeling held a leading market share despite automation advances, but semi-supervised methods were accelerating at 34.23% CAGR, creating opportunities for platforms that could blend both approaches.

Source:: Computer World

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Unraveling the Adventures of Avia Masters in the World of Online Gambling

Introduction

In the vibrant realm of online gambling, few titles captivate players quite like Avia Masters. This exhilarating casino game offers an immersive experience that combines skill, luck, and strategy. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a novice looking to explore new avenues, understanding the nuances of Avia Masters is essential to enjoying the game to its fullest.

Gameplay Overview

Avia Masters invites players on a thrilling journey where the stakes are high and the rewards plentiful. The game is designed to be intuitive, making it approachable yet challenging enough to engage those seeking an adrenaline rush. To navigate through this enchanting universe, it’s crucial to grasp the foundational aspects that shape gameplay.

• Objective: Players aim to accumulate credits by placing bets and playing through various levels, all while aiming for the jackpot.
• Game Mechanics: The game features dynamic rounds where players encounter different challenges that can multiply their winnings.
• Betting Options: Avia Masters allows for multiple betting strategies, accommodating both high rollers and conservative players alike.

Strategies and Tips

Mastering Avia Masters isn’t entirely reliant on luck; strategic play can significantly enhance your chances of victory. Here are some effective tips to keep in mind:

1. Understand the Game Mechanics: Familiarize yourself with how different levels work, as this knowledge can aid in making informed betting decisions.
2. Start Small: If you’re new to the game, practice with lower stakes until you feel comfortable adjusting your betting strategy.
3. Track Your Progress: Monitor your wins and losses. Keeping track allows for strategic adjustments in real time.
4. Play for Fun: Remember that the primary goal is entertainment; don’t chase losses and always practice responsible gambling.

Visuals and Soundscape

The immersive quality of Avia Masters extends beyond its gameplay mechanics. The game boasts stunning graphics and captivating sound effects that enhance the gaming experience. Here’s what you can expect:

• Visual Aesthetics: Rich colors and meticulously designed characters create an engaging visual narrative that keeps players immersed.
• Audio Effects: A dynamic soundscape complements your gameplay, with sounds that reflect wins, losses, and the overall atmosphere of a high-stakes casino.
• User Interface: An intuitive user interface ensures that both new and experienced players can navigate the game with ease.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Avia Masters?

Avia Masters is an engaging casino game that combines elements of strategy and luck, allowing players to win credits while navigating through exciting levels.

Is Avia Masters suitable for beginners?

Absolutely! While the game offers depth and complexity, its user-friendly design and clear objectives make it accessible for players of all levels.

Can I play Avia Masters for free?

Many online casinos offer Avia Masters demos, allowing players to experience the game without wagering real money. This is a great way to familiarize yourself with the game mechanics.

What strategies can improve my chances in Avia Masters?

Familiarizing yourself with game mechanics, starting small, and monitoring your gameplay are crucial strategies that can improve your overall experience in Avia Masters.

In conclusion, Avia Masters stands as a beacon of excitement in the vast universe of online gambling. By immersing yourself in its intriguing gameplay, employing strategic insights, and absorbing avia masters the stunning visuals and sound, you can elevate your gaming experience. So, buckle up for an adventure—there’s a world of rewards waiting just a spin away!

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The European Commission (EC) on Friday hit Google with a €2.95 billion ($3.46 billion) antitrust fine for “abusive practices” in its adtech business. But observers said that IT leaders should look at the decision as a warning about a potential wave of global regulatory decisions on tech issues. 

For example, Friday also saw a major genAI player settling a case involving piracy of AI model training data. Anthropic on Friday told federal court officials that it had settled its genAI copyright lawsuit for $1.5 billion, a settlement possible because a federal judge last month dismissed other copyright claims. 

This is hardly Google’s first compliance challenge in Europe, or in other parts of the planet. And the EC statement described the Google fine as limited to one case against the company, keeping the door open to potential future actions. 

“The European Commission has fined Google €2.95 billion for breaching EU antitrust rules by distorting competition in the advertising technology industry. It did so by favoring its own online display advertising technology services to the detriment of competing providers of advertising technology services, advertisers and online publishers,” the EC statement said. “The Commission has ordered Google to bring these self-preferencing practices to an end and to implement measures to cease its inherent conflicts of interest along the adtech supply chain.”

Other Tech Issues To Come Into Play

Observers saw the enterprise IT impact as potentially substantial, given the large number of technology issues before regulators in Europe in addition to many other geographies. 

“This fine is bigger than Google and ads. It’s Europe signaling that technology monopolies, whether in ad-tech, AI, quantum, or open source, will face scrutiny,” said Stephen Klein, CEO of Curiouser.AI and a senior lecturer at the University of California, Berkeley. “For enterprise IT leaders, that means regulation is now part of the roadmap. Just as we architect for security and scalability, we’ll need to architect for compliance and fairness.”

Klein added, however, that this fine is unlikely to change Google’s behavior.

“Google has no incentive to stop. For Google, EU fines are simply the cost of doing business. Since 2017, Brussels has fined the company over €11 billion [$12.9 billion], yet in that same period Google’s ad business has generated more than a trillion dollars in revenue,” Klein said. “The economics are obvious. The profits from bending the rules vastly outweigh the penalties. Until regulators restructure the business, this cycle of rule-breaking and fines will continue.”

Others echoed the sentiment that this fine won’t likely change Google’s behavior.

Brian Levine, a former federal prosecutor who today serves as the executive director of a directory of former government and military specialists called FormerGov, said this fine will likely be seen by Google as a rounding error. 

“[It] is an enormous fine to almost any company, except perhaps for the company at issue here,” Levine said, adding that the compliance push might cause consolidation, or at least cooperation/alliances, among the major technology vendors.

 Richard Bird, the chief security officer at Singulr AI, agreed that the fine is unlikely to materially impact Google. 

“Since Google was founded, they’ve had to pay nearly $20 billion in fines for lawsuits and regulatory actions globally. Either they have terrible lawyers or their old motto of ‘Do no evil’ was propaganda,” Bird said. “This isn’t remotely the only time they’ve been hammered for their unfair practices. But the numbers of dollars in fines compared to their last 20 years of revenue is laughable, and clearly not near enough to get them to fix or change their practices. Or get better lawyers.”

Industry Consolidation?

This kind of regulatory action may “make smaller vendors reach out to the larger ones, with a greater appetite for working together,” Levine said. 

“[It] might make the big [vendors] out there more open to partnerships, to sharing the wealth and to less tying,” he added, referring to the anti-trust legal concept in which a seller with substantial market share forces customers buying one product to also buy a different one of its products.

Erik Avakian, a technical counselor at Info-Tech Research Group and former state CISO for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, also anticipated substantial tech changes from the compliance push.

“Tech leaders, especially those in highly regulated industries like finance or healthcare, need to treat situations like this as a strategic risk,” Avakian said. “It’s an opportunity to push back against lock-in and demand more transparency around how analytics and cloud services are bundled. Better yet, look to decouple wherever possible.”

“[Enterprise IT executives] need to ask providers tougher questions. The fact that structural remedies are now on the table, and not just fines, means that the tools and platforms your organization relies on could change fast or be broken apart,” Avakian said. “If your entire digital or marketing stack is tightly integrated with one vendor’s ecosystem, then it’s time to reassess the risk.”

Source:: Computer World

The AI skills shortage plaguing enterprises just got a high-profile response. OpenAI has unveiled an ambitious workforce development strategy that positions the ChatGPT maker as both a technology provider and a talent pipeline operator — a move that could reshape how companies find and train AI-capable workers.

The company announced plans for a dedicated jobs platform and expanded certification programs, committing to train 10 million Americans by 2030. Major partners, including Walmart, which employs 1.6 million people in the US, signed on immediately.

“We want to put AI, and the power that comes with it, in the hands of as many people as possible,” the company said in its announcement. “But it’s also important to make sure those people know how to use AI to be more productive, shape the world around them, and control their own destiny in new ways.”

But OpenAI’s timing reflects desperation as much as opportunity. Goldman Sachs research warned that AI could automate 300 million jobs globally, while IDC projected the current skills gap will cost organizations $5.5 trillion by 2026. Companies are caught in a bind: they need AI talent to stay competitive, but qualified workers remain scarce.

A structural leap beyond technology

Rather than simply waiting for the market to catch up, OpenAI is taking direct action.

“OpenAI’s move into workforce development is not a side project; it is a structural leap,” said Sanchit Vir Gogia, chief analyst and CEO at Greyhound Research. “By setting out to certify 10 million Americans by 2030, the company is no longer just building AI tools but deliberately shaping the workforce that will power them.”

The numbers underscore the urgency. When Microsoft’s research shows 66% of leaders won’t hire candidates without AI skills, certifications move from optional to essential.

“The market has hit a wall,” said Charlie Dai, VP and principal analyst at Forrester. “AI literacy has become a core economic competency, but the supply chain for that competency is broken.”

Building the talent ecosystem

OpenAI’s solution centers on creating what Dai called a “closed-loop talent ecosystem”—controlling both the technology and the workforce that implements it. The company plans to weave certification directly into ChatGPT and tie it to a dedicated Jobs Platform.

“If you’re a business looking to hire an AI-savvy employee, or you just need help with a specific task, finding the right person can be hit-or-miss,” Fidji Simo, CEO of Applications at OpenAI, said in the statement. “The OpenAI Jobs Platform will have knowledgeable, experienced candidates at every level.”

The expanded OpenAI Academy will offer credentials ranging from basic AI literacy to advanced prompt engineering. “Anyone will be able to prepare for the certification in ChatGPT’s Study mode and become certified without leaving the app,” the announcement read.

“OpenAI is creating early access to pre-qualified talent,” Dai explained. “This could give their partners a first-mover advantage in AI adoption.”

Echoes of Cloud Wars strategy

Analysts see parallels to previous technology shifts. “Amazon AWS and Microsoft Azure drove massive certification programs during the cloud era, skilling millions of developers,” noted Neil Shah, VP for Research at Counterpoint Research. “OpenAI is following the same playbook for AI.”

The strategy worked for cloud providers, who built loyal developer communities that influenced enterprise purchasing decisions. OpenAI appears to be betting that certified workers will prefer and recommend its tools over those of its competitors.

“The future of retail will be defined by people who know how to use AI technology,” Walmart CEO John Furner added in the OpenAI statement, announcing plans to train the retailer’s entire US workforce through OpenAI’s programs.

Quality concerns amid rapid scaling

But experts warn that scale without depth risks creating meaningless credentials. “A credential that tests only prompting tricks will quickly become wallpaper,” Gogia cautioned. “Enterprises need professionals whose training covers productivity, governance, compliance, and responsible use.”

OpenAI acknowledged the track record of such programs has been mixed. “We realize that upskilling or reskilling programs have a mixed record, and haven’t always led to better jobs or higher wages,” the company said. “But we’ve studied what has and hasn’t worked in the past.”

Dai cautioned that certifications alone won’t solve the skills crisis. “IT leaders should assess credibility and alignment with real-world tasks,” he said. “Certifications must complement hands-on experience, not replace it.”

Certifications are already shifting wage structures, with certified staff receiving faster promotions and higher bill rates, Gogia said. But he emphasized that courses must explicitly include bias, fairness, and privacy considerations — “ethics cannot be bolted on later.”

Political maneuvering meets market strategy

OpenAI cleverly tied its initiative to public policy, announcing it as part of White House AI literacy expansion efforts. “OpenAI is playing a double game: securing credibility as a responsible innovator while also shaping national workforce standards to its own design,” Gogia observed.

The workforce disruption is accelerating. McKinsey research estimates 400 million to 800 million people worldwide may need new jobs by 2030 due to automation. Goldman Sachs analysis identified the jobs most at risk: computer programmers, accountants, legal assistants, customer service representatives, and credit analysts.

“Jobs will look different, companies will have to adapt, and all of us — from shift workers to CEOs — will have to learn how to work in new ways,” OpenAI noted.

Source:: Computer World

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By Gustaf Sahlman The entanglement of tech and politics has become impossible to ignore — especially in the United States, where the lines between Silicon Valley and Washington are rapidly dissolving. At President Trump’s inauguration, the CEOs of Amazon, Meta, and Alphabet took prominent seats — even ahead of cabinet nominees — an unmistakable sign of how closely US tech giants are now intertwined with national policy agendas. Just days earlier, outgoing President Biden had warned of a rising “tech industrial complex.” This isn’t just symbolism. It reflects a broader shift: US tech firms are aligning themselves with a domestic industrial strategy that…This story continues at The Next Web

Source:: The Next Web