In the dynamic heart of Curitiba, Brazil, a revolution has been quietly simmering, spearheaded by the visionary Gustavo de Souza Machado. Over the past two decades, this tech aficionado has endeavored to empower local enterprises, recognizing the increasing demand for robust technical and managerial frameworks in today’s frenetic, globalized marketplace.
The past four years have been a crucible for businesses globally, with the dual challenges of pandemic-induced disruptions and the acceleration of tech trends. The epicenter of this evolution lies in three pillars: the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, and the transformative prowess of AI. IoT, by making data collection more efficient, is fostering streamlined business processes. Cloud computing, meanwhile, democratizes digital space access, offering cost-effective solutions. And AI? It’s revolutionizing how businesses function and how consumers interact, with tools like machine learning and natural language processing.
Statistics from McKinsey & Company indicate that AI adoption is seeing a dramatic surge across various industries, with about 50% of businesses integrating at least one AI capability into their operations. And it’s not just about artificial intelligence. Cloud computing, too, is set to expand its footprint, with the global cloud computing market size expected to grow to USD 832.1 billion by 2025, according to MarketsandMarkets.
Yet, the shimmer of innovation doesn’t come without shadows. There remains the ever-present specter of cybersecurity challenges firms, while the integration of these groundbreaking technologies into traditional workflows remains a hurdle for many. And then there is also cybersecurity.
In this rapidly-evolving digital age, Machado points to the emerging threats to small and medium-sized business. “Cybersecurity is no longer just a concern for multinational corporations, it’s everyone and everywhere around the world,” says Machado.
Indeed, this concern with security has become an existential challenge for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) across the U.S. Recent data reveals an unsettling trend: SMBs are increasingly becoming the favorite targets of cybercriminals. According to the Verizon Business 2020 Data Breach Investigations Report, 28% of data breaches in 2020 involved small businesses. The relatively weaker security infrastructures of SMBs, coupled with limited resources to invest in advanced cyber defense mechanisms, make them lucrative targets for attackers. Furthermore, the assumption that their smaller stature might render them invisible to cybercriminals is proving to be a costly mistake.
The coming years are poised to amplify these challenges. With the rapid integration of emerging technologies such as the aforementioned IoT devices, cloud platforms, and mobile-first business models, the cyber attack surfaces are expanding exponentially for SMBs. The growing trend of remote work, fueled by the recent pandemic, further stretches their security perimeter, making it harder to manage and monitor. Additionally, the proliferation of ransomware attacks, where cybercriminals encrypt vital data and demand a ransom for its release, has become a pressing concern. Without the adequate cybersecurity infrastructure or knowledge to combat these threats, many SMBs face not only financial losses but the potential shuttering of their operations post a significant breach.
For Machado, this all necessitates a shift in small and medium business mindsets from viewing cybersecurity as an IT expense to recognizing it as a critical business investment. And that is where he thinks his contribution will pay off huge for his clients.
Amidst this evolving tapestry steps in Gustavo de Souza Machado, armed with a mission to bridge these divides. With his enterprise, AX Technology LLC, he is poised to extend his expertise to U.S. shores, targeting small to medium enterprises. The ambition? To seamlessly infuse emerging tech capabilities while adeptly tackling the associated challenges.
A cornerstone of Machado’s legacy is Paraná Laser, renowned for over 11 years for its technological prowess in laser engraving and industrial solutions. However, AX Technology LLC is more than just a successor—it’s a vision, aiming to solidify the foundational structures of SMEs in the digital realm.
Machado’s journey, seasoned by leadership roles at titans like Banco do Brasil, Duty S/A, and HSBC Bank, intertwines personal and professional milestones. His origins in a close-knit Brazilian Christian community imparted values of empathy and solidarity, while professional forays abroad, especially with confidant Virgínia, enhanced his global perspective.
Machado’s impending entry promises U.S. businesses not just technological acumen but also a blend of ethics and efficiency. In an era where the digital realm is ubiquitous, his expertise is set to be a lighthouse for enterprises navigating the intricate terrains of emerging technologies. As these businesses strive to harness the potential of new tech trends, Machado’s seasoned guidance stands ready to lead them to success.