Small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are significantly increasing their technology budgets, focusing on strategic investments that support long-term growth. According to a study by Forrester Consulting, 88% of SMBs plan to enhance their cloud strategies and cybersecurity through increased spending on third-party services. The study also highlights a growing emphasis on improving customer experience and reducing enterprise risk, with cloud-based disaster recovery solutions and hybrid cloud strategies becoming essential. However, the integration of AI services into the economy is expected to take years, as businesses need time to learn about new AI products and train their employees.

The UK government has issued a second Technical Capability Notice requiring Apple to provide access to encrypted data and messages of British users stored on its iCloud service. This directive follows a previous request that raised diplomatic tensions with the US and has led Apple to withdraw its Advanced Data Protection Service in the UK, weakening user privacy. The implications of this move are significant for SMBs that rely on iCloud, as it introduces potential security risks and highlights the need for additional encryption measures.

Microsoft is facing pushback as it prepares to end free security updates for Windows 10, which is set to occur on October 14, 2025. A coalition of organizations, including repair shops and advocacy groups, is urging Microsoft to extend these updates, citing concerns that many PCs will be left insecure or unusable. With a significant portion of Windows 10 machines unable to upgrade to Windows 11, businesses are left with difficult choices regarding their operating systems, potentially leading to increased e-waste.

In the realm of AI, major companies like Microsoft, Salesforce, and Stripe are launching new tools that integrate AI capabilities into their existing platforms. Microsoft has introduced Microsoft 365 Premium, which combines Office applications with AI features, while Salesforce has launched AgentForce Fibes, a tool that streamlines coding through natural language. Stripe's new instant checkout feature within ChatGPT allows users to purchase products directly from chat interfaces. These developments indicate that AI is becoming an integral part of business infrastructure, and MSPs must focus on helping clients leverage these tools effectively to drive business outcomes.

Four things to know today

00:00 SMBs Are Increasing Tech Budgets for Cloud, Cybersecurity, and AI, But Forrester Warns True AI Value Will Take Years to Realize

04:07 UK Pressures Apple on iCloud Again, Forcing Encryption Rollback That Puts Privacy, Business Security, and Global Precedent at Risk

05:39 Windows 10 Sunset Becomes a Flashpoint: Market Share, Hardware Incompatibility, and Sustainability Collide in Microsoft’s 2025 Deadline

08:23 From Office to Checkout: Microsoft, Salesforce, Stripe, OpenAI, and Google Push AI Into Everyday Work and Consumer Life

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