GenAI’s Promise, Peril, and the Path Forward - Networking + Amazing Swag!

Our February meetup will take a deep and engaging look at the topic of GenAI and it will feature an absolute legend in the DevOps / AI space - John Willis.

We'll also be giving away a number of one of our favorite books of all time, The DevOps Handbook. John was a co-author of the book and he'll sign copies for attendees.

Doors will open at 6:00 pm sharp - show up early and network, get a t-shirt/hat/sticker, and grab some pizza and drinks. Live programming begins at 6:30 pm ET with a few announcements, then we'll turn it over to John.

Food and beverages will be available, as will lots of (cool) free ATO swag.

*Note, this meetup is FREE to attend and participate, as always.

Location and Address:
IBM
Building 500, Room G-104
4205 S Miami Blvd
Durham, NC 27703
*Questions regarding venue can be directed to Sahdev directly at 336-254-1689.

Directions:
1). Enter IBM campus from Miami Boulevard and Cornwallis Road,
2). Follow signs for IBM Software Group Main Lobby B500 and take third left (DEVELOPMENT LANE) toward Main Lobby 500.
3). Park into the Visitor Parking lot which is in the front of the B500. You will be escorted from the building entrance/lobby.

Talk Title:
Dear CIO: Navigating the Shadows – GenAI’s Promise, Peril, and the Path Forward

Talk Abstract:
This is an open letter addressed to chief information officers (CIOs). The presentation focuses on shadow AI, technical debt, and the security vulnerabilities they bring. By drawing parallels with IT practices of the past, the presentation explores the evolution of technology and technical debt. The goal is to show that the shadow deployment of generative AI within organizations, known as shadow AI, is familiar. We have seen it before, bringing security breaches and technical debt in its wake. “Dear CIO” is not just a warning but a guide to help organizations leverage the benefits of AI while protecting themselves from the risks that come with it.

• Historical Parallels: We’ve Seen This Movie Before
• Drawing parallels between shadow IT’s challenges and the emerging phenomenon of generative AI.
• Lessons from the past: How unregulated adoption of technologies led to security vulnerabilities and technical debt.
• The Dark Side of GenAI: Security Breaches and Data Vulnerabilities
• Real-world examples where the lack of oversight on AI tools led to significant security and privacy breaches.
• Discuss the potential for AI systems to be exploited for malicious purposes due to insufficient security measures.
• AI Technical Debt: The Hidden Costs
• We are exploring the concept of AI technical debt: rushed implementations, lack of documentation, and the absence of robust testing.
• The compounding effect of technical debt on organizational agility, innovation, and security posture.
• Conclusion: A Call to Action for CIOs
• The indispensable role of CIOs in navigating the AI landscape: steering their organizations towards responsible adoption and management of AI technologies.
• The future is not written: This section emphasizes the potential for CIOs to shape AI’s trajectory within their organizations, ensuring that it serves as a tool for empowerment rather than a source of vulnerability.
• This presentation aims to bridge the gap between the allure of unchecked GenAI innovation and the imperative of governance. It illuminates a path forward that respects AI’s promise while vigilantly guarding against its dangers.

Questions? Contact us at **info@allthingsopen.org**.