Sovereign AI & secure data: Synology Solution Day in focus
Synology is addressing the challenge of enabling Australian organisations to benefit from artificial intelligence and data innovation while ensuring compliance, security and sovereignty over sensitive data.
Synology International Business Director Joanne Weng discussed these issues, highlighting the concept of "Sovereign AI" as a means for businesses to enhance productivity with AI while retaining local control over their information. Weng explained, "Everyone is talking about AI writing documents, summarising meetings or generating insight from oceans of data." She added, "But the key question is: Where does the data go? Who really owns it?"
Data sovereignty in AI
The challenges around data sovereignty and compliance are receiving increased attention as Australian organisations evaluate the risks of storing and processing data in public cloud environments. According to Weng, Synology is moving beyond its identity as a network attached storage provider to deliver a suite of data management solutions spanning storage, backup, recovery, surveillance, collaboration, and artificial intelligence.
"You can collaborate, share and even video call securely with AI as your assistant while your data stays completely under your control. That's the next chapter we're opening. And it's something attendees will get to experience firsthand at Synology Solution Day," said Weng.
Panel discussion on sovereignty
These topics will be further explored during Synology Solution Day in Melbourne. A panel session chaired by Nate Cochrane, former IT editor of The Age and Sydney Morning Herald, will focus on the concept of 'True Sovereign IT.' The panel comprises industry professionals including Edwin Lampugnani, founder and CEO of Airhealth; Grant Crough, co-founder and Chief Information Security Officer of Leap Strategies; and Neil Shan, founder and Managing Director of IT-Ecosystems. The session will draw on their experiences across air quality data, cybersecurity, and cloud infrastructure.
Lampugnani's work at Airhealth relies on robust data collection and storage. He has led the creation of air quality indexes designed to help individuals with respiratory illnesses by prioritising the secure handling and protection of sensitive information. Crough brings a perspective shaped by his background as a managed services provider with a focus on cybersecurity, particularly from the customer's point of view. Shan has worked with small and medium-sized businesses to guide them on cloud and network infrastructures, writing and speaking on the significance of retaining control over sensitive data and the potential hazards of public cloud storage.
Focus on compliance and risk mitigation
Weng emphasised that the panel discussion would demonstrate methods for Australian businesses to maintain compliance and mitigate risk while maintaining productivity. She stated, "By applying their unique lenses to the topic of what makes a solution 'sovereign', delegates will hear how to achieve compliant, safe and lower-risk IT without compromise."
Sovereign AI and data protection
With the rising adoption of AI in the enterprise sector, Synology has introduced its 'Sovereign AI' offering. The solution includes features such as the Synology AI Console, which can detect and redact sensitive information before it is transmitted to cloud-based AI service providers. According to Weng, this approach means local businesses can derive value from AI tools while ensuring that confidential or regulated information is not exposed outside their organisation.
Cybersecurity remains a core objective for Synology. The company maintains a dedicated Product Security Incident Response Team (PSIRT) to address vulnerabilities with patches in less than 24 hours, aiming to provide timely mitigations for newly discovered issues.
Weng noted the importance of cost-effective, compliant data protection in the Australian market. She stated, "In markets like Australia where cost efficiency, regulatory compliance and data sovereignty are paramount, our approach ensures that data stays local, protected and easy to manage - while giving enterprises the flexibility to grow with confidence."
Conference sessions and demonstrations
Attendees at Synology Solution Day can expect to see product demonstrations and attend sessions including topics such as enterprise storage, secure collaboration, cyber resilience in the face of persistent attacks, and developments in surveillance for modern security requirements.
"You can collaborate, share and even video call securely with AI as your assistant while your data stays completely under your control. That's the next chapter we're opening. And it's something attendees will get to experience firsthand at Synology Solution Day."
The event will provide an opportunity for participants to gain insights from peers and subject matter experts on protecting and managing data under Australian security, governance, and regulatory environments.
