Kalman Tiboldi - CTO & Founder at GemOne-TVH - Simplify or Die: Why Complexity Is the Real IT Challenge
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Belgium 9-9-25 Squad Only Physical english
As Belgium navigates the complexities of GDPR and various data sovereignty regulations, organizations across multiple industries face both challenges and opportunities in managing their data across borders. The quest for compliance often intersects with the need for business growth, raising questions about the balance between protection and progress. How can companies effectively own and safeguard their data while ensuring compliance without stifling innovation and expansion in a multi-industry landscape?
Read MorePoland 9-9-25 Invitation Only Virtual Polish
Utrzymanie talentów w organizacji IT ulokowanej na konkurencyjnym rynku pracy to nie lada zadanie. A jeśli do tego mówimy o organizacji z sektora publicznego? O swoich i swojej organizacji doświadczeniach, metodach i programach opowie Anna Wituła z CIRF. Będzie to jak zawsze okazja do dyskusji na temat różnych sposobów na utrzymanie talentów w firmie.
Read MoreBelgium 11-9-25 Squad Only Virtual english
You’ve built the portal. Added the chatbot. Rolled out self-service. But your support lines are still ringing. And your frontline teams are still improvising. If you want digital services to feel seamless, not just look polished, this session brings you back to where value is felt: at the frontline.
Read MorePoland 11-9-25 Invitation Only Virtual Polish
W fabrykach cyberbezpieczeństwo często zależy od podwykonawców – integratorów, dostawców systemów automatyki i firm serwisowych, które mają zaskakująco szeroki dostęp do infrastruktury OT. W tej prezentacji Igor Zbyryt z BZK pokaże, jak z perspektywy końcowego użytkownika i integratora wygląda współpraca z tymi firmami oraz jakie realne ryzyka to niesie – również w kontekście NIS2. Zamiast wyliczać różnice między IT a OT, skupi się na wspólnym mianowniku i tym, co trzeba zmienić w podejściu organizacji, żeby cyber w produkcji zaczęło działać.
Read MoreBelgium 13-9-25 All Members Physical english
Join us for a scenic ride along the route of the Brabantse Pijl!This ride is suitable for all levels of cyclists and doesn’t require advanced technical skills. We’ll start at de Zoete Waters, where parking is available, and head into the charming Brabant region. Along the way, we’ll tackle some of the area’s iconic climbs — including the legendary Moskesstraat, known for its cobbled character and history in pro cycling. Expect a relaxed, friendly atmosphere and beautiful views throughout. Whether you're training, exploring, or just riding for fun, you’re more than welcome to join!
Read MoreBelgium 16-9-25 Squad Only Physical english
The system works. That’s the problem. It’s old, complex, deeply integrated, and still running your most critical operations. Everyone agrees change is needed. But no one wants to be the one who breaks it. The stakes are too high.
Read MoreGermany Sep 9, 2025 Country Members Physical german
Vom ersten Use Case zur strategischen Neuausrichtung CIONET lädt bereits zum vierten Mal zu einem exklusiven Roundtable für CIOs und Digitalverantwortliche aus Logistik und Handel ein. Im Mittelpunkt des Abends steht die Frage, wie Unternehmen ihre KI-Initiativen erfolgreich skalieren und aus ersten Use Cases echten strategischen Mehrwert schaffen. Microsoft 365 für Frontline Worker: Moderne Tools, die Mitarbeitende im Tagesgeschäft entlasten ServiceNow für Prozessintegration: Automatisierte End-to-End-Workflows – vom Schadensfall bis zur Retourenabwicklung KI-gestützte Disposition und Planung: Mit smarten Algorithmen zur optimierten Supply Chain Digitale Lieferketten und letzte Meile: Transparenz, Effizienz und Kundenzentrierung durchgängig gedacht
Read MoreBelgium Sep 13, 2025 All Members Physical english
Join us for a wonderful ride. The ride is accessible to all levels of riders and doesn't require extensive technical skills. More information will follow soon. Looking forward to ride together!
Read MoreGermany Sep 17, 2025 Country Members Physical german
Cybersecurity ist längst kein reines IT-Thema mehr – sie betrifft das gesamte Unternehmen. Doch während die Bedrohungslage zunimmt, geraten viele Security-Verantwortliche an ihre Belastungsgrenzen: zwischen 24/7-Verantwortung, wachsenden Anforderungen und dem ständigen Innovationsdruck.
Read MoreGermany Sep 17, 2025 Country Members Physical german
IT-Betrieb und Cybersicherheit stehen heute unter extremem Druck: steigende Komplexität, wachsende regulatorische Anforderungen (NIS2, DORA, KRITIS), chronische Ressourcenknappheit – und gleichzeitig eine Bedrohungslage, die keine Verzögerungen duldet. Trotzdem agieren viele IT- und Security-Teams noch immer in Silos. Die Folge: ineffiziente Abläufe, Tool-Wildwuchs, langsame Reaktion auf Vorfälle und unklare Verantwortlichkeiten.
Read MoreGermany Sep 18, 2025 Country Members Virtual german
Nachhaltigkeit ist für CIOs nicht nur ein „Nice-to-have“, sondern eine strategische Priorität – sie beeinflusst direkt die finanzielle Performance, die operative Effizienz und die langfristige Wettbewerbsfähigkeit.
Read MoreBelgium Sep 18, 2025 Country Members Physical french
La dette technique est comparable à la négligence des réparations d'une maison. Ignorer un toit qui fuit peut faire gagner du temps aujourd'hui, mais cela pourrait conduire à l'effondrement du plafond plus tard. Pour remédier à la dette technique, il faut trouver et réparer ces fuites dès maintenant et mettre en place un plan d'entretien de la maison afin qu'elle soit prête pour les extensions futures. Pour résoudre ces problèmes, il faut définir des priorités stratégiques, communiquer clairement avec les parties prenantes et établir une feuille de route à long terme pour la modernisation. Cet événement se déroulera entièrement en français.
Read MoreGermany Sep 9, 2025 Country Members Physical german
Vom ersten Use Case zur strategischen Neuausrichtung CIONET lädt bereits zum vierten Mal zu einem exklusiven Roundtable für CIOs und Digitalverantwortliche aus Logistik und Handel ein. Im Mittelpunkt des Abends steht die Frage, wie Unternehmen ihre KI-Initiativen erfolgreich skalieren und aus ersten Use Cases echten strategischen Mehrwert schaffen. Microsoft 365 für Frontline Worker: Moderne Tools, die Mitarbeitende im Tagesgeschäft entlasten ServiceNow für Prozessintegration: Automatisierte End-to-End-Workflows – vom Schadensfall bis zur Retourenabwicklung KI-gestützte Disposition und Planung: Mit smarten Algorithmen zur optimierten Supply Chain Digitale Lieferketten und letzte Meile: Transparenz, Effizienz und Kundenzentrierung durchgängig gedacht
Read MoreBelgium Sep 13, 2025 All Members Physical english
Join us for a wonderful ride. The ride is accessible to all levels of riders and doesn't require extensive technical skills. More information will follow soon. Looking forward to ride together!
Read MoreGermany Sep 17, 2025 Country Members Physical german
Cybersecurity ist längst kein reines IT-Thema mehr – sie betrifft das gesamte Unternehmen. Doch während die Bedrohungslage zunimmt, geraten viele Security-Verantwortliche an ihre Belastungsgrenzen: zwischen 24/7-Verantwortung, wachsenden Anforderungen und dem ständigen Innovationsdruck.
Read MoreGermany Sep 17, 2025 Country Members Physical german
IT-Betrieb und Cybersicherheit stehen heute unter extremem Druck: steigende Komplexität, wachsende regulatorische Anforderungen (NIS2, DORA, KRITIS), chronische Ressourcenknappheit – und gleichzeitig eine Bedrohungslage, die keine Verzögerungen duldet. Trotzdem agieren viele IT- und Security-Teams noch immer in Silos. Die Folge: ineffiziente Abläufe, Tool-Wildwuchs, langsame Reaktion auf Vorfälle und unklare Verantwortlichkeiten.
Read MoreGermany Sep 18, 2025 Country Members Virtual german
Nachhaltigkeit ist für CIOs nicht nur ein „Nice-to-have“, sondern eine strategische Priorität – sie beeinflusst direkt die finanzielle Performance, die operative Effizienz und die langfristige Wettbewerbsfähigkeit.
Read MoreBelgium Sep 18, 2025 Country Members Physical french
La dette technique est comparable à la négligence des réparations d'une maison. Ignorer un toit qui fuit peut faire gagner du temps aujourd'hui, mais cela pourrait conduire à l'effondrement du plafond plus tard. Pour remédier à la dette technique, il faut trouver et réparer ces fuites dès maintenant et mettre en place un plan d'entretien de la maison afin qu'elle soit prête pour les extensions futures. Pour résoudre ces problèmes, il faut définir des priorités stratégiques, communiquer clairement avec les parties prenantes et établir une feuille de route à long terme pour la modernisation. Cet événement se déroulera entièrement en français.
Read MoreIsabel Group automates operations, takes efficiency to the next level with Azure data platform
Belgian FinTech Isabel Group revamps platform with Azure for data & automation. New platform unlocks flexibility, unstructured data handling & machine learning, empowering employees & clients.
Our analysis of the cloud computing market revealed Azure as a leader in data analytics. - Michael Van de Borne: Data Analytics Manager - Isabel Group
For Isabel Group, simplification is a key to success. The Belgium-based fintech company’s core mission is removing hassle for customers through IT-based products that facilitate the exchange of documents, identities, and payments. In the complex world of financial administration, Isabel Group finds ways to streamline processes for its customers.
It was a natural evolution to enter into the wider Microsoft ecosystem both from a business continuity perspective and to ease the migration effort. - Michael Van de Borne: Data Analytics Manager - Isabel Group
Isabel Group originally had an on-premises data platform that was used only for BI purposes. The BI platform was a traditional SQL server-based data warehouse with SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS), SQL Server Analysis Services, and SQL Server Reporting Services. Employees accessed data through multidimensional models and paginated reports. For reporting requests, business users were required to file a ticket and a BI developer would query the data warehouse.
The platform’s single-purpose construction meant that it couldn’t handle unstructured data or be utilized to support other critical business processes. Many operations did not use automation, resulting in repetitious, error-prone tasks that needed to be carried out manually. Because the solution used on-premises infrastructure, business users were forced to rely on database administrators and datacenter operators for managing physical upgrades, hindering their autonomy. The lack of flexibility prevented internal business users from improving processes like marketing campaigns and billing and forced business decision makers to use inefficient tools to compensate for what the BI platform didn’t provide. “Or worse, they went without the proper data or no data at all,” says Van de Borne.
Isabel Group had an opportunity to simplify its own process—and unlock new business capabilities at the same time. The company needed a mature, scalable platform that could make use of machine learning and advanced analytics while offering seamless integration through every step of the data pipeline.
Azure machine learning and data science can address all kinds of problems that nobody believed we could solve previously. - Michael Van de Borne: Data Analytics Manager - Isabel Group
Going from an on-premises Microsoft SQL Server setup—where internal users worked on Windows laptops with Microsoft Office products—to an Azure ecosystem made sense. “It was a natural evolution to integrate into the wider Microsoft ecosystem both from a business continuity perspective and to ease the migration effort,” says Van de Borne. “Our analysis of the cloud computing market revealed Azure as a leader in data analytics.” Isabel Group also took advantage of Fast Track Support from Microsoft, which offered a series of workshops to evaluate how different Azure services could be used.
Working with Microsoft Cloud Partner Program member element61, Isabel Group built a solution using Microsoft Azure Data Factory with self-hosted integration runtimes, Azure Data Lake Storage for scaling and storage, Azure Databricks for processing large datasets, and Microsoft Power BI Premium for insights and reporting. Isabel Group used Azure DevOps to build a custom toolchain, build and deploy models and reports to Power BI, and test and deploy data engineering code to Databricks.
The process starts with raw data that is taken from databases via integration runtimes or sent by apps, then raw data is sent to the staging area in Azure Data Factory. Data is arranged in star schema and business keys and foreign keys are updated through Databricks, then Databricks triggers Power BI API to refresh datasets. With datasets refreshed, business insights are ready to be presented. The end-to-end process includes machine learning model training, a feature that Isabel Group wanted but was unable to fit into their old system.
The process was a complete redevelopment of all the SSIS pipelines Isabel Group used—which number in the hundreds. After two and a half years of planning, problem-solving, and building custom tools and libraries, Isabel Group was able to fully decommission its on-premises BI platform and switch over to Azure.
With the move from traditional BI reporting to more comprehensive data engineering and analysis, Isabel Group gained the ability to process larger and unstructured datasets. Plus, the automation possibilities are a huge win for the team. Infrastructure and data pipelines are automated in the new solution—in fact, the team even automated the creation of new data pipelines, since so many needed to be migrated or remade. “This has unlocked a new range of possibilities,” says Van de Borne. “Alerts, in the case of a failure, and data quality tests are now automated.”
With the modern platform, the data team can provide new data initiatives more quickly and data engineers are more efficient. This means less time is needed to maintain pipelines and reports, and more time can be given to onboarding new use cases. For example, Van de Borne’s team has already begun work on new products used for validating the identity of payment beneficiaries in real time for help with fraud detection. As a result, employees have increased trust in the data team and platform, and Isabel Group can offer new services that continue to streamline and simplify business for its customers.
With the recently deployed platform, Isabel Group expects faster turnaround times for the creation of data products and machine learning-based solutions for both internal and external use. Employees are excited to explore advanced analytics and long-term, organization-wide data governance models. Insights into user usage patterns across product offerings will help steer future development of product features and identify cross-selling opportunities within its customer base. “Azure machine learning and data science can address all kinds of problems that nobody believed we could solve previously,” says Van de Borne.
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Embark on a culinary journey through the ever-evolving world of digital leadership with our third edition of the CIONET Cookbook: Recipes for Digital Success. Unveiling the intricate trilemma faced by today’s Master Chefs, our trailblazing European CIOs address a challenge at the nexus of customer interests, digital transformation strategies, and IT modernisation. Their secret? Synchronising the gearing between customer, business, and technology to create a frictionless movement through the digital landscape.
The CIONET Cookbook uses the analogy of a five-star restaurant to explain the importance of optimally integrated technology, with the CIO as Master Chef. In order to provide the best service to its customers, a top restaurant must have the right atmosphere, an inviting menu, a well-equipped kitchen, talented and committed front-of-house and kitchen staff and smooth-running processes that ensure an enjoyable experience for diners.
Geopolitical tensions have dominated the headlines for over two years now. In this context, the cyber threat landscape is also evolving rapidly. The protection and security of critical infrastructure – both physical and digital – is becoming increasingly important.
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Head of IT Germany and Regional Office Lead Munich, Microsoft
IT Director, IT Thinker
Vice president IT & Compliance, VisionaryRCM (A Carlyle Grp Company)
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