Exploring IT Trends and AI Opportunities with Brian Jackson In this crossover episode of Hashtag Trending, host Jim Love interviews Brian Jackson, Principal Research Director at InfoTech Research Group, to discuss emerging IT trends and their intersection with cybersecurity. The conversation covers AI advancements, quantum computing, and digital humans, focusing on how to leverage technology for business opportunities while mitigating associated risks. Brian also emphasizes the importance of AI specialization and sovereignty, and the necessity for organizations to adapt encryption in preparation for quantum computing breakthroughs. Tune in for insights on current technology trends and strategies to harness emerging tools effectively. 00:00 Introduction and Overview 00:42 Meet Brian Jackson 01:51 Brian's Role at InfoTech 02:47 Tech Trends 2025 04:07 AI Opportunities and Risks 05:41 Quantum Computing and Cryptography 06:29 Digital Humans and Deepfakes 09:22 AI in Business Applications 22:32 AI Sovereignty and Cost Management 33:48 Quantum Computing in Practice 38:30 Conclusion and Final Thoughts