Hammer Weekly Update, week ending 14 December 2025

It was an active week across UK and EMEA enterprise technology, with momentum around security, cloud, AI, storage, networking and enterprise components. Below we unpack the signals behind the headlines and what buyers and partners should watch next.

Security: resilience, Zero Trust and real threats

As organisations grapple with the increasing threat of ransomware, the consequences of paying off attackers have come under scrutiny. For execution, Hammer Distribution supplies managed SOC, data protection and Microsoft 365 backup to raise baseline resilience. Businesses that choose to comply with ransom demands often find themselves in the spotlight, facing heightened scrutiny and potential reputational damage. This phenomenon, known as the Streisand effect, underscores the need for robust cybersecurity measures that go beyond reactive solutions. Implementing comprehensive endpoint protection, advanced threat detection systems, and regular security audits can help mitigate risks and reduce the likelihood of falling victim to such attacks _[1].

In parallel, the UK’s semiconductor industry is at a critical juncture, with calls for revitalisation to ensure a secure supply chain for essential technologies. The reliance on foreign semiconductor manufacturers poses risks not only to national security but also to the overall resilience of the technology sector. By investing in domestic semiconductor fabrication and research, the UK can bolster its position in the global tech landscape and enhance the security of its digital infrastructure _[2]. This strategic focus is crucial as organisations increasingly adopt advanced technologies, including quantum computing, which introduces new vulnerabilities that must be addressed through proactive measures and a clear roadmap for post-quantum cryptography _[3].

Cloud cost optimisation and platform moves

The increasing reliance on cloud infrastructure has raised concerns around security, particularly with the exposure of sensitive credentials. Hammer Distribution helps partners deliver cloud architecture and cost optimisation so platforms align to budget and governance. Recent reports indicate that a significant number of Docker images have inadvertently leaked live cloud credentials across the internet, highlighting the urgent need for organisations to implement robust security practices to safeguard their cloud environments _[4]. This incident underscores the importance of securing application development processes and ensuring that sensitive information is not hard-coded into images or left exposed in public repositories.

In parallel, advancements in cloud services are enhancing operational efficiency and compliance. For instance, solutions like AWS DataSync are now offering improved scalability and performance for on-premises file transfers, making it easier for businesses to manage data movement between local storage and cloud environments _[5]. Additionally, tools that validate best practice compliance for specific applications, such as SAP ABAP, are becoming essential for organisations looking to maintain regulatory standards while leveraging cloud capabilities _[6]. These developments reflect a broader trend towards integrating security and compliance measures into cloud operations, ensuring that enterprises can harness the benefits of cloud technologies without compromising on safety.

AI in production: infrastructure and governance

The evolving landscape of artificial intelligence regulation is becoming increasingly complex, particularly as various jurisdictions grapple with the implications of AI technologies. For UK projects, Hammer Distribution supports deployments with AI servers and NVMe storage, alongside power and cooling for dense racks. In the US, plans are underway to significantly reduce state-level AI regulations, which could lead to a more fragmented approach to governance and oversight. This shift raises concerns about the potential for inconsistent standards and the implications for businesses operating across state lines _[7]. Meanwhile, the UK is witnessing its own challenges in managing large-scale AI projects, as demonstrated by the National Audit Office's recent commendation of the Bank of England for its handling of a complex mega-project. This highlights the critical importance of effective project management and regulatory compliance in the deployment of AI systems within financial institutions _[8].

As organisations increasingly adopt AI solutions, the focus on sustainability is also gaining traction. Recent discussions within IT sustainability think tanks have revealed that while progress has been made in decarbonisation efforts, significant gaps remain. Companies are urged to consider the environmental impact of their AI deployments, especially as they scale up operations. The integration of energy-efficient AI servers and sustainable data centre practices will be crucial for aligning technological advancement with environmental responsibility _[9].

Storage for AI and backup: NVMe and tiers

As enterprises increasingly rely on high-performance computing, the demand for robust storage solutions has intensified. Hammer Distribution provides NVMe storage and backup options that simplify tiering and recovery at scale. Recent advancements in cloud infrastructure, such as the expansion of high-memory EC2 instances, are enabling organisations to handle larger datasets with greater efficiency. These instances are designed to support memory-intensive applications, making them suitable for tasks such as in-memory databases and real-time analytics _[11].

In parallel, the introduction of new EC2 instance types, like the I7i series, offers enhanced processing capabilities that can complement existing storage solutions. This combination allows businesses to optimise their workloads while ensuring that data access remains swift and reliable _[12]. As companies continue to navigate the complexities of data management, the integration of high-capacity, low-latency storage options will be crucial for maintaining competitive advantage in a data-driven landscape _[10].

Networking for AI: SD-WAN and SASE

The University of York has opted for a comprehensive cloud-based solution to enhance its HR and finance operations, selecting a platform that integrates various functionalities into a single system. Hammer Distribution backs SASE and SD-WAN designs with the right networking platforms and security controls. This move aims to streamline processes and improve efficiency across departments, facilitating better data management and reporting capabilities. By adopting this solution, the university anticipates a more user-friendly interface for staff and improved accessibility to critical information.

This decision reflects a broader trend within educational institutions to leverage advanced technologies for operational improvements. As universities increasingly seek to modernise their administrative functions, the adoption of integrated systems like this one can lead to significant time savings and reduced manual workloads. Consequently, institutions are better positioned to focus on their core educational missions while ensuring that back-office operations are both effective and agile.

Enterprise components: refresh signals

Microsoft has announced plans to increase its financial rewards for reporting security vulnerabilities, signalling a commitment to enhancing the security of its products. Hammer Distribution stocks enterprise components such as SSDs, drives and memory for refresh and expansion programmes. This initiative comes in the wake of a growing emphasis on cybersecurity, where the potential for exploitation of software flaws can lead to significant risks for enterprises. By incentivising researchers and developers to identify and report bugs, Microsoft aims to bolster the integrity of its software ecosystem, which includes widely used applications and services.

The decision to expand bug payouts, regardless of the establishment of a formal bounty programme, highlights the urgency of addressing security vulnerabilities in an increasingly complex digital landscape. As organisations continue to adopt cloud services and remote work solutions, the need for robust security measures becomes paramount. This proactive approach not only encourages collaboration with the security research community but also reinforces the importance of maintaining secure environments for enterprise IT infrastructures.