About the Authors

Daniel D. Kirsch is a consultant, analyst, and thought leader focused on how emerging technologies such as cloud, AI, machine learning, and advanced analytics are impacting businesses. Dan is particularly interested in how businesses use these emerging technologies to alter their approaches to data management, information security, governance, and risk. Dan has consulted directly with executive leadership teams at technology firms who must make strategic changes to their businesses. In addition, he provides advisory services to technology vendors. He assists these vendors in aligning their solutions with enterprise requirements. Dan is viewed as an expert in understanding cloud, AI, and security solutions and mapping them to the complex needs of business across industries. He developed the Hurwitz & Associates security audit and assessment tools. These tools help customers determine how well they are achieving compliance, and outline practical next steps.

Dan earned his B.A. in Political Science from Union College in New York and a J.D. from Boston College Law School, where he focused on emerging corporate strategies and intellectual property. As an attorney, Dan represented start-ups, cloud computing ventures, and young companies seeking financing. Dan has co-authored two other business technology books: Augmented Intelligence: The Business Power of Human–Machine Collaboration (CRC Press, 2020) and Hybrid Cloud For Dummies (John Wiley & Sons, 2012) as well as reports and custom publications in the areas of security, mobility, and analytics.

Judith S. Hurwitz is president and CEO of Hurwitz & Associates, LLC, a research and consulting firm focused on emerging technology including cloud computing, artificial intelligence, cognitive computing, service management, software development, and security and governance. She is a technology strategist, thought leader and author. A pioneer in anticipating technology innovation and adoption, she has served as a trusted advisor to many industry leaders over the years. Judith has consulted for senior management teams for some of the largest technology companies in the market as well as start-ups. In addition, Judith has served on several advisory boards. Prior to starting Hurwitz & Associates, she founded two other companies. She was the founder of CycleBridge, a life sciences software consulting firm and Hurwitz Group, a research and consulting firm. She has worked in various corporations, including Apollo Computer and John Hancock. Judith has written extensively about all aspects of enterprise and distributed software. Judith is a co-author on Augmented Intelligence: The Business Power of Human-Machine Collaboration (CRC Press, 2019) and Cognitive Computing and Big Data Analytics (Wiley, 2015). In 2011, she authored Smart or Lucky? How Technology Leaders Turn Chance into Success. (Jossey Bass, 2011).

She also co-authored seven retail For Dummies books including: Big Data For Dummies, Hybrid Cloud For Dummies, Cloud Computing For Dummies, Service Management For Dummies, and Service Oriented Architecture For Dummies, 1st and 2nd Editions (all John Wiley & Sons).

Judith holds B.S. and M.S. degrees from Boston University. She serves on several advisory boards of emerging companies. She is on the board of Boston University’s College of Arts and Sciences and the Alumni Council.