Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights - podcast cover

Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights

In 10 minutes daily, The Business of Tech delivers the latest IT services and MSP-focused news and commentary. Curated to stories that matter with commentary answering 'Why Do We Care?', channel veteran Dave Sobel brings you up to speed and provides resources to go deeper. With insights and analysis, this focused podcast focuses on the knowledge you need to be effective, profitable, and relevant.

Episodes

Revolutionizing Solar Installations: Autonomous Robots Transforming the Industry with David Lincoln

David Lincoln from Rosendin discusses the development of an innovative autonomous robot designed for solar panel installations. The robot, which features a robotic arm mounted on a track-mounted chassis, was conceived to address the labor-intensive and physically demanding nature of installing heavy photovoltaic (PV) modules. The idea originated after Lincoln observed robotic arms in a PV module manufacturing facility, leading to a collaboration with an R&D team to create a prototype that could ...

Apr 13, 202520 minEp. 1589

Navigating Market Turbulence: Tariffs, AI Opportunities, and Flexible Billing for MSPs with Karl Palachuk and Jay McCall

The latest market turbulence has raised concerns about the impact of tariffs on business deals and the potential for artificial intelligence (AI) to serve as a lifeline for companies striving to do more with less. With tariffs on Chinese goods recently increased to 125% and a 90-day pause on other tariffs, the uncertainty in the market is palpable. Industry experts Jay McCall and Karl Palachuk discuss the implications of these changes, emphasizing the need for IT solution providers to adapt thei...

Apr 12, 202539 minEp. 1605

AI Crawlers Threaten Open Source, Microsoft Recall Launch, and IT Budget Cuts Amid Tariff Uncertainty

Microsoft is rolling out a preview of its new feature called Recall, which captures screenshots of user activity on CoPilot Plus PCs. This feature, initially intended for launch alongside CoPilot Plus PCs, faced delays due to security concerns. Users must opt-in to save snapshots with Recall and can pause the feature at any time. This development raises important questions about data ownership and how organizations should approach the use of scraped data, especially as automated bots increasingl...

Apr 11, 202514 minEp. 1606

Tariff Whiplash Fuels Hardware Surge; Google, Anthropic, and Dell Innovate in AI and Cybersecurity

Tariff whiplash has led to a significant surge in hardware shipments, particularly in the PC market, as manufacturers rush to deliver products ahead of impending tariffs. In the first quarter of 2025, PC shipments in the United States increased by 9.4%, with notable growth in both notebook and desktop shipments. Companies like Lenovo and HP have ramped up their shipments to the U.S. in anticipation of cost hikes, while a recent Canalys poll indicates that many small and mid-sized business custom...

Apr 10, 202514 minEp. 1604

Navigating AI Anxiety: Shopify's AI-First Hiring, Cisco's Privacy Study, and a Siri Blunder

Experts in artificial intelligence (AI) express optimism about its potential, yet public sentiment reveals a significant trust gap, with many feeling anxious and lacking control over AI's role in their lives. A recent survey indicates that while 79% of Generation Z engages with AI tools, only 27% are hopeful about their benefits. This disconnect is further emphasized by Shopify's new hiring policy, which requires employees to justify why they cannot use AI for their tasks before seeking addition...

Apr 09, 202512 minEp. 1603

Kaseya's MSP Insights, Apple Encryption Case, and AI Breakthroughs from Meta, Google, and Microsoft

Kaseya's 2025 Global MSP Benchmark Report reveals that cybersecurity has emerged as a crucial revenue driver for managed service providers (MSPs), with 67% of respondents identifying it as one of their fastest-growing revenue categories. The report highlights that 76% of MSPs recognize their clients' primary concern is security, emphasizing the need for integrating cybersecurity into service offerings. Additionally, operational efficiency is paramount, with 95% of MSPs acknowledging the necessit...

Apr 08, 202514 minEp. 1602

Tariffs Spark Trade War: Small Businesses Face Cuts, Tech Spending Slumps Amid Economic Uncertainty

Tariffs imposed by the Trump administration have ignited a trade war, leading to significant economic repercussions for small businesses and the tech sector. The new tariffs, described as potentially the largest since World War I, have raised concerns about a looming recession, with estimates suggesting a 60% risk of economic downturn this year. The stock market reacted negatively, losing approximately $6 trillion in just two days following the announcement. Business leaders, including Restorati...

Apr 07, 202517 minEp. 1601

Teqtivity's Journey: From Data Breach to IT Asset Management Innovation with AI Insights with Hiren Hasmukh

Hiren Hasmukh, CEO of Teqtivity, discusses the evolution of his company from its origins as TeQube, a smart locker solution, to a comprehensive IT asset management (ITAM) provider. The initial focus was on helping engineers access devices for app development without the hassle of traditional IT processes. As the company grew, it pivoted towards software solutions that enable organizations to manage their entire IT fleet, including laptops, desktops, and mobile devices, while ensuring compliance ...

Apr 06, 202518 minEp. 1585

AI's Impact on MSPs: 95% Adoption, 64% Low ROI, and the Future of IT Workforce Dynamics with Rich Freeman and Dennis O'Shea

A recent study reveals a strong demand for AI and advanced solutions among businesses, yet a significant gap exists in satisfaction with the return on investment (ROI). With 95% of surveyed clients planning to invest in technologies like AI and IoT, 86% feel pressured to demonstrate results, while 64% admit their investments have not met expectations. This discrepancy presents a unique opportunity for Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and solution providers who possess the skills and knowledge to...

Apr 05, 202536 minEp. 1598

AI Adoption's J-Curve: North Korean Scams, Microsoft Email Changes, and Global Tech Insights

A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Toronto, University of Oklahoma, the Census Bureau, and the National Bureau of Economic Research at Stanford reveals a significant productivity pattern known as the J-curve in American manufacturing following AI adoption. The study indicates that companies often experience short-term productivity losses before realizing long-term gains. Initial use of industrial AI leads to increased work-in-progress inventory and investment in robot...

Apr 04, 202516 minEp. 1600

OpenAI Hits $300B Valuation, AI Enhances Drug Discovery, and Microsoft’s Copilot Challenges

OpenAI has successfully raised $40 billion in what is believed to be the largest private technology funding round ever, boosting its valuation to $300 billion. This funding round was predominantly led by the Japanese investment firm SoftBank, which has now surpassed Microsoft as OpenAI's largest investor. Despite the impressive growth in revenue and user base, OpenAI continues to face challenges in achieving profitability, as it invests heavily in infrastructure and user acquisition. The company...

Apr 03, 202514 minEp. 1599

MSP Regulations Shift: CMMC 2.0, FedRAMP Overhaul, UK Cyber Bill & AI Security Concerns

Michael Duffy, President Donald Trump's nominee for Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, has committed to reviewing the Pentagon's Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0 if confirmed. This revamped program, effective since December, mandates that defense contractors handling controlled, unclassified information comply with specific cybersecurity standards to qualify for Department of Defense contracts. Concerns have been raised about the burden these regulati...

Apr 02, 202516 minEp. 1597

Cybersecurity Surge: AI Risks, Intel's Spin-Offs, Google’s Gmail Encryption, and More

Cybersecurity startups are experiencing a significant revenue surge as threats associated with artificial intelligence continue to multiply. Companies like ChainGuard have reported a remarkable seven-fold increase in annualized revenue, reaching approximately $40 million, while Island anticipates its revenue will hit $160 million by the end of the year. The rise in cyber attacks, particularly a 138% increase in phishing sites since the launch of ChatGPT, has created a greater demand for cybersec...

Apr 01, 202513 minEp. 1596

MSPs Face Economic Squeeze: Rising Costs, Cloud Management Growth, and New AI Threats

The economy is currently facing a challenging combination of slowing growth and rising inflation, which is impacting managed service providers (MSPs) and IT services firms. The Personal Consumption Expenditures Price Index has shown a significant increase, indicating heightened inflation, while consumer spending is weakening. This economic squeeze is forcing businesses to reassess their budgets, leading to a potential increase in demand for MSPs that can offer cost-effective solutions and effici...

Mar 31, 202514 minEp. 1594

The Future of AI Security: Risk Assessment and Management for Generative Applications with Sahil Agarwal

Sahil Agarwal, co-founder and CEO of Enkrypt.ai, discusses the critical importance of security and compliance in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI) models. His company focuses on helping enterprises adopt generative AI while managing the associated risks. Agarwal explains that the mission of Enkrypt.ai has evolved from developing encryption algorithms to creating comprehensive solutions that provide ongoing management and monitoring of AI applications. This shift aims to ensure that busin...

Mar 30, 202517 minEp. 1574

Navigating AI Growth: MSPs Tackle Cybersecurity and Data Governance in 2025 with Carolyn April and MacKenzie Brown

AI is rapidly emerging as a significant revenue driver for managed service providers (MSPs), with a notable increase in expectations for AI-related revenue. According to recent data, 53% of MSPs anticipate substantial AI revenue this year, a significant rise from 32% the previous year. This shift is attributed to a growing understanding of AI's potential, particularly following the rise of generative AI technologies like ChatGPT. While some companies are genuinely building capabilities, others m...

Mar 29, 202534 minEp. 1591

CoreWeave IPO Signals AI Market Shift; New AI Tools Enhance Communication and Security

CoreWeave has successfully launched its initial public offering (IPO), pricing shares at $40 and raising $1.5 billion, marking the largest tech offering in the U.S. since 2021. Despite initially targeting a higher share price, the final valuation of approximately $19 billion reflects a significant reduction in investor sentiment towards AI infrastructure. This IPO indicates a cautious optimism in the market, as CoreWeave capitalizes on the ongoing demand for GPU resources essential for AI develo...

Mar 28, 202516 minEp. 1593

Navigating Cybersecurity and AI: Insights from Andromeda Technology's 30-Year Journey with Jeff Borello

Jeff Borello, CEO and co-founder of Andromeda Technology Solutions, shares insights into the managed services landscape, particularly focusing on the needs of manufacturing clients in the Midwest. With over 30 years of experience, Borello discusses the evolution of his company from a break-fix model to a pure managed services provider, emphasizing the importance of project delivery and cloud migration. He highlights the company's commitment to providing flat-rate monthly services while maintaini...

Mar 27, 202523 minEp. 1587

ChatGPT's Emotional Impact, AI Arms Race Insights, and IT Leadership Diversity Stagnation

OpenAI has released research in collaboration with the MIT Media Lab that explores the emotional impact of using ChatGPT. The study indicates that while over 400 million people engage with ChatGPT weekly, only a small number form emotional connections with the chatbot, which is primarily marketed as a productivity tool. Notably, female users reported a decrease in socialization after four weeks of use, and those who interacted with the chatbot in a voice different from their own experienced heig...

Mar 26, 202515 minEp. 1590

Cybersecurity Breach in Trump Admin, AI Tools for MSPs, and New Integrations for Efficiency

A significant security breach has emerged involving senior members of the Trump administration, including Vice President J.D. Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hedgeseth, who shared top-secret military plans regarding U.S. attacks on the Houthi group in Yemen via the encrypted messaging app Signal. This breach was uncovered by journalist Jeffrey Goldberg, who found himself in a group chat with key cabinet members discussing sensitive information. The National Security Council has confirmed the au...

Mar 25, 202517 minEp. 1588

AI Infrastructure Boom: Meta's Piracy Controversy and CoreWeave's IPO Reveal Market Risks

Meta is facing significant scrutiny following revelations that it allegedly used pirated books to train its AI model, Llama 3. An investigation by The Atlantic uncovered that Meta employees prioritized acquiring these books, deeming them more crucial than web data. The company reportedly accessed a vast library of over 7.5 million books through LibraryGenesis, a known source of illegal distribution. This situation raises profound ethical concerns regarding the future of knowledge sharing and the...

Mar 24, 202515 minEp. 1587

Maximizing ROI: The Intersection of Cloud Cost Management and AI Innovations in Business with Erik Peterson

Erik Peterson, founder and CTO of Cloud Zero, discusses the critical importance of understanding and optimizing cloud costs, particularly in the context of AI. He emphasizes that businesses must shift their perspective from viewing cloud expenses as mere costs to seeing them as investments that should yield returns. By linking technology decisions to business goals, organizations can gain insights into their spending, allowing them to prioritize effectively and drive better outcomes. Peterson ar...

Mar 23, 202518 minEp. 1573

AI Agents vs. Chatbots: What's Next for Automation in Business? with Collin Graves and Simon Quicke

Silicon Valley is experiencing a surge of interest in AI agents, with prominent figures like Sam Altman and Satya Nadella predicting their integration into the workforce and knowledge work, respectively. However, a significant challenge remains: there is no consensus on what constitutes an AI agent. This ambiguity raises questions about whether we are on the brink of a transformative shift in automation or merely witnessing another instance of overhyped terminology seeking a market. The discussi...

Mar 22, 202536 minEp. 1584

Apple's C1 Modem Insights, Auvik & CyVent's SaaS Enhancements, and Free Deepfake Protection

Apple's new C1 modem, introduced with the iPhone 16e, has garnered attention for its impressive performance, particularly in challenging network conditions. While it recorded average download speeds of 560 megabits per second, it excelled in the lower performance brackets, achieving nearly 218 megabits per second for the bottom 10% of users. This focus on efficiency and consistency over peak speeds positions the C1 as a competitive advantage for users in urban and rural settings alike. Additiona...

Mar 21, 202515 minEp. 1586

NVIDIA's AI Chips Promise 50x Revenue Boost; Cloudflare, Adobe, and AWS Unveil New Tools

NVIDIA has made significant announcements at its GTC 2025 event, introducing the Blackwell Ultra and Vera Rubin AI chips, which promise to revolutionize AI computing. The Blackwell Ultra chips are expected to deliver up to 50 times more revenue for cloud providers compared to previous generations, while the Vera CPU and next-gen Rubin GPU are set for release in 2026. CEO Jensen Wang emphasized the transition of data centers into AI factories, highlighting the economic necessity of AI-driven infr...

Mar 20, 202518 minEp. 1583

Google Acquires Wiz for $32B, CISA Reinstates Laid-Off Workers, Cloudflare Launches Threat Platform

Google has officially confirmed its acquisition of cloud security firm Wiz for a staggering $32 billion, marking the largest deal in the company's history. This strategic move aims to bolster Google Cloud's security and multi-cloud capabilities, especially as the demand for cloud security intensifies. Wiz, founded in 2020, has quickly gained traction, serving nearly half of the Fortune 100 companies and projecting a significant increase in annual recurring revenue. However, the acquisition comes...

Mar 19, 202511 minEp. 1582

CISOs Gain Boardroom Influence, Apple Encrypts RCS, Nerdio Hits $1B, and Cyber Risks Surge

Cisco jobs are becoming more strategic as organizations adapt to new cybersecurity regulations, with 93% of companies modifying their policies to address the personal liability of Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs). A significant shift is noted, with 41% of organizations involving CISOs in board-level decisions. However, the report from Fastly highlights a concerning lack of clarity regarding accountability during cybersecurity incidents, as nearly half of the organizations surveyed are...

Mar 18, 202515 minEp. 1581

March 2025: Inflation Stabilizes, Small Business Confidence Rises, AI Innovations from Kaseya & Zoom

Inflation has shown signs of stabilization, with a modest rise in the Consumer Price Index, but consumer confidence is wavering. Recent data indicates a concerning decline in the U.S. consumer outlook, with a significant drop in the sentiment index across various demographics. Despite inflation easing, expectations for future inflation have surged, leading to a cautious approach from the Federal Reserve. This economic uncertainty is influencing IT spending decisions, as businesses prioritize dem...

Mar 17, 202516 minEp. 1580

Revolutionizing Ports: The Impact of Digital Twins and AI on Vessel Management and Traffic Flow with Toby Mills

Toby Mills, the founder and CEO of Entopy, discusses the transformative role of digital twins in port operations, emphasizing their ability to create digital replicas of real-world systems. These digital twins enable ports to model complex logistics, predict vessel arrival times, and manage resources effectively. By simulating various scenarios, ports can enhance operational efficiency, reduce congestion, and ultimately save significant costs associated with missed port calls and delays. Mills e...

Mar 16, 202523 minEp. 1566

AI's Impact on MSPs: Navigating Commoditization, Automation, and Future Opportunities with Jason Bystrak and Ryan Morris

The discussion centers around the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) and its implications for businesses, particularly managed service providers (MSPs). With significant venture capital investments flooding into AI, many companies are emerging without sustainable business models, leading to concerns about market saturation and commoditization. The conversation highlights the importance of finding real product-market fit and the potential for consolidation in the industry as compe...

Mar 15, 202539 minEp. 1577