Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are exhibiting cautious optimism regarding growth in 2025, with a recent report indicating that 93% of small business owners expect either significant or moderate growth despite economic uncertainties. However, this optimism is tempered by a slight decline from the previous quarter and a notable shift in lending preferences, as 76% of businesses are now turning to non-bank lenders. Additionally, while many businesses are adopting artificial intelligence (...
May 27, 2025•15 min•Ep. 1646
API security has evolved from being primarily an infrastructure issue to a complex challenge centered around language and design flaws. Jeremy Snyder, CEO of Firetail, discusses the findings from their latest state of API security report, emphasizing the alarming rise of indirect prompt injection as a significant threat in AI-integrated systems. As APIs underpin much of modern application architecture, understanding how they function and the potential vulnerabilities they present is crucial for ...
May 24, 2025•39 min•Ep. 1643
Anthropic has launched its latest AI models, Claude Opus 4 and Claude Sonnet 4, which are designed to enhance coding capabilities and problem-solving skills. Claude Opus 4 is touted as the most powerful model to date, capable of autonomously handling long tasks for several hours and outperforming competitors like Google's Gemini and OpenAI's models in coding tasks. The new models also feature improved accuracy, with a 65% reduction in the likelihood of taking shortcuts compared to their predeces...
May 23, 2025•18 min•Ep. 1645
Small businesses are increasingly adopting artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, particularly in personalized email marketing, which has become a primary channel for nearly 19% of small to mid-sized businesses in 2025. Despite the growing interest, many businesses face challenges in implementation, with 35% citing a lack of familiarity with AI as a significant barrier. A recent survey indicates that while 38% of small and medium-sized businesses are utilizing AI across various functions, th...
May 22, 2025•18 min•Ep. 1644
Microsoft and Google are making significant strides in the realm of artificial intelligence, with both companies unveiling ambitious plans to integrate AI deeply into their products and services. Microsoft’s Build 2025 conference showcased its vision of transforming the operating system into an AI agent platform, emphasizing the development of autonomous systems that can perform complex tasks. Key announcements included the public preview of Microsoft Intra-Agent ID for enhanced identity governa...
May 21, 2025•16 min•Ep. 1642
Kate O'Neill discusses the impact of AI and automation on business and human flourishing in her latest book, "What Matters Next." She introduces the concept of a now-next continuum, which helps leaders navigate the uncertainty of the future by connecting past knowledge with present realities and future possibilities. This framework aims to empower decision-makers to make coherent choices amidst the chaos of rapid technological advancement and cultural acceleration. O'Neill emphasizes the importa...
May 21, 2025•18 min•Ep. 1624
A historic gap between consumer sentiment and economic data is raising concerns about future tech spending. Despite positive economic indicators, such as a steady unemployment rate and a slight increase in the Consumer Price Index, consumer confidence is faltering, as evidenced by a significant drop in the Consumer Sentiment Index. Analysts from Bank of America have noted that this disconnect, the widest on record, suggests that businesses, particularly in sectors sensitive to consumer demand, m...
May 19, 2025•11 min•Ep. 1641
Gerasim Hovhannisyan, CEO of EasyDMARC, discusses the complexities and challenges of implementing DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance) in the cybersecurity landscape. He shares his personal journey, which began after experiencing a significant financial loss due to an email phishing attack. This incident prompted him to explore email authentication protocols, leading to the creation of EasyDMARC, a platform designed to simplify the deployment of these protocol...
May 18, 2025•23 min•Ep. 1626
The discussion centers around the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and monetization strategies, emphasizing the dual challenges of protecting data and AI models while also effectively pricing these solutions. Experts Bryant Tow and James D. Wilton explore the urgent risks posed by AI, including threats to company data and the integrity of AI models. They highlight the importance of aligning technical depth with business value, particularly as AI adoption accelerates a...
May 17, 2025•34 min•Ep. 1636
Charter Communications has announced its acquisition of Cox Communications for $34.5 billion, a significant move that will merge two of the largest internet service providers in the United States. This merger is expected to require approval from the Federal Communications Commission due to Cox's critical operational licenses. The combined entity plans to adopt the Cox Communications name, with Spectrum serving as the consumer-facing brand in areas previously served by Cox. This merger could pote...
May 16, 2025•13 min•Ep. 1640
Data silos are significantly hindering AI innovation, as highlighted by a recent report from Infanti. The survey of over 1,200 IT and cybersecurity professionals revealed that more than half of the respondents experience isolated data within their organizations, leading to inefficiencies and slow security responses. Nearly 30% of IT professionals reported that these data deficiencies obstruct their ability to effectively utilize AI tools. Experts emphasize the necessity for a comprehensive data ...
May 15, 2025•17 min•Ep. 1637
The European Vulnerability Database (EUVD) has officially launched, providing a vital platform for monitoring critical security flaws amid challenges faced by the U.S. in cybersecurity funding and management. This initiative aims to enhance transparency and deliver essential information on vulnerabilities, addressing gaps left by the U.S. Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures program, which has been hindered by budget cuts and operational delays. The EUVD not only identifies disclosed bugs but al...
May 14, 2025•15 min•Ep. 1635
Remote work is driving a significant startup boom, reshaping the IT services market. A recent study indicates that companies with higher levels of remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic have seen a notable increase in employee startups, with an estimated 11.6% of new business formations attributed to this trend. Despite major corporations reinstating return-to-office mandates, remote work adoption in the U.S. has risen from 19.9% in late 2022 to 23.6% in early 2025, highlighting a growing dema...
May 13, 2025•14 min•Ep. 1634
The recent U.S.-China tariff truce has led to a significant surge in global markets, with the U.S. reducing tariffs on Chinese goods from 145% to 30% and China lowering its tariffs on American imports from 125% to 10%. While this agreement has provided short-term relief, it has also triggered caution among Chief Information Officers (CIOs), who are now deferring IT projects and prioritizing cost management. A survey indicates that nearly two-thirds of IT leaders are focusing on cost control, wit...
May 12, 2025•17 min•Ep. 1633
Mousa Hamad, an expert in procurement and vendor management, shares insights from his extensive career in IT operations and business transformation. He emphasizes the importance of being customer-oriented and empathetic, drawing from his experiences on the front lines of IT. Hamad recounts a significant project where he tackled SaaS cost management by consolidating contracts and implementing a platform called Zylo, which streamlined the process and improved contract hygiene. This initiative not ...
May 11, 2025•19 min•Ep. 1623
Srinivas Krishnaswamy, author of "Inbound Marketing in the Age of GPTs," discusses the transformative impact of AI on customer search behaviors and marketing strategies for Managed Service Providers (MSPs). He emphasizes that traditional methods, particularly reliance on Google for information discovery, are evolving. With the rise of generative AI tools like ChatGPT, customers are increasingly turning to these platforms for tailored responses, which necessitates a shift in how MSPs approach the...
May 10, 2025•53 min•Ep. 1623
Ransomware attacks have surged dramatically, particularly affecting small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs), which now experience ransomware in 88% of breaches. According to Verizon's 2025 data breach investigations report, ransomware was detected in 44% of over 12,000 data breaches, marking a 37% increase from the previous year. While the number of organizations paying ransoms has decreased, the FBI's report indicates that complaints related to ransom have risen by 9%, making it the top threat to...
May 09, 2025•17 min•Ep. 1632
Top-performing IT solution providers are experiencing record profitability, achieving over 19% adjusted profit margins for the fifth consecutive year, despite a slowdown in revenue growth. The latest report from Service Leadership indicates that while managed service providers (MSPs) saw revenue growth of only 7.1% in 2024, their adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) grew at a more robust rate of 13%. This trend highlights the importance of operational...
May 08, 2025•16 min•Ep. 1631
AI tools are increasingly leaking sensitive data, with a recent report revealing that 68% of organizations have experienced data leaks due to employees using artificial intelligence tools. Despite a high level of confidence among security leaders—90% believe their security measures are effective—more than half reported regular malware and phishing incidents linked to improper AI implementation. The report highlights a significant disconnect between perceived security and actual threats, with onl...
May 07, 2025•15 min•Ep. 1630
The U.S. job market shows resilience with the addition of 177,000 payrolls in April, despite a slight decline in IT roles as tech professionals exit the field. The unemployment rate remains low at 4.2 percent, but the IT sector has seen significant job losses, with over 10,600 positions cut in April alone. This trend is attributed to a cautious hiring environment influenced by increasing automation and economic policies, leading many IT professionals to leave the sector altogether. While demand ...
May 06, 2025•17 min•Ep. 1629
The Global Technology Industry Association (GTIA) stands at a pivotal moment, facing a profound transformation following the sale of its certification and training division. This transition presents a unique opportunity for GTIA to redefine its mission and solidify its role as a cornerstone of the IT industry. Rather than merely adjusting to changes in the technology landscape, GTIA must embrace a bold, redefined purpose that focuses on the business of delivering technology, including strategies...
May 05, 2025•18 min•Ep. 1628
Arvind Parthiban, CEO of Super Ops, discusses the company's growth strategy following a recent $25 million Series C funding round. With a focus on artificial intelligence (AI), Super Ops aims to enhance its platform for managed service providers (MSPs) by developing innovative features that streamline IT management. Parthiban emphasizes the importance of being close to customers, revealing plans to relocate the leadership team to the U.S. and expand into European markets. The company is committe...
May 05, 2025•23 min•Ep. 1621
Dan Candee, CEO of Cork, discusses the innovative approach of combining software with insurance to provide cybersecurity solutions for managed service providers (MSPs) and their clients. Cork stands out in the cybersecurity landscape by validating the compliance of all client endpoints and offering a cyber warranty that provides financial protection. This model addresses the complexities of cybersecurity, where software vendors often avoid liability for failures, leaving businesses vulnerable. C...
May 04, 2025•29 min•Ep. 1610
The discussion centers around the evolving landscape of technology roles, particularly in the context of AI and automation. Seth Robinson from CompTIA and Beth Pariseau from TechTarget share insights on the current demand for various IT job families, including software development, cybersecurity, and data management. They highlight that while there is a high demand for skilled professionals, companies are facing challenges in identifying specific skill gaps and adapting their workforce according...
May 02, 2025•39 min•Ep. 1627
Alan Mosca, CTO of nPlan, discusses the transformative role of machine learning in construction project management. nPlan leverages historical data from large construction projects to create forecasts that help improve project execution. By analyzing how past projects were completed, NPLAN aims to shift the traditional mindset of project planning, which often relies on rigid schedules with fixed dates. Instead, the company focuses on modeling uncertainty and exploring various scenarios to better...
May 01, 2025•17 min•Ep. 1595
Kaseya has launched a series of AI-driven tools and policy changes at its Connect 2025 event, aimed at enhancing operational efficiencies for IT service providers. The Kaseya 365 Ops platform utilizes AI to help customers improve their operational efficiency, with early users reportedly saving an average of 160 hours per month, equivalent to the productivity of one additional technician. Additionally, Kaseya is introducing free-to-use Datto backup hardware for up to three devices per customer, s...
Apr 30, 2025•14 min•Ep. 1625
Over half of employees are concealing their use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools from their employers, raising significant concerns about trust and compliance within organizations. A study by KPMG and the University of Melbourne found that 57% of employees admitted to hiding their AI usage, with 66% of these users not verifying the accuracy of AI-generated results. This lack of transparency poses risks related to data management and compliance, especially as nearly half of the respondents h...
Apr 29, 2025•15 min•Ep. 1622
AI is increasingly enhancing efficiency in cybersecurity operations, but human expertise remains essential. A recent report from Enable reveals that while AI tools can significantly reduce analysis time for security alerts, a staggering 86% of these alerts still require human validation. This highlights the ongoing need for skilled analysts in the cybersecurity field, emphasizing that AI cannot operate autonomously without human oversight. The report underscores the importance of combining AI ca...
Apr 28, 2025•13 min•Ep. 1620
Hunter Jensen, the founder and CEO of Barefoot Solutions, discusses the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) and its practical applications in business. Barefoot Solutions, a custom software development firm, has been at the forefront of technology innovations for over 20 years, adapting to trends from web development to machine learning and generative AI. Jensen emphasizes the importance of understanding specific use cases for AI, particularly in enhancing employee productivity an...
Apr 27, 2025•27 min•Ep. 1592
This episode features a deep dive into the evolving landscape of managed services, focusing on the insights of industry experts Howard M. Cohen and Abraham Garver. The discussion centers around the significant shift towards service-oriented models within the managed service provider (MSP) sector, highlighting the importance of artificial intelligence (AI) and the ecosystems that are driving growth. Cohen emphasizes the three main categories of services that are currently profitable for MSPs: man...
Apr 26, 2025•37 min•Ep. 1617
