Dr. Alex Hubline, President of Culture and Innovation at Netsurit, discusses the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in managed service providers (MSPs). He emphasizes the importance of a strong company culture that prioritizes both employee and customer dreams, which is exemplified through their unique "dreams program." This program aims to align the aspirations of the workforce with the goals of the customers, fostering a collaborative environment that drives innovation. Hublin...
Mar 10, 2025•22 min•Ep 1562•Transcript available on Metacast Agentic AI is emerging as a transformative technology that builds upon the advancements of large language models (LLMs). Unlike traditional conversational AI, which primarily provides answers to user queries, agentic AI takes it a step further by enabling autonomous actions based on those answers. This capability allows businesses to automate processes with greater precision and speed, effectively acting as human agents. The conversation delves into the implications of this technology, particula...
Mar 09, 2025•23 min•Ep 1559•Transcript available on Metacast Intel has made significant strides in the tech industry by launching its next-generation AI chips, the Core Ultra Series 2 processors, designed specifically for commercial artificial intelligence applications. Built on the Arrow Lake architecture, these processors promise a 30% reduction in power usage compared to their predecessors, catering to the growing demand for efficiency in AI workloads. Additionally, a federal judge dismissed a shareholder lawsuit against Intel, which had accused the co...
Mar 07, 2025•16 min•Ep 1572•Transcript available on Metacast Employees are increasingly using artificial intelligence (AI) tools without the oversight of their IT departments, leading to significant security risks for organizations. A report by LayerX reveals that 89% of enterprise AI usage occurs outside IT visibility, with many employees accessing these tools through personal accounts. This lack of oversight raises concerns about data leakage, as corporate data is frequently pasted into AI applications. Additionally, a report by WalkMe highlights a disc...
Mar 06, 2025•18 min•Ep 1571•Transcript available on Metacast The rise of IT generalists is becoming increasingly significant as the industry grapples with a growing talent gap. A recent report by Auvik reveals that a staggering 78% of IT professionals feel that work-related stressors hinder their ability to improve their skills, with 60% experiencing burnout. As baby boomers retire at an accelerated pace, the workload is shifting to senior employees, intensifying stress and workload issues. The report highlights the necessity for IT professionals to posse...
Mar 05, 2025•15 min•Ep 1570•Transcript available on Metacast U.S. Cyber Command has been ordered to halt all planning against Russia, marking a significant shift in the country's cyber policy. This decision, directed by Defense Secretary Pete Hedgeset, comes as the focus of U.S. cybersecurity efforts pivots away from Russia and towards threats from China and other adversaries. Reports indicate that this change has raised concerns about potential vulnerabilities, especially as Russian cybercriminal groups remain active. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure...
Mar 04, 2025•14 min•Ep 1569•Transcript available on Metacast The IT professional services market is experiencing significant growth, projected to reach nearly $2 trillion by 2032, driven by increasing demand for cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and automation. While the project-oriented services segment currently dominates the market, the information technology outsourcing services segment is expected to grow the fastest, with an annual growth rate exceeding 10%. North America leads the market share, but Europe is also poised for rapid growth due...
Mar 03, 2025•12 min•Ep 1568•Transcript available on Metacast David Gandini, CEO of SOBRsafe, discusses innovative alcohol detection technology designed for workplace safety and behavioral health. The company offers two primary devices: the SOBRCheck, a stationary device that uses biometric identification to detect alcohol presence through skin vapor, and the SOBRSure, a wearable band that pairs with a smartphone to monitor alcohol levels discreetly. These devices aim to enhance safety in environments like oil and gas facilities while also supporting indiv...
Mar 02, 2025•19 min•Ep 1555•Transcript available on Metacast OpenAI has launched GPT 4.5, its latest language model, which is touted as the largest and most knowledgeable to date. The model, codenamed Orion, boasts improvements in user experience, including fewer hallucinations and enhanced emotional intelligence. It has demonstrated superior performance in various benchmarks, particularly in professional and creative queries. Despite the excitement surrounding its release, a recent Pew Research study reveals that a significant majority of American worker...
Feb 28, 2025•12 min•Ep 1567•Transcript available on Metacast NVIDIA has reported impressive fourth-quarter earnings, with a revenue of $39.3 billion, marking a 78% increase from the previous year. The company's net income also surged to $22.1 billion, reflecting an 80% year-over-year growth, driven by strong demand for its latest GPU architecture, Blackwell. Despite these positive results, NVIDIA's stock experienced fluctuations in after-hours trading due to a decline in gross margins linked to a transition to more complex systems. In contrast, Salesforce...
Feb 27, 2025•14 min•Ep 1565•Transcript available on Metacast Ninja One has secured $500 million in Series C funding, raising its valuation to $5 billion. This investment will enhance its capabilities in autonomous endpoint management, patching, and vulnerability remediation, while also facilitating the acquisition of DropSuite, a SaaS backup and data protection firm. Despite this growth, Ninja One faces criticism for lacking a robust cybersecurity strategy, which could hinder its competitiveness against rivals like Kaseya and ConnectWise. The absence of i...
Feb 26, 2025•13 min•Ep 1564•Transcript available on Metacast AI adoption is accelerating rapidly, with notable advancements in technology and a growing user base. Recent reports indicate that the costs associated with AI have plummeted, making it more accessible for businesses and individuals. A survey revealed that 39% of the U.S. population were monthly users of AI by August 2024, surpassing early adoption rates of personal computers and the Internet. Despite this growth, many businesses remain hesitant to fully embrace AI due to concerns about accuracy...
Feb 25, 2025•14 min•Ep 1563•Transcript available on Metacast Apple has decided to remove its advanced data protection tool in the United Kingdom following a government request for access to user data. This tool, which provided end-to-end encryption for sensitive items like photos and documents, is now unavailable to new users, and existing users will lose access soon. The move has drawn criticism from privacy advocates who view it as a significant threat to individual privacy and online security. Experts warn that this could set a precedent for other gove...
Feb 24, 2025•11 min•Ep 1560•Transcript available on Metacast James D. Wilton, an expert in SaaS pricing strategies, discusses the evolving landscape of pricing models in the software-as-a-service industry. He emphasizes that while SaaS pricing and subscription pricing may differ in execution, the underlying principles remain consistent. Key considerations include understanding the value of the offering, scaling prices according to customer needs, and creating various pricing options. Wilton highlights the importance of recognizing how these strategies can...
Feb 23, 2025•21 min•Ep 1551•Transcript available on Metacast The episode delves into the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on cybersecurity, particularly focusing on the rise of AI-driven phishing attacks. Bryant G. Tow, Chief Security Officer at LeapFrog Services, discusses how cybercriminals are leveraging generative AI to create more convincing phishing schemes, which can lead to identity theft. Despite the advancements in attack methods, Tao emphasizes that the fundamental defenses against these threats remain unchanged. He highlights the importa...
Feb 22, 2025•36 min•Ep 1556•Transcript available on Metacast Amazon has announced the discontinuation of its video conferencing service, Chime, effective February 20, 2026, opting instead to adopt Zoom and Microsoft 365 for its internal operations. This decision follows a billion-dollar deal with Microsoft for 365, reflecting a significant shift in Amazon's approach to enterprise communication. The transition to Zoom is seen as a strategic move, as Chime struggled to gain traction in the market. This endorsement of Zoom strengthens its position in the ent...
Feb 21, 2025•12 min•Ep 1558•Transcript available on Metacast Slide, a new backup and disaster recovery appliance designed for managed service providers, was introduced by former Datto founders Austin McCord and Michael Fass at the right-of-boom cybersecurity conference in Las Vegas. The appliance, which is slightly larger than an Apple Mac Studio, boasts a storage capacity of up to 16 terabytes and operates at speeds capable of saturating a 10-gigabit network connection. McCord emphasized the appliance's speed and efficiency, claiming it is significantly ...
Feb 20, 2025•13 min•Ep 1557•Transcript available on Metacast Acer's CEO Jason Chen announced a significant price increase for laptops in the United States, set to rise by 10% starting in March 2025. This decision is attributed to the incoming tariffs from the Trump administration, which are expected to impact products imported after February. The Consumer Technology Association estimates that this price hike could cost U.S. consumers a staggering $143 billion, as 80% of laptop imports come from China. Major brands, including Apple, Dell, and HP, are likel...
Feb 19, 2025•14 min•Ep 1554•Transcript available on Metacast Small businesses across the United States are grappling with the effects of tariffs imposed on imports, particularly from China, Canada, and Mexico. These tariffs have led to increased manufacturing costs, prompting many business owners to raise prices for consumers. The situation is exacerbated by rising inflation, with the consumer price index showing a significant increase, particularly in grocery prices. As small businesses face these challenges, they are likely to tighten IT spending and se...
Feb 18, 2025•13 min•Ep 1553•Transcript available on Metacast Justin Kane, the founder and CEO of DoubleCheck, is revolutionizing the way small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) approach cybersecurity by offering managed security services without the traditional managed service provider (MSP) model. His company focuses on providing essential cybersecurity solutions tailored specifically for businesses with 5 to 250 employees, particularly those in industries like legal, financial, and medical. By targeting the 25 to 75 employee range, DoubleCheck addresse...
Feb 16, 2025•17 min•Ep 1545•Transcript available on Metacast Nelson Gomes, CEO of Portalia Group and former MSP, discusses the evolving landscape of managed service providers (MSPs) in light of recent data indicating a shift in the American workforce towards larger businesses. With 53% of Americans now employed by companies with 500 or more employees, Gomes emphasizes the need for MSPs to pivot their sales strategies to target larger organizations rather than relying solely on small businesses. He notes that while the small business sector has traditional...
Feb 15, 2025•31 min•Ep 1550•Transcript available on Metacast Dell's recent announcement mandating a full return to the office for employees living near an office marks a significant shift from its previous hybrid work policy. CEO Michael Dell emphasized the importance of in-person collaboration, arguing that brief face-to-face conversations can enhance productivity compared to lengthy email exchanges. However, this decision has led to a notable decline in employee morale, with satisfaction scores dropping sharply. While some flexibility remains for remote...
Feb 14, 2025•14 min•Ep 1552•Transcript available on Metacast Managed service providers (MSPs) are facing significant challenges as recent data reveals that 18% are operating at a loss, a concerning increase from 14% in the previous quarter. While overall managed service revenue growth has slowed to just 1%, profitability remains relatively high, with an average EBITDA of 11.1%. However, the decline in services revenue, particularly among value-added resellers (VARs), indicates a potential shift in client spending habits, raising questions about the sustai...
Feb 13, 2025•13 min•Ep 1549•Transcript available on Metacast Artificial intelligence agents are facing significant challenges when tasked with complex responsibilities, as highlighted by a recent study from Langchain. The research indicates that AI performance deteriorates under cognitive overload, with one model's effectiveness dropping to just 2% when managing more than seven domains. This finding emphasizes the need for businesses to design AI systems that can effectively manage complexity rather than assuming that AI can scale to handle human-like mul...
Feb 12, 2025•15 min•Ep 1548•Transcript available on Metacast New Charter Technologies has made a significant move by acquiring Orchestrate AI Labs, a company focused on integrating artificial intelligence into managed service provider (MSP) operations. This strategic acquisition aims to enhance New Charter's capabilities by combining human expertise with AI automation, positioning the company as a leader in the evolving IT landscape. Peter Melby, CEO of New Charter, expressed enthusiasm about leveraging Orchestrate's AI technology, while Ryan Barton, the ...
Feb 11, 2025•14 min•Ep 1547•Transcript available on Metacast Amazon has reported better-than-expected earnings for the fourth quarter of 2024, with a significant increase in net income attributed to cost-cutting measures and strength in its cloud business. Despite this positive performance, the company provided disappointing guidance for the current quarter, projecting sales that fall short of analysts' expectations. Amazon Web Services (AWS) continues to be a dominant player in the cloud market, but its growth rate of 19% lags behind competitors that are...
Feb 10, 2025•13 min•Ep 1546•Transcript available on Metacast Ken Cox, the president of InLink, leads a unique organization that operates at the intersection of data center operations and IT services. Initially founded in 2000, InLink has evolved from its roots in the dot-com era, leveraging its data center to create a variety of products and services. With a focus on providing affordable and reliable infrastructure, the company caters to clients who require a more personalized approach than what large public cloud providers can offer. This commitment to c...
Feb 08, 2025•20 min•Ep 1540•Transcript available on Metacast Microsoft's cloud business continues to grow, reporting a revenue of $69.6 billion in its second quarter of 2025, a 12% increase from the previous year. However, challenges in Azure sales have emerged, with Chief Financial Officer Amy Hood attributing these difficulties to partner sales execution and foreign exchange rates. Despite a 19% year-over-year increase in the intelligent cloud segment, the mention of partner execution issues raises concerns about the strength of organic Azure growth. Th...
Feb 06, 2025•12 min•Ep 1544•Transcript available on Metacast significant security breach has been identified within the U.S. Treasury Department, where unauthorized individuals gained administrator-level access to critical financial systems, including the Payment Automation Manager (PAM) and the Secure Payment System (SPS). This breach raises serious concerns about the integrity of the U.S. financial system, as it allows for unauthorized modifications to federal payment workflows and security configurations. The threat actors, linked to a private sector e...
Feb 05, 2025•15 min•Ep 1543•Transcript available on Metacast A recent study published in the Journal of Marketing reveals a fascinating trend: individuals with lower knowledge of artificial intelligence (AI) are more likely to embrace it in their daily lives. This phenomenon, termed the "lower literacy higher receptivity link," suggests that people from nations with lower average AI literacy are generally more open to adopting AI technologies. The study, which analyzed data from 27 countries, indicates that even among U.S. undergraduate students, those wi...
Feb 04, 2025•14 min•Ep 1542•Transcript available on Metacast 
