Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights

Ransomware attacks targeting small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) have reached alarming levels, with a recent UK government survey revealing that 1% of organizations reported such incidents, affecting approximately 19,000 entities. This marks a significant increase from the previous year, highlighting a troubling trend where nation-state actors are increasingly focusing on SMBs due to their often inadequate cybersecurity measures. The survey also indicates a decline in board-level cybersecurity responsibility, with only 27% of businesses having a cyber specialist on their board, down from 38% four years ago. As the frequency of ransomware incidents decreases, the cost per incident is rising, emphasizing the need for resilience-focused security measures.In addition to ransomware, a vulnerability in Google's OAuth system has been exploited by phishers to create sophisticated attacks that mimic legitimate emails from Google. This DKIM replay phishing attack allows hackers to bypass security checks, making it difficult for users to detect scams. A notable case involved a developer receiving a fraudulent email that appeared to be a legitimate security alert. This incident underscores the importance of updating security awareness training, as traditional methods may not adequately prepare users for such advanced phishing techniques.Another significant security concern arose from a flaw in Gladinet's Centristack file-sharing platform, which allows remote code execution due to a deserialization issue linked to hard-coded cryptographic keys. This vulnerability has already been exploited in multiple cases, raising alarms within the cybersecurity community. Gladinet has advised customers to upgrade or change their keys to mitigate potential threats. Additionally, Microsoft acknowledged a flaw in its Intune device management tool that inadvertently allowed unauthorized Windows 11 upgrades, prompting organizations to revert affected devices.On a different note, Wikipedia has partnered with Kaggle to create a machine-readable dataset of its content for training AI models, addressing the challenges posed by content scraping. This initiative aims to manage the rising costs associated with non-human traffic while protecting contributors' rights under Creative Commons licensing. Meanwhile, concerns have emerged regarding the impact of AI on human intelligence, with studies indicating that reliance on AI tools may inhibit critical thinking skills, particularly among younger users. As organizations navigate the complexities of AI integration, the need for resilient systems that can adapt to these changes becomes increasingly critical. Four things to know today 00:00 Ransomware Evolves: Targeting Improves, Board Accountability Wanes, and SMBs Face Growing Geopolitical Risk03:32 Secure by Default? Not This Week — Google, Microsoft, and Gladinet Say Otherwise07:32 Wikipedia Feeds the AI Beast—But Wants to on Its Own Terms10:04 AI Overload: How Education, Cognitive Skills, and Enterprise Strategy Are Buckling Under Pressure  Supported by:  https://cometbackup.com/?utm_source=mspradio&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=sponsorship https://getflexpoint.com/msp-radio/  💼 All Our SponsorsSupport the vendors who support the show:👉 https://businessof.tech/sponsors/ 🚀 Join Business of Tech PlusGet exclusive access to investigative reports, vendor analysis, leadership briefings, and more.👉 https://businessof.tech/plus 🎧 Subscribe to the Business of TechWant the show on your favorite podcast app or prefer the written versions of each story?📲 https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe 📰 Story Links & SourcesLooking for the links from today’s stories?Every episode script — with full source links — is posted at:🌐 https://www.businessof.tech 🎙 Want to Be a Guest?Pitch your story or appear on Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights:💬 https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/businessoftech 🔗 Follow Business of Tech LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28908079YouTube: https://youtube.com/mspradioBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/businessof.techInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradioTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoftechFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are increasingly turning to third-party service providers to enhance their capabilities in artificial intelligence (AI) and hybrid cloud solutions. A recent Forrester report, commissioned by Crayon, indicates that 31% of surveyed leaders from Australia, New Zealand, India, and Southeast Asia plan to combine in-house teams with external providers to improve their AI capabilities within the next year. The report highlights a significant interest in AI, with 83% of respondents experimenting with free AI tools, although many are still in the exploration phase rather than implementation. Additionally, 87% of businesses are increasing their budgets for third-party services, signaling a shift towards advisory and pilot projects rather than traditional managed services.In Europe, there is a growing trend among customers to seek alternatives to U.S. cloud service providers due to concerns over reliability, pricing, and data security. Discussions at the recent KubeCon EU event revealed a tripling of inquiries for local cloud solutions, with companies like NextCloud gaining traction. The dominance of major players like Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, and Google, which control about 70% of the European cloud market, is being challenged as organizations question their control over data and consider a transition to trusted local providers.Meanwhile, U.S. manufacturing sentiment is declining, with many manufacturers bracing for recession-like conditions amid ongoing trade tensions. Surveys indicate a significant drop in optimism among factory owners, with the New York Federal Reserve reporting one of the lowest outlooks in over two decades. Although manufacturing output saw a slight increase in March, the overall landscape remains volatile, with future hiring intentions at their lowest since 2016. This juxtaposition of rising output against declining sentiment underscores the complexities facing the manufacturing sector.Lastly, Synology is tightening its grip on hardware by implementing restrictions on the use of third-party hard drives in its future network-attached storage devices. Starting in 2025, only Synology-branded drives and those certified by the company will be supported for full functionality. This move raises concerns about vendor lock-in, particularly for managed service providers (MSPs) who have relied on Synology for its reliability and ease of use. Additionally, a cautionary tale emerges from U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's misuse of Signal for sharing sensitive military information, highlighting the importance of operational security and the need for a strong cybersecurity culture within organizations. Three things to know today 00:00 Tech Tides Are Shifting: SMBs Want Advice, Europe Wants Control, and U.S. Industry Feels the Strain05:58 Hard Drives Locked Out: Synology Tightens the Rules, and MSPs Might Rethink Their NAS Game07:32 He Did It Again: Hegseth’s Signal Habit Raises the Stakes for Cybersecurity Culture  Supported by:  https://www.huntress.com/mspradio/ https://cometbackup.com/?utm_source=mspradio&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=sponsorship  Join Dave April 22nd to learn about Marketing in the AI Era.  Signup here:  https://hubs.la/Q03dwWqg0  💼 All Our SponsorsSupport the vendors who support the show:👉 https://businessof.tech/sponsors/ 🚀 Join Business of Tech PlusGet exclusive access to investigative reports, vendor analysis, leadership briefings, and more.👉 https://businessof.tech/plus 🎧 Subscribe to the Business of TechWant the show on your favorite podcast app or prefer the written versions of each story?📲 https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe 📰 Story Links & SourcesLooking for the links from today’s stories?Every episode script — with full source links — is posted at:🌐 https://www.businessof.tech 🎙 Want to Be a Guest?Pitch your story or appear on Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights:💬 https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/businessoftech 🔗 Follow Business of Tech LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28908079YouTube: https://youtube.com/mspradioBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/businessof.techInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradioTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoftechFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jason Willis Lee, a specialized medical translator, discusses the impact of AI on the translation industry, particularly in the medical field. With a background in medicine and extensive experience in translating clinical trials, medical reports, and academic research, he has witnessed firsthand the disruption caused by AI technologies. While machine translation tools like Google Translate and DeepL have improved significantly, they still struggle with nuances and specialized terminology, which are crucial in medical translation. As a result, Willis Lee emphasizes the importance of human oversight in the translation process, particularly through post-editing of machine-generated content.The conversation delves into the evolving landscape of the translation industry, where generalist translators are increasingly being squeezed out due to the rise of AI. Willis Lee notes that many translators are facing reduced income and job opportunities, particularly those who do not specialize in niche areas. He advocates for the necessity of niching down to survive in this changing environment, suggesting that specialized translators in fields like medical translation and linguistic validation will have better prospects than generalists.Willis Lee also shares insights into his own career trajectory, highlighting the importance of investing in professional development and adapting to industry changes. He discusses the shift from high-volume, low-cost translation work to low-volume, high-value projects, encouraging aspiring translators to specialize early in their careers. He believes that those who can effectively leverage AI tools while maintaining a human touch will thrive, as they can offer a hybrid service that combines efficiency with quality.Finally, he reflects on the opportunities that AI presents, arguing that it can enhance productivity and create new revenue streams for translators. By diversifying their services and exploring areas like consulting, affiliate marketing, and podcasting, translators can adapt to the changing landscape and find success. Willis Lee's perspective underscores the importance of resilience and innovation in navigating the challenges posed by AI in the translation industry.  💼 All Our SponsorsSupport the vendors who support the show:👉 https://businessof.tech/sponsors/ 🚀 Join Business of Tech PlusGet exclusive access to investigative reports, vendor analysis, leadership briefings, and more.👉 https://businessof.tech/plus 🎧 Subscribe to the Business of TechWant the show on your favorite podcast app or prefer the written versions of each story?📲 https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe 📰 Story Links & SourcesLooking for the links from today’s stories?Every episode script — with full source links — is posted at:🌐 https://www.businessof.tech 🎙 Want to Be a Guest?Pitch your story or appear on Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights:💬 https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/businessoftech 🔗 Follow Business of Tech LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28908079YouTube: https://youtube.com/mspradioBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/businessof.techInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradioTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoftechFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The podcast features a discussion on the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI), law, and ethics, with insights from attorney Brad Gross and AI governance expert Juliette Powell. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into the services provided by managed service providers (MSPs) and technology companies, the risks associated with compliance and unintended bias are growing. The conversation explores how businesses can navigate legal pitfalls while developing responsible and transparent AI strategies, emphasizing the importance of accountability and ethical considerations in AI deployment.Juliette Powell highlights the need for organizations to establish AI governance frameworks that are adaptable to evolving technologies. She questions the notion of what is considered "ethically sound" and emphasizes the importance of understanding the organizational culture and the people using AI tools. The discussion reveals that many employees do not utilize AI tools effectively, leading to gaps in implementation and understanding. This sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the responsibilities that organizations must take on as they integrate AI into their operations.Brad Gross addresses the legal implications of AI, particularly concerning privacy and intellectual property. He stresses that while MSPs can delegate tasks to AI, they cannot delegate responsibility. This means that organizations must maintain a human element in their AI strategies to mitigate risks. The conversation also touches on the current lack of comprehensive laws governing AI in the U.S., with a focus on the need for transparency and disclosure regarding data usage in AI systems.The episode concludes with a discussion on the importance of accountability within organizations. Both experts agree that having a designated individual or team responsible for AI governance is crucial for success. They emphasize that MSPs should manage client expectations by clarifying the shared responsibilities in AI compliance. This collaborative approach is essential for navigating the complexities of AI integration and ensuring that organizations can leverage technology effectively while adhering to legal and ethical standards.  💼 All Our SponsorsSupport the vendors who support the show:👉 https://businessof.tech/sponsors/ 🚀 Join Business of Tech PlusGet exclusive access to investigative reports, vendor analysis, leadership briefings, and more.👉 https://businessof.tech/plus 🎧 Subscribe to the Business of TechWant the show on your favorite podcast app or prefer the written versions of each story?📲 https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe 📰 Story Links & SourcesLooking for the links from today’s stories?Every episode script — with full source links — is posted at:🌐 https://www.businessof.tech 🎙 Want to Be a Guest?Pitch your story or appear on Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights:💬 https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/businessoftech 🔗 Follow Business of Tech LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28908079YouTube: https://youtube.com/mspradioBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/businessof.techInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradioTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoftechFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A federal judge has ruled that Google acted illegally to maintain a monopoly in online advertising technology, which could lead to significant changes within the company. The ruling, made by Judge Leone Branchima of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, found that Google unlawfully built dominance in the ad tech market, impacting tools used by publishers and the software facilitating advertising transactions. This decision is part of a broader regulatory effort to rein in the power of major tech companies, with the Justice Department also targeting Apple and Amazon for similar practices. Google, which holds an 87% market share in ad selling technology, plans to appeal the ruling, asserting that its ad tools are beneficial for publishers.The implications of this ruling extend beyond Google itself, as it directly affects the marketing and customer acquisition strategies of IT service providers (MSPs) that rely on Google's advertising infrastructure. The court's decision could trigger a lengthy appeals process, and any operational changes may take years to implement. However, the ruling marks a significant moment for Google, indicating that its business practices may soon face substantial scrutiny and potential restructuring.In addition to the Google ruling, the podcast discusses various new tools and technologies aimed at enhancing cybersecurity and compliance for MSPs. Notable announcements include Google’s launch of a new security platform called Google Unified Security, which integrates various security features into a single solution, and HPE Aruba Networking Central's expanded cloud features for managed service providers. These developments highlight the increasing focus on integrated AI-enhanced and compliance-ready security solutions, emphasizing the need for MSPs to align these tools with real client needs rather than simply adopting them as product features.The episode also explores Apple's innovative approach to artificial intelligence, which prioritizes user privacy by utilizing synthetic datasets for training AI models. This method allows Apple to refine its AI outputs while keeping user data on the device, aligning with privacy regulations. The podcast concludes by addressing the evolving landscape of IT service delivery, urging providers to reconsider outdated technologies and prepare for the integration of AI in their operations, while also emphasizing the importance of security and compliance in this transition. Four things to know today 00:00 Google Loses in Court— And That Could Matter for How MSPs Market Themselves03:39 AI, Compliance, and a Lot of New Toys—But Are These the Tools Your Clients Actually Need?06:34 Can Privacy-First AI Win? Apple’s New Approach Dares to Be Different08:23 Old Tech Out, Smart AI In: What MSPs Need to Rethink Before It’s Too Late  Supported by:  https://www.huntress.com/mspradio/ https://cometbackup.com/?utm_source=mspradio&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=sponsorship   Join Dave April 22nd to learn about Marketing in the AI Era.  Signup here:  https://hubs.la/Q03dwWqg0  💼 All Our SponsorsSupport the vendors who support the show:👉 https://businessof.tech/sponsors/ 🚀 Join Business of Tech PlusGet exclusive access to investigative reports, vendor analysis, leadership briefings, and more.👉 https://businessof.tech/plus 🎧 Subscribe to the Business of TechWant the show on your favorite podcast app or prefer the written versions of each story?📲 https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe 📰 Story Links & SourcesLooking for the links from today’s stories?Every episode script — with full source links — is posted at:🌐 https://www.businessof.tech 🎙 Want to Be a Guest?Pitch your story or appear on Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights:💬 https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/businessoftech 🔗 Follow Business of Tech LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28908079YouTube: https://youtube.com/mspradioBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/businessof.techInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradioTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoftechFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The U.S. government has renewed funding for the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) Program, a critical database for tracking cybersecurity flaws, just hours before its funding was set to expire. Established 25 years ago, the CVE program assigns unique identifiers to security vulnerabilities, facilitating consistent communication across the cybersecurity landscape. The renewal of funding comes amid concerns that without it, new vulnerabilities could go untracked, posing risks to national security and critical infrastructure. In response to the funding uncertainty, two initiatives emerged: the CVE Foundation, a nonprofit aimed at ensuring the program's independence, and the Global CVE Allocation System, a decentralized platform introduced by the European Union.In addition to the CVE funding situation, Oregon Senator Ron Wyden has blocked the nomination of Sean Planky to lead the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) due to the agency's refusal to release a crucial unclassified report from 2022. This report details security issues within U.S. telecommunications companies, which Wyden claims represent a multi-year cover-up of negligent cybersecurity practices. The senator argues that the public deserves access to this information, especially in light of recent cyber threats, including the SALT typhoon hack that compromised sensitive communications.The cybersecurity landscape is further complicated by significant layoffs at CISA, which could affect nearly 40% of its workforce, potentially weakening U.S. national security amid rising cyber threats. Recent cuts have already impacted critical personnel, including threat hunters, which could hinder the agency's ability to share vital threat intelligence with the private sector. Meanwhile, the Defense Digital Service at the Pentagon is facing a mass resignation of nearly all its staff, following pressure from the Department of Government Efficiency, which could effectively shut down the program designed to accelerate technology adoption during national security crises.On the technology front, OpenAI has released new AI reasoning models, O3 and O4 Mini, but notably did not provide a safety report for the new GPT-4.1 model, raising concerns about transparency and accountability in AI development. The lack of a safety report is particularly alarming as AI systems become more integrated into client-facing tools. Additionally, SolarWinds Corporation has been acquired by Ternerva Capital, prompting managed service providers (MSPs) to reassess their dependencies on SolarWinds products and consider the implications for product roadmaps and support guarantees. Four things to know today 00:00 From Panic to Pivot: U.S. Saves CVE Program at the Eleventh Hour04:17 A Cybersecurity Meltdown: One Senator Blocks, Another Leader Quits, and a Whole Pentagon Team Walks Out08:54 OpenAI Just Leveled Up AI Reasoning—But Left Out the Fine Print11:45 SolarWinds Is Private Again: What That Means for MSPs Watching the Roadmap  Supported by:  https://www.huntress.com/mspradio/ https://cometbackup.com/?utm_source=mspradio&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=sponsorship   Join Dave April 22nd to learn about Marketing in the AI Era.  Signup here:  https://hubs.la/Q03dwWqg0  💼 All Our SponsorsSupport the vendors who support the show:👉 https://businessof.tech/sponsors/ 🚀 Join Business of Tech PlusGet exclusive access to investigative reports, vendor analysis, leadership briefings, and more.👉 https://businessof.tech/plus 🎧 Subscribe to the Business of TechWant the show on your favorite podcast app or prefer the written versions of each story?📲 https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe 📰 Story Links & SourcesLooking for the links from today’s stories?Every episode script — with full source links — is posted at:🌐 https://www.businessof.tech 🎙 Want to Be a Guest?Pitch your story or appear on Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights:💬 https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/businessoftech 🔗 Follow Business of Tech LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28908079YouTube: https://youtube.com/mspradioBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/businessof.techInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradioTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoftechFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Peter Kujawa from Service Leadership discusses the findings of the 2025 Annual IT Solution Provider Compensation Report, focusing on the trends in wage inflation and employee retention within the managed service provider (MSP) sector. The report reveals that wage inflation peaked in 2022 but has since improved, largely due to the cooling off of the remote work trend and significant layoffs in the tech industry. This shift has led to a more stable job market, particularly in the U.S. and Australia, while Europe continues to experience stubborn wage inflation.The conversation also delves into the current state of remote work, revealing that only 9.6% of employees are working fully remotely, while 42.6% are exclusively in the office. Kujawa notes that hybrid work models are likely to persist, especially among national and international MSPs. The data indicates that companies that maintained remote work longer faced more challenges when transitioning back to the office, highlighting the importance of flexibility in modern work environments.Retention rates are another critical focus, with the report indicating that employees with one to three years of experience have a significantly higher turnover rate compared to those with eight years or more. Kujawa emphasizes the importance of structured onboarding and mentorship programs to improve retention, particularly for new employees and managers. He points out that investing in training and support for new managers is equally crucial, as their turnover rates are alarmingly high.Finally, the discussion touches on the relationship between employee retention and profitability. The report shows that the best-performing MSPs tend to pay lower salaries but offer higher performance-based incentives, creating a more enjoyable work environment. This trend suggests that MSPs need to rethink their compensation structures, focusing on performance pay and aligning incentives with factors that employees can control, such as productivity and customer satisfaction, rather than broader financial metrics like EBITDA.  💼 All Our SponsorsSupport the vendors who support the show:👉 https://businessof.tech/sponsors/ 🚀 Join Business of Tech PlusGet exclusive access to investigative reports, vendor analysis, leadership briefings, and more.👉 https://businessof.tech/plus 🎧 Subscribe to the Business of TechWant the show on your favorite podcast app or prefer the written versions of each story?📲 https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe 📰 Story Links & SourcesLooking for the links from today’s stories?Every episode script — with full source links — is posted at:🌐 https://www.businessof.tech 🎙 Want to Be a Guest?Pitch your story or appear on Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights:💬 https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/businessoftech 🔗 Follow Business of Tech LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28908079YouTube: https://youtube.com/mspradioBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/businessof.techInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradioTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoftechFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

AI-powered code generation tools are raising significant security concerns within the software supply chain. Recent research indicates that a notable percentage of package suggestions from both commercial and open-source models are non-existent, a phenomenon referred to as "hallucination." This issue allows malicious actors to exploit these fictitious package names by uploading harmful software to package registries, a tactic known as slop-squatting. Experts emphasize the importance of manual verification and the use of dependency scanners to mitigate these risks, highlighting that developers must rigorously test AI-generated code in isolated environments before deployment.In the tech industry, Intel has made headlines by selling a 51% stake in its programmable chip business, Altera, to private equity firm Silverlake for $4.46 billion. This decision comes after Intel's acquisition of Altera for $16.7 billion in 2015, reflecting a significant drop in valuation. The move is part of a broader strategy to sharpen focus and strengthen the company's balance sheet amid ongoing challenges in the semiconductor market. Despite retaining a minority stake in Altera, Intel's actions raise questions about its ability to compete effectively in critical areas like AI-optimized silicon.Another pressing issue is the impending reduction of the maximum lifespan for SSL and TLS certificates, which will be cut to just 47 days by 2029. This change, supported by major tech companies, aims to enhance digital security by minimizing risks associated with compromised certificates. The transition will require automated and integrated certificate management solutions to keep pace with the new renewal cycles, emphasizing the need for proactive risk management in the evolving threat landscape.Lastly, the reinstatement of tariffs on electronics, including smartphones and laptops, is set to impact the tech industry significantly. The U.S. government aims to encourage domestic manufacturing, but the unpredictability of trade policies complicates planning for businesses. As companies navigate these challenges, they must adopt flexible strategies that account for ongoing volatility in the supply chain and procurement processes, ensuring they remain responsive to changing market conditions. Four things to know today 00:00 Copy, Paste, Compromise? Why AI Code Suggestions Could Lead to Big Security Problems04:45 Altera Is Out, $8.75B Is In—But Intel’s Chip Future Is Still in Question06:46 Got 47 Days? Why Your SSL Certificates Just Got a Whole Lot Needier08:14 One More Time with Feeling: Tech Tariffs Are Back, and the Forecast Is Still Chaos  Supported by:  https://cometbackup.com/?utm_source=mspradio&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=sponsorship https://getflexpoint.com/msp-radio/   Join Dave April 22nd to learn about Marketing in the AI Era.  Signup here:  https://hubs.la/Q03dwWqg0  💼 All Our SponsorsSupport the vendors who support the show:👉 https://businessof.tech/sponsors/ 🚀 Join Business of Tech PlusGet exclusive access to investigative reports, vendor analysis, leadership briefings, and more.👉 https://businessof.tech/plus 🎧 Subscribe to the Business of TechWant the show on your favorite podcast app or prefer the written versions of each story?📲 https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe 📰 Story Links & SourcesLooking for the links from today’s stories?Every episode script — with full source links — is posted at:🌐 https://www.businessof.tech 🎙 Want to Be a Guest?Pitch your story or appear on Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights:💬 https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/businessoftech 🔗 Follow Business of Tech LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28908079YouTube: https://youtube.com/mspradioBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/businessof.techInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradioTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoftechFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The podcast discusses the significant impact of recent tariff policies on the technology sector and small businesses in the U.S. Consumer sentiment has sharply declined, with a notable 11% drop reported in April, driven by fears of rising inflation and economic uncertainty. The Trump administration's decision to exempt certain electronics from new tariffs has not alleviated concerns, as many CIOs are pausing IT projects due to budget disruptions. This uncertainty is expected to trickle down to mid-market IT and small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs), leading to deferred spending and hiring freezes.Small businesses are particularly feeling the strain, as highlighted by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), which reported a decline in its Small Business Optimism Index. Business owners are increasingly worried about the economic climate, with many citing taxes and labor quality as primary concerns. A Reddit thread among small business owners revealed fears of significant price increases due to tariffs, with some reporting staggering import fees that could jeopardize their operations. This sentiment reflects a broader trend of panic among small businesses, which are core customers for many service providers.The podcast also touches on the intersection of politics and cybersecurity, particularly in light of recent executive orders signed by President Trump targeting former officials and a cybersecurity firm. The actions have created a chilling effect within the cybersecurity industry, with many organizations hesitant to speak out against government actions due to fears of retaliation. This situation raises concerns about the neutrality of the cybersecurity sector and the potential for political pressures to influence technology decisions.Finally, the discussion shifts to cloud spending, which has exceeded initial budgets for many CIOs. Despite the overspend, a majority of respondents in a recent survey reported net savings from cloud adoption, indicating that the value proposition remains intact. Managed service providers (MSPs) are positioned to help organizations optimize their cloud investments and manage costs effectively. The podcast emphasizes the need for providers to adapt to the changing landscape, offering strategic guidance and support to clients navigating these turbulent times. Four things to know today 00:00 Tariffs Up, Sentiment Down: Why Tech Spend May Be the Next to Stall05:22 Small Businesses Are Hurting—and MSPs Need to Help More Than Ever 09:42 Politics Meets Cybersecurity as Trump’s Orders Stir Fear and Silence12:46 CIOs Blow Past Cloud Budgets, Giving MSPs a Bigger Seat at the Table  Supported by:  https://www.huntress.com/mspradio/ https://cometbackup.com/?utm_source=mspradio&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=sponsorship  Join Dave April 22nd to learn about Marketing in the AI Era.  Signup here:  https://hubs.la/Q03dwWqg0  💼 All Our SponsorsSupport the vendors who support the show:👉 https://businessof.tech/sponsors/ 🚀 Join Business of Tech PlusGet exclusive access to investigative reports, vendor analysis, leadership briefings, and more.👉 https://businessof.tech/plus 🎧 Subscribe to the Business of TechWant the show on your favorite podcast app or prefer the written versions of each story?📲 https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe 📰 Story Links & SourcesLooking for the links from today’s stories?Every episode script — with full source links — is posted at:🌐 https://www.businessof.tech 🎙 Want to Be a Guest?Pitch your story or appear on Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights:💬 https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/businessoftech 🔗 Follow Business of Tech LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28908079YouTube: https://youtube.com/mspradioBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/businessof.techInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradioTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoftechFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 operate autonomously, significantly reducing the need for human labor while enhancing safety and efficiency on solar farms.The autonomous robot operates alongside two carriers that transport the solar panels, allowing for a streamlined installation process. As one carrier is emptied, the robot can switch to the other, ensuring a continuous workflow. This system not only reduces the number of workers needed on-site—from a typical crew of four to just two—but also minimizes the physical strain on workers who would otherwise have to lift and transport heavy modules. The robot's design incorporates safety features such as emergency stop buttons and sensors to prevent accidents, making it a valuable addition to the workforce rather than a replacement.Lincoln emphasizes that the goal of the robot is to complement human workers rather than replace them. The technology allows for a more efficient installation process, which can lead to significant time and cost savings on large-scale solar projects. The robots are designed to operate in remote locations, where labor can be scarce, and their autonomous capabilities help mitigate logistical challenges associated with transporting workers to and from job sites.Looking ahead, Lincoln envisions further applications for the technology, including potential partnerships with major manufacturers to mass-produce the robots for broader use in the industry. The team is also exploring additional functionalities, such as integrating ground-penetrating radar or mowing capabilities into the carriers. By continuously refining the technology and seeking new opportunities, Rosendin aims to remain at the forefront of innovation in the renewable energy sector.  💼 All Our SponsorsSupport the vendors who support the show:👉 https://businessof.tech/sponsors/ 🚀 Join Business of Tech PlusGet exclusive access to investigative reports, vendor analysis, leadership briefings, and more.👉 https://businessof.tech/plus 🎧 Subscribe to the Business of TechWant the show on your favorite podcast app or prefer the written versions of each story?📲 https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe 📰 Story Links & SourcesLooking for the links from today’s stories?Every episode script — with full source links — is posted at:🌐 https://www.businessof.tech 🎙 Want to Be a Guest?Pitch your story or appear on Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights:💬 https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/businessoftech 🔗 Follow Business of Tech LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28908079YouTube: https://youtube.com/mspradioBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/businessof.techInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradioTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoftechFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.