Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights

In the podcast episode, Dave Sobel discusses three key topics: consumer behavior and inflation trends, US and Eurozone inflation data, and corporate pricing pressures. He highlights the slight deceleration in US inflation in April but notes that core inflation remains above the Federal Reserve's target. In the Eurozone, inflation unexpectedly rose in May, posing a dilemma for the European Central Bank. The trend of companies struggling to raise prices without affecting demand is evident, with consumer sentiment showing a disconnect between personal financial well-being and perceptions of the national economy.Moving on, Sobel covers Google's data loss incident and SEO algorithm leaks, emphasizing the importance of robust backup and disaster recovery strategies for businesses. He also discusses the potential impact of large-language models on the B2B SaaS industry and the challenges small businesses may face in SEO due to Google's evolving algorithms. Additionally, significant channel updates are highlighted, including Microsoft and VMware's partnership, Red Hat's revamped partner program, and Tech Data's acquisition of OrcaTech in Australia and New Zealand.Sobel underscores the implications of the consumer behavior shift towards greater price sensitivity, as reflected in decreasing consumer spending and rising household delinquencies. He also points out the changes in Google Search algorithms and the challenges small businesses may encounter in SEO. The episode concludes with a focus on licensing changes in the VMware ecosystem, Red Hat's move towards personalized partner programs, and the expanding service capabilities of distributors in the tech industry. Three things to know today00:00 Consumer Behavior and Inflation Trends: U.S. and Eurozone Inflation Data, Corporate Pricing Pressures04:46 Google's Data Loss and SEO Algorithm Leaks: What IT Providers and Small Businesses Need to Know07:06 Significant Channel Moves: Microsoft and VMware Team Up, Red Hat Rebrands Partner Program, Tech Data Acquires Orca Tech  Supported by:  https://huntress.com/mspradio/ All our Sponsors:   https://businessof.tech/sponsors/      💼 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.

Employers have a variety of ways to engage with colleges and universities to find student talent, as discussed in the podcast episode. One traditional method is through career fairs, where employers can interact with students and showcase their opportunities. Information sessions provide a platform for employers to talk about their organization, available positions, and how students can apply. Mock interviews and resume critiques offer valuable hands-on experience for students, helping them prepare for the job application process. One of the key trends discussed in the podcast episode is the rise of micro-internships. These micro-internships are project-based and short-term opportunities for students to gain valuable experience while allowing organizations to assess students without a long-term commitment. The concept of micro-internships has gained traction, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has highlighted the need for flexible and remote work arrangements. According to Don Snyder from the College of William & Mary, micro-internships typically last for a shorter duration, ranging from three to five weeks. These opportunities are skill-based, focusing on specific projects or tasks that organizations need to be completed within a short timeframe. Importantly, micro-internships are paid, providing students with a chance to contribute to real-world projects while earning compensation for their work.  Supported by:  https://huntress.com/mspradio/https://skykick.com/mspradio/ All our Sponsors:   https://businessof.tech/sponsors/    💼 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.

Google recently issued an apology for inaccuracies in their AI overviews, attributing the errors to data voids and people asking unusual questions. This apology came after the company faced criticism for the rollout of AI overviews, which has been a PR blunder for Google as it competes against other AI search startups like OpenAI. Google is taking steps to address the issue by limiting AI overviews for nonsensical queries and satire. This move indicates Google's commitment to improving the accuracy and reliability of their AI systems.The inaccuracies in AI overviews highlight the challenges that arise when large language models like Gemini are integrated with ranking systems to generate responses based on information sources. The limitations of these models, coupled with retrieval augmented generation techniques, can lead to incorrect information being provided. This underscores the importance of ensuring that AI systems have access to high-quality and relevant information sources to minimize inaccuracies.N-Able, a company with a market value of $2.5 billion, is currently exploring a potential sale after attracting acquisition interest. Barracuda Networks, a cybersecurity company owned by KKR, is among the interested buyers. N-Able was spun out from SolarWinds in 2021 and has major investors such as Silverlake and Thoma Bravo. The sales process involves software sector peers and private equity firms, indicating a significant level of interest in the company.The cybersecurity industry is experiencing significant growth, with global spending on security and risk management projected to reach $215 billion this year. However, experts argue that the industry's focus on selling expensive solutions instead of practical ones adds unnecessary complexity. Despite efforts to improve security, cyber threats and attacks continue to rise, emphasizing the need for cybersecurity measures. Three things to know today00:00 Google Apologizes for AI Overview Inaccuracies Amid Data Voids and Unusual Queries04:29 N-Able Considers Take-Private Deal: Barracuda Networks Among Interested Buyers06:41 The Booming Cybersecurity Industry: Are Solutions Adding Complexity Without Liability?  Supported by:  https://coreview.com/msp/ All our Sponsors:   https://businessof.tech/sponsors/    💼 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.

Cybercriminals are increasingly utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) for sophisticated attacks and fraud, as discussed in the podcast episode. One notable application of AI by cybercriminals is in phishing attacks, where generative AI tools like ChatGPT are being integrated into spam-generating services. This enables cybercriminals to craft more convincing and personalized phishing emails, heightening the success rate of their attacks. Moreover, AI is being harnessed in deepfake audio scams, allowing scammers to convincingly mimic someone's voice. This technology can be exploited to circumvent identity checks and manipulate AI systems, posing a significant threat to individuals and organizations.The proliferation of AI in cybercrime poses challenges for cybersecurity professionals and organizations. With the capacity to generate realistic content and manipulate information, cybercriminals can execute more sophisticated and targeted attacks, making it increasingly difficult to detect and prevent such threats. As AI technology advances, it is imperative for cybersecurity measures to evolve to effectively counter these emerging threats. Organizations must implement robust security protocols, such as multi-factor authentication and regular vulnerability patching, to defend against AI-powered cyberattacks and protect sensitive data from malicious actors.PwC has taken a significant step by becoming the first reseller of ChatGPT Enterprise through a partnership with OpenAI. This strategic move allows businesses to procure the generative AI service through PwC instead of directly from OpenAI. The primary objective behind this partnership is for PwC to enhance its services to clients interested in leveraging AI to optimize their workloads. PwC already employs custom GPTs for various tasks and views AI as a means to drive increased impact and productivity for their clients. Three things to know today00:00 Cybercriminals’ Use of AI for Sophisticated Attacks and Fraud  03:28 Congress passes a privacy law – just not the one you think05:39 The First Reseller of ChatGPT Enterprise Supported by:  https://timezest.com/mspradio/https://skykick.com/mspradio/   All our Sponsors:   https://businessof.tech/sponsors/    💼 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.

According to the Q1 2024 Channel Futures Market Outlook Survey, 90% of partners are optimistic about growth in 2024, indicating a positive outlook for the channel economy. Managed service providers (MSPs) are particularly optimistic, with 79% of respondents believing that the channel economy is good or excellent, contrasting with the overall US economy where only 44% share a positive view.The survey also shows that most MSPs reported slight increases in total revenue, recurring revenue, and profit in the first quarter of 2024. AI services like chatbots and AI-powered cybersecurity were identified as the top sector for adding vendors, signaling a growing interest and investment in AI technologies within the channel.AI PCs are emerging as a significant trend in the tech industry, with promising growth opportunities. A TechIsle study highlighted in a podcast episode revealed that AI PCs have a promising market potential among SMBs and mid-market firms. The study showed that a considerable percentage of these businesses are familiar with AI PCs and plan to purchase them soon, with the technology expected to impact the PC market significantly within three to five years.The study also identified specific departments and professionals within organizations expected to benefit the most from AI PCs. Content creators, tech-savvy departments, and executives were recognized as potential early adopters, with creative and design professionals, IT development teams, and sales and marketing departments expected to benefit from the enhanced processing power and AI-powered features of AI PCs.Three things to know today 00:00 Channel Futures Market Outlook: 90% of Partners Optimistic About Growth in 202403:38 Small and Medium-Sized Businesses Grapple with Shadow IT Amid Digital Transformation06:53 AI PCs Poised for Significant Growth, Promising New Opportunities for Tech Industry Supported by:  https://huntress.com/mspradio/https://getinsync.ca/mspradio/  All our Sponsors:   https://businessof.tech/sponsors/    💼 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.

Responsible exploit disclosure is crucial for safeguarding organizations from potential threats. In a podcast episode, MacKenzie Brown, the Vice President of Security at Blackpoint Cyber, emphasized the importance of controlled research practices and responsible disclosure of exploits. She highlighted the negative impact of rapid exploit disclosure, stating that it can do more harm than good. Brown pointed out that the cybersecurity landscape is inundated with marketing, tooling, and technology, which can be overwhelming and not necessarily useful. With an increase in cyber attacks each year, organizations face significant challenges in defending against threats. She mentioned that the industry struggles to find good talent, and many businesses face financial losses due to cybersecurity incidents. The episode discussed the need for a coordinated approach to exploit disclosure, where researchers work closely with vendors to address vulnerabilities. Brown emphasized the importance of giving vendors time to create patches, communicate with customers, and ensure proper implementation of security measures. She advocated for a shift towards a more ethical and regulated approach to exploit disclosure, where vendors are held accountable for addressing security issues promptly. Supported by:  https://movebot.io/  All our Sponsors:   https://businessof.tech/sponsors/      💼 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.

In his commencement address for the Computer Science Department at the College of William & Mary, Dave Sobel, a proud graduate of thedepartment, shares his personal journey and insights with the class of 2024. He reflects on the importance of advocating for oneself, investing in relationships, and embracing change in order to navigate through successes and failures. Dave discusses his experiences from his time at college, where he learned the value of self-advocacy and building deep relationships with peers. He emphasizes the significance of investing time and effort in friendships, as they can lead to opportunities and personal growth. Through anecdotes from his career, Dave highlights the impact of personal relationships on professional success. He shares how his connections and investments in people have played a crucial role in his entrepreneurial journey and career transitions.  💼 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.

In this podcast episode, Michael George, the CEO of Syncro, discusses the evolving landscape of the MSP market. He emphasizes the importance of automation and AI in addressing the skills gap prevalent in the industry. George notes that the digital transformation of first-world economies has become increasingly complex, with a shift towards cloud-based applications and a distributed workforce. This complexity poses a challenge for MSPs responsible for managing and supporting these intricate digital environments.George highlights the critical role of automation in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of technicians within MSPs. By utilizing AI technologies and integrating automation into every aspect of their product, Synchro aims to empower technicians to focus on higher-value work. The objective is to streamline processes, proactively address issues, and optimize the technician-to-employee ratio for MSPs.He also addresses the pressing issue of cybersecurity within the MSP space. He acknowledges that security concerns are not only persistent but also escalating, making it essential for MSPs to prioritize security in their approach to managing digital environments. George emphasizes the need for a security-first posture and underscores the ongoing battle against cyber threats as a significant challenge for MSPs in 2024 and beyond. Supported by:  https://huntress.com/mspradio/https://coreview.com/msp/ All our Sponsors:   https://businessof.tech/sponsors/    💼 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.

This podcast highlights the consolidation trend in cybersecurity due to oversaturation of products. It also discusses the integration of AI into various industries, emphasizing quality over quantity in cybersecurity strategies. The episode covers Microsoft's AI staff relocation, collaborations between SolarWinds and Dell, and insights on data protection and AI from Alcyon's CEO.

The European Union's approval of landmark AI regulations marks a significant milestone in the governance of artificial intelligence. These regulations represent the first comprehensive framework for AI governance, aiming to make AI more human-centric and placing restrictions on high-risk AI systems. The regulations include measures such as banning certain AI applications and requiring labels for others. The AI Act is expected to become law in May, with full regulations in effect by mid-2026. Violations of the AI Act can result in substantial fines, up to $38 million or 7% of a company's global revenue.This development is crucial for businesses operating in the EU, as the regulations will apply to all companies offering AI models in the region. The EU's leadership in AI regulation sets a precedent for other regions and underscores the importance of ethical and responsible AI development. By implementing these regulations, the EU aims to ensure that AI technologies are developed and deployed in a manner that prioritizes human well-being and safety.The approval of these regulations highlights the growing importance of AI governance and the need for clear guidelines to address the ethical and societal implications of AI technologies. As businesses continue to integrate AI into their operations, compliance with these regulations will be essential to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape and build trust with consumers and stakeholders. Four things to know today 00:00 EU Approves Landmark AI Regulations: First Comprehensive Framework for AI Governance03:34 AI Everywhere: Barracuda, GoTo, Dell, and HaloPSA Lead with AI Innovations in Partner and Customer Solutions05:14 Virtual Machines Out, Cloud and AI In: John Deere and Computershare's Strategic Moves06:42 Why Building an AI Strategy is Better Than Hiring a Chief AI Officer   Supported by: http://skykick.com/mspradio/https://getinsync.ca/mspradio/   All our Sponsors:   https://businessof.tech/sponsors/    💼 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.