NatChat - The Natilik Podcast

In this episode of NatChat, the Natilik Multi-Cloud team dives deep into the evolving world of AI and its impact on businesses. Host Nicholas Diesel, Solutions Architect is joined by Nigel Pyne, Principal Architect for Multi-Cloud, and Jordan Checker, Multi-Cloud & AI Sales Specialist, to unpack the trends that shaped 2025.The discussion covers:AI Standardisation: How blueprints for client-driven AI solutions, including Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) and LoRA fine-tuning, are becoming the norm.Infrastructure Decisions: When to invest in data centre, edge, or cloud for AI workloads, and how to balance GPUs, CPUs, and RAM without overspending.Use Case & ROI: Why identifying the right AI use cases and proving business value is critical before scaling.Governance & Data Sovereignty: The growing importance of compliance, security, and regional data policies in AI deployments.Natilik's Role: How Natilik supports clients with flexible platform choices; public cloud, on-prem solutions, and its own AI-ready Natilik platform offering private GPU as-a-Service.The episode also explores future trends like agentic AI and the data challenges it will bring, plus practical advice for starting small and scaling smart.Want to learn more or start your AI journey? Reach out to Natilik via natilik.com or connect with Jordan directly at jchecker@natilik.com 

In this episode of NatChat Jason Welch, Principal Architect for Collaboration at Natilik, sits down with Gary Belnkarn, Collaboration Solutions Engineer at Cisco, to explore the evolving world of meeting spaces. Gary shares insights on key market trends, including the shift from traditional meeting rooms to dynamic spaces, the rise of AV over IP, and the integration of smart building technologies.They discuss how AV over IP simplifies management, enhances user experience, and drives security, while also enabling advanced features like machine learning-powered cameras. The conversation highlights why meeting spaces are now a critical part of brand identity, influencing everything from client impressions to employee experience. Tune in to learn how your organisation can embrace these innovations to create seamless, secure, and smart meeting environments that truly reflect your brand.

In this episode, Natilik's Emma Simpkin and Ashley Georgeson uncover why enterprise networking has become more challenging than ever - and what businesses can do to stay secure, agile, and innovative without drowning in complexity.What you'll learn in this episode:The Complexity Challenge – How hybrid environments and cloud adoption are reshaping IT prioritiesThe Managed Advantage – Why outsourcing network operations helps reduce risk and free up resourcesAI in Action – How predictive automation and AIOps are changing the game for proactive supportIf you've ever wondered how to simplify operations, improve visibility, and unlock innovation without the headaches of traditional models, this episode is packed with practical insights for IT leaders.Book in a discovery workshop here.

In this episode of NatChat Jonathan Charlton is joined by Natalee Wiggins and Sarah Stevenson from NICE to explore what's on the Naughty and NiCE list for customer experience as we head into 2026.In this episode they cover:The biggest mistakes brands make during peak seasonThe trends that will define loyalty and AI-first strategiesPractical ways to embrace innovation without overcomplicating transformationPlus, hear how Natalee and Sarah are making every “AI” count for charity!

In this episode of NatChat Ihab El Ghazzawi from Dell Technologies explores a critical question: Why do AI projects fail? Drawing on years of experience across industries, Ihab shares insights into the common pitfalls organisations face when moving from proof of concept to full-scale deployment.Together we unpack the top three reasons AI projects stumble: Data challenges – from discovery and preparation to governance and security.Lack of adoption – overcoming resistance and building a culture of responsible AI.Scalability issues – planning for growth without blowing the budgetThis episode also covers the Practical solutions for tackling these hurdles, including strong governance, training, and modular architectures. Ihab talks us through Dell's five core AI beliefs, such as bringing AI to your data, avoiding one-size-fits-all approaches, and leveraging an open ecosystem.If you're planning an AI initiative, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you avoid costly mistakes and set your project up for success. When looking at support for your project don't forget to take advantage of Natilik's AI readiness workshop here. 

In this episode, we dive into the world of cost optimisation with Glenn Rogers, UK Sales Lead for IT Asset Management and FinOps at Crayon. Glenn shares practical insights on how organisations can set themselves up for success when tackling cost containment, from defining clear goals and engaging stakeholders to leveraging data and tooling effectively.We explore:Why communication and planning are critical before making changesThe role of data and tools in identifying quick winsCommercial vs technical optimisation strategiesCommon pitfalls and lessons learned from real-world examplesFive key takeaways to guide your cost optimisation journey into 2026Whether you're looking to reduce cloud spend, improve governance, or future-proof your FinOps strategy, this episode is packed with actionable advice and expert perspectives.If you want to explore how Natilik can help you on this journey take advantage of a free Cloud Optimisation Audit here 

In this episode Wi-Fi expert Ashley Mead talks us through the evolution of Wi-Fi from the very beginning all the way into the future with Wi-Fi 8.Walk through every iteration of this intrinsic technology and how business priorities have shaped it's development, and even the naming convention! Ashley also shares his insight and opinion on Wi-Fi 8 and what to look out for ahead of it's launch in 2028. 

In this episode, Jason Welch is joined by Josh Coombes and Emma Simpkin to explore why the future of meeting spaces isn't just about upgrading hardware - it's about embracing a new service paradigm. Discover how Natilik's Meeting Room as a Service (MRaaS) is redefining collaboration for organizations that want simplicity, scalability, and great meeting experiences without the complexity. In this episode, we cover: ✅ Why cost, complexity, and adoption have been the biggest barriers to modern meeting spaces ✅ How Natilik's MRaaS model transforms the experience for IT, Facilities, and end users ✅ The business outcomes that matter most—predictability, flexibility, and sustainability If you're looking for a smarter way to deliver consistent, high-quality meeting experiences without the headaches of traditional AV projects, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss.Book in your office showcase tour at the Natilik offices here

In this episode, Jason Welch, Natilik's Principal Architect for Collaboration, joins Russell Harpham to explore why meeting spaces have become so complex - and how we can simplify them.Here's what you'll learn: ✅ Consistency Without Complexity – Why predictable deployments matter for global enterprises ✅ Future-Proofing Made Simple – Supporting BYOD, USB-C, and legacy tech without costly complete overhauls ✅ Plug-and-Play Reliability – Cutting downtime and avoiding software headaches for peace of mind If you've ever wondered why meeting rooms still feel over-engineered, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss.Book in your Smart and Sustainable Office Showcase Tour here

 In this episode of NatChat, Ian Anderson, Field CTO at Natilik, sits down with Joachim Mason, Director at Cisco UK & Ireland, to reflect on Cisco's transformative year and explore what's on the horizon for 2026.Fresh from Cisco Partner Summit in San Diego, Ian and Joachim dive into: 2025 Highlights: How Cisco accelerated innovation and delivered a more integrated portfolio.AI Everywhere: From AI Canvas to pervasive AI assistants, discover how Cisco is embedding intelligence across its solutions.Infrastructure for the Future: Why networks and security are critical for scaling AI and digital workers.Skills & Purpose: Cisco's UK & Ireland Manifesto and the impact of NetAcad in shaping the next generation of tech talent. Looking Ahead: The rise of agentic AI and what it means for businesses in 2026.Whether you're a tech leader or just curious about the future of collaboration and customer experience, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss.

Rob Eldridge sat down with Ardon Anderson from Verkada to discuss all things retail security! From minimising shrinkage to actionable real time insights, this episode looks at multiple different angles on how data and intelligence from Verkada solutions are helping bolster security across the retail industry. Want to hear how the biggest names in the game are innovating in this space, tune in and listen now! 

This Natchat episode explores the evolving challenges faced by CISOs in balancing sprawling legacy infrastructures with the need to deliver innovative digital experiences. Cloudflare's Shaz Camali and Mike Awford highlight how organisations can address these issues through platform consolidation, modernising legacy systems like VPNs, and adopting zero trust principles. A major focus is on the secure integration of AI, including managing risks around “shadow AI” and sensitive data exposure. They stress the importance of continuous verification, granular policy controls, and visibility to enable safe AI adoption without stifling innovation. The discussion underscores that AI use cases are rapidly expanding, making security and agility critical for businesses to remain competitive. 

In this episode we are joined by Jonathon Charlton, Customer Experience Solutions Director and James Hinton, Collaboration Solutions Director to share their key takeaways from Cisco's Webex One event.From AI-driven meeting experiences and dynamic device updates to innovations in contact center automation and open integrations with platforms like Microsoft and Salesforce, we explore what these developments mean for collaboration and customer engagement. Plus, hear about Natilik's award-winning success at the event and what's next for Webex in the UK.WebexOne UKI 2025 sign up link - https://registration.socio.events/e/webexoneuki2025

In this Halloween Special episode, we're not just talking ghosts and ghouls, we're talking about the real horrors lurking in your wireless network. From sluggish speeds to scary signal drops, the sins of bad Wi-Fi are haunting businesses everywhere.Luckily, Ashley Mead, Natilik's wireless wizard, is here to exorcise those demons in our latest NatChat podcast episode. 

We invited Multi-Cloud Solutions Engineer Harry Seaman into the NatChat studio to give us a quick overview of Cisco Hyperfabric. Fresh out of the Natilik data centre from installing the new kit, Harry talks through the building blocs of Hyperfabric, how it differs from previous Dc switching evolutions and why he feels this is changing the game for clients. Want to see and test this new technology yourself? Book in today for a free Cisco Hyperfabric showcase with Natilik. www.natilik.com/trials/cisco-hyperfabric-showcase/

We sat down with the team at Cloudflare to discuss Zero Trust Security and how an approach that has been around for the last decade is still relevant and critical for businesses in 2025!In 10 minutes we run through Cloudflare expert, Shaz Carmali's 6 top tips on how to see the benefits from thoughtful ZTA adoption. Want to check if there is anything slipping through the cracks of your security posture? Get in touch with the team and book in for a free discovery workshop today. www.natilik.com/trials/cyber-security-discovery-workshop/ 

 In this episode, we kick off the final instalment of our Security September Series with a lively conversation featuring Ardon Anderson, Vice President of EMEA at Verkada. Ardon joins Rob Eldridge to introduce Verkada's mission, explore how their smart security solutions are reshaping the modern workplace, and share insights into what makes their approach stand out. Whether you're curious about cloud-managed cameras or just want to know what makes Verkada tick, this 15-minute episode is a perfect introduction. 

Every wanted to know what mesh firewalling really means? How to secure AI? We invited Joe and Mustafa from Cisco Security to join us on this episode of NatChat. Across 20 minutes we cover developments in the Cisco Security portfolio, acquisitions such as Isovalent and Splunk and challenges for CISO's. Tune in and join us for another exciting episode. 

In the second episode of the NatChat Security September Series we invited the Cloudflare team into the studio to talk us through the who, what, why and where of their market leading solution that protects everything we connect to the internet. With many of us having a subliminal awareness of Cloudflare through capture authentication portals, the team discuss the real value that Cloudflare deliver, protecting over 20% of all websites globally and blocking over 190 Billion cyber threats a day. From Zero Trust approaches to understanding the importance partnerships play, this episode uncovers areas of the cyber landscape that are often overlooked, and under scrutinised leading to a greater threat landscape. Listen in to hear thought leaders from Cloudflare discuss current cyber trends and industry insights to power your cloud cyber security strategy. 

In this first episode of the NatChat Security September Series, Rob Eldridge sits down with James Hodge, Chief Strategy Advisor for EMEA at Splunk, to explore how the Cisco acquisition is shaping the future of security, observability, and digital resilience. James reflects on his first year under the Cisco umbrella, the rapid integration with the Cisco stack, and what complimentary firewall log ingestion signals about Splunk's direction for clients.Together, they unpack why 2025 may be the defining year for digital resilience, especially as regulations like DORA drive financial services organisations to accelerate beyond awareness and design into real-world execution. James also shares his perspective on whether clients will take a proactive stance with regulation or wait until the first major fine is issued - drawing comparisons with the GDPR era.Looking ahead, the conversation dives into the key technology shifts shaping data and security strategies over the next 3–5 years: AI-driven analytics and automation, regulatory compliance and data sovereignty, platform consolidation, and even sustainability in observability. Rob and James also discuss the challenges in today's SOC provider landscape and how Splunk and its partners can bring much-needed stability.Packed with insights on innovation, compliance, and the role of AI in transforming operations, this episode is essential listening for anyone navigating the evolving intersection of security, data, and resilience in 2025 and beyond.

In this 5 minute mini episode Ashley Mead talks us through the latest offering from Natilik, a Wireless Walk. Listen in to understand how this new offering can kick start better wireless experiences for your business. To sign up for a Wireless Walk today click here https://www.natilik.com/trails/wireless-walk/

In this episode, we are joined by Tony Finn to discuss recent developments and advancements within the financial services sector, with a particular focus on the impact of the Digital Operations Resilience Act (DORA). The conversation highlights the growing emphasis on digital risk management and regulatory compliance, reflecting on how these regulatory frameworks might serve as models for other industries in the future. Touching on the notion that  'slow time is the new down time' and how far the ripple effect impacts.  

In this episode of NatChat, we explore Cisco's strategic direction and their efforts towards unification in the networking industry. Join us as Jordan Hobday, Network Solution Architect at Natilik, shares insights from Cisco Live San Diego. Discover how Cisco is merging its Meraki and Cisco Blue brands to create a unified networking experience, simplifying hardware management, licensing, and support. Learn about the strategic shift towards operational simplicity and the exciting developments in hardware and software that are paving the way for a more integrated future. Learn about the integration of AI assistants across Cisco platforms and the exciting potential of AI Canvas for cross-platform troubleshooting. Interested in a free 1-2-1 Cisco Networking Review investigate here : https://www.natilik.com/trials/cisco-networking-review/ 

In this episode we sat down with Tony Finn, Director of Channel Sales at Cisco ThousandEyes to get his take on resiliency, assurance and compliance and how dependency on digital services impact all of us, personally and professionally.In this episode, we dive into the critical importance of digital resilience and compliance in today's interconnected world. Tony shares his expertise on the increasing frequency and impact of digital outages, highlighted by the significant CrowdStrike incident in 2024. Discover how businesses can ensure their systems are resilient and compliant with regulations like the Digital Operations Resilience Act (DORA). Learn about the role of ThousandEyes in monitoring and testing systems to help organisations demonstrate compliance and resilience. Don't miss this engaging discussion on safeguarding your digital infrastructure!

In the next instalment of the Multi-Cloud Monthly Take Over, we listen in to Nicholas Diesel, Matyáš  Prokop and Nigel Pyne discuss their latest adventures across the globe attending the latest and greatest technology leaders conferences. From Las Vegas, Paris and London the team talk us through the relevant updates and announcements that are impacting the Multi-Cloud industry. From Kubernetes to Nvidia, servers to storage and never forgetting our favourite buzz word, AI, join the discussion in this 30 min episode.    

Steve Sharman and Roger Dickenson join us from Cisco's World Wide Cloud and Infrastructure Team to discuss how Cisco are evolving their data centre portfolio to incorporate the challenges clients are facing around AI, be it applications they are consuming or building themselves. We dive into future proofing architecture and touch on what is coming next from the Cisco team and how you can help shape the roadmap! 

On May 14th 2025 Natilik's CTO Adam Bonny took to the stage during the Keynotes of Natilik Inspire held at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to talk all around why we should all stop using AI. Controversial. Listen in to the whole story and see what is driving Adam's approach as he navigates his responsibility as a CTO in the age of AI.  

Tune in as Security Solutions Director Rob Eldridge explores AlgoSec's Horizon platform and how it streamlines security policy management with real client success stories.In this episode we dive into the role of ACE in helping organisations meet rising compliance demands and regulatory standards. With a wrap up with insights on industry trends and evolving buying behaviours. 

We sat down with Founder and MD of KOcycle, Oli Mason to hear all about the exciting growth of the business. Oli talks us through the launch of their new programme, KODI, that is designed to promote digital inclusion through donating technology to those that need it most and how it aligns with KOcycle's values and ethos. A fantastic 10 minute insight into how the topics of sustainability and security have evolved and how together, we can make a positive difference.

In this episode, join Natilik's Wi-Fi expert, Ashley Mead, as he dives into the world of Wi-Fi 7. Discover the groundbreaking advantages this latest wireless standard brings, from enhanced speeds to unprecedented reliability. Ashley will also address common misconceptions about Wi-Fi 7 and clarify what it truly means for businesses.Learn about the latest innovations from leading technology vendors that are paving the way for Wi-Fi 7 adoption. Plus, get an insider's perspective on the exciting trends, key takeaways, and standout moments from the recent Wireless LAN Professionals Conference in Prague.Whether you're a tech enthusiast or an enterprise leader, this episode will provide valuable insights into the future of wireless connectivity.Get started on your Wi-Fi 7 journey with a wireless survey from Natilik: www.natilik.com/trials/wi-fi-surveys-including-wi-fi-6e/

In this episode we discuss the benefits of adopting FinOp's best practice and the challenges around scaling in a multi-cloud world and balancing resources, budget and growth.Special thanks to our partner Crayon for joining us and sharing their expertise and knowledge around everything FinOp's!

 In this episode of the Natilik podcast, we dive into the key announcements from the Pure Accelerate 2024 Conference held in London on 24th September. Discover the latest innovations in data storage, cutting-edge advancements in Pure Storage solutions, and exciting new features designed to empower businesses with scalable and sustainable IT infrastructure. Tune in to hear expert insights form legend Max Brown on how these updates can enhance data management, improve cloud strategies, and drive business transformation. Don't miss out on the top highlights from this must-attend event for IT leaders and tech enthusiasts. 

We were joined in the studio with Microsoft MVP Lisa Clark from Dell Technologies to discuss the latest in Azure HCI infrastructure, operational consistency and operating systems. Observing the innovation and development of Azure HCI across the last 4 years, we discuss predictions on what the next 4 years may hold. We cover how Azure is approaching Multi-Cloud architecture in comparison to other players and break down what 'adaptive cloud' really means.

On our new monthly Multi-Cloud slot, we pass the mic over to Nicholas Diesel, Solutions Architect, Nigel Pyne, Principal Architect, and Matyas Prokop, Technology Director, to talk all things Multi-Cloud. Each episode will see a different focus as the trio discuss technology, solutions and insight that makes up a rapidly evolving industry.  

We invited AMD Director of EMEA Field Application Engineering, Matt Foley on to NatChat whilst he was over in London to discuss all things CPU and GPU. We dipped into the evolution of AMD and what the future holds as they continue to take a chunk of the chip market. Tune in to find out more.  

This episode of NatChat is hosted by Natilik and Spectro Cloud. An extended episode with in depth discussions around the recent findings highlighted in the 2024 State of Production Kubernetes Report. With the 10th birthday of Kubernetes the team reflect back and look forward on this exciting area of technology. Buckle up and listen in for a jam packed episode full of facts, stats and opinions.

We caught Natilik CTO, Ian Anderson on his top takeaways from this years Cisco Live US. Touching on AI strategy, new security approaches and what new integration clients are set to see the benefits of in 2024. Want to know more? Reach out to our team for a bespoke Cisco technology showcase today. natilik.com/contact/ 

After the news of Cisco's recent acquisition of Isovalent, as well last week's exciting announcement of Cisco Hypershield, we sat down with Natilik's Security Solutions Director, Rob Eldridge and Multi-Cloud Solutions Director, Matyáš Prokop, to get their initial thoughts on what this means to the industry.

Our Networking Solutions Director, Ashley Georgeson is joined by Channel Sales Specialist, Chris Wortt and Technical Solutions Architect , Deepak Ravi from ThousandEyes to discuss the exciting new Meraki MX integration.

We sat down with Pure Storage's Field CTO Mark Jobbins to discuss the current trends in the data centre technology space and how sustainability is impacting innovation, investment and customer choices. 

We talk to Oliver Mason, Founder and Managing Director of KOcycle around sustainability in the tech industry and lifecycle services. Listen in to the new emerging approaches to data security, e-waste,  recycling and the innovative ways that KOcycle deliver their award winning global service. 

We dive into the world of Kubernetes management and evolution with Natiliks Multi-Cloud Solutions Director Matyáš Prokop and Senior Solutions Architect, Pedro Oliveira from SpectroCloud. 

Join us for a NatChat takeover by the Natilik Multi-Cloud Technical team recapping and sharing their thoughts on the recent Pure//Accelerate conference in London. From sustainability to spinning disks, high density QLC to sea-submerged DC Pods, listen in and join the conversation. 

Tune into this episode to hear from Natilik's Networking and Security Technology Directors as they discuss the complexity that hybrid has brought to secure wireless connectivity. Take the next step by signing up for a free indicative Wi-Fi survey: https://www.natilik.com/trials/wi-fi-surveys-including-wi-fi-6e/

In this episode of NatChat we caught up with Roger Dickinson from the Cisco CISG Team. We discuss the sustainability impact of data centres, resources required for the growth of LLM's and optimisation of assets in gaining financial and sustainable success in a data centre and cloud strategy.

We caught up with Mike Roan from Pure Storage to discuss the topic of sustainability within the data centre and how collectively we can utilise technology to make a more positive impact.

We caught up with Mark Fuller and Khara Millar with Natilik VMware expert Nicholas Diesel to discuss vSphere+ and the evolution of the VMware portfolio. Tune in to hear what's new on this latest episode of NatChat.

We got together with the Cisco CISG team to discuss all things cloud, touching on the future of the data centre, the importance of customer experience and multiple trends that we are seeing impact our industry. Buckle up for a slightly longer episode as we dive into all the details.

We talk with Palo Alto Networks around SASE technology, where it's come from and where it's going.

We are joined by Xavi Garcia and Russ Pasloe on this episode of NatChat talking through some joint solutions that are changing the game in the security space and showing how working collaboratively together can really transform your security strategy. 

In this episode where we are joined by Partner Client Lead, Chris Wortt from ThousandEyes and Solution Architect, Ashley Georgeson from Natilik to discuss the topic of network visibility. From reviewing the challenges that ThousandEyes can help with and the integrations available to the use cases and a look at the future of full stack observability, this episode has it all.If you want to overcome your network visibility challenges with Natilik and ThousandEyes, take the next step by booking a Proof of Value.