TechSperience

Quantum computing represents a significant shift in computational power, offering both opportunities and challenges for securing sensitive data. Join the Connection Security Center of Excellence team as we delve into the transformative threats that quantum computing poses for cybersecurity and the countermeasures we should be considering to address those threats. We'll explore the fundamentals of quantum computing, including concepts like qubits, superposition, and entanglement, and how these principles can enhance encryption and threat detection. Quantum cryptography, quantum random number generation, and quantum machine learning are some of the promising applications that could revolutionize device security. However, quantum computing also poses risks to traditional cryptographic methods, potentially compromising data integrity, authentication protocols, and long-term data security. We'll discuss the need for quantum-resistant cryptographic algorithms and the importance of transitioning to quantum-safe technologies to protect against future quantum-enabled threats. Join us as we navigate the exciting yet complex landscape of quantum computing and security, highlighting the advancements, challenges, and future directions that will shape the approach to cybersecurity in the quantum era.  Speakers John Chirillo, Principal Security Architect, Connection Rob Di Girolamo, Senior Security Architect, Connection   Kimberlee Coombes, Security Solution Architect, Connection Lindsay Nelmes, Microsoft Solution Sales Executive, Connection Show Notes 00:00 Introduction to Quantum Computing and Cybersecurity 02:31 Real-World Impacts of Quantum Computing 04:49 The Timeline for Quantum Threats 06:29 Industries at Risk and Proactive Measures 08:36 Understanding Quantum Resistant Algorithms 09:59 Leveraging Quantum for Cybersecurity Improvements 12:08 AI and Quantum Computing Synergy 14:07 Microsoft's Role in Quantum Security 15:30 Future Milestones in Quantum Computing 18:02 Misconceptions About Quantum Computing 20:12 Final Thoughts and Takeaways For more information on how to better secure your environment, visit Connection.com/Cybersecurity.

AIOps is revolutionizing IT operations, enabling businesses to manage infrastructure more efficiently than ever. In this episode, we explore how automation, AI, and machine learning are reshaping IT management—driving self-healing systems, autonomous operations, and proactive performance optimization. As organizations scale, ensuring resilience, minimizing downtime, and controlling costs are more critical than ever. Join us for a forward-looking discussion on the key trends fueling AIOps adoption and the strategies IT leaders can use to future-proof their operations. Expect actionable insights on leveraging AI-driven automation for smarter, more scalable, and cost-effective IT management. Speakers: Taruna Gandhi, Head of Product Marketing for OpsRamp, Hewlett Packard Cameron Bulanda, VP of Technical Sales and Centers of Excellence, Connection Show Notes: 00:00 Introduction to AI in Operations 03:11 The Importance of Observability 05:54 Breaking Down Silos with AIOps 09:10 Real-Life Examples of Self-Healing Systems 12:02 Proactive Management with AI Insights 14:51 Leveraging Anonymized Data for Better Insights 18:05 Future of AI in Operations Management 20:49 Driving Sustainability with AI 23:59 Choosing the Right Partner for AI Solutions

In a world where hospitals rely on interconnected medical devices to save lives, there are continuous hidden vulnerabilities lurking beneath the surface. This podcast dives into the realities of IoMT security with John Chirillo, Principal Security Architect and author of the newly released novella Silent 1ntrusions, alongside cybersecurity expert Rob Di Girolamo, to break down the threats, the lessons, and what we can do to defend against them. We'll delve into topics Silent 1ntrusions' main character, Dr. Kristi Chiro experiences as she battles a relentless hacker. A pacemaker's glitch, insulin pumps go haywire, and an entire hospital teeters on the edge of collapse. In an era of hyperconnected healthcare, how safe are we really? Speakers: John Chirillo, Principal Security Architect, Connection Rob Di Girolamo, Senior Security Architect, Connection Kimberlee Coombes, Security Solution Architect, Connection Show Notes:  00:00 Introduction to IOMT Security and Silent Intrusions 02:46 Real-World Inspirations Behind Silent Intrusions 06:10 Exploring IOMT Vulnerabilities in Healthcare 08:49 Challenges in Securing IOMT Devices 11:46 Attack Scenarios and Realistic Threats 14:50 Key Takeaways for Healthcare Professionals 18:08 Future Threats in Healthcare Security

Artificial intelligence for IT security operations (AISecOps) is revolutionizing cybersecurity. In this episode, we discuss how AI and machine learning are used to analyze IT data, allowing organizations to: Proactively identify and respond to threats: Detect anomalies, predict outages, and automate incident response. Improve efficiency: Streamline security operations and optimize resource allocation. Enhance threat detection: Uncover complex attack patterns and stay ahead of emerging threats. We'll cover real-world applications of AISecOps, the challenges in implementing this technology, and future trends in AI-driven security. Finally, we'll provide actionable insights for organizations looking to strengthen their security posture with AISecOps. Speakers: John Chirillo, Principal Security Architect, Connection Rob Di Girolamo, Senior Security Architect, Connection Kimberlee Coombes, Security Solution Architect, Connection Show Notes:  00:00 Introduction to AIOps and Cybersecurity 03:07 The Role of AIOps in Threat Detection 06:01 Adapting to Evolving Cyber Threats 08:58 AI in Proactive Threat Hunting 11:55 Challenges in AIOps: False Positives and Data Quality 14:51 The Future of AIOps and Self-Healing Systems 17:45 AI and Zero Trust Strategies 21:07 AIOps for Small and Medium Businesses 23:52 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

In this episode, our Security Center of Excellence team delves into a real-world cybersecurity mystery and its unexpected solution. This incident is a perfect storm, highlighting the complexities of modern IT environments and how seemingly unrelated actions can cascade into significant business disruptions and major security incidents. But here's where it gets fascinating: what appeared to be a sophisticated cyber-attack turned out to be something far more mundane, yet equally dangerous. The hero of this story is an AI-powered assistant, still in its proof-of-concept phase, that cracked the case. Join us as we unravel the mystery of the Phantom Brute Force attack and the AI detective that solved it. This isn't just a mere cautionary tale about the complexities of modern IT environments; it serves as a stark reminder of how easily security can be compromised in unexpected ways. Speakers: John Chirillo, Principal Security Architect, Connection Rob Di Girolamo, Senior Security Architect, Connection Kimberlee Coombes, Senior Security Architect, Connection Show Notes: 00:00 Introduction to Cybersecurity Challenges 01:02 The Incident Unfolds: A Case Study 03:51 Utilizing AI Tools for Incident Resolution 10:29 The Role of AI in Cybersecurity 15:35 Bridging Theory and Practice in Cybersecurity 18:00 Best Practices: Hard-Coded Passwords and Change Management 23:43 Empowering Users with AI Tools  

In the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity, staying ahead isn't just an option—it's a necessity. In this episode, we peel back the layers of the latest attack vector trends and take you into the heart of a recent cyber incident that challenged conventional defenses. This isn't just about technology; it's about the human element—everyday people navigating an invisible battlefield.  We'll break down the anatomy of a sophisticated malware attack that slipped past traditional security measures with ghost-like precision. Discover the tools, strategies, and decisions that led to its eventual detection, containment, and remediation.  Beyond the technical deep dive, we'll explore the critical role of Zero-Trust principles in building resilient defenses and highlight how fostering a culture of awareness and vigilance can be the ultimate game-changer. Whether you're an industry veteran or just starting your cybersecurity journey, this episode is packed with insights and actionable takeaways to fortify your defenses and stay ahead of emerging threats. Speakers: John Chirillo, Principal Security Architect, Connection Rob Di Girolamo, Senior Security Architect, Connection Pam Kennedy, Senior Cybersecurity Engineer, Connection Kevin Knapp, Senior Cybersecurity Engineer, Connection Show Notes: 00:00 Introduction to Cybersecurity Trends 02:50 Ransomware Evolution and Tactics 06:07 AI's Role in Cyber Threats 09:01 Critical Infrastructure Vulnerabilities 11:52 Supply Chain and Vendor Attacks 15:11 Identity-Based Attacks and Authentication Challenges 18:05 Key Takeaways for Organizations 20:57 Case Study: The Wave Browser Incident 27:12 Post-Incident Analysis and Lessons Learned

The manufacturing sector is racing towards a digital future, but this innovation brings an explosion of cyber threats. This episode exposes the hidden vulnerabilities putting manufacturers at risk and reveals essential strategies to protect your operations. Discover how to secure vulnerable legacy systems, maximize your cybersecurity insurance, and gain critical visibility into Operational Technology (OT). We'll also explore how Microsoft and AI are revolutionizing cybersecurity defense. Don't let cybercriminals cripple your progress. Tune in now for actionable insights and expert advice to fortify your manufacturing business against evolving threats. Host: James Hilliard Speakers: Ryan Spurr, Manufacturing Strategy Director, Connection Travis Guinn, Principal Partner Solutions Architect for Security, Microsoft Show Notes: 00:00 Introduction to Industry 4.0 Security Challenges 03:03 Assessing Current Security Postures in Manufacturing 05:54 Cybersecurity Insurance and Its Impact on Manufacturers 09:12 The Need for Visibility and Insight in Manufacturing 12:02 Modernization and Integration of IT and OT 14:52 Decision-Making in Cybersecurity Modernization 17:49 Leveraging Microsoft Tools for Cybersecurity 21:02 The Role of AI in Enhancing Cybersecurity 25:46 Conclusion and Next Steps for Manufacturers

Manufacturing is undergoing a quiet transformation as AI becomes embedded across the industry, often without companies fully realizing it. Despite abundant data, many manufacturers are missing chances to boost productivity and quality control. With mature tools like Vision AI gaining traction, the future of manufacturing will rely on intelligent automation, edge computing, and AI as a workforce enhancer rather than a replacement. In this episode, we delve into the current and future role of AI in manufacturing, highlighting practical applications and the impact on efficiency. We'll cover how manufacturers can better leverage data, embrace embedded AI, and foster collaboration to successfully implement AI solutions, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning in this evolving space. Host: James Hilliard Guests: Ryan Spurr, Senior Manufacturing Strategy and Business Development Director at Connection Jeff Minushkin, VP Helix Core Engineering Show Notes: 00:00 Introduction to AI in Manufacturing 02:52 Current State of AI Adoption in Manufacturing 06:05 The Future of AI: Trends and Innovations 09:03 Identifying Wins: Productivity and Quality Control 11:51 Technological Changes on the Horizon 14:47 Impact on Workforce: Operators, Engineers, and Managers 20:50 Engagement Process: From Strategy to Execution 26:57 The Path Forward with AI in Manufacturing

Embedded AI is revolutionizing industries by making advanced technology accessible to all organizations, driving innovation through applications like contract automation and proposal generation. In this episode, we explore how our clients are leveraging embedded AI solutions and address key challenges, including ROI concerns and ethical considerations. Learn why it's vital to start your AI journey today—and how Connection can help you stay ahead.   Speakers: Brian Gatke – Vice President, GTM Solutions Strategy and Portfolio at Connection Travis Cook – Director, Industry Solutions at Connection Show Notes: 00:00 Introduction to AI Adoption Challenges 02:50 Understanding Embedded AI and Its Applications 06:06 The Democratization of AI 08:58 Navigating Hesitancy in AI Implementation 11:47 Exploring Use Cases for AI in Various Industries 15:09 The Importance of Clear Business Challenges 18:02 Ethical Considerations in AI Deployment 20:52 The Urgency of Getting Started with AI

AI is transforming the retail landscape, offering unprecedented opportunities to enhance efficiency, personalize the customer experience, and optimize operations. But with these opportunities come new challenges. In this episode, we explore how AI can empower employees, drive hyper-personalization, and revolutionize supply chain management. We also delve into the critical security risks associated with AI adoption and discuss how retailers can balance innovation with robust security measures. Host: James Hilliard Guests: Brian Gallagher, Connection Retail Strategy Director  Rai Basharat, Connection Senior Director Data Orchestration, Helix Center for Applied AI and Robotics Show Notes: 00:00 Introduction to AI in Retail 03:08 Top Benefits of AI for Retail 05:59 Enhancing Customer Experience with AI 08:52 AI's Role in Employee Productivity 11:59 AI in Supply Chain Optimization 14:48 Security Implications of AI in Retail 18:00 Balancing Innovation and Security 21:06 The Future of AI in Retail 23:52 The Human-AI Relationship in Retail 26:48 Conclusion and Next Steps  

AI is revolutionizing healthcare by analyzing massive datasets to uncover hidden patterns, leading to breakthroughs in disease diagnosis, treatment, and patient care. Join Jennifer Johnson and Jamal Khan as they explore AI's impact on healthcare. They delve into critical ethical considerations, governance structures, data security measures, and AI's role in clinical decision support. Speakers: Jennifer Johnson, Director of Healthcare Strategy and Business Development at Connection Jamal Kahn, Chief Growth and Innovation Officer at Connection   Show Notes 00:00 Introduction and AI Ecosystem Shifts 02:07 Ethical Considerations and Governance in AI Healthcare 05:49 Challenges of Data Poisoning and Model Drift in AI Healthcare 08:02 Role of CAIOs in Healthcare Governance and Data Strategy 10:48 Importance of Patient Consent and Cross-Jurisdictional Challenges 13:01AI's  Impact on Healthcare Provider Work Environment 17:45 Vetting AI Partners and Virtual Assistants in Healthcare 19:39 Patient Accessibility and Engagement in Healthcare 22:50 Clinical Trials and Technology in Healthcare 24:13 Challenges of Merging Patient Data in Healthcare 27:01 AI Adoption in Healthcare: Impact on Insurance Providers 32:08 Challenges of Transparency and Explainability in AI 35:58 AI in Clinical Settings: Promising Use Cases 37:18 Choosing Hyperscalers for Healthcare AI Implementation 48:01 Data Orchestration for Patient Care with AI 50:17 Following Patients Through Care Settings with AI 52:08 Excitement and Challenges of AI Integration in Healthcare

Feeling overwhelmed by the switch to Windows 11? Wondering if it's worth the hassle or worried about a complicated migration process? Unsure if Windows 11 is a complete overhaul or a familiar friend with new features? In this podcast, we'll tackle all these questions and more, including the exciting world of AI integration within Windows 11. We'll also explore strategies for planning your upgrade, running both Windows 10 and 11 side-by-side, and top tips for a smooth and successful migration. By the end of this episode, you'll be a Windows 11 upgrade pro, ready to unlock the next generation of user experience. Host: James Hilliard Guest: Rob McGilvrey, Americas Specialist for Windows Pro & Modern Endpoints at Microsoft   Show Notes 00:00 Introduction and Windows Upgrade Experiences 02:22 Windows 11 as a Feature Update 05:17 Reasons to Upgrade to Windows 11 08:05 Impact of Windows 11 on End User Productivity 10:25 Hardware Requirements for Windows 11 13:16 AI Integration in Windows 11 16:05 Procurement Planning for New Hardware 23:06 Creating a Refresh Plan for Windows 11 26:23 Running Windows 10 and 11 Concurrently 29:32 Tips for a Successful Windows 11 Migration 30:27 Resources

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been nothing short of revolutionary for the manufacturing industry. From research and development to production, and even extending to aftermarket services, AI can drastically improve productivity, bolster quality control, and optimize supply chains in the industry. However, adopting AI in manufacturing is not without its challenges and complexities. Join us as we navigate this evolving landscape, explore practical applications of AI for manufacturers, and uncover the business benefits it can bring. Guests: Ryan Spurr, Manufacturing Strategy Director at Connection Jamal Khan, Chief Growth and Innovation Officer at Connection Show Notes 00:00 Introduction 00:46 The Impact of AI in Manufacturing 03:01 Challenges in AI Adoption in Manufacturing 05:30 Unique Challenges in Manufacturing 08:22 Job Displacement in Manufacturing 09:40 Drivers for AI Adoption in Manufacturing 11:43 Factors Enabling AI Adoption 14:35 The Role of Data in AI Adoption 18:48 Applications of AI in Manufacturing 24:52 Use Cases and Workloads in AI 28:36 The Power of Camera Vision in Manufacturing 34:06 The Importance of Supply Chain Twins 38:41 The Role of Synthetic Data in AI 45:25 Connection's Approach to AI in Manufacturing 50:15 Six Areas of Focus 50:45 Partnerships and Technology Stacks 51:08 Opportunity and Feasible Use Cases 51:36 Limited Sampling of Use Cases 52:03 Learning More about AI in Manufacturing 52:17 Closing Remarks

Manufacturers demand better technology delivery.   In this podcast, we'll explore how Connection's Technology Integration and Distribution Center (TIDC) can help manufacturing IT organizations invest in automation, tech modernization, and leverage our deep technology experience to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and free up it staff to focus on more strategic initiatives.   Host: James Hilliard Guests: Ryan Spurr, Manufacturing Strategy Director at Connection Mark Wulfhorst, Senior Director for the Solution Engineering Group at TIDC, Connection Show Notes: 00:03 Introduction to Connections Technology Integration and Distribution Center 00:49 Challenges Faced by Manufacturing Customers 01:23 Disruptive Initiatives in Manufacturing 02:12 The Changing Expectations of IT 03:04 The Struggle to Hire Competent People 03:57 The Reality of IT Staffing in Manufacturing 05:30 The Increasing Demand for Better Technology Delivery 06:39 The Evolution of Customer Needs and TIDC Services 07:43 The Benefits of TIDC Services 08:57 The Impact of COVID on IT Delivery 11:43 The Transition to Windows 11 20:12 The Role of TIDC in IT Asset Disposal 22:05 The Engagement Process with TIDC 23:55 Conclusion and Contact Information    

The pace of work has increased exponentially—along with the crush of data, information, and always-on communications. People are struggling to shoulder the weight of it all, while business leaders feel pressure to increase productivity amid economic uncertainty. New Windows 11 Pro devices are well-positioned to tackle these challenges and accelerate workflows and collaboration with experiences that elevate the potential of everyone on your team.  In this podcast, we'll discuss what the move to Windows 11 Pro devices can do for you and your users. With simple deployment and advanced security protection, the time to upgrade to Windows 11 is now.  Host: James Hilliard Guests: Dan Ortiz, Director of Center of Excellence Workspace Transformation Solutions at Connection Rob McGilvrey, Americas Specialist for Windows Pro & Modern Endpoints at Microsoft

Guests: Brian Gallagher, Retail Strategy Director at Connection Jamal Khan, Chief Growth and Innovation Officer at Connection   The role of artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly prominent in the retail landscape. AI holds the power to transform the retail industry, including customer experiences, supply chain optimization, and employee engagement. In this webinar, we explore the ways in which retailers can leverage AI applications to yield business benefits.

We're at an inflection point in U.S. manufacturing. Those that are not investing in advanced technologies today will quickly find themselves uncompetitive. Those that are beginning to modernize their facilities, however, are achieving smarter and more digitally excellent design and production. In this podcast, we'll explore how manufacturers can leverage advanced technologies to modernize their spaces and ultimately yield big business benefits. Host: James Hilliard Guests: Blake Kerrigan, Senior Director for ThinkEdge Business Group at Lenovo Zihan Wang, Global Business Development Manager at NVIDIA Ryan Spurr, Manufacturing Strategy Director at Connection   Show Notes: [0:55] Are there one or two trends or issues across manufacturing that are leading teams to recognize the need to modernize today? [4:52] What other trends from a technological standpoint are you seeing regarding manufacturers' need to modernize their facilities? [7:00] AI is helping the manufacturing industry modernize faster. What are teams looking to do with AI? [10:25] What are some of the leading cutting-edge manufacturers doing? What can we learn from them? [14:01] How much education is needed to assist manufacturers with what they need to begin the modernization process? [21:45] What are some case study examples of how manufacturers have modernized their facilities recently? [25:00] How did our teams help Trek Bikes modernize their research and development manufacturing operations? [28:01] How's Lenovo helping automotive manufacturers modernize the early stages of their manufacturing production operations? [31:56] How has our team assisted Pegatron with modernizing its mass production? [35:04] How can adopting smart technologies in manufacturing help with cost savings? [37:55] To continue the conversation, visit www.connection.com/manufacturing and Ryan can loop in our other teams to jumpstart your modernization process.  

Modernizing your data center is crucial to your organization's long-term success. In this podcast, we'll better define what data center modernization can look like for different organizations, talk through some of the ideas and promises from AMD, and offer up stories of where teams can succeed. Host: James Hilliard Guests: Kristin Hintlian – AMD Channel Sales Manager for Connection Ken Bartels – Connection Technical Sales Executive for AMD (aka Resident Genius) Show Notes: [0:45] Modernization can mean a lot of different things to a lot of different people. What does a modern data center mean to customers? [2:37] Are newer companies also looking to modernize due to how quickly the market is moving? [4:40] What are some of the biggest and smallest data centers that you've been to, and how have they been able to modernize? [7:00] What are the "people" challenges when modernizing data centers? [11:40] Organizations are facing three big challenges surrounding data center modernization: needing better performance, reducing energy consumption, and reducing software licensing fees. How does AMD address these challenges? [17:45] What cost savings in software licensing fees are customers seeing? [19:35] Are there specific industries that are leading the modernization charge? [21:50] What are some of the ways teams that have modernized with AMD have been able to push their healthcare organization forward? [24:40] What are some examples in the manufacturing space where AMD has been able to help companies move forward? [27:35] Walk us through some typical customer interactions in terms of how they can get an overall cost of ownership view of where they are at vs. adding new technologies. [30:40] After the initial TCO analysis is completed, how can customers then get a good roadmap of how to get started based on their business goals? [32:45] Reach out to your Connection account team for a TCO analysis to see what your data center modernization journey could look like.  

The world of retail is currently experiencing a multitude of developments. Retailers are actively exploring which potential new technologies can help them to best achieve their desired business outcomes. But before these new technologies can be truly transformational, it is essential to first establish a strong foundation that can support them. Listen on to learn how to ensure these fundamental elements are in place – and how you can effectively leverage them to modernize your stores. Host: James Hilliard Guests: Brian Gallagher, Retail Strategy Director at Connection Ed Durbin, Senior Director, Global Retail at VMWare Show Notes: [0:22] What are the top ideas that retail leaders are discussing surrounding retail store modernization? [1:45] Are LoB leaders more "foot on the gas" and IT leaders more "foot on the break" when establishing store modernization initiatives? [4:15] Are those focusing on the backend infrastructure early enough, or only after they've purchased new technologies? [5:45] Do CIOs want their systems to be able to adopt any new technology?  [8:10] After a successful pilot, how do you execute that to scale? [11:00] Are there one or two common hurdles that always stop POCs from moving to the rollout stage, and what can be done to overcome them? [16:30] What are some initial steps people can be taking to modernize stores? [22:00] What should retailers be focused on now? You can hear us on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or Podbean. 

It's time to rethink your IT strategy and support for remote employees. Learn how to simplify device manageability including provisioning, deployment, and security in this podcast featuring experts from Intel and Connection. Host: James Hilliard Guests: Rhett Livengood, Director of Digital Business Enabling at Intel Mark Wulfhorst, Director of Technical Services and Solutions, Technology Integration and Distribution Center, Connection You can hear us on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or Podbean.   

The aftereffects of COVID have brought new challenges requiring new ways of thinking. Most manufacturers and warehouses leverage some level of asset tracking, typically to minimize loss. But location or asset tracking can be used throughout the entire supply chain lifecycle to help identify operational efficiencies. Asset tracking gives you the data needed to make informed decisions. Experts from Zebra and Connection share example use cases in manufacturing and explain how you can gain new insights to lower costs, maximize resources, and stay competitive. Host: James Hilliard Guests: Terry Price, Senior Sales Engineer at Zebra Technologies Ryan Spurr, Director of Manufacturing Strategy at Connection You can hear us on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or Podbean. 

Retailers can reduce shrinkage, diminish stockout, and enhance experiences for customers and employees with artificial Intelligence (AI). But that is just scratching the surface. AI-enabled intelligent stores can optimize so much more like managing staffing resources, reaching sustainability goals, and even predicting customers' needs. This podcast explores how AI solutions – a combination of data management, connectivity, edge computing devices, and software – can create powerful results. Experts from NVIDIA, Lenovo, and Connection cover real-world examples of how retailers are getting their return on investment and what strategies have been successful to reaching strong business outcomes.    Host: James Hilliard Guests: Cynthia Countouris, Director of Product Marketing & Enablement for Retail, NVIDIA Matthew Bertucci, Retail Solutions Manager, Lenovo Brian Gallagher, Retail Strategy Director, Connection You can hear us on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or Podbean.   

The healthcare industry is seeing tremendous change. With the pandemic, staffing shortages, and a backlog of patients needing care, now is the time to reset and question traditional approaches. Add in the pressure of data protection and compliance, supporting remote working environments, and providing telehealth services – finding the right technologies and endpoint security solutions is essential to the future of healthcare. In this podcast, the experts at IGEL discuss how the next-gen edge OS for cloud workspaces is advancing user productivity, patient care, and security while simplifying endpoint management for healthcare enterprises everywhere. Host: James Hilliard Guests: Chris Feeney, Sr. Presales Engineer, Channel & Team Lead at IGEL Carl Gersh, VP of Marketing – North America at IGEL You can hear us on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or Podbean. 

We often take power for granted. But when there's a power failure, a planned outage, or a natural disaster, we're reminded that power is such a necessity. In today's digital world, data loss and downtime for IT can lead to long-term financial and reputational damage for organizations. The risks are even greater for healthcare and critical infrastructure industries. Listen in on our latest podcast to hear how simple it is to prevent data loss and power failure before it's too late. Host: James Hilliard Guests: Joe Doherty, Power and Cooling Business Development Specialist at Connection Hillary Watkins, Product Marketing Specialist for Single Phase UPS at Vertiv You can hear us on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or Podbean.  

In a recent Forrester report, 77% of full-time employees said PC devices play a critical factor in their ability to do their work. In today's climate of hybrid and remote environments, how do you determine what technologies users need and what's at risk if user experience isn't prioritized? We talk to Intel about why developing persona-based solutions is critical to user productivity, onboarding, and overall happiness. Host: James Hilliard Guests: • Rhett Livengood, Director of Digital Business Enabling at Intel • Tim Burns, Vice President of Product Management and Workplace Transformation at Connection Explore Your Wherever Workspace to learn more about persona-based bundles or visit the Intel showcase to discover their latest technologies. You can hear us on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Spotify, or Podbean.   

Research by IDC show that 90% of enterprises around the world are relying on a mix of on-premises, or dedicated, private clouds, as well as public clouds, and legacy platforms to meet their infrastructure needs. Data center cloud solutions need to change as business needs fluctuate. This episode covers the best practices of a hybrid cloud strategy featuring experts from Intel and Connection. Host: James Hilliard Guests:  Vijay Bandari, Cloud Solution Architect at Intel Steve Fowler, Cloud Solution Architect at Intel Kiran Agrahara, Cloud Solution Architect at Intel Kevin Slate, Senior Director of Cloud Services and at Connection  

Colleges and universities are prime targets for cyber attackers. From the large volumes of PII to medical and research data, higher education institutions are a gold mine for bad actors. The pandemic also added new attack vectors as institutions turned to remote and hybrid learning environments. CISOs, CTOs, and IT teams within higher education have a very challenging task when it comes to cybersecurity and data protection. With open networks, diverse user types, and limited resources, what can colleges and universities do to enhance protection? Listen to this podcast for tips on how to develop a cybersecurity risk management plan for your institution. Host: James Hilliard Guests: Bobby Sears, Senior Vertical Alliances Manager, Higher Education at Connection Steve Nardone, Senior Director of Security and Network Solutions at Connection Tim Allen, Director of Operations and Technology at Connection   For additional cybersecurity resources, visit: https://www.connection.com/cybersecurityawarenessmonth. Thank you for listening. You can hear us on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Spotify, and Podbean.  Follow Connection on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, or read our latest insights.  

K-12 is a highly targeted sector when it comes to cyberthreats. In a recent report by CoSN, cybersecurity is a top priority among CTOs. Remote and hybrid environments have drastically increased the volume of devices to support the needs of educators and students. And each device is a potential point of entry for bad actors. There's also a lot of PII available on these networks, making school districts a prime target for data breaches and ransomware. Listen to this podcast to learn what school districts can do to enhance cybersecurity measures. For additional cybersecurity resources, visit: https://www.connection.com/cybersecurityawarenessmonth. Host: James Hilliard Guests: Pam Aulakh, Vertical Alliances Manager, K-12 at Connection Steve Nardone, Senior Director of Security and Network Solutions at Connection Tim Allen, Director of Operations and Technology at Connection Thank you for listening. You can hear us on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Spotify, and Podbean.  Follow Connection on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, or read our latest insights.

Host: James Hilliard Guests: Ryan Spurr, Director of Manufacturing Strategy at Connection Steve Nardone, Senior Director of Security and Network Solutions at Connection Tim Allen, Director of Operations and Technology at Connection The pandemic, smart manufacturing initiatives, and Industry 4.0 trends has shifted manufacturing into a digital transformation. As such, the industry is now experiencing a dramatic uptick in ransomware attacks. The majority of these attacks target operational technology (OT) systems by gaining access through compromised home networks and the devices of remote workers. Manufacturing organizations have highly complex infrastructure and environments. Having an accurate picture of security vulnerabilities is a challenge in itself. Listen to this podcast to explore how manufacturing organizations can mitigate their cybersecurity risks and find a more secure path forward. For additional cybersecurity resources, visit: https://www.connection.com/cybersecurityawarenessmonth. Thank you for listening. You can hear us on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Spotify, and Podbean.  Follow Connection on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, or read our latest insights.  

Host: James Hilliard Guests: Dr. Keith Nelson, Director of Healthcare Strategy, Connection Steve Nardone, Senior Director of Security & Network Solutions, Connection Tim Allen, Director of Operations and Technology, Connection The value of patient medical information makes healthcare entities prime targets for cybercriminals. According to IBM's 2022 Cost of a Data Breach Report, the average cost of a healthcare data breach is $10.1 million, the highest across all industries. With many healthcare providers expanding beyond the four walls into remote and virtual care, now is the time evolve your organization's cybersecurity posture. Hear from our cybersecurity and healthcare experts on what measures will help you better protect your patients' data and healthcare practice. For additional cybersecurity resources, visit: https://www.connection.com/cybersecurityawarenessmonth. Thank you for listening. You can hear us on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Spotify, and Podbean.  Follow Connection on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, or read our latest insights.  

Mobile technologies play a critical role in today's digital world. While there's a big focus on our remote and hybrid workforce, there are many industries that are in-person. This podcast explores how mobile technologies have evolved since the pandemic – from the employee and customer experience point of view – across healthcare, retail, hospitality, warehousing, and manufacturing industries. Host: James Hilliard Guest: Terry Price, Senior Sales Engineer, Zebra Technologies Show Notes: [1:20] Mobile contact tracing and tracking technologies have taken off since COVID. In-person industries had to implement social distancing practices and set maximum capacity limits to minimize potential exposure. [3:03] Serviceability for customers has drastically changed in the last few years. Customers expect instant gratification and convenience. Mobile technologies have become more necessary as we are quickly becoming a cashless society. [8:09] Ease of use and manageability are also at the forefront for consumers. It's key to leverage mobile technologies that use a “common” operating system, such as Android, to deliver a streamlined interface that users are familiar with. [10:17] Healthcare workers require more out of their mobile devices than any other industry. Healthcare practitioners rely on technologies for patient care and life-and-death scenarios. These use cases require ruggedized mobile technologies that are fast and efficient. [13:20] Disinfectant-ready devices are must-haves in healthcare. Retail and hospitality industries followed suit by adopting healthcare-grade devices. [15:07] For many industries, ruggedized devices are critical, but decision-makers are sometimes hesitant on the upfront investment. A consumer-grade device will likely require more replacements and overall management. Ruggedized devices will result in an overall lower total cost of ownership. [19:00] Each industry defines cybersecurity in different terms. For instance, in healthcare, HIPPA compliance requires that data cannot be stored on the device itself. Zebra works with software companies to develop solutions that can meet or exceed cybersecurity requirements and needs. [23:49] How can a business start a mobile-first transformation? Determine the wireless and physical security infrastructure needed, find the right technologies that can elevate the employee and customer experience, and partner with experts to guide you through the process.   Thank you for listening. You can hear us on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Spotify, and Podbean. Follow Connection on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, or read our latest insights.

James Hillard welcomes Nathan Coutinho from Logitech to discuss why organizations should reevaluate IT and office space planning. With high-turnover rates and many employees feeling “burnt out”, now is the time to pause and think about what solutions are needed to encourage meeting equity and enhance collaboration among in-person and remote teams. Listen to this episode to discover other strategies companies should consider to better support employee wellness and productivity. Host: James Hilliard Guest: Nathan Coutinho, Head of Analyst Relations and Business Strategy at Logitech Show Notes: [1:00] Video applications have come a long way. From barely loading frames in the 1990s to our daily need for collaboration and building relationships; users today depend on webcams, video platforms, and audio equipment. And this need will continue to push forward the evolution of these tools. [3:20] Office spaces have changed too. The workforce went from collaborative meeting rooms to remote work environments due to the pandemic. Hybrid and remote models are here to stay. [4:10] Having the right setup at home is important. There are so many physical factors; the right desk, the right chair, and the right environment all play a big role in your health. From the technology side, audio and video are critical elements for users to be their authentic selves. [8:20] Poor video and audio can lead to fatigue. But not sharing your camera at all or using your camera too much can also lead to fatigue. These factors tie into the overall work culture. [11:10] Because we are all at different levels of tech savviness, it's important to have an inclusive mindset and an understanding that connectivity or accessibility issues may happen. Not everyone has the same access to technology either. For instance, some employees may be able to manage their bandwidth by setting up mesh routers or getting duplicate lines, but the average person may not have the means or even the knowledge to do this. [17:35] What is meeting equity? Making sure employees working remotely can still get the full context of a meeting that's taking place in the office. Getting the right framing, being able to see and hear everyone, and the ability to read body language has been a problem for years. Today's web cameras can smoothly pan to those within a conference room so remote/hybrid employees can have a better experience. Web and audio technologies will continue to advance over the next five years. [23:39] Organizations should have a thoughtful strategy when it comes to equipping employees with the right gear. There's no silver bullet but enabling managers to lead their teams based on how they want to work is key, along with having the support from senior leaders. [28:00] Now is the time to reset. Re-evaluate your office space. Consider flex spaces based on what meetings are happening and how those groups engage. Often, organizations rollout office spaces and collaboration tools without asking employees what they need and want. Adoption will always be hindered until companies really understand how employees want to work. [33:57] How we work will continue to change. So, what can organizations do? Don't assume people know how to use technologies. Training should be part of the strategy and supported by all leaders and departments. Persona-based understanding can help develop the right package of equipment and solutions. The goal is to delivery technologies that are so streamlined that its nearly invisible.   Thank you for listening. You can hear us on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Spotify, and Podbean. Follow Connection on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, or read our latest insights.  

The following is a 12-minute clip of Episode 106. Click here to listen to the full episode.   Navigating the complexities of today's IT global supply chain issues is a challenging undertaking for any organization. This audio clip highlights a few strategies businesses can implement to procure and deliver necessary technologies needed by their employees.  Host: James Hilliard Guests: Peter Waters, Senior Director of GlobalServe Solutions and Jessica Cerone, Director of Supply Chain at GlobalServe   Simplify IT procurement and deployment while empowering on-site, hybrid, and remote teams with customizable, best-of-breed hardware, software, and services bundles. Learn more at Your Wherever Workspace.  

The following is a 6-minute clip of Episode 108. Click here to listen to the full episode.   From low unemployment rates to a high demand for IT professionals due to hybrid and remote work environments, traditional recruiting activities are no longer effective. Listen to this clip to learn what new strategies are needed to fill your IT positions. Host: James Hilliard Guests: Patrick Dja Konan, Lifecycle Services IT Staffing Business Development Manager at Connection and Timothy Duffy, Lifecycle Services IT Staffing Business Development Manager at Connection Simplify IT procurement and deployment while empowering on-site, hybrid, and remote teams with customizable, best-of-breed hardware, software, and services bundles. Learn more at Your Wherever Workspace.  

The following is a 10-minute clip of Episode 109. Click here to listen to the full episode. Host: James Hilliard Guest: Rhett Livengood, Director, Digital Business Enabling at Intel Today's digital work environment has elevated cyber security risks for organizations. It's no longer safe to only rely on software-based solutions. This podcast clip explores why IT teams should adopt a “zero-trust” mindset and how you can equip your employees with the right tools, software, and training to help protect against costly cyberattacks.   Simplify IT procurement and deployment while empowering on-site, hybrid, and remote teams with customizable, best-of-breed hardware, software, and services bundles. Learn more at Your Wherever Workspace.  

Host: James Hilliard Guest: Rhett Livengood, Director, Digital Business Enabling at Intel Today's digital work environment has elevated cyber security risks for organizations. It's no longer safe to only rely on software-based solutions. This podcast explores why we IT teams should adopt a “zero-trust” mindset and how you can equip your employees with the right tools, software, and training to help protect against costly cyberattacks. Show Notes: [1:00] PC security has evolved drastically since the pandemic. With remote and hybrid work environments the norm today, security risks are even greater. Data breaches are unfortunately more common and can cause detrimental impacts. In a recent report, the average financial loss is $4.2M per breach (IBM).  [3:36] We're in a zero-trust environment now. Companies should assume that employees and organizations are being attacked at all times. No links or external data can be trusted.  [5:00] VPNs are difficult to maintain and manage and are no longer an effective approach to protect employees. Adding more security software slows systems down and don't lead to a great user experience.  [6:30] Intel has looked at building security right into the hardware as a solution without slowing down PCs to better support remote and hybrid employees. [7:10] People are the weakest link when it comes to cyber security. Organizations should implement a recurring training program with reminders about multi-factor authentication, using unique and complex passwords, and paying attention to links. Phishing attacks are getting more sophisticated so highlighting what employees should look out for is key. [10:05] Security patches should be seamless while also considering employees' working hours. Offering the user scheduling options is ideal to minimize business interruptions.  [12:56] Security should be a holistic mindset. It requires consideration of the employee, technology, security threats, and training. Multilayer device protection should include software, application, and hardware. [15:40] When deploying PCs to employees, IT teams should be mindful about the software that is being loaded. Each program will impact PC performance which, in turn, impacts the employee experience. Work with a partner to effectively integrate software and systems for optimal protection and user experience.  [18:00] Protecting data involves encryption. Zero-trust applies here too. Nothing can be trusted. [20:15] Security assessments and audits continue to be in the forefront when it comes to balancing employees' needs and tools, various work environments, and organizational security protocols. [23:48] In the future, Artificial Intelligence will play a key role in automating security checks to help minimize user error.

Internal hiring managers looking to fill IT positions are currently experiencing a wide variety of challenges. Here's how Connection's IT Staffing Services can help. Host: James Hilliard Guests: Patrick Dja Konan, Lifecycle Services IT Staffing Business Development Manager at Connection Timothy Duffy, Lifecycle Services IT Staffing Business Development Manager at Connection Show Notes: [1:00] IT staffing trivia: How many open IT positions are there right now?  [1:47] The power dynamic between those seeking employment and hiring managers [2:45] IT staffing landscape of today vs. other times in history  [3:48] IT staffing predictions for the future [6:10] Current emotional state of internal hiring managers [7:40] Struggling to retain staff during the Great Resignation [9:20] Tips to manage stress and anxiety for hiring managers struggling to fill a position [12:32] Ineffective practices of hiring managers  [14:30] Disconnect between HR and hiring departments vs. IT departments [17:20] How to get to 3-5 qualified candidates [19:35] Where to find a great candidate pool [21:30] How to nurture a talent pool [23:10] Filling more temporary positions for time-sensitive projects [26:05] Rate of repeat business in staffing services [27:58] Why to choose Connection's IT Staffing Services [33:08] Contact info

Today's work-from-anywhere paradigm brings key challenges that organizations must address through IT transformation. This episode explores new PC solutions to address the needs of hybrid and remote employees while easing device management for IT staff. Topics include built-in security, accelerated compute capabilities, and automated data processing.  Host: James Hilliard Guest: Rhett Livengood, Director, Digital Business Enabling at Intel Show Notes: [1:40] Top IT security and performance challenges we're seeing with remote/hybrid working. [3:50] Work-from-home challenges from the personal perspective. [7:55] How Intel strategized and mobilized to support the new remote working environment. [11:00] Most PCs are outdated which can negatively impact security and performance. [12:30] 12th Gen Intel Cores extend battery life by 2x and have embedded security.  [14:00] Software in PCs can prioritize video conferencing usage for improved user experience. [19:00] Benefits of hardware/software integration and partnering with the right provider. [22:51] With the current supply chain limitations, developing an advanced plan, teaming with a solutions provider that can advise on the best of breed technologies, and access to global resources are critical. [28:00] Modern PCs can accommodate for Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6 extended, 5G, and 6G to elevate the employee experience at home.  

Navigating the ever-growing complexities of today's global chain issues is a challenging undertaking for any organization. In this episode, we'll dive into how GlobalServe, part of the Connection family, is helping customers to navigate these challenges.  Host: James Hilliard Guests: Peter Waters, Senior Director of GlobalServe Solutions Jessica Cerone, Director of Supply Chain at GlobalServe Show Notes: [1:11] Introduction of guests [1:30] What's one of the biggest issues customers are struggling with today? [2:06] What is the solution to those issues? [3:33] How can customers start to be more flexible with OEM standardization? [5:25] Are people more flexible today than 2 years ago? [6:24] Are we seeing more examples of customers mixing in different providers? [8:06] What does the landscape look like from a global perspective where certain regions can acquire certain products? [10:10] How can companies plan so far out when they were accustomed to an on-demand world? [12:45] Is there any possibility of going back to where we were prior to Covid, or have things fundamentally changed? [14:15] What are we seeing with pricing challenges? [15:25] Are customers willing to pay more now, or are they still expecting bargains? [16:42] How are we helping teams navigate shipping costs? [18:41] How can you get creative with helping customers with these new challenges? [24:58] How have GlobalServe's connections established throughout the years helped them to navigate the challenges of Covid? [30:35] What are some examples of customer success stories? [36:22] How is the experience of working in so many countries? [41:05] Contact information

When COVID-19 hit, school IT teams found themselves needing to reevaluate the tools they were using. Modern solutions from Microsoft including Autopilot and Intune can bring an array of benefits to the education space. In this episode, we'll explore how the education field can utilize these technologies in schools to benefit teachers, administrators, and students. Host: James Hilliard Guests: Lisa Trisciani, VP of State, Local and Education Field Sales at Connection Rick Sabarese, Director of End-User Computing and Mobility at Connection Show Notes: [0:35] Introduction of guests [1:00] What were the biggest things that IT teams have learned over the last couple of years? [2:42] What was Microsoft Autopilot doing in other areas like the business world that the education space realized they could also benefit from? [3:44] How have platforms like Microsoft Autopilot helped make it easier to get technology devices up and running for students? [5:38] Why are education customers looking at Microsoft Autopilot today? [7:51] Can a technology device be kept with an individual student and stay with them for their entire time in school? [9:25] How can Microsoft Autopilot alleviate technology responsibilities from teachers so that they can focus more on teaching? [12:45] What benefits does Microsoft Autopilot provide to parents of students? [15:06] What are some of the early feedback from school districts that have adopted Microsoft Autopilot? [18:32] How does our team work with a school district to set up Autopilot so these machines can hit the ground running as soon as they hit a student's hands? [20:20] In a hybrid environment, can Autopilot be utilized to manage Google devices? [23:00] Are our students more well-versed in technology platforms today? [24:44] How are schools funding new technology solutions? What are some of the funding opportunities out there? [30:20] Contact information

Does your IT team need an IT team? Here are insights into our managed services and how they help teams to secure their environments.  Guest: John Chirillo, Managed Services Director at Connection Guest: Tony The, Services Businesses Development Manager at Connection Host: James Hilliard Show Notes: [0:45] Introduction of guests [1:35] What are the top security breach challenges that IT teams are facing today? [4:26] Is stealing credentials still a security issue? [7:03] Are customers currently more interested in investing in security? [8:11] What is the foundation and framework of Connection's managed services? [9:49] Is the mindset of the organization more important than a specific technology? [11:15] How do customers prioritize their security issues? [12:36] How would Connection's managed services framework mitigate specific security risks? [14:29] Where do certain technology toolsets fit in? [17:07] How can we get teams on their best security footing for them? [18:30] Is there still a wide variety of acceptable risk levels? [22:00] What's the process for teams to understand and prioritize their security risks? [24:05] How do you recommend that customers not get too far behind within their security environments? [27:25] What's some memorable customer feedback you've received?

Learn more about the stimulus packages that have passed since COVID-19 and how it impacts information technology in the public sector space. Guest 1 Title and Bio:  Jeff Chabot, Public Sector Segment Director - Jeff is the Segment Strategy Director of the Schneider Electric Federal Sales Team. His team is responsible to lead the sale, customer support, design and implementation of critical power, cooling and management solutions in US Government information technology environments within and outside the continental United States. In his 22 years at Schneider Electric, Jeff has held various sales and sales leadership roles in commercial sales, state and local government sales and federal government sales. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in History/Political Science from Rhode Island College. Host: James Hilliard  Show Notes [0:30] Introduction of guest [0:45] What are the choices and funding that are currently available for the public sector? [2:00] What should be at top of mind for State and Local to consider with the American Rescue Plan? [4:05] Is there a time period that teams need to spend these funds? [4:33] Within State and Local, what are some of the top areas where they can spend their funds? [5:00] Where are IT professionals spending these funds? [6:10] Where are K-12 focusing their purchases? [8:05] Are there similar types of spending in Higher Education? [8:57] What is the application process that IT professionals need to be aware of to access these funds? [10:19] How smooth has the process and experience been for folks so far? [11:13] Anything else we should know about the American Rescue Plan? [12:25] Have funds started to be released for the new Infrastructure Plan? [13:40] How is broadband defined now and how is it a part of the Infrastructure Plan? [15:42] Will more rural areas see more funding for broadband investments? [16:38] What are all the aspects of broadband that are covered in the Infrastructure Plan? [19:43] Could the Infrastructure Plan help with supply chain issues, inflation, and efficiency? [20:51] When can people begin to apply and access the funds from this new Infrastructure Plan? [21:22] What are some tips that you have that would make the most sense for people to spend these funds?   

Finding the “best in class” IT resources to meet all for your wish-list items can be a challenge, especially when trying to future-proof your infrastructure and remote workforce all while maintaining security protocols and budgets during a world pandemic. Tech expectations continue to increase and the need for collaborative IT solutions has become paramount.  What have other companies done to roadmap their next 5 years of success?  How have they overcome some of these challenges and mitigate the disasters of a wrong decision?  Find out on this episode of TechSperience as we explore a “tour de force” of tech collaboration.  Guest 1: Laura Belincky – Sr. Business Development Manager, BSG Guest 2: Brian McGuffin – National Business Development Manager, BSG Guest 3: John Maslanik – Business Development Manager, BSG Guest 4: Brian Chandler – Director, Business Development Manager's Team, BSG Guest 5: Derek Olson-Sr. Manager, Business Development Manager's Team BSG Host: James Hilliard Show Notes: [0:38] Introduction of guests [1:30] How do you start the process of learning about your customers and what their pain points are? [2:55] What's your favorite place to go to learn about a new customer? [4:30] What's a unique place where someone has been able to uncover new information about a customer? [5:31] Currently, what are the biggest pain points you are hearing from customers where solutions providers can help? [8:16] Besides logistical pain points, what are some personal pain points we are hearing from customers? [10:48] How do you start imagining the resources that you can provide a customer when they ask for products and/or services? [13:20] How does bringing in more team members to sit in on meetings allow for more potential resources to the client? [15:25] Are customers surprised that Connection can offer more services than they initially thought? [19:05] How often do you find a customer is willing to talk to another customer about their experiences? [24:40] Could you design a new data center from the ground up? [26:33] What are your goals when engaging customers?

How will businesses work safely and smarter in 2022? Will they return to the office 100%? Will they adopt a hybrid work model? In this episode, we address the challenges and possible solutions surrounding RTO. Guest 1 Title and Bio: Tony Dancona; Digital Workspace Evangelist and part of Connection Lab. With more than 25 years of experience in virtualization and end-user computing, Tony is considered a thought leader in the industry. He currently serves on different Technical Advisory Board including Dell Technologies, VMware and CRN Channel Company IOT. Host: James Hilliard Show Notes: [0:20] Introduction of guest [0:45] What did work look like in 2008? [2:36] What does work look like currently? [3:45] How are customers defining in-office collaboration? [4:40] Are we lacking anything from working remotely? [6:15] How do we make today's office safe? [8:01] What technologies are you seeing most organizations trying to implement today to keep their offices safe? [10:13] What benefits are there to utilizing some of this technology? [11:25] Can some of this technology allow for exceptions? [13:13] What technologies are companies looking at inside work environments? [16:23] What verticals can this technology impact? [17:31] How do we make offices smarter than they were a couple of years ago? [20:51] What have been the advancements in conference technology? [23:03] Give us a high-level primer on the Connect Aware app. [27:50] To utilize the features of this app, what technologies are required? [29:03] What changes do you expect to see in physical offices in the coming year?  

Windows 11 Pro has arrived. Why should you make the switch? Listen in for more information on what you can expect from the upgrade – features, timelines, security, and more. Host: James Hilliard Guest 1: Burt Kersey, Lenovo Channel Account Executive Guest 2: Ashley Lofaro, Microsoft OEM Senior Partner Development Specialist Show Notes: [00:19] Introduction of guests [00:43] What are some of the promises of Windows 11? [02:49] What can we expect from Lenovo devices as we start seeing Windows 11 roll out? [06:00] What can we expect from the graphics interface of Windows 11? [06:49] Can we set up custom desktops based on what you're using with Windows 11? [08:30] What's the timeline for Windows 11 adoption and what are the conversations you hope to be happening during the transition? [10:30] Are machines bought within the last year likely to accept Windows 11? [13:55] What do teams that recently made a move to Windows 10 need to consider? [14:53] What do teams that recently made a move to Windows 7 need to consider? [15:46] What if a team buys Windows 11 machines, but needs to be on Windows 10 for a period of time? [16:22] What are some things we can expect from hardware manufacturers like Lenovo to integrate with the security in Windows 11? [19:30] What should IT teams be considering while looking at their networks before rolling out a more robust OS? [21:51]What type of conversations do you anticipate you'll be having with teams looking into Windows 11? [24:08] Is there something that Lenovo is looking at from a supply chain perspective to get customers the gear they need to support Windows 11?  

Learn how Connection's partnership with Elo can help to address the new changes within the QSR industry, including staffing shortages, changes in customer demand and behavior, and supply chain issues.   Host: James Hilliard Guest 1: Brian Gallagher, Retail Strategy Director, Connection Brian is a Retail veteran who has spent the past 5 years supporting the adoption of new technologies in retail to deliver amazing experiences to customers and employees. Guest 2: Luke Wilwerding, Sr. Director of NA Sales, Elo With over 20 years of interactive technology experience, Luke is at the forefront of innovation as retail customers create new shopping journeys that push engagement, creativity, information, and commerce.  Elo solutions can be found across all verticals, with many of its' over 25 million installations deployed in many of the most popular retail chains and luxury brand stores across the globe. Working with some of the biggest retailers around the world, Luke is in a unique position to understand what's coming next in retail. Show Notes: [0:38] Introduction of guests [1:28] What industry trends were QSRs seeing in early 2020? [4:40] In mid-2020, how did the retail industry adapt to Covid-19? [8:45] From a supply chain standpoint, what technology inventory began to run low as a result of Covid-19? [10:45] Have the changes been beneficial from a customer standpoint? [16:38] How can kiosks help with new and evolving employee responsibilities? [18:30] How can Elo products support the new POS capabilities needed? [21:01] What's it like to manage the complexities that new technology products bring? [23:56] What impact would adopting new POS systems have on retailers' networks? [25:45] What products are available to improve QSR employee productivity? [29:00] How has the ease of use of employee technology products improved? [34:52] What's the experience look like when customers start the conversation with Elo? [36:53] What's an innovation that you expect in the coming months to a year in the QSR space?  

Host: James Hilliard Guest: Steven L. Crowther – VP of the TIDC Guest: John Milburn – Sr. Director TIDC Operations In the unprecedented COVID era, TIDC is still making things happen and doing more with less. Here's how they are mitigating around the current constraints on labor, supply chain constants, and the COVID-19 delta variant. Show Notes [0:40] Introduction of guests [1:00] What are the biggest changes in customer demand? [2:58] The Amazon effect and customers wanting goods sooner [4:55] What were some of the things Connection did to adjust to changing customer demands? [7:22] Where do we stand now with the work disruption that Covid brought on 18 months ago? [9:33] How can customers rely on Connection to get gear into end-user hands? [10:32] What has been the change in the labor force and the equipment they need? [11:35] What impact did the labor shortage have on customers' needs for technology? [13:07] What are some of the top IT requests due to the labor shortage? [15:28] How can customers get insight through TIDC about current technology offerings? [16:44] Is the labor shortage crisis easing up? [18:40] What should organizations be planning for in early 2022 to make sure they get the right gear as more people rejoin the workforce? [19:38] Where do we currently sit with supply chain constraints? [24:30] Are we having to introduce customers to new products due to supply chain constraints on their preferred products? [25:37] When will the supply shortage end? [26:00] What should we be thinking about to stay ahead of supply chain issues? [27:30] Are there certain technology products that you think might be limited in the coming months?      

As we celebrate Cyber Security Awareness month, Connection in partnership with Intel, bring you a timely podcast to help your organization stay safe from cyber threats and help educate hybrid workers on best practices.  Intel and the Connection Security practice collaborate and talk candidly with James to unveil some insights you many never have considered. Remember - "Do Your Part Be Cyber Smart" #BeCyberSmart   Host: James Hilliard Guest: Steve Nardone - Senior Director of Security Solutions Guest: Yasser Rasheed - Global Director of Enterprise Clients at Intel  Show Notes [0:55] Introduction of guests [1:30] Is the hybrid workforce here to stay? [3:33] Will there be more cybersecurity attacks as a result of the new hybrid workforce? [6:10] Will the equipment of remote workers be able to protect them from cyberattacks? [7:20] The 3 areas we'll be spending the remainder of time: "zero trust", hardware matters, and continuing to be students [8:08] What does "zero trust" mean in the IT security community today? [10:00] Who should own the "zero trust" mentality at an organization? [12:15] How do you prevent user cybersecurity fatigue?  [14:31] What's an example of a great approach an organization is taking to get their end-users (hybrid workers) engaged with security? [15:40] The importance that hardware still has in cybersecurity efforts [18:23] Are there tools built into the hardware that can be added protection? [20:25] What are newer security capabilities in machines, and how do they compare with what was running three years ago? [23:10] What does it mean to become a "student of risk"? [26:15] What's the difference between being a "student of risk" and a "student of threat"? [27:44] What should an end-user do to raise a security alarm? [29:30] Do we need to change how often we prepare for security attacks? [31:50] What's something we can take away with to do something more securely than yesterday?

In order to survive, manufacturers must be agile in surviving disruption. Industry 4.0 technologies are reinventing how manufacturers do business and, to stay competitive, companies will need to embrace these technologies to capitalize on the efficiencies, cost savings, and improved uptimes that might be gained.   Host: James Hilliard Guest 1: Ryan Spurr, Director of Manufacturing Strategy & Business Development at Connection Guest 2: Dave Martin, Systems Engineering Manager at Meraki Guest 3: Jordan Noonan, Solutions Marketing Manager at Meraki   Show Notes [0:55] Introduction of Guests. [2:05] Where were Manufacturing organizations before Covid? [3:52] Do companies now have firmer transformation strategies? [5:15] What are manufacturing table stakes you need to be competitive in Industry 4.0? [7:28] The plant power problem and how has it changed? [8:01] Niche use cases that Covid brought to the front for Manufacturers. [10:01] How do you get Wi-Fi to every part of the factory? [12:47] Analytics and Data [14:27] Obstacles towards investment in next generation networking [15:40] What can this new tech do for your organization?  [17:00] Who should you engage to start transformation? [19:28] How do you merge the new network with legacy machines? [20:53] What do you do to protect your tech when you bring in modern networks to legacy devices? [24:48] How long does it take to discover a breach? [26:00] Is there concern about upgrades and automations removing people? [29:00] The talent shortage. [30:50] What does the future hold?

Host: James Hilliard Guest 1: Robert Gates, Cloud Technical Architect at Microsoft  Guest 2: Trinh Tran, Partner Technology Strategist at Microsoft  Guest 3: Burton Kersey, Senior Channel Account Manager at Lenovo Guest 4: Matt Skoog, Partner Development Specialist – Mobility Activations    Description: James Hilliard your host welcomes Robert Gates, Trinh Tran, Burton Kersey, and Matt Skoog to talk about collaborating in the modern office. They discuss the current work from home life, and the future of hybrid work as well as going back in office. One of the current major struggles is maintaining collaboration while at home, in the office, or on the go. Hear ways to solve for this growing issue and improve the way we collaborate and work. Show Notes: [4:10] Robert talks about collaborating in Teams. [5:02] Trinh discusses the expectations we have for our collaboration tools. [7:42] Matt reflects on going remote and how things have changed over the years. [9:54] Hybrid workplaces and what long term remote means for you and everyone else.   [12:37] Are we ready for a modular workplace? [13:40] The need for a modern device, and how it changes how you work. [15:12] Keeping employees happy and how a device impacts that and retains talent. [18:12] How have collaboration tools changed to help us work better. [19:52] Watercooler chatter can happen remotely. [25:37] New ways of hybrid working. [28:00] Pulling devices out of the closet for 2020, and why that doesn't work long term. [28:42] Questions companies should ask themselves about their devices. [32:02] What employees need is changing. [34:01] What new features do we need to continue improving the hybrid environment?