Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights

Mira Murati, the Chief Technology Officer, along with two other executives, announced their departures amid a critical restructuring phase for the company. As OpenAI transitions from a non-profit to a for-profit benefit corporation while seeking over $100 billion in investment, Sobel highlights the potential implications of these changes on the generative AI market, suggesting a possible consolidation as the industry grapples with high operational costs and limited use cases.

Host Dave Sobel also examines the rapid growth of Hugging Face, which has surpassed 1 million AI model listings, emphasizing the shift towards customized models tailored for specific tasks. This trend reflects a broader industry movement away from one-size-fits-all solutions, as organizations increasingly seek specialized, fine-tuned models. The episode draws attention to Mark Zuckerberg's comments from the recent MetaConnect event, where he cautioned creators about the value of their work for AI training, hinting at ongoing copyright issues and the need for partnerships to secure valuable content.

The discussion then shifts to Microsoft, which has made notable changes to its Copilot Plus feature and its approach to integrating AI into its 365 software suite. The company is now conducting pilot tests to assess customer willingness to pay for new AI features, reflecting concerns about the perceived value and effectiveness of these tools. Sobel emphasizes the importance of managing customer expectations around AI, noting that the benefits of such technologies may not always be immediately apparent, and overpromising can lead to dissatisfaction.

Finally, Sobel covers Google's decision to phase out older protocols in Google Workspace, citing security risks associated with these outdated systems. He also highlights Microsoft's enhancements to Defender, which now includes automatic detection of unsecured Wi-Fi networks, and ConnectWise's commitment to high cybersecurity standards. The episode underscores the evolving landscape of IT service providers, where the focus is shifting towards practical AI applications with demonstrable ROI, as well as the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures in an increasingly complex digital environment.

Three things to know today

00:00 OpenAI Leadership Exodus and Hugging Face's Model Surge Point to Shift To Focused Solutions

05:00 Microsoft Bolsters Copilot+ Recall Security While Scaling Back 365 AI Plans Amid Customer Concerns

07:33 Google Phases Out Legacy Protocols as Microsoft Enhances Defender

Supported by:  https://getthread.com/mspradio/

https://www.huntress.com/mspradio/

Event: www.smbTechFest.com/Go/Sobel

Support the vendors who support the show:

👉 https://businessof.tech/sponsors/

Get exclusive access to investigative reports, vendor analysis, leadership briefings, and more.

👉 https://businessof.tech/plus

Want the show on your favorite podcast app or prefer the written versions of each story?

📲 https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe

Looking for the links from today’s stories?

Every episode script — with full source links — is posted at:

🌐 https://www.businessof.tech

Pitch your story or appear on Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights:

💬 https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/businessoftech

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28908079

YouTube: https://youtube.com/mspradio

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/businessof.tech

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradio

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoftech

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Host Dave Sobel discusses the evolving landscape of IT budgets, emphasizing a significant shift towards AI and data modernization. Accenture's recent earnings call reveals that enterprises are reallocating their IT spending to focus on enhancing digital capabilities and workforce upskilling, rather than increasing overall budgets. This trend is underscored by Gartner's forecast that AI-enabled PCs will dominate global shipments, particularly in the consumer market, indicating a growing reliance on AI technologies.

The episode also highlights a concerning slowdown in the cybersecurity workforce, which has seen only a marginal increase in professionals despite a persistent shortage of nearly 5 million workers. Sobel points out that U.S. cybersecurity employment has shrunk by nearly 5%, as employers prioritize revenue-generating roles over cybersecurity positions. This disconnect between the skills sought by hiring managers and those perceived as necessary by applicants calls for more learning opportunities and a focus on recruiting diverse talent to address the skills gap.

In regulatory news, California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed a strict AI regulation bill, opting instead to collaborate with academics to develop alternative guidelines. This decision reflects the ongoing debate surrounding AI safety and regulation, with Newsom arguing against singling out large AI models. Additionally, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has revised its password guidelines, shifting the focus from complexity to length, which aims to improve user experience and security practices.

Finally, Sobel discusses Meta's recent announcements from their Connect event, particularly the unveiling of their Orion AR glasses. While the glasses showcase advanced features like eye tracking and muscle-reading technology, their high production cost means they won't be available for mass production anytime soon. Meta's commitment to innovation in spatial computing positions them as a leader in the industry, potentially paving the way for a new computing paradigm that integrates AI with real-world awareness. The episode concludes with a reflection on the importance of adapting to these technological advancements and the implications for the future of work.

Three things to know today

00:00 AI and Data Take Priority as IT Budgets Shift, Cyber Workforce Slows, and Skill Shortages Persist Across Tech Sectors

03:58 AI Regulation Vetoed in California as NIST Shifts Password Policy Focus from Complexity to Length

05:42 Meta Leads Spatial Computing Race with Orion AR Glasses and AI Innovations, Highlighting Long-Term Industry Shift

Supported by:  https://www.huntress.com/mspradio/

http://blumira.com/radio/

Event: www.smbTechFest.com/Go/Sobel

Support the vendors who support the show:

👉 https://businessof.tech/sponsors/

Get exclusive access to investigative reports, vendor analysis, leadership briefings, and more.

👉 https://businessof.tech/plus

Want the show on your favorite podcast app or prefer the written versions of each story?

📲 https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe

Looking for the links from today’s stories?

Every episode script — with full source links — is posted at:

🌐 https://www.businessof.tech

Pitch your story or appear on Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights:

💬 https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/businessoftech

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28908079

YouTube: https://youtube.com/mspradio

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/businessof.tech

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradio

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoftech

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Host Dave Sobel engages in a compelling conversation with Eric O'Neill, a former FBI operative renowned for his role in capturing notorious spy Robert Hansen. The discussion delves into the evolution of espionage over the past two decades, highlighting how traditional spycraft has transitioned into the realm of cyber espionage. O'Neill explains that while classic methods like dead drops and clandestine meetings still exist, the majority of modern espionage is conducted through cyber attacks, where attackers exploit vulnerabilities in systems to gain access to sensitive information.

O'Neill emphasizes the importance of understanding the changing landscape of threats, particularly the misconception that insider threats are the primary concern. He points out that attackers often create what he terms "virtual trust insiders" by stealing credentials and infiltrating organizations from the outside. This shift in tactics underscores the need for businesses to focus on robust cybersecurity measures, including better authentication practices and employee training to recognize phishing attempts.

The conversation also touches on the complexities of the cybersecurity industry, where the balance between providing solutions and generating profit can create tension. O'Neill argues that while technology companies are developing products to combat cyber threats, the focus should also be on fundamental practices such as implementing multi-factor authentication and improving software quality. He advocates for a proactive approach to cybersecurity, encouraging organizations to adopt counterintelligence strategies to anticipate and thwart potential attacks before they occur.

As the episode concludes, O'Neill discusses the future of cybersecurity in the context of artificial intelligence. He notes that both cybercriminals and cybersecurity professionals are increasingly leveraging AI, leading to a new battleground where AI systems will play a crucial role in detecting and responding to threats. This evolution presents both challenges and opportunities, as the fight against cyber threats becomes more sophisticated and complex, requiring continuous adaptation and vigilance from organizations and individuals alike.

Supported by: https://www.huntress.com/mspradio/

http://blumira.com/radio/

Support the vendors who support the show:

👉 https://businessof.tech/sponsors/

Get exclusive access to investigative reports, vendor analysis, leadership briefings, and more.

👉 https://businessof.tech/plus

Want the show on your favorite podcast app or prefer the written versions of each story?

📲 https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe

Looking for the links from today’s stories?

Every episode script — with full source links — is posted at:

🌐 https://www.businessof.tech

Pitch your story or appear on Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights:

💬 https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/businessoftech

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28908079

YouTube: https://youtube.com/mspradio

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/businessof.tech

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradio

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoftech

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Host Dave Sobel engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Howard Cohen, a seasoned expert in the IT industry. They explore the evolving landscape of IT service providers, focusing on the emergence of the "toolsmith" model. This model emphasizes the importance of software developers and hardware manufacturers providing tools that enable partners to create and deliver profitable services, rather than merely reselling products. Howard highlights the shift from product sales to service-oriented models, which allows providers to enhance profitability and foster collaborative partnerships with software vendors.

The conversation delves into the challenges faced by managed service providers (MSPs) in today's market, particularly the tension between reliance on vendor tools and the risks associated with vendor dependency. Howard draws an analogy between MSPs and carpenters, suggesting that while tools are essential for their work, the true value lies in how they utilize those tools to provide services. He argues that MSPs can leverage vendor tools to offer proactive services that improve customer relationships, rather than simply reacting to issues as they arise.

As the discussion progresses, Howard introduces the concept of a post-verticalization era for technology service providers. He envisions a future where MSPs evolve into business technologists, emphasizing the need for specialization and collaboration among professionals. This shift would elevate the professionalism of IT service providers, akin to established fields like medicine and law. Howard advocates for a framework that establishes professional standards and ethics within the IT industry, ensuring that customers can differentiate between credible providers and those lacking the necessary qualifications.

Finally, the episode touches on the implications of citizen AI and its potential to disrupt traditional IT roles. Howard discusses how citizen developers, empowered by low-code and no-code platforms, may reduce reliance on traditional information systems teams. While this democratization of technology presents opportunities, it also raises concerns about shadow IT and the need for IT professionals to adapt to a more dynamic landscape. The conversation concludes with a reflection on the future of AI in the industry, emphasizing the importance of practical applications and the need for IT professionals to remain vigilant in managing the evolving technological environment.

Support the vendors who support the show:

👉 https://businessof.tech/sponsors/

Get exclusive access to investigative reports, vendor analysis, leadership briefings, and more.

👉 https://businessof.tech/plus

Want the show on your favorite podcast app or prefer the written versions of each story?

📲 https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe

Looking for the links from today’s stories?

Every episode script — with full source links — is posted at:

🌐 https://www.businessof.tech

Pitch your story or appear on Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights:

💬 https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/businessoftech

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28908079

YouTube: https://youtube.com/mspradio

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/businessof.tech

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradio

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoftech

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We start with a troubling report revealing that numerous Fortune 100 companies have unknowingly hired North Korean IT workers using fake identities. These workers, often based in China or Russia, have gained access to sensitive systems, raising significant concerns about potential cyber attacks. The episode emphasizes the urgent need for companies to adopt stricter hiring practices, including thorough background checks and identity verification, as U.S. law enforcement takes action against those facilitating this scheme.

The episode also covers CrowdStrike's recent testimony before Congress following a significant outage that was not attributed to a cyber attack. Senior Vice President Adam Myers explained that a combination of issues led to the incident, prompting the company to implement new safeguards and offer $60 million in customer credits. Lawmakers are pushing for greater accountability in cybersecurity, discussing potential legal reforms to hold software providers liable for negligence. This scrutiny reflects a pivotal moment in the cybersecurity landscape, where accountability and transparency are becoming increasingly essential.

Additionally, the U.S. Department of Justice has updated its compliance guidelines to include the use of AI, emphasizing the need for companies to assess AI's potential risks and ensure compliance with criminal laws. Compliance officers are now expected to address AI's impact on legal compliance, highlighting the importance of proactive monitoring and risk management. The National Institute of Standards and Technology is also proposing new cybersecurity guidelines focused on identity proofing and fraud detection, urging organizations to adopt AI governance programs to enhance security.

Finally, the episode touches on broader technological trends, including mobile voting and the quest for ROI on AI. Tech investor Bradley Tusk advocates for mobile voting as a means to increase voter turnout, while another article discusses the importance of breaking down enterprise silos to achieve meaningful returns on AI investments. The episode concludes with a look at the Content Authenticity Initiative led by Adobe, aimed at ensuring the authenticity of AI-generated content, and the unexpected outcomes of self-service kiosks in fast food chains, which have not led to significant job losses but have changed operational dynamics.

Four things to know today

00:00 Fortune 100 Firms Unknowingly Hire North Korean Workers, Exposing Critical Gaps in Cybersecurity Hiring Practices

03:14 Perfect Storm or Negligence? CrowdStrike's Outage Highlights Potential Shift in Cyber Liability

04:58 "If Your AI Does the Crime, You’ll Do the Time": DoJ’s New Compliance Guidelines Target AI Risks

08:07 From Mobile Voting to AI ROI: Big Ideas Driving Technology, Security, and Trust in the Digital Age

Supported by:  https://mspradio.com/engage/

Event: www.smbTechFest.com/Go/Sobel

Support the vendors who support the show:

👉 https://businessof.tech/sponsors/

Get exclusive access to investigative reports, vendor analysis, leadership briefings, and more.

👉 https://businessof.tech/plus

Want the show on your favorite podcast app or prefer the written versions of each story?

📲 https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe

Looking for the links from today’s stories?

Every episode script — with full source links — is posted at:

🌐 https://www.businessof.tech

Pitch your story or appear on Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights:

💬 https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/businessoftech

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28908079

YouTube: https://youtube.com/mspradio

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/businessof.tech

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradio

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoftech

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Host Dave Sobel discusses the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in small businesses, highlighting a recent survey by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The survey reveals that 98% of small businesses are utilizing AI tools, with a notable increase in the adoption of generative AI. While many small business owners view AI as a crucial driver for growth, there are significant workforce concerns, with one in three workers advocating for a ban on AI in the workplace due to fears about job security. The episode emphasizes the need for balanced approaches that address both the potential benefits of AI and the anxieties it generates among employees.

Sobel also explores innovative AI applications in various sectors, including wildfire detection, healthcare, and disaster response. Projects like Firesat and PanoAI are developing technologies to enhance early wildfire detection, while MyChart is using AI to assist doctors in managing patient communications. However, these advancements come with challenges, such as the need for long-term studies to evaluate effectiveness and concerns about transparency and accuracy in healthcare communications. The episode underscores the importance of responsible AI integration and the potential risks associated with its use in critical areas.

The discussion extends to the implications of AI in cybersecurity, particularly the rise of generative AI being exploited by cybercriminals to create malware. Sobel highlights a recent incident involving an email campaign that targeted French users with malicious software, showcasing how lower-skilled hackers are leveraging AI to enhance their capabilities. This trend raises urgent questions about the need for comprehensive management and governance of AI technologies, as well as the expanding role of IT service providers in educating businesses about compliance and risk management.

Finally, the episode touches on community-driven efforts to revive Windows Update for older operating systems, allowing users to update vintage systems like Windows 95 and XP with security fixes. While this initiative appeals to nostalgia, Sobel cautions that these unsupported systems pose significant security risks. The episode concludes with a call for IT service providers to help businesses navigate the complexities of AI and cybersecurity, emphasizing the critical need for clear policies, training, and responsible management as AI tools become increasingly prevalent in the business landscape.

Four things to know today

00:00 Small Businesses See AI as Key to Growth, But Workforce Concerns Demand Balanced, Realistic Approaches  

03:20 AI-Driven Innovations in Wildfire Detection, Healthcare, and Disaster Response Highlight Promise and Risks

07:22 Cloudflare Tackles AI Data Scraping with New Tools and Marketplace for Content Control

10:00 Nostalgia Meets Security: Community Efforts Restore Updates for Windows 95, 98, XP, and More

Supported by:  http://blumira.com/radio/

https://www.huntress.com/mspradio/

Event: www.smbTechFest.com/Go/Sobel

Support the vendors who support the show:

👉 https://businessof.tech/sponsors/

Get exclusive access to investigative reports, vendor analysis, leadership briefings, and more.

👉 https://businessof.tech/plus

Want the show on your favorite podcast app or prefer the written versions of each story?

📲 https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe

Looking for the links from today’s stories?

Every episode script — with full source links — is posted at:

🌐 https://www.businessof.tech

Pitch your story or appear on Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights:

💬 https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/businessoftech

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28908079

YouTube: https://youtube.com/mspradio

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/businessof.tech

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradio

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoftech

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Host Dave Sobel discusses significant advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) announced by major tech players including Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI. Amazon has introduced Project Amelia, a generative AI-powered personal assistant aimed at helping sellers optimize their businesses with tailored insights and support. Meanwhile, Google Cloud has integrated its Gemini AI into Workspace, enhancing customer engagement and security through new tools designed to improve user experience while maintaining privacy.

OpenAI is expanding access to its advanced voice mode for ChatGPT, allowing for more natural interactions, while Microsoft has rolled out a new correction feature in Azure AI that aims to improve the accuracy of AI outputs. However, experts caution that this tool may not be entirely reliable due to the inherent limitations of language models. Additionally, Nevada is set to implement a Google Generative AI system to assist in unemployment appeals, raising concerns about automation bias and the accuracy of AI-generated recommendations.

The episode emphasizes a consistent theme across these announcements: the focus on using AI to augment human capabilities rather than replace them. Sobel suggests that IT service providers should position AI solutions as tools for enhancing efficiency and decision support, rather than fully autonomous systems. This approach highlights the importance of embedding AI into core business processes and developing expertise in integrating generative AI into client environments, with a strong emphasis on personalization, accuracy, and security.

In a related discussion, Sobel covers a significant partnership between AWS and Intel, which aims to develop custom AI chips to enhance application performance and strengthen the U.S. semiconductor supply chain. This collaboration is seen as a strategic win for Intel amid ongoing industry shifts. The episode also touches on the legal tensions between Broadcom and AT&T regarding VMware support, illustrating the broader challenges in the IT industry as vendors transition to subscription models. Sobel encourages IT providers to act as trusted advisors, helping clients navigate vendor contracts and explore alternative solutions to ensure favorable terms.

Three things to know today

00:00 Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI Announce AI Enhancements Aimed at Augmenting Human Capabilities

05:11 AWS Taps Intel for Custom AI Chips in Major Win Amid Semiconductor Industry Shifts

06:37 Broadcom Counters AT&T’s Claims Over VMware Support Amid Shift to Subscription Model

Supported by:  https://movebot.io/mspradio/

Event: www.smbTechFest.com/Go/Sobel

Support the vendors who support the show:

👉 https://businessof.tech/sponsors/

Get exclusive access to investigative reports, vendor analysis, leadership briefings, and more.

👉 https://businessof.tech/plus

Want the show on your favorite podcast app or prefer the written versions of each story?

📲 https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe

Looking for the links from today’s stories?

Every episode script — with full source links — is posted at:

🌐 https://www.businessof.tech

Pitch your story or appear on Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights:

💬 https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/businessoftech

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28908079

YouTube: https://youtube.com/mspradio

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/businessof.tech

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradio

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoftech

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Microsoft has launched the SecureFuture initiative, which aims to address past security failures by implementing tighter controls and accountability measures. With a dedicated team of 34,000 engineers, the company has made substantial changes, including updating security systems and enhancing transparency. Despite these efforts, Microsoft acknowledges the ongoing challenge of rebuilding trust in its security practices, particularly in light of its reputation with the U.S. government.

The episode also covers the leadership change at ConnectWise, where Manny Ravello has been appointed as the new CEO, succeeding Jason McGee. Ravello's extensive experience in the technology sector positions him to leverage AI opportunities for managed services providers. The discussion highlights the competitive landscape, with Halo PSA partnering with NinjaOne to enhance service capabilities and introduce AI-driven features. This collaboration aims to address challenges faced by managed services providers and positions both companies for future growth in the PSA market.

Host Dave Sobel then shifts focus to CrowdStrike, where customer trust appears to be divided following significant outages in Germany. While some organizations are abandoning their current security vendors, others continue to express interest in expanding their use of CrowdStrike's Falcon platform. The episode emphasizes the importance of customer trust and the need for CrowdStrike to address the concerns raised by the recent operational disruptions. Despite the mixed sentiments, analysts suggest that CrowdStrike's updates to its platform could enhance its appeal and streamline cybersecurity management.

Finally, Sobel reflects on the broader implications of these developments in the tech industry. He encourages listeners to consider the importance of security governance and accountability as companies navigate the evolving landscape. The episode underscores the necessity for organizations to conduct comprehensive audits, offer tailored security assessments, and bridge the talent gap in IT. By adopting a "less is more" strategy, businesses can focus on doing fewer things better, ultimately enhancing their security posture and building trust with clients.

Three things to know today

00:00 Microsoft’s Security Overhaul Report: New Governance, Tight Controls, and Accountability Measures to Rebuild Trust

04:35 Leadership Change at ConnectWise Signals Focus on AI as Platform Battles Intensify

07:32 Customer Trust in CrowdStrike Divided: German Outages Raise Concerns, but Analysts Highlight Expansion Potential

Supported by:  https://www.huntress.com/mspradio/

https://www.coreview.com/msp/

Event: www.smbTechFest.com/Go/Sobel

Support the vendors who support the show:

👉 https://businessof.tech/sponsors/

Get exclusive access to investigative reports, vendor analysis, leadership briefings, and more.

👉 https://businessof.tech/plus

Want the show on your favorite podcast app or prefer the written versions of each story?

📲 https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe

Looking for the links from today’s stories?

Every episode script — with full source links — is posted at:

🌐 https://www.businessof.tech

Pitch your story or appear on Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights:

💬 https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/businessoftech

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28908079

YouTube: https://youtube.com/mspradio

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/businessof.tech

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradio

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoftech

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Federal Reserve has implemented a half-point interest rate cut, with projections for further adjustments in the coming year. Despite a slight increase in the unemployment rate to 4.2%, layoffs have decreased as companies are more cautious, learning from past experiences during the pandemic. This cautious approach is expected to continue due to anticipated labor shortages, creating a favorable environment for IT providers to support clients in their digital transformation efforts.

Host Dave Sobel highlights the substantial investments being made in AI infrastructure, particularly a $30 billion fund from Microsoft and BlackRock aimed at enhancing data centers and energy supply. This initiative is crucial for reducing reliance on foreign sources amid geopolitical tensions and ensuring the U.S. maintains its competitive edge in the generative AI race. With lower borrowing costs, IT providers are encouraged to leverage financial resources to enhance productivity through automation, managed services, and remote work solutions, aligning their service portfolios to support AI adoption.

The episode also addresses recent challenges faced by major tech companies. Apple’s macOS Sequoia is causing issues with third-party security software, prompting Microsoft to advise against upgrading. Meanwhile, Microsoft has announced the public preview of Hotpatching for Windows Server 2025, allowing security updates without requiring a reboot, which aims to streamline update processes. Additionally, Microsoft has deprecated Windows Server Update Services, encouraging businesses to transition to cloud-based solutions for update management, reflecting a broader industry trend towards cloud-based management.

Finally, Sobel discusses the implications of AI investments and regulatory challenges, including LinkedIn's suspension of its UK user data policy for AI training following user backlash. A study reveals that AI is underutilized in UK workplaces, with only 4% of adults using it daily. The episode emphasizes the need for organizations to adapt to AI, not just through technology but by fostering a cultural shift towards embracing its benefits. As the landscape of IT management evolves, Sobel encourages IT service providers to prepare for sustainable and energy-efficient AI strategies while addressing the gap between AI's potential and its current usage.

Three things to know today

00:00 Lower Layoffs, AI Investments, and Rate Cuts: IT Providers Positioned for Expansion

04:09 Sequoia Bugs, AI Expansion, and Hotpatching: How Apple and Microsoft Are Reshaping IT Management 

07:56 Microsoft Revives Three Mile Island for AI Energy Needs Amid Regulatory and Subsidy Debates

Supported by:  https://www.huntress.com/mspradio/

https://getthread.com/mspradio/

Support the vendors who support the show:

👉 https://businessof.tech/sponsors/

Get exclusive access to investigative reports, vendor analysis, leadership briefings, and more.

👉 https://businessof.tech/plus

Want the show on your favorite podcast app or prefer the written versions of each story?

📲 https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe

Looking for the links from today’s stories?

Every episode script — with full source links — is posted at:

🌐 https://www.businessof.tech

Pitch your story or appear on Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights:

💬 https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/businessoftech

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28908079

YouTube: https://youtube.com/mspradio

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/businessof.tech

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradio

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoftech

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

host Dave Sobel welcomes Ori Rafael, CEO and co-founder of Upsolver, to discuss the emerging concept of lake house architecture in data management. The conversation begins with an exploration of how lake houses compare to traditional data warehouses and data lakes. Ori explains that a lake house is essentially a modern data warehouse architecture that allows customers to manage their own data layers, providing flexibility and control over their data storage and processing.

Ori delves into the evolution of data management architectures, highlighting the transition from on-premise data warehouses to cloud-managed solutions. He discusses the challenges faced by database administrators (DBAs) in the past, such as vendor lock-in and the limitations of traditional data warehouses. The lake house model addresses these issues by decoupling storage and compute, enabling organizations to utilize multiple query engines and platforms without being tied to a single vendor.

The discussion also touches on the significant advantages of lake house architecture, particularly in terms of cost reduction and operational efficiency. Ori emphasizes that organizations can save a substantial portion of their data warehouse budgets by eliminating the need for expensive ETL processes tied to specific warehouse vendors. Additionally, the ability to leverage various engines for analytics and AI applications empowers businesses to innovate without the constraints of traditional data management systems.

As the conversation progresses, Ori highlights the importance of optimizing storage for improved query performance and efficiency. He explains how Upsolver manages the file system layer to ensure that organizations can achieve performance levels comparable to traditional warehouses while maintaining high storage efficiency. The episode concludes with a discussion on the evolving role of data engineers, emphasizing the need for them to transition from developers to platform managers, enabling greater independence and efficiency in data operations.

Support the vendors who support the show:

👉 https://businessof.tech/sponsors/

Get exclusive access to investigative reports, vendor analysis, leadership briefings, and more.

👉 https://businessof.tech/plus

Want the show on your favorite podcast app or prefer the written versions of each story?

📲 https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe

Looking for the links from today’s stories?

Every episode script — with full source links — is posted at:

🌐 https://www.businessof.tech

Pitch your story or appear on Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights:

💬 https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/businessoftech

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28908079

YouTube: https://youtube.com/mspradio

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/businessof.tech

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradio

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoftech

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.