Cloud and Clear

Join SADA's CTO, Miles Ward, and Associate CTO of AI & ML, Simon Margolis, for this special and final episode of the Cloud and Clear podcast. They share their biggest, most impactful predictions for 2026 and beyond, focusing on the massive shift required for businesses to get value from AI.

Miles and Simon discuss how the conversation around AI investment is changing. Boards will no longer tolerate putting AI in the R&D bucket. The focus is shifting from "what's possible" to "what's profitable," demanding financial returns on a quarterly basis.

In this insightful discussion, you will learn:

• The model choice: Why optimizing your model selection matters, noting that a model like Gemini Pro 2.5 can have output tokens that are 25 times more expensive than Gemini Flash.
• Service as software: The need to think of your business as a new startup, building "machinery to let you run service as if it's software."
• Democratization: How "anybody that knows their natural language is able to go and build some type of truly agentic system." The ability to build a prototype with a prompt is replacing lengthy Product Requirement Documents (PRDs).
• The luxury trap: Why reducing friction will become a required, contractually obligated expectation. This includes developing "user interfaces for an audience of one" to accommodate different customer cohorts.

If you are a technology leader, cloud engineer, or executive looking to set your strategy for the next wave of transformation, this episode is packed with valuable knowledge. And even though this is the last Cloud and Clear, the journey continues with InsightON!

Connect with SADA & InsightON:

• Check out all of our experts' 2026 predictions: https://sada.com/blog/2026-technology-trends/

• InsightON: insight.com/InsightOn

Host: Miles Ward, Chief Technology Officer, SADA, An Insight company

Guest: Simon Margolis, Associate CTO of AI & ML, SADA, An Insight company

Dive deep into the transformative power of Generative AI in the public safety sector with Chad Brothers, Vice President for Emergency Services Programs at Viiz Communications, on this episode of Cloud and Clear! Viiz Communications is addressing the critical challenges faced by 911 centers (PSAPs), including a significant staffing crisis and the distraction caused by high volumes of non-emergency calls.

Learn how their solution uses Gen AI with conversational "playbooks" and a Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) approach to efficiently triage and respond to non-urgent inquiries. Chad Brothers explains how this intelligent routing lessens the workload on human telecommunicators, allowing them to focus on emergencies, and details the future plans to automate into CAD systems and integrate spatial data.

Key Takeaways:

• Viiz Communications is an emergency services solutions provider, supporting call centers and non-emergency solutions in the public safety space.
• Gen AI provides a technology solution to the staffing crisis and high volume of non-emergency calls at 911 centers.
• The solution uses playbooks and a RAG approach to formulate accurate, generative responses from public and non-public data.
• It improves telecommunicator quality of life by reducing non-emergency call volume and context switching.
• True emergencies that come through administrative lines are immediately filtered out and follow a deterministic flow to a human 911 agent.

Tune in to discover how AI is enhancing service and support for our telecommunicators and communities! Join us for more content by liking, sharing, and subscribing!

Connect with SADA & Viiz Communications:

• Learn more about SADA: https://sada.com/cloud-and-clear/
• Explore Viiz Communications: https://viiz.com/
• Learn more about ViizVital: https://viiz.com/viizviital
• Read our Viiz Communications case study: https://sada.com/customer-story/viiz-communications-launches-next-generation-911-call-solution-on-google-cloud-ccaas-with-sadas-help/

Host: Chad Johnson, Director of AI Development at Insight

Guest: Chad Brothers, Vice President of Emergency Services Programs at Viiz Communications

In this compelling episode of SADA's Cloud and Clear podcast, we go "Beyond the Benchmark" with Joseph Menti, Senior Director of DevOps, Security, and IT Operations at DroneDeploy. Join host John Giglio, SADA's Director of Cloud Security, as we explore DroneDeploy's sophisticated and proactive approach to cloud security.

DroneDeploy is a leader in reality capture, providing "superpowers" to industries like construction, agriculture, and solar with accurate mapping and analysis. Discover the unique security challenges of handling vast amounts of sensitive imagery and 3D model data. Joseph shares how DroneDeploy navigated their transition from co-located data centers to a predominantly Google Cloud Platform (GCP) environment, highlighting the immense capabilities of cloud tools for physical data security, access management, anomaly detection, and more.

Learn about DroneDeploy's philosophy of "punching above their weight" – maximizing a small team's effectiveness through strategic technology adoption, like Security Command Center for asset inventory, and implementing Infrastructure as Code. The discussion also emphasizes the critical value of third-party security assessments, which provide unbiased validation, identify "unknown unknowns," and help prioritize the security roadmap. Joseph explains how a strong security program acts as a powerful business enabler, building customer trust and helping to secure deals. Finally, get insights into emerging threats, including the impact of AI on cyberattacks, and why user awareness training remains the highest ROI security measure.

Key Takeaways:

• Cloud-Native Security Strategies: Harnessing GCP tools for automated security and efficient operations.
• Maximizing Resources: How to achieve robust security with a lean team through smart automation and strategic tools.
• The Power of External Validation: Why third-party security assessments are crucial for a world-class security framework.
• Security as a Business Enabler: Transforming security from a cost center into a competitive advantage.
• Battling Emerging Threats: Understanding AI's role in cyberattacks and the paramount importance of continuous security awareness training.

Tune in to gain practical advice and inspiration for your cloud transformation journey!

Connect with SADA & DroneDeploy:

• Learn more about SADA: https://sada.com/cloud-and-clear/
• Explore DroneDeploy: https://www.dronedeploy.com/
• Check out the DroneDeploy Horizons event in October: https://www.dronedeploy.com/horizons
• Read our DroneDeploy case study: https://sada.com/customer-story/dronedeploy-goes-the-extra-mile-for-enterprise-grade-security-with-google-cloud-and-sada

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Host: John Giglio, Director, Cloud Security, SADA, An Insight company

Guest: Joseph Menti, Senior Director of DevOps, Security/IT Ops, DroneDeploy

Welcome to Cloud and Clear, the SADA podcast that brings you exclusive insights and customer success stories from the cloud! In this episode, your host, Veronica Raulin, is joined by Austin Leone, SADA's Senior Manager of Organizational Change Management, to discuss Agentspace.

Agentspace is Google's powerful new platform that acts like a 'do-engine,' connecting all of an organization's data from sources like SharePoint, Confluence, and ServiceNow, and allowing people to interact with it conversationally. But what does a successful deployment look like? Austin explains how SADA's robust change management methodologies go beyond standard training to ensure true user adoption.

You'll learn about:

• The SADA Approach: How SADA is guiding customers through Agentspace implementations, from proof of value to large-scale deployments, by using custom, department-specific sessions and hands-on engagement.

• The Importance of a Partner: Austin highlights how SADA's experience with 18 successful Agentspace projects has led to the creation of a "prompt library" and custom training methodologies that fit specific organizational needs.

• Driving Adoption: Discover how SADA uses gamification, like hackathon-style events, to build excitement and generate a library of use cases specific to an organization's workflows.

• Security and Best Practices: Austin reassures listeners that Agentspace is built within an organization's secure Google Cloud environment, respecting existing permissions and access controls.

• Looking Forward: A look into the future of Agentspace, where more complex actions and workflows will automate tasks and boost efficiency.

This episode offers valuable, practical advice for anyone—from executives to tech professionals—looking for inspiration on how to implement and adopt new technology in their organization successfully.

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Host: Veronica Raulin, Sr. Director, Advisory, SADA, An Insight company

Guest: Austin Leone, Sr. Manager, Organizational Change Management, SADA, An Insight company

What happens after AI helps you write code faster? You create a bottleneck in testing, security, and operations. In part two of their conversation, SADA's Simon Margolis and Google Cloud's Ameer Abbas tackle this exact problem. They explore how Google's AI strategy extends beyond the developer's keyboard with Gemini Code Assist and Cloud Assist, creating a balanced and efficient software lifecycle from start to finish.

We address the burning questions about AI's impact on the software development ecosystem: Is AI replacing developers? What does the future hold for aspiring software engineers? Gain insights on embracing AI as an augmentation tool, the concept of "intentional prompting" versus "vibe coding," and why skilled professionals are more crucial than ever in the enterprise.

This episode offers practical advice for enterprises on adopting AI tools, measuring success through quantitative and qualitative metrics, and finding internal champions to drive adoption. We also peek into the near future, discussing the evolution towards AI agents capable of multi-step inferencing and full automation for specific use cases.

Key Takeaways:

• Gemini Code Assist: AI for developer inner-loop productivity, supporting various IDEs and SCMs.
• Gemini Cloud Assist: AI for cloud operations, cost optimization, and incident resolution within GCP.
• AI's Role in Development: Augmentation, not replacement; the importance of human agency and prompting skills.
• Enterprise Adoption: Strategies for integrating AI tools, measuring ROI, and fostering a culture of innovation.
• The Future: Agents with multi-step inferencing, automation for routine tasks, and background AI processes.

Relevant Links:

• Blog: A framework for adopting Gemini Code Assist and measuring its impact
• Gemini Code Assist product page
• Gemini Cloud Assist product page

Listen now to understand how AI is shaping the future of software delivery!

Join us for more content by liking, sharing, and subscribing!

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🔗SADA website

Host: Simon Margolis, Associate CTO of AI & ML, SADA, An Insight company Guest: Ameer Abbas, Senior Product Manager, Google Cloud

To learn more, visit our website here: SADA.com

Is generative AI just another tool in the belt, or is it a fundamental transformation of the developer profession?

We kick off a two-part special to get to the bottom of how AI is impacting the enterprise. SADA's Associate CTO of AI & ML, Simon Margolis, sits down with Ameer Abbas, Senior Product Manager at Google Cloud, for an insider's look at the future of software development.

They cut through the noise to discuss how tools like Gemini Code Assist are moving beyond simple code completion to augment the entire software delivery lifecycle, solving real-world challenges and changing the way we think about productivity, quality, and automation.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• What Gemini Code Assist is and the broad range of developer personas it serves.

• The critical debate: Is AI augmenting developer skills or automating their jobs?

• How to leverage AI for practical enterprise challenges like application modernization, improving test coverage, and tackling technical debt.

• Why the focus is shifting from developer productivity to overall software delivery performance.

• Ameer's perspective on the future of development careers and why students should lean into AI, not fear it.

• The limitations of "vibe coding" and the need for intentional, high-quality AI prompting in a corporate environment.

Join us for more content by liking, sharing, and subscribing!

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🔗SADA website

Host: Simon Margolis, Associate CTO of AI & ML, SADA, An Insight company Guest: Ameer Abbas, Senior Product Manager, Google Cloud

Want to learn even more? Check out some of the studies Ameer mentioned:

• Software.com Global Code Time Report: https://www.software.com/reports/code-time-report

• Developers spend most of their time not coding – IDC report: https://www.infoworld.com/article/3831759/developers-spend-most-of-their-time-not-coding-idc-report.html

To learn more, visit our website here: SADA.com

Keywords: AI, ML, Generative AI, Gemini Code Assist, Google Cloud, Software Development, SDLC, Enterprise AI, Developer Productivity, MLOps, Modernization, Code Quality, Autonomous Development, Jules AI, Vertex AI, AgentSpace

Dive deep into the world of cloud security with Rocky Giglio and special guest Sean Atkinson, CISO at the Center for Internet Security (CIS), on this episode of Cloud and Clear! We examine the crucial role of CIS benchmarks and hardened images in establishing a robust and secure cloud infrastructure.

In this insightful discussion, Sean breaks down:

✅ What CIS is and its mission to create a safer connected world.

✅ The evolution of CIS Controls from 20 to 18 for greater efficiency.

✅ Understanding CIS Benchmarks and how they standardize security configurations.

✅ The power of Hardened Images: Start secure from day zero in your cloud environment.

✅ Shifting security left and proactively integrating security into design.

✅ How CIS simplifies compliance with NIST, PCI, HIPAA, and other frameworks.

✅ The importance of community and partnership in cybersecurity.

Whether you're a security professional, cloud engineer, or anyone concerned about keeping data safe in the cloud, this episode is packed with valuable knowledge. Learn how to leverage CIS resources to strengthen your security posture and simplify compliance.

Tune in to discover how CIS is making cloud security more accessible and effective! Don't forget to subscribe to Cloud and Clear for more expert insights on cloud transformation.

#CloudSecurity #CIS #Cybersecurity #CloudComputing #HardenedImages #SecurityBenchmarks #CloudAndClear #GoogleCloud #Compliance #NIST #PCI #HIPAA #CISO #TechPodcast

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Host: Rocky Giglio, Director, Security GTM, SADA, An Insight company Guest: Sean Atkinson, CISO, Center for Internet Security (CIS)

To learn more, visit our website here: SADA.com

Is your browser secure in the age of SaaS? Join SADA's Rocky Giglio and Google's Aaron Hix as they explore the power of Chrome Enterprise Premium on Cloud & Clear! Hear firsthand how Chrome Enterprise Premium has transformed real businesses, and discover how you can simplify IT management and enhance security across your organization. Tune in to find out how Chrome Enterprise Premium can transform your security strategy!

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🔗SADA website

Host: Rocky Giglio, Director, Security GTM, SADA, An Insight company Guest: Aaron Hix, Head of NA Partner Sales Engineering and Services, ChromeOS

To learn more, visit our website here: SADA.com

How can technology transform the lives of frontline workers? In this episode of Cloud and Clear, Nikki Harley, VP of Partner Ecosystem and Marketplace at SADA, interviews Catherine Roy, COO of WorkJam, to explore the answer. Discover how WorkJam's digital platform simplifies communication, task management, and shift scheduling for deskless employees. Catherine discusses using AI with Gemini, their partnership with SADA, and building on Google Cloud. Learn about features like Task Connect and AI-powered chatbots that drive efficiency and improve the employee experience.

Join us for more content by liking, sharing, and subscribing!

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🔗SADA website

Host: Nikki Harley, VP of Partner Ecosystem and Marketplace at SADA Guest: Catherine Roy, COO at WorkJam

To learn more, visit our website here: SADA.com

What is Google Agentspace? Find out on this Cloud and Clear episode with SADA's Kelly Wright. Director of Workspace, and Veronica Raulin, Senior Director, Advisory! We're discussing how Google Agentspace uses AI and Google Search to simplify complex tasks and connect your data. Plus, get a Google Cloud Next 2025 preview and learn about SADA's Proof of Value.

Join us for more content by liking, sharing, and subscribing!

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🔗SADA website

Host: Veronica Raulin, Sr. Director, Advisory at SADA Guest: Kelly Wright, Director, Workspace at SADA

To learn more, visit our website here: SADA.com