CompTIA Volley

Carolyn and Seth take a look at CompTIA's latest research study focusing on cloud computing. After a decade of experience with cloud, companies are moving to a new stage of adoption where cloud is not just a new way of running existing IT applications, but a new way of thinking about IT. Technical professionals and technology providers need to discover how to add value in this new environment, where IT has become a strategic asset.

Cloud Computing and IT Operations report: www.comptia.org/resources/cloud-c…and-it-operations

Carolyn and Seth talk about the latest research from CompTIA, exploring operational efficiency within IT channel firms. If customer demand is driving transformation, that transformation may be happening at a portfolio level or business model level, and true digital transformation of operations requires channel firms to examine their internal processes and apply the same technology they are selling.

Operational Efficiency in the Channel research report: www.comptia.org/resources/analysi…-in-it-businesses

Carolyn and Seth welcome Forrester's Jay McBain live from Channel Partners Conference and Expo in Las Vegas. The three analysts discuss the IT channel and the way it is changing--including whether it should even be called "the channel" anymore. The modern IT industry has evolved over the past decade, and a new set of relationships and value-add opportunities is now in place.

Carolyn and Seth discuss the growing pains that are taking place as the tech sector reaches a new stage of maturity and achieves unprecedented scope. Since technology has become a major drive in the economy rather than a niche player, the behavior of tech companies is evaluated differently. And since technology is becoming more integrated with everyday life, reliability must be prioritized over experimentation. Ultimately, the high tech sector needs to consider the impact on humanity and not just push the envelope of technical capability.

WSJ on tech's outsize market impact: www.wsj.com/articles/warning-si…article_email_share

Slate on the impact of tech on real life: slate.com/technology/2018/04/s…ally-killing-us.html

Carolyn and Seth welcome CompTIA's Sr Vice President of Research, Tim Herbert, to discuss the upcoming Cyberstates report. Cyberstates is CompTIA's premier guide to technology activity from state to state, covering workforce issues, patents, and economic contribution of technology. On the podcast, Tim gives a preview with discussion of overall trends across different job categories and the issues that companies are facing as they search for new talent.

Cyberstates (new report goes live 3/27): www.cyberstates.org/