CompTIA Volley

Carolyn and Seth look back at the big technology trends from 2017. First they discuss the reputation of the technology industry and how it has been somewhat damaged by bad behavior. Then they look at the #MeToo movement and talk about the ways that workplaces are changing. Finally, they cover the growing complexity of technology and the changes needed to handle modern systems.

Carolyn and Seth give a quick review of iPhone X based on Seth's first impressions of the new phone, then discuss the different variables in the argument over net neutrality and which regulations should be applied to Internet Service Providers.

NYT on net neutrality: www.nytimes.com/2017/11/29/techno…t-neutrality.html

Stratechery on net neutrality: stratechery.com/2017/pro-neutrality-anti-title-ii/

Carolyn and Seth talk about the potential confusion surrounding emerging technology. Rather than talking about individual topics, conversations may be better off focusing on business solutions or corporate structures. Then they discuss the recent flood of public awareness around sexual harassment and abuse. Social media has helped give everyone a voice, and society is recognizing that there must be changes in order to provide equality and safety for everyone.

Carolyn and Seth talk through various pros and cons of telecommuting, looking at how companies must balance the culture they want with the flexibility employees want. Then they talk about the recent merger between Datto and Autotask, which reflects some of the changes happening in the IT channel and the IT function.

Carolyn and Seth review some of the major themes from this week's Cyber Security Chicago event, such as automation and cloud configurations. Then they turn their attention to Big Data and discuss the problems that have kept companies from realizing all the potential that data analysis has promised.

WSJ article on data in baseball: www.wsj.com/articles/the-downsi…s-action-1507043924

Slate article on Big Data: www.slate.com/articles/technolog…d_to_big_data.html

Carolyn and Seth welcome Sal Patalano, Chief Revenue Officer for Lenovo Software. They start with a discussion about the changing nature of the IT channel--how are traditional firms changing and how are new types of firms adding to the ecosystem. Then they turn to emerging technology and the reality of implementing the multitude of new possibilities.

Carolyn and Seth welcome their research colleague Amy Carrado to the podcast to discuss workforce issues. What is the root cause?Is there such a thing as a skills gap? Who shares the burden for the solution? As we live through another technological shakeup, there are many questions to be resolved.

The Myth of the Skills Gap from MIT Technology Review: www.technologyreview.com/s/608707/the…-skills-gap/

Assessing the IT Skills Gap research from CompTIA: www.comptia.org/resources/assessi…the-it-skills-gap

Carolyn and Seth discuss the upcoming research report from CompTIA, which looks at how traditional channel firms are incorporating SaaS into their portfolios. Then they discuss a recent NY Times article that looked at the work-life balance (or lack thereof) in many Silicon Valley Firms.

NYT article on work-life balance: www.nytimes.com/2017/08/31/opinio…ife-balance-.html

Carolyn and Seth talk about CompTIA's latest research study, Planning a Modern IT Architecture. Cloud computing and IoT are driving a need to be more proactive about architectural planning, and companies need to start thinking strategically about planning their infrastructure. Then they look at the expansion of technology companies into everyday life, as Google partners with Walmart on shopping via voice and Amazon prepares to transform the Whole Foods experience

Planning a Modern IT Architecture: www.comptia.org/resources/plannin…n-it-architecture

Carolyn and Seth give their review of ChannelCon17, touching on the expansion of the IT channel, the focus on operations for technology firms, and the differences between emerging tech and day-to-day tech. The discussion ends with diversity, which was the theme of the CEO keynote and a major headline this week thanks to the Google memo.

WSJ article on passwords: www.wsj.com/articles/the-man-wh…v-r-m1-d-1502124118