Ctrl Alt Lead

The datacentre industry has spent decades preparing for equipment failure. But what happens when the greatest risks are completely unpredictable - extreme weather, water shortages, energy constraints and geopolitical instability? In this episode, Arup's David Davies argues that resilience must be redefined for a more uncertain future.

David discusses the growing impact of climate change on datacentre design, including the prospect of UK summer temperatures exceeding 45°C, the pressure that AI growth is placing on energy infrastructure, and the need to prepare for multiple disruptions occurring at the same time. He also explains why future-ready datacentres must be adaptable, integrated into broader energy systems and designed for continuous change rather than static operating conditions.

We also explore public attitudes to datacentres, community engagement, microgrids and the key questions IT leaders should ask providers about resilience.

Become a member of Computing today at www.computing.co.uk

LinkedIn: @computing-- / Tom Allen / Penny Horwood

Are you an IT leader with a story to tell? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].

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AI's pricing model has changed, and many IT leaders - and business executives - have been caught flatfooted. In this episode Greg Holmes, field CTO at Apptio, an IBM company, discusses the changing economics of enterprise technology. From AI spending and consumption-based pricing to FinOps and value measurement, he explains why CIOs can no longer treat ROI as a one-time exercise. Instead, they need continuous visibility into both costs and outcomes.

As well as costs, governance and sovereignty, Greg also discusses the growing importance of Chief AI Officers and the skills technology leaders will need to develop as AI becomes embedded across the enterprise.

Become a member of Computing today at www.computing.co.uk

LinkedIn: @computing-- / Tom Allen / Penny Horwood

Are you an IT leader with a story to tell? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].

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Generative AI is transforming research, but its use in academia raises very different questions from mainstream business applications. In this episode, Elsevier CTO Jill Luber discusses the opportunities AI creates for literature discovery and analysis, as well as the risks of hallucinations, bias and a lack of source transparency.

We explore Elsevier’s research-focused LeapSpace AI platform and consider the future role of AI agents in research workflows. Jill argues that, while AI will continue to accelerate discovery and publication, researchers will continue to rely on human judgement, supported by systems that prioritise trust and verifiable evidence.

Become a member of Computing today at www.computing.co.uk

LinkedIn: @computing-- / Tom Allen / Penny Horwood

Are you an IT leader with a story to tell? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].

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This week we - along with the US and UK governments, as well as OpenAI itself - are tackling the controversial topic of AI kill switches. Tom and Penny discuss the proposals on the table, as well as the practical challenges of defining what a kill switch actually is, who would control it and what circumstances would justify its use.

We also examines the wider implications of AI's transition from software tool to business infrastructure. From reports of rogue agents to the challenge of incorporating AI outages into resilience planning, we ask whether organisations are becoming dependent on systems whose governance remains unresolved.

Become a member of Computing today at www.computing.co.uk

LinkedIn: @computing-- / Tom Allen / Penny Horwood

Are you an IT leader with a story to tell? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].

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The RSPCA may be 200 years old, but a sophisticated digital operation sits behind its animal welfare mission, serving millions of users every year.

In this episode, RSPCA COO Emily Tierney and Head of DX Jake Brown discuss the organisation's tech strategy, including platform consolidation, API-first architecture, user-centred digital services and the challenge of delivering transformation under the charity sectr's financial constraints.

We explore how the RSPCA is introducing AI tools, measuring digital impact beyond traditional web metrics, improving incident reporting journeys and strengthening data governance. The pair also share lessons from reducing technical debt, building internal capability and aligning teams around a common mission: creating better outcomes for animals through technology

Become a member of Computing today at www.computing.co.uk

LinkedIn: @computing-- / Tom Allen / Penny Horwood

Are you an IT leader with a story to tell? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].

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Stack Overflow quickly realised generative AI represented more than a new technology trend. In this episode of Ctrl Alt Lead, CEO Prashanth Chandrasekar reflects on how generative AI disrupted the developer ecosystem, forced Stack Overflow to reinvent itself, and changed the way organisations create, share and consume knowledge.

We explore the trust gap holding back enterprise AI, which Prashanth argues is the key to successful AI adoption. He also predicts that software developers will increasingly orchestrate teams of digital workers rather than write code themselves, saying, “Everybody now becomes a manager of digital agents.”

Become a member of Computing today at www.computing.co.uk

LinkedIn: @computing-- / Tom Allen / Penny Horwood

Are you an IT leader with a story to tell? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].

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Is AI becoming a race that nobody can afford to lose – and if so, what does that mean for the leaders tasked with making responsible decisions about its adoption?

In this episode of Ctrl Alt Lead, Penny Horwood speaks with globally recognised author, speaker and strategist Kate O'Neill, also known as The Tech Humanist. Together they explore the widening gap between AI innovation and AI governance, the pressures leaders face to move quickly, and why organisations need better judgement rather than faster technology.

Kate explains why digital transformation should always be driven by business purpose rather than technological capability, discusses the environmental and societal implications of AI infrastructure, and argues for a more nuanced public conversation about artificial intelligence. She also shares insights from her latest book, What Matters Next, including her Now-Next Continuum framework for making wiser decisions amid uncertainty and her concept of "ethical acceleration" – moving quickly without sacrificing responsibility, trust or human-centred outcomes.

Whether you're grappling with AI strategy, governance, risk or organisational change, this episode offers practical guidance for making decisions that remain sound, in the face of uncertainty. 

Become a member of Computing today at www.computing.co.uk

LinkedIn: @computing-- / Tom Allen / Penny Horwood

Are you an IT leader with a story to tell? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].

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Tom and Penny break down the latest developments shaping the technology landscape, starting with a sharp global tech stock sell-off forcing organisations to rethink how they measure value from AI.

We also explore the realities of AI use at scale, from token pricing to emerging challenges like model ‘looping’; how extreme heat, public discontent and increasing scrutiny of water usage are putting datacentres under pressure; and the effect a(nother) new Prime Minister might have on the British tech landscape.

Become a member of Computing today at www.computing.co.uk

LinkedIn: @computing-- / Tom Allen / Penny Horwood

Are you an IT leader with a story to tell? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].

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

This special news-focused episode focuses on three major stories from the last week. First is the UK government’s proposed social media ban for under-16s, and the wider regulatory shift it represents. Rather than targeting content or companies, the government has opted to place the onus on young people. While enforcement remains uncertain, we're seeing a more interventionist approach to technology governance.

We also explore the geopolitical dimension of AI, following the US government’s decision to restrict access to Anthropic’s Fable and Mythos - raising even more concerns about sovereignty. We close with a look at the soaring IPO valuation of SpaceX, what it means for retail investors and whether we truly are in an era of investing driven by hype and vibes.

Become a member of Computing today at www.computing.co.uk

LinkedIn: @computing-- / Tom Allen / Penny Horwood

Are you an IT leader with a story to tell? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].

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

The World Cup brings more than global attention; it also drives a sharp rise in cyber threat activity. Darren Anstee, CTO for security at NetScout, sets out how DDoS attacks increase around major sporting events, often starting months before kick-off and peaking during live matches. Attackers test defences early then target critical services once the tournament is underway.

Darren also highlights a shift in hacktivist tactics. Rather than hit well-defended front ends, groups now aim for weaker links in digital supply chains to disrupt core services. He stresses the need for preparation, collaboration and shared intelligence, especially for a tournament spread across multiple countries with a larger attack surface. “It is all about the preparation,” he says.

Become a member of Computing today at www.computing.co.uk

LinkedIn: @computing-- / Tom Allen / Penny Horwood

Are you an IT leader with a story to tell? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].

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