In this episode of IT SPARC Cast, John and Lou explore quirky tech feats like Doom running in a PDF, dive into Microsoft 365 Co-Pilot Chat and its implications for Agentic AI, and discuss JP Morgan’s strict return-to-office policy. Plus, they break down Anexia’s bold move from VMware to KVM and answer listener questions about firewalls, remote work tools, and speakerphone recommendations. A packed episode full of insights, tech trends, and a touch of humor.

Show Notes:

00:00 - Intro:

•John and Lou introduce the episode with highlights including Doom in a PDF, AI advancements, and major cloud infrastructure shifts.

•They invite listener feedback on trade shows they should cover in the future.

News Bytes:

01:37 - Doom Running in a PDF:

•Developers embed the classic game Doom in a PDF using JavaScript and WebAssembly.

•The team discusses the technical ingenuity and potential security implications of running code inside documents.

•https://www.gamespot.com/articles/someone-ported-doom-to-run-inside-a-pdf/1100-6528790/

04:28 - Microsoft 365 Co-Pilot Chat:

•Microsoft’s new AI chat service facilitates the creation of AI agents for businesses.

•Debate over Agentic AI versus AGI, subscription pricing models, and monetization strategies for AI tools.

•https://www.computerworld.com/article/3803306/microsoft-adds-pay-as-you-go-access-for-ai-agents-with-m365-copilot-chat.html

09:06 - JP Morgan RTO:

•JP Morgan announces a strict return-to-office policy, mandating five days in-office with 30 days’ notice.

•John and Lou critique the move as “quiet firing,” arguing that poor remote work outcomes are often due to management failure.

•Insight into how RTO policies may impact employee morale, retention, and talent acquisition.

•https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/jpmorgan-chase-disables-employee-comments-after-return-to-office-backlash/ar-BB1rgIMc

15:15 - 2025: The Year of Leaving VMware:

•Austrian cloud provider Anexia migrates 12,000 VMs from VMware to KVM due to a reported 500% licensing cost increase after Broadcom’s acquisition of VMware.

•Discussion on the rise of Proxmox and KVM as VMware alternatives and the implications for enterprise IT.

•https://www.theregister.com/2025/01/13/anexia_vmware_to_kvm_migration/

21:18 - Listener Mailbag:

•Listener Karl shares thoughts on Ubiquiti vs. Fortinet for firewall solutions, sparking a discussion on cost-effectiveness and usability.

•Listener Ben recommends the Jabra Speak Series for audio quality in remote work setups.

•Additional listener feedback from LinkedIn and YouTube on topics like remote work management and audio tools.

Wrap Up (31:06):

•John and Lou thank listeners for their input and encourage continued engagement through [email protected] or @ITSPARCCast on X.

•Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to help grow the channel.

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