This episode of Explain IT explores the evolution of the smart workspace, moving beyond basic connectivity to create environments that act as a "magnet, not a mandate" for employees. 

Host Ashleigh Baker is joined by experts from Softcat and Cisco to discuss how integrated technology - ranging from seamless networking to AI-powered collaboration tools - drives employee experience and business performance. By focusing on technology that removes "meeting room fear" and enhances creativity, organisations can transform their physical offices into high-IQ hubs that rival the comfort and efficiency of home working. Ashleigh Baker is the guest host of the podcast and a team leader in Softcat's architecture service. Joining her is Tom Rowley, Softcat networking connectivity chief technologist; Jack Lewis, Softcat workspace chief technologist; and Rob Lei, Cisco UKI solutions engineering director and CTO.

The conversation highlights the critical role of a performant and secure network as the foundation for these workspaces, ensuring that investments in Unified Communications (UC) are not bottlenecked by poor infrastructure. Using Softcat's own Manchester office refit as a blueprint, the guests explain how leveraging smart sensors for air quality and energy usage supports both sustainability goals and operational efficiency. 

Looking ahead, the panel predicts a shift toward intelligence at the edge and "agentic AI" to further optimize real-time interactions and maintain a "distance zero" feeling for remote participants.

• Magnet vs. Mandate: Understanding why modern workspaces must be designed to inspire collaboration and outperform the home-working experience to draw employees back to the office.

• The Network Foundation: Why a wireless-first strategy and resilient switching are essential to support the density of modern devices without creating performance bottlenecks.

• Seamless Integration: How the partnership between Cisco and Microsoft Teams allows businesses to utilize their preferred platforms while benefiting from bleeding-edge hardware and unique breakout experiences.

• Sustainability and Observability: Using smart sensors to monitor granular power usage and air quality, while leveraging observability to prove ROI and improve user experience.

• The AI Frontier: A look at the next five years of agentic AI and cinematic meeting experiences that use automated camera switching to reduce meeting fatigue.

Softcat’s Explain IT podcast is the place where we discuss, debate and demystify tech in simple, jargon-free language.

For more information visit softcat.com.

This podcast is produced by The Podcast Coach.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Business leaders are setting AI strategies, and IT teams are expected to deliver results.

Research from the IDC shows that 88% of all AI pilots fail to reach production. So enter Private Cloud AI, a new way to role out your AI adoption.

In this episode we break down what Private Cloud AI is, why it matters, and how this technology is helping organisations overcome challenges and unlock real value.

Podcast host and Softcat's Head of Architecture, Helen Gidney is joined by Nigel Horsell, Private AI Channel leader for UKIMEA; James Brooks, Hybrid Solutions Leader for UKIMEA both at HPE and Gary Hawkins, Chief Technologist for Hybrid Platforms at Softcat.

Softcat’s Explain IT podcast is the place where we discuss, debate and demystify tech in simple, jargon-free language.

For more information visit softcat.com.

This podcast is produced by The Podcast Coach.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Many organisations are rethinking their cloud strategies and searching for smarter, more secure solutions. Private cloud is gaining traction as an alternative, combining the agility and scalability of public cloud with the added control and protection of a dedicated environment.

In this episode, we explore how VMware is redefining the private cloud journey - helping businesses build, secure and manage environments tailored to their unique needs.

Hear expert insights from Joe Baguley, CTO EMEA at VMware by Broadcom, and Richard Fraser, Broadcom Product and Services Specialist at Softcat. Hosted by Helen Gidney, Softcat’s Head of Architecture.

Produced by The Podcast Coach.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Microsoft wraps up a decade of Windows 10 support, we’re seeing a real moment of decision for businesses.

If you haven’t made the move yet, it’s time to ask - are we upgrading, adapting, or exposing ourselves to risk? With cyber threats ramping up and support winding down, knowing your options isn’t just helpful - it’s essential.

This time we're discussing the end of support for Windows 10, what it means for organisations, and what you should do if you’ve missed the October 14th deadline. Joining me is Kelly Calver - Head of Workspace and Ella Chew - Workspace Alliances Lead both at Softcat.

Softcat’s Explain IT podcast is the place where we discuss, debate and demystify tech in simple, jargon-free language.

For more information visit softcat.com.

This podcast is produced by The Podcast Coach.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we’re not just talking about AI - we’re unpacking the reality behind the hype, taking a look back at Big Data London and what it covered. From stalling initiatives to drifting models, the AI bubble is showing cracks. Why? Because many organisations have sprinted into the future without packing the essentials.

We’ll explore the critical foundations needed to make AI work: trusted data, shared language, and skilled people. You’ll hear real-world lessons from businesses discovering that AI is far more complex than the headlines suggest — and we’ll share practical steps leaders can take to unlock real value from their investments.

This episode is hosted by Helen Gidney, Softcat’s Head of Architecture, and features Andy Crossley, CTO at Oakland, and Alex Pearce, Chief Microsoft Strategist at Softcat.

Softcat’s Explain IT podcast is the place where we discuss, debate and demystify tech in simple, jargon-free language. For more information visit softcat.com.

This podcast is produced by The Podcast Coach.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join host Helen Gidney, Head of Architecture at Softcat, as she sits down with Adam Spearing, VP of AI Go-To-Market for EMEA at ServiceNow, and Oliver Meadows, ITXM Sales Lead at Softcat. Together, they explore how organisations can streamline internal service operations, dismantle silos, and harness AI to enhance the end-user experience. Whether you're in IT, HR, Finance, or Operations — this episode is packed with insights for you.

What’s covered in this episode:

Redefining Service Operations

What service operations mean in today’s business landscape

Moving beyond ITSM to drive enterprise-wide transformation

Maximising Efficiency

Platform consolidation strategies

Doing more with less through smarter workflows

AI & Automation in Action

Where AI and automation are making a tangible impact

From governance to data-driven decision-making

Leadership in a Changing Environment

How leaders can adapt to evolving business structures

Aligning service delivery with rising user expectations

Softcat’s Explain IT podcast is the place where we discuss, debate and demystify tech in simple, jargon-free language.

For more information visit softcat.com.

This podcast is produced by The Podcast Coach.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we're not just talking about data, we're talking about everything that comes with it. The challenges, the misconceptions, the frameworks and compliance. Data is the foundation of so many businesses. Get it right, and you can unlock information that can propel your company forward. But get it wrong, and the challenges it can bring can leave you floundering.

We'll explore the key topics in the data world; how data quality affects decision-making, how data governance and compliance models don't have to stifle creativity, the fact that more data can sometimes mean more problems and how good AI needs good data.

This episode is hosted by Helen Gidney, Softcat's head of architecture and this time, I'm joined by Andy Crossley, CTO at Oakland, and James Wingham, head of data at Softcat.

Softcat’s Explain IT podcast is the place where we discuss, debate and demystify tech in simple, jargon-free language.

For more information visit softcat.com.

This podcast is produced by The Podcast Coach.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this edition of Explain IT, we’re celebrating HPE’s ten-year anniversary, and reflecting on the standout moments from HPE Discover. We explore how HPE’s evolution, from its separation from HP Inc. to bold acquisitions and innovation milestones, is shaping the future of enterprise IT. From cloud modernisation and infrastructure disruption, to a shifting virtualisation landscape, we unpack the key themes and what they mean for customers and the wider market.

Join Softcat's Helen Gidney, Head of Architecture, Richard Wyn Griffith, Chief Commercial Officer, and Tommy Mac, US GTM Lead, alongside Matt Harris, SVP and MD for UKIMEA at HPE. Together, they dive into the pace of AI adoption, the challenges of scaling it and how organisations are navigating hybrid cloud, ageing infrastructure, and major market moves.

Softcat’s Explain IT podcast is the place where we discuss, debate and demystify tech in simple, jargon-free language.

For more information visit softcat.com.

This podcast is produced by The Podcast Coach.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How secure is your supply chain? 

With the recent swathe of supply chain cyber attacks on big name brands, now more than ever it’s important to protect your supply chain.  

On this edition of Explain IT, we’re talking about recent breaches and how that is affecting customers. We're also delving into the question of 'who are these threat actors?', and the impact on career goals. 

This episode is hosted by Ashleigh Baker, team leader in Softcat's Architecture Services and is joined by Softcat colleague Kieron Newsham, Cyber Security Chief Technologist. They welcome Jason Steer, CISO at Recorded Future to talk around various aspects of Supply Chain Breaches to talk over this complicated topic.

Softcat's Explain IT podcast is the place where we discuss, debate and demystify tech in simple jargon free language.

For more information visit softcat.com

This podcast is produced by The Podcast Coach.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever wondered how we can stay ahead of cyber threats without burning out?

On this edition of Explain IT, we're talking about the leveraging of advanced technology to automatically detect, investigate, and respond to cyber threats, reducing the need for constant human intervention that could lead to burnout. It's all about enhancing efficiency, speed, and accuracy in cybersecurity operations.

This week, Ashleigh Baker is guest host. She is the team leader in Softcat's Architecture Services. 

Think of Cyber Automation as having a tireless, digital watchdog that never sleeps. With the help of our experts; Patrick Bayle, SecOps Consultant Manager at Palo Alto, and Softcat's Senior Security Architect, Mark Williams, we're talking about training that watchdog!

Softcat's Explain IT podcast is the place where we discuss, debate and demystify tech in simple jargon free language.

For more information visit softcat.com

This podcast is produced by The Podcast Coach.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.