Explain IT

In this episode Explain IT returns for a second season with host, Michael Bird, where he's joined by some of Softcat's Chief Technologists; Craig Lodzinksi, Dean Gardner, Dylan Foster-Edwards and Adam Harding. This episode kicks off the new year with a focus on the team's predictions for technology in 2019, separated out into our four IT priority areas; Hybrid Infrastructure, Digital Workspace, Cyber Security and IT Intelligence. Each of the guests discuss their predictions for the year, giving it a score out of 10 on how likely it is we'll still be discussing the topic this time next year.

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Softcat's IT Priorities

Hybrid Infrastructure

IT Intelligence

Digital Workspace

Cyber Security

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Coming in January 2019, Explain IT season 2 covering topics such as AI and Machine learning, the work space of the future and 5G and SD WAN.

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In this episode we look at cloud and the five important steps to take in migrating to a cloud environment that works for you. Host Michael Bird is joined by Dean Gardner, Softcat’s Chief Technologist for Cloud, Helen Gidney, Softcat’s Technical Design Team Leader and Craig Lodzinski, Softcat’s Chief Technologist for developing technologies. Together they tackle defining cloud and what it is, how it works and the range of options available to get the most out of it.

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Further Links

Explain IT survey

VMware Cloud on AWS: A hybrid Cloud Solution

What is Azure Stack?

The three Vogels Laws

Get in Touch

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In this episode we get to grips with the new General Data Protection Regulation. Host Michael Bird is joined by Softcat’s data management business manager Katie Efde, information security officer Mark Overton and Graham Charlton, Softcat’s CFO. They go right back to basics and look at how the GDPR differs from the old data protection guidance and exactly what organisations need to do in order to comply with GDPR and avoid hefty fines. They also consider how Brexit may affect the regulation as well as the benefits to organisations and individuals.

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Further Links

GDPR Enforcement Priorities: https://iapp.org/media/pdf/resource_center/GDPR_PRIORITIES.FINAL.pdf

ICO tackling GDPR Myths: https://ico.org.uk/about-the-ico/news-and-events/gdpr-myths/

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In this episode, Mark Overton, Softcat’s Information Security Officer, Adrian Richings, Softcat’s SIEM lead and Adam Louca, Softcat’s Chief Technologist for security join host Michael Bird to play out a security incident scenario. Together they follow a path consisting of six steps that demonstrate the best way to deal with a breach or other security incident on your network, explaining the real life stumbling blocks and outlining the best way to prepare for an incident.

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In this episode, host Michael Bird finds out how becoming digitally enabled can make a difference to organisations of all sizes, and how to start the digital transformation journey. Sam Routledge, Softcat's CTO and Matt Hunt, Chief Client Officer at mobile app development company, Apadmi, join Michael to share why digital transformation matters now, and they look at a real life case study that reduced and streamlined the way the NHS gathered data. They also outline four simple steps to take in order to best prepare for digital transformation, and the process of shaping and creating a bespoke solution.

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Further Links

Introducing the NHS Donorpath app: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uQHGDKdM-s&feature=youtu.be

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In this episode, host Michael Bird talks to Softcat's CTO, Sam Routledge, Tim Jeans, Softcat's Datacentre and Cloud Practice Manager and Paul Petty, Laing O'Rourke's Infrastructure Team Leader about what a hyper-converged infrastructure is and how it's worked for Laing O'Rourke. They discuss the importance of forward planning when looking at your infrastructure options, as well as the practicalities of implementing a hyperconverged infrastructure and the benefits that come with it.

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In this episode, host Michael Bird is joined by Adam Harding, Softcat's Chief Technologist for end user computing and Jack Lewis, Softcat's Microsoft 365 Technical Architect to discuss just what it takes for a smooth and successful Windows 10 deployment. We look at some of the benefits of Windows 10 along with key steps that are essential to take before, during and after a move to Windows 10. From deployment and provisioning to dealing with legacy apps and user experience, our experts offer some detailed, practical advice and guidance on the best tools to use and how to make sure your users are happy, once Windows 10 is in place. We also look to the future – what's next for Windows 10?

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Further Reading

Windows as-a-service: simplified and aligned: https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/windowsitpro/2017/07/27/waas-simplified-and-aligned/

Overview of Windows AutoPilot: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows/deployment/windows-autopilot/windows-10-autopilot

Traditional vs. Modern IT: https://www.softcat.com/news/modern-it-game-changing-transformation/

Windows AutoPilot: Licensing and functionality FAQs: https://www.softcat.com/news/windows-autopilot-licensing-and-functionality-faqs/

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In this episode host Michael Bird is joined by Adam Louca, Softcat's Chief Technologist for Security, and Darren Thompson, CTO of the EMEA region at Symantec, to look at a hot topic in IT security news: social engineering. We provide an overview of IT and security in the context of social engineering, as cybercrime is maturing, so are cybercriminals and the way they try to access your data. From whaling - targeting a senior level executive - to using techniques that get you to spread malware to your friends - social engineering is prominent in ransomware attacks. Darren talks about how Symantec now employ pscychologists to combine the social science element of these attacks with the social science. Darren and Adam then discuss methods of protection, including simulating real life scenarios, and a back-up plan to implement if your organisation is targeted.

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Further reading

The Serious Side of Pranking: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/blog-post/serious-side-pranking

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In this episode host Michael Bird is joined by Matt Helling, Softcat's Head of Security Sales, and Adam Louca, Softcat's Chief Technologist for Security, to look at a hot topic in IT security news: ransomware. We provide a brief history - how it began with posting cheques to Panama - to its current state today. We also explore the ways ransomware can catch you by bypassing your regular IT security, when you least expect it, particularly when it plays on emotional vulnerabilities. We also offer some ransomware protection suggestions, ways to ensure safe ransomware removal, and how planning ahead is important for network security.

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Further reading

A brief history of ransomware: https://www.carbonblack.com/2016/09/14/ransomware-rise-brief-history-timeline/

Must-know ransomware statistics, 2017: https://blog.barkly.com/ransomware-statistics-2017 

Cryptocurrency mining malware now as lucrative as ransomware for hackers: http://www.zdnet.com/article/cryptocurrency-mining-malware-now-as-lucrative-as-ransomware-for-hackers/

Mining is the new black: https://securelist.com/mining-is-the-new-black/84232/

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