SMB Community Podcast

Topic 1: The Education Market 

We have all come across a job ad looking to fill an entry level position with a PhD level education. We have also witnessed countless college drop-outs excel in high-skill, high paying positions. So what do certifications achieve if not job security? 

Topic 2: Knowledge, Tagging, Researching, and Cross Referencing

In this everchanging industry companies are always looking forward. And they are propelled onward by a culture and data base to let them know what they have done and can't do and are suppose to do.

Yep, it comes down to that ole cliche: Knowledge is power. 

Topic 3: The Opportunities Around The Metaverse 

The futurists are here. (Which also makes the presentist. Theseus's ship or something, you know.) But it doesn't mean the ideas presented by them have caught up.

The Metaverse-is it here yet?

How can we test the viability of something that isn't yet tangible? What is the metaverse forecast? And will it open up doors to new, unthinkable opportunities?

Sponsor Memo: Linode

Linode – a top Infrastructure as a Service provider has resources specifically for helping MSPs explore the alternative cloud.

Discover this growing market: one of the best-kept secrets in building a scalable, thriving, modern Managed Service Provider business.   

Learn about the cloud provider landscape, improving KPIs, security, and more in Linode's free ebook, The MSP's Guide to Modern Cloud Infrastructure, available now.

This resource and more at linode.com/mspradio.  

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Topic 1: The Education Market 

We have all come across a job ad looking to fill an entry level position with a PhD level education. We have also witness countless college drop outs excel in high-skill, high paying positions. So what do certifications achieve if not job security? 

Topic 2: Knowledge, Tagging, Researching, and Cross Referencing

In this everchanging industry companies are always looking forward. And they are propelled onward by a culture and data base to let them know what they have done and can't do and are suppose to do.

Yep, it comes down to that ole cliche: Knowledge is power. 

Topic 3: The Opportunities Around The Metaverse 

The futurists are here. (Which also makes the presentist. Theseus's ship or something, you know.) But it doesn't mean the ideas presented by them have caught up.

The Metaverse-is it here yet?

How can we test the viability of something that isn't yet tangible? What is the metaverse forecast? And will it open up doors to new, unthinkable opportunities?

Sponsor Memo: Linode

  Linode – a top Infrastructure as a Service provider has resources specifically for helping MSPs explore the alternative cloud.

Discover this growing market: one of the best-kept secrets in building a scalable, thriving, modern Managed Service Provider business.   

Learn about the cloud provider landscape, improving KPIs, security, and more in Linode's free ebook, The MSP's Guide to Modern Cloud Infrastructure, available now.

This resource and more at linode.com/mspradio.  

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Host Karl chats with Chase of JumpCloud. Chase Doelling is the Principal Strategist at cloud directory platform provider JumpCloud, where he leads the team in creating partnerships that enhance and secure digital identities.

He has been working in venture-backed startups across security, integration, and DevOps for the last decade. JumpCloud offers a directory platform, specifically for SMBs and MSPs, that consolidates IT management and secures employees' access to IT resources (devices, applications, servers, networks, and more).

Chase can discuss how SMBs and MSPs can leverage JumpCloud to simplify their IT environment, cut IT costs without sacrificing security, and centralize user identity so it's easy both for the admin to manage, and for the end user to navigate.

The full-featured JumpCloud Directory Platform is available, for free, for any organization for up to ten users. One partner found that JumpCloud's cost saved them 80% on IT management.

Also, twice a year, JumpCloud surveys IT teams from SMBs to find out their concerns and challenges, their budgets, what trends they're seeing, and more. On June 15, 2022, JumpCloud will be releasing the newest report, and Chase could also discuss how SMBs are increasingly leaning on MSPs, their top security concerns, and how they're addressing rising threats.

Chase can share how JumpCloud can help SMBs offer enterprise-grade security without adding enterprise-level complexity - and without paying enterprise-level cost or hiring enterprise-level support teams.

Resources and Links:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/jumpcloud

https://twitter.com/JumpCloud

A weekly gathering for SMB IT admins to discuss challenges:

https://jumpcloud.com/the-it-hour

Case study that shows JumpCloud is 1/5 cost:

https://jumpcloud.com/resources/case-study-altitude-integrations-reduce-costs

JumpCloud sign-up - fully free for up to 10 users:

https://console.jumpcloud.com/signup

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Sponsor Memo: Acronis

Are you still relying on a frustrating patchwork of legacy solutions? Modernize your cybersecurity and data protection with Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud. It's a singlesolution that combines backup, anti-malware, and endpoint protection management. As an MSP, you can easily improve clients' security posture, eliminate complexity, and generate more recurring revenue. Learn more about Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud at Acronis.com.

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Topic 1: An Update Discussion on All Things Supply Chain--Is it getting any better?

https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2022/07/23/chip-shortage-detroit-manufacturing/

Ongoing supply chain issues / chip shortages have caused persistent delays in the auto industry … among other impacts. The question after 2 ½ years of disruption is whether the IT supply chain is any more healthy and whether industries have learned to adapt to the new levels of uncertainty and supply.

https://mailchi.mp/protocol/why-your-supply-chain-is-breaking?e=d30f866e34

Modernizing the supply chain is an existential priority for our customers … and for our own businesses. If we can’t trust the availability of products or forecast the timing of shipments, how can we maintain credibility with our customers? Also … this would be a terrific business opportunity for a systems-thinking solution provider. Sounds like a new focus area for MSPs!

https://seths.blog/2022/07/embracing-constraints-2/

It’s time for the IT channel to re-think how we design systems and solutions for our customers: if the chip supply isn’t getting any better, simply re-selling the latest vendor product isn’t going to solve your customers’ needs any time soon. So what are you going to do about it?

Topic 2: Bill to Boost Domestic Semi-conductor Production

Recently, the senate voted on a bill that would increase domestic semiconductor production--the goal being to strengthen the American economy and to possible out-compete China. 

We hope to proceed successfully! ...And hopefully with caution. 

https://www.nextgov.com/technology-news/2022/07/bill-boost-domestic-semiconductor-production-passes-key-senate-hurdle/374986/

Topic 3: TECH JOURNALISM’S ACCESSIBILITY PROBLEM

“Everyone, that is, except accessibility-minded writers like Steven Aquino. Aquino, who is disabled, finds laptop keyboards difficult to use, due both to the fine motor skills required to perform the shortcuts and to the cognitive load required to remember them. The touch bar allows him to access in one tap features that would otherwise require multiple — everything from sending emails to selecting emojis.”

https://www.theverge.com/23205223/tech-journalism-accessibility-assistive-coverage

There’s also a browser extension called Axe Dev Tools:

https://wave.webaim.org/

https://pagespeed.web.dev/

https://www.learnui.design/tools/accessible-color-generator.html

 

 

Sponsor Memo OITVOIP

Did you know about STIR/SHAKEN?  If you’re doing voice for your customers, you had better — the deadline was June 30.

This technology is focused on reducing robocalls, and providers have to take action.

Are you compliant? The team at OITVOIP has put together resources for you to learn more…or, for their customers, it’s already handled.

Want to learn more?

Visit oit.co/mspradio/ for resources to help make sure you’re covered.

 

 

:-)

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In this edition of SMBCP, Host Karl sits down with Robert Sawyer and Daniel Daraban to discuss Bitdefender's GravityZone XDR (extended detection and response).

Find out what GravityZone XDR can do for your MSP business.

Robert Sawyer is the director of product marketing for cloud workload security and managed detection and response at Bitdefender. Prior to Bitdefender, he led product marketing for integration and applications at IBM as part of its newly launched automation division. He also led teams in hybrid cloud, tracing his roots back through BPM and SOA, and worked at Rackspace Technology, helping lead marketing for a newly launched managed security service offering. He's been in the IT space for over 20 years and started his career in software development, working on industry solutions in healthcare and life sciences and media and entertainment.

As a Director of Product Management at Bitdefender, Daniel Daraban manages the Bitdefender Business Solutions Group flagship product lines: EDR and XDR. Together with his team, they are on a mission to solve real-world customer encountered issues. Eager to understand day-to-day workflows and how that is impacting the products he manages, Daniel enjoys interacting with customers, prospects and industry analysts to gain valuable feedback. Outside of work you will find him in his tool shed working on various DYI projects, playing around with Arduinos, or riding some of the world's craziest rollercoasters.

Resources and Links:

XDR for MSPs Datasheet: https://www.bitdefender.com/content/dam/bitdefender/business/products/msp/Bitdefender-XDR-for-MSP-Datasheet-en.pdf

XDR for MSP launch blog: https://businessinsights.bitdefender.com/how-xdr-can-transform-msp-cybersecurity

Sponsor Memo: PCMatic

PC Matic — Endpoint Security built on a zero trust/default deny foundation Finally - a light weight, simple to deploy & easy to manage approach to application allowlisting. The perfect compliment to your current security stack.

No minimums and no annual contracts. Find out more about PC Matic by visiting PCMatic.com/MSP today.

:-)

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Topic 1: Sony’s racing AI destroyed its human competitors by being nice (and fast)

https://www.technologyreview.com/2022/07/19/1056176/sonys-racing-ai-destroyed-its-human-competitors-by-being-nice-and-fast/

Etiquette and risk analysis is the secret success! This perhaps suggest that talent and skill are not the only key factor to progress...and maybe not even the defining factor.

Topic 2: The Crypto Crash … Lessons from a Previous Era of Technology Crash Economics

https://www.protocol.com/fintech/dot-com-bubble-crypto-crash

The parallels between today’s crypto winter and the technology crash of 20 years ago are multiple … with some vital differences. What lessons can be drawn from past experience to help the industry survive the lean times? And what do you believe the next “real” phase of practical applications for crypto will be?

Topic 3: What Part of the Tech Industry Grows During a Recession? Domain Name Registration!

https://www.protocol.com/godaddy-paul-nicks-domains

Data from GoDaddy shows a strong correlation between economic downturns and an increase in the number of new domains registered. In simple terms, layoffs lead to entrepreneurial startup momentum. But that’s not the only force driving the online presence market … and the value of existing “good” domain names is rising. (Another killer business opportunity for Karl, who owns many domain names.)

Sponsor Memo: FieldEffect 

MSPs are frequently at the forefront of cyber security challenges. Between changing customer expectations and the growing threat landscape, you are stretched thin.  Need a helping hand?

Download research sponsored by FieldEffect, and learn how offering MDR increases revenue, simplifies operations, and maximizes margins for MSPs.

This independent analysis explores the growing managed detection and response (MDR) market and how MSPs can differentiate their managed security service with the right MDR solution.

You'll also find insights from five MSPs who have added co-va-lence, a hybrid MDR solution, to their offerings and the positive impact it has had on business.

Want to learn more? Check the link in the show notes.

:-)

 

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Host Karl speaks with Lee Darke of Information Technology Service Providers of Canada, a non-Profit organization dedicated to the Canadian IT Services Sector. ITSPC's goal is to provide a membership-based approach to industry standardization that helps IT Service Providers align to a common standard of service delivery curated by industry peers.

And like other professional bodies ITSPC felt the need for standards in service delivery and conduct. ITSPC believes that we need a "Hippocratic oath" of IT service delivery, aligned with a set of standards that professionalize the provider and empower the client.

The time has come to ensure that IT services are delivered with a common goal and set of standards that clients can trust.

Resources and Links:

https://join.itspc.ca

https://www.linkedin.com/company/itspc

https://twitter.com/itspcanada

https://www.facebook.com/itspcanada

Sponsor Memo: Cisco

Did you know Cisco helps Managed Services Providers directly? Know about the Cisco Partner Program?

Focused on helping partners combine managed services expertise and service creation with innovative Cisco technology and proven go-to-market resources, there's a program option for you.

With provider pricing, MDF, and marketing resources coupled with Cisco's leading technologies including Meraki, Duo, and Umbrella, learn more with the link right in the show notes. https://lnkd.in/gsydMya

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Topic 1:

EU Passes DSA & DMA Legislation to Increase Regulation of US Tech Giants

https://www.reuters.com/technology/eu-lawmakers-pass-landmark-tech-rules-enforcement-worry-2022-07-05/

New legislation in Europe is designed to address a gap in GDPR that left larger tech companies unregulated by providing specific rules and significant consequences for platforms that do not do enough to moderate illegal content or allow fair competition.

 

Topic 2:  The Way Forward for Cybersecurity Progress is to Begin at the Entry Level

https://www.protocol.com/enterprise/cybersecurity-talent-gap-diversity-hiring

Cybersecurity is a massive challenge, and it’s getting more complex each day. As a result, the approach to solving the problem has become a focus on stealing away existing senior-level experts to solve the big challenges. But that approach does nothing to address the huge gaps in available people with relevant cybersecurity skills. There needs to be a shift to focus on the entry level to build a sufficient industry bench of talent.

 

Topic 3:  It’s Hot Out There … and it Is Getting Hotter for Data Centers

https://www.protocol.com/climate/drought-data-centers-tracking-water

Data center services are a hot topic across the IT industry as customers increasingly move to public and private hosted infrastructure solutions. But data centers are also literally hot … and they require massive amounts of energy and water to keep the machines from melting. Until now, water usage in data center operations have been mostly secret, but this trend isn’t going to survive as the temperature rises … and that means cloud operators need to think of a plan to address this in practice and in public relations.

See also the heroes in Las Vegas https://www.cbsnews.com/news/las-vegas-water-conservation-grass/

26% reduction in water usage since 2002 while adding 750,000 in population.

 

 

Sponsor Memo: Cisco

Did you know Cisco helps Managed Services Providers directly? Know about the Cisco Partner Program? Focused on helping partners combine managed services expertise and service creation with innovative Cisco technology and proven go-to-market resources, there’s a program option for you.

With provider pricing, MDF, and marketing resources coupled with Cisco’s leading technologies including Meraki, Duo, and Umbrella, learn more with the link right in the show notes.

 

https://lnkd.in/gsydMya

Keywords / tags

:-)

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Skill gap, tools complexity, alert fatigue, and other market challenges have become increasingly difficult to navigate in the MSP space. And for those with limited resources, these obstacles will continue to inhibit successful customer service.

In this exclusive interview, Host Karl spoke with Bitdefender's Erin Meyers and Jadon Montero in response to these growing issues and how MDR Foundations look to act as its solution.

Erin has been in the technology industry for over a decade, beginning in Public and Analyst Relations before transitioning to her true passion, product marketing. As Senior Manager, Product Marketing at Bitdefender, Erin focuses on all things Managed Detection & Response (MDR) and is responsible for developing messaging, positioning, and go-to-market strategies that reflect the voice of the customer and convey the true value-props of managed cybersecurity services. Before joining Bitdefender, Erin was a product marketer at Expel, focusing on MDR, threat hunting, and partner integrations.

Jadon is a product manager who specializes in bringing new technologies to market, including a SOAR platform at Rapid7 and a Cloud Attack Surface Management Product at Censys. He recently created Rapid7's Active Response capability for their MDR service, ensuring expeditious remediation in the case of an incident. As a Senior Director of Product Management at Bitdefender, Jadon is the product leader of the MDR service. Jadon is a Las Vegas native whose true joys in life are chicken wings, mezcal, and watching reality TV.

Resources and Links:

For more information, visit https://www.bitdefender.com

MDR Foundations for MSPs Datasheet: https://www.bitdefender.com/content/dam/bitdefender/business/msp/Bitdefender-MDR-Foundations-for-MSPs-Datasheet_en.pdf

MDR Datasheet: https://www.bitdefender.com/content/dam/bitdefender/business/products/managed-detection-and-response/Bitdefender-GravityZone-MDR-Datasheet-en.pdf

Sponsor Memo: Linode

Linode – a top Infrastructure as a Service provider has resources specifically for helping MSPs explore the alternative cloud.

Discover this growing market: one of the best-kept secrets in building a scalable, thriving, modern Managed Service Provider business.

Learn about the cloud provider landscape, improving KPIs, security, and more in Linode's free ebook,

The MSP's Guide to Modern Cloud Infrastructure, available now.

This resource and more at linode.com/mspradio.

:-)

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Topic 1:

Is there value in paying these volunteers, or more value in not paying them?

Online moderators' contributions to open forum platform Reddit are estimated to be worth 3.4 million dollars in a given year. That accounts to roughly 3% of revenue Reddit generated through ads alone in 2019. In other words, you can argue there is room in the budget to compensate online moderators. 

But contributing to a community/activity you are passionate drives people to participate beyond a monetary value so is it really necessary? 

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/28/technology/online-moderators-compensation.html

 

Topic 2: 

Russia has always been recognized as a haven for hackers. 

It is not recognized as such because of its superior encryption, ingenius malware, or anything like that; Rather, it reigns number one by fear alone. 

It has been instilled in us that Russia is the big bad of the cyberspace.

The drive to fight back has always been overshadowed by the fear that doing so might open up a Pandora's box of Russian retaliation. 

However, as hacktivists and criminals become major players in the conflict in Ukraine, we might be able to gain some leverage in the near future. 

It would mean taking a huge step towards chaos but sometimes things need to get worse in order to get better. 

https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2022/05/01/russia-cyber-attacks-hacking/

 

Topic 3:

Yandex, the perfect Russian tech company, falls on hard times.

Yandex is what can be recognized as the "Google of Russia." They own 60% of search in Russia...Plus taxi apps, emails, robot food delivery, and more.

But now, the Kremlin has forced them to filter all of its content and create and distribute pro-government media. This has led to a loss of over 2,500 employees and a devastating blow to the company's reputation.

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/06/world/europe/ukraine-russia-yandex-google.html

Sponsor Memo: PC Matic

Endpoint Security built on a zero trust/default deny foundation.

Finally - a light weight, simple to deploy & easy to manage approach to application allowlisting.

The perfect compliment to your current security stack. No minimums and no annual contracts.

Find out more about by visiting PCMatic.com/MSP today.

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