SMB Community Podcast

Topic 1: Why is there derision for "alternative" solution stacks?

Dave asks . . . why do people like to put down Chromebooks and Macs? Do they actually love their Windows-centric world?

We have fun, and we hope we make some points worth considering in a modern world.

Link:

https://www.thurrott.com/mobile/chrome-os/chromebook/253503/a-tale-of-two-chromebooks 

Topic 2: Forget work/life balance: Now get back to work.

Last week, Mary Erdoes (chief executive officer of JPMorgan Chase asset and wealth management business) laid it on the line: If you want to be successful in the world of banking, you should expect to work 12-hour days, six days a week. Period. Her argument is that you can get your desired ten thousand hours of training in a few years.

She doesn't mention that you'll probably destroy your family and develop life-long habits that will literally kill you much younger than people who have more balance in their lives.

Link:

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-07-20/wall-street-jpmorgan-exec-says-why-bankers-need-to-work-72-hours-a-week 

Related article: The boss wants you back in the office. Now.

https://www.wsj.com/articles/return-to-work-the-boss-wants-you-back-in-the-office-11627079616 

Related web site:

https://www.relaxfocussucceed.com 

Topic 3: QR Codes Finally Found a Foothold in the Pandemic. Now let’s talk privacy.

Restaurants adopted e-menu technology en masse during the pandemic. Scan the QR code, and browse the menu. And pay. All good. But you have just placed a data-gathering and marketing system between you and your food.

Yes, we have opinions.

Link:

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/26/technology/qr-codes-tracking.html 

Sponsor Note:

Did you know that the average MSP spends 10 hours manually inputting accounting data each week? That time is 120 prospect calls, a month’s worth of the Business of Tech, or building an entire Lego death star. Gozynta Mobius can make your life easier through accounting automation. Automatic sync of invoices, expenses and inventory from ConnectWise Manage into QuickBooks Online in just a single click of a button.

With onboarding, direct support, and regular feature releases, Gozynta is a family owned company dedicated to making software suck a little less each day. Visit us at Gozynta.com

:-)

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Host James interviews Karl Palachuk from the National Society of IT Service Providers on their new initiatives and what they're up to.

What is the National Society of IT Service Providers? A new IT-central professional association dedicated to education, professionalism, and advocacy on behalf of the SMB IT industry.

For more information on NSITSP, visit https://www.nsitsp.org

Karl Palachuk is one of the long-term leaders in the SMB IT community worldwide. He is the author of more than twenty books, and the founder of the Small Biz Thoughts Technology Community. For more information, visit:

- https://www.smallbizthoughts.org

- https://www.karlpalachuk.com

:-)

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Topic 1: The Impact of China on the Cybersecurity Industry & Data Protection

China was on both sides of the cybersecurity story last week. On one hand, they were accused by the whole world of orchestrating the attack on Exchange servers. On the other hand, they starting cracking down on cybersecurity internally.

This also has direct implications for US companies selling into China. What will be the impact of these moves on the US security market and our domestic business operations?

Links:

https://www.scmp.com/tech/policy/article/3141798/beijing-calls-out-amazon-bytedance-netease-violating-users-rights 

https://www.protocol.com/china/china-cybersecurity-self-sufficiency 

Topic 2: Another New Application for Video: TikTok Resumes

TikTok had introduce a "Resume" service. Will you go there for your next hire? Could video essays be the next thing in hiring?

Through July 31, job seekers can upload video resumes with the hashtag #tiktokresumes. Is this just a Gen Z thing?

https://www.businessinsider.com/tiktok-wants-to-be-linkedin-for-gen-z-tiktok-resumes-2021-7 

Topic 3: Toronto airport tests facial recognition software . . . without disclosing it

For several years, the Province of Ottowa tested facial recognition in crowds at the airport. What are the disclosure rules? What’s the ethics here?

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-ottawa-tested-facial-recognition-on-millions-of-travellers-at-torontos/ 

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Vendor Memo:

Did you know that the average MSP spends 10 hours manually inputting accounting data each week? That time is 120 prospect calls, a month’s worth of the Business of Tech, or building an entire lego death star. Gozynta Mobius can make your life easier through accounting automation. Automatic sync of invoices, expenses and inventory from ConnectWise Manage into QuickBooks Online in just a single click of a button.

With onboarding, direct support, and regular feature releases, Gozynta is a family owned company dedicated to making software suck a little less each day. Visit us at https://www.Gozynta.com 

:-)

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Building an "Operating System" for your Business

Brett Jaffe is a strategic coach and advisor for IT professionals. Host Karl caught up with him to discuss the topic of creating a business operating system.

Over a period of 25 years, Brett has built and sold three companies (including an MSP, cloud reseller, and digital forensics business), led hundreds of soldiers as an officer in the US Army, and built an international channel partner program from inception to over $30M in revenue.

Brett is a former EOS® Implementer and certified DISC trainer and currently serves as as a strategic coach and founding partner at ConnectStrat as well as CEO of audIT MSP Sales Automation.

Web sites:

• www.connectstrat.com
• www.auditforit.com

Sponsor Memo:

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 single solution 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 https://Acronis.com

:-)

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Topic 1: Revising RMM - Ready for Disruption?

Question - Is the problem super sophisticated and difficult or crazy simple and easy? We summarize a few arguments as well as look at the next topic: IOS. One of us is ready to drop RMM; one is not; and the tie goes to . . ..

Links:

https://www.wired.com/story/it-management-tools-hacking-jamf-kaseya/ 

https://www.datacenterknowledge.com/security/kaseya-ransomware-attack-wakeup-call-msp-reliant-it-shops 

Topic 2: Next Generation of Tires . . . on a 3D printed shuttle bus

This one's a fun story about several future-facing technologies working together. First question: Why did it take 120 years to make airless tires that work? Second question: Can we see what this means for the future of the support industry for tires?

Link:

https://www.autoconnectedcar.com/2021/07/airless-tires-perform-on-local-motors-3d-printed-autonomous-shuttles/ 

Topic 3: Shorter Work Week Experiment in Iceland Produces “Groundbreaking Improvements”

Karl loves the conclusion but can't accept research. But we jump on the opportunities for workers, management, and companies of various sizes.

Link:

https://www.bbc.com/news/business-57724779 

https://www.cnbc.com/2021/07/12/a-4-day-workweek-is-the-norm-in-iceland-could-the-us-follow-.html 

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Vendor Memo:

Think you know PC Matic? Think again. PC Matic is working with MSPs to deliver true zero trust/default deny endpoint security. Allowing only trusted applications and blocking all the rest. A light weight, simple to deploy & easy to manage approach to application allow listing.

Layering a default deny approach provides MSPs of all sizes the ability to again focus on prevention, and PC Matic delivers this without impacting performance or efficiency. Find out more about by visiting https://pcmatic.com/MSP 

Be sure to ask about PC Matic's exclusive lead sharing program for MSPs backed by a prime time national TV campaign.

:-)

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Host Karl interviewed Ali Imran from Boundless Digital. Boundless Digital provides a system for Managing Cisco Meraki Organizations.

With the Boundless Digital service, one engineer can do the work of many, including automate the deployment, troubleshooting, and overall administration of Meraki organizations.

Imran is a Solutions Consultant working in the pre-sales process, as well as aiding in product development.

Boundless Digital is a Cisco ecosystem partner. Then sell to MSPs that cater to the SMB market, as well as to Enterprises that could benefit from network automation.

Web site: https://www.boundlessdigital.com/

Boundless Digital also has a social media presence on all major platforms.

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Vendor Memo:

This podcast is sponsored by Linode.

Linode – a top Infrastructure as a Service provider as voted by G2 and Trust Radius, has resources specifically for delivering digital experiences in the cloud with better ease and affordability while not being locked into long-term agreements and commitments. Their guide, "The Golden Ratio of Price to Performance in Cloud Computing" details how alternative cloud providers and open source tools can lower costs and ease moving to multi-cloud environments.

This resource and more at http://linode.com/mspradio.

:-)

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Episode 120 - Riffing on Cybersecurity and the IT Industry

After the Kaseya attack, there really was nothing else to talk about. 

In a slightly different format, we take the full show to just enjoy a totally unrehearsed discussion of the state of cybersecurity and what it means for the IT industry.

Lots of opinions here. Give us your feedback. Share with a friend. 

Always more good Killing IT Podcasts at https://killingit.smallbizthoughts.com

Vendor memo:

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 single solution 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 www.Acronis.com. 

:-)

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Host Karl interviews Frances Moore from Inbay Ltd.

Inbay provides more than just a "back office" NOC or SOC: They can provide almost all of your remove support. We discuss everything from hourly support to outsourcing major projects.

Frances Moore is Marketing Director of Inbay Ltd, bringing more than 12 years of experience, marketing high-end leading brands, streamlining business processes and implementing core controls to ensure success in both the sales and marketing teams.

Over the last 9 years, Frances has worked for three MSP's in the UK. Her knowledge and expertise from an MSP standpoint are invaluable to the Inbay team.

Links

https://www.inbay.co.uk

https://www.facebook.com/InbayLtd/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/inbay-ltd/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvI8HvUqvkMU_TR3leLawgg

https://twitter.com/inbay

:-)

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Topic 1: Neuro Diversity - a different approach to thinking about thinking.

We're always looking for people who think differently. But we also put some serious limits on how different we are willing to accept. In this article, TechCrunch looks at the idea of inviting a wider variety of people into the world of cybersecurity hiring.

Link: https://techcrunch.com/2021/06/22/addressing-the-cybersecurity-skills-gap-through-neurodiversity/ 

Topic 2: Are robo cops actually doing anything to reduce crime?

It doesn't look like it. Maybe Robots AREN’T the answer. Calls to 911 have gone down. But crime hasn't.

Is there still some good to tease out of this story?

Link: https://www.nbcnews.com/business/business-news/security-robots-expand-across-u-s-few-tangible-results-n1272421 

Topic 3: Tech Giant Battles - Lots of updates this week!

Case dropped against Facebook over Instagram and What’s App.

Somewhat unrelated: “Non-Agression Pact” between Google and Microsoft means they’ll each help the government go after the other.

Also somewhat unrelated: Amazon asks FTB Chair to sit this one out.

Links:

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-06-30/google-microsoft-truce-crumbles-amid-feud-over-cloud-ad-tech 

https://www.wsj.com/articles/amazon-seeks-recusal-of-ftc-chairwoman-lina-khan-in-antitrust-investigations-of-company-11625067962 

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Vendor Memo:

Are you still using on-prem file servers and VPNs to share files with remote workers? Egnyte is a business class cloud sharing solution that works more like your on-prem server than other solutions. With a security first approach to file sharing and collaboration, Egnyte offers multiple options for sharing files and collecting files from outside sources. And do it all addressing data governance and compliance. Want to learn more? Check out https://Egnyte.com/msp, and when you do, tell them we sent you.

:-)

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Colin Knox, founder of Passportal, has launched a new venture called Gradient MSP. Gradient MSP is launching the first module of their data intelligence platform, focused on data hygiene and cleaning up all the dirty data that has accumulated in MSPs PSA solution.

Colin has spent the past 20 years deeply embedded in the technology field. Founding both XCEL Professional Services (MSP) and Passportal, Colin led both organizations as the top executive through several consecutive years of triple-digit growth from $0 to millions in annual recurring revenue until their acquisitions by F12.net and SolarWinds respectively taking both businesses from founding to successful exit in just 10 years. He is now the Founder & CEO of Gradient MSP, focused on giving vision and voice to MSPs both small and large. Colin is a technology innovator, passionate leader, and professional speaker focused on advising entrepreneurs how to grow, expand, and mature their businesses.

Links: www.meetgradient.com @meetgradient @realityknox

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Vendor Memo:

This podcast is sponsored by the Small Biz Thoughts Technology Community. Check us out at www.SmallBizThoughts.org.

Forms, templates, and checklists are just the start. Our Community includes ALL of the best-selling books on managed services in all available formats, plus free training, members-only programs, and the best business training available to managed service providers anywhere.

Plus, we have weekly live members-only Zoom calls. The average member saves more than 200% of their membership cost each year. We are totally dedicated to YOUR success.

Just because you're in business for yourself doesn't mean you have to go it alone. Join us today at www.SmallBizThoughts.org.

:-)

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