Are your network challenges slowing down your business? What if there’s a solution that could streamline connectivity, optimize performance, and make your IT infrastructure more efficient without the headache? The answer might be SD-WAN, but is your organization leveraging its full potential?

In this episode, Max Clark dives deep into the magic of SD-WAN, breaking down its key benefits and how it solves critical network issues that many businesses are overlooking. He explains how SD-WAN enhances performance by prioritizing latency-sensitive applications, optimizes bandwidth usage, and offers redundancy for network failover. Learn why SD-WAN is an essential tool for today’s hybrid and remote workforces and how it can future-proof your infrastructure while solving problems you may not even realize are there.

Ready to supercharge your network? Tune in to discover how SD-WAN can transform your IT operations and boost business productivity!

***
Billions & Billions of eyeballs, six continents, 10k+ servers, and plenty of lessons learned over 2+ decades in I.T.

If you're looking for quick tips on optimizing tech, managing suppliers, and growing a business, 20 Minutes Max is the space for you.

Here I talk about things that come up during my day and share insights on taking your business to the next level. In less than 20 minutes, you'll walk away with actionable advice and strategies for success. Take advantage of this valuable resource for CEOs, CFOs, and business leaders.

***
P.S. Did you like the show? New episodes will be released weekly, so please subscribe and stay up-to-date!

***
Website: www.itbroker.com

Let's connect:
LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/maxclark
Twitter: twitter.com/maxclark
Business Page 
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/itbrokerdotcom
Instagram: www.instagram.com/itbrokerdotcom
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ITBrokerdotcom

#cloud #internet #data #dektopservices #IOT #connectivity #Cybersecurity #cyberattack #cybercrime #businessadvice #businessmanagemen #CEO #cfo #cto #businessleaders #tech #technology #startup

Are you stuck in the day-to-day grind of managing IT resources?
You’re not alone. Many IT teams find themselves overwhelmed, caught in the cycle of staffing, equipment, and managing complex systems. But what if there was a smarter way to get more done, free up your time, and drive real value for the business?

In this episode, Max reveals the secret strategy that top IT teams are using with Managed Service Providers (MSPs). He dives deep into the dynamics between business executives and IT teams, showing how outsourcing to MSPs can help free up internal resources, allowing IT teams to focus on high-value work. Max explains the benefits of MSPs in scaling operations, improving processes, and providing business continuity—without the fear of losing jobs or control. If you’re looking to maximize your IT team's potential and take your company’s operations to the next level, this episode is for you.

Don’t let outdated practices hold you back.
Learn how MSPs can be your ticket to efficiency, scalability, and growth. Tune in now to unlock the secret strategy that could transform your IT operations!

***

Billions & Billions of eyeballs, six continents, 10k+ servers, and plenty of lessons learned over 2+ decades in I.T.

If you're looking for quick tips on optimizing tech, managing suppliers, and growing a business, 20 Minutes Max is the space for you.

Here I talk about things that come up during my day and share insights on taking your business to the next level. In less than 20 minutes, you'll walk away with actionable advice and strategies for success. Take advantage of this valuable resource for CEOs, CFOs, and business leaders.

***

P.S. Did you like the show? New episodes will be released weekly, so please subscribe and stay up-to-date!

***

Website: www.itbroker.com

Let's connect:

LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/maxclark

Twitter: twitter.com/maxclark

Business Page 

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/itbrokerdotcom

Instagram: www.instagram.com/itbrokerdotcom

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ITBrokerdotcom

#cloud #internet #data #dektopservices #IOT #connectivity #Cybersecurity #cyberattack #cybercrime #businessadvice #businessmanagemen #CEO #cfo #cto #businessleaders #tech #technology #startup

Most people spend Christmas unwrapping gifts, not dealing with a cyberattack. But for one company, a ransomware attack on Christmas Day turned their holiday into a crisis. Cybercriminals don’t take holidays - so how do you defend against threats when your team is offline?

In this episode, Max Clark speaks with Dani Pickens, RVP of Channel Sales West, and Tim Bandos, EVP of Cybersecurity Services at Xcitium, to break down the high-stakes response to a Christmas Day attack. They reveal how pre-authorized emergency action saved the day, why cybercriminals work in organized shifts (yes, even taking lunch breaks), and the critical security gaps businesses need to fix - before disaster strikes.

Cyber threats don’t take time off - and neither should your defenses. Tune in now to make sure your business is prepared!

Time Stamp: 
0:33 - Introducing Dani Pickens and Tim Bandos
1:08 - Discovering the story and journey of Xcitium 
5:40 - How does Xcitium work with companies that already have existing security solutions deployed?
9:40 - Overview of Xcitium's service offerings
14:45 - Is auto mode an available feature for Xcitium's platform?
29:16 - Xcitium's MDR (Managed Detection and Response) solution for the masses
44:00 - Deployment options for Xcitium's services
52:29 - Predictions for future cyber attacks
54:34 - Discussion of higher risk profiles and how to mitigate them
1:02:39 - Overview of Xcitium's onboarding process for new clients
1:04:00 - How Xcitium helps prospects overcome uncertainty and become comfortable with the platform
1:06:29 - Final thoughts and remarks from Dani Pickens and Tim Bandos
 
****
🔍 Find the best IT suppliers without boring sales calls.
ITBroker.com checks out hundreds of suppliers each year for our clients. Tech Deep Dive lets you follow along without the pain. Join us as we explore each supplier, what problems they fix, how they do it, and if they match your needs.

****
👋 P.S. Did you like the show? New episodes will be released weekly, so please subscribe and stay up-to-date!

****
🌐 Let's connect:
Website: www.itbroker.com
LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/maxclark
Twitter: twitter.com/maxclark

Business Pages
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/itbrokerdotcom
Instagram: www.instagram.com/itbrokerdotcom
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ITBrokerdotcom

#cyberattack #cybercrime #cyberdefense #Cybersecurity #cyberawareness
#technology #tech #techindustry #techcommunity   #informationtechnology #cto
#ceo #cfo #ceos #cfos #businessgrowth #xcitium #TechDeepDive #Podcast #techconsulting 
#techcompanies

Are your company values real guiding principles or just words on a wall? Most businesses claim to have core values, but do they actually shape decisions, hiring, and company culture? If you stripped away the corporate fluff, would your values still hold weight or would they crumble under scrutiny?

In this episode, Max Clark breaks down what makes business values meaningful, actionable, and non-negotiable. He shares why so many companies get it wrong, the one test every value should pass, and how to ensure your values aren’t just aspirational, but truly embedded into how your company operates. Whether you’re refining your mission or creating values from scratch, this episode will help you craft principles that actually drive impact.

If you think your business values are solid, think again. Before you move forward, make sure they pass this test - tune in now!

***

Billions & Billions of eyeballs, six continents, 10k+ servers, and plenty of lessons learned over 2+ decades in I.T.

If you're looking for quick tips on optimizing tech, managing suppliers, and growing a business, 20 Minutes Max is the space for you.

Here I talk about things that come up during my day and share insights on taking your business to the next level. In less than 20 minutes, you'll walk away with actionable advice and strategies for success. Take advantage of this valuable resource for CEOs, CFOs, and business leaders.

***

P.S. Did you like the show? New episodes will be released weekly, so please subscribe and stay up-to-date!

***

Website: www.itbroker.com

Let's connect:

LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/maxclark

Twitter: twitter.com/maxclark

Business Page 

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/itbrokerdotcom

Instagram: www.instagram.com/itbrokerdotcom

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ITBrokerdotcom

#BusinessTips #startup #businessadvice #businessmanagement# management #businessstrategy #businessgrowthr #CEO #cfo #cto #businessleaders #tech #technology #startup

Are you hiring the wrong people without even realizing it? You may think you’re bringing in top talent, but if you're prioritizing speed and urgency over attention to detail, you could be setting your team up for failure. The difference between a rockstar employee and a liability isn’t just skill - it’s mindset and execution.

In this episode, Max Clark dives deep into one of the most overlooked hiring mistakes: choosing fast decision-makers over those who get things right the first time. He breaks down why attention to detail matters more than just moving quickly, how hiring for urgency alone can backfire, and what traits truly define a high-performing team member. You’ll also hear real-world insights on when speed does matter, and how to strike the perfect balance between efficiency and accuracy in your hiring process.

Hiring mistakes are costly - don’t make another one. Tune in now and learn how to spot the difference before it’s too late!
***
Billions & Billions of eyeballs, six continents, 10k+ servers, and plenty of lessons learned over 2+ decades in I.T.

If you're looking for quick tips on optimizing tech, managing suppliers, and growing a business, 20 Minutes Max is the space for you.

Here I talk about things that come up during my day and share insights on taking your business to the next level. In less than 20 minutes, you'll walk away with actionable advice and strategies for success. Take advantage of this valuable resource for CEOs, CFOs, and business leaders.

***
P.S. Did you like the show? New episodes will be released weekly, so please subscribe and stay up-to-date!

***
Website: www.itbroker.com

Let's connect:
LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/maxclark
Twitter: twitter.com/maxclark
Business Page 
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/itbrokerdotcom
Instagram: www.instagram.com/itbrokerdotcom
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ITBrokerdotcom

#BusinessTips #hiringtips #hiring #recruitment #manager #CEO #cfo #cto 
#businessadvice #businessleaders #tech #technology #startup

What if staying in the cloud is your company’s most expensive mistake? The truth: some businesses are bleeding money in AWS—and don’t even know it. Others are walking away and cutting costs by 87%.

In this episode, Max Clark sits down with Byron Dill, SVP of Operations at Deft, to unpack why companies are breaking free from hyperscale cloud platforms. They explore the hidden costs of AWS, real-world cloud repatriation stories, and how infrastructure leaders are regaining control with hybrid strategies. If you’re in charge of IT budgets, cloud architecture, or long-term infrastructure planning—this episode will challenge everything you’ve been told about the cloud.

It’s not just about saving money. It’s about making smarter moves. Tune in now!

***

P.S. Did you like the show? We will be releasing new episodes, so please subscribe and stay up-to-date!

***

Website: www.itbroker.com

Let's connect:

LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/maxclark

X: x.com/maxclark

Business Page 

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/itbrokerdotcom

Instagram: www.instagram.com/itbrokerdotcom

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ITBrokerdotcom

Imagine this: Your systems are secure. Your cybersecurity team is on top of things. And yet - somewhere, right now - hackers are using AI to find the one gap you missed. What happens next? It only takes seconds.

Max Clark is joined by Scott Bennett, Strategic Manager at Darktrace, to uncover the alarming ways cybercriminals are outpacing traditional security measures. From a casino hack through a fish tank to an airport system breach and a CEO email scam that almost cost millions, Scott breaks down the shocking realities of modern cyber warfare and explains why AI-powered security is the only way forward.

If cybercriminals are using AI, shouldn’t you be too? Watch now to see how Darktrace is fighting back—before the next attack lands on your doorstep!

Time Stamp:
0:00 - Introduction: Scott Bennet and Darktrace.
6:00 - Customer interaction and collaboration with Darktrace
12:44 - Identifying the primary beneficiaries of Darktrace
19:20 - Cyber insurance
20:00 - Darktrace's impact on the premium insurance landscape
23:13 - Maximizing value: Making informed investments in cybersecurity with a limited budget
25:50 - Differentiating between IT and OT and providing illustrative examples
31:08 - Darktrace EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response)
41:56 - To SIM or not to SIM
50:00 - Rolling out DarkTrace 
56:51 - Final thoughts and insights from Scott Bennet

****

🔍 Find the best IT suppliers without boring sales calls.

ITBroker.com checks out hundreds of suppliers each year for our clients. Tech Deep Dive lets you follow along without the pain.
Join us as we explore each supplier, what problems they fix, how they do it, and if they match your needs.

****

👋 P.S. Did you like the show? New episodes will be released weekly, so please subscribe and stay up-to-date!

****

🌐 Let’s connect:

Website: www.itbroker.com

LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/maxclark

Twitter: twitter.com/maxclark

Business Pages

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/itbrokerdotcom

Instagram: www.instagram.com/itbrokerdotcom

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ITBrokerdotcom

#cyberattack #cybercrime #cyberdefense #Cybersecurity #technology #tech #techindustry #techcommunity   #informationtechnology #ceo #cfo #businessgrowth #darktrace #TechDeepDive #Podcast 

Are you about to drop serious cash on a new firewall? Hold up. Before you commit to that expensive hardware, you need to know why most firewalls are completely useless in modern IT environments. If your firewall strategy hasn’t evolved, you’re probably wasting money on outdated technology that won’t actually protect your business.

In this episode, Max Clark breaks down the hard truth about firewalls, exposing why they’re often nothing more than an expensive checkbox. He dives into why UTM and DPI features slow down your network without adding real security, how most firewall configurations do next to nothing, and why SaaS-based security solutions are often the smarter choice. If you think a firewall is your best defense, this episode will challenge everything you know about cybersecurity.

Before you sign that purchase order, watch this episode. It could save you thousands - and actually secure your network!

***

Billions & Billions of eyeballs, six continents, 10k+ servers, and plenty of lessons learned over 2+ decades in I.T.

If you're looking for quick tips on optimizing tech, managing suppliers, and growing a business, 20 Minutes Max is the space for you.

Here I talk about things that come up during my day and share insights on taking your business to the next level. In less than 20 minutes, you'll walk away with actionable advice and strategies for success. Take advantage of this valuable resource for CEOs, CFOs, and business leaders.

***

P.S. Did you like the show? New episodes will be released weekly, so please subscribe and stay up-to-date!

***

Website: www.itbroker.com

Let's connect:

LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/maxclark

Twitter: twitter.com/maxclark

Business Page 

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/itbrokerdotcom

Instagram: www.instagram.com/itbrokerdotcom

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ITBrokerdotcom

#cyberattack #cybercrime #cyberdefense #Cybersecurity #firewall  #technology #tech #techindustry #techcommunity   #informationtechnology #ceo #cfo #businessgrowth  #Podcast #

How many deals slipped away because someone forgot to follow up? Most companies don't struggle to sell—they struggle to stay in touch. But what if you could automate your outreach and guarantee no lead ever falls through the cracks again?

In this episode, Max Clark shares his game-changing HubSpot hack for creating an automated follow-up system that keeps your contacts engaged at the right intervals. He breaks down how to organize lists, set contact priorities, and leverage HubSpot’s automation tools to create a seamless, efficient process. Whether you’re in sales, marketing, or account management, this episode will teach you how to stay top-of-mind without adding extra work.

Don’t let another lead go cold. Tune in now and take control of your follow-ups!

***
P.S. Did you like the show? New episodes will be released weekly, so please subscribe and stay up-to-date!

***
Website: www.itbroker.com

Let's connect:
LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/maxclark
Twitter: twitter.com/maxclark
Business Page 
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/itbrokerdotcom
Instagram: www.instagram.com/itbrokerdotcom
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ITBrokerdotcom

#informationtechnology #technology #tech #CEO #cfo #cto #business #techbusiness #enterprise #techcommunity #vendors #tech4good #businessadvise #techcommunity

Think your cloud provider is giving you the best deal? Think again. Many companies shift to the cloud expecting flexibility, efficiency, and cost savings—only to be blindsided by unpredictable bills and hidden fees. If your cloud costs keep climbing while your performance stagnates, you're not alone.

In this episode, Max Clark sits down with Brian Knudtson, a cloud expert with deep industry insights, to expose the hidden costs cloud providers don’t want you to see. They break down why your cloud bill is out of control, the pricing pitfalls most businesses overlook, and the critical steps to take before your next contract renewal. From misleading cost structures to performance trade-offs, Brian unpacks the reality behind cloud pricing and how companies can optimize without overspending.

Tune in to discover how to take control of your cloud strategy, maximize performance, and avoid the financial pitfalls that could be draining your budget!

Time Stamp: 
0:00 Overview of the Episode: 11:11 Systems
1:00  Introducing Brian Knudtson and the Journey of 11:11 Systems
5:20 Mission of 11:11 Systems
13:20 Market focus
19:11 Systems Security Products
28:10 Understanding Cyber Vulnerabilities with 11:11  Systems
40:00 Importance of SOC Function
41:15 Cloud Services
50:00 What is LAB Engine
59:00  Compliance Bench for Relevant Organization
1:02:50 Secure Backup for Microsoft Clouds 
1:15:09 Moving from Cloud First to Cloud Smart
1:17:00 Final Thoughts from Brian

****
🔍 Find the best IT suppliers without boring sales calls.
ITBroker.com checks out hundreds of suppliers each year for our clients. Tech Deep Dive lets you follow along without the pain. Join us as we explore each supplier, what problems they fix, how they do it, and if they match your needs.

****
👋 P.S. Did you like the show? New episodes will be released weekly, so please subscribe and stay up-to-date!

****
🌐 Let’s connect:
Website: www.itbroker.com
LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/maxclark
Twitter: twitter.com/maxclark

Business Pages
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/itbrokerdotcom
Instagram: www.instagram.com/itbrokerdotcom
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ITBrokerdotcom

#technology #techindustry #cyberdefense #tech #cloud #connectivity #cloudsecurity #businessgrowth #clouds #11:11Systems #businesssolutions #ceo #cfo #ceos #cfos #TechDeepDive #podcast