TechSperience Solutions

Host: Penny Conway

Guest 1: Marcel Guerrette – Cisco Solution Specialist, Data Center (Cisco Employee), has 17-year experience in IT in numerous technical pre and post-sales support roles to help customers with their Data Center solutions.

Guest 2:  Marc Sadinsky – Partner Account Manager at Intel Corporation, has 20 years of experience at Intel serving partner channels to deploy next-generation edge and data center solutions.

Description: Organizations across the country are looking for flexible and efficient ways to keep remote workforces connected. Like many others, you might be wondering where to start. In today’s episode, we are going to dive into the data center with experts from Cisco and Intel as they help you decrease your latency and avoid bottlenecks by modernizing your IT infrastructure.

Reach out to the Connection Team.

Email us at [email protected] 

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Key takeaways:

[1:40] What was going on pre-pandemic? What were they facing at the data center when the pandemic hit?

[4:16] How does IT modernization look like now?

[6:40] How does a customer evaluate what he should have today based on what is working and what’s not?

[9:09] Is there enough budget to do an IT modernization?

[11:55] Transformation means how you are going to run your business and adapt in times of pandemic.

[13:30] Why now is the time to modernize your IT.

[14:44] The flows have changed from within the network, then going out of it, and now coming back in.

[15:50] Have industries taken the next step to modernize their data center?

[18:55] What are the benefits of HyperFlex as a solution?

[20:25] Years of collaboration between Intel and Cisco resulted in the creation of HyperFlex, an integral solution to IT modernization.

[22:01] How does hot swap work?

[25:33] Prepare for the things you are not anticipating.

[26:31] Marc and Marcel share what motivates them now about this “new normal”.

Host: James Hilliard

Guest 1: Microsoft- Kyle Van Son, US Commercial Master Trainer

Guest 2: Intel- Rhett Livengood, Director, Digital Business Enabling Client Computing Group Intel® Corporation

Guest 3: Lenovo- Burton Kersey, Channel Account Manager

Description: Short- and long-term impact of a worldwide pandemic has companies reevaluating remote work strategies.  Minimum working arrangements, for the most part, have been met and now the challenge becomes improving and thriving during adverse conditions. Will employees return to the office?  At what capacity? How are companies boosting “digital dexterity”, keeping the company assets secure all while utilizing best practices and sticking to a continuity plan?  While financial departments evaluate cost-cutting measures during a lean economy, the need for a modern device, easy deployment, security, and compatibility may no longer be a luxury but a necessity.   Hear from our 3 subject experts how they have been more productive working from home thanks in no small part from modern devices. 

Reach out to the Connection Team.

Email us at [email protected] 

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Key takeaways:

[2:42] Kyle talks about the work from home situation for him.

[3:54] Burt shares the shifts in his work as a result of the pandemic.

[4:34] Rhett talks about his level of productivity working from home.

[6:30] Microsoft Teams has been a success to online workers and students.

[7:44] Burt talks about Microsoft Teams on Lenovo computers to make work from home more productive.

[9:28].How Intel experienced the transition during pandemic times.

[10:56] The benefits of Wi-Fi 6. 

[12:30] Kyle talks about how they have been encouraging people to move to the newest version of Windows.

[13:43] The benefits of acquiring modern devices.

[16:16] The challenges of transitioning to full work from home.

[17:03] Rhett shares what he does to stay productive

[19:20] Kyle talks about how they manage at his team to stay efficient and motivated at the same time.

[20:49] How can you keep your team engaged?

[22:57] Having great tools can help attract the right talent.

[24:33] Employees are going to start demanding the flexibility of working from home.

[26:10] The matter of safety and the devices that can provide it.

[27:10] Rhett, Burt, James, and Kyle share what they learned and implemented to enhance the working from home experience.

Learn more about our guests:

Kyle Van Son has been delivering training and evangelism with Microsoft in different capacities since the days of Windows 7, from humble beginnings showing of Windows Live Photo Gallery in Win 7 at a Sam’s Club to helping build Best Buy’s Microsoft Expert program, and more, before transitioning to the commercial space in January of 2019.

Rhett Livengood is Intel’s WW Director of Digital Business Enabling working with solution providers (system integrators, IT outsourcers, resellers, managed service providers) to integrate Intel technology into customer workplace transformation solutions.  He was most recently Intel’s WW B2B Customer Engagement Director managing lead generation activities, Intel’s Enterprise Board of Advisors and online sales development working targeting Global 5000 enterprises and SMB customers worldwide.

 During his career in the IT industry, Rhett has managed regional and worldwide sales and marketing for Intel’s Services group. He was Worldwide Marketing Manager for Intel’s Software group and Product Marketing Manager of Intel’s Mobile Computing Group and held marketing and engineering positions in Intel’s memory, processor, software, and platform divisions. He was the worldwide director of Marketing at Lam Research. Rhett began his career as a design engineer at Honeywell.

Rhett holds a BS degree in Chemical and Materials Engineering from the University of Iowa and an MS degree in Electronic Materials Process Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley. He is an Intel Achievement Award winner.

Burton Kersey is the Senior Channel Account Manager at Lenovo. His role involves managing  Mobile Workstation and Desktop Workstation sales for Connection and SHI, he  Developed and executed strategies to achieve Lenovo's Workstation growth targets. Burton administered on-site product, sales, and technical workstation training to Connection and SHI account managers, he also consulted daily as a technical workstation expert on end-user opportunities, calls, and visits. Burton works at Cargo where he is the Inside Channel, Account Manager. His responsibilities include building relationships with Lenovo's partners resulting in net new revenue, channel development and expansion, account acquisition, and SMB growth. Burton works with approximately 100+ certified partners currently and discuss Lenovo's brand and channel program operations.

Mentioned in this episode:

Learn more about Microsoft and Intel services

Visit Lenovo 

Microsoft Sponsored

 AI and Machine Learning - Impacts and Pitfalls with Jamal Khan Parts I and II

Sponsored by Microsoft

Host: Penny Conway

Guest: Jamal Khan, President of Global Digital and eCommerce Marketing for Connection.

Microsoft  sponsored  AI podcast parts I and II with Jamal Khan. Both episodes together together kicking off our AI series focussing on AI, Machine Learning and their effects on CySec, national infrastructure, the job market and much more.

• Fact vs. Fiction and the data explosion. 

• Microsoft AZURE ML Studio is an amazing working environment for developers.  What was historically a difficult undertaking now saves hours and produces more efficient results and reporting.  The studio leverages AI technology and simplifies the process.

Host: James Hilliard

Guest 1: Todd Gustafson, President of HP Federal 

Guest 2: Thomas Gardner Chief Technology Officer Directory Services Team 

Guest 3: Penny Conway

Description: Federal agencies are faced with increasing security challenges. Many agencies know the importance of securing endpoints like printers and computers, but what they may not know is that those devices could be subject to foreign threats due to risk factors in the supply chain itself before it ever connects to your network. 

The DoD recently put procurement regulations in place to ensure the security of your devices and information. Find out in today’s episode what you need to know to avoid the pitfalls that come from purchasing LPTA products with weak supply chains. 

Reach out to the Connection Team.

Email us at [email protected] 

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Key takeaways:

[2:36] Todd shares how he, as the President of HP Federal, and his team reacted to the COVID strike.

[4:15] Thomas talks about the shift COVID-19 has imposed in the way the work is done.

[6:10] Thomas talks about the preparedness of teams to work from home from a technological standpoint.

[7:35] Thomas shares the challenges they faced and how they dealt with them.

[11:00] Todd gives his point of view in regard to the questions the federal workers have to make themselves before purchasing a computer.

[11:41] Todd gives an update on the HP supply chain.

[14:28] Penny shares her experience with the “mad grab for products” as a result of the pandemic.

[16:28] Thomas talks about his involvement in the Department of Homeland Security as a  supply risk management task force.

[17:34] Top threats to businesses and agencies that could impact operations and missions.

[19:43] HP is building now 2 and a half PCs per second and 1 and a half printers per second every day.

[20:25] All of us have changed, our work styles and habits, and also the hackers have adapted to these changes.

[22:10] Every year, millions of dollars are invested in HP labs to make their products more secure.

[24:45] Penny talks about the trend in choices that people are making when purchasing computers and printers and assuring security.

[27:40] Thomas talks about the application of Augmented Intelligence into the security environment.

[30:42] What is next to keep working efficiently, effectively, and securely? 

[36:01] It is an exciting time for the services’ part of the world.

Host: Tyler Meckes

Guest: Amanda Cronin - HP Partner Business Manager

Tech 2 talks Chrome!     3 Steps to Manage a Chrome Shortage.  Spikes in Chrome demand due to Covid wreaking havoc on the supply chain.  Special pricing, discounts and alternatives to meet current challenges. Tyler and Amanda talk mobility, programs and how to address your current needs. 

1. Communicate your timeline with Connection Account Manager

Host: Penny Conway

Guest 1: Bill Miller – Zoom Channel Account Manager

Guest 2: Glen Bevcar – Poly National Channel Account Manager

Description: As we are approaching the change of the season both public and private sectors are looking to maximize the virtual experience. Remote work and learning are now inevitable, and better, easier, and more effective experiences are being created for learners and workers. Poly’s audio and video innovations make Zoom’s Voice and Video communications feel natural and work effortlessly. Poly provides a wide portfolio of Zoom Certified solutions, from room video to conference phones—for huddles spaces up to large rooms—and from headsets to desk phones. It is possible to make every experience a great one optimized for Zoom Meetings, Zoom Rooms, and Zoom Phone.

Reach out to the Connection Team.

Email us at [email protected] 

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Key takeaways:

[1:20] Glenn Bevcar introduces himself to the audience.

[1:45] Bill Miller presents himself.

[2:32] Glenn and Bill talk about the challenges while enabling the new virtual environment.

[5:47] Zoom is a simple application that people knew how to use even before the pandemic.

[6:31] The close relationship between Poly and Zoom is bringing many benefits to consumers.

[7:54] Tips to create a better virtual experience.

[10:35] Bill and Glenn talk about the hassle of working with multiple platforms.

[14:01] Glenn talks about the different kinds of users and what feels and works better for each of them.

[16:54] How we work vs where we work.

[18:07] Ubiquitous communication regardless of which device you are using.: “The Work-Anywhere Syndrom”.

[19:42] The importance of video calls: We communicate more with our body language than with do with the words that we use.

[20:47] Bill gives an example of the benefits from the Poly and Zoom connection.

[22:31] The value of video.

[23:06] Are we going to be able to make the virtual space more natural and engaging with the use of technology?

[29:28] Technology must be simple to use, deploy, and manage.

Host: Tyler Meckes

Guest: Dan McCormick: Print Supplies Partner Business Manager for HP

The latest in Tech in under 5 minutes!

Recycling Supplies while Social Distancing. You don't have to sacrifice your recycling efforts while printing at home. Original HP supplies come with everything you need to recycle your used cartridges from home at not cost to you & no need to go to a drop-off location.

Host: Tyler Meckes

Guest: Dan McCormick: Print Supplies Partner Business Manager for HP

Is printing at home harmful to your health? 96% of non-HP toner cartridges tested failed Indoor Air Quality tests. These cartridges emit up to 191% over the allowed limit for total VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which could be harmful to your health. 

Learn how HP is protecting you both at home and work.

Host: James Hilliard

Guest: Brad Saffer – Global Education Strategy Lead (Cisco) 

Guest 2: Sean McCann –  Sr. Manager for Higher Ed Alliances  for Connection

Guest 3: Pam Aulakh – Vertical Alliance Manager, K-12 for Connection

Description: The move to distance learning during the pandemic exposed a variety of issues facing education today, such as the lack of scalable, secure technology, the lack of access for various student populations as well as challenges for educators trying to teach in a new medium. Schools and colleges are now confronted with the reality that they need to address these challenges as they put hybrid learning models in place for the fall.

In today’s episode, James Hilliard, your host, is accompanied by Brad Saffer, Sean McCann, and Pam Aulakh, to give you valuable information about the current situation of education institutions and the factors they need to consider in their planning.

Reach out to the Connection Team.

Email us at [email protected] 

Follow Connection We Solve IT on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Linkedin, and Blog

Key takeaways:

[1:32] Pam shares her personal connection to education and career.

[2:03] Sean talks about his expertise in higher education.

[2:33] Brad talks about his current homeschooling experience.

[4:04] The great efforts of teachers during pandemic times.

[5:03] Pam talks about the challenges with regard to the availability of technology.

[6:27] What do schools need to do to prepare for the next school year?

[8:20] Creative ways for bridging the gap in getting more technology out to the learners.

[11:20] The perspective of an elementary school teacher and their students’ access to technology.

[12:45] The technology challenges for higher education students.

[13:50] Pam shares her thoughts about how to approach challenges regarding access to technology and training for students.

[17:27] Cisco is offering faculty training on how to structure content and how to provide an online experience that keeps students engaged.

[19:50] What kind of support are the teachers craving from their schools?

[21:19] Is higher ed. in a better place with regard to remote learning?

[23:19] The pandemic uncovered the fact that things can’t be done the same way in education.

[24:40] What should the future for education look like?

Host: Penny Conway

Guest 1: Timothy Allen. Director of Networking and Collaboration Practice

Guest 2: Jonathan Copeland. Sr. Solutions Architect 

Description: Like many events, CISCO Live went virtual this year for their 2020 conference, this two-day virtual event included recorded content, live keynotes, panel discussions, and more. CEO Chuck Robbins kicked off the event with a message that included a pledge to power an inclusive future for all.

In today’s episode, Penny Conway, your host is joined by Timothy Allen and Jonathan Copeland to break down this full event and share what CISCO has in store for 2020 and beyond.

Tim Allen has been in the IT Industry for over 30 years and has been with Connection for over 20 years. He currently leads our Networking Practice which is our engineering services team that works directly with our customers on technology implementations. Jonathan Copeland has also been in the IT Industry for over 30 years and has been with Connection for nearly 7 years. Jonathan is a Sr. Solution Architect with a focus on Data Center and Security. Additionally, he has been focused on Cloud and DevOps and recently achieved his Amazon AWS Solution Architect Associate certification. 

Reach out to the Connection Team.

Email us at [email protected] 

Follow Connection We Solve IT on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Linkedin, and Blog

Key takeaways:

[1:18] Timothy Allen introduces himself, sharing his work at Connection.

[1:46] Jonathan Copeland presents himself and talks about his work at Connection.

[2:52] The CISCO event was virtually and its participants certainly missed the live experience and social networking.

[3:33] What was enhanced at the CISCO virtual event?

[5:30] The highlights of the keynote session.

[7:01] CISCO found a new way to repurpose equipment to help COVID patients stay connected with their loved ones.

[8:18] The security advancements CISCO communicated during the event.

[12:05] How did security was flicked by most of the workforce working remotely?

[14:02] The security challenge of dealing with several devices some of them that cannot be controlled.

[15:15] CISCO is going to integrate third-party platforms.

[17:09] Powering an inclusive future for all.

[17:33] CISCO announces in regards to accessibility.

[20:11] CISCO is offering a free platform for learning about programming.

[23:48] Sneak preview of what we are going to see in 2021.