The IT Collab

This episode of the IT Collab podcast tackles the critical challenges faced by Managed Service Providers (MSPs) operating in the CMMC ecosystem. Host Nathan Taylor engages in an in-depth conversation with Bobby and Kaleigh from Axiom, who share their experiences in achieving CMMC Level 2 certification and providing CMMC-related services to clients.

The discussion highlights:

The operational hurdles MSPs face in achieving and maintaining CMMC compliance, including change control, application allow listing, and remote access requirements.

Strategies for MSPs to effectively guide clients through the CMMC process, from initial education to audit preparation.

Key considerations for MSPs in pricing and delivering CMMC services, including the increased costs and complexities involved.

This episode provides actionable insights for MSPs seeking to navigate the evolving landscape of CMMC and effectively serve clients in the Defense Industrial Base.

The IT Collab Podcast dives into the future of IT with guest Graham Rosenberg, Director of Robotics Operations Centers at Sourcepass. Host Nathan Taylor and Graham discuss Graham's career in IT, starting from tier one help desk support to leading automation initiatives. The conversation explores the increasing importance of automation within Managed Service Providers (MSPs), tracing its growth from early, custom solutions using Power Automate and Cloudradial to the adoption of dedicated platforms like Roos.

A key focus of the episode is the emergence of AI agents and their potential to transform IT processes. Graham and Nathan discuss how AI agents can streamline tasks like employee onboarding and ticket management, making them more efficient and accurate. They also delve into the crucial role of prompt engineering in maximizing the effectiveness of AI tools.

Furthermore, Graham shares his experiences with various AI models, offering insights into their strengths and weaknesses. The episode wraps up with a brief discussion on the Azure AI Foundry and some sports banter.

Key Takeaways:

The evolution of automation in MSPs

The impact of AI agents on IT workflows

Best practices for prompt engineering

Comparing AI tools: ChatGPT, Copilot, DeepSeek, and more

Sources and related content

Join hosts Brandon Barnes and Nathan Taylor for the IT Collab Podcast, where they delve into insightful discussions with industry professionals.

In their latest episode, they sit down with Robin Harris, an expert in IT compliance and audit. With a career spanning decades, Robin brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the conversation.  

They explore the challenges and opportunities of navigating the ever-evolving landscape of AI in the workplace. Robin emphasizes the importance of security and compliance in the age of AI, highlighting the potential risks and the need for proactive measures.  

The conversation touches upon the ULAs surrounding AI tools and the implications for intellectual property and data governance.  

Whether you're an IT professional, a business leader, or simply interested in the impact of AI on society, this episode offers valuable insights and thought-provoking discussion. Tune in to the IT Collab Podcast and join the conversation!

Don't forget to like, subscribe or like our content on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGcG9UJCOcX8hS4mOAthW4VTiftyZbZ4p

In this episode of the IT Collab podcast, host Nathan Taylor sits down with Heath Kellerman, the Manager of Onboarding and Deployment at Todyll, to discuss the transition from the Managed Service Provider (MSP) space to the vendor space. With co-host Brandon Barnes on a family vacation, Nathan and Heath dive deep into the lessons learned from decades of experience in IT support and architecture.

Heath shares his insights on the evolving landscape of IT, the importance of pre-planning and standardization, and the challenges faced by both new and established MSPs. They explore the impact of cloudification, the need for continuous learning, and the significance of building strong partnerships within the managed service community.

Listeners will gain valuable knowledge on how to navigate the complexities of IT management, the benefits of modular solutions, and the critical role of security in today's digital world. Whether you're an IT veteran or just starting out, this episode offers practical advice and thought-provoking discussions to help you succeed in the ever-changing IT industry.

Tune in to learn how to bridge the gap between MSPs and vendors, and discover strategies to enhance your IT operations and security measures.

Hashtags: #ITCoLabPodcast #MSP #VendorTransition #ITSupport #ITArchitecture #Cloudification #ITSecurity #ManagedServices #TechPodcast #ITCommunity

In this insightful episode of the IT Collab Podcast, hosts Brandon Barnes and Nathan Taylor welcome Wade Walker, VP of Microsoft Alliance at SourcePass, to discuss the intricate world of Microsoft licensing and renewals. Wade brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, shedding light on the complexities and nuances of managing Microsoft licenses.

The conversation kicks off with Wade explaining his role at SourcePass and the importance of the Microsoft Center of Excellence (MCOE). He delves into the challenges and strategies involved in handling Microsoft relationships, licensing incentives, and the New Commerce Experience (NCE). Wade emphasizes the significance of renewal seasons, particularly the first quarter when nearly 50% of Microsoft 365 licenses come up for renewal.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into the upcoming changes in Microsoft licensing, including the 5% price increase starting April 1st, 2025, and the strategies to mitigate these costs. Wade and the hosts discuss the benefits of committing to annual subscriptions to avoid price hikes and the flexibility of monthly subscriptions.

The episode also covers the impact of the European Economic Union's antitrust scrutiny on Microsoft, the unbundling of Teams from E3 and E5 subscriptions, and the implications for businesses. Wade shares practical tips for managing licenses, co-terminating renewal dates, and leveraging the New Commerce Experience to optimize costs.

As the discussion progresses, the trio touches on the end of life for Windows 10, set for October 14th, 2025, and the need for businesses to transition to Windows 11. Wade highlights the advancements in hardware, including the new ARM-based Copilot Plus PCs with extended battery life and enhanced processing capabilities.

Throughout the episode, Wade, Brandon, and Nathan share anecdotes and practical advice, making this a must-listen for IT professionals navigating the ever-evolving Microsoft landscape. Whether you're dealing with licensing renewals, planning hardware upgrades, or exploring new Microsoft offerings, this episode provides the guidance and expertise you need.

Hashtags: #ITCollabPodcast #Microsoft #Licensing #TechTalk #ITPro #Microsoft365 #Windows10 #TechPodcast #SourcePass #ITManagement #NCE #Windows11 #TechUpdates

In this episode of The IT Collab Podcast, hosts Brandon Barnes and Nathan Taylor are joined by Jermaine Clark, a biologist with a passion for technology. Jermaine shares his unique perspective on the intersection of biology and tech, discussing everything from AI advancements to the practical applications of technology in his field.

The conversation takes a fun turn as Jermaine talks about his love for gadgets, the challenges of using tech in marine biology, and his thoughts on the future of AI and human integration. Brandon and Jermaine also delve into the practical uses of AI in their daily lives, from generating creative content to simplifying work tasks.

However, this episode comes with a twist! We experienced some technical difficulties with Nathan's connection, and had to rely on AI to edit the episode. Tune in to see how it turned out and enjoy the seamless conversation despite the hiccups.

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https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbLNZEpO3205Jv0ma8yi0Vg

#TheITCollabPodcast #TechTalk #JermaineClark #BiologyAndTech #AI #Gadgets #MarineBiology #FutureOfAI #HumanIntegration #Podcast #TechPodcast #AITools #TechChallenges #PodcastEditing

In this episode of The IT Collab, host Nathan Taylor dives deep into the complexities of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) with special guests Bobby Guerra, CEO of Axiom, and Kaleigh Floyd, Axiom's Marketing Director. With Brandon Barnes out sick, Nathan takes the opportunity to explore one of his favorite topics—CMMC—with two experts who have firsthand experience navigating its challenges.

Bobby and Kaleigh share their journey of transforming Axiom into a CMMC-focused Managed Service Provider (MSP), discussing the hurdles they faced and the strategies they employed to achieve compliance. They provide valuable insights into the phased rollout of CMMC, the importance of understanding 800-171 requirements, and the critical role of prime and subcontractor relationships in the defense industrial base.

Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the CMMC landscape, including the latest updates, the impact of new regulations, and the practical steps MSPs need to take to support their clients. Bobby and Kaleigh also highlight the importance of scoping, the challenges of building a compliant environment, and the necessity of transparency and thorough preparation for audits.

Whether you're an MSP looking to enter the CMMC space or a business trying to understand its implications, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and practical advice. Tune in to learn from Bobby and Kaleigh's experiences and get a glimpse into the future of cybersecurity compliance.

Key Topics:

- The journey of Axiom in achieving CMMC compliance

- Understanding the phased rollout and 800-171 requirements

- The role of prime and subcontractor relationships

- Practical steps for MSPs to support their clients

- The importance of scoping and building a compliant environment

- Preparing for audits and the necessity of transparency

Guests:

Bobby Guerra, CEO of Axiom

Kaleigh Floyd, Marketing Director of Axiom

https://www.axiom.tech/

In this episode of The IT Collab Podcast, hosts Brandon Barnes and Nathan Taylor are joined by special guest Mike Hughes, CXO of Covenant Technology Solutions. Together, they dive into the latest advancements and trends in the IT world, fresh from their experience at Microsoft's Ignite conference.

Mike shares his insights on the integration of Copilot into SharePoint, highlighting how this new feature enhances data accessibility and user experience. The discussion also covers the evolution of Microsoft's security measures, including the shift towards a "secure first" approach and the introduction of new administrative protections.

Listeners will learn about the exciting developments in AI, with a focus on Microsoft's push for AI agents and the capabilities of Copilot Studio. The episode also explores the hardware innovations announced at Ignite, such as the Azure Local and Microsoft's new silicon chips designed for enhanced security and AI processing.

Whether you're an IT professional or just curious about the future of technology, this episode is packed with valuable information and expert perspectives. Tune in to hear how these advancements are set to transform the IT landscape and what they mean for businesses of all sizes.

Key Topics:

- Integration of Copilot into SharePoint

- Microsoft's "secure first" initiative

- AI advancements and Copilot Studio

- Hardware innovations: Azure Local and new silicon chips

- Practical applications and implications for businesses

Don't miss this insightful conversation that bridges the gap between cutting-edge technology and real-world application. Subscribe to The IT Collab Podcast for more episodes like this!

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/hughesmikea

email: [email protected]

Website: covenant-tech.net

YouTube: https://youtu.be/h6Ptf8z7lU8

In this riveting episode of the IT Collab Podcast, hosts Brandon Barnes and Nathan Taylor are joined by the multifaceted cybersecurity expert, Matt Lee. Known for his extensive experience and engaging storytelling, Matt dives deep into his journey from a managed service provider to a renowned hacker and security educator.

The conversation kicks off with Matt sharing his background and the evolution of his career, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of growing a small break-fix company into a multi-million dollar enterprise. He recounts his unexpected foray into the world of cybersecurity, driven by a ransomware incident that reshaped his professional path.

Listeners will be captivated by Matt's recounting of "The Hackening," a project born from an impromptu presentation at CompTIA ChannelCon. This initiative aimed to assess the security posture of managed service providers (MSPs) through external penetration tests, revealing eye-opening insights about the industry's vulnerabilities and strengths.

Throughout the episode, Matt emphasizes the importance of understanding both offensive and defensive security strategies, drawing parallels to sports and real-world scenarios. He also discusses the critical role of education in cybersecurity, sharing his vision for partnering with educational institutions to better prepare the next generation of pen testers.

Join us for an enlightening and entertaining discussion that not only sheds light on the current state of cybersecurity but also inspires a proactive approach to tackling the ever-evolving threats in the digital landscape.

Key Topics:

Matt Lee's career journey and cybersecurity expertise

The inception and findings of "The Hackening" project

The significance of offensive security knowledge for defense

The role of education in shaping future cybersecurity professionals

Practical advice for MSPs to enhance their security posture

Tune in to gain valuable insights and practical tips from one of the industry's leading voices in cybersecurity.

Website: https://cybermattlee.com/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CyberMattLee

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cybermattlee/

In this episode of The IT Collab, hosts Brandon Barnes and Nathan Taylor welcome Justin Slagle, co-founder and CEO of The Partner Masters. With nearly 20 years of experience in the Microsoft ecosystem, Justin shares his journey from being a Microsoft partner to founding a company dedicated to helping other partners thrive.

Justin discusses the challenges and opportunities for Microsoft partners, especially in navigating the complex landscape of incentives, certifications, and solution designations. He highlights how The Partner Masters assist partners in unlocking significant financial benefits and operational efficiencies, drawing parallels to the role of a CPA in managing taxes.

The conversation also touches on the evolving dynamics of the Microsoft partner ecosystem, the impact of AI and Copilot on business processes, and the recent changes in Microsoft licensing and incentives. Justin provides valuable insights into how partners can leverage these changes to their advantage and emphasizes the importance of using Microsoft tools internally to better serve clients.

Join us for an engaging and informative discussion that offers practical advice and strategic insights for Microsoft partners looking to maximize their potential.

website: http://thepartnermasters.com/

linkedin: linkedin.com/in/justinslagle