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The Notice episodes

  • Understanding the New VCSP Partner Transition and M&A FAQ

    Broadcom’s VMware program changes come with a lot of information, but you don’t have to sort through it alone. In this episode of The Notice, OTAVA CEO TJ Houske walks through the newly released VMware FAQ and explains what these changes really mean for you. And, we added a few fun videos throughout to help break it up.

    Instead of just rules and dates, we break it down into what matters most for partners and customers, and how OTAVA can help you move forward with confidence.

    In this episode, you’ll learn:
    - What’s actually changing in the VMware program
    - What non-renewing partners can (and can’t) do
    - How subscription transfers and licensing really work
    - Key dates and milestones to plan around
    - How OTAVA partners with you to simplify the transition

    At OTAVA, we believe complex doesn’t have to mean complicated. Consider this your quick-start guide to making sense of VMware’s new world.

    Subscribe to The Notice for more updates, clarity, and resources designed to help you navigate change with confidence.

    Thank you for listening!

    Visit our website or contact us for more information on OTAVA.

    Find us on social → LinkedIn, X & Facebook



    36 min
  • Inside the Latest VMware Partner Program Update

    In episode of The Notice, TJ Houske breaks down the latest round of changes coming from Broadcom’s VMware Advantage Program. OTAVA remains an authorized partner in the new program.

    He talks about:
    - What's changed and what it means for your business.
    - Why you should respond—not react—to the shift
    - How OTAVA can help you navigate this transition with clarity and confidence

    Whether you’re on the invited list or figuring out your next move, this episode offers real talk, perspective, and a calm voice amid the changes.

    Need help charting your course forward? OTAVA’s here as a resource. Hit the QR code in the video or visit https://bit.ly/4f5rr6C to stay connected.

    Thank you for listening!

    Visit our website or contact us for more information on OTAVA.

    Find us on social → LinkedIn, X & Facebook



    18 min
  • We're home! Why Indy is the place to be

    TJ Houske shares our major announcement—OTAVA has officially moved our headquarters to Indianapolis! He’s joined by Brock Hesler, fellow Hoosier and OTAVA team member, for an insightful conversation about why Indiana is the perfect place to plant roots and grow big things—especially in tech. 

     

    They talk about: 

    • Why Indy? (Spoiler: it’s more than cornfields and basketball.) 
    • The booming tech scene across Indiana—think data centers, AI, health IT, and more. 
    • Their personal ties to the state and what it means to be a part of something bigger than business. 

    With economic momentum building and tech talent sticking around instead of flying out, it’s clear: Indiana is on the map—and OTAVA is all in. 

    Go Pacers. Go OTAVA.

    Thank you for listening!

    Visit our website or contact us for more information on OTAVA.

    Find us on social → LinkedIn, X & Facebook



    23 min
  • Partners in Innovation: OTAVA & Scale Computing

    The Notice is BACK for Season 3—and we’re kicking things off with a bang! 

    In this episode, OTAVA CEO TJ Houske sits down with Jeff Ready, CEO and co-founder of Scale Computing, to talk about how two Indiana-based companies are shaking things up in edge computing and beyond.

    They get into:

    ·      Why Scale Computing is so much more than just a VMware alternative

    ·      How OTAVA and Scale Computing are teaming up to help customers modernize faster and smarter

    ·      And, the big announcement: a brand-new integration bringing Veeam’s backups to the edge and how together, we made it happen

    This episode isn’t just about a partnership. It’s about a shift in how we protect, deploy, and scale technology. Let’s go.

    Thank you for listening!

    Visit our website or contact us for more information on OTAVA.

    Find us on social → LinkedIn, X & Facebook



    37 min
  • Real Talk on VMware, AI & Cybersecurity (Tech Roundtable)

    Join us for the latest episode of The Notice, where host TJ Houske sits down with OTAVA’s tech team: Ben Stiles, Chris Barylski, and Justin Keller. This episode dives into the real-talk territory of enterprise tech – tackling everything from the ripple effects of Broadcom's VMware acquisition to the rise of AI and data protection.

    Listen in as TJ and his guests (aka "our bench of tech experts") unpack how these market shifts are impacting real-world deployments and how OTAVA navigates these challenges with tailored solutions. From the big vendor conferences to on-the-ground customer conversations, our team cuts through the tech noise, debunking myths and sharing actionable insights for anyone looking to simplify the chaos of today’s tech landscape.

    Ready to geek out? Join us as we explore the evolving roles of hypervisors, storage platforms, and cybersecurity. This one’s a goldmine for anyone in IT, and we're just getting started! Drop a comment if there’s a topic you want us to dig deeper into next time.

    Thank you for listening!

    Visit our website or contact us for more information on OTAVA.

    Find us on social → LinkedIn, X & Facebook



    49 min
  • The Power of Networking + TechPoint

    Alright folks, it’s time to wrap up Season 2, and we’re doing it with a bang! In this episode, TJ and Melissa sit down Ting Gootee, the powerhouse President & CEO of TechPoint. If you haven’t heard of TechPoint yet, you’re in for a treat – they’re the rockstars behind driving innovation and boosting the tech scene in Indiana. The chat? Oh, it’s a good one. Ting spills the beans on some mind-blowing initiatives and how the magic of partnerships is making it all happen.

    Then, TJ and Melissa talk about the wild world of networking. And let’s be real, networking can be a bit like going to the dentist – necessary but slightly terrifying. But don’t sweat it! You’ll walk away with some solid tips on how to ace networking, even if you’re more comfortable binge-watching than schmoozing.

    Tune in for some laughs, insights, and maybe a networking hack or two that could just give your career the nudge it needs. 

    Thank you for listening!

    Visit our website or contact us for more information on OTAVA.

    Find us on social → LinkedIn, X & Facebook



    47 min
  • Maximizing Mentoring + OTAVA Managed Azure

    In this jam-packed episode, TJ Houske and Melissa Lock dive headfirst into the world of mentoring. Formal or informal – mentoring can be a game-changer. Plus, the dynamic duo talks about the law of the inner circle – surround yourself with rockstar mentors and you’re already halfway to winning.

    But wait, there’s more! TJ tags in JP (Field CTO Jason Pohlman) for a tech talk that’s all about cloud adoption, with a special spotlight on Managed Azure. Find out why Azure is the bee’s knees for businesses looking to level up when it comes to cloud. From workload placement to data sovereignty, they cover it all.

    So whether you’re here for the mentoring wisdom or the cloud strategy insights, this episode has you covered. Tune in, take notes, and get ready to supercharge your career and cloud game. 

    Thank you for listening!

    Visit our website or contact us for more information on OTAVA.

    Find us on social → LinkedIn, X & Facebook



    55 min
  • Habits of a High Performing Employee + Telarus

    Get ready for another episode of The Notice that’s going to leave you feeling like the rockstar employee you were always meant to be. TJ Houske and Melissa Lock are talking about what it takes to be a high performer at work. You know, the habits that will make you the office legend and fast-track your climb up the corporate ladder.

    We’ve also got the incredible Koby Phillips from Telarus joining us. Telarus is one of our channel partners. Koby joins us to talk about our partnership to bring top-notch solutions to businesses.

    So, if you’re looking to up your career game and want a sneak peek into some serious business wizardry, you won’t want to miss this one. Tune in, and let’s get you from good to unstoppable.

    Thank you for listening!

    Visit our website or contact us for more information on OTAVA.

    Find us on social → LinkedIn, X & Facebook



    58 min
  • How to Give (& Take) Feedback + Food Gatherers Ann Arbor

    Melissa and TJ are tackling the topic of feedback – or as we like to call it, a good old-fashioned conversation. We’re talking about how to dish it out, how to it take it, and why it’s crucial for personal and professional growth.

    Feedback isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a powerhouse for communication, collaboration, leadership, and building relationships. We know these conversations can sometimes be tricky, but don’t worry – Melissa and TJ are here to drop some serious wisdom on making the most out of these moments.

    Then, we’re joined by Markell Miller from Food Gatherers, a local nonprofit in Ann Arbor dedicated to fighting hunger. This group is near and dear to our hearts at OTAVA – we’ve teamed up with the multiple times for volunteer days and love the impact they’re making in the community.

    Grab your headphones and get ready to tune in!

    EPISODE LINKS -
    Food Gatherers

    Thank you for listening!

    Visit our website or contact us for more information on OTAVA.

    Find us on social → LinkedIn, X & Facebook



    36 min
  • Empathy at Work

    Let’s face it – life happens. Big moments, whether they’re amazing or gut-wrenching, don’t just stay at home. They spill into our work lives too, and that’s where empathy comes in. We’ve got the amazing Liesel Mertes from Handle with Care Consulting with us to dive into something near and dear to our hearts – empathy at work. Liesel shares some fantastic tips on how leaders can handle these big life moments to build trust and create a culture that’ll boost everyone’s well-being.

    Grab your favorite coffee mug, get comfy, and get ready for an enlightening chat. Trust us, you don’t want to miss this one.

    Thank you for listening!

    Visit our website or contact us for more information on OTAVA.

    Find us on social → LinkedIn, X & Facebook



    52 min

About The Notice

From the publisher's feed

It's time to hit the play button on The Notice, a podcast from OTAVA with host TJ Houske. Expect to laugh, nod vigorously, and maybe even fist pump as we dive deep into tech that powers your…