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Cloud infrastructure is undergoing a dramatic shift, and with it comes the need to rethink how we approach data protection. In my conversation with Ofir Ehrlich, co-founder of Eon, we delve into why traditional backup approaches fall short in modern cloud environments and how his company is pioneering a fundamentally different approach to enterprise cloud backup and recovery.

Ofir, whose previous company CloudEndure was acquired by Amazon, shares how his experience helping large enterprises migrate to AWS revealed a critical gap in the market. While cloud adoption has accelerated, backup strategies remain rooted in on-premises paradigms that simply don't translate to dynamic cloud environments where resources are constantly being created, modified, and deleted.

The most compelling insight is how backup represents 20-30% of total cloud spend, yet organizations struggle with a paradoxical problem: they're simultaneously backing up too much unnecessary data while failing to protect their most critical information for appropriate timeframes. Eon's solution introduces automated resource classification that allows companies to apply business-level policies across their entire cloud footprint without manual intervention.

What truly sets Eon apart is its approach to multi-cloud environments. Unlike traditional solutions that create vendor lock-in through proprietary snapshots, Eon extracts data and stores it in its own cloud storage, enabling unprecedented flexibility. You can backup from AWS, store in Azure, and restore to GCP – something previously impossible with conventional tools. This architecture also powers Eon's comprehensive ransomware protection specifically designed for cloud-native resources like managed databases and data warehouses.

Perhaps most revolutionary is how Eon transforms backups from pure insurance into strategic business assets. By automatically making backup data available as accessible data lakes, organizations can run analytics or train AI models directly on their backup data without complex ETL processes or duplicating infrastructure. This self-funding approach means companies get both superior data protection and a powerful data platform for the same or lower cost than their current backup solution.

Ready to rethink your approach to cloud data protection? Explore how Eon can help your organization simultaneously reduce costs, improve security, and unlock new value from your backup data.

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Doug from CEO Sales Strategies takes us on a remarkable journey through the evolution of sales leadership, beginning with his first entrepreneurial venture at just six years old in his father's industrial machinery business. That early lesson—realizing he could earn $10 in eight minutes selling a part versus working 40 hours for the same amount—sparked a lifelong passion for sales efficiency that led him to build 36 businesses throughout his career.

The conversation dives deep into why a sales-driven mindset must originate at the C-suite level to effectively permeate an organization. Today's flattened competitive landscape means every department—from operations to customer service—needs to approach their role with revenue generation in mind. "If it's not at the C-suite level, it's not likely to trickle down through the other parts of the organization," Doug emphasizes, sharing how one company reversed a dangerous revenue decline by implementing rigorous training and accountability structures.

Perhaps most compelling is Doug's systematic approach to building elite sales teams. Rather than chasing unicorn performers, he advocates clearly defining success criteria and focusing on elevating your bottom performers. This strategy often reveals hidden stars—illustrated dramatically by one salesperson who went from earning $140,000 to $2.1 million in commissions within a single year through proper training and accountability. "These elite performers will continue to compete," Doug notes, explaining how raising the floor creates healthy competition that lifts the entire organization.

The discussion explores eight critical metrics every sales leader should track, from initial attempts through repeat business, providing a comprehensive framework for measuring and optimizing sales performance. Doug also addresses the essential role of technology in modern sales, warning that companies not embracing automation and AI tools risk being outpaced by more innovative competitors. Finally, he shares insights on cultivating strong sales cultures through consistent training and accountability, lamenting the decline of comprehensive sales training programs as "lazy application of principles."

Want to transform your organization's sales performance? Subscribe now and check out Doug's upcoming masterclasses on predictable revenue generation and effective follow-up systems—two critical areas where most companies leave substantial money on the table.

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The gap between AI research and deployable software has long been a bottleneck for innovation. Peter Morales, CEO of CodeMetal, is bridging this divide with an approach that's fundamentally different from the AI coding assistants flooding the market.

Drawing from his physics background and experience developing AI systems for the F-35 fighter jet and drone defense systems protecting Washington DC, Peter recognized a pattern: whether in defense, academia, or Big Tech, translating high-level algorithms into hardware-optimized code was universally painful and slow. While companies like Microsoft were building AI "copilots" to help developers write code faster, Peter saw an opportunity for full "autopilots" that could handle entire development workflows with built-in verification.

What sets CodeMetal apart is their focus on trust and traceability. Rather than simply generating code that might work, their system creates comprehensive test suites and validation artifacts that prove the code meets specifications. This approach is particularly valuable for industries with stringent compliance requirements, where organizations are understandably hesitant about deploying AI-generated code in production. By starting with trusted reference implementations and providing guarantees about the generated code, CodeMetal has helped partners reduce development cycles by approximately 50%.

The challenge now isn't just technical but cultural. As Peter explains, "The shift in moving to AI tooling is actually more of a cultural shift than technology." Organizations built around traditional development processes must reinvent their workflows to fully benefit from these capabilities. For entrepreneurs entering the AI space, Peter's advice is clear: double down on your unique strengths rather than trying to compete with generalized AI systems. The companies that will thrive are those that solve specific pain points in ways that general-purpose AI cannot.

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The cybersecurity landscape is evolving at breakneck speed, and few understand this better than Bob Carver, a 25-year veteran who built Verizon Wireless's security incident response team from the ground up. Our conversation at RSA Conference cuts through the hype to examine what's really happening on the digital battlefield.

Artificial intelligence stands at the forefront of cybersecurity discussions, functioning as what Bob calls "a double-edged sword." While security teams can leverage AI to generate remarkably accurate intrusion detection rules, cybercriminals are simultaneously using these technologies to craft increasingly sophisticated attacks. The democratization of hacking tools has reached alarming levels, with "ransomware-as-a-service" offerings starting at just $200 in Bitcoin—making it easier to launch a criminal enterprise than to open a legitimate business. Beyond ransomware, we explore how attackers have adapted their strategies, now often exfiltrating data before encryption to create additional leverage for payment.

The conversation takes a deeper dive into zero trust architecture implementation challenges, particularly when solutions span multiple vendors. Bob provides practical guidance on micro-segmentation through hardened appliances that offer granular access controls ordinary user privileges cannot override. We also tackle the quantum computing threat timeline—possibly just 2-10 years away—and why post-quantum encryption solutions should be implemented immediately, especially for sensitive healthcare data.

Whether you're a seasoned security professional or trying to understand the evolving threat landscape, this discussion offers valuable insights into where we are and where we're headed. Subscribe to stay informed about the cybersecurity trends shaping our digital future and join the conversation about protecting what matters most in an increasingly connected world.

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At the cutting edge of urban innovation sits Curiosity Lab, a groundbreaking "living laboratory" in Peachtree Corners, Georgia, just outside Atlanta. Brandon Branham, who serves as both Assistant City Manager/CTO for the city and Executive Director/CTO for Curiosity Lab, is pioneering a new model for how municipalities can accelerate technological advancement.

Unlike traditional testing facilities, Curiosity Lab offers something revolutionary: free access to actual city infrastructure – roads, sidewalks, traffic signals, and fiber networks – where companies can test and validate emerging technologies in authentic environments with real human interactions. Since opening in 2019, this nonprofit has attracted 175 companies ranging from startups to global corporations, all seeking to perfect their innovations in a genuine urban setting.

The diversity of projects is remarkable. Underground hyper-logistics delivery systems run beneath the streets. AI-powered streetlights gather usage data on playground equipment. Autonomous vehicles operate without drivers. Smart pedestrian crosswalks automatically detect people in crosswalks without requiring button activation and even provide audio warnings when unsafe vehicles approach. Each innovation addresses real-world challenges facing cities worldwide.

What truly distinguishes Curiosity Lab is its community integration. Rather than isolating experimental technologies, the lab embraces public engagement through school visits, demonstrations at community events, and transparent communication. This approach not only demystifies emerging technologies but also cultivates public trust and acceptance. When people experience an autonomous vehicle firsthand, initial skepticism often transforms into appreciation for its safety advantages.

Looking ahead, Curiosity Lab continues expanding with new facilities focused on public safety technology, AI in manufacturing, and sustainable transportation solutions. Through partnerships with Georgia Tech and other institutions, they're creating bridges between academic research and practical application, ensuring innovations benefit from both theoretical insight and real-world testing.

Want to test your technology in a living laboratory? Reach out through their website – they can typically get companies deployed within just nine days, an unprecedented timeline for public infrastructure access. Discover how Curiosity Lab is shaping the cities of tomorrow by embracing innovation today.

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Cloud communications has evolved far beyond buzzwords and technical features—today it's about delivering real business outcomes. In this engaging conversation with Bruno, CMO of 8x8, we explore how one of the original players in the communications technology space continues to adapt and innovate in a highly competitive market.

Bruno shares a refreshingly straightforward approach to making complex technology accessible: focus on the business benefits rather than technical specifications. As he puts it, "There's so much fatigue in the industry on the features, the bytes, and everything that we're pushing." Instead, 8x8 emphasizes how their unified communications, contact center, and API solutions work together to improve customer experiences and drive growth.

The discussion takes us through the evolution of workplace communications in the post-pandemic era. While 8x8 embraces hybrid work, Bruno offers thoughtful perspectives on when face-to-face interaction adds unique value: "When you run creative sessions, or deep data sessions, or when you're in a C-level strategy meeting... the energy in the room is really important." This nuanced view reflects 8x8's understanding that technology should enable flexibility rather than dictate a single approach.

We also dive into 8x8's practical approach to AI implementation. Rather than chasing trendy applications, they focus on using AI to analyze communication patterns across channels, identify operational bottlenecks, and deliver actionable business intelligence. Bruno emphasizes the importance of building trust through simplicity and accountability, noting that in an industry where technology decisions have long-term implications, customers need partners they can trust for the long haul.

Want to connect with 8x8 and learn more about their approach to business communications? Visit 8x8.com and check their events tab for upcoming opportunities to engage with their team across the US, UK, Europe, and Asia.

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The communication technology landscape is evolving at breakneck speed, and Mitel is at the forefront with a clear strategy focused on "innovation with purpose." In this enlightening conversation, Mitel's Chief Technology Officer Luiz Domingos reveals how his 30+ years of industry experience shapes the company's approach to modernizing communications.

Domingos articulates Mitel's four strategic pillars—experiences, hybrid deployments, vertical applications, and AI—that guide their product development and innovation efforts. What truly sets their strategy apart is a deliberate focus on frontline workers, a massive yet traditionally underserved segment that most UC vendors have overlooked while focusing on knowledge workers. Their recently launched Workflow Studio platform exemplifies this approach, offering low-code/no-code capabilities to create specialized communications workflows for industries like healthcare, hospitality, and finance.

Strategic partnerships play a crucial role in Mitel's vision. Their collaboration with Zoom delivers what Domingos describes as "the most seamless integration" between Zoom's collaboration capabilities and Mitel's voice platforms. Similarly, their Genesys partnership complements their new Mitel CX contact center offering. But perhaps most fascinating is their three-pronged AI strategy: Edge AI solutions for highly regulated environments, voice-driven AI assistants leveraging Mitel's deep voice expertise, and AI-model agnostic workflows that provide flexibility and future-proofing. Their work on AI voice authentication that can detect deepfakes points to a future where security and convenience coexist perfectly.

Ready to see how Mitel's innovations could transform your communications infrastructure? Explore their solutions designed specifically for your industry's unique challenges and discover how their strategic approach to AI and hybrid deployments can protect your investments while preparing you for what's next.

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What powers the smartphone in your pocket or the electric vehicle in your garage? In this eye-opening conversation with Ernest Scheyder, author of "The War Below: Lithium, Copper, and the Global Battle to Power Our Lives," we dive deep into the hidden world of critical minerals that make our modern technological existence possible.

Scheyder, who spent decades covering the energy industry before turning his focus to critical minerals, reveals how control of these resources is reshaping global politics in ways many don't yet recognize. China has strategically positioned itself as the dominant processor of most critical metals while American expertise in this area has steadily declined. This imbalance creates not just economic vulnerabilities but geopolitical risks that echo the oil conflicts of the previous century.

The scale of modern mining operations is almost incomprehensible. The Marenzi Mine in Arizona—North America's largest—features multiple pits visible from space and waste rock piles larger than the Egyptian pyramids. Yet these massive operations represent just the extraction phase. The complex processing required to transform raw materials into usable components for batteries and electronics demands enormous additional investment. Unlike the relatively standardized oil industry, each critical mineral follows a unique journey from ground to gadget.

At its core, this story revolves around communities and choices. We face fundamental questions about what we value more: technological advancement or cultural heritage, economic development or environmental preservation. The 1872 mining law still governing extraction on U.S. federal lands was signed before electric lights existed, highlighting how unprepared our policies are for the tech-driven future we're racing toward. As Scheyder provocatively states, "If you want AI, you have to have mining."

Ready to understand what's really powering your digital life? Listen now and join the conversation about the resources that will define the 21st century economy and the global competition to control them.

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The dream of an autonomous enterprise has been theoretical for decades, but Digitate is making it a tangible reality. Rajiv Nayan Vice President and General Manager reveals how their Ignio platform is transforming how global organizations operate by eliminating the 80-90% of repetitive tasks that consume valuable human potential.

What makes Digitate's approach revolutionary is their unified layer of intelligence that shifts enterprise operations from reactive to proactive. The Ignio platform combines three powerful capabilities: unified observability that understands horizontal data flows across systems, AI-driven insights that predict problems weeks before they occur, and closed-loop automation that resolves issues without human intervention. With 107 patents supporting these innovations, Digitate has created a solution that fundamentally reimagines how enterprise systems function.

The results speak for themselves. Companies like Tapestry (parent of Coach) have recovered millions in previously blocked orders, while other customers report 50% reductions in incidents requiring human attention. Measuring success across revenue assurance, IT toil reduction, tool consolidation, and accelerated SRE adoption, Digitate demonstrates ROI within nine months for most customers. Their partnerships with global players like TCS, Azure, AWS, and Rocket Software extend their reach across industries.

Looking toward the future, Digitate envisions the "ticketless enterprise" – an operational environment where problems are prevented or resolved automatically before they generate support tickets. This represents a fundamental shift in how IT operations are measured and managed. With AI adoption accelerating faster than previously projected, Digitate is positioned at the forefront of a transformation that's happening years ahead of schedule.

Ready to free your team from repetitive tasks and build an autonomous enterprise? Discover how Ignio can transform your operations and redirect your workforce toward innovation rather than maintenance.

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At the convergence of breakthrough technologies, visionary thinking, and human ingenuity lies healthcare's most promising future. Dr. Daniel Kraft's NextMed Health stands as a beacon for those looking to navigate this dynamic landscape, offering a unique gathering unlike conventional healthcare conferences.

"We're at an inflection point with health and medicine," shares Dr. Kraft, painting a vivid picture of healthcare transformation powered by generative AI, robotics, and multi-omics. Rather than focusing solely on technology, NextMed Health emphasizes the human connections and cross-disciplinary collaborations necessary to make healthcare more accessible, equitable, and personalized for all.

The intimate setting at the historic Hotel Del Coronado creates the perfect environment for meaningful exchange. While massive healthcare conventions scatter attendees across sprawling venues, NextMed Health deliberately fosters close connections between pediatricians and technologists, AI specialists and clinicians, entrepreneurs and healthcare systems. This approach has yielded remarkable results - Moderna presented their groundbreaking mRNA technology at the conference in 2015, years before becoming a household name during the pandemic. Virtual reality platforms that once seemed futuristic now train surgeons worldwide.

What truly distinguishes NextMed Health is its forward-looking perspective. "You can't build for 2025," Dr. Kraft emphasizes, "You need to build for 2030 and 2035." The conference opens with "Exponentials 101," bringing everyone up to speed on developments across healthcare's technological frontier, from AI to genomics. Afternoon deep-dive workshops tackle specific applications - hospital-to-home care, AI-enabled mental health solutions, next-generation tools for global health - where participants actively collaborate rather than passively consume information.

Join trailblazers like Ray Kurzweil, Eric Topol, and Dean Kamen at NextMed Health this March 13-16. Register now at nextmedhealth.com and become part of healthcare's most dynamic community shaping our collective future.

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