The Killing IT Podcast

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Welcome to episode 215 of the Killing IT Podcast! In this lively installment, hosts Karl Palachuk, Dave Sobel, and Ryan Morris kick off the new year by comparing winter experiences across the country—from sunny California to snow-blocked Virginia and the mild slopes of Utah.

The conversation quickly shifts gears to tackle some of the biggest challenges—and opportunities—facing IT businesses today. The trio dives deep into the global arms race for electricity, highlighting China's explosive growth in energy capacity and exploring what it means for data centers, AI, quantum computing, and the MSP landscape. They emphasize that reliable power isn’t just a utility, but the lifeblood of all technological progress.

The hosts then dissect major investments in AI within the IT services industry, focusing on the partnership between Thrive Holdings, Shield Technology Partners, and OpenAI. Will the influx of capital and the hands-on involvement of OpenAI engineers reshape managed services—or disrupt the competitive landscape for smaller providers?

Finally, the conversation turns to the hot topic of AI-driven software development and its impact on the traditional software industry. Is it hype, a genuine threat, or a new era of innovation? Dave, Ryan, and Karl share strong opinions on whether AI will augment or replace human developers, and what that means for both market leaders and scrappy startups.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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Topic 1: Is there a valid reason for Bitcoin to exist?

You can now use Venmo (a subsidiary of PayPal) to pay for your tacos at Taco Bell. This is just the latest addition (see Apple Pay and Google Pay). Cash App is available indirectly as a card through Apple Pay and Google Pay.

E-payments are expanding all the time. We can move money to relatives via apps from banks and services like Venmo.

So what role does Bitcoin play other than hiding assets and transactions from the government?

https://www.tacobell.com/offers-and-deals?utm_source=venmo

Topic 2: Will Cyber Security have to Be a Private Function?

CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) became “effective” November 10th. At this point, it’s unclear whether there’s any funding for compliance with the regulations.

At the same time, CISA staff and funding have been slashed and it’s not yet clear what funding will look like going forward.

Is security, monitoring of foreign actors, and distribution of cyber security-related information and alerts now simply left to the private sector by default? While some vendors will see money in pieces of this puzzle, is there a financial incentive to create a comprehensive cyber security infrastructure that’s not funded by the government?

Topic 3: Innovation Outpaces Adoption … Creating a Roadblock for Growth

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/speed-innovation-outpacing-adoptionwho-you-gonna-call-geoffrey-moore-4kyef/

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/disruptive-innovationthe-game-changing-geoffrey-moore-cjhyc/

The speed of technology innovation has accelerated. The speed of technology adoption has not. This creates a backlog of trapped value for customers and a growth obstacle for vendors. How can we solve this? It’s all about partners getting involved to deliver implementation / adoption services for emerging / disruptive technologies. Not “selling stuff” … but enabling customers to adopt stuff and get real value from it.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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The episode delves into the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) and its implications for businesses, particularly in the IT sector. The hosts discuss the current state of AI, emphasizing the need for IT professionals to understand and implement AI solutions effectively. They highlight the importance of training staff on AI technologies and suggest that businesses should focus on automation rather than merely labeling their services as AI-driven. The conversation underscores the necessity of engaging with clients to identify their specific needs and how AI can be leveraged to address those challenges.

The hosts also touch on the recent developments in the Global Technology Industry Association (GTIA) and its efforts to redefine its mission and community engagement. They reflect on their experiences at the GTIA's ChannelCon event, noting a positive atmosphere and a renewed focus on connecting IT professionals across various sectors. Despite the enthusiasm, they express concerns about the relatively low membership numbers and the need for the organization to demonstrate its value to attract a broader audience.

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the geopolitical implications of AI technology, particularly regarding the sale of AI chips by companies like Nvidia and AMD to China. The hosts explore the complexities of international trade and security, questioning the motivations behind China's demand for assurances against backdoors in these chips. They highlight the irony of China, a country with its own history of security breaches, insisting on such guarantees, and discuss the broader implications for global technology collaboration.

Finally, the episode emphasizes the critical need for security to be integrated into technology from the ground up. The hosts argue that manufacturers should not be allowed to sell products that lack inherent security features. They advocate for a shift in the industry mindset, where security is a fundamental aspect of product design rather than an afterthought. This conversation leads to a broader reflection on the responsibility of IT professionals to educate clients about security and the importance of proactive measures in an increasingly interconnected world.

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Welcome to Episode 212

At 212 degrees fahrenheit, water becomes steam. At 211 it’s hot. At 212 you can move a locomotive or make electricity. We are happy to bring you episode 212 of the Killing IT Podcast!

Please share this podcast on Apple, iHeart, or wherever you listen.

Sponsored by… The Small Biz Thoughts Technology Community. The best deal in online communities for IT business owners is the Small Biz Thoughts Technology Community. Memberships start at just $799 per year, and that includes a five-week course at IT Service Provider University. Grab all the details at https://www.smallbizthoughts.org.

Topics:

Topic 1: CISA update

If the US government is not going to be helping small businesses with security alerts, who will step in to provide this service? Is there anything we can do to get CISA to help, or will this be another function we simply defer to Europe to provide the leadership?

Doing nothing is not an option? What are you doing to stay tuned to security alerts for your clients?

Topic 2: Taxes for IT consultants. Maryland and Washington announce new taxes. Who's next?

Not to say we told you so, but …

Whether we like it or not, taxes are coming to online services and tech support. Maryland's tax appeared very quickly, and then narrowed down to only SMALL IT consultants.

Dave mentioned this in his Business of Tech podcast, and the National Society of IT Service Providers addressed this on their blog at https://nsitsp.org/those-who-do-not-organize-get-taxed-lessons-from-marylands-3-tech-tax/.

Now is a great time to decide where we as an industry stand on this.

Topic 3: Under what circumstances should we rely on generative AI?

There's a growing disillusionment with generative AI. There continue to be problems with hallucinations and outright falsehoods. And there are continuing examples of just plain laziness - without any meaningful accountability.

We discuss a really great, Boolean decision tree. See the graphic at https://guides.lib.usf.edu/c.php?g=1315087&p=9678779. That graphic also provides a very short, very straight-forward description of the answer.

Does it matter if the output is true, accurate, or helpful? Do you have the knowledge and ability to determine whether the output is accurate?

Feedback always welcome!

:-)

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Topic 1: CISA Under the Microscope

CISA was called out in the Project 2025 document as a left-wing organization inside the government due to their warning about election interference. It is now subject to cuts and scrutiny. In the mass firings at DHS on February 14th, 130 employees at CISA were fired as they were “probationary” employees.

Many MSPs and MSSPs subscribe to CISA.gov alerts. It is unclear how this will be affected. Wherever you stand on politics or related topics, small business needs a good source of security alerts we can rely on.

What's your take?

Topic 2 (AI, of course): Was DeepSeek revolutionary or just the next obvious step in the evolution of AI?

From Geekwire: Satya Nadella's response was, "Jevons paradox strikes again! . . . As AI gets more efficient and accessible, we will see its use skyrocket, turning it into a commodity we just can’t get enough of."

What do you think. Just another step in the evolution of AI? Or is there news here?

See: - https://www.geekwire.com/2025/microsoft-ceo-says-ai-use-will-skyrocket-with-more-efficiency-amid-craze-over-deepseek/

Wikipedia on Jevon’s Paradox: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jevons_paradox
ChatGPT now has 300 million users (https://backlinko.com/chatgpt-stats) - Google Search has 1 billion regular users, and now includes Gemini results at the top of every search - Microsoft CoPilot has about 30 million users (https://www.businessofapps.com/data/microsoft-copilot-statistics/) - Adobe Creative Cloud has about 30 million users and includes AI in all products (https://photutorial.com/adobe-statistics/)

Topic 3: Will Microsoft compete with you - or your SOC?

Now available: Microsoft Defender Experts for XDR

Says Microsoft: "Our expertise is now your expertise. Augment your teams across security, compliance, identity, management, and privacy with Microsoft Security Experts."

See https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/business/services

Is this service worth considering, or should Microsoft put those resources into fixing security problems in their deployed software? The pages makes it sound like this will have a major human-led component, but that's exactly what they are NOT doing.

Will you jump on board or wait to see if this is real first? And will this help Microsoft cut payroll, or just require more hiring?

We welcome your feedback!

:-)

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The Q4 2024 Killing IT Podcast features what may be our last discussion of robots for a long time!

Topic One - Where Are My Robots???

We’ve been talking about this for five years - So where are the robots? We have a massive personnel shortage on many fronts. AI is creating jobs faster and faster. So why haven’t robots evolved to serve us? We’re on the verge. What’s the holdup?

If nothing else, we're tired of talking about it.

Topic Two - The Changing Economy of Our Industry

In just the last five years, a layer of billion-dollar and near-billion-dollar companies are major players in our industry. This is literally a new layer of business and ownership. They are almost entirely focused on the top 3-5% of businesses in our space.

In the meantime, 95% of SMB IT consists of and serves 1-4 person companies. The continued growth at the top seems unsustainable. So . . . where is all this going?

Topic Three - A Practical Approach to AI

There's some (seemingly) conflicting research with AI adoption. Forrester highlighted the benefits of Copilot adoption for SMB. Lots of benefits, increased revenue, lower employee attrition, and more. At the same time, The Information reports that customers give Copilot mixsed reviews. Large corporations are increasing their usage, but tend not to use the paid version.

Is this a conflict? How do we make sense? Obviously, we have three opinions.

That's it for Q4 and for 2024. We'll be backin Q1 2025!

:-)

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We're back for Q3 2024. Quick question of the day ... then onto the topics of the day.

Topic 1: MIT Releases the AI Risk Repository

Thanks to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology for a major resource. It's definitely more for you than your clients. But we see great opportunity here.

The public database contains 700+ risks as documented by published papers. It includes many categories, based on severity and other variables.

Check it out here: https://airisk.mit.edu/

You can poke around online and gets some good information. Or download the entire database in Excel format. You can then sort, color code, or do whatever you want with the data.

And that includes providing educationi and training for your clients

Topic 2: Shocker - Google Has a Monopoly on Search!

Okay, not really a shocker. But does it matter that a judege says so?

Does anyone care (other than other search engines)? Would breaking up Google change anything? What is most likely to actually happen (e.g., Microsoft-like consent decree)? The 1984 AT&T breakup into seven baby Bells may help us see 40 years into the future

As usual, we discuss.

Related Link: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/13/technology/google-monopoly-antitrust-justice-department.html

Topic 3: NIST Releases Cryptography for Quantum Computing

See https://www.axios.com/2024/08/13/nist-post-quantum-cryptography-encryption.

Quantum computing has been ten years away . . . for more than forty years. Besides the “no harm to update,” how much attention do we really need to give to quantum computing?

We have three different perspective on how much this "news" matters. As usual. What do you think?

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Topic 1: Massive Botnet Network Taken Down

Police coordinated by the European Union's justice and police agencies have taken down computer networks responsible for spreading ransomware via infected emails, in what they called the biggest-ever international operation against the lucrative form of cybercrime.

The European Union's judicial cooperation agency, Eurojust, said that police arrested four “high value” suspects, took down more than 100 servers and seized control of over 2,000 internet domains.

Related Link: https://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory/massive-international-police-operation-takes-ransomware-networks-arrests-110667670

Topic 2: AI Update, because We Have To

Are strategies emerging?

Amazon is a brokerage for models Microsoft is doing CoPilot OpenAI is everywhere Apple just announced Apple Intelligence Cisco announces a pile of stuff

Is there a “killer app” coming soon?

Topic 3: How is the M&A Frenzy affecting SMB IT?

Google “m&a in it consulting” and you’ll find articles, events, advice, and a whole lot people scrambling for the almighty dollar.

Are the KPIs used in business acquisition really the KPIs you should be using to run a solid, long-term business?

The most common way that small businesses “end” are 1) Walk away, and 2) Sell the client list. None of those people are getting 3x profit or even 3x EBITDA. Should they change their business or just keep doing what they’re doing?

Sponsor Memo: IT Service Provider University

This episode is Sponsored by Karl’s next big class at IT Service Provider University.

The five-week course, Core Standard Operating Procedures for Small IT Service Providers, starts July 2nd and costs only $399. This class walks through the most important processes and procedures you need to run a successful, profitable IT company. And best of all, you get massive handouts as a "first draft" for your own SOP library.

More information at https://www.itspu.com/all-classes/classes/core-operating-procedures/

:-)

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Check out the bonus Killing IT content on MSP Radio's Business of Tech podcast! Today's a great day to subscribe to that: https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe/

Topic 1: The Current State of Mergers, Acquisition, and MSP Consolidation

Mergers and Acquisitions are alive and well in the MSP channel. Jay McBain from Canalys predicts a growth of M&A of 50% in 2024. In addition to MSPs themselves, he says that we’ll see some major vendors acquired as well.

The promise of these larger organizations is always that they’ll bring efficiency and profit. So far, that hasn’t happened. But that’s the promise.

Karl thinks this is a GREAT marketing opportunity for MSPs.

Related Links: https://greenwichgp.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/MA-Demand-for-Managed-Service-Providers-in-2024.pdf

https://www.channelfutures.com/mergers-acquisitions/msp-m-a-staying-hot-what-to-expect

Topic 2: The Practical Application for AI in Small Business

Are we there yet?

While AI is the most popular topic in technology, the question remains: what can we use AI for that will produce actual business value? Some industries have made great progress with AI, including manufacturing and medicine. According to a recent study, more than 93% of manufacturers (from start-ups to global giants) are already using AI in some form.

What are the implications and opportunities for MSPs and solution providers to sell their services to manufacturing clients? And what lessons can we learn to accelerate the adoption of AI in other industries?

Related Link: https://research.aimultiple.com/manufacturing-ai/

Topic 3: How to best use predictions and analysis from guys like us.

Summary of the Larry Walsh article linked below: “IT spending growth projections should be taken with caution as they are directional and subject to change. While major analyst firms forecast healthy growth, the market is not uniformly strong, with several countries experiencing recession. Partner confidence is also dampened due to negative macroeconomic trends. Despite fluctuations in forecasts, investors, vendors, and partners rely on them for strategic planning. Channelnomics predicts conditions in the first half of 2024 to resemble 2023, with substantial improvement in the second half. Robust growth in IT spending is expected in 2025 and potentially 2026, driven by investments in artificial intelligence, data management services, and infrastructure refreshes.”

Article by Larry Walsh, Channelnomics: https://channelnomics.com/taking-it-spending-forecasts-with-grain-of-salt/

See also: "With a projected 6.8% surge in global IT investment in 2024, organizations are positioned at the brink of transformative growth. According to Gartner, worldwide IT spending it expected to total $5 trillion in 2024. This represents a 6.8 percent increase over 2023. And while this is an increase, it’s down from the previous forecast of 8 percent." https://www.teamdynamix.com/strategic-it-spending-in-2024-navigating-growth-and-innovation/

:-)

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Topic 1: Chat GPT 1 year later.

AI Article Summary: Elon Musk creates his own AI company called X.AI, while Satya Nadella of Microsoft invests in OpenAI and accelerates plans to incorporate AI into Microsoft's products. OpenAI releases ChatGPT as a "low key research preview," which becomes a hit. Meta, led by Mark Zuckerberg, faces challenges with its own chatbot and struggles with the decision to go open-source. Microsoft introduces its own chatbot in Bing, surpassing Google's efforts. Geoffrey Hinton, a prominent AI scientist at Google, decides to quit and reflects on the rapid advancements in AI technology.

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/05/technology/ai-chatgpt-google-meta.html

Topic 2: Robots Multiplying by Thousands!

AI Article Summary: Agility Robotics plans to open a factory in Oregon to mass-produce humanoid robots, starting with their bot named Digit. The factory aims to produce 10,000 robots per year and will assist companies like Amazon with tasks such as hauling and lifting. The production of bipedal robots that are nimbler and more versatile than existing industrial counterparts presents engineering challenges, but Agility Robotics aims to make general-purpose humanoids available as soon as possible.

Other competitors in this space include Tesla, Boston Dynamics, Sanctuary AI, Figure, and Apptronik. Amazon has invested in Agility Robotics and is testing Digit in a laboratory. The concern about robots taking jobs from humans has prompted Amazon to partner with MIT to study automation's impact on work. While there is momentum behind humanoid robots, there is still more testing to be done. In a separate article, it is highlighted that America's military needs to embrace artificial intelligence and robotics to maintain its competitive advantage in future wars, but congressional and bureaucratic restraints hinder rapid mobilization and investment in these technologies.

https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-whats-next-d504c6f4-c6d1-4979-ae67-72f5bfaff090.html

Topic 3: Will Private Equity Destroy Our Industry?

Karl speculates that private funding and private equity will be looking for serious payouts starting in 2024. With a 4-6 year window, the clock is ticking. Some companies will have an identity crisis in the years ahead, and that will become visible in 2024.

Higher interest rates will force companies to decide, “Do we want to run this company like an adult, or take our money and leave?” Those who stay will either get loans - at higher rates than we’ve seen in twelve years - or take companies private so they don’t rely on outside financing.

Investors who were promised a straight 40-50% return per year were disappointed in 2023 and that disappointment will grow in 2024. These people care nothing for the businesses they buy or the end clients of those businesses.

Our industry cannot escape the effects of this unknown element of chaos.

Sponsor Memo: IT Service Provider University

This episode is Sponsored by Dave’s January class at ITSPU.com.

Dave is teaching a brand new class in January: navigating emerging technologies for MSPs. This is a five week class, which will walk through the methodology Dave uses for analyzing technologies and how you can apply that in your business to find trends and be effective in your service provider business. More info at

https://www.itspu.com/all-classes/classes/navigating-emerging-technologies-for-msps/

:-)

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We're Baaaaaack!

The Killing IT team returns . . . with a fun and educational Q4 show.

Topic 1: Overworking

Have you heard the term Over Employment or Overworking? These are folks who manage to hold down two or three full time jobs using apps and BS. Are these just eager, hardworking "gig" folks, or are they thieves who are simply more interested in making money than earning an honest living?

A few links: https://www.vice.com/en/article/v7begx/overemployed-hustlers-exploit-chatgpt-to-take-on-even-more-full-time-jobs https://www.wired.com/story/remote-tech-workers-secret-multiple-jobs/ https://www.fisherphillips.com/en/news-insights/fp-weekly-checklist-avoiding-the-new-breed-of-workplace-scams-in-the-remote-work-era.html

They even have their own web site. https://overemployed.com/

Topic 2: Catch up on Artificial Intelligence

Wow! What a year.

Are we in the middle of a singularity? ow much is this like the early Internet (late 1990’s)? It seems like 2023 will be remembered as the year of AI.

We look at the good and the great - and what's next.

What do you think?

Topic 3: Metaverse – Dave offers a theory

What will augmented reality bring? It looks like the future is becoming a little more visible. New products, from Apple's Vision Pro to Meta’s Ray-Ban glasses, are bringing new opportunities and will only get better with a little AI!

We discuss.

Please like and share - and send us your feedback!

:-)

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Topic 1: How much will AI change our business in the next twelve months?

ChatGPT now has over 100 million users. Government wants to regulate it. We’re past the hockey stick moment.

https://techcrunch.com/2023/05/14/u-s-tech-policy-must-keep-pace-with-ai-innovation/

Topic 2: Oh Dear God - Minority Report crack for Ryan:

Movie clip reconstructed by an AI reading mice's brains as they watch

Researchers have put together a 30-second movie clip based on a group of mice's brain activity data that was recorded while they watched the footage

https://www.newscientist.com/article/2371943-movie-clip-reconstructed-by-an-ai-reading-mices-brains-as-they-watch/

Topic 3: How dead is the metaverse?

KP: Not every “cool” technology has a big future. It will find its niche.

https://www.businessinsider.com/metaverse-dead-obituary-facebook-mark-zuckerberg-tech-fad-ai-chatgpt-2023-5

Resources and Links:

https://www.businessof.tech/

https://www.asigra.com/

https://smbonlineconference.com/

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Topic 1: The Arms Race is Here...AI is Definitely Moving Fast, but Will It Break Things?

ChatGPT is now integrated in Bing as “Prometheus.” That sounds ominous. But Bard is also coming. And now Ernie. And Claude. Soon there will be AI bots generating “conversations” and disrupting the search industry on all sides of the globe. Is that a good thing?

https://www.reuters.com/technology/chinas-baidu-finish-testing-chatgpt-style-project-ernie-bot-march-2023-02-07/

https://www.cnbc.com/2023/02/08/chinese-tech-giant-alibaba-working-on-a-chatgpt-rival-shares-jump.html

Sample alternative tools - https://bing.com

https://hyperwriteai.com/

https://easy-peasy.ai/

...And also, apparently writing software is about to become a less-lucrative career path.

https://www.semafor.com/article/01/27/2023/openai-has-hired-an-army-of-contractors-to-make-basic-coding-obsolete

Topic 2: Revisiting the Cabana...

Four years ago, we set out to change the way our industry discussed IT.

We covered the scary, the quirky, and the fun of IT--all in hopes we could help others (and ourselves) understand this wild world just a little more.

Thank you for helping us do that.

This is not goodbye. We WILL see you later.

Until then, we thank you for tuning in to the Killing IT Podcast.

Contact us:

Karl https://smallbizthoughts.com/

https://smbonlineconference.com/

Dave https://www.businessof.tech/

Ryan rmorris@morrismp.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanmorris303

Sponsor Memo: Linode

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Test Linode for yourself with $250 free cloud credit from https://linode.com/mspradio

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Topic 1: Score 1 for the Good Guys in the Cyber Wars

https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-login-0f2b3e6a-1272-4510-8fd2-c1aa9128b8db.html

In a significant development in the fight against ransomware, the FBI announces that they have shut down a notorious cyber gang after infiltrating their system months ago and secretly giving decryption keys to ransomware victims.

Topic 2: Ummmm … This is Some Seriously Scary Big Brother Stuff

https://www.vice.com/en/article/y3p7xj/scientists-are-getting-eerily-good-at-using-wifi-to-see-people-through-walls-in-detail

Scientists have announced that they are able to see people through walls using WiFi technology. And not just the “heat blob” from Hollywood movies … but detailed movements and positions. On a scientific note, this is cool. On a security / privacy note, this is super eerie.

Topic 3: No One Is Surprised: The First Victim in the AI Wars Will Be … Ethics

https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-login-77eb3638-5655-4156-b6dc-abb7129dde34.html?chunk=0&utm_term=emshare#story0

Sure, generative AI is fun. We have had our laughs and we’re starting to grind the gears to find legitimate uses for services like ChatGPT … and the possibilities are incredible. But never forget that this isn’t just about technology, it’s about business. And the incumbents aren’t going to just let the upstart take over the industry. And once the race for market domination begins, the commitment to ethics and fair treatment are likely to be the first casualties.

https://www.nist.gov/trustworthy-and-responsible-ai

Princeton computer science professor says don't panic over 'bullshit generator' ChatGPT

https://www.businessinsider.com/princeton-prof-chatgpt-bullshit-generator-impact-workers-not-ai-revolution-2023-1

"It is trying to be persuasive, and it has no way to know for sure whether the statements it makes are true or not," he said.

Also … this one is incredibly funny:

https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-login-77eb3638-5655-4156-b6dc-abb7129dde34.html

:-)

The Onion weighs in with the most accurate take on ChatGPT yet.

Sponsor Memo: OITVOIP

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With our newest Managed Compliance service, OITVOIP removes compliance headaches from the picture while you retain control of your client relationships.

Get started selling faster than ever! Visit HTTPS://oit.co/ mspradio to learn more today!

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Topic 1: Sorry: Let’s talk jobs.

December: Total new jobs UP 235,000. That is despite the fact the enterprise companies (500 employees+) reduced jobs by 151,000

https://adpemploymentreport.com/ ← Great summary stats

Spotify 600 (6% of workforce) Twitter 3,700 (50% of those who lasted this long) Salesforce 7,000 (10% of workforce) Microsoft 10,000 (5% of workforce) Tesla 10,000 (10% of workforce) Google 12,000 (6% of workforce) Amazon 18,000 (1% of workforce)

Oh, and . . .

Apple 0 (0% of workforce) - Minor adjustments at retail locations

See also the big Layoff-Tracker Service at TrueUp - https://www.trueup.io/layoffs

NOTE - TrueUp also lists about 180,000 tech job openings right now.

Topic 2: The FBI crime data is not good!

We have a crime data dilemma.

The recent mass shooting in Monterey Park, CA will NOT be included in the FBI's nationwide crime statistics.

It turns out, the county as well as 33% of other law enforcement agencies, have not be using the the justice department's crime reporting system.

Does this data disconnet present new opportunities?

https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-whats-next-add26afa-8dd9-45d6-9e98-19120c707fe6.html?chunk=0&utm_term=emshare#story0

Topic 3: First Personal Drone to be Produced by India

No, Wally, you don’t get a flying car. But you might get a personal drone. Currently going into production for the Indian Navy. But keep your eyes open for a civilian version.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/indias-first-passenger-drone-will-be-showcased-by-navys-tableau-on-republic-day/articleshow/97292778.cms

Maybe you do get a flying car:

https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2023/01/09/flying-cars-virginia-jetson

The maker of the Jetson One — a single-passenger aircraft whose manufacturer says it can take off and land from a driveway — says one of its first customers is in Charlottesville, with a delivery scheduled for later this year, per the company's website.

Sponsor Memo: NSITSP

Hey MSPs: People are talking about you - behind your back.

They're regulators and legislators. They're CISA and the states of Texas, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Louisiana. And more.

Every state now has at least one committee in their state legislature that focuses on cybersecurity. That means regulation is coming. You can count on it.

The National Society of IT Service Providers was created to give you a seat at the table when someone's talking about you. That includes regulator, legislators, and even the media.

Find out more and join today at https://www.nsitsp.org

We're working on your behalf to turn the industry into a profession.

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Topic 1: Small companies are “labor hoarding” while large companies are laying off.

https://www.utahbusiness.com/labor-hoarding-tech/

https://www.teambonding.com/labor-hoarding/

Keeping employees at any cost!

Topic 2: Understanding the Dynamics of the Tech Workforce in 2023

Data Point 1: Tech Layoffs are Happening … But Not Because Tech is Suddenly Less Valuable

https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-login-e28dd906-601f-480d-8c1a-656851613556.html?chunk=0&utm_term=emshare#story0

Data Point 2: Tech Jobs are Less Attractive to Young Professionals https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/01/09/tech-jobs-less-desireable-2023

Data Point 3: Shifting Preference for Generalists vs. Specialists … Plus a Mainstream Rise of “Business IT” Contributors

https://www.ciodive.com/news/technology-workforce-trends-2023/639543/

Amazon layoffs delivered by email. ← Low class or just modern times?

Topic 3: Cal Newport on the Digital Workplace: We got it wrong

Too much distraction. In fact, ALL distraction, all the time.

Primary thesis = We rarely get things right the first time. But we treat technology as if we do.

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/01/23/magazine/cal-newport-interview.html

See also https://www.calnewport.com/books/deep-work/

Sponsor Memo: Linode

The days of limiting yourself to the big players is coming to an end. Modernize your cloud offerings by partnering with Linode and Akamai.

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Topic 1: Algorithms Need Management Training, Too!

From Wired Magazine.

Human beings excel at avoiding responsibility for difficult decisions. Management and personnel decisions are often difficult. Therefore, they are great candidates for turning decision-making over to the bots.

What could possibly go wrong?

https://www.wired.com/story/platform-work-labor-economy-ai/

Topic 2: Microsoft drops $1 Billion on ChatGPT

I should have bought more Microsoft stock yesterday. :-)

Looking to the true “next level” of product development. Microsoft was an early investor in ChatGPT

https://www.businessinsider.com/microsoft-openai-investment-the-smartest-1-billion-ever-spent-2023-1

Topic 3: Apple to drop Broadcom chip and make their own.

Is this just the never-ending story of “control” of supply chain, or is there a strategy for secret development here? (Are there future technologies that are more easily developed in private, when you don’t have to share future features with an outside chip builder?)

https://www.reuters.com/technology/apple-drop-key-broadcom-chip-2025-in-house-design-bloomberg-news-2023-01-09/

Sponsor Memo: Acronis

Every client needs Cyber Protection. But that doesn’t mean service providers have to deploy a jumbled patchwork of solutions to get it done.

Modern protection starts with Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud.

Acronis combines backup, anti-malware, endpoint protection, management and robust ransomware defense all from a single console. That’s why successful MSPs use Acronis to generate more recurring revenue AND reduce churn.

It’s easy to get started at https://Acronis.com

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Topic 1: Generative AI is Fun … Until the “Other” Guys Start Doing It Too

https://techcrunch.com/2022/12/31/how-china-is-building-a-parallel-generative-ai-universe/

China is aggressively building their own versions of generative AI platforms (with some obvious / inevitable filters) that do essentially the same thing as ChatGPT and Stable Diffusion. The question is whether they will be able to out-race us to the auto-content future … and whether that is a problem.

Topic 2: LastPass - Lessons for the Channel

Should we be worried? What do we expect from vendors? What’s reasonable and realistic?

https://blog.lastpass.com/2022/12/notice-of-recent-security-incident/

Is this worth discussing as a larger topic of always-on monitoring and reporting?

Topic 3: Fast Forward Into the Future: Intelligent Elevators are Coming Soon

https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-whats-next-b35b53bd-5aa6-4a83-aae5-a44e904ffa78.html?chunk=0&utm_term=emshare#story0

Everyone who has ever been in an elevator knows what is good and what is bad about the experience. But changes in behavior and city culture brought on by the pandemic are accelerating the evolution of the elevator experience: facial recognition to automatically take you to your floor, provide personalized advertising / entertainment, and even provide solo rides for VIPs. The smart city concept will eventually affect everything … are we ready for elevators that know who we are?

See also: Faster: The Acceleration of Just About Everything Paperback – January 1, 2000 by James Gleick (Author)

https://www.amazon.com/Faster-Acceleration-Just-About-Everything/dp/067977548X

Sponsor Memo: PC Matic

PC Matic — Endpoint Security built on a zero trust/default deny foundation.

Finally - a light weight, simple to deploy & easy to manage approach to application allowlisting. The perfect compliment to your current security stack. No minimums and no annual contracts.

Find out more about by visiting https://PCMatic.com/MSP today.

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Topic 1: For Sale on eBay: A Military Database of Fingerprints and Iris Scans

Great topic for ITSPs - especially as clients get rid of equipment at the end of year. Old machines of all kinds might have sensitive data. Not this juicy, perhaps, but stories like this are great for you client-facing newsletters.

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/27/technology/for-sale-on-ebay-a-military-database-of-fingerprints-and-iris-scans.html

Topic 2: The age of the work-from-home whistleblower

Why are so many remote workers deciding to squeal on their companies?

https://www.businessinsider.com/remote-work-surge-employees-whistleblowing-complaints-companies-fraud-2022-12

Topic 3: Man Simulates Time Travel

So, what is our weekly update with AI? On the up-less existential-side, we have some fun: Time traveling with the aid of AI. No copyrgiht infringment here. Right?

https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2022/12/man-simulates-time-travel-thanks-to-stable-diffusion-image-synthesis/

Sponsor Memo: SBTTC

This podcast is sponsored by the Small Biz Thoughts Technology Community. Check us out at https://www.SmallBizThoughts.org

Forms, templates, and checklists are just the start. Our Community includes ALL of the best-selling books on managed services in all available formats, plus free training, members-only programs, and the best business training available to managed service providers anywhere.

Plus, we have weekly live members-only Zoom calls. The average member saves more than 200% of their membership cost each year. We are totally dedicated to YOUR success.

Just because you're in business for yourself doesn't mean you have to go it alone. Join us today at www.SmallBizThoughts.org.

:-)

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Topic 1: Meta scamming: Scammers Are Scamming Other Scammers Out of Millions of Dollars

https://www.wired.com/story/cybercrime-hackers-scams-forums/

On cybercrime forums, user complaints about being duped may accidentally expose their real identities.

Topic 2: Teens are Self-Liberating from Social Media

‘Luddite’ Teens Don’t Want Your Likes

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/15/style/teens-social-media.html

Topic 3: The Drones Are Coming (to 22 Select Locations Around the Country … Within Driving Distance of a Wal-Mart)

https://www.supplychaindive.com/news/walmart-droneup-drone-delivery-service-launches-arizona/638950/

Wal-mart announces legitimate progress on rolling out drone delivery to customers in key metropolitan areas. The forecast is to expand to 34 stores in 23 cities by year end to reach a capacity of 1M drone deliveries. And … Utah is on the list of the next markets to launch. Could a burrito delivery be in the near future?

Sponsor Memo: Cisco

I bet you think working with Cisco is hard. They’re big, and have so much going on, and you’re … smaller.

That’s why there’s Cisco Partner Journeys, an innovative new digital experience designed to accelerate your engagement with Cisco.

Each unique journey leads you to the best tools, services, programs and portfolio offerings to help you accelerate sales, build a practice and enhance profitability.

Whether you are new to Cisco or a long-time partner, Cisco has the right journey for you.

Interested? Visit https://ciscopartnerjourneys.com/ to find out more.

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Topic 1: The Bots are Coming for LinkedIn, Adding New Layers of Risk for Professionals and for Companies … but Especially for Recruiters

https://thehustle.co/12122023-LinkedIn-bots/

Bots are everywhere on social media, and some platforms are doing more to combat them than others. Now that the bots are proliferating on LinkedIn, it’s vital for everyone to think about the layers of threat and the corresponding hygiene on the career-centric platform.

Topic 2: How does AI write fiction (and online advertisements)? “Fluent BS”

https://www.wired.com/story/chatgpt-fluent-bs/

The term “Fluent Bullshit” was originally coined by The Verge:

https://www.theverge.com/2022/12/5/23493932/chatgpt-ai-generated-answers-temporarily-banned-stack-overflow-llms-dangers

Topic 3: Investors Call Time On FAANG Stocks – Big Tech Not Going to Lead the Next Round of Economic Growth

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-12-10/investors-call-time-on-faang-stock-dominance-after-nasdaq-s-rout

The iconic big tech stocks have not only dominated the conversation around the tech industry in the past decade, they have also represented the most reliable outsized sources of growth. But looking forward, industry analysts and stock market investors are indicating they do not believe these mature companies will be able to generate the dramatic growth results needed to maintain sky-high valuations. Who will fill the gap?

Sponor Memo: PCMatic

PC Matic — Endpoint Security built on a zero trust/default deny foundation.

Finally - a light weight, simple to deploy & easy to manage approach to application allowlisting.

The perfect compliment to your current security stack. No minimums and no annual contracts. Find out more about by visiting PCMatic.com/MSP today.

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Topic 1: Should the Police have killer robots?

San Francisco approves the use of robots capable of lethal force.

Is this move inevitable, or are the arguments in favor of this just rare exceptions to the rule?

https://www.kron4.com/news/bay-area/sf-police-killer-robots-would-have-explosives-not-guns-sfpd/

Topic 2: Data Volumes are Increasing at Such a Fast Pace, We Need New Words to Describe Just How Much There Is

https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2022-11-30/new-prefixes-for-huge-and-tiny-numbers-ronna-ronto-quetta-and-quecto.html

And to absolutely no one’s surprise, businesses are struggling to afford the cost of managing all that data

https://www.techradar.com/news/rising-data-management-costs-are-hitting-businesses-hard

Data is the essential component of literally every dimension of the technology industry, and we’re producing more of it every day at literally astronomical rates. So much so that we have run out of words to describe just how much there is. Science is solving that part for us. But science can’t help us figure out how to pay to store / manage all of that data. Observation #1: I sure hope you are selling data storage / management solutions. Observation #2: What are the ripple implications for IT management and the services MSPs provide?

Topic 3: Chatbots and Generative AI Image Systems are Getting Pretty Good … But is that a Good Thing?

https://mashable.com/article/chatgpt-amazing-wrong

https://www.axios.com/2022/09/12/ai-images-ethics-dall-e-2-stable-diffusion

AI systems for creating content are steadily improving in terms of technical / functional capability. But the layers of ethical questions continue to stack up. How do you know if the AI chatbot is telling the truth? Is AI art actually art? If the AI is trained on the work of other artists, who should get credit?

Sponsor Memo: Linode

Linode – a top Infrastructure as a Service provider has resources specifically for helping MSPs explore the alternative cloud.

Discover this growing market: one of the best-kept secrets in building a scalable, thriving, modern Managed Service Provider business.

Learn about the cloud provider landscape, improving KPIs, security, and more in Linode's free ebook, The MSP's Guide to Modern Cloud Infrastructure, available now.

This resource and more at https://linode.com/mspradio

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Topic 1: The FTX Contagion Has Affected VC / PE Firms that Invest In MSP Vendors

https://www.channele2e.com/news/ftx-cryptocurrency-bankruptcy-filing/

In all the noise that’s surrounding the collapse of FTX and the impact on other crypto companies, news is coming out that several major MSP investors have also suffered significant losses. Initial statements indicate that the losses were not enough to threaten the survival of the investment funds, but that there will be implications for how they make investment decisions in the future.

Topic 2: Is It Goodnight To Alexa (and other voice assistants)?

https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-login-a17bdd5b-e815-4499-bd18-08cbf2114c16.html?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslogin&stream=top

Despite billions invested and many high hopes for a new computer interface, the products in the voice assistant category have dramatically underperformed the plans of their developers – both in terms of usage and commercial value. Is there a future for interactive voice assistants … or is this another in a long line of failed voice recognition innovations?

Topic 3: Amazon Lays Off Recruiters … Could Be Planning to Replace Them With AI

https://mashable.com/article/amazon-layoff-ai-tech

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-11-29/amazon-s-cloud-unit-expects-to-keep-expanding-hiring-in-2023

Following the announcement of the largest layoffs in Amazon’s history, the company followed up with buyout offers to hundreds of recruiters, signaling the end of the season of accelerated hiring across Amazon. But yesterday at AWS Reinvent the company announced that it will continue to add staff in 2023 (specifically within the AWS division) as cloud sales continue to accelerate. So, who will do the recruiting? Turns out they are re-visiting the use of an AI recruiting system to do the work previously done by humans. Hmmmmm.

Sponsor Memo: OITVOIP

Did you know about STIR/SHAKEN? If you’re doing voice for your customers, you had better — the deadline was June 30.

This technology is focused on reducing robocalls, and providers have to take action. Are you compliant?

The team at OITVOIP has put together resources for you to learn more… or, for their customers, it’s already handled.

Want to learn more? Visit https://oit.co/mspradio/ for resources to help make sure you’re covered.

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Topic 1: The FTX Contagion Has Affected VC / PE Firms that Invest In MSP Vendors

https://www.channele2e.com/news/ftx-cryptocurrency-bankruptcy-filing/

In all the noise that’s surrounding the collapse of FTX and the impact on other crypto companies, news is coming out that several major MSP investors have also suffered significant losses. Initial statements indicate that the losses were not enough to threaten the survival of the investment funds, but that there will be implications for how they make investment decisions in the future.

Topic 2: Is It Goodnight To Alexa (and other voice assistants)?

https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-login-a17bdd5b-e815-4499-bd18-08cbf2114c16.html?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslogin&stream=top

Despite billions invested and many high hopes for a new computer interface, the products in the voice assistant category have dramatically underperformed the plans of their developers – both in terms of usage and commercial value. Is there a future for interactive voice assistants … or is this another in a long line of failed voice recognition innovations?

Topic 3: Amazon Lays Off Recruiters … Could Be Planning to Replace Them With AI

https://mashable.com/article/amazon-layoff-ai-tech

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-11-29/amazon-s-cloud-unit-expects-to-keep-expanding-hiring-in-2023

Following the announcement of the largest layoffs in Amazon’s history, the company followed up with buyout offers to hundreds of recruiters, signaling the end of the season of accelerated hiring across Amazon. But yesterday at AWS Reinvent the company announced that it will continue to add staff in 2023 (specifically within the AWS division) as cloud sales continue to accelerate. So, who will do the recruiting? Turns out they are re-visiting the use of an AI recruiting system to do the work previously done by humans. Hmmmmm.

Sponsor Memo: OITVOIP

Did you know about STIR/SHAKEN? If you’re doing voice for your customers, you had better — the deadline was June 30.

This technology is focused on reducing robocalls, and providers have to take action. Are you compliant?

The team at OITVOIP has put together resources for you to learn more… or, for their customers, it’s already handled.

Want to learn more? Visit https://oit.co/mspradio/ for resources to help make sure you’re covered.

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Topic 1: The Federal Communications Commission has published the initial draft of its revised high-speed internet coverage maps.

The old maps were census-block based. The new maps are based on more detailed information from broadband providers. With the old system, a huge census block would be marked as served even if only one household had broadband.

https://www.fcc.gov/news-events/notes/2022/11/18/new-broadband-maps-are-finally-here

You can examine updated maps from here:

https://broadbandmap.fcc.gov/home

For an interactive map, start here and zoom in and out as desired:

https://broadbandmap.fcc.gov/location-summary/fixed

Want to see how you can make money filling the gaps? Check out:

https://broadbandusa.ntia.doc.gov/resources/federal/federal-funding

Topic 2: An Update - The Labor Situation in Technology Companies

While many large tech companies are aggressively shedding employees, some are actually positioned to absorb that talent. TikTok is specifically planning to hire 3000 new engineers.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/jackkelly/2022/11/21/tiktok-is-one-of-the-few-tech-companies-aggressively-hiring-could-regulatory-scrutiny-impede-its-us-presence/?sh=6cfb68c06572

https://www.teamblind.com/post/Meta-CTO-uses-Blind-😂-QtH4wcxQ

Topic 3: Should the Federal Government Provide Cybersecurity Insurance?

Flood, Fire, . . . and Cyber?

Insurance companies are pushing for taxpayer assistance to provide coverage in the event of catastrophic incidents.

The comment period for this topic has been extended until December 11th.
https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2022-24476.pdf

See the original request for comments here:
https://www.nextgov.com/cybersecurity/2022/09/treasury-seeks-comment-how-structure-cyber-insurance-program/377793/

Rather than increasing the number of laws, CISA (Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency) is looking at directing behavior by asking insurance companies to enforce rules on insured companies AND paying the premiums under the right circumstances.

How big does a “catastrophic” event have to be for the government to get involved? The emerging model is based on the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program adopted after September 11th.

Sponsor memo: Cisco

I bet you think working with Cisco is hard. They’re big, and have so much going on, and you’re…smaller.

That’s why there’s Cisco Partner Journeys, an innovative new digital experience designed to accelerate your engagement with Cisco.

Each unique journey leads you to the best tools, services, programs and portfolio offerings to help you accelerate sales, build a practice and enhance profitability. Whether you are new to Cisco or a long-time partner, Cisco has the right journey for you.

Interested? Visit https://ciscopartnerjourneys.com/ to find out more.

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Topic 1: Good News on the EV Front: Lithium Ion Batteries can be Recycled!

https://www.axios.com/2022/11/10/audi-redwood-ev-battery-recycling

Yes … we are headed for an EV world. No … there are not nearly enough batteries or charging stations or grid capacity to handle an EV world. But in a positive sign, it turns out that the rare Earth minerals used in LIon batteries do not degrade and can be recycled into new batteries. Increase supply. Reduce pollution. Recycle all those old battery items lying around your house. Win!

https://www.imeche.org/news/news-article/the-big-battery-challenge-3-potential-alternatives-to-lithium-ion

Topic 2: Nine in Ten SMBs Fear a Ransomware Attack

https://www.msspalert.com/cybersecurity-research/most-smbs-fear-ransomware-attack-amid-heightened-geopolitical-tensions/

A new study from OpenText reveals that nearly 9 in 10 SMB IT security professionals fear a ransomware attack on their organization … yet most do not plan to increase cybersecurity spending. Is this a failure to communicate … or a case of intentional ignorance?

Topic 3: Is Rude Behavior Contagious

Rude behavior on the rise:
https://www.axios.com/2022/11/10/rude-behavior-frontline-workers

“Employees who experience rudeness at work are less satisfied with their jobs, less engaged with their work, less productive, less helpful, and less creative,” Taylor said.

https://www.uschamber.com/co/start/strategy/how-rudeness-can-ruin-your-workplace

Sponsor Memo: Gozynta

Do you like getting paid? Then make it easy for your customers with Gozynta Payments.

Do you teach your customers not to click on links from strange domain names like mymsp.monkeypayments.com or slowbooks.com?

Gozynta Payments uses your branding and domain name. No redirects. No confusion.

Gozynta Mobius is trusted by over a thousand MSPs to sync financial data. Their new product Gozynta Payments is built with the same care and empathy to make the payment process easy for your customers.

Gozynta is a family-owned business dedicated to making software suck less every day.

Go to https://gozynta.com/payments to learn more or get started.

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Topic 1: Lessons from the Stripe Layoffs - for tech ITs, vendors, and everyone.

Stripe layed off 14% of their workforce, and were very open about the reasons. We all make mistakes in periods of rapid growth and rapid decline. This stuff is hard!

https://www.businessinsider.com/stripe-layoffs-memo-tech-sector-challenges-2022-11

https://www.npr.org/2022/11/14/1136659617/tech-layoffs-amazon-meta-twitter

https://www.channelfutures.com/business-models/gradient-msp-layoffs-20-impacted-amid-go-to-market-model-shift

Topic 2: Twitter Melting Down

Twitter has typically reviewed its products for privacy problems before rolling them out to users, to avoid additional fines from the F.T.C. and remain in compliance with the settlement. But because of a rapid pace of product development under Mr. Musk, engineers could be forced to “self-certify” so that their projects meet privacy requirements…

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/10/technology/elon-musk-twitter-employees.html

Topic 3: The Crypto Meltdown. Gaaaaaahhhhhhh!!!! (If you are an FTX investor)

https://www.forbes.com/sites/simonmoore/2022/11/10/what-to-make-of-this-weeks-crypto-meltdown/?sh=223282b937f8

https://www.forbes.com/sites/billybambrough/2022/11/13/jpmorgan-reveals-shock-cascade-bitcoin-price-prediction-after-stunning-ftx-meltdown/?sh=809cc6c3f66e

https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2022/11/11/ether-turns-deflationary-as-amount-of-eth-burned-spikes-amid-ftx-induced-market-volatility/

Crypto for MSPs:
https://youtu.be/C6hXJC0_r3o

This week the proverbial $h!t hit the literal fan and the crypto market is in full-on chaos and panic mode. What? Why? How? Where do we go from here?

Sponsor: FieldEffect

MSPs are frequently at the forefront of cyber security challenges. Between changing customer expectations and the growing threat landscape, you are stretched thin.

Need a helping hand?

Download research firm, Aite-Novarica Group’s report, sponsored by FieldEffect, and learn how offering MDR increases revenue, simplifies operations, and maximizes margins for MSPs.

This independent analysis explores the growing managed detection and response (MDR) market and how MSPs can differentiate their managed security service with the right MDR solution.

You'll also find insights from five MSPs who have added co-va-lence, a hybrid MDR solution, to their offerings and the positive impact it has had on business.

Want to learn more? Check the link in the show notes.

https://hubs.li/Q01cPMsj0

https://fieldeffect.com/msp-report/

Relax Focus Succeed: https://relaxfocussucceed.com/

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Topic 1: U.S. workers have gotten way less productive.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2022/10/31/productivity-down-employers-worried-recession/

No one is sure why. So we get to make up reasons!

Can this be attributed to the Quiet Quitting Phenomon? Maybe. But maybe not. (Again, we get to come up with our own theories today.)

Perhaps, complexity is the enemy of productivity; thus, remote working might not give our brains enough buffering time between each tasks than say walking from the meeting hall to your cubicle would.

Also, as we settle into a sort of kind not really post-pandemic world, we can surmise that the line between our work lives and home lives has become less muddled. And maybe, just maybe, this means we aren't being less productive, rather we are setting healthy work to home boundaries at the expense of a project deadline...Again, just speculating.

Topic 2: Spending for Cloud Computing in 2023 is Forecast to Grow … a Lot!

https://siliconangle.com/2022/10/31/gartner-spending-public-cloud-services-will-exceed-591b-2023/

In a slight surprise, and a noticeable change of tone, Gartner forecasts that spending on cloud computing – across all 6 categories they include in the segment – will rise in 2023. Just because spending is down in some categories doesn’t mean it will be down in all categories. SaaS / PaaS / IaaS / DaaS / CMaaS / BPaaS. So many awkward acronyms!

Topic 3: US Banks spent over $1 Billion on Ransomware in 2021

...that they reported!

https://www.techradar.com/news/us-banks-processed-over-dollar1-billion-in-ransomware-payments-last-year

Time to head into the cloud of uncertainty!

Sponsor Memo: TimeZest

Does coordinating meetings and help desk calls frustrate you and your clients?

Wouldn’t it be easier if you could automate this process and it integrated with ConnectWise Manage or Autotask?

TimeZest is schedulig automation that gives you control of your schedule and removes the frustration of calendar ping pong.

As the only solution specifically designed for MSPs, it integrates with your PSA to schedule appointments right in your workflow.

And the best part? You can try it for free.

Visit https://timezest.com to try it out today.

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Topic 1: Japan pushes for digitization

https://apnews.com/article/technology-health-japan-covid-public-d47817295a647379f69da9bb16160d13

Japan has stepped up its push to catch up on digitization by telling a reluctant public they have to sign up for digital IDs or possibly lose access to their public health insurance.

As the naming implies, the initiative is about assigning numbers to people, similar to Social Security numbers in the U.S. Many Japanese worry the information might be misused or that their personal information might be stolen. Some view the My Number effort as a violation of their right to privacy.

Topic 2: Drone Swarms! No … really.

https://www.technologyreview.com/2022/10/24/1062039/us-navy-swarms-of-thousands-of-small-drones/?truid=&utm_source=the_download&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=the_download.unpaid.engagement&utm_term=&utm_content=10-24-2022&mc_cid=1cc458b67f&mc_eid=61a7b17087

What has been thought of until now as a sci-fi plot or a Hollywood movie trick is now an actual budget line item for the US Navy. We have seen choreographed drones in large-scale performances at the Super Bowl and the Olympics … but (as far as we know) none of those drones were carrying warheads. That’s no longer a safe assumption. And the US military isn’t the only country making progress on this weaponization of small-form UAV technology.

Topic 3: (NK) Australia flags increased penalties for data breaches following major cyberattacks

https://www.reuters.com/technology/australia-flags-increased-penalties-data-breaches-following-major-cyberattacks-2022-10-22/

Australia will introduce laws to parliament to increase penalties for companies subject to major data breaches, Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus said, after high-profile cyberattacks hit millions of Australians in recent weeks.

The proposed changes would lift maximum penalties for serious or repeated privacy breaches from the current A$2.22 million ($1.4 million) to the greater of A$50 million, three times the value of the benefit obtained through the misuse of information, or 30% of turnover in the relevant period, he said.

"Significant privacy breaches in recent weeks have shown existing safeguards are inadequate. It's not enough for a penalty for a major data breach to be seen as the cost of doing business," Dreyfus said.

Sponsor Memo: Cisco

I bet you think working with Cisco is hard. They’re big, and have so much going on, and you’re … smaller.

That’s why there’s Cisco Partner Journeys, an innovative new digital experience designed to accelerate your engagement with Cisco.

Each unique journey leads you to the best tools, services, programs and portfolio offerings to help you accelerate sales, build a practice and enhance profitability.

Whether you are new to Cisco or a long-time partner, Cisco has the right journey for you.

Interested? Visit https://ciscopartnerjourneys.com/ to find out more.

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Topic 1: Marketplaces — McBain is big on them, but how well do they scale down?

AWS Marketplace makes it so you find everything you need in one spot. As a seller, the appeal is apprent. As a vendor, especially a small to medium business, the playing floor might be a bit crowded.

https://www.protocol.com/newsletters/sourcecode/aws-cloud-marketplace-advantage

Topic 2: Voice-Scanning AI Aims to Diagnose Respiratory and Mental Illness … What Could Possibly Go Wrong?

https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-login-6fed080c-d844-4bb4-a7cc-3a838ec2a572.html?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslogin&stream=top

Whereas facial recognition software is designed to use AI to recognize your image, voice-scanning AI is designed to evaluate vocal patterns and attributes that can be used in call centers or via hearing-aid style devices to identify if the speaker is struggling with depression, anxiety, asthma, COPD, etc.

Advocates point to 80% accuracy (?!?) as a way to improve diagnostic success. Critics point to abuses of privacy … not to mention the bigger issues of fraud and violation of existing (limited) laws.

Topic 3: Disparity in Internet Speeds Does Not Equal Differences in Internet Service Prices

https://themarkup.org/still-loading/2022/10/19/dollars-to-megabits-you-may-be-paying-400-times-as-much-as-your-neighbor-for-internet-service

If we’re willing to look at the data with a clear lens, the quality : price of internet service around the US is nowhere near good enough … nowhere near equal … and nowhere near an accident.

The analysis provided in this report by The Markup shows massive disparity in access to internet services in markets across the country. And the fact that this low level of service quality exists in the country where this technology was actually invented should make our heads explode.

Clearly this is a deliberate strategy, and it isn’t going to change anytime soon. What can the tech industry do to jolt the internet security provider industry to change their strategy? How can we go around them to provide quality internet service to everyone?

Sponsor Memo: CyberFit Summit

This November, Miami will be the safest place on the internet.

MSPs are returning to Miami Beach for the Acronis #CyberFit Summit.

Not only will you hear former FBI Director Judge Louis Freeh, you’ll also witness the latest advancements in Cyber Protection … DLP, EDR,

Advanced management, and so much more. There’s even a track dedicated to MSP marketing and business growth.

The entire event will be capped off with an inspirational message from Earvin “Magic” Johnson, live and in-person. You don’t want to miss it.

Get all the details and register now at https://Acronis.events

I’ll see you there, and so will Karl.

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Topic 1: Some juicy stats...

https://www.zippia.com/advice/tech-industry-statistics/

The U.S. tech market accounts for 35% of the total world market.

The U.S. tech industry is expected to grow by 6.7% in 2022.

The U.S. tech industry employs roughly 12.2 million workers as of 2020.

Check out these stats and let us know what stood out to you.

These stats open up the floor to new approaches to shake up the industry. Those currently in the industry can take these numbers as a driving force to recruit more inclusively.

Topic 2: Checking in on the metaverse: Is this a thing yet?

https://techcrunch.com/2022/10/11/meta-announces-the-1499-quest-pro/

https://www.platformer.news/p/metas-metaverse-turns-pro

Meta hosted a big event to announce … a more expensive VR headset. And in spite of some really enthusiastic promotion, the question remains whether immersive VR or integrated AR will actually be a thing. While some industrial- and business-related use cases are emerging, the user numbers don’t sound remotely impressive … suggesting that Meta Mark has work to do to convince us to volunteer to feel car sick.

Topic 3: STORY 2: THOR’s Day … the role & opportunity of mobile internet & power services

https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-whats-next-2e64fdc0-48ff-4560-9932-40e6a3607c07.html

Natural disasters have put the fragile state of our telecommunications and internet and power systems in the spotlight. To put it kindly: there are many holes. So wireless companies and others have stepped up to provide temporary coverage & access. The question is whether this is a sufficient solution for an advanced economy … and whether there is an opportunity for location technology solution providers to step in and create a point-to-point network that can meet the needs of a population amidst increasingly frequent and devastating storms.

Sponsor Memo: Huntress

hack_it returns this Nov. with hack_it 2022.

It's a hands on, interactive cybersecurity training designed to help you thin like a hacker and provide the security training you can use today to level up your own defenses.

Join Huntress Co-founder and CEO Kyle Hanslovan, Huntress threat researches, and soon to be announced special guests for two and a half days of cybersecrutiy education for the community, by the community.

Content over three days, including an optional lab and it's all virtual.

Attend from your desk, couch, swing set, or wherever you feel most comfortable.

Sign up at https://hack-it.com

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Topic 1: Some juicy stats...

https://www.zippia.com/advice/tech-industry-statistics/

The U.S. tech market accounts for 35% of the total world market.

The U.S. tech industry is expected to grow by 6.7% in 2022.

The U.S. tech industry employs roughly 12.2 million workers as of 2020.

Check out these stats and let us know what stood out to you.

These stats open up the floor to new approaches to shake up the industry. Those currently in the industry can take these numbers as a driving force to recruit more inclusively.

Topic 2: Checking in on the metaverse: Is this a thing yet?

https://techcrunch.com/2022/10/11/meta-announces-the-1499-quest-pro/

https://www.platformer.news/p/metas-metaverse-turns-pro

Meta hosted a big event to announce … a more expensive VR headset. And in spite of some really enthusiastic promotion, the question remains whether immersive VR or integrated AR will actually be a thing. While some industrial- and business-related use cases are emerging, the user numbers don’t sound remotely impressive … suggesting that Meta Mark has work to do to convince us to volunteer to feel car sick.

Topic 3: STORY 2: THOR’s Day … the role & opportunity of mobile internet & power services

https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-whats-next-2e64fdc0-48ff-4560-9932-40e6a3607c07.html

Natural disasters have put the fragile state of our telecommunications and internet and power systems in the spotlight. To put it kindly: there are many holes. So wireless companies and others have stepped up to provide temporary coverage & access. The question is whether this is a sufficient solution for an advanced economy … and whether there is an opportunity for location technology solution providers to step in and create a point-to-point network that can meet the needs of a population amidst increasingly frequent and devastating storms.

Sponsor Memo: Huntress

hack_it returns this Nov. with hack_it 2022.

It's a hands on, interactive cybersecurity training designed to help you thin like a hacker and provide the security training you can use today to level up your own defenses.

Join Huntress Co-founder and CEO Kyle Hanslovan, Huntress threat researches, and soon to be announced special guests for two and a half days of cybersecrutiy education for the community, by the community.

Content over three days, including an optional lab and it's all virtual.

Attend from your desk, couch, swing set, or wherever you feel most comfortable.

Sign up at https://hack-it.com

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Topic 1: The Open Internet as We Know It Dodged an Existential Bullet Last Week

https://www.itu.int/en/mediacentre/Pages/PR-2022-09-29-ITU-SG-elected-Doreen-Bogdan-Martin.aspx

https://www.brookings.edu/blog/techtank/2022/08/12/the-most-important-election-you-never-heard-of/

In an election for the Secretary-General of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), members chose Doreen Bogdan-Martin from the United States – the first-ever woman to hold the post. But that is not the reason this election was monumentally important: it was literally a showdown between an open internet and an authoritarian-controlled internet. And almost every single human on Earth didn’t know it even happened … or what the consequences may have been. Consider us lucky.

Topic 2: Google Shuts Down Stadia Online Gaming Service … Does Google Have an Innovation Problem?

https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-login-555c72e1-380a-4a69-affe-e8260ae5734e.html

Google announced it’s shutting down the 3-year old Stadia gaming service … the latest in a long line of big technical breakthroughs that Google has failed to turn into big business successes. Why did this (seemingly really cool) new service not succeed? And does this hint at a bigger issue about Google’s ability to grow? Or … about the ability of tech giants in general to grow at a rate that is “enough” for their thirsty shareholders?

Topic 3: Amazon Wants to Cocoon You With ‘Ambient Intelligence’

The company’s new smart gadget uses radar to track your breathing while you sleep. It’s part of Amazon’s plan to weave its products invisibly into your life.

Meet “Halo Rise” - Because they couldn’t come up with a creepier name.

Consider it the opposite of the metaverse.

https://www.wired.com/story/amazon-wants-to-cocoon-you-with-ambient-intelligence/

Sponsor Memo: IT Service Provider University

IT Service Provider University helps you improve the business side of your business.

We launched IT Service Provider University in 2013 and today we offer more than twenty courses on every aspect of running your consulting business.

IT Service Provider University provides training and pathways to certification for individual IT Service Providers as well as offering company-level certifications.

Pathways Include: Management, Technician, Sales/Marketing, Service Manager, Front Office.

Learn more about professional classes and certifications at https://ITSPU.com