CompTIA Volley: Recent Episodes
CompTIA
Carolyn April and Seth Robinson from CompTIA's research team toss the latest topics back and forth, sometimes with the help of market data and sometimes with guest appearances. Volley focuses on technology, channel business and trends.
Carolyn and Seth talk about the changes HR teams will need to make as their organizations pursue skills-based career development. Similar to technology investments, skills-based methodology investments have been growing in recent years, and companies will start asking about the returns on these investments. HR teams need to align systems and processes to a skills-based approach, not just for hiring but also for internal development. Some of the key challenges ahead include building out skills taxonomies, ensuring consistency across departments, and providing transparency to employees.
Carolyn and Seth talk about the tech skills landscape as businesses head into another year of digital transformation. Although AI is casting questions around the quantity and quality of skills an organization will need in the future, the current state of skill demand remains very healthy. Hiring was somewhat choppy in 2024, but trend lines for most job roles were net positive. Companies are looking for skills in all areas of technology, and they continue to debate the best approach between finding perfect candidates and building internal talent.
Carolyn and Seth talk through the issues surrounding standardization or regulation of the MSP industry. Unlike many other professional service sector, ranging from electricians to accountants to lawyers, managed services providers have no formal structure in place to validate their ability to manage networks or secure data. There are many complicating factors, including the focus on the individual workers vs. the broader organization and the appropriate body that might oversee such activity. However, cybersecurity is looming as a possible concern that will push this ongoing debate to some type of resolution.
Carolyn and Seth share some news about the new entities of CompTIA Inc. and Global Technology Industry Association, then they dive into the challenges surrounding AI adoption. From CompTIA's IT Industry Outlook, companies are expected to encounter more hurdles in 2025 as they implement AI. These include cybersecurity, finding proper use cases, and the cost of infrastructure, but the most significant challenge will likely be around reimagining workflow with AI capability.
Carolyn and Seth take a look back at 2024's biggest tech stories. From the ongoing hype around AI to the Crowdstrike incident, technology professionals have dealt with growing complexity, which opens more opportunities for strategic work. On the channel side, the regulatory environment following the U.S. elections and the repercussions of M&A activity create new concerns for service providers, especially smaller firms. As we turn the corner into 2025, there will undoubtedly be new issues that drive more opportunity across the tech landscape.
Carolyn and Seth continue their overview of CompTIA's IT Industry Outlook 2025 report by lookin at the big issues facing IT channel firms in the new year. Channel firms feel very positive about their prospects, driven largely by the expectation that they will reach new customer segments. This expansion will require more growth in areas that have been priorities in the past, such as marketing and internal efficiency. While customer relations and business processes will tend to be focal points, channel firms also need to invest in the same technical training as every other industry in order to remain competitive.
IT Industry Outlook 2025: https://www.comptia.org/content/research/it-industry-trends-analysis
Carolyn and Seth give a preview of CompTIA's upcoming IT Industry Outlook report, focusing on the prospects for IT pros. Most IT pros are optimistic about the future of their career, driven by a high demand for technical skills, opportunities for flexibility, and the chance to build things that benefit business and society. However, the environment around IT work may be challenging in some ways, as companies adda a degree of caution to their spending plans and look for more justification for technology investment.
Carolyn and Seth welcome Ryan Sutton, Executive Director of Technology for Robert Half, to discuss findings from Robert Half's 2025 Technology Salaries and Hiring Trends guide. The group discusses the importance of teamwork skills alongside technical skills, the variables that influence salary decisions, and the challenges involved with deciding employee location.
Robert Half 2025 Technology Salaries and Hiring Trends: https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/insights/salary-guide/technology
Carolyn and Seth welcome back Randy Gross, CompTIA's Chief Information Security Officer, for their annual holiday episode. The group talks about one thing in tech that is scary (the disruption AI may cause to entry-level jobs and small businesses), one thing they are thankful for (the appetite for technology that constantly drives innovation), and one thing on their wish list (for AI to improve in usability and reliability).
Carolyn and Seth welcome Brad Powell, cofounder of ThreatCaptain, to talk about the cybersecurity skills needed in the market. CompTIA's State of Cybersecurity 2025 report suggested that companies are struggling to fully understand the details of skill gaps, and many cybersecurity professionals need to build a blend of technical and business skills in order to help establish best practices and then help drive ongoing operations.
Carolyn and Seth walk through the highlights of CompTIA's new State of Cybersecurity 2025 report. This annual study explores attitudes, strategies, and tactics around cybersecurity. This year's report uses the enterprise architecture model to lay out an organizational approach, starting with establishing priority at the business level, then moving through workflow considerations that include risk management and AI integration. At a more tactical level, companies then have to work through a process for data management and the details of securing all assets.
State of Cybersecurity 2025: https://www.comptia.org/content/research/cybersecurity-trends-research
Carolyn and Seth talk with Suzanne Ricci, Chief Success Officer at Computer Coach, about the value of joining communities for IT professionals. In addition to her role at Computer Coach, Suzanne leads several meetups in the Tampa area as well as the online community Tech Success Network. Suzanne gives some ideas for finding a community for the first time, tips for the best ways to engage with an online community, and the benefits that communities bring IT pros as they start or build their careers.
Carolyn and Seth take a look at the biggest tech issues that will face government officials with the U.S. election coming up in November. Ai has dominated regulation discussion, but business owners should be sure to pay attention to the full range of regulations that require compliance. Antitrust is making more and more headlines, and there are major challenges in determining anti-competitive behavior. Infrastructure bills have begun expanding the country's digital footprint, but overhauling established systems isn't easy and new technology brings new cybersecurity threats. Through all these issues, there are questions of how to operate and cooperate internationally.
Carolyn and Seth take a listen to some audio captured during CompTIA's interview at RSA with Jason Bentley, director of security operations at UST HealthProof. Jason shared his perspective on the value of certifications in building and developing a technical team. Carolyn and Seth share their thoughts around the issues of certifications as one piece of the recruitment puzzle, the use of training/certifications to invest in long-term career growth, and the different formats of training that appeal to either individuals or managers.
Carolyn and Seth talk about CompTIA's recent data looking at technology trends across verticals. While many of the differences between industries are subtle, the motivations behind tech adoption and skill building can drive decisions. Across verticals, some of the common themes are balancing strategy and tactics with technology, a high level of interest in AI/automation, and building broad foundational skills before focusing on advanced specializations.
Carolyn and Seth talk about the latest approaches companies are taking around developing the skills of their workforce. Over 60% of companies claim to be using a well-defined skills framework, but that may be more of an aspirational statement as they also report challenges around defining skills and building a consistent methodology. Adding to the challenge, any skills framework needs to account for technical depth, technical breadth, and durable skills. There is likely quite a bit of work still to do in building an organization-wide process around using skills and work tasks to effectively hire and advance careers.
Carolyn and Seth talk about CompTIA's recent data around pathways for technology professionals. First, they look at the three buckets of skills that are needed--technical knowledge, the ability to apply that knowledge to solve problems, and durable skills like communications and teamwork. As companies drop requirements around college degrees, candidates still need to find a way to build all three skills. Then the two discuss the complexity of technology jobs. This complexity is a driver for high salaries, and it also appears to be the aspect of the job that is the most appealing for people as they pursue career changes.
Carolyn and Seth celebrate eight years of podcasting together by exploring what business leadership might look like eight years into the future. CompTIA President and CEO Todd Thibodeaux joins this episode to discuss the evolving role of technology in business operations, the complexities of employee dynamics, and the impact of social responsibility and philanthropy on modern organizations.
Carolyn and Seth use some recent CompTIA research data to dig into the true meaning of digital transformation. The label doesn’t apply very well to individual projects, but the two discuss the importance of having a long-term strategy, the shift from tactical to strategic IT, and the critical skills needed to navigate this complex landscape.
Carolyn and Seth talk about CompTIA’s latest Workforce and Learning Trends research report with Hannah Johnson, Senior Vice President of Strategy and Marketing Development at CompTIA. The group talks about the shift towards a skills-based approach in hiring, the importance of digital literacy and fluency, and how the HR tech stack is growing more complex and AI-enabled.
Workforce and Learning Trends 2024: https://www.comptia.org/content/research/workforce-and-learning-trends-2024
Carolyn and Seth dive into the contrasting worlds of Enterprise and Small and Medium-sized Businesses (SMBs). They explore the nuances of career paths, training opportunities, and purchasing behaviors across these distinct business environments. The differences between the two types of organizations highlight potential skill needs for both IT professionals, business leaders, and third party firms.
Carolyn and Seth talk with Haley Glover about CompTIA’s new research on the State of the Tech Workforce. Haley is the senior director of Upskill America, an initiative of the Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program, and she discusses the spread of tech careers far beyond the tech industry, the opportunities and challenges involved with remote work, and the wide array of tech skills that employers are looking for.
Carolyn and Seth give their impressions on the hottest topic in technology—AI. Using new research on business viewpoints and adoption, the discussion touches on the changing definition of AI and the way that organizations are likely to implement AI as part of broader solutions. Then the two talk about the challenges companies face as they accelerate their adoption and the skill gaps that need to be closed for the workforce of the future.
Carolyn and Seth talk with Bob Coppedge from Simplex IT as they continue the discussion around CompTIA's State of the Channel research study. In this episode, the group talks about the need for channel firms to assess and improve their basic business acumen. While most of the focus in channel business development is placed on vendor/distributor relationships and technology portfolio management, there is a growing demand for improved skills around topics such as finances and HR as the industry matures and grows.
Carolyn and Seth review CompTIA's latest State of the Channel research. This annual study looks at the dynamic ecosystem of the IT channel, where the changes have repercussions for both technology firms and technology professionals. Looking at this year's study, the discussion touches on the way that tech complexity is driving optimism in the tech industry and the downstream effects of building business models around services rather than products.
State of the Channel 2024 (requires CompTIA member login): https://connect.comptia.org/content/2024-state-of-the-channel
Carolyn and Seth welcome back Amy Carrado, CompTIA's senior director of workforce and internal research, to talk about the latest trends among job seekers. CompTIA's latest research continues a multi-year study on attitudes and challenges of people looking for a new career. The group talks about changing perceptions of the job market, the different motivations based on industry, and the future of AI in the job hunt.
Job Seeker Trends research report: https://www.comptia.org/content/research/job-seeker-trends/
Carolyn and Seth talk about the challenges facing organizations as they deal with changing generational dynamics in the workforce. Most of the attention in recent years has been on the behaviors and preferences of younger workers as they enter the workforce, but there is an equally significant shift taking place with older workers. As people are living longer and changing their expectations around aging, they are also changing their expectations around later stages of a career. Organizations need to consider how to manage and leverage these workers and their experience, and they should also consider how to think about this cohort in their customer base.
Carolyn and Seth welcome Brad Chamberlain, who teaches technology courses at Maricopa High school in Arizona and oversees a student-led business called 24PinTech. Brad discusses the current challenges and opportunities in preparing students for success in technology careers and every other career which requires some tech fluency. Building a foundation of knowledge around technology systems and cybersecurity is critical, and certifications are a must-have for students who want to pursue a career in a technology field.
24PinTech website
Carolyn and Seth welcome Joe Dery from Western Governors University to talk about the evolution and importance of data management and analytics. The group talks about the changes that have taken place over the years in how companies handle data, the most important actions to take for a modern data approach, and the need to have foundational data principles before pushing forward with an AI strategy.
Carolyn and Seth talk about the business climate in 2024. Major trends like AI and cybersecurity governance will transform the landscape, but organizations will be operating inside a new environment as they make decisions on these initiatives. The possible soft landing for the economy, the complexity of digital transformation, and the challenge of building digital skills are all factors that will weigh on 2024 strategies.
Carolyn and Seth take a look at the year's biggest technology stories, with many of those being among the biggest overall headlines in 2023. AI dominated technology discussions, but how is it actually changing business? Social media came under the spotlight for many reasons, and the future of the sector may be in question. After the year started with layoffs from large technology firms, technology jobs across the economy continued on a strong growth path. Other topics that get a quick look include the post-pandemic work environment, the constant drumbeat of cybersecurity incidents, and the growing focus on building and distributing technology components.
Carolyn and Seth give a preview of CompTIA's upcoming IT Industry Outlook 2024 research report. After starting with an overview of the positive sentiments shared by IT pros and IT channel firms, the discussion turns to two of the major areas covered by trends in the report. AI continues to be the biggest topic in technology, and while the hype may fade to some degree in 2024, AI will continue to drive changes to workflow. From a cybersecurity perspective, governance will get more attention as operations around cybersecurity and data management require a more rigorous approach, and the need to build skills will become more critical, especially for channel firms who may need to take a more strategic approach with their clients.
Carolyn and Seth talk with James Stanger, CompTIA's Chief Technology Evangelist, about the steps companies are taking to make IT a strategic imperative. The shift from tactical IT to strategic IT has been taking place for some time now, and there are two main issues businesses have been running into. First is Shadow IT, where business units procure their own technology. Second is Cowboy IT, where IT departments have to skip steps and incur technical debt as they scramble to meet objectives. To mitigate these issues, companies should focus on strong two-way communication, skills-based career development, and best practices for governance.
Carolyn and Seth welcome back Randy Gross, CompTIA's CISO, to take a tech-flavored tour of the upcoming holidays. The group chats about the frightening possibilities of cyberattacks on mobile devices, as that platform appears to have reached a tipping point in terms of cybercrime. Then they shift gears, highlighting AI as something to be thankful for. Even with many questions left to answer, AI is poised to be a revolution in work, opening new opportunities for IT pros and IT industry firms. Finally, they cover an item on the wish list: major progress in skills-based workforce development. While skills-based hiring has a strong foothold among major enterprises, there is more work to be done in driving adoption among SMBs and extending the practice to career development.
Carolyn and Seth welcome Chris Cochran, Cofounder of Hacker Valley Media and Advisory CISO at Huntress, to discuss some real-world cybersecurity issues. The group talks about the biggest challenges in cybersecurity, especially for small businesses trying to change their mindset. They also touch on the demand for cybersecurity skills and the implications of AI for cybersecurity strategies.
Carolyn and Seth review the highlights from CompTIA's State of Cybersecurity 2024 research report. As companies are taking a more strategic view of technology, they are also taking a more strategic view of cybersecurity. This means adopting a risk management approach to define cybersecurity initiatives and building cybersecurity processes that drive decisions throughout the organization. At a tactical level, there is a greater focus than ever before on skills, and firms are building their talent pipeline with early-career professionals. Of course, AI is the main topic at the product level. The cybersecurity toolbox continues to have a wide array of choices for managing different aspects of cybersecurity, and AI is poised to impact all of them as it drives a higher degree of automation.
State of Cybersecurity 2024: https://www.comptia.org/content/research/cybersecurity-trends-research
Carolyn and Seth talk with Teresa Sears, CompTIA's VP of Product Management, about the upcoming Xpert Series certifications. Companies of all sizes and industries are increasing their demand for technical expertise, including the highest level of specialists. These experts in infrastructure, data and cybersecurity create long-term strategic plans that align with business objectives and oversee implementation. The group talks about the typical progression of technology careers and the skills that can be validated with certifications.
Learn more: https://www.comptia.org/certifications/xpert-series
Carolyn and Seth talk about key items that should be considered by anyone thinking about starting up a tech services business. The environment has changed dramatically over the past 20 years, and alongside the specific technology services to be offered, there are four critical components to getting started in the tech space. Business functions such as finance, HR and legal must be integrated into planning beyond the bare minimum requirements. Marketing strategy will help establish an identity and build a plan for reaching customers across multiple channels. Alliances throughout the technology ecosystem will help offerings be more robust. And cybersecurity is a topic that every firm must be fluent in whether they are offering cybersecurity services or something different.
Carolyn and Seth step into the time machine to explore a nearly-forgotten buzzword: SoCloMo. The concept--combining Social, Cloud, and Mobile--may not have lasted long, but it represented a possible inflection point for IT. Many believed that these three trends would usher in an era of consumerization of IT, where line-of-business employees would be driving technology procurement and utility. That hasn't quite happened. While technology discussions today are much more collaborative, IT is still in the driver's seat when it comes to produces a secure enterprise architecture. Each of the three trends individually has had some degree of impact, though often not in the way people were predicting ten years ago.
Carolyn and Seth welcome Jabu Dayton, Principal of Jabu HR and CompTIA board member, to discuss the issues managed service providers are facing as they try to cultivate a strong workforce. Jabu describes how many MSP issues are similar to general SMB issues, where some type of formal HR function is increasingly necessary to handle the changing needs of the workforce. As employee expectations are changing, especially in an era of remote and hybrid work, it is critical for organizations to practice transparency around career pathways while finding new ways to invest in recruiting and retention.
Carolyn and Seth talk about the rise in interest around outcome-based pricing as companies come to grips with the new realities of technology budgets. As firms move further away from a tactical cost center mindset around technology, they are finding their investments growing and exploring shifts away from traditional models of subscriptions or costs per user. End user firms are pushing vendors and technology providers to consider outcome-based pricing, but there are serious complications around defining the exact contribution of technology to business outcomes and the liability of third parties dependent on end user behavior.
Carolyn and Seth welcome Marisol Angelini to the podcast to discuss digital transformation. Marisol is a former executive of Coca Cola who now advises boards of various companies, and she suggests that digital transformation is really business transformation, since the technology is changing the way businesses operates. She shares how digital initiatives thrive best with the support of upper management to learn from new activity, and the group talks through four components of digital transformation: cloud-based infrastructure, software-defined processes, data-driven decisions, and cybersecurity-aware operations.
Carolyn and Seth talk about the changes taking place in IT channel M&A activity. As the channel has grown, there are fewer purchases of micro-sized MSPs and more mega mergers. At the same time, the IT ecosystem has expanded to include a wider variety of business models, and there may be larger firms trying to diversify their portfolio by making strategic acquisitions. A standard MSP on the smaller side may not have the same exit opportunities that existed 10 years ago, but a strong grasp of financials and a balanced plan with several options can help business owners achieve personal goals around selling.
Carolyn and Seth welcome MJ Shoer, CompTIA's Chief Community Officer, to give a preview of this year's ChannelCon event. Held jointly with CompTIA's Partner Summit, the two events bring together all of CompTIA's audiences to discuss the latest trends in technology and workforce development. The theme for this year's ChannelCon is Build the Impossible, and attendees will have the chance to network and have business conversations considering topics such as AI and cybersecurity. ChannelCon and Partner Summit will be held August 1-3 at the Venetian Resort in Las Vegas.
www.channelcon.com
https://connect.comptia.org/partnersummit/
Carolyn and Seth welcome Ken Sardoni, CompTIA's Senior Vice President of Learning Programs, to talk about the field of data. Companies have had digital data for a long time, but for most of that time only the largest companies had any sort of formal management. Recently, companies of all sizes are using cloud tools and new data structures to more effectively manage and analyze their data for competitive advantage. The group talks about the different data career options on two different pathways: manage and interpret.
Carolyn and Seth take a look at the supply and demand of tech workforce skills, using data from two of CompTIA's recent studies, State of the Tech Workforce and Workforce & Learning Trends. From the demand side, tech jobs are expected to continue outpacing the general growth of the labor market in the U.S., with data and cybersecurity leading the way. From the supply side, T-shaped skills are becoming increasingly important to employers, meaning that job seekers will need to concentrate on both technical depth in specialized areas along with technical breadth and durable skills.
State of the Tech Workforce: https://www.cyberstates.org/
Workforce & Learning Trends: https://www.comptia.org/content/research/workforce-and-learning-trends-2023/
Carolyn and Seth do a deep dive on the upcoming State of the Channel report from CompTIA research. While the overall technology ecosystem is growing and adding new firms with new services, there is still a segment of businesses performing traditional channel activities. These companies are still seeing strong profits, though part of that comes from cost-cutting measures taken over the past year. Both traditional firms and evolving organizations are focused more than ever before on customer experience, which could include education on technology trends for customers curious about new opportunities. Look for the full State of the Channel report on comptia.org in early May.
The Career Spotlight segment features Eduardo, a cybersecurity professional who highlights the high salary potential of technology careers.
Carolyn and Seth start a two-part series giving a preview of the upcoming State of the Channel report. In this episode, they welcome John Harden, senior product manager for SaaS at Auvik. John talks about the changing ecosystem of vendors and competitors in the IT channel, driven by the explosion of choice and the shift away from infrastructure and toward business solutions. Both customer experience and partner experience are becoming critical for solution providers as the focus of IT moves further away from a product-centric mindset.
In Career Spotlight, Ryan Anastasia talks about the need for technical specialists to also focus on business implications.
Carolyn and Seth talk with CompTIA Chief Innovation Officer Nate Garner about the latest trends in software development. There are far more companies performing software development than there were in the days of packaged software, and there are many challenges in building a efficient software practice. As businesses work on assembling the right skills and changing organizational behavior, they can leverage software for improved automation and customization.
The Career Spotlight segment focuses on Daniel, who is starting a tech career as an IT support specialist. Increasingly, IT support is becoming an entry point on a pathway to software development or DevOps.
Carolyn and Seth give a recap of CompTIA's Communities and Councils Forum that took place in Chicago this week. The event provided networking opportunities for CompTIA's members and also re-introduced the Cybersecurity Trustmark along with recognizing some of CompTIA's most engaged members with Spotlight Awards. The content at the event was driven by research, and Carolyn and Seth go through the four areas they outlined in CCF's kickoff session: channel, cybersecurity, workforce, and digital transformation.
Carolyn and Seth talk about AI with Mechie Nkengala, CEO and Chief Data Scientist at Data Products LLC and Vice Chair of CompTIA's AI Advisory Council. The group starts with some thoughts on the hype surrounding ChatGPT and other large language model tools, then dives into a broader discussion about AI. The best way to think about AI is as an enabling technology that can drive strategic goals, and it's important to recognize that good AI output means good data input. As for the lie, the headlines around AI wiping out all the jobs aren't in line with historical trends around technology innovation. There will be disruption, but AI is more likely to create jobs that use new skills to do new things.
The Career Spotlight segment features Joseph Marchis, who found a career in technology after struggling with a traditional education pathway.
Carolyn and Seth take a look at the complex landscape of technology careers. With so much recent focus on layoffs in the tech sector, there have been questions about the demand for tech workers. CompTIA's research shows that demand continues to be very strong across a wide range of industries, making technology jobs a promising choice for starting or switching careers. There are different types of individuals considering a tech career journey, from career-intent to tech-intent to those already in a technology role, and a career progression has three stages. First, education around the fundamental fields in technology careers. Second, building the necessary skills to take an initial role. Finally, ongoing breadth and depth of skills in order to reach more advanced positions.
We are also launching a new segment for Volley. Career Spotlight features individuals working in technology, focusing on specific aspects of the career journey. The first Career Spotlight features Eduardo Gijon, who moved into a cybersecurity role after leaving the military. Check out comptia.org for much more on industry profiles and career resources.
Carolyn and Seth take a look at online marketplaces, which have changed how technology is procured and implemented, and the platforms used for these marketplaces, which offer companies ease of building while potentially creating lock-in. Online marketplaces are built to reduce friction for the end user, whether that is a client of a technology services provider or an employee within an organization. But building these marketplaces is a complicated task, especially when e-commerce is involved. Using a platform can allow the marketplace to be built quickly with a rich set of features, but it also creates a dependency on the platform provider that can become inefficient over time.
Carolyn and Seth wrap up the 2-part series on the changes in the technology industry by looking at the last 2 factors that shaped technology over the past 15 years. First, the evolution of the internet has driven digital strategy, and recent stumbles in the Web3 space raise questions about the exact use of digital ledger technology and the actual potential for decentralized networks. Beyond that, the concepts of Web 2.0, which were assumed to be relatively solid, are also being re-examined as companies struggle with ad-supported models and content moderation. The second major factor is perhaps the biggest question of all--what problems are left for technology to solve? Most of the low-hanging fruit has been claimed, and innovation will increasingly come from the intersections of technology and other fields, demanding multi-disciplinary expertise.
Carolyn and Seth kick off the new year with a 2-part series looking at the evolution of the technology industry over the past 15 years and the new paradigm for the industry heading into the future. There are four major drivers that shaped technology from 2007 to 2022. This episode looks at the first two: the growth of technology into a major industry that demands regulatory attention and social scrutiny, and the historic financial scenario where incredibly cheap capital allowed a higher degree of speculation on business ventures.
Carolyn and Seth take a look back at 2022, talking about the biggest stories and the impact on the technology industry. Technology was not the most important part of the year's top stories--the war in Ukraine and skyrocketing recession had critical humanitarian and societal concerns. The tech industry still had to still with ripple effects, though, such as supply chain disruption and the reality of higher interest rates. In addition, technology had a few stories of its own, including the crash of crypto, the reckoning of social media, and the difficulties of large-scale mergers.
Carolyn and Seth welcome CompTIA CEO Todd Thibodeaux to talk about the new concerns businesses have heading into 2023. CompTIA's IT Industry Outlook 2023 predicts that business as usual will get a reality check, and Todd walks through the many hurdles businesses face that will prevent them from simply returning to pre-pandemic operations. The threat of recession, the challenges of managing remote workers, and the importance of technology adoption are all factors that will shape business strategies in the future.
Carolyn and Seth go over the highlights from CompTIA's IT Industry Outlook 2023, the annual report looking at the major trends for the year ahead. Companies are recognizing that business as usual means something different now, as workforce dynamics and economic uncertainty drive new behaviors. The metaverse will likely not be restricted to VR, but will define a new way of providing holistic digital experiences. IT channel firms will continue exploring business model changes, including both the shift to services and a shift toward becoming a strategic business consultant. Finally, IT pros will leverage a wide variety of training options to build skills, finding new opportunities to assist with digital transformation efforts.
IT Industry Outlook 2023: https://www.comptia.org/content/research/it-industry-trends-analysis
Carolyn and Seth welcome CompTIA CISO Randy Gross back to the show for the annual holiday episode. As always, the group talks about one thing in technology that is frightening (the failure to anticipate consequences of scaling), one thing they are thankful for (the open nature of technology professionals), and one thing on the wishlist (economic stability supported by tech innovation).
Carolyn and Seth talk with James Rocker, CEO of Nerds That Care, about his experiences implementing cybersecurity for clients. James talks about the need for education, especially as zero trust becomes an overarching framework for cybersecurity posture. The group also discusses the need to include business executives in cybersecurity discussions and the "onion approach" to cybersecurity architecture using a wide array of different tools.
Carolyn and Seth talk about CompTIA's latest State of Cybersecurity research. Although organizations often say that cybersecurity is a high priority, there hasn't been much progress in sentiment around internal cybersecurity efforts. At a high level, companies need to build a policy of integrating cybersecurity with business objectives. With this mindset in place, companies can begin implementing process steps in line with a zero trust framework, such as multifactor authentication or network microsegmentation. One of the most crtiical steps in a cybersecurity posture is the people, with all parts of an organization participating in the cybersecurity chain and technical specialists focused on skills such as threat knowledge, network security and data analysis.
State of Cybersecurity landing page: https://insights.comptia.org/2022-state-of-cybersecurity-it-pro/p/1
State of Cybersecurity main report: https://www.comptia.org/content/research/cybersecurity-trends-research
Carolyn and Seth talk about CompTIA's latest research on international trends in tech adoption and skills building, with the help of the author's study, CompTIA's Amy Carrado, and someone with first-hand experience, CompTIA's Loraine Vorster. The discussion touches on the importance of technology to strategic objectives, the surprising lack of process in assessing skills, and the benefits of upskilling existing workers.
Business Technology Adoption and Skills Trends report: https://www.comptia.org/content/research/2022-international-business-technology-adoption-and-skills-trends/
Carolyn and Seth talk about CompTIA's new research exploring technology attitudes and adoption among small and mid-sized businesses. Even with the current economic uncertainty, the research shows that SMBs feel fairly optimistic. Goals for technology have shifted from immediate tactical needs to long-term strategic objectives, and businesses are exploring many new paths for procurement. Technology partners that have traditionally led with products should shift more toward services such as consulting and integration.
Carolyn and Seth talk with Corey Simpson, COO of International Legal Technology Association, about trends in automation. Corey covers the need to approach automation from a cost/benefit perspective and how automation is part of an overall operational approach rather than a standalone goal. The group then talks about challenges in automation and how companies can avoid pitfalls as they use automation to handle growing complexity.
Carolyn and Seth look at four topics that used to make major headlines but have faded in the public eye. First, they discuss how computing power gets less focus, since most people and companies have plenty of power for their needs and have turned to software and services. Then, they look at unified communications, which showed how adoption can be more about user behavior than technical solution. Next, they cover BYOD, which is certainly present in most companies, but usually as an option rather than a primary approach. Finally, they talk about the software wars, where debate over winning languages faded as multiple languages have emerged for multiple purposes.
Carolyn and Seth wrap up the series on partner experience, looking at the issue from the perspective of vendors and distributors. While a large part of partner experience remains focusing on the basics like tech support and financial compensation, there is a greater focus on ease of business and elevating partner success. Topics like communication and training are new initiatives that vendors are exploring, and this often means growing the skill set of the channel enablement team or partnering in new ways with distributors.
Carolyn and Seth talk about CompTIA's new research around the topic of partner experience. With IT solution providers beginning to focus more on their own brand and the services they provide to clients, they are also focusing more on the overall experience of working with a vendor beyond product delivery and support. This episode examines the question from the partner angle--what areas are most important to them? While technical support still ranks as a top concern, partners are also looking to vendors for training beyond specific products, in areas such as marketing or business operations.
Partner perspective research brief: https://connect.comptia.org/content/research/partner-experience-trends-2022-research-brief
Carolyn and Seth welcome Rob Rae, SVP of Business Development at Datto, to discuss the state of mergers and acquisitions in the IT industry. Rob talks about the ways that customer demand and economics are driving M&A, then covers the need within the industry to better understand the mechanics of buying a company or being bought along with the cultural considerations after two companies have merged.
Learn more at DattoCon September 11-13: https://www.dattocon.com/
Carolyn and Seth welcome two guests to talk about CompTIA's summer events, which are happening live for the first time in three years. First, CompTIA's VP of B2B Marketing Liz Wannemacher shares details on Partner Summit, which hosts academic partners, training partners, and employers to discuss the latest trends in IT training and skill development. Then CompTIA's Chief Community Officer MJ Shoer gives a preview of ChannelCon, which welcomes companies from all parts of the technology landscape to network and learn about industry trends. Both events are in Chicago during the first week of August, and there will be many opportunities to plug in to all the content.
Partner Summit: https://connect.comptia.org/partnersummit
ChannelCon: https://connect.comptia.org/channelcon
Carolyn and Seth talk about CompTIA's data around blockchain, including some general thoughts on emerging technology adoption. With so many new technologies on the market and such a high degree of digital operations already in place, companies need a well-defined approach to evaluating emerging trends and implementing technology to solve business problems. Many companies are in the early stages of this activity, and that shows up in optimistic viewpoints on blockchain knowledge and a shortage of killer use cases. Blockchain is a protocol-level technology that may not have direct impact for every organization but could indirectly influence a wave of applications in the future.
Carolyn and Seth welcome Gordon Pelosse, CompTIA's senior vice president of employer engagement, to discuss the recently released Workforce and Learning Trends 2022 research report. Many challenges in building technical talent were exacerbated by the pandemic, such as finding skilled candidates or holding on to existing workers. While many employers are turning to new tactics such as dropping a four-year degree requirement, building a skills-based approach requires significant effort. The core issue for many businesses is finding a way to quantify the skills they need and then creating development plans to attract and grow those skills.
CompTIA's Workforce and Learning Trends 2022: https://www.comptia.org/content/research/workforce-and-learning-trends-2022
Seth and guest co-host Amy Carrado welcome Randall Edwards, CompTIA's director of product development, to have a discussion around the role of technical support. In the digital era, most companies are considering some level of in-house technical support in order to drive efficiency. Many traditional skills are evolving as endpoints become more diverse and backend functions migrate to the cloud. In addition, cybersecurity has become a critical skill for tech support specialists. CompTIA's newly refreshed A+ certification uses industry input to validate these modern skills in job seekers.
CompTIA A+ overview: https://www.comptia.org/certifications/a
CompTIA's State of the Tech Workforce: https://www.cyberstates.org/
The Role of Technical Support in Modern IT: https://www.comptia.org/blog/tech-support-in-modern-it
Seth and guest co-host Amy Carrado welcome Randall Edwards, CompTIA's director of product development, to have a discussion around the role of technical support. In the digital era, most companies are considering some level of in-house technical support in order to drive efficiency. Many traditional skills are evolving as endpoints become more diverse and backend functions migrate to the cloud. In addition, cybersecurity has become a critical skill for tech support specialists. CompTIA's newly refreshed A+ certification uses industry input to validate these modern skills in job seekers.
CompTIA A+ overview: https://www.comptia.org/certifications/a
CompTIA's State of the Tech Workforce: https://www.cyberstates.org/
The Role of Technical Support in Modern IT: https://www.comptia.org/blog/tech-support-in-modern-it
Carolyn and Seth start with some quick thoughts around social media in the wake of Elon Musk's offer to take Twitter private, then they dive into CompTIA's new data around IT operations. Even after the pandemic, there has not been dramatic change in attitudes around technology adoption. Organizations that are closer to the cutting edge are focusing on new ways to evaluate and implement new technology. Organizations that have more measured technology adoption may be considering increased investments as a way to accelerate their strategy, and the plans for those investments reflect the need to fully understand the dynamics of modern IT.
Carolyn and Seth talk about the latest research around managed services. With the pandemic beginning to fade, MSPs are feeling optimistic about the prospects for the future. Many are exploring the addition of premium services, which may require changes to the business model since areas like cybersecurity or data analytics do not necessarily follow repeatable processes. In order to serve the full range of customer needs, MSPs may need to further explore partnering with specialists. The ultimate goal for most MSPs is improving customer experience, both for their own clients and their clients' clients.
Trends in Managed Services research brief: https://connect.comptia.org/content/research/trends-in-managed-services-2022
Carolyn and Seth welcome James Stanger, CompTIA's Chief Technology Evangelist, to talk about employee experience. Employee experience is becoming a critical discipline for businesses as the post-pandemic workplace evolves, and James talks about the need to improve hiring practices, the ways to help employees avoid burnout, and the importance of developing skills.
McKinsey article on employee experience: https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/people-and-organizational-performance/our-insights/this-time-its-personal-shaping-the-new-possible-through-employee-experience
Carolyn and Seth talk about CompTIA's latest research in the field of data management and analytics. More and more, companies are looking to their data to be the differentiating factor that will drive internal efficiency or external growth. While the ultimate goal is data analytics, most companies are finding that the first order of business is building structure and process around the data they already have. The overall effect is a huge demand for data skills, whether that's database administration, data analytics, or data science.
Carolyn and Seth dive into the hype around web3, the concept of decentralizing the internet using blockchain. Starting with a quick history of web1/web2.0/web3, the two define the web3 concept as a shift toward ownership of content rather than production of content. The technology being used for web3 concepts has already launched cryptocurrencies and NFTs, but there is still a challenge in finding a killer app, especially for businesses. The big hurdle for web3 will be in redefining technology protocols now that they are already ingrained in society and business, and the best advice for companies right now is to make sure they have processes for monitoring and evaluating web3 and other emerging trends in order to stay ahead of the curve.
Carolyn and Seth welcome Marie Rourke, owner of Whitefox Marketing, to talk about how marketing practices are evolving for companies in the IT channel. Historically, vendors have provided marketing funds for their partners, and those funds are still available, but vendors are doing more to tie the funds to expected outcomes and also provide guidance around the best way to invest in marketing. Additionally, solution providers are pursuing marketing of their own brand as they are building awareness of the value they provide to their clients. For many firms, marketing may be a new addition to the business model, but it may also be one of the easiest ways to find new growth.
CompTIA's Marketing Toolkit: https://connect.comptia.org/content/marketing-toolkit-for-msps
Carolyn and Seth discuss some of the findings from CompTIA's recent data on diversity, equity, and inclusion within the IT channel. DEI is a major concern for many firms, but there are many challenges when it comes to moving the needle. Smaller firms are exploring actions beyond hiring and workforce training, including being more selective about working with companies that have clear DEI strategies. In the coming year, companies plan to start exploring the best way to set metrics to measure progress on DEI initiatives.
Carolyn and Seth start 2022 by diving into one of the hottest topics in technology: the metaverse. After giving a high-level definition of the metaverse as online life, the discussion turns to the recent hype around the metaverse as a killer app for VR. The main question moving forward is around immersion--how often do people want to be fully immersed in online activities? Whether VR is the main technology or AR plays a strong role, there will be a lot of hardware involved if this vision of the metaverse takes off.
Why The Metaverse Will Matter to IT Pros: https://www.comptia.org/blog/the-metaverse-at-work
Carolyn and Seth take a look back at some of the big technology trends from 2021. The consistency in regulatory pressure and the growing concerns around cybersecurity were two main stories, and many other events fell under the umbrella of resiliency. From digital transformation to remote work to chip shortages, the common thread was a desire to build more resiliency into business operations. To close out the episode, Andrea McMillian joins from the producer's seat to share her thoughts on digital content trends.
Carolyn and Seth talk with Gavin Garbutt, chairman and co-founder of Augmentt, about business tech purchasing in 2022. With budgets on the rise, businesses will be exploring both the tactical and strategic side of IT. Items on the wish list include consulting around technology opportunities, managing cloud systems, and Microsoft 365 security.
Carolyn and Seth talk about CompTIA's new research, the IT Industry Outlook 2022. The theme of the report is "Return to Strategy," as both IT professionals and IT channel firms start moving back toward the dual mindset around tactics and strategy that was developing pre-pandemic. The report includes 10 trends to watch, including a shift toward consulting for channel firms and the evolution of software to become even more granular. The report also includes in-depth sections on IT pro and channel firm behavior, including a renewed interest in hiring and the major balancing act businesses will have to perform when deciding how to handle their workforce in the coming year.
IT Industry Outlook 2022: https://www.comptia.org/content/research/it-industry-trends-analysis
Carolyn and Seth welcome back Randy Gross, CompTIA's CIO and EVP of Cert Operations, for the annual holiday episode. They discuss one thing in tech that's scary (the threat of disruption), one thing they are thankful for (broad access to technology), and one thing on the wish list (removing more friction).
Carolyn and Seth welcome Ricardo Frost, VP and CIO of RFK Solutionz, to discuss some real world issues in cybersecurity. Ricardo talks about the need to build focused cybersecurity budgets, the importance of training, and the benefits of audits in redefining strategy.
Carolyn and Seth review CompTIA's State of Cybersecurity research as Cybersecurity Awareness Month kicks off. As cybersecurity continues to be a moving target for many businesses, a more structured approach is needed. Companies need to start with policy, where a zero trust approach is becoming the best practice. From there, they need to build out the processes and people that are required for strong cybersecurity. Finally, they can add the products needed to execute the strategy.
CompTIA's State of Cybersecurity 2021: https://www.comptia.org/content/research/cybersecurity-trends-research
Carolyn and Seth talk with Mark Plunkett, Vice President of custom training at CompTIA Tech Career Academy. Mark gives an overview of custom training programs, which are developed with educational institutions, government entities, and private organizations in order to build a pipeline for technical talent, especially among underserved populations. As demand for technical skills continues to skyrocket, there is a growing need to create new pathways for job seekers and new options for businesses trying to close skill gaps.
CompTIA Custom Training: https://www.comptiatech.org/custom-training-programs
Carolyn and Seth talk about the steps companies need to take as they build their data capabilities. Most companies need to start with building comprehensive plans for all their data, including storage options, classification schemes and breaking down data silos. From there, they can move into the analysis that adds new value. Businesses may have to explore many different options for adding data skills, since they are often looking for a significant amount of job experience. Individuals interested in a role in data analysis may have the necessary business experience but lack specific technical skills, which is where training and certification can play a role.
Closing the Data Skills Gap whitepaper: https://www.comptia.org/content/whitepapers/closing-the-data-skills-gap
Carolyn and Seth talk with Matt Britt, executive chef and assistant professor at Johnson and Wales, about the intersection of technology and the culinary industry. The pandemic greatly accelerated the need for restaurants to become digital, and Matt talks about the different ways technology is being used for both customer experience and back kitchen improvements.
Culinary Now podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/culinary-now-podcast/id1490695277
Carolyn and Seth talk with Amy Kardel, CompTIA's VP of Strategic Workforce Relationships, about the Apprenticeships for Tech program. Amy shares the characteristics that make apprenticeships unique--a structured approach to learning workplace skills and typically leading to a permanent position. With demand for technical skills skyrocketing, apprenticeships offer a new avenue for businesses to find and develop the workers they need.
CompTIA Apprenticeships for Tech: https://www.comptia.org/content/lp/apprenticeships-for-tech
Carolyn and Seth talk about CompTIA's latest data around SMB tech adoption. The SMB segment is the largest part of the economy, but they have not always been leaders in technology adoption. While the pandemic drove SMBs even more towards core IT infrastructure, the mindset around strategic IT may not have shifted dramatically. Moving forward, the focus will be on how SMB needs are changing and whether they fill those needs in-house or through outside partners.
Carolyn and Seth talk about CompTIA's latest data around IT automation. Automation is certainly not a new concept, but it is growing in importance as companies use technology strategically and systems become more complex. The discussion covers the perception of automation as a benefit vs. a threat, the challenges in connected a variety of systems, and the skills needed to help businesses achieve automated processes.
Trends in Automation charts: https://www.slideshare.net/comptia/trends-in-automation-2021
Carolyn and Seth talk with Kelly Lyndgaard, CEO of Unshattered, about the ways that technology can help a nonprofit. Unshattered offers women in recovery opportunities to develop professional skills and find a sense of community by creating and selling custom handbags. Kelly talks about how technology provided a foundation for their previous efforts and how technology became more strategically important as a result of the pandemic. As a nonprofit, Unshattered needs to make sure that technology helps connect all their audiences and drive their ecommerce strategy.
Carolyn and Seth celebrate 5 years of the Volley podcast and welcome their new producer Andrea McMillian. They they dive into CompTIA's latest data on the state of the IT channel, discussing the general sentiment among solution providers, the growing imperative around partner experience, and the opportunities and challenges of exploring new verticals.
CompTIA's 9th State of the channel will be available mid-July at https://connect.comptia.org/
Business Model blog post: https://connect.comptia.org/blog/tech-business-models
Carolyn and Seth welcome back Nancy Hammervik, CompTIA's EVP of Industry Relations and newly appointed CEO of CompTIA Tech Academy, to talk about her new role and the mission of CTCA. The academy is the evolution of CompTIA's IT Ready program, offering technical training and business skills to candidates seeking an IT position. Nancy talks about the steps the academy is taking toward accreditation, the lessons learned from reaching students during the pandemic, and the possibilities for the academy to offer technical training to a more diverse pool of job seekers.
CompTIA Tech Career Academy: https://www.comptiatech.org/
Carolyn and Seth welcome Diana Deibel and Rebecca Evanhoe, authors of Conversations with Things. The field of user experience has become more critical as expectations change around technology, and natural language interfaces require many new considerations. Diana and Rebecca share insights from their book, including the questions companies should ask as they think about building conversational technology and the wide range of skills required for success.
Conversations with Things website: https://rosenfeldmedia.com/books/conversations-with-things/details/faq/
Use discount code CWTTALK0521 for 20% off the book!
Carolyn and Seth talk about CompTIA's latest data on emerging technology. With emerging technology most commonly showing up embedded in broader solutions, the best place to start the discussion is around the foundations that companies are building with their IT operations. Companies are investing in a very balanced way across infrastructure, software, cybersecurity, and data. These investments include the basic components needed for modern IT architecture along with training for new skills. With this foundation in place, emerging tech adoption is moving forward in a measured way as organizations explore the complexities of technology-based business solutions.
Carolyn and Seth welcome back Dave Sobel, host of the Business of Tech podcast. The three talk about technology topics that are flying under the radar but could have big implications ahead. First, they discuss the digital divide within the tech industry--how the issues that make headlines from the tech giants are not always the issues being faced by the average tech firm, and how the seemingly simple solutions often require massive resources. Second, they cover the non-technical skills needed for success in technology today. As technology continues to have significant influence on other industries, there is more of a need for roles such as legal expertise or ethical considerations. Finally, they wrap the conversation with a discussion on tech weariness. As society comes out of the pandemic where technology has been heavily utilized, there is some desire to lessen tech usage and make sure that technology use is balanced rather than simply assuming that more is better.
Carolyn and Seth take a look at the ways that technology has changed the field of journalism. Using the recent legislation passed in Australia as a starting point, they discuss how legislation in this area needs to understand internet economics and properly address market dynamics. Then they move into a broader discussion on how technology and social media have changed journalism for better and for worse before wrapping up with a discussion on consumer practices ultimately driving business models.
Carolyn and Seth talk about CompTIA's latest data around the help desk function. A significant number of companies want to make technology a core competency, and that includes robust technical support. Most of the skills needed are still the traditional technical skills that have been in place for years, but the level of knowledge needs to expand. In addition, the customer experience is becoming a key metric for ensuring productivity of the tech-enabled workforce. Finally, companies are finding that help desk roles are good preparation for a wide variety of IT careers.
CompTIA's Trends in Help Desk data: https://www.slideshare.net/comptia/help-desk-trends
Carolyn and Seth talk with Steve Petryschuk, Technology Advocate at Auvik, about some of the latest trends in network management based on data from Auvik's Network Field Report 2021. Steve talks about the importance of network visibility, especially as companies move to more remote work, and he also discusses the need for network engineers to communicate, especially as applications encounter downtime beyond their control. He also discusses the balance of proactive and reactive work and how companies can utilize third parties to find the correct balance.
Auvik's Network Field Report 2021: auvik.com/networkfield21
Carolyn and Seth welcome Kelly Stone, CompTIA's senior director of digital strategy, for a discussion on how social media has evolved. The conversation starts at a high level, touching on the different parts of social media that have been underestimated, then moves into best practices for businesses. Rather than treating social media as a separate initiative, companies should be sure that their social efforts are integrated with overall marketing and content plans.
For more, check out Kelly's post on the CompTIA World blog: https://connect.comptia.org/blog
Carolyn and Seth start the show with a lightning round covering the GameStop stock saga, Jeff Bezos stepping down as CEO of Amazon, and the Apple-Facebook feud over privacy. Then they turn their attention to CompTIA's latest data on managed services. While most MSPs seem to have weathered the COVID storm successfully, there have been changes to pricing model and a shift to higher-level services. MSPs are also getting more serious about their own cybersecurity so that they do not become an entry point for hackers to access all their clients.
Carolyn and Seth talk with Mark Brigman, founder and CEO of Partnernomics, about building successful partner programs. As the value of partnering has shifted away from pure distribution of physical products, there are new considerations that must go into growing through partnerships. From finding partners to aligning goals, Mark talks about the different aspects of partnering in a digital environment.
Partnernomics: https://partnernomics.com/
Carolyn and Seth discuss the Solarwinds attack that has affected a wide range of companies. For both MSPs and end users, there are many things to consider, starting with the need to take extra action to verify technology products. Thanks to the potential for cyberattacks to now spread to so many companies, there is a pressing need to share information across a broad network. In addition, companies are working on building out their cybersecurity function, including a larger focus on dedicated skills. The CompTIA ISAO provides an avenue for networking, and CompTIA training and certs provide opportunities for individuals looking for new career options.
CompTIA ISAO: https://www.comptiaisao.org/
CompTIA Cybersecurity Career Info: https://www.comptia.org/content/it-careers-path-roadmap/cybersecurity-specialist
Carolyn and Seth take a look back at the big tech stories of 2020. Without dwelling too much on COVID or elections, there were plenty of other things happening. Whether it was ripple effects of the pandemic (like rapid digital transformation), stories that slid under the radar (like the Tiktok saga), or things that were notable by their absence (like massive product announcements), 2020 was a year that dramatically changed the technology industry.
Carolyn and Seth take a look at the changes that have taken place in the business world due to COVID and share their opinions on whether those changes will stick or be reversed when the pandemic finally comes to a close. From workplace dynamics to business travel to employee relations, the post-pandemic choices will not necessarily be driven by a single factor such as finances. There are many variables to consider, and businesses will have to think carefully about how they balance their options.
Carolyn and Seth take a look at CompTIA's latest research, the IT Industry Outlook for the upcoming year. As always, the Outlook report covers 10 trends that CompTIA expects to define the year ahead. The discussion in the podcast covers a few of these--the fact that there is no normal, the dynamics taking place in the IT channel, the focus on zero trust cybersecurity, and the need for professional skills to complement technical skills. The two also talk about the budgets that IT pros expect to be working with in the year ahead and the plans by channel firms to grow business opportunities within their existing set of clients.
IT Industry Outlook 2021: https://www.comptia.org/content/research/it-industry-outlook-2021
Carolyn and Seth welcome Randy Gross, CompTIA's CIO and EVP of Certification Operations, for the annual holiday episode. For Halloween, the scary thing about tech is the lack of trust that people have in the technology industry and the difficulty companies will have in building that trust. For Thanksgiving, there is gratitude for the way technology has been able to support work, school, and life in the midst of a global pandemic. And for the end of the year, the wish list item is for the technology industry to focus more on societal needs such as rural broadband or climate change.
Carolyn and Seth give their review of the technology issues that should be considered by candidates running for office in the upcoming U.S. election. Breaking up huge tech companies seems to be on the mind of many candidates and officials, but simply breaking up companies might not get at the root issue. Instead, new forms of regulation need to be considered. Cybersecurity and data privacy are two specific areas that need attention, with data acting as personal currency for the digital economy. Another critical issue is the inclusion of broadband access in any plans for national infrastructure. Finally, climate change and the shifts to sustainable resources have a technology component.
Carolyn and Seth welcome James Stanger back to the podcast to talk about the state of cybersecurity for National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. James is CompTIA's Chief Technology Evangelist, and he discusses some of the findings in CompTIA's new research, including the structure of today's security teams the adoption of a zero trust framework. Then he talks about how companies are dealing with privacy as they rely more and more on data for their offerings and products.
State of Cybersecurity 2020 research: https://www.comptia.org/content/research/cybersecurity-trends-research
Carolyn and Seth wrap up the series on the trajectory of technology with a look at workforce enablement. Companies have found that they are able to be productive with a remote workforce, but they can't always get the same level of innovation or networking. Moving forward, businesses will have to make decisions about their strategy and their culture, then they will have to find technology that enables both productivity and the pieces that typically come from face to face interactions.
Fast Company article on remote work: https://www.fastcompany.com/90545523/working-from-anywhere-is-possible-but-not-sustainable?partner=feedburner&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+fastcompany%2Fheadlines+%28Fast+Company%29
Carolyn and Seth continue their series on the future trajectory of technology with a look at automation. As a natural next step after integration, companies are becoming more interested in automation as a way to both maximize their workforce efforts and create resiliency in their operations. While automation has traditionally been difficult because of the complexity of the tasks being automated, new technology such as artificial intelligence can help cover this complexity. Using AI is not always turnkey, though, and companies must consider the additional measures they will take in order to ensure that automation is happening properly.
Carolyn and Seth start a three-part series looking at the trajectory of technology. As the COVID pandemic continues, businesses are beginning to recognize that there is a new tech strategy to follow. Pieces of this strategy were in place before the pandemic, but they have taken on greater importance. Part 1 of this series looks at integration, a task that is certainly not new but is more critical than ever and has new metrics for success.
Carolyn and Seth speak with Juan Fernandez, VP of Managed IT Services at ImageNet Consulting, about various pathways in the IT industry. First, Juan talks about his own path into an IT career and how certifications are playing a more critical role for candidates seeking technology jobs. Then he discusses the path ahead for the IT industry, examining the way companies are accelerating their digital transformation efforts and planning on more cloud solutions, integration, and automation.
Carolyn and Seth take a look ahead at CompTIA's ChannelCon event. Running August 5-7, the virtual event covers the dynamics of the IT industry, the thought leadership of CompTIA's membership communities, and the future of emerging technology. See the full agenda and register for free at www.channelcon.com.
Carolyn and Seth talk with CompTIA CEO Todd Thibodeaux about what lies ahead for business and technology. The COVID-19 pandemic has created massive disruption, but there is also massive opportunity to rethink how things get done and how to use technology more strategically. Todd discusses the transition to remote work, the ripple effects of changes across different industries, and the skills that tech workers need for success in the future.
Carolyn and Seth celebrate Volley's 100th episode by looking back at some of their favorite shows. From the first episode talking about cloud computing to the post-pandemic episode talking about remote work, the show has evolved along with the IT industry. Thanks to everyone who's listened and supported us!
Carolyn and Seth discuss the latest whitepaper from CompTIA, "The Role of Emerging Technology in Digital Transformation." A focus on emerging technology is a key part of strategic IT, and both IT professionals and technology firms need to take a new approach. With the basic computing platform well established, the next phase of IT is Artisan IT, where complex solutions are built with emerging components. There is also a major impact on skills, where new skills will be added to many existing roles.
The Role of Emerging Technology in Digital Transformation: https://www.comptia.org/content/whitepapers/the-role-of-emerging-technology-in-digital-transformation
Carolyn and Seth welcome Cinnamon Rogers, CompTIA's Executive VP of Public Advocacy, to discuss what her team is focused on during the COVID-19 pandemic. Cinnamon discusses the efforts to include IT provisions in the COVID stimulus packages, the efforts to communicate workplace guidelines across all 50 states, and the future opportunities to conduct policy business from the new office in Washington DC.
Carolyn and Seth welcome Frank Vitagliano, CEO of Global Technology Distribution Council, to talk about the changes taking place in IT distribution. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted this market segment along with the rest of the economy, but the evolution of IT distribution was taking place for years beforehand. Frank talks about the rapid transition to safe operations during COVID, the ongoing transformation of distribution due to cloud computing, and the ability of distributors to assist with solution provider partnering and financing.
Global Technology Distribution Council (GTDC): https://gtdc.org/
Carolyn and Seth welcome back Randy Gross, CompTIA's CIO and EVP of Certification Operations, to discuss CompTIA's recent pivot to online testing. As with most companies, CompTIA needed to move quickly to adjust to the reality of the pandemic, but solid preparation for a future that included online testing provided a good foundation for success. Randy talks through the details of CompTIA's transition, then the conversation shifts to the broader implications for the future of education.
Learn more about CompTIA's online testing: https://www.comptia.org/testing/testing-options/take-online-exam
Look for Carolyn and Seth's new weekly show on CompTIA's LinkedIn account (starting May 11): https://www.linkedin.com/company/comptia/
Carolyn and Seth talk with MJ Shoer, the executive director of the CompTIA Information Sharing and Analysis Organization (CompTIA ISAO, formerly Technology Solution Provider Information Sharing and Analysis Organization or TSP-ISAO), about the state of managed services during the COVID-19 pandemic. MJ covers the ups and downs for MSPs as they continue to work with their clients and the opportunities they should be exploring as they plan for the future.
Carolyn and Seth welcome Tim Herbert, CompTIA's executive vice president of research, to discuss the new IT employment report. Using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Burning Glass Labor Insights, CompTIA compiles a monthly report looking at both employment in the high tech industry and employment of technology professionals across all industries. While the April report may not capture the most recent disruptions from the coronavirus outbreak, it shows some resilience among technology professions. Tim discusses the sectors that have seen the biggest impacts, the reliance on technology skills for transforming business process, and the specific technology roles that remain in high demand.
CompTIA's April IT Employment Tracker: https://www.slideshare.net/comptia/comptia-it-employment-tracker-april-2020
CompTIA resources for displaced workers: https://www.comptia.org/resources/coronavirus-(covid-19)-and-tech-for-displaced-workers
Technologist Talk podcast: https://blubrry.com/technologisttalk/
Carolyn and Seth tackle a topic on everyone's mind: remote work. With so many people working remotely thanks to COVID-19, there are a lot of challenges for both businesses and employees in staying productive. The two hosts share their own personal experiences with working remotely, talking through technology issues, physical setup, and the fact that the right path is different for everyone.
Other CompTIA resources on remote work:
Your Computer Networking Checklist: 10 Things to Prepare for Remote Work: https://www.comptia.org/blog/computer-networking-checklist-for-remote-workforce
Connecting Your Newly Remote Workforce: 4 Things Companies Need to Do Now: https://www.comptia.org/blog/how-companies-can-connect-newly-remote-employees
LinkedIn Live discussion with Randy Gross and James Stanger: https://www.linkedin.com/video/live/urn:li:ugcPost:6647930710990565376/
Carolyn and Seth take a look at CompTIA's new research, Trends in Managed Services. The managed services space has become very complex, with most firms offering a wide variety of options for clients beyond the management and automation of routine services. Two areas of specialized growth are Internet of Things and security, where companies are looking for strategic consulting and solutions that might not fit the strict definition of a managed service. Whatever name it goes by, companies that are driving the business of technology have many opportunities.
Trends in Managed Services report: https://www.comptia.org/content/trends-in-managed-services
Carolyn and Seth review CompTIA's newest research, Trends in Data Management. The study looks at the capabilities companies have around managing their data, from sourcing to processing to analytics and security. The conversation also covers the use of blockchain and other digital ledger technologies for data activities, with these tools currently in an early hype phase but likely becoming foundational components in the future.
Trends in Data Management: https://www.comptia.org/content/research/data-management-trends-survey
Carolyn and Seth talk about software development with Sarah Mei, Software Architect and Director of Design System Enablement at Salesforce. The conversation begins with a quick look at the software problems in the Iowa caucus system, then moves into a discussion of code schools as a method for filling the software development pipeline, then concludes with questions of how ethics are becoming a more critical part of software development.
Carolyn and Seth have a discussion around privacy in the wake of the recent focus on Apple's encryption capabilities. Even though there are conflicting sentiments from both businesses and consumers, determining the level of transparency is a key part of a modern data strategy.
Carolyn and Seth talk with Jim Hamilton, CompTIA's vice president of member communities, about the structure of CompTIA communities and the plans these communities have in 2020. CompTIA's member communities are collections of technology professionals focused on certain technologies, business models, and workforce issues. In addition, CompTIA serves member needs globally with four existing regional communities and more coming in the next year.
To learn more about CompTIA communities and to join: https://www.comptia.org/membership/communities-and-councils
For the last episode of 2019, Carolyn and Seth take a look back at the biggest tech trends of the past decade. From cloud/mobile changing IT infrastructure to social changing the fabric of society to security becoming a constant moving target, the technology industry matured from a niche player to a dominant industry. The two hosts share their thoughts on these topics and predict how this decade will be remembered.
Carolyn and Seth take a look back at the year in tech, discussing the adoption (or lack thereof) of emerging technologies, the rise in importance of cybersecurity, the need for deeper discussions around complex issues, and the opportunities for a diverse group of people seeking technology careers.
Carolyn and Seth review CompTIA's IT Industry Outlook 2020, which has a fresh new design. Along with ten trends for the new year and the statistics around the size and growth of the industry, this report looks at the priorities of IT professionals and the changes taking place within technology firms. The discussion covers some of the most interesting takeaways, including new aspects of workforce diversity, the need to avoid tech-washing, the difference between the impact tech is having and financial growth, the importance of foundational skills for IT pros, and the new challenges tech firms face in dealing with customers.
View the full report on the CompTIA website: https://www.comptia.org/content/research/it-industry-trends-analysis
Carolyn and Seth welcome Randy Gross, CompTIA's CIO and Executive VP of Certification Operations, for the annual holiday episode. The group covers one thing in technology that is scary (the industry's disconnect from real-world impact), one thing to be thankful for (the people who drive the industry forward), and one thing on the wish list (for the good news about technology to outweigh the bad).
Carolyn and Seth welcome Spencer Bone, director of marketing at CompTIA, to discuss the new individual membership programs at CompTIA. CompTIA now offers memberships for IT professionals and students to help people start and build IT careers, and Spencer describes the opportunities and benefits available to members.
CompTIA membership website: https://www.comptia.org/membership/it-pro
Carolyn and Seth welcome Ian Thornton-Trump, head of cybersecurity for Amtrust International, to discuss the major cybersecurity issues he sees in the market as Cybersecurity Awareness Month takes off. Ian talks about how digital transformation efforts have been too slow to bring cybersecurity to the table, how cybersecurity needs to shift from cost center to business enabler, and the role of third parties in providing cybersecurity.
For more, read CompTIA's Cybersecurity for Digital Operations research report: https://www.comptia.org/resources/cybersecurity-for-digital-operations
Carolyn and Seth follow up on the announcement of the iPhone11 by examining the state of enterprise mobility. The topic is not nearly as hot as it once was, but companies are still struggling with integration. Rather than focusing heavily on management of devices, enterprise mobility should be focused on the new workflows that can be created by integrating applications across multiple platforms.
Carolyn and Seth give a preview of CompTIA's upcoming State of the Channel research. In its eighth iteration, this study looks at the sentiment of channel firms as the economy and the use of technology change. Emerging trends are presenting new possibilities, but solution providers may not have all the skills needed to translate these trends into business applications. As they go through their own digital transformation, many firms are also getting serious about marketing efforts as an avenue for growth.
CompTIA's 8th State of the Channel study will be available on comptia.org in late September.
Carolyn and Seth give a preview of CompTIA's upcoming research report on cybersecurity. Companies are showing signs that their security is improving, but there still may need to be a cultural shift at many firms towards treating cybersecurity as an ongoing operational concern. Especially for small businesses, the formation of a dedicated cybersecurity team--whether that is internal or external--is key to properly securing assets in a digital business environment.
The new cybersecurity research report will be available on comptia.org in September.
Fresh off a great ChannelCon event, Carolyn and Seth discuss the naming that is used in the technology industry. The early days of the industry that were marked by physical distribution led to names that don't always apply in a far more complex ecosystem, and using broader terms or thinking about the problem from the bottom up can lead to environments that are more applicable to a broad range of technology firms.
Carolyn and Seth welcome back Nancy Hammervik, CompTIA's EVP of Industry Relations, to discuss the upcoming issue of CompTIA World. This issue focuses on Tech for Good, featuring examples of technology companies contributing to some of the major issues that society is facing. There are workforce implications, as new technology replaces some jobs but creates opportunities to manage the solutions in an ethical way. Nancy also talks about CompTIA's member of the year, Angel Pineiro, and his passion around enabling a new and diverse tech workforce. The new issue of CompTIA World will be available at ChannelCon and will go online at www.comptia.org the week of August 4.
Carolyn and Seth welcome John Tippett, VP of Product at Datto Networking, to talk about some of the main themes that emerged at this year's DattoCon event. John talks about the increased investment activity taking place in the MSP space, the need for MSPs to improve their cybersecurity approach, and the importance of networking as emerging technologies continue to hit the market.
Carolyn and Seth give a preview of CompTIA's ChannelCon event, taking place August 5-7 in Las Vegas. With attendees coming from technology vendors, managed service providers, and IT departments, there will be lively conversations around emerging technology, customer experience, and skills. For more information on the event and to register, visit the ChannelCon website
www.channelcon.com
To kick off Volley's fourth year, Carolyn and Seth welcome back Dave Sobel, the Sr. Director of MSP Evangelism at Solarwinds. Dave shares his thoughts around the most overrated and most underrated topics in the IT industry and what companies can do to avoid pitfalls or capitalize on opportunities.
Dave's podcast Killing IT: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-killing-it-podcast/id1463295432
Carolyn and Seth give a preview of CompTIA's upcoming research on customer experience (CX). This research looks specifically at the way that IT companies are evolving their CX practices, including new technology, new skills, or new mindsets.
The CX research will be available on comptia.org in mid-June.
Carolyn and Seth talk about CompTIA's new research on artificial intelligence. The idea of AI has been around for a while, and most of computing is some form of mimicking human behavior, but there is still a recent shift in the type of decision-making computers are able to do. The new research, which consists of a broad survey and targeted interviews, examines how current AI is different from traditional software programming and what issues businesses should consider as they seek to integrate AI capabilities.
AI research reports available 5/24 at comptia.org.
Carolyn and Seth take a look at where the overall tech industry is from a growth cycle perspective. On one hand, there are elements of maturity, such as the amount of integration into society and the scale of modern technology. On the other hand, there are elements of the tech industry that will never fully stabilize, since technology is more of a platform than most other industries. These factors dictate how much regulation might affect the industry and how much tech companies should be considering their role moving forward.
Carolyn and Seth welcome David Hyman, President of the Center for Technology and Workforce Solutions, to talk about the steps needed to best prepare candidates for the tech jobs of the future. David discusses how professional competencies like communication and teamwork should be thought of as foundational skills and how technical breadth is important for launching into a wide variety of tech careers.
Center for Technology and Workforce Solutions site: www.ctwsolutions.org
Carolyn and Seth welcome Teresa Varela, CompTIA's Director of Workforce Development, to talk about the IT skills gap. Teresa shares her experience in talking with employers about the skills they are looking for and the actions they are taking to build those skills. CompTIA's A+ certification is a prime tool for employers building both a strong foundation of technical skills and also the employability skills that help technical workers be more integrated with the business. This episode is a complement to the CompTIA webinar "Insights from the Industry: Transforming Tech Talent with CompTIA A+"
Carolyn and Seth welcome Cristina Greysman, the chair of CompTIA's Advancing Women in Technology community, to discuss the problem of diversity and inclusion in the high-tech industry. On this podcast, they take a look at CompTIA's research to describe the lack of diversity and the fact that companies may be overestimating their efforts in this space. The conversation continues on CompTIA's Women TechCast, where the three discuss possible approaches that can help drive better diversity of thought for businesses.
CompTIA's Diversity in the High-Tech Industry study: https://www.comptia.org/resources/technology-diversity-research
Women TechCast: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/comptia-women-techcast/id1341769443?mt=2
Carolyn and Seth take a look at CompTIA's latest research on the technology usage of small and mid-sized businesses. Technology is playing a huge role in these firms as they apply new models to business priorities with limited resources. The research covers the technology gaps that SMBs face, the desire to use emerging technology, and the usage of outside partners to accomplish technology strategy.
CompTIA's Tech Buying Trends Among Small and Medium-size Businesses: https://www.comptia.org/resources/smb-technology-buying-trends
Carolyn and Seth review the highlights from CompTIA's latest research on Internet of Things, including adoption rates and skills that companies need for their projects. Then they take a brief look at a recent article from the New York Times covering the way that technology is dividing the workforce.
CompTIA's 2019 Trends in Internet of Things: https://www.comptia.org/resources/2019-trends-in-internet-of-things
"Tech is Splitting the U.S. Workforce in Two" from NYT: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/04/business/economy/productivity-inequality-wages.html?action=click&module=Top%20Stories&pgtype=Homepage
Carolyn and Seth discuss the challenges with massive tech platforms, including unintended consequences, changes to the model, and the potential for lockin. Both consumers and businesses have more responsibility than ever to evaluate the platforms they are using and build exit strategies for when things go wrong.
Farhad Manjoo on Twitter and journalism: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/23/opinion/covington-twitter.html
Casey Johnston on Gmail storage limits: https://theoutline.com/post/6997/why-is-my-gmail-suddenly-full?zd=1&zi=dhzqdvrj
Kashmir Hill on blocking Amazon: https://gizmodo.com/i-tried-to-block-amazon-from-my-life-it-was-impossible-1830565336
David Samuels on technology surveillance: https://www.wired.com/story/is-big-tech-merging-with-big-brother-kinda-looks-like-it/
Carolyn and Seth give a preview of CompTIA's 2019 IT Industry Outlook, looking at three of the trends that will be featured. Cloud computing, edge computing, and 5G will form the new economic infrastructure. IoT and AI will drive advances in ambient computing. Companies enabling the business of technology will grow their skills and change their models to sell and support emerging technology. The IT landscape continues to change, and there are growing opportunities and growing responsibilities for IT professionals.
Carolyn and Seth take a look back at the year in technology. As tech has become more ingrained in business and society, the big story is that there is no single event or innovation that stands on its own. From social media to emerging technology, the discussions happening in the IT industry are becoming broader and more concerned with wide-reaching consequences, and the industry will have to adjust its approach and its skills in order to deal with the implications of a digital revolution.
2018 CompTIA highlights: https://www.comptia.org/about-us/newsroom/blog/comptia-blog/2018/12/03/read-all-the-ways-comptia-advanced-the-business-of-technology-in-2018
Carolyn and Seth talk with Teresa Sears, CompTIA's senior director of product development, about the upcoming A+ certification. The A+ certification is designed to build problem solvers for today's digital world, moving past traditional help desk activities to embrace a wide range of IT functions. The updated A+ will launch in January 2019, and Teresa describes some of the changes that IT pros can expect to see.
Carolyn and Seth review some work done by CompTIA's board of directors around successful vendors and MSPs. In building partner programs and working with clients, there are some new things to consider based on the changes in the IT industry. Vendors should think carefully about how they want to balance direct and indirect efforts, and MSPs must decide how they can fit into an end user's technology system.
Carolyn and Seth sit down with Nancy Hammervik, CompTIA's Executive Vice President of Membership. Nancy describes the 2019 strategies that came out of the recent membership planning meeting, where CompTIA's volunteer leaders set a course to improve the adoption of technology and the customer experience.
Carolyn and Seth take a look at the technology landscape through the lens of the upcoming holidays. We talk about one thing that scares us about the current tech scene, one thing that we're thankful for, and one thing that we have on our wish list.
Carolyn and Seth talk about CompTIA's latest research report, which focuses on how companies are forming teams focused on cybersecurity. Improving skills and defining metrics are two key parts of creating effective teams, which often mix internal and external resources depending on the size and technical capabilities of an organization.
2018 Trends in Cybersecurity report: https://www.comptia.org/resources/cybersecurity-trends-research
Slideshare: https://www.slideshare.net/comptia/2018-trends-in-cybersecurity-building-effective-security-teams
Carolyn and Seth talk with Charles Eaton, Executive VP of Social Innovation for CompTIA and CEO of the Creating IT Futures Foundation. Charles talks about CompTIA's philanthropic efforts, including a partnership with the Tech Students Association, work with employers around non-traditional career paths, and the IT Ready program from Creating IT Futures that provides an on-ramp for adults seeking a new career in technology.
Creating IT Futures: https://www.creatingitfutures.org/
Technology Student Association: http://tsaweb.org/
Charles's book, How to Launch Your Teen's Career in Technology: https://www.amazon.com/Launch-Your-Teens-Career-Technology/dp/1643168894/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1535374165&sr=8-10
Carolyn and Seth give a preview of CompTIA's upcoming research study on the state of the IT channel. Emerging technology and vertical specialization are driving new dynamics among traditional channel firms, and a wide range of companies providing technology enablement are creating a more diverse environment. The new study will be available on comptia.org the week of September 18.
Previous research on SaaS firms: https://www.comptia.org/resources/why-software-as-a-service-benefits-advantages-of-saas-trends-report
CompTIA podcast landing page: https://www.comptia.org/events/podcasts
Carolyn and Seth welcome their daughters Olivia and Kate to the podcast. As the girls head off to college, we have a discussion about technology usage and viewpoints.
Carolyn and Seth welcome Bryn McCoy, founder of LuxLab, to talk about incorporating human values into technology design. As AI and IoT create new and more complicated interfaces for technology interaction, it is becoming more important than ever to consider the impact and usability of the technology products being created.
Carolyn and Seth give a preview of CompTIA's ChannelCon event, taking place July 31-August 3 in Washington, DC. Catch a sneak peek of sessions covering IoT, operational efficiency, emerging technology, and diversity. There is much more happening onsite and online!
ChannelCon main site: www.comptia.org/channelcon
ChannelCon online registration: www.comptia.org/channelcon/agenda…channelcon-online
Carolyn and Seth interview CompTIA's Patrick Lane about the new certification coming at the end of the month. PenTest+ certifies skills that are used to proactively test internal networks for vulnerabilities. The cert is a companion to CySA+, which performs network analytics in order to detect vulnerabilities.
Carolyn and Seth chat with Tim Fitzgerald, VP of Cloud Channel Sales at Ingram, about the evolution of the distributor in the modern IT industry. As actual distribution of products becomes a less critical part of the ecosystem, distributors still play a role in aggregating solutions, simplifying complexity, and assisting technology firms as they meet the needs of end users.
Carolyn and Seth welcome Gail Holmberg, area managing partner at Fortium Partners, to discuss the shift companies are taking towards strategic IT. CompTIA's most recent whitepaper explores this topic, and Gail shares her experiences in working with clients and seeing the hurdles they encounter as they pursue digital transformation.
CompTIA's Using Strategic IT for Competitive Advantage whitepaper: www.comptia.org/resources/using-s…etitive-advantage
Carolyn and Seth welcome Randy Gross, CompTIA's CIO and EVP of Certification Operations, to discuss the impact of GDPR on data policies and the greater degree of focus that companies are placing on data management.
Carolyn and Seth take a look at CompTIA's latest research study focusing on cloud computing. After a decade of experience with cloud, companies are moving to a new stage of adoption where cloud is not just a new way of running existing IT applications, but a new way of thinking about IT. Technical professionals and technology providers need to discover how to add value in this new environment, where IT has become a strategic asset.
Cloud Computing and IT Operations report: www.comptia.org/resources/cloud-c…and-it-operations
Carolyn and Seth talk about the latest research from CompTIA, exploring operational efficiency within IT channel firms. If customer demand is driving transformation, that transformation may be happening at a portfolio level or business model level, and true digital transformation of operations requires channel firms to examine their internal processes and apply the same technology they are selling.
Operational Efficiency in the Channel research report: www.comptia.org/resources/analysi…-in-it-businesses
Carolyn and Seth welcome Forrester's Jay McBain live from Channel Partners Conference and Expo in Las Vegas. The three analysts discuss the IT channel and the way it is changing--including whether it should even be called "the channel" anymore. The modern IT industry has evolved over the past decade, and a new set of relationships and value-add opportunities is now in place.
Carolyn and Seth discuss the growing pains that are taking place as the tech sector reaches a new stage of maturity and achieves unprecedented scope. Since technology has become a major drive in the economy rather than a niche player, the behavior of tech companies is evaluated differently. And since technology is becoming more integrated with everyday life, reliability must be prioritized over experimentation. Ultimately, the high tech sector needs to consider the impact on humanity and not just push the envelope of technical capability.
WSJ on tech's outsize market impact: www.wsj.com/articles/warning-si…article_email_share
Slate on the impact of tech on real life: slate.com/technology/2018/04/s…ally-killing-us.html
Carolyn and Seth welcome CompTIA's Sr Vice President of Research, Tim Herbert, to discuss the upcoming Cyberstates report. Cyberstates is CompTIA's premier guide to technology activity from state to state, covering workforce issues, patents, and economic contribution of technology. On the podcast, Tim gives a preview with discussion of overall trends across different job categories and the issues that companies are facing as they search for new talent.
Cyberstates (new report goes live 3/27): www.cyberstates.org/
Carolyn and Seth welcome Aaron Leveston, national account manager at RingCentral. The three of them take a look at CompTIA's latest research, Diversity in the High Tech Industry, and discuss why diversity is such a problem for the tech sector, what changes could be made in the recruiting process, and how diversity should be connected to revenue.
CompTIA's report: www.comptia.org/resources/technol…iversity-research
Carolyn and Seth talk about how technology has changed the Olympic experience. When time zones can be flattened and attention spans are shorter, the old broadcast model doesn't hold up. This has implications for advertisers as they consider how to work with different formats, and it circles back to content creators as they try to deal with audiences that have a variety of interests.
Carolyn and Seth discuss whether or not Apple has had missteps with the iPhoneX, given the disappointing sales numbers and the rumors of cuts in production ahead of the fall lineup. They highlight one possible variable in the equation as being fatigue with technology, as people decide that constant upgrades are not needed and even look for ways to meter their technology usage.
Carolyn and Seth welcome fellow CompTIA researcher Anna Matthai to talk about Anna's latest study on Youth and Technology. The interest in technology remains high, but the new news in this study is a significant spike in interest in tech careers. There are still some gaps in knowledge and some IT myths out there, but the industry is starting to see the fruit of educational efforts, especially around getting more girls interested in tech careers.
Carolyn and Seth preview CompTIA's 2018 IT Industry Outlook with a look at two of the trends in the report. First, they talk about the democratization of technology: the idea that it has become much easier for different people to create technology tools, and so solutions are becoming more diverse. Then they discuss how that diversity leads to a new consumption model as companies procure technology on a subscription basis, leading to new challenges for tech providers.
Carolyn and Seth look back at the big technology trends from 2017. First they discuss the reputation of the technology industry and how it has been somewhat damaged by bad behavior. Then they look at the #MeToo movement and talk about the ways that workplaces are changing. Finally, they cover the growing complexity of technology and the changes needed to handle modern systems.
Carolyn and Seth give a quick review of iPhone X based on Seth's first impressions of the new phone, then discuss the different variables in the argument over net neutrality and which regulations should be applied to Internet Service Providers.
NYT on net neutrality: www.nytimes.com/2017/11/29/techno…t-neutrality.html
Stratechery on net neutrality: stratechery.com/2017/pro-neutrality-anti-title-ii/
Carolyn and Seth talk about the potential confusion surrounding emerging technology. Rather than talking about individual topics, conversations may be better off focusing on business solutions or corporate structures. Then they discuss the recent flood of public awareness around sexual harassment and abuse. Social media has helped give everyone a voice, and society is recognizing that there must be changes in order to provide equality and safety for everyone.
Carolyn and Seth talk through various pros and cons of telecommuting, looking at how companies must balance the culture they want with the flexibility employees want. Then they talk about the recent merger between Datto and Autotask, which reflects some of the changes happening in the IT channel and the IT function.
Carolyn and Seth review some of the major themes from this week's Cyber Security Chicago event, such as automation and cloud configurations. Then they turn their attention to Big Data and discuss the problems that have kept companies from realizing all the potential that data analysis has promised.
WSJ article on data in baseball: www.wsj.com/articles/the-downsi…s-action-1507043924
Slate article on Big Data: www.slate.com/articles/technolog…d_to_big_data.html
Carolyn and Seth welcome Sal Patalano, Chief Revenue Officer for Lenovo Software. They start with a discussion about the changing nature of the IT channel--how are traditional firms changing and how are new types of firms adding to the ecosystem. Then they turn to emerging technology and the reality of implementing the multitude of new possibilities.
Carolyn and Seth welcome their research colleague Amy Carrado to the podcast to discuss workforce issues. What is the root cause?Is there such a thing as a skills gap? Who shares the burden for the solution? As we live through another technological shakeup, there are many questions to be resolved.
The Myth of the Skills Gap from MIT Technology Review: www.technologyreview.com/s/608707/the…-skills-gap/
Assessing the IT Skills Gap research from CompTIA: www.comptia.org/resources/assessi…the-it-skills-gap
Carolyn and Seth discuss the upcoming research report from CompTIA, which looks at how traditional channel firms are incorporating SaaS into their portfolios. Then they discuss a recent NY Times article that looked at the work-life balance (or lack thereof) in many Silicon Valley Firms.
NYT article on work-life balance: www.nytimes.com/2017/08/31/opinio…ife-balance-.html
Carolyn and Seth talk about CompTIA's latest research study, Planning a Modern IT Architecture. Cloud computing and IoT are driving a need to be more proactive about architectural planning, and companies need to start thinking strategically about planning their infrastructure. Then they look at the expansion of technology companies into everyday life, as Google partners with Walmart on shopping via voice and Amazon prepares to transform the Whole Foods experience
Planning a Modern IT Architecture: www.comptia.org/resources/plannin…n-it-architecture
Carolyn and Seth give their review of ChannelCon17, touching on the expansion of the IT channel, the focus on operations for technology firms, and the differences between emerging tech and day-to-day tech. The discussion ends with diversity, which was the theme of the CEO keynote and a major headline this week thanks to the Google memo.
WSJ article on passwords: www.wsj.com/articles/the-man-wh…v-r-m1-d-1502124118
Carolyn and Seth welcome Geoff Lane from CompTIA's advocacy team to discuss The CHANCE in TECH Act. This proposed legislation aims to simply the processes in the Registered Apprentice program, particularly around the skills gaps needed for technical jobs in the new digital economy.
More on The CHANCE in TECH Act: www.comptia.org/about-us/newsroom…hance-in-tech-act
Carolyn and Seth look at some of the big announcements coming out of the Microsoft Inspire partner event, including the Microsoft 365 bundles, the One Commercial Partner model, and consumption-based compensation.
Carolyn and Seth review three different articles with different takes on Amazon's acquisition of Whole Foods, eventually discussing possible implications of massive internet companies that influence every aspect of daily life.
Slate/Last mile problem: www.slate.com/articles/business/…_mile_problem.html
Stratechery/New customer approach: stratechery.com/2017/amazons-new-customer/
NY Times/Consumer data: www.nytimes.com/aponline/2017/06/…tml?smid=tw-share
Carolyn and Seth review the current mess that Uber is facing and discuss why it's become such a big deal and how we are treating technology these days. Then the conversation turns to the need for rural broadband, as thinly populated areas struggle to compete without modern Internet infrastructure.
Rural broadband story from WSJ: www.wsj.com/articles/rural-amer…utm_campaign=buffer
Carolyn and Seth wish a fond farewell to Walt Mossberg and discuss his final column, which looks forward to a world filled with ambient technology.
Walt's final column: www.recode.net/2017/5/25/1568909…berg-final-column
*Apologies for some audio issues in this episode.
Carolyn and Seth start with a quick discussion on last week's ransomware attacks (get off Windows XP, people). Then they dive into the new research from CompTIA looking at technology purchasing behavior among non-IT business units. Finally, they cover the big theme coming out of Google IO: artificial intelligence.
Carolyn and Seth are joined by TC Doyle, Senior Director of Content for Penton and co-author of The Digital Revolution, to discuss digital disruption. The ESPN layoffs were the latest example of a company trying to adjust for a new world order. What is driving this change, and what should the response be?
Carolyn and Seth give a preview of CompTIA's upcoming research study, The Evolution of Security Skills. Then they turn their attention to Amazon and Facebook, asking whether or not they are monopolies, and what exactly those companies might be monopolizing.
Carolyn and Seth take a look at the agenda for the Channel Partners conference taking place April 10-13. Carolyn will be speaking on channel trends, and there are several dynamics at play throughout the other sessions. Then they turn their attention to the dynamics being created in the tech industry as products reach massive scale and introduce new capabilities, often leading to unforeseen results.
Uber/Lyft background checks: www.bostonglobe.com/business/2017/0…9fON/story.html
Online harassment: www.nytimes.com/2017/04/04/magazi…inside-nyt-region
Carolyn and Seth share their thoughts from CompTIA's Annual Member Meeting, then they review some upcoming studies on cloud and Internet of Things with the help of some insights from CompTIA members.
Carolyn and Seth welcome CompTIA's James Stanger to discuss the recent revelations of CIA hacking and the implications for product security. Then the discussion shifts to education and the methods that institutions should consider to help build the technical skills we need in our digital society.
Carolyn and Seth talk about fake news and the potential it has to spread widely into marketing efforts or corporate communications. Then they turn their attention to technology education and the need to produce informed citizens in a digital society.
Carolyn and Seth talk about CompTIA's latest research study, Building Digital Organizations. This study reviews the changes taking place inside companies as they adopt new tools and go through digital transformation. Then there is a brief discussion on tech earnings and the expectations around revenue and monetization as technology disrupts different industries.
Building Digital Organizations: www.comptia.org/resources/buildin…rganizations-2017
Carolyn and Seth discuss the way that the workplace is changing, including the devices and applications that are being used by the workforce. Some of the predictions from recent years aren't holding up too well, but there is still variety and complexity that needs to be managed.
Carolyn and Seth take a look ahead at the year in IT in CompTIA's 2017 Outlook. There is strong optimism around the industry and the economy, and many areas for growth including security and cloud. The technical workforce will shift over the year as skills adjust to the new models.
Carolyn and Seth review some of the top technology stories of 2016: the Dyn attack, the high levels of M&A, Pokemon Go, and Amazon's new MSP offering. Each of these reflects a broader theme from the year that will likely gain momentum heading into 2017.
Carolyn and Seth take a look forward into 2017, giving a preview of two trends that will be included with CompTIA's IT Industry Outlook. New tools are being made available to those companies that have established cloud operations, and the IT channel is transforming as technology deliver evolves to meet new technology strategies.
Carolyn and Seth describe the dynamics of social media, which became more apparent following the U.S. Presidential election. Given the problems of fake news and echo chambers, how should social media sites and social media users respond?
Carolyn and Seth discuss the recent IoT Emerge event and the scale of IoT solutions, then invite Matt Starr to talk about the tech policy issues that will need to be addressed by whoever wins the election.
IoT Emerge: www.iotemerge.com/iot16/Public/Enter.aspx
Carolyn and Seth invite Annette Taber to discuss the work being done by CompTIA's advisory councils, then wrap the discussion with a quick look at the way that new generations are impacting the workplace.
Carolyn and Seth take a step back and discuss the major changes happening in IT. IT operations are changing thanks to cloud and mobility, and this drives new demands for value that can be added from the IT channel.
Carolyn and Seth discuss a recent study showing the spread of technology jobs outside the traditional technology hubs, then review CompTIA's latest cloud computing research.
Mark Muro's tech jobs article: blogs.wsj.com/experts/2016/09/18…0.9491510833613575
CompTIA's 2016 Trends in Cloud Computing: www.comptia.org/resources/trends-…ud-computing-2016
Carolyn and Seth discuss Anil Dash's article "There is No Technology Industry," then preview next week's Channel Directions Live.
Anil's article: medium.com/humane-tech/there-i…4dfb3ed7#.9s9674ot9
Channel Directions: channeldirections.com
Carolyn and Seth discuss an open letter that was written to CompTIA following ChannelCon 2016, then invite Dave Sobel to the podcast to discuss the Internet of Things.
Carolyn and Seth cover the big news coming out of Microsoft's Worldwide Partner Conference, then talk about CompTIA's framework for IT operations
Carolyn and Seth discuss CompTIA's latest managed services study, then chat with Richard Tubb about the implications of Brexit.
Carolyn and Seth figure out why so many people are talking about AI, discuss the recent purchase of LogicNow by Solarwinds, and review lessons learned from their Slack experiment.
In the first episode of CompTIA's Volley podcast, research analysts Carolyn April and Seth Robinson discuss cloud computing and managed services, then wrap with a tale of woe involving a stolen laptop.