Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights

The episode begins with a discussion on a vulnerability in Microsoft's Windows Hello for Business authentication model, which has been found to be susceptible to downgrade attacks. Microsoft has released a fix for this issue to enhance security measures. Additionally, the episode highlights AT&T's decision to pay a ransom to prevent the exposure of stolen call records, shedding light on the prevalent trend of companies paying ranso...

Global IT spending is projected to surge by 7.5% in 2024, driven by increased demand for data center systems and IT services, particularly generative AI. The growth forecast highlights the sustained demand for managed services and cloud solutions, indicating a shift towards comprehensive IT management solutions offered by MSPs.

Secondly, Meta, the parent company of Facebook, is facing a regulatory showdown in the EU as it withholds ...

CrowdStrike released a software update that caused Windows machines to enter a boot loop, impacting around 8.5 million devices globally. The CEO of CrowdStrike issued an apology for the incident, highlighting the need for software vendors to prioritize quality and minimize flaws in their products. The aftermath of the incident raises questions about the trade-offs between efficiency and reliability in the tech industry.

The second ...

Tyler Hochman, CEO of FORE Enterprise, discusses their AI workforce analytics platform that predicts employee turnover before employees themselves are aware of their intentions to leave. The technology utilizes a combination of external and internal data sources to create predictive models on both aggregate and individual levels. External data sources include census information, demographics, and economic trends, while internal dat...

ost Dave Sobel delves into the question of how he would start a managed services provider (MSP) today. He emphasizes the importance of not solely focusing on monthly recurring revenue but also considering other revenue sources like project work and product gross margin. Sobel highlights the need for MSPs to run efficient operations and maximize service gross margins to ensure profitability. He stresses the significance of providing...

Mistral launched CodeStrollMamba and MathStroll, outperforming open-source models. OpenAI released GPT-4.0 Mini, a cost-efficient AI model, while Microsoft introduced Spreadsheet LLM for spreadsheet analysis. AWS unveiled AWS AppStudio for creating enterprise applications effortlessly.

Microsoft's checkpoint cumulative updates for Windows 11 aim to deliver smaller, faster updates through periodic cumulative updates and incremental b...

We highlight the low adoption rate of enterprise-wide AI plans, with only 17% of businesses actively discussing and implementing AI strategies. The need for more robust strategic frameworks to integrate AI effectively is emphasized, as early adopters with clear plans stand to gain a competitive edge in the market.

The episode also covers updates on cybersecurity measures, with the White House urging federal agencies to request addit...

New data is revealed showing the increasing prevalence of remote work among Americans, with companies embracing flexibility and hybrid work models. Unique equity grants with varying vesting schedules are becoming more common in the tech industry, offering companies a way to attract talent and save money. Additionally, a trial of a four-day workweek at a UK council showed promising results, including reduced staff turnover and impro...

Consumers are pushing back against price hikes, leading companies like PepsiCo and Delta Airlines to consider value adjustments due to cooling inflation. Small businesses, particularly those with one to four employees, are facing revenue declines and profitability challenges, with the impending retirement of baby boomer owners expected to reshape the market in the coming years.

Secondly, Sobel delves into the skepticism surrounding ...

One of the big topics discussed on The Business of Tech is data management and its relationship to data security, particularly in the context of AI technology. The guest, Yasir Ali, founder and CEO of Polymer, shares his journey from Wall Street to founding a platform focused on data loss prevention for SaaS and AI applications. He highlights the complexity and importance of data migrations, emphasizing the need for efficient tools...

The Kaseya Future of IT survey revealed a strong emphasis on AI and cybersecurity investments among IT service providers, with China leading in generative AI adoption. The report also emphasized the importance of automation and holistic solutions in IT management, indicating a shift towards integrated approaches.

Compliance Scorecard launched a strategic alliance program aimed at enhancing cybersecurity offerings for managed service...

Microsoft and Apple will not have advisory roles on OpenAI's board of directors, despite their investments, as regulatory scrutiny on big tech companies increases. OpenAI faced a security breach in its internal messaging systems, raising concerns about the potential theft of AI technology by foreign adversaries. The company also addressed a security issue in its ChatGPT Mac OS app, highlighting the importance of cybersecurity in AI...

A market review delves into the performance of U.S. small caps in comparison to other major stock markets, highlighting the underperformance of small caps and the global recovery post-2020 crash. The discussion also touches on the recent job market data, showcasing signs of life with an unexpected increase in job postings and hiring in May, indicating a gradual and uneven recovery.

The episode further explores the shifts in the tech...

this episode, Peter Kujawa joins Dave Sobel to discuss the recently released Service Leadership Profitability Report. The conversation delves into various aspects of profitability, comparing different business models, and highlighting trends within the industry. The report provides valuable insights for MSPs and IT service providers, especially as they gear up for year-end planning.

One key finding discussed in the episode is the co...

In this podcast episode, host Dave Sobel interviews Paula Paul, the founder and distinguished engineer at Grayshore, about the importance of open source in businesses. Paula emphasizes that open source is already deeply integrated into most commercial applications, with a vast majority of software relying on open-source libraries. She highlights the need for businesses to effectively manage and secure their open-source dependencies...

A special episode of Dark Rhino's Security Confidential featured Dave Sobel, a well-known figure in the virtualization world and host of the Business of Tech podcast. In the freewheeling conversation, Dave shared insights on the status of security, the balance between interesting and boring aspects of the industry, and his thoughts on the willingness to pay for security. His daily podcast focuses on providing IT services companies ...

Nearly half of Americans still use third-party antivirus software despite built-in security features in mainstream operating systems. The reasons for this choice include fear of malware, privacy concerns, and online shopping security. Additionally, there is a growing fear of losing cryptocurrency, especially among older age groups. The episode also highlights the issue of freelancers on Fiverr offering access to personal data tools...

The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has indicated there will be no ban on ransomware payments. Director Jen Easterly emphasized the importance of reporting cyber incidents and promoting secure design practices to combat cyber threats effectively.

The episode also delves into a breach experienced by TeamViewer, attributed to Russian state-affiliated threat actors. Despite the breach being contained within...

The episode highlights the growing price sensitivity among consumers, leading businesses to lower prices and focus on providing value to customers. IT leaders are facing an increase in high-priority digital incidents, impacting customer trust and revenue streams. Medium-sized enterprises are turning to IT resellers for strategic advice on embracing digital services and AI to stay competitive in the market.

The episode also delves in...