The IT Collab

In this insightful episode of The IT Collab Podcast, host Nathan Taylor sits down with Patrik Kekonius, a seasoned sales manager from Sweden and a fellow member of the Microsoft Partner Advisory Council. With co-host Brandon Barnes unavailable, Nathan and Patrik dive deep into the intricacies of the IT industry, focusing on the unique challenges and opportunities faced by Managed Service Providers (MSPs) in today's economic climate. Patrik shares his experiences and perspectives on the Swedish market, highlighting the impact of inflation, currency fluctuations, and rising interest rates on businesses. He discusses how these economic factors have influenced the IT sector, particularly for MSPs heavily invested in Microsoft solutions. Patrik also sheds light on the adjustments Microsoft has made to their pricing and how these changes have affected partners and customers alike. The conversation transitions to the evolving relationship between Microsoft and its partners. Patrik and Nathan explore the shift from the traditional gold and silver partner designations to the new solutions partner designation. They candidly discuss the challenges many partners face in maintaining their status and the implications of Microsoft's changing partner management strategies. Throughout the episode, Patrik emphasizes the importance of the SMB segment in driving innovation and the critical role of feedback in shaping Microsoft's product offerings. He also shares his thoughts on the value of Microsoft 365 Business Premium and the benefits of integrating AI and security solutions like Microsoft Defender into client offerings. Join Nathan and Patrik for a compelling discussion that not only addresses the current economic and industry challenges but also celebrates the resilience and adaptability of IT professionals. Whether you're an MSP, a tech enthusiast, or someone interested in the dynamics of the IT industry, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice.

In this engaging episode of The IT Collab Podcast, hosts Brandon Barnes and Nathan Taylor welcome Christina Green, a Senior Product Manager at Microsoft, to discuss the evolving landscape of technology and the impact of AI on productivity. Christina shares her journey from teaching to tech, highlighting her work with the Microsoft 365 Lighthouse platform and her passion for empowering Managed Service Providers (MSPs) to better serve small and medium businesses. The conversation delves into the transformative potential of AI tools like Microsoft Copilot and Loop. Christina, Nathan, and Brandon explore the challenges and opportunities of integrating AI into daily workflows, emphasizing the importance of a growth mindset and the shift from traditional search engines to AI-driven solutions. They share personal anecdotes and practical tips on how to leverage these tools for enhanced productivity and collaboration. Beyond technology, the episode also addresses the critical issue of diversity in the tech industry. Christina opens up about her experiences as a woman in tech, the importance of representation, and the need for inclusive environments that value diverse perspectives. The hosts and Christina discuss strategies for fostering a more inclusive workplace and the role of allies in supporting underrepresented groups. Join us for an insightful and inspiring conversation that not only covers the latest in AI and tech but also underscores the importance of diversity and inclusion in driving innovation. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a professional in the industry, or someone interested in the human side of technology, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice. Christina S.’s Profile: linkedin.com/in/christinasgreen Website: christinasgreen.com/

Welcome to “The IT Collab,” where technology and collaboration converge! Hosted by industry experts Brandon Barnes and Nathan Taylor, this podcast delves into the dynamic world of IT and cybersecurity. Each episode features engaging discussions with top professionals, sharing their insights, experiences, and the latest trends shaping the tech landscape. In our latest episode, we are joined by Shel Phillips, Chief Security and Compliance Officer at Covenant Technology Solutions. Shel brings a wealth of experience in cybersecurity and compliance, particularly in the realm of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). He shares his journey and the critical updates in CMMC regulations, offering a deep dive into the challenges and strategies for businesses to achieve compliance. Join us as we explore the evolving landscape of cybersecurity, the impact of recent CMMC changes, and practical advice for businesses navigating these requirements. Shel discusses the importance of proactive cybersecurity measures, the role of managed service providers (MSPs), and the future of IT compliance. Whether you’re an IT professional, a business owner, or simply interested in the latest tech developments, “The IT Collab” offers valuable insights and practical advice to help you stay ahead in the fast-paced world of technology. Don’t miss out on our thought-provoking conversations and expert guidance. Subscribe now and be part of the IT collaboration revolution! Find more from Shel Philips, PMP CCP RP: Website: https://covenant-tech.net/ Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/shel-philips-pmp-ccp-rp-b490ab5 Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@Covenant_Global/featured

In our latest episode, we are joined by Perry Sawano, Director of Culture Development at Uncommon Solutions. Perry brings a wealth of experience from his background in business and finance, offering a unique perspective on how IT can be leveraged as a strategic investment rather than just an overhead cost. He shares his journey from viewing technology as a necessary annoyance to recognizing its potential to save time, reduce risk, and drive business growth. Join us as we explore the importance of proactive cybersecurity measures, the role of managed service providers (MSPs), and the evolving landscape of IT compliance. Perry discusses the critical need for businesses to view IT as an integral part of their operations and the benefits of partnering with knowledgeable IT professionals. Whether you’re a business owner, an IT professional, or simply interested in the latest tech developments, “The IT Collab” offers valuable insights and practical advice to help you stay ahead in the fast-paced world of technology. Don’t miss out on our thought-provoking conversations and expert guidance. Subscribe now and be part of the IT collaboration revolution!

Welcome to “The IT Collab,” where technology and collaboration converge! Hosted by industry experts Brandon Barnes and Nathan Taylor, this podcast delves into the dynamic world of IT and cybersecurity. Each episode features engaging discussions with top professionals, sharing their insights, experiences, and the latest trends shaping the tech landscape. In our latest episode, we are joined by Ken Yao, founder of Cyberse, a cybersecurity marketplace and expert-led community. Ken shares his journey from working at Deloitte and Booz Allen Hamilton to founding Cyberse, highlighting his mission to make cybersecurity more accessible and efficient for small and medium-sized businesses. He discusses the challenges of navigating the complex cybersecurity landscape, the importance of understanding customer priorities, and the innovative ways Cyberse is leveraging AI to simplify security procurement and decision-making. Join us as we explore the evolving world of cybersecurity, the impact of AI on security tools, and the future of cybersecurity for businesses of all sizes. Whether you’re an IT professional, a business owner, or simply interested in the latest tech developments, “The IT Collab” offers valuable insights and practical advice to help you stay ahead in the fast-paced world of technology. Don’t miss out on our thought-provoking conversations and expert guidance. Subscribe now and be part of the IT collaboration revolution! https://www.cyberse.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/kennethyao/

Welcome to “The IT Collab,” where technology meets collaboration! Hosted by industry veterans Brandon Barnes and Nathan Taylor, this podcast dives deep into the ever-evolving world of IT. Each episode features insightful conversations with leading experts, sharing their journeys, challenges, and the latest trends in the tech industry. In our latest episode, we sit down with Chris Kasten, CTO and partner at TeamLogic IT in Phoenix. Chris brings a wealth of experience from his diverse roles in the IT sector, from developer to cloud architect. He shares his unique perspective on the Managed Service Provider (MSP) space, discussing the freedom and challenges of being a generalist in a specialized world. Join us as we explore the intricacies of the MSP industry, the impact of AI on security tools, and the evolving expectations of customer service. Whether you’re an IT professional, a tech enthusiast, or just curious about the digital landscape, “The IT Collab” offers valuable insights and engaging discussions to keep you informed and inspired. Don’t miss out on our candid conversations and expert advice. Subscribe now and stay ahead in the fast-paced world of IT! https://www.teamlogicit.com/

In this episode of The IT Collab, we sit down with compliance expert Jim Hinsey to delve into the critical topic of IT compliance and the upcoming changes with the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). As businesses brace for the new DoD CMMC requirements, Jim provides invaluable insights into what organizations need to know to stay compliant and secure. We discuss the latest DoD CMMC documentation, including the scoping guide, and highlight key steps businesses should take to prepare. Tune in to ensure your business is ready for the future of IT compliance! Listen now to stay ahead of the curve and protect your business from compliance pitfalls! Find out more with Jim @ https://fortreum.com/ DoD CMMC documentation, which includes the scoping guide. https://dodcio.defense.gov/CMMC/Documentation/

Join us on this enlightening episode of IT Collab as we sit down with Dr. Milton Mattox, a leading expert in artificial intelligence and the Chief Technology Officer at the United States Artificial Intelligence Institute (USAII). Dr. Mattox shares his profound insights on how AI is revolutionizing various sectors, from education to healthcare, and its potential to drive global change. Discover the latest advancements in AI technology, the ethical considerations we must address, and how AI can be harnessed to create a more equitable and efficient world. Whether you’re an AI enthusiast or just curious about the future of technology, this episode is packed with valuable information and thought-provoking discussions. Don’t miss it! https://www.usaii.org/ai-insights/drmattox-joins-usaii-as-the-chief-advisor

In this episode, we’re excited to share some big updates with you! 🚀 We’re diving into all the changes happening behind the scenes and how our podcast is growing. From new team members to exciting collaborations, there’s a lot to look forward to. Tune in to hear about our journey, the challenges we’ve overcome, and what’s next for The IT Collab. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated with all our latest episodes. Your support means the world to us! 🌟 www.theitcollab.com

In this episode, we’re thrilled to have Matthew Collins join us. Matthew is an expert IT architect with a wealth of knowledge in various specializations. He’ll be sharing insights into his journey, the challenges he’s faced, and the innovative solutions he’s developed. Whether you’re an IT professional or just curious about the field, you won’t want to miss this deep dive into the world of IT architecture. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated with all our latest episodes. Your support helps us grow and bring you more amazing content! 🌟

Welcome to The IT Collab! 🎙️ Your go-to podcast for all things IT for Business Owners and Geeks alike. Join us as we dive into the latest updates, features, and innovations across Microsoft’s ecosystem. We break down complex topics into digestible insights, helping IT professionals stay ahead of the curve. Tune in for expert interviews, practical tips, and real-world applications that will empower you to leverage the full potential of Microsoft’s tools and services. Stay informed, stay connected, and let’s collaborate on your IT journey! https://theitcollab.com/the-podcast

In this episode of The IT Collab, we sit down with Derek Schulte, the SOC Manager at Source Pass. Derek shares his insights on managing cyber security risks for his customers, discussing the latest threats, strategies for mitigation, and the importance of proactive security measures. Tune in to learn how Derek and his team stay ahead of cyber threats and ensure robust protection for their clients.

IT Collab with Phelim Rowe Join us on this exciting episode of IT Collab as we sit down with Phelim Rowe, the Director of Managed Security Services (MSS) and a thought leader in the industry. Phelim shares his invaluable insights on how to bridge the gap between Managed Service Providers (MSPs), Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs), and businesses. Discover strategies to enhance collaboration, improve security, and drive innovation in your organization. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of the best in the field! For more information, visit MSS Network: https://mssnetwork.com/ Events: https://mssnetwork.com/physicalcyber Tune in and elevate your IT game! 🚀

In this episode we talk about what really happened with the global "Microsoft" outage and how it was really a CrowdStrike issue. Join us on a fun episode of digging into the details of what really happened. Read more and join the discussion on our blog post: https://theitcollab.com/the-podcast/f/the-great-microsoft-crowdstrike-outage-a-tech-tale-of-chaos

Join hosts Brandon and Nathan as they dive deep into the world of email security on this episode of “The IT Collab.” From the basics to advanced layers of protection, they cover everything you need to know to safeguard your emails from hacking and spoofing. In this episode, you’ll learn about: DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail): How it helps verify the sender’s domain. DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance): The policies that protect your domain from unauthorized use. SPF (Sender Policy Framework): How it prevents spammers from sending messages on behalf of your domain. Additional Security Layers: Other essential strategies to keep your inbox secure. Whether you’re an IT professional or just someone looking to enhance your email security, Brandon and Nathan provide valuable insights and practical tips to help you stay protected. Tune in and take control of your email security today!

Join Nathan in this insightful episode as he sits down with Brandon, a tech-savvy entrepreneur, to discuss how he has leveraged technology to help his wife’s hair extension business thrive. From implementing cutting-edge automation solutions to utilizing social media marketing and data analytics, Brandon shares the innovative strategies that have transformed their small business into a growing success. Tune in to learn about the challenges they faced, the tools they used, and the lessons they learned along the way. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or a tech enthusiast, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical tips to help you grow your own business. Don’t miss it! 🚀💇‍♀️

Welcome to The IT Collab, the go-to podcast for all things tech! In this episode, join your hosts Brandon Barnes and Nathan Taylor as they dive deep into Microsoft’s latest innovation: Copilot + PC. They’ll explore how this cutting-edge product is revolutionizing the way we interact with our computers, making technology more intuitive and accessible than ever before. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or just curious about the future of computing, this episode is packed with insights, tips, and a peek into what’s next in the world of IT. Don’t miss out on this informative and engaging discussion – tune in now to get the inside scoop on Copilot + PC! Read more on our blog about this episode: https://theitcollab.com/the-podcast/f/exploring-microsoft%E2%80%99s-copilot-pc

The IT Collab Team interviews Kris Jensen, a Fractional CIO, in this podcast episode. A Fractional CIO is an executive-level technology leader who serves part-time or temporarily. They provide proven strategic leadership and demonstrate expertise from their extensive experience. Fractional CIOs offer a cost-effective, flexible solution for organizations that need high-level talent but cannot afford a full-time hire. Tune in to learn more about this unique role! 🎙️🔗 In order to reach out to our guest: Kris Jensen | Kris.Jensen@fortiumpartners.com www.fortiumpartners.com

https://theitcollab.com/the-community In this episode we discuss changes to the podcast, and lots of news around Microsoft Teams license changes and NCE updates. Teams License change links: https://tminus365.com/is-teams-no-longer-part-of-my-microsoft-365-licensing-licensing-update/ https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/licensing/news/Microsoft365-Teams-WW NCE transfer: https://www.crn.com/news/cloud/2024/microsoft-to-allow-partner-to-partner-nce-subscription-transfers-this-quarter#:~:text=This%20quarter%2C%20Microsoft%20plans%20to,since%20the%20rollout%20of%20the Business Premium vs Office 365 E3: https://lazyadmin.nl/office-365/microsoft-365-business-premium-vs-office-365-e3/

MICROSOFT CO-PILOT (Chat GPT 4.0) Hosted by Brandon Barnes, this engaging podcast features special guest Nathan Taylor, Senior Director of Enterprise Solutions at Source Pass. With over 20 years of experience in the IT industry, they delve into cutting-edge topics. Their discussions revolve around the revolutionary impact of Microsoft Co-Pilot, exploring how it will transform business processes—from efficient note-taking to automating tasks. Tune in to stay ahead in the tech game! 🎙️🚀