Explain It

In this episode we look at SOAR technology; what it is and how it can help us automate security processes, releasing the security teams from purely reactive tasks to more proactive, valuable work. We also look to the future and how SOAR technology might integrate and make a lot of functions more intelligent. Host Zac Abbott is joined by Softcat’s chief technologist for cybersecurity, Adam Louca and Matt Rhodes, senior channel manager for Demisto at Palo Alto Networks. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode we look at Windows Virtual Desktop; what it is, why it’s important and what we might see in the future from it. Host Zac Abbott is joined by Softcat’s chief technologist for digital workspace, Adam Harding, Microsoft’s Windows Virtual Desktop global black belt, Tom Hickling, and Jez Haisman, Director of SI development and Microsoft Alliances in the EMEA for Citrix. Together they look at the evolution of virtual desktops and how Microsoft and Citrix work together to bring the best capabilities to an organisation’s VDI. They also look at who these services are relevant for and how best customers can use them. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In the first episode of series three we cast our eyes over the new year and ask some of the biggest tech brains in Softcat about their predictions for 2020. Alongside host Zach Abbott, Softcat’s chief technologists share their thoughts on what may be emerging in the next 12 months. They discuss simplifying cyber security and cloud, the potential increase in AI tech, improving patient and citizen access, and balancing user freedom as well as ways to improve employee engagement. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It's the start of the New Year, and the launch of Explain IT season 3 is just around the corner! Keep your eye on this feed over the next few weeks and months for all new episodes. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In the last episode of series 2 we look at common IT misconceptions. Our panel of experts offer their opinions on a range of topics including the place of ethics in IT, the intelligence of hardware vs software, whether Windows 10 will solve all your problems, edge computing and 5G, how much we should be spending on security and whether the cloud is always better. Host Michael Bird is joined by Softcat’s chief technologists to wrap up the season in this bumper episode.Further LinksSoftcat's IT PrioritiesIT IntelligenceCyber SecurityHybrid InfrastructureDigital WorkspaceGet in Touch`https://www.softcat.com/podcasts/explain-it/s02e12https://twitter.com/softcathttps://www.linkedin.com/company/softcat/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode we look at EDR, or Endpoint Detection and Response. We dig into its past and look at its evolution to what we see today, as well as exploring how it can work for different organisations. Host Michael Bird is joined by Adam Louca, Softcat’s chief technologist for security as well as Russell Humphries, VP of product management for the endpoint security group at Sophos, to discuss the pros and cons that come with the newest generation of endpoint protection software.Further LinksSoftcat's IT PrioritiesIT IntelligenceCyber SecurityHybrid InfrastructureDigital WorkspaceGet in Touch`https://www.softcat.com/podcasts/explain-it/s02e12https://twitter.com/softcathttps://www.linkedin.com/company/softcat/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode, we look at the future of work and workspace. Host Michael Bird is joined by Softcat’s Chief Technologist for modern workspace, Adam Harding, as well as Rebecca Monk, Softcat’s HR director. Together they explore how work workspace is evolving and what that means for organisations and their staff.Further LinksSoftcat's IT PrioritiesIT IntelligenceCyber SecurityHybrid InfrastructureDigital WorkspaceCIPDDeloitte InsightsGet in Touchhttps://www.softcat.com/podcasts/explain-it/s02e09/https://twitter.com/softcathttps://www.linkedin.com/company/softcat/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode we talk about multi-cloud – what it is, when it’s going to get here, and how it might affect organisations. Our experts also debunk some myths around multi-cloud – host Michael Bird is joined by Softcat’s Chief Technologist for data and emerging technology, Craig Lodzinski, Dean Gardner, Softcat’s Chief Technologist for cloud as Jaspreet Singh, founder and CEO of cloud data protection and management software company Druva.Further LinksSoftcat's IT PrioritiesIT IntelligenceCyber SecurityHybrid InfrastructureDigital WorkspaceDruvaGet in Touchhttps://www.softcat.com/podcasts/explain-it/s02e09/https://twitter.com/softcathttps://www.linkedin.com/company/softcat/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode we take a look at quantum computing; what it is, what is does and when we can expect to see it emerge. Fujitsu’s CTO for the UK product business, Martin Myers and Softcat’s Chief Technologist for data and emerging technology, Craig Lodzinski join host Michael Bird to explain and explore all the exciting possibilities of quantum computing.Further LinksCommercialise Quantum technologies in 5 years, publication in Nature from the Google team (2017)Shor’s Algorithm paperAdvances in Quantum Machine LearningGreat video explaining Shor’s Algorithm and how it breaks large factor cryptographyA Quantum von Neumann Architecture for Large-Scale Quantum Computing’ (Building a Quantum Computer using classical architectural principles and the Intel 4004 design)The Fujitsu Digital Annealer Softcat's IT PrioritiesIT IntelligenceCyber SecurityHybrid InfrastructureDigital WorkspaceGet in Touchhttps://www.softcat.com/podcasts/explain-it/s02e09/https://twitter.com/softcathttps://www.linkedin.com/company/softc

In this episode, we dive into the world of unstructured data. We look at exactly what it is, the best way to store it, and the challenges we face when it comes to security and recovery. Andy Hardy, EMEA region vice president of cloud storage company, Nasuni, and Dylan Foster-Edwards, Softcat’s head of the office of the chief technologists join host Michael Bird to look at what the future holds for unstructured data.Further LinksNusani Multi-Cloud Approach to File Storage webinarSoftcat's IT PrioritiesIT IntelligenceCyber SecurityHybrid InfrastructureDigital WorkspaceGet in Touchhttps://www.softcat.com/podcasts/explain-it/s02e08/https://twitter.com/softcathttps://www.linkedin.com/company/softcat/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode we take a look into the future of AI and how it might affect organisations and individuals. Host Michael Bird is joined by Dean Gardner, Softcat’s Chief Technologist for cloud as well as Joe Baguley, Vice President and Chief Technology Officer EMEA at VMware. Together they discuss the ethical side of AI as well as its potential for development, and also its limitations.Further LinksJoe's blog on the future of AI in the workplaceSoftcat's IT PrioritiesIT IntelligenceCyber SecurityHybrid InfrastructureDigital WorkspaceGet in Touchhttps://www.softcat.com/podcasts/explain-it/s02e07/https://twitter.com/softcathttps://www.linkedin.com/company/softcat/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode we dig into supply chain attacks – we look at their history, their potential impact on organisations and the steps we can take to protect against attacks. Softcat’s Chief Technologist for Security, Adam Louca, and Senior Security Consultant at XQ Cyber, Rob Hillier join host Michael Bird to offer their expert advice and guidance as well as looking at what we might expect from the future of supply chain attacks.Further LinksTrending Asus supply chain attackCitrix breech articleSoftcat's IT PrioritiesCyber SecurityHybrid InfrastructureIT IntelligenceDigital WorkspaceGet in Touchhttps://www.softcat.com/podcasts/explain-it/s02e06/https://twitter.com/softcathttps://www.linkedin.com/company/softcat/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode we talk to our experts about 5G; what it is, how it works and what’s in it for organisations. Host Michael Bird is joined by Craig Lodzinski, Softcat’s Chief Technologist for emerging technologies and Adam Louca, Softcat’s Chief Technologist for security. Together they explore what the next generation of cellular mobile communication might look like, when we can expect it to emerge, and how, in practical terms, it will benefit us from a personal, as well as business, perspective.Further LinksDigital WorkspaceSoftcat's IT PrioritiesCyber SecurityHybrid InfrastructureIT IntelligenceGet in Touchhttps://www.softcat.com/podcasts/explain-it/s02e05/https://twitter.com/softcathttps://www.linkedin.com/company/softcat/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode we look at some of the major security threat trends and hear some real life examples of when things have gone wrong and how to avoid similar situations. Host Michael Bird is joined by Matt Helling, Softcat’s head of cyber security services and Dan Wiley, head of incident response at Checkpoint, a leading provider of cyber security services. Together they look at practical ways to protect yourself from threats, and look ahead to how security threats are developing and what to expect in the future.Further LinksCyber SecuritySoftcat's IT PrioritiesHybrid InfrastructureIT IntelligenceDigital WorkspaceGet in Touchhttps://www.softcat.com/podcasts/explain-it/s02e04/https://twitter.com/softcathttps://www.linkedin.com/company/softcat/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode we talk about some exciting developments in healthcare IT. Host Michael Bird looks at the structure of the NHS and some of the challenges they face, together with Phillipa Winter and Brett Walmsley from Bolton Foundation NHS Trust and Softcat’s Chief Technologist for healthcare, James Seaman. They also explore some of the user-centred innovations that the Trust has used to assist clinicians and patients with E-obs as well as hospital entertainment, and the possibility of rolling these things out to other Trusts.Further LinksSoftcat's IT PrioritiesHybrid InfrastructureIT IntelligenceDigital WorkspaceCyber SecurityGet in Touchhttps://www.softcat.com/podcasts/explain-it/s02e03/https://twitter.com/softcathttps://www.linkedin.com/company/softcat/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode we take a look at artificial intelligence and machine learning. Host Michael Bird, together with Craig Lodzinski, Softcat’s Chief Technologist for emerging technologies, and Matt Armstrong-Barnes, Chief Technologist for artificial intelligence at HPE, delve into the history of AI and explore its roots as well as looking at what the future holds for it. They also look at AI application in business and how it can help organisations today.______Further LinksAlex Krizhevsky's original paper on ImageNetHPE's poker playing AI bot Softcat's IT PrioritiesHybrid InfrastructureIT IntelligenceDigital WorkspaceCyber SecurityGet in Touchhttps://www.softcat.com/podcasts/explain-it/s02e02/https://twitter.com/softcathttps://www.linkedin.com/company/softcat/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode Explain IT returns for a second season with host, Michael Bird, where he's joined by some of Softcat's Chief Technologists; Craig Lodzinksi, Dean Gardner, Dylan Foster-Edwards and Adam Harding. This episode kicks off the new year with a focus on the team's predictions for technology in 2019, separated out into our four IT priority areas; Hybrid Infrastructure, Digital Workspace, Cyber Security and IT Intelligence. Each of the guests discuss their predictions for the year, giving it a score out of 10 on how likely it is we'll still be discussing the topic this time next year.______Further LinksSoftcat's IT PrioritiesHybrid InfrastructureIT IntelligenceDigital WorkspaceCyber SecurityGet in Touchhttps://www.softcat.com/podcasts/explain-it/s02e01/https://twitter.com/softcathttps://www.linkedin.com/company/softcat/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Coming in January 2019, Explain IT season 2 covering topics such as AI and Machine learning, the work space of the future and 5G and SD WAN.Send us a photo showing that you've subscribed ready for season 2 and we'll send you an exclusive Explain IT laptop sticker. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode we look at cloud and the five important steps to take in migrating to a cloud environment that works for you. Host Michael Bird is joined by Dean Gardner, Softcat’s Chief Technologist for Cloud, Helen Gidney, Softcat’s Technical Design Team Leader and Craig Lodzinski, Softcat’s Chief Technologist for developing technologies. Together they tackle defining cloud and what it is, how it works and the range of options available to get the most out of it.____Further LinksExplain IT surveyVMware Cloud on AWS: A hybrid Cloud SolutionWhat is Azure Stack?The three Vogels LawsGet in Touchhttps://www.softcat.com/Podcast-S1E8https://twitter.com/softcathttps://www.linkedin.com/company/softcat/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode we get to grips with the new General Data Protection Regulation. Host Michael Bird is joined by Softcat’s data management business manager Katie Efde, information security officer Mark Overton and Graham Charlton, Softcat’s CFO. They go right back to basics and look at how the GDPR differs from the old data protection guidance and exactly what organisations need to do in order to comply with GDPR and avoid hefty fines. They also consider how Brexit may affect the regulation as well as the benefits to organisations and individuals.____Further LinksGDPR Enforcement Priorities: https://iapp.org/media/pdf/resource_center/GDPR_PRIORITIES.FINAL.pdfICO tackling GDPR Myths: https://ico.org.uk/about-the-ico/news-and-events/gdpr-myths/____Get in Touchhttps://www.softcat.com/Podcast-S1E7https://twitter.com/softcathttps://www.linkedin.com/company/softcat/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.