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Topic 1: Will Bots Take Jobs?
AI Robots are coming for your jobs! Or – in a much more realistic interpretation, they are coming to reduce the amount of mundane process work that humans do so they can focus on interpersonal stuff that robots can’t do.
We take a mostly positive spin on this one.
Related Link:
Topic 2: 100 Million IOT Devices Compromised
Scary fact: As the number of deployed devices continues to grow exponentially, the size of these incidents will also continue to grow. This will also have an effect on our liability insurance and state/provincial legislation.
Related Link:
https://www.wired.com/story/namewreck-iot-vulnerabilities-tcpip-millions-devices/
Facebook group mentioned: MSP Regulation and Legislation = https://www.facebook.com/groups/3011459202301532
Topic 3: Data programming and analytics on Fiverr
This is the gig-afying of some very cool new skills. This is an area where we think IT service providers can make some good money.
Fiverr is at www.fiverr.com – Now offering database development, data analytics, machine learning, and more.
See specifically https://www.fiverr.com/categories/data.
Book Mentioned: A Whole New Mind by Daniel Pink
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Sponsor Note:
Are you still relying on a frustrating patchwork of legacy solutions? Modernize your cybersecurity and data protection with Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud. It’s a single solution that combines backup, anti-malware, and endpoint protection management. As an MSP, you can easily improve clients’ security posture, eliminate complexity, and generate more recurring revenue. Learn more about Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud at Acronis.com.
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Topic 1: Should you rely on best practices?
We return to the question of what ARE best practices and how you define them. But more than that, should you be following other peoples’ so-called best practices? Stop leaning on best practices, and experiment!
Related Link:
https://thenextweb.com/growth-quarters/2021/04/01/stop-best-practice-start-experiment/
Topic 2: Distributor Ingram Micro Buys Harmony PSA.
First, do you care? Second, is this a good move? Would you be tempted to a PSA owned by one of your distributors?
Related Links:
https://www.crn.com/news/channel-programs/ingram-micro-acquires-harmony-makes-smb-play-for-cloudblue
Topic 3: Submerged Servers. Like, IN the water.
Last year Microsoft completed a test of sealed server data centers at the bottom of the ocean. But they kep the water on the outside of the tank. Now they’re developing a non-conductive liquid so they can cool servers by submerging them altogether.
Related Link:
Sponsor Memo:
PC Matic — Endpoint Security built on a zero trust philosophy, allowing only trusted applications and blocking all the rest. Light weight, simple to deploy, easy to manage, find out about PC Matic’s unique lead sharing program for MSPs backed by a prime-time national TV campaign. Together, we bring advanced security solutions combined with more than sales enablement … we bring actual leads. Find out more about PC Matic by visiting PCMatic.com/msp/
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Topic 1: Stop Talking About Multicloud and Hybrid Cloud
It’s time to take this seriously and talk about Integration. As always, we take a stab at the terminology used by our industry and ponder about what’s really going on. We all love jargon, but it’s important to dig a little a figure out what’s really being discussed.
Related Link:
Topic 2: Detecting Deef Fake Videos with AI
Scientists developed a clever way to detect deep fakes by analyzing light reflections in the eyes
Related Link:
Book to note: Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman.
Topic 3: Next Up – Open AI that doesn’t require massive compute power
New AI project can generate convincing text that anyone can use. The makers of Eleuther hope it will be an open source alternative to GPT-3, the well-known language program from OpenAI.
The Eleuther project makes use of distributed computing resources, donated by cloud company CoreWeave as well as Google, through the TensorFlow Research Cloud, an initiative that makes spare computer power available.
Related Link:
https://www.wired.com/story/ai-generate-convincing-text-anyone-use-it/
Book to note: Flash Foresight by Daniel Burrus.
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Sponsor Memo:
Today’s show is brought to you by US!
Please check out Dave’s Business of Tech podcast. Daily five minute podcasts, plus weekly recaps, video, and more. Visit https://businessof.tech.
Also check out Karl’s SMB Community Podcast, a weekly 30-minute interview format with some of the most interesting people in the SMB IT Community. Visit https://smbcommunitypodcast.com.
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Topic 1: Cops and Robots
Move to stop NYC police from using armed robots. Note: The police do not own any armed robots, but they do own some robots. So this is totally a preventive measure. We previously discussed the use of AI and facial recognition by police departments. The question here is, when do we begin the conversation (before or after deployment)?
Related Link:
https://link.wired.com/view/5e3f0a597e553f71453d575ddurk4.17ax/3469246b
Topic 2: Is Bitcoin mining compatible with Singapore’s green initiatives?
Bitcoin mining uses about the same amount electricity as Norway! Now Singapore is questioning whether this non-green factor is consistent with their go-green policies.
Meanwhile . . . Bank of America says there’s no reason to use Bitcoin. Ethereum has more features. And Ethereum is easier to manage if you’re interested in De-Fi (decentralized finance). BofA released a report last week entitled “8 Dirty Little Secrets of Bitcoin.” See the slideshow link below.
Related Links:
https://www.coindesk.com/bank-of-america-defi-potentially-more-disruptive-than-bitcoin
https://www.thinkadvisor.com/2021/03/22/8-dirty-little-secrets-of-bitcoin-bofa-securities/
Topic 3: Tech Data-Synnex merger – Does this matter to IT consultants?
Tech distributors Synnex and Tech Data are merging. Karl is surprised this took so long. But, in the big picture, does this affect you?
SaaS companies have been taking distributors (and partners) out of the equation for many years. The cloud is moving servers into data centers, who frequently bypass distributors. Cloud services are more effectively sold by Sherweb, AppRiver, Intermedia, Pax8, etc.
Were you surprised? Give us your feedback.
Related Links:
ChannelE2E Announcement re: Synnex / Tech Data Merger https://www.channele2e.com/investors/private-equity/synnex-tech-data-merge/
CRN Slideshow re: D&H Response to Synnex / Tech Data Merger https://www.crn.com/slide-shows/channel-programs/d-h-co-presidents-on-standing-out-amid-the-tech-data-synnex-merger-we-are-like-evolution-versus-revolution-
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Sponsor Memo –
Are you still using on-prem file servers and VPNs to share files with remote workers? Egnyte is a business class cloud sharing solution that works more like your on-prem server than other solutions. With a security first approach to file sharing and collaboration, Egnyte offers multiple options for sharing files and collecting files from outside sources. And do it all addressing data governance and compliance. Want to learn more? Check out Egnyte.com/msp, and when you do, tell them we sent you.
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Topic 1: AI Mayflower to Cross the Atlantic
This is a recreation of the Mayflower voyage with a 100% autonomous ship. Great for research and proof of concept.
The Smithsonian doesn’t talk about autonomous shipping vessels, but that might be an option going forward. There are currently very small crews on shipping vessels, but there might be some advantages with this technology.
Related Link:
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/mayflower-england-400-celebrations-exhibit-180975850/
We update our burrito bet.
Topic 2: NFT – Non-fungible Token Artwork
By now you’ve heard of NFTs, particularly artwork stored with Etherium blockchain guarantee of authenticity. Sold on Rarible.com or similar web sites.
New wrinkle: As bitcoin hoarders attempt to invest in NFTs to avoid taxes, any system that helps organize and verify this data becomes a permanent record for governments that seek to tax.
Related Link:
https://www.theverge.com/2021/3/1/22308075/grimes-nft-6-million-sales-nifty-gateway-warnymph
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFD_8oDxw1k
https://www.wired.com/story/digital-currencys-popularity-rises-privacy-fears/
Topic 3: RMM/PSA from Tanium
Salesforce is announcing an RMM to be sold as an add-on to all of their installations. Dave thinks this is a contender for disrupting the MSP market. Is this just an enterprise/mid-market play, or will they be moving into SMB? We shall see.
Related Link:
https://www.channele2e.com/technology/management/tanium-salesforce-it-service-center/
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Note from our Sponsor:
Are you still using on-prem file servers and VPNs to share files with remote workers? Egnyte is a business class cloud sharing solution that works more like your on-prem server than other solutions. With a security first approach to file sharing and collaboration, Egnyte offers multiple options for sharing files and collecting files from outside sources. And do it all addressing data governance and compliance. Want to learn more? Check out Egnyte.com/msp, and when you do, tell them Killing IT sent you.
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Topic 1: What works, works: Big Tech Targets DC via Old-School Media
Facebook, Amazon, and Google ads are blanketing inside-the-Beltway newsletters in a bid to rehab their tarnished reputations.
The big tech companies are getting ready to do battle. So they need to soften up members of Congress. Here’s the interesting part: They didn’t use social media to get the job done. They used good old advertising . . . in newsletters.
Of course we use this to look at the whole “Big Data vs. Congress” debate going on right now.
Link:
https://www.wired.com/story/big-tech-targets-dc-with-digital-charm-offensive/
Topic 2: Security Breach at Security Camera Company
IoT security came under a major attack in March. 150,000 Verkada surveillance cameras compromised by super simple hack. The “victims” were as widespread as you can imagine: Jails, gyms, Tesla, and more.
Never, never sell an internet-connected device without adding an additional layer of cyber security. That’s why “value added” resellers and service providers exist!
Link:
Topic 3: Massive Data Center Fire in Strasbourg, France
OVHCloud, Europe’s largest cloud provider, has massive fire affecting multiple data centers. OVHcloud’s SBG2 data center in Strasbourg France was destroyed by a fire that also damaged SBG1. OVH manages four data centers on the same site, which we think is odd.
We look at several practices across industry and across the world.
Links:
https://www.datacenterdynamics.com/en/news/fire-destroys-ovhclouds-sbg2-data-center-strasbourg/
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Sponsor Memo:
Are you still relying on a frustrating patchwork of legacy solutions? Modernize your cybersecurity and data protection with Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud. It’s a single solution that combines backup, anti-malware, and endpoint protection management. As an MSP, you can easily improve clients’ security posture, eliminate complexity, and generate more recurring revenue. Learn more about Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud at Acronis.com.
🙂
Topic 1: Drone-Killing Drones
Great video from “Drone Hunter.” AI Powered Drone captures and eliminates drones over no-fly zones, concerts, football games, public addresses by politicians, etc. Karl notes that we hope California deploys these to take down drones flying around forest fires, endangering the pilots trying to fight fires.
Video here . . . scroll down a bit:
https://fortemtech.com/products/dronehunter/
Topic 2: Robots save people from drowning
One bot featured in this story. But toward the end you see there are several competitors. Who knew this is a market with growing competition? And that led us to look at robots that don’t save people: They fight!
Related Links:
https://newatlas.com/robotics/underwater-lifeguard-robot/
Topic 3: Microsoft Stumbles on the Vaccine Software Front
Several companies, including Microsoft, have failed to create great, rock-solid software to track vaccines. We wonder how this task is so complicated that the most successful software companies in the world can’t solve it.
Related Links:
Microsoft getting a black eye: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-02-28/microsoft-says-vaccine-tools-have-fallen-short-after-dc-snags
Using technology without the data: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/02/technology/college-coronavirus-tests.html
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Sponsor Memo:
PC Matic — Endpoint Security built on a zero trust philosophy, allowing only trusted applications and blocking all the rest. Light weight, simple to deploy, easy to manage, find out about PC Matic’s unique lead sharing program for MSPs backed by a prime-time national TV campaign. Together, we bring advanced security solutions combined with more than sales enablement … we bring actual leads. Find out more about PC Matic by visiting PCMatic.com/msp/
🙂
Topic 1: ChannelPro State of the Channel survey
Bruised but roaring back? We you bruised in 2020? Is this a real reflection of the real channel? Or is this a sampling issue?
As always, we think research is good. You just need to be careful about what the results mean. We discuss. And we give a few thoughts on eternal optimism – pro and con. We look forward to concrete house mod kits . . . and more.
Related Link:
http://digital.channelprosmb.com/publication/?m=24576&i=691606&p=18
Topic 2: 3D printed home. 1,500 sq feet. $299K
We’re not sure how much the printer cost – but the houses are serious. The story here is from New York, so the price point of $300,000 is a serious value. We haven’t covered 3D printing much, but this is just cool.
Related Link:
https://www.cnbc.com/2021/02/25/you-can-now-buy-a-3d-printed-home-heres-a-look-inside.html
Topic 3: Paying for news in Australia . . .
News agencies are finally pushing back on letting social media giants redistribute their product for free. Magazines and newspapers have mis-played the Internet opportunity for twenty-five years. Now they’ve decided to try to make money.
Australia passed a law forcing the major social media outlets to pay for news. In response, Google said “okay” and Facebook threatened to pull out of the country.
Social media have been taking advantage of content creators since day one. It may have taken twenty years longer than expected, but a realistic balance is probably on the way. The U.S. is a follower and not a leader on this front. So keep an eye on Australia.
Please see previous episodes: The Splinternet continues to splinter!
Related Link:
https://www.wired.com/story/plaintext-australia-facebook-google/
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Sponsor Memo:
Gozynta Mobius – the easiest way for ConnectWise Manage and QuickBooks online to connect. Keep invoices, expenses, and inventory automatically updated right from Manage to QuickBooks Online, and payments right back into Manage. With simple pricing, set it and forget it auto sync, Gozynta Mobius delivers with no restrictions on the number of invoices, expenses and payments, and plays well with others like ConnectBooster. Trusted by over a thousand MSPs. now introducing a free plan, go to gozynta.com/mobius, and tell them Killing IT sent you.
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Topic 1: Zoom begins the next wave . . . getting back to the office
We were impressed with Zoom’s announcement of touch-free office connections for receptionist via Zoom. What other emerging technologies can we look forward to as we emerge from the pandemic? Remember: Innovation and technology both affect culture and are affected by culture.
Related Link:
Topic 2: Texas Electricity
You heard about Texas’ problem with electricity. If not, follow the link below. We’re tempted to draw an analogy to the availability question regarding bandwidth. And we are reminded: All this stuff costs money!
On what this means for the bigger picture, tune into Dave’s point at 18:45 . . . There’s a great analogy here to zero trust access to data and security.
Background on the Texas electrical grid and why it’s not connected to the rest of the U.S.: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas_Interconnection
TXU – Your Texas Electricity Company https://www.txu.com/
Texas Public Utilities Commission https://www.puc.texas.gov/
Topic 3: Episode 1 revisit on Ethics
At Show 100, we harken back to Episode 1, in which we addressed ethics and Artificial Intelligence. It turns out, that’s still a relevant discussion. See the last several shows.
Technologists always have to balance what we can do and what we should do. After all, the technology we love can grow much faster than our understanding of the ethics related to that technology.
. . . And, of course, we give an update on the Drone vs. Robots delivering pizzas and burritos.
What do you think? Give us your feedback.
Sponsor Note:
Are you still using on-prem file servers and VPNs to share files with remote workers? Egnyte is a business class cloud sharing solution that works more like your on-prem server than other solutions. With a security first approach to file sharing and collaboration, Egnyte offers multiple options for sharing files and collecting files from outside sources. And do it all addressing data governance and compliance. Want to learn more? Check out https://Egnyte.com, and when you do, tell them Killing IT sent you.
🙂
Topic 1: Jargon of the Week . . . DBIO
Take it apart: Digital Business Infrastructure Operations. Is this usable terminology? Just another four letter acronym?
“Digital Business Infrastructure Operations (DBIO) is an end-to-end approach to delivering managed services. It spans the entire digital value chain – from the core to the edge – and is supported by robust network and security infrastructure.”
One aspect – building things backwards – just amounts to selling solutions instead of selling “stuff” and integrating it. That sounds like the advice for last 50 years.
https://techcentral.co.za/time-to-turn-the-managed-services-model-on-its-head-dbio-thrprom/104714/
We’d love to hear comments on this one.
Topic 2: Jay McBain sees the Future
We love looking at the future of our industry. It’s kinda what this podcast is about. We dig into this a bit and then introduce Topic Three – then discuss both of them together.
Jay McBain’s 2021 Channel Predictions:
https://go.forrester.com/blogs/what-i-see-coming-for-the-channel-2021/
Topic 3: Techaisle see the Future at Little Differently
One important topic here is “Digital Equality” vs. “Digital Divide.”
https://techaisle.com/blog/437-top-10-smb-and-midmarket-predictions-for-2021
Again, great topics here: Give us your feedback!
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Sponsor Note:
Are you still relying on a frustrating patchwork of legacy solutions? Modernize your cybersecurity and data protection with Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud. It’s a single solution that combines backup, anti-malware, and endpoint protection management. As an MSP, you can easily improve clients’ security posture, eliminate complexity, and generate more recurring revenue. Learn more about Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud at Acronis.com.
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