CompTIA Volley

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 arou...

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...

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-...

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 b...

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...

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…-skill...

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 vi...

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-...

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/Consume...

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...

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.