Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights

The podcast features a discussion on the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI), law, and ethics, with insights from attorney Brad Gross and AI governance expert Juliette Powell. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into the services provided by managed service providers (MSPs) and technology companies, the risks associated with compliance and unintended bias are growing. The conversation explores how businesses can navigate legal pitfalls while developing responsible and transparent AI strategies, emphasizing the importance of accountability and ethical considerations in AI deployment.Juliette Powell highlights the need for organizations to establish AI governance frameworks that are adaptable to evolving technologies. She questions the notion of what is considered "ethically sound" and emphasizes the importance of understanding the organizational culture and the people using AI tools. The discussion reveals that many employees do not utilize AI tools effectively, leading to gaps in implementation and understanding. This sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the responsibilities that organizations must take on as they integrate AI into their operations.Brad Gross addresses the legal implications of AI, particularly concerning privacy and intellectual property. He stresses that while MSPs can delegate tasks to AI, they cannot delegate responsibility. This means that organizations must maintain a human element in their AI strategies to mitigate risks. The conversation also touches on the current lack of comprehensive laws governing AI in the U.S., with a focus on the need for transparency and disclosure regarding data usage in AI systems.The episode concludes with a discussion on the importance of accountability within organizations. Both experts agree that having a designated individual or team responsible for AI governance is crucial for success. They emphasize that MSPs should manage client expectations by clarifying the shared responsibilities in AI compliance. This collaborative approach is essential for navigating the complexities of AI integration and ensuring that organizations can leverage technology effectively while adhering to legal and ethical standards.  All our Sponsors:   https://businessof.tech/sponsors/ Do you want the show on your podcast app or the written versions of the stories? Subscribe to the Business of Tech: https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe/Looking for a link from the stories? The entire script of the show, with links to articles, are posted in each story on https://www.businessof.tech/ Support the show on Patreon: https://patreon.com/mspradio/ Want to be a guest on Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights? Send Dave Sobel a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/businessoftech Want our stuff? Cool Merch? Wear “Why Do We Care?” - Visit https://mspradio.myspreadshop.com Follow us on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28908079/YouTube: https://youtube.com/mspradio/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradio/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoftechBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/businessof.tech

A federal judge has ruled that Google acted illegally to maintain a monopoly in online advertising technology, which could lead to significant changes within the company. The ruling, made by Judge Leone Branchima of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, found that Google unlawfully built dominance in the ad tech market, impacting tools used by publishers and the software facilitating advertising transactions. This decision is part of a broader regulatory effort to rein in the power of major tech companies, with the Justice Department also targeting Apple and Amazon for similar practices. Google, which holds an 87% market share in ad selling technology, plans to appeal the ruling, asserting that its ad tools are beneficial for publishers.The implications of this ruling extend beyond Google itself, as it directly affects the marketing and customer acquisition strategies of IT service providers (MSPs) that rely on Google's advertising infrastructure. The court's decision could trigger a lengthy appeals process, and any operational changes may take years to implement. However, the ruling marks a significant moment for Google, indicating that its business practices may soon face substantial scrutiny and potential restructuring.In addition to the Google ruling, the podcast discusses various new tools and technologies aimed at enhancing cybersecurity and compliance for MSPs. Notable announcements include Google’s launch of a new security platform called Google Unified Security, which integrates various security features into a single solution, and HPE Aruba Networking Central's expanded cloud features for managed service providers. These developments highlight the increasing focus on integrated AI-enhanced and compliance-ready security solutions, emphasizing the need for MSPs to align these tools with real client needs rather than simply adopting them as product features.The episode also explores Apple's innovative approach to artificial intelligence, which prioritizes user privacy by utilizing synthetic datasets for training AI models. This method allows Apple to refine its AI outputs while keeping user data on the device, aligning with privacy regulations. The podcast concludes by addressing the evolving landscape of IT service delivery, urging providers to reconsider outdated technologies and prepare for the integration of AI in their operations, while also emphasizing the importance of security and compliance in this transition. Four things to know today 00:00 Google Loses in Court— And That Could Matter for How MSPs Market Themselves03:39 AI, Compliance, and a Lot of New Toys—But Are These the Tools Your Clients Actually Need?06:34 Can Privacy-First AI Win? Apple’s New Approach Dares to Be Different08:23 Old Tech Out, Smart AI In: What MSPs Need to Rethink Before It’s Too Late  Supported by:  https://www.huntress.com/mspradio/ https://cometbackup.com/?utm_source=mspradio&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=sponsorship   Join Dave April 22nd to learn about Marketing in the AI Era.  Signup here:  https://hubs.la/Q03dwWqg0  All our Sponsors:   https://businessof.tech/sponsors/ Do you want the show on your podcast app or the written versions of the stories? Subscribe to the Business of Tech: https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe/Looking for a link from the stories? The entire script of the show, with links to articles, are posted in each story on https://www.businessof.tech/ Support the show on Patreon: https://patreon.com/mspradio/ Want to be a guest on Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights? Send Dave Sobel a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/businessoftech Want our stuff? Cool Merch? Wear “Why Do We Care?” - Visit https://mspradio.myspreadshop.com Follow us on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28908079/YouTube: https://youtube.com/mspradio/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradio/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoftechBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/businessof.tech

The U.S. government has renewed funding for the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) Program, a critical database for tracking cybersecurity flaws, just hours before its funding was set to expire. Established 25 years ago, the CVE program assigns unique identifiers to security vulnerabilities, facilitating consistent communication across the cybersecurity landscape. The renewal of funding comes amid concerns that without it, new vulnerabilities could go untracked, posing risks to national security and critical infrastructure. In response to the funding uncertainty, two initiatives emerged: the CVE Foundation, a nonprofit aimed at ensuring the program's independence, and the Global CVE Allocation System, a decentralized platform introduced by the European Union.In addition to the CVE funding situation, Oregon Senator Ron Wyden has blocked the nomination of Sean Planky to lead the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) due to the agency's refusal to release a crucial unclassified report from 2022. This report details security issues within U.S. telecommunications companies, which Wyden claims represent a multi-year cover-up of negligent cybersecurity practices. The senator argues that the public deserves access to this information, especially in light of recent cyber threats, including the SALT typhoon hack that compromised sensitive communications.The cybersecurity landscape is further complicated by significant layoffs at CISA, which could affect nearly 40% of its workforce, potentially weakening U.S. national security amid rising cyber threats. Recent cuts have already impacted critical personnel, including threat hunters, which could hinder the agency's ability to share vital threat intelligence with the private sector. Meanwhile, the Defense Digital Service at the Pentagon is facing a mass resignation of nearly all its staff, following pressure from the Department of Government Efficiency, which could effectively shut down the program designed to accelerate technology adoption during national security crises.On the technology front, OpenAI has released new AI reasoning models, O3 and O4 Mini, but notably did not provide a safety report for the new GPT-4.1 model, raising concerns about transparency and accountability in AI development. The lack of a safety report is particularly alarming as AI systems become more integrated into client-facing tools. Additionally, SolarWinds Corporation has been acquired by Ternerva Capital, prompting managed service providers (MSPs) to reassess their dependencies on SolarWinds products and consider the implications for product roadmaps and support guarantees. Four things to know today 00:00 From Panic to Pivot: U.S. Saves CVE Program at the Eleventh Hour04:17 A Cybersecurity Meltdown: One Senator Blocks, Another Leader Quits, and a Whole Pentagon Team Walks Out08:54 OpenAI Just Leveled Up AI Reasoning—But Left Out the Fine Print11:45 SolarWinds Is Private Again: What That Means for MSPs Watching the Roadmap  Supported by:  https://www.huntress.com/mspradio/ https://cometbackup.com/?utm_source=mspradio&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=sponsorship   Join Dave April 22nd to learn about Marketing in the AI Era.  Signup here:  https://hubs.la/Q03dwWqg0  All our Sponsors:   https://businessof.tech/sponsors/ Do you want the show on your podcast app or the written versions of the stories? Subscribe to the Business of Tech: https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe/Looking for a link from the stories? The entire script of the show, with links to articles, are posted in each story on https://www.businessof.tech/ Support the show on Patreon: https://patreon.com/mspradio/ Want to be a guest on Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights? Send Dave Sobel a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/businessoftech Want our stuff? Cool Merch? Wear “Why Do We Care?” - Visit https://mspradio.myspreadshop.com Follow us on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28908079/YouTube: https://youtube.com/mspradio/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradio/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoftechBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/businessof.tech

Peter Kujawa from Service Leadership discusses the findings of the 2025 Annual IT Solution Provider Compensation Report, focusing on the trends in wage inflation and employee retention within the managed service provider (MSP) sector. The report reveals that wage inflation peaked in 2022 but has since improved, largely due to the cooling off of the remote work trend and significant layoffs in the tech industry. This shift has led to a more stable job market, particularly in the U.S. and Australia, while Europe continues to experience stubborn wage inflation.The conversation also delves into the current state of remote work, revealing that only 9.6% of employees are working fully remotely, while 42.6% are exclusively in the office. Kujawa notes that hybrid work models are likely to persist, especially among national and international MSPs. The data indicates that companies that maintained remote work longer faced more challenges when transitioning back to the office, highlighting the importance of flexibility in modern work environments.Retention rates are another critical focus, with the report indicating that employees with one to three years of experience have a significantly higher turnover rate compared to those with eight years or more. Kujawa emphasizes the importance of structured onboarding and mentorship programs to improve retention, particularly for new employees and managers. He points out that investing in training and support for new managers is equally crucial, as their turnover rates are alarmingly high.Finally, the discussion touches on the relationship between employee retention and profitability. The report shows that the best-performing MSPs tend to pay lower salaries but offer higher performance-based incentives, creating a more enjoyable work environment. This trend suggests that MSPs need to rethink their compensation structures, focusing on performance pay and aligning incentives with factors that employees can control, such as productivity and customer satisfaction, rather than broader financial metrics like EBITDA.  All our Sponsors:   https://businessof.tech/sponsors/ Do you want the show on your podcast app or the written versions of the stories? Subscribe to the Business of Tech: https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe/Looking for a link from the stories? The entire script of the show, with links to articles, are posted in each story on https://www.businessof.tech/ Support the show on Patreon: https://patreon.com/mspradio/ Want to be a guest on Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights? Send Dave Sobel a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/businessoftech Want our stuff? Cool Merch? Wear “Why Do We Care?” - Visit https://mspradio.myspreadshop.com Follow us on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28908079/YouTube: https://youtube.com/mspradio/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradio/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoftechBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/businessof.tech

AI-powered code generation tools are raising significant security concerns within the software supply chain. Recent research indicates that a notable percentage of package suggestions from both commercial and open-source models are non-existent, a phenomenon referred to as "hallucination." This issue allows malicious actors to exploit these fictitious package names by uploading harmful software to package registries, a tactic known as slop-squatting. Experts emphasize the importance of manual verification and the use of dependency scanners to mitigate these risks, highlighting that developers must rigorously test AI-generated code in isolated environments before deployment.In the tech industry, Intel has made headlines by selling a 51% stake in its programmable chip business, Altera, to private equity firm Silverlake for $4.46 billion. This decision comes after Intel's acquisition of Altera for $16.7 billion in 2015, reflecting a significant drop in valuation. The move is part of a broader strategy to sharpen focus and strengthen the company's balance sheet amid ongoing challenges in the semiconductor market. Despite retaining a minority stake in Altera, Intel's actions raise questions about its ability to compete effectively in critical areas like AI-optimized silicon.Another pressing issue is the impending reduction of the maximum lifespan for SSL and TLS certificates, which will be cut to just 47 days by 2029. This change, supported by major tech companies, aims to enhance digital security by minimizing risks associated with compromised certificates. The transition will require automated and integrated certificate management solutions to keep pace with the new renewal cycles, emphasizing the need for proactive risk management in the evolving threat landscape.Lastly, the reinstatement of tariffs on electronics, including smartphones and laptops, is set to impact the tech industry significantly. The U.S. government aims to encourage domestic manufacturing, but the unpredictability of trade policies complicates planning for businesses. As companies navigate these challenges, they must adopt flexible strategies that account for ongoing volatility in the supply chain and procurement processes, ensuring they remain responsive to changing market conditions. Four things to know today 00:00 Copy, Paste, Compromise? Why AI Code Suggestions Could Lead to Big Security Problems04:45 Altera Is Out, $8.75B Is In—But Intel’s Chip Future Is Still in Question06:46 Got 47 Days? Why Your SSL Certificates Just Got a Whole Lot Needier08:14 One More Time with Feeling: Tech Tariffs Are Back, and the Forecast Is Still Chaos  Supported by:  https://cometbackup.com/?utm_source=mspradio&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=sponsorship https://getflexpoint.com/msp-radio/   Join Dave April 22nd to learn about Marketing in the AI Era.  Signup here:  https://hubs.la/Q03dwWqg0  All our Sponsors:   https://businessof.tech/sponsors/ Do you want the show on your podcast app or the written versions of the stories? Subscribe to the Business of Tech: https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe/Looking for a link from the stories? The entire script of the show, with links to articles, are posted in each story on https://www.businessof.tech/ Support the show on Patreon: https://patreon.com/mspradio/ Want to be a guest on Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights? Send Dave Sobel a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/businessoftech Want our stuff? Cool Merch? Wear “Why Do We Care?” - Visit https://mspradio.myspreadshop.com Follow us on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28908079/YouTube: https://youtube.com/mspradio/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradio/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoftechBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/businessof.tech

The podcast discusses the significant impact of recent tariff policies on the technology sector and small businesses in the U.S. Consumer sentiment has sharply declined, with a notable 11% drop reported in April, driven by fears of rising inflation and economic uncertainty. The Trump administration's decision to exempt certain electronics from new tariffs has not alleviated concerns, as many CIOs are pausing IT projects due to budget disruptions. This uncertainty is expected to trickle down to mid-market IT and small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs), leading to deferred spending and hiring freezes.Small businesses are particularly feeling the strain, as highlighted by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), which reported a decline in its Small Business Optimism Index. Business owners are increasingly worried about the economic climate, with many citing taxes and labor quality as primary concerns. A Reddit thread among small business owners revealed fears of significant price increases due to tariffs, with some reporting staggering import fees that could jeopardize their operations. This sentiment reflects a broader trend of panic among small businesses, which are core customers for many service providers.The podcast also touches on the intersection of politics and cybersecurity, particularly in light of recent executive orders signed by President Trump targeting former officials and a cybersecurity firm. The actions have created a chilling effect within the cybersecurity industry, with many organizations hesitant to speak out against government actions due to fears of retaliation. This situation raises concerns about the neutrality of the cybersecurity sector and the potential for political pressures to influence technology decisions.Finally, the discussion shifts to cloud spending, which has exceeded initial budgets for many CIOs. Despite the overspend, a majority of respondents in a recent survey reported net savings from cloud adoption, indicating that the value proposition remains intact. Managed service providers (MSPs) are positioned to help organizations optimize their cloud investments and manage costs effectively. The podcast emphasizes the need for providers to adapt to the changing landscape, offering strategic guidance and support to clients navigating these turbulent times. Four things to know today 00:00 Tariffs Up, Sentiment Down: Why Tech Spend May Be the Next to Stall05:22 Small Businesses Are Hurting—and MSPs Need to Help More Than Ever 09:42 Politics Meets Cybersecurity as Trump’s Orders Stir Fear and Silence12:46 CIOs Blow Past Cloud Budgets, Giving MSPs a Bigger Seat at the Table  Supported by:  https://www.huntress.com/mspradio/ https://cometbackup.com/?utm_source=mspradio&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=sponsorship  Join Dave April 22nd to learn about Marketing in the AI Era.  Signup here:  https://hubs.la/Q03dwWqg0  All our Sponsors:   https://businessof.tech/sponsors/ Do you want the show on your podcast app or the written versions of the stories? Subscribe to the Business of Tech: https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe/Looking for a link from the stories? The entire script of the show, with links to articles, are posted in each story on https://www.businessof.tech/ Support the show on Patreon: https://patreon.com/mspradio/ Want to be a guest on Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights? Send Dave Sobel a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/businessoftech Want our stuff? Cool Merch? Wear “Why Do We Care?” - Visit https://mspradio.myspreadshop.com Follow us on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28908079/YouTube: https://youtube.com/mspradio/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradio/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoftechBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/businessof.tech

David Lincoln from Rosendin discusses the development of an innovative autonomous robot designed for solar panel installations. The robot, which features a robotic arm mounted on a track-mounted chassis, was conceived to address the labor-intensive and physically demanding nature of installing heavy photovoltaic (PV) modules. The idea originated after Lincoln observed robotic arms in a PV module manufacturing facility, leading to a collaboration with an R&D team to create a prototype that could operate autonomously, significantly reducing the need for human labor while enhancing safety and efficiency on solar farms.The autonomous robot operates alongside two carriers that transport the solar panels, allowing for a streamlined installation process. As one carrier is emptied, the robot can switch to the other, ensuring a continuous workflow. This system not only reduces the number of workers needed on-site—from a typical crew of four to just two—but also minimizes the physical strain on workers who would otherwise have to lift and transport heavy modules. The robot's design incorporates safety features such as emergency stop buttons and sensors to prevent accidents, making it a valuable addition to the workforce rather than a replacement.Lincoln emphasizes that the goal of the robot is to complement human workers rather than replace them. The technology allows for a more efficient installation process, which can lead to significant time and cost savings on large-scale solar projects. The robots are designed to operate in remote locations, where labor can be scarce, and their autonomous capabilities help mitigate logistical challenges associated with transporting workers to and from job sites.Looking ahead, Lincoln envisions further applications for the technology, including potential partnerships with major manufacturers to mass-produce the robots for broader use in the industry. The team is also exploring additional functionalities, such as integrating ground-penetrating radar or mowing capabilities into the carriers. By continuously refining the technology and seeking new opportunities, Rosendin aims to remain at the forefront of innovation in the renewable energy sector.  All our Sponsors:   https://businessof.tech/sponsors/ Do you want the show on your podcast app or the written versions of the stories? Subscribe to the Business of Tech: https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe/Looking for a link from the stories? The entire script of the show, with links to articles, are posted in each story on https://www.businessof.tech/ Support the show on Patreon: https://patreon.com/mspradio/ Want to be a guest on Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights? Send Dave Sobel a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/businessoftech Want our stuff? Cool Merch? Wear “Why Do We Care?” - Visit https://mspradio.myspreadshop.com Follow us on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28908079/YouTube: https://youtube.com/mspradio/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradio/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoftechBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/businessof.tech

The latest market turbulence has raised concerns about the impact of tariffs on business deals and the potential for artificial intelligence (AI) to serve as a lifeline for companies striving to do more with less. With tariffs on Chinese goods recently increased to 125% and a 90-day pause on other tariffs, the uncertainty in the market is palpable. Industry experts Jay McCall and Karl Palachuk discuss the implications of these changes, emphasizing the need for IT solution providers to adapt their strategies and focus on client relationships during these challenging times.Karl highlights the importance of becoming a trusted advisor to clients, especially during economic downturns. He encourages providers to engage in regular conversations with their clients to understand their needs and concerns. This proactive approach can help businesses navigate the current landscape, as some clients may be looking to invest in technology to gain a competitive edge when the market stabilizes. Jay echoes this sentiment, drawing parallels to past economic crises and noting that while some projects may be delayed or canceled, opportunities for digital transformation, particularly in AI, may arise.The discussion also touches on the risks associated with standardization in pricing and hardware delivery. As supply chain issues become more pronounced, the reliance on standardized hardware may become a liability for managed service providers (MSPs). Instead, the experts suggest focusing on the outcomes and results that clients desire, rather than the specific systems used to achieve those results. This shift in perspective could allow MSPs to remain competitive and relevant in a rapidly changing environment.Finally, the conversation emphasizes the need for flexibility in business models as uncertainty looms. While clients may seek shorter contracts or more adaptable pricing structures, providers are cautioned against lowering prices to compete. Instead, maintaining the value of services and fostering strong client relationships will be crucial for MSPs to weather the storm and emerge stronger when the economy rebounds.  All our Sponsors:   https://businessof.tech/sponsors/ Do you want the show on your podcast app or the written versions of the stories? Subscribe to the Business of Tech: https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe/Looking for a link from the stories? The entire script of the show, with links to articles, are posted in each story on https://www.businessof.tech/ Support the show on Patreon: https://patreon.com/mspradio/ Want to be a guest on Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights? Send Dave Sobel a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/businessoftech Want our stuff? Cool Merch? Wear “Why Do We Care?” - Visit https://mspradio.myspreadshop.com Follow us on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28908079/YouTube: https://youtube.com/mspradio/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradio/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoftechBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/businessof.tech

Microsoft is rolling out a preview of its new feature called Recall, which captures screenshots of user activity on CoPilot Plus PCs. This feature, initially intended for launch alongside CoPilot Plus PCs, faced delays due to security concerns. Users must opt-in to save snapshots with Recall and can pause the feature at any time. This development raises important questions about data ownership and how organizations should approach the use of scraped data, especially as automated bots increasingly threaten the sustainability of open-source projects like Wikimedia.The podcast also discusses the impact of tariffs on IT budget planning, with IDC lowering its projected growth in global IT spending for 2025 from 10% to 5%. Many companies are experiencing uncertainty in their budgets, leading to spending cutbacks. CIOs are advised to prepare for various potential tariff scenarios, particularly as technology prices for devices are expected to be affected. The ongoing cuts in federal jobs are also impacting Managed Service Providers (MSPs), prompting them to diversify their client bases and adapt to changes in the federal market.In the cybersecurity realm, CyberFox has announced a strategic integration with Synchro to enhance security and operational efficiency for MSPs. This partnership aims to simplify security tools for providers, allowing them to increase security without sacrificing efficiency or budget. Additionally, Cohesity has expanded its partnership with Google Cloud to improve cyber resilience and data insights for organizations facing cyber threats, emphasizing that cybersecurity is becoming an essential infrastructure rather than an add-on.The episode concludes with insights from the 2025 AI Index, highlighting advancements in AI model efficiency and a notable increase in AI incidents. The report indicates a growing divide in AI optimism between the U.S. and China, with significant investment in AI continuing in the U.S. The discussion also touches on the importance of backward compatibility in Wi-Fi technology, illustrating how innovation and stability are crucial for modern IT services. The podcast encourages listeners to consider how to implement guardrails for customers while leveraging stability as a competitive differentiator. Four things to know today 00:00 Web Bots Are Taking Your Data—And Now Recall Wants to Watch Too03:23 IDC Slashes IT Growth Forecast Over Tariffs While MSPs Grapple with Federal Market Contraction06:34 Security’s Getting Easier to Buy—But Harder to Sell as Strategy08:49 AI Innovation and Wi-Fi Stability: The Twin Pillars of Modern IT Strategy Supported by:  https://syncromsp.com/  Join Dave April 22nd to learn about Marketing in the AI Era.  Signup here:  https://hubs.la/Q03dwWqg0  All our Sponsors:   https://businessof.tech/sponsors/ Do you want the show on your podcast app or the written versions of the stories? Subscribe to the Business of Tech: https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe/Looking for a link from the stories? The entire script of the show, with links to articles, are posted in each story on https://www.businessof.tech/ Support the show on Patreon: https://patreon.com/mspradio/ Want to be a guest on Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights? Send Dave Sobel a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/businessoftech Want our stuff? Cool Merch? Wear “Why Do We Care?” - Visit https://mspradio.myspreadshop.com Follow us on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28908079/YouTube: https://youtube.com/mspradio/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradio/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoftechBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/businessof.tech

Tariff whiplash has led to a significant surge in hardware shipments, particularly in the PC market, as manufacturers rush to deliver products ahead of impending tariffs. In the first quarter of 2025, PC shipments in the United States increased by 9.4%, with notable growth in both notebook and desktop shipments. Companies like Lenovo and HP have ramped up their shipments to the U.S. in anticipation of cost hikes, while a recent Canalys poll indicates that many small and mid-sized business customers are unaware of the end of support for Windows 10, which could lead to higher costs when they refresh their PC fleets. The potential reimposition of tariffs could significantly impact consumer demand, forcing prioritization of essential spending.Amidst these developments, Google has introduced Google Workspace Flows, a tool designed to automate complex processes using artificial intelligence. This feature allows users to create custom workflows without coding, enhancing productivity. Additionally, Anthropic has launched a premium tier for its AI service, Claude, aimed at power users who require higher usage limits. Dell has also announced updates to its storage and server lines to better support AI workloads, indicating a broader trend of integrating AI into business operations.Cybersecurity remains a critical concern, with a report from WatchGuard Technologies highlighting a 94% increase in network malware detections. This surge reflects the growing sophistication of cybercriminals, who are shifting from volume-based attacks to more precise and targeted strategies. The report emphasizes the need for proactive cybersecurity measures as traditional defenses are increasingly challenged by evolving tactics. Providers must adapt their responses to this new landscape, focusing on navigating complexity for their customers.The podcast also discusses the evolving business models of partners in the IT sector, with a significant shift towards services rather than hardware sales. A Canalys survey indicates that hardware will only account for 13% of profitability by 2025, as partners increasingly seek profit-rich services like consulting and managed services. This evolution suggests that the future of IT sales will hinge on wrapping hardware with services, lifecycle management, and AI integration, rather than solely reselling products. The current surge in hardware sales is seen as a reaction to policy uncertainty, with long-term strategies needing to pivot towards recurring services and consultative models. Three things to know today 00:00 Tariff Whiplash Drives Hardware Surge, But Canalys Finds Partners Pivoting to Services for Long-Term Growth07:07 AI Means Business Now—Google Automates Workflows, Anthropic Boosts Power Users, and Dell Powers It All09:59 Hackers Get Smarter, Not Louder: WatchGuard Warns of a Shift from Malware Volume to Malware Precision  Supported by:  https://www.huntress.com/mspradio/https://cometbackup.com/?utm_source=mspradio&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=sponsorship  Join Dave April 22nd to learn about Marketing in the AI Era.  Signup here:  https://hubs.la/Q03dwWqg0  All our Sponsors:   https://businessof.tech/sponsors/ Do you want the show on your podcast app or the written versions of the stories? Subscribe to the Business of Tech: https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe/Looking for a link from the stories? The entire script of the show, with links to articles, are posted in each story on https://www.businessof.tech/ Support the show on Patreon: https://patreon.com/mspradio/ Want to be a guest on Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights? Send Dave Sobel a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/businessoftech Want our stuff? Cool Merch? Wear “Why Do We Care?” - Visit https://mspradio.myspreadshop.com Follow us on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28908079/YouTube: https://youtube.com/mspradio/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradio/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoftechBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/businessof.tech