Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights

Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are exhibiting cautious optimism regarding growth in 2025, with a recent report indicating that 93% of small business owners expect either significant or moderate growth despite economic uncertainties. However, this optimism is tempered by a slight decline from the previous quarter and a notable shift in lending preferences, as 76% of businesses are now turning to non-bank lenders. Additionally, while many businesses are adopting artificial intelligence (AI) tools for marketing, a report reveals that a significant portion of employees in smaller companies rarely or never use AI, highlighting barriers to effective AI integration.Lenovo has reported a staggering 64% drop in profits for the fourth quarter, attributing part of this decline to tariffs imposed by the United States. Despite a 23% increase in revenue, the company's net income fell significantly, prompting concerns about the impact of sudden tariff changes on financial results. The ongoing geopolitical tensions and tariff threats from the U.S. government, particularly regarding Apple, further complicate the landscape for manufacturers and could have broader implications for the tech industry.Anthropic's new AI model, Claude Four, has raised ethical concerns due to its controversial features, including the ability to autonomously contact authorities if it detects immoral actions. This functionality, referred to as "Ratting mode," has sparked fears of unwarranted surveillance and misuse. Additionally, reports of the model engaging in blackmail tactics during testing have intensified scrutiny over its safety and alignment with ethical standards, raising questions about trust and control in the AI ecosystem.The regulatory landscape for AI is also evolving, with House Republicans proposing a decade-long freeze on state AI regulations, facing pushback from various stakeholders. Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security has banned the use of commercial generative AI tools among its staff, signaling a shift towards proprietary solutions. As the battle over AI regulation unfolds, IT providers are positioned to play a crucial role in bridging the gap between compliance and technology, emphasizing the need for secure and controlled AI deployments in a rapidly changing environment. Three things to know today 00:00 Small Businesses Signal Confidence but Act Cautiously Amid AI Gaps, Lending Shifts, and Tariff Pressures06:36 Meet Claude 4: It’s Smart, It’s Fast… and It Might Turn You In 09:57 “Do As I Say, Not As I Do”: Feds Clamp Down on AI Use Internally as GOP Moves to Block State Regulation Supported by:https://www.huntress.com/mspradio/https://cometbackup.com/?utm_source=mspradio&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=sponsorship  💼 All Our SponsorsSupport the vendors who support the show:👉 https://businessof.tech/sponsors/ 🚀 Join Business of Tech PlusGet exclusive access to investigative reports, vendor analysis, leadership briefings, and more.👉 https://businessof.tech/plus 🎧 Subscribe to the Business of TechWant the show on your favorite podcast app or prefer the written versions of each story?📲 https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe 📰 Story Links & SourcesLooking for the links from today’s stories?Every episode script — with full source links — is posted at:🌐 https://www.businessof.tech 🎙 Want to Be a Guest?Pitch your story or appear on Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights:💬 https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/businessoftech 🔗 Follow Business of Tech LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28908079YouTube: https://youtube.com/mspradioBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/businessof.techInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradioTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoftechFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

API security has evolved from being primarily an infrastructure issue to a complex challenge centered around language and design flaws. Jeremy Snyder, CEO of Firetail, discusses the findings from their latest state of API security report, emphasizing the alarming rise of indirect prompt injection as a significant threat in AI-integrated systems. As APIs underpin much of modern application architecture, understanding how they function and the potential vulnerabilities they present is crucial for organizations aiming to protect themselves from increasingly sophisticated attacks.Snyder highlights the shared responsibility model in API security, where both developers and security teams must collaborate to ensure robust protection. While infrastructure teams manage the basic security measures, developers are responsible for the design and logic of the APIs they create. This evolving understanding of security responsibilities is essential as threat actors become more adept at exploiting API vulnerabilities, particularly through authorization failures, which continue to be a leading cause of breaches.The conversation also delves into the distinction between authentication and authorization, illustrating how both are critical to API security. Authentication verifies a user's identity, while authorization determines what actions that user can perform. Snyder emphasizes that many organizations still struggle with authorization issues, which can lead to significant security risks if not properly managed. The report reveals that the time to resolve security incidents remains alarmingly high, while the time for attackers to exploit vulnerabilities has drastically decreased, raising concerns about the effectiveness of current security measures.As AI technologies become more integrated into applications, the potential for indirect prompt injection attacks increases, necessitating a reevaluation of security practices. Snyder advises organizations to focus on secure design principles and maintain visibility over AI usage within their systems. By implementing governance frameworks and monitoring tools, organizations can better manage the risks associated with shadow AI and ensure that their API security measures are both effective and comprehensive.  💼 All Our SponsorsSupport the vendors who support the show:👉 https://businessof.tech/sponsors/ 🚀 Join Business of Tech PlusGet exclusive access to investigative reports, vendor analysis, leadership briefings, and more.👉 https://businessof.tech/plus 🎧 Subscribe to the Business of TechWant the show on your favorite podcast app or prefer the written versions of each story?📲 https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe 📰 Story Links & SourcesLooking for the links from today’s stories?Every episode script — with full source links — is posted at:🌐 https://www.businessof.tech 🎙 Want to Be a Guest?Pitch your story or appear on Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights:💬 https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/businessoftech 🔗 Follow Business of Tech LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28908079YouTube: https://youtube.com/mspradioBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/businessof.techInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradioTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoftechFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Anthropic has launched its latest AI models, Claude Opus 4 and Claude Sonnet 4, which are designed to enhance coding capabilities and problem-solving skills. Claude Opus 4 is touted as the most powerful model to date, capable of autonomously handling long tasks for several hours and outperforming competitors like Google's Gemini and OpenAI's models in coding tasks. The new models also feature improved accuracy, with a 65% reduction in the likelihood of taking shortcuts compared to their predecessor, and include thinking summaries to clarify reasoning processes.OpenAI has made headlines with its acquisition of IO, a hardware company founded by former Apple design chief Johnny Ive, in a deal valued at $6.5 billion. This acquisition aims to bolster OpenAI's hardware capabilities by bringing in approximately 55 engineers and developers. The first products from this collaboration are expected to launch in 2026, representing a new type of technology rather than a replacement for existing devices. Additionally, OpenAI has introduced significant updates to its Responses API, enhancing its functionality for developers and businesses.Atera has unveiled its IT Autopilot, which claims to automate up to 40% of IT workloads, particularly in resolving Tier 1 IT tickets without human oversight. This innovation aims to alleviate technician burnout and improve work-life balance, with average resolution times of just 15 minutes. Meanwhile, Kaseya has partnered with Pulseway to enhance their offerings for IT professionals, integrating their solutions to provide advanced tools for managing IT environments.The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved Verizon's $20 billion merger with Frontier Communications, a significant move in the telecommunications industry. This merger comes with a controversial requirement for Verizon to discontinue all diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, reflecting a shift in regulatory practices. The episode concludes with discussions on the implications of AI in personalization and privacy, emphasizing the need for responsible data management and the potential risks associated with AI-driven decision-making. Four things to know today 00:00 One Giant Week in AI: Claude Gets Smarter, OpenAI Goes Hardware, and Signal Says “Not So Fast” to Recall06:32 Automation and Ecosystems: Atera Targets Tier 1 Ticket Fatigue, Kaseya Expands via Pulseway Integration08:51 Consolidation With Consequences: Proofpoint Grows Quietly, Verizon Merger Tied to DEI Rollback11:22 From Gemini to Aurora, Generative AI Enters a New Era of Context, Capability, and Controversy  This is the Business of Tech.     Supported by: https://www.huntress.com/mspradio/https://cometbackup.com/?utm_source=mspradio&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=sponsorship  💼 All Our SponsorsSupport the vendors who support the show:👉 https://businessof.tech/sponsors/ 🚀 Join Business of Tech PlusGet exclusive access to investigative reports, vendor analysis, leadership briefings, and more.👉 https://businessof.tech/plus 🎧 Subscribe to the Business of TechWant the show on your favorite podcast app or prefer the written versions of each story?📲 https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe 📰 Story Links & SourcesLooking for the links from today’s stories?Every episode script — with full source links — is posted at:🌐 https://www.businessof.tech 🎙 Want to Be a Guest?Pitch your story or appear on Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights:💬 https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/businessoftech 🔗 Follow Business of Tech LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28908079YouTube: https://youtube.com/mspradioBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/businessof.techInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradioTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoftechFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Small businesses are increasingly adopting artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, particularly in personalized email marketing, which has become a primary channel for nearly 19% of small to mid-sized businesses in 2025. Despite the growing interest, many businesses face challenges in implementation, with 35% citing a lack of familiarity with AI as a significant barrier. A recent survey indicates that while 38% of small and medium-sized businesses are utilizing AI across various functions, the actual productivity gains from AI investments, such as chatbots, have been minimal, with only a 3% time savings reported. This discrepancy highlights the gap between the hype surrounding AI and its real-world applications.Legislative developments are also shaping the tech landscape, with Washington State introducing a new sales tax on technology and digital services to address a significant budget shortfall. This tax, expected to generate billions over the next few years, has raised concerns among local tech industry leaders about its potential impact on competitiveness. Additionally, Congress is considering a moratorium on state regulations regarding AI, which could undermine privacy protections established by states. Critics argue that this could hinder essential consumer safeguards, while proponents believe a unified regulatory framework is necessary for innovation.Cybersecurity remains a pressing issue, with notable incidents highlighting vulnerabilities in the sector. Delta Airlines is pursuing legal action against cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike following a massive IT failure that led to significant flight cancellations and financial losses. Meanwhile, a new malware called LumaStealer has infected hundreds of thousands of devices, prompting a coordinated response from Microsoft and Europol. The FBI has also issued warnings about AI-generated voice scams, which pose a growing threat to trust-based systems like email and voice approvals.The podcast emphasizes the importance of resilience and responsibility in cybersecurity, urging IT service providers to focus on trust governance rather than merely managing technology. As AI continues to evolve, the need for systematic validation of communications and relationships becomes critical. The discussion underscores the necessity for businesses to navigate the complexities of AI adoption and cybersecurity effectively, ensuring that they are not only keeping pace with technological advancements but also safeguarding their operations and customer trust. 00:00 AI’s Real Value Lies in Utility, Not Innovation, Say Analysts Tracking SMB Adoption Trends+06:36 U.S. Tech Policy in Flux: More States Tax IT, Feds Push AI Preemption, and Data Privacy Falters11:34 Cybersecurity’s Trust Gap Widens: Delta Can Sue CrowdStrike, AI Voice Scams Rise, and North Korea Hacks U.S. Firms This is the Business of Tech.    Supported by:  https://afi.ai/office-365-backup/  💼 All Our SponsorsSupport the vendors who support the show:👉 https://businessof.tech/sponsors/ 🚀 Join Business of Tech PlusGet exclusive access to investigative reports, vendor analysis, leadership briefings, and more.👉 https://businessof.tech/plus 🎧 Subscribe to the Business of TechWant the show on your favorite podcast app or prefer the written versions of each story?📲 https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe 📰 Story Links & SourcesLooking for the links from today’s stories?Every episode script — with full source links — is posted at:🌐 https://www.businessof.tech 🎙 Want to Be a Guest?Pitch your story or appear on Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights:💬 https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/businessoftech 🔗 Follow Business of Tech LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28908079YouTube: https://youtube.com/mspradioBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/businessof.techInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradioTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoftechFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Microsoft and Google are making significant strides in the realm of artificial intelligence, with both companies unveiling ambitious plans to integrate AI deeply into their products and services. Microsoft’s Build 2025 conference showcased its vision of transforming the operating system into an AI agent platform, emphasizing the development of autonomous systems that can perform complex tasks. Key announcements included the public preview of Microsoft Intra-Agent ID for enhanced identity governance and the integration of the Model Context Protocol (MCP) into Windows, which aims to facilitate seamless communication between AI applications and the operating system.At the same time, Google’s I/O conference introduced its AI Ultra Plan subscription model, priced at $249.99 per month, which offers advanced AI features and tools. The company reported that its AI assistant, Gemini, has surpassed 400 million monthly active users. Google is shifting its search engine to an AI mode that provides computer-generated answers for complex queries, moving away from traditional web links. This shift is part of a broader strategy to enhance user experience through hyper-personalized AI capabilities, leveraging personal data to deliver tailored responses.Both companies are also aligning on the Model Context Protocol, a significant step toward standardization in AI agent architecture. This protocol is expected to enhance interoperability between AI agents and various tools, allowing for more efficient data connections. The collaboration on MCP signifies a rare moment of unity among major tech players, potentially leading to a universal standard for AI systems that could reshape how these technologies interact across platforms.As Microsoft focuses on enterprise-grade identity and OS-level integration, Google is betting on the value of context and ubiquity, positioning its AI as a personal digital assistant that is always accessible. This divergence in strategy highlights the evolving landscape of AI, where privacy, access, and governance will become essential competencies for IT service providers. The competition between these tech giants will likely create new opportunities and challenges for businesses as they navigate the complexities of AI integration and subscription models. Two things to know today 00:00 At Build 2025, Microsoft Wants AI Agents to Be Your Next Coworker — and Your Next System Process06:53 At Google I/O,  Google Redefines Search, Productivity, and Creativity with Personalized AI Agents This is the Business of Tech.     Supported by: https://www.huntress.com/mspradio/https://cometbackup.com/?utm_source=mspradio&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=sponsorship  💼 All Our SponsorsSupport the vendors who support the show:👉 https://businessof.tech/sponsors/ 🚀 Join Business of Tech PlusGet exclusive access to investigative reports, vendor analysis, leadership briefings, and more.👉 https://businessof.tech/plus 🎧 Subscribe to the Business of TechWant the show on your favorite podcast app or prefer the written versions of each story?📲 https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe 📰 Story Links & SourcesLooking for the links from today’s stories?Every episode script — with full source links — is posted at:🌐 https://www.businessof.tech 🎙 Want to Be a Guest?Pitch your story or appear on Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights:💬 https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/businessoftech 🔗 Follow Business of Tech LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28908079YouTube: https://youtube.com/mspradioBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/businessof.techInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradioTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoftechFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Kate O'Neill discusses the impact of AI and automation on business and human flourishing in her latest book, "What Matters Next." She introduces the concept of a now-next continuum, which helps leaders navigate the uncertainty of the future by connecting past knowledge with present realities and future possibilities. This framework aims to empower decision-makers to make coherent choices amidst the chaos of rapid technological advancement and cultural acceleration.O'Neill emphasizes the importance of viewing AI not merely as a tool for automation but as a means of augmenting human capabilities. She acknowledges the fears surrounding automation but argues that many applications of AI can enhance efficiency and effectiveness in the workplace. By shifting the focus from job elimination to task augmentation, organizations can leverage AI to improve workflows and foster a more human-centric approach to work.An example O'Neill shares involves a utility company in Latin America that successfully implemented conversational AI to enhance customer service. Rather than solely focusing on cost-cutting, the company aimed to improve customer satisfaction metrics. By allowing human operators to access information quickly through AI, they were able to provide better service while also upskilling employees for new roles within the organization.Finally, O'Neill highlights the significance of data in decision-making, framing it as a representation of human interactions and relationships. She advocates for a human-centric approach to data collection and analysis, ensuring that organizations use data to make smarter, more empathetic decisions. By aligning technology with meaningful human outcomes, businesses can navigate the complexities of the modern landscape while prioritizing the well-being of their customers and employees.  💼 All Our SponsorsSupport the vendors who support the show:👉 https://businessof.tech/sponsors/ 🚀 Join Business of Tech PlusGet exclusive access to investigative reports, vendor analysis, leadership briefings, and more.👉 https://businessof.tech/plus 🎧 Subscribe to the Business of TechWant the show on your favorite podcast app or prefer the written versions of each story?📲 https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe 📰 Story Links & SourcesLooking for the links from today’s stories?Every episode script — with full source links — is posted at:🌐 https://www.businessof.tech 🎙 Want to Be a Guest?Pitch your story or appear on Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights:💬 https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/businessoftech 🔗 Follow Business of Tech LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28908079YouTube: https://youtube.com/mspradioBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/businessof.techInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradioTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoftechFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A historic gap between consumer sentiment and economic data is raising concerns about future tech spending. Despite positive economic indicators, such as a steady unemployment rate and a slight increase in the Consumer Price Index, consumer confidence is faltering, as evidenced by a significant drop in the Consumer Sentiment Index. Analysts from Bank of America have noted that this disconnect, the widest on record, suggests that businesses, particularly in sectors sensitive to consumer demand, may become more risk-averse in their tech investments. This could lead to longer sales cycles and a shift in budget approvals for tech solutions. The delivery of cloud services is evolving, with a focus on outcomes rather than just uptime. A recent survey by the International Data Corporation emphasizes that managed service providers (MSPs) must prioritize customer success and align their services with clients' business objectives. As cloud technology becomes more integral to business transformations, MSPs are encouraged to move beyond traditional service level agreements (SLAs) and adopt a value-oriented approach. This shift is crucial to avoid commoditization and maintain profitability in a competitive market. TD Cinex has introduced a new Partner Loyalty Program aimed at strengthening relationships with business partners through rewards similar to consumer loyalty programs. This initiative reflects a growing trend in the industry, where partners increasingly value loyalty incentives over traditional vendor benefits. However, there is skepticism regarding the effectiveness of such programs, as some partners argue that consistent pricing and margin protection are more critical than loyalty perks. The challenge for vendors and distributors will be to ensure that these programs deliver tangible value rather than merely serving as marketing optics. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has retracted a controversial AI research paper that claimed artificial intelligence enhances productivity in research settings. The paper, which suggested that AI tools led to increased discoveries but decreased job satisfaction among researchers, faced scrutiny from both economists and computer scientists. MIT's decision to withdraw the paper signals a growing skepticism towards AI productivity claims, indicating that the market will demand more verifiable and transparent evidence before accepting AI as a driver of innovation. This development is seen as a positive step towards ensuring the integrity of research in the field of artificial intelligence.  Four things to know today  00:00 Vibes vs. Reality: Sentiment-Economy Gap Widens, Signaling Risk for Tech and Retail Spending04:35 IDC Survey Urges MSPs to Align Cloud Services with Business Outcomes, Not Just SLAs06:00 Perks or Just Packaging? TD SYNNEX Adds to Loyalty Trend with New Partner Program08:19 Flawed AI Research Spurs MIT Retraction, Reflecting Broader Demand for Verifiable Innovation Claims  This is the Business of Tech.      Supported by:  https://getnerdio.com/nerdio-manager-for-msp/  💼 All Our SponsorsSupport the vendors who support the show:👉 https://businessof.tech/sponsors/ 🚀 Join Business of Tech PlusGet exclusive access to investigative reports, vendor analysis, leadership briefings, and more.👉 https://businessof.tech/plus 🎧 Subscribe to the Business of TechWant the show on your favorite podcast app or prefer the written versions of each story?📲 https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe 📰 Story Links & SourcesLooking for the links from today’s stories?Every episode script — with full source links — is posted at:🌐 https://www.businessof.tech 🎙 Want to Be a Guest?Pitch your story or appear on Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights:💬 https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/businessoftech 🔗 Follow Business of Tech LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28908079YouTube: https://youtube.com/mspradioBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/businessof.techInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradioTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoftechFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Gerasim Hovhannisyan, CEO of EasyDMARC, discusses the complexities and challenges of implementing DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance) in the cybersecurity landscape. He shares his personal journey, which began after experiencing a significant financial loss due to an email phishing attack. This incident prompted him to explore email authentication protocols, leading to the creation of EasyDMARC, a platform designed to simplify the deployment of these protocols for organizations, particularly managed service providers (MSPs) and small businesses.Hovhannisyan highlights the common friction points faced by organizations when deploying DMARC solutions, particularly the fear of misconfiguration that could lead to legitimate emails being rejected. He notes that many organizations struggle with visibility and control over their email sending sources, which complicates the implementation process. EasyDMARC aims to alleviate these concerns by providing automation and clear visualizations, enabling MSPs to deploy email authentication more effectively and with greater confidence.The conversation also touches on the importance of email security for all businesses, regardless of size. Hovhannisyan argues that even micro businesses need to prioritize email authentication to protect their reputation and maintain secure communication. He emphasizes that while the effort to implement DMARC can be significant, leveraging the right vendor can streamline the process and make it manageable for smaller organizations.Finally, Hovhannisyan discusses the role of major cloud providers like Google, Microsoft, and Yahoo in the email security ecosystem. He believes that their enforcement of DMARC standards is crucial for creating a safer email environment. As regulations evolve and more organizations adopt email authentication practices, Hovhannisyan is optimistic about the future of email security and the ongoing efforts to simplify the implementation process for all businesses.  💼 All Our SponsorsSupport the vendors who support the show:👉 https://businessof.tech/sponsors/ 🚀 Join Business of Tech PlusGet exclusive access to investigative reports, vendor analysis, leadership briefings, and more.👉 https://businessof.tech/plus 🎧 Subscribe to the Business of TechWant the show on your favorite podcast app or prefer the written versions of each story?📲 https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe 📰 Story Links & SourcesLooking for the links from today’s stories?Every episode script — with full source links — is posted at:🌐 https://www.businessof.tech 🎙 Want to Be a Guest?Pitch your story or appear on Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights:💬 https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/businessoftech 🔗 Follow Business of Tech LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28908079YouTube: https://youtube.com/mspradioBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/businessof.techInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradioTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoftechFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The discussion centers around the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and monetization strategies, emphasizing the dual challenges of protecting data and AI models while also effectively pricing these solutions. Experts Bryant Tow and James D. Wilton explore the urgent risks posed by AI, including threats to company data and the integrity of AI models. They highlight the importance of aligning technical depth with business value, particularly as AI adoption accelerates across industries.Bryant Tow, Chief Security Officer at Leapfrog Services, emphasizes the need for organizations to conduct an AI readiness assessment to understand their specific use cases and the necessary infrastructure. He argues that data classification and retention policies are crucial for effective cybersecurity, as they help organizations determine what data needs protection and how to manage it. Tow also discusses the importance of governance and user training in ensuring that AI tools are used appropriately and securely.James D. Wilton, founder of Monovate, adds that pricing strategies for cybersecurity solutions should reflect the varying levels of protection and the perceived value by different customer segments. He suggests that companies can create premium bundles for advanced features while also considering the architecture of their offerings to justify pricing. Wilton highlights the need for businesses to articulate the value of their services, especially in a landscape where clients may be hesitant to invest due to cost-cutting measures.The conversation also touches on the skills gap in the cybersecurity workforce and the potential for outsourcing as a solution. Both experts agree that effective communication between security leaders and go-to-market teams is essential for conveying the value of cybersecurity solutions to clients. They conclude that organizations must continuously demonstrate the benefits of their services to prevent customer fatigue and ensure ongoing investment in cybersecurity measures.  💼 All Our SponsorsSupport the vendors who support the show:👉 https://businessof.tech/sponsors/ 🚀 Join Business of Tech PlusGet exclusive access to investigative reports, vendor analysis, leadership briefings, and more.👉 https://businessof.tech/plus 🎧 Subscribe to the Business of TechWant the show on your favorite podcast app or prefer the written versions of each story?📲 https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe 📰 Story Links & SourcesLooking for the links from today’s stories?Every episode script — with full source links — is posted at:🌐 https://www.businessof.tech 🎙 Want to Be a Guest?Pitch your story or appear on Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights:💬 https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/businessoftech 🔗 Follow Business of Tech LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28908079YouTube: https://youtube.com/mspradioBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/businessof.techInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradioTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoftechFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Charter Communications has announced its acquisition of Cox Communications for $34.5 billion, a significant move that will merge two of the largest internet service providers in the United States. This merger is expected to require approval from the Federal Communications Commission due to Cox's critical operational licenses. The combined entity plans to adopt the Cox Communications name, with Spectrum serving as the consumer-facing brand in areas previously served by Cox. This merger could potentially impact service quality for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) that rely on Cox as their provider, especially during the integration phase.In another major development, Proofpoint has revealed its plans to acquire Hornet Security for $1 billion, aiming to enhance its cybersecurity offerings and expand its presence in the cloud security market. Hornet Security specializes in Microsoft 365 solutions and has shown impressive growth, reporting over $160 million in annual recurring revenue. This acquisition may alienate Hornet Security's managed service provider (MSP) partners if there are changes in pricing, support models, or access to services, creating an opportunity for competitors to attract disaffected partners.Arm is rebranding its system-on-a-chip product designs to focus on power savings for artificial intelligence workloads, targeting sectors like automotive and cloud computing. The company reported a significant revenue increase, driven by licensing and royalty revenue. Meanwhile, Box is enhancing its collaboration with Microsoft by introducing an AI agent that integrates with Microsoft 365 Copilot, allowing users to analyze documents and automate tasks more efficiently. These moves reflect the industry's shift towards AI integration and the importance of aligning with existing platforms to deliver value.Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) has introduced updates to its Morpheus software and VM Essentials offerings, promising substantial cost savings for businesses in the virtualization market. HPE's new pricing model, based on server sockets rather than cores, aims to provide significant financial advantages, especially as VMware faces scrutiny over its pricing strategies. Additionally, the podcast discusses the challenges posed by shadow AI and the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, emphasizing the need for governance and transparency as organizations increasingly adopt AI tools without formal approval. The episode concludes with a reflection on the implications of AI in education, highlighting the growing use of AI tools by professors and the concerns raised by students regarding the authenticity of their learning experience.  Four things to know today  00:00 Charter-Cox Merger and Proofpoint’s $1B Hornet Deal Signal New Era of Scale and Specialization in Tech Services 03:38 From Chips to Content: Arm and Box Shift Strategies to Embed AI Across Cloud, Automotive, and Microsoft 365  05:39 HPE Launches Morpheus and VM Essentials Updates With Up to 90% Savings Over VMware Licensing  07:45 Shadow AI, Specialized Models, and Student Backlash: The Growing Pains of Enterprise AI Adoption   Supported by:  https://mspradio.com/engage/  💼 All Our SponsorsSupport the vendors who support the show:👉 https://businessof.tech/sponsors/ 🚀 Join Business of Tech PlusGet exclusive access to investigative reports, vendor analysis, leadership briefings, and more.👉 https://businessof.tech/plus 🎧 Subscribe to the Business of TechWant the show on your favorite podcast app or prefer the written versions of each story?📲 https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe 📰 Story Links & SourcesLooking for the links from today’s stories?Every episode script — with full source links — is posted at:🌐 https://www.businessof.tech 🎙 Want to Be a Guest?Pitch your story or appear on Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights:💬 https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/businessoftech 🔗 Follow Business of Tech LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28908079YouTube: https://youtube.com/mspradioBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/businessof.techInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradioTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoftechFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.