Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights

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 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 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 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

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 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 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 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

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 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

Data silos are significantly hindering AI innovation, as highlighted by a recent report from Infanti. The survey of over 1,200 IT and cybersecurity professionals revealed that more than half of the respondents experience isolated data within their organizations, leading to inefficiencies and slow security responses. Nearly 30% of IT professionals reported that these data deficiencies obstruct their ability to effectively utilize AI tools. Experts emphasize the necessity for a comprehensive data strategy that includes governance, quality, and performance to foster innovation and avoid stagnation in AI projects.In the medical field, radiologists are experiencing growth rather than extinction due to advancements in AI. The Association of American Medical Colleges predicts a shortage of up to 42,000 radiologists by 2033, yet AI is proving to be an essential tool for these professionals. At institutions like the Mayo Clinic, AI has enabled rapid measurements and early disease detection, leading to a 55% expansion in their radiology department and the development of over 250 AI models to enhance diagnostic capabilities.Public relations professionals are adapting to the rise of AI by recognizing the importance of engaging with journalists to influence AI chatbots. Research indicates that authoritative journalism has a more significant impact on how AI platforms generate responses about companies than social media campaigns. This shift underscores the need for firms to prioritize earned media and thought leadership as part of their brand strategy, especially as AI continues to shape public perception.Lastly, companies like SuperOps and TD Cynics are making strides in AI integration. SuperOps has relaunched its AI-powered platform, Monika, which offers various levels of AI autonomy to enhance IT operations for managed service providers. Meanwhile, TD Cynics has updated its Destination AI program to help partners transition from AI exploration to execution, providing tools and frameworks that align technical skills with specific AI solutions. These developments highlight the growing importance of AI in various sectors and the need for organizations to adapt their strategies accordingly. Four things to know today 00:00 Want AI to Work? Fix Your Data First—Then Look at Radiologists for What’s Next06:01 OpenAI Rolls Out GPT-4.1, Deepens Microsoft Integration, and Launches Safety Hub for Greater Transparency09:18 AI Gets Practical—SuperOps Wants to Automate Your Ops While TD SYNNEX Helps You Sell It12:29 LastPass Expands into SaaS Visibility, Challenging Lightweight Shadow IT Tools with Business Max Tier This is the Business of Tech.    Supported by:  https://cometbackup.com/?utm_source=mspradio&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=sponsorshiphttps://getflexpoint.com/msp-radio/  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 European Vulnerability Database (EUVD) has officially launched, providing a vital platform for monitoring critical security flaws amid challenges faced by the U.S. in cybersecurity funding and management. This initiative aims to enhance transparency and deliver essential information on vulnerabilities, addressing gaps left by the U.S. Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures program, which has been hindered by budget cuts and operational delays. The EUVD not only identifies disclosed bugs but also offers real-time updates on critical vulnerabilities, ensuring users have access to the latest security risk information.As the EUVD begins operations, it highlights a strategic divergence in cybersecurity approaches between the EU and the U.S., which could have direct implications for Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and their clients. If U.S. vulnerability reporting continues to decline, there may be a shift towards EUVD as a primary source for global security tooling and threat feeds. This would necessitate a reevaluation of the sources used for threat detection and patch prioritization by providers, especially if vendor feeds start integrating EUVD data more directly.In the realm of artificial intelligence, tech executives are increasingly adopting agentic AI, with nearly half of respondents in a recent survey indicating they have begun implementing such systems. However, despite the enthusiasm, many organizations are struggling to achieve significant returns on their AI investments, with only a small percentage reporting successful scaling of AI initiatives. The disconnect between ambition and execution presents an opportunity for IT service providers to bridge the gap and help organizations effectively deploy AI solutions.Additionally, product-related news highlights the launch of new tools aimed at enhancing cybersecurity and operational efficiency for MSPs. Coro has introduced a Security Awareness Training module to combat phishing attacks, while Sophos has launched a program to help MSPs expand their cybersecurity offerings. FlexPoint and StackPak have also secured funding to enhance their platforms, focusing on automating payment processes and improving vendor management, respectively. These developments underscore the growing importance of AI-driven operational tools and the need for MSPs to deepen their involvement in their clients' business operations. Four things to know today 00:00 Europe Launches Public Vulnerability Database as U.S. Transparency Falters04:29 Despite Bold Claims on Agentic AI, Most Firms Struggle to Scale—AT&T’s Open-Source Model Stands Out07:56 From Phishing Defense to AI Payments: Vendors Equip MSPs to Tackle Operational Complexity11:26 Overpatching May Be a Bigger Risk Than Underpatching, Gartner VP Warns Supported by:  https://afi.ai/office-365-backup/  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

Remote work is driving a significant startup boom, reshaping the IT services market. A recent study indicates that companies with higher levels of remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic have seen a notable increase in employee startups, with an estimated 11.6% of new business formations attributed to this trend. Despite major corporations reinstating return-to-office mandates, remote work adoption in the U.S. has risen from 19.9% in late 2022 to 23.6% in early 2025, highlighting a growing demand for tools and services that support distributed teams. This shift presents both opportunities and challenges for employers, as they risk losing key talent to new ventures while also facing higher employee attrition rates.The insurance industry is beginning to address the risks associated with artificial intelligence (AI) by offering new products to cover potential losses from AI-related errors. Lloyds of London has introduced a policy that protects businesses from legal claims arising from malfunctioning AI systems, reflecting a growing recognition of AI as an operational risk. This development raises important questions about accountability and liability when AI systems fail, as seen in recent incidents involving customer service chatbots. As insurers start to underwrite AI risks, companies must adapt their service level agreements and governance structures to meet new requirements.The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has announced a significant change in how it shares information, focusing on urgent alerts related to emerging threats while reducing routine updates. This shift, coupled with budget cuts that could reduce CISA's funding by 17%, raises concerns about the agency's capacity to respond to increasing cyber threats. IT services firms and cybersecurity vendors must adapt to this new landscape, as the responsibility for threat detection and response shifts more towards the private sector. Organizations that previously relied on CISA for support may find themselves facing increased operational risks due to reduced visibility and slower response times.In a related development, Microsoft has extended support for its Office applications on Windows 10 until October 2028, allowing users more time to transition to Windows 11. This decision reflects a broader trend in the technology sector, where companies are adapting their support strategies to meet user needs. By decoupling the upgrade cycles for Windows and Office, Microsoft acknowledges the resistance to forced upgrades and the importance of maintaining enterprise customer relationships. This extension provides IT service providers with additional time for operational planning while emphasizing the ongoing need for modernization in the long term. Four things to know today 00:00 Remote Work Fuels Startup Surge, Alters IT Talent Strategies Amid Growing Demand for Flexibility05:07 From Chatbot Lawsuits to Pontifical Warnings: AI Errors Now Seen as Business and Social Risk07:57 CISA Alert Shift and Budget Cuts Signal Rising Cybersecurity Burden for Private Sector10:08 Office Gets a Lifeline on Windows 10: Microsoft Decouples OS and App Upgrades Through 2028 Supported by: https://syncromsp.com/  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 recent U.S.-China tariff truce has led to a significant surge in global markets, with the U.S. reducing tariffs on Chinese goods from 145% to 30% and China lowering its tariffs on American imports from 125% to 10%. While this agreement has provided short-term relief, it has also triggered caution among Chief Information Officers (CIOs), who are now deferring IT projects and prioritizing cost management. A survey indicates that nearly two-thirds of IT leaders are focusing on cost control, with many reporting delays in discretionary IT spending, reflecting a shift from initial optimism to a more cautious approach.In the realm of artificial intelligence, the U.S. Copyright Office has issued a report warning that generative AI companies may be infringing copyright laws by using creators' works without permission. This has raised significant legal and political concerns, especially following the dismissal of the office's director shortly after the report's release. The implications for IT service providers are profound, as they must now navigate increased legal ambiguity and compliance risks related to the provenance of training data used in AI models.Moreover, a recent survey revealed that many business leaders who implemented AI-driven layoffs regret their decisions, with over half acknowledging that their choices were misguided. As organizations face a global skills shortage, experts caution against hastily reducing headcount without a strategic plan for workforce transformation. The Society for Human Resource Management reports that a significant portion of jobs is at risk of displacement due to automation, emphasizing the need for reskilling and upskilling workers in vulnerable roles.Finally, the emergence of Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) marks a shift in digital marketing strategies, focusing on optimizing content for AI-driven conversational interfaces rather than traditional search engine optimization. As generative AI platforms reshape how consumers access information, businesses must adapt their content strategies to remain visible in an evolving digital landscape. This shift underscores the importance of providing tangible value in services, as consumers increasingly prioritize measurable business outcomes over ideological narratives. Four things to know today 00:00 Markets Rally on U.S.–China Tariff Truce, But CIOs and Consumers Signal Deeper Economic Uncertainty05:32 Copyright, Click-to-Cancel, and the Rise of AI Oversight: Three U.S. Signals IT Leaders Shouldn’t Ignore09:42 Automation Without Alignment: Firms That Cut Staff for AI Now Face Strategic Reversals13:06 AI-Native Discovery Rises: Answer Engine Optimization Signals SEO’s Next Evolution Supported by:  https://cometbackup.com/?utm_source=mspradio&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=sponsorshiphttps://www.huntress.com/mspradio/  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

Mousa Hamad, an expert in procurement and vendor management, shares insights from his extensive career in IT operations and business transformation. He emphasizes the importance of being customer-oriented and empathetic, drawing from his experiences on the front lines of IT. Hamad recounts a significant project where he tackled SaaS cost management by consolidating contracts and implementing a platform called Zylo, which streamlined the process and improved contract hygiene. This initiative not only saved costs but also enhanced his role within the organization, showcasing the value of effective vendor management.Hamad discusses the alignment of procurement with organizational goals such as speed, innovation, and security. He highlights the necessity of building intentional processes that involve key stakeholders like InfoSec and legal teams early in the procurement process. By doing so, organizations can avoid unnecessary delays and ensure that purchases align with budgetary constraints. He stresses that having the right tools and processes in place is crucial for managing vendor relationships effectively and achieving operational efficiency.The conversation also delves into measuring the success of procurement processes. Hamad explains how tracking the time taken for approvals and vendor engagements can lead to significant improvements in efficiency. By establishing key performance indicators (KPIs) and engaging vendors well in advance of contract renewals, organizations can negotiate better terms and reduce costs. This proactive approach not only enhances speed but also ensures that companies are getting the best value from their vendor relationships.Finally, Hamad reflects on the challenges of managing rapid team growth and maintaining operational consistency across diverse teams and cultures. He advocates for a people-first approach, emphasizing the importance of communication and empathy in IT leadership. By fostering a culture that values understanding and support, organizations can navigate the complexities of growth while ensuring that both employees and customers feel valued. Ahmad's insights provide a roadmap for IT leaders looking to balance operational demands with a commitment to people-centric practices.  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