Jerry Devore, expert on hardening Active Directory, discusses the importance of good credential hygiene, the impact of NTLM2 on compatibility level in Active Directory, and addressing security gaps in Active Directory. He also highlights the challenges of Active Directory consolidation and upgrade after mergers and acquisitions, emphasizing the need for AD cleanup and application modernization.

Erin Chapple, Azure Infrastructure expert, discusses the challenges of managing the cloud, improving utilization, and broadening monitoring. They also introduce Azure Copilot to understand Azure tenant and optimize utilization. The podcast explores the importance of IT professionals showcasing their value, simplifying policies in the cloud, and prioritizing design and business decisions. Additionally, it covers optimizing resilience, managing hybrid environments, and the benefits of abstracting services.

Looking back at 2023 and speculating about 2024, the podcast discusses economic concerns, the role of large language models in sysadmin life, and the importance of expertise in security. They explore the lasting impacts of the pandemic, the potential for Microsoft's security copilot tool, the significance of patching servers, and the different options for upgrading to Windows 11. They also tease a future episode about a third-party product called Terra and discuss the possibility of a future Windows 12 release.

Jodi Boone, an expert in Azure Arc Guest Configuration, talks about customizing machine configurations using policy templates and Desired State Configuration. They discuss the challenges of configuration drift, considerations in VM migration to the cloud, and the platform level approach of Azure Arc Guest Configuration. The podcast also covers the increasing availability of Azure interfaces and the relevance of PowerShell in product launches.

The holiday season is upon us! What do you get your favorite sysadmin? Richard brings back his friends Joey Snow & Rick Claus to discuss some of their favorite sysadmin gifts this year. From simple gadgets that flashback to the early days of tech to the newest and latest versions of favorite products, there's an incredible array of goodies here. Please share it with the folks who struggle to find the perfect present for the sysadmins in their lives!Links:Meater 2Floppy Disk CoastersAnker 747 USB ChargerDig2GoSurface Pro 9Slim Run EthernetObsbot Tiny 2Alpaca HoodieAnker Portable ChargerAnker GaNPrime Power BankEmber Temperature Control Smart Mug 2Rocketbook Core Reusable Smart NotebookTetris LED LightsMandalorian Stand for Echo DotNES Entertainment FlaskRecorded November 17, 2023

Sharon Weaver, Founder and CEO of Smarter Consulting, is passionate about using M365 to revolutionize workplace dynamics. She discusses how the pandemic sped up the adoption of M365, enhancing productivity and flexibility. Sharon highlights the importance of good information architecture and tools like Viva Insights for better work habits. The conversation also touches on fostering diversity in tech and the need for intentional approaches to team wellbeing in today's hybrid work culture. Upcoming empowerment retreats for women in tech are featured as a key initiative.

Nicolas Blank, expert in developing the Zero Trust Adoption Framework, discusses the importance of focusing on people and practices over products when adopting a zero trust approach. They explore the challenges of running an Exchange server, using Active Directory, and preparing for and preventing security breaches. The podcast also emphasizes the human side of breaches and the importance of device trust solutions.

How do telcos use the cloud? Richard talks to Jennelle Crothers about her work with Azure Operator Nexus, a set of services and tooling for telecommunications companies. Jennelle talks about a meeting of the minds between telcos like AT&T and Microsoft - both organizations have a lot of infrastructure, but the cloud is also an architecture that can help provide more sophisticated and resilient services. It's an area of the cloud you may not have seen much of, but it will impact devices going forward - this is our connectivity we're exploring here!Links:Introducing Azure Operator NexusAzure Operator NexusWhat is Azure Operator Nexus?Azure StackRancherRecorded October 12, 2023

Richard Hicks, VPN guru, discusses Microsoft Entra Security Service Edge. Topics include Azure Conditional Access, Entra Application Proxy, and the future of Entra and Conditional Access.

Ulrika Hedlund, an expert in large language models, discusses the challenges of using these models in business organizations. She highlights the risks of employees using models like ChatGPT and suggests using secure alternatives like Bing Chat Enterprise. Ulrika also mentions the benefits of Microsoft 365 Copilot for indexing company data. Training and data protection management are crucial, but productivity gains can be significant.