RunAs Radio

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.

Mike Halsey discusses the importance of green IT, repurposing old devices, and the right to repair. He also talks about data center energy usage, shifting to cloud services, efficiency of PCs, and the limited availability of long-term support for smartphones.

How do you choose an Azure data storage solution? Richard talks to Nicole Stevens about her experiences helping companies move data into the cloud - typically in SQL Server. The obvious answer is Azure SQL, but that doesn't always make it the best solution! Nicole talks about a customer moving to Cosmos DB for the unstructured data capabilities and a lot of speed. But does the price make sense? All these factors are in play in choosing a data storage solution, and there is never one right choice - often, a mix of services makes the most sense!Links:Azure SQLAzure Cosmos DBAPIs in Cosmos DBAzure Table StorageAzure Queue StorageAzure Messaging Servicesdapr - Distributed Application RuntimeMicrosoft CertificationsData Architecture GuideData Landing Zones Azure Security BaselinesRecorded September 6, 2023

Seth Juarez, an IT professional, discusses the reality of large language models like ChatGPT and their potential applications. Topics covered include the misuse of the term 'artificial intelligence,' the role of skilled programmers in the era of technological advancements, the tokenization process, applications of large language models, the importance of excluding certain parts of the Internet from training, and strategies for getting accurate outputs from these models.