The ITPro Podcast

STEM careers are often touted as those with the best prospects, but when it comes to job satisfaction things may not be quite so rosy. A stark number of workers in the tech industry are currently looking to move jobs – either into a different tech role or into another field entirely. Many more are facing the looming prospect of job cuts, while an increasing number are reporting poor working conditions. All this adds up to a disaffected and disengaged workforce – something leaders need to fix or risk losing valuable staff and the knowledge they hold.What can companies do to stem this issue, and how practical are these solutions? In this episode, Jane and Rory discuss the state of employee wellbeing in tech and how leaders can start to address issues such as burnout and turnover.Read more:How to combat high staff turnover in techAgile development is fading in popularity at large enterprises - and developer burnout is a key factorSurging cyber threats exacerbating security staff burnoutHybrid work means we’re burning out harder and faster than everA third of cyber security pros report crumbling work-life balanceCyber security professionals are exhausted, and it's putting firms at greater risk of attackFighting the ‘always on’ culture that’s savaging mental health in cyber securityBoosting mental health support in the workplaceUK's four-day week trial ends, leads to reduced burnout and sick daysThe company-wide benefits of mentorship in techGartner: Nearly half of cyber leaders to leave roles over mounting stressIT staff frustrated at rate of change in the workplaceFive ways to prevent digital transformation burnoutCan businesses use AI to beat burnout?AI employee monitoring will only burn bridges in the workplace

As organizations look to integrate AI tools into their business models, key questions will have to be answered around how this fits in with their wider strategy. This doesn’t just mean data analysis or adoption of generative AI tools, but less directly connected initiatives such as sustainability goals.The adoption of AI is also running up against concerns around skills. Many organizations, if not most, are yet to truly determine which roles and tasks can be augmented and improved by AI services. Additionally, there are questions among workers and employers alike as to what emerging AI-focused skills they will need to acquire to stay competitive in their field.In this episode:Jane speaks to Pauline Yau, UKI verticals sales director at Hewlett Packard Enterprise, to unpack the current trends around AI and what the future holds for AI in business.Rory and Jane discuss the significance of these trends and how this may pan out in 2024.Read more:Why cutting-edge innovation is killing the planetHow HPE plans to combat generative AI’s 'dirty secret'The AI skills gap is prompting a widespread rethink on workforce upskillingHow the metaverse is powering next-gen digital twinsDoes your business need a digital twin?ChatGPT vs chatbots: What’s the difference?Global power shortages mean data centers could struggle to shoulder the burden of energy-intensive generative AI demands in 2024Tech industry takes vast lead in green energy spending, biggest companies vie for top spotScotland could be the next big data center powerhouse, offering greener options, significant savings, and direct access to renewable energy“We’ve made savings of around 85%”: Embracing green energy for data centers by migrating to Iceland

It’s becoming something of a tradition for companies to ring in the new year with a wave of layoffs. In 2024, as in 2023, workforce reduction has been a major theme in the tech sector and beyond for January.As technologies such as AI take root, the nature and pace of layoffs is likely to change in the near future. Competing pressures of economic downturns and productivity shortfalls could change the tech workforce dramatically.In this episode, Jane and Rory are joined by Ross Kelly, ITPro’s news and analysis editor, to discuss the latest wave of tech sector layoffs, how they compare to previous years, and what this means for the future.Read more:Tech layoffs in 2024 show the ‘year of efficiency’ is here to stay, it just won't be quite as ruthlessCloudflare employee’s viral dismissal video offers a stark glimpse into the human cost of layoffsSundar Pichai’s “ambitious goals” for Google in 2024 rest on yet more layoffs as firm cuts hundreds of jobsThe reality of mass AI-linked job cuts is hereIBM’s CEO just said the quiet part out loud on AI-related job lossesIBM CEO in damage control mode after AI job loss commentsOnce again, PayPal starts the year with another round of job cutsWhat’s behind the wave of big tech layoffs in 2023?Microsoft seeks to ward off potential union action over AI job risksWith AI on the rise, is it time to join a union?First Microsoft union formed by ZeniMax workersThe tech industry needs to unionise now more than ever

If you’ve seen Oppenheimer, Dune, or Blade Runner 2049, then you’ve seen the work of DNEG. The British visual effects firm, formerly known as Double Negative, has had to contend with growing compute and data demands in its 26 year history, with thousands of hours of rendering required to bring the latest visuals from servers to the cinema screen. In recent years, DNEG’s legacy infrastructure began to feel the strain of this task, leading the firm to work with Red Hat to adopt a cloud-native approach.In this episode, Jane and Rory speak to Ian Abbott, software architect at DNEG, and Ollie Harding, software infrastructure architect at DNEG, to discuss how the visual effects firm has adopted a cloud-native approach to help its artists be more productive.Read more:How cloud-native agility helped DNEG level up its award-winning VFXCloud-native tools are becoming more popular in Europe than the USRed Hat launches OpenShift Platform Plus alongside new managed cloud servicesRed Hat unveils new application services toolbox for developers

Computers and technology have well and truly permeated our professional and private lives. While this has led to great strides in efficiency, opened up new opportunities for businesses and individuals, and helped us become more connected than ever before, there are also downsides.As the world becomes more digital and even menial tasks are increasingly outsourced to computer systems, a simultaneous shift in accountability and oversight needs to take place. Trust in computers is all too often automatic, with the pitfalls of this brought to life through the Horizon scandal in the UK. As we move to a future where AI is ubiquitous and computing permeates every level of life, how do we avoid a repeat of this kind of tragedy and move forward using AI in the most ethical way possible?In this episode, Jane and Rory discuss the fallibility of tech and why business leaders would do well to approach the data they receive from computer systems with a healthy dose of skepticism.Read more:Post Office Horizon scandal explained: Everything you need to knowOpenAI aims to reduce generative AI 'hallucinations' with new training methodOpenAI's Sam Altman: Hallucinations are part of the “magic” of generative AILabour must approach AI carefully to avoid repeating a Dutch disasterGovernment urged to save '555' Post Office workers from "financial ruin"Use of generative AI in the legal profession accelerating despite accuracy concernsWhat is ethical AI?

Business intelligence tools already help leaders learn more about the data that drives their business and make more informed decisions. BI dashboards, in particular, help business leaders quantify their successes and identify areas for improvement from one central point of access.When it comes to adopting AI effectively, proper oversight and understanding of your data can be of the utmost importance. On paper, there could be a strong role for a combination of BI and AI, with intelligent identification of patterns to inform IT leaders to a greater degree. But is it this simple in practice?In this episode, Jane and Rory speak to Nick Magnuson, Head of AI at Qlik, to find out how business intelligence and AI can be brought together most effectively and some of the main mistakes businesses make when it comes to integrating the two.Read more:What is Business Intelligence (BI)?What is a business intelligence analyst?Four business benefits of AI-powered analyticsWhat is data analytics?A lack of data maturity could hamper enterprise AI ambitions in 2024Is AI the future of everything?Three keys to successful data managementWhy not to invest in generative AI – for now

This classic episode of the ITPro Podcast was first published on 6 January 2023.Passwords can be tricky at the best of times. Proper password hygiene is one of the most important factors in endpoint security, as it keeps sensitive data secure and prevents threat actors from getting into important systems. Despite the risks, the use of weak or recycled passwords continues to be a problem even amongst IT professionals and remembering too many unique passwords is a strain. While systems such as multi-factor authentication have been used as an extra layer of security, groups like the FIDO Alliance and World Wide Web Consortium have been working to make passwords a thing of the past, in favour of more secure methods.This week, we spoke to Richard Meeus, EMEA director of security & technology strategy for Akamai Technologies, to explore the solutions driving secure sign ons, and how the sector can adapt to this change.Read more:Revealed: The top 200 most common passwords of 2022If not passwords then what?What are biometrics?What is two-factor authentication?What is multi-factor authentication (MFA) fatigue and how do you defend against attacks?How to implement passwordless authenticationBest password managersBest free password managersThe sooner the FIDO Alliance can shut down passwords, the betterWill FIDO passwordless authentication save cyber security?The top 12 password-cracking techniques used by hackers

The UK’s data privacy landscape has long come with strict responsibilities for businesses, requiring detailed justifications for all customer data stored and processed. After the UK formally exited the European Union in 2020, the UK retained regulations for controllers and processors via the UK GDPR which sits alongside the Data Protection Act 2018.Businesses have often criticized the red tape present within GDPR, arguing that it holds them back from carrying out the core functions of their business model. In response, the UK government has repeatedly backed the creation of a bill that would reform to UK data protection law and while this has been subject to some false starts, it is now underway as the Data Protection and Digital Information (DPDI) Bill.In this episode, Jane and Rory speak to Chris Combemale, CEO at the Data and Marketing Association and chair of the Government’s Business Advisory Group on reforms, to learn how the DPDI could improve UK innovation and where it differs from other laws.

As business leaders reflect on the past 12 months and look forward to what the next might hold, a number of trends and technologies stand out. While AI is dead set to continue its large role in 2024, the impact of high-performance computing (HPC), the spread of new 5G technologies, and the pernicious role that increasingly sophisticated fraud tech will play is also worth exploring.For this new year’s edition of the podcast, Jane and Rory eschew predictions to focus on the top trends from this year that will continue to play a part in 2024.Read more:What is exascale computing?UK supercomputer boom as HPE and Dell receive funding for new AI clusterOfcom approves 5G mmWave, but what are its benefits?What are private 5G networks and can they transform the workplace?IBM CEO in damage control mode after AI job loss commentsThe reality of mass AI-linked job cuts is hereAI job risks: Skilled workers are most likely to lose out to artificial intelligence in UKWhy AI could be a legal nightmare for years to comeWho owns the data used to train AI?Real-time deepfakes are becoming a serious threatHow Intel's FaceCatcher hopes to eradicate real-time deepfakesC-suites consider quantum a serious threat and "amazing" deepfake attacks are just 'months away'Microsoft's VALL-E will usher in a new era of cyber crime

So much has happened this year, not least in the areas of AI and social media, but at the same time some events have been some notable omissions. While generative AI has taken the world by storm, there is still much to prove about its business use cases and how it should be regulated. Security and hardware are also in a similar place to previous years, with the same threats and designs coming to the surface in 2023 in place of any revolutionary shifts.For this festive episode of the podcast, Jane and Rory discuss the biggest things that didn't happen this year, from things that were promised but didn't come to fruition or even events that have been awaited for years and still failed to show up in 2023.Read more:EU hammers out deal on AI Act, but it may have missed the markFrance, Germany, and Italy align themselves on AI regulation, but the EU may not like itWhy AI could be a legal nightmare for years to comeThe UK's hollow AI Safety Summit has only emphasized global dividesThe time has come to say arrivederci to the all-in-one PCThe AI-powered PC: From personal computer to personal companionWhy 2024 won’t be the year of AR, VR or any kind of immersive techWhat are the most-targeted industries for cyber attacks?Twitter's employee 'revolt' sparks survival concerns for a platform crumbling from within

Machine learning (ML) has been a field of research for more than 50 years, and as a subset of artificial intelligence has also been the focus of great innovation in that time. Many businesses use machine learning throughout their stack and some will have relied upon ML frameworks without realizing it. With the rise in popularity of newer forms of AI developments such as generative AI, however, some have questioned the extent to which traditional approaches such as machine learning algorithms still have a place in the tech industry. In this episode Jane speaks to Sascha Heyer, senior machine learning engineer at DoiT, to explore whether ML still has a role to play in a world that is more interested in conversational AI.Read more:What is machine learning and why is it important?Machine learning vs data science: What’s the difference?Machine learning vs deep learning vs neural networks: What’s the difference?Machine learning vs AI vs NLP: What are the differences?Seven reasons why machine learning is a good careerMachine learning vs statistics: What’s the difference?

The promise of algorithms and AI has always been simple at its core. Workers can automate manual and laborious tasks, to free up their time for more complex or meaningful activities.This comes under scrutiny in some fields more than others. For example, the use of algorithmic processing in HR and hiring has had some very public horror stories in the past few years. While one could theoretically use the perfect algorithm to quickly pick the best hires out of a stack of applications according to their relevant qualifications, in practice algorithms can entrench existing biases in the data on which they were trained or expose candidates to digital discrimination.In this episode, Jane and Rory speak to Tom Cornell, senior I/O psychology consultant at HireVue to explore the dos and don’ts of hiring algorithms and question whether an algorithm can ever be truly objective.Read more:What is an algorithm?How ableist algorithms dominate digital spacesHired by machines: Exploring recruitment's machine-driven futureWhat is ethical AI?Workday hit with claims its AI hiring systems are discriminatoryWhat are the pros and cons of AI?How biased is your app?

It’s been a whirlwind month, and not in the way that one might have predicted. Opening with the UK’s AI Safety Summit and ending with the anniversary of ChatGPT, November was already set to be a big month for the field of AI, particularly when it came to global legislation. As the month progressed, it turned out that November had even more planned, in the form of a huge upheaval at OpenAI.In this episode, Jane and Rory look at some of the standout moments of November 2023 and draw a line between them all to pick out a trend for the month.Read more:UK aims to be an AI leader with November safety summitCan the UK's AI Safety Summit succeed?Bletchley Declaration draws cautious approvalThe UK's hollow AI Safety Summit has only emphasized global dividesRishi Sunak’s stance on AI goes against the demands of businessesSam Altman joins Microsoft to lead new “advanced AI research team”OpenAI chaos: What next for Sam Altman and the beleaguered tech darling?Sam Altman makes triumphant return to OpenAI after days of chaosSalesforce looks to poach outbound OpenAI staff with "full cash" compensation offer

It’s now been four years since the ITPro Podcast’s first episode and so much has changed in that time.Across almost every sector, we're working in different ways, in different places, and through the use of different hardware and software. Remote work and AI have unsettled our idea of the office and the working day, while promises such as the metaverse have flared and burned.In this special 200th episode, Jane and Rory take a look back at how far we've come since 2019.Read more:CEOs are living in dreamland if they think staff will return to the office five days a week“Zoom bombing” sends Zoom stock plummetingGenerative AI could be the key to delivering a four-day working weekUK's four-day week trial ends, leads to reduced burnout and sick daysWhy Zoom’s backtrack on remote work confirms that the ‘new normal’ is no moreAre we in the middle of a generative AI bubble?What ChatGPT’s latest updates mean for business usersOpenAI tool previously thought 'too dangerous' for the public goes generally availableWhy AI could be a legal nightmare for years to comeIs the UK falling behind the EU on AI regulation?​​Meta Quest Pro preview: Meet Meta's 'laptop killer'Metaverse-obsessed tech giants are losing the plotWhy 2024 won’t be the year of AR, VR or any kind of immersive tech

Not so long ago, the public cloud boom was in full swing and businesses were moving workloads in numbers thanks to its reputation for low costs and scalability. Today, many businesses have reassessed the size or scope of their public cloud investment. While the benefits of the public cloud remain clear, multi-cloud and hybrid cloud have their attractive qualities with some organizations choosing to entirely repatriate to a private cloud or on-premises infrastructure.The moves come as businesses face an uncertain cloud landscape. Many in the IT sector are battling skill shortages or struggling to convince stakeholders to spend money on cloud resources. Faced with these challenges, they are seeking ways to alleviate these challenges and get a return on investment from their cloud strategy.Recorded live at VMware Explore, Rory is joined by Martin Hosken, chief technologist EMEA at VMware, to discuss FinOps, shifting cloud strategy, and just what the benefits of cloud repatriation are.Read more:What is cloud repatriation?What is multi-cloud?Why cloud repatriation is a ‘fallacy’How to embark on your cloud repatriation journey37 Signals says it saved $1 million by abandoning cloud infrastructureVMware unveils slew of new cloud data management and recovery tools

Generative AI has powerful applications as a source for knowledge acquisition, as it can be used quickly and coherently to produce text outputs on almost any subject.Many generative AI models are also capable of producing efficient code in the programming language of a user’s choice or assessing the viability of pre-written code. The wide availability of these models is something with which academic institutions have already had to grapple in the past year alone. Tools such as ChatGPT put traditional assessment methods such as written coursework or take-home exams at risk, but also act as powerful assistants for computing students looking to improve their programming skills.In this episode Jane is joined by Prashanth Chandrasekar, CEO of Stack Overflow, to discuss how AI can change education and digital innovation.For more information:Record computing degree applications driven by AI interest, says BCSA-level results 2023: What’s driving the uptake in computing degrees?What is ChatGPT and what does it mean for businesses?Over-reliance on ChatGPT could harm worker performanceDevelopers more likely to introduce security vulnerabilities in code when using AI assistantsChatGPT gives wrong answers to programming questions more than 50% of the timeStack Overflow temporarily bans ChatGPT from platform

Getting data in order can have a huge effect on whether businesses can harness the power of AI. Where your data is stored, in what form, as well as where and how it is processed, really can make the difference between successful and unsuccessful implementations of the technology.At NetApp Insight, these challenges were placed front and center, with a strong focus on the concerns of customers regarding data in the cloud and how it can be best harnessed by firms to power and provide context to their generative AI models.In this episode, Jane and Rory are joined by Ross Kelly, ITPro News Editor, to hear about NetApp’s strategy on AI and hybrid cloud, and what he learned from his 1:1 with the company’s CEO, George Kurian.For more information:What is generative artificial intelligence (AI)?NetApp CEO: Hybrid cloud will be the only way to capitalize on generative AINetApp aims to become ‘true data pipeline’ for enterprises with latest AI updatesNetApp Insight 2023: All the news and announcementsIn the age of AI, leaders need to scrap “monolithic” data transformationsStorage, sustainability, and AI in the spotlight at Pure Storage Accelerate 2023Pure Storage: Generative AI has a friend in flash

Automation and localization can both lighten the load for businesses in different ways. Without proper localization, a company may find one of its subsidiaries in breach of a regional tax code or data competency requirement. Without automation, businesses can languish with manual tasks and find themselves unable to expand and achieve the kind of worldwide growth for which they are aiming.The onset of AI has also changed this equation dramatically, crossing over with both automation and localization and bringing its fundamental implementation curve.In this episode, recorded live at SuiteWorld 2023, Rory is joined by James Chisham, VP of product management at NetSuite, to give examples of where automation and localization have been used to address business problems, and to question where AI can fit in the mix.For more information:NetSuite aims to be a ‘global local solution’, set to double down on automationNetSuite aims to bolster finance teams with new AI planning toolsOracle unveils ‘sovereign cloud’ region for EU customers amid lingering sovereignty worriesSlack says automation can save every employee a month of work per year

AI is not a new technology, but recent advancements have put it in the spotlight. Among all the tangible benefits the technology can bring, it’s also surrounded by a substantial amount of hype.The tech sector is no stranger to hype, with virtual reality and the blockchain also having been subject to strong hype cycles. In 2022, someone may have earnestly told you the metaverse was the next big trend in business tech, and yet now Meta is the last vestige of a technology the world has moved on from.But how far is generative AI into its hype cycle, and what predictions about the technology will ring true five years from now?In this episode, Jane and Rory are joined by Michael Conway, executive partner at IBM Consulting for Data, AI & Technology Transformation Service Line, to explain where we are in the lifecycle and hype cycle of AI.For more information:What is generative artificial intelligence (AI)?Examples of generative AI in action todayMore than half of firms now using generative AIAre we in the middle of a generative AI bubble?SuiteWorld 2023 proves customers still don't know what they're supposed to do with generative AIDell CTO: AI is nothing compared to the oncoming quantum storm

Cyber security has grown from a preoccupation of the IT department alone to something that can also keep CFOs, CEOs and others in the boardroom up at night.There was once a time when a computer virus might have been seen as an annoyance or inconvenience that was contained to at most a handful of computers. Now, however, most companies – and would-be attackers – realize a successful ransomware campaign, for example, could bring down their business.In this special edition of the ITPro Podcast, in association with BT, Rory and Jane are joined by Deborah Moir, principal cyber security consultant at BT. Together, they discuss the risks businesses face and how they can quantify them to decide where to concentrate their defense resources.

The role of chief information security officer is among the most important in any firm. CISOs shoulder a heavy burden, with responsibility for protecting their company’s data, infrastructure, and associated assets.As the tech stack has grown, so too has the pressure on those in the role. CISOs have to shepherd technologies including machine learning, artificial intelligence, and edge computing.Gartner predicts that nearly half of all IT leaders could leave their roles by 2025, and CISOs are subject to the same talent shortages as the rest of the sector amidst a constant need to maintain oversight of a growing IT estate.In this episode, Jane is joined by Andrew Rose, resident CISO for EMEA at Proofpoint, to expand on how to be an effective CISO, and how the role is changing.For more information:Work-related stress “keeps cyber security professionals awake at night”CISO job description: What does a CISO do?Gartner: Nearly half of cyber leaders to leave roles over mounting stressFighting the ‘always on’ culture that’s savaging mental health in cyber securityGartner urges CISOs to adopt new forms of trust and risk management for AIWhat is ransomware?What is business email compromise (BEC)?96% of CISOs without necessary support to maintain cyber securitySix generative AI cyber security threats and how to mitigate them

While the tech sector has suffered globally from a skills gap in recent years, the UK landscape in particular has come to be defined by roles unfilled, churn, and middling productivity.The Office for National Statistics found that in 2021, the UK generated £46.92 per hour worked, versus £58.88 per hour worked in the United States. Across 2022, output across the UK remained flat.Brain drain is also a serious issue, as workers who feel their skills are underused leave their firms for greener pastures. According to DocuSign’s 2023 Digital Maturity report, the average worker spends 11 hours per week on manual and repetitive tasks, and 26% of those planning to quit cited frustration with legacy work processes they are still made to follow.In this episode, Jane and Rory are joined by Ronan Copeland, group VP and general manager EMEA at DocuSign, to explore productivity problems in more depth and offer some solutions.For more information, read the show notes here.

Google is one of the most recognizable names in tech, most famous for its search tech and later reinventing itself as an AI firm.As the company turns 25, it’s a moment to look at its origin, list some of its most infamous product cancellations, and consider its lasting legacy.In this episode, Jane and Rory are joined by Bobby Hellard, ITPro's Reviews Editor, to discuss all things Google.For more information, read the show notes here.

The EU Digital Services Act (DSA) aims to enforce a safer digital space, protecting users’ rights and establishing a level playing field to foster innovation, growth, and competitiveness.It’s hoped the legislation will help reduce trade in illegal goods and content online and curb algorithm-driven content. In practical terms, it will have wide-reaching impacts on the biggest names in tech, as well as the advertising and marketing industries.In this episode, Jane is joined by Alex Hazell, head of privacy and legal EMEA at Acxiom, to illustrate the huge implications of the DSA on companies operating in the region.For more information, read the show notes here.

Through digital transformation, organizations can slash time spent on manual processes and work more efficiently to address pressing issues. In healthcare, speeding processes up can improve and even save lives. Across the UK, NHS trusts are identifying a number of ways in which the 7.7 million-person waiting list can be tackled, and digital transformation has a clear role to play.Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is among the UK’s largest NHS trusts, with seven hospitals and 18,000 staff. Since 2020, it has worked with software vendor Netcall to implement a new digital platform for patients that reduces manual processing by 88%.In this episode, Jane and Rory are joined by Rob Child, program manager (Outpatients CSU) at Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust, to discuss the trust’s digital transformation in more detail.For more information, read the show notes here.

Anyone who works in IT will have stories of technical debt – those times you have to tape software together to get it released by the deadline, or a cheap solution staves off a more costly overhaul of old systems.No matter how far you push it down the line, though, everyone has to pay up eventually. Ignoring technical debt only compounds the eventual problem of addressing it and IT teams around the world are saddled with technical debt that bites into their yearly budget.In this episode, Rory is joined by Karen Worstell, senior cyber strategist at VMware to explore the impacts of technical debt and what can be done to address it.For more information, read the show notes here.

Many businesses in the tech sector are currently facing economic headwinds, with rising costs and enduring skill shortages stymying growth plans. In response, some companies – including a number of notable large firms – have announced sweeping staff cuts.This is one way to cut costs, but it can end up placing an undue burden on the remaining staff. Small businesses in particular may struggle to reduce their employee numbers without forcing their staff to assume extra responsibilities, or having to say goodbye to some crucial tasks altogether.In this episode, Rory is joined by Sune Engsig, VP of Product Development at the test automation platform Leapwork, to discuss the strategic changes tech companies can embrace to achieve their productivity goals.For more information, read the show notes here.

A cyber incident can be catastrophic for any company, and all firms would be well-advised to adopt a watertight security approach to security practices. Despite this, the UK government’s Cyber security breaches survey 2023 found that UK cyber hygiene has declined since 2021, with the use of password policies falling from 79% to 70% and network firewalls from 75% to 67% across the period.There is still a need for better enforcement of cyber security policies throughout businesses, but also for security to be embraced as vital a consideration as any business process.In this episode, Rory is joined by Steve Furnell, IEEE senior member and professor of cybersecurity at the University of Nottingham to discuss how IT leaders can drive a cultural shift within their organizations to put security at the forefront of decision-making.For more information, read the show notes here.

Businesses with an online presence have to deal with the constant threat of cyber attacks, and ransomware stands out as one of the most disruptive threats a company can face.The malware costs an average of $4 million to remedy, and while it can be detected or tackled with the right tools and backups, neither are silver bullets.Cyber criminals want to get at sensitive data, and they’re ramping up their efforts. Check Point Research has found that weekly cyber attacks reached a two-year high last quarter at an average of 1,258 attacks per organization, per week.In this episode, Rory and Jane are joined by Denis Kennelly, general manager of IBM storage, to unravel the importance of a proper cyber resilience strategy, data backups, and tackling ransomware head-on.For more information, read the show notes here.

Since the start of the DevOps movement, teams are the most collaborative they’ve ever been. Bringing development and operations teams together and automating code commit work has a number of advantages when it comes to growing your business.Practices such as continuous integration, development, and deployment of software have enabled teams to move at pace and scale, but this is as much a cultural shift as it is a technical one.CI/CD isn’t a silver bullet for productivity or error-free code - managers have to carefully assess and oversee operations for the best results, and good team communication is necessary.In this episode, Rory is joined by Dylan Etkin, CEO and co-founder of software development firm Sleuth to explore the benefits of CI/CD and how businesses can avoid the pitfalls of adopting the framework.For more information, read the show notes here.

As the economy has become increasingly dependent on data, companies have sought to make more profit from mining user actions such as through loyalty schemes or social media interactions. But individual rights also have to be respected, and businesses have to follow strict data protection procedures.Privacy-enhancing technologies (PETs) are one method for companies to securely search through data to derive value – for example, a bank could search through customer data to expose fraudulent activity without putting the personal information of all the customers involved at risk.This episode, Rory and Jane are joined by Ellison Anne Williams, CEO and founder of privacy-enhancing technology company Enveil, to discuss the dos and don’ts of data use, and how organizations can make use of PETs for enhanced data mining.For more information, read the show notes here.

The open source community is a hub of innovation and there is no doubt that open-source software helps to prop up stacks everywhere, from the smallest firms through to the largest names in the tech industry. However, concerns have been raised in recent years over the security of open-source supply chains. Notable incidents such as Log4Shell have acted as a reminder to businesses and governments alike that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link.In this episode, Jane and Rory are joined by Brian Fox, CTO of software supply chain management at Sonatype to discuss how the ecosystem can be made safer, and the role that developers, companies, and governments can play.

5G continues to roll out across the UK at pace, delivering high-speed data access for businesses and consumers alike. But while 5G alone is a step forward for connectivity, and has helped to boost data availability for businesses across the country, firms can also deploy it in more tailored approaches to help meet specific business needs.Companies with large campuses, or those that are looking to supply the low-latency connections needed for edge computing, are increasingly investing in private 5G networks. In this episode, Jane and Rory are joined by Sandeep Raithatha, head of strategy, innovation, and 5G IoT at Virgin Media O2 to unpack the use cases and benefits of 5G private networks, as well as the effect they could have on the UK business landscape.For more information, read the show notes here.

When you consider the roles that hold influence over business decisions and operations, which come to mind? Doubtless, the CEO and CFO, as well as the COO if you have one. The CMO may also be there – but what about the CIO or CTO?The advent of cloud computing, bring your own device (BYOD), and increasing cyber security threats were all supposed to coincide with CIOs finally having their seat at the table. ITPro has published articles on exactly this trend.But it seems that in some areas, this shift is stalling or even reversing. In this episode, Jane and Rory are joined by Anthony Byrne, EY partner leading technology practice for the UK and Ireland to discuss what’s behind this regression and the changing role that CIOs must play.For more information, read the show notes here.

The potential for cyber attacks will always rank as one of the top concerns for professionals. Over the decades, cyber attacks have gone from a headache for the IT department to something that can bring down an organization. While it's now a bit trite to say it's not a case of if a business is attacked but when, with groups like LAPSUS$, LockBit, and Cl0p regularly targeting companies of all sizes the odds are increasingly in the criminals’ favor. In this episode Jane is joined by Charles Henderson, Global Head of IBM X-Force, to discuss the threats that the UK and other countries face, and how they can be tackled.For more information, read the show notes here.

Generative AI continues to dominate conversations around tech worldwide. Powerful tools such as large language models have already demonstrated clear value, with a range of business use cases and tons of potential to become even more sophisticated as time goes on.Amongst this progress, however, warnings have been raised. Regulators the world over are carefully assessing the risks posed by AI systems, and those behind some of the most recognizable AI companies including OpenAI and Google have weighed in on the potential risks and benefits of the new technology.In this episode, Rory is joined by Ross Kelly, IT Pro’s cloud computing specialist and staff writer to discuss the recent developments in AI regulation and where it could be headed.For more information, read the show notes here.

In 2023, you might expect that people would be entering the workforce with a basic understanding of computer skills. But this isn't always the case.Although it's more important than ever that people know how to use devices effectively and safely in order to get on in the workplace, some have still not learned the vital digital skills they need.Lloyds Bank’s 2023 Essential Digital Skills for Work report noted that 22% of the UK’s labour force lacks the digital skills necessary for the workplace, and 40% of workers struggle to effectively use the tools necessary to solve work-related problems.In this episode, Jane and Rory speak to Mark Evans, interim information technology director at Tilia Homes and member of the ITPro Network, to discuss how businesses are faring with the lack of digital skills in the workforce and what can be done to improve the levels of computer literacy in the UK.For more information, read the show notes here.

AI is driving rapid change in the tech sector. New advancements in the field have brought tools like ChatGPT, Bard, and StableDiffusion to the public, while also offering the potential to solve knotty problems in areas such as medical research and climate change.But from the designing phase, right through to training and implementation, AI models must be made with ethical boundaries in mind. Without careful consideration of input and end result, AI can reflect the prejudices or limitations of its developers, and cause real harm.In this episode, Rory and Jane speak to Dr. Sohrob Kazerounian, distinguished AI researcher at cyber security company Vectra AI, to unpack the considerations that go into making AI ethical, and how firms can work to eliminate unexpected bias.For more information, read the show notes here.

Quantum computing is an inevitable technology, with the private sector and nation-states racing to be the first to unlock its potential. While it can be used for all kinds of good, quantum computing could also be used to unravel critical systems.One of the most common ways to protect data is to encrypt it using an RSA algorithm. In simple terms, it relies on the fact that while you can easily multiply one prime number by another, it’s very hard to work out prime factors from any given number. Quantum computing could make this much easier, allowing criminals to decrypt sensitive data.The UK is among a number of nations investing in quantum computing, with the government having recently announced £900 million for exascale quantum computer. Stakes are high as we enter into what some have dubbed a ‘quantum arms race’, with the first to successfully crack encryption holding all the cards when it comes to its myriad use cases.In this episode, Rory and Jane speak to Tim Callan, chief experience officer at cyber security firm Sectigo, about the current state of quantum computing research and how the industry can prepare for this seismic shift.For more information, read the show notes here.

Gender diversity in the tech sector is slowly improving, but data shows that heterosexual and cisgender tech leaders fare better LGBTQ+ peers when it comes to feeling included in their work cultures and raising crucial funding rounds.In its LGBTQ+ Founder report, Proud Ventures found that 18% of founders think their gender identity could have a negative impact on their fundraising, and 79% of LGBTQ+ investors stated that they have hidden their identity from colleagues.It’s clear that more work needs to be done to promote an intersectional approach to diversity in the workplace, and for managers to be given the right education to become active rather than passive allies.In this episode, Rory and Jane speak to Meri Williams, CTO at Pleo and trustee at Stonewall, to discuss the state of LGBTQ+ diversity in the tech sector and what can be done to improve support and representation across the landscape.For more information, read the show notes here.

The move to the cloud has unlocked a huge number of benefits for businesses, but companies still differ over the extent to which they have adopted a multi-cloud approach versus locking in with just one provider.While some cloud customers may be looking to expand beyond the confines of their public cloud provider in a way that makes sense for them, others have already embraced a multi-cloud approach but seek unification of technology and services across their estate.If you have a firm idea of what approach your business is taking to multi-cloud, whether it’s ‘by design’ or ‘by default’, you might find yourself in a better position to innovate with edge or AI.In this episode, recorded live at Dell Technologies World 2023, Rory speaks with Dermot O’Connell, senior vice president, EMEA Services at Dell Technologies. The pair explore current customer demands and how an efficient multi-cloud approach can support full-stack efficiency.For more information, read the show notes here.

Data has become one of the most valuable assets in the world, playing a larger role than ever in our digital economy. Research firm Capgemini predicts that the value of the data created in the EU alone could top €550 billion by 2025.Newham Council in London has launched a bold initiative to put itself at the heart of the capital’s data ecosystem with the creation of a dedicated data campus.This will work to promote digital roles and help encourage local innovation, while also seeking to boost the prominence of both London and the UK in the world’s data economy.In this episode, Jane and Rory speak to Amit Shanker, chief digital officer at the London Borough of Newham, to discuss the approach being taken there and how this can benefit the wider tech ecosystem.For more information, read the show notes here.

Communications service providers can harness a range of benefits by building out 5G networks using cloud-native elements such as microservices and containers. These include reducing capital expenditure, making networks more scalable and flexible, and improving network stability.Moving mobile network services to the cloud, however, is not without its complications. Those with large legacy security plans, or with complex network layouts, could face the prospect of being exposed to vulnerabilities as part of their cloud migration.In this episode, Jane and Rory speak to Bart Salaets, EMEA and field CTO at multi-cloud security company F5, to find out how telcos and other businesses can securely adopt new network architectures.For more information, read the show notes here.

Generative AI is dominating conversations across the tech sphere right now, and even making its way into discussions in day-to-day life. But for the average IT team, large language models can still seem intimidating, and training or tweaking requires significant computing power and skill.Additionally, concerns around explainability and approachability are still a barrier to some regulated industries such as financial services or life sciences.Appian has long been a notable name when it comes to low-code development and automation, and its announcements at Appian World 2023 have leaned heavily on how AI – and generative AI especially – fits into this development proposition.In this episode, Rory speaks to Michael Beckley, co-founder and CTO at Appian, to discuss the benefits and drawbacks of implementing low code, AI, and generative AI solutions and how companies could appropriately implement each.For more information, read the show notes here.

ChatGPT has taken the world by storm, as a tangible and relatable use of advanced AI. With people inside and outside the tech scene getting equally excited about its capabilities, many businesses have asked themselves if they could – or should – adopt the chatbot into their stack.But while businesses are eager to take advantage of OpenAI’s powerful models, some have advised careful consideration of the information that one gives to ChatGPT and whether or not it makes sense for every firm.In this episode Jane speaks to Rory, ITPro’s subject matter expert on AI, to discuss all things ChatGPT and unpack the current landscape of generative AI offerings.For more information, read the show notes here.

Cyber attacks can be one of the most damaging things that can happen to an organization. Whether it’s a data breach or ransomware, falling victim to an attack can be extremely costly and disruptive, so knowing how to react to an attack is as important as knowing how to prevent one.Despite this, businesses continue to struggle with keeping employees engaged with cyber security training. With adults apparently not grasping the importance of cyber security skills, there is a growing argument for introducing them while people are still at school, to ensure no one joins the workforce unprepared for the threats they may face.In this episode, Jane and Rory speak to Matt Lorentzen, principal consultant at information security consultancy Cyberis, to explore how we can effectively instill cyber security best practices through the education sector and why simulated attacks could be an effective method through which common attack vectors can be taught.For more information, read the show notes here.Correction: The report cited at the start of this episode was incorrectly attributed to Freshworks, when it was in fact published by Fortinet.

As businesses increase their digital estate, insider theft poses an increasingly large risk. Whether it’s through malicious parties gaining access to crucial systems and data or employees stealing information to which they should never have had access, firms should be considering these scenarios carefully.This has been exacerbated by the economic climate, with layoffs and a greater reliance on third-party individuals leading to a lack of oversight and cohesion when it comes to access management. Stolen credentials or over-provisioned contractors can be the first crack in the armour for any business.In this episode, Rory speaks to Fran Rosch, CEO of digital identity specialist ForgeRock, about the pressing need for better scrutiny of third parties and how companies can control systems access through identity governance.For more information, read the show notes here.

This classic episode of the ITPro Podcast was first published on 12 March 2021.Recent improvements in fields like robotics, prosthetics and artificial intelligence have brought that dream closer than ever to being a reality - but what does human augmentation really mean? Where do we draw the line between tools and augmentations? And what function - if any - can they serve in a practical business context?In this episode, we look at the emerging field of augmentation tech, the biohacking and transhumanist subcultures, and how close we really are to brain chips and bionic eyeballs.

Tech Nation – a key player in the UK tech startup scene for over a decade – has shuttered its doors. But Barclays Eagle Labs will continue where its predecessor left off, with millions of promised funding in addition to the government’s £12 million digital growth grant hoped to spur investment.While questions around visa commitments have yet to be answered, firms outside of southeast England could nevertheless be swayed by Barclays Eagle Labs’ nationwide reach and sector expertise.In this episode, Jane and Rory speak to Ross Kelly, ITPro’s startups & small business specialist and staff writer, to reveal the current state of UK startups and the mood following the cessation of Tech Nation’s activities.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has moved from being a sci-fi staple to a tool that’s in widespread use. Headlines today are dominated with news of generative AI services such as ChatGPT and Bard, the latest and greatest in large language models from firms OpenAI and Google. These promise users a crack at incredibly capable text generation and interpretation based on vast training models, using nothing more complicated than their browser and a keyboard.As powerful tools for text generation, large language models also carry the risk of empowering threat actors. As more people publicly access these systems than ever before, security firms are assessing how chatbots could bolster malicious activity.In this episode, Jane and Rory speak to Hanah Darley, head of threat research at cybersecurity firm Darktrace, on the potential misuse of generative AI models, and the role the technology can play as part of a wider AI defence arsenal at the enterprise level.For more information, read the show notes here.