TechSperience Solutions

Episode 116: How Artificial Intelligence is Changing Everything in Retail

Retailers can reduce shrinkage, diminish stockout, and enhance experiences for customers and employees with artificial Intelligence (AI). But that is just scratching the surface. AI-enabled intelligent stores can optimize so much more like managing staffing resources, reaching sustainability goals, and even predicting customers’ needs.

This podcast explores how AI solutions – a combination of data management, connectivity, edge computing devices, and software – can create powerful results. Experts from NVIDIA, Lenovo, and Connection cover real-world examples of how retailers are getting their return on investment and what strategies have been successful to reaching strong business outcomes.   

Host: James Hilliard

Guests:

• Cynthia Countouris, Director of Product Marketing & Enablement for Retail, NVIDIA
• Matthew Bertucci, Retail Solutions Manager, Lenovo
• Brian Gallagher, Retail Strategy Director, Connection

You can hear us on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or Podbean. 

 

Episode 115: Next-Gen Endpoint Security for the Healthcare Sector

The healthcare industry is seeing tremendous change. With the pandemic, staffing shortages, and a backlog of patients needing care, now is the time to reset and question traditional approaches. Add in the pressure of data protection and compliance, supporting remote working environments, and providing telehealth services – finding the right technologies and endpoint security solutions is essential to the future of healthcare.

In this podcast, the experts at IGEL discuss how the next-gen edge OS for cloud workspaces is advancing user productivity, patient care, and security while simplifying endpoint management for healthcare enterprises everywhere.

Host: James Hilliard

Guests:

• Chris Feeney, Sr. Presales Engineer, Channel & Team Lead at IGEL
• Carl Gersh, VP of Marketing – North America at IGEL

You can hear us on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or Podbean. 

Episode 114: Prevent Data Loss with Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) Solutions

We often take power for granted. But when there’s a power failure, a planned outage, or a natural disaster, we’re reminded that power is such a necessity. In today’s digital world, data loss and downtime for IT can lead to long-term financial and reputational damage for organizations. The risks are even greater for healthcare and critical infrastructure industries. Listen in on our latest podcast to hear how simple it is to prevent data loss and power failure before it’s too late.

Host: James Hilliard

Guests:

• Joe Doherty, Power and Cooling Business Development Specialist at Connection
• Hillary Watkins, Product Marketing Specialist for Single Phase UPS at Vertiv

You can hear us on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or Podbean.

 

Episode 113: The Technology Link - Enhancing User Experience

In a recent Forrester report, 77% of full-time employees said PC devices play a critical factor in their ability to do their work. In today’s climate of hybrid and remote environments, how do you determine what technologies users need and what's at risk if user experience isn't prioritized? Listen to this podcast to hear why developing persona-based solutions is critical to user productivity, onboarding, and overall happiness.

Host: James Hilliard

Guests:

• Rhett Livengood, Director of Digital Business Enabling at Intel

• Tim Burns, Vice President of Product Management and Workplace Transformation at Connection

Explore Your Wherever Workspace to learn more about persona-based bundles or visit the Intel showcase to discover their latest technologies.

You can hear us on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Spotify, or Podbean. 

 

Episode 112: Hybrid Cloud Strategies for the Modern Data Center

Research by IDC show that 90% of enterprises around the world are relying on a mix of on-premises, or dedicated, private clouds, as well as public clouds, and legacy platforms to meet their infrastructure needs. Data center cloud solutions need to change as business needs fluctuate. This episode covers the best practices of a hybrid cloud strategy featuring experts from Intel and Connection.

Host: James Hilliard

Guests: 

• Vijay Bandari, Cloud Solution Architect at Intel
• Steve Fowler, Cloud Solution Architect at Intel
• Kiran Agrahara, Cloud Solution Architect at Intel
• Kevin Slate, Senior Director of Cloud Services and at Connection

 

Cybersecurity Awareness Podcast: Spotlight on Higher Education

Colleges and universities are prime targets for cyber attackers. From the large volumes of PII to medical and research data, higher education institutions are a gold mine for bad actors. The pandemic also added new attack vectors as institutions turned to remote and hybrid learning environments. CISOs, CTOs, and IT teams within higher education have a very challenging task when it comes to cybersecurity and data protection. With open networks, diverse user types, and limited resources, what can colleges and universities do to enhance protection? Listen to this podcast for tips on how to develop a cybersecurity risk management plan for your institution.

Host: James Hilliard

Guests:

• Bobby Sears, Senior Vertical Alliances Manager, Higher Education at Connection
• Steve Nardone, Senior Director of Security and Network Solutions at Connection
• Tim Allen, Director of Operations and Technology at Connection

 

For additional cybersecurity resources, visit: https://www.connection.com/cybersecurityawarenessmonth.

Thank you for listening. You can hear us on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Spotify, and Podbean. 

Follow Connection on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, or read our latest insights.

 

Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Spotlight on K-12

K-12 is a highly targeted sector when it comes to cyberthreats. In a recent report by CoSN, cybersecurity is a top priority among CTOs. Remote and hybrid environments have drastically increased the volume of devices to support the needs of educators and students. And each device is a potential point of entry for bad actors. There’s also a lot of PII available on these networks, making school districts a prime target for data breaches and ransomware. Listen to this podcast to learn what school districts can do to enhance cybersecurity measures.

For additional cybersecurity resources, visit: https://www.connection.com/cybersecurityawarenessmonth.

Host: James Hilliard

Guests:

• Pam Aulakh, Vertical Alliances Manager, K-12 at Connection
• Steve Nardone, Senior Director of Security and Network Solutions at Connection
• Tim Allen, Director of Operations and Technology at Connection

Thank you for listening. You can hear us on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Spotify, and Podbean. 

Follow Connection on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, or read our latest insights.

Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Spotlight on Manufacturing

Host: James Hilliard

Guests:

• Ryan Spurr, Director of Manufacturing Strategy at Connection
• Steve Nardone, Senior Director of Security and Network Solutions at Connection
• Tim Allen, Director of Operations and Technology at Connection

The pandemic, smart manufacturing initiatives, and Industry 4.0 trends has shifted manufacturing into a digital transformation. As such, the industry is now experiencing a dramatic uptick in ransomware attacks. The majority of these attacks target operational technology (OT) systems by gaining access through compromised home networks and the devices of remote workers. Manufacturing organizations have highly complex infrastructure and environments. Having an accurate picture of security vulnerabilities is a challenge in itself. Listen to this podcast to explore how manufacturing organizations can mitigate their cybersecurity risks and find a more secure path forward.

For additional cybersecurity resources, visit: https://www.connection.com/cybersecurityawarenessmonth.

Thank you for listening. You can hear us on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Spotify, and Podbean. 

Follow Connection on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, or read our latest insights.

 

Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Spotlight on Healthcare

Host: James Hilliard

Guests:

• Dr. Keith Nelson, Director of Healthcare Strategy, Connection
• Steve Nardone, Senior Director of Security & Network Solutions, Connection
• Tim Allen, Director of Operations and Technology, Connection

The value of patient medical information makes healthcare entities prime targets for cybercriminals. According to IBM’s 2022 Cost of a Data Breach Report, the average cost of a healthcare data breach is $10.1 million, the highest across all industries. With many healthcare providers expanding beyond the four walls into remote and virtual care, now is the time evolve your organization’s cybersecurity posture. Hear from our cybersecurity and healthcare experts on what measures will help you better protect your patients’ data and healthcare practice. For additional cybersecurity resources, visit: https://www.connection.com/cybersecurityawarenessmonth.

Thank you for listening. You can hear us on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Spotify, and Podbean. 

Follow Connection on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, or read our latest insights.

 

Episode 111: Mobile Technology Trends for In-Person Industries

Mobile technologies play a critical role in today’s digital world. While there’s a big focus on our remote and hybrid workforce, there are many industries that are in-person. This podcast explores how mobile technologies have evolved since the pandemic – from the frontline employee and customer experience point of view – across healthcare, retail, hospitality, warehousing, and manufacturing industries.

Host: James Hilliard

Guest: Terry Price, Senior Sales Engineer, Zebra Technologies

Show Notes:

[1:20] Mobile contact tracing and tracking technologies have taken off since COVID. In-person industries had to implement social distancing practices and set maximum capacity limits to minimize potential exposure.

[3:03] Serviceability for customers has drastically changed in the last few years. Customers expect instant gratification and convenience. Mobile technologies have become more necessary as we are quickly becoming a cashless society.

[8:09] Ease of use and manageability are also at the forefront for consumers. It’s key to leverage mobile technologies that use a “common” operating system, such as Android, to deliver a streamlined interface that users are familiar with.

[10:17] Healthcare workers require more out of their mobile devices than any other industry. Healthcare practitioners rely on technologies for patient care and life-and-death scenarios. These use cases require ruggedized mobile technologies that are fast and efficient.

[13:20] Disinfectant-ready devices are must-haves in healthcare. Retail and hospitality industries followed suit by adopting healthcare-grade devices.

[15:07] For many industries, ruggedized devices are critical, but decision-makers are sometimes hesitant on the upfront investment. A consumer-grade device will likely require more replacements and overall management. Ruggedized devices will result in an overall lower total cost of ownership.

[19:00] Each industry defines cybersecurity in different terms. For instance, in healthcare, HIPPA compliance requires that data cannot be stored on the device itself. Zebra works with software companies to develop solutions that can meet or exceed cybersecurity requirements and needs.

[23:49] How can a business start a mobile-first transformation? Determine the wireless and physical security infrastructure needed, find the right technologies that can elevate the employee and customer experience, and partner with experts to guide you through the process.

 

Thank you for listening. You can hear us on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Spotify, and Podbean.

Follow Connection on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, or read our latest insights.