Shows
Explain ITThe road to IT innovations with HPEOn this edition of Explain IT, we’re celebrating HPE’s ten-year anniversary, and reflecting on the standout moments from HPE Discover. We explore how HPE’s evolution, from its separation from HP Inc. to bold acquisitions and innovation milestones, is shaping the future of enterprise IT. From cloud modernisation and infrastructure disruption, to a shifting virtualisation landscape, we unpack the key themes and what they mean for customers and the wider market. Join Softcat's Helen Gidney, Head of Architecture, Richard Wyn Griffith, Chief Commercial Officer, and Tommy Mac, US GTM Lead, alongside Matt Harris, SVP and...2025-07-2935 minExplain ITSupply Chain RiskHow secure is your supply chain? With the recent swathe of supply chain cyber attacks on big name brands, now more than ever it’s important to protect your supply chain. On this edition of Explain IT, we’re talking about recent breaches and how that is affecting customers. We're also delving into the question of 'who are these threat actors?', and the impact on career goals. This episode is hosted by Ashleigh Baker, team leader in Softcat's Architecture Services and is joined by Softcat colleague Kieron Newsham...2025-06-2435 min
Tech Talks DailyInside Softcat’s Cisco Live Experience: Innovation, Sensors, and SustainabilityWhat does it take to future-proof the modern workplace? For Softcat, one of the UK’s top IT infrastructure providers, it started with reimagining their own headquarters in London. In this episode, I speak with Thomas Rowley, Chief Technologist for Networking and Connectivity at Softcat, about the real-world challenges of managing a high-density office and how the company turned to Cisco to create a more intelligent, responsive environment. As more employees returned to the office, Softcat began to notice a hidden problem. Rising CO2 levels were affecting the comfort and productivity of their teams. Rather th...2025-06-1336 minExplain ITCyber Automation and BurnoutEver wondered how we can stay ahead of cyber threats without burning out? On this edition of Explain IT, we're talking about the leveraging of advanced technology to automatically detect, investigate, and respond to cyber threats, reducing the need for constant human intervention that could lead to burnout. It's all about enhancing efficiency, speed, and accuracy in cybersecurity operations. This week, Ashleigh Baker is guest host. She is the team leader in Softcat's Architecture Services. Think of Cyber Automation as having a tireless, digital watchdog that never sleeps. Wit...2025-05-2732 minExplain ITBackup Security and Cyber ResiliencyKeeping your data structured and secure is key to keeping your business safe. But how do we ensure that at every level of our IT infrastructure, including your backups? With data being stored across an organisation, from edge to the data center to the cloud, cyber resiliency is important when safeguarding an organization's assets against cyber threats.Today, we'll discuss the evolving nature of backup strategies in response to sophisticated cyber threats. Understand the methods to ensure the safety of backups, and look ahead to the future to consider how advancements in technology might shape the...2025-04-2935 minExplain ITWireless first connectivity for your businessYou rely on wireless connectivity, we all do… and having a good wireless system can have a big impact on the success of your business. As companies strive for greater flexibility, efficiency, and connectivity, Wireless First is emerging as a game-changer. Post Covid, we’re seeing employees want more dynamic and collaborative work environments, and teams need to be able to move freely and adapt to those changing spaces quickly. We’ll discuss the benefits of wifi 7 and why building a private 5G wireless network can be a great way to increase bandwidth. This epi...2025-03-2544 minExplain ITNew Year Resolutions (Part Two)From artificial intelligence to 5G Networks to everything in between, we’ve seen some big shifts in the IT industry in 2024.In today’s episode, we’ll be looking back over the tech landscape of 2024 and making big predictions about what we think we’re going to see in 2025. We’ll discuss how emerging technologies might transform industries and impact our daily lives, and you never know, some of these technologies might just address some of the world’s most pressing challenges.We have a whole host of expert guests today, with the entirety of...2025-02-1122 minExplain ITNew Year ResolutionsFrom artificial intelligence to 5G Networks to everything in between, we’ve seen some big shifts in the IT industry in 2024.In today’s episode, we’ll be looking back over the tech landscape of 2024 and making big predictions about what we think we’re going to see in 2025. We’ll discuss how emerging technologies might transform industries and impact our daily lives, and you never know, some of these technologies might just address some of the world’s most pressing challenges.We have a whole host of expert guests today, with the entirety of...2025-01-2849 min
The Web3 Watchdogs#8 - Katharine Wooller: Chief Strategist Banking & Financial Services @ SoftcatIn this episode, Michael Pearl speaks with Katharine Wooller, Chief Strategist Banking & Financial Services at Softcat and a board advisor in the Web3 space.
They discussed the growing awareness of security, the regulatory landscape, and the political implications of crypto regulation.
Katharine shares insights on fundraising trends, the role of VCs, and the future of innovations in Web3, including the tokenization of real-world assets and the potential of NFTs.
They also spoke about her journey in the industry, the evolution of crypto perception, the importance of disaster recovery, and the impact of layoffs...2025-01-1340 minExplain ITCan I Be Your Copilot Again?Workplace AI bots, like Microsoft Copilot, have exploded in use over the last 12 months. They are transforming how businesses operate by automating routine tasks, enhancing decision-making, and allowing employees to focus on more strategic activities.Back in November 2023, Explain IT discussed how Copilot could potentially revolutionise the workplace. We’re back again to see how it has changed in the last 12 months with our guests Bradley Howe, Copilot Presales professional, and Dave Simmons Senior IT Transformation and Change Manager at Softcat.Your host for this episode of Softcat’s Explain IT podcast is Hele...2024-12-1938 minExplain ITMy Cloud or YoursCloud computing, first introduced in the 1960s as the "intergalactic computer network," is now essential to our digital existence.There are so many cloud options available on the market today. Private clouds are essentially dedicated environments that offer greater control and security. They are typically used by businesses to store sensitive data and run critical applications. On the other hand, public clouds are shared environments managed by industry hyperscalers. These providers offer scalable resources but are accessed by multiple users simultaneously. However, which is best?ln this episode we explore the intricacies of...2024-10-2837 min
CYBER CONNECT PODCASTHow to attract a more diverse workforce in tech & cyber security? w/ Helen Gidney, SoftcatWelcome to the SECURE | CYBER CONNECT Podcast with Jay Adamson and Warren Atkinson, where we’re joined by information and Cyber Security, Technology & Talent Acquisition professionals who share their journeys, unique perspectives, and offer valuable advice and guidance.
👥 JOIN THE SECURE | CYBER CONNECT COMMUNITY: https://smart-connect-cyber.mn.co/
✅ Learn More: https://linktr.ee/securecyberconnect
In this episode, we welcome Helen Gidney, Head of Architecture Services at Softcat and host of the "Explain IT" podcast. Helen explores critical topics like increasing Diversity in Cyber Security, how AI-powered Recruitment tools can attract leading talent, and strategies for building more Inclusive teams—How can organ...2024-10-2327 min
You, Me and I.T.John Gladstone, SoftcatIn the opening episode of You, Me and I.T., Karlton sits down with John Gladstone, Sustainability Lead at Softcat.
The pair discuss John's upbringing in a Warwickshire village, and his route into the IT sector - including a stint working on the World Rally circuit!
Karlton gets John to reflect on his challenges and achievements, as how he thinks he's perceived by colleagues, and, ultimately, himself.2024-10-0836 minExplain ITWhy does everyone want my credentials?Ever thought about how much of your life is protected by passwords? And why do hackers want to steal credentials? How do they do it and more importantly, how can we stop them in their tracks?From your emails to your retirement savings, passwords are quite literally the gatekeepers to your online life. And there are layers to password security, from your own password to the passwords that companies use to protect the collective data. Hackers are constantly using different tricks to try to crack those codes to access as much information as possible....2024-09-2438 min
Microsoft MentorsFrom Softcat Graduate Scheme to Head of Cloud Alliances - Paris KingYou don't have to be a techie to work in tech!
That's the biggest lesson from todays episode of Microsoft Mentors; The podcast with Paris King from Softcat!
We delve into Paris' first step into the Tech Industry in Softcat's graduate scheme, her progression through a number of different roles within their Microsoft business and ultimately to her current role as Head of Cloud Alliance and Customer Experience.
If you're interested in tech but don't want to be a hands-on techie... Paris' journey is...2024-09-1154 minExplain ITThe Virtual InterfaceWhere do you want to work from today? The coffee shop? The beach? It’s all possible with a Virtual desktop infrastructure.Virtual Desktop Infrastructure, or VDI, lets you access your companies’ systems from almost any device, essentially you can carry your office in your pocket. In this special episode, we’ll answer some important questions to help you get it right. How do you keep VDI working for everyone? How do you manage it effectively? How do you keep it secure?Featuring our expert guests Jack Lewis, Softcat’s chief technologist for Workspac...2024-09-0935 minExplain ITAre AI Powered Contact Centres the Future?Customer service is tough for everyone, but how do we make it better for the employee and for the customer?Business contact centres are starting to use AI at the very first step of their customer interactions. By automating elements of the customer service interaction and using AI insights, staff can resolve service incidents faster and keep customers happy.Our team of experts, Andrew Hermsen, Softcat's Chief Technologist for Data, Automation and AI, and Lucky Sharma, Senior Partner Solutions Architect at AWS are here to answer the key questions to understand if AI...2024-08-2732 minExplain ITInternet – what is WAN without SASE?In the hybrid working world, everyone needs a fast and secure way to connect to their company's data.WAN or Wide Area Networks technologies have had an impressive impact; It's now easier than ever to do business. Using intelligence to optimize traffic across multiple links, we’ve gone from a trickle of information being sent between two direct points to terabytes of data sent at lighting speed across a network of points. In this episode of Explain I.T, we answer some important questions. How do we manage those connections? How do we keep performance cons...2024-07-3029 minExplain ITElection SpecialTo the public, elections can look relatively simple. However for lots of public sector organisations, there are weeks of preparation fraught with risk, excitement and a huge sense of purpose. Despite using paper ballots and lots of people-based processes on the day, technology and digital is key to delivering a successful election. There are so many technology areas to think about pre and post-election, from how authorities can protect election data, and how they prevent interference or rigging, to how social media usage can help voting and reduce “fake news”, and even how a new...2024-06-2731 minExplain ITAI At Your FingertipsIn the year of AI, can we get even closer to having it right at our fingertips?Helen Gidney, Softcat’s head of Architecture, and a team of experts discuss this fascinating question. AI is developing quicker than we can think and we’re seeing it pop up in our everyday lives more and more and in this episode we'll answer the big AI questions of the moment like, what is an AI laptop or AI PC and what can one do? How can it help customers in their work day? What could AI PC’s help us do i...2024-06-2534 minExplain ITObservabilityDo you know everything that’s going on in your organisation?Today we’re talking about Observability. It isn't just a buzzword; it is the evolution of application and network performance monitoring into a seamless way to measure your full systems health.As IT environments become more complicated, observability is crucial for pinpointing the root causes of issues, harnessing data and logs from every corner of your environment to ensure that your systems remain efficient, reliable, and customer-centric.Hosted by Ashleigh Baker, guest host and Team Leader in Softcat’s Architecture Servic...2024-05-2832 minExplain ITGetting EdgyWith the explosive growth of internet connected devices in our everyday world, from mobile phones to our cars and even our homes, we are generating massive amounts of data all the time. Traditional centralised infrastructures just can’t keep up with the pace of information. So how do we bring processing power closer to the source of this data to help us harness its insights? What is Edge Computing? What are the benefits of Edge Computing? What are the challenges with Edge computing and could customers use cloud instead of on-premise edge computing? As ever we'll answer t...2024-04-3030 minExplain ITPowering your SOCOn this edition of Explain IT we're discussing how to power your SOC. No, we're not talking super powered footwear. SOC stands for Security Operations Centre, and it’s where cyber experts battle threats posed against your data day and night.We know security is a key part of any business, to protect your best kept secrets, and to keep third parties out of your information. But with a massive lack of Cyber Security skills in the market and the cost of Cybercrime skyrocketing year after year, how do we use technology to bridge the gap an...2024-03-2627 minExplain ITThe Ethics of AIAI has been making headlines for a while now, and this year we’ll see more and more businesses adopting it to improve their performance and efficiency. But how do we ensure that AI is used in a responsible and ethical way? How do we avoid the risks and pitfalls that come with such a powerful technology? And how do we stop AI from getting out of control?Podcast host Helen Gidney, Softcat’s Head of Architecture, along with a team of experts are here to answer these questions and talk tech in simple jargon free langu...2024-02-2729 minExplain ITTech Predictions for 2024 - Part 2Part two of our Tech Predictions for 2024! You can hear part one, here.In the past twelve months, Explain I.T has generated over 20,000 unique downloads and covered an array of topics.In the present, we have a collective group of Softcat technologists here to share their thoughts on tech. And in the future, Explain I.T will have a new presenter; Helen Gidney, Softcat's very own Head of Architecture. So, along with Dean Gardner, Softcat's Technology Director, join Helen along with a whole host of tech experts as th...2024-01-2347 minExplain ITTech Predictions for 2024 - Part 1In the past twelve months, Explain I.T has generated over 20,000 unique downloads and covered an array of topics. In the present, we have a collective group of softcat technologists here to share their thoughts on tech. And in the future, Explain I.T will have a new presenter; Helen Gidney, Softcat's very own Head of Architecture. So, along with Dean Gardner, Softcat's Technology Director, join Helen along with a whole host of tech experts as they look ahead to the key innovations and challenges we might see i...2024-01-1633 minExplain ITDrive For Innovative AutomotiveOur team of experts are here to talk tech in simple, jargon free language, and today is no exception, although we do come with a twist.Today we are covering the automotive industry and how it continues to modernise by innovating, designing and building the now and future transportation that positively impacts all of us.What challenges and pressures face the industry? The level of technology advancements over the years appears to be driving so many global initiatives such as electrification, AI and edge. But why is this the case? T...2023-12-1930 minExplain ITInto An AI WorldDean Gardner, Softcat's Technology Director, hosts another episode of Explain I.T. Another team of experts are here to talk tech in simple, jargon free language.Are you open to AI? Yes, we are, but not in the sense of OpenAI who appear to have performed a fire rehire and resign strategy in less than a week. We are open to AI in the sense that it's now part of every conversation.But to what degree will we use AI? How will it impact our everyday lives? And what are the risks and...2023-12-0534 minExplain ITCan I Be Your Co-PilotWe are motoring towards the end of year like an AI powered electric scooter - and yes, they actually do exist thanks to UK tech startup Hilo One.In a world where AI is now taking charge in every aspect of our daily lives, Microsoft has recently released a Copilot. AI driven, all encompassing, innovation of the ages.What is it? Why do we need it? What are the risks of implementing this technology? And will it change, evolve and revolutionise our lives? To answer these questions on this episode of Explain IT are Al...2023-11-0737 minExplain ITThe Quantum RealmHello and welcome back to Softcats Explain It Podcast series. This is episode seven of season six, and we are here after a small break in the schedule. And we are back with a corker. My name is Dean Gardner, softcats technology director, and I'm still the host after a busy few months of AI.Today, we are heading into the quantum realm. Is quantum a reality? How fast will it move? And what are the motivations for moving to quantum computing? And actually, what are the possibilities, as they appear to be potentially endless? So...2023-09-2930 minExplain ITA customer for life, not just for Christmas!'Customer focus', 'customer obsession' and 'customer first' should surely be at the front of every organisation, but are they? Are we solely relying on technology to solve customer outcomes? Is it old fashioned to say that listening, understanding and being empathetic and solving challenges equally are more important than the tech we provide? This time, we tackle all these questions and much more on Explain I.T, where we talk tech in simple, jargon free language.This podcast is hosted by Dean Gardner, Softcat’s Technology Director. Joining Dean are Softcat’s Head of Customer Experience, Amy...2023-07-2031 min
CONKERS' CORNERTWIN PETES INVESTING Podcast 104: TwinPetesInvesting Challenge May winner, A potential winning gaming stock, How to win The Naked Trader's new book, Nikkei stock winners FTSE, Gravity co, Severn Trent Softcat FUTR FDEV CSFS DEVO MAST AEG VLG TM1 INVESTINGThe topics, stocks and shares mentions / discussed include:
TwinPetesInvesting Challenge May winner
A potential winning gaming stock
How to win Robbie Burns aka The Naked Trader's new book
Nikkei/ Japanese stock winners
Japanese stocks including Nippon, Sony, Softbank, Toyota, Honda,
Could Thames Water debts be a re-across to Severn Trent / SVT
Debt / Indebtedness
A Future turnaround
Dividend risks
Gravity co / GRVY
Frontier Development / FDEV
Team 17 / TM17
Devolver Digital / DEVO
ITV
Mast Energy / MAST
Cornestone FS / CSFS
Active Energy Group / AEG
Venture...2023-06-301h 05Explain ITBETT on EducationWelcome to episode five of season six of Softcat’s ‘Explain IT’ podcast series. We are here to Explain IT. Our team of experts talk tech in simple, jargon free language. This time we’re discussing technology in the education sector. Think of this as the sequel to the first education episode we released in season five - you can listen again to that episode here.This podcast is hosted by Dean Gardner, Softcat’s Technology Director. Joining Dean are Softcat’s head of education, Rachael Clay; and account chief technologist for education, Alex Pearce. To educate us al...2023-06-0632 minExplain ITChatGPT, make me a podcast!We asked an AI to make us a podcast and this is the result. Just kidding, we don’t trust technology, so we are doing it the old-fashioned way and having a chat about this exciting new technology.To share some fabulous insights, podcast host Dean Gardner is joined by Softcat’s resident AI expert and Account Chief Technologist Andrew Hermsen and the true pioneer of the cloud marketplace, Darren Sharpe from our amazing friends at Microsoft. In this episode we discuss what this ChatGPT and chat AI stuff all about; what are the advantages and disa...2023-05-0330 minExplain ITBreach For ImpactYour organisation will be hit by a security breach. It's inevitable.But how can you survive Armageddon if Ben Affleck and Bruce Willis aren’t available?Our experts are on a mission to guide you through the murky black hole of being breached. To share insights Softcat’s CTO Dean Gardner is joined by colleague Kieron Newsham and Ian McShane from Arctic Wolf.So what do you do when your security is breached? Listen to find out! If you have a burning question, or an opinio...2023-04-1137 minExplain ITPrivate, Public, Hybrid…no it’s a Data Cloud!This week, we talk all things data and the value that everyone is trying to mine, extract and use - data.To share insights, we are joined by two amazing guests today; Francois Zimmerman from our friends Tableau and Eva Murray from one of Softcat’s newest friends, Snowflake.Why does data now appear to be a priority for almost everyone? How does an organisation build a data strategy? How will Data growth impact how AI continues to evolve? All these questions and more are answered on th...2023-03-0332 minExplain ITTech Predictions of 2023Welcome to Season 6 of Softcat's podcast, Explain I.T.Every episode, our team of experts are here to talk tech in simple, jargon free language.To launch season 6 of our podcast we're here to predict your tech for 2023. We'll be discussing what is on the cusp of revolutionising the world aswe know it. Basically, we’re attempting to show that don’t need to travel to Davos on an all-expenses paid trip to provide tech insight to a general audience!To share insights, podcast host...2023-01-3042 min
The TC4RE PodcastHow can we run an effective work experience programme?Welcome to the latest TC4RE podcast episode, where we deviate from the script and invite you to a unique podcast. Students from Trinity High in Manchester who recently participated in a work experience opportunity with Softcat are joined by hosts Polly Jacob (Softcat) and Alex Best (SoftwareONE). Work experience has long been popular in the UK, but how can the tech sector best utilise it? Polly and Alex talk about the chances they had to take advantage of when they joined the IT industry, how Softcat were able to conduct a successful work experience programme, and how the...2023-01-0944 minExplain ITThere’s No Business Like Tech Business!Today we are discussing key business developments that we’ve seen over the last 12 months with an eye clearly on the year ahead. What is an Account Chief Technologist? Is tech the answer to every business problem? What do you envisage being priorities for many organisations?To help answer these questions and much more, podcast host Dean Gardner is joined by a panel of Softcat’s Account Chief Technologists:James Seaman - working in Softcat's office of CTOPhillipa Winter - working in health care and central governmentAndy Lamb - working with corporate cust...2023-01-0543 minExplain ITWelcome To The End Of The BeginningIt might be the end of the year, but we are certainly embarking on an era of unique challenges for us all to deal with. One thing is certain, there will be opportunities and advancements in technology and in this episode we tackle the lot.To share insights, I am joined by our panel of Chief Technologists:Tal GandhumAdam HardingKieron NewshamThomas RowleyThis episode is hosted by Dean Gardner, Field CTO at Softcat.If you have a burning question, or an opinion on our topics you'd like to share, send us...2022-12-2054 minExplain ITHigher EducationSimple, jargon free language is the name of game on the Explain I.T podcast and this time, we're talking about the important subject of Higher Education.As a follow up to our Integrated Care episode, this is another special episode. To share insights and answers this week are Rachel Clay (Softcat's Head of Education), Microsoft MVP Alex Pearce (one of Softcat's Account Chief Technologists) and regular podcast guest Adam Louca (Softcat’s Chief Technologist for Security).As season 5's penultimate episode, a potential dramatic finale awaits, will this be Adam Louca's final ep...2022-11-2333 minExplain ITAn Edge Towards CloudWelcome to another episode of Softcat’s Explain IT podcast.We are here to Explain IT. Our team of experts will be here to talk tech in simple, jargon free language. We’ll be discussing new trends and ideas as well as solutions to everyday problems in this fascinating and ever changing world of tech.An edge towards cloud, dramatic huh?To share insights and answers, regular podcast guest Adam Louca, Softcat’s Chief Technologist for Security joins us today. So does our very special guest, Author, Engineer and currently CTO at...2022-11-0831 minExplain ITIntegrated CareWelcome to another episode of Softcat’s Explain IT podcast.We are here to Explain IT. Our team of experts will be here to talk tech in simple, jargon free language. We’ll be discussing new trends and ideas as well as solutions to everyday problems in this fascinating and ever changing world of tech.This is a special episode focussing on the health service in the UK, particularly integrated care. Why? It's a hot topic, the laws have changed and we have a new NHS plan which is driving integration. To help figu...2022-09-2655 minExplain ITThreat IntelligenceWelcome to another episode of Softcat’s Explain IT podcast.We are here to Explain IT. Our team of experts will be here to talk tech in simple, jargon free language. We’ll be discussing new trends and ideas as well as solutions to everyday problems in this fascinating and ever changing world of tech.This is the third episode of our security trilogy and this time we're talking about cyber security espionage. The need for threat intelligence for business survival is absolutely critical. It is where data is collected, processed, and analysed to u...2022-09-1230 minExplain ITZero trust, zero chance.Welcome to another episode of Softcat’s Explain IT podcast.We are here to Explain IT. Our team of experts will be here to talk tech in simple, jargon free language. We’ll be discussing new trends and ideas as well as solutions to everyday problems in this fascinating and ever changing world of tech.This is the second episode of our security trilogy as we talk zero trust. What is zero trust? How easy is it to adopt a zero trust strategy? Do you need to change your existing strategy to adopt this...2022-08-1538 minExplain ITSecuring a Multi Cloud WorldWelcome to another episode of Softcat’s Explain IT podcast.We are here to Explain IT. Our team of experts will be here to talk tech in simple, jargon free language. We’ll be discussing new trends and ideas as well as solutions to everyday problems in this fascinating and ever changing world of tech.In this episode, we’re discussing security in the multi cloud environment and why organisations need to look differently at securing a hybrid or multi cloud setup.To discuss the complex and important issues we are joined by Ryan S...2022-08-0134 minExplain ITMulti cloud complexity conundrumWelcome to the latest episode of this new season of Softcat’s Explain IT podcast.We are here to Explain IT. Our team of experts will be here to talk tech in simple, jargon free language. We’ll be discussing new trends and ideas as well as solutions to everyday problems in this fascinating and ever changing world of tech.In this episode, we’re discussing the multi cloud complexity conundrum (it’s a mouthful). We delve into why organisations are finding themselves increasingly in the multi-cloud and discuss the drivers for this type of adoption...2022-07-0441 minExplain ITWhat might the future of work look like?Welcome to the latest episode of this new season of Softcat’s Explain IT podcast.We are here to Explain IT. Our team of experts will be here to talk tech in simple, jargon free language. We’ll be discussing new trends and ideas as well as solutions to everyday problems in this fascinating and ever changing world of tech.In this episode, we’re discussing the future of work. Over the last couple of years, employers and employees have become much more used to different kinds of work arrangements. I this episode we discuss the ch...2022-06-0640 minExplain ITAre VPNs Dead?Welcome to the second episode of this new season of Softcat’s Explain IT podcast. We are here to Explain IT. Our team of experts will be here to talk tech in simple, jargon free language. We’ll be discussing new trends and ideas as well as solutions to everyday problems in this fascinating and ever changing world of tech. In this episode, we’re asking whether or not VPNs are dead.So, what are VPNs? How do they work? Are they safe? What is likely to replace them? To discuss...2022-05-0334 minExplain ITMetaverse: The good, the bad and the very uglyWelcome to the first episode of a brand new season of Softcat’s Explain IT podcast. We are here to Explain IT. Our team of experts will be here to talk tech in simple, jargon free language. We’ll be discussing new trends and ideas as well as solutions to everyday problems in this fascinating and ever changing world of tech. In our first episode we chat about the big wide World of the Metaverse. The good, the bad and potentially very ugly!This season of podcasts will be hosted by Dea...2022-04-0441 minExplain ITExplain IT: Season 5 TrailerWelcome to a brand new season of Softcat’s Explain IT podcast. Over the coming weeks our team of experts will be here to talk tech in simple, jargon free language. We’ll be discussing new trends and ideas as well as solutions to everyday problems in this fascinating and ever changing world of tech. In our first episode we chat about the big wide world of the Metaverse. Make sure you follow the Explain IT podcast in all the usual places and join us on a fascinating journey through the wonderful world of tech. The first...2022-03-3102 minExplain ITReturn to the Office (but not returning to the old ways)In this episode, we will be talking to Graeme Watt CEO at Softcat, Rob Parkinson CIO at Softcat and Dean Gardner Softcat’s Field Chief Technology Officer. We will be discussing Returning to the office and if this is something businesses are planning, taking into consideration the many factors. What are those considerations and how could those decisions impact your business and the employee experience? We are going to look through the Softcat lens and aim to share some of our own thinking on return to the office. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2021-07-0645 minExplain ITData Management for the Multi-CloudIn this episode, we will be talking to Don Foster Commvault’s Global VP for Sales Engineering and Matt Watts, NetApp’s Chief Technology Evangelist. We will be discussing the 4th industrial revolution now, a data revolution. Organisations are a-massing more and more data with an increasing appetite into this data providing value and being under increasing compliance and regulatory pressures. On top of this customers are wrangling with how to operate a multi-cloud environment, in which their data plays a key role. In this podcast we want to explore this challenges from a number of different perspectives to shine a...2021-06-1545 minExplain ITThe Evolution of Security with Palo Alto Networks CTO and founder, Nir ZukIn this episode, we will be talking to the co-creator of one of the key components of modern IT security, the next gen firewall. We will also be discussing how the industry has changed over the last 15 years, the key areas of security that you should be focusing on today, and how it’s decided what the next developments in security will be. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2021-05-1836 min
Explain ITSustainability in ITIn this episode, we take a look at what sustainability in IT looks like at the moment, why it’s so important, as well as ways in which different areas of the IT industry can work towards becoming more sustainable; and finally, as always, we’ll be taking a look into the future, and trying to understand what goals the industry should be working towards, and how we might get there. We look at how the channel as a whole can become more sustainable, from customer to reseller to distributor to manufacturer. Hosted on Acast...2021-04-2742 min
Explain ITA look at the IT industry with Sanjay PoonenIn this very special episode of Explain IT, Zac was joined by a very special guest, none other the VMware's COO, Sanjay Poonen, as well as Explain IT regular, Dean Gardner. This episode takes a broad look at some of the key challenges and trends in the industry today, including: the long lasting impacts of the pandemic on the industry and wider society, how technology will evolve over the next 5 years, and the many ways organisations can be a driving force for positive change. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2021-04-1330 min
Explain ITBringing company culture to remote workingIn this episode, host Zac Abbott is joined by guest from Softcat and Google to talk about organisational culture. We take a look at what organisational culture is, why it's so important as a way to differentiate yourself from the competition, how you can go about bringing that culture to a remote workforce (including the technologies to do it) and finally how we might see the culture of organisations develop in the future. This is a can't miss episode for anyone looking to enhance their remote working culture! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2021-04-0631 minExplain ITWomen In TechnologyThis episode is all about women in technology. We talk about what impacts having greater diversity in the industry has, the journey’s that our guests have had to becoming a senior woman in tech, what it’s like to be a woman in tech at the moment and throughout the pandemic, and how the industry can evolve. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2021-03-1632 minExplain ITThe next step in remote workingIn the second episode of our Remote Working deep dive mini series, we're talking about how organisations can move beyond the basic model of remote working, and take the remote user experience to the next level. We explore not only the key technologies that can be used, but also the way in which leaders can demonstrate best practices in the way we work remotely, allowing for greater user freedoms, and accommodating different working patterns. Finally, we take a look at what remote/hybrid working could look like in the future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more...2021-03-0236 minExplain ITSecuring the remote workforceIn the first episode in our remote working deep dive mini-series, we're taking a look at what new threats security teams are facing in a remote world, how they can start to address these challenges, and what the future of end user security will look like as remote working continues to dominate the way many organisations operate. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2021-02-0937 min
Explain IT2021 Tech PredictionsSeason 4 of Explain IT is now live! We're kicking this season off with a look at what's to come, with our 2021 Tech Predictions episode. It's a can't miss episode if you want to get ahead of the game and understand what will be heading your way over the next 12 months in the world of enterprise IT Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2021-01-1336 min
Channel Chat PodcastLIVE: Softcat Leadership TeamDuring the first UK lockdown in 2020 hosts, Marc Sumner and Calum Lyle were joined by the Softcat leadership team - Graeme Watt (CEO), Colin Brown (MD), and Rhys Lawson (Head of Service Sales)2021-01-061h 01Explain ITSeason 4 - Coming Soon!It's a new year, and that can mean only one thing: the next season of Explain IT is almost here! Keep your eye on this feed for brand new episodes coming your way very soon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2021-01-0600 min
The Power of DataThe Power Of Organic GrowthRichard Wyn Griffith, Managing Director at Softcat explores how data has played an important role in Softcat’s organic growth. Richard also discusses adjusting to remote working and the importance of instilling a culture that champions employee wellbeing and maintains great customer service.
2020-12-1728 min
Get AmplifiedThe Art of SimplicitySend us a textFollowing on from the great session with Colin Brown former MD of Softcat, we are keeping on the theme of Simplicity. Pippa Hutchinson joins us to share her experience of the growth of Tesco’s in the 90’s. There are startling similarities to the growth of Softcat, we also had some great fun recording it, with Sam revealing a secret and Sia unknowingly transporting us back to the Blind Date back in the 90s! So if you want some cheer as well as great business practice insights, this is not an episode to be m...2020-12-0455 minGet Amplified“Culture is Everything” - Colin Brown, former MD at SoftcatSend us a textWant to know the magic behind Softcat’s phenomenal success? Softcat’s story is proof that you can scale at speed, go through a successful IPO and still keep the magic. Colin gives us a valuable insight into the ‘Softcat way’ where keeping the strategy simple to ensure the leadership team can invest their time in maintaining their incredible culture really is their recipe for success. Sam, our host describes Colin as the Custodian of Culture - (Sam should know as he was Softcat’s CTO!) 2020-11-1946 min