Shows
SolarWinds TechPodMonitoring, Observability, and Operational ResilienceIn this episode of SolarWinds TechPod, hosts Chrystal Taylor and Sean Sebring explore the key differences between monitoring and observability with guest Jeff Stewart, GVP of Product Management at SolarWinds. Observability goes beyond traditional monitoring, offering AI-driven insights and a holistic view of system health. Like understanding the anatomy of the body, observability reveals how IT systems are interconnected—where one issue can ripple across the entire environment. They discuss how businesses can leverage observability to reduce downtime, improve efficiency, and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving tech landscape. © 2025 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved2025-04-0841 minSolarWinds TechPodIT Trends and Predictions for 2025SolarWinds Evangelists Sascha Giese and Kevin Kline join hosts Sean Sebring and Chrystal Taylor to discuss Gartner's (and their own) predictions for the technology world in 2025. They explore the potential disruptions AI may bring to various sectors, including healthcare, education, legal professions; the future of AR and VR technologies; and the implications of quantum computing in relation to AI. © 2025 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved 2025-01-141h 03SolarWinds TechPodIT's Not Easy Being GreenIn this episode of SolarWinds TechPod, hosts Sean Sebring and Chrystal Taylor discuss sustainability in technology with SolarWinds Evangelist Sascha Giese. They explore the energy consumption of data centers, innovative green initiatives, and the importance of circular IT practices. The conversation also touches on the concept of greenwashing and the responsibility of corporations and individuals in reducing their carbon footprints. © 2024 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved 2024-10-0833 minSolarWinds TechPodTransitioning From the Military to a Tech CareerSolarWinds Director of Corporate Communications Dillon Townsel joins hosts Sean Sebring and Chrystal Taylor to talk about his journey from the military to civilian life. He provides insights on how to navigate the transition process and offers advice for those looking to transition into the technology field. © 2024 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved 2024-08-1348 minSolarWinds TechPodDon't Make IT AwkwardMOVE! Just kidding. Interpersonal skills can be just as vital to your IT role as technical skills, and there’s far less training. SolarWinds IT Manager Tara Bourke joins hosts Chrystal Taylor and Sean Sebring to share what she’s learned about conflict resolution, problem-solving, and effective communication with the whole spectrum of end users. Get the strategies you need to avoid becoming a Saturday Night Live skit. © 2024 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved 2024-07-091h 01SolarWinds TechPodMarketing Stigmas Destigmafied!Terms like marketing* are often associated with a long list of negative connotations and an image of a cartoon thief sneaking around a corner with a huge bag of cash over his shoulder. Why does the word marketing make people want to delete their banking apps and bury their wallets? How has the perception of this simple concept changed over time? In this episode, SolarWinds Chief Marketing Officer, Brian Goldfarb, explains how marketing drives education, broadens perspectives, and enhances communication when it is used with integrity. Learn how marketing techniques will continuously evolve with the rapid pace of technological...2024-05-1444 minSolarWinds TechPodPardon our Dust: Bringing THWACKcamp to You Get a peek behind the scenes of THWACKcamp, the free virtual learning event for SolarWinds customers. Hosts Chrystal Taylor and Sean Sebring talk to THWACKcamp Executive Producer Matt Murray about the extensive preparation, creativity, and deep knowledge that goes into this year’s “love letter” to the THWACK community. © 2024 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved 2024-04-0931 minSolarWinds TechPodAI Pipeline: Surfing From Concept to Product Reality In this conversation, hosts Sean Sebring and Chrystal Taylor talk with Derek Daly, Principal AIOps Product Manager at SolarWinds. He discusses his career journey and the role of AI and machine learning in the company's products. He shares insights into the process of introducing AI and machine learning into product features, the impact of AI on jobs, and the considerations for on-premises vs cloud deployment. © 2024 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved 2024-03-1249 minSolarWinds TechPodUnderdog vs. Top DogThey say the grass is always greener in another office. Right? In an era of job hopping and layoffs, working for a startup versus an established global company is an evergreen debate. Chrystal Taylor and Sean Sebring talk pros and cons of both. Tune in to help yourself find your ideal patch of grass. © 2024 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved 2024-02-1356 minSolarWinds TechPodIT Trends and Predictions for 2024 I wonder what’s next? Sean Sebring and Chrystal Taylor discuss the tech trends and predictions published by Gartner, Forrester, and VMblog, with Global Tech Evangelist for Observability Sascha Giese. Can they predict the future? © 2024 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved 2024-01-091h 00SolarWinds TechPodA Very Merry TechPod The SolarWinds podcast crossover event you’ve all been waiting for: Chrystal Taylor and Sean Sebring talk with Movies & Mainframes host Andy Garibay about the best, weirdest, and most confusing tech gifts you can give your loved ones (or, let’s be honest, yourself) this year. © 2023 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved 2023-12-1255 minSolarWinds TechPodIT's Event Season If you think attending a tech industry event is chaotic just imagine trying to organize one. SolarWinds’ Senior Manager of Events Valerie Rivir chats about the ins and outs of trade shows. From the history to the horror stories, she’s seen it all. © 2023 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved 2023-11-1459 min
Movies and MainframesSeason 1 AuditSeason 1 is in the can! Let's take a look back at the content we covered and rate it. Find out what Movies and Mainframes was originally titled and we have some teasers for season 2. © 2023 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved2023-10-2621 min
Movies and MainframesWall-E (2008)Don’t let that little robot fool you. Beneath the surface of Wall-E is a churning tempest of darkness. Special Guest, Chrystal Taylor, joins the podcast. © 2023 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved2023-10-1252 minSolarWinds TechPodExploring the Summer of Zero-Days Join host Sean Sebring as he talks to SolarWinds CISO Tim Brown about the 2023 threat landscape after an unprecedented number of cyberattacks. You’re going to want to buckle up, type in the code, scan your retinas, say Beetlejuice three times, and download this episode. © 2023 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved 2023-10-0943 min
Movies and MainframesCloak & Dagger (1984)PG movies just hit different in the early 80’s. Join Tom and Andy with special guest Kevin M. Sparenberg, as they revisit a classic. © 2023 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved2023-09-281h 05
Movies and MainframesHer (2013)Does Tom have no taste in movies? Is Andy a pretensious dork? Will “Her" destroy the podcast? © 2023 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved2023-09-141h 05SolarWinds TechPodHowdy, Partner! Going it alone is ok sometimes, but having a partner with skills and experience will make any rodeo better and more efficient. Aldo Masoni, Observability Practice Lead with longtime SolarWinds Partner SHI, joins hosts Sean Sebring and Ashley Adams to explain the “value” in value-added resellers. © 2023 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved 2023-09-0539 min
Movies and MainframesEagle Eye (2008)The Beouf is loose! Shia plays twins in this gem. Too bad the filmmakers didn't have Shia acting against himself. Cowards! © 2023 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved2023-08-311h 07
Movies and Mainframes3 Days of the Condor (1975)Redford. Dunaway. 70’s. Sexy. Spies. I’m in! © 2023 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved2023-08-171h 02SolarWinds TechPodThe Future of AIOps Do you ever get the feeling that your computer has gained self-awareness and is trying to take over the world? AIOps expert Aswin Kumar joins hosts Ashley and Sean to talk about AI's impact today, tomorrow, and beyond, as well as some of the ethical questions we will need to answer before it’s too late. © 2023 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved 2023-08-0851 min
Movies and MainframesLive Free or Die Hard (2007)Somehow, this is not the worst Die Hard movie. © 2023 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved2023-08-0359 min
Movies and MainframesCSI: Cyber (2015), S02E12, "Going Viral" Mr. Madison, what you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul. © 2023 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved2023-07-2057 minSolarWinds TechPodTHWACK's 20th Anniversary Spectacular!THWACK, the SolarWinds community, is 20-years-old and thriving. Two former THWACK MVPs and current SolarWinds employees, Kevin Sparenberg and Michael Kent, join hosts Ashley Adams and Sean Sebring to talk about what makes this community so successful. © 2023 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved2023-07-1148 min
Movies and MainframesFirewall (2006)Indiana Jones tries to save his family from the evil clutches of Vision, while he is being tracked by the T1000! Will he succeed? © 2023 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved2023-07-061h 13
Movies and MainframesSneakers (1992)Sidney Poitier, give me some more! Ned Ryerson (Ned the Head) almost takes down Robert Redford and the gang. © 2023 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved2023-06-221h 02
Movies and MainframesThe Net (1995)Tom and Andy discuss The Net, starring America’s sweetheart, Sandy B. They’ll also explore the exotic Denver accent. © 2023 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved2023-06-081h 00SolarWinds TechPodBecause I’m All About That (Data)base II As data infrastructure gets more complex, clarity is more important than ever. Our guest Blythe Morrow talks with hosts Sean Sebring and Ashley Adams about the importance of communication for Data pros, and how to speak so that people will listen. © 2023 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved 2023-05-0241 minSolarWinds TechPodBecause I’m All About That (Data)base.... Is your database a junk drawer? Is it more like a black hole? If you’re afraid to look in there, join TechPod hosts Ashley Adams and Sean Sebring as they demystify Database with the help of Head Geek and resident Database expert Thomas LaRock. This episode will discuss the challenges database administrators face, and the tools they can use to address them. © 2023 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved 2023-04-0442 minSolarWinds TechPodTechPod: Are you Observe-Able-IT? Observability: Industry buzzword, or the next evolution of IT? Our hosts, Chris Bowie and Sean Sebring discuss with SolarWinds Staff Product Marketing Manager Ashley Adams what it means and what it can do for you. © 2023 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved 2023-02-2833 minSolarWinds TechPodTrends and Predictions—2023 and BeyondA new year means a new wave of tech trends and predictions, and though some may use a crystal ball or a good guess to make their predictions, our hosts have something better: Head Geeks™ Chrystal Taylor and Sascha Giese. Listen in as the group discusses the latest technology trends and makes projections on everything from tool sprawl to the rise of artificial intelligence. Who will be right? Only time will tell. © 2022 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved2023-01-1345 minSolarWinds TechPodA Very Merry TechPodTechPod gets into the holiday spirIT as hosts Sean Sebring and Chris Bowie are joined by THWACK® Community Manager Kristen Piña-Flores to discuss what's on their IT wishlists for the upcoming year. Listen in as Sean and Chris reflect on their past year in IT, what they’re thankful for, and what their IT Resolutions are for 2023. © 2022 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved2022-12-1350 minSolarWinds TechPodIt's All Tech to Me: Adjusting to an IT CareerIn today's ever-expanding job market, many people find themselves on a career path they never originally planned for - IT. So how do those "non-technical" people become "technical"? Join TechPod hosts Sean and Chris as they dissect their own experiences working in tech, learning how to grapple with unknowns, Observability, and the importance of diversity and unique thought in the tech world. © 2022 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved2022-11-0851 minSolarWinds TechPodHybrid IT...It's Trendy?The IT Trends report is released by SolarWinds every year with predictions on what will be the most popular trends in IT during the upcoming months. As we enter the second half of 2022, hosts Sean Sebring and Chris Bowie unpack the SolarWinds 2022 IT Trends report with Professor Dr. Sally Eaves. The three discuss findings from the report, getting hybrid IT right, managing complexity, Observability, and even... time travel? © 2022 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved2022-10-1343 minSolarWinds TechPodIT Pro Day ’22—The Evolution of the IT ProTechPod™ hosts Chris Bowie, Sean Sebring, and special guest Head Geek™ Chrystal Taylor talk about IT Pro Day, the evolution of the IT pro, and how roles have changed in an increasingly distributed and complex IT landscape. Tune in as they share their thoughts on “what makes an IT pro” and why IT pros deserve their day in the sun! © 2022 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved2022-09-1346 minSolarWinds TechPodLittle Fires; Are They Worth IT?Have you ever heard someone say, “I’m too busy putting out fires”? What if the only way to get ahead of those fires was to make way for change—to improve the foundations and infrastructure to reduce the fires you had to put out? This episode will discuss the fantastical balancing act of maintaining operational excellence while creating space for growth and improvement. © 2022 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved2022-08-1642 minSolarWinds TechPodHow Data Meets VisualizationWhen we think of alerts, we don’t necessarily think of them as things of beauty—until now. Join THWACK® Community Manager Ben Keen and Technical Content Manager Kevin M. Sparenberg in an energetic discussion on taking your data to the next level. Ben and Kevin discuss the importance of making your data appealing to improve the user experience, help make sense of your data, and benefit your end users with a cleaner and prettier experience. © 2022 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved.2022-06-2849 minSolarWinds TechPodGetting to Know the New THWACK Community ManagerThe SolarWinds community, THWACK.com, has a new community manager. Ben Keen has been an active voice in the community for years as a THWACK MVP and has now decided to join SolarWinds’ efforts to continue to have the greatest community out there. Ben will be joining as a regular voice here on TechPod as well bringing his many years of IT experience and passion for community to our conversations. In this episode, we’ll dive into his experience and hopes for the future of THWACK. © 2022 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved.2022-05-1741 minSolarWinds TechPodMonitoring for Managers: More Than a Cost CenterSolarWinds own Senior Director of IT, Brad Cline, and Director of IT, Dr. Humberto Amador, join Head Geek Chrystal Taylor to discuss expanding the business’ view of IT as a cost center. Communication, collaboration, and documentation are all key skills used to be more effective and efficient in aligning with business leaders. Colored with stories and tactics from within the SolarWinds IT organization, our guests discuss these factors and share advice on improving relations between the business as a whole and the IT department. © 2022 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved.2022-04-1952 minSolarWinds TechPodWomen in Tech: Owning Your Place at the TableIn this episode of SolarWinds TechPod, Head Geek Chrystal Taylor is joined by Hannah Kohr and Katie Schraeder to discuss the benefits of communication and advocating for yourself to help tackle challenging conversations and grow your career. With differing backgrounds and experiences in tech, Chrystal, Hannah, and Katie aim to bring new perspectives and guidance for navigating the industry as a woman in tech. © 2022 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved.2022-03-1547 minSolarWinds TechPodTHWACKcamp: Celebrating 10 Years of IT LearningJoin SolarWinds Technical Content Manager for Community, Kevin M. Sparenberg, and Head Geek, Chrystal Taylor, as they reminisce on the 10-year history of SolarWinds virtual event, THWACKcamp. Whether you’re curious about the type of content you can expect at this year’s event or simply want to join them on memory lane, this TechPod will answer the question: Why THWACKcamp? Join the SolarWinds community, THWACK, in celebrating 10 years of THWACKcamp – the always free and completely virtual event for IT pros hoping to learn something new. © 2022 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved.2022-02-1551 minSolarWinds TechPodMonitoring For Managers: Business Alignment – The Bridge to UnITyWhile IT handles layered problems and often speaks in acronyms among other technical terms, we’re also challenged to collaborate with other departments who seemingly speak in a different language. How can we bridge the gap and work towards the same organizational goals, unifying our strategies and operations? Join us as we sit down with Dr. Humberto Amador, to discuss his IT journey and experiences, particularly his focus and affinity for uniting teams through strategic IT-business alignment. © 2022 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved.2022-02-0839 minSolarWinds TechPodSolarWinds Tech Predictions for 2022: Data Governance and Risk AversionJoin our Head Geeks in Part 2 of our 2022 Tech Predictions TechPod series where they share their thoughts on the rise of Chief Data Officers and data governance principles, risk aversion, and the need for tech pros to fine-tune nontechnical skill sets for career advancement. This podcast is provided for informational purposes only. © 2022 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved.2022-01-2546 minSolarWinds TechPodSolarWinds Tech Predictions for 2022: ObservabilityIt's a new year, ripe with new trends and technology. Join our Head Geeks as they dive into their 2022 Tech Predictions, beginning with observability – a term becoming prevalent among tech pros. Listen in as they share how cloud investments; the rise of AI/ML services; and the re-evaluation of tools, technology, and processes are driving the observability conversation. This podcast is provided for informational purposes only. © 2022 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved.2022-01-1129 minSolarWinds TechPodMonitoring Insights for (Database) ManagersAs part of our ongoing mini-series on Monitoring for Managers, Head Geek and database aficionado Kevin Kline teams up with fellow Head Geek Leon Adato to break down the essential things about databases and database monitoring a manager might need to know. This podcast is provided for informational purposes only. © 2021 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved.2021-12-281h 05SolarWinds TechPodFiguring IT Out: The People Behind ITIT pros juggle a lofty list of responsibilities. They’re tasked with navigating new technology, maintaining continuity for hybrid work environments, devising creative solutions, all while ensuring those they support are successful. In our day-to-day interactions, we often see IT pros’ hard, technology skills at play but rarely do we see or know the paths that brought them to where they are now. SolarWinds Head Geeks Chrystal Taylor, Kevin Kline, and Liz Beavers shine a light on the people behind the technology. No matter where you start or how far you’ve come, there’s always an opportunity to grow. Our...2021-12-141h 23SolarWinds TechPodITSM For More Than Just ITWhen you hear the term service desk, what generally comes to mind? Perhaps it’s to get a password reset, maybe ordering a new laptop, your run-of-the-mill asks for IT. Have you ever considered how the service desk could become a more central resource to the business, providing more than services for IT alone? SolarWinds® Head Geek™ Liz Beavers sits down with a panel of internal service providers from SolarWinds as they discuss their journey implementing an ITSM platform and successfully growing its footprint beyond IT. This podcast is provided for informational purposes only. © 2021 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rig...2021-12-0736 minSolarWinds TechPodThe Disappearing DBA: Embracing Automation to Advance Your CareerA good DBA is hard to find. This is because a good DBA wears many hats, often equating to 3 – 4 full time jobs. How can this be achieved or sustained? The secret is automation, and automation is also the reason the DBA is disappearing. In this final episode of our three-part series exploring the disappearing DBA, Head Geeks Thomas LaRock and Kevin Kline along with GitHub Star and Dual Microsoft MVP Chrissy LeMaire offer advice to data professionals looking to advance their careers by embracing automation. This podcast is provided for informational purposes only. © 2021 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved.2021-11-2351 minSolarWinds TechPodHow Military Service Prepares You for a Career in ITBeing in IT as part of the armed services is a different type of work experience than the private sector, with military values, culture, and restrictions blending to create a unique type of IT experience. In this Veteran’s Day episode of SolarWinds® TechPod™, Head Geek™ Leon Adato is joined by Marlys (Marcie) May, VP of Service Delivery at Atlantic Digital; and Greg Fetterhoff, VP and general manager at Monalytic. They explore what it means to work in tech in the various branches of the military, and what advantages and challenges it presents for folks who want to continue their IT career once they...2021-11-0930 minSolarWinds TechPodGeorge Westerman | Building the Culture for Digital TransformationIn this episode of TechPod, George Westerman and Head Geek™ Thomas LaRock discuss digital transformation, how to build the culture necessary for change, and where workplace learning has fallen short. George Westerman is a senior lecturer at the MIT Sloan School of Management and a principal research scientist, J-WEL Workforce Learning. George works at the dynamic intersection of executive leadership and technology strategy. This podcast is provided for informational purposes only. © 2021 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved.2021-11-0232 minSolarWinds TechPodwhurley | Quantum and BeyondWilliam Hurley (or “whurley” as he prefers to be called) is a philanthropist, entrepreneur, and open-source advocate, whose work at Apple, IBM, and in the area of quantum computing is world-renowned. Picking up where we left off in part 1, SolarWinds Head Geek Leon Adato and whurley explore a range of topics – everything from the state of the tech industry in Austin; to career advice for those just starting out (as well as those who’ve been around the NOC a few times); to the things whurley wishes people would ask him. Give it a listen or read the transcript. This podcast is...2021-10-3033 minSolarWinds TechPodwhurley | All Things QuantumWilliam Hurley (or “whurley” as he prefers to be called) is a philanthropist, entrepreneur, and open-source advocate, who’s achieved what many geeks only dream of, including critically recognized work at Apple, IBM, and CERN. He’s started and sold businesses; invented, invested, published, advised, and mentored. Currently, he’s best known his thoughts on—and experience with— quantum computing. SolarWinds Head Geek Leon Adato asks about the insights whurley’s gleaned from his work in quantum computing as it applies to everyday IT. But the conversation didn’t stop there. Listen in (or read the transcript) to find out more. This podcast is provi...2021-10-2032 minSolarWinds TechPodThe Disappearing DBA: Career Advice From a Data JanitorThe DBA role is complex. Pitfalls exist everywhere you turn, and it can be difficult to survive and thrive. On this episode of TechPod, we'll help accidental DBAs become a DBA survivors with career advice from SolarWinds Head Geeks Thomas LaRock and Kevin Kline as well as Denny Cherry, CEO and founder, Denny Cherry & Associates. This podcast is provided for informational purposes only. © 2021 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved.2021-09-2856 minSolarWinds TechPodLesley Carhart on Cybersecurity, IT Careers, and Service In and Out of the MilitaryLesley Carhart is recognized as one of the leading voices in digital forensics and cybersecurity. But her career began – and is still firmly rooted – with her service in the Guard and Reserves. She devotes a significant amount of time to helping others make the transition into tech, both within the armed services and as part of their transition to civilian life. Leslie sits down with Head Geek™ Leon Adato to discuss her professional and volunteer work and share some of her hard-won advice. This podcast is provided for informational purposes only. © 2021 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved. 2021-09-1444 minSolarWinds TechPodTech Career Origin StoriesThe tech industry is booming, and there are many opportunities to transition from other career paths – or to change your path within tech. Join Head Geek™ Chrystal Taylor as she chats with tech professionals Ivan Bravo, Paul Guido, Jake Muszynski, and Marc Netterfield as they share their tech origin stories and discuss the challenges and benefits of having an unconventional background. They’ll share advice, anecdotes, and insights gained through their IT journeys and years of experience. This podcast is provided for informational purposes only. © 2021 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved. 2021-08-3156 minSolarWinds TechPodCelebrating SysAdmin Day 2021While it may not be circled in red on many people’s calendars, SysAdmin Day holds a special place in the hearts of many IT professionals. Certainly, because everyone likes to be appreciated for what they do, but more so because SysAdmin day is a chance for tech practitioners not only to recognize and celebrate, but to also shine a light on the work we do and help the next generation of technologies see how systems administration is a vibrant, relevant, and important role in every organization. In this TechPod episode, we sit down with Kimberly Deal, Jennifer Aguilar, and Tannia Rodri...2021-07-2744 minSolarWinds TechPodThe Disappearing DBA: Nobody Goes to School to Become a Data JanitorAutomation has been a disaster for the traditional database administration (DBA) role. As more systems and processes are automated away with code, the need for DBAs decreases. In time, the role of a DBA may disappear altogether. This ongoing series will examine who DBAs are, what they do, and where they'll go once their job has been replaced by a handful of PowerShell scripts. This episode will focus on defining the role of a DBA and discuss why they’re disappearing. This podcast is provided for informational purposes only. © 2021 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved. 2021-07-2049 minSolarWinds TechPodSecure by Design | The CISO PerspectiveCDW Technology Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer Ruben Chacon, SolarWinds® CISO and VP, Security Tim Brown, and SolarWinds Head Geek™ Thomas LaRock talk about what CISO need to know to face today’s escalating cybersecurity threats – and what it’s like to be in the “hot seat” when challenges inevitably arise. This podcast is provided for informational purposes only. © 2021 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved.2021-06-2947 minSolarWinds TechPodFrom Monitoring Engineer to LeadershipPaul Guido has worn several hats during his IT journey. But now he’s made the leap from deep-dive individual contributor to managing teams of the same kind of IT pros he was (and still is). There are lessons in that journey – not just for IT practitioners considering the next step of their career, but also managers who came to the job from a different (and non-technical) direction. We sit down with Paul to find out what insights and advice he has to help managers do a better job of leading their IT teams. This podcast is provided for informat...2021-06-2256 minSolarWinds TechPodIT Monitoring: Managing Up Hang around with IT folks for anything longer than your typical stand-up meeting and you’re likely to hear some variation of “Managers! Am I right?” Snark aside, as folks who design, deploy, and maintain monitoring solutions, we’ve got a choice: we can continue to dismiss and diminish people who don’t know about our discipline; or we can take the time to educate and inform them. It’s in this spirit we are building spaces—from THWACK forums to conference talks to this podcast—created geared to answering the technical questions managers—those folks who both lead and represent th...2021-05-2533 minSolarWinds TechPodA Conversation with Robert Metcalfe (Part 2) What drives technology innovation? In the second part of our conversation with Dr. Robert Metcalfe, the co-founder of Ethernet and internet pioneer explains the relationship between innovation and freedom/prosperity, the importance of fostering an environment for technology innovation, and why he’d like to be known as more than “the father of Ethernet.” This podcast is provided for informational purposes only. © 2021 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved. 2021-04-2738 minSolarWinds TechPodA Conversation with Robert Metcalfe (Part 1)Dr. Robert Metcalfe is arguably one of the most influential pioneers of modern technology. In this episode of TechPod, the award-winning engineer relives the critical events that led to the invention of Ethernet and the development of Metcalfe’s Law. He also discusses the difference between invention and innovation, driving adoption of new technology, and the business landscape that helped form the internet as we know it today. This podcast is provided for informational purposes only. © 2021 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved.2021-04-2740 minSolarWinds TechPodSecure by Design | Securing the Supply Chain The recent SUNBURST cyberattack reveals new threats to the supply chains fueling today’s businesses. SolarWinds® and FireEye have raised the alarm for leaders everywhere to reexamine their security, to prepare for threats, and to raise the standards of the supply chains on which they rely. Join this episode of TechPod for a compelling discussion between SolarWinds President and CEO Sudhakar Ramakrishna and FireEye CEO and Board Director Kevin Mandia, hosted by SolarWinds Head Geek™ Thomas LaRock. These leaders will share their unique insight into how organizations around the world should be thinking about securing their supply chains from hig...2021-04-0736 minSolarWinds TechPodSecure by Design | Securing the Software Development Build Environment The recent SUNBURST cyberattack on the SolarWinds software build environment is a concerning new reality for the software industry, representing the increasingly sophisticated actions by outside nation-states on the supply chains and infrastructure on which we all rely. SolarWinds® is committed to sharing our learnings about this attack broadly given the common development practices in the industry and our belief that transparency and cooperation are our best tools to help prevent and protect against future attacks. Join us as SolarWinds SVP, Engineering Lee McClendon, KPMG Director of Cyber Security Services Caleb Queern, and Head Geek™ Thomas LaRock discuss ho...2021-03-2445 minSolarWinds TechPodSecure by Design – Helping Our Customers Get Back to Business Organizations were stopped in their tracks when the cyberattack occurred. When you’re focused on taking the right actions to protect your environment, your users, and your entire enterprise, solid counsel and assistance is critical. How do you get back to business? Join SolarWinds® President and CEO Sudhakar Ramakrishna, Head Geek™ Thomas LaRock, and our key partners Greg Fetterhoff (Monalytic) and Bill Fitzpatrick (Loop1) as they share stories from their engagements with SolarWinds customers answering the challenge of the cyberattack—and getting back to business. From U.S. governmental agencies, to the Fortune 500, and all around the globe, they’ve helped...2021-03-0941 minSolarWinds TechPodSecure by Design | Our Plan for a Safer SolarWinds and Customer Community Companies must change the way they operate to combat increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks across ever-expanding attack surfaces. What we learn from one attack can help us protect against the next. Because the next attack is always on the horizon. What should you do to raise your defenses? SolarWinds President and CEO Sudhakar Ramakrishna and cybersecurity expert and Krebs Stamos Group Founding Partner Alex Stamos discuss our plan for a safer SolarWinds and customer community – grounded in principles you can follow to secure your enterprise. Sudhakar addresses the steps SolarWinds is taking to: Further secure our internal...2021-02-1751 minSolarWinds TechPodThe Case for UpgradingThe relationship IT professionals have with upgrades can sometimes only be described as “fraught.” Reasons range from the cost in terms of time and lost opportunity to “nothing in that update seems very exciting.” Of course, the benefit often exceeds the effort needed. In this episode, Head Geeks® Chrystal Taylor and Leon Adato are joined by SolarWinds® Sales Engineering Manager Mike Driskell to make the case for upgrading regularly. This podcast is provided for informational purposes only. © 2021 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved.2021-02-0229 minSolarWinds TechPodIT Pros: The Next GenerationLast month we celebrated IT Pro Day, a holiday designed to recognize tech pros and the work they do. As everyone was challenged with navigating 2020’s evolving landscape, IT pros kept users and teams afloat. Much like the changes evidenced this year, we also added a new twist to IT Pro Day’s festivities – awards! Beyond the well-deserved nominations and celebrations, we wanted to learn more about the experiences that shaped our participants. In this TechPod, SolarWinds Head Geek Liz Beavers will be joined by IT Pro Day winner, Meka Egwuekwe, IT Mentor of the Year. Listen as Liz and M...2020-11-1753 minSolarWinds TechPodCybersecurity in the New DifferentThe more things change, the more they stay the same. Although this adage holds much truth, it’s important to understand how it applies to the digital transformation we’ve witnessed this year. We’re in what’s truly a new normal. In this episode, SolarWinds Vice President of Security, Tim Brown—joined by Christopher Kissel,2020-10-1342 minSolarWinds TechPodIT Pro Day 2020: You Were Built for ThisEvery year, on the third Tuesday of September, we celebrate IT Pro Day – a day set aside to recognize all tech pros and the work they do. For some obvious reasons, this year we ran a survey to find out how IT folks are holding up. The answers we got back were by turns insightful, funny, and touching. In this episode of SolarWinds® TechPod, Head Geeks™ Chrystal Taylor, Liz Beavers, and Leon Adato look at what those answers reveal—2020-09-2253 minSolarWinds TechPodBack to School in the New DifferentFor campus IT, “back to school” holds an entirely different meaning for the Fall 2020 semester. On this episode of SolarWinds® TechPod™, Head Geek™ Liz Beavers is joined by Jenny Reeves, operations program manager for a K-12 school in Atlanta. They’ll recount the 2020-09-0849 minSolarWinds TechPodSecurity Operations and IT Operations—Better Together Security operations and IT operations have a lot of differences, but more similarities than you may think, especially as their worlds are merging more quickly than ever before. This presentation will delve into research driven by in-depth conversations with professionals from both groups, examining some of the biggest challenges they see separately—and in working together more effectively. Going beyond traditional surveys, the findings will provide deeper insights into what’s needed to overcome these challenges. Supportive quantitative data will also be highlighted. You’ll hear directly from SolarWinds® Vice President of Security, Tim Brown and IDC Research Director of...2020-08-2548 minSolarWinds TechPodManaging Desktop Devices at ScaleWhat do IT managers and managed service providers (MSPs) have in common? They both manage a sea of desktop devices. Join the SolarWinds MSP™ Head Nerds while they discuss the challenges and successes of deploying, managing and securing the multitude of desktop devices in various environments. This podcast is provided for informational purposes only. © 2020 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved. 2020-07-2137 minSolarWinds TechPodSolarWinds IT Trends Report Insights With Keith TownsendThe SolarWinds® IT Trends Report 2020 explores the evolving role of technology in business and the tech pros in charge of driving business performance. This year shows there’s less focus on emerging technologies like AI and edge and more focus on cloud computing, hybrid IT, and security. Tech pros also report increased responsibilities but decreased resources. In this episode of TechPod, Head Geeks™ Chrystal Taylor and Leon Adato are joined by The CTO Advisor himself, Keith Townsend, to explore what this latest survey means to IT professionals and the businesses they help support. The focus transition from physical infra...2020-05-1932 minSolarWinds TechPodPowering Business Operations Through “Work From Home” As COVID-19 forces employees out of the office in masses, many IT departments have been tasked with keeping productivity high and entire organizations operational. How are IT leaders preparing, both long-term and short-term? What challenges are popping up in supporting employees as they work from home? And how can the IT service desk smooth the transition and manage the influx of unfamiliar tickets as organizations adjust? Azunna Anyanwu, IT Director at Aronson LLC, joins Chris McManus to discuss the ways his team prepared to support remote work through the service desk, and some of the unanticipated c...2020-04-2142 minSolarWinds TechPod“Cloud Confessions” Uncover Changing APM Realities for Tech ProsThe SolarWinds® Cloud Confessions 2020 survey explores how extensively technology professionals are using APM tools, whether on-premises or for SaaS-based application management, and how they monitor these environments. One of the things the survey revealed this year was the introspection our colleagues in tech are doing about the changing nature of tech work; the relationship of IT to the business; and how our experience should have taught us by now to expect disruption in these moments significant change—no matter how carefully we try to formulate our plans. Head Geek™ Leon Adato and guest Adam “the Automator” Bertram discuss the sur...2020-04-0727 minSolarWinds TechPodExploring APM “Cloud Confessions” With Adam BertramThe SolarWinds® Cloud Confessions 2020 survey explores how extensively technology professionals are using APM tools, whether on-premises or for SaaS-based application management, and how they monitor these environments. This year’s survey shows most tech pros are using APM tools in a troubleshooting capacity and not as part of proactive APM strategies to achieve optimization. Head Geek™ Leon Adato and guest Adam “the Automator” Bertram discuss what's holding companies, teams, and individual contributors back from integrating their APM solutions into their environment. This podcast is provided for informational purposes only.© 2020 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved. 2020-03-3142 minSolarWinds TechPodAssessing Risk – The Key to IT SecurityWhen it comes to IT security, it can feel overwhelming. What needs securing and at what level? How do you prioritize? But when considering risk, this is very different conversation. Changing the conversation from security to risk helps shape an informed and balanced approach. Tim Brown discusses how to apply a risk-based model for security success and how to balance convenience with security to avoid slowing productivity or creating obstacles. This podcast is provided for informational purposes only.© 2020 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved. 2020-02-1831 minSolarWinds TechPodIT: The Employee Engagement DepartmentWhat is employee engagement and what does it have to do with IT? Andrew Eardley-Day, ITSM system administrator for Betfred and Joey Brown, product manager for SolarWinds® ITSM join episode host Chris McManus to discuss the importance of versatile service desk engagement methods for employees, including how IT can offer omni-channel engagement, ways ITSM can learn from consumer product support, and how IT bears more responsibility than ever for the overall employee experience. This podcast is provided for informational purposes only. © 2020 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved. 2020-01-2840 minSolarWinds TechPod[De]Constructing Cloud With Mike PfeifferOn this episode of SolarWinds® TechPod, our host Patrick Hubbard™, SolarWinds Head Geek, is joined by Mike Pfeiffer, a twenty-year tech industry veteran who’s worked for some of the largest technology companies in the world, including Microsoft and Amazon Web Services (AWS). We'll help you make sense of cloud and application performance management (APM), starting with which cloud provider is best for your needs, spanning multi-cloud strategies and the rise of custom applications, and ultimately, how tech pros should be managing all this added complexity with APM. This podcast is provided for informational purposes only. © 2019 SolarWinds...2019-12-1736 minSolarWinds TechPodAccount Takeover IS Your ProblemPhishing and malware are scary enough, but the number one tactic used by bad actors to get access to and take over accounts is something different: using compromised credentials. Why? Because it’s so easy! Data breaches happen almost constantly, and credentials get leaked. At the same time, people are prone to reuse the same few passwords across all their accounts. These two facts spell trouble, as it’s almost impossible for an IT professional to know if working credentials to their company email or CRM are floating around the dark web. Almost impossible that is, until now. Sol...2019-10-2929 minSolarWinds TechPodSolarWinds Tech Pod: Tech Talks – Part II: Futureproofing. Your other full-time job. – Episode 019Futureproofing. It’s a buzzword you hear a lot these days, but it can mean quite a few things if you’re an IT professional. Forecasting your next round of hardware upgrades? Sure. Migrating to the cloud, adopting the next whatever as a service, building out long-range budgets? Yup. Or maybe your current role now necessitates leveling-up IT skills for an evolving job title? The list goes on. At the end of the day, futureproofing has really become a larger exercise in adaptability and how you as an IT professional, your IT department, and your company navigate the endless chan...2019-09-1729 minSolarWinds TechPodPart I: Futureproofing. Your other full-time job.Future-proofing. It’s a buzzword you hear a lot these days, but it can mean quite a few things if you’re an IT professional. Forecasting your next round of hardware upgrades? Sure. Migrating to the cloud, adopting the next whatever as a service, building out long-range budgets? Yup. Or maybe your current role now necessitates leveling-up IT skills for an evolving job title? The list goes on. At the end of the day, future-proofing has really become a larger exercise in adaptability and how you as an IT professional, your IT department, and your company navigate the endless chan...2019-09-1328 minSolarWinds TechPodBuilding a Complete Picture of IT AssetsTo maximize the benefits of business technology, IT asset management (ITAM) should have a strong relationship with service delivery. Over the years, ITAM has evolved beyond a spreadsheet of laptops and devices into a discipline of IT that can directly impact the day-to-day experience for employees. Through automated discovery, the IT service desk can leverage asset data to build a CMDB and deliver a better service experience. SolarWinds® ITSM technical experts Matt Cox (Senior Director, Technical Services) and Tim Lawes (Manager, Solutions Engineering) discuss some of the ways to simplify IT asset management and leverage that data i...2019-08-0916 minSolarWinds TechPodSolarWinds TechPod: Tech Talks – NCM & Automated Configuration – Episode 016In this episode of SolarWinds® TechPod™, Destiny Bertucci and Eric Hodeen discuss SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager and the benefits of automated compliance. This podcast is provided for informational purposes only. © 2019 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved.2019-06-2822 minSolarWinds TechPodSolarWinds TechPod: Tech Talks – Monitoring as a Strategy – Episode 015In this episode of SolarWinds® TechPod, Tech Talks, Alex Navarro sits down with SolarWinds Head Geek™ Sascha Giese to discuss how network monitoring as a strategy can take any organization to the next level by saving both time and money. This podcast is provided for informational purposes only. © 2019 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved. 2019-06-0631 min
SolarWinds TechPodSolarWinds TechPod: Tech Talks – Acquisition Therapy – Episode 014 In this episode of SolarWinds® TechPod, host Alex Navarro discusses how to survive and thrive before, during, and after an acquisition with the organizer in chief of Gestalt IT’s Tech Field Day, Stephen Foskett and SolarWinds Head Geek™, Patrick Hubbard. This podcast is provided for informational purposes only. © 2019 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved. 2019-05-0923 min
SolarWinds TechPodSolarWinds TechPod: A Hero's Journey, Women in Tech, Upskilling, and Cloud StrategyIn this episode of SolarWinds® TechPod, Phoummala Schmitt opens up to host Alex Navarro about the unconventional career path that led her to becoming a Microsoft advocate. Listen in as they discuss taking control of your career path, training courses, and even a little cloud strategy. This podcast is provided for informational purposes only. © 2019 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved.2019-05-0207 min
SolarWinds TechPodTech Talks: Email Security—SolarWinds TechPod 012 Email security. Do a Google search and you'll find it's one of the biggest concerns facing businesses today. Join Ashley Bono, SolarWinds® MSP Product Marketing Manager, and SolarWinds Mail Assure product team members Dreas von Donselaar and Mia Thompson as they discuss the evolution and weaponization of email spam...and the tools you can use to keep the bad actors out of your inbox. This podcast is provided for informational purposes only. © 2019 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved. 2019-04-2532 min
SolarWinds TechPodOvercoming Security Objections It’s time for MSPs to have better security conversations with their customers—and SolarWinds® VP of security Tim Brown and SolarWinds MSP senior channel sales specialist Stefanie Hammond know just how you can broach these terse topics. Listen in as they give you the security scoop. This podcast is provided for informational purposes only. © 2019 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved. 2019-04-1828 min
SolarWinds TechPodFrankenbackup Old backup technologies never really die. In fact, they tend to grow, patching on new products and types of media until a company’s backup solution becomes a cobbled together “frankenbackup” (neck bolts not included). So how can tech and IT pros navigate this backup landscape and help their users? Join Carrie Reber, SolarWind®s Backup Senior Product Marketing Manager, and Addie Derr, SolarWinds MSP content strategist, as they slay the backup monster with best practices, strategy, and efficiency. This podcast is provided for informational purposes only. © 2019 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved. 2019-04-1131 min
SolarWinds TechPodSecurity Theater, Shadow IT, and Insider ThreatsIn this episode of SolarWinds® TechPod, host Alex Navarro is joined by two VP’s of product strategy—Mav Turner and Brandon Shopp—to discuss which security issues, solutions, and strategies are trending topics of conversation at this year’s SolarWinds Government Partner Summit and User Group. This podcast is provided for informational purposes only. © 2019 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved. 2019-04-0431 min
SolarWinds TechPodTraining for the Future In this episode of SolarWinds® TechPod, host Alex Navarro chats with SolarWinds Head Geek™ Leon Adato and Senior Director of SolarWinds Academy Cal Smith to discuss what skills tech pros can develop now to position themselves, and the organizations they serve, for future success. This podcast is provided for informational purposes only. © 2019 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved.2019-03-2817 min
SolarWinds TechPodManaging People, Not Devices For managed services providers (MSPs) first came reactive services. Then came device management. And, now, it's time to talk about managing people. Join David Weeks, SolarWinds® MSP Director of Sales, and Chris Reid, Sr. Product Manager for SolarWinds N-central®, as they talk about how to make the switch from devices to people—and why it makes sense for MSPs. This podcast is provided for informational purposes only.© 2019 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved. 2019-03-2130 min
SolarWinds TechPodSteps to Proactive CybersecurityReady to implement or expand a successful cybersecurity program for your customers? SolarWinds® VP of security Tim Brown and Senior Channel Sales Specialist Stefanie Hammond discuss the steps you can take. This podcast is provided for informational purposes only. © 2019 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved.2019-03-1438 min
SolarWinds TechPodSecurity QuickfireIn this episode of SolarWinds® TechPod, host Alex Navarro discusses security threats, the importance of practicing good cyber hygiene, and best practices for managing users and their devices with Mav Turner, Denny LeCompte, and Jim Hansen of SolarWinds. This podcast is provided for informational purposes only. © 2019 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved.2019-03-0727 min
SolarWinds TechPod1:1 with Phoummala SchmittHost Alex Navarro visits with Phoummala Schmitt; Microsoft advocate, engineer, messaging and collaboration specialist, and “mom.” Listen in while @ExchangeGoddess has a frank and candid conversation covering origin stories, the IT journey, and what changes she hopes to see in the IT industry. This podcast is provided for informational purposes only. © 2019 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved. 2019-02-2808 min
SolarWinds TechPod1:1 with Stephen FoskettListen in on a candid conversation with Stephen Foskett, a fixture in the world of enterprise information technology, longtime voice in the storage industry, and organizer in chief of Gestalt IT's Tech Field Day. He divulges some of his best tech-related travel tips, secret passions, and what the future has in store for Tech Field Day with host Alex Navarro. This podcast is provided for informational purposes only. © 2019 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved.2019-02-2110 min
SolarWinds TechPodAutomation, End Users, and Industry TrendsJoin host Alex Navarro as she visits with Stephen Foskett on the next episode of SolarWinds TechPod, Tech Talks. Foskett discusses his takeaways from Gestalt IT's Tech Field Day Austin event, including behind-the-scenes insight into what it takes to be selected as a Tech Field Day delegate, themes that have emerged from Tech Field Day events, and how end users are shaping the IT industry and influencing marketing trends. This podcast is provided for informational purposes only.© 2019 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved. 2019-02-1417 min
SolarWinds TechPodMigrating to the CloudIt can be a struggle to find the right mix of services for applications and any technology professional with portions of their workloads in someone else’s data center is going to need a game plan. Join Microsoft advocate Phoummala Schmitt and host Alex Navarro as they discuss best practices when migrating to The Cloud. This podcast is provided for informational purposes only. © 2019 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved.2019-02-0730 min