The Killing IT Podcast
IT authors and entrepreneurs Ryan Morris, Karl Palachuk, and Dave Sobel provide commentary on the changing world of technology opportunities and emerging tech. We want to expand the discussion from the SMB IT channel to all things tech - with one eye on the future and the other on profits. Join us!
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Episode: 147 - Sonos vs. Google; McDonalds Goes 100% Green; Tesla vs. the DMV
01/18/2022
Episode: 147 - Sonos vs. Google; McDonalds Goes 100% Green; Tesla vs. the DMV
Announcement: Do not miss Killing IT Live! next Wednesday. Register at . Topic 1: Sonos Patent Infringement Sonos has a major win against Google in their patent infringement. We this to launch into a discussion of patents (use and abuse) in the technology industries. Link: Topic 2: McDonalds sees massive recycling and carbon neutrality Is this the future of building? The future of franchising? Look for this to affect other industries as well. Link: Topic 3: CA DMV ‘revisiting’ its approach to regulating Tesla’s public self-driving test For years, Tesla has tested autonomous vehicle technology on public roads without reporting the results to the California Department of Motor Vehicles. All other car makers are required to report this data. And then . . . viral videos of horrible Tesla accidents have put pressure on the DMV to stop this special treatment. Among other things, this reminds us of Boeing validating its own safety tests on the 737 Max. Link: -- -- -- Sponsor Memo: IT Service Provider University After eight years of training IT consultants, Small Biz Thoughts is now launching IT Service Provider University, providing training and certifications for all kinds of technology consultants. Certification pathways include Technician, Service Manager, Sales and Marketing, Manager/Owner, and Front Office. More information at -- -- -- :-)
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Episode 146 A Dose of Reality for High Tech
01/11/2022
Episode 146 A Dose of Reality for High Tech
Reminder: Killing IT Live is January 19th Register now ----- Topic 1: A Dose Of Reality: Big Promises vs. Small Results in Emerging Tech Money makes innovation possible. But there seems to be a disconnect between big, big investments and successful innovations. We look at the failure of big market growth through actual, tangible products. How do we reconcile this divide? ----- Topic 2: Revisiting Remote Work Predictions for 2022 Any favorite remote work predictions? We have long-term trends that have been overwhelmed by the pandemic changes. Will remote go back to what it was? Probably not, but how much change will be permanent. We look at recent trends and then . . . well, we speculate. ----- Topic 3: Chip shortage might be bringing us a new generation in automotive technology. Qualcomm announced that they've made a a deal for Volvo and Polestar to use Qualcomm's "Snapdragon Cockpit" chips along with an operating system from Google. These chips will be in those cars later this year. -- -- -- Sponsor Memo: Think you know PC Matic? Think again. PC Matic is working with MSPs to deliver true zero trust/default deny endpoint security. Allowing only trusted applications and blocking all the rest. A light weight, simple to deploy & easy to manage approach to application allow-listing. Layering a default deny approach provides MSPs of all sizes the ability to again focus on prevention, and PC Matic delivers this without impacting performance or efficiency. Find out more about by visiting Be sure to ask about PC Matic's exclusive lead sharing program for MSPs backed by a prime time national TV campaign. :-)
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Episode 145 - The Cyberdemic continues; Fighting Open Source Attacks; A More Human Approach
01/04/2022
Episode 145 - The Cyberdemic continues; Fighting Open Source Attacks; A More Human Approach
Note: Don't miss Killing IT Live - January 19th at 9am Pacific - Register now at Topic 1: The “Cyberdemic” will continue, according to Experian. Record breaking number on cyber breaches. Many elements conspire against us. What can you do? Link: Topic 2: OpenSource and the internet. Solid code, to a point. Should we have a way to hold someone responsible? Is a "Software Bill of Materials" a good idea or bad idea? Links: Topic 3: Winning by being human? When cyber criminals are doubling down on AI and expensive programming, perhaps we need to take a lower-tech approach to defeating them. Here are some options. Link: ----- Sponsor Note: Calyptix Cyber security for small business is overwhelming. Unprecedented threats, escalating rhetoric and limited resources. So lean on your community. The Calyptix Community Shield automatically unites small businesses and raise the costs and challenges for cybercriminals by harnessing threat intelligence from our community. If they attack any one of us, everyone gets the benefit with Community Shield. An example? A log4J blocklist for scanners and exploits, rolled out specifically for outbound events - All for no added cost. By working together, we will prevail. Learn more at and tell them we sent you. :-)
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Episode 144 - Complexity, Transforming the Local Store, and Microsoft's Metaverse
12/28/2021
Episode 144 - Complexity, Transforming the Local Store, and Microsoft's Metaverse
Note: Don't miss Killing IT Live - January 19th at 9am Pacific - Register now at Topic 1: Is troubleshooting possible when complicated becomes complex? If no one person can make a technology, can anyone fix it? What does complexity mean for our industry? Will we need to change our troubleshooting practices going forward? Give us your feedback. Link: Topic 2: Can the corner store get digitally transformed? Here's some good news: The corner store might be your next gold mine! It's actually amazing how few of these shops have made their way into modern technology. This might keep you employed for the next ten years. Link: Topic 3: Metaverse from a Microsoft perspective. Satya Nadella gave his perspective on the metaverse and what it might look like. Surprise! Microsoft makes the hardware and software that will make it happen. -- -- -- Sponsor Note: Acronis Are you still relying on a frustrating patchwork of legacy solutions? Modernize your cybersecurity and data protection with Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud. It’s a single solution that combines backup, anti-malware, and endpoint protection management. As an MSP, you can easily improve clients’ security posture, eliminate complexity, and generate more recurring revenue. Learn more about Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud at . :-)
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Episode 143 - Birds Aren't Real; China's Influencers; Hybrid Workplaces
12/21/2021
Episode 143 - Birds Aren't Real; China's Influencers; Hybrid Workplaces
Topic 1: Fake Fake news . . . Birds Aren’t Real Birds Aren’t Real, or Are They? Inside a Gen Z Conspiracy Theory. Links: Topic 2: China uses American influencers to promote their version of reality Links: Warning: This page is (oddly) very poorly designed. If your system autoplays, it will play about twenty videos all at once. Topic 3: What to know before you take a job in a hybrid workplace It’s hard to maintain culture. And it’s not a good fit for everyone. Link: ----- Register NOW for Killing IT Live - January 19th - Register now ----- Sponsor Note: PC Matic Think you know PC Matic? Think again. PC Matic is working with MSPs to deliver true zero trust/default deny endpoint security. Allowing only trusted applications and blocking all the rest. A light weight, simple to deploy & easy to manage approach to application allowlisting. Layering a default deny approach provides MSPs of all sizes the ability to again focus on prevention, and PC Matic delivers this without impacting performance or efficiency. Find out more about by visiting Be sure to ask about PC Matic's exclusive lead sharing program for MSPs backed by a prime time national TV campaign. :-)
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Episode 142 - Unnecessary Chip Merger, Future Smartphones, and Digital Twins
12/14/2021
Episode 142 - Unnecessary Chip Merger, Future Smartphones, and Digital Twins
Topic 1: F.T.C. Sues to Stop Blockbuster Chip Deal Between Nvidia and Arm Arm provides technology that other chip makers need. Does this give Nvidia an unfair advantage? And is the merger a completely unnecessary move prompted by the need for investors to show a profit? What is the channel takeaway? Link: Topic 2: What will smartphones be like in ten years? We actually come to a consensus on this for a variety of reasons. We think we know what phones will look like; we have different ideas about the functionality. Link: Topic 3: AWS Announces IoT TwinMaker to Accelerate the Creation of Digital Twins One of Ryan's favorite topics. Well, it's here! Will you get a digital twin for Christmas next year? More than a static "snapshot," digital twins are data-driven representations of things like in the real world, updated with real- or almost real-time data so we can study potential behavior of the things they represent. AWS has built a system so you can play with this technology and find new uses for it. Links: -- -- -- Sponsor Memo: Egnyte Are you still using on-prem file servers and VPNs to share files with remote workers? Egnyte is a business class cloud sharing solution that works more like your on-prem server than other solutions. With a security first approach to file sharing and collaboration, Egnyte offers multiple options for sharing files and collecting files from outside sources. And do it all addressing data governance and compliance. Want to learn more? Check out and when you do, tell them the guys at Killing IT sent you. :-)
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Episode 141 - China Cyber Warfare, Robots and Humans, Amazon Private 5G
12/07/2021
Episode 141 - China Cyber Warfare, Robots and Humans, Amazon Private 5G
Topic 1: China mucking around with Iran and Israel China attacks Israel and makes it look like Iran did it. Meanwhile, Iran really is attacking Israel. And now Israel is attacking Irananian fuel supplies and Iran is exposing personal dating profiles of Israelis. It looks like Israel is attacking Iranian train systems, and Iran is attacking Israeli water systems. Attacks against citizens are causing political unrest in both countries. Links: Topic 2: Robots are not yet smart enough to take most jobs Robots are getting better, but still require lots of human interaction. They are becoming "just another tool" that humans interactively use. Link: Topic 3: Amazon Private 5G Amazon private 5G is now available to deploy. They even supply the equipment for free: You just pay for usage. Will this be a disruption? Links: Configure at: -- -- -- Sponsor Note: Gozynta Did you know that the average MSP spends 10 hours manually inputting accounting data each week? That time is 120 prospect calls, a month’s worth of the Business of Tech, or building an entire lego death star. Gozynta Mobius can make your life easier through accounting automation. Automatic sync of invoices, expenses and inventory from ConnectWise Manage into QuickBooks Online in just a single click of a button. With onboarding, direct support, and regular feature releases, Gozynta is a family owned company dedicated to making software suck a little less each day. Visit us at . :-)
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Episode 140 - Apple Privacy, Internet of Ice Cream Things, and Asteroid Armageddon
11/30/2021
Episode 140 - Apple Privacy, Internet of Ice Cream Things, and Asteroid Armageddon
Topic 1: Apple goes after the NSO Group Apple takes companies to court to prevent them from cracking into Apple phones. This touches on privacy as well as treating huge corporations as nation-states. Science fiction or reality? Links: Topic 2: McDonald’s and the ice cream machine - update We covered the "right to repair" issue regarding McD's ice cream machines. Now the picture is a lot more complicated. You never know where intrigue can be found. We also touch on the value of service contracts and how that fits in the mix. This might also be the first use of IOICT - Internet of Ice Cream Things. Link: Topic 3: We’re Going to “Armageddon” an Asteroid NASA just launched a rocket that will -- in 1 year -- crash into an asteroid so they can measure the impact on its orbit. The purpose: to practice and learn whether we could alter the path of an asteroid in the future if it were headed toward Earth. Sweet! Links: -- -- -- Sponsor Memo: Acronis Are you still relying on a frustrating patchwork of legacy solutions? Modernize your cybersecurity and data protection with Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud. It’s a single solution that combines backup, anti-malware, and endpoint protection management. As an MSP, you can easily improve clients’ security posture, eliminate complexity, and generate more recurring revenue. Learn more about Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud at . :-)
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Episode 139 - Work from Work, EV Craziness, and Apple DMV
11/23/2021
Episode 139 - Work from Work, EV Craziness, and Apple DMV
Topic 1: New Fad - Work from Work Wednesdays Zooming from the office is what the NYT calls the “Worst of both worlds.” Topic 2: Apple has killer deals with several State DMVs Apple having states pay for their tech rollout -- how much is their responsibility, when Apple controls the tech? Topic 3: Electric Vehicles are super hot - including used. Overview Rivian Used EVs -- -- -- Sponsor Note: Cisco Did you know Cisco helps Managed Services Providers directly? Know about the Cisco Partner Program? Focused on helping partners combine managed services expertise and service creation with innovative Cisco technology and proven go-to-market resources, there’s a program option for you. With provider pricing, MDF, and marketing resources coupled with Cisco’s leading technologies including Meraki, Duo, and Umbrella, learn more at :-)
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Episode 138 - Skimpflation, China's Privacy Law, and Future Hacking
11/16/2021
Episode 138 - Skimpflation, China's Privacy Law, and Future Hacking
Topic 1: Skimpflation: Will this affect us? Aside from basic inflation, will the labor shortage cause this for IT services? Topic 2: China’s Privacy Law China's new policy looks "western" at first, but is used for strick tracking of citizens. The Personal Information Protection Law allows the government to blacklist companies, including those outside the country. Will companies go along or opt out of the largest market in the world? Do providers really care? Topic 3: Hackers are stealing data today so quantum computers can crack it in a decade It makes sense once you hear it. But it's still surprising. -- -- -- :-) Sponsor Note: Egnyte Are you still using on-prem file servers and VPNs to share files with remote workers? Egnyte is a business class cloud sharing solution that works more like your on-prem server than other solutions. With a security first approach to file sharing and collaboration, Egnyte offers multiple options for sharing files and collecting files from outside sources. And do it all addressing data governance and compliance. Want to learn more? Check out and when you do, tell them we sent you. :-)
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Episode 137 - Tech Nation State Companies, Facebook Facial Recognition
11/09/2021
Episode 137 - Tech Nation State Companies, Facebook Facial Recognition
Topic 1: Looking at Tech Companies as nation states When one organization has so much money and does so many things that they "compete" with nation states, should we begin to treat them that way? Note that one article is from Foreign Affairs magazine. Links: See also the book: The Big Switch by Nicholas Carr Topic 2: Using AI to parse CEO’s words Is this truly useful AI or just a faster version of the obvious? Link: Topic 3: Facebook shuts down facial recognition Facebook is shutting down their facial recognition program - and deleting the database altogether. Have they found a soul? Is this actually a good business decision? What don't we know about this big decision? Links: -- -- -- Sponsor Memo: Are you still relying on a frustrating patchwork of legacy solutions? Modernize your cybersecurity and data protection with Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud. It’s a single solution that combines backup, anti-malware, and endpoint protection management. As an MSP, you can easily improve clients’ security posture, eliminate complexity, and generate more recurring revenue. Learn more about Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud at . :-)
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Episode 136 - Trolls, Collaboration, and Robot Servers
11/02/2021
Episode 136 - Trolls, Collaboration, and Robot Servers
Topic 1: Trolls Are Born, Not Made While self esteem is a factor, Internet trolls don’t have low self esteem. They have a high tendency to sadism. When mixed with high self esteem, you get a troll. Who are these people and how did they become trolls. Research gives us some insights. Topic 2: Async Business Collaboration Models One of Karl's favorite topics! Let's focus on focus. Asynchronous communication goes a long ways to making focus possible and effective. If you can find people who work asynchronously, and give them the right tools, amazing things can be done. Also: Topic 3: Desperate for Workers, Restaurants Turn to Robots It’s about time! Lines have gotten longer and longer due to pandemic upheaval and a shrinking workforce. -- -- -- Sponsor Note: Gozynta Did you know that the average MSP spends 10 hours manually inputting accounting data each week? That time is 120 prospect calls, a month’s worth of the Business of Tech, or building an entire Lego death star. Gozynta Mobius can make your life easier through accounting automation. Automatic sync of invoices, expenses and inventory from ConnectWise Manage into QuickBooks Online in just a single click of a button. With onboarding, direct support, and regular feature releases, Gozynta is a family owned company dedicated to making software suck a little less each day. Visit us at . :-)
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Episode 135 - Killing IT Live - Contract for the Web, Losing AI, and Smart City Overload
10/26/2021
Episode 135 - Killing IT Live - Contract for the Web, Losing AI, and Smart City Overload
This special edition of The Killing IT Podcast was recorded before a live audience in a special presentation made possible by Cisco. If you missed the “Live” portion, register at to listen to the bonus topic and receive announcements about the next Killing IT Live broadcast. -- -- -- Topic 1: After much fanfare, what’s up with The Contract for the Web two years later? Sir Tim Berners-Lee's project - The Contract for the Web - promised to encourage governments to ensure access and privacy; corporations to encourage the best and discourage the worst in people; and citizens to be both creators and collaborators. Well, two years later, we don't think much has changed. Links: -- -- -- Topic 2: Has the Dream of AI Died? Faded? Evolved? One article on this topic asks whether "losing AI" would be a bad thing. The trend looks like China is way ahead of the west, except with regard to the moral use of artificial intelligence. Another article reports that some computer experts think ending human oversight is a very bad idea. What are the stakes of us losing our edge because we have ethics? Links: -- -- -- Topic 3: Smart Cities Produce Unfathomable Amounts of Data. This topic ties together several of our ongoing discussions: AI, analytics, 5G, privacy, automation, simulation, environmental impact, tech impact on real life, and big business opportunities. But are we any smarter or better off? -- -- -- NOTE: You can catch the BONUS topic at . -- -- -- Sponsor Memo: Did you know Cisco helps Managed Services Providers directly? Know about the Cisco Partner Program? Focused on helping partners combine managed services expertise and service creation with innovative Cisco technology and proven go-to-market resources, there’s a program option for you. With provider pricing, MDF, and marketing resources coupled with Cisco’s leading technologies including Meraki, Duo, and Umbrella, learn more at :-)
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Episode 134 - Slack Whacks Apple; Amazon Smacks Themselves
10/19/2021
Episode 134 - Slack Whacks Apple; Amazon Smacks Themselves
Interesting tidbit of the day: Statistics Don't forget to join us for Killing IT Live - October 20th - Topic 1: Slack upended the workplace -- and gave power to the employees Slack (and other technologies) are revealing some inner turmoil at companies such as Apple. Is this something caused by the technology, or merely revealed by the technology? We discuss culture and more. Link: Topic 2: Amazon Copied Best-Selling Products and then Rigged their Search Result Meme for this: From the movie Casablanca . . . "I’m shocked - shocked I tell you.” Question: Even though this is India, does it affect how our Congress will try to hold Amazon accountable? Link: Topic 3: Convergence of AV and IT . . . Other industries are learning the IT space. Well, at a minimum, they're learning the language. This turns into a debate about marketing share and specialization. And "specialization" looks different, depending on the perspective you start with. Link: -- -- -- Sponsor Note: Egnyte Are you still using on-prem file servers and VPNs to share files with remote workers? Egnyte is a business class cloud sharing solution that works more like your on-prem server than other solutions. With a security first approach to file sharing and collaboration, Egnyte offers multiple options for sharing files and collecting files from outside sources. And do it all addressing data governance and compliance. Want to learn more? Check out and when you do, tell them we sent you. :-)
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Episode 133 - Amazon Hands Your Data to the Government; CISA Guidelines for Autonomous Vehicles
10/12/2021
Episode 133 - Amazon Hands Your Data to the Government; CISA Guidelines for Autonomous Vehicles
Fun question of the day . . . If you were offered the position of mayor of your city, would you take it? . . . wherein two of our hosts determine that they are two halves of a politician. -- -- -- Promo: Join Us for Killing IT Live - October 20th Info and registration at killingitlive.com No editing. No second takes. Join hosts Dave Sobel, Ryan Morris, and Karl Palachuk for this special live event. You’ll see behind the curtains as we prep and produce a live show. PLUS, we’ll stick around and answer questions so YOU can be part of the show as well. We’ll record an episode of the podcast for you — broadcast live with video! -- -- -- Topic 1: Amazon’s bi-annual report on government requests for data . . . Over 30,000 requests for information from various governments around the world for the six months ending June 30th. This includes subpoenas, search warrants, and court orders (or their equivalent in various countries). This includes requests regarding Amazon Echos, Ring devices, etc. It does NOT include requests related to AWS, which only numbered 632! The number of devices with your personal information, photos, and data is growing every year. Remember, that robot dog serves more than one master. Topic 2: Is Facebook’s problem just “hubris?” We can fix this! “I don't think the Facebook Files show a company that is evil or incompetent. It seems to show a company that is in way too deep, but still thinks it can totally get things back under control.” Topic 3: CISA Issues Guidance to Mitigate Threats to Autonomous Vehicles CISA has published more guidance. Once lesson is: MSPs are not their only target. Another Lesson: Emerging tech is being held to some reasonable standards. Links: -- -- -- Remember to sign up for Killing IT Live - free! Killing IT Live - October 20th Info and registration at :-)
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Episode 132 - Vendor Sales, Government UI, and Instagram for Children
10/05/2021
Episode 132 - Vendor Sales, Government UI, and Instagram for Children
Question of the Day: What was your first W2 job? Topic 1: Vendors Selling Around their Partners Listener Lucy asks: "Why the **** do vendors keep overlooking the sales rep who owns the customer in their Channel program?" There's natural tension between vendors and their solution provider partners. Why do we have to keep revisiting this topic? (Also, she agrees with Dave that a sandwich requires two pieces of bread.) Topic 2: Thoughts on taking UI to government activities Dominos (and other) have made some huge advancements in tracking the progress of their services. This is both a UI (user interface) and a CX (customer experience) topic. So where is the government when it comes to next-gen UI and CX? Link: Topic 3: Facebook/Instagram for Children? Holy smokes. Thankfully, Facebook has decided to "hold off" on releasing a version of Instagram geared toward children. We universally think it's a bad idea. But we also point out that lots of other platforms are targeting children - illegally. Link: -- -- -- Sponsor Note: Think you know PC Matic? Think again. PC Matic is working with MSPs to deliver true zero trust/default deny endpoint security. Allowing only trusted applications and blocking all the rest. A light weight, simple to deploy & easy to manage approach to application allow-listing. Layering a default deny approach provides MSPs of all sizes the ability to again focus on prevention, and PC Matic delivers this without impacting performance or efficiency. Find out more about by visiting . Be sure to ask about PC Matic’s exclusive lead sharing program for MSPs backed by a prime time national TV campaign. :-)
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Episode: 131 - AI Breaking Bad, CISA Revisited, and More
09/28/2021
Episode: 131 - AI Breaking Bad, CISA Revisited, and More
Question of the Day: What is a photo? Topic 1: When AI Breaks Bad Once again we address the question of ethics and AI. From Axios: "A new report about artificial intelligence and its effects warns AI has reached a turning point and its negative effects can no longer be ignored." Have we reached the point where we should automatically look for the negative effects first? Link: Topic 2: Let’s look at CISA . . . again. Last week we talked about the CISA advice for your customers. Here we revisit, and look at the “Low fruit” considerations that you might actually decide to adopt today. These include Backup documentation, Client data segregation, and Financial health of IT service providers. Link: See also Karl's blog posts on this: - - Topic 3: Next Gen Crowd Sourcing? Pondering . . . is there a new name for the group behavior that's emerging on the Internet in the 2020's? For example: - TikTok investors follow members of Congress - Reddit investors manipulate the stock market - Amateur sleuths help in the search for missing persons Question: Is there a name for this kind of activity? It seems like there's something other than "crowd sourcing" here. Link: Sponsor Memo: Did you know that the average MSP spends 10 hours manually inputting accounting data each week? That time is 120 prospect calls, a month’s worth of the Business of Tech, or building an entire Lego death star. Gozynta Mobius can make your life easier through accounting automation. Automatic sync of invoices, expenses and inventory from ConnectWise Manage into QuickBooks Online in just a single click of a button. With onboarding, direct support, and regular feature releases, Gozynta is a family owned company dedicated to making software suck a little less each day. Visit us at :-)
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Episode 130 - Apple Pay (Again) and Employee Productivity in Remote Work
09/21/2021
Episode 130 - Apple Pay (Again) and Employee Productivity in Remote Work
Question of the day: What is a sandwich? Topic 1: Apple Pay . . . Again The headline says Apple lost … but the article makes it clear that Epic is the one who is disappointed and is appealing. Let see: Epic violated their agreement and owes Apply $3.5 Million. But Apply can’t have those kinds of agreements going forward. And Apple’s not a monopoly. Seems confusing, but it does mean there will be other options to pay for in-app purchases on AppStore apps to work around Apple. But Epic still doesn’t think that is enough. Let the lawyer games begin. Link: Topic 2: Microsoft Study Finds Problems with Employee Productivity in Remote Work In a study or more than 60,000 employees, Microsoft find that the shift to remote work has hurt communication and collaboration. A separate study shows that individual workers feel better supported by bosses than ever before. The first finding looks bad for employee productivity and long-term innovation; the second suggest happier, more productive workers. Note: Microsoft also announce that employees won’t be returning to the office in October as expected. Link: Topic 3: Cybersecurity Vulnerability Could Now Impact a Business’ Credit Rating … Things are Getting Serious! Startup BitSight generates reports on the likelihood that an organization will be breached. They just received a $250 million investment Moody’s. Moody's provides corporate "credit rating" information. In your future: Credit ratings base on Cybersecurity preparedness. Link: Sponsor note: Threats to client data constantly evolve, so your strategies must evolve too …but knowing where to get good guidance isn’t always easy. Well, nowhere will you hear more helpful insights from leading cyber protection experts than at the Acronis #CyberFitSummit. I’m going again –this year in-person, in Miami – and you should join me. Experts like Erick Simpson; Larry Walsh; and Acronis’ Amy Luby will show you how to boost profits, reduce risk, and improve your team’s productivity, as well as the latest cybersecurity strategies, technologies, and processes. In person and online, Learn more about the Acronis #CyberFit Summit World Tour at :-)
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Episode 129 - CISA Weighs In - Good or Bad?
09/14/2021
Episode 129 - CISA Weighs In - Good or Bad?
Topic 1: CISA Guidelines for MSP Clients Like it or not, the US Government has defined Managed Services, and published guidelines for your clients and prospects to evaluate you! We expect a lot of heat - and maybe some light - to come out of this document. Related Links: - - Topic 2: Forcing options to Apple Pay and Google Pay In the continuing saga of Apple (and others) forcing app developers to use their pay systems, the government of South Korea has decided that Apple and Google cannot force game makers and others to use only their payment gateways. This is, of course, the beginning of other nations jumping into fray. We comment - including how this might affect potential lawsuits in the US. Link: - Topic 3: Tesla building their own chip to train self-driving vehicles What? Tesla joins the chip-making industry - because they can't buy the chips they need! Is this a sign of impending disruption for Intel, AMD, and others? Tesla has a unique demand, given the specific requirements of their autonomous vehicle strategy. And if they can't buy chips elsewhere, they're going to make their own - for now. Link: -- -- -- Sponsor Note: Think you know PC Matic? Think again. PC Matic is working with MSPs to deliver true zero trust/default deny endpoint security. Allowing only trusted applications and blocking all the rest. A light weight, simple to deploy & easy to manage approach to application allowlisting. Layering a default deny approach provides MSPs of all sizes the ability to again focus on prevention, and PC Matic delivers this without impacting performance or efficiency. Find out more about by visiting Be sure to ask about PC Matic's exclusive lead sharing program for MSPs backed by a prime time national TV campaign. :-)
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Episode 128 - Gartner's Latest Hype for Emerging Tech and more
09/07/2021
Episode 128 - Gartner's Latest Hype for Emerging Tech and more
Topic 1: Gartner's Latest Hype Cycle - Emerging Technology How can you use Gartner's research in your business? Does it matter if truly useful changes are at least two years out? Gartner Hype cycle graphic: Topic 2: AI for Changing Accents Is this cool? What are the best uses for it? And, as always, we dig into the ethical use of AI. There are clearly some benefits for folks with hearing issues or rare spoken dialects. As always, good-vs-bad depends on what people do with the application. Topic 3: Impact of Remote Collaboration on Business Travel This topic will continue for quite a while. Here's the latest from Bloomberg. Remote communications and collaboration tools have been so successfully developed and deployed in the past 18 months that 84% of CEOs indicate they plan to spend significantly less on business travel going forward. -- -- -- Sponsor Note: Egnyte Are you still using on-prem file servers and VPNs to share files with remote workers? Egnyte is a business class cloud sharing solution that works more like your on-prem server than other solutions. With a security first approach to file sharing and collaboration, Egnyte offers multiple options for sharing files and collecting files from outside sources. And do it all addressing data governance and compliance. Want to learn more? Check out , and when you do, tell them we sent you. :-)
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Episode 127 - Immutable Storage, Shadow IT, and Extra-Large Micro-Processors
08/31/2021
Episode 127 - Immutable Storage, Shadow IT, and Extra-Large Micro-Processors
Topic 1: Change the storage to change ransomware? Can you create storage that cannot be changed? Is ransomware-free data storage possible . . . and right around the corner? Related Link: Topic 2: Shadow IT: Is it Real? Not real? Are you the shadow IT? Does it really just mean outsourced IT? And that leads us to ask, is the conversation about shadow IT really just a conversation for really large companies? Related Link: Topic 3: A New Chip Cluster Will Make Massive AI Models Possible Cerebras says its technology can run a neural network with 120 trillion connections—a hundred times what's achievable today. Related Link: -- -- -- Sponsor Memo: SBT Technology Community This podcast is sponsored by the Small Biz Thoughts Technology Community. Check us out at Small Biz Thoughts.org. Forms, templates, and checklists are just the start. Our Community includes ALL of the best-selling books on managed services in all available formats, plus free training, members-only programs, and the best business training available to managed service providers anywhere. Plus, we have weekly live members-only Zoom calls. The average member saves more than 200% of their membership cost each year. We are totally dedicated to YOUR success. Just because you're in business for yourself doesn't mean you have to go it alone. Join us today at . :-)
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Episode 126 - Privacy, Supply Chains, and Industry Trends
08/24/2021
Episode 126 - Privacy, Supply Chains, and Industry Trends
Topic 1: Apple Privacy Revisited We talked about this last week. Well, so did everyone else. Apple introduced a new technology to screen for child pornography . . . and a spirited debate has ensued. Last week the Killing IT guys weighed in on the topic and now we want to revisit the ongoing debate and address some of the concerns about the “slippery slope” and the “permission” to access data on personal devices. Including some new twists on CSAM Screening Technology. Topic 2: Evolution in Supply Chain Management Toyota is famous for revolutionizing supply chain management, particularly with "Just-in-Time" inventory. Now, fifty years down the road, we're finding that J-I-T had a lot of problems in the middle of the pandemic. Now, Toyota is responding again with a newer, more flexible approach to inventory. We look at supply chain issues generally, with a context of cars, chips, and toilet paper. Topic 3: CRN Reports on Industry Trends . . . But they're headlines don't align with their data. We were puzzled at the need to put extra energy into cheer-leading as compared to reporting the hard truth. We discuss. Sponsor Memo: Acronis Threats to client data constantly evolve, so your strategies must evolve too …but knowing where to get good guidance isn’t always easy. Well, nowhere will you hear more helpful insights from leading cyber protection experts than at the Acronis #CyberFitSummit. I’m going again –this year in-person, in Miami – and you should join me. Experts like Erick Simpson; Larry Walsh; and Acronis’ Amy Luby will show you how to boost profits, reduce risk, and improve your team’s productivity, as well as the latest cybersecurity strategies, technologies, and processes. In person and online. Learn more about the Acronis #CyberFit Summit World Tour at -- -- -- :-)
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Episode 125 - Drone Delays, Data Misuse, and Apple Privacy
08/17/2021
Episode 125 - Drone Delays, Data Misuse, and Apple Privacy
Topic 1: Drones.. May not be coming. We've been ushering drones for years. But where are they? Why in the age of the drone advancing so slowly? Amazon is slowing things down a bit. Topic 2: What should the penalty be for data misuse? Data misuse is a growing topic. In addition to the recent Supreme Court case, we're seeing companies make pre-emptive moves to make sure employees are not accessing data they have access to. This is a potentially huge issue for IT service providers. After all, we touch lots of client data, and our employees need to keep their eyes to themselves. Topic 3: Apple to Scan the iCloud for Evidence of Child Sexual Abuse No one’s going to argue with the goals here. But what’s next? Once the system is put in place to scan the contents of iCloud, will Apple resist looking for other illegal activity? Will the IRS pressure them to look for activity that indicated tax evasion? If nothing else, it’s a chink in the armor of “privacy by default.” Sponsor Memo: PC Matic Think you know PC Matic? Think again. PC Matic is working with MSPs to deliver true zero trust/default deny endpoint security. Allowing only trusted applications and blocking all the rest. A light weight, simple to deploy & easy to manage approach to application allow-listing. Layering a default deny approach provides MSPs of all sizes the ability to again focus on prevention, and PC Matic delivers this without impacting performance or efficiency. Find out more about by visiting Be sure to ask about PC Matic's exclusive lead sharing program for MSPs backed by a prime time national TV campaign. :-)
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Episode 124 - AI Marketing and Bias, Boards and Cybersecurity, and Detecting Deep Fakes
08/10/2021
Episode 124 - AI Marketing and Bias, Boards and Cybersecurity, and Detecting Deep Fakes
Topic 1: The Disconnect Between Marketing, AI, and Reality AI is awesome . . . until it's not. We look at the need for transparency with AI data. How do you challenge AI bias in court? Should IA data be used in legal cases? Most importantly, how do YOU make money helping your clients with AI? Topic 2: Board Incentives and Cybersecurity How should (could) boards of directors stay up to date on cybersecurity? Is it even possible for boards to stay up to spec if it's not their primary area of expertise? How can boards do something to gain the knowledge they need for corporate governance? Again: What role can YOU play in helping client boards know what matters in an ever-changing world? Topic 3: Spy vs. Spy - How do we track deep fakes at scale? Can we look forward to a future of "verified" video and stories? It would be a combination of technology plus data distributor agreements, plus audience desire for reality. Is there an opportunity for you in this field? Sponsor Memo: Are you still using on-prem file servers and VPNs to share files with remote workers? Egnyte is a business class cloud sharing solution that works more like your on-prem server than other solutions. With a security first approach to file sharing and collaboration, Egnyte offers multiple options for sharing files and collecting files from outside sources. And do it all addressing data governance and compliance. Want to learn more? Check out and when you do, tell them the guys from Killing IT sent you. :-)
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Episode 123 - Alternative solution stacks, Work-life balance, and QR code privacy
08/03/2021
Episode 123 - Alternative solution stacks, Work-life balance, and QR code privacy
Topic 1: Why is there derision for "alternative" solution stacks? Dave asks . . . why do people like to put down Chromebooks and Macs? Do they actually love their Windows-centric world? We have fun, and we hope we make some points worth considering in a modern world. Link: Topic 2: Forget work/life balance: Now get back to work. Last week, Mary Erdoes (chief executive officer of JPMorgan Chase asset and wealth management business) laid it on the line: If you want to be successful in the world of banking, you should expect to work 12-hour days, six days a week. Period. Her argument is that you can get your desired ten thousand hours of training in a few years. She doesn't mention that you'll probably destroy your family and develop life-long habits that will literally kill you much younger than people who have more balance in their lives. Link: Related article: The boss wants you back in the office. Now. Related web site: Topic 3: QR Codes Finally Found a Foothold in the Pandemic. Now let’s talk privacy. Restaurants adopted e-menu technology en masse during the pandemic. Scan the QR code, and browse the menu. And pay. All good. But you have just placed a data-gathering and marketing system between you and your food. Yes, we have opinions. Link: Sponsor Note: Did you know that the average MSP spends 10 hours manually inputting accounting data each week? That time is 120 prospect calls, a month’s worth of the Business of Tech, or building an entire Lego death star. Gozynta Mobius can make your life easier through accounting automation. Automatic sync of invoices, expenses and inventory from ConnectWise Manage into QuickBooks Online in just a single click of a button. With onboarding, direct support, and regular feature releases, Gozynta is a family owned company dedicated to making software suck a little less each day. Visit us at :-)
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Episode 122 - China Takes on Cybersecurity; TikTok Resumes; and Undisclosed Facial Recognition
07/27/2021
Episode 122 - China Takes on Cybersecurity; TikTok Resumes; and Undisclosed Facial Recognition
Topic 1: The Impact of China on the Cybersecurity Industry & Data Protection China was on both sides of the cybersecurity story last week. On one hand, they were accused by the whole world of orchestrating the attack on Exchange servers. On the other hand, they starting cracking down on cybersecurity internally. This also has direct implications for US companies selling into China. What will be the impact of these moves on the US security market and our domestic business operations? Links: Topic 2: Another New Application for Video: TikTok Resumes TikTok had introduce a "Resume" service. Will you go there for your next hire? Could video essays be the next thing in hiring? Through July 31, job seekers can upload video resumes with the hashtag #tiktokresumes. Is this just a Gen Z thing? Topic 3: Toronto airport tests facial recognition software . . . without disclosing it For several years, the Province of Ottowa tested facial recognition in crowds at the airport. What are the disclosure rules? What’s the ethics here? -- -- -- Vendor Memo: Did you know that the average MSP spends 10 hours manually inputting accounting data each week? That time is 120 prospect calls, a month’s worth of the Business of Tech, or building an entire lego death star. Gozynta Mobius can make your life easier through accounting automation. Automatic sync of invoices, expenses and inventory from ConnectWise Manage into QuickBooks Online in just a single click of a button. With onboarding, direct support, and regular feature releases, Gozynta is a family owned company dedicated to making software suck a little less each day. Visit us at :-)
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Episode 121 - RIP RMM? NP Tires. And shorter work weeks.
07/20/2021
Episode 121 - RIP RMM? NP Tires. And shorter work weeks.
Topic 1: Revising RMM - Ready for Disruption? Question - Is the problem super sophisticated and difficult or crazy simple and easy? We summarize a few arguments as well as look at the next topic: IOS. One of us is ready to drop RMM; one is not; and the tie goes to . . .. Links: Topic 2: Next Generation of Tires . . . on a 3D printed shuttle bus This one's a fun story about several future-facing technologies working together. First question: Why did it take 120 years to make airless tires that work? Second question: Can we see what this means for the future of the support industry for tires? Link: Topic 3: Shorter Work Week Experiment in Iceland Produces “Groundbreaking Improvements” Karl loves the conclusion but can't accept research. But we jump on the opportunities for workers, management, and companies of various sizes. Link: -- -- -- Vendor Memo: Think you know PC Matic? Think again. PC Matic is working with MSPs to deliver true zero trust/default deny endpoint security. Allowing only trusted applications and blocking all the rest. A light weight, simple to deploy & easy to manage approach to application allow listing. Layering a default deny approach provides MSPs of all sizes the ability to again focus on prevention, and PC Matic delivers this without impacting performance or efficiency. Find out more about by visiting Be sure to ask about PC Matic's exclusive lead sharing program for MSPs backed by a prime time national TV campaign. :-)
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Episode 120 - Riffing on Cybersecurity and the IT Industry
07/13/2021
Episode 120 - Riffing on Cybersecurity and the IT Industry
Episode 120 - Riffing on Cybersecurity and the IT Industry After the Kaseya attack, there really was nothing else to talk about. In a slightly different format, we take the full show to just enjoy a totally unrehearsed discussion of the state of cybersecurity and what it means for the IT industry. Lots of opinions here. Give us your feedback. Share with a friend. Always more good Killing IT Podcasts at Vendor memo: Are you still relying on a frustrating patchwork of legacy solutions? Modernize your cybersecurity and data protection with Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud. It’s a single solution that combines backup, anti-malware, and endpoint protection management. As an MSP, you can easily improve clients’ security posture, eliminate complexity, and generate more recurring revenue. Learn more about Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud at . :-)
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Episode 119 - Neuro Diversity, Robo Cops, and Big Tech
07/06/2021
Episode 119 - Neuro Diversity, Robo Cops, and Big Tech
Topic 1: Neuro Diversity - a different approach to thinking about thinking. We're always looking for people who think differently. But we also put some serious limits on how different we are willing to accept. In this article, TechCrunch looks at the idea of inviting a wider variety of people into the world of cybersecurity hiring. Link: Topic 2: Are robo cops actually doing anything to reduce crime? It doesn't look like it. Maybe Robots AREN’T the answer. Calls to 911 have gone down. But crime hasn't. Is there still some good to tease out of this story? Link: Topic 3: Tech Giant Battles - Lots of updates this week! Case dropped against Facebook over Instagram and What’s App. Somewhat unrelated: “Non-Agression Pact” between Google and Microsoft means they’ll each help the government go after the other. Also somewhat unrelated: Amazon asks FTB Chair to sit this one out. Links: -- -- -- Vendor Memo: Are you still using on-prem file servers and VPNs to share files with remote workers? Egnyte is a business class cloud sharing solution that works more like your on-prem server than other solutions. With a security first approach to file sharing and collaboration, Egnyte offers multiple options for sharing files and collecting files from outside sources. And do it all addressing data governance and compliance. Want to learn more? Check out , and when you do, tell them we sent you. :-)
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Episode 118 - Apple Healthcare; Privacy Agency; Measuring Joy
06/29/2021
Episode 118 - Apple Healthcare; Privacy Agency; Measuring Joy
Topic 1: Apple Healthcare. Are you onboard? Apple is considering direct health care. So, they're testing out a service with their own employees. Of course it all started with data. Now they're connecting devices and data to actual hands-on clinical care. Are you comfortable with this care from an IT company? If so, is Apple the company? Link: - Topic 2: Do we need a Federal Agency for Data Privacy? Proposed legislation would create a data privacy agency for the United States. Good? Bad? Or just ugly? We discuss. Once again, we note that legislation and compliance are the wave of the future. Link: - Topic 3: Can AI Measure Joy? Talkwalker is a company that uses AI to help find information across the Internet using artificial intelligence. Now they've applied their technology to evaluate how much users love specific brands. We list the big results, but also focus on a fun result: Choosing a much-loved brewery. Quote: “The brewery scored more than 15 points in the category defined by artificial intelligence-identified expressions of joy. Average Joy Score for the top 50 most loved brands was 4.” Links: - - -- -- -- Vendor Memo: This podcast is sponsored by the Small Biz Thoughts Technology Community. Check us out at . Forms, templates, and checklists are just the start. Our Community includes ALL of the best-selling books on managed services in all available formats, plus free training, members-only programs, and the best business training available to managed service providers anywhere. Plus, we have weekly live members-only Zoom calls. The average member saves more than 200% of their membership cost each year. We are totally dedicated to YOUR success. Just because you're in business for yourself doesn't mean you have to go it alone. Join us today at . :-)
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