Explain IT – Détails, épisodes et analyse

Workplace AI bots, like Microsoft Copilot, have exploded in use over the last 12 months. They are transforming how businesses operate by automating routine tasks, enhancing decision-making, and allowing employees to focus on more strategic activities.

Back in November 2023, Explain IT discussed how Copilot could potentially revolutionise the workplace. We’re back again to see how it has changed in the last 12 months with our guests Bradley Howe, Copilot Presales professional, and Dave Simmons Senior IT Transformation and Change Manager at Softcat.

Your host for this episode of Softcat’s Explain IT podcast is Helen Gidney, Softcat’s head of Architecture. Join

us as we talk tech in simple jargon free language. Have you got a burning question for the team? Please send an email to

HelenGi@softcat.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cloud computing, first introduced in the 1960s as the "intergalactic computer network," is now essential to our digital existence.

There are so many cloud options available on the market today. Private clouds are essentially dedicated environments that offer greater control and security. They are typically used by businesses to store sensitive data and run critical applications. On the other hand, public clouds are shared environments managed by industry hyperscalers. These providers offer scalable resources but are accessed by multiple users simultaneously. However, which is best?

ln this episode we explore the intricacies of cloud computing with our guests, Mischa Penn, Cloud Sales specialist, and Hadley Grindrod, Enterprise Solutions Architect at Softcat 

Your host for this episode of Softcat’s Explain IT podcast is Helen Gidney, Softcat’s head of Architecture. Join

us as we talk tech in simple jargon free language. Have you got a burning question for the team? Please send an email to

HelenGi@softcat.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this edition of Explain IT we're discussing how to power your SOC. No, we're not talking super powered footwear. SOC stands for Security Operations Centre, and it’s where cyber experts battle threats posed against your data day and night.

We know security is a key part of any business, to protect your best kept secrets, and to keep third parties out of your information. But with a massive lack of Cyber Security skills in the market and the cost of Cybercrime skyrocketing year after year, how do we use technology to bridge the gap and keep our companies safe?

In today’s episode we’ll pull back the curtain with the help of our expert guests Josh Bates, Softcat’s technologist for Microsoft Security; Paul Solomon, Softcat’s Head of Cyber Security Services, and Emma Boughton, Security, Compliance and Identity Specialist at Microsoft. The podcast is hosted by Helen Gidney, Softcat’s Head of Architecture.

Have you got a burning question for the team? Please send us an email to explainit@softcat.com

Make sure you follow the ExplainIT podcast in all the usual places and join us on a fascinating journey through the wonderful world of tech. You can also find out more anytime you like at Softcat.com

This podcast is produced by The Podcast Coach.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

AI has been making headlines for a while now, and this year we’ll see more and more businesses adopting it to improve their performance and efficiency. But how do we ensure that AI is used in a responsible and ethical way? How do we avoid the risks and pitfalls that come with such a powerful technology? And how do we stop AI from getting out of control?

Podcast host Helen Gidney, Softcat’s Head of Architecture, along with a team of experts are here to answer these questions and talk tech in simple jargon free language.

In this episode we get the help of our expert guests Arran Speding, Softcat's AI specialist lead, and Rebecca Gorman, CEO of one of our good friends Aligned AI.

Any questions? Please send us an email to explainit@softcat.com

Make sure you follow the ExplainIT podcast in all the usual places and join us on a fascinating journey through the wonderful world of tech. You can also find out more anytime you like at Softcat.com

This episode was produced by The Podcast Coach.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Part two of our Tech Predictions for 2024! You can hear part one, here.

In the past twelve months, Explain I.T has generated over 20,000 unique downloads and covered an array of topics.

In the present, we have a collective group of Softcat technologists here to share their thoughts on tech. 

And in the future, Explain I.T will have a new presenter; Helen Gidney, Softcat's very own Head of Architecture. 

So, along with Dean Gardner, Softcat's Technology Director, join Helen along with a whole host of tech experts as they look ahead to the key innovations and challenges we might see in 2024. 

As ever, we're here to Explain I.T as we talk tech in simple, jargon free language, all brought to you by Softcat.

Also featuring on this episode are:

Gary Hawkins - Chief Technologist - Data Platforms

Kieron Newsham - Chief Technologist - Cyber Security

Jack Lewis - Chief Technologist - Digital Workspace

Tom Rowley - Chief Technologist - Networking and Connectivity

Richard Lamacraft - Chief Technologist - Microsoft

Adam Harding - Head of OCTO

Ask questions, send us an email to explainit@softcat.com

Make sure you follow the ExplainIT podcast in all the usual places and join us on a fascinating journey through the wonderful world of tech. You can also find out more anytime you like at Softcat.com

This episode was produced by The Podcast Coach.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the past twelve months, Explain I.T has generated over 20,000 unique downloads and covered an array of topics.

In the present, we have a collective group of softcat technologists here to share their thoughts on tech. 

And in the future, Explain I.T will have a new presenter; Helen Gidney, Softcat's very own Head of Architecture. 

So, along with Dean Gardner, Softcat's Technology Director, join Helen along with a whole host of tech experts as they look ahead to the key innovations and challenges we might see in 2024. 

As ever, we're here to Explain I.T as we talk tech in simple, jargon free language, all brought to you by Softcat.

Also featuring on this episode are:

Gary Hawkins - Chief Technologist - Data Platforms

Kieron Newsham - Chief Technologist - Cyber Security

Jack Lewis - Chief Technologist - Digital Workspace

Tom Rowley - Chief Technologist - Networking and Connectivity

Richard Lamacraft - Chief Technologist - Microsoft

Adam Harding - Head of OCTO

Ask questions, send us an email to explainit@softcat.com

Make sure you follow the ExplainIT podcast in all the usual places and join us on a fascinating journey through the wonderful world of tech. You can also find out more anytime you like at Softcat.com

This podcast is produced by The Podcast Coach.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our team of experts are here to talk tech in simple, jargon free language, and today is no exception, although we do come with a twist.

Today we are covering the automotive industry and how it continues to modernise by innovating, designing and building the now and future transportation that positively impacts all of us.

What challenges and pressures face the industry? The level of technology advancements over the years appears to be driving so many global initiatives such as electrification, AI and edge. But why is this the case? 

To provide insights, answer these questions and to ignite the engines, we have a pit crew that is the envy of many. Please welcome Softcat's very own sales leader in the transport and automotive space, Chris Reynolds. Bryan Ross from our partners at VMWare, and an incredibly special guest from our good friends at Jaguar Land Rover, Mike Skaife.

This podcast is hosted by Dean Gardner, Softcat's Technology Director.

Ask questions, send us an email to explainit@softcat.com

Make sure you follow the ExplainIT podcast in all the usual places and join us on a fascinating journey through the wonderful world of tech. You can also find out more anytime you like at Softcat.com

This podcast is produced by The Podcast Coach.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dean Gardner, Softcat's Technology Director, hosts another episode of Explain I.T. Another team of experts are here to talk tech in simple, jargon free language.

Are you open to AI? Yes, we are, but not in the sense of OpenAI who appear to have performed a fire rehire and resign strategy in less than a week. We are open to AI in the sense that it's now part of every conversation.

But to what degree will we use AI? How will it impact our everyday lives? And what are the risks and what are the possibilities to answer those questions? And also open to AI is our very own Arran Speding, Softcat's AI specialist, and two amazing guests from our friends at Nvidia. Jon Jenner and Ross Verrall.

Ask questions, send us an email to explainit@softcat.com

Make sure you follow the ExplainIT podcast in all the usual places and join us on a fascinating journey through the wonderful world of tech. You can also find out more anytime you like at Softcat.com

This podcast is produced by www.thepodcastcoach.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are motoring towards the end of year like an AI powered electric scooter - and yes, they actually do exist thanks to UK tech startup Hilo One.

In a world where AI is now taking charge in every aspect of our daily lives, Microsoft has recently released a Copilot. AI driven, all encompassing, innovation of the ages.

What is it? Why do we need it? What are the risks of implementing this technology? And will it change, evolve and revolutionise our lives? To answer these questions on this episode of Explain IT are Alex Pierce, our very own chief strategist and MVP, Abi Dakin, chief strategist cyber GRC, and Bradley Howe, our leading Microsoft technologist for Workspace.

Dean Gardner, Softcat’s technology director is your Explain IT host. We are here to ‘explain it’ every episode. Our team of experts are here to talk tech in simple jargon free language and today is no exception.

Ask questions, send us an email to explainit@softcat.com

Make sure you follow the ExplainIT podcast in all the usual places and join us on a fascinating journey through the wonderful world of tech. You can also find out more anytime you like at Softcat.com

This podcast is produced by www.thepodcastcoach.co.uk

This episode has been produced by The Podcast Coach.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello and welcome back to Softcats Explain It Podcast series. This is episode seven of season six, and we are here after a small break in the schedule. And we are back with a corker. My name is Dean Gardner, softcats technology director, and I'm still the host after a busy few months of AI.

Today, we are heading into the quantum realm. Is quantum a reality? How fast will it move? And what are the motivations for moving to quantum computing? And actually, what are the possibilities, as they appear to be potentially endless? So, to help me become enlightened, I'm joined by Softcat's very own Jon Snow, Gareth Price, Softcat's Head of Corporate sales of the North, and Adam Hammond, our quantum expert from our very good friends at IBM.

Ask questions, send us an email to explainit@softcat.com

Make sure you follow the ExplainIT podcast in all the usual places and join us on a fascinating journey through the wonderful world of tech. You can also find out more anytime you like at Softcat.com

This podcast is produced by www.thepodcastcoach.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.