No matter the size of your IT company, there are four staples you need in order to offer your customers real, unparalleled value. In this episode of B2B Tech Talk, live from Ingram Micro’s ONE event, guest host James Carbary of Sweet Fish Media speaks with the CEO and founder of Information Technology Professionals (ITP), Paul Hager. The two discuss:  4 boxes today’s IT businesses need to check Offering IT customers more value The benefits of being part of Ingram Micro’s SMB Alliance  Follow us on Twitter @IngramTechSol #B2BTechTalk Sponsored by Cisco and Ingram Micro Financial Solutions Listen to this episode and more like it by subscribing to B2B Tech Talk on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Stitcher. Or, tune in on our website.

How often is it necessary to refresh a network? Every three years? Every five years? Try every time your organization has a significant need or security value to do so. That’s what senior director of business sales at D-Link, Matt Vaillancourt, advises. In this episode of B2B Tech Talk, Matt shares advice on:  Dealing with network updates and the budget limitations that tend to coincide How to build a network compatible with advancing technology Network tools to implement in 2020  Check out 5 digital hygiene protocols to implement now with Matt Vaillancourt. Follow us on Twitter @IngramTechSol #B2BTechTalk Sponsored by D-Link and Ingram Micro Financial Solutions Listen to this episode and more like it by subscribing to B2B Tech Talk on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also listen on our website.

Transitions are hard—but if you have a steadfast partner by your side, change doesn’t seem so difficult. That’s how Cisco and Ingram Micro see each other during this pivotal season in Cisco’s history. In this episode of B2B Tech Talk, guest host Logan Lyles of Sweet Fish Media catches up with: Pat Dempsey, distribution services and software manager at Cisco, Nicole Dziedzic, senior vendor business manager for Cisco at Ingram Micro, and Ryan Kingston, manager of U.S. and Canada distribution at Cisco. Live from the 2019 Ingram Micro ONE event, they discuss: ● Cisco’s pivot to becoming primarily a software company ● How Cisco and Ingram Micro are helping each other through the transition ● How Cisco is investing more in partner success than ever before 

Important updates are coming to the Meraki licensing processes for Ingram Micro partners. These updates will give partners more versatility while adding on another layer of security. Here to discuss the changes is Clay Carpenter, Solution Sales Executive for Ingram Micro. Clay speaks with guest host Logan Lyles of Sweet Fish Media about what partners can expect from these licensing updates. Live from Ingram Micro’s ONE event, the two talk about:  How the new per-device licensing option differs from the traditional process The new advanced tier for access points Meraki’s continuous innovation and creativity  Follow us on Twitter @IngramTechSol #B2BTechTalk Sponsored by Cisco and Ingram Micro Financial Solutions Listen to this episode and more like it by subscribing to B2B Tech Talk on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Stitcher. Or, tune in on our website.  

When you’re considering investing big bucks into new tech solutions, it’d be nice to see and hear how they work together first, right? That’s exactly what Cisco’s Customer Experience Centers provide: the complete, hands-on experience of your architecture transforming your business. In this episode of B2B Tech Talk live from Ingram Micro’s ONE event, guest host Logan Lyles of Sweet Fish Media meets up with Jeff Barnhart (systems engineer at Cisco) and Matt White (consulting systems engineer at Cisco Meraki).  They go over:  How Cisco Customer Experience Centers benefit Ingram Micro partners Everything you can see at the Customer Experience Centers How Customer Experience Centers are transforming businesses  Resources mentioned in this episode:   Cisco Customer Experience Centers  Cisco virtual learning  Cisco Meraki Voyage Follow us on Twitter @IngramTechSol #B2BTechTalk Sponsored by Cisco and Ingram Micro Financial Solutions Listen to this episode and more like it by subscribing to B2B Tech Talk on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Stitcher. You can also listen on our website.

To most CEOs, running a business at optimal profitability sounds a little far-fetched. However, to achieve optimal profitability means your business will be prepared for sale whenever the opportunity presents itself. And someday, your business will eventually be sold. In this episode of B2B Tech Talk, guest host James Carbary of Sweet Fish Media sits down with a business advisor to CEOs and partner at A&G Advisory Services, Scott Goemmel. Live from Ingram Micro’s ONE event, the two discuss:  Annuity and business valuation How A&G helps businesses run at optimal profitability How to build a plan to reach optimal profitability  Follow us on Twitter @IngramTechSol #B2BTechTalk Sponsored by Cisco and Ingram Micro Financial Solutions Listen to this episode and more like it by subscribing to B2B Tech Talk on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Stitcher. You can also listen on our website.

Geico insurance without the gecko. Nike without the swoosh. Apple without the… apple. Where would these companies be without their branding? That’s precisely why Ingram Micro offers the services of Agency Ingram Micro to their partners. Branding is the bridge between the consumer and the product. In this episode of B2B Tech Talk, guest host Logan Lyles of Sweet Fish Media talks with Agency Ingram Micro’s senior marketing account manager, Lauren Jenkins, and senior creative director, Josh Lieber. The 3 discuss:  The importance of branding in tech and differentiating yourself The services Agency Ingram Micro provides for partners How Agency Ingram Micro can act as an extension of your marketing team  Follow us on Twitter @IngramTechSol #B2BTechTalk Sponsored by Cisco and Ingram Micro Financial Solutions Listen to this episode and more like it by subscribing to B2B Tech Talk on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Stitcher. Or, tune in on our website.

Today, every company is experiencing some kind of digital transformation. Businesses that want to maintain relevancy are integrating tech into their business models to increase efficiency and improve customer experience. Wouldn’t it be nice if digital transformation made things at your company simpler, too? On this episode of B2B Tech Talk live from Ingram Micro’s ONE event, guest host Logan Lyles (Sweet Fish Media) meets up with Peter Graber, executive director of advanced solutions at Cisco at Ingram Micro, and Craig Cieplinski, the director of partner operations at Cisco. They discuss:  Why embracing digital transformation is essential to your business How to use automation to simplify digital transformation Why customer success should be the driving force of digital transformation  Follow us on Twitter @IngramTechSol #B2BTechTalk Sponsored by Cisco and Ingram Micro Financial Solutions Listen to this episode and more like it by subscribing to B2B Tech Talk on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Stitcher. You can listen on our website.

Most IT providers can admit that sales and marketing aren’t always our forte. If we ever had the choice, we’d choose to discuss features over budget every time. Alas, the sales and marketing bits are what make businesses grow. They are simply unavoidable. That’s why it’s so helpful when a professional like Erick Simpson joins us on B2B Tech Talk. In this episode, guest host Logan Lyles of Sweet Fish Media catches up with Erick – the creator of the MSP Mastered™ methodology – at Ingram Micro’s ONE event. The two discuss:  How to bring up budget with a potential buyer The power in offering three options The three different types of tech buyers  Follow us on Twitter @IngramTechSol #B2BTechTalk Sponsored by Cisco and Ingram Micro Financial Solutions Listen to this episode and more like it by subscribing to B2B Tech Talk on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Stitcher. Or, tune in on our website.

Did you know Ingram Micro team members and customers have numerous opportunities to increase profitability with the help of Cisco? The dynamic partnership between Cisco and Ingram Micro has generated multiple partner profitability programs. In the latest episode of B2B Tech Talk, guest host Logan Lyles of Sweet Fish Media meets up with Cisco’s manager of partner operations for Ingram Micro, Michelle McCrea. Michelle fills us in on many of the incredible options Cisco offers partners and end users. Follow us on Twitter @IngramTechSol #B2BTechTalk Sponsored by Cisco. Listen to this episode and more like it by subscribing to B2B Tech Talk on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Stitcher. You can also listen on our website.

Historically, the B2B IT industry has been a little behind the times in terms of networking and brand marketing. Industry events — like Ingram Micro’s ONE event — have provided great networking opportunities for IT professionals. Even so, there are myriad chances outside of conferences to connect with peers and prospects. In this episode of B2B Tech Talk, guest host James Carbary (founder and CEO of Sweet Fish Media) catches up with Jason Carriere, the IT channel sales leader at LinkedIn. From the Ingram Micro ONE event, the two discuss how IT pros can leverage the power of LinkedIn’s platform to build awareness and convert leads. Follow us on Twitter @IngramTechSol #B2BTechTalk Sponsored by Cisco. Listen to this episode and more like it by subscribing to B2B Tech Talk on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Stitcher. Or, tune in on our website.

Even in its humble beginnings, Juniper Networks was revolutionizing the internet. Now, it’s doing more than ever to “connect everything, empower everyone.” In this episode of B2B Tech Talk with Ingram Micro, Juniper’s SE Manager, Brian Boche, shares with us how the team at Juniper and Mist is leveraging AI for the enterprise level. Hear more about:  Using AI to easily troubleshoot complex networks The types of industries Juniper supports Using SD-WAN to minimize your infrastructure footprint  Learn more at juniper.net. Connect with Brian Boche on LinkedIn. Follow us on Twitter @IngramTechSol #B2BTechTalk Sponsored by D-Link. Listen to this episode and more like it by subscribing to B2B Tech Talk on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Stitcher. You can also listen on our website.

What would it take to level up your company? Think bigger than just new office chairs or a ping pong table. Think about an update that would not only make life easier for your team but for your customers too.  In the latest episode of B2B Tech Talk, guest host Logan Lyles of Sweet Fish Media attends Ingram Micro’s ONE event to meet up with: Mike Brooks, Sales Business Development Manager - Collaboration at Cisco Nicole Dziedzic, Senior Vendor Business Manager (Cisco) at Ingram Micro Bryan Buckner, Business Development Manager - Distribution at Cisco The group discusses how new solutions from Cisco can help your business and your customers’ businesses level up. Resources mentioned:   Cisco Collaboration Flex Plan  Cisco Lifecycle Advantage  Ingram Micro Business Transformation Center Follow us on Twitter @IngramTechSol #B2BTechTalk Listen to this episode and more like it by subscribing to B2B Tech Talk on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Stitcher. Or, tune in on our website.

What would it take to level up your company? Think bigger than just new office chairs or a ping pong table. Think about an update that would not only make life easier for your team but for your customers too.  In the latest episode of B2B Tech Talk, guest host Logan Lyles of Sweet Fish Media attends Ingram Micro’s ONE event to meet up with: Nicole Dziedzic, Senior Vendor Business Manager (Cisco) at Ingram Micro Bryan Buckner, Business Development Manager - Distribution at Cisco The group discusses how new solutions from Cisco can help your business and your customers’ businesses level up. Resources mentioned:   Cisco Lifecycle Advantage  Ingram Micro Business Transformation Center Follow us on Twitter @IngramTechSol #B2BTechTalk Listen to this episode and more like it by subscribing to B2B Tech Talk on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Stitcher. Or, tune in on our website.

Over 500 million new apps will be created in the next 30 years. More businesses are developing apps than ever before to keep up with evolving trends in customer experience. Many of these software applications will be stored in the cloud. How will businesses keep their information secure? In this episode of B2B Tech Talk, Kyle Green, Director of Hybrid Cloud & Hyperconverged Solutions at VMware, shares with us how his team is working to deliver security and agility over multiple components. He discusses  The challenges with traditional IT infrastructure How to adopt a hybrid cloud solution while keeping information secure Best practices for maintaining security in the cloud Operating in a multi-cloud environment  Connect with Kyle Green on LinkedIn. Follow us on Twitter @IngramTechSol #B2BTechTalk Listen to this episode and more like it by subscribing to B2B Tech Talk on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Stitcher. Or, tune in on our website

On the latest episode of B2B Tech Talk with Ingram Micro, we discuss several reasons why Cisco has renewed its focus on the SMB segment. Dan Stewart (Business Transformation Engineer at Cisco), Kevin Wills (Senior Solutions Sales Specialist for Cisco Meraki at Ingram Micro), and Amy Hodge (Sales Business Development Manager at Cisco) fill us in on why Cisco is making this calculated move. Follow us on Twitter @IngramTechSol #B2BTechTalk Sponsored by Cisco Listen to this episode and more like it by subscribing to B2B Tech Talk on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Stitcher. Or, tune in on our website.

Halloween may be over, but spooky enterprise security threats are a year-round concern. That’s why we’re bringing you more scary security stories from Cris Paffrath and Bill Vogtsberger. Cris, Ingram Micro’s Director of Safety & Security, and Bill, our Senior Manager of Corporate Security, both have had their fair share of scary security instances. In Part 2 of this two-part series of B2B Tech Talk, Bill and Cris share more scary security stories they’ve experienced while at Ingram Micro. Follow us on Twitter @IngramTechSol #B2BTechTalk Sponsored by Ingram Micro ONE and D-Link  Listen to this episode and more like it by subscribing to B2B Tech Talk on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also listen by visiting our website.  

Con men, identity theft, social engineering attacks, trespassers repelling down through the ceiling. Sounds like your typical Bond flick, right? Unfortunately, these scenarios can also occur in real life. Ingram Micro’s Director of Safety & Security and Senior Manager of Corporate Security, Cris Paffrath and Bill Vogtsberger, have had their fair share of scary security instances. In Part 1 of this two-part series of B2B Tech Talk, Bill and Cris share three scary security stories that they’ve encountered while at Ingram Micro. Follow us on Twitter @IngramTechSol #B2BTechTalk Sponsored by Ingram Micro ONE Listen to this episode and more like it by subscribing to B2B Tech Talk on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Stitcher. Or, tune in on our website.

How to Prepare Your Organization’s Security Strategy for 2020 It doesn’t matter how large or small your organization is. It doesn’t matter what title you hold at work. It doesn’t matter what industry you’re in. Cybersecurity affects everyone. On the latest episode of B2B Tech Talk with Ingram Micro, Security Technology Consultant Curt Vurpillat shares his expert advice on preparing your organization’s security strategy for 2020. We discuss: Identifying cyber threats  The best security solutions for Ingram Micro vendors Adhering to changing regulations Maintaining good cybersecurity posture  Resources mentioned:   Security Practice Builder  Follow us on Twitter @IngramTechSol #B2BTechTalk Sponsored by Ingram Micro ONE Listen to this episode and more like it by subscribing to B2B Tech Talk on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Stitcher. You can also listen to episodes on our website.

Having industry-leading cybersecurity is a must for many industries; especially for industries that are the most at risk for cyberattacks. To help us better understand cyberattacks and the best technology to defend against them are three security experts from Cisco:  Pat Kearney, Distribution Account Manager Eric Berkman, Cloud Security Sales Jeff Barnhart, Systems Engineer We cover:  Using AI to predict cyber threats Eliminating operational downtime for security updates The benefits of transitioning security controls to the cloud  Resources mentioned:  Cisco Umbrella  Cisco Multi-Org Umbrella Listen to this episode and more like it by subscribing to B2B Tech Talk on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Stitcher. Or, tune in on our website.

Life in the cloud can be a little crowded. Learn how to choose the best MSP for you on B2B Tech Talk. There’s no doubt that cloud solutions are evolving rapidly. The MSP market alone is estimated to reach $282 billion by 2023. Matt Vaillancourt, Senior Director of Business Sales at D-Link, offers tips on choosing the right MSP as well as standing out in the crowded MSP market. He also goes over:  How to know when to transition to an MSP Looking for new trends in MSPs Different cloud solutions  Resources mentioned:   Digital hygiene protocols w/ Matt Vaillancourt Nuclias Platform by D-Link  Listen to this episode and more like it by subscribing to B2B Tech Talk on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also listen to episodes on our website.

Discover the security your business can achieve with an MSSP and SOC on B2B Tech Talk. The MSSP (Managed Security Service Providers) market is predicted to hit $31.9 billion by the end of 2019. With such substantial market growth, it can be challenging to determine when to upgrade your cybersecurity plan.  In this week’s podcast, Stephan Tallent, the Senior Director of MSSP & Service Enablement at Fortinet, shares that the sooner a company can implement an MSSP strategy, the more dollars it’ll save. He also covers:  The dramatically changing cybercrime environment Security operation centers The veterans program at Fortinet  For more information, contact:[email protected] [email protected] Listen to this episode and more like it by subscribing to B2B Tech Talk on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. Or you can listen on our website.

With robocalls, phishing emails and Slack attacks, the likelihood you will encounter a fraudulent attack is nearly 100%. Whether you fall victim to that attack is a different story. Ingram Micro’s Director of Safety & Security in the US, Cris Paffrath, and Senior Manager of Corporate Security, Bill Vogtsberger, fill us in on how to limit the risk of fraudulent attacks.They cover everything from business email compromise to scams happening over instant messenger apps. 

Organizing enterprise networking can be stressful. Learn how to control all access points. Dan Stewart, Senior Business Transformation Engineer for Cisco Solutions at Ingram Micro, gives us the lowdown on organizing an effective and comprehensive digital environment using Cisco Digital Network Architecture (DNA).  Resources covered:   Cisco Enterprise Networks  Cisco Enterprise Security  Cisco WiFi 6  Cisco Software Defined Access (SDA)  Ingram Micro Business Transformation Center  Cisco Partner Showcase  Listen to this episode and more like it by subscribing to B2B Tech Talk on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Stitcher. Or, tune in on our website.

As technology continues to advance, the world is able to progress forward. Unfortunately, not all agents use the development of technology for good. Anthony Giandomenico, Senior Security Strategist/Researcher for Fortinet, fills us in on the precautions organizations should be taking to remain secure in a volatile environment. He covers:  The current landscape of malware. Ransomware’s progress. Cybercrime trends. The future of B2B technology and security.  Access the Q2 2019 Threat Landscape Report here. Follow Anthony Giandomenico on LinkedIn. 

No matter how much the tech world evolves, as humans, we will always need relationships. Even as an IT service provider, Ingram Micro recognizes the value of face-to-face interaction. Talking to someone over email or even video conference does not have the same magnitude as in-person. That’s why Ingram Micro established the ONE Event. Ingram Micro’s Director of Event Marketing & Partner Communities, Holly Niedzielski, sits down with us to answer all our questions about this one-of-a-kind conference. In this episode, we cover the value of relationships in business, the power of live working solutions, and more. Follow Holly Niedzielski on LinkedIn. More information about Ingram Micro ONE here  

One definition of a visionary leader is someone who has...  “... a compelling vision for their business. They can see beyond the ambiguity and challenges of today to an empowering picture of tomorrow.” Visionary leadership is a concept Steve Meek, founder and CEO of the Fulcrum Group, puts a great amount of value into.  Steve sits down with us to discuss how he implements visionary leadership and what that means for small businesses and the future of technology. In this episode, we cover security threats, IT industry trends, and more. Follow Steve Meek on LinkedIn.

The Internet of Things is moving fast.  There’s no denying the impact IoT will eventually have on all industries. Nonetheless, it can be difficult to see how IoT can benefit some businesses today. That’s why we asked an expert to fill us in. Eric Hembree, Director of IoT at Ingram Micro, sits down to discuss the practical impact IoT monitoring can have on businesses like yours. In this episode, we cover new sensor technology, our end-user-first approach, and more. Follow Eric Hembree on LinkedIn. More information about Ingram Micro IoT here 

We all can see that technology is constantly changing. Hardware and software alike are continually morphing to better serve enterprises and the individual. It only makes sense that pricing models adjust to this ever-evolving environment. Paul Sibick, Channel Account Specialist at Ingram Micro for Cisco Security, and Jan Engelbrecht, Director of Strategy and Planning at the Offer Monetization Office for Cisco, sit down to answer all our questions on managed service license agreements (MSLA). Follow Paul Sibick and Jan Engelbrecht on LinkedIn. Follow us on Twitter @IngramTechSol #B2BTechTalk

Technical difficulties are a presenter’s worst nightmare. With how far technology has come, shouldn’t there be an easier, more effective way to present information? We address this debacle with Kurt DeYoung, VP of Channel Sales at Barco. He offers a solution to two major obstacles we’re facing in the modern workplace:  The generational disconnect when it comes to virtual collaboration. Meetings are taking up the majority of our days. We need the tech to operate smoothly.  In this episode, we cover wireless presentation systems, team collaboration, and more. Follow Kurt on LinkedIn - Kurt DeYoung. 

There are endless combinations of tech your organization could be using. An application for this. Another for that. While choosing the best software for your business is important, have you considered the type of storage and security you’ll be implementing? These factors can also have countless combinations. It all depends on what works best for your organization. We had the chance to discuss hybrid storage solutions and security in more depth with Chief Technologist for Enterprises at Ingram Micro, Karl Connolly. In this episode, he gives us the lowdown on hybrid solutions and the enterprises they’re right for. Follow Karl Connolly on LinkedIn.