Labor and economic issues have recently led to some contraction in the warehouse market. Still, Zebra’s 2023 Warehousing Vision Study indicates optimism and growth for the future, led by the growing adoption of automation technology. This week, Zebra’s Andre Luecht and Hy-Tek Intralogistics John Klare, Jr. explain what they see and hear from warehouse leaders and affirm the study’s findings. How are decision-makers implementing sensor-based technology? What’s frustrating (and helping) them with order accuracy and SLA demands? How is automation helping attract and retain warehouse labor? Don’t hit snooze on this episode!   #VARValue - Where should VARs focus their efforts now to move warehouse customers toward more automation, and how should they plan for the future?   TEConnecting with us: John K. - Robotics Andre - Spatial computing Dean - LTA Research's Pathfinder 1 airship John M. - It's okay to hit snooze!   Talk to us! X/Twitter - @TEConnectPod Email - [email protected] Submit your topic ideas - https://www.bluestarinc.com/us-en/landing-pages/podcast-topics.html Follow BlueStar on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star/ Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe    Sponsored by: Zebra - BlueStar Nation Reverse Logistics Survey Elo Outdoor Open Frame

As holiday shopping ramps up, we spoke with Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions’ Fredrik Carlegren, who helped us break down an excellent white paper that lays out three obstacles facing retailers to improve the customer experience through technology. What does Fredrik think got us where we are today? How do we close the gap between intention and implementation? How do brick-and-mortar stores bring digital experiences in-house and turn a profit? What should VARs & ISVs do to help their retail customers keep up? It’s the episode that’s determined to get the hottest toy of the season before anyone else!   #VARValue - Tell us a little about how Toshiba embraces innovation and focuses on customer experience.    Webinar Recording - Get to Know Toshiba Point of Sale   TEConnecting with us: Fredrik - Corporate vs. store expectations and AI innovations Dean - "Poison pixels" to protect artwork from AI John - Nerfball   Talk to us! X/Twitter - @TEConnectPod Email - [email protected] Submit your topic ideas - https://www.bluestarinc.com/us-en/landing-pages/podcast-topics.html Follow BlueStar on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star/ Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe    Sponsored by: Toshiba TCx®️ 810 POS Elo Z-Stands Zebra POS/Payments Panel Discussion

Operating systems are necessarily more complex than ever. Still, they must also be simple to use, reliable, and secure, especially the OS that runs digital signage and kiosks for retail or hospitality businesses. This week, Google’s Brandy Au and HP’s David Gosman join the show to explain the OS progression, trends, and current needs. How are market forces and modern hardware changing operating systems? How does ChromeOS benefit signage and kiosk deployments? When should you recommend Android or ChromeOS? It’s the episode that’s not done telling scary stories about the blue screen of death.   #VARValue - Tell us more about the HP & Google partnership. How do you help VARs find opportunities and sell new solutions?   Webinar - Modernize Retail w/HP Engage & Google ChromeOS   TEConnecting with us: David - AI/machine learning for retail Brandy - Riding in a self-driving vehicle Dean - What Americans fear the most John - The end of Netflix DVD-by-mail service (Farewell video)   Talk to us! X/Twitter - @TEConnectPod Email - [email protected] Submit your topic ideas - https://www.bluestarinc.com/us-en/landing-pages/podcast-topics.html Follow BlueStar on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star/ Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe    Sponsored by: Zebra TC22/27 Mobile Computers Elo Wallaby Pro

Retailers are never going to stop being interested in improving the customer experience. We have more to discuss in upcoming episodes, but we thought we should revisit this episode with CDW's Andy Szanger.   * * *   (Originally released Aug. 3, 2023) Consumers are returning to brick-and-mortar stores, but after years of convenience and digital shopping, expectations for seamless, fast, and maybe even fun visits are higher than ever. This week, CDW’s Andy Szanger joins the pod to discuss how retail tech can improve customer journeys and create an “experience” that keeps them coming back. How much do consumers value their time? Why is improving employee experience just as necessary as customers'? Are experiential solutions just for Tier 1 retailers?   #VARValue - What new retail tech, innovations, or trends should VARs be learning more about that are likely to become part of their tech stack in the future?   Referenced Articles: Forbes - "How Tech is Making the Retail Industry More Efficient and Improving the Customer Experience" Lightspeed - "What is Experiential Retail?" Lowe's "Project Unlock" - Video   TEConnecting with us: Andy - Web3 Dean - Netflix Adds New Subscribers John - Apple Fixes "Ducking" Problem   Talk to us! X/Twitter - @TEConnectPod Email - [email protected] Submit your topic ideas - https://www.bluestarinc.com/us-en/lan... Follow BlueStar on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue... Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subsc...

Outsourcing some aspects of a business can be beneficial, but when it comes to color label printing, especially for highly regulated and rapidly changing industries, it’s best to do it yourself. This week, Epson’s Andy Scherz & Mark Middendorf, passionate advocates for color labeling, join the show to explain and help you make the case to end-users. When does it make sense financially to print in-house? How does it help with regulatory compliance? How much waste is incurred with third-party printing? It’s the episode that’s smaller and more capable than you think!   #VARValue - Epson has been very proactive with color label printing. Tell us how you help VARs address the issues we’ve discussed.   TEConnecting with us: Mark & Andy - Cloud printing & device access Dean - ISS falling apart John - Crabs saving coral reefs   Talk to us! X/Twitter - @TEConnectPod Email - [email protected] Submit your topic ideas - https://www.bluestarinc.com/us-en/landing-pages/podcast-topics.html Follow BlueStar on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star/ Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe    Sponsored by: Epson ColorWorks CW-C400 Zebra ET60/65 Tablets Elo 70 Series Touch Monitors

Looking for more interesting articles, surveys, and topics to share with colleagues and clients? Dean & John are riffing on six more water cooler subjects for your listening pleasure. It’s the episode that shoehorns some creepiness in time for Friday the 13th!   Topics Discussed: The most famous streets in the US Americans' attitudes toward retirement What powered the world in 2022? Best countries for adventure Oldest & youngest states Fun facts about Google at 25   TEConnecting with us: Dean - Coke Y3000 AI flavor John - Earthquake lights   Talk to us! X/Twitter - @TEConnectPod Email - [email protected] Submit your topic ideas - https://www.bluestarinc.com/us-en/landing-pages/podcast-topics.html Follow BlueStar on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star/ Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe    Sponsored by: Elo Outdoor Open Frame Zebra RS6100 Ring Scanner

BlueStar’s VARTECH is consistently the #1 reseller channel show, and this year’s global event in San Antonio, TX, broke attendance records. We’re recapping the highlights and key moments for those who couldn’t go. What was the theme, and how did it fit with keynote speaker/musician Jimmy Yeary? What did we see on the CodeZone tradeshow floor? Which ISVs shined during TEConnect Live? What were the evening events like? It’s the episode that wouldn’t last three seconds on an angry bull.   #VARValue - For VARs that didn’t attend, what did you learn that anyone can use?    Check Out the VARTECH 2023 Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLhOzZ0CZ_E9S1PbHGYswU7jTB0gKy-Gt&si=QNPeXUjowncVwKx1   TEConnecting with us: Dean - Alien bodies? and wine flood John - Hollywood strikes   Talk to us! X/Twitter - @TEConnectPod Email - [email protected] Submit your topic ideas - https://www.bluestarinc.com/us-en/landing-pages/podcast-topics.html Follow BlueStar on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star/ Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe    Sponsored by: Elo Z Stands Zebra TC73/78 Mobile Computers

By now, most of us have dabbled with ChatGPT or another generative AI, but what can it do to help improve our daily work and businesses? James Korte joins the guys for an episode recorded live at VARTECH 2023 with an audience that had plenty of thoughts. We recap the marketing uses, James updates us on what the image generators can do, and we look at a list of other ways you can deploy this technology. Finally, we compare and contrast ChatGPT, Bard, Bing Chat, LlaMA, and Claude.   Slides shown during the presentation: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1HSGKZW2Zi-RxjaCzq_2bsObZUP6JsF9M/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=100394876516957773492&rtpof=true&sd=true   TEConnecting with us: Dean - Star Wars X-Wing model up for auction   Talk to us! X/Twitter - @TEConnectPod Email - [email protected] Submit your topic ideas - https://www.bluestarinc.com/us-en/landing-pages/podcast-topics.html Follow BlueStar on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star/ Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe    Sponsored by: Zebra Refresh the Base Elo M50

A “legacy” POS can be a reseller’s bane as they strive to introduce upgraded technology and modernization to retail and hospitality. CBS’ Jeremy Julian (host of The Restaurant Technology Guys Podcast) is back on the show to explain his three-step approach to encouraging POS replacement. How does he define a legacy POS, and why are businesses hesitant to update? What should end users consider, why is connectivity important, and what does the ideal VAR/ISV look like when an opportunity comes along? It’s the episode that owes Jim Roddy a few drinks!   #VARValue - Software often gets the most attention when discussing new POS, but why is evaluating the latest hardware just as crucial when upgrading?    TEConnecting with us: Jeremy - ChatGPT Dean - Flying taxis John - EVs and auto insurance   Talk to us! X/Twitter - @TEConnectPod Email - [email protected] Submit your topic ideas - https://www.bluestarinc.com/us-en/landing-pages/podcast-topics.html Follow BlueStar on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star/ Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe    Sponsored by: Zebra Legacy Printer Refresh Elo M50 Mobile Computer

As the crew recovers from VARTECH ‘23, here’s another round of interesting lists, stories, and water cooler topics to ponder. The US's top-ranked podcast subjects Best beer cities in America Americans' relationship with alcohol Which jobs will shrink the most in the next decade IBM quantum computer reaches key milestone Ranking brand reputations TEConnecting with us: Dean - Cruise cuts its robotaxi fleet and Brady Bunch home for sale John - TEC Beef - school technology   Talk to us! X/Twitter - @TEConnectPod Email - [email protected] Submit your topic ideas - https://www.bluestarinc.com/us-en/landing-pages/podcast-topics.html Follow BlueStar on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star/ Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe    Sponsored by: Elo Linux Devices Zebra Healthcare Device eBook

The term “emerging technologies” can come with a lot of baggage for VARs who may not be interested in taking on the risk of unproven solutions but could also miss out on the benefits of embracing the next trend as it takes off. Intel’s Justin Christiansen joins the pod this week to help us take a practical approach to those concerns. What stories does Justin tell to explain the transformative experiences of emerging tech? How does Intel help the reseller channel drive success? What advice does he have to prepare end users for the coming AI wave?   #VARValue - What should we expect from Intel at VARTECH and beyond for those not attending?   References: McKinsey - The State of AI in 2023 TEConnect Podcast Intel Playlist BlueStar Nation - Are End User Orgs Embracing AI? (Survey)   TEConnecting with us: Justin - Generative AI assisting with metadata Dean - AI recipe generator gone wrong John - Food packaging that detects contamination   Talk to us! X/Twitter - @TEConnectPod Email - [email protected] Submit your topic ideas - https://www.bluestarinc.com/us-en/landing-pages/podcast-topics.html Follow BlueStar on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star/ Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe    Sponsored by: Elo Wallaby Pro Zebra Warehouse Visibility Study

We have another panel of amazing guests with a live audience watching and asking questions.  This time, we’re talking POS & payment trends and other topics important to retail & hospitality. Our guests? Zebra’s Director of Product Management (POS/Payments) Andrew Kim, CDW Director of Strategic Industries Andy Szanger, and Retail Management Hero CEO Jeff Riley. Is the shift happening toward mobile & tabPOS, especially in SMB? How will PCI 4.0 implementation impact payment solutions? How does the move from Windows to cloud-based software affect VAR/ISV relationships? What other opportunities exist when a business takes POS upgrades off the table?   #VARValue - (Questions from the audience) What are the cybersecurity risks of using an all-in-one mobile device for POS, payments, inventory management, etc.? What's changed the most about POS in the last five years? What other payment trends are you following?   Request Your Zebra Refresh the Base Report!   TEConnecting with us: Jeff - ChatGPT Andrew - RFID for retail shopping Andy - NYC bans TikTok on city-owned devices   Talk to us! X/Twitter - @TEConnectPod Email - [email protected] Submit your topic ideas - https://www.bluestarinc.com/us-en/landing-pages/podcast-topics.html Follow BlueStar on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star/ Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe    Sponsored by: Zebra Sales Trifecta Elo Z-Stands

An epic AI trilogy deserves an epic conclusion, so this week, we welcomed LG’s Mike Stachura & Aaron Addison into the studio for various topics and a lot of laughter. First, we discuss some predictions for generative AI’s impact on business. Next, we dig into the importance of addressing employee experience by featuring the story of Fordlandia. Finally, what does Constantinople have to do with cybersecurity? It’s the episode that knows how to be professional and charming at the same time.   #VARValue - How is LG addressing the topics we’ve discussed today, and how are you helping VARs tackle these timely solution needs with their customers?   Check out LG's All-in-One Thin Client   TEConnecting with us: Mike - Aliens Aaron - Electric toothbrushes Dean - Acoustic hacking John - Self-repossessing cars   Talk to us! X/Twitter - @TEConnectPod Email - [email protected] Submit your topic ideas - https://www.bluestarinc.com/us-en/landing-pages/podcast-topics.html Follow BlueStar on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star/ Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe    Sponsored by: Elo Large Format Zebra Sell & Win Club

Part two of our AI trilogy focuses on the specific benefits and use cases for retail, and we turned to the globe-trotting Tony Boncore from Honeywell for his expertise. How has AI already been part of retail? What are retailers’ current expectations and barriers to adoption? How does AI impact checkout and inventory management? What is Tony watching for in the next 5-10 years?   #VARValue - For VARs interested in developing partnerships to go to market with AI solutions, where do you recommend they start, and how should they vet potential partners?   Honeywell Report: Navigating the AI Revolution   TEConnecting with us: Tony - AI capabilities, including recipe testing Dean - Wearable sweat sensor John - How do we know it's really ET calling?   Talk to us! X/Twitter - @TEConnectPod Email - [email protected] Submit your topic ideas - https://www.bluestarinc.com/us-en/landing-pages/podcast-topics.html Follow BlueStar on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star/ Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe    Sponsored by: Honeywell CT30XP Elo M50 Mobile Computer Zebra Future-Proofing Retailers eBook

This week begins a trilogy of episodes with artificial intelligence at the center of the conversation. To kick things off, meldCX’s VP of Business Development, Raffi Vartian, is here to give his experienced perspective. How does an AI expert view the explosion of interest in recent months? What are “visual analytics,” and how does it fit into what resellers are currently doing? How does AI take digital signage to the next level? What’s the use case for education?   #VARValue - Are these AI solutions viable when you get below the Tier 1 retailers or hospitality venues?    Referenced Articles/Sources Innovative Digital Signage Campaigns Using AI in Schools   TEConnecting with us: Raffi - Next-gen communication networks (like Starlink) Dean - Electrified cement John - JWST stellar nursery image   Talk to us! X/Twitter - @TEConnectPod Email - [email protected] Submit your topic ideas - https://www.bluestarinc.com/us-en/landing-pages/podcast-topics.html Follow BlueStar on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star/ Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe    Sponsored by: Zebra Refresh the Base Elo Linux Devices

Consumers are returning to brick-and-mortar stores, but after years of convenience and digital shopping, expectations for seamless, fast, and maybe even fun visits are higher than ever. This week, CDW’s Andy Szanger joins the pod to discuss how retail tech can improve customer journeys and create an “experience” that keeps them coming back. How much do consumers value their time? Why is improving employee experience just as important as customers? Are experiential solutions just for Tier 1 retailers?   #VARValue - What new retail tech, innovations, or trends should VARs be learning more about that is likely to become part of their tech stack in the future?   Referenced Articles: Forbes - "How Tech is Making the Retail Industry More Efficient and Improving the Customer Experience" Lightspeed - "What is Experiential Retail?" Lowe's "Project Unlock" - Video   TEConnecting with us: Andy - Web3 Dean - Netflix Adds New Subscribers John - Apple Fixes "Ducking" Problem   Talk to us! Twitter - @TEConnectPod Email - [email protected] Submit your topic ideas - https://www.bluestarinc.com/us-en/landing-pages/podcast-topics.html Follow BlueStar on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star/ Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe    Sponsored by: Elo Z-Stands Zebra Retail Fulfillment eBook Toshiba TCX810

The AI conversation has not slowed since we recorded this episode in the spring, so it was a good time to revisit our conversation with Barcoding's Jody Costa about generative AI tools, their potential to improve marketing efforts, and what to beware of. We'll return with a new episode next week on Customer Journey and Experiential Shopping! * * * (Originally released March 2, 2023) Unless you’ve been on a severe information detox, you’ve probably seen more than a few stories recently about AI and various tools for content creation. Not ones to miss a trend, we asked Barcoding’s Jody Costa to return to the pod to weigh in. She shares her experience with ChatGPT and similar programs, whether AI will impact marketing jobs, and the positives and negatives of using them in our business. It’s the episode that still feels pretty good about its job security.   #VARValue - Beyond marketing & advertising, in what other ways can AI tools be used by VARs to improve their business?    Referenced articles & further reading: BlueStar Nation - Creating Ads for Your Business Using AI ChatGPT Sees Strong Early Adoption - Fishbowl Google Unveils Bard - CNET Eden Bidani post - LinkedIn OpenAI is Using Media Websites to Train ChatGPT - Moguldom The Prompt Box is a Minefield - The Convivial Society Marketing AI Institute   TEConnecting with us: Jody - Jurassic Park & evolution Dean - Subscription Trash John - Accidental James Webb Discovery   Talk to us! Twitter - @TEConnectPod Email - [email protected] Submit your topic ideas - https://www.bluestarinc.com/us-en/landing-pages/podcast-topics.html   Sponsored by: Zebra TC53/58 Touch Computers Elo 70 Series

Most businesses know they have to do some marketing to let potential customers know who they are and what they do while retaining existing business, but this week, we’re taking those efforts up a notch. IPCMobile’s VP of Marketing, Tolgar Alpagut, joins to explain how. What is attribution mirage, and how is it harder to know where to market? What’s the baseline for effective marketing? Is organic or paid posting on LinkedIn better? Are we over-relying on shiny new tools like AI and automation?   #VARValue - What’s one thing a VAR or ISV could do in the next few weeks to immediately improve their marketing efforts? (Tolgar also recommends Microsoft Clarity.)   References: Attribution Mirage - Banker Creative Dark Social - SparkToro   TEConnecting with us: Tolgar - Google I/O- Imagen Video and Phenaki text to video Dean - Lawyer used ChatGPT John - Secret Invasion opening credits   Talk to us! Twitter - @TEConnectPod Email - [email protected] Submit your topic ideas - https://www.bluestarinc.com/us-en/landing-pages/podcast-topics.html Follow BlueStar on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star/ Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe    Sponsored by: Zebra Intelligent Cabinets Elo 70 Series Displays  

We’re back to dig into a new BlueStar Nation survey (sponsored by our friends at Elo!) with 100 actual retailers about the self-service technology they currently deploy. Who did we talk to? What’s their perception of the cost of self-service solutions? How do they use them? How often do they experience technical problems? It’s the episode that doesn’t need any help to get the job done!   Full article: https://nation.bluestarinc.com/articles/100-retailers-told-us-about-self-service-technology-use-in-their-stores    #VARValue - For retail, POS, or digital display VARs, what are the key takeaways here?   TEConnecting with us: Dean - Muon GPS & "colachup" John - The Internet of Animals   Talk to us! Twitter - @TEConnectPod Email - [email protected] Submit your topic ideas - https://www.bluestarinc.com/us-en/landing-pages/podcast-topics.html Follow BlueStar on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star/ Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe    Sponsored by: Elo Wallaby Pro Zebra Legacy Printer Refresh

Electric vehicle sales are rapidly growing, bolstered by government incentives, environmental concerns, and substantial investment in charging infrastructure—an opportunity for the reseller industry. This week, BlueStar’s Emerging Technologies BDM, Ben Simon, joins us to explain the landscape for EV charging, our partnership with Loop, and how VARs can cash in. What does an EV charging solution look like? What industries and business types should be installing chargers? How do they generate recurring revenue? What options are there to finance these projects?   #VARValue - If a VAR is interested in EVCSaaS, how do they get started?   References: White House Statement on EV charging network growth BlueStar's EVCSaaS site   TEConnecting with us: Ben - EV Delorean Dean - House built with disposable diapers John - Wishcycling   Talk to us! Twitter - @TEConnectPod Email - [email protected] Submit your topic ideas - https://www.bluestarinc.com/us-en/landing-pages/podcast-topics.html Follow BlueStar on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star/ Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe    Sponsored by: Elo M60 Mobile POS Zebra Promotions

Retailers are balancing a “new normal” of heightened customer expectations in-store and online with staffing shortages and inventory challenges. The back-of-house, supply chain, and warehousing aspects of retail require better tech solutions that VARs need to understand and drive. This week, Zebra’s Retail and Warehousing/Supply Chain SMEs, Tim Kane & John Wirthlin, help us look at the opportunities and break down the trends shaping retail fulfillment. How is the retail supply chain adapting? How can we help address customer expectations and operational visibility and empower employees?   Read the Zebra Retail Fulfillment eBook   #VARValue - For VARs currently working with retailers or supply chain customers that serve retail, what kind of questions should they ask to find out where these fulfillment solutions could be an option?   TEConnecting with us: Tim - The pace of automation & AI John W. - RFID baggage tags Dean - Google text to music AI John M - Traffic noise impact on work   Talk to us! Twitter - @TEConnectPod Email - [email protected] Submit your topic ideas - https://www.bluestarinc.com/us-en/landing-pages/podcast-topics.html Follow BlueStar on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star/ Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe    Sponsored by: Elo Edge Connect Zebra Workforce Connect

It’s another excuse to have fun as we celebrate 150 episodes by playing another round of Tech Trivia! Whitney Gerrety is back as a two-time defending champion. Sarah Schlueter is our newest contestant, and this time, John steps out of host duties to compete. Who comes out on top, who talks smack, who’s buzzing in early, who bursts into song, and will anyone tune in for another 150 episodes?   Thank you to all of our sponsors, listeners, and guests!   Talk to us! Twitter - @TEConnectPod Email - [email protected] Submit your topic ideas - https://www.bluestarinc.com/us-en/landing-pages/podcast-topics.html Follow BlueStar on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star/ Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe    Sponsored by: Zebra Tablet Solutions Elo POS Solutions

As the world shifts gears from the challenges wrought by the COVID pandemic, questions about what’s next in healthcare technology are hard to ignore. Elo’s Katharine Cummings returns to the show to discuss what she’s hearing and seeing as she returns to regular visits with healthcare orgs. What do healthcare leaders expect from tech and funding in coming years? What’s changed about how telehealth is used? What’s the potential for AI in medicine? Are there opportunities on the cybersecurity side for VARs? It’s the episode that doubles as an early Father’s Day gift!   #VARValue - Any other predictions or growth opportunities that you and Elo are watching or working on solutions for?    How technology will shape healthcare in 2023 - HealthcareDive   TEConnecting with us: Katharine - Bryan Johnson's Blueprint Dean - Optogenetics John - "Dream glove" boosts creativity   Talk to us! Twitter - @TEConnectPod Email - [email protected] Submit your topic ideas - https://www.bluestarinc.com/us-en/landing-pages/podcast-topics.html Follow BlueStar on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star/ Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe    Sponsored by: Zebra ZD611 Premium Desktop Printers Elo Wallaby Pro

We’re big fans of partner-assisted selling, a perk of working within the reseller channel. This week, we’re focusing on partnering with hardware manufacturers with our friends at Star Micronics, Kate Orara (Partner Development) & Mark Rasho (Product Integration). What does partner-assisted selling & solutions mean to them? What should VARs & ISVs expect from their vendor relationships? How early or often should manufacturers be brought in on an opportunity?   #VARValue - Let’s talk about Star in particular. What do you offer VARs & ISVs as a partner?   TEConnecting with us: Mark - mC-Label3 Kate - Cruise Robotaxis Dean - The end of MTV News John - Automaker subscription services   Talk to us! Twitter - @TEConnectPod Email - [email protected] Submit your topic ideas - https://www.bluestarinc.com/us-en/landing-pages/podcast-topics.html Follow BlueStar on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star/ Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe    Sponsored by: Star Micronics Tablet Stands Elo I-Series 4 Zebra Sales Trifecta

When a last-minute schedule change leaves us with a slot to fill, Dean & John are happy to once again riff on hot topics, interesting articles, and list debates.   This week's topics: The Death of Social Media? Vinyl is Back On Top World-Changing Ideas for 2023 The Fasties Is There Science Behind Late People? Superhero Film Fatigue   TEConnecting with us: Dean - PTO around the world John - Worthless workplace data   Talk to us! Twitter - @TEConnectPod Email - [email protected] Submit your topic ideas - https://www.bluestarinc.com/us-en/landing-pages/podcast-topics.html Follow BlueStar on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star/ Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe    Sponsored by: Elo 70 Series Zebra/BlueStar Nation Warehouse Survey

Adopting the latest technology and trends is helping retailers of all tiers separate from their competitors and keep up with consumer expectations, but what does that modernization mean, and where can VARs and ISVs find opportunities, especially at the SMB level? Intel’s Retail Industry Advisor, Kristen Call, is here to explain! What does digital transformation look like in retail? What do retailers get wrong when modernizing, and how can our channel help? What is the “blended” approach? It’s the episode that might give you retail flashbacks.   #VARValue – We’ve spoken with Intel software partners like VSBLTY, Pathr, & WaitTime. Why do you think it’s important for VARs to develop relationships with companies like those to take their retail solutions to the next level?   TEConnecting with us: Kristen - ChatGPT Dean - Sargassum seaweed blob & northern elephant seals' sleep habits John - Predator dinosaurs had lips?   Talk to us! Twitter - @TEConnectPod Email - [email protected] Submit your topic ideas - https://www.bluestarinc.com/us-en/landing-pages/podcast-topics.html Follow BlueStar on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star/ Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe    Sponsored by: Zebra Future Proofing Retailers eBook Elo M60 Mobile POS

We’re breaking down another BlueStar Nation blog article; this time, our findings from a lengthy warehouse and supply chain professionals survey. Where do they typically encounter errors in daily practices? What kind of hardware is most used? Is RFID table stakes now? What technology issues do companies trust to in-house vs. outside IT firms? What emerging technology do they expect to invest in soon? If you don’t care about the answers to those questions, you’re in the wrong business!   #VARValue - What is something Supply Chain VARs could do immediately to capitalize on these findings?    TEConnecting with us: Dean - Toronto Airport Gold Heist & the Great Maple Syrup Heist John - Beer Bots   Talk to us! Twitter - @TEConnectPod Email - [email protected] Submit your topic ideas - https://www.bluestarinc.com/us-en/landing-pages/podcast-topics.html Follow BlueStar on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star/ Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe    Sponsored by: Elo POS Solutions Zebra ZT Industrial Printers

We’re digging into the latest hot topics, news articles, and water cooler discussions, so you don’t have to! ProMat 2023 UK’s 4-Day Work Week Pilot Results State of the US EV Charging Network How Far Does $100K Go? Where Generations Get Their News Kiosk Marketplace Census Report   #VARValue - Any takeaways from these stories relevant to the channel?   TEConnecting with us: Dean - Beetles absorbing water...through their butts? and Free pizza for TSwift tix John - Marvel Snap mobile game   Talk to us! Twitter - @TEConnectPod Email - [email protected] Submit your topic ideas - https://www.bluestarinc.com/us-en/landing-pages/podcast-topics.html Follow BlueStar on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star/ Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe    Sponsored by: Zebra Sell & Win Club Elo Edge Connect

Over 40% of people prefer ordering from a kiosk, a growing trend accelerated by COVID but has persisted due to labor shortages, convenience, and generational preferences. This week, Epson’s David Vander Dussen & Josh Stanphill return to the pod to explain the self-service trend, what it means as consumer return to stores, and where opportunities lie for VARs. How does self-service affect label printing needs? What does “experiential” retail mean to our guests? What trends are they watching next?   #VARValue - What is Epson doing differently to meet these new needs in retail and hospitality?   Referenced Articles: Restaurant Consumer Insights Delaget 2022 QSR Operational Index Making the Case for Kiosks   TEConnecting with us: David - Self-driving AI lawnmower Josh - Café Specialty coffee maker & Companion dog-babysitting robot Dean - SpaceX Superheavy Starship (recorded one day before it exploded) John - Apple Savings Account   Talk to us! Twitter - @TEConnectPod Email - [email protected] Submit your topic ideas - https://www.bluestarinc.com/us-en/landing-pages/podcast-topics.html Follow BlueStar on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star/ Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe    Sponsored by: Epson OmniLink m30III Receipt Printer Elo Wallaby Pro Zebra Future-Proofing Retailers eBook

There are quite a few steps between food & beverage manufacturing and what we ultimately consume, and those steps are filled with the need for technology to manage processes, meet delivery demands, and grow brand recognition for companies large and small. This week, CIS Group’s Julie Desroches joins us to share her experience in F&B that’s informed her expertise in software solutions for the industry. What’s changed in distribution over the years, and what challenges do companies face to get their products onto store shelves? How do technologies like route planning, mobile POS, and communications help SMB businesses? What does Julie think will change the industry next?   #VARValue - What advice do you have for VARs looking to grow their business with F&B?   TEConnecting with us: Julie - Her clients Dean - Classic "Bigfoot" footage stabilized with AI John - Alphabet layoffs affecting robotics   Talk to us! Twitter - @TEConnectPod Email - [email protected] Submit your topic ideas - https://www.bluestarinc.com/us-en/landing-pages/podcast-topics.html Follow BlueStar on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star/ Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe    Sponsored by: Zebra ZT Industrial Printers Elo I-Series 4

We’re not shy to talk about the importance of effective marketing to build your brand and illustrate your value-add to current and potential customers, but don’t just take it from us! This week, we brought in a panel of experts from around the channel to weigh in: Elo CMO John Lamb, Barcoding VP of Marketing Jody Costa, and 42Gears’ Director of Channel Marketing Jean Secrist. Why do they think marketing is important? What tips do they have for VARs & ISVs working on a budget or with minimal staff? What trends are they following, and what’s the benefit of working within our channel?   #VARValue - When defining what industries or target markets to focus on, what are the top sources of information you use to make educated decisions?   Check out Elo's 70-Series Touchmonitors!   TEConnecting with us: Jean - NCAA brackets & sports tech John Lamb - 5G devices Jody - ChatSpot   Talk to us! Twitter - @TEConnectPod Email - [email protected] Submit your topic ideas - https://www.bluestarinc.com/us-en/landing-pages/podcast-topics.html Follow BlueStar on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star/ Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe    Sponsored by: Zebra Media & Supplies Elo Edge Connect

“That’s an American thing.” Trends and tech adoption can differ in the US from the rest of the world, so we thought we’d explore that in the retail industry. We’re joined by two members of the BlueStar EU team, Richard Austin & Jord Malcorps, who start by sharing some things they find very different about the states. On the retail side, we discuss how businesses juggle tech needs in-store and online. Is omnichannel table stakes at this point? Why has Europe been more open to payment flexibility? It’s the episode that’s not sure it can fit in the garage, but you’ll hear us coming down the road!   #VARValue - Any other trends or predictions from the Lightspeed article or your own insights that can help retail-focused VARs this year?   Retail Predictions & Trends 2023 - Lightspeed   TEConnecting with us: Richard - Amusing out-of-office responses Jord - Crypto & blockchain payments Dean - Most Loved & Hated Brands John - Solid metal ball at Earth's core   Talk to us! Twitter - @TEConnectPod Email - [email protected] Submit your topic ideas - https://www.bluestarinc.com/us-en/landing-pages/podcast-topics.html Follow BlueStar on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star/ Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe    Sponsored by: Elo POS Solutions Zebra Printing Portfolio

It started with a simple request from Jody Costa to ChatGPT: “What questions should I ask the BlueStar TEConnect podcast?” The results are a baseline for our pod, industry, and our thoughts on the channel, so we thought we’d answer them! What led us to start the pod, and what have we learned? What are our thoughts on diversity & inclusion in the tech industry? What emerging tech are we watching? It’s the episode that’s got new digs but the same goofballs on the mic.   #VARValue - Could you share some of your favorite resources for staying up-to-date on the latest trends and developments in the reseller channel?    TEConnecting with us: Dean - Why the floppy disk won't die John - How bees are affected by climate change   Talk to us! Twitter - @TEConnectPod Email - [email protected] Submit your topic ideas - https://www.bluestarinc.com/us-en/landing-pages/podcast-topics.html Follow BlueStar on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star/ Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe    Sponsored by: Zebra ZD Desktop Printers Elo Wallaby Pro

To bring additional value to VARs & ISVs, we’ve conducted multiple surveys for our BlueStar Nation blog with end users in various industries to gain insights into how they use technology and where opportunities might lie. In this episode, we explore two surveys, starting with artificial intelligence. Who’s using it and why? What do businesses think would need to change to incorporate AI? Next, we tackle restaurant point-of-sale insights. How long are systems in use? What are the most popular POS? What do owners like most and least? What other tech are they using? We’ve got the receipts to help you win business!   #VARValue - What else would you add for VARs to take from these surveys?   AI Survey Restaurant POS Survey   TEConnecting with us: Dean - New Dictionary.com words John - A 4th traffic light color?   Talk to us! Twitter - @TEConnectPod Email - [email protected] Submit your topic ideas - https://www.bluestarinc.com/us-en/landing-pages/podcast-topics.html Follow BlueStar on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star/ Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe    Sponsored by: Elo Large Format Displays Zebra Mobile Computing Portfolio

The sales and sales management landscape constantly changes, but it’s always a good time to reevaluate your prospecting and client management approach. Terry Miller, President of V-KATA, is here to explain what he sees from his time selling in the channel. Where does he see stagnation occurring? What are salespeople doing right and wrong? How did good leaders pivot during the pandemic? What is poor CRM management doing to the sales process, and how are Terry and V-KATA trying to fix it? It’s the podcast that would like a few minutes of your time.   #VARValue - What’s your advice to VARs in sales management themselves, or maybe someone who thinks their management could use the kind of shakeup you’ve described?    TEConnecting with us: Terry - Gong.io and V3 Stent Dean - The world's new most popular cuisine John - Vocal fatigue sensor   Talk to us! Twitter - @TEConnectPod Email - [email protected] Submit your topic ideas - https://www.bluestarinc.com/us-en/landing-pages/podcast-topics.html Follow BlueStar on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star/   Sponsored by: Zebra ET Tablets Elo Restaurant/QSR Solutions

VARs know that point-of-sale hardware and software is not a “copy & paste” proposition. Every retailer or restaurant has differing needs or industry-specific concerns, yet cheap or “free” POS providers will suggest that any setup will do. Auto-Star’s Josh Wintoniak joins us this week to dispel that myth and help explain how to talk to end-users, why back-of-the-house is an essential part of the conversation, and what types of retailers benefit from specialized POS systems. It’s the episode that can’t help you unlock your car but will entertain you while you wait.   #VARValue - Let’s talk hardware for a moment. Some selectivity and business-specific needs should be considered there, too, right?   Webinar w/Josh - Affordable Grocery Self-Service for Retail VARs   TEConnecting with us: Josh - ChatGPT Dean - Spotify's AI DJ & why shooting down balloons is making scientists nervous John - Twitter & Meta "verified"   Talk to us! Twitter - @TEConnectPod Email - [email protected] Submit your topic ideas - https://www.bluestarinc.com/us-en/landing-pages/podcast-topics.html   Sponsored by: Elo E-Series 2 POS Zebra Barcode Scanner Portfolio

Unless you’ve been on a severe information detox, you’ve probably seen more than a few stories recently about AI and various tools for content creation. Not ones to miss a trend, we asked Barcoding’s Jody Costa to return to the pod to weigh in. She shares her experience with ChatGPT and similar programs, whether AI will impact marketing jobs and the positives and negatives of using them in our business. It’s the episode that still feels pretty good about its job security.   #VARValue - Beyond marketing & advertising, in what other ways can AI tools be used by VARs to improve their business?    Referenced articles & further reading: BlueStar Nation - Creating Ads for Your Business Using AI ChatGPT Sees Strong Early Adoption - Fishbowl Google Unveils Bard - CNET Eden Bidani post - LinkedIn OpenAI is Using Media Websites to Train ChatGPT - Moguldom The Prompt Box is a Minefield - The Convivial Society Marketing AI Institute   TEConnecting with us: Jody - Jurassic Park & evolution Dean - Subscription Trash John - Accidental James Webb Discovery   Talk to us! Twitter - @TEConnectPod Email - [email protected] Submit your topic ideas - https://www.bluestarinc.com/us-en/landing-pages/podcast-topics.html   Sponsored by: Zebra TC53/58 Touch Computers Elo 70 Series

It’s time to riff on more exciting stories, trends, lists, and technology.   Topics Covered: The Most Sinful Cities in America MIT’s 10 Breakthrough Technologies for ‘23 A Chronicle of the Four-Day Workweek AI – What Do Workers Think & What’s China Doing? Tulsa Bet on Remote Workers US Migration Patterns Cracking Down on Digital Piracy   TEConnecting with us: Dean - TEC BEEF: Indoor security drone and the Corruption Perceptions Index John - Businesses wasting money on software licenses   Talk to us! Twitter - @TEConnectPod Email - [email protected] Submit your topic ideas - https://www.bluestarinc.com/us-en/landing-pages/podcast-topics.html   Sponsored by: Elo Healthcare Touch Solutions Zebra RFID Portfolio

Government consultant and expert Jeff Smith is back to catch us up on what's been happening with public sector technology. How is the spending of approved U.S. funds going? What's Jeff's take on public safety as a branch eager for new tech? Are there opportunities in education? Finally, we asked him to look into his crystal ball and give us predictions and trends to watch out for in 2023.   #VARValue - What should VARs be doing now with their government accounts, and whom should they talk with to get the year off to a strong start?    Referenced Articles: Deloitte Gov't Tech Trends '23 State of the States Forecast 4 Federal Government IT Trends to Watch in 2023   TEConnecting with us: Jeff - NASA's X57 all-electric plane Dean - Getty Image AI lawsuit and what's the #1 dream job worldwide? John - Audi's EV SUV concept vehicle   Talk to us! Twitter - @TEConnectPod Email - [email protected] Submit your topic ideas - https://www.bluestarinc.com/us-en/landing-pages/podcast-topics.html   Sponsored by: Zebra Public Safety Tech Elo Large Format Displays

After he threw out an idea to discuss Web3, we turned the tables on James Korte and invited him to join us! First, a quick review of Web1 & 2—essentially what the internet has been to date—before explaining what Web3 could be and why. How would Web3 be built? What advantages and disadvantages would it create? Does Web3’s connection to blockchain & cryptocurrency concern us? Is this internet iteration feasible, or is the idea the path to something else? #VARValue - Does this mean anything to our channel yet? If it came to pass, what would it mean?    Referenced articles: What is Web3? - Harvard Business Review What Is Web3 All About? An Easy Explanation With Examples - Forbes   TEConnecting with us: James - ChatGPT & Notion Dean - Brainwave rhythms John - Real-life T-1000?   Talk to us! Twitter - @TEConnectPod Email - [email protected] Submit your topic ideas - https://www.bluestarinc.com/us-en/landing-pages/podcast-topics.html   Sponsored by: Elo Wallaby Pro Zebra WS50

Automation is increasingly a part of our daily lives, and we’ve preached it as a way for VARs to make their own business more efficient. In this episode, MicroTouch’s Tyler Wells helps us identify how they can take that automation to their customers, combating labor shortages, addressing new expectations for speed, and staying ahead of the competition. How do touchscreens fit into the conversation? What industries benefit the most? When should VARs get in on robotics?   Tyler's XaaS Journal article: https://www.xaasjournal.com/vars-get-ready-to-ride-the-automation-and-robotic-systems-adoption-wave/   #VARValue - For VARs exploring automation with their customers, how can partners like MicroTouch help them win business?   TEConnecting with us: Tyler - Electric car adoption, fission/fusion advancements, automation in manufacturing Dean - "Silent" cargo delivery drone John - No more airplane mode?   Talk to us! Twitter - @TEConnectPod Email - [email protected] Submit your topic ideas - https://www.bluestarinc.com/us-en/landing-pages/podcast-topics.html   Sponsored by: MicroTouch Mach Series Zebra RFID Opportunity eBook

No one likes crowds, long lines, or waiting. We didn’t before COVID changed how we felt about being around strangers, and we certainly don’t today--but how do retailers, hospitality, and event companies find the right solutions to a problem that’s been around as long as people have congregated? Zack Klima, Founder & CEO of WaitTime, has his own story about the frustration of waiting which led to his solution, crowd management technology that benefits fans, attendees, and customers but also provides valuable intelligence to venues and businesses. How does it work? What hardware is involved, and how should VARs approach their customers to find opportunities? It’s the episode that offers “no-brainer tech” to add to your solution stack.   #VARValue - What should VARs be asking their customers to determine if a crowd management solution is viable, and when should they get WaitTime involved?   WaitTime webinar: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/recording/8354486700101210112 WaitTime Blog - 10 Questions to Determine Crowd Management Needs: https://www.thewaittimes.com/post/10-questions-to-align-crowd-technology-solutions-to-your-needs   TEConnecting with us: Zack - AI advancements Dean - ChatGPT John - Sink Twice   Talk to us! Twitter - @TEConnectPod Email - [email protected] Submit your topic ideas - https://www.bluestarinc.com/us-en/landing-pages/podcast-topics.html   Sponsored by: Zebra Temp Sensing Tech Elo Restaurant/QSR Solutions

We’re kicking off the fourth year of the pod by looking back and ahead. First, we reflect on 2022 and the stories, trends, surprises, disappointments, and personal moments that stood out to us in the channel, our lives, and the world at large. After that, it’s fun with “Best of” lists, predictions and resolutions, our top episodes of the year, and more!   ALERT!! We need YOUR help! Please send us your ideas for the podcast. What topics, industries, technologies, and partners interest you? https://www.bluestarinc.com/us-en/landing-pages/podcast-topics.html   #VARValue - What’s your advice for VARs looking ahead?   TEConnecting with us: Dean - VALL-E AI voice simulator John - CES 2023   Talk to us! Twitter - @TEConnectPod Email - [email protected] Submit your topic ideas - https://www.bluestarinc.com/us-en/landing-pages/podcast-topics.html   Sponsored by: Elo 70 Series Touchmonitors Zebra Public Safety Tech eBook

*Star Wars SPOILERS in this episode* We wrap up another year on the pod with our third annual Star Wars discussion, and we have a lot to cover! Would any of us pay $5000 for a Star Wars-themed drink? Is the amount of SW content too little or too much? We discuss "The Book of Boba Fett," "Obi-Wan Kenobi," "Tales of the Jedi," and "Andor." Are the prequels cool again? What's coming next year? What are some VFX sequences that stand out to us in the franchise?   Talk to us! Twitter - @TEConnectPod Email - [email protected] Submit your topic ideas - https://www.bluestarinc.com/us-en/landing-pages/podcast-topics.html   Sponsored by: Elo Large Format Displays Zebra TC series mobile computers

Working in this channel, you have to be pretty fond of technology, and it's probably been a big part of your life. In this episode, we're reflecting on the gadgets and gizmos we grew up (or old) with, but to make sure we had some perspective beyond John & Dean's pre-internet days, we brought in a couple of Millennials in Sam & Sarah. Are we early tech adopters? What was our first computer? First portable music player? Gaming system? Mobile phone? Finally, we discuss "old" tech that seems absurd now.   #VARValue - Let’s discuss the importance of understanding generational gaps like we’ve heard today.   What's John's "webplayer" looked like: https://me.pcmag.com/en/consumer/2644/how-many-of-these-weird-internet-appliances-do-you-remember?p=1    TEConnecting with us: Sarah - Fun fact: In 1992, the first text message was sent...it said "Merry Christmas" Sam - Has Cleopatra been found? Dean - The "A Christmas Story" house is up for sale & assembler robots John - Sewer spiders   Talk to us! Twitter - @TEConnectPod Email - [email protected] Submit your topic ideas - https://www.bluestarinc.com/us-en/landing-pages/podcast-topics.html   Sponsored by: Elo Edge Connect Zebra RFID Portfolio

Much of the "next-gen" tech and innovation we expect to inform our future relies on computer/machine vision, but what can it do, and how do VARs benefit? We posed those questions to Intel's Rob Risany, returning to the pod to emphasize the partnerships they bring to the table and the channel. Why is data quality so important to utilizing computer vision? What are the use cases in retail and other industries?   #VARValue - The computer vision market value is projected to hit $48 billion this year. How can VARs work with BlueStar and Intel partners to get a piece of that?   Referenced articles: Forbes - 5 Computer Vision Trends in 2022 Shutterstock - 3 Predictions for Computer Vision BlueStar Nation - AI Survey   TEConnecting with us: Rob - Making math more efficient Dean - Scientists create a "baby" wormhole John - World Cup privacy concerns   Talk to us! Twitter - @TEConnectPod Email - [email protected] Submit your topic ideas - https://www.bluestarinc.com/us-en/landing-pages/podcast-topics.html   Sponsored by: Elo I-Series 4 Zebra ET Tablets

“Modernizing [government]…I know that seems like an oxymoron,” says DACRA Tech’s COO Tami Wanless. She joins the pod this week to talk about how technology can make a difference in local governments. What are local officials dealing with daily, and what’s slowing down modernization efforts? What’s her advice for VARs that don’t want to tackle government opportunities? What’s DACRA’s approach to modernization? It’s the episode that’s letting you off with a warning but don’t ignore this sector again!   #VARValue - Is there any low-hanging fruit to help communities modernize that our VARs should be focusing on as an easy way to introduce solutions?    TEConnecting with us: Tami - Optimizing squad car "real estate" and barcode scanners Dean - New data transmission record set John - Is Facebook done with news?   Talk to us! Twitter - @TEConnectPod Email - [email protected] Submit your topic ideas - https://www.bluestarinc.com/us-en/landing-pages/podcast-topics.html   Sponsored by: Elo Wallaby Pro Zebra ZD Desktop Printers

When one of our new listeners asked us what we would do differently and where would we focus our energies if we were starting all over again in the reseller channel, we put ourselves in the shoes of a newbie. What is the value proposition of a VAR over direct sales? How has the channel changed since Dean was on the VAR side? What have some of our actual VAR partners said they would do differently? Where do we recommend new VARs focus their time and energy? Finally, we’ll share a bit about how BlueStar helps and some personal advice.   Thanks to Danny Cedano at DBK Concepts for suggesting this topic!   #VARValue - Even if you’re an established veteran in the industry, why is it important to think like a newbie or consider what you’d do if you started over again?   TEConnecting with us: Dean - Most popular days to work in the office and AI imagines "living" buildings John - Combustible poop   Talk to us! Twitter - @TEConnectPod Email - [email protected] Submit your topic ideas - https://www.bluestarinc.com/us-en/landing-pages/podcast-topics.html   Sponsored by: Elo Restaurant/QSR Solutions Zebra RFID eBook