Explain IT

Why Businesses Need Smarter Workspaces

This episode of Explain IT explores the evolution of the smart workspace, moving beyond basic connectivity to create environments that act as a "magnet, not a mandate" for employees. Host Ashley Baker is joined by experts from Softcat and Cisco to discuss how integrated technology - ranging from seamless networking to AI-powered collaboration tools - drives employee experience and business performance. By focusing on technology that removes "meeting room fear" and enhances creativity, organisations can transform their physical offices into high-IQ hubs that rival the comfort and efficiency of home working. Ashleigh Baker is the guest host of the podcast and a team leader in Softcat's architecture service. Joining her is Tom Rowley, Softcat networking connectivity chief technologist; Jack Lewis, Softcat workspace chief technologist; and Rob Lei, Cisco UKI solutions engineering director and CTO.The conversation highlights the critical role of a performant and secure network as the foundation for these workspaces, ensuring that investments in Unified Communications (UC) are not bottlenecked by poor infrastructure. Using Softcat's own Manchester office refit as a blueprint, the guests explain how leveraging smart sensors for air quality and energy usage supports both sustainability goals and operational efficiency. Looking ahead, the panel predicts a shift toward intelligence at the edge and "agentic AI" to further optimize real-time interactions and maintain a "distance zero" feeling for remote participants.• Magnet vs. Mandate: Understanding why modern workspaces must be designed to inspire collaboration and outperform the home-working experience to draw employees back to the office.• The Network Foundation: Why a wireless-first strategy and resilient switching are essential to support the density of modern devices without creating performance bottlenecks.• Seamless Integration: How the partnership between Cisco and Microsoft Teams allows businesses to utilize their preferred platforms while benefiting from bleeding-edge hardware and unique breakout experiences.• Sustainability and Observability: Using smart sensors to monitor granular power usage and air quality, while leveraging observability to prove ROI and improve user experience.• The AI Frontier: A look at the next five years of agentic AI and cinematic meeting experiences that use automated camera switching to reduce meeting fatigue.Softcat’s Explain IT podcast is the place where we discuss, debate and demystify tech in simple, jargon-free language.For more information visit softcat.com.This podcast is produced by The Podcast Coach. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Unlocking AI with the power of Private Cloud

Business leaders are setting AI strategies, and IT teams are expected to deliver results.Research from the IDC shows that 88% of all AI pilots fail to reach production. So enter Private Cloud AI, a new way to role out your AI adoption.In this episode we break down what Private Cloud AI is, why it matters, and how this technology is helping organisations overcome challenges and unlock real value.Podcast host and Softcat's Head of Architecture, Helen Gidney is joined by Nigel Horsell, Private AI Channel leader for UKIMEA; James Brooks, Hybrid Solutions Leader for UKIMEA both at HPE and Gary Hawkins, Chief Technologist for Hybrid Platforms at Softcat.Softcat’s Explain IT podcast is the place where we discuss, debate and demystify tech in simple, jargon-free language.For more information visit softcat.com.This podcast is produced by The Podcast Coach. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

VMware Explore on Tour - is Private Cloud the solution your business needs?

Many organisations are rethinking their cloud strategies and searching for smarter, more secure solutions. Private cloud is gaining traction as an alternative, combining the agility and scalability of public cloud with the added control and protection of a dedicated environment. In this episode, we explore how VMware is redefining the private cloud journey - helping businesses build, secure and manage environments tailored to their unique needs. Hear expert insights from Joe Baguley, CTO EMEA at VMware by Broadcom, and Richard Fraser, Broadcom Product and Services Specialist at Softcat. Hosted by Helen Gidney, Softcat’s Head of Architecture.Produced by The Podcast Coach. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Navigating Windows 10 End of Support

As Microsoft wraps up a decade of Windows 10 support, we’re seeing a real moment of decision for businesses. If you haven’t made the move yet, it’s time to ask - are we upgrading, adapting, or exposing ourselves to risk? With cyber threats ramping up and support winding down, knowing your options isn’t just helpful - it’s essential.This time we're discussing the end of support for Windows 10, what it means for organisations, and what you should do if you’ve missed the October 14th deadline. Joining me is Kelly Calver - Head of Workspace and Ella Chew - Workspace Alliances Lead both at Softcat. Softcat’s Explain IT podcast is the place where we discuss, debate and demystify tech in simple, jargon-free language.For more information visit softcat.com.This podcast is produced by The Podcast Coach. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Big Data London; Why AI Isn’t Delivering (Yet)

Back in September, Softcat and Oakland Lifted the lid on the AI bubble at Big Data London. AIinitiatives are stalling, models are drifting, and demonstrating tangible business value is reallyhard. Why? Because we’ve all sprinted into the AI future without first packing the essentials.Presented by Helen Gidney, Softcat’s head of Architecture, this is Softcat’sExplain IT podcast. Joining Helen for this special bonus episode is Andy Crossley, CTO at Oakland and Alex Pearce, Chief MicrosoftStrategist at Softcat, for a no-holds-barred conversation about the realities of AI in practice:ensuring we’re using high-quality, trusted data; having a shared language for decision-makingand the skilled people to make it all work.This podcast is produced by The Podcast Coach. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.