Explain IT

Helen Gidney, Softcat's Head of Architecture, heads to Las Vegas (in spirit, at least) with Tim Loake from Dell Technologies and Softcat's own Tim Jeans to pick apart the biggest announcements from Dell Technologies World 2026.If you work in enterprise IT, this one is especially worth your time. The conversation covers where AI has actually landed after years of hype, why data sovereignty is reshaping infrastructure decisions, and what the current supply chain situation means for your budget right now.AI off the slide deck and into production. The two Tims and Helen look at which AI applications are generating real business value today, from RAG-based knowledge assistants to coding copilots, and why owning your data is the foundation of any competitive AI strategy.Hybrid cloud and the case for on-premise. Data sovereignty and security concerns are pushing many organisations away from purely public cloud deployments. The episode breaks down what Dell Private Cloud and the newly announced Exoscale storage platform actually offer, including the ability to scale compute and storage independently without locking yourself into a single software vendor.The supply chain problem nobody's budgeted for. AI data centre growth has put serious pressure on memory and drive availability well into 2026 and 2027. The conversation covers how consumption models like Dell APEX can help you secure hardware and lock in pricing before the situation gets worse.Why automation isn't optional. Human error in complex IT environments isn't a training problem, it's a systems problem. The episode makes the case for open-standard automation as the practical answer to operational resilience.The Explain It podcast is released monthly. Subscribe or follow in your app so you don't miss the next one, and if this episode was useful, a review helps other IT leaders find the show.This podcast is produced by The Podcast Coach. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"It’s not just about where your data lives - it’s about who should, or shouldn’t, have access to it."In this episode of Softcat’s Explain IT podcast, host Helen Gidney, Head of Architecture at Softcat, is joined by Sabina Anja, Chief Technologist, VMware Cloud Foundation at Broadcom, and Gary Hawkins, Chief Technologist, Hybrid Platforms at Softcat, to demystify the complexities of Data Sovereignty.As organisations face increasing regulatory pressure and the rapid adoption of AI, understanding where your data lives - and who controls it - is critical. The discussion explores how governance, the Cloud Act, and GDPR are reshaping cloud strategies across Europe, driving a renewed interest in private cloud and sovereign cloud solutions.In this episode, Helen, Sabina and Gary discuss:• Defining Data Sovereignty: Why it is not just about location, but about jurisdiction, technical control, and operational access.• The Reality of Repatriation: Analysing the shift back to on-premise or Neo cloud environments to control data, without abandoning public cloud entirely.• Modern Infrastructure: How containers, Kubernetes, and AI demands are influencing infrastructure and data design.• The Power of Platforms: Meaningful insights on using VMware Cloud Foundation 9 (VCF9) to provide a unified control plane for policy-based data sovereignty.Thanks for listening to the Explain IT podcast from Softcat.This podcast is produced by The Podcast Coach. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Ashleigh 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 optimise 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 utilise 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.

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.This podcast is produced by The Podcast Coach. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we’re not just talking about AI - we’re unpacking the reality behind the hype, taking a look back at Big Data London and what it covered. From stalling initiatives to drifting models, the AI bubble is showing cracks. Why? Because many organisations have sprinted into the future without packing the essentials.We’ll explore the critical foundations needed to make AI work: trusted data, shared language, and skilled people. You’ll hear real-world lessons from businesses discovering that AI is far more complex than the headlines suggest — and we’ll share practical steps leaders can take to unlock real value from their investments.This episode is hosted by Helen Gidney, Softcat’s Head of Architecture, and features Andy Crossley, CTO at Oakland, and Alex Pearce, Chief Microsoft Strategist 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.

In this episode, we're not just talking about data, we're talking about everything that comes with it. The challenges, the misconceptions, the frameworks and compliance. Data is the foundation of so many businesses. Get it right, and you can unlock information that can propel your company forward. But get it wrong, and the challenges it can bring can leave you floundering.We'll explore the key topics in the data world; how data quality affects decision-making, how data governance and compliance models don't have to stifle creativity, the fact that more data can sometimes mean more problems and how good AI needs good data.This episode is hosted by Helen Gidney, Softcat's head of architecture and this time, I'm joined by Andy Crossley, CTO at Oakland, and James Wingham, head of data 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.

How secure is your supply chain? With the recent swathe of supply chain cyber attacks on big name brands, now more than ever it’s important to protect your supply chain.  On this edition of Explain IT, we’re talking about recent breaches and how that is affecting customers. We're also delving into the question of 'who are these threat actors?', and the impact on career goals.  This episode is hosted by Ashleigh Baker, team leader in Softcat's Architecture Services and is joined by Softcat colleague Kieron Newsham, Cyber Security Chief Technologist. They welcome Jason Steer, CISO at Recorded Future to talk around various aspects of Supply Chain Breaches to talk over this complicated topic. 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.comThis podcast is produced by The Podcast Coach. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keeping your data structured and secure is key to keeping your business safe. But how do we ensure that at every level of our IT infrastructure, including your backups? With data being stored across an organisation, from edge to the data center to the cloud, cyber resiliency is important when safeguarding an organization's assets against cyber threats.Today, we'll discuss the evolving nature of backup strategies in response to sophisticated cyber threats. Understand the methods to ensure the safety of backups, and look ahead to the future to consider how advancements in technology might shape the landscape of backup and cyber resiliency.This episode is hosted by Helen Gidney, Head of Architecture at Softcat. And welcome back to softcat's Explain it podcast. We're here to talk tech in simple jargon, free language. This time Helen is joined by Michael Cade, Global Field CTO at Veeam Software, and Gary Hawkins, Hybrid Platform's Chief Technologist at softcat.For more information visit softcat.comThis podcast is produced by The Podcast Coach. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From artificial intelligence to 5G Networks to everything in between, we’ve seen some big shifts in the IT industry in 2024.In today’s episode, we’ll be looking back over the tech landscape of 2024 and making big predictions about what we think we’re going to see in 2025. We’ll discuss how emerging technologies might transform industries and impact our daily lives, and you never know, some of these technologies might just address some of the world’s most pressing challenges.We have a whole host of expert guests today, with the entirety of the Office of our CTO on the podcast, Adam Harding, Andrew Hermsen, Cairon Romeo, Gary Hawkins, Jack Lewis Keiron Newsham and Thomas Rowley.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 toHelenGi@softcat.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Joinus as we talk tech in simple jargon free language. Have you got a burning question for the team? Please send an email toHelenGi@softcat.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever thought about how much of your life is protected by passwords? And why do hackers want to steal credentials? How do they do it and more importantly, how can we stop them in their tracks?From your emails to your retirement savings, passwords are quite literally the gatekeepers to your online life. And there are layers to password security, from your own password to the passwords that companies use to protect the collective data. Hackers are constantly using different tricks to try to crack those codes to access as much information as possible.In this episode, we’ll get into the how’s and why's to help you stay strong against cyber threats with the help of our guests; David Higgins, Field CTO at CyberArk and Tom Wheeler, Specialist Sales Manager for Networking and Security at Softcat.If you want to listen to more episodes from this season, new ones are released on the last Tuesday of every month. Alternatively, you can stream or download all episodes from every season on your preferred platform. 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 toHelenGi@softcat.comThis podcast is produced by The Podcast Coach. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Customer service is tough for everyone, but how do we make it better for the employee and for the customer?Business contact centres are starting to use AI at the very first step of their customer interactions. By automating elements of the customer service interaction and using AI insights, staff can resolve service incidents faster and keep customers happy.Our team of experts, Andrew Hermsen, Softcat's Chief Technologist for Data, Automation and AI, and Lucky Sharma, Senior Partner Solutions Architect at AWS are here to answer the key questions to understand if AI contact centres are the future, and as always, to talk tech in simple jargon free language.If you want to listen to more episodes from this season, new ones are released on the last Tuesday of every month. Alternatively, you can stream or download all episodes from every season on your preferred platform.Have you got a burning question for the team? Please send an email to HelenGi@softcat.com and visit softcat.comThis podcast is produced by The Podcast Coach. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To the public, elections can look relatively simple. However for lots of public sector organisations, there are weeks of preparation fraught with risk, excitement and a huge sense of purpose. Despite using paper ballots and lots of people-based processes on the day, technology and digital is key to delivering a successful election. There are so many technology areas to think about pre and post-election, from how authorities can protect election data, and how they prevent interference or rigging, to how social media usage can help voting and reduce “fake news”, and even how a new government might affect authority IT investment.Here to help us through the minefield of information on this General Election Special is Softcat’s dream team, Paul Fleming – Advisory Lead for Public Sector, Radhika Rangaraju - Chief Strategist for Public Sector, and Kieron Newsham – Chief Technologist for Cyber Security.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.You can stream or download all episodes from every season on your preferred platform or at softcat.com. Have you got a burning question for the team? Please send us an email to explainit@softcat.comThis podcast is produced by The Podcast Coach. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.