Explain IT

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.

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.

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.

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.

Join host Helen Gidney, Head of Architecture at Softcat, as she sits down with Adam Spearing, VP of AI Go-To-Market for EMEA at ServiceNow, and Oliver Meadows, ITXM Sales Lead at Softcat. Together, they explore how organisations can streamline internal service operations, dismantle silos, and harness AI to enhance the end-user experience. Whether you're in IT, HR, Finance, or Operations — this episode is packed with insights for you. What’s covered in this episode: Redefining Service OperationsWhat service operations mean in today’s business landscapeMoving beyond ITSM to drive enterprise-wide transformation Maximising EfficiencyPlatform consolidation strategiesDoing more with less through smarter workflows AI & Automation in ActionWhere AI and automation are making a tangible impactFrom governance to data-driven decision-making Leadership in a Changing EnvironmentHow leaders can adapt to evolving business structuresAligning service delivery with rising user expectationsSoftcat’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.

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.

On this edition of Explain IT, we’re celebrating HPE’s ten-year anniversary, and reflecting on the standout moments from HPE Discover. We explore how HPE’s evolution, from its separation from HP Inc. to bold acquisitions and innovation milestones, is shaping the future of enterprise IT. From cloud modernisation and infrastructure disruption, to a shifting virtualisation landscape, we unpack the key themes and what they mean for customers and the wider market. Join Softcat's Helen Gidney, Head of Architecture, Richard Wyn Griffith, Chief Commercial Officer, and Tommy Mac, US GTM Lead, alongside Matt Harris, SVP and MD for UKIMEA at HPE. Together, they dive into the pace of AI adoption, the challenges of scaling it and how organisations are navigating hybrid cloud, ageing infrastructure, and major market moves. 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.

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.

Ever wondered how we can stay ahead of cyber threats without burning out? On this edition of Explain IT, we're talking about the leveraging of advanced technology to automatically detect, investigate, and respond to cyber threats, reducing the need for constant human intervention that could lead to burnout. It's all about enhancing efficiency, speed, and accuracy in cybersecurity operations. This week, Ashleigh Baker is guest host. She is the team leader in Softcat's Architecture Services. Think of Cyber Automation as having a tireless, digital watchdog that never sleeps. With the help of our experts; Patrick Bayle, SecOps Consultant Manager at Palo Alto, and Softcat's Senior Security Architect, Mark Williams, we're talking about training that watchdog!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.