Cloud Insiders

VMware Anywhere Workspace

Wed, 21 Apr 2021 11:51:19 GMT

Tech Focus - Through 2020 and 2021 businesses have had to adapt at pace which has left some gaps in performance, usability and security. However VMware are at hand to make sure businesses can close up these gaps quickly and easily.

VMware Anywhere Workspace is a combination of three powerful, pre-existing VMware tools: VMware Workspace ONE, Carbon Black and VMware SASE - together they create the most secure and unified experience to the end user, freeing up IT teams and simplifying processes.

We caught up with Xtravirt Lead Consultant and VMware vExpert EUC Curtis Brown to find out all about this latest offering and how it can help from the user and businesses perspectives.

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Digital Workspace in 2021

Thu, 25 Mar 2021 10:43:35 GMT

As an enabler of remote working, the digital workspace was the saviour of business in 2020 allowing businesses to keep operating and employees working. As the dust settles and organisations look forward to a world of flexible working, how can the digital workspace help them achieve their goals and succeed in the ‘new’ modern workplace?

In this podcast we catch up with Xtravirt Lead Consultant and Digital Workspace expert Curtis Brown to discuss how organisations can address the quick fixes implemented in 2020, what they need to do to embrace the digital workspace in 2021 and how leading VMware solutions such as Horizon and Workspace ONE are enabling the future-ready workforce.

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IT Security Priorities for 2021

Fri, 27 Nov 2020 11:00:34 GMT

Secure to the Core with Menlo Security - Menlo Securitys Tom McVey explains what he believes to be the greatest security risks to organisations right now, how best to resolve them and how Xtravirt and Menlo’s partnership together can deliver best in class business outcomes.

2020 has been a challenging year for businesses and the global Covid crisis has highlighted for many the importance of a having a cloud first IT strategy. In this podcast, Menlo Security speak to Xtravirt about how the accelerated adoption of cloud solutions through the crisis, has exposed new security vulnerabilities that are putting businesses and their staff at risk. With the average cost of a data breach estimated to cost a business $4m to clean up, it’s widely expected that shoring up web and email security will take priority in 2021.

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Risk and Compliance in the Hybrid Cloud

Wed, 15 Jul 2020 12:29:52 GMT

Actionable Insights for VMware and AWS - Every day software patches are released, new security risks are identified and vendor recommendations are updated with the expectation that business and IT stay on top of all these changes. But how do you ensure that you are identifying, managing and remediating to effectively control the risks in your on-premises and cloud environments?

We've put this question and more to our guests Kev Johnson, Systems Engineer at Runecast and Robin Gardner, Strategic Services Director at Xtravirt in our latest podcast.

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Beyond IT Lifecycle Management in a Cloud Era

Wed, 24 Jun 2020 10:00:18 GMT

Lifecycle management is an area that all businesses need to think about and plan for, and knowing what you manage and who manages it, structuring your plans to assign responsibility and achieving continuous development and improvement is extremely important. But is it any different in the cloud era?

For this podcast we are once again joined by Xtravirt Strategic Services Director Robin Gardner to discuss this wide reaching topic.

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The New Business as Usual

Wed, 27 May 2020 07:49:25 GMT

In this very topical and timely podcast we are joined by Xtravirt Strategic Services Director, Robin Gardner. As an experienced CTO in change management and instrumental in a number of large scale infrastructure and virtualisation programmes, Robin was the obvious choice when it came to discussing the impact of the global pandemic on IT and organisational culture.

We discuss the changes and challenges businesses have had to face over the past few months, how IT have had to respond and Robin provides us with his views on what these mean for how organisations operate and their employees.

Listen the podcast to understand more about:

The main challenges businesses have had to overcome to enable remote working and keep businesses running
Can the changes organisations have had to make be sustained in the longer term and the impact on compliance issues?
What will be different in how organisations were working, are now working and where they need to get to?
How do we support the changing profile of the workspace, the workforce and office culture?
Is now the time to be thinking about IT planning, migrations and transformations and what tools and products can organisations utilise for this journey?
Has the current situation brought to light more sustainable options for organisations?
What should organisations be considering and doing now to support themselves over the next few months?

For more information on Xtravirt's services go to xtravirt.com, to get in touch go to xtravirt.com/contact-us.

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Supercharging VMware Cloud on AWS

Wed, 15 Apr 2020 10:30:39 GMT

For this episode of Cloud Insiders we are returning to the rich world of VMware Cloud on AWS but this time we are looking at this cloud solution from an Amazon Web Services (AWS) point of view. We are joined by Chris Porter, a Specialist Solutions Architect at AWS specialising in VMware technologies and Andy Hine, Technical Pre-Sales Consultant at Xtravirt.

We look at how easy it is to get started with VMware Cloud on AWS, who is using it and how, and take a look at how you can use AWS’ catalogue of over 175 services to supercharge the already powerful VMware Cloud on AWS.

Enter a pairing of endless possibilities and find out how utilising AWS’ services to boost VMware Cloud on AWS can enhance how you work today and improve productivity and processes in the future.

2:29 – Amazon Web Services in a nutshell and how to get started

3:52 – A quick run down of VMware Cloud on AWS and the AWS services that it uses

5:57 – What are the real world applications of VMware Cloud on AWS?

9:50 – The native AWS services Xtravirt have used to boost VMware Cloud on AWS

10:26 – Which industries are using VMware Cloud on AWS and who were the first to adopt?

11:36 – During a time of hugely increased remote working are businesses turning to VMware Cloud on AWS for business continuity and disaster recovery?

14:29 – As companies are moving to remote working to combat the current global situation will remote working continue to grow in popularity once everything is back to normal?

15:50 - What are the best ways to boost your organisations capabilities by harnessing native AWS services?

18:55 – Can you use Amazon Serverless technologies such as Lambda with VMware Cloud on AWS and what are the applications of that?

21:21 – What are the biggest questions that you hear customers/users asking?

24:42 – How do businesses get started with VMware Cloud on AWS?

Interested in using VMware Horizon on VMware Cloud on AWS? Find out more in Andy Hines blog – Horizon with VMware Cloud on AWS – solve remote working challenges & future-proof your business

Discover more about VMware Cloud on AWS or find out more about Xtarvirt’s cloud consulting services and special offer here, or by sending an email to info@xtravirt.com

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VMware Workspace ONE

Wed, 04 Mar 2020 11:00:27 GMT

Driving Innovative Employee Experiences - In this podcast from Cloud Insiders, VMware’s Workspace ONE is put under the spotlight. Digital workspace and EUC expert Curtis Brown provides answers to questions such as:

What is VMware Workspace ONE?
Why are applications so important to employee experience?
What are some of the key considerations and planning steps to take if you’re about to embark on a journey to the digital workspace?
What are the key business challenges that can be solved by a move to the digital workspace?
What is VMware Workspace ONE Intelligent Hub and how is it supporting all use cases including bring your own device (BYOD) and corporate owned device?
How is VMware addressing security needs in the digital workspace?

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Rebooting Environments

Wed, 05 Feb 2020 11:30:08 GMT

We are living in an age of increasing pressures on the environment and numerous social and economic challenges. Everyone is talking about sustainability, reducing emissions, recycling, re-using and becoming carbon neutral. But what does all this mean in the world of IT and the tech sector?

We caught up with Joe Baguley, VMware CTO and Andy Gomarsall MBE, Director at N2S (and former England rugby international) to discuss the environmental impact and sustainability in IT.

Listen to the podcast to find out more about:

What sustainability means in the world of IT and from the point of view of software and hardware
The impact of cloud computing and virtualisation on the environment
The savings and environmental impact of re-using, recycling and re-purposing hardware and components
How to find efficiencies in data centres
The issues around re-use versus recycling for hardware
VMware’s commitment and sustainability initiatives
Why we should be celebrating sustainability and key tips for getting started on this journey

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VMware Cloud on AWS

Wed, 08 Jan 2020 10:00:05 GMT

This podcast takes a closer look at VMware Cloud on AWS from a consultants point of view. Having rolled up his sleeves and got under the bonnet of VMware Cloud on AWS, Xtravirt consultant, James Kilby, explains how his own views and opinions of VMware Cloud on AWS have changed since it first emerged on the hybrid cloud scene.

Take a listen if you are keen to:

Learn more about possible use cases for VMware Cloud on AWS (from being a popular choice for businesses looking to meet temporary bursts in demand, to its more obscure disaster avoidance as-a-service capabilities)
Understand the true cost of VMware Cloud on AWS and decide for yourself whether it’s expensive or a great investment
Get an independent point of view on the speed of deploying VMware Cloud on AWS
Know more about VMware Cloud on AWS pricing – the pricing options available and how to make them work for your business
Learn more about some of the native AWS services and benefits they can bring, e.g. Amazon Route 53, Amazon Elastic Beanstalk and AWS Lambda
Know what you need to consider before getting started with VMware Cloud on AWS

To find out more about VMware Cloud on AWS go to https://xtravirt.com/vmc-aws

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Application Transformation

Tue, 17 Dec 2019 12:00:13 GMT

Application transformation, containers, Docker, Kubernetes – how are these enabling busineses?

In this episode, Elton Stoneman (Docker architect, Pluralsight author, Microsoft MVP) takes us on a journey of understanding on what application transformation and containers are, how Docker is enabling containerisation. the key use cases and tips on getting started.

Special Offer

Want to learn more about Docker? Elton is the author of ‘Learn Docker in a Month of Lunches’ published by Manning Publications under the Manning Early Access Program (MEAP). Cloud Insiders listeners can get a 40% on the book by using the discount code PODCLINS19. Click here to purchase the book.

Handy resources

Book: Learn Docker in a Month of Lunches

Podcast: Tech Focus on Docker

Blog: Introduction to Containers

Blog: Containers: The death of Virtual Machines?

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VMware vRealize Automation 8

Wed, 27 Nov 2019 11:45:01 GMT

Automation has come a long way from the days of pen and paper, flowcharts, code and scripts, and now with the release of VMware vRealize Automation (vRA) 8 it’s moved to another level. Easy to deploy, streamlined, user friendly and faster – in this podcast, Xtravirt Cloud Automation consultant Sam Perrin discusses what vRA 8 is all about and why it’s re-ignited his excitement and passion for automation.

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VMware Service-Defined Firewall

Tue, 22 Oct 2019 10:01:33 GMT

In February 2019 at the RSA Security Conference in San Francisco, VMware announced the launch of a new solution based on VMware’s NSX and AppDefense products called “VMware Service-Defined Firewall”. We’re joined in this podcast by Xtravirt Lead Consultant, Steve Wood, to discuss Software-Defined Firewall and the challenges it is addressing. Steve also explains the 7 layers of networking and how Service-Defined Firewall is boosting the power of micro-segmentation and protecting the network.

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The Rise of NSX

Wed, 25 Sep 2019 10:30:27 GMT

The networking and security challenges of the modern enterprise are evolving fast, but are enterprises keeping on top of the threats? How can solutions like VMware NSX help enterprises to protect their networks? Looking ahead, what do those at the forefront of the IT industry think the future has in store for networking and security? These points and more are covered in this podcast, featuring Xtravirt CEO Gavin Jolliffe and VMware Director of Sales, Networking and Security (UK&I) Ian Jenkins.

01:33 - The VMware NSX journey

03:33 - Challenges and opportunities of NSX

05:20 - How are businesses adapting to new security tools?

07:58 - Understanding the perimeter

09:00 - Hardening the interior – hotel or castle?

11:28 - The move from NSX-V to NSX-T

14:18 - Is NSX the universal ubiquitous aggregator?

15:25 - Balancing progress with the traditional

16:54 - Adapting the organisational structure

19:00 - Where next for NSX?

22:04 - Impact of NSX on cloud-native applications

24:10 - Market adoption of NSX

27:57 - Applying NSX and achieving the benefits

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VMware NSX-T

Wed, 24 Jul 2019 09:04:32 GMT

Break out of the data centre and into the cloud with VMware's latest Network Virtualisation offering NSX-T.

Also known as VMware NSX Data Center, NSX-T delivers virtualised networking and security entirely in software making it a key pillar of the SDDC.

In this Tech Focus episode, Cloud Insiders host Stuart Robinson and Xtravirt Senior Consultant Graham Smith discuss what NSX-T is, the key use cases and what it means for the future of the data centre.

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Data Availability

Wed, 19 Jun 2019 11:00:40 GMT

Data back up and protection is essential to an organisation and ensures data is always available and managed. But once backed up, how confident are you that it can be restored?

In this episode we talk to Xtravirt Senior Consultant and Veeam Vanguard James Kilby about the importance of data back-up, protection and availability, why it should be high on the agenda, data legislation (GDPR) and what Veeam offer in the marketplace.

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Analytics and Monitoring

Wed, 03 Apr 2019 13:00:09 GMT

IT has become an essential part of business and driving business success. In order to ensure effective IT operations and management, IT teams need to keep their finger on the pulse - this is where monitoring comes in.

In this episode, Aylin Sali, CTO and Co-founder of Runecast and Xtravirt senior consultant, Simon Eady discuss why monitoring is a fundamental aspect of IT, the use cases and share tips for getting started

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VMware vRealize Operations

Tue, 19 Feb 2019 14:30:44 GMT

How do you know if your infrastructure is working if you’re not monitoring it?

This podcast is a Tech Focus on VMware vRealize® Operations™ - VMware’s operations management and monitoring product. In this episode, Xtravirt Senior Consultant Simon Eady. chats to Cloud Insiders host Stuart Robinson about IT infrastructure management and monitoring and why organisations shouldn’t underestimate it’s importance, after all it could save your bacon. Simon also talks to us about VMware vROps, what it is and how it works and how it can make a difference to effective monitoring.

Links:

https://vrealize.vmware.com/sample-exchange/

https://marketplace.vmware.com/vsx/

https://docs.vmware.com/

https://labs.hol.vmware.com/HOL/catalogs/catalog/1212

https://www.youtube.com/user/vmwaretv/videos

Read more about the importance of IT infrastructure monitoring in Simon's blog

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VMworld Europe 2018 Special

Mon, 19 Nov 2018 11:00:19 GMT

This podcast features a report on VMworld Europe 2018 from Gavin Jolliffe, CEO, Xtravirt. Xtravirt are VMware’s Global Services Partner of the Year and Gavin joined VMware on the VMworld stage for the General Partner Session. Hear how VMware are working with it’s network of trusted partners to enable the rapid adoption of their market leading technologies and ensure end customers get maximum value from their IT investments. Learn how Xtravirt’s consultancy services are helping organisations to accelerate and de-risk their digital transformations.

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Docker

Tue, 16 Oct 2018 13:30:16 GMT

In this Cloud Insiders episode, a Tech Focus on Docker - a tool designed to make it easier to create, deploy and run applications by using containers.

Find out what containers are, why organisations are using them and why Docker is the most popular platform for developers, with Cloud Insiders host Stuart Robinson and Xtravirt Senior Consultant Paul Kennard .

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AppDefense

Tue, 18 Sep 2018 13:00:46 GMT

In this episode, Cloud Insiders host Stuart Robinson talks to Xtravirt Senior Consultant Steve Wood about VMware® AppDefense - a datacentre endpoint security product that protects applications running in virtualised environments.

Listen in to find out what AppDefense is, how it works, how it can be deployed and what it means for the security of IT infrastructure.

Steve has also put together a demo on deploying AppDefense, which you can view by going to:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1i5VBPyyeo&t=

This episode was recorded before the release of VMware's vSphere Platinum which as Steve alludes to in this episode now includes AppDefense.

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Behind Automation

Tue, 14 Aug 2018 13:30:32 GMT

In this podcast, Paul Davey and Sam Perrin from Xtravirt’s Cloud Automation Practice discuss automation, sharing their insight and learnings from having worked on dozens of automation projects.

This episode outlines:

What is automation?
The common reasons businesses are automating business processes.
Some of tools being used in automation – from Puppet and Chef for configuration management to HashiCorp’s options for provisioning, security and the running of applications.
The need for businesses to take a business logic first approach to automation projects.
Some common mistakes to avoid.
How Xtravirt have designed workshops and best practice methodologies to ensure automation projects stay on track and deliver the business outcomes they were intended to.

To find out more about Xtravirt’s Cloud Automation Practice, please contact:

Sam Perrin - Sam_Perrin

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VMware OS Optimization Tool

Tue, 31 Jul 2018 13:30:23 GMT

In this episode of Cloud Insiders Tech Focus, we are looking at the VMware OS Optimization Tool with Xtravirt's Curtis Brown. Find out how you could be saving time and optimizing with this free tool. A product of a VMware fling, this is essential for the toolkit of any EUC specialists or any one that finds themselves deploying desktops on a regular basis.

Listen as Curtis us leads us through the uses, features and specs of the VMware OS Optimization tool.

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Managing Public Key Infrastructure

Tue, 17 Jul 2018 13:30:52 GMT

In this podcast episode, Xtravirt Senior Consultant Matthew Tupper shares some of his learnings from helping many organisations to better manage their PKI environment.

Tune in to find out:

What is public key infrastructure and how does it work?
What are some common mistakes organisations are making in relation to PKI and how can you avoid making them too?
And, finally, Matthew suggests a best practice approach to PKI and shares some top tips for effective Certificate Management.

Matthew Tupper is a Senior Consultant at Xtravirt and has been with Xtravirt for 8 years. He is a self-confessed fan of the minutiae and one of his specialist subjects is Public Key Infrastructure (PKI).

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Power vRA Module

Tue, 12 Jun 2018 13:30:12 GMT

In this special Tech Focus podcast from Cloud Insiders, we speak to Jonathan Medd, co-creator of PowervRA – a PowerShell module for managing VMware vRealize automation. Jonathan created this tool, because in his role as a consultant, he kept encountering the need for just such a tool, but found one didn’t exist, so set about creating one. Available from github.com and powershellgallery.com the tool has been downloaded thousands of times and user feedback is helping steer ongoing improvements.

Tune in to find out more about PowervRA - what it is, why it’s useful and what you need to get up and running.

Find out more about PowervRA on Twitter @PowervRAModule, or search for PowervRA on powershellgallery.com or GitHub

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Email Migration

Tue, 15 May 2018 13:45:06 GMT

This episode of Cloud Insiders focuses on the issues facing today’s email systems and the reasons why they may not be future proofed. Stefan Gibney from Ultimate Migrator and Gavin Jolliffe from Xtravirt discuss what it means for email to be GDPR compliant and what solutions are available to help ensure this. They identify some key steps to ensuring a successful cloud adoption, as well as share their views on the future of data compliance and management.

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I'm NSXy 2

Tue, 10 Apr 2018 13:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Cloud Insiders, we are joined by Senior Systems Engineer, Michael Armstrong and Xtravirt Senior Consultant, Steve Wood, to revisit the topic of NSX. Our guests explore the developments and improvements seen over the last few years including the key features of the latest NSX 6.4 release and VMware’s AppDefence product, including what it is and how it can work with NSX to secure a customer’s datacentre.

Michael and Steve also address what NSX Cloud is, how NSX-T differs from NSX-V, the key steps to ensuring a successful implementation, as well as where the future is heading for NSX.

Topics covered:

What have been the key developments and improvements of NSX over the last few years?
How can VMware AppDefence integrate with NSX to secure a customer’s data centre?
What are the key steps to ensuring a successful NSX implementation?
Where is the future heading?

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DMaaS

Tue, 13 Mar 2018 14:30:01 GMT

In the latest episode of Cloud Insiders, VP of Product and Alliances Marketing for Druva, Dave Packer joins Solutions Architect, Alex Galbraith for an interesting discussion around Data Management as a Service (DMaaS). Our guests explore how DMaaS relates to data protection, data governance and data intelligence, as well as the ways in which organisations are addressing the protection of data in the cloud.

Dave and Alex also address the industry drivers pushing organisations to look at the ways in which they are managing their data including the implications of GDPR; the industry trends such as an ever-increasing mobile workforce, as well as what Druva is doing within the data management space to support organisations.

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Hybrid Cloud

Tue, 13 Feb 2018 14:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Cloud Insiders, we are joined by Hitachi Vantara’s Cloud & Data Mobility Solutions Practice Lead, Rob Rowe and Xtravirt Lead Consultant, Curtis Brown, who discuss their thoughts and experience of Hybrid Cloud. Our guests identify the benefits of adopting hybrid cloud and the solutions available, what the term Edge Computing refers to and how it fits into the hybrid model.

Rob and Curtis also address the key steps to implementing hybrid cloud successfully, how Hitachi Vantara are helping customers within the hybrid space, as well as where the future is heading.

Topics covered include:

What is Hybrid Cloud?
How are customers benefitting from adopting Hybrid Cloud solutions?
What does the term ‘Edge Computing’ refer to?
What is Hitachi Vantara doing within this space?
Where is the future heading for Hybrid Cloud?

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Cloud Application Management

Wed, 17 Jan 2018 11:10:34 GMT

Join us for the latest episode of Cloud Insiders, where we welcome Senior Systems Engineer for Morpheus Data, James Smith and Senior Consultant at Xtravirt, Simon Eady for an interesting discussion around Cloud Application Management. In this episode, our guests address what Cloud Application Management actually is and how it relates to PaaS (Platform as a Service), as well as how it compares with traditional methods of cloud management.

James and Simon discuss the industry drivers for adopting Cloud Application Management solutions, and the increased demand to move application workloads to the cloud, as well as what Morpheus Data are doing within this space.

Topics covered:

What does the area of Cloud Application Management encompass?

How does Cloud Application Management relate to PaaS?
What are the key steps to adopting a cloud management solution?
What are Morpheus Data doing within this space?
Where is the future heading for Cloud Application Management?

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Large Scale Transformations

Tue, 28 Nov 2017 15:05:48 GMT

In this episode, we are joined by Xtravirt Project Manager, Craig Whelan and Technical Pre-Sales Consultant, Andy Hine, who explore the area of Large Scale Transformations; what the term means and what it encompasses. Our guests address the results and outcomes that organisations undertaking these transformations are hoping to see, as well as the common mistakes that they have seen organisations making, from their experience in the industry.

Craig and Andy also discuss the tools that are available to help businesses manage transformations of this size whilst ensuring success, what the future holds for large scale projects and address the question; is large scale really the way forwards?

Topics covered:

What does the sphere of ‘Large Scale Transformations’ encompass?
What are the common pitfalls to avoid?
What tools are available to help manage large scale transformations?
Where is the future heading for large scale projects?

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Serverless

Tue, 24 Oct 2017 13:07:26 GMT

In the latest episode of Cloud Insiders, Insight’s Pre-Sales Manager for Hybrid Cloud, Chan Ekanayake and Chief Technologist of WoodITWork.com, Julian Wood join us for an interesting discussion on Serverless Computing. Our guests explore the pain points and trends driving its adoption, how it compares with other forms of utility computing, and identify the benefits that its implementation could ensure for organisations.

Chan and Julian also address how a serverless approach is beneficial in relation to IoT (Internet of Things) applications, and how businesses are leveraging serverless computing platforms. Our guests also discuss why, having been around for over a decade, serverless computing is only becoming mainstream now, as well as the role that microservices can play within the serverless space.

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Analytics-as-a-Service

Tue, 03 Oct 2017 09:40:39 GMT

In this episode of Cloud Insiders, we are joined by Gavin Jolliffe, Director of SonarHub, who talks us through IT analytics and what this area encompasses. Throughout the discussion, Gavin outlines the ‘Analytics-as-a-Service’ solutions available in the market, the benefits of using these solutions, as well as how Sonar fits into this space.

Gavin also talks us through what he believes to be the main market factors driving the need for analytics solutions, how analytics will change the role of the sys-admin and how Sonar can help to facilitate this.

Topics covered include:

What does the term ‘analytics’ actually mean?
What are the benefits of analytics solutions?
How is Sonar addressing the market?
What are the market trends driving the adoption of analytics solutions?
Where is the future heading for analytics?

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VMworld Europe 2017 Special 2

Thu, 21 Sep 2017 11:05:37 GMT

In this special episode, Xtravirt Senior Consultant Nick Goldman shares his experience of VMworld Europe 2017. Nick talks about his highlights from this years’ event, the key sessions he attended and the latest VMware announcements.

Topics covered:

Highlights from this years’ event
Key sessions attended
Exciting VMware announcements

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VMworld Europe 2017 Special

Tue, 19 Sep 2017 11:10:51 GMT

In this special episode, Xtravirt Senior Consultants Curtis Brown and Simon Eady share their experience of VMworld Europe 2017. Curtis and Simon talk about their highlights from this years’ event, the key sessions they attended and the latest VMware announcements.

Topics covered:

Highlights from this years’ event
Key sessions attended
Exciting VMware announcements

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Client side vs Consultant side

Tue, 15 Aug 2017 14:31:08 GMT

In this episode, we focus on the different perspectives of working client and consultant side of an IT project. Joining us for this discussion are experienced IT Consultant, Phil Milroy and Xtravirt Project Manager, Craig Whelan. Our guests talk us through their experiences including, the pressures, benefits and pitfalls of working both client and consultant side of a job. Our guests analyse the main challenges that client businesses are wrestling with in IT, the consultative approach vs in-house approaches, as well as what they would do differently in past roles, knowing what they know now.

Craig and Phil also discuss the common mistakes they’ve seen clients making, what should be considered when thinking about implementing a new tech or transformation, as well as trends they see impacting organisations within the near future.

Topics covered:

What differentiates the client side vs the consultative side?
What IT challenged are organisations currently facing?
What should be considered during an IT transformation?
What future trends are heading our way?

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Cloud Data Management

Tue, 11 Jul 2017 16:32:15 GMT

In this podcast, we welcome Rubrik’s Chief Technologist, Chris Wahl and Xtravirt Lead Consultant, Christopher Lewis, who talk us through cloud data management and what it means. In this episode, our guests delve into the depths of data management, exploring the question: is it more than just back up and disaster recovery?

Chris and Christopher also investigate how cloud data management differs from traditional data management approaches, the benefits that organisations can reap from the adoption of data management through the cloud, as well as how Rubrik is helping businesses within this space and what they can help end users to achieve.

Topics covered include:

What is cloud data management and how does it differ from traditional approaches?

What are the benefits of data management through the cloud?
What should be considered when thinking about a cloud based data management solution?
What are the market factors driving the need for cloud data management?
Where is the future heading?

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Operations Management

Tue, 13 Jun 2017 15:44:23 GMT

In this episode of Cloud Insiders, we are joined by Alain Geenrits, Director Solutions Architects EMEA at Blue Medora and Simon Eady, Senior Consultant for Xtravirt, who talk us through the ways in which organisations can benefit from an operations management solution. Throughout the discussion, Alain and Simon address the reasons why businesses should adopt a cloud management solution, what it can help them achieve, as well as the options available to them.

Our guests also talk us through what they believe to be the main market factors driving the need for operations management, what to look for when considering an operations management solution, as well as what Blue Medora and Xtravirt are doing to help organisations within this space.

Topics covered include:

Why should organisations be considering an operations management solution?
How can organisations benefit from operations management?
What operations management options are available?
What are the market factors driving the need for operations management?
How are Blue Medora and Xtravirt helping businesses within this space?
Where is the future heading for operations management?

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Cloud Desktops

Wed, 17 May 2017 09:19:29 GMT

Join us for an interesting discussion around Cloud Desktops. Our guests for this episode are Xtravirt Senior Consultant Curtis Brown and Cloud Insiders regular Pete Grant who discuss cloud desktops, offerings available from the main vendors, and how organisations can benefit from their adoption. Curtis and Pete provide insight from their own experiences, and analyse the questions clients should be asking when considering a move to a DaaS (Desktop as a Service) model.

Our guests also discuss the types of businesses that are beginning to implement DaaS; where to start when considering moving to a cloud desktop model; how Xtravirt are addressing issues and helping organisations within this space; as well as where the future is heading for cloud desktops.

Topics Covered:

What are Cloud Desktops?
How can organisations benefit from their adoption?
What questions should clients be asking when considering a move to a DaaS model?
How is Xtravirt helping organisations within this space?
What does the future look like for Cloud Desktops?

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Cloud Hosting

Wed, 19 Apr 2017 09:36:07 GMT

In this episode, we’re all about Cloud Hosting. Joining us for this discussion are iland Enterprise Solutions Architect, Richard Stinton and Xtravirt Lead Consultant, Christopher Lewis, who talk us through Cloud Hosting and why it’s important. Our guests consider their own experiences and analyse the main business drivers they’re seeing for clients making a move to the cloud, what organisations are looking for, as well as the main issues that need to be considered when contemplating this transition.

Richard and Christopher also discuss the types of businesses that are beginning to implement cloud hosting services; how both iland and Xtravirt are addressing issues and helping organisations within this space; as well as what the future looks like for cloud hosting.

Topics Covered:

What is Cloud Hosting and why is it important?
What are the market factors driving the adoption of cloud hosting services?
What issues should clients bear in mind when considering a cloud hosting solution?
How are iland and Xtravirt helping organisations within this space?
What does the future look like for cloud hosting?

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Cloud Management

Wed, 22 Mar 2017 10:01:51 GMT

In this podcast, we welcome VMware Senior Member of Technical Staff, Sunny Dua and Xtravirt Senior Consultant, Simon Eady as they talk about Cloud Management and how IT Operations Management fits within this sphere. In this topical discussion, Sunny and Simon delve into the market factors driving the adoption of Cloud and IT Operations Management, as well as how Cloud Management compares with traditional IT management approaches.

Our guests also discuss what clients are looking for when considering adopting Cloud Management, the types of businesses that are implementing it, as well as the tools available and what they can enable clients to do.

Topics covered include:

What is Cloud Management and why is it important?
What are the market factors driving its adoption?
How does Cloud Management compare with traditional IT management approaches?
What are the main benefits clients are beginning to see through its adoption?
Where is the future heading?

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How big is Big Data

Wed, 22 Feb 2017 11:53:46 GMT

In this episode of Cloud Insiders, we are joined by Bob Plumridge, CTO of Hitachi Data Systems (HDS) and Gavin Jolliffe, CEO of Xtravirt, who talk us through the emergence of big data in today’s IT organisations. Our guests address how big data and analytics empowers traditional IT decision making, the market factors driving the adoption of analytics and the use cases we are beginning to see through client implementation.

Bob and Gavin also discuss the challenges of analysing big data and the types of organisations that are adopting it, as well as where the future is heading and the trends that are beginning to be seen.

Topics covered include:

How are big data and analytics empowering traditional IT decision making?
What are the market factors driving its adoption?
Which type of organisations are beginning to implement it?
What are the trends that are beginning to be seen?
Where is the future heading?

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Dangers of IoT

Wed, 01 Feb 2017 09:56:58 GMT

Join us for a very interesting discussion around the Internet of Things (IoT). Our guests for this episode are Capgemini Managing Consultant, Niall Merrigan and Cloud Insiders regular, Peter Grant who talk us through what IoT means for decisions makers and their organisations, as well as the growing importance of security ramifications in an IoT world.

Niall and Peter also discuss the type of businesses that are beginning to concentrate on and implement cybersecurity products, the pain points driving this focus and the questions to ask when considering implementing a security solution.

What does IoT mean for organisations?
What is cybersecurity and why is it important?
Which type of organisations are beginning to implement security solutions?
What are the pain points driving the need for cybersecurity?
Where is the future heading?

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What is VDI anyway?

Wed, 11 Jan 2017 11:41:04 GMT

In our first Cloud Insiders podcast of 2017 we’re talking VDI. Joining us in this episode are Xtravirt Senior Consultants, Matt Tupper and Chris Mitchell, who talk us through Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI). Our guests investigate the importance of VDI, its appeal to organisations, the key players within the space and the benefits that it’s adoption is bringing.

Matt and Chris also explore the trends in the adoption of VDI that Xtravirt are seeing among their clients, the potential pitfalls clients come across when moving towards it and the questions to ask to avoid mistakes, as well as where the future is heading.

What is VDI and why is it important?
Which market factors are driving adoption of the VDI model?
Who are the key players within VDI?
What are the potential pitfalls when moving towards a VDI model?
Where is the future heading?

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Is SvSAN part of your plan?

Wed, 14 Dec 2016 09:16:07 GMT

In this podcast, StorMagic’s EMEA Channel Manager, Steven Santini and Cloud Insiders Frequent Flyer, Peter Grant discuss the rise of virtual SAN in a Hyperconverged world. In this topical discussion, our guests delve into the market factors that are driving the adoption of vSAN, as well as the benefits that clients are beginning to see from SvSAN as a Virtual SAN solution.

Our guests talk us through the questions to ask when considering, planning and implementing vSAN, the types of organisation driving its adoption, as well as where the future appears to be heading.

What is virtual SAN and why is it important in software defined data centres?
What are the market factors driving the adoption of vSAN?
What types of organisations are beginning to implement vSAN?
What benefits are organisations beginning to see from SvSAN as a Virtual SAN solution?
Where is the future heading?

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Find your SDN Zen

Wed, 23 Nov 2016 10:10:07 GMT

In this episode of Cloud Insiders, we are joined by Arista’s Regional Sales Director and Head of UK Sales, Paul Goodridge and Xtravirt Senior Consultant, Richard Renardson as they talk Virtual Networking. In this topical podcast, our guests explore the current market trends in network virtualisation and discuss the benefits clients are starting to see through its adoption.

Our guests also talk us through the importance of Network Operating Systems, universal spine and core convergence and what it means for IT decision makers, as well as the questions to ask when considering implementing network virtualisation

What is software driven cloud networking and why is it important?
What market factors have driven the adoption of network virtualisation?
What types of businesses are beginning to implement network virtualisation?
Where is the future heading?

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Hyperconverge this!

Wed, 02 Nov 2016 10:38:49 GMT

Join us for an interesting discussion around the rise of Hyperconvergence. Our guests for this episode are Nutanix Senior Systems Engineer, Grant Friend and Xtravirt Senior Consultant, Darren McDonagh who talk us through current trends and the best ways to get a Hyperconverged future for your business.

Our guests also discuss how a Hyperconverged stack compares to traditional models, as well as the importance of Hyperconvergence and the impact it has on data centre performance, availability and scalability.

Topics covered include:

What is Hyperconvergence and why is it important?
What market factors have led to Hyperconvergence?
What are the trends that we’re starting to see?
What sort of impact is Hyperconvergence currently having on businesses?

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Hybrid IT

Wed, 19 Oct 2016 08:52:10 GMT

In this podcast Xtravirt’s Peter Grant and Fujitsu’s Head of Offerings, Guy Ratcliffe delve into the adoption of hybrid IT and how you can get the best of both worlds. In a focussed discussion, we talk about the sweeping changes affecting infrastructure planning and the rise of the hybrid IT model.

Our guests also discuss key benefits as seen by early adopting clients, the questions to ask when considering a move to a hybrid model, as well as anticipated future trends within this space.

Topics Covered:

What are the market factors driving the adoption of a Hybrid model?
What should be considered when thinking about moving towards a Hybrid model?
What are the trends that we're starting to see?
What are the common mistakes to avoid when considering a Hybrid model?

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Migration Planning

Wed, 05 Oct 2016 10:40:58 GMT

In this topical discussion around Migration Planning, we’re joined by AppTracker founder Justin Pickup and Channel Partner Manager Fraser Norman to discuss the business drivers around making your IT migration quicker and easier and the rise of VDI, Cloud and Windows 10.

We also discuss AppTracker’s MigrationStudio and the market factors that are driving its adoption and the common mistakes made when implementing a migration management tool. Topics covered include:

The rise of VDI, Cloud and Windows 10
What should be considered when thinking about a migration?
What are the trends that we're starting to see?
How does MigrationStudio compare to traditional approaches?

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Do you DevOps?

Wed, 14 Sep 2016 11:16:33 GMT

Join us for a topical discussion around the world of DevOps and how this agile relationship between Development and Operations can help organisations. Our guests Bob Plumridge, CTO of HDS and Richard Robinson, Strategic Alliances Manager of Xtravirt explain the importance of DevOps, how it compares with traditional development approaches, as well as the key players within this space. We also discuss where DevOps is heading and the future trends we're anticipate seeing. Topics covered include:

What is DevOps and how does it compare to traditional development approaches?
What are the market factors driving the adoption?
What are the trends that we're starting to see?
What are the common mistakes clients are making during implementation?

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Cloud Delivery

Thu, 18 Aug 2016 15:08:23 GMT

We dive a little deeper into the depths of cloud and beyond the veil of technology into the human element of a project. We find out how it’s best to tackle a cloud project from beginning to end and more importantly what not to do.

Xtravirt’s Craig Whelan indulges us with the wealth of knowledge he's acquired as a Project Manager within the virtualisation space and gives us a unique perspective from on, beyond and behind the front line.

He covers topics such as:

⦁ Critical success factors

⦁ What methodologies, tools and techniques are used and which are best

⦁ How do you deal with change

⦁ What conflicts can arise and how can they be dealt with

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vRa vRa vRoom

Tue, 16 Aug 2016 08:42:12 GMT

Join us for an animated discussion around automation and orchestration, including what it all means for IT Operations teams globally. Guests Sam McGeown, Lead Consultant and Christopher Lewis, Senior Consultant from Xtravirt talk through the reasons clients are adopting VMware vRealize Automation, VMware vRealize Orchestrator and the benefits they see in a future full of automation. 'With automation comes great power', but would you want to automate all processes? What are the main benefits and what are the downsides of automation in the software-defined data centre?

Topics covered include:

What is vRealize suite?
How does vRealize Orchestrator work in with vRealize Operations?
When considering automation, what benefits/pitfalls do you need to be aware of?
What type of organisations are already rolling out automation?
What does automation mean for IT Operations teams?
Future trends in automation and orchestration

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Security Secret Sauce

Wed, 27 Jul 2016 10:29:26 GMT

Gareth Hogarth and Gregg Robertson from Xtravirt talk security, the risks inherent in software defined data centres and reveal their secret sauce for application hardening.

Join us for a lively discussion on security in the context of the software-defined data centre. Our guests Gareth Hogarth (Senior Consultant) and Gregg Robertson (Lead Consultant) of Xtravirt highlight the trends in users and technology and the risks that result in modern environments. They discuss the value of a high level self-audit and reveal the ingredients that make up their security secret sauce - a soon to be crowd favourite when seasoning any security hardening recipe.

Topics covered include:

What role does Security play in the software-defined data centre?
Why does it matter?
What risks have emerged in recent times?
What ingredients make up the security secret sauce?
What does the future hold?

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Don't Panic! - The Cloud Insiders Guide to Business Continuity

Wed, 29 Jun 2016 09:23:44 GMT

Peter Groucutt of Databarracks and Peter Grant from Xtravirt talk risk, cost of downtime and the rewards inherent in good planning.

Join us for an interesting discussion regarding business continuity and disaster recovery in a web-scaled, cloud-based world. Our guests Peter Groucutt, MD of Databarracks and Peter Grant, CTO of Xtravirt, discuss the types of risk organisations need to be aware of, the value of analysing each and the role cloud-based services play in Disaster recovery as a service (DRaaS). The discussion includes the changing nature of risk, the emergence of cyber crime and how organisations both large and small are engaging with the pressing need for business continuity planning.

Topics covered include:

What is Business continuity planning?
How does Disaster recovery feature in cloud-based services?
How should you be looking at business continuity planning?
How are risks facing organisations changing over time?
How has the cloud changed continuity planning?

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I'm too NSXy

Wed, 08 Jun 2016 09:50:02 GMT

A lively review of VMware NSX, the security drivers leading to its emergence and how organisations are beginning to implement it.

Join us as our guests Matthew Bunce and Andy Hine of Xtravirt, both virtualisation experts, discuss the ins and outs of NSX. The high level discussion covers security concerns driving a rise in microsegmentation, principles of security in a software defined world and what to cover when planning to introduce security into the software layer.

Topics covered include:

What is NSX?
Trends in the adoption of security and NSX
What it means to be NSXy
The foundations of a micro-segmented approach
Future trends in virtualisation security

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Cloud: Does it hold water?

Tue, 10 May 2016 16:18:56 GMT

For the inaugural episode of Cloud Insiders we look at exactly what cloud is, who the early adopters have been and where the market is heading.

Join us as our guest Peter Grant, a seasoned veteran in the virtualisation field (and Xtravirt CTO) talks to us about the differences between public, private and hybrid clouds and the pros on cons of companies moving to the cloud.

Topics covered include:
- What is Cloud?
- Trends in the adoption of cloud
- Public vs hybrid cloud
- The suits and the hoodies in IT organisations
- Future trends being seen in the industry

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