The Global Technology Industry Association (GTIA) stands at a pivotal moment, facing a profound transformation following the sale of its certification and training division. This transition presents a unique opportunity for GTIA to redefine its mission and solidify its role as a cornerstone of the IT industry. Rather than merely adjusting to changes in the technology landscape, GTIA must embrace a bold, redefined purpose that focuses on the business of delivering technology, including strategies, partnerships, and economic frameworks that facilitate how technology reaches customers.

One of the key challenges for GTIA is its identity and the perception that it represents the technology industry as a whole. The organization must shift its focus from being an industry standards group to becoming an association that empowers go-to-market partners, service providers, and vendors. With only 2,000 member organizations, GTIA's reach is limited compared to the vast number of providers and companies operating globally. To thrive, GTIA must actively redefine membership and engage with the broader industry, positioning itself as the central hub of the IT ecosystem.

To remain relevant, GTIA must also embrace digital transformation, moving away from outdated engagement models that rely on static reports and periodic conferences. By adopting a modern approach that includes real-time engagement, AI-driven insights, and digital-first collaboration, GTIA can become a dynamic intelligence network for technology delivery professionals. This transformation will allow GTIA to provide personalized, data-driven content and on-demand resources that align with the preferences of a younger, more digital-native workforce.

Finally, GTIA has the opportunity to lead in philanthropy and workforce development by moving beyond traditional grant processes and focusing on impactful initiatives. By leveraging its substantial endowment, GTIA can empower organizations that drive meaningful change in the industry. Establishing a platform for new ideas and diverse voices will further enhance GTIA's role as a thought leader, fostering innovation and proactive discussions that elevate the entire IT ecosystem. The time for GTIA to act is now, as it must choose to become a driving force in the rapidly evolving technology landscape or risk fading into irrelevance.

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Arvind Parthiban, CEO of Super Ops, discusses the company's growth strategy following a recent $25 million Series C funding round. With a focus on artificial intelligence (AI), Super Ops aims to enhance its platform for managed service providers (MSPs) by developing innovative features that streamline IT management. Parthiban emphasizes the importance of being close to customers, revealing plans to relocate the leadership team to the U.S. and expand into European markets. The company is committed to building a strong presence in the MSP sector, leveraging AI to transform service delivery.

Parthiban differentiates Super Ops' approach to AI from competitors by viewing it as a foundational element rather than a mere feature. He argues that while many companies are integrating AI functionalities, true differentiation lies in how these technologies are applied to solve real-world problems for MSPs. Super Ops has invested in a dedicated AI team in New Zealand, focusing on creating meaningful tools that enhance operational efficiency and service quality for its users.

The conversation also touches on the challenges of data access for AI development. Parthiban acknowledges that while Super Ops has a growing customer base, competitors with larger datasets may have an advantage. However, he believes that the company can still leverage its existing data and partnerships to create valuable AI-driven insights and automation tools. He asserts that the focus should not solely be on data volume but also on the quality and applicability of the AI solutions being developed.

Finally, Parthiban addresses concerns regarding Super Ops' marketing strategies, which some MSPs have described as aggressive. He defends the company's approach, likening it to common practices in the tech industry, while also expressing a desire to build trust within the MSP community. He clarifies that while the company is not currently monetizing its AI features, it plans to ensure that MSPs see tangible value before implementing any pricing changes. This strategy reflects a commitment to fostering long-term relationships with customers as the industry evolves.

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Dan Candee, CEO of Cork, discusses the innovative approach of combining software with insurance to provide cybersecurity solutions for managed service providers (MSPs) and their clients. Cork stands out in the cybersecurity landscape by validating the compliance of all client endpoints and offering a cyber warranty that provides financial protection. This model addresses the complexities of cybersecurity, where software vendors often avoid liability for failures, leaving businesses vulnerable. Cork aims to simplify the cybersecurity landscape, integrating with existing MSP tech stacks to ensure comprehensive protection.

The conversation delves into the challenges of managing financial risk in the cybersecurity sector. Candee explains that Cork's unique technology allows them to monitor and assess risks across all endpoints, providing a clear picture of compliance and security. This proactive approach helps MSPs maintain a secure environment for their clients, ensuring that they are prepared for potential cyber threats. The discussion highlights the importance of accountability and transparency in the cybersecurity ecosystem, emphasizing that Cork's model is designed to support MSPs in their efforts to protect their clients.

Candee also addresses the issue of human error in cybersecurity, noting that a significant percentage of incidents stem from mistakes made by individuals rather than technology failures. Cork's system not only identifies these risks but also provides a framework for compliance, ensuring that clients are aware of their security posture. By offering a warranty that covers incidents resulting from human error, Cork reinforces the idea that businesses have the right to survive cyber attacks, fostering a culture of security awareness.

Finally, the conversation touches on the evolving landscape of cyber insurance, which has been described as chaotic. Candee shares insights on how Cork collaborates with insurance companies to create a sustainable model that balances risk and profitability. He emphasizes the need for continuous improvement in cybersecurity practices and the integration of automation and AI to enhance efficiency. As the industry evolves, Cork remains committed to simplifying processes for MSPs and their clients, ensuring that they can navigate the complexities of cybersecurity with confidence.

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The discussion centers around the evolving landscape of technology roles, particularly in the context of AI and automation. Seth Robinson from CompTIA and Beth Pariseau from TechTarget share insights on the current demand for various IT job families, including software development, cybersecurity, and data management. They highlight that while there is a high demand for skilled professionals, companies are facing challenges in identifying specific skill gaps and adapting their workforce accordingly. The conversation emphasizes the need for organizations to invest in internal training and upskilling to bridge these gaps.

As AI technologies, particularly generative AI and AI agents, continue to develop, their impact on job roles is becoming increasingly significant. Beth discusses the integration of AI agents into development environments, noting that while they can enhance productivity, there is still skepticism about their long-term viability in production settings. The hype surrounding AI agents contrasts with the reality of their implementation, as many organizations are still grappling with the return on investment and practical applications of these technologies.

The conversation also touches on the concept of "vibe coding," where developers use AI tools to assist in coding tasks. While this approach can be beneficial for prototyping and citizen developers, both Seth and Beth agree that it is not yet suitable for production-level code. They express concerns about the potential skills gap that may arise if junior developers rely too heavily on AI-generated code without gaining the necessary foundational skills to evaluate and maintain it.

Finally, the discussion highlights the importance of accountability in AI usage, particularly in areas like identity and access management. As organizations rush to implement AI solutions, they must also consider the ethical implications and governance surrounding these technologies. The need for a skilled workforce that can navigate the complexities of AI and its integration into existing systems is paramount, as companies strive to balance innovation with responsibility.

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Alan Mosca, CTO of nPlan, discusses the transformative role of machine learning in construction project management. nPlan leverages historical data from large construction projects to create forecasts that help improve project execution. By analyzing how past projects were completed, NPLAN aims to shift the traditional mindset of project planning, which often relies on rigid schedules with fixed dates. Instead, the company focuses on modeling uncertainty and exploring various scenarios to better prepare for potential deviations from the plan.

The conversation delves into the core components of nPlan's technology, distinguishing between machine learning, algorithmic AI, and agentic AI. Mosca emphasizes that while machine learning is used to predict outcomes based on historical data, the real innovation lies in automating workflows to handle the complexity of large projects. This automation allows project managers to explore thousands of execution options, which would be impossible to analyze manually. The integration of AI agents into project management processes is framed as a means to enhance human decision-making rather than replace it.

Mosca also highlights the importance of transparency in machine learning models, noting that decision-making in uncertain environments requires a probabilistic approach. He draws parallels to weather forecasting, where probabilities guide expectations rather than definitive outcomes. This approach helps project managers understand the likelihood of various scenarios, enabling them to make informed decisions based on the data provided by nPlan's systems.

Finally, Mosca reflects on the challenges of implementing technology in the construction industry, particularly the need to motivate stakeholders to act on forecasts. He points out that human behavior often requires more than just data; personal experiences and contextual factors play a significant role in decision-making. By supporting project managers with AI-driven insights while respecting the nuances of human interaction, nPlan aims to foster better project outcomes in an industry that is often resistant to change.

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