The Cloud Lounge
The Cloud Lounge podcast is a monthly conversation of approximately 10-20min about how cloud technology can help businesses shape their digital future in all kinds of ways.
Raising the Bar in Cybersecurity: How MDR is Leading the Fight
November 27, 2024 • 24 MIN
In this episode of The Cloud Lounge, host Zeshan Randhawa connects with Marty Landry, Head of Strategic & Channel Sales at Field Effect, to explore the rapidly shifting cybersecurity landscape. With cybercrime damages projected to reach staggering levels, the need for effective protection has never been more urgent—especially for small and medium-sized businesses. Discover why Managed Detection and Response (MDR) solutions are becoming the go-to choice for SMBs, offering a balance of affordability and powerful defense capabilities. Marty shares actionable insights and key strategies to help you stay ahead of evolving threats and secure your digital future. Don’t wait to take control of your organization’s cybersecurity. Tune in now to stay ahead of the threats and learn how to safeguard what matters most!
How K-12 Data Can Help Students Succeed Academically
October 8, 2024 • 16 MIN
In this episode, host Zeshan Randhawa sits down with Soufiane Ben Moussa, Deputy Director of Technology at Conseil des Ecoles Catholique du Centre-Est (CECCE) to discuss the role of data analytics for K12 organizations and how CECCE has been leveraging data to help students succeed in their education. Together, they dive into the various ways data can be used to identify student needs, tailor educational approaches, and improve overall academic outcomes. They also explore the challenges and opportunities of adopting data-driven strategies in schools and offer practical insights for educators and administrators seeking to use data effectively to support student achievement.
Building an AI-first organization to Boost Productivity
August 29, 2024 • 24 MIN
In this episode, host Zeshan Randhawa is joined by TJ Walia, the founder of ZenTek Solutions, to explore the concept of building an AI-first organization and its potential to drastically enhance productivity. Together, they delve into what it means to have an AI-first mindset, debunk common misconceptions about AI and productivity, and highlight essential tools and strategies for implementing AI successfully. Listen in to gain valuable insights on harnessing AI to drive efficiency and innovation in your business!
Rising Risks, Changing Laws: Navigating Privacy in Canada's Digital Landscape
July 30, 2024 • 24 MIN
In this episode of the Cloud Lounge, host Zeshan Randhawa is joined by Mark Rye, Managing Director of HLB System Solutions, to delve into the crucial and evolving issue of privacy protection in Canada. As technology advances, organizations are handling more personal information than ever, raising concerns about data security breaches and identity theft. Together, they will explore Canada's comprehensive federal privacy laws and recent provincial updates, discussing the implications of these changes for both organizations and consumers in the ever-changing landscape of privacy legislation.
The AI Effect: How Artificial Intelligence is Transforming Software Development
June 18, 2024 • 21 MIN
AI is not only a powerful tool for software development, but also a source of inspiration and innovation. In this episode of the Cloud Lounge, Zeshan Randhawa talks to Jan Kokott, a senior consultant and AI developer at Softlanding, who shares his insights on how AI is shaping the software industry from a developer's point of view. You will learn how AI can automate and enhance various aspects of coding, testing, debugging, and deploying software, as well as create new opportunities and challenges for developers. Tune in to explore the current and future trends of AI in software development.
Living and thriving with AI
April 30, 2024 • 20 MIN
This episode dives into how Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Generative AI are transforming our lives at work and home. Host Zeshan Randhawa chats with Martin Evers, Sr. National Channel Sales Manager at Microsoft, about how businesses are leveraging Azure AI and Microsoft Copilot. You'll also learn about practical AI tools you can use to boost your productivity, whether you're a small business owner or an individual looking to streamline your day-to-day tasks.
Tale from the trenches: How to survive a cyberattack?
March 12, 2024 • 25 MIN
Cyberattacks are a risk that we all have to deal with, no matter how cautious we are. They can harm our image, our money, and our data. In this episode, Zeshan Randhawa and his guest, a cybersecurity expert will share their tips on how to survive a cyberattack, not just avoid it. They will talk about the actions organizations can take to defend themselves from cyberthreats, and how to recover from a cyberattack if we get hit. Listen to learn how to be cyber resilient and bounce back from a cyberattack.
Microsoft 365 Copilot and the Rise of AI in Our Daily Work
November 28, 2023 • 21 MIN
In this episode, Zeshan Randhawa and his host dive into the transformative world of artificial intelligence, acknowledging the rapid emergence of new AI tools that are reshaping our daily work experiences. Microsoft, a key player in this evolution, takes center stage with its ground breaking AI companion, Microsoft 365 Copilot. Released recently, M365 Copilot integrates seamlessly across all Microsoft applications, promising to revolutionize the digital workplace.
Unlocking Success: Canusa Wood's Data-Driven Journey
September 26, 2023 • 17 MIN
In this episode, host Zeshan Randhawa delves into the remarkable journey of Canusa Wood, a prominent North American importer of hardwood plywood and panel products. Discover how the strategic use of data analytics has revolutionized their business operations, highlighting the immense power of data in transforming companies and industries.
Guardians of the Gateway: Navigating Identity & Access Management in the Digital Age
August 22, 2023 • 14 MIN
In this episode, Zeshan Randhawa delves into cybersecurity alongside Jerome Bousquet, Microsoft's Global Black Belt for Advanced Identity. Focusing on digital identity, Jerome's expert insights unveil the significance of robust security in the face of ongoing data breaches and underreported incidents. Tune in to gain invaluable perspectives on safeguarding your organization's digital assets.
ChatGPT: A Deep Dive into AI Conversations and Its Magic
June 15, 2023 • 14 MIN
Step into the world of ChatGPT with Nima Mahamoud, Data & AI - Cloud Solution Architect at Microsoft as your guide in this episode. Explore the seamless integration of this AI language model with Microsoft's diverse portfolio of products and services, and gain valuable insights into how this integration can enhance and simplify your daily life.
How to start your data analytics journey right?
April 18, 2023 • 20 MIN
In this episode, Zeshan Randhawa and Rich Baumet, Team Lead of Data Analytics at Softlanding, discuss the essential elements that organizations should consider when harnessing the untapped potential of their data to help with decision-making and other business processes.
Robotic Process Automation: A competitive advantage businesses can't ignore?
February 23, 2023 • 27 MIN
In this new episode, Zeshan Randhawa explores with Ahmed Otmani Amaoui, Business Applications Segment Leader - SMB & Growth at Microsoft Canada, what the "do more with less" slogan means in the workplace and how Robotic Process Automation (RPA) can help in that regard by automating business and IT processes.
How Do Virtual Desktops Empower The Modern Workplace?
January 17, 2023 • 17 MIN
In this new episode, Zeshan Randhawa discusses with Will Ominsky, Senior Director, MSP Sales at Nerdio, how Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) has evolved, and how organizations can reimagine the desktop experience to provide a stable and robust hybrid working environment.
Special Episode on Microsoft Ignite 2022
December 6, 2022 • 12 MIN
In this special episode, Zeshan Randhawa discusses with Simon Poirier, Senior Cloud Solution Architect at Microsoft, the key announcements of the Microsoft Ignite conference in October 2022. This episode is not a recap but aims to shed light on the key announcements and explore the areas that caught our host and guest's eyes, such as Hybrid work, Microsoft Teams, Viva, and Power Platform.
How To Mitigate Cybersecurity Risks For Hybrid Work Environments?
October 13, 2022 • 21 MIN
In this new episode, Zeshan Randhawa discusses with Farshad Abasi, Founder/CSO at Forward Security, how the security landscape has changed since the switch to hybrid work and what organizations can do to strengthen their security posture.
How Technology Is Transforming The Education Sector?
September 8, 2022 • 29 MIN
In this new episode, Zeshan Randhawa discusses with Brad Klinck, Manager, Professional Services and Consulting at IBM K-12 Education Canada, how the education sector is leveraging technology to enhance learning and empower staff and students.
How to Create a Modern Intranet to Better Serve The Digital Workplace?
August 9, 2022 • 17 MIN
In this new episode, Zeshan Randhawa discusses with Pamela Beaudoin, Senior Microsoft 365 Advisor at West Fraser what it takes to create a modern intranet to serve your digital workforce. Together, they share their experience, insights, and lessons learned on how a good intranet can help organizations better engage with their employees and what steps to follow to create one.
What can organizations do to embrace the Hybrid Workplace?
June 28, 2022 • 18 MIN
In this new episode, Katie Poolton, Employee Experience & Frontline Worker Lead at Microsoft Canada is Zeshan Randhawa's guest. Together, they explore what organizations can do to embrace the Hybrid Workplace and empower their employees to promote flexibility and work-life balance.
What Does the Workplace of the Future Look Like?
May 26, 2022 • 10 MIN
In this first episode, Zeshan Randhawa discusses the future of the workplace post-pandemic with Shaun Roberts, President of Softlanding. Together, they explore the evolving trends of the hybrid workplace, and Shaun shares his experience of being at the forefront of managing the hybrid workplace.
The Cloud Lounge - Episode 0
April 13, 2022 • 11 MIN
The episode 0 of the Cloud Lounge Podcast serves as the trailer where we explain what we're doing here and why you should listen to our show. This show is brought to you by Softlanding, a leading provider of IT services in Canada and a Microsoft Gold Partner.