The tech podcast where Synextra's technical Experts in Polo Shirts talk about what's actually happening in enterprise technology, not what the vendors want you to believe. Each episode features different members of the Synextra team—from Azure specialists and security professionals to developers and infrastructure architects—discussing the latest developments and real-world challenges in cloud, security, AI, and the broader tech industry. These are the people who spend their days implementing enterprise solutions, locking down networks, and testing whether the latest tech lives up to the hype (spoiler: sometimes yes, often no). Whether we're breaking down industry news, sharing how we solve problems in our own business, or exploring emerging technologies, every conversation comes from the implementation trenches, not the executive suite. We discuss what works, what doesn't, and why—with the honesty that comes from practical experience. If you want honest tech talk that sounds like the conversations already happening in your IT department—just better informed—you're in the right place.
Listen to episodes
25 recent
March 27, 2026Episode 215 min
The Future of Backups Is Weirder Than You Think
Send us Fan MailData backup, disaster recovery, and cyber resilience are evolving faster than most people realise — and the technology on the horizon is genuinely wild.In this episode, Alex Wells-Linder (Cyber Security Analyst) and Matt Parker (Infrastructure Engineer) explore where backups are headed: from AI-powered recovery systems that diagnose problems before you even know they exist, to the surprising comeback of tape storage, all the way to glass platters, DNA, and storage that could last thousands of years.If you think backups are boring, this episode will change your mind.⏰ Chapters0:00 Introduction0:38 AI and the future of backup automation2:38 Why tape is making a comeback5:37 Project Silica — storing data in glass11:51 DNA storage and the data density problem✅ Subscribe for more episodes on cyber security, IT infrastructure, and the tech that actually matters.#DataBackup #CyberSecurity #ITInfrastructure #WorldBackupDay #DataRecovery #Ransomware #CloudStorage #TechPodcast #InfoSec #DisasterRecoveryAbout SynextraWe're your new favourite cloud provider.Based in the North-West of England, our team of experts help organisations like yours thrive in the new era of cloud tech.Visit https://www.synextra.co.uk/ to find out more and book a chat with one of our cloud specialists. We'd love to show you just how good a cloud-powered work life can be.Connect with us:• Twitter: https://twitter.com/Synextra• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/synextra• LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/synextra-ltd-• YouTube: / @synextra• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/synextra
March 13, 2026Episode 147 min
IoT Gone Wild: From Roombas to Regime Change
Send us Fan MailFrom accidentally hacking 7,000 robot vacuums with a PS5 controller to nation-states using traffic cameras to conduct assassinations—this episode covers the full spectrum of IoT security in 2026.We start light with the story of a Spanish engineer who just wanted to control his DJI Romo vacuum with his PlayStation controller. Using Claude Code, he accidentally discovered that his device key worked for every vacuum globally, giving him access to cameras, microphones, floor plans, and IP addresses from 7,000 homes. It wasn't even hacking—just catastrophically bad architecture from DJI.But the conversation gets progressively more serious. We explore Tesla's 37 zero-day vulnerabilities discovered at Pwn2Own, the terrifying prospect of cars being remotely disabled during warfare, and China's hidden wireless transmitters in solar panels and smart buses.Then we dive into the geopolitical deep end: Israel's multi-year operation hacking nearly every traffic camera in Tehran, using AI to build "patterns of life" for Iranian leadership, culminating in the precision strikes that killed Iran's Supreme Leader and senior military command. It's a masterclass in modern intelligence gathering—and absolutely terrifying in its implications for surveillance everywhere.We also cover Anthropic's legal battle with the US government (they're suing after refusing to provide unrestricted Claude access for mass surveillance and autonomous weapons), the reality check on AGI timelines, and research proving that AI can now de-anonymize anyone based on their writing patterns with 96% accuracy.Topics Covered:DJI Romo vacuum security disaster (7,000 devices compromised)IoT security fundamentals and why manufacturers don't careTesla vulnerabilities and automotive hackingSupply chain risks in smart devicesIsrael's Tehran surveillance operation and targeted assassinationsAnthropic vs. US Government legal battleAGI timeline reality check and compute limitationsThe death of online anonymityWhy Listen:This isn't just news commentary—it's practitioners discussing what these security failures actually mean, from your smart home to geopolitical warfare. We bridge the gap between the absurdly funny and the deadly serious, showing how the same fundamental IoT vulnerabilities affect everything from vacuum cleaners to regime change.Hosts: Matt, Alex - Azure experts, security practitioners who actually implement this stuff.Chapters:0:00 - Introduction: IoT Gone Wild 0:48 - DJI Romo Hacked with PS5 Controller 14:27 - Tesla's 37 Zero-Days 23:56 - Operation Epic Fury 31:30 - Anthropic vs. US Government Legal Battle 36:25 - AGI Timeline Reality Check 44:14 - The Death of Online AnonymityContent Warning: This episode discusses an active military conflict, including civilian casualties. We cover the technical cyber aspects from a practitioner perspective, not political positions on the conflict itself.About SynextraWe're your new favourite cloud provider.Based in the North-West of England, our team of experts help organisations like yours thrive in the new era of cloud tech.Visit https://www.synextra.co.uk/ to find out more and book a chat with one of our cloud specialists. We'd love to show you just how good a cloud-powered work life can be.Connect with us:• Twitter: https://twitter.com/Synextra• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/synextra• LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/synextra-ltd-• YouTube: / @synextra• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/synextra
October 23, 2025Episode 2347 min
The Blueprint for Fundamental App Re-architecture in Azure
Send us Fan MailElliott and Matt are back, taking on the complex, often misunderstood world of app modernisation. Whether you’re migrating, rebuilding, or questioning whether that old VM has had its day, this episode lays out what modernising in Azure really looks like. Expect straight talk, a few rants, and plenty of practical advice from people who’ve seen it all — the good, the bad, and the costly.#Azuremodernisation #cloudmigration #devopsjourney Chapters:00:00 – Intro: What is Application Modernisation in Azure?03:31 – Modernisation and Cost: Does it save or increase spend?06:09 – VMware to Azure: Is migration really modernisation?10:30 – Azure Arc, Hybrid Cloud, and the Modernisation Journey15:45 – What Could Possibly Go Wrong: Common pitfalls and design mistakes21:06 – Crossing Over Roles, Skills and Cost Responsibilities31:48 – Data Sovereignty and Compliance in Azure33:31 – Netflix Case Study: Lessons from large-scale modernisation36:43 – Aligning Cloud Migration with Business KPIs41:45 – Reputation Matters: Mapping the Customer Journey43:23 – Key Takeaways: Lessons learned from app modernisation45:59 – The Next Big Thing in Cloud-Native ArchitectureAbout SynextraWe're your new favourite cloud provider.Based in the North-West of England, our team of experts help organisations like yours thrive in the new era of cloud tech.Visit https://www.synextra.co.uk/ to find out more and book a chat with one of our cloud specialists. We'd love to show you just how good a cloud-powered work life can be.Connect with us:• Twitter: https://twitter.com/Synextra• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/synextra• LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/synextra-ltd-• YouTube: / @synextra• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/synextra
October 8, 2025Episode 2220 min
Ransomware: Is Your Untested DR Plan Your Biggest Weakness?
Send us Fan MailDisaster Recovery has shifted from protecting against a flood or a fire to protecting against a cyber attack.In this critical discussion, we break down the reality that a ransomware hit is "a when not an if" and why your backup is only as good as the last time you tested it. We examine the lessons learned from the Marks & Spencer hack, the new "smash and grab" tactics of ransomware actors, and the necessity of immutability to protect your backups from total deletion.We debate the critical need for DR testing (annual minimum), the importance of maintaining a security boundary for your backups, and why identity compromise is now the leading initial attack vector. Find out why cyber insurance might make you more of a target and how to build true cyber resilience.#Ransomware #DisasterRecovery #CyberSecurity #CloudSecurity #Backup #CyberattacksAbout SynextraWe're your new favourite cloud provider.Based in the North-West of England, our team of experts help organisations like yours thrive in the new era of cloud tech.Visit https://www.synextra.co.uk/ to find out more and book a chat with one of our cloud specialists. We'd love to show you just how good a cloud-powered work life can be.Connect with us:• Twitter: https://twitter.com/Synextra• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/synextra• LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/synextra-ltd-• YouTube: / @synextra• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/synextra
October 6, 2025Episode 2114 min
Jaguar Land Rover Recovery: What's Taking So Long?
Send us Fan MailJaguar Land Rover was hit by a massive cyberattack in September 2025, forcing systems offline for weeks, disrupting production, and leaving suppliers in chaos. In this episode, we break down what went wrong, who was behind it, and the critical security lessons every business needs to learn.Chapters:00:00 Intro – Jaguar Land Rover Cyberattack Explained03:49 Why Recovery Is Taking So Long04:59 The Insurance Twist07:11 How Organisations Can Protect Themselves08:55 Is Technology to Blame?10:50 The RamificationsAbout SynextraWe're your new favourite cloud provider.Based in the North-West of England, our team of experts help organisations like yours thrive in the new era of cloud tech.Visit https://www.synextra.co.uk/ to find out more and book a chat with one of our cloud specialists. We'd love to show you just how good a cloud-powered work life can be.Connect with us:• Twitter: https://twitter.com/Synextra• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/synextra• LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/synextra-ltd-• YouTube: / @synextra• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/synextra
July 31, 2025Episode 2021 min
Will Quantum Computers Change Everything We Know?
Send us Fan MailQuantum computing holds the potential to change everything we know. This video provides a clear overview of quantum computing in layman's terms. It explains how this technology could break current encryption standards, including SSL and VPNs, and impact blockchain technology and cryptocurrency. The discussion covers significant risks and rewards for both the private and public sectors, alongside the enormous cost and inherent fragility of quantum machines. This analysis details the implications for cybersecurity and AI advancements, addressing whether quantum computing could truly break the internet.#QuantumComputing#Cybersecurity#FutureTechWatch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/HZ2WIM69DYc00:00 What is Quantum Computing 05:35 Real-World Use Cases: Pharma, AI, Aerospace07:32 Quantum vs. Encryption: Breaking the Internet?10:10 Who’s Building It? Microsoft, Google & market capitalisation for cloud computing12:32 Cybersecurity, Fragility & Cost16:58 Public vs. Private Control & Wealth Divide18:10 Are even high-skilled jobs at risk from Quantum Computing?20:13 Is the Internet at Risk?About SynextraWe're your new favourite cloud provider.Based in the North-West of England, our team of experts help organisations like yours thrive in the new era of cloud tech.Visit https://www.synextra.co.uk/ to find out more and book a chat with one of our cloud specialists. We'd love to show you just how good a cloud-powered work life can be.Connect with us:• Twitter: https://twitter.com/Synextra• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/synextra• LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/synextra-ltd-• YouTube: / @synextra• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/synextra
April 30, 2025Episode 1942 min
Windows 10 End of Life: What Businesses Need to Know (Uncut)
Send us Fan MailWindows 10 support ends in October 2025 — but what does that really mean for organisations still running it?In this uncut episode of Experts in Polo Shirts, Synextra consultants Matt and Chris dive deep into the real-world impact of Windows 10's end of life. From AVD multi-session migration to Windows 11 adoption, extended support costs, and the risks of doing nothing — this is a practical guide for IT leaders, sysadmins, and anyone tasked with upgrading a large estate.They also explore common upgrade pain points, like legacy applications, FSLogix profiles, group policy rework, and migrating from on-prem file servers to OneDrive or SharePoint. Plus, there’s discussion around tools like Intune, Autopilot, MSIX, App-V, PDQ, and more — and whether Windows 12 is worth waiting for.📍Longer format. More nuance. More detail. 🎧 Listen in full right here, or search “Experts in Polo Shirts” on your podcast platform of choice for all episodes.Alternitvly find the cut version on YouTubeChapters:0:00 Intro0:13 History of Windows releases4:25 What does end of life mean for Windows 10? 11:23 What improvements does Windows 11 bring?15:06 Staying on Windows 10? How to stay secure17:42 The upgrade, Windows 10 to 1120:40 Widows 11 performance22:21 How will the upgrade affect Azure Virtual Desktop?29:16 Tips and tools for upgrading to Windows 1133:47 Windows 12 rumours already?35:14 Should you upgrade to Windows 11?38:00 Top tips for upgrading AVD multi-session About SynextraWe're your new favourite cloud provider.Based in the North-West of England, our team of experts help organisations like yours thrive in the new era of cloud tech.Visit https://www.synextra.co.uk/ to find out more and book a chat with one of our cloud specialists. We'd love to show you just how good a cloud-powered work life can be.Connect with us:• Twitter: https://twitter.com/Synextra• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/synextra• LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/synextra-ltd-• YouTube: / @synextra• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/synextra
April 3, 2025Episode 1839 min
Is the Cloud Already Out of Date? The Next Shift in Cloud Strategy
Send us Fan MailHas the cloud reached its peak, or are we witnessing the next major shift in cloud computing? Many organisations rushed to the cloud, lifting and shifting infrastructure without truly modernising. Now, as serverless, edge computing, and AI-driven operations take centre stage, is the traditional cloud model becoming outdated?In this episode, we break down:Why 'lift and shift' cloud migrations may already be holding businesses backThe rise of serverless computing – is it really "serverless"?How edge computing is reshaping cloud strategyThe impact of AI and automation on cloud operationsWhether businesses should rethink their cloud investmentsJoin us as we explore whether the cloud we know is still the future—or if the next evolution is already here.#CloudComputing #Serverless #FutureOfCloudChapters:00:00 Introduction00:26 Is the cloud we know out of date?01:42 Modernising virtual machines and improvements02:39 The benefits of PaaS services04:21 Is it possible to go serverless?07:57 Planning the IT budget and actual cost - The importance of developers09:15 Do we need infrastructure people anymore? - Infrastructure vs developers13:25 Moving from Azure back to a different cloud provider15:53 Azure Container instances17:02 Edge Computing22:51 AI and Cloud Ops28:18 Logic Apps30:25 Will AI remove the need for cloud architects and DevOps engineers?31:46 What are the dangers of using AI in cloud environments?33:36 AI in larger organisations would make things faster34:55 What is the future of AIAbout SynextraWe're your new favourite cloud provider.Based in the North-West of England, our team of experts help organisations like yours thrive in the new era of cloud tech.Visit https://www.synextra.co.uk/ to find out more and book a chat with one of our cloud specialists. We'd love to show you just how good a cloud-powered work life can be.Connect with us:• Twitter: https://twitter.com/Synextra• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/synextra• LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/synextra-ltd-• YouTube: / @synextra• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/synextra
March 20, 2025Episode 171 hr 11 min
Are LLMs Living Up to the Hype?
Send us Fan MailAre LLMs living up to the hype, or are they failing to deliver?In this episode of Experts in Polo Shirts, we examine the real-world impact of large language models (LLMs) beyond the marketing promises. From Google Gemini’s rocky launch to businesses struggling with AI adoption, we explore the pitfalls, misconceptions, and challenges facing LLMs today.Key Topics:Is Big Tech too big to innovate?Why some AI chatbots are easily manipulated, and how it’s costing businesses.How LLMs learn from your data, and what that means for privacy.Can small businesses run their own LLMs, or is it only for tech giants?The hidden biases in OpenAI, and what it means for AI fairness.With LLMs moving from hype to hands-on reality, this episode is essential viewing for business leaders, AI professionals, and anyone curious about the future of AI-driven technology.What do you think? Are LLMs failing, or is this just part of the innovation cycle? Let us know in the comments.#LLMs #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #MachineLearning #TechInnovation #BigTech #OpenAI #GoogleGemini #AIChatbots #AIethicsChapters:00:00 – Introduction: from Aircraft Engineer to Integration Developer05:50 What companies should be doing with LLMs14:19 Business advantages and limitations of LLMs18:07 The core principles of LLMs employees need to know22:15 Pitfalls for companies using LLMs25:45 Open AI using your Personal Data29:20 Experiment with LLMs - but be careful, they're learning about you too33:25 How do LLMs compare on cost?45:46 Advice to Small Businesses Adopting AI48:42 LLMs are Adapting to Please Us52:17 Automation with Voice Recognition and Human Validation58:10 Eroding Trust, AI Clones Are Now Producing Content1:01:32 What’s next for AI? Possibilities beyond LLMs1:05:39 Where do LLMs go from here?About SynextraWe're your new favourite cloud provider.Based in the North-West of England, our team of experts help organisations like yours thrive in the new era of cloud tech.Visit https://www.synextra.co.uk/ to find out more and book a chat with one of our cloud specialists. We'd love to show you just how good a cloud-powered work life can be.Connect with us:• Twitter: https://twitter.com/Synextra• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/synextra• LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/synextra-ltd-• YouTube: / @synextra• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/synextra
January 9, 2025Episode 1637 min
Cloud Costs Are Out Of Control - Stop Wasting Money
Send us Fan MailCloud cost management is a challenge for many businesses, with 91% of organisations admitting they’re wasting money in the cloud. In this episode of Experts in Polo Shirts, Ryan Tracey and Matt Dyson tackle the most common reasons cloud bills spiral out of control and discuss strategies for effective optimisation.What are the top three reasons for wasted cloud spend? Lack of skills, overprovisioned resources, and idle assets are costing businesses thousands. Join us as we discuss the actionable steps you can take to reduce your Azure price tag, from addressing hidden costs in storage and backups to using reserved instances, scaling plans, and better governance.Whether you're struggling to manage your cloud bills or want to ensure your environment is optimised for efficiency, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you control costs and boost your ROI.#CloudCostManagement #AzureCostManagement #CloudCostOptimisationChapters00:00 Introduction00:58 3 top reasons for wasting money on cloud 02:21 Addressing the skills gap03:19 Over provisioning: the on-premises mentality10:10 Idle and underused resources11:29 Monitoring systems: what we do16:17 Who is responsible for Cloud Cost Management?19:14 Business forecasts and IT budgets20:20 Retention on backups22:24 Why reducing redundancy might be a bad idea24:54 Converting to PaaS25:58 Committing Technical Resource27:09 Saving plans and reserved instances29:57 The Importance of Preplanning32:29 Company buy-in35:27 Developer resources and subscriptionsAbout SynextraWe're your new favourite cloud provider.Based in the North-West of England, our team of experts help organisations like yours thrive in the new era of cloud tech.Visit https://www.synextra.co.uk/ to find out more and book a chat with one of our cloud specialists. We'd love to show you just how good a cloud-powered work life can be.Connect with us:• Twitter: https://twitter.com/Synextra• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/synextra• LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/synextra-ltd-• YouTube: / @synextra• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/synextra
Is this your show?
Claim this listing to keep it up to date, reach guests who want to pitch you, and manage bookings with Guestify.
