Hurricane Response, AI Evolution, Community Broadband, and New Tech Initiatives in IT Services

Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights

T-Mobile and Starlink have launched a satellite texting service that will allow emergency alerts and basic texting for T-Mobile subscribers, even if they lose network connectivity. This initiative is part of a broader response to the hurricane, with over 10,000 Starlink kits being delivered to assist those affected. Sobel also highlights the growing coordination among managed service providers (MSPs) and IT service providers on platforms like Reddit to offer support during this crisis.

The episode delves into the evolving landscape of IT services, with a survey revealing that 80% of IT workers believe the help desk model will undergo significant changes by 2027, largely due to advancements in AI and automation. While there is excitement about these technologies, many workers express concerns about job security. Sobel emphasizes the need for IT staff to adapt by upskilling in areas such as employee experience and generative AI, as the future of help desks may shift towards experience desks that focus on enhancing user interactions.

Sobel also discusses Anthropic's new Batch AI API, which allows businesses to process queries asynchronously at a reduced cost, making advanced AI models more accessible to mid-sized companies. This development could transform how businesses approach data analysis, although it raises concerns about the potential trade-off between cost savings and real-time processing capabilities. Additionally, OpenAI is diversifying its data center partnerships, moving away from Microsoft due to supply chain frustrations, which could have ripple effects across the AI ecosystem.

Finally, the episode addresses the challenges faced by Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) regarding the use of generative AI tools by employees, which can expose sensitive company data. Despite governance policies, many organizations struggle to enforce them effectively. Sobel advocates for ongoing education about the risks associated with external AI tools and suggests that creating controlled environments for AI experimentation can help balance innovation with security. This approach allows companies to harness the productivity benefits of AI while mitigating the risks of data breaches.

Four things to know today

00:00 T-Mobile and Starlink Launch Satellite Texting Service in Florida as Hurricane Milton Approaches

04:08 80% of IT Workers Predict Helpdesk Model Obsolescence by 2027, Driven by AI and Automation

06:45 Anthropic’s Batch AI API Could Revolutionize Data Analysis for Mid-Sized Businesses, Offering 50% Cost Savings

08:45 Controlled AI Environments Emerge as Key to Safe AI Use Amid Data Security Concerns

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