3477: The Intersection of AI, DX, and Technical Debt.

How do you secure a world where trusted internal traffic now travels over the public internet? That's the question I put to Doug Merritt, CEO of Aviatrix, in this thought-provoking conversation recorded for Tech Talks Daily. Doug brings decades of experience from his time leading Splunk and other major technology players, and he now finds himself at the forefront of reshaping how enterprises think about cloud security. We discuss why the cybersecurity landscape is more treacherous than ever, especially as AI accelerates both defense and attack capabilities. Doug explains why the old "castle and moat" mindset no longer applies in the age of cloud workloads, where perimeters are atomized and workloads are ephemeral. He outlines how identity, endpoint, and network security form a three-legged stool—yet too many organizations focus on one leg while neglecting the others. Doug also shares why embedding protection directly into the network fabric changes the rules for defending the cloud, and how his team at Aviatrix is helping companies close dangerous visibility gaps. We explore the rise of agentic AI, the growing sophistication of lateral movement attacks, and why even trusted identities can pose risk in distributed environments. As we look to the future, Doug argues that the path forward is clear: build on strong foundations, simplify the noise, and make network visibility a first-class citizen in enterprise defense. What do you think—are most organizations ready to shift from bolted-on tools to truly embedded cloud security? I'd love to hear your thoughts after listening. Tech Talks Daily is Sponsored by NordLayer: Get the exclusive Black Friday offer: 28% off NordLayer yearly plans with the coupon code: techdaily-28. Valid until December 10th, 2025. Try it risk-free with a 14-day money-back guarantee.

  Every software team, no matter its size or sophistication, has wrestled with the same quiet threat, technical debt. But what if the issue isn't just messy code or outdated frameworks, but something more human? That's the question Ernesto Tagwerker, Founder and CEO of OmbuLabs.ai, has been asking as he works at the intersection of AI, developer experience, and legacy modernization. In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, Ernesto joins me from Philadelphia to unpack why technical debt is so misunderstood and why the term has drifted far from Ward Cunningham's original metaphor. He argues that many teams treat it as a one-off cleanup task when, in reality, it's a living health issue that must be managed continuously. As he explains, "Every time you have to work around messy code, you're paying interest. And if later never comes, that interest piles up until progress grinds to a halt." We explore how AI is changing the way engineers think about remediation and developer experience (DX). Ernesto shares how OmbuLabs.ai uses AI agents to automate parts of the Rails upgrade process, scanning codebases for deprecations and generating actionable plans for clients. But his caution is clear, these tools are only as smart as the people orchestrating them. When used carelessly, they can generate invisible layers of new debt just as fast as they resolve the old. Ernesto also reflects on research from Google that reveals how "technical debt" varies wildly between teams and projects. He explains why leadership alignment is vital, how recurring surveys can help identify developer pain points, and why organizations should measure "technical health" rather than chase the unrealistic goal of zero debt. We discuss the cultural shift required for long-term success and why allocating even 10 to 20 percent of each sprint to DX improvements can dramatically reduce burnout and turnover. Finally, Ernesto offers his take on the future. AI will continue to automate repetitive work and surface smarter insights, but human oversight remains non-negotiable. In his words, "AI agents are only as good as their human operator." This conversation goes beyond code reviews and sprint retrospectives. It's about redefining what progress means in software development, healthier systems, happier developers, and smarter collaboration between humans and machines. Listen now to hear how Ernesto Tagwerker and OmbuLabs.ai are rethinking technical debt, DX, and AI-driven engineering for the decade ahead.   Tech Talks Daily is Sponsored by NordLayer: Get the exclusive Black Friday offer: 28% off NordLayer yearly plans with the coupon code: techdaily-28. Valid until December 10th, 2025. Try it risk-free with a 14-day money-back guarantee.

What if business intelligence didn't stop at answering what happened, but could finally explain why? In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I sit back down with Alberto Pan, Chief Technology Officer at Denodo, to unpack how Deep Query is redefining enterprise AI through reasoning, transparency, and context. We explore how Deep Query functions as an AI reasoning agent capable of performing open-ended research across live, governed enterprise data. Instead of relying on pre-built dashboards or static reports, it builds and executes multi-step analyses through Denodo's logical data layer, unifying fragmented data sources in real time. Alberto explains how this semantic layer provides the business meaning and governance that traditional GenAI tools lack, transforming AI from a surface-level Q&A system into a trusted analytical partner. Our conversation also digs into the bigger picture of explainable AI. Deep Query reports include a full appendix of executed queries, allowing users to trace every insight back to its source. Alberto breaks down why this level of auditability matters for enterprise trust and how Denodo's support for the Model Context Protocol (MCP) opens the door to more interoperable, agentic AI systems. As we discuss how Deep Query compares with RAG models and data lakehouses, Alberto offers a glimpse into the future of business intelligence—one where analysts become guides for AI-driven research assistants, and decision-makers gain faster, deeper, and more transparent insights than ever before. So what does the rise of reasoning agents like Deep Query mean for the next generation of enterprise AI? And how close are we to a world where AI truly understands the why behind the data? Tune in and share your thoughts after listening.   Tech Talks Daily is Sponsored by NordLayer: Get the exclusive Black Friday offer: 28% off NordLayer yearly plans with the coupon code: techdaily-28. Valid until December 10th, 2025. Try it risk-free with a 14-day money-back guarantee.

For years, many businesses believed that Apple devices were inherently secure. That illusion has faded. In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I speak with Adam Boynton, Senior Security Strategy Manager at Jamf, about why visibility across macOS and iOS is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Adam explains how Jamf has evolved from device management to full Apple-native security intelligence, protecting over 75,000 organizations and more than 32 million devices. He shares how attackers no longer target individual operating systems but entire ecosystems, exploiting the gaps between how Apple secures its platforms and how enterprises actually monitor them.  From real-world cases to lessons learned at Jamf's annual JNUC conference, Adam describes how telemetry provides security teams with the truth about what's really happening on their endpoints, enabling them to transition from reactive incident response to proactive defense. Our conversation covers everything from the architectural blind spots that traditional Windows-centric tools can't see to the rise of AI-driven analysis that turns complex forensic investigations into minutes-long processes. We also explore how Jamf's partnerships, such as those with Elastic, are creating an open and integrated future for enterprise security, blending deep Apple signals with cross-platform context. For anyone still clinging to the myth that macOS or iOS "just work" without attention to security, this episode is a wake-up call. Adam outlines practical advice on patching, mobile hygiene, and zero trust, while revealing how Jamf's latest innovations are quietly making the most secure way the easiest way for users. Listen to hear how Jamf is redefining modern Apple security, turning management, identity, and protection into a seamless whole, and why accurate visibility—not assumptions—is now the objective measure of cybersecurity readiness. Tech Talks Daily is Sponsored by NordLayer: Get the exclusive Black Friday offer: 28% off NordLayer yearly plans with the coupon code: techdaily-28. Valid until December 10th, 2025. Try it risk-free with a 14-day money-back guarantee.

There was a time when a computer science degree almost guaranteed a fast track into a well-paid career. But that promise is slipping. In today's Tech Talks Daily episode, I reconnect with Hans de Visser, Chief Technology Officer at Mendix, to discuss why recent graduates are finding it more challenging than ever to secure their first role in technology, and what they can do about it. Hans brings decades of experience in software engineering and low-code innovation, and his perspective on today's market is both sobering and optimistic. We discuss new research indicating a sharp decline in junior developer openings since 2024 and explore how the rapid rise of AI has altered the hiring equation.  The expectation now is that young developers arrive fluent in automation, generative AI, and multidisciplinary tools —skills that few university programs can thoroughly teach. Yet, as Hans points out, this doesn't mean opportunity has vanished. It just looks different. Our conversation unpacks what this new reality means for aspiring developers. Hans explains how Mendix evaluates candidates by testing their ability to think critically about AI-assisted code rather than generate it.  He explains why graduates must master both traditional software foundations and modern tools, such as low-code platforms and agile applications. And he offers advice on building a mindset of lifelong learning, staying curious, experimenting with new tools, and understanding how AI can amplify rather than replace human creativity. For anyone feeling disheartened by the tightening job market, Hans offers balance and hope. He believes that as the definition of software developer evolves, new hybrid roles will emerge at the intersection of business, creativity, and technology. The graduates who will thrive are those who treat AI as a collaborator, not a competitor. Listen to this episode to hear how Mendix is helping redefine what it means to build software in the age of AI, and why today's tech graduates may need to think less about securing a single job title and more about creating a career that never stops learning. Tech Talks Daily is Sponsored by NordLayer: Get the exclusive Black Friday offer: 28% off NordLayer yearly plans with the coupon code: techdaily-28. Valid until December 10th, 2025. Try it risk-free with a 14-day money-back guarantee.    

What does cybersecurity look like beyond Earth's atmosphere? That's the question at the heart of this conversation with Kristiina Omri, Vice President of Special Programs at CybExer Technologies, and Aare Reintam, the company's COO. We met in Tallinn on the eve of the Software Defined Space Conference to explore how Estonia, in collaboration with the European Space Agency, is helping define the future of space cybersecurity through the world's first Space Cyber Range. The story begins unexpectedly—with a childhood memory of marmalade in a tube, the same kind sent to Soviet astronauts in orbit. For Aare Reintam, that small detail became the first spark of fascination with space, one that decades later evolved into CybExer's partnership with ESA. Together they've created a digital testing environment where satellites, ground stations, and communication protocols can be stress-tested for cyber resilience long before launch.  It's a bold move in an era when satellites underpin everything from GPS and precision farming to air travel and climate observation, yet often rely on decades-old technology vulnerable to attack. Kristiina Omri explains how the Space Cyber Range replicates real-world missions, allowing engineers and analysts to train under simulated attack conditions that feel indistinguishable from their actual control systems. The range combines the precision of digital twins with the competitive intensity of cyber exercises, preparing teams for threats that can ripple from orbit to everyday life on Earth. The conversation covers everything from the growing space-debris crisis to the global shortage of cybersecurity professionals, and the urgent need to blend space engineering with cyber education. We also discuss the deeper strategic implications. What happens when quantum computing enters the battlefield? How should Europe prepare for the convergence of cyber and kinetic threats in orbit? And what lessons can be learned from Estonia's leadership in NATO cyber defense as it extends that expertise to the stars? By the end of the discussion, one theme stands out clearly: the future of cybersecurity is no longer confined to our planet. From digital twins to orbital trust networks, CybExer Technologies and the European Space Agency are proving that the next frontier for cyber readiness lies in space itself.

In this episode, I sit down in Tallinn with Madis Võõras, Head of the Estonian Space Office at Enterprise Estonia, to unpack how Estonia is carving out a real role in the European space sector through brains, code, and smart partnerships. Madis explains how his team connects Estonian companies with the European Space Agency, brings public investment back into the local economy, and uses space projects as a launchpad for globally competitive products and services. He shares why Estonia's sweet spot is software, how the country's digital public infrastructure became a reference point for European programs, and why the next wave of value will come from data, cybersecurity, and rapid deployment rather than rockets alone. We also talk about what it takes to build a space economy in a market of 1.3 million people. Madis walks through lessons from early contracts, the rise of an Earth observation data hub, and a business incubator that has already helped dozens of founders move from idea to revenue. He is candid about the gaps too, including the need for more hardware depth and the reality that international cooperation is the fastest route to scale. From optical communications between Tallinn and Helsinki to the practical use of AI inside satellite programs, you will hear a pragmatic roadmap rather than hype. If you want a grounded look at how space policy meets startup grit, and why collaboration with the European Space Agency is a catalyst rather than a finish line, this conversation is for you. What should Estonia prioritize next to punch above its weight in the global space economy, and where do you see the biggest opportunities for software and AI in space services? Share your thoughts and join the discussion.

What role does cybersecurity play when the battlefield extends beyond Earth's atmosphere? In this special episode recorded live in Tallinn for the fifth anniversary of the Software Defined Space Conference, I sit down with Kalev Koidumäe, CEO of the Estonian Defence and Aerospace Industry Association, to explore how software and security are transforming the future of space and defense. Kalev shares how Estonia, a nation of just 1.3 million people, has built global credibility through innovation, collaboration, and cyber resilience. From the lessons of the 2007 state-level cyberattack to the country's integration of space technologies within NATO's defense framework, Estonia has developed a model that combines agility with strategic foresight. Our conversation spans everything from the evolution of Estonia's space sector to its growing ecosystem of AI-driven defense technologies, autonomous systems, and satellite solutions. Kalev also explains how lessons from the war in Ukraine are reshaping Europe's defense landscape and accelerating the need for resilient, software-defined systems. What makes this discussion particularly fascinating is the balance Estonia maintains between national sovereignty and international cooperation. Kalev explains how the country's reserve army model, cyber education initiatives, and public-private partnerships have created an ecosystem where innovation is both strategic and deeply rooted in civic responsibility. It's a blueprint for how smaller nations can play a meaningful role in global security through ingenuity and collaboration. As the world navigates an era of heightened geopolitical tension and rapid technological advancement, this discussion offers a glimpse into how small nations can make a big impact in securing both cyberspace and outer space. So what can larger nations learn from Estonia's approach to innovation, readiness, and cyber defense? And how might software continue to redefine the future of space security? Share your thoughts after listening.

Artificial intelligence has changed how we think about service, but few companies have bridged the gap between automation and genuine intelligence. In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I'm joined by Puneet Mehta, CEO of Netomi, to discuss how customer experience is evolving in an age where AI doesn't just respond but plans, acts, and optimizes in real time. Puneet has been building in AI long before the current hype cycle. Backed by early investors such as Greg Brockman of OpenAI and the founders of DeepMind, Netomi has become one of the leading platforms driving AI-powered customer experience for global enterprises. Their technology quietly powers interactions at airlines, insurers, and retailers that most of us use every day. What makes Netomi stand out is not its scale but the philosophy behind it. Rather than designing AI to replace humans, Netomi built an agent-centric model where AI and people work together. Puneet explains how their Autopilot and Co-Pilot modes allow human agents to stay in control while AI accelerates everything from response time to insight generation. It is an approach that sees humans teaching AI, AI assisting humans, and both learning from each other to create what he calls an agentic factory. We explore how Netomi's platform can deploy at Fortune 50 scale in record time without forcing companies to overhaul existing systems. Puneet reveals how pre-built integrations, AI recipes, and a no-code studio allow business teams to roll out solutions in weeks rather than months. The focus is on rapid time-to-value, trust, and safety through what he calls sanctioned AI, a framework that ensures governance, transparency, and compliance in every customer interaction. As our conversation unfolds, Puneet describes how this evolution is transforming the contact center from a cost center into a loyalty engine. By using AI to anticipate needs and resolve issues before customers reach out, companies are creating experiences that feel more personal, more proactive, and more human. This is a glimpse into the future of enterprise AI, where trust, speed, and empathy define the next generation of customer experience. Listen now to hear how Netomi is reimagining the role of AI in service and setting new standards for how businesses build relationships at scale.

What if the biggest barrier to AI adoption isn't the technology itself, but our ability to learn, adapt, and reskill? That question sits at the heart of my conversation with Sagar Goel, Managing Director and Partner at Boston Consulting Group, who leads the firm's global work on digital workforce development and reskilling. Speaking from Singapore, Sagar brings a rare combination of data, strategy, and humanity to the discussion on how AI is reshaping the global workforce—and why the frontline is struggling to keep up. Drawing on BCG's latest "AI at Work" research, Sagar reveals a surprising trend: frontline AI usage has stalled at around 50 percent for the first time. He explains why many companies are still approaching AI as a tool rollout rather than a behavioral and cultural shift. According to him, employees often don't know where or how to use AI effectively, leadership support is lacking, and training programs are too shallow to spark genuine adoption. The result is a productivity paradox—AI potential without real impact. Sagar also unpacks another counterintuitive finding: leaders are more worried than their teams about losing their jobs to automation. He attributes this to leaders' heightened awareness of structural disruption and their own vulnerability in adapting mid-career. Meanwhile, countries across the Global South are outpacing the US in AI adoption, driven by youthful populations, economic necessity, and a hunger for differentiation in tight job markets. Throughout the discussion, Sagar draws a clear line between upskilling and reskilling—two terms often used interchangeably but representing distinct needs. Upskilling, he explains, should embed AI fluency into daily workflows from the CEO down, while reskilling must redeploy people into new, higher-value roles as automation accelerates. He cites IKEA's decision to retrain 8,000 call center staff into design consultants as a model example of turning disruption into opportunity. We close with a candid reflection on leadership responsibility in the age of AI. For Sagar, the message is simple but profound: if skills don't show up on your balance sheet, they won't show up in your business performance. As the half-life of skills shrinks to five years, he urges CEOs to integrate workforce readiness directly into strategy, or risk being outpaced by those who do. This episode is a grounded, data-driven look at what it truly takes to prepare people—not just machines—for an AI-driven world.