Home Labs and Hybrid Nerdity

In this episode, cloud expert Alexander Scholz joins us to break down the essentials of Azure governance and landing zones. We explore why governance is critical for cloud security, cost management, and long-term success. Alexander shares real-world examples of common mistakes, like unsecured public IPs and VM sprawl, and explains how Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) and Azure policies can help enforce best practices. Whether you’re building new cloud environments or improving existing ones, this episode is packed with practical insights for IT professionals and cloud architects.  Topics covered: -What is Azure governance?-Understanding landing zones-Cost management and resource tagging-Cloud vs. on-prem security -The importance of continuous review and policy enforcement Tune in to level up your cloud strategy!

In this episode, we dive deep into the fascinating world ofhome labs with special guest Alexander Scholz, an IT consultant from Germany. Alongside Christian Mohn and Christian Lehrer, the group explores how home-based IT labs are used to test, learn, and even run full production environments.From building mini data centres in basements to integrating home automation, running virtual machines, and managing secure cloud connections, the panel shares insights, laughs, and serious geek cred. Whether you're an aspiring IT pro or a seasoned sysadmin, this is a must-listen for anyone passionate about tech tinkering at home.

In this episode, we dive into the discussion on the complexities of Kubernetes environments and how they compare to traditional virtual machines. The panel dives deep into protecting cloud-native applications, the realities of micro services, why backup still matters in containerised infrastructures, and the growing need to safeguard data and repositories like GitHub and Docker Hub. Whether you're new to Kubernetes or deep into DevOps, this conversation offers valuable insights on best practices for data resilience, CI/CD integration, and security in modern app development. Plus, discover the story behind the "90 Days of DevOps" project.

In this episode, we’re joined by Michael Cade, Global FieldCTO at Veeam, for a deep dive into the evolving world of IT infrastructure. Over the past decade, the landscape has dramatically shifted—from traditional data centres protecting core workloads like Active Directory, Exchange, SQL, and SharePoint, to a complex mix of virtual machines, SaaS, IaaS, and containerised applications. Michael shares insights from his 10+ years at Veeam,offering a front-row perspective on the rise of Kubernetes, containerisation, and the new challenges businesses face as infrastructure extends far beyond the four walls of the data centre. We explore how modern applications are always connected—to databases, authentication systems, or services inside and outside the cluster—and why this interconnectivity demands new strategies for scalability, security, and data protection. Whether you're a tech leader navigating cloud-nativeadoption or an IT pro staying ahead of industry trends, this episode unpacks the real-world implications of hybrid cloud environments, staff shortages, and the so-called “Hypervisor Hunger Games.”

We’re joined (again) by experts Lara and both Christians, to unpack the evolving role of backup solutions, the growing emphasis on resilience, and the blurred lines between backup, disaster recovery, and cybersecurity. Topics include: -Why backups are now being marketed as do-it-all solutions -The importance of Active Directory and Entra ID protection -Immutability, SIEM, and multi-factor authentication -The danger of relying on a single system -The value of testing restores (not just backups!) -Real-world insights into SME vs Enterprise challenges 💡 Whether you're managing enterpriseinfrastructure or looking after IT for an SME, this episode offers practical tips and strategic thinking to help keep your data safe and your systems resilient.

Think your data is safe in the cloud? Think again!In this episode, we uncover the common misconception that cloud providers like Google Cloud, AWS, Azure, or Microsoft 365 automatically back up your data. Spoiler alert: they don’t. Join us as we dive into the risks of shadow IT, the rise of unmonitored cloud environments, and the critical importance of understanding shared responsibility models. Featuring insights on recent industry moves — including Google’s $32 billion security investment — and expert advice from seasoned solution architects, this conversation will change how you think about cloud data protection. Don’t leave your data’s fate to chance!

Businesses rushed into a cloud-first approach, movingeverything online—from emails to CRM and payroll. But was it the right move?  Now, concerns are rising about over-reliance on Microsoft 365 and other US-based providers, where political changes could impact business operations worldwide.With fewer IT professionals trained in managing on-premiseinfrastructure, are we losing essential technical skills?

In this episode, the hosts dive into the evolving landscapeof modern workspaces with guest Kevin Janssen, an expert in Microsoft cloud technologies. They explore key trends like device management through Intune, the shift to cloud-based services, and the challenges of balancing security with employee privacy in BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) environments. The discussion highlights practical solutions for managing both Windows and non-Windows devices, the role of OneDrive in improving collaboration, and how businesses are adapting to hybrid work setups. Whether you're an IT professional or just curious about workplace tech, this episode offers valuable insights into the future of digital workspaces.

In this episode, we dive deep into security hardening, insiderthreats, and the challenges of maintaining isolated,air-gapped systems. Our special guest, Stine Larsen, a securityconsultant from Norway, shares insights on securing environments that lack internet access, theimportance of frameworks, and why constant monitoring is essential for robust cybersecurity.We also discuss VMware security, hardening guides,and how companies can protect their infrastructure from evolving threats. Andyes, there’s even a Viking-style take on destroying old hardware!

In this episode, we dive deep into the complexities of datasovereignty, exploring its evolving definitions, legal uncertainties, and the impact of global regulations like GDPR and the U.S. Cloud Act. Our guest, Jens De Koker, shares insights on how businesses can manage data sovereignty challenges, the role of hybrid cloud strategies, and the importance of having an exit plan in an unpredictable regulatory landscape. We also discuss the balance between security, compliance, and the growing use of AI-driven data analysis. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on the future of data sovereignty in a multi-cloud world.