3165: Is Enterprise Storage Due for a Shake-Up? How TrueNAS is Challenging the Status Quo

How can businesses harness the full potential of their data without moving it? In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I explore this question with Ángel Viña, CEO of Denodo, a company at the forefront of logical data management and AI integration. With organizations drowning in complex data landscapes, Denodo offers a way to unify, govern, and personalize data access without the inefficiencies of traditional data movement. Ángel explains how Denodo’s approach creates a seamless, federated data environment that allows businesses to extract insights from multiple sources while maintaining compliance and security. He shares how their platform leverages retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) to enhance large language models (LLMs) with corporate data, ensuring AI applications are not just powerful but also contextually aware and enterprise-ready.   By partnering with Google Cloud, Amazon, NVIDIA, and OpenAI, Denodo is shaping the future of AI-driven data augmentation. As AI continues to reshape industries, many organizations struggle to develop secure and effective GenAI applications.   Ángel discusses how Denodo accelerates the adoption of AI-powered data solutions, helping companies build applications that meet real business needs. He also shares insights from the upcoming O’Reilly book Logical Data Management, which provides a deeper look into how organizations can optimize their data strategies. With AI and automation transforming enterprise data, what does the future hold for self-service data access, security, and integration? How can businesses ensure their AI models are trained on the most relevant and accurate data? Join us for this deep dive into the evolving world of data management and AI-powered intelligence.   Useful Links   O'Reilly Logical Data Management book that Ángel mentioned at the end of the episode that I know Deborah shared on the Zoom chat. The first two chapters are available. Check out Denodo's blog about the first two chapters.  

What does the future of remote work look like, and how does it shape industries beyond just tech? In today’s episode, I sit down with Curtis Sparrer, co-founder and principal of Bospar, and Carole Barrow, VP of Public Relations & Content, as they celebrate Bospar’s 10th anniversary and share their journey as pioneers in remote-first PR. Bospar has built a reputation for challenging industry norms, proving that remote work is not just viable but essential for fostering productivity, sustainability, and inclusivity. As they explain, working from home five days a week can reduce an individual’s carbon footprint by more than 50%, raising the question—why aren’t more companies embracing this model?  Beyond environmental impact, remote work also removes key structural barriers for women and individuals with disabilities, ensuring a more equitable professional landscape. Curtis and Carole share eye-opening insights into how workplace flexibility is reshaping gender wage gaps and opening new opportunities for talent worldwide. In addition to discussing the evolution of remote work, Bospar continues to innovate in the tech PR space, recently launching Pushy, an AI-powered PR assistant that helps their team provide clients with data-driven media strategies and instant guidance. As AI disrupts traditional workflows across industries, we explore what it means for the PR profession and how human creativity remains irreplaceable. And if you’ve ever wondered how a children’s book fits into the world of public relations, Curtis and Carole reveal their latest initiative—a book designed to introduce young minds to PR as a career path. Public relations is often a "hidden profession," much like UX design or cybersecurity before it gained mainstream attention. Bospar is on a mission to demystify PR and inspire the next generation of media professionals. As Bospar marks a decade of redefining the PR industry, we reflect on their biggest lessons learned, the challenges of staying remote-first in a world where “RTO tech bros” continue pushing for office mandates, and what the future holds for PR in an AI-driven world. With media consolidation making it harder for companies to get noticed and journalists more overwhelmed than ever, what should businesses and PR professionals be doing differently? What does it take to break through the noise and get real media attention in 2025? And is remote work truly the future, or will companies continue to resist change? Join us for a fascinating conversation about the intersections of PR, AI, remote work, and workplace equality. And as always, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Do you think remote work is the future, or is it time to return to the office?

What does the future of education look like when AI takes center stage? In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I speak with Clara Aboel-Nil, a 17-year-old entrepreneur and student at Alpha High, a groundbreaking school with no teachers where AI-powered apps facilitate learning. Clara shares how this innovative approach has allowed her to build two successful AI-driven educational apps, TeachTap and AceBot AI, while still in high school. Alpha High is redefining how students learn by compressing traditional academics into the first few hours of the day, freeing up afternoons for hands-on projects designed to make a real-world impact. Clara describes how this model has enabled her to integrate AI into nearly every aspect of her work, from content creation to app development, without needing a background in coding. TeachTap, which helps students prepare for AP and SAT exams using AI-powered historical figures and interactive lessons, has already surpassed 100,000 downloads and ranks among the top educational apps. Her newest venture, AceBot AI, takes this concept even further by assisting students across a wider range of subjects. During our conversation, Clara highlights the role of AI in shaping the future of entrepreneurship, the importance of prompt engineering as a skill, and why students must learn to work with AI rather than fear it. She also shares the challenges of building AI-powered apps as a teenager, from overcoming technical roadblocks to leveraging data-driven marketing strategies to make learning more engaging. As AI continues to transform industries, education is no exception. Will AI-powered schools become the norm? How can young entrepreneurs leverage technology to create meaningful change? Tune in for an inspiring discussion on how AI is reshaping education and empowering the next generation of innovators.  

Enterprise storage has long been dominated by tech giants with expensive, proprietary solutions—but what if there was a different way?  In this episode, recorded at the IT Press Tour in Silicon Valley, I sit down with Brett Davis, Executive Vice President at iXsystems, to explore how TrueNAS is rewriting the storage rulebook with an open-source approach that delivers enterprise-grade performance without the hefty price tag. With competitors like NetApp, Pure Storage, Dell, and HPE, TrueNAS stands apart as the world’s largest open-source storage platform, trusted by 60% of Fortune 500 companies and downloaded over 500,000 times annually across 190 countries. Brett shares the company’s fascinating origin story, which traces its roots back to Berkeley Unix in the 1960s, and how a commitment to transparency, affordability, and long-term growth has made TrueNAS a serious contender in today’s enterprise storage market. We also discuss the major trends shaping IT infrastructure in 2025, from the rising costs of VMware licensing to the debate between on-prem and cloud storage—now growing at the same pace. Brett explains why organizations are increasingly pushing back against vendor lock-in, how open enterprise storage is lowering barriers for businesses of all sizes, and why IT leaders are prioritizing cost savings without sacrificing performance. But where does TrueNAS go from here? Brett gives us a sneak peek into what’s next, including an upcoming software release focused on data optimization, deduplication, and high-performance enterprise storage. Is open-source enterprise storage the future? And how can businesses break free from costly, restrictive storage contracts? Join the conversation and let us know what you think.

As part of the IT Press Tour in Silicon Valley, I had the opportunity to sit down with David Flynn, CEO of Hammerspace, to explore how the company is redefining the future of enterprise data storage. At a time when AI-driven workloads and hybrid cloud computing are pushing storage demands to new heights, Hammerspace is stepping in with a fresh approach. Their Global Data Platform is designed to eliminate data silos, providing seamless access and orchestration for unstructured data across edge locations, data centers, and cloud environments. Hammerspace is experiencing a breakout year, with tenfold revenue growth driven by the surging demand for AI storage solutions and hybrid cloud infrastructure. The conversation delves into how the company is enabling enterprises to move beyond traditional storage limitations.  David explains the critical role of Parallel Network File System, or pNFS, in delivering high-performance storage solutions. We also discuss why it's gaining traction as organizations seek ways to process massive amounts of data with greater efficiency. Together, we explore the state of pNFS adoption, how Hammerspace is driving its evolution, and why it is a key pillar of its platform strategy. Another important aspect of the discussion is the difference between global namespaces and true data orchestration. While global namespaces have gained attention in enterprise storage, David explains why simply having a global namespace is not enough.  Orchestration is the missing piece that allows data to be moved, accessed, and utilized efficiently across distributed environments. By combining orchestration with a truly global namespace, Hammerspace is making data instantly accessible to users, applications, and compute clusters, no matter where they are located. As AI workloads become increasingly complex, the need for a new approach to data management is clear. Enterprises require storage solutions that can keep up with the demands of high-speed analytics, GPU-driven AI, and hybrid cloud strategies.  Hammerspace is positioning itself as a leader in this space, offering a way to bridge the gap between traditional storage architectures and the needs of modern enterprises. The company’s rapid growth is also reflected in its recent leadership expansion. With a new Chief Revenue Officer joining the team and Hammerspace earning recognition as Product of the Year in TechTarget’s Storage Awards, the company is making significant strides in shaping the future of enterprise data storage. With so much change happening in data infrastructure, what does the future hold for AI storage and enterprise data management? Will solutions like Hammerspace become the new industry standard for high-performance storage and orchestration?  I’d love to hear your thoughts on this. Reach out and share your perspective, and stay tuned for more insights from the front lines of technology.

What will 2025 bring for enterprise technology? How will AI evolve, and what should businesses anticipate in the coming year? In this episode, I speak with Louis Landry, the newly appointed CTO of Teradata, as he shares his insights on the future of AI, data analytics, and the role of trust in technology. With more than two decades of experience in software architecture and engineering leadership, Louis has played a pivotal role in shaping Teradata’s innovation strategy. Having led the company’s Technology and Innovation Office, his focus now extends to scaling AI-driven solutions that empower businesses with trusted intelligence. As we look ahead, what will be the defining trends of 2025? Louis explores the growing impact of retrieval-augmented generation, the evolution of large-scale personalization, and the next phase of AI model efficiency. He also delves into the rise of agentic AI systems—where generative AI merges with traditional software to create more autonomous, intelligent processes. But with rapid advancements come pressing concerns. How can organizations ensure AI remains explainable, transparent, and aligned with ethical standards? Louis emphasizes the importance of people-centered accountability, measurable business impact, and the foundational role of trusted data in AI’s success. As AI continues to reshape industries, businesses must navigate regulatory challenges, balance innovation with risk, and rethink their approach to data governance. Beyond AI, Louis discusses the role of open-source technology in enterprise environments, the shift from project-focused to outcome-driven AI adoption, and how organizations can harness data harmonization to unlock new opportunities. He also shares his thoughts on the strategic investments businesses should prioritize in an increasingly complex digital world. As AI and analytics continue to evolve, what strategies will define industry leaders in 2025? How can businesses stay ahead while ensuring AI remains trustworthy and effective? Tune in to hear Louis Landry’s perspective, and let us know your thoughts. How do you see AI shaping the business landscape in the coming year?

What does it take to turn ideas into impactful books, and how is technology reshaping the publishing industry? In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I sit down with Eric Jorgenson, CEO of Scribe Media, to explore the art and science of book creation, the future of self-publishing, and his vision for unlocking the world’s wisdom. Eric, best known as the author of The Almanack of Naval Ravikant, has sold over 1.5 million copies of his books and distributed millions more in digital formats. He shares his journey from startup enthusiast to best-selling author and how that path ultimately led him to take the helm at Scribe Media. He discusses the company’s mission to help professionals turn their expertise into books without needing to type a single word, using structured, conversation-based methods that simplify the process for busy thought leaders. We dive into the growing role of AI in book publishing, where it can enhance idea generation and content structuring but still falls short in replacing human expertise. With audiobooks now accounting for up to a third of royalties for some authors, Eric also discusses how multi-format publishing is shaping the future of the industry and what factors influence whether an author should narrate their own book. Beyond publishing, Eric shares his investment philosophy in utopian technologies—supporting “obsessive geniuses” working on transformative innovations such as micro-reactors, advanced batteries, and even asteroid mining. With publishing undergoing massive shifts and AI accelerating content creation, what does the future hold for authors, books, and knowledge-sharing? Join us as we explore the intersection of technology, storytelling, and big ideas.

How is AI transforming the way we interact with sound, voice, and digital personas? In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I speak with Alex Bordanova, Chief Product and Technology Officer at Voicemod, about the company’s groundbreaking approach to AI-driven voice transformation and its expanding role beyond gaming. Originally developed to enhance voice chat experiences for gamers, Voicemod has evolved into a powerful tool for real-time voice modulation, combining traditional digital signal processing (DSP) with cutting-edge AI. Alex shares how their technology enables users to alter their voice characteristics—changing timbre, pitch, and resonance—while maintaining clarity and intelligibility. With millions of users creating custom voices every month, Voicemod is at the forefront of AI-powered audio innovation. We discuss the launch of Voicemod Key, a new hardware solution bringing voice transformation to console gaming and VR, allowing seamless integration between microphones and gaming platforms. Alex also highlights the importance of ethical AI practices, emphasizing Voicemod’s commitment to using professionally recorded and consented datasets to train its AI models responsibly. Beyond gaming, Voicemod is forging partnerships with major entertainment brands, collaborating with Warner Bros, Rovio, and other global IP holders to bring iconic voices to life. As audio technology catches up to the advancements in visual media, what does the future hold for voice augmentation in entertainment, communication, and beyond?

How is artificial intelligence redefining industries, from corporate branding to cultural institutions? In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I speak with Hussein Hallak, founder and CEO of Next Decentrum, about the profound ways AI and immersive technology are shaping customer experiences, education, and cultural preservation. With over 25 years of experience spanning branding, technology, gamification, and education, Hussein is a serial entrepreneur who has launched more than 20 ventures and advised startups globally. His work at Next Decentrum focuses on using AI and immersive tech to create meaningful, lasting value—moving beyond hype to real-world applications that transform industries. We explore how AI is not just optimizing efficiency but also revolutionizing storytelling, customer engagement, and global knowledge-sharing. Hussein discusses projects such as AI-powered holograms in tourism, the role of AI in making cultural heritage more accessible, and the challenges institutions face in adopting cutting-edge technology. He also shares his thoughts on AI's impact on learning, highlighting how it enables personalized, immersive experiences that accelerate skill development. With Vancouver emerging as a unique hub for innovation across VFX, quantum computing, and fusion technology, we also examine the city’s growing tech ecosystem, its strengths, and the challenges of scaling without direct access to major funding centers. As AI continues to push the boundaries of creativity and accessibility, how can businesses and cultural institutions harness this technology to build deeper connections and unlock new opportunities? Tune in for an insightful conversation on the future of AI-powered innovation.

How can the tech industry close the widening skills gap while creating meaningful career opportunities for diverse talent? In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I speak with John Akkara, CEO and co-founder of Smoothstack, a company on a mission to bridge the gap between IT education and real-world industry needs. John shares his inspiring journey—from an immigrant student on a tennis scholarship to a leader reshaping how tech talent is identified, trained, and deployed. His experiences with mentorship and career-defining opportunities now fuel his commitment to providing others with a clear pathway into technology careers. We discuss how Smoothstack’s Hire-Train-Deploy model is different from traditional education and bootcamps, simulating real-world project environments where trainees work in agile teams, participate in peer code reviews, and gain hands-on experience tailored to employer needs. John highlights the severity of the IT skills gap—where demand far outpaces supply—and explains how industries like cybersecurity and software development are being affected. Diversity and inclusion are core to Smoothstack’s approach, with a strong emphasis on increasing opportunities for underrepresented groups in tech. John discusses the company’s efforts to boost participation among women and individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, as well as future plans to leverage remote work to expand access to tech careers in economically distressed areas. What will it take to build a more inclusive and sustainable tech workforce? Tune in to learn how Smoothstack is making a real impact, and share your thoughts on how businesses can rethink talent development in the digital age.