AI is changing cybersecurity faster than most businesses realise.  In this episode of Channel Chat, Rob Demain, CEO & Founder of e2e-assure joins Marc Sumner to discuss why cyber resilience now matters more than prevention, how attackers are using AI, and why the future of cyber defence will be AI vs AI.  They cover:  Why speed is everything in cyber defence  The biggest mistakes businesses still make  How AI is transforming both attackers and defenders What MSPs and IT leaders need to do next Why Rob believes "15 minutes is too long" when responding to threats  A fascinating conversation for MSPs, IT leaders and business owners preparing for the next era of cybersecurity. 

What does it really take to grow an MSP for more than 20 years? In this episode of Channel Chat, Marc Sumner sits down with Guy Hocking, Managing Director of Utilize PLC, to discuss his journey from infrastructure engineer to leading one of the UK's most respected Managed Service Providers. Guy shares why so many SMBs are still vulnerable to cyber attacks, why Cyber Essentials should be the minimum standard for every business, and how MSPs can help customers navigate the AI revolution without getting lost in the hype. The conversation also explores leadership, company culture, B Corp certification, sustainability, recurring revenue, partner relationships, and what separates great MSPs from the rest. In this episode: Guy's 22-year journey from engineer to Managing Director Why MSPs accelerate careers The biggest cyber security mistakes SMBs still make Why Cyber Essentials is the minimum standard AI opportunities vs AI threats for MSPs How Utilize is using AI internally Building a people-first culture that scales Becoming a certified B Corp Why customer retention beats acquisition The future of the UK MSP market Quick-fire opinions on AI, cyber security, channel growth and more

What does it really take to build one of the Middle East's leading technology distributors? In this episode of Channel Chat, Marc Sumner sits down with Mario Veljovic, General Manager of VAD Technologies, to explore his 30-year journey through the IT channel. From selling PC components in the 1990s to helping power some of the region's biggest AI infrastructure projects, Mario shares the lessons he's learned about leadership, distribution, vendor relationships and why execution matters more than ever. They discuss: Why IT distribution continues to thrive despite decades of predictions of its demise How VAD Technologies built a business around disruptive technologies What vendors should look for when entering the Middle East market How AI is reshaping distribution and the partner ecosystem Why trust, execution and long-term relationships win in enterprise technology The biggest opportunities and challenges facing distributors, vendors and resellers in 2026 Whether you're a vendor, distributor, reseller, MSP or systems integrator, this episode is packed with practical insights from someone who has helped shape the Middle East technology channel. Subscribe for more conversations with the leaders shaping the future of the global IT channel.

In this episode of Channel Chat Dubai, Marc Sumner sits down with Kinda Baydoun, Senior Director at Veeam, to discuss leadership, partnerships, trust, and the future of the IT channel across EMEA. From starting her career at Sun Microsystems to leading one of the industry's most influential channel organisations, Kinda shares the lessons that shaped her journey and why building trust remains the foundation of every successful partnership. The conversation explores: • How Veeam is transforming its partner strategy across EMEA • Why "connecting the dots" is critical for channel success • The role of trust, relationships, and face-to-face engagement in the Middle East • What separates high-growth partners from those standing still • The impact of AI, cyber security, cloud adoption, and data resilience • Building high-performing teams and the qualities Kindah looks for in future leaders • Women in technology, mentorship, and sponsorship • Veeam's vision for the future following the acquisition of Coveware One of the most respected channel leaders in the region, Kinda provides valuable insights for vendors, distributors, MSPs, resellers, and technology leaders looking to accelerate growth in an increasingly competitive market. 🎙️ "We Have To Connect The Dots." A huge thank you to our Dubai Series sponsors: HPE | AMD | Titan Data Solutions | Logix