To download IBM's study on the Importance of On-Premises Infrastructure For A Future-Ready Hybrid Cloud Strategy: https://ibm.biz/asktheceoforresterstudy2021 Joe Cropper is a senior technical staff member at IBM, supporting Power Systems and Hybrid Multicloud Solutions. Contact Joe: Twitter: @jwcroppe LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-cropper/ Contact Avrohom: Web: https://asktheceo.biz Facebook: AvrohomGottheil Twitter: @avrohomg Instagram: @avrohomg INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS: [01:27] The global pandemic put our current IT infrastructure to the test. It highlighted the fact that now, more than ever, we need to prioritize infrastructure refreshes. IBM just published the findings of an IT Infrastructure study conducted by Forrester Consulting, which addresses this topic in great detail. What challenges are you witnessing as businesses determine where to invest, and do you have any tips you have to overcome them? [02:16] The biggest challenges are that companies are trying to figure out where to invest, how they can get their competitive edge to accelerate what they’re doing, and the sheer number of options. [03:00] Public Cloud is important, but we also need a good strong on-prem infrastructure and refresh cycles. [04:15] The Forrester Consulting study talks about some of the inherent challenges with public cloud, where 46% of those surveyed stated that public cloud doesn't meet security needs, and 56% of those surveyed stated that data resiliency is challenging for some apps. What are you seeing in the market with your clients? [05:00] IBM is taking a lot of the concepts of Cloud, such as OPEX pricing, and applying it to on-prem solutions. [07:45] Let’s talk a bit about vulnerabilities—including factors such as cybersecurity, compatibility, and availability. In the Forrester Consulting study, 70% of businesses surveyed delayed an infrastructure refresh more than once, within the last 5 years. What kinds of risks are businesses taking with this delay? [08:15] Technology evolves at such a fast pace, yet infrastructure currency is absolutely a necessity when it comes to maintaining a good healthy posture for security. [10:00] What risks are businesses taking from a cybersecurity standpoint by delaying their infrastructure refresh? [12:18] Where can people go to learn more about the 2021 Forrester Consulting thought leadership paper commissioned by IBM on the “Importance of On-Premises Infrastructure For A Future-Ready Hybrid Cloud Strategy”? Joe: Please visit: https://ibm.biz/asktheceoforresterstudy2021. That URL is case-sensitive, so be sure it is all lower-case. On that webpage, you can download the full study, view an on-demand webinar, read a blog recap from an external thought leader, and discover more hybrid cloud solutions and resources. [13:05] How do people connect with you? Joe: People can contact me via LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-cropper/. I’m always happy to connect with people and answer any questions. [13:32] Do you have any parting words of wisdom to share with the audience? Watch this episode on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/q71xWwW1I9Q