The CDW OCTOpod

Devices to decisions: How AI, security, and endpoints are reshaping the Modern Workspace part 2

In this episode, CDW's Chief Technologist Tim Russell is joined again by Microsoft's Peter Rising to tackle the twin challenges of securing AI and driving real adoption

Listeners will get a practical view of how to roll out AI safely, build user trust, and turn pilots into measurable business value.

 

Speakers:

• Tim Russell, Chief Technologist, CDW
• Peter Rising, Senior Partner Cloud Solution Architect: Cybersecurity, Microsoft

Devices to decisions: How AI, security, and endpoints are reshaping the Modern Workspace

In this episode, CDW's Chief Technologist Tim Russell sits down with Microsoft's Peter Rising to unpack what the new Microsoft 365 E7 license and Copilot+ PCs mean for security, productivity, and the way work gets done.

Listeners will walk away knowing what's changed, why it matters, and where to start.

 

Speakers:

• Tim Russell, Chief Technologist, CDW
• Peter Rising, Senior Partner Cloud Solution Architect: Cybersecurity, Microsoft

AI PC, what will it mean to your organization Part 2?

In Part 2, Tim Russell from CDW and Matt Hains from Intel move from foundations into real‑world application, helping listeners understand how AI PCs translate into tangible outcomes for IT teams and the wider business.

The audience will learn where on‑device AI delivers the most value today, how workloads are shifting between cloud and endpoint, and what this means for productivity, security, and manageability at scale.

Tim shares practical guidance on what customers should be planning for across device refresh, user adoption, and operational readiness, while Matt explains how Intel’s platform capabilities particularly around performance efficiency and NPUs - enable these scenarios.

Together, they provide a clear, pragmatic view of how organisations can move from AI PC awareness to confident deployment.

 

Speakers:

• Tim Russell - Chief Technologist - CDW
• Matthew Hains - Sales Account Director at Intel Corporation - Intel

AI PC, what will it mean to your organization?

In this episode, Tim Russell, Chief Technologist at CDW, and Matt Hains from Intel unpack what the emergence of the AI PC really means for organisations today.

Listeners will learn how to cut through the hype to understand what defines an AI PC, why on-device AI matters, and how it changes performance, security, and the employee experience.

Tim brings the customer and workplace lens, explaining what IT and business leaders should be considering as they modernise endpoints, while Matt shares Intel’s perspective on how silicon innovation is enabling this next shift in computing.

Together, they set a clear foundation for how AI PCs fit into device strategy, refresh cycles, and the future of modern work.

 

Speakers:

• Tim Russell - Chief Technologist - CDW
• Matthew Hains - Sales Account Director at Intel Corporation - Intel

Why AI PCs Matter More Than You Think with Lenovo

This episode offers a grounded, jargon‑free look at how AI is delivering value today - not the slide‑deck theory, but the tangible benefits seen across real customers using Windows 11 Copilot and Copilot+ PCs.

Listeners will hear two senior technologists unpack the difference between cloud and on‑device AI, the rise of small language models running locally, and why training, adoption, and persona‑based device strategy matter far more than chasing every new tool on the market.

It’s a practical, candid conversation that cuts through the hype and explains how organisations can improve performance, strengthen security, extend device lifecycle, reduce compute costs, and build a long‑term AI investment strategy that genuinely moves the needle.

Speakers:

Tim Russell,  Chief Technologist, CDW
Ashley Rolfe, Field CTO , Lenovo

Stop Playing, Start Delivering: The Real Business Case for AI PCs

AI experimentation is over. Now it’s about outcomes.

In this episode of the CDW Octopod, Tim Russell, Matt Browne and Tom Pursey unpack what organisations are really seeing from Windows 11, Copilot and AI-enabled devices. From productivity and security to user support and digital experience, this is a grounded look at where AI is delivering value and where businesses need to get smarter.

The discussion covers the shift from cloud-only AI to AI at the edge, the emergence of Copilot+ PCs, and how organisations can make better hardware decisions in a market that’s evolving at pace.

Empowering People, Not Just Tech

In this episode of The OCTOPod, Tim Russell, Chief Technologist at CDW, is joined by Sophia Swain, CTO at Leaders Romans Group, to explore the real-world realities of hybrid working, employee enablement, and what it truly takes to create a productive, inclusive digital workplace.

Forget the buzzwords—this episode cuts through the noise to reveal:

• Why choice and flexibility are essential in the modern workplace

• How hybrid working is evolving beyond fixed rules and rigid policies

• Why technology still isn’t fully meeting the needs of today’s diverse workforce

• How AI, collaboration platforms, and smarter tooling are (slowly) closing the equity gap in meetings

• Why employee experience and enablement must be part of your retention and recruitment strategy

• And how the “first 10 minutes of someone’s day” can set the tone for productivity—or frustration

🎯 Key Takeaway:
Hybrid working isn’t just about location. It’s about experience, empowerment, and giving people the tools—and trust—they need to thrive.

Outdated to Compliant: Fixing the Final Mile & Embracing Martyn’s Law

In this episode of The OCTOPod, Tim Russell is joined by Ryan Zoehner, CEO of Algo, to unpack two critical and timely topics affecting IT, security, and facilities teams alike:

The Legacy Communications Challenge
Why are so many organisations still struggling to complete their migration from outdated comms infrastructure to modern cloud-based platforms? Tim and Ryan explore:

• Why 46% of UK businesses haven’t yet modernised their comms stack

• The often-overlooked “final mile” blockers—from door entry systems to public address equipment

• How Algo’s smart endpoints (speakers, strobes, intercoms) can extend the value of Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Webex and more

• The importance of stakeholder alignment and breaking down organisational silos between IT, security, and facilities

• How inclusive, visual alerting can drive a more equitable and efficient workplace experience

Understanding Martyn’s Law (UK 2025)
The conversation then shifts to Martyn’s Law—new UK legislation mandating clear emergency communication and response plans for any public premises expected to host 200+ people. Tim and Ryan cover:

• What the law requires—and what it doesn’t explicitly dictate

• Why this is not just a compliance issue—but a chance to enhance safety, experience, and operational efficiency

• How existing cloud communication platforms can be extended with smart endpoints to meet the law’s intent

• Lessons learned from similar laws abroad (e.g. Alyssa’s Law in the US)

• A practical roadmap for getting started with zero re-skilling and minimal budget impact

Let CDW and Algo help you connect the dots—because resilience, communication, and safety aren’t just IT issues anymore.