
Welcome to The CDW UK OCTOpod, your go-to source for the latest technology innovations. In each episode, experts from CDW and our trusted partners explore hot topics like Generative AI, Hybrid Cloud, Cybersecurity, Service Optimisation and Modern Work.
Backed by CDW’s Office of the CTO, we dive deep into trending tech, break down the news you need and provide actionable insights to apply right away. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or simply curious about the digital world, OCTOpod will help you harness technology to drive growth in today’s fast-evolving landscape.
All thoughts and opinions on this podcast are those of the CDW UK Office of the CTO and provide independent viewpoints.
Welcome to The CDW UK OCTOpod, your go-to source for the latest technology innovations. In each episode, experts from CDW and our trusted partners explore hot topics like Generative AI, Hybrid Cloud, Cybersecurity, Service Optimisation and Modern Work.
Backed by CDW’s Office of the CTO, we dive deep into trending tech, break down the news you need and provide actionable insights to apply right away. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or simply curious about the digital world, OCTOpod will help you harness technology to drive growth in today’s fast-evolving landscape.
All thoughts and opinions on this podcast are those of the CDW UK Office of the CTO and provide independent viewpoints.
Episodes
Oct 9, 2024
Oct 9, 2024
22 min
Join Rob Sims from CDW, Richard Cassidy, Field CISO at Rubrik, and Harpinder Singh Powar, Lead Channel SE at Rubrik, as they discuss the shifting landscape of cybersecurity in this insightful three-part series. In Part 1, the team explores the Evolution of Threats, analysing how cyber actors are changing their tactics to stay ahead of defences. In Part 2, they dive into the latest data from the Rubrik Zero Labs report, revealing key market trends and what they mean for organizations. Finally, in Part 3, they provide actionable advice on how to adapt your cybersecurity strategy to better protect against today’s advanced threat actors.
Sep 26, 2024
Sep 26, 2024
17 min
In this insightful podcast series, Rob Sims teams up with Darren Woollard, Field CTO (UK & Ireland) at Nutanix, to explore the evolving world of multi-cloud environments. In Part 1, they dive into key market trends, tackling questions like whether cloud repatriation is becoming a reality and how soaring M&A activity is shaping cloud strategies. Part 2 focuses on the cutting-edge technologies driving the creation of modern multi-cloud platforms. Finally, in Part 3, they look ahead to the future of the cloud, offering expert predictions on what’s next for businesses navigating this complex landscape. Whether you're in IT or exploring cloud solutions, this series is packed with valuable insights on building a flexible and resilient multi-cloud infrastructure.
Sep 26, 2024
Sep 26, 2024
17 min
In this insightful podcast series, Rob Sims teams up with Darren Woollard, Field CTO (UK & Ireland) at Nutanix, to explore the evolving world of multi-cloud environments. In Part 1, they dive into key market trends, tackling questions like whether cloud repatriation is becoming a reality and how soaring M&A activity is shaping cloud strategies. Part 2 focuses on the cutting-edge technologies driving the creation of modern multi-cloud platforms. Finally, in Part 3, they look ahead to the future of the cloud, offering expert predictions on what’s next for businesses navigating this complex landscape. Whether you're in IT or exploring cloud solutions, this series is packed with valuable insights on building a flexible and resilient multi-cloud infrastructure.
Sep 26, 2024
Sep 26, 2024
16 min
In this insightful podcast series, Rob Sims teams up with Darren Woollard, Field CTO (UK & Ireland) at Nutanix, to explore the evolving world of multi-cloud environments. In Part 1, they dive into key market trends, tackling questions like whether cloud repatriation is becoming a reality and how soaring M&A activity is shaping cloud strategies. Part 2 focuses on the cutting-edge technologies driving the creation of modern multi-cloud platforms. Finally, in Part 3, they look ahead to the future of the cloud, offering expert predictions on what’s next for businesses navigating this complex landscape. Whether you're in IT or exploring cloud solutions, this series is packed with valuable insights on building a flexible and resilient multi-cloud infrastructure.
Sep 18, 2024
Sep 18, 2024
18 min
In this insightful episode, Tim Russell, Chief Technologist for Modern Workspace, and Matthias Haas, CTO and Managing Director of IGEL, discuss the evolving landscape of the modern workspace. They cover key topics like business continuity, the rise of alternative operating systems, and the growing impact of progressive web apps.
Together, they share their expert views on how these innovations could shape the future of work, ensuring flexibility, resilience, and enhanced user experiences.
Sep 18, 2024
Sep 18, 2024
17 min
In this episode, Tim Russell, Chief Technologist for Modern Workspace, and Simon Townsend, SVP of Marketing and Office of the CTO at ControlUp, explore the pivotal role of Digital Employee Experience (DEX) in today’s competitive business landscape. They discuss how creating an optimal digital environment not only sets businesses apart but also plays a crucial role in attracting and retaining top talent.
Tune in to learn how a seamless DEX can drive employee satisfaction, productivity, and long-term success for your organisation.
Sep 18, 2024
Sep 18, 2024
9 min
In this episode, Tim Russell, Chief Technologist for Modern Workspace, and Ben Ward, Field CTO for Liquit/Recast Software Group, dive into the evolving application marketplace. They explore how employees can seamlessly access and use applications, much like they would on a mobile device, while also unpacking the complexities of managing, updating, and presenting applications based on different scenarios, devices, and user conditions.
Whether you're interested in simplifying user experiences or tackling the challenges of app management in diverse environments, this discussion offers key insights for the modern workspace.
Aug 14, 2024
Aug 14, 2024
17 min
Join Rob Sims, CDW Chief Technologist for Hybrid Platforms, and Dean Martin, EMEA Alliances Director at Dell technologies as they dive into the world of cloud optimization and the transformative power of strategic partnerships. They explore the current state of the cloud ecosystem, sharing perspectives on navigating its complexities and leveraging collaboration for a more efficient, scalable, and effective cloud strategy.
Part1 - Optimising the cloud journey
Part 2 - Solutions that unlock cloud potential
Part3 - Why Dell and Universal Storage
OCTO MISSION
The IT industry is constantly changing. At CDW, we pride ourselves on staying at the cutting edge of innovation to keep our customers ahead of the competition. The Office of the CTO plays an integral role in the development of CDW's UK Integrated Technology business.
The Office of the CTO consists of a team of experts with their own specific industry expertise. Each member offers valuable insight into their pillar, and not only helps develop the CDW market proposition and service capabilities, but assists customers in making the most of their IT capabilities, options, and future opportunities.
On this page, you can learn about our experts and their specialisations and you’ll have access to their latest articles.

Kyle Davies
Kyle leads the Office of the CTO, which plays an integral role in promoting CDW’s opinion and voice in the market, and provides progressive and balanced thought leadership for CDW customers, as well as leading the CDW ITS technology direction. In this role, Kyle also leads our product management function, alongside the Chief Technologists, to understand the market and opportunities to enable the development of market-relevant propositions and service capabilities. Learn more about OCTO here.
Who Are CDW?
Founded in 1984, CDW is a leading multi-brand technology solutions provider to business, government, education, and healthcare customers in the United Kingdom, and more than 170 countries across the globe. With more than 13,000 global coworkers – including 1,600 in the UK – we help you achieve your goals by delivering integrated technology solutions and services that maximise your investment.
Our IT solutions and IT services, backed by the industry's highest accreditations, are designed to offer you strategic advantages over your competitors, helping you attract and retain more customers while driving business success. With our help, you can focus on running your business - not on managing your IT.
