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SHI Executive Briefing Catalog
Executive Briefings allow SHI to partner with you to uncover innovative solutions to your most complex IT and business challenges.
The SHI Executive Briefing Catalog is always evolving as our team of experts continuously evaluate and design thought-provoking sessions around the technology topics that are relevant to today's IT leaders. Browse the available briefings below for more information on what can be briefed now.
Categories
SHI Executive Briefings
Establishing a generative AI program: SHI’s lessons learned
Overview
Generative AI will revolutionize the way businesses operate, but many business and technology leaders are unsure how to leverage this technology safely and effectively in their organizations. SHI has real life experience navigating this seemingly uncharted path to the successful adoption of generative AI, and we want to share our learnings, the good and the bad, to help you unlock the same productivity gains. Our multi phase approach focuses on maximizing time to value, utilizing key decision making frameworks, fostering an AI culture, and moving quickly but safely. During this briefing, we will develop a strategy that works for your organization and provide you with access to a network of experts to support you on your AI journey.
In this briefing, we will cover:
- The rise of generative AI technology and its short and long term impact on the industry.
- Challenges, pitfalls, and a simple framework to successfully navigate key decisions.
- SHI’s approach to effective integration of Generative AI technology and how you can apply it at your organization to improve productivity and accelerate growth.
- Strategies for educating your people, gaining widespread adoption, and building a collaborative AI community.
- The latest data privacy concerns and best practices for data governance.
Who should attend this briefing:
- Business and technology executives
- IT transformation leaders
Electrifying hybrid cloud
Overview
Experience an AC/DC‑inspired exploration of data center trends, encompassing repatriation, edge computing, and software‑defined solutions that challenge traditional notions of 'premises.' Discover the transformative potential of data center as a service (DCaaS) and direct cloud infrastructure as a service (IaaS), as we delve into how these cutting‑edge technologies revolutionize technological, operational, and financial frameworks. Don't miss out on this opportunity to gain insights into the future of data centers and unlock innovative possibilities.
In this briefing, we will cover:
- Discover how AC/DC foretold the cloud wars and the strategies we can learn from them.
- Discuss decision models for choosing when to consume cloud services vs. construct on‑premises.
- Review emerging technologies shifting the definition of cloud.
- Deep dive into your use cases and how to leverage new platforms and operating models.
Who should attend this briefing:
- IT executives (CIO, CTO, CISO, Chief Architect)
- Cloud strategist and engineers
- Infrastructure and operations leadership
- Data center, platform, and operating systems admins
- Procurement and compliance teams
File and unstructured data
Overview
The unstructured data storage market continues to evolve. New capabilities are being introduced to address the growing challenges of exponential data growth, rapid digitalization, cyber resilience, cloud integration, and the globalization of data. Storage infrastructure deployments, based on distributed file systems and object storage, are growing faster than ever in both volume and deployment size as the consolidated platform for unstructured data services in global data centers.
In this briefing, we will cover:
- Discuss the state of the market for file and unstructured data.
- Explore your organization’s current file and unstructured data strategy.
- Examine current challenges and impacts to file and unstructured data management.
- Review tools and approaches to assess and address today’s challenges.
Who should attend this briefing:
- Infrastructure directors
- Operations directors
- CIO
Generative AI in the Microsoft ecosystem
Overview
Microsoft Copilot is a set of AI‑powered tools and capabilities embedded into a variety of Microsoft products — enabling organizations to empower workforce productivity, secure IT infrastructure from ever‑advancing cyber threats, and gain deeper, real‑time, actionable business insights from your own data. Even embedded into Microsoft Power Platform, organizations can use no‑code/low‑code with AI innovation to automate processes, enhance customer experiences with virtual agents, and develop apps. This session will delve into the power of AI and its use cases, as well as how these technologies help address security and business productivity challenges.
In this briefing, we will cover:
- Discuss the current state of AI and how to utilize in many ways.
- Explore your organization’s top challenges and upcoming initiatives, and identify how AI can help.
- Examine privacy and security concerns around AI and how Microsoft is addressing those concerns.
- Review the various Microsoft products with built‑in AI, including Copilot and Power Platform, and discover how organizations can maximize the benefits of these features.
Who should attend this briefing:
- CIO, CTO, CISO
- LOB managers
- App developers, data analysts
- Corporate trainers
SD‑WAN
Overview
SD‑WAN solves a range of challenges faced by traditional wide‑area networks (WANs), enabling organizations to thrive in the digital age. But how can you do this cost‑effectively while maintaining a resilient environment and consistent user experience?
In this briefing, we will cover:
- Provide an overview of core SD‑WAN functionality.
- Discuss how to address challenges and use SD‑WAN to achieve your organizational goals.
- Deliver actionable steps to guide your SD‑WAN journey.
Who should attend this briefing:
- Chief Information Officer (CIO)
- Network Director
- Network Architect
Establish a Cloud Center of Excellence
Overview
The public cloud has disrupted entire industries. Organizations continue to move infrastructure and applications to the public cloud to order to innovate and cater to customer demand. However, adopting a new cloud operating model can be a major IT shift and organizations have found that establishing a Cloud Center of Excellence is a proven best practice for enabling speed and agility as cloud technologies are adopted within an organization.
In this briefing, we will cover:
- What is a Cloud Center of Excellence?
- What is the new Cloud Operating Model and how does it differ from a traditional IT Operating Model?
- Common adoption hurdles that organizations face as they adopt cloud technologies.
Who should attend this briefing:
- CIO, CTO, CISO
- VP/Director Infrastructure Operations
- VP/Director DevOps
Introduction to containers
Overview
The acceleration of cloud and cloud-native software development approaches has led to an explosion in the popularity of containers and container orchestration platforms like Kubernetes. Containers are portable across data centers and public clouds and provide technology that enables the business to release new applications and features at cloud speed. This session will offer an introduction of containers, Kubernetes, and the overall ecosystem.
In this briefing, we will cover:
- The state of the market for containers and container management
- Your organization's current application modernization and DevOps initiatives
- Current container challenges and their impacts on our customers
- A brief overview of containers, Kubernetes, and the container ecosystem
Who should attend this briefing:
- IT Operations Director
- Application Development
Network transformation
Overview
Organizations today are faced with challenges that require more data‑driven decisions than ever before. This transformation requires the network to be agile, scalable, secure, and data driven as well. Network transformation is the key to embracing digital disruption.
In this briefing, we will cover:
- Key business drivers for network transformation
- Challenges faced in moving to a data driven environment
- The stages of network transformation
- Getting Started
Who should attend this briefing:
- IT/Security Director
- Operations Director
- Enterprise Architect
DevOps
Overview
Over time, we have moved from one development, release, and operational model to the next in hopes of decreasing errors, downtime, and time to value while increasing our feature delivery to the business. DevOps is the natural evolution from "Agile" in the early 2000s to address these needs, just as Agile was for the "Waterfall" approach developed in the 1970's. The term "DevOps" has proliferated across our industry for several years now, but what does it really mean? This session aims to level set on the idea and discuss why organizations work towards this new model.
In this briefing, we will cover:
- What DevOps is and isn't
- The issues that DevOps seeks to address
- High level goals, methodology, and processes of DevOps
- The benefits of DevOps and where to get started
Who should attend this briefing:
- CIO/CTO
- VP/Director of IT Operations
- VP/Director of Enterprise Architecture
- VP/Director of Software Development
Cloud-native desktops
Overview
The acceleration of cloud and cloud native services has resulted in companies investing in cloud-hosted virtual desktops. Thanks to favorable economics, organizations are adopting more subscription services and expanding into the public cloud at a rapid pace. This session will provide an overview of cloud-native desktop technologies.
In this briefing, we will cover:
- The state of the market for cloud-native desktops
- Your organization's current endpoint strategy
- Current desktop management challenges and impacts on your end users
- A brief overview of the cloud-native desktop market and solutions
Who should attend this briefing:
- IT Director
- Client Services Director
- CISO/CTO/CIO
- VP of Infrastructure
- VP of Applications
IT consumption models
Overview
Influenced by the shift in priorities from the consumer market, impact from the public cloud providers, and guidance from Wall Street the financial governance and management processes in IT have been affected as much as the technology itself. This session will dive into the why, what, and how organizations work through this new paradigm and help establish the first step for your organization to take towards the most optimal outcome.
In this briefing, we will cover:
- The reasons for why organizations are both adopting and not adopting IT consumption models
- The different financial model options available
- New offerings in the industry
- Foundations to formulate a plan
Who should attend this briefing:
- CIO / CTO / CFO
- VP of IT
- IT Director
Windows workloads on AWS
Overview
The public cloud serves as a bedrock on which to construct highly resilient, efficient, and agile digital business models that can help withstand disruptions. As an organization with a heavy investment in Windows, how do you select the right public cloud for your workloads? If you're considering Amazon Web Services, how does that impact your strategy around Windows, SQL Server, Active Directory, and your broader commitment to the Microsoft ecosystem?
In this briefing, we will cover:
- Cloud migration and modernization drivers
- Industry trends that may impact how a traditionally Microsoft-oriented organization chooses a cloud provider
- The benefits and capabilities of AWS as a platform for innovation and how AWS supports Microsoft and Windows
- SHI's industry insights from managing and supporting a large customer base on AWS
- The most common concerns about running Microsoft workloads on AWS
- Next steps
Who should attend this briefing:
- CIO / CTO / CFO
- VP/Director of Infrastructure Operations
- VP/Director DevOps
Zero touch client deployments
Overview
By leveraging the public cloud as a foundation, organizations are empowered to build modern endpoint management tools. These tools yield a consistent and enjoyable end-user experience, regardless of device type or network. This session will delve into the Microsoft Endpoint Manager and demo how these technologies are helping organizations address security and business continuity challenges.
In this briefing, we will cover:
- The state of the market for endpoint management and common challenges related to business continuity
- Common hybrid work-related challenges and upcoming initiatives related to Windows 10, Android, Mac, and iOS
- Current security challenges and impacts on user experience
- Tools and programs, including Microsoft Endpoint Manager (SCCM/Intune), Autopilot, Device Enrollment Program (Apple), and Android Zero Touch Enrollment
Who should attend this briefing:
- Infrastructure Architect
- Operations Director
- Desktop Architect VP of Applications
Microsoft Teams adoption
Overview
Microsoft Teams is the premier collaboration platform built in Microsoft 365. More and more employees are working from home or in virtual offices, therefore cloud collaboration tools are required. In this technical briefing we will investigate the impacts of a virtual workforce and the challenges organizations face deploying modern collaboration tools. We will also discuss how SHI helps organizations plan and deploy Microsoft Teams.
In this briefing, we will cover:
- Industry collaboration impacts
- Your organization's current collaboration challenges
- Microsoft Teams Features and Use Cases
- Getting started by defining adoption and collaboration goals
Who should attend this briefing:
- CIO / Director of IT
- IT Manager
- IT Administrator / Architect
Data protection
Overview
Formulating a comprehensive data protection strategy can be a daunting task. Often, it involves multiple IT teams, including security, operations, and more. It may sound intimidating, but it’s not insurmountable. Let’s discuss ways to get the most return on your investment.
In this briefing, we will cover:
- Level set on what data protection capabilities are now available.
- Review what a holistic data protection strategy encompasses.
- Discuss how to validate or mature a data protection program.
- Raise internal awareness about the importance of data protection as it relates to security.
- Gain industry insights from SHI’s thought leaders.
Who should attend this briefing:
- Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
- Security Director
- Operations Director
Endpoint privilege management
Overview
Endpoint privilege management (EPM) is a security solution that manages and controls access to privileged accounts and credentials on endpoints, such as laptops, desktops, servers, and other network‑connected devices. EPM includes the process of monitoring, controlling, and limiting access to administrative accounts and systems with elevated privileges or permissions on endpoints, to prevent unauthorized access and protect against security threats.
In this briefing, we will cover:
- Discuss the state landscape for EPM and common challenges related to privileged accounts.
- Explore your organization’s current EPM challenges and upcoming initiatives.
- Review current security challenges, threats, and impacts to user experience.
- Discuss tools including CyberArk, Delinea, and BeyondTrust.
Who should attend this briefing:
- Security Architect
- Security Director
- IT Director
- CISO
- CIO
Secure access service edge (SASE)
Overview
Since the rise of hybrid work environments, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have utilized SASE architecture to enable this newly decentralized reality. It’s clear that cloud-based security solutions are crucial, and now they can be cost‑effective too, helping you maintain a secure environment and consistent user experience.
In this briefing, we will cover:
- Learn how to utilize SASE, cloud access security brokers (CASBs), and data loss prevention (DLP) capabilities to help mature or kick off your program.
- Take an outcome-driven view of SASE platforms to discover where it’s best to consolidate network and security capabilities.
- Review use cases associated with Security‑as‑a‑Service (SECaaS) and decentralized workforces.
- Discover how to employ CASB to protect SaaS apps while gaining visibility into shadow IT.
Who should attend this briefing:
- Security Director
- Security Architect
- Network Architect
Threat‑informed defense
Overview
Threat‑informed defense (TID) involves identifying potential threats, analyzing the tactics and techniques used by attackers, and implementing security controls tailored to specific threats. This approach enables your organization to better protect your assets and respond more effectively to cyber attacks.
In this briefing, we will cover:
- Discuss the MITRE ATT&CK framework and cyber threat intelligence Pyramid of Pain.
- Explore your organization’s current security challenges and upcoming initiatives.
- Review the MITRE ATT&CK matrix and TID methodology.
- Discuss modern challenges with security program performance, security control optimization, and maximum program effectiveness.
Who should attend this briefing:
- Security Engineer/Architect/Director
- Systems Administrator/Engineer/Architect
- IT Director
- CISO
- CIO
Zero trust
Overview
Zero trust can be a complex architecture to implement without the right strategy and guidance. It requires a multi‑year plan and an organization‑wide discipline to execute properly. Fortunately, SHI has developed a comprehensive approach to evaluating your current maturity, helping you craft your own internal roadmap.
In this briefing, we will cover:
- Zero in on what zero trust architecture is.
- Gain a holistic vantage point to set the stage for a multi‑year focus, better aligning with the zero trust architecture.
- Share actionable steps to guide your zero trust journey.
Who should attend this briefing:
- Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
- Security Director
- Operations Director
- Desktop Architect
Cloud security and compliance
Overview
The public cloud is only as secure as you build it to be. In this briefing we'll talk about how to ensure your cloud strategy addresses your organization's security needs. This includes managing security controls across a multi/hybrid cloud environment as we as ensuring you can maintain visibility.
In this briefing, we will cover:
- Discussion on how to prioritize your organization's goals, including managing cloud related risks and addressing compliance challenges
- Potential solutions and how to develop a strategy to incorporate the following goals:
- Getting the right data to the right people via the best path
- Preventing unintentional data movement
- Identifying and securing high‑risk users and apps
- Enhancing visibility across a ‘work from anywhere' environment
- Improving user experience
- Reducing cost
Who should attend this briefing:
- CISO/CIO/VP of IT
- Information Security Manager
- Security Architect
Identity and access management
Overview
Identity is often considered the foundation of Security, Privacy, and Risk Management. Today more than ever, the need to govern and manage the workforce outside of traditional perimeters, in a modernized world, has become more apparent. Organizations are struggling to navigate identity and the approach best suited for their unique environment.
In this briefing, we will cover:
- Prioritizing your organization's goals, evaluating current solutions, and how to address risk + compliance challenges
- How to develop and Identity Strategy incorporating your Least Privilege requirements.
- How to organize and prioritize your Identity strategy, needs and timelines
Who should attend this briefing:
- CISO
- CIO
- VP of IT
- Information Security Manager
- Security Architect
Cloud spend optimization
Overview
No matter what size, maturity, or industry, managing cloud spend is a top challenge and priority as customers adopt modern public cloud technology. The Flexera 2020 State of the Cloud Report states that the average organization is 23% over their cloud spend budget, expects spend to grow by 47%, and is wasting 30% of their resources in the cloud. SHI's Optimization practice can help address these challenges and more by saving our customers an average of over 30% after six months.
In this briefing, we will cover:
- The state of the industry regarding cloud spend trends and challenges
- The cloud operating model and demonstrate areas for simplification
- SHI's unique approach to optimizing cloud spend and minimizing waste
- The optimal path towards saving as much cost as fast as possible, as well as prepare for automation to avoid future cost
Who should attend this briefing:
- Senior IT Leadership (Director of IT, VP of IT, CTO, CIO)
- Senior Procurement Leadership, CFO
- Senior Cloud Operations Leadership