Greg Leonardo: The latest in Azure & AI – Episode 326

Challenges

  • Ethical considerations, such as addressing the risks of misinformation and biases in AI.
  • The global shortage of skilled tech professionals and its impact on productivity.
  • Finding the right mix between cloud and on-premises solutions to optimize business operations.

Solutions

  • Leveraging AI to fill productivity gaps and streamline business processes.
  • Motivating the younger generation to challenge the status quo and simplify processes.
  • Emphasizing the responsibility of developers to verify AI-generated outputs and ensure accuracy.

Benefits

  • AI’s role in significantly boosting workplace productivity.
  • The potential future convergence of AI and quantum computing, which could revolutionize software development.
  • The utility of Azure’s compute capabilities in simplifying application deployment.

Greg is a Cloud Architect who assists organizations with cloud adoption and innovation. He is currently the Head of Microsoft Cloud Services at Built Global and also the founder of Webonology. He posts on a daily Cloud Blog — clouddailywire.com. He has been working in the IT industry since his time in the military and is a developer, teacher, speaker, and early adopter. Greg has worked in many facets of IT throughout his career and is currently the president of TampaDev, a community meetup that runs #TampaCC and various technology events throughout Tampa. Greg holds a certification as a Microsoft Certified Azure Solutions Architect Expert and Microsoft Certified Trainer and is an Azure MVP.

Topics of Discussion:
[03:14] Greg’s career journey, his role as an innovator, and his early adoption of Azure.
[04:00] The utility of “compute” in Azure and how it simplifies application deployment.
[04:44] Recent developments in Azure and AI.
[05:17] The pendulum swings between cloud and on-premises solutions, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach.
[10:21] Strategies for streamlining business productivity — understanding there is no single “silver bullet.”
[14:08] How AI can enhance productivity and its evolving role in the workplace.
[18:45] Encouraging the younger generation to challenge the status quo and simplify processes.
[25:11] Addressing the global tech talent shortage and the role of AI in filling productivity gaps.
[29:49] Ethical considerations and challenges in AI adoption, including the risks of misinformation and biases.
[33:14] The potential future convergence of AI and quantum computing, and its implications for software development.
[37:10] The responsibility of developers to verify AI-generated outputs, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking.