The Channel Angle - A CRN Podcast

Cyber Resilience, AI, and the Human Factor: A Big-Picture Conversation with Acronis’ Subramani Rao

ccooper@thechannelcompany.com (Cass Cooper) — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 09:00:00 +0000

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

How cybersecurity evolved from hardware-focused IT to trust and reputation management

Why cyber resilience goes beyond prevention to include recovery and business continuity

The difference between AI and agentic AI, and why it matters for MSPs

How AI is transforming endpoint, device, and network security

Practical, low-barrier ways MSPs can offer cyber resilience services today

Why culture, communication, and training are still the weakest (and strongest) link in security

Key Quotes

“Build a CIA and don’t be a DAD.”
(Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability vs. Disclosure, Alteration, Disruption)

“Every employee is a security person, whether they like it or not.”

“Cyber resilience is about thinking beyond cybersecurity and understanding business impact.”

About the Guest

Subramani Rao (Subu) is a cybersecurity and cyber resilience leader at Acronis, with over 15 years of experience across data center security, cloud security, and endpoint protection. He holds an MSc in Computer Security and works closely with MSPs to help them understand and operationalize cyber resilience for their customers.

About the Host

Cass Cooper, MHR is the host of The Channel Angle and Channel Women in Security, covering leadership, cybersecurity, AI, and culture across the IT channel ecosystem.

Learn More

Find more episodes and coverage at CRN.com
Learn more about Acronis and cyber resilience solutions at Acronis.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Reimagining Go-to-Market: How Identity Security Is Transforming the Channel

ccooper@thechannelcompany.com (Cass Cooper, Tom Barsi) — Wed, 8 Oct 2025 10:00:00 +0000

CRN's Cass Cooper sits down with Veza’s Tom Barsi, formerly of Palo Alto Networks, VMware, and Proofpoint, to unpack the evolution of channel partnerships, the growing impact of identity security, and how collaboration is redefining go-to-market strategies. From marketplaces to mentorship, this episode explores how leadership, trust, and visibility drive transformation across the cybersecurity ecosystem. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Intel’s Reset: Layoffs, AI Outsourcing, and a Partner Program Shake-Up Keywords

ccooper@thechannelcompany.com (Dylan Martin, Cass Cooper) — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 04:00:00 +0000

Cass Cooper and Dylan Martin discuss the current state of Intel, focusing on leadership changes, workforce reductions, and the impact of AI on the company's operations and marketing strategies. They explore how these changes affect Intel's position in the technology industry and its relationships with partners through the Intel Partner Alliance program. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Navigating the MSP Landscape with Acronis Channel Chief Alex Ruslyakov

ccooper@thechannelcompany.com (CRN) — Fri, 22 Aug 2025 04:00:00 +0000

Alex Ruslyakov, the Channel Chief at Acronis, shares insights from his 20-year journey with the company, discussing the evolution of Acronis and its commitment to supporting Managed Service Providers (MSPs). Emphasizing the importance of partnerships, operational efficiency, and strategies for growth, including joint business plans and integrated service offerings Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Purpose, Profit, and Pricing: Leadership Lessons from Pax8 Beyond

ccooper@thechannelcompany.com (CRN) — Wed, 9 Jul 2025 04:00:00 +0000

In this episode of The Channel Angle, recorded live at Pax8 Beyond 2025 in Denver, Cass Cooper sits down with Jonathan Mack of Pax8 Academy and Nahjee Maybin, CEO of Kenyatta Computer Services, to explore how leadership evolves when profit margins tighten. From navigating client pricing to scaling with purpose, this conversation dives into the real talk every MSP needs to hear right now. Jonathan shares lessons from the 2008 crash and offers a practical framework for aligning service delivery with profitability. Nahjee talks about transforming a family-run business from break-fix to managed services, leading with empowerment, and the importance of values-based client relationships. Plus, we touch on the future of agentic AI, the Pax8 marketplace, and how to grow without losing sight of who you are. 🎧 Tune in for strategies, stories, and a candid look at what it means to lead with clarity in today’s channel. 📺 Watch or listen now on YouTube, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Is Microsoft Copilot Revolutionizing Business Workflows?

ccooper@thechannelcompany.com (Cass Cooper, Wade Millward, Kelly Yeh) — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Join CRN’s Cass Cooper and Wade Millward as they discuss the evolving landscape of AI, particularly focusing on Microsoft's Copilot and its implications for businesses. Joined by Kelly Yeh of Phalanx Technology, the three explore the importance of integrating AI into workflows, the challenges of trust and accuracy in AI outputs, and the necessity of clean data management. The discussion also touches on the differences between public and internal data in AI applications, the external use of AI tools, and the competitive necessity of adopting AI technologies. Finally, they compare Microsoft Copilot with Google Gemini and answer the question: Is Microsoft Copilot revolutionizing business workflows? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Unlocking Potential with Google Cloud and Agentic AI

ccooper@thechannelcompany.com (Cass Cooper, Mark Haranas, Brooks Borcherding) — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 04:00:00 +0000

We’re diving deep into the future of Google Cloud and what it means for the channel. CRN Editor Mark Haranas breaks down Google’s latest moves, from Agentic AI to revamped partner programs, highlighting major opportunities for vendors and partners alike. Then, host Cass Cooper sits down with Brooks Borcherding, CEO of Pythian, for a dynamic conversation on AI-driven innovation, the new AI Agent Marketplace, and the cultural shifts helping partners thrive in a fast-changing tech landscape. Whether you're a channel veteran or exploring how to co-sell in the cloud, this episode is your playbook for what’s next in Google Cloud. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to The Channel Angle

ccooper@thechannelcompany.com (CRN) — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 04:00:00 +0000

The Channel Angle is your go-to source for sharp insights, bold strategies, and real conversations about the IT channel—brought to you by CRN, the world’s number one source for IT channel news. Host and CRN Columnist Cass Cooper connects with industry experts, vendors, distributors, and solution providers to break down the biggest trends in cybersecurity, cloud services, AI, data center strategy, MSP growth, and channel leadership. Whether you're a tech reseller, MSP, VAR, or IT leader, this podcast offers in-depth stories, expert interviews, and actionable takeaways to help you navigate today’s fast-paced tech ecosystem. Stay ahead of the curve with trusted analysis, global perspectives, and business insights designed to support growth at every level of the IT channel ecosystem. 🎙️ New episodes biweekly on CRN.com. 🔑 Topics: Tech trends, channel strategy, inclusive leadership, MSP news, vendor insights, and more. 📍Follow now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Navigating the AI Revolution

ccooper@thechannelcompany.com (Cass Cooper, Steve Burke, Avis Yates-Rivers) — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 04:00:00 +0000

The conversation explores the evolving landscape of vendor relationships and the impact of AI on business strategies. It highlights the challenges faced by channel partners in navigating shifting margins, the importance of trust in vendor relationships, and the need for partners to adapt to the AI revolution. The discussion emphasizes the role of partners in driving customer relationships and the necessity for sustainable vendor-partner dynamics to thrive in a rapidly changing market. Hosted by Cass Cooper, featuring Avis Yates-Rivers, President and CEO of Technology Concepts Group International, and Steve Burke, CRN Executive Editor. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Navigating The AI-Cybersecurity Intersection

ccooper@thechannelcompany.com (Cass Cooper, Kyle Alspach, Neil Holm) — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 04:00:00 +0000

Cass Cooper and Kyle Alspach delve into the intersection of AI and cybersecurity, discussing the evolving landscape of cyber threats, the role of AI in enhancing security operations, and the importance of navigating cybersecurity frameworks. They also explore the future of Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs), emphasizing the need for channel enablement and the challenges posed by the cybersecurity talent shortage. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.