Inflation Eases, Cisco Layoffs, MSP Demand, Jamf-Microsoft Deal, and AI Growth

The episode begins with a focus on the easing inflation rate, which has shifted the Federal Reserve's attention towards the labor market amidst a surge in mortgage applications. The report highlights the increasing demand for managed services, particularly among small and medium-sized businesses lacking in-house IT support.Cisco's announcement of laying off 6,000 employees as part of a restructuring plan centered on AI and security is discussed next. This move reflects the company's strategic shift towards faster-growing areas within the tech industry. Additionally, the collaboration between Jamf and Microsoft is highlighted, showcasing a partnership aimed at enhancing Apple device management and cybersecurity for Microsoft-based organizations through the Azure Marketplace.The episode delves into consumer sentiment and corporate activism, noting a decline in the percentage of Americans wanting companies to take public stances on political issues. This shift in sentiment may impact businesses as they navigate the upcoming U.S. election and consider the implications of engaging in political commentary. The discussion emphasizes the importance of focusing on positive economic news and steering clear of potential political risks.The episode concludes by touching on the increasing adoption of AI-capable PCs and the potential growth in demand for supporting services in AI integration, security, and optimization. The tech industry's anticipation of higher IT budgets in 2025, driven by AI and modernization efforts, is also highlighted.  Four things to know today00:00 Inflation Eases as CPI Rises 2.9%, Shifting Fed Focus to Labor Market Amid Surging Mortgage Applications03:34 IDC Report Highlights MSPs' Vital Role as 40% of U.S. SMBs Lack In-House IT, Driving Demand for Managed Services06:03 Cisco to Lay Off 6,000 Employees in Restructuring Focused on AI and Security Growth06:58 Jamf and Microsoft Deepen Collaboration: Apple Device Management Solutions Coming to Azure Marketplace  Supported by:  https://www.coreview.com/msp/https://www.huntress.com/mspradio/     All our Sponsors:   https://businessof.tech/sponsors/ Do you want the show on your podcast app or the written versions of the stories? Subscribe to the Business of Tech: https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe/Looking for a link from the stories? The entire script of the show, with links to articles, are posted in each story on https://www.businessof.tech/ Support the show on Patreon: https://patreon.com/mspradio/ Want to be a guest on Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights? Send Dave Sobel a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/businessoftech Want our stuff? Cool Merch? Wear “Why Do We Care?” - Visit https://mspradio.myspreadshop.com Follow us on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28908079/YouTube: https://youtube.com/mspradio/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradio/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoftechBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/businessoftech.bsky.social