Beyond the Sales Pitch: Evaluating Tech Products and Preparing for 2026 In this episode, join Anthony and Tanner as they share their experiences and insights on evaluating tech products, from avoiding long-term contracts based on sales pitches to the importance of defining specific needs and conducting rigorous proof of concepts. They discuss their unique approaches in the co-op world and various tools and strategies to ensure they make the best decisions for their organizations. Additionally, they delve into what they're excited about for 2026, including micro-segmentation, AI use cases, server upgrades, camera systems, and much more. Don't miss their tips and stories to help you navigate through the complex landscape of tech evaluations. 00:00 Introduction: The SIEM Purchase Story 00:22 Breaking Down the Sales Pitch 01:24 Evaluating New Products: Processes and Challenges 02:57 Defining the Problem and Setting Criteria 04:00 The Importance of Demos and Objective Guides 05:33 Handling Large Group Evaluations 13:43 Contract Length and Vendor Relationships 18:05 Proof of Concepts and Pilots 22:40 Gathering References and Final Thoughts 24:39 Evaluating Group Sizes and Demos 25:11 Microsegmentation Software Evaluation 25:46 Bonus Tip: Re-evaluating Before Purchase 26:25 Exploring Container Tools and Virtualization 28:31 Starlink for Emergency and Broader Deployment 30:01 Email Protection and Human Element in Cybersecurity 31:24 Replacing End-of-Life Devices 32:45 Enhancing Browser Protection 34:06 Server 2016 Retirement Plan 35:05 Standardizing Email Signatures 37:29 Camera Project for Physical Security 38:28 Advanced AI Use Cases 39:52 Process Improvement and R&D Budget 41:21 Expanding Video Conferencing Rooms 46:12 Revisiting Co-Pilot for Enhanced Productivity 49:00 Final Thoughts and Appreciation