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In this extended episode of CTO Insights, Paul Stringfellow is joined by long-time friend and industry expert Matt Watts, Chief Technology Evangelist at NetApp and author of The Fourth Wave. Together, they dive deep into the tech industry’s evolution, breaking down the concept of "waves"—monumental shifts that have shaped how businesses adopt and use technology. From the rise of cloud computing to the current AI revolution, Matt shares valuable insights into how IT leaders can prepare for the future by learning from the past.

Key topics include:

- Understanding the importance of AI and data democratization post-ChatGPT
- How to distinguish between tech "ripples" and true industry "waves"
- Lessons learned from the first three waves (cloud, virtualization, and modular IT)
- The role of intelligent data infrastructure in harnessing AI’s potential
- Practical advice for CTOs on standardization, infrastructure strategy, and identifying the next big trend

Whether you're an IT veteran or new to the leadership role, this conversation is packed with expert advice on how to navigate the fourth wave and beyond. Plus, Matt talks about his book, available now on Amazon! - https://amzn.eu/d/2qagF0d

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
01:08 Matt Watts: Background and Role at NetApp
03:41 The Fourth Wave: Concept and Development
06:48 Challenges in IT Leadership and Trends
11:13 Understanding the Third Wave: Cloud Adoption
18:16 Impact of the Pandemic on IT and Cloud
22:44 The Profound Impact of AI on Businesses
25:26 The Role of Storage in AI and Data Management
26:19 DevOps and Intelligent Data Infrastructure
31:40 Standardisation and Multi-Cloud Strategies
37:09 Advice for IT Leaders and Future Waves
40:23 Conclusion