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