Cloud Meets Hybrid | Automation Talks

About Cloud Meets Hybrid | Automation Talks

A podcast on IT automation and emerging technologies. Deep dives with expert guests and short updates on hybrid IT topics. Published by XOAP, hosted by Mario Istuk.

Publisher

XOAP

Category

business · technology

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

21 Oct 2025

Latest episode

28 Jul 2026

Latest episodes

13 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   28 Jul 2026

   Azure Virtual Desktop Manager by XOAP | Business, market and technical perspectives

   XOAP's CTO, Sinisa Sokolic, and the CMO, Mario Istuk, come together to talk about the new AVD Manager (https://xoap.io/avd-manager/) by XOAP. Whether you're just starting with Azure Virtual Desktop in general, managing multiple customers as an MSP or in-house environments in an enterprise, this episode gives you a good overview of everything you need to know. From AVD Manager's features and what makes it unique on the market to how it helps organizations start with, manage or migrate to Azure fast, Sinisa and Mario cover it all in the new episode of the Automation Talks podcast. ------------------ AVD Manager (https://xoap.io/avd-manager/) is part of the XOAP automation platform and available for free testing, with 10 CCU included in the free plan and 150 CCU with XOAP subscriptions. Test AVD Manager for €0 with a free XOAP account: https://xoap.io/avd-manager/ (https://xoap.io/avd-manager/)

2. 

   22 May 2026

   The view from the CEO's chair | Guest: Christian Reineke (XOAP)

   In this episode of Cloud Meets Hybrid | Automation Talks powered by XOAP (https://xoap.io/), Mario Istuk sits down with Christian Reineke, CEO of RIS AG and XOAP, for a conversation on what is actually shaping hybrid IT in 2026. They cover AI and large language models, the real transformation timeline for enterprise IT and the growing push for vendor independence as organizations rethink how deep they go into the Microsoft ecosystem across Intune, Azure and M365. The regulatory wave hitting European organizations also takes center stage, including NIS2, DORA and the AI Act, alongside the question of whether European cloud sovereignty is finally becoming a real alternative to AWS, Azure and Google Cloud. The episode closes with a look ahead to 2027 and why automation, not AI hype, is the most underrated topic in IT today. _____ You can connect with Christian and Mario via LinkedIn. • Christian Reineke: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianreineke/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianreineke/) • (https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianreineke/•) Mario Istuk: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mario-istuk/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mario-istuk/)

3. 

   8 May 2026

   The reality of application delivery in 2026 | Guest: Jens Miltenberger (Ceterion)

   Please note: This episode is in German. You can find the video version with English subtitles on our ⁠YT channel⁠ (https://youtu.be/W8__Q6Qhi_g). Welcome to Cloud Meets Hybrid | Automation Talks by ⁠⁠XOAP⁠⁠ — a podcast on IT automation, hybrid cloud and infrastructure modernization, hosted by Mario Istuk. In this episode, Mario talks with Jens Miltenberger from Ceterion about why application delivery remains one of the most underestimated disciplines in IT. They cover the evolution of packaging formats (MSI, MSIX, Win32, Winget, Chocolatey), the tool landscape from SCCM to Intune, the reality of hybrid environments, and why successful application delivery is ultimately a process and organizational challenge, not a tooling one. They also take an honest look at where AI genuinely helps in packaging workflows, and where it's mostly hype. _____ You can connect with Jens and Mario via LinkedIn: • ⁠Jens Miltenberger⁠ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jensmiltenberger/) | ⁠Ceterion⁠ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/ceterion/) • ⁠Mario Istuk⁠ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mario-istuk/) | ⁠XOAP⁠ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/xoap_io/) _____ XOAP is an all-in-one hybrid IT infrastructure and workplace automation platform. With image, configuration, application and platform management modules, as well as task scheduling and automated security compliance features, it's truly an all-in-one automation solution for both in-house and MSP needs. Learn more at: https://xoap.io/ (https://xoap.io/)

4. 

   16 Dec 2025

   DIGITAL WORKPLACE & EUC: The real value of automation

   Why do digital workplaces and EUC initiatives often struggle, and what real value does automation deliver in modern IT? In this episode of the Automation Talks podcast, we explore digital workplace automation, End User Computing (EUC) and modern workplace management. Learn how standardization and automation across hybrid IT and cloud environments create predictability, stability, security and scale for IT teams without adding complexity, and how XOAP makes all that possible. Want a demo? ⁠⁠Book a call⁠⁠ (https://calendly.com/xoap/30min) with our engineers! You can learn more about the XOAP automation platform and create your free account at ⁠⁠ (https://xoap.io/)xoap.io (http://xoap.io)⁠⁠ (https://xoap.io/). Start operating at enterprise scale — without enterprise complexity.

5. 

   10 Nov 2025

   BEYOND AUTOPILOTING: Bridging the gaps in device provisioning

   Device provisioning is something many IT teams think they already have figured out. Microsoft Autopilot is widely used, and for good reason. But there are still gaps. What about existing hardware? What about legacy systems, labs, training devices or VMs that need a different approach? And what about ensuring security and compliance immediately after deployment? XOAP is an all-in-one hybrid IT infrastructure and workplace automation platform, which extends Autopilot. Whether you're running modern cloud-native deployments or managing a hybrid jungle — XOAP helps you build a streamlined, secure, and future-ready automation strategy. Try it here: https://xoap.io/ (https://xoap.io/)

6. 

   10 Nov 2025

   MDT END OF LIFE: What's next in image deployment

   Microsoft Deployment Toolkit support ended in October. MDT worked well in traditional on-prem environments but it wasn’t built for the cloud-first modern workplace. Plus, end of support means potential security and compatibility risks down the line. So, what’s next for image deployment? Tune in! _____ XOAP is an all-in-one hybrid IT infrastructure and workplace automation platform. It offers a secure, flexible and efficient alternative to MDT that focuses on modular, repeatable and automated image management. Try it here: https://xoap.io/ (https://xoap.io/) Compared to MDT, XOAP offers: • More flexibility • Hybrid readiness • Centralized control • Far less setup and infrastructure Full XOAP vs MDT comparison: https://xoap.io/microsoft-deployment-toolkit-mdt-vs-xoap/ (https://xoap.io/microsoft-deployment-toolkit-mdt-vs-xoap/) Learn more about XOAP's Image Management: https://xoap.io/image-management/ (https://xoap.io/image-management/)

7. 

   10 Nov 2025

   AWS SECURITY: Automated account hardening

   Secure your AWS accounts instantly with automated CIS hardening. No scripts, no manual work. In this episode of Cloud meets Hybrid | Automation Talks (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cloud-meets-hybrid-automation-talks/id1847630515), Mario Istuk breaks down how XOAP makes it effortless to secure new and existing AWS accounts from day one. Say goodbye to security drift, endless tickets, and audit headaches. Learn how to automate key controls like CloudTrail, S3 protections, GuardDuty and more, across one or hundreds of accounts with just a few clicks. Whether you’re a security pro or an engineer shipping fast, this is the fastest way to build continuous compliance and peace of mind. Read more about it: https://xoap.io/automatically-harden-aws-accounts-with-cis-benchmarks/ (https://xoap.io/automatically-harden-aws-accounts-with-cis-benchmarks/) Automating entire AWS operations: https://xoap.io/aws-automation/ (https://xoap.io/aws-automation/) Amazon DCV deployment automation: https://xoap.io/automate-amazon-dcv-deployment/ (https://xoap.io/automate-amazon-dcv-deployment/) ___________________ XOAP (https://xoap.io/) is an all-in-one hybrid IT infrastructure and workplace automation platform. Create your free account here: https://xoap.io/ (https://xoap.io/) Book a demo: https://calendly.com/xoap/30min (https://calendly.com/xoap/30min) Connect with Mario on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mario-istuk/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mario-istuk/)

8. 

   24 Oct 2025

   The AWS European Sovereign Cloud | Guest: Tobias Tomandl (Ingram Micro)

   The AWS European Sovereign Cloud (ESC) is coming soon. In this episode of Automation Talks by XOAP, we dive deeply into cloud sovereignty in Europe and what it means for trust, compliance and data protection. Our guest is Tobias Tomandl, Senior Pre-Sales Consultant for AWS at Ingram Micro, AWS Community Builder, and active member of the AWS DACH community. We cover: - What cloud sovereignty really means beyond data residency - How the AWS European Sovereign Cloud is built as an independent partition - Why this matters for EU governments, regulated industries and enterprises - How ESC ensures full operational autonomy under EU law - Migration, cost and FinOps considerations for the ESC launch in Europe - Key myths about sovereignty and what CIOs should do in the first 90 days Follow Tobias on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tobiastomandl/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tobiastomandl/)) and check out his blog (https://tobiasto.cloud/ (https://tobiasto.cloud/)). Cloud Meets Hybrid | Automation Talks by ⁠⁠XOAP⁠⁠ is a podcast on IT automation, hybrid cloud and infrastructure modernization, hosted by Mario Istuk. You can connect with Mario here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mario-istuk/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mario-istuk/) Want to automate AWS operations and security, or migrate to AWS without disruptions? XOAP does it for you. Check our website for more information: https://xoap.io/aws-automation/ (https://xoap.io/aws-automation/) What is XOAP XOAP is a hybrid IT infrastructure and workplace automation platform. With image, configuration, application and platform management modules, as well as task scheduling and automated security compliance features, it's truly an all-in-one automation solution for both in-house and MSP needs. Learn more and create your free account at: https://xoap.io/ (https://xoap.io/)

9. 

   24 Oct 2025

   All about XOAP Connector | New on-premises automation features | Guest: Sinisa Sokolic (XOAP)

   Welcome to Cloud Meets Hybrid | Automation Talks by ⁠⁠XOAP⁠⁠, a podcast on IT automation, hybrid cloud and infrastructure modernization, hosted by Mario Istuk. In this special episode, XOAP's CTO Sinisa Sokolic presents the Connector, a new component for on-premises connections. XOAP Connector (https://xoap.io/connector/) is designed to extend automation capabilities to on-premises environments (like vSphere and Nutanix). It's perfect for handling hybrid IT infrastructures as it enables centralized management of distributed systems. It's easy to deploy. XOAP Connector requires only an API key and agent install and will be included in all XOAP accounts once released. Example use cases for MSPs and in-house teams include: - Reusing existing automation (like image builds) across cloud and on-prem environments. - Automating on-prem environments as a stepping stone towards cloud migration. - Running the same procedures in Nutanix, vSphere or Azure with one set of tools. Sound good? Create a free XOAP account: https://xoap.io/ (https://xoap.io/) For more information, visit: https://xoap.io/connector/ (https://xoap.io/connector/) What is XOAP XOAP is a hybrid IT infrastructure and workplace automation platform, which frees you from vendor lock-in. With Image, Configuration, Application and Platform Management modules, as well as task scheduling and automated security compliance features, it's truly an all-in-one automation solution for both in-house and MSP needs. Creating a XOAP (https://xoap.io/) account is 100% free, it does not require a credit card and the free plan offers plenty of starter units.

10. 

    24 Oct 2025

    Automation as an investment, not an expense | Guest: Luis Amaro (Onventis)

    Welcome to Cloud Meets Hybrid | Automation Talks by ⁠⁠XOAP⁠⁠, a podcast on IT automation, hybrid cloud and infrastructure modernization, hosted by Mario Istuk. In this episode, we’re talking about investing into automation tools with ⁠Luis Amaro⁠ from Onventis, a seasoned IT professional with over 20 years of experience in the banking sector, currently focusing on network management. You can connect with Luis and Mario via LinkedIn: • Luis Amaro: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-amaro-mba-417b9755/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-amaro-mba-417b9755/) • Mario Istuk: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mario-istuk/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mario-istuk/) Curious about XOAP? XOAP is an all-in-one hybrid IT infrastructure and workplace automation platform. With image, configuration, application and platform management modules, as well as task scheduling and automated security compliance features, it's truly an all-in-one automation solution for both in-house and MSP needs. Learn more and create your free account at: https://xoap.io/ (https://xoap.io/)

11. 

    24 Oct 2025

    What's changed in IT automation and... what has not | Guest: Mathias Kowalkowski (SVA)

    Welcome to Cloud Meets Hybrid | Automation Talks by ⁠⁠XOAP⁠⁠, a podcast on IT automation, hybrid cloud and infrastructure modernization, hosted by Mario Istuk. In this episode, we’re diving into a question many IT pros have asked themselves: What has actually changed in IT automation, and what has not? Our expert guest is someone who’s been right in the middle of it for years: Mathias Kowalkowski from SVA. He’s seen the good, the bad and the often-repeated in IT automation. You can connect with Mathias and Mario via LinkedIn: • Mathias Kowalkowski: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mkowalkowski/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mkowalkowski/) • Mario Istuk: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mario-istuk/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mario-istuk/) ____ In this episode, we talk about the state of image management in many organizations. Want to automate your image builds across platforms? Check out XOAP's Image Management: https://xoap.io/image-management/ (https://xoap.io/image-management/) ____ XOAP is a hybrid IT infrastructure and workplace automation platform. With image, configuration, application and platform management modules, as well as task scheduling and automated security compliance features, it's truly an all-in-one automation solution for both in-house and MSP needs. Learn more and create your free account at: https://xoap.io/ (https://xoap.io/)

12. 

    24 Oct 2025

    Security & compliance automation | Guest: Norbert Ponak (Clourity)

    Welcome to Cloud Meets Hybrid | Automation Talks by ⁠⁠XOAP⁠⁠, a podcast on IT automation, hybrid cloud and infrastructure modernization, hosted by Mario Istuk. In this episode, we are diving into a topic that's critical yet often overlooked: compliance benchmark automation. With NIS2, DORA and other strict cybersecurity regulations, achieving compliance is getting increasingly harder. Our guest speaker is ⁠Norbert Ponak⁠, the founder of Clourity. With more than 30 years of experience in the industry and a strong data center and virtual desktop end-user computing background from companies like Citrix and Nutanix, today Norbert is innovating the field of security and compliance. You can connect with Norbert and Mario via LinkedIn: • Norbert Ponak: https://www.linkedin.com/in/norbert-ponak/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/norbert-ponak/) • Mario Istuk: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mario-istuk/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mario-istuk/) Read the main insights from the episode on our blog: https://xoap.io/security-compliance-automation-insights-from-the-second-episode-of-our-podcast/ (https://xoap.io/security-compliance-automation-insights-from-the-second-episode-of-our-podcast/) Curious about XOAP? XOAP is a hybrid IT infrastructure and workplace automation platform. With image, configuration, application and platform management modules, as well as task scheduling and automated security compliance features, it's truly an all-in-one automation solution for both in-house and MSP needs. You can learn more and create a free account at: https://xoap.io/ (https://xoap.io/)

13. 

    21 Oct 2025

    Cloud-only has failed. How to get hybrid IT right | Guest: Sinisa Sokolic (XOAP)

    Welcome to the first episode of Cloud Meets Hybrid | Automation Talks by XOAP (https://xoap.io/)—a podcast on IT automation, hybrid cloud and infrastructure modernization, hosted by Mario Istuk. Kicking off the series, Sinisa Sokolic, XOAP’s CTO and the technical mastermind behind the all-in-one IT automation platform, joins Mario to discuss the cloud-only approach and the role of hybrid IT and automation in today’s landscape. Read the main insights from the episode on our blog: https://xoap.io/hybrid-vs-cloud-only-insights-from-the-first-episode-of-our-podcast/ (https://xoap.io/hybrid-vs-cloud-only-insights-from-the-first-episode-of-our-podcast/) _______ XOAP is a hybrid IT infrastructure and workplace automation platform. With image, configuration, application and platform management modules, as well as task scheduling and automated security compliance features, it's truly an all-in-one automation solution for both in-house and MSP needs. You can learn more about XOAP and create your free account at: https://xoap.io/ (https://xoap.io/)

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