The Notice

Broadcom’s VMware program changes come with a lot of information, but you don’t have to sort through it alone. In this episode of The Notice, OTAVA CEO TJ Houske walks through the newly released VMware FAQ and explains what these changes really mean for you. And, we added a few fun videos throughout to help break it up.Instead of just rules and dates, we break it down into what matters most for partners and customers, and how OTAVA can help you move forward with confidence.In this episode, you’ll learn:- What’s actually changing in the VMware program- What non-renewing partners can (and can’t) do- How subscription transfers and licensing really work- Key dates and milestones to plan around- How OTAVA partners with you to simplify the transitionAt OTAVA, we believe complex doesn’t have to mean complicated. Consider this your quick-start guide to making sense of VMware’s new world.Subscribe to The Notice for more updates, clarity, and resources designed to help you navigate change with confidence.Thank you for listening!Visit our website or contact us for more information on OTAVA.Find us on social → LinkedIn, X & Facebook

In episode of The Notice, TJ Houske breaks down the latest round of changes coming from Broadcom’s VMware Advantage Program. OTAVA remains an authorized partner in the new program.He talks about:- What's changed and what it means for your business.- Why you should respond—not react—to the shift- How OTAVA can help you navigate this transition with clarity and confidenceWhether you’re on the invited list or figuring out your next move, this episode offers real talk, perspective, and a calm voice amid the changes.Need help charting your course forward? OTAVA’s here as a resource. Hit the QR code in the video or visit https://bit.ly/4f5rr6C to stay connected.Thank you for listening!Visit our website or contact us for more information on OTAVA.Find us on social → LinkedIn, X & Facebook

TJ Houske shares our major announcement—OTAVA has officially moved our headquarters to Indianapolis! He’s joined by Brock Hesler, fellow Hoosier and OTAVA team member, for an insightful conversation about why Indiana is the perfect place to plant roots and grow big things—especially in tech.  They talk about: Why Indy? (Spoiler: it’s more than cornfields and basketball.) The booming tech scene across Indiana—think data centers, AI, health IT, and more. Their personal ties to the state and what it means to be a part of something bigger than business. With economic momentum building and tech talent sticking around instead of flying out, it’s clear: Indiana is on the map—and OTAVA is all in. Go Pacers. Go OTAVA.Thank you for listening!Visit our website or contact us for more information on OTAVA.Find us on social → LinkedIn, X & Facebook

The Notice is BACK for Season 3—and we’re kicking things off with a bang! In this episode, OTAVA CEO TJ Houske sits down with Jeff Ready, CEO and co-founder of Scale Computing, to talk about how two Indiana-based companies are shaking things up in edge computing and beyond.They get into:·      Why Scale Computing is so much more than just a VMware alternative·      How OTAVA and Scale Computing are teaming up to help customers modernize faster and smarter·      And, the big announcement: a brand-new integration bringing Veeam’s backups to the edge and how together, we made it happenThis episode isn’t just about a partnership. It’s about a shift in how we protect, deploy, and scale technology. Let’s go.Thank you for listening!Visit our website or contact us for more information on OTAVA.Find us on social → LinkedIn, X & Facebook

Join us for the latest episode of The Notice, where host TJ Houske sits down with OTAVA’s tech team: Ben Stiles, Chris Barylski, and Justin Keller. This episode dives into the real-talk territory of enterprise tech – tackling everything from the ripple effects of Broadcom's VMware acquisition to the rise of AI and data protection.Listen in as TJ and his guests (aka "our bench of tech experts") unpack how these market shifts are impacting real-world deployments and how OTAVA navigates these challenges with tailored solutions. From the big vendor conferences to on-the-ground customer conversations, our team cuts through the tech noise, debunking myths and sharing actionable insights for anyone looking to simplify the chaos of today’s tech landscape.Ready to geek out? Join us as we explore the evolving roles of hypervisors, storage platforms, and cybersecurity. This one’s a goldmine for anyone in IT, and we're just getting started! Drop a comment if there’s a topic you want us to dig deeper into next time.Thank you for listening!Visit our website or contact us for more information on OTAVA.Find us on social → LinkedIn, X & Facebook

Alright folks, it’s time to wrap up Season 2, and we’re doing it with a bang! In this episode, TJ and Melissa sit down Ting Gootee, the powerhouse President & CEO of TechPoint. If you haven’t heard of TechPoint yet, you’re in for a treat – they’re the rockstars behind driving innovation and boosting the tech scene in Indiana. The chat? Oh, it’s a good one. Ting spills the beans on some mind-blowing initiatives and how the magic of partnerships is making it all happen.Then, TJ and Melissa talk about the wild world of networking. And let’s be real, networking can be a bit like going to the dentist – necessary but slightly terrifying. But don’t sweat it! You’ll walk away with some solid tips on how to ace networking, even if you’re more comfortable binge-watching than schmoozing.Tune in for some laughs, insights, and maybe a networking hack or two that could just give your career the nudge it needs. Thank you for listening!Visit our website or contact us for more information on OTAVA.Find us on social → LinkedIn, X & Facebook

In this jam-packed episode, TJ Houske and Melissa Lock dive headfirst into the world of mentoring. Formal or informal – mentoring can be a game-changer. Plus, the dynamic duo talks about the law of the inner circle – surround yourself with rockstar mentors and you’re already halfway to winning.But wait, there’s more! TJ tags in JP (Field CTO Jason Pohlman) for a tech talk that’s all about cloud adoption, with a special spotlight on Managed Azure. Find out why Azure is the bee’s knees for businesses looking to level up when it comes to cloud. From workload placement to data sovereignty, they cover it all.So whether you’re here for the mentoring wisdom or the cloud strategy insights, this episode has you covered. Tune in, take notes, and get ready to supercharge your career and cloud game. Thank you for listening!Visit our website or contact us for more information on OTAVA.Find us on social → LinkedIn, X & Facebook

Get ready for another episode of The Notice that’s going to leave you feeling like the rockstar employee you were always meant to be. TJ Houske and Melissa Lock are talking about what it takes to be a high performer at work. You know, the habits that will make you the office legend and fast-track your climb up the corporate ladder.We’ve also got the incredible Koby Phillips from Telarus joining us. Telarus is one of our channel partners. Koby joins us to talk about our partnership to bring top-notch solutions to businesses.So, if you’re looking to up your career game and want a sneak peek into some serious business wizardry, you won’t want to miss this one. Tune in, and let’s get you from good to unstoppable.Thank you for listening!Visit our website or contact us for more information on OTAVA.Find us on social → LinkedIn, X & Facebook

Melissa and TJ are tackling the topic of feedback – or as we like to call it, a good old-fashioned conversation. We’re talking about how to dish it out, how to it take it, and why it’s crucial for personal and professional growth.Feedback isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a powerhouse for communication, collaboration, leadership, and building relationships. We know these conversations can sometimes be tricky, but don’t worry – Melissa and TJ are here to drop some serious wisdom on making the most out of these moments.Then, we’re joined by Markell Miller from Food Gatherers, a local nonprofit in Ann Arbor dedicated to fighting hunger. This group is near and dear to our hearts at OTAVA – we’ve teamed up with the multiple times for volunteer days and love the impact they’re making in the community.Grab your headphones and get ready to tune in!EPISODE LINKS -Food GatherersThank you for listening!Visit our website or contact us for more information on OTAVA.Find us on social → LinkedIn, X & Facebook

Let’s face it – life happens. Big moments, whether they’re amazing or gut-wrenching, don’t just stay at home. They spill into our work lives too, and that’s where empathy comes in. We’ve got the amazing Liesel Mertes from Handle with Care Consulting with us to dive into something near and dear to our hearts – empathy at work. Liesel shares some fantastic tips on how leaders can handle these big life moments to build trust and create a culture that’ll boost everyone’s well-being.Grab your favorite coffee mug, get comfy, and get ready for an enlightening chat. Trust us, you don’t want to miss this one.Thank you for listening!Visit our website or contact us for more information on OTAVA.Find us on social → LinkedIn, X & Facebook

TJ Houske and Melissa Lock are here with CFO Austin Cook, ready to bring you another episode that’s equal parts fun and informative. We’re talking about something we all need more of: humor in the workplace. Get ready for some laughs and we dive into the surprising benefits of having a good chuckle at work. Spoiler alert: It’s more than just a good time.We’re also joined by Product Manager Chris Barlyski and Product Marketing Specialist Irma Brillantes. They’re back to give us another look into OTAVA’s S.E.C.U.R.E.™ Framework. We’re breaking down data protection and showing you how a layered approach to security isn’t just smart – it’s essential. Get ready to learn about the tools that can keep your data safe and sound.So kick back, relax, and join us for a conversation that’s sure to make you smile, laugh… and maybe rethink your security strategy. Let’s get into it!EPISODE LINKS –S.E.C.U.R.E.™ Framework: https://bit.ly/3U4N26mThank you for listening!Visit our website or contact us for more information on OTAVA.Find us on social → LinkedIn, X & Facebook

This week, hosts TJ Houske and Melissa Lock are talking about a different approach to hiring – Skills-First Hiring – where your abilities and potential matter more than your alma mater. This approach is flipping the hiring script, widening the talent pool, and may just help you find that next rockstar employee. And, because we’re so into tech, we can’t talk about hiring without talking tech tools! Get the scoop on how AI can help streamline recruitment from start to finish.Tune in, turn up, and get ready to rethink how you hire.Thank you for listening!Visit our website or contact us for more information on OTAVA.Find us on social → LinkedIn, X & Facebook

Join TJ Houske and Melissa Lock as they unpack what it takes to be that rockstar leader everyone’s rooting for – the kind that propels teams and businesses to the stars. They’re sharing the lessons they’ve scored from their own journeys. And, that’s not all. Here at OTAVA, we’re giving our channel program a major facelift and rolling out the red carpet for CloudPulse, our new partner program. Liz Barnhart, our Channel Chief, stops in to chat about this fresh launch. So tune in and learn why this is a big win for our partners.Catch you on The Notice!EPISODE LINKS:Unveiling CloudPulse: Unlocking New Opportunities with OTAVA's Partner ProgramThank you for listening!Visit our website or contact us for more information on OTAVA.Find us on social → LinkedIn, X & Facebook

We’re riding the rollercoaster of the tech world with a familiar voice – the man with the plan, our very own VP of Product and Business Development. That’s right, Brian Hoekelman, is back to drop the scoop on Broadcom. OTAVA’s here to provide some clarity in these uncertain times.EPISODE LINKS:Broadcom HubThank you for listening!Visit our website or contact us for more information on OTAVA.Find us on social → LinkedIn, X & Facebook

Pull up a chair and grab your favorite snack because this week on “The Notice,” we’re diving into some deep topics. Your hosts TJ & Melissa are talking about Empowering Employees. It’s not just about giving everyone a bit of decision-making clout. Nope, that’s too simple. They’re all about arming the team with a shiny arsenal of tools to not just do the job, but to absolutely crush it.We’re also riding the rollercoaster of the tech world with a familiar voice – the man with the plan, our very own VP of Product and Business Development. That’s right, Brian Hoekelman is back to drop the scoop on Broadcom. OTAVA’s here to provide some clarity in these uncertain times.So whether you’re a CEO looking to help your employees… or someone looking to climb the ladder, this episode’s got something for you. Tune in now for some straight talk and wisdom.EPISODE LINKS:Broadcom HubThank you for listening!Visit our website or contact us for more information on OTAVA.Find us on social → LinkedIn, X & Facebook

We've got Chaz Motter, the brains behind OTAVA’s revolutionary S.E.C.U.R.E.™ Framework, and Irma Brillantes, our product marketing specialist, in the house! Learn how the S.E.C.U.R.E.™ Framework came to life and how it can change the game for businesses looking to beef up their security posture.EPISODE LINKS –S.E.C.U.R.E.™ Framework Webinars: otava.com/webinarsThank you for listening!Visit our website or contact us for more information on OTAVA.Find us on social → LinkedIn, X & Facebook

Melissa and TJ are at it again... tackling a topic we all love to hate: FAILURE. But, here’s the twist – they’re spinning that narrative on it’s head and chatting about why failure is really just learning. Hear their most memorable “OOPS” moments in their careers. They dive into how they navigated these blunders and, more importantly, what jewels of wisdom they picked up along the way.AND, we’ve got Chaz Motter, the brains behind OTAVA’s revolutionary S.E.C.U.R.E.™ Framework, and Irma Brillantes, our product marketing specialist, in the house! Learn how the S.E.C.U.R.E.™ Framework came to life and how it can change the game for businesses looking to beef up their security posture. Tune in, have a laugh, and maybe learn a thing or two!EPISODE LINKS:S.E.C.U.R.E.™ Framework Webinars: otava.com/webinarsThank you for listening!Visit our website or contact us for more information on OTAVA.Find us on social → LinkedIn, X & Facebook

Oh boy, this episode is a special one. In honor of Women’s History Month and fresh off the high of International Women’s Day, our dynamic duo of TJ Houske and Melissa Lock are back with a jam-packed episode all about celebrating women in our industry.We’re talking with trailblazing women leading the charge in tech. They get real about the highs, the lows, and everything in between. From the unique challenges they face as women in a traditionally male-dominated field, to the incredible opportunities and support systems that are changing the game – it’s all on the table. And, we are joined by the amazing women over at Indy Women in Tech. This non-profit is all about empowering women and girls to jump headfirst (with tons of support, of course) into STEM-related careers, and we’re here for it!Thank you for listening!Visit our website or contact us for more information on OTAVA.Find us on social → LinkedIn, X & Facebook

TJ Houske and Melissa Lock, the dynamic duo you didn't know you needed but can't live without, are back with a bang! They are ready to slice through the mundane with their razor-sharp insights on business, leadership and workplace culture. This week, they're questioning the age-old idea if work should be STRICTLY business or maybe, just maybe, we should get a little personal. And, if that wasn't enough to have you leaning in, Brian Hoekelman (VP of Product & Business Development) joins the party to spill the secrets on the industry reset around the VMware changes. We're so happy to be back!EPISODE LINKS –Subscribe to "In the Know" for Insider Updates on VMware Changes: https://bit.ly/3wt9jl0Thank you for listening!Visit our website or contact us for more information on OTAVA.Find us on social → LinkedIn, X & Facebook

Buckle up for the grand finale of Season 1 of The Notice! This time, we're flipping the script - our usually behind-the-scenes marketing team is (reluctantly) stepping into the spotlight! Melissa and TJ are putting them in the hot seat, and they're spilling all the secrets about our mission to "Engage Purposefully." We're not just talking about wowing our customers and those soon-to-be customers; we're going full-throttle on what we do internally too. It's all about connecting, engaging, and maybe a bit of behind-the-scenes fun. You don't want to miss this! 🎙️🌟Thank you for listening!Visit our website or contact us for more information on OTAVA.Find us on social → LinkedIn, X & Facebook

Veterans Day may be over, but let's be real - veterans should be celebrated EVERY DAY. So, we are chatting with our customer, EPS, about NDVSB (National Diversity Veteran Small Business) programs that provide stellar support for veteran businesses.Thank you for listening!Visit our website or contact us for more information on OTAVA.Find us on social → LinkedIn, X & Facebook

Buckle up, this episode is jam-packed full of greatness. Veterans Day may be over, but let's be real - veterans should be celebrated EVERY DAY. So, we are chatting with our customer, EPS, about their program that provides stellar support for veteran businesses. Plus, TJ & Melissa serve up another slice of career coaching wisdom. One of Melissa's mentees steps into the spotlight to share how this game-changing guidance has helped supercharge his career. It's all the inspiration you need!Thank you for listening!Visit our website or contact us for more information on OTAVA.Find us on social → LinkedIn, X & Facebook

We've hit double digits - Episode 10! We're wrapping up our On The Road Again Campaign with a bang. TJ and Melissa chat with Ben Taghehchian, OTAVA's Director of Sales, and delve into his big takeaways from these #NoPitchMeetings with our customers.Thank you for listening!Visit our website or contact us for more information on OTAVA.Find us on social → LinkedIn, X & Facebook

Struggling to stay motivated at work? It can be hard, especially if you work from home. On this episode of The Notice, we've got TJ Houske and Melissa Lock sharing their top tips to keep you on track.Thank you for listening!Visit our website or contact us for more information on OTAVA.Find us on social → LinkedIn, X & Facebook

Yves Sandfort, CEO and founder of comdivision, joins TJ and Melissa to talk about how he started his company, how the industry has changed over the years, and what they're doing to help businesses like OTAVA.Thank you for listening!Visit our website or contact us for more information on OTAVA.Find us on social → LinkedIn, X & Facebook

TJ and Melissa continue their conversation with Yves Sandfort, CEO and founder of comdivision. Learn more about our partnership for our On The Road Again Campaign and get Yves' take on what's hot in technology right now. And, Melissa shares some insight of what leaders can do if they disagree with a business decision in the organization.Thank you for listening!Visit our website or contact us for more information on OTAVA.Find us on social → LinkedIn, X & Facebook

Yves Sandfort, CEO and founder of comdivision, joins TJ and Melissa this week. We talk about how he started his company, how the industry has changed over the years, and what they're doing to help businesses like OTAVA.Thank you for listening!Visit our website or contact us for more information on OTAVA.Find us on social → LinkedIn, X & Facebook

Culture can make or break a workplace. Melissa and TJ talk about the focus OTAVA has put on rebuilding culture and the impact it's had on employees.Thank you for listening!Visit our website or contact us for more information on OTAVA.Find us on social → LinkedIn, X & Facebook

VP of Finance Austin Cook joins TJ and Melissa to talk about his take on OTAVA's On The Road Again meetings and the Fortinet Security Summit.Thank you for listening!Visit our website or contact us for more information on OTAVA.Find us on social → LinkedIn, X & Facebook

OTAVA's VP of Customer Experience, Cyndi Lyon, joins The Notice to talk about customer centricity and her new role in CX.Thank you for listening!Visit our website or contact us for more information on OTAVA.Find us on social → LinkedIn, X & Facebook

At OTAVA, we pride ourselves on being a People-First company. And one way of doing that is a culture shift to becoming customer centric. Cyndi Lyon, VP of Customer Experience, joins TJ and Melissa to talk about customer centricity, CX, and what OTAVA is doing to stand out in the industry.Thank you for listening!Visit our website or contact us for more information on OTAVA.Find us on social → LinkedIn, X & Facebook

Ever feel like there's just NOT enough time in the day to get everything done? Juggling work, home, family, and personal growth isn't easy. TJ and Melissa share the tips they've learned to help you be successful and productive, while still maintaining a healthy work-life balance.Thank you for listening!Visit our website or contact us for more information on OTAVA.Find us on social → LinkedIn, X & Facebook

Justin Keller, OTAVA's VP of Engineering & Technology, joins Melissa & TJ to talk about the 2023 VMware Explore event in Las Vegas.Thank you for listening!Visit our website or contact us for more information on OTAVA.Find us on social → LinkedIn, X & Facebook

TJ & Melissa catch us up on what they've been up to the last few weeks. They discuss VMware Explore 2023 and talk about building culture in the workplace. Thank you for listening!Visit our website or contact us for more information on OTAVA.Find us on social → LinkedIn, X & Facebook

Welcome to The Notice, a podcast from OTAVA®. In this episode,  meet our hosts, hear about our customer-centric focus, and learn more about what we're doing to strengthen relationships with customers.Thank you for listening!Visit our website or contact us for more information on OTAVA.Find us on social → LinkedIn, X & Facebook