Techlandia

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Podcast by Technology Association of Oregon

Techlandia

The Technology Association of Oregon (TAO) introduces Techlandia as a compendium of dialogues centered on the technology industry and the individuals pivotal to its functionality. This platform delves into new technological advancements and their anticipated impact on the region, workforce, and corporate entities while advocating for the industry.

Latest episodes

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23 October 2025

The Power Surge: Oregon's Data Center Boom

In this episode of Techlandia podcast, Skip Newberry interviews Eric Hulbert from Opus Interactive. They delve into the journey of Opus from its inception in 1999 to becoming a separate entity specializing in high-performance, secure data solutions. The discussion highlights the increasing demand for tailored solutions that integrate seamlessly with hyperscalers like Amazon and Google. Eric emphasizes the significance of new AI technologies driving the expansion needs for data centers and explains how sustainability is at the core of their operations, particularly in Oregon's fast-growing data center market, known for its low-cost and clean energy sources.

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26:17

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16 October 2025

The Rise of Managed Service Providers: John Jackson's Journey

In this episode of Techlandia, John Jackson, founder of BYTAGIG, shares his professional journey from humble beginnings in technology interest to becoming a successful managed service provider. Jackson discusses the importance of moving businesses' IT infrastructure to the cloud for efficiency and reliability. He emphasizes the role of cybersecurity, particularly against the backdrop of increasing remote work, and debunks common myths about browser security. Throughout the discussion, Jackson provides valuable insights into how businesses can leverage MSPs and cybersecurity to protect important data and ensure seamless operations.

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29:06

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09 October 2025

Revolutionizing Code: The Dev Swarm Journey

In this episode of Techlandia , host Skip Newberry sits down with Mike Biglan, founder of DevSwarm, to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping software development. Dev Swarm’s platform integrates AI’s computational power with human creativity, enabling teams to build high-quality software more efficiently. Biglan discusses key challenges highlighted in the MIT AI study and advocates for a “coder-in-the-loop” model—one that keeps developers in control while amplifying their productivity through AI. From the tension between code as art and code as output, Biglan envisions DevSwarm as a bridge between creativity and functionality in the evolving world of software engineering.

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28:23

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02 October 2025

Empowering Future Leaders: Inside Oregon Business Academy

In this episode of Techlandia, Skip Newberry converses with Anne Adler, head of Oregon Business Academy (OBA), about the transformative impact of their Business Week program on students' lives. The program caters to diverse student demographics from Oregon and beyond, offering leadership, entrepreneurship, and business management experiences. Supported by corporate sponsors and foundations, OBA provides scholarships for underrepresented students, preparing them for future business careers. Through immersive, real-world simulations, students hone essential skills like adaptability, teamwork, and problem-solving, gaining confidence and expanding career possibilities. The initiative not only benefits students but also fosters long-term prosperity for the state.

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25:46

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25 September 2025

Teaching with Technology: How VR is Shaping Classrooms

In the latest episode of Techlandia, Skip Newberry welcomes Jay from Vedex to discuss the transformative power of virtual reality (VR) in education and corporate settings. Vedex has pioneered the use of VR to enhance language learning and build confidence among international students. Beyond education, VR applications extend to safety simulations and executive training, proving effective in diverse fields like healthcare and corporate boardrooms. The integration of AI further amplifies VR's potential, making it an essential tool for addressing real-world challenges. As VR hardware evolves, its utility is moving from a luxury to a necessity across industries.

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28:35

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18 September 2025

Harnessing Curiosity: From Bartending to Tech CEO

In this episode of the Techlandia podcast, Skip Newberry converses with Nate Szytel of Next Reason. Nate shares his intriguing journey from a musician and bartender to leading a tech company. Driven by curiosity and a non-traditional career path, Nate emphasizes the importance of adaptability in technology. He talks about the evolution of Next Reason, a company focusing on customer identity solutions, and how it thrives in complex, regulated environments by offering personalized services. The discussion further delves into cybersecurity, emphasizing the importance of balancing security with user-friendly technologies such as passwordless authentication.

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26:51

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