Cloud, AI & beyond: Technology Keeps Redefining Business

Alejandra Maranon•Content Creator
Updated October 15, 2025•4 min read

In this episode of Byte Happens, our host, Flavia Taborga, sits down with Kevin Lalor, a tech industry veteran and CEO, to discuss how cloud computing has transformed business operations—and how AI is poised to take that evolution even further.

The Cloud Revolution: From Servers to Services

Before the cloud became the norm, companies stored their “crown jewels” in on-premise data centers—rooms full of servers that had to be maintained, upgraded, and protected. As Kevin recalls, “Your job was to make sure nobody could get in there, that data was always backed up, always secure. The whole company depended on that infrastructure.”

Transitioning to the cloud wasn’t easy. Many businesses hesitated to hand over control of their data to third-party providers. But early adopters who embraced the shift gained a massive competitive edge. Companies like Netflix, Dropbox, Salesforce, and AWS paved the way, demonstrating that cloud-based operations can scale faster, reduce costs, and enhance agility.

Kevin explains that his “aha” moment came with a simple email filtering service called Postini—an early example of cloud technology that ran remotely and was always up to date. That experience sparked a realization: “Why am I hosting all this here when there are options to move to the same type of technology?” It was the first step toward understanding how cloud services could reshape IT forever.

The Power of Cloud for Every Business

One of the biggest misconceptions Kevin hears from small and mid-sized companies is: “My business isn’t big enough for all that tech.” His response is simple:

Cloud-based tools have democratized access to enterprise-level technology. With scalable, per-user pricing models, even small organizations can harness powerful tools without massive upfront investments. Whether it’s for collaboration, data analytics, or automation, the cloud has leveled the playing field.

ERP Systems: The Backbone of Modern Enterprises

Kevin also touches on the role of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems in optimizing business operations. What started as basic accounting software—handling general ledger, accounts payable, and receivables—has evolved into an integrated ecosystem that connects finance, HR, CRM, and even e-commerce.

“The more you can include in one core infrastructure with a shared database and visibility across departments, the greater the value,” he explains. ERP systems unify processes, enabling smarter decisions and more efficient workflows.

The Sales Mindset: Leading with Value

When it comes to enterprise sales, Kevin emphasizes that successful deals hinge on understanding what truly drives a client’s business.

While cost savings are attractive, revenue growth resonates more powerfully. “If you can tie your solution to how it increases revenue or margins, you’ll get higher-level executives engaged. Customer satisfaction plays into that—happy clients mean less churn and more loyalty.”

AI: The Next Wave of Transformation

As transformative as cloud computing has been, Kevin believes AI is set to have an even bigger impact. From predictive analytics to automation and decision-making, AI is the logical next step in how technology empowers businesses to move faster and think smarter.

Our Insight

Kevin’s journey mirrors the evolution of modern technology itself—from on-premise servers to the cloud, and now to intelligent AI systems. His insights remind us that adaptability and curiosity are the genuine keys to innovation.

As Byte Happens continues, this episode sets the tone for exploring how technology not only changes the way we work but also redefines what’s possible.

Listen to the full episode of Byte Happens with Kevin Lalor here.

Follow Kevin at:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinlalor/

Website: https://www.bi101.com/