Uncle Marv’s IT Business Podcast is a show designed for IT professionals and Managed Service Providers. The podcast aims to provide actionable advice and tips that help IT businesses grow and thrive in the competitive tech industry. Each episode covers various topics, from technology updates to marketing strategies, business best practices, and interviews with industry experts.
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China has emerged as one of the 21st century’s most consequential nations, making it more important than ever to understand how the country is governed. True to the name Pekingology, or the study of the political behavior of the People’s Republic of China, this podcast aims to unpack the behavior of the Chinese Communist Party and implications these actions have within China and for U.S.-China relations. Jude Blanchette, the Freeman Chair in China Studies at CSIS, is joined by various expert ...
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How to get into Cyber Security and be successful
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Vetted Conversations is a podcast created by We the Veterans & Military Families to help Americans - especially the veteran community - better understand their rights and responsibilities as citizens and how they can get involved to reinforce our republic and representative democracy. We are focused on bringing Americans together to help create a more perfect union.
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641 MSP Success Story: Unbound Digital
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The episode kicks off with Uncle Marv providing updates on his recent trip to IT Nation Secure and the new podcast sponsor, TruGrid. He then welcomes Jason and Rachel Miller to discuss what makes a successful MSP. The Millers share their experience of renovating their new office building, which was previously the Johnson City Chamber of Commerce bu…
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640 Interviews from Tampa - SuperOps Super Summit
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Uncle Marv here with the scoop from the SuperOps Super Summit. This was a tweener episode, recorded between conferences to give you the inside scoop. First up, I caught up with Arvind, the big boss at SuperOps. He filled me in on the Summit being their 7th event, with a focus on MSP education and networking rather than sales pitches. Arvind shared …
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In this episode of Pekingology, Freeman Chair in China Studies Jude Blanchette is joined by Yeling Tan, Professor of Public Policy in the Blavatnik School of Government at Oxford University. She is also a non-resident senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics. They discuss her book Disaggregating China, Inc.: State Strateg…
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ASCII was founded in the early 1980s when Alan Weinberger recognized that independent computer dealers and service providers were the smartest people in the industry, acting as trusted advisors to clients. Over 40 years later, that core vision remains - ASCII elevates managed service providers (MSPs) by leveraging the collective power of over 1,300…
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638 Defining Your Ideal Client for Effective MSP Marketing
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Revisiting Strategic Marketing Planning We kick things off by revisiting the concept of having a strategic marketing plan before executing tactics. Tim explains that most businesses get the sequencing wrong - you need to define your target market and ideal clients first, then identify where they are and what messaging will resonate with them. This …
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637 Pax8 Beyond 2024 Preview with Rob Rae
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Catching Up with Rob Rae Rob reflects on his first year at Pax8, describing the experience as intense but rewarding. He's impressed by the company's commitment to the MSP channel and the executive team's vision. Pax8 has rapidly expanded to 39 countries with 5,000 partners, giving Rob opportunities to visit places like Lithuania and witness the glo…
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N-able RMM Rant For two straight days, my RMM provider N-Able has been experiencing an SSO issue, preventing me from logging in or properly accessing client devices and endpoints. While I had alternate methods to connect with clients, it was still incredibly frustrating, especially for those who solely rely on the RMM for remote support. I empathiz…
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635 Kaseya's Nadir Merchant - Cooper, Copilot and More
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Nadir explains that his primary focus is understanding customer needs and ensuring that Kaseya's product roadmaps address those needs. He emphasizes the importance of building a cohesive ecosystem where different modules work together seamlessly. One of Nadir's key initiatives is the IT Glue Copilot, which leverages AI to automate documentation man…
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634 Uncle Marv Visits Kaseya - Leaves Without Incident
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Marv explains that Kaseya had been inviting him to visit their offices for several months, and he finally accepted their invitation. He clarifies that he was not acquired by Kaseya and that his MSP business and podcast will continue as usual. During the visit, Marv had open and honest discussions with Kaseya representatives. He expressed his experi…
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In this episode of Pekingology, Freeman Chair in China Studies Jude Blanchette is joined by Jacob Stokes, Senior Fellow with the Indo-Pacific Security Program at the Center for a New American Security. They discuss China’s foreign policy decision making and his new report “Beyond China’s Black Box: Five Trends Shaping Beijing’s Foreign and Security…
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Cable Testing Tools Rant Uncle Marv expresses his frustration with a managed service provider who used a basic continuity tester for cable runs, leading to connectivity issues. He emphasizes the need for proper cable testing and certification tools, especially for companies offering cabling services. Cutting corners and using inadequate tools refle…
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632 Consistent MSP Marketing with Paul Green
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Paul identifies two major mistakes: not doing enough marketing and doing it sporadically. He explains that many MSPs start as technicians who get an "entrepreneurial seizure" and launch their own business, but eventually struggle when referrals dry up and they need to market themselves. The second mistake is running one-off campaigns that fail to g…
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631 Brook Lee Joins ScalePad as Director of Channel Development
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Brook explains that the Director of Channel Development position at ScalePad was an opportunity she couldn't turn down, given the company's leadership, platform, and team. She is excited to work under Eric Torres, VP of Channel, and Luis, Chief Experience Officer, and learn from their expertise in the industry. Her role involves being Torres' right…
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630 I Almost Got Sued as an MSP (And How I Avoided It)
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Uncle Marv and Bradley Gross begin by discussing a recent lawsuit where an MSP was sued by a law firm client for $1 million due to a breach. They note that while the initial news generated a lot of attention, the case has since gone quiet, with no further updates on the court proceedings. Gross suggests that this is likely due to the parties engagi…
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629 Effective MSP Marketing with Taher Hamid
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Taher shares that one of the biggest mistakes MSPs make is trying to skip straight to lead generation without first building a strong inbound marketing foundation. He emphasizes that having a professional, conversion-optimized website, active social media presence, and personal branding are crucial for making a great first impression on potential c…
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628 Marketing Trends for MSPs (Insights from Matt Rodela)
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Matt Rodela, Chief Executive Officer of Tech Marketing Engine, joins me today to discuss the common mistakes he sees MSPs making with their marketing and how to address them. The biggest mistake Matt sees is a lack of a coherent marketing plan - MSPs often try to do everything from SEO to social media without thinking about how it fits into their b…
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We start by discussing Parallels' core product, which still enables running Windows on Mac, but has expanded to support a variety of operating systems and use cases. Chris explains that Parallels is now part of the Alludo group, which also owns other well-known software brands like WinZip, MindManager, and Corel. The conversation then shifts to Par…
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In this episode of Pekingology, Freeman Chair in China Studies Jude Blanchette is joined by Audrye Wong, Assistant Professor of Political Science and International Relations at the University of Southern California, and Jeane Kirkpatrick Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. They discuss her recent article: “Mobilizing patriotic consumers: C…
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626 Kaseya Connect & Troubleshooting Wi-Fi
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The show begins with a commercial for the NetAlly EtherScope NXG, a network analyzer that supports Wi-Fi 6 and 6E. Uncle Marv then introduces the episode, mentioning that he has exclusive news to share. However, he quickly realizes that the news he had - Kaseya's announcement of their new Kaseya 365 subscription service - had already been announced…
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Sean Lardo, the program manager for Pitch It, shares that this year's application process saw a record number of submissions, with a diverse group of vendors applying from various business sectors. While there were concerns about an influx of AI-focused applicants, Lardo notes that the program still attracted a healthy mix of solutions, with AI, cy…
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624 Navigating the Hybrid Work Revolution - Beyond Traditional VPNs
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The conversation begins with a discussion on the lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the workforce. According to a survey conducted by Parallels' parent company Alludo, 83% of the workforce is expected to continue working remotely in some capacity. This shift has presented significant challenges for companies that were previously accustomed …
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623 Mastering Marketing for MSP Growth: Strategies, Challenges, and Metrics with Dave Scott
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Uncle Marv kicks off the episode by sharing a story about using his NetAlly EtherScope network tester to troubleshoot a client's fiber internet connection issue, highlighting the value of having the right tools to demonstrate technical expertise. He then introduces his guest, Dave Scott, who has over 20 years of experience helping technology busine…
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622 The Pumpkin Plan for Managed Service Providers
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Sean and Dave share the backstory behind writing "The Pumpkin Plan for MSPs." They explain how their personal experiences and mistakes in the industry inspired them to create a book that provides practical, battle-tested advice for managed service providers. The authors emphasize that their goal was not to reinvent the wheel, but to distill the ess…
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621 Transform Your Profitability with StackTracker
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Introducing Stack Tracker for MSPs Colin Knox explains that StackTracker goes beyond just mapping an MSP's technology stack. It focuses on the reseller aspect of an MSP's business, providing insights into the usage, costs, and profitability of the solutions they are reselling to clients. By pulling in data directly from vendors, StackTracker can sh…
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620 Profit First for MSPs: How Lori Hardtke Found Financial Clarity
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Lori Hardtke is a solo MSP owner who has been in the IT industry for many years, working in various roles such as IT manager at large companies like Mayo Clinic. Over time, Lori realized that she didn't want the responsibility of managing employees and decided to run her business as a solo operation, leveraging subcontractors when needed. In 2018, …
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In this episode of Pekingology, Freeman Chair in China Studies Jude Blanchette is joined by the Andrew Walder, Denise O'Leary & Kent Thiry Professor at Stanford University, and Senior Fellow at the Freeman-Spogli Institute for International Studies. Today they discuss his article “China’s Extreme Inequality: The Structural Legacies of State Sociali…
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Uncle Marv's recap of the Channel Pro Live event Uncle Marv starts by discussing his recent trip to Channel Pro Live in Orlando, Florida. He shares his overall positive impression of the event, noting that the location, accommodations, and Wi-Fi were all satisfactory. The content and speakers were also well-received, with the keynote by Manuel Pala…
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Uncle Marv and Tim Fitzpatrick dive into the challenges many MSPs face when it comes to marketing their businesses. Tim explains that the first step in developing a successful marketing strategy is to understand where the business is currently and where it wants to go. This involves identifying the target market, crafting the right messaging, and e…
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617 Help Desk Best Practices with Coach and Brook
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Strap in for a strategic deep dive into the world of help desk management, where I reveal how transitioning to a specialized team structure can turn your service from satisfactory to exceptional. We navigate the shift from generalist to niche expert pods, ensuring that your team is not just dealing with the day-to-day but excelling in their special…
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Understanding China's Regionally Administered Totalitarianism
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In this episode of Pekingology, Freeman Chair in China Studies Jude Blanchette is joined by Chenggang Xu, Senior Research Scholar at the Stanford Center on China’s Economy and Institutions and Visiting Fellow at Hoover Institution of Stanford University to discuss the institutional underpinnings of China’s political economy. What explains the Commu…
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616 ConnectWise RPA: AI Integration Mastery
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Join the revolution of IT as we chat with Jeff Bishop from ConnectWise, who lifts the veil on the future of automation and AI. Our conversation takes off from a tale of a complex client relocation, seguing into Jeff’s exciting reveal of ConnectWise's latest innovations in robotic process automation. Jeff describes how their RPA solution goes beyond…
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The episode begins with Uncle Marv introducing the "star-studded crew" of guests, including Jerry Koutavas, the president of ASCII, Jessie Devine, the VP of Channel Development at ASCII, and Sue Trahant, an MSP owner who has been involved with ASCII for over 20 years. This episode isn't just a walk down memory lane; it's a master class in community…
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When Paco LeBron and Rick Smith from MSP Unplugged drop by, you know you're in for some real talk about the tech industry's heartbeat—community and collaboration. Ever wondered what sets apart the most successful MSPs? It's the power of a strong, supportive community. Discover the power of unity in the MSP space, as we reminisce about the formation…
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613 Mastering Your Business Exit Strategy
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Planning for Business Exit and Profit Unlock the secrets to a profitable business exit with Rayanne Buchianico in a conversation that will leave you with a blueprint for success. We dissect the crucial yet often neglected aspect of starting your IT or MSP business with the ultimate exit in mind. Grasp the impact of sudden events like health issues …
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Ep. 9: Election reform: systemic changes to improve how we choose our leaders with Todd Connor and Eric Bronner
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We’ve all heard about how divided America is today. At least that’s what we’re being told. You only need to watch five minutes of cable news and you’ll hear about how one political party is trashing another - calling them the enemy or a grave threat to democracy. Voter enthusiasm for leading candidates is low, and many people we speak with are aski…
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612 Setting Up Your MSP for Financial Success
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MSP Money Management Tips In this insightful episode, Rayanne Buchianico emphasizes the significance of implementing an accounting system from the start to track income and expenses effectively. She highlights the need to differentiate revenue streams like products, services, and professional services to understand margins and costs better. By sett…
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MSP Financial Tips for Success This week, I'm joined by Raffi Jamgotchian, a masterful MSP who's carved out a niche in safeguarding financial firms. Raffi shares insights on operational efficiency, long-term value building, budgeting strategies, debt management, and the importance of flexibility in adapting to market changes. The heartbeat of any b…
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Uncle Marv talks about the concept of billing for every aspect of service provision, highlighting the need to include travel expenses, phone consultations, consulting time, and detailed service billing in invoices. He shares insights on how to structure billing practices to optimize revenue generation and enhance client satisfaction by maintaining …
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609 Practical Tips for Cash Flow Management
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In this episode of the IT Business podcast, Uncle Marv discusses cash flow management with Heather Zeitzwolfe, a CPA and profit strategist. They delve into the importance of understanding the difference between profit and cash flow, emphasizing the significance of tracking business finances effectively. Heather highlights the distinction between pr…
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Join me as I share insights gained from my attorney clients to help you enhance your billing practices and cash flow. Listen in as I recount a pivotal moment during a technology business review with a law firm client that sparked a realization about the power of detailed invoicing. This episode is packed with valuable advice on how to present your …
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Our latest episode welcomes a panel brimming with influential voices, including Juan Fernandez from SuperOps, Uncle Marv of the IT Business Podcast, Paco Lebron from MSP Unplugged, Eric Anthony of All Things MSP, and Eric Simpson from MSP Mastered. These leaders share their insights on transitioning from isolation to collaboration and the critical …
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Ep. 8: Administering free and fair elections, a conversation with Secretaries of State Jocelyn Benson (MI) and David Scanlan (NH)
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America doesn't have the best election system in the world by accident. In our democratic constitutional republic, the power to run elections is in the hands of our 50 states. The people who are responsible for ensuring the safety, security, and efficiency of those elections are our secretaries of state. They also have the responsibility for recrui…
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606 Cork Inc.: The Cyber Warranty Solution for MSPs
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Navigating Cyber Coverage: Cork's Warranty vs. Traditional Insurance Nick Wolf introduces Cork Inc., a cyber warranty solution for MSPs to resell to their clients, offering financial coverage and quick access to funds in case of incidents. Unlike cyber insurance, Cork's warranty can cover expenses like ransomware payments, wire transfer losses, and…
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605 Inside the National Society of IT Service Providers
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In this episode, Uncle Marv introduces the topic of the NSITSP, highlighting the necessity for IT service providers to have a voice in shaping industry standards and regulations. Amy Babinchak joins the discussion, shedding light on the origins of NSITSP and its mission to professionalize the IT industry by establishing codes of conduct and ethics.…
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In this episode of Pekingology, Freeman Chair in China Studies Jude Blanchette,is joined by Yanmei Xie, Geopolitics Analyst with Gavekal Research, who has recently been publishing articles at Gavekal and the Financial Times. Today, Jude and Yanmei discuss her recent client notes on Chinese overcapacity and its EV sector.…
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Join me as I unpack the latest in IT business strategies and the sheer hilarity of the Florida Man Games. Listen in as I share the surprising turn of events that led to the Games becoming a major spectacle in St. Augustine and provide a rundown of the quirky competitions that ensued. But that's not all; I also discuss the exciting announcement of o…
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603 Community and Peer Groups with Amy Babinchak
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Ever wondered what it's like to navigate the twists and turns of the ever-evolving IT landscape while building a supportive community? Join us as we sit down with the remarkable Amy Babinchak, an IT community stalwart, to unravel her journey from managing her own MSP to championing Third Tier. Amy's story is a testament to the adaptability and inno…
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Uncle Marv kicks off the episode by highlighting the eccentric Florida Man Games, where participants engage in unique and wild competitions. The event draws a massive crowd and features teams like Swamp Ass making waves with their dominating performances. Viewers are encouraged to check out the live stream on the Florida Man Games website to witnes…
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The episode kicked off with a focus on the current cybersecurity landscape, particularly the Screen Connect issue and ConnectWise's response. Timely and effective responses to such incidents are critical, and Eric shed light on the importance of community within the IT sector in tackling these challenges. The role of IT community is essential in fo…
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Ep. 7: Challenges facing the 2024 elections, a conversation with Jennifer Morrell and Tina Barton
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No surprise to anyone, 2024 is a big election year where we’ll elect everyone from the President of the United States, one third of the US Senate, all of the US House of Representatives and countless officials right on down to the local county dogcatcher. American politics and elections have always been an energetic affair. For instance, when Candi…
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