IDC's list of Top 10 Tech Predictions for 2010

Maturation of cloud computing tops IDC's list of Top 10 Tech Predictions for 2010: http://bit.ly/89QplD.

Some interesting observations here, and some that are already happening. Knowledge as a Service was a new one to me...

7global acquired

There’s a lot of consolidation at the moment in the managed service and hosting world and we’re no exception. 7global has been acquired by 365iT and it’s hugely exciting. We’ll be operating as wholly owned subsidiary and so there won’t be any of the upheaval these kinds of events can inflict.

We’ll have the same expertise backed up with some real clout. This is going to be of great value to customers, partners and prospective clients alike. You can read the official press release here.

Softcat Hosting Day

Had an interesting day at the Softcat Hosting Summit at the Barbican in London yesterday. Was great to catch up with familiar faces and some 7global alumni.

There were some first rate presentations from the likes of Microsoft, Citrix, VMware and others, principally on the subject of The Cloud and the many things that means.

Microsoft (predictably) got a right royal kicking over the recent slash in BPOS pricing. There was a storm of outrage, only partially assuaged by the assurance that Microsoft is 'listening' and will be 'looking at' corresponding SPLA pricing.

I actually think what they're doing is inevitable but they've communicated very badly with partners who feel extremely threatened by this (and I actually don't count 7global in this). The message is "move up the stack, as the vanilla stuff will be swallowed up. If not by Microsoft then someone else." Adapt or die is the message- true, but obviously there's more work to be done on how this is communicated.

The Azure messages from Microsoft are very woolly. You need to tighten that up, chaps.

I must say, despite persuasive presentations from VMware and Citrix, Microsoft's Dynamic Data Center piece was by far the most together and coherent. They've got the full story and they make it easy. They've got the pricing right on this. Pulled it out of the bag in the end guys.

Back from Convergence

Had a great day at Microsoft Dynamics' Convergence event in London yesterday. Great to catch up with CRM partners and meet some interesting new people Some good presentations and case studies. Pleased to see an emphasis on customers and not the partners- ultimately it's them we're trying to reach out to.

I have to admit was all incredibly low key following a few years of attending big shows at the Bella Centre in Copenhagen. I guess they're using that place to save the world at the moment so they're forgiven!

Still, miss the razzmatazz of Copenhagen. Hope they glam up the event next year.

Microsoft Partner Network 2009

Interesting day at Wembley for the Microsoft Partner Network 2009. Lots of repetition of messages heard at WPC in New Orleans. Well compared by George Alagyer. Couldn't help thinking it was a little 'loose' which is unusual for Microsoft. Still, good to see some familar faces and network (although there was every little time for that, ironically, for a network event!).

7global shortlisted in CRN Channel Awards

Found out we've been shortlisted for the CRN Channel Awards. Huzzar! Pleased with that as it's based on the relationships with partners and clients that we've developed over the years. It's for the Reseller ‘Services Provider of the Year’ so it's right up our street.

A lot of our business, especially within the Dynamics space, is based on these strong business relationships so it's great from my perspective.

So, I'll cut to the chase and ask you to vote for us! All you need to do is click here, (briefly) register and then select the 'Reseller' category and the 'Services Provider of the Year’ sub category and give us your vote. Wow- I sound like a politician. Actually, scrub that (it's hardly a vote winner these days!).

And so the holiday season comes to an end.

August is often a funy time of the year. Driving to work is easier. Half the people are away on holiday, the other half using the time to get things done they should have done ages ago or to contact those people who are actually on holiday. Blogs remain unwritten. A funny time indeed.

However, we've been using this time to undergo some great initiatives will be going live over the next few weeks and months. Watch this space for ongoing updates on new products and services, as well s enhancements to exisiting ones. It will be worth it- promise!