APAC’s largest independent IT channel event tackles industry transitions
Midmarket channel partners gather to hone leadership and refine business models
From the Canalys Channels Forum APAC in Bangkok – Wednesday, 23 October 2013
Canalys today kicked off the formal agenda of its largest ever event, and the largest independent IT channel conference the APAC region has ever seen. ‘We chose the theme “Leading through transitions” for this year’s event to embrace the breadth of change channel partners are facing. It has clearly struck a chord, as sponsors, distributors and channel partners have expressed approval in joining the event,’ said Sandy Fitzpatrick, Canalys Co-founder and VP, Channels.
‘Now more than ever, customers need partners that help them bridge the gap between the promise of the benefits to business and the reality of adoption in areas such as cloud, security, big data and mobility,’ said Meg Whitman, President and Chief Executive Officer of HP. ‘HP’s solutions for the new style of IT, combined with a refreshed partner program, help customers realize the full benefits of next-generation technologies, and partners gain a competitive advantage and increase profitability.’
Transition in the software space is picking up pace. ‘Microsoft sees four “mega-trends” that are driving the transition in the IT industry, and this is happening at an accelerated pace in the APAC region. From modern consumers demanding mobile and social experiences, we have created the modern employee who wants to empower interaction. The result is the modern business that designs success on data-driven decision-making, all enabled by the modern data center that is cost-efficient and productive,’ said César Cernuda, President, Microsoft Asia-Pacific.
The challenges associated with an increasingly connected world are also driving transitions. ‘The world as we know it is mobile, virtual, social and secure, and the ability to connect the unconnected continues to be a game-changer for the IT industry. The demands for cloud adoption as we move toward the Internet of Everything (IoE) have resulted in our ecosystem of channels and partners transforming their businesses to offer services and analytics. This will increase their relevance to customers and open up a whole new revenue source,’ said Sabrina Lin, VP, Commercial Business, APAC, Japan and Greater China at Cisco. ‘Cisco’s focus at the Canalys Channels Forum in Bangkok in 2013 is to showcase how we are developing our partners into industry leaders as we, together, welcome what tomorrow brings.’
These changes have highlighted the importance of simplicity and confidence. ‘EMC is focused on the three most important priorities in information technology that are transforming the way customers do business: cloud computing, big data and trusted IT. Through the investments in R&D and acquisitions that keep EMC’s market-leading edge, and our unmatched dedication to keeping our Business Partner Program simple, predictable and profitable, our partners are uniquely positioned to help our joint customers on their IT transformation journey,’ said Bill Scannell, President, Global Sales and Customer Operations for EMC.
Escalating IT intensity and volume is not without resource challenges. ‘We are currently living in an increasingly dynamic environment where energy pressures are growing, big data is booming, and both large and small organizations are feeling the strain,’ said Philippe Arsonneau, Senior Vice President for Schneider Electric’s IT Business in Asia Pacific and Japan. ‘At this year’s Canalys Channels Forum, Schneider Electric looks forward to discussing the current state of the IT industry, while specifically addressing how SMBs can maximize their small IT spaces intelligently.’
About the Canalys Channels Forum 2013 events
The Canalys Channels Forum EMEA ran from 1 to 3 October 2013 in Barcelona. The APAC event runs from 22 to 24 October 2013 in Bangkok. The forums, in their sixth year in EMEA and second in APAC, are the only independent events that unite senior managers from leading technology vendors, distributors and channel partners to discuss industry trends, forge new business relationships and create sales opportunities. In addition to vendor keynotes and theater presentations, the events will feature more than 2,000 senior one-to-one meetings and prestigious gala dinners, among other networking activities. The events are open to senior business managers, both from IT vendors and channel partners. Journalists should contact press@canalys.com to learn how to obtain a press pass. More information about the events can be found at www.canalyschannelsforum.com.
About Canalys
Canalys is an independent analyst firm that strives to guide clients on the future of the technology industry and to think beyond the business models of the past. We deliver smart market insights to IT, channel and service provider professionals around the world. Our customer-driven analysis and consulting services empower businesses to make informed decisions and generate sales. We stake our reputation on the quality of our data, our innovative use of technology, and our high level of customer service.
