Authority Issue 1

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T HOME ACTIVITY TRENDS OPPORTUNITY ABOUT YOU cloud in 2014 and start developing a cloud migration strategy. Work with channel partners like Tech Data and key vendor partners to launch a cloud strategy ideal for your customers. Learn more about the cloud forecast by reading our latest story here. SOFTWARE-DEFINED NETWORKING AND SOFTWARE-DEFINED DATA CENTER This new trend is still somewhat unknown, but it’s picking up speed fast, Edwards says. Many vendors have developed strategies and it’s becoming a key factor for networking vendors. “[Partners and vendors] need to have an architecture-neutral software-defined data center strategy,” the IDC says in its recent report. “A key step will be redeveloping/ adapting offerings to run in an OpenStack, CloudStack, or other vendor- and architecture-neutral environment.” While implementing a software-defined data center might not be immediately practical, it will be soon and solution providers should start taking a look at the solutions that will work best for their customers. BIG DATA IDC predicts data volumes to reach 6 trillion terabytes in 2014 and big data interests to shift toward apps and analytic tools. Big data can be a hard solution to swallow, so solution providers should start with understanding the concepts and opportunities behind big data before trying to start implementing it. Have a solid grasp on the trend before you think about selling it, Edwards says. The “Data Universe,” as IDC has dubbed the data explosion, will shape future investments, bolster future cloud opportunities and even shift the marketplace to a more data-centric market power. TABLETS AND OTHER SUCH DEVICES This one is slightly obvious, and you undoubtedly are well aware of the growing opportunities in the mobile device phenomena. “The PC slide will continue, albeit more slowly,” according to IDC, “while tablet sales grow by a scorching 18 percent and smartphones grow by 12 percent. Smartphone sales will be boosted by largerscreen (phablet) models, which will take some share from small form-factor tablets.” Learn more about tablet trends in this previous <strong>Authority</strong> article, and read about the phablet opportunities in our current article here. LINE-OF-BUSINESS DECISIONS While this isn’t exactly a technology trend, it’s easily one of the most important on our list. By 2016, Edwards says line-of-business executives as IT decision-makers is expected to rise to 40 percent (up from 25 percent today). 20
That means you might be pitching IT solutions to a new group in the near future, most likely marketing, customer service and sales groups, according to IDC’s report. Times are changing, and, as these trends prove, the channel is evolving. Evaluate these trends and start looking for ways you take advantage and help your customers embrace a stronger and faster IT in 2014— because, you know, YOLO! MAKING THE MOST OF IT: ADVICE FROM CISCO If there’s anyone who knows how to lead innovation, it’s Cisco. Paige Powers, Cisco’s director of U.S. distribution sales, shared her insights on how solution providers can capitalize on IT. “In the past, we’ve all been focused on selling the product,” Powers says. “It’s no longer a product conversation. It’s ‘how do I sell a product?’ [We have to] learn how to have a different conversation.” Solution providers should take a look at key business areas and evaluate what their goals are in each. In such a fast pace of change, Powers says that solution providers not already up-to-speed on the latest solutions risk getting left behind. So how do you lead your company to the future of IT? Powers says a few things come in handy: a positive attitude, the ability to bring things to the middle—be real—enjoying the people you work with and create an atmosphere that inspires people. That’s what makes a leader, Powers says. ALL ABOUT PRIORITIES: ADVICE FROM HP John Solomon, senior vice president of HP’s printing and personal systems division, took a break to offer Tech Data solution providers important advice to winning customers. 1. Understand new technologies: Take time out to make sure you fully understand the technology and solutions available. Work with your vendor partners and get updated on the latest innovations. Learn about the innovations and think about these trends, he says. 2. Get trained: “If [solution providers] don’t sell the new style of IT, then it’s not going to work,” Solomon says. With the many trends emerging in 2014, it’s crucial to learn and find opportunities to incorporate new trends. Don’t miss the boat on emerging trends by not keeping yourself up-to-date. 3. Secure printing: Needless to say, one of the leaders of HP’s printing division couldn’t exactly leave this off his list—and for good reason. With cloud taking increasing priority in IT offices everywhere and data soaring in leaps and bounds, more companies are looking to increase security in every area. Printing is no different, and Solomon recommends solution providers start their search with solutions like HP Access Control. 21
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Page 5 and 6: ACTIVITY page 8 » Events TechSelec
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Page 31 and 32: How long have you offered mobility?
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Page 61: school—baseball was his sport of

Authority Issue 1

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