On the Clock (with a Tech Data Coach) is Tech Data's new thought leadership podcast featuring 'snackable' (15-20 minute) conversations with next generation subject matter experts in Tech Data's ecosystem – channel professionals our partners can connect with through the Tech Data Coaches network.

By now, businesses have received “the message” loud and clear - transformation is vital if you want your business to remain competitive.  OK, so you got the message; now the question becomes “how?” - especially holistically.  Transformation may come in various shapes and sizes, but for IT and business leaders it typically involves: consumer experience (employee and client); ecosystem alignment (including micro services); and,  “digital business.” 

Big data has become a hot topic. Yet, companies are all over the map in terms of understanding what big data is and how they can harness it to optimize their business processes and innovate within target markets. Big data adoption follows a classic maturity curve. After seeing specific and measurable benefits realized by early adopters, an increasing number of companies want to put big data to work, and those in the healthcare industry are no exception. The problem is they don’t know how.

As the Internet of Things (IoT) gains popularity with consumers, OEM’s and retail space consumers are seeing the additional value IoT brings to everyday products. I recently attended Xperience2015 by LogMeIn and was blown away by the plethora of OEM’s that are adding value to their products with beacons and sensors.  For example, I recently saw a pill bottle that connects to your home network and reminds you when to take your medications.  The type of creativity going into these products raises a fundamental question…how can VARs tap into this growing market?