IBM is probably undergoing the most significant change to its business since Lou Gerstner joined as CEO back in April 1993. Mr Gerstner is often quoted as “the man who saved IBM”. Changing the organisation; focussing back on customers and growing partnerships was key to revitalising the company then. They were exciting times, although the excitement varied depending on where you were within the IBM ecosystem at the time!

Topics: IBM, Technology, Channel Partners, Ecosystem

Every year, certain words seem to define the year. If we look back over 2020, there were few contenders. I think most people would agree Covid won hands down! Looking closer to home in the IT industry, the word of the year was almost certainly ecosystems. But it wasn’t just the IT industry that saw these develop.

Topics: Supply Chain, Retail, Technology Solutions, Ecosystem

I was fortunate enough to play some golf with a valued business partner last week.

Topics: DevOps, Digital Transformation, Healthcare, Innovation, Manufacturing, Retail, IT Investments, Red Hat, Channel Partners, Ecosystem

In addition to the Tech Data ecosystem events, we have been fortunate to participate in a number of other industry webinars over the past week.

Topics: Cloud, Events, Innovation, Big Data and Analytics, Ecosystem, COVID-19, Data Solutions

During the past 12 months we have welcomed over 50 new Tech Data partners to the IBM Business Unit and made many more introductions through our Industry Ecosystem Program.

Topics: IBM, Technology Market, Channel Partners, Ecosystem

We were fortunate to have Paul Moran, Global Head of IT Purchasing and Strategy for Zurich Insurance on one of our Ecosystem calls last week.

Topics: Technology Market, IT Channel, Ecosystem

As businesses turn to planning for 2021, I found myself discussing the characteristics of the Boston Consulting Group matrix with my two sons, one who recently finished a marketing degree the other studying economics.

Topics: Channel, Innovation, Technology Market, Specialized Knowledge, Ecosystem

The sacking of Gunnersaurus, the Arsenal FC Mascot, made headline news last week. The fan, who had played the mascot role for 27 years, was let go as part of the football club’s plan to reduce its costs.

Topics: Innovation, XaaS, Agility, Ecosystem

Bryson DeChambeau, despite the best efforts of the US Golf Association, won the US Open at Winged Foot earlier this month. His nickname, “The Scientist”, has been well deserved as he progressed from his original studious approach to the game, to bulking up his body to become the longest hitter on the professional tour.

Topics: Planning, Digital Strategy, Channel Partners, Ecosystem

This week has seen our Horse Chestnut Tree dropping large spikey shells on us, signalling that Autumn has arrived. Despite the best efforts of leaf mining moths, in our 20 years living here this has undoubtedly been the best for our very old Chestnut tree. (We named the house after it. The other early contender was The Hawthorns, but the wife twigged the link to my favourite football team, West Brom).

Topics: IT Channel, Ecosystem, COVID-19