Intelligent Tech Channels Issue 07 | Page 6

EDITOR’S COMMEN Every cloud has a silver lining W elcome to Issue 07 of Intelligent Tech Channels. In this issue, we explore the pros and cons of cloud computing; the challenges and how the channel can leverage cloud opportunities in the current market. We also learn about how the longevity and experience of Gulf Business Machines (GBM) in Bahrain is taking its banking and finance customers to the next level of technology and business enablement. HP reveals the real cost of counterfeit print supplies; Riverbed tells us how SD-WAN is the key to addressing the enablement of high-performing applications; Pure Storage elaborates on how all flash storage is transforming partner programmes; and RedSeal expounds on why organisations must have digital resilience as part of their cyber strategy. Not only that, we talk with SAP about how sustainability and profitability go hand in hand; and Zebra Technologies reveals how more than simply finding the right device, businesses must carefully consider their specific needs, ensuring they can become as smart and connected as the world we live in. And, following recent malware and ransomware attacks, Digital Shadows and A10 Networks look at how organisations can protect themselves before any additional payloads are deployed. Editor’s Questions on product profiles, market opportunities and partner programmes for regional channels this issue come from Riverbed, ManageEngine and Xerox. Plus, we have a fascinating article from IBM about the thrilling leap into the unknown that is quantum computing and how innovation and technological progress are key to worldwide economic growth, not forgetting where the roots of this growth take hold: within future- focused organisations that push for progress. We have the usual market movement and industry appointments, and our channel chief this issue, Serjios Hage, talks to us about the founding of EMW, trust, changing landscapes and winding down on his Harley Davidson. Finally, we end with a report from Cisco about how close to three quarters of IoT projects are currently failing, but how crucial insights are being gained into both the successes as well as the challenges impacting progress and, despite these challenges, many in Cisco’s survey are optimistic for the future of IoT, a trend that, for all its forward momentum, is still in its nascent stage of evolution. May the Holy month of Ramadan bring you peace and prosperity, good health and wealth, and brighten your life forever. Ramadan Kareem. Pippa Sanderson Managing Partner Richard Judd richard@lynchpinmedia.co.uk Managing Partner Stuart Lynch stuart@lynchpinmedia.co.uk Editor, ITC Pippa Sanderson pippa@lynchpinmedia.co.uk Consulting Editor Arun Shankar arun@lynchpinmedia.co.uk Editor, ICIO Africa Emily Freer emily@lynchpinmedia.co.uk Editor, ICIO Middle East Mark Bowen mark@lynchpinmedia.co.uk Group Sales Manager Luke Preece luke@lynchpinmedia.co.uk Graphic Designer Jordan Parry jordan@lynchpinmedia.co.uk Marketing & Content Development Manager Nick Onyett nick@lynchpinmedia.co.uk Lynchpin Media 2017 © Intelligent Tech Channels is a Lynchpin Media publication for IT professionals with an interest in the Middle East. If you wish to apply for regular free copies then please email info@lynchpinmedia.co.uk Lynchpin Media is a boutique publisher registered in the United Kingdom. Company number 8096230 5 Burnside Court Leominster Enterprise Park Herefordshire, HR6 0LX Editor 7