EDITOR ’ S COMMENT
Welcome to Issue 57 of Intelligent Tech Channels . A new global study commissioned by Ciena , has uncovered just how ready business professionals are to collaborate in the virtual world . According to the findings , 96 % of the 15,000 business professionals surveyed across the globe recognise the value of virtual meetings and more than three-quarters ( 78 %) say they would participate in more immersive experiences like the metaverse versus current tools , such as video conferencing . In this regard , we continue to cover articles in this edition of the magazine that address disruptive technologies and how channel partners can help their customers adopt these technologies to increase acceptance of virtual meetings and remote working .
Gracing the cover of this month ’ s edition is Maya Zakhour , Director Channel Sales – Eastern Europe , META , Iberia and Latin America , who outlines the NetApp Partner Sphere programme and what the changes mean for partners . Among the many insights , Zakhour shares that : “ We just announced the launch of a new partner programme the NetApp Partner Sphere in NetApp fiscal year 2024 where we are consolidating and simplifying multiple programmes into one that includes all partner types , business models and routes to market . This programme enables partners to evolve their business in the cloud . Partners must specialise or offer specialised services , and capabilities to be able to support the entire customer journey in the digital and cloud transformation .” You can read more by turning to page 19 .
This month ’ s Expert Speak comes from James Hickman , Head of Sales , Marketing and Solutions at South Africa-based Altron Karabina , who discusses how technology consultants and channel partners can help the C-suites to achieve business success in technology implementations through transformative leadership .
And don ’ t forget to find out about this month ’ s channel chiefs on pages 61 to 64 . The interviewees are Koorosh Khashayar – Vice President , Global Channels , 11:11 Systems and Lisa Strydom , Senior Manager , Channel and Alliances – Africa , Veeam Software .
And , as usual , we have all your favourite features and news from around the regions – check our website for daily updates . I hope you enjoy this edition and do not hesitate to get in touch if you have anything you would like to share with regards to the channel . You can email me at manda @ lynchpinmedia . com .
Manda Banda Managing Editor
INTELLIGENT TECH CHANNELS 15