Back to the future

Channel Expo's high-powered education programme highlights technology and sales opportunities, says Fleur Doidge

Fire up the Delorean, Marty, this vehicle is going to take us somewhere we have never been before. However, this time it is the lessons of the past that will help us most.

As with Doc Emmett Brown’s flux capacitor in Back to the Future, which takes 1.21 jigawatts of power to get it through difficult times, the channel needs a super boost now to help it get ahead.

Channel Expo 2009 aims to provide that through a turbo-charged education
programme and showcases from Platinum sponsors such as Ingram Micro.

“Because of the current climate we want to show our support to our vendors and resellers alike,” said Ingram Micro’s managing director, Julian Klein.

Ingram Micro is committing to many initiatives this year that focus on
strengthening existing relationships.

“We want to make a positive difference in a tough market. We need to be even more connected to our reseller base than ever. Channel Expo is a fantastic
opportunity to do this,” said Klein.

Resellers want to see and work with more technology and meet key vendors so Ingram’s stand will include vendor offerings for the potential growth areas of home, work, mobile and networking.

It will also have dedicated private meeting rooms, informal break-out zones and caffeine-boost opportunities via real coffee from a mobile barista.

“Channel Expo 2009 means business and so do we,” added Klein.

One of the most exciting educational opportunities will be a presentation from Google Enterprise.

Peter Lorant, head of EMEA partners at Google Enterprise, will offer delegates his insights on the opportunities surrounding one of the biggest buzz terms of the year so far: cloud computing.

“The general theme is going to be that innovation and cost efficiencies are not mutually exclusive,” he said.

“And in today’s economy it represents a massive opportunity for organisations who want to rip up the rule book and create a real value proposition for the customer.”

Intel, which is sponsoring the café, will show hot technologies on its stand and
Neil Watson, the firm’s channel marketing development manager will talk with
channel players. “The UK channel has an enviable track record in enabling new technologies and creative solutions using the latest Intel architectures,” said Watson.

“We are at the show to extend this dialogue with the channel. Channel Expo facilitates face time with key players and emerging businesses. Innovation is key to success,” he claimed.

Was Rahman, global IT industry adviser at UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), will speak on opportunities abroad.

“The UK government is fighting the British tendency to undersell itself when it should be shouting its achievements from the rooftops. We are working hard to
promote the UK more dynamically abroad by equipping UK companies with the tools for international business,” said Rahman.

UKTI helps UK-based companies succeed via its 2,400 employees in 161 locations around the world.

A representative for Platinum sponsor Dell says it will demonstrate its fresh approach to the UK channel and promote its one-year-old PartnerDirect programme.

“We have listened to feedback from our partners and introduced changes to help partners increase profitability. Channel Expo gives us the perfect platform,” he said.

Quinton Watts, marketing vice president of Platinum sponsor Eset, says the security vendor has attended Expo for four years and intends to talk to as many people as possible. “It is an excellent way to select and sign up new resellers, with high-quality visitors relevant to our specific offerings,” he added. “We are taking three stands and expect to be flat out.”

To find out more visit www.channelexpo.co.uk