Noakes, Karl

A-LIST 2005

Company: Microsoft.

Job title: Director, partner development and marketing.

Place of birth: West Bromwich.

Year of birth: 1963.

Marital status: Married.

Career highlights: Post-millennium, there were a number of small organisations that were finding it tough going. We got personally involved and they have gone on to be really successful companies. Being able to help them in a time of crisis has been really rewarding for me.

What do you love most about the IT industry? The innovation and pace of the industry.

Which company do you most admire or respect in the IT business? I admire all the small entrepreneurial resellers.

Which individual do you most admire or respect in the IT business? All the entrepreneurs who have founded their own IT selling businesses.

What is the biggest technology trend you anticipate in the next 12 months? Mobile working.

What is the one thing working in the technology industry has taught you? It's the world where the little guy can compete with the big guy.

Where do you think the channel will be in five years time? As innovation continues, more individuals and companies will be benefiting. The channel will thrive on this next wave of technology: Mobile working, the next generation of e-commerce and role-based solutions.

Which do you think is the most influential vendor in the UK? Microsoft.

Which do you think is the most influential ISV in the UK? Looking forward, those organisations that embrace the Microsoft platform, using the power of SQL Server, VisualStudio and BizTalk.

Which vendor's technology do you think has changed the face of IT? Microsoft has enabled businesses of all sizes to embrace leading-edge technology that was once only the domain of large enterprises.

How do you unwind or spend your spare time? Watching West Bromwich Albion and trying to get a free ride on other people's yachts.

Where is your favourite place to eat? The Metropolitan Grill in Seattle - Steaks to die for and the garlic mash is a taste sensation.

What is your favourite drink? Stella and a nice bottle of Amaroni.

What is your favourite TV programme or film? The Shawshank Redemption, and Sky Sports Live, but only when West Brom are playing.

Who is your favourite musician, band, artist or genre? The Clash.

What is your favourite book? The History of West Bromwich Albion.

What career would you have pursued if you hadn't worked in the channel? Architect.

What has been your greatest business achievement? Becoming a director at Microsoft.

What is your personal ambition? To learn to sail.