O'Neill, Colm

A-LIST 2005

Company: EMC Computer Systems

Job title: Director of channel and SME.

Place of birth: Dublin.

Year of birth: 1970.

Marital status: Married.

Career highlights: After university I commenced a career at PwC. I got my first sales job on joining ICL. I joined EMC in April 2000, and never looked back.

What do you love most about the IT industry? The constant change and innovation.

Which company do you most admire or respect in the IT business? EMC.

Which individual do you most admire or respect in the IT business? Larry Ellison [of Oracle].

What is the biggest technology trend you anticipate in the next 12 months? An explosion in generation of online video and audio content.

What is the one thing working in the technology industry has taught you? Never get complacent.

Where do you think the channel will be in five years time? Significantly consolidated. The role of distribution will have moved on from provision of logistics and credit to value and skills. There will be no money in moving boxes.

Who do you think is the most influential vendor in the UK? Hewlett-Packard.

Who do you think is the most influential ISV in the UK? Microsoft.

Which vendor's technology do you think has changed the face of IT? EMC.

How do you unwind or spend your spare time? Distance running. Music and theatre. watching virtually any competitive sport.

Where is your favourite place to eat? Zuma.

What is your favourite drink? Guinness.

What is your favourite TV programme or film? Friday Night with Jonathan Ross.

Who is your favourite musician, band, artist or genre? The Thrills - at the moment

What is your favourite book? Leadership by Rudolph Giuliani.

What career would you have pursued if you hadn't worked in the channel? I couldn't even imagine.

What has been your greatest business achievement? Building EMC into a trusted vendor for the channel.

What is your personal ambition? To rule the world.