Dodwell, Bernie

A-LIST 2005

Company: Westcon.

Job title: Vendor manager.

Place of birth: Wembley, London.

Year of birth: 1954.

Marital status: Married.

Career highlights: Being the role model for Bernard in Yes, Minister (I was a civil servant), and also setting up Allasso.

What do you love most about the IT industry? The variety. There are so many different technologies and opportunities, and it is so dynamic and always moving.

Which company do you most admire or respect in the IT business? Integralis, as it was, the way it developed and the way it grabbed an opportunity and maximised it.

Which individual do you most admire or respect in the IT business? Any of the guys who set up Integralis for their insight and forethought.

What is the biggest technology trend you anticipate in the next 12 months? Adoption of voice over IP and BT's 21st Century networking.

What is the one thing working in the technology industry has taught you? Keep your mouth shut at the right time.

Where do you think the channel will be in five years time? Certainly different. I think the channel is going to have to change to be more services- and support- led, rather than product- and support-led.

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

Which 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? Microsoft.

How do you unwind or spend your spare time? Supporting my local football club, and playing cricket - even at my age.

Where is your favourite place to eat? The Silver Plough in Pitton.

What is your favourite drink? Any drink that someone might buy me.

What is your favourite TV programme or film? Short Circuit is my favourite film, and Yes, Minister is my favourite TV programme.

Who is your favourite musician, band, artist or genre? Led Zepplin.

What is your favourite book? The Rocking Horse Winner.

What career would you have pursued if you hadn't worked in the channel? If I had been good enough, it would have been being a footballer.

What has been your greatest business achievement? Setting up Allasso and taking it from £1m to £56m in five or six years.

What is your personal ambition? To score my first century in a cricket match.