Aron, Simon

A-List 2006

Job title Managing director.

Company Eurodata Systems.

Year of birth 1967.

Place of birth London.

Career outline I worked at the fastest-growing hardware VAR in England – Cavelle Data Systems – from 1988 to 1990. We began Eurodata Systems in 1990.

What motivates you every morning to get up and work in the channel? I enjoy driving my business forward. I’ve always enjoyed the challenge of this vertical and watching it change and expand over the years.

What has been the most over-hyped technology in the past five years? IP telephony. I don’t believe it was a value proposition when it first came to market.

What will be the most underrated technology in the next five years? Unified messaging. It will be quite difficult to do, but ultimately the most beneficial.

Which technology would you most like to have invented? The iPod.

Do you have any regrets from your time in the industry? Not starting a consultancy at the same time I started the value-added VAR side of the business.

If you could swap places with anyone in the industry, who would it be? Larry Page or Sergey Brin. What they have done with Google is impressive and the world is their oyster.

What is the biggest hurdle you have faced in your career? Finding good sales staff.

What is the biggest success of your career? Building an excellent group of consultants. The quality of their work is second to none.

What piece of technology could you not live without? Mobile phone with email.

What would be your advice to anyone starting a career in IT? Pick a subject and specialise in it.

What is your favorite computer game? Splinter Cell.

What would you like for Christmas if you could have anything? A PlayStation 3.

What is your favorite karaoke song? I hate karaoke.

What would be the title of your autobiography? How Can A Hilarious Schizophrenic Make It In This Industry?

Do you have any phobias? No.

How many beers before you fall over? 22.

Number of staff you manage? 22.

What is your golf handicap? 22.

What car do you drive? BMW M6.

Number of air miles you have? Not enough.