Former Sun director answers to JBoss
Steve Raby will help Java applications vendor boost its UK presence
Former Sun UK partner sales director Steve Raby has re-emerged as regional sales manager for Java specialist JBoss after almost a year out of the spotlight.
Raby left Sun last year to "pursue other interests". JBoss, which provides the Java Application Server, is looking to boost its UK profile and has launched a channel programme to recruit system integrators, under Raby's guidance.
"We are looking for integrators which specialise in Java 2 Enterprise Edition. They can download our products from the web and then use them to build software solutions for their customers," said Raby.
"We have a strategy of going to market in conjunction with partners, and we are committed to establishing a strong channel programme in the UK and Europe."
Raby added that partners would be divided into Silver, Gold and Platinum levels, depending on the number of JBoss certified consultants they have. Silver partners would need just one, Gold seven and Platinum 20.
"Open source is gaining momentum. IT directors are being told to spend less money and do more. The hook for potential partners would be that using an open source product such as ours would leave IT directors with more to spend on the value-add services (partners) provide," Raby said.
The system integrator Business Systems Group (BSG) has been appointed as JBoss's first Gold Partner.
Nick Poole, director at BSG, said: "We decided to work with JBoss because we believe it is the leader in the application server market for open source products, and we are pursuing the open source route for our publishing and financial clients.
"Our relationship with JBoss gives us a well-rounded story to take to market."