Channel veteran Smee pops up as CEO of cloud analysis vendor

Grahame Smee, best known for his serial M&A success in the security distribution space, is looking to work with channel partners after taking the reins at Opexx Ltd

After a two-year break from full time roles in the industry, channel stalwart Grahame Smee (pictured) has thrown himself back in the thick of it by taking up the stewardship of cloud analysis specialist Opexx Ltd.

Speaking to CRN, Smee said his new CEO role will include building a network of channel partners and early adopters to make the most of Opexx' analysis platform. Smee was last mentioned on Channelweb when his distribution firm 4Sec was bought by QBS for an undisclosed sum in 2020.

"It is great to be back working within the channel," he said. "Although the channel bends and changes over the years it is still a pretty interesting place to work.

"We have already been doing some testing and working closely with selected partners and their customers, and it has been really interesting to get their feedback."

Smee said the Opexx platform will help any busines maximise cloud spend and time.

"Anyone that handles cloud management and billing has to either accept what they are being charged is right, or they have to spend a lot of time making sure that it is right. Add into the mix the fact that 30 per cent of cloud spend is overspend, and it is easy to see why Opexx' analysis can make a difference," he explained.

"People spin-up cloud environments and forget to turn any unneeded parts off, which is a waste of resources, money and electricity. With Opexx' software, anyone can get the skills to tackle cloud reporting, get an exact idea of what cloud resources are being used, present figures back to anyone in an easier to digest format, and produce custom reports with any part of the data."

Smee said the product will work well for MSPs and distributors who can wrap additional services around the software as part of a wider offering.

"We also don't have to be integrated into anyone's cloud infrastructure, we are fully non-invasive and cloud agnostic, so I'm confident that we will appeal to many partners and their customers. We are excited about the opportunity ahead," Smee added.