David Ellis

Director of e-security, professional services and training, Computerlinks

Career so far GEC Marconi, Midwich Thame, Unipalm.

Do you care about green IT? Yes, I think that any technology that gives benefits in this area is a good thing. Clearly, if cost savings can be shown then it makes the use of green IT even more compelling.

If you could be in a rock/pop band, which one would it be and who would you be? Growing up in the late 1970s and early 80s, my favourite band was The Specials. I would have loved a hair cut like Terry Hall but my parents never allowed it.

What is the best corporate jolly you have ever been on/taken partners on? My wife and I went to the Atlanta Olympics in 1996. It was a fantastic occasion with first-class hospitality.

Has 2009 been as bad as everyone said it would be? Certainly everyone in the channel has had to work harder on deals, there has been project slippage and increased pressure on margins but overall things have not been as bad as the apocalyptic state that some predicted.

Have any of your predictions come true this year? I said that the IT security market would remain relatively immune from the downturn as this technology is a "must have" and not a "nice to have" for various reasons.

What do you see as the channel's biggest challenge in 2010? I think it's important that the channel continues to invest and take a mid-term view of things to ensure that when the market improves, partners are best placed to capitalise on new opportunities. Understandably, this is sometimes easier said than done in tough times.

What is the best part of your day? It's always really nice to get through the door in the evening and be met by my family.