David Ellis

Career so far: I started out as an electronics test engineer at GEC Marconi Instruments before then moving into IT distribution at Midwich Thame where I stayed for nine years in a variety of different roles. I joined Unipalm shortly after the MBO from WorldCom in 1997 and was made a director in 2000. Computerlinks acquired Unipalm that year and I joined the group operating board in 1997.

If you could be anyone else for a week, who would you be and what would you do? It would definitely have to be a Premiership footballer. What an amazing lifestyle!

What would you have as your last meal? I'd start with oysters, followed by rib-eye steak, then finish with cafe gourmand.

What is the best corporate jolly you have ever been on/taken partners on? Definitely a trip to the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. It was a fantastic experience.

Do you see the cloud as a threat or an opportunity? It's a very big opportunity and one that Computerlinks is investing in heavily. There is a lot of confusion in the market and we are working hard to help our partners understand how they can capitalise on the cloud.

Have any of your predictions come true this year? I predicted that Norwich City FC would win League One last year.

What do you see as the channel's biggest challenge in 2011? Clearly some market areas (public sector, etc) will be tough, but as organisations look to reduce costs and become more efficient, any technology or service that can help them achieve this will be in demand. The channel needs to be agile and entrepreneurial to benefit.

What is the best part of your day? I'm a morning person and like to get started early.

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