By samdizzy

channeleyes

Ruby on Rails (RoR) is an open source full-stack web application framework. It gives the web developer the full ability to gather information from the web server, talking/querying the database, and template rendering out of the box, notes WikiPedia. Engine Yard offers cloud hosting (platform as a service) for Ruby on Rails.

Godgart has experience building cloud platforms but his earlier role — CEO of Autotask — was more Microsoft-centric. I believe Autotask, the SaaS-based PSA (professional services automation) platform, depended heavily on Windows Servers, SQL Server, Microsoft .Net and (initially) Internet Explorer on the front end. Gradually, Autotask has diversified to support all of the major web browers.

ChannelEyes, meanwhile, is leaning heavily on open source and roughly 18 cloud applications to run the fledgling business, notes Jay McBain, an advisor working on the project.

But What Is ChannelEyes?

ChannelEyes seeks to help channel partners (VARs, MSPs and more) to more closely track vendor partner programs. The social media network is somewhat similar to FaceBook. But it’s purpose-built for the channel, and McBain is carefully describing how ChannelEyes differs from FaceBook, LinkedIn and Twitter (see graphic below):

about ChannelEyes

ChannelEyes, Godgart and McBain say, will help partners and suppliers network up in the following ways:

ChannelEyes is expected to give selected members early access to a pilot program starting January 12. Godgart says the ChannelEyes pilot will gradually expand to more partners in the weeks ahead as testing continues.