Cloud Sherpas Named Google Enterprise Partner of the Year

Talkin’ Cloud 50 member Cloud Sherpas has taken the title of Google Enterprise 2011 Partner of the Year, with Google Head of Global Partner Programs Mark Hodgson personally handing over the award at the search giant’s enterprise sales kickoff event earlier in January 2012.

It shouldn’t come as much of a surprise to regular readers of TalkinCloud. Cloud Sherpas made a tremendous name for itself in 2011 both as a Google Apps Marketplace ISV by way of its SherpaTools management app and as a reseller. In 2011 alone, Cloud Sherpas opened offices in New York, Austin and Chicago, while simultaneously making acquisitions in Australia, New Zealand, Kansas City and San Francisco.

But a nugget of information in the press release was new to me: Cloud Sherpas has increased its revenue more 300 percent for three years running. That’s an impressive growth rate by anyone’s standard — likely bolstered by the fact that Cloud Sherpas has built a Google business beyond just the Google Apps suite.

Cloud Sherpas CEO Douglas Shepard takes the time in the press release for a little justifiable boasting:

“The Partner of the Year award from Google is important because it validates the role of the channel in helping businesses succeed in the cloud. We hear repeatedly from clients that they need the services of Google experts to fully leverage the platform, collaborate more effectively and grow their businesses. We are proud to be recognized as the Google Enterprise 2011 Partner of the Year, and we look forward to continuing our strong relationship with Google and Google Apps users in 2012.”

Something not mentioned in the press release is how historically willing Cloud Sherpas has been to speak up on issues affecting Google Apps partners, especially when Microsoft is involved, which undoubtedly played a role in the provider getting the nod.

It has to be said, though: Right on to Google for recognizing top talent in the channel, even as Google Apps only sees an upward trend in adoption. And what we’ve heard of big G’s 2012 strategy has TalkinCloud’s ears perking up. But when will Google Enterprise account for a significant portion of the company’s revenue? I actually have some insight on that, so stay tuned to TalkinCloud for more.