Study: Channel Companies Expand Engagement With Cloud-Based Solutions
Channel companies seem to be more accepting of cloud computing’s role in the channel and the IT industry as a whole, but this change of heart doesn’t mean there isn’t more work to be done.
According to CompTIA’s “Fifth Annual Trends in Cloud Computing” report, which is based on survey responses from executives within IT companies and IT business professionals who are involved in IT decision-making for their organizations, more than 90 percent of channel firms believe their cloud solutions are “mature or somewhat mature.”
“The channel’s thinking has clearly evolved from viewing the cloud as something to fear to embracing it as a catalyst for business transformation and new opportunities,” said Carolyn April, senior director of industry analysis at CompTIA, in a prepared statement.
Even though this shift can be viewed as a positive development for the channel, April warned channel partners that “there’s is much more work to be done.”
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“While cloud computing may be the the overarching driver of business transformation among IT channel firms, it is not a single, isolated offering,” she said. “It requires big structural change.”
The study points to a number of factors channel companies take into consideration when researching for a new cloud-based business model to pursue: the company’s current business model; specific capabilities and staffing; and focus areas in the market.
“This suggests a degree of trial and error is going on, with companies casting about for the right fit,” April said.
The report revealed that 59 percent of those surveyed cite determining the correct business model for cloud as a challenge, up from 45 percent a year prior.
“It’s not an easy exercise,” she said. “In fact, it appears to be getting more difficult.”
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