CEO Offers Full-Throated Defense of the Channel
Continuum CEO Michael George is offering a full-throated argument for the channel in the cloud era.
George posted a video message this week on the Continuum Web site to promote its new Continuum Cloud Console, or C3, service for managing Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) on behalf of customers (see previous RCP coverage here).
Here's how George started:
The cloud poses a wildly disruptive dimension to the traditional IT services industry. Cloud providers are pitching directly to the enterprise, negating the channel. Many are touting the channel as irrelevant, and some are even predicting its demise.
Continuum sees the new cloud economy very differently. Continuum loves the channel, supports the channel and believes MSPs will be even more relevant in this new economy.
Certain services simply cannot afford to rely on distant relationships, not when dealing with the crucial core data of your business. To take a phrase from former Speaker of the House Tip O'Neill, who said, "All politics are local," well, Continuum says, "All IT is local." Therefore, Continuum sees a big place for IT service providers in the new cloud economy.
It's a great counter message to the idea that the channel can't co-exist long term with mega cloud providers. (The only improvement I'd suggest is having George stride through a modern house and end up unplugging a hybrid Cadillac). Yes, the channel has to change to survive, but when has that not been true?
Check out the video here.
Posted by Scott Bekker on May 07, 2014