Red Hat's Colin Garro
Key market plays for 2015?
In 2015 it will be key to have a strong Cloud strategy in place. An effective strategy can transform the IT department from a break-fix and maintenance provider to a driver of innovation, and help internal teams improve efficiency and productivity.
Rapidly delivering technology has become about much more than just the technology – it is about people and culture. Executives are looking at technology companies much more as partners and advisors. Red Hat is embracing this role as a partner rather than being considered a vendor.
Key technology trends?
The Internet of Things, unrelenting expansion of Big Data, and increasing ability to analyse and act on data are likely to be hallmarks of key technology trends in 2015 and beyond.
Key message to the channel?
The move to Cloud will no longer be an ‘if’, but ‘when’. Organisations will ask the simple question: can we get a particular solution hosted? If so, let’s get it delivered as a service rather than hosting it on-premise.
Companies will stick to their core competencies and outsource IT where it is possible and makes sense to do so.
Key warning to the IT industry?
One of the key issues for the IT industry is properly planning and executing Cloud adoption. Organisations that miss the Cloud boat could be left behind. When moving to the Cloud it is key to have executive / board approval and a long term strategy to meet immediate and strategic goals.
Having full senior management approval is an issue when it comes to IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS in the cloud adoption process. Technologies are being used with different levels of organisational approval, which could cause a variety of technical, security and business related implications.
Key initiatives for Red Hat?
In 2015, Red Hat will focus on technologies that facilitate the journey to and management of the cloud, mainly including solutions built around OpenStack, OpenShift and CloudForms. Red Hat will also partner with major players in the industry, such as Dell and Cisco, to combine the collective knowledge of both companies to solve customer business issues.
