5 emerging opportunities for vars
DESCRIPTION
This Webcast, hosted by TechIQ Editor-in-Chief Joe Panettieri, explores five emerging technologies for solutions providers:1. Ubuntu Linux2. Open Source CRM3. Municipal Wireless4. Video Surveillance5. Managed ServicesTRANSCRIPT
September 6, 2007
Five Technologies for Increased Profit
Host: Joe PanettieriEditor in Chief, TechIQ
Web: www.techiqmag.com Email: [email protected]
September 6, 2007
Rules for Today
• No Sales Pitches• Interactive Discussion
– We’ll Answer as Many Qs as Possible• Fast-moving Dialog• High-level Overviews• 45 Minute Program
September 6, 2007
Today’s Discussion Points
1. Open Source on the Desktop2. New Directions in CRM3. Mesh Wireless: What Is It?4. Melding Mesh Wireless with Video
Surveillance5. Managed Services 2.0
September 6, 2007
Today’s Guest Speakers
• Desktop Linux - The Hot Option: Gerry Carr, Canonical
• Fresh Approaches to CRM: John Leishman, Geeks on the Way
• Mesh Wireless Meets Video Surveillance: Dennis Holmes, Internetwork Engineering
• Managed Services 2.0 - Opportunities Ahead: Mark Crall, Tech Care Team Inc.
September 6, 2007
Opportunity 1: Desktop Linux
September 6, 2007
Trends We're Watching• Ubuntu has reinvented the category of
Desktop Linux• Over 6 million active users • Downloads growing month by month • USA by far largest downloader of software • Who's who of partner companies (Dell,
Intel, Sun, Sony, Google, IBM)• Traditional hindrances to Linux being
removed (AMD e.g.)
September 6, 2007
Solutions We Are Tracking• Increasing number of companies partnering with Canonicial • Training• Deployment • Front line support • Reselling third level support • Bundled applications• Virtual Applications • Commercial software through repositories • ISV in joint support selling • Reselling combined solutions
September 6, 2007
Trends in 2008/9• Large OEM deals bringing ubiquity• Global OEMs offing Ubuntu as standard offering• Hardware and software hurdles for Linux being eliminated• Ubuntu providing OS for desktop, server, MID, and virtual
applications• Partner Programme with Canonical free to join• Training available in the US • Time to get to know Linux, don't believe the FUD, it's here to stay .
September 6, 2007
Opportunity 2: Fresh Approaches to CRM
September 6, 2007
Opportunity 2: Fresh Approaches to CRM
John LeishmanGeeks On The [email protected] Focus: Residential, SOHO, Small Busines
Advantages of Open Source software – Integration/Customization
September 6, 2007
Problem Outlined
– High volume of calls– Service in multiple geographies– Prefer web based system – Limited Budget– High degree of customization needed – Solution needed to scale as company grew
September 6, 2007
Solution• Open Source solution • SugarCRM for customer management
– Cost effective– Can customize/integrate– Sell to clients
• Customization Example includes:– Asterisk integration for call pops pushed out from the Server (browser refresh – no
software installed on Agent PC)– Preloaded database of telephone area codes and prefixes for North America so we
know from what city customers are calling from before we answer the phone. If customer not found in database then a new record is created with phone number, city, state, country and CID name.
– Integration with Sql-Ledger by sharing same Contact ID’s for future reporting using Jasper Reports
– Scheduling Optimization based on latitude and longitude of customers (as the crow flies which is not optimal)
– Ability to see primary tech, secondary technician and last technician out to a client at a glance along with next three days availability (built into Geek Meeting form through color coding)
September 6, 2007
Results• Time taken to book calls has gone from 2-3 minutes to 20-180
seconds• Less data entry errors • Improved relationship with clients• Lower marketing costs• Ability to integrate Sql-ledger(Accounting) and E-Commerce • Back End System that is translated into multiple languages and • Can scale to millions of customers and thousands of technicians• Lessons Learned over two years
– triple or quadruple cost estimates– Scope creep is hard to control– Utilize experienced programmers
September 6, 2007
Opportunities/Trends• The open source application market is going to
continue to grow• Managed Services not only for businesses but for
residential customers • Different versions of Sugar to address different
industry needs.• VAR’s/Integrators canexpand their product offerings • Market is getting more educated • Integration of Open Source applications will be the
next challenge • Salesforce has their App Exchange• SugarCRM has SugarExchange
September 6, 2007
Opportunity 3-4: Mesh Meets Video Surveillance
September 6, 2007
A New Era
September 6, 2007
What is Wireless MESH?
•Client Service via 802.11b/g
•Backhaul via 802.11a
•Need for fewer copper or fiber connections
•Powered from AC, DC, Solar, POE, or POC
•Blanket coverage for entire city or limited hotspot areas
•Fully securable
•Many applications
September 6, 2007
What are the coming trends
•802.11n for client services and backhaul capabilities at increased throughputs•DOCSiS Cable Modems onboard•Built in battery backup•Access Points with onboard POE for Cameras etc.•Aesthetic and Specialty Enclosures•Enhanced Modular Radios including WiMax and 4.9gHz support
September 6, 2007
Video Surveillance
• Homeland Security Grants• Municipal and State Governments Funding• Recent enhancements in cameras and software• Wireless to feed video via MESH infrastructure
September 6, 2007
What are the coming trends
• Enhanced night vision.• Enhanced face and license plate
recognition.• Integration with applications such as
gunshot location systems.• Integration to handheld devices
September 6, 2007
Opportunity 5: Managed Services 2.0
September 6, 2007
Managed Services 2.0: Where Are We
Heading Next?Presented byMark CrallCEO, Tech Care Team, Inc.Charlotte SBS Group FounderMicrosoft SBSC Partner Area Leader (Pal)
Blog:SBSC.TECHCARETEAM.CO
M
September 6, 2007
MSP Trends in 2007
• Software as a Service (SaaS)• Hardware as a Service (HaaS)• Technology Evolutions• Alliances and Communities• Planning for the Commoditization of
Managed Services– The Expectations of Consumers Rose– The Big Guys Started Scheming
September 6, 2007
MSP Goals for 2008
• Focus and Partner (acquire only as needed)
• Buy the Same Way You Sell• Manage Relationships (not just
technology)– Manage Customers– Manage Vendors– Manage Partners
September 6, 2007
Thank You/Contact Us
• Host– Joe Panettieri, TechIQ ([email protected])
• Desktop Linux– Gerry Carr, Canonical ([email protected])
• Open Source CRM– John Leishman, Geeks on the Way ([email protected])
• Mesh Wireless, Video Surveillance– Dennis Holmes, Internetwork Engineering ([email protected])
• Managed Services– Mark Crall, Tech Care Team Inc. ([email protected])
September 6, 2007
Thank You/Contact Us
• Host– Joe Panettieri, TechIQ ([email protected])
• Desktop Linux– Gerry Carr, Canonical ([email protected])
• Open Source CRM– John Leishman, Geeks on the Way
([email protected])• Mesh Wireless, Video Surveillance
– Dennis Holmes, Internetwork Engineering ([email protected])• Managed Services
– Mark Crall, Tech Care Team Inc. ([email protected])