Call it a healthy hunch. The VAR Guy believes Ingram Micro is preparing to make multiple cloud-related channel moves in the days ahead, and they could involve such partners as Salesforce.com, Rackspace and Microsoft. Here’s the rumor, started by The VAR Guy.
The chatter involves the Ingram Micro Cloud conference, which is set to kick off June 7 in Dallas. The VAR Guy plans to attend. As do Salesforce.com, Rackspace and Microsoft.
First, let’s state the obvious: Ingram Micro seems to be talking more closely with Microsoft’s BPOS (Business Productivity Online Suite) group, which includes such SaaS applications as Exchange Online and SharePoint online.
But our story — um, rumored story — doesn’t end there. Ingram Micro and Salesforce.com have been kicking around channel cloud ideas for quite some time, The VAR Guy hears. Originally our resident blogger thought Salesforce.com would try to counter PSA (professional services automation) software providers like Autotask, ConnectWise and Tigerpaw Software.
But Salesforce.com’s channel ambitions reside elsewhere, The VAR Guy now hears. In particular keep an eye on Force.com, the cloud platform for developing business applications. What if there was a way for VARs and MSPs to profit from those Force.com applications?
Hmmm… perhaps the answer will present itself at the Ingram conference.
Finally, there’s Ingram’s potential relationship with Rackspace. The VAR Guy doesn’t have any educated guesses about that potential partnership. And besides, our resident blogger has already speculated enough in this entry.
The VAR Guy will be sure to offer more details once the Ingram Micro Cloud conference kicks off June 7 in Dallas.
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Hey JP,
I’ve also heard the Cloud Conference is SOLD OUT! I would like to believe that is in part to the launching of an Autotask Texas User Group the day before. Any Autotask users that didn’t get the message, be sure to join us Sunday June 6th at in Dallas. More info here: http://forms.autotask.com/content/TexasUserGroup6-6
Thanks for keeping the rumors going!
JP, you are always welcome to crash our party. See you in Dallas!
Mark
Oops! I’m on the wrong blog! What the heck, you can crash our party too VAR Guy.
Mark: Joe is a slacker with a worn out jacket who blogs for MSPmentor. The VAR Guy actually shows up with a suit and tie at events… if you can spot him.
Our resident blogger arrives a bit late on June 6th and can’t make it to the Autotask event… but live blogging from the Cloud Conference starts that evening. Safe travels.
-TVG