Blogging from Florida

Its interesting how blocked up the mind gets when we never give it a chance to breath.  Now that I've been in Florida for 3 days I finally feel more clarity.  I've been thinking a lot lately about the cloud.  It's interesting how when a new technology movement comes along people will rush out to consume it before really understanding its capabilities or its risks.  Like me moving all my pictures up to Google plus.  Who knows how secure it actually is?

Its time to decide if this cloud is offering life renewing rain or dangerous thunder and lightning.  Take the positive stance.  The ability to enjoy the abundance the cloud has to offer is dependent on our readiness to consume it.  Have we virtualized? Do we have affordable bandwidth?  Are we keeping up on the latest versions of the applications we run?  How do we figure out where to start?

This where we need to make sure we have the best support team.  Both internal and external to our company. Do our vendors put us first or their quotas? Or their manufacturer relationships?  Craft some creative questions to truly understand your vendors motivation.  Talk to their customer list.  Get ready for the road ahead which leads to the airport to fly to the clouds.

The Magic of Doing One Thing at a Time - Tony Schwartz - Harvard Business Review

I know this is supposed to be a technology blog but I could not resist adding this article.  I find this type of advice invaluable.  Primarily because I suffer from distraction.  These are ideas I'm going to apply in my own work.  I've definitely found that with the increase of technology my ability to focus has been degraded. No matter what you do for a living their are always going to be tasks that are top priority.  There will surely always be distractions.
The Magic of Doing One Thing at a Time - Tony Schwartz - Harvard Business Review

I try to check out the latest machines on the market.  I think what is interesting in this video is how easy it is to service the machine.  Also, this machine scores very high even when in virtualization.

http://www.crn.com/video/index1.htm?searchVideoContent=79611429001

Microsoft Partners Want Simpler VDI Licensing In Windows 8

I'm fascinated with desktop virtualization.  I've seen some implementations that are very impressive.  One that was running fast and very responsive on an Ipad over a Verizon wireless internet connection.  This article talks about what is going on in the background for companies that want to provide this service and use the Microsoft platform.
Microsoft Partners Want Simpler VDI Licensing In Windows 8

Dell to buy SonicWALL, terms not disclosed - CNBC

Wow!  I think this is really interesting.  Over the last few years I've learned to really like the Sonicwall product.  Their product lineup is extensive powerful.  This news is really big just from the fact that 2 very large players who  come close to dominating their segment of the IT product market place will come together.  I hope they are able to maintain the reputation that Sonicwall has as a solid firewall solution provider.  This puts further evidence to the fact that Dell is looking to be known as more than just a box builder.

~pz

Dell to buy SonicWALL, terms not disclosed - CNBC

XChange: HP Exec Says Hardware Portfolio Is Strongest In Its History

I have long been one to recommend HP as a solution. Except for a brief foray into going direct against their partners they have remained one of the strongest supporters of the channel. This is good for my customers because I know HP has my back and that allows me to support my customers at a higher level. Read this article about recent comments from HP about their partner program. They are still one of the best.

XChange: HP Exec Says Hardware Portfolio Is Strongest In Its History

Lets meet face to face.  I love this article.  In years of selling it seems the most powerful tool for building lasting relationships.  The kind that allow for long term client vendor relationships.

http://www.inc.com/rene-siegel/five-reasons-you-need-to-meet-in-person.html