Channel Partners Expo Blog: Ready to ‘Discover Cloud Services’?

One of the most anticipated tracks at this spring’s Channel Partners Conference & Expo is Discover Cloud Services, a series devoted to “clearing the air about cloud services." That’s because, for partners seeking new revenue opportunities, the cloud appears to be the best first place to look. You’ve heard by now that, from communications to computing, the cloud is billed as the future for telecom and IT channels alike.

But is it really? Considering all of the uncertainty that still surrounds cloud services, it’s important to question the hype.

The Discover Cloud Services track, sponsored by InContact, will take all of the excitement and concern into consideration as speakers from companies including COLOTRAQ, CompTIA, Concierge Communications and The 2112 Group break down all aspects of the cloud. They’ll begin by analyzing the definition of cloud services – an important starting point given all the vagaries “the cloud" contains – and move to discussions of demand vs. hype, whether the cloud represents threat or opportunity, how to create hybrid cloud services, and more.

Here’s a glimpse of the Discover Cloud Services lineup:

• Cloud Services: End-User Demand and Channel Opportunity
• Connectivity Sales Are Key to Cloud Services
• Uncovering Cloud Sales Opportunities
• Communications in the Cloud: Threat or Opportunity?
• Understanding and Building Hybrid Cloud Services

Discussion on the cloud won’t end with Discover Cloud Services, however. For the first time ever, Channel Partners will host the Cloud Convergence Council. Moderated by The 2112 Group President Larry Walsh, this roundtable will consider strategic issues – think evolving business models and identifying opportunities – as well as more tactical matters such as setting performance expectations. The council is sure to become a long-running feature of the Channel Partners Conference & Expo as the cloud dominates the communications industry.