Punting Can Be Good

Wednesday when I used the word “punt" to describe the option of moving to a fully managed solution, I expected a few comments but surprisingly received very few. So, without being pushed I’ll explain why punting is a good thing.

Most people consider punting a play that is called after the offense has failed, but consider this: it is also used to improve your field position. Selecting a fully managed or hosted solution does the same thing. It allows you to improve your field position by reducing or eliminating capital expenditures and lowering operating costs at the same time.

With today’s economic uncertainty, that is a very good thing. Moreover, if your business does not have the resources to support the continued changes in technology and applications, then moving the responsibility into the cloud is a very good option. Finally, many cloud applications offer more options and capabilities than purchased applications. This provides for an implementation that more closely fits individual business requirements. See, punting is not a bad thing.

More and more industry pundits are moving to the position that a business should take advantage of each type of purchasing option depending upon the business process or operation. I have always used “and" rather than “versus". I have always believed a business should purchase, subscribe to “and" use hosted solutions. The key is determining when and where each is applicable. Since, it varies by industry and business, it is not a simple thing to categorize.

See you on Monday…

David Byrd is vice president of marketing and sales for Broadvox, and is responsible for marketing and channel sales programs to SMBs, enterprises and carriers as well as defining the product offering. Prior to joining Broadvox, David was the vice president of Channels and Alliances for Eftia and Telcordia. As director of eBusiness Development with i2 Technologies, he developed major partnerships with many of the leaders in Internet eCommerce and supply chain management. As CEO of Planet Hollywood Online he was a pioneer in using early Internet technologies to build a branded entertainment and eCommerce website company partnered with Planet Hollywood. Having over 20 years of telecom sales and marketing experience, he has held executive positions with Hewlett-Packard, Sprint and Ericsson.