PCR Tech and IT retail, distribution and vendor news
Cloud computing dominated the TCA/CompTIA conference in London today, as numerous speakers took to the stage to discuss the technology’s benefits to the channel.
Attendance was around double that of CompTIA’s last cloud event, which the trade body’s president and CEO Todd Thibodeaux (pictured here with TCA chairman Robert French) believes “shows how important the cloud is these days.”
“Last year it was all about managed services, this year that’s just a given. Now it’s all about the cloud,” he told PCR.
“The cloud is the type of opportunity that comes along once in a generation. Adoption wont be without its challenges, but if we can get past them there is as world of opportunity.”
Zenith Infotech Europe’s Jorre Belpaire, director of BT Business John Doherty and Phil Worms of Iomart Group joined Thibodeax in promoting the technology at the conference, which took place at the Radisson Edwardian Hotel Heathrow.
TCA CEO Adam Harris, who chaired the vendor and reseller panel debate at the event, told PCR: “With regards to the cloud, I think some resellers feel they are being left out. We’re showing them that if you can’t beat Microsoft, find other ways around the wall. Work with your partners, become an expert in it and let users know the benefits.”
The event was a joint effort between the newly merged TCA and CompTIA, announced yesterday morning. The union between the two organisations creates the largest trade body in the UK IT space.
“We’ve been in talks with them [TCA] for a year,” said Thibodeaux.“It’s a great opportunity to better serve members, and that’s the sole reason trade bodies exist – to serve the industries.”
Harris added: “It’s all about collaboration. It makes sense to work together for the benefit of the industry, and operate with one voice."
Look out for our in-depth look at the merger between the TCA and CompTIA in the November issue of PCR.
