EDITOR ’ S COMMENT
Welcome to Issue 58 of Intelligent Tech Channels . ( ISC )², one of the world ’ s largest non-profit associations of certified cybersecurity professionals – has highlighted a stark increase in the shortage of cybersecurity professionals as it recently announced the findings of its 2022 ( ISC )² Cybersecurity Workforce Study . The study revealed that the global cybersecurity workforce is at an all-time high , with an estimated 4.7 million professionals . Despite adding 464,000 more cybersecurity professionals this year , the data revealed that 3.4 million more cybersecurity workers are needed to secure assets effectively .
In this regard , we continue to cover articles in this edition of the magazine that address the issue of cybersecurity skills and highlight how the channel and the entire partnering ecosystem can build capacity and bridge the cybersecurity skills gap .
Gracing the cover of this month ’ s edition is Ricky Cooper , Head of Worldwide Partner and Commercial Organisation , VMware , who tells us more about VMware ’ s partner strategy , trends in the EMEA channel , and why empathy is so important to successful partnerships .
Among the many insights , Cooper shares that : “ Now , thanks in large part to our partners , we are experiencing solid growth in the commercial space with small-tomedium size organisations . Our solutions are becoming ever more relevant as our customers broaden their IT knowledge and capabilities . Partner Connect 2.0 is a major progression and recognises the significant changes that are taking place in the way organisations use and consume technology . We are now incentivizing partners to become experts in specific VMware solutions and to maintain on-going relationships with their customers .” You can read more by turning to page 19 .
This month ’ s Expert Speak comes from Mayen Warrie , Key Account Executive at Infobip Nigeria , who explains how omnichannel adoption and engagement is set to drive the new e-commerce experience .
And don ’ t forget to find out about this month ’ s channel chiefs on pages 61 to 64 . The interviewees are Mike Sheppard , Director of Channels and Alliances at Panasas and Steve Williams , Channel Director Australia and New Zealand , Avaya .
And , as usual , we have all your favourite features and news from around the regions – check our website for daily updates . I hope you enjoy this edition and do not hesitate to get in touch if you have anything you would like to share with regards to the channel . You can email me at manda @ lynchpinmedia . com .
Manda Banda Managing Editor
INTELLIGENT TECH CHANNELS 15