Intelligent Tech Channels Issue 08 | Page 7

EDITOR’S COMMEN W elcome to Issue 08 of Intelligent Tech Channels. Our cover story this month is all about the region’s system integrators (SIs) and how they are adjusting to challenges posed to legacy business models by digital technologies. We also delve into the world of Software as a Service (SaaS) and discover its pros and cons, how the channel can embrace the complexity that SaaS applications entail, how VARs and SIs can help customers determine whether and how to use SaaS; and how to grab those all-important channel revenue opportunities. Our regional focus this month is on Kuwait and the Zain Kuwait telecommunications company, which has announced a collaboration with IBM to launch a new cloud-based disaster recovery service to cater for the rapid pace of digital transformation and counter the high incidence of security threats. We learn what’s inside the connected workplace of tomorrow from HID Embedded Solutions; and Equinix outlines four steps to re-architecting IT for the digital edge and how the cloud is driving digital transformation. Siemon launches new SkinnyPatch 6A shielded modular patch cords; Commscope outlines how to find the right datacentre model for your business; and LogRhythm talks about how to prevent data breaches by reducing time to detect and respond to threats. We discover that Kodak Alaris achieved EPEAT Silver registration for its entire scanner range; and a new enterprise software update gives more selling power to partners, according to BlackBerry. In light of the recent wave of cyber attacks, Arbor Networks discusses DDoS attacks and the channel; Digital Guardian discusses why getting to grips with data should be the first step in any effective security strategy, and Seclore outlines five things you can do over the next 12 months to be ready for General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in May 2018. Editor’s questions this month encompass the whys and wherefores of Kodak’s revamped partner programme, Siemon’s thoughts on the channel adopting a greener policy when offering solutions to customers and HP’s latest global corporate sustainability initiatives. We have the usual market movement and industry appointments, and we’re lucky enough to have two channel chiefs this issue: Anne Bourgeois, Senior Channel Director at Fortinet and Graham Porter, who is responsible for the Middle East channel sales team at Veeam. Enjoy the read, keep cool and Eid Mubarak. Pippa Sanderson Editor Managing Partner Richard Judd [email protected] Managing Partner Stuart Lynch [email protected] Editor, ITC Pippa Sanderson [email protected] Consulting Editor Arun Shankar [email protected] Editor, ICIO Africa Emily Freer [email protected] Editor, ICIO Middle East Mark Bowen [email protected] Group Sales Manager Luke Preece [email protected] Graphic Designer Jordan Parry [email protected] Marketing & Content Development Manager Nick Onyett [email protected] Lynchpin Media 2017 © Intelligent Tech Channels is a Lynchpin Media publication for IT professionals with an interest in the Middle East. If you wish to apply for regular free copies then please email [email protected] Lynchpin Media is a boutique publisher registered in the United Kingdom. Company number 8096230 5 Burnside Court Leominster Enterprise Park Herefordshire, HR6 0LX 7