2012 is shaping up to be an amazing year for our industry. I thought IBM’s Partnerworld Leadership Conference in New Orleans was a tremendous event demonstrating IBM’s continued focus on high-value solution offerings and continued support of their IBM business partners and Avnet’s skills.

IBM Global Software Channel Chief Inspecting Netezza Builds

The announcement of the Solutions Accelerator Incentive was a great example of IBM’s commitment to the channel and their recognition of the value of combining hardware, software and services into a total solution. Avnet has been moving in this same direction for years. Our focus on “Solutions Distribution”, our extensive offerings around “SolutionsPath” and meeting unique industry needs are all based on the recognition of the demand and value for complete solutions.  Another example of that is Avnet’s building and distributing IBM’s Netezza appliance as an integrated solution around the world.

With this in mind, I’d like to share some insights about our latest announcement, the acquisition and innovation of Ascendant Technology to expand our capabilities on behalf of our IBM business partners.

Avnet’s acquisition of Ascendant Technology supports our vision of solutions distribution that provides high business value and accelerates the success of IBM and our IBM business partners. We will grow Avnet’s entire IBM portfolio faster than the market.

• The acquisition of Ascendant Technology expands Avnet’s software and services capabilities that will accelerate IBM’s software sales globally.
• Avnet’s service team will be able to deliver software and services in partnership with the IBM business partner channel.
• Our route to market is through the IBM business partner channel.
• With this acquisition, Avnet is in a unique position to integrate the sales engagement model between IBM’s Software Group (SWG) and Systems Technology Group (STG). The result will be incremental workloads driving IBM hardware, software and services sales.
• Avnet’s strategy is to expand its solution distribution capabilities organically and through acquisition to drive faster growth and higher profit opportunities for our IBM business partners.

With the acquisition of Ascendant Technology, Avnet is in a unique position to drive IBM’s 2015 roadmap:

• Data Analytics:  Avnet will extend the success of “Destination: Analytics” (Cognos initiative) by addressing the information lifecycle with master data management, data warehousing and governance.
• Cloud:  Avnet is positioned to deliver total solutions on-premise, and expand its capability to drive IBM’s SmartCloud solutions.
• Growth Markets:  Avnet will leverage best practices in software and services globally.
• Smarter Planet:  Avnet will scale IBM’s Smarter Planet offerings to a greater number of its IBM business partners.  (Smarter Cities – Intelligent Operations Center)

The ability to bring specialized services to our trusted IBM business partners is critical to help deliver a total end to end solution. Building a new practice or expanding a practice requires significant investments in hardware, software and services skills. These investments have traditionally been 100 percent in advance and 100 percent on our partners. Now, Avnet can provide a bridge across the chasm for you. We can bring hardware, software and services resources to you to expand your opportunities and determine where to invest.  We can enable while you earn — by decreasing risk and improving time to revenue.

For our IBM business partner who have already made investments, we offer the opportunity to expand your offerings, access our service resource to improve your utilization, Avnet accessing your service resources, opportunity to sell our pre-built assets, lead generation, marketing  and of course Teaming to improve your margins by maximizing IBM’s incentive programs.

We have received very positive feedback from many of our partners. What do you think? What services and assets would you most like to see Avnet bring to market to help drive your business growth?  I look forward to shaping a “Smarter Channel” for our partners’ benefit and welcome your input.

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PureSystems

On Wednesday, IBM made a pretty significant announcement to the market regarding their new integrated platform “PureSystems” .  What makes this announcement pretty unique is IBM took the totality of its hardware, software and services across all the silos and brands to bring forth this amazing technology.

It’s been documented that 70% of a company’s IT spend is in the maintenance of their systems, leaving many innovated and competitive advantages as hopes and dreams.  PureSystems can be integrated into any environment, with other vendors products, as a Cloud offering or bundled with IBM software this is focused on solving key customer business problems that unlocks that competitive advantage for them.

I mentioned in a recent blog how we are amidst an IT revolution and the planet is becoming “Smarter”.  Most of us have smart phones and tablets but with IBM’s introduction of their Next Era of Computing, corporate America just got “Smarter”.  PureSystems is the world’s first family of systems with integrated expertise designed to change the customer experience by allowing customers to consolidate and virtualize all their business applications and workloads onto a single platform.

PureSystems brings together the best of everything IBM has to offer into a truly cross platform solution.  IBM’s innovation continues to push the boundaries of computing.  Innovation itself continues to be a key driver in the growth of a company, an industry and in IBM’s case, eventually the planet.  I consider myself very fortunate to have a front row seat to the innovation around us and to work at Avnet which is preparing, supporting and enabling our channel with Avnet’s Launch Central.

The beauty of PureSystems is our partners can now implement solutions faster than ever. They can continue their journey with their customers as a “trusted advisory” that can provide infrastructure solutions, but also to business solutions for the lines of business.  This creates more value for our partners with their customers.  To support the line of business solutions, IBM has announced over 30 solutions that can be bundled with PureSystems.  To make it even sweeter, IBM announced Solution Accelerator Incentive, which rewards our partners for selling or teaming with other partners to sell PureSystems and IBM software.  With the recent acquisition of Ascendant Technology, Avnet can support the channel with service resources our partners can leverage to implement the business solution and increase the time to value for their customers.

PureSystems is not a game-changer for IBM, it is a game-changer for every business looking to ease the complexities that come with managing IT systems, applications and resources.  IBM’s continued innovation creates a SmarterPlanet and paves the way for their partners’ to grow their business smarter and faster.  Our partners can enhance their value by offering integrated solutions, expanding their capabilities, providing a greater solution set and most importantly increasing their customers time to value (ROI) while expanding their “Trusted Advisory” status.

I’m Fred and I am an IBM Business Partner building a Smarter Channel and a Smarter Planet.

Posted under General

I have been speaking about age a bit lately given an upcoming birthday.  I remember as a boy being excited to go to my grandma’s house to watch her color TV.  Fast forward 55 years and you can watch color TV in HDTV on your phone.  Technology has continued to advance at a rapid rate and there is an IT Revolution happening all around us as everything on our planet is getting “Smarter”.

Our guest speaker to give us a hint of the future is IBM’s, Lesley Norris, Vice President of IBM Global Business Partners.  Leslie shares her view from a company who is committed to making a Smarter Planet.

Lesley Norris, Vice President of IBM Global Business Partners

“Many of us believe technology solely exists to make our lives easier and, ultimately, better.   But we often struggle to make technology work for us, leading us to deem it more of a hassle than it’s worth.

Despite this opinion, there’s no denying the benefits of technology and its potential to change our lives.   Take the smartphone, for example.  It’s not just a phone but a tool by which we live our lives.  It’s a phone, calendar, mp3 player, camera, video camera, entertainment center and web browser – all in one device.   It’s fast, easy and, best of all, intuitive.  Smartphones and tablets are proliferating at a speed we’ve never seen before.  Why? It’s because Americans want technology that is both simple and seamless.

So why should the expectations be any different for enterprise IT? Each year, billions of dollars are spent on technology – with 70% of cost spent on simply trying to make technology work.  We are facing tremendous costs just to keep the lights on and the network afloat.

What if we could transform enterprise IT to create a workplace where technology is no longer a hindrance, but an enabler? What if technology could actually make our businesses run faster, smoother, and smarter – not just keep the lights on?

Though it may seem like a pipe dream, the future is closer than we think.  There’s no single solution to magically solve our technology woes, but it may not be far-fetched to dream of a workplace full of smarter systems; systems with the power and intelligence to do far more than “just work.”  Systems that could detect when a problem arises and automatically make changes before it breaks down.  Systems that could be trained to optimize themselves.

We’re living in an era where anything is possible. As we begin this new era of computing, technology will once again prove its ability to transform the enterprise.  It’s no longer a matter of if – but rather, when.”

Thank you Leslie for sharing your story with us and the opportunities for a simplified Enterprise IT environment.  Companies and customers want to run their companies in the most efficient, effective and productive environment to innovate in their markets, serve their customers and create a competitive advantage.  To be successful the focus has to be on easily accessing intelligent data that is converted to information that provides insights that create actionable outcomes.

Now, if I were a betting man, I believe IBM is in a position to create this environment that Leslie has shared with us.  I read where in 2010, IBM continues to invest in R&D and broke its own record for patents with 5,896.  That is a demonstration of the commitment to creating new technologies and serving clients.  It illustrates that creating a “Smarter Planet” is more than a slogan and that the future is closer than we all think.

ly oriented versus

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I was reminded that this month, I will celebrate a double nickel.  I must say that I can’t believe it and yet when I look in the mirror there is no escaping it.  As I look back over the last 55 years, I know that I am blessed to be here.

The Family

A family man with a wonderful wife, 5 great kids, 4 grandchildren and of course two and half dogs.  A man who pursues, physical, mental and spiritual challenges for the betterment of myself and all of those around me.  Always pushing myself and others to the next level, to create the future not just live in the present.

I have had the good fortune of staring death in the face and blessed to overcome being run over by a car, lost in the mountains, foolishly scaling 6 stories down a cement hose and surviving 12 surgeries.

I have had the pleasure of a great career, starting at the very bottom of the work force sweeping floors to leading a multibillion dollar business.  I had the chance to go to college, thanks to IBM and even get my masters, thanks to Avnet.

Yes, I have been blessed from above and by my family, friends and those I serve in the workplace.  It reminds me of a day on December 1, 2005 when I wrote this down.

“Live everyday with a purpose.  To love your family and help someone in need.  Make a small difference in peoples’ lives.  Forgive yourself for past sins.  Know that you are striving to change and make a difference in your life and others.  Put your ego aside, don’t let your pride get in the way.  Don’t be depressed for your blessings are many.  Make it a point to be happy and thankful and try to bring joy to all you come into contact with.  Happiness is a choice you can make every minute of every day.”

Reflection is a wonderful thing to do from time to time.  It allows you the chance to remember where you came from and how far you have come.  Today may be April Fools’ Day or to some All Fool’s Day, but the only fool is one who forgets to reflect and say thanks for all they have, have become and have to look forward to.

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The Journey takes a detour over to Africa where Kayla and Kelly will spend 6 weeks volunteering in medical clinics and hospitals.  Here is a story about their first encounters to a new frontier for them.  We hope the experience will benefit them for a lifetime.

“Hey Mom and Dad

I didn’t think I would have been able to make it to the internet cafe for awhile but it turns out all the volunteers go together at least two times a week. Ghana is absolutely AMAZING! I love it so much already minus the heat…there is not a time I am not dripping in sweat except for right now because the internet cafe has AC or when its pouring down raining.

Kelly & Kayla Africa bound

So the thing that shocked me the most when I was looking out the window when we landed was that they have actual paved roads and a ton of cars…I totally thought they would all be reddish orange dirt roads. We got off the plane and had to get on buses to take us to the arrival area at the Accra airport and what do you know Kayla and I were the only ones wearing shorts…I was thinking perfect we are already dressed inappropriately and we just got here.

So the first thing we had to do was go through the immigration check where they check your visa and stamp it, take a photo of you, and get your fingerprints. I was in and out in 2 mins but Kayla took about 10 mins and had to call me over for help because the guy was saying she was only allowed to stay in Ghana for 30 days. Once I should him mine he said fine and stamped hers. After we got our four 50lb bags we had to go through a bag inspection. Once again I was in and out in 2 min…she only asked me what I had in my suitcases but for Kayla they made her open both of her bags. It most be something about blonde women that draws suspicion. Oh and they also tried to accuse her of smuggling something in her teddy bear! Haha! Girl could not catch a break.

From there we met Nyame, the guy who picks up all the volunteers at the airport. He was super friendly and funny and gave us our Ghanaian names which are based on the day of the week you are born. I was born on Monday so my name is Adwoa which is pronounced A-JEW-WA. From the airport we drove the two and a half hours to Koforidua. It was only supposed to take 2 hours but our taxi driver got lost and the car broke down…they did say transportation would be unreliable. Oh and its really true that everyone here can carry stuff on their heads while they walk…they told me they would teach me to do that before I left! But the people line the streets carrying everything from water packets to fruits to toilet paper to popcorn to eggs on their heads and then people in the cars signal to them that they want something and they go chasing after the cars…it’s really funny to watch and they never drop anything.

When we got to Koforidua we meet our regional coordinator Mickey who is young and really awesome. He went over a few things with us and then took us to meet our host family. Our host mom is Miriam who is a principal of two schools in the town and works in the church. She has a 9 year old son Clarence who is adorable and I taught him and his friend about American football because when I said it they thought I meant soccer. She also lives with her sister Barbra and her niece who is really nice and speaks perfect English because she is from the states as well. There are three other young girls who live there too and she calls them adopted daughters but basically they cook and clean the house. It’s really weird because they don’t ever eat any meals with us…sometimes Clarence does but they said it’s something about respecting us.

Putting up the hanging mosquito nets was such a hassle. Kayla had hooks with string hanging above her bed but I didn’t so one of the girls (Esther) got super creative and put hangers together to hook mine to my sisters and to the curtains next to my bed…I will have to show you pictures. It looks ridiculous. The only problem is that is blocks the fan from working so being in the room is unbearable. Kayla had her first encounter with a cockroach in her closet and made the 13 year old girl kill it…she didn’t scream which was awesome!

The house is super nice…they have three nice cars, it’s a two story house, we have our own queen beds, and our own toilet and shower…however the shower is basically  a tub with a shower head that you hold in your hands and it sprays water everywhere. So basically what you do is stand up and put soap and shampoo on you and then crouch down to your knees and try to get it all off without getting it everywhere.

Yesterday the power went out so we were in total darkness and got to use the flashlights and headlamps dad bought us..thank god we didn’t listen to you, mom when you made fun of him and told him we were not going on a camping trip because that shit came in handy. I had to hold a flashlight so Kayla could shower last night and she had to use a pail of water since we didn’t have any running water. When that happens you also have to fill the tank of the toilet from a bucket every time you use the bathroom.

Today we decided we wanted to go to church with our host family. We had to get up at 545 am and mass started at 730 and ended at 1130 but it was so much fun. Basically it starts with a bunch of singing and dancing and clapping and people are shouting and crying…there is no way you could ever fall asleep or even talk to anyone during this mass. Then you sit and the reverend gets up there and starts preaching and people shout out or raise their hands when they agree with him about something very strongly. Oh and everyone takes notes while he preaches. Then there is more singing and dancing and then when it was over they had all the people whose first time it was stand up and they gave us a blessing and we got to shake his hand and they had a special reception for us.  Also they don’t do communion or anything like that.

We finally meet our other roommate Jamilla who is from Holland and has been here for a month. So basically we are going to stick with her. She worked in the orphanage first but is now changing to medicine so it will be all three of our first days tomorrow morning at 830am! On Wednesdays they have quiz nights where all the volunteers get together and hang out and plan their weekend trips together and they leave for the trips on Friday morning and come back Sunday afternoon. I want to go to Cape Coast which is where they had the slave trade and you can walk through the rainforest and go to the beach and eat at restaurants with crocodiles all around you.  Then in Ho they have the Atome National Park where you get to feed monkeys and they jump all over you and then the thing I want to do the most is go to Mole National Park where you get to hang with the elephants and go on a safari…I can’t go to Africa and not go on a safari. Only problem about that is its in the north and a 16 hour drive or 1 hour flight but we don’t know how expensive it is…Jamilla was looking into doing that so if it’s pretty cheap I would really like to do that.

They also have a ton of markets where you can buy beads and wood carvings and fabrics and they will make a traditional dress for you.  Oh and they eat fried chicken with every single meal (Kayla is struggling..) and a ton of rice…basically everything here is fried but they do have the best pineapple. Kayla told our host mom she didn’t like chicken so for dinner today we had fish which was really good.

So far I haven’t gotten sick but I am sure that is not going to last. Oh and the most interesting thing happened the other day…we were sitting out on the porch and its started pouring but the sun was still out and then it started hailing. Barbra and two of the little girls ran out and started catching the ice…we thought they were just doing it for fun but they were actually picking it off the floor and eating it… I guess it’s because they don’t have any ice so it’s like a delicacy. Oh and everything here is super cheap. We exchanged 100 dollars and got back 168 cedis. There might be a ton of typos in this message but I do not have the energy to read through this long ass message and check so try not to be to critical.

I love you and miss you both so very very much!

Kelly and Kayla”

We are very glad they made it there.  Now we hope they learn the customs and the ways, so they can blend into their new environment and help the people they have gone to serve.  Ladies be smart, safe and come back home wiser.

Posted under General