Some great and interesting insights here. Especially around the fact that Microsoft is ham strung by existing users who don’t want things to change. Couldn’t agree more.
Amazon Workspaces
Now that we have services like Office 365 and Google Apps the only thing that is left is virtual desktops and it seems like it has commercially arrived with Amazon WorkSpaces.
As the site says:
Amazon WorkSpaces is a fully managed desktop computing service in the cloud. Amazon WorkSpaces allows customers to easily provision cloud-based desktops that allow end-users to access the documents, applications and resources they need with the device of their choice, including laptops, iPad, Kindle Fire, or Android tablets. With a few clicks in the AWS Management Console, customers can provision a high-quality desktop experience for any number of users at a cost that is highly competitive with traditional desktops and half the cost of most virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) solutions.
This means you’ll be able to get a standard Windows desktop that will be locked down and controlled no matter where it is accessed from. You’ll now get the same experience on a desktop, mobile device or where you have Internet access. How much easier is it going to be able to support a totally controlled desktop environment all the in the cloud? More importantly, since this is going to be a per user per month arrangement like other cloud services what does that mean for a traditional IT reseller?
How easy will be it be to walk into a prospect and be able to provide them with a consistent, controlled desktop environment across every device without them having to upgrade anything? I reckon that is going to sound pretty enticing from a customers point of view. How are traditional resellers, who only sell on premise upgrades going to fair? Simple, they aren’t.
It may be early days for this concept of virtual desktops but I have a feeling that both Microsoft (especially) and maybe Google will do something similar. If you are an IT reseller of traditional on premise stuff, your opportunity to sell servers is fast disappearing with things like Office 365 and now the same is happening with desktops.
As much as that is a threat to some, to others it is a MASSIVE opportunity because it gives them something they have always wanted, full control and management of d a desktop environment from anywhere. How much better service could you provide a customer with this virtual desktop environment? How much better could you manage it? The mind boggles.
Virtual desktops is simply the next step in the change we see with cloud computing. Are you on board with this? If not, the train is pulling away from the station in my books.
Office Web Apps improvements
You have always been able to work on documents simultaneously in Office Web Apps and Word on the desktop with SharePoint Online in Office 365, the only difference was that it would do a paragraph lock. This differed from the Google Docs approach which showed you real time editing of everyone. Basically you could follow every change they made to a document. Microsoft’s research indicated that was distracting to authors (and it is for me I know) so that is why they initially did it the way they did.
However, it seems that having the ability to see people individually editing every item in a document has won out, so Microsoft has now updated it’s Office Web Apps in SkyDrive and Office 365 to include this feature. You’ll get a better idea of what it looks like in this video:
This now makes the Office 365 editing experience more like that in Google Docs and removes a perceived difference between the products (and to be honest what appeared like a limitation in Office 365 even though it wasn’t). That is great news for Office 365 and makes the sell to customers who want a Google Apps like web editing experience much easier.
It will be interesting to see what Google does about this as puts the ball back in their court to come up with another differentiator. In fact, I think it puts the pressure squarely on them to come up with something as rich as what Office Web Apps is. Google Apps is looking pretty basic compared to Office Web Apps these days I reckon.
Microsoft Volume Licensing video
One of the toughest things to get your head around is Microsoft Volume licensing, so anything that assists that is a big benefit.
Well here is a nice short video that hits all the major and is a damm sight easier than reading a web page.
It helped me and I hope it helps you.
Cloud Business Podcast available on iTunes
I am very happy to announce that the Cloud Business Podcast featuring Nigel Moore and myself is now available for listening via iTunes. You’ll find it at:
https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/cloud-business-podcast-opportunity/id742109989
Here’s the description:
If you are a global IT entrepreneur looking to profit from the opportunity offered by the cloud, join us each episode to learn more about how products like Office 365, Google Apps, and other cloud services can boost your IT services business and grow your bottom line. Unlike other programs, this one covers both technical and business topics as well as the feedback and experiences from a community of members devoted to helping each other move their business to new levels. The show will take you from simply reselling products to creating successful offerings that customer want. It will show you how to position your business to move beyond the traditional services model and best of all it will inspire you with stories of those who are already succeeding in this new world of IT. Our aim is to show you how to progress from the basics of business to effectively utilizing all the tools that the online world has to offer all with the aim of generating you more profit and helping grow your business. If you want to learn how to compete more effectively in the new paradigm of the cloud, if you want to learn the secrets of business success in the online world, if you are looking to benefit from the experience and support of others, if you want to learn from the best in the business and most importantly, if you are looking to be inspired to take your business to new levels then this is the podcast for you.
We’d really love you to subscribe and most importantly to leave comments and feedback in iTunes so that we can improve the shows rankings and get it out to a wider audience.
Of course we always welcome your direct feedback, good and bad, to info@cloudbusinessblueprint.com.
Enjoy the first episode and subscribe for upcoming episodes.
Cloud Business Blueprint is launched
The 11th of November also marks the launch of Cloud Business Blueprint. The website, blog and podcast are now LIVE! We’d love for you to go and check it out at :
http://www.cloudbusinessblueprint.com/
We’d also love to hear any feedback which you can send to info@cloudbusinessblueprint.com. We read and answer all emails personally.
In appreciation for those that registered early we are going to start sending you one of our first courses – an 8 part series titled “Profit Training Tips for Cloud Business” as a small way of saying thank you for you ongoing support.
If you missed early registration you can still register directly on the site and receive the same 8 part series now.
Everyone who registers will soon receive details on how to sign up for our private members only section. This is where you’ll gain access to things like our private discussions forums (already operational), as well as all of the additional content we are producing (sample document templates, training guides and more).
In the meantime make sure you add our new “Cloud Business Podcast” to your favourite player as well as our blog.
We’re really looking forward to having people come on board as members to take advantage of everything we are working on.
More Cloud Business Blueprint sneak previews
Although it won’t officially go live until tomorrow I thought I’d share with you some more details on the upcoming launch of my new venture.
Here’s the info video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYVtJbmdQh4
and some About Us info:
Cloud Business Blueprint provides products and services to overcome confusion for technology providers about how they can benefit from the billion-dollar opportunity from cloud computing and increase revenue for their business.
Services
We provide updated industry information all in one location. Some of these products and services include:
– Access to video training
– Guides
– Checklists
– Sample templates
– Exam preparation guides to train you and your team
– Templated proposals and agreements
– Technical whitepapers on products such as Office 365 and Google Apps
Unlike other offerings, our covers the full range of topics, from business to technical, nowhere else will you find it all in one location like this. We’ll show you how to position your business to move beyond the traditional services model and best of all you’ll be inspired by others already succeeding in this new world of IT.
Private members forum
Cloud Business Blueprint also provides a managed private members forum to get all your questions answered by cloud industry leaders as well as experiences and feedback from other business owners from all around the world all devoted to helping each other move their business to new levels.
Remember that you have until 11:11 tomorrow to register your interest to take advantage of our once only, heavily discounted, foundation membership. Visit:
http://www.cloudbusinessblueprint.com
and register you no obligation interest today.
More exciting news on Cloud Business Blueprint tomorrow!
Cloud Business Blueprint goes live Monday!
My business partner, Nigel Moore, and I are gearing up for the launch of Cloud Business Blueprint this Monday the 11th of November. Here’s a quick overview from Nigel about what will be on offer:
After the launch on Monday we’ll then be working flat out putting the finishing touches on our private members section ready for those who are interested in coming on board. We’ve seen the industry crying out for help in how to make money with the cloud and so we’re building a private members only community where you can access training videos, eBooks, business templates, peer discussions and much more to help you grow your cloud business.
Remember, if you want to have the opportunity to come on board at heavily discounted founders rates you need to register your internet at:
www.cloudbusinessblueprint.com
before 11am on Monday the 11th of November 2013.
One of the big differences withe Cloud Business Blueprint is that it is going to provide both technical and business information and support. It is not only going to help you understand what online services do but also how to create successful offerings that customers want. Mots importantly it will show you how to position your business to move beyond the traditional services model and inspire you with stories of those who are already succeeding in this new world of IT.
Our aim is to show you how to progress from the basics of business to effectively utilizing all the tools that the online world has to offer all with the aim of generating you more profit and helping grow your business. If you want to learn how to compete more effectively in the new paradigm of the cloud, if you want to learn the secrets of business success in the online world, if you are looking to benefit from the experience and support of others, if you want to learn from the best in the business and most importantly, if you are looking to be inspired to take your business to new levels then this is the program for you.
Remember to register your interest at www.cloudbusinessblueprint.com before Monday and stay tuned for the launch of our services after that.
CIAOPS 