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.

Cloud Business Podcast available on iTunes

The Cloud Business Podcast - Opportunity in the Cloud is only a Click Away with Robert Crane and Nigel Moore

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.