IT Strategic Consulting Services

Springtime has made only a tenuous appearance in the Boston area, as has any clear indication that we are heading out of the woods when it comes to the worldwide economic crisis.

Yet, the economic crisis continues to be a major driver in the accelerating growth of the Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), managed services and cloud computing markets. Organizations of all sizes, across nearly every industry, are looking to 'out-task' various hardware and software deployment and management burdens so they can better respond to rapidly changing operating requirements.

Whether it is to reduce the risks and costs associated with traditional systems and legacy software, or to better serve a more dispersed customer base and mobile workforce, THINKstrategies is seeing growing interest, adoption and satisfaction with today's expanding array of SaaS solutions, managed services and cloud computing capabilities.

I've been amused by recent articles that suggest that SaaS, cloud computing and managed services 'may be' recession-proof because I stated that this would be the case well over a year ago, in January 2008.

But, the success of this sector of the technology industry has also led to a 'cloud rush' affect, attracting a proliferation of players that will inevitably lead to an industry shakeout.

So, as I meet with and speak to IT/business decision-makers looking for help with their sourcing strategies, IT solutions providers who need help with their marketing strategies, and investors trying to determine which companies deserve their support and how to ensure the success of their current portfolio companies, I advise them to focus on the functionalities that can make the greatest impact on their business operations and ensure long-term financial success.

THINKstrategies' commitment to promoting these business benefits is the primary reason we launched the Best of SaaS Showplace Awards in January, and are beginning to develop a new series of "Working in the Cloud" Industry Round-Up Reports which are discussed below.

As a result of our continued efforts, THINKstrategies' SaaS Showplace was recently called, "the web's best directory of all things SaaS" by Under the Radar.

THINKstrategies' SaaS and Managed Services Showplace sites are now the top-ranked, online directories and best practice resource centers in their respective markets on Google!

Over 11,300 IT/business decision-makers, IT solution providers, technology investors, and business and industry press now subscribe to this newsletter!

This newsletter includes our latest research and perspectives, as well upcoming industry events.

In addition to the hectic activity associated with the rapidly evolving on-demand services market, I'm also participating in the Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) again this year. It's a wonderful fundraising event on behalf of cancer research and treatment which you can learn about below.

Please contact me if you'd like to learn how you can leverage THINKstrategies' consulting and strategic marketing services to take advantage of today's SaaS solutions, cloud computing capabilities and managed services to achieve your business objectives.

Jeff Kaplan

Managing Director

THINKstrategies

Our Perspectives on Cloud Computing

The success of SaaS and continued uncertainty regarding the economy are among the key drivers fueling the rapid growth of cloud computing.

Click here to read THINKstrategies perspective about the evolution of this market in the latest issue of the Cutter Benchmark Review.

Click here to read THINKstrategies' response to the Wall Street Journal's recent questions regarding the real meaning of the cloud computing phenomenom.

Click here to listen and see my recent Cloud Slam '09 presentation about the steps which vendors must take to make cloud computing mainstream.

Click here to read how the growing popularity of cloud computing is creating a new round of debate regarding the development of "private clouds".

Click here to read about the Five P's of selecting a platform to build your cloud or SaaS solutions.

THINKstrategies is also launching a new "Working in the Cloud" Industry Round-Up Report series to help organizations better understand the business benefits of cloud computing. You can learn more about this report series below.

I'm pleased to be chairing IDG World Expo's new CloudWorld conference in San Francisco, August 12-13, where these topics will be discussed in depth.

You can find more of our perspectives on THINKstrategies' blog and website.

Contact us if you'd like to learn about how you can leverage THINKstrategies' unique perspective on today's on-demand services to help you achieve your business objectives.

"Working in the Cloud" Industry Round-Up Reports

As the next step in our ongoing commitment to help corporate decision-makers understand the business implications of the migration of the technology industry from a product-centric to a services-driven business model, and our continous efforts to promote companies that are delivering valuable solutions, THINKstrategies is launching a new series of vendor-sponsored Industry Round-Up Reports, entitled "Working in the Cloud".

The Working in the Cloud - Industry Round-Up Reports will examine key SaaS, Managed Service and Enabling Technology areas that have become the focal points for cloud computing, as well as important industry-specific, vertical market assessments.

Click here to learn more about this new report series, or contact us if you'd like to learn how your company can participate in this education program.

Best of SaaS Showplace Awards Program

THINKstrategies launched its Best of SaaS Showplace (BoSS) Awards program in January to bring attention to SaaS providers, as well as cloud computing companies, which are delivering measurable business benefits to their customers.

We have received an overwhelming response to the program. The award applicants have spanned the globe, offering SaaS/cloud computing solutions across a wide array of application and infrastructure service areas.

Click here to read about the BoSS Award winners to date.

You can also click here to learn more about the BoSS Award program.

Showplace Partners, Whitepapers and Reports

Trigent, who helped THINKstrategies redesign its corporate website and the Showplace sites, has also posted the following whitepapers on the SaaS Showplace,

The Managed Services and SaaS Showplace Best Practice Portals, powered by iCentera, includes additional whitepapers regarding managed services and SaaS industry trends and how-to guides.

Our partner, TripleTree LLC, has also published a new report regarding the middle-market investment outlook, entitled "Acuity 2009".

Click here if you'd like to learn more about Showplace sponsorships and how you can add whitepapers and other materials to the resource centers.

Upcoming Events

I am continuing to present THINKstrategies' perspective regarding SaaS, Cloud Computing and Managed Services at NetworkWorld's IT Roadmap regional conferences and will be in Atlanta June 24. Click here to see the 2009 schedule.

I am also giving a keynote presentation on the state of the SaaS industry in today's tough economic climate at the SoftLetter SaaS University, June 30-July 1, in Chicago, IL. Register no later than Sunday, May 31, and get a $200 Early-Bird Discount, plus an additional $100 off by using THINKstrategies' promo code of THINKSTRATEGIES100.

And, be sure to put CloudWorld on your calendar for August 12-13 in San Francisco, CA.

Contact us if you'd like to learn how you can include THINKstrategies' perspective at your upcoming public or corporate event.

Support the Pan-Mass Challenge

For the third year, I'm cycling 163 miles from Wellesley to Provincetown, MA, as part of the Pan Mass Challenge (PMC) in support of the Dana Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund.

The PMC is the largest athletic fund raiser in the USA, and donates over 99 cents of every dollar raised to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute.

I'm riding this year with Team Kermit, a group of riders who are raising funds for the Jared Branfman Sunflowers For Life Fund For Pediatric Brain And Spinal Cancer Research at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute.

Please consider supporting this important cause and terrific event. If you'd like to sponsor my ride, go to my profile page, and click on the eGifts logo under the fundraising bar on the right side of the page and follow the prompts on the secure online giving page.