Monday Morning Impact – November 6

Study: Tech Job Satisfaction on the Rise, but Some Fear Obsolescence

Job satisfaction among IT professionals is increasing, according to a report by CompTIA, a suburban Chicago-based industry association. The report also details a stronger interest in cybersecurity as well as opportunities for more training and networking.

A net 79 percent of IT pros are satisfied with their jobs, according to the report entitled, “Evaluating IT Workforce Needs”. That’s up from 73 percent in 2015.

Meanwhile, 73 percent of the respondents feel their job provides them with a sense of personal accomplishment, while 71 percent believe their job makes good use of their talents.

A majority of the 820 IT professionals surveyed (51 percent) express an interest in working on cybersecurity-related issues, well ahead of other cutting-edge issues such as the Internet of Things (30 percent) and artificial intelligence or machine learning (20 percent).

But on the pessimistic side of the equation, nearly one-quarter of respondents said they are concerned about their skills becoming obsolete.

Among female IT pros, 34 percent say they ended up in an IT role after working in non-IT jobs. This finding aligns with earlier CompTIA research, which found that though boys and girls generally use technology in about equal numbers, girls and young women have less access to information about careers in the technology field.

Among other statistics, 53 percent of respondents would like more training and professional development resources; 48 percent seek more career advancement opportunities and career path guidance; and 61 percent report that involvement in a professional group would benefit their career.

The survey of 820 IT professionals from across the United States was conducted in June 2017.

Channel Impact^®
While it is good to see increasing job satisfaction, fears of obsolescence underscore the need for additional training and career planning skills.

Dell Expands PCaaS Strategy to Enhance Channel Sales

Dell has upgraded its PC as a Service (PCaaS) strategy, simplifying lifecycle management and adding a Services Delivery Manager, flexible financing and new software options for greater security and management.

Dell’s PCaaS solution combines hardware and peripherals, software, lifecycle services including deployment, support, and asset recovery and financing into one all-encompassing solution with a single price per seat, per month. The Round Rock, Texas-based company has also added asset recovery into the standard PCaaS services offer, enabling a simplified return of the old equipment to Dell Financial Services with an option for an on-site data wipe service. New software options have been designed to enhance PCaaS security and simplify deployment.

Dell, in cooperation with VMware, has also introduced zero-touch Windows 10 provisioning by VMware AirWatch service, as well as joint engineering initiatives to integrate VMware Workspace ONE with Dell Client Command Suite to enable enhanced cloud management. These two solutions will provide organizations with a choice in how to simplify and streamline PC management, whether they choose a full-service solution for procuring, deploying and managing PCs, or opt for self-service PC deployment and management.

“With digital and workforce transformation, the way people work is changing,” said John Moody, vice president, Client Solutions Services Product Group at Dell. “To respond to this shift, IT needs a simpler solution to provide end users with the most relevant and secure technology, and manage it throughout the entire PC lifecycle. They need flexibility in how they purchase manage and retire PCs responsibly – with one point of contact throughout – and we deliver that with PCaaS.”

The PCaaS enhancements are currently available for OptiPlex desktops, Latitude laptops and Dell Precision workstations in the United States, Canada and select countries in Europe. It is also available as a resell option through the channel.
Windows 10 Provisioning for AirWatch and Dell Client Command Suite is available worldwide on Dell Latitude, OptiPlex and select XPS PCs, and Dell Precision workstations.

Channel Impact^®
PCaaS can go a long way towards establishing predictable costs, streamlined procurement, simplified lifecycle management, and access to current technology. It can also provide a very viable opportunity for channels while promoting substantial account control.

Extreme Networks Folds Three Partner Programs into One

Extreme Networks has rolled out a unified partner program, combining existing and acquired programs and technologies into a more efficient structure. The move comes in the wake of Extreme’s recent acquisitions of Zebra Technologies’ WLAN business, Avaya Inc.’s networking business and its intent to acquire Brocade Communications Systems’ data center networking business.

“We designed the new unified program in consultation with our partners by equipping them with leading solutions and incentives that make it rewarding to work with Extreme while helping them stay competitive within the market,” said Gordon Mackintosh, Extreme’s Senior Director of Worldwide Partner Program and Sales Business Development. “Under our new unified program, we’re demonstrating our commitment to partner profitability and product innovation by helping our partners grow their businesses and expand their client bases.”

The new program features an updated partner compensation plan, four new specialization programs, and upfront discounts allocated by partner level. The program also accepts existing certifications to ensure investment protection.

An updated partner portal provides a one-stop location for marketing leads, marketing content, vertical industry-based sales content, and deal registration.

Partners will be rewarded for their investments in software, access, campus and data center.

The San Jose-based company is also offering a new invitation-only Black Diamond status, which allows partners to set customized growth goals and incentives.

Channel Impact^®
As the industry consolidates, companies will need to revisit their overall channel strategies and programs in order to ensure desired results, proper training across the broader portfolio, and necessary efficiencies.