Cross Channel: IBM IoT lab, Security Skills Shortage And Veeam’s $200M Giveaway

Welcome to Cross Channel, a weekly round up of the most pertinent stories from our sister site ChannelBiz, where you can find out all the latest developments, views and strategies from the world of the channel.

Avnet and IBM open doors to IoT lab

Avnet is teaming with IBM to open a new joint IoT Lab within IBM’s Watson Internet of Things (IoT) HQ in Munich, Germany to develop, build, demonstrate and sell IoT solutions.

Led by its Technology Solutions team, the distributor says it plans to offer IoT technical training and on-the-job learning. Avnet’s team of IoT and analytics experts will also partner with IBM on joint business development opportunities across areas like smart buildings, smart homes, industry, transportation, medical and consumer.

Harriet Green, general manager, IBM Watson IoT, Cognitive Engagement and Education said: “Together we are building a new global IoT innovation ecosystem that will explore how cognitive and IoT technologies will transform industries and our daily lives”

Read the full story

Security skills shortage affecting UK cloud adoption

The UK is lagging when it comes to cloud adoption, with blame being placed on a lack of cybersecurity skills.

UK businesses are the least likely globally to have a cloud-first strategy – cloud is adopted by just 70 percent compared to more than 80 percent across the globe.

Almost half of the firms surveyed by Intel Security report the lack of cybersecurity skills has slowed adoption or usage of cloud services, possibly contributing to the increase in Shadow IT. Another 36 percent report they are experiencing a scarcity but are continuing with their cloud activities regardless. Only 15 percent of those surveyed state they do not have a skills shortage.

Read the full story

Veeam to give away $200 million in cloud backup

Veeam Software is offering up to $200 million worth of free cloud backup to customers through partners via a new programme.

Every customer using Veeam for on-premises backup and recovery is now eligible for up to $1,000 in free cloud backup and Disaster Recovery as a Service (DRaaS) from Veeam and its partners.

The vendor says the new Veeam FREE Cloud Services programme will also benefit resellers expanding into cloud-based services by connecting them with Veeam Cloud & Service Provider (VCSP) partners, helping them establish cloud services businesses.

Read the full story

Try our cloud computing quiz!