Monday Morning Impact – May 29

Canalys: Global Cloud Services Market Forecasts Downturn Despite Q1 Growth

Worldwide cloud infrastructure services spending increased 19% to $66.4 billion in Q1, but customer investments continue to slow in the face of persistent macroeconomic uncertainties, with recent growth falling below 20% for the first time. Enterprises are reducing cloud spend as part of overall cuts to IT budgets, with a clear emphasis on optimizing cloud costs, and improving the efficiency of cloud deployments.

All the cloud hyperscalers were adversely affected, with their growth falling by four percentage points from the previous quarter. Canalys expects global cloud services spending to continue to be slow through the second half of 2023.

According to the market research organization, a customer focus on cloud optimization is fueling interest in observability technologies, FinOps solutions and AI. The purpose is to improve the visibility of usage, drive better utilization and strengthen cloud management. It is also encouraging more businesses to repatriate certain cloud workloads for cost benefits and greater control.

“Enterprises are benefiting from the hybrid cloud model, but moving workloads between on-premises and cloud platforms can be costly for them,” said Canalys VP Alex Smith. “Increased reliance on complex cloud environments may result in challenges when it comes to managing them, but there are supporting technologies that can play a big role in identifying efficiencies and streamlining processes, especially in automating routine tasks and analytics.”

“Cloud service providers are finding ways to add value to their customers by introducing AI components,” said Yi Zhang, Research Analyst at Canalys. “This trend is expected to grow where AI can streamline and enhance workflows within enterprises.”

At the same time, the rapid adoption of new, compute-intensive applications like generative AI is set to create massive global demand for public cloud capacity, which will help the hyperscalers to offset some of the weakness experienced in enterprise spend over the next few quarters, according to the report.

Channel Impact^®
The emphasis on cloud optimization brings opportunities for channel partners to provide professional and managed services in these segments, as customers seek to build, secure, and manage complex hybrid cloud environments.

Capterra Launches Service Provider Marketplace

Capterra, a Virginia-based marketplace connecting software buyers and sellers, has announced the launch of its new service provider marketplace. A complement to its software discovery offering, this new services marketplace is designed to ensure that users can find and evaluate software, as well as identify appropriate partners with whom to work.

According to the company’s recent survey, businesses are primarily using external firms for data intelligence, custom software or web development, and cloud services. Organizations purchasing marketing services spend the most on a single project, while those buying software development and cloud services spend the most over an 18-month period. Purchasers are looking for providers they see as creative (31%) and flexible (31%), and nearly a third (32%) of services purchasers contracted for custom software or web development.

“We’re launching the service provider marketplace on Capterra.com to provide a one-stop-shop for businesses to find the right software and services they need to grow,” says Claire Alexander, Group Vice President, Brand Portfolio and Marketing. “Time is a mission-critical resource for every organization. Our comprehensive catalog, validated reviews, and world-class research helps businesses make the best use of their time, leading to sustained business growth.”

Over 21,000 reviews across 21 different service categories, ranging from marketing agencies to accounting firms, are now available. As with its software marketplace, Capterra’s doors are now open for B2B service providers to list their solutions and tools. The full Capterra marketplace includes more than 100,000 solutions across 900 categories, and offers access to over 2 million verified reviews.

Channel Impact^®
The product/service catalog, validated reviews, and research are intended to help organizations save time, increase productivity, and accelerate growth.

BridgepointeCX Taps Industry Veteran to Lead Channel Strategy

Bridgepointe Technologies, a tech advisory firm for mid-market and enterprise companies, has announced that Jamaal Savwoir has joined the company as Vice President of Channel for BridgepointeCX.

Formerly of Intelisys and 8×8, Savwoir will be responsible for developing and executing the company’s channel strategy, with a focus on driving BridgepointeCX services through strategic partnerships and alliances, as well as expanding the BridgepointeCX reach in the marketplace.

“Jamaal is uniquely qualified to help us expand our reach through the channel partner community,” said Kris Kramer, Managing Director of CX Services at Bridgepointe. “He is driven and passionate about helping everyone win together and is not only a strong leader but has the ability to solve complex CX-related challenges for our partners.”

“I’ve seen the value that BridgepointeCX can deliver to partners and clients first-hand over the past few years,” said Savwoir. “There is a gap between where partners end, and where service providers begin that Bridgepointe CX fills perfectly. I’m here because we provide a service to partners and customers that no one else can. I can’t wait to help our channel partners drive greater value with their CX clients.”

Formerly PPT Solutions, Bridgepointe Technologies boasts a customer list of more than 12,000 companies for its advisory services over the past 20 years. BridgepointeCX is the CX-as-a-Service arm of the company with services that include CX strategy, outsourcing, implementation, and managed services.

Channel Impact^®
With an extensive 20-year history in technology, specifically in Customer Experience, Jamaal brings a deep understanding of the challenges facing CX leaders in today’s rapidly evolving market. He has been recognized for his outstanding leadership and contributions to the industry, including being named to the Channel Futures Circle of Excellence in 2022.