The Future As Seen By Me In 2010

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Well looky here, things one has scanned in eh. (ignore the photo, that's some guy that made some accounting software, not sure what became of him ;) MIKE RIVERSDALE is fuming. The expensive headphones he bought in Sydney three weeks ago have just died. His first reaction is not to randomly spill expletives into his coffee, but to use his iPhone to vent his frustration to his Twitter con- tacts, under the moniker Miramar Mike. "I will also put, 'What should I do?' It's a conversation. I'm reaching out to the people following me." The council predicts hand-held digital devices such as smartphones will rule the world in 2040. They already rule the life of Mr Riversdale, whose company WaveAdept helps businesses adapt - their computing sys- tems to allow staff to work from anywhere - and with anyone. In order of fre- equency, he uses his iPhone to tweet (1136 followers; 8363 tweets since joining), e-mail, make phone calls and use online services, such as checki
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Open Letter To All New Zealand Google Apps Resellers

By /
Have recently sent the following to all NZ-based Google Apps resellers.

In the spirit of openess AND knowing the current list probably doesn't cover everyone:
SUBJECT: NZ Google Apps eco-system wants you

You're a Google Apps re-seller and I work for one (WaveAdept based here in Wellington)

This would normally mean in the NZ IT/tech industry we should only ever see each other over the fence of competing RFPs
However, I believe Google Apps users within NZ are suffering from a lack of local support, information and "mates to call upon".
There are also myths galore ("What if NZ loses its one Internet cable to the world"), misrepresentation ("Google Apps is just not allowed within the NZ Government agencies) and plain old "who knew that?!" ("Wow, I didn't know Google was more than search!?")

Whilst Google can provide a swag of information it is up to us, the local representatives, to mould this collateral to suit our particular audience.
Unfortunately I don't think New Zealand resellers (big or small) are doing this particularly well, hence the ongoing issues/views people have of Google Apps.


Yeah, so what are we doing about it?
One small step to help address this was to create two (free & independent) online groups aimed, primarily, at NZ Google App re-sellers such as yourself but also existing and new users:
(there's also an associated Twitter List if that floats your boat, ask and you shall be added :-)


What was the point in that?
Whilst I believe the market here in NZ will be big enough for all, the market is currently small and stifled in its growth (see above).

This doesn't take away the great work all re-sellers are trying to do, we just need a period of focussing some of the "base" education and knowledge.


Why should I ("what's in it for me")?
Well, if grasping at every opportunity and making them your own is the approach then probably you'll see nothing in it for you.
However, if we can't serve the current NZ-based Google Apps community I question how on earth we can grow the market to the benefit of us all!

And other vendors are going to have a far more concerted approach come the new year (think Microsoft rallying it's already present eco-system and you understand the challenge).

To answer the question: because it will help grow the market.


But isn't that Google's job
Yes, ultimately a local Google Apps presence from Google will need to be more permanent, vocal and sustained.
However, are you willing to wait until NZ is big enough to make a blip in the Googleplex - no, neither am I.

And don't forget that these online groups have already had some official Google input.
The more active, engaged and connected they are the more active and engaged will be Google.


But isn't this just a WaveAdept self-promotion gig?
I work for WaveAdept but this is not a WaveAdept run initiative.
But hey, let's be honest WaveAdept are already up and running in the groups and will gain as much commercial benefit from growing the Google Apps market as you and all the other vendors.

In order to alleviate any perceived benefit of my workplace I will, a) never use my WaveAdept detailss; b) share ownership of the groups with someone else ... you?

I'm also posting this email (without your name, of course) on my MiramarMike.co.nz blog as an open letter to all to join and share the facilitation/ownership.


OK, now what?
Sign-up:
And then be as brave as you care sharing the problems, solving the issues and asking the big questions.
You will have full edit rights to the groups and be able to invite whoever you want.


And finally from a purely commercial stance, we're always looking to extend our re-seller partnerships throughout NZ, Dave at WaveAdept is the person to talk with (gotta keep myself outta all that :-)

Cheers, Mike Riversdale

tel: +64 (0)21-169 1359
Skype: mike.riversdale
email: mike.riversdale@miramarmike.co.nz
web: http://www.miramarmike.co.nz
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MiramarMike.co.nz - Connecting people to people via information

Comments

  1. Anonymous3 November 2009 at 15:56

    When is the next national Google Apps unconference (in Welly)? I'll help organise it if others are keen.

    Can invite people in our networks to come and see what the fuss is about. If those people then go an brag to their boss about Gapps then the word can spread. Also great chance to engage the Fortune 5,000,000 as 37signals calls them - the SMEs, or 3-5 person shops/consultancies.

    What say ye?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Simon - Serendipity IT Ltd3 November 2009 at 20:26

    Both professionally and personally I use a heap of Google products - I say thank you for attempting to bring Google Apps resellers together, it can only help the pool of potential customers for you. I agree that the NZ market is large enough for everyone - if they know what is available. I use AdWords, Blogger, AdSense, Analytics, gmail, docs, calendar, Android and a few other things but Google Apps is something we have yet to look into - we're not doing that currently as we don't know why we would move from gmail, docs and calendar to Google Apps (or have we effectively done it)?

    Good luck!!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Mike Riversdale13 November 2009 at 08:48

    @blair - Hmm, a whole unconference on Google Apps - do we think we'd get enough people, conversations? Great idea though ... what do people think?

    @Simon Thanks for the encouragement.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Mike Riversdale16 November 2009 at 15:44

    Google Apps barcamp/unconference - let's do it!

    ReplyDelete

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