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Cloud4SMB Expo Targets Opportunities, Challenges for SMBs in the Cloud
[January 17, 2013]

Cloud4SMB Expo Targets Opportunities, Challenges for SMBs in the Cloud


TMCnet News
 
Premiere conference January 30-February 1 addresses unique needs of small and medium businesses as they consider cloud-based solutions
NORWALK, Conn. -- Small and mid-size businesses (SMBs) are adopting cloud services at a higher pace than ever, as they look for solutions that help make their organizations more flexible and productive. But challenges remain, among them choosing the right provider, optimizing IT, and training staff, and experts agree that the cloud may not be the right solution for every SMB.


Cloud4SMB Expo, held January 30-February 1, 2013 at the Miami Beach Convention Center in Miami Beach, Florida, tackles these issues and more, providing the first forum for SMBs to understand the breadth of options available to them and help them make smart business decisions when it comes to migrating to the cloud. Cloud4SMB Expo is collocated with ITEXPO Miami, the world's largest and best-attended communications and technology trade show.
In the opening session, at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, January 30, Alon Cohen (News - Alert), executive vice president and CTO of Phone.com, and Russell Jones, director of product management, Mid Market and SMB Solutions for Cisco, will debate "Why SMBs Need the Cloud Now More Than Ever." Moderated by Mark Ricca (News - Alert), partner at Intellicom Analytics, the session discusses the cloud as a cost-effective solution for SMBs to do more with less, and underscores the factors SMBs need to take into consideration when deciding on a move to the cloud.

"SMBs can typically benefit from Cloud offers because they usually lack the resources to efficiently and effectively address the needs of the business," said Ricca. "Cloud offers have the potential to improve time-to-market, service performance, reliability and cost control."
At 11 a.m. on January 30, a session on "Leveling the Playing Field: SMBs Migrating to the Cloud" will discuss the factors involved in choosing a partner to make the transition to cloud-based solutions most effective. Joseph Barnas, Director Channels for dinCloud, Robert Messer (News - Alert), president and CEO of ABP Technology, Inc., Bryan Mobley, Director, Internet Business Solutions Group in Cisco's Service Provider Practice, and Donn Roth, CTO and Co-founder of AppFirst, will discuss the planning required in implementing cloud services, and why a hybrid approach - part cloud, part physical infrastructure - may make sense for many businesses.
"Cloud4SMB Expo is specifically aimed at providing SMBs with the real-world knowledge and information they need to understand whether adopting cloud solutions is the right move for their businesses, and how they can use cloud solutions to compete and succeed," said Rich Tehrani, TMC (News - Alert) CEO and ITEXPO conference chairman. "We look forward to providing this educational experience to our attendees."
The complete Cloud4SMB agenda is now available, and registration is open. Cloud4SMB is supported by Gold Sponsor HP Cloud Services and Silver Sponsor e-Core.
For exhibitor or sponsorship opportunities, contact Nicole Pradella at [email protected] or 203-852-6800 x289.
For media registration, contact Ashley Baster. Follow Cloud4SMB on Twitter (News - Alert) at #cloud4smbexpo.
About TMC:
TMC is a global, integrated media company that helps clients build communities in print, in person and online. TMC publishes multiple magazines including CUSTOMER, INTERNET TELEPHONY, M2M Evolution and Cloud Computing. TMCnet is read by as many as 1.5 million unique visitors each month, and is the leading source of news and articles for the communications and technology industries. TMC is also the producer of ITEXPO, the world's leading B2B communications event, as well as industry events: M2M Evolution; Cloud4SMB Expo; DevCon5; Super Wi-Fi Summit, CVx; Asterisk World; StartupCamp, and more. Visit TMC Events for a complete listing and further information.
Media and Analyst Contact:        
Sue O'Keefe      
Connect2 Communications          
(508) 494-7771   
[email protected]



Edited by Brooke Neuman

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