Channel-Lands Dial Up Windows Phone 7

Channel-Lands started last week with the Microsoft’s release of Windows Phone 7, because the world needs another mobile operating system. But that was just the beginning of a busy week, which saw the McAfee partner conference, FalconStor’s new CEO promising changes and rumors of Oracle contemplating a mega-acquisition. 

Windows Phone 7 Launched, Finally

Microsoft’s much-anticipated launch of Windows Phone 7 finally came this past week. Microsoft has much riding on the successor to Windows Mobile 6.5 and CE. Its previous versions were panned by consumers and business users alike, and rivals Apple and Google are enjoying skyrocketing sales and market shares.

So far, the early reviews of the new mobile platform are good. Many testers and casual users say the performance of the operating system has a unique interface, strong features and better performance than Microsoft’s previous entries in this category.

The question remains whether WP7 is the killer app Microsoft needs in the mobile world. Verizon is virtually bypassing the launch by only fielding one phone with the operating system. Instead, it’s aligning with Apple for the launch of a CDMA version of the iPhone and will start reselling the iPad in time for the holidays. And nothing seems to be stopping Android – not only is it the fastest growing mobile OS, but its business is approaching $1 billion, according to Channel Insider.

What Microsoft is being quiet about is the future of Windows Mobile Embedded 6.5 and Windows Handheld Embedded 7 (due out in fall 2011). These are the enterprise successors to Windows Mobile and CE, and represent the future of professional-grade, hardened mobile devices such as those handhelds carried by Fedex guys. In some ways, the future of these platforms is more important to Microsoft than that of WP7.

McAfee’s Future Under Intel Question

On the heels of the annual McAfee Focus conference, CRN published a scathing forecast of the future of the security vendor under Intel ownership.  In the article, CRN questions what will happen to the McAfee brand, products and channel program once the chipmaker takes over and starts directing development of silicon-level security.

Let’s start by saying McAfee isn’t perfect when it comes to its channel program. In fact, it’s lack of consistency has hurt it over the years. That said, it has come a long way in the last year in building the structures and policies to enable channel success. Under the direction of Americas channel chief Fernando Quintero and global channel chief Alex Thurber, McAfee has restored more than just a channel program, but instilled the need for consistency in channel execution. McAfee even has given Thurber the dual role of developing and executing an SMB strategy – again, something sorely lacking.

Is McAfee at risk of evaporating? Will Intel obliterate the McAfee brand, products and channel? Despite the fear, uncertainty and doubt expressed by the CRN account, it’s highly unlikely Intel will allow it to happen. At Focus, McAfee and Intel executives went out of their way to express how McAfee will continue to operate as a wholly owned subsidiary. McAfee plans to announce new products that align with the Intel strategy shortly after the acquisition closes. The two companies have been working in joint development for more than 18 months.

Will all of this wash out in partners’ favor? CRN doesn’t seem to think so, but McAfee is confident things will play out in their favor and their partners’ favor.

FalconStor CEO Promises Change

Channel-Lands is ignoring the on-going drama between Oracle-HP in the never-ending saga in the executive suites and boardrooms. Instead, we’re switching our attention to FalconStor, the comparatively smaller storage vendor who had its CEO and founder ReiJane Huai resigned after disclosing improper payments to a customer.

As reported by TechTarget’s Search IT Channel, interim CEO Jim McNiel is promising not just changes in ethical behaviors at the company, but also a change in strategy to become more OEM-friendly. McNeil, who is officially the chief strategy officer, is promising to continue on as the company’s chief and transform it into a provider of open-source storage software suitable for any hardware platform.

Motorola Expands PartnerEmpower

Motorola is continuing to reshape and enhance its PartnerEmpower program by adding two new tracks – mobile and radio solutions. The Motorola Enterprise Mobility Solutions channel program is one to watch given the significant changes it’s developing. PartnerEmpower was unveiled earlier this year as a means for unifying the radio, embedded computing and enterprise networking units. In an interview with VSR Magazine, Mike deVente, North American vice president of channels at Motorola, laid out the necessity for these new tracks and how they’ll benefit partners. Motorola is a company in transition, and the continued evolution of PartnerEmpower is a reflection of the changing nature of the channel itself. Motorola’s progress and how partners benefit is something all should watch and learn from.

Oracle Looking to Buy EMC

OK, it’s just a rumor, but it’s one that Wall Street reacted to positively last week – Oracle buying EMC and gaining VMware in the process.

So, here’s the deal: Oracle is rumored to be interested in acquiring storage giant EMC. Oracle reportedly wants to reach $100 billion in revenue – a significant increase from its current $26 billion to $30 billion annual revenue. EMC has revenues of $15 billion and its subsidiary VMware is reporting revenue of $2.4 billion. Buying EMC would give Oracle 80 percent interest in VMware and control of the largest storage hardware vendor.

But can Oracle buy a company that is only slightly smaller? Oracle’s market cap is $145 billion. EMC’s market cap is $45 billion. And VMware’s market cap is around $15 billion. While it’s a stretch on the balance sheets, the deal isn’t beyond the realm of possibility. Some are even speculating that Oracle could buy EMC to get its hands on VMware, and then jettison EMC in an IPO.

EMC has been trying to transform itself through new products and acquisitions into a network management and configuration systems vendor. In the process, it’s making itself a prime target for larger vendors. Stay tuned and keep your broker on speed dial.

Well, that’s all the week’s news from Channel-Lands where all the technology works, all the deals are profitable and all of the companies are above average. If you want to follow me on Facebook or Twitter, feel free to connect. Share your suggestions and news with me at lmwalsh@the2112group.com.