COMMENT
Heading into a sustainable future
Sustainability and ESG are key considerations for many businesses, and it provides many opportunities for resellers, but increasingly they must ensure their own operations are sustainable too if they are to take full advantage of them.
The summer is now at an end, and, in the UK, it won’t go down as a classic weather- wise. There were no extreme heatwaves, nor
for Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions is rising among small- and medium-sized businesses. Demand is growing as SMBs seek to become more efficient and flexible to cope with changing customer demands – and resellers
Dan Parton
were there floods – both of which we have seen in recent years – it was just a bit… meh. But around the world, it’s a
should be there to help them. Read more on p20. Of course, security is key
different story and the past 12 months have been the hottest on record globally. There have also been numerous
for SaaS solutions – as it is across the technology used by businesses. As more businesses embrace digitalisation, so the number of devices used
extreme weather events. Experts say it is yet another indication of the impact of climate change. It also highlights how important it is for businesses, regardless of size and sector, to try and become more sustainable in their operations to try and help mitigate the effects of climate change. No longer is being environmentally friendly a ‘nice to have’, for many, it is a ‘need to have’. Indeed, when pitching for contracts, a lack of ESG policies can be the difference between winning the work and not. For instance, cloud service providers are finding that most customers consider ESG and sustainability important when selecting a cloud vendor, with carbon footprint and net zero targets being key factors. There are also increasing pressures from government in terms of legislation and awarding contracts towards sustainability. This means that vendors must not only provide services that help with sustainability but are run on sustainable terms themselves. Read more on p46. While demand for more sustainable cloud solutions is growing, so are various other aspects of the channel. For instance, demand
increases, as does the number of endpoints – and as does the
volume of threats from cybercriminals. Keeping endpoints secure is imperative and there are a range of solutions available, and resellers have an important role to play in ensuring customers get the right solution. Read more on p41. While cyberthreats aren’t going away, neither is the drive for businesses to become more sustainable. The science shows what is happening, so there is that imperative, but businesses and customers are also now more aware and it is influencing their buying decisions. If businesses in the channel recognise this for the opportunities it provides – and there are many – then they will flourish. If they don’t, then they will likely wither in the sun. As ever, I hope you enjoy the issue. If there are any topics you would like to see covered in future issues, please let me know. likewise, if you would like to submit a thought leadership piece, please do – contact me at dan@newsinthechannel.com
See who has made the SHORTLISTS stockies.co.uk
Stockies AWARDS
2024
www.newsinthechannel.co.uk
00 03
Powered by FlippingBook