4 Key Takeaways from HP Discover 2015

By John Monahan

Our CTG team left Discover 2015 just on Friday, and we're already working to bring the latest innovations from HP back to our clients along the East Coast.

While we hope you were following our social media updates about what was happening at this annual customer event, I wanted to take a moment to share some of the key takeaways from our days in Las Vegas:

       1. HP is focused on transformation.

On Day 1 of the conference, CEO Meg Whitman brought this front and center, particularly as the organization drives the evolution of two new companies. Her focus was initially on Hewlett Packard Enterprise, the arm that will continue to drive innovation within the IT industry.

“Technologies may change. Business models may shift. But one thing never changes for us, and that’s the importance of the relationships we build with our customers and our partners,” she said. “Thriving in the idea economy requires a new style of business, and this is where HP leads like no other company. … You have to pick a transformation partner with the vision and breadth to create the best possible future.”

The HPE strategy will focus on:

·         Transform to hybrid infrastructure

·         Protect your digital enterprise

·         Empower the date-driven organization

·         Enable workplace productivity

Check out this highlights video to hear more directly from Whitman about the transformation strategy. In fact, HP has an entire YouTube channel dedicated to presentations and more from Discover 2015, so we encourage you to explore topics of interest to you and your business. Our CTG team can help answer questions about how to bring new solutions to you.

       2. Storage is king.

Amidst many different production announcements and upgrades, one stands out: the HP 3PAR StoreServ Storage family. I don’t have enough room here to fully detail just how revolutionary this is to the industry, so I’ll focus on the key issues. As HP explains, this product brings a new class of massively scalable flash arrays, flash-optimized data services to accelerate IT-as-a-Service consolidation, a 25 percent lower cost for flash capacity and hybrid IT initiatives.

We saw this personally in an exclusive meeting we hosted for our clients with some of HP’s leading storage developers. For a rare hour, we discussed the real challenges that our customers face in their daily business, with HP’s top minds giving insight on effective solutions that work not just for today but can adapt and evolve as those businesses grow and tap into new opportunities.

3. New products are responding to the evolving economy.

To start, HP is getting into the movie business, with a five-year partnership to develop the next digital experience and technology to support a trio of upcoming “Avatar” sequels.

New products include HP LeanFT, which brings a test-and-learn methodology to application development. Products where updates are coming include the HP Helion portfolio, which supports your transition to a hybrid infrastructure, and HP will expand it's Converged Systems offerings, including a new partnership with Arista Networks.

The bottom line is that HP is applying forward thinking in creating and launching IT innovations that build on it's years of leadership, while recognizing that how we do business is changing every day. As those business models evolve, we need technology that is equally nimble and flexible to support ideas we haven't even yet considered.

4. Relationships matter.

To reiterate that last point, every industry is moving forward at lightning speed. And no one business can do it alone. Whom you select as your partners in those journeys is paramount to ensuring you get smartly and efficiently to your destination.

That’s why CTG looks to build a relationship with every client. We don't believe in simply selling you technology. Instead, we are bringing our unparalleled expertise across the IT infrastructure to guide you in making meaningful investments that work today and are scalable to your changing business. Some of the first customers we signed when we launched CTG a decade ago remain our closest clients today, because they see that we bring deeper value to the business.

John Monahan is a co-founder of Convergent Technologies Group. 

What to Expect from HP Discover 2015

By John Monahan

Next week, much of the CTG leadership team will be on the road with HP, as we participate in our technology manufacturer’s key customer program: HP Discover.

From our experience attending for many years, this annual program connects CTG and our clients with HP’s top experts, who use this venue to introduce new initiatives, share insight on industry trends, and connect with visionary IT leaders from across the country.

As HP rightly bills the event, this is an “active, dynamic conversation.” Topics start with cloud, Big Data, security and mobility – and the conversation only gets deeper as HP engages with us on real issues that customers face with their technology in daily business.

From June 2-4 in Las Vegas, the program will explore more than 700 topics featuring thousands of experts from within HP and across the technology spectrum. It’s not an understatement to say that we have access to more information and insight in three days than we could in months; the program will cover some 2.25 million square feet of conference space. And the program is designed to help participants put conference learnings immediately to work. Whether you are looking for new ideas or best practices, CTG can help you connect with the right HP expert and product to find the answers you need.

As we discussed in an earlier blog post, being an HP Gold Partner gives CTG rare access to the manufacturer’s best people and latest technology. Our leadership participation at HP Discover 2015 is just one benefit of our strategic alliance with HP.

What you can expect from HP Discover 2015:

·         Leadership viewpoint: HP Chairman, President and CEO Meg Whitman will talk about the company’s latest strategy and initiatives.

·         Learning opportunities: The program will feature different training sessions to meet your different needs. Hands-On Labs, which run two hours, will give you firsthand experience with HP’s newest technologies, bringing in real-life scenarios, simulations, guides and training tips. HP ExpertOne Trainings are longer sessions that are scheduled to ensure participants can still attend keynote sessions and networking opportunities.

Too hard to pick out which sessions to attend? Check out HP’s recommendations for the top 5 “can’t miss” sessions for HP Converged Systems.

·         Technology innovations: Track keynotes will feature HP senior leaders speaking on emerging IT trends, HP’s point of view and strategy, and individual business initiatives. Panel discussions will include HP, customer and partner experts addressing the industry’s hottest topics. If that doesn’t deliver what you’re looking for, you can attend breakout sessions on the topics that matter most to you and your business or 30-minute sessions on specific business solutions. The Innovation Theater will feature 20-minute talks by customers and other experts on how innovation and collaboration can change business outcomes.

The HP Discover Insider blog will feature regular updates on game-changing innovations in enterprise software, hardware, services and networking. Keep visiting the blog for regular behind-the-scenes updates and insights.

Whether you are attending sessions in Las Vegas or will be participating via non-stop live streaming, know that our CTG team will be bringing the latest HP technologies and learnings back to Greater Richmond. As we prepare for the conference, let us know if you have any technology challenges or opportunities where we can help. We’ll be sitting at the table with the top nation’s IT talent, and we’re ready to put that knowledge to work for you.

John Monahan is a co-founder of Convergent Technologies Group.