Kyndryl's new service, Microsoft's new partnership and personal Copilots and more...

Hello everyone,

Welcome to the forty-fourth edition of the newsletter. The past week was a busy one with global events and key updates from technology and service providers. So, let's dive in!

End User technology

Workspot announces new engagement with Siemens Energy

Workspot, Inc announced that Siemens Energy has selected it for transforming its VDI environment. More details here:

Workspot recently was in the news a few quarters back because of its cloud PC and VDI environment monitoring solution. In this particular deal, it is worth noting that Workspot has taken over the operational aspect of the virtual desktop environment from its "SI partner." I may have an idea who that SI partner would be, but the point to note is that Workspot differentiates itself as a technology provider that can provide cloud PCs on any enterprise cloud particularly for hybrid cloud environments. That was the key requirement of Siemens Energy, where Workspot fits the bill.

ControlUp launches a new partner program

ControlUp has announced a new channel partner program Drive DX. More details here:

ControlUp is gearing up for aggressive expansion in the market. In our last DEX report, we identified ControlUp as a very promising firm. Under the new leadership of Jed Ayres, it is expanding its reach. Channel partnership, especially around managed service providers, was an area of improvement for the firm and its heartening to know that it is already working on it.

Dizzion has a new CEO

Dizzion announced that it has appointed Robert Green as the new CEO. More details here:

Robert had been the CTO of Dizzion for 12 years, and he was elevated as the CEO of the firm at a crucial time. After the acquisition of Frame and a new branded approach, this is the right time to approach the market with a new rigor.

DaaS Like a Pro survey 2023 will be open soon

If you are in the End user computing domain for a long time, you must have read the annual 'DaaS Like a Pro' and state of EUC report. If not, I urge you to do so. It is based on survey with global enterprises of all sizes about their investments in EUC and VDI/DaaS technologies. This year's survey will be out soon. The team is asking for suggestions. Please feel free to drop in your thoughts to the authors of the report here.

Managed Services

Kyndryl launches workflow orchestration services

Kyndryl announced that it has launched a new workflow orchestration service to strengthen its digital workplace services portfolio. More details here:

This is a great addition to the strong service portfolio of Kyndryl. Few leading service providers offer this capability on top of ServiceNow and other technology platforms. Many digital workplace service and technology providers have been focusing on workflow automation leveraging automation and now AI. There are visible benefits in enhancing efficiency and reducing TCO with this service.

Computacenter signs new digital workplace services contract with Defense Ministry of UK

Computacenter has been chosen by the Ministry of Defense (MOD), UK for the digital workplace managed services. More details here:

This is a significant win for Computacenter. It has a strong device management and end user technology services. One point worth noting here is the approach of MoD, where they want to move away from larger infrastructure services contracts and choose smaller, more manageable contracts. This is in line with what we have observed in our research.

Lenovo is now a partner for ServiceNow consulting implementation program

联想 announced that it has joined ServiceNow Consulting and Implementation program as a partner. More details here:

This is another significant boost for Lenovo's Digital Workplace Solutions group. It strengthens its position as a consulting and professional services partner for clients in the SNow environment. Combining different modules with Lenovo's Care for One platform is a solid strategy. It is great to see Lenovo progressing well in this market.

UCaaS

8X8 brings AI-powered capabilities in its video meetings

8x8 announced that it will bring AI-based capabilities in its video meetings solution. More details here:

I have so many such announcements and demos that they all look the same to me. However, considering 8X8's comparatively stronger leading position in the contact center space against other UCaaS providers, I think it will boost its XCaaS solution.

Microsoft signs new partnership with Vodafone on AI services

Vodafone announced a new 10-year partnership with 微软 to leverage Microsoft's generative AI capabilities in its customer service operations, collaborate for Vodafone's IoT platform, and many other things. More details here:

As part of this partnership, Vodafone will bring Microsoft Teams Phone to its clients. This will help enhance Microsoft's reach for Teams telephony in European SMB clients.

AI in future of work

WEF and focus on AI

At the World Economic Forum in Davos, generative AI and its implication remained the center of attraction. More details here:

It was great to know that discussions moved beyond "You know this speech/presentation was prepared leveraging ChatGPT"... I agree that this year will be the year of real "Kick-off" for AI. While the focus on security and compliance will persist with relevant regulations, the scope will extend beyond text and cover images and videos.

Samsung and Google partnership to bring AI to Android phones

三星电子 and 谷歌 partnered to bring Google's Gemini Pro technology to Samsung phone. More details here:

This will be a significant step in coming closer to the future of BYOAI.

Microsoft brings Copilot Pro to consumers.

Priced at $20 per month, Microsoft is offering Copilot and AI-powered features for Microsoft Office. More details here:

While it looks attractive, only time will tell if home users would want to pay an extra 20 bucks for these features.

That's all for the week folks.

Please share your thoughts and feedbaclk in comments.

Thanks

-M