Virtualization News
O’Ryan Johnson
“How many times have they seen a big company that says, ‘Oh yes. We have a history of direct business sales and Fortune 500 accounts, but don’t worry, we love the channel.” Right. That’s a story as old as the channel,” said Jeff Ready, CEO of Scale Computing.
Ready for battle
Jeff Ready, CEO of Scale Computing, likens the competition to VMware to trying to dethrone Coca-Cola as the most popular soft drink.
“People say who is your No. 1 competitor? I always say VMware,” said Ready. “It’s basically the incumbent. When Red Bull came out, Coke was the main competitor. Now, of course, everyone has an energy drink, but the point was you had to get someone to stop it.” drinking Coke and drinking the Red Bull.”
With news two weeks ago that Broadcom is moving to acquire VMware in a $61 billion bid to boost its software business, Ready believes the market is about to ride the bull, and Scale Computing will be preferred over New Coke.
“Any other people competing with VMware in some way, or for that matter, people who keep up with Broadcom in some capacity, will come up with statements and positioning and do different kinds of programs to take advantage of this deal,” said Ready. “All I can say about Scale is that my message doesn’t have to change. I’ve been telling you for a long time that VMware is old, overpriced stuff, right? And now it’s getting older and more expensive.”
VMware Partners have criticized the news of the deal, while even some VMware executives have said they understand the market’s concerns given Broadcom’s post-acquisition history. But Broadcom Software president Thomas Krause said he’s ready to “embrace the channel” along with large expenditures on research and development.
Ready said the deal will be a windfall for Scale Computing and its position in the market, as he expects users’ flights to leave VMware if a deal with Broadcom goes through.
Click through the slideshow to read more of what Ready had to say.
