At the 15th SME Channels Accelerator Awards 2025, Chetan Shah, CEO of Xpress (known as the “Cycling CEO”), shares insights with CIO TV on the channel ecosystem’s evolution amid cloud and AI disruptions. Mr Shah highlights Xpress’s remarkable transition over the last 4-5 years from a hardware/device-focused firm to a full cloud provider specializing in modern workspace and customer cloud solutions.
He explains “vendor promiscuity” as a practical necessity for cloud partners—stitching best-of-breed solutions from multiple OEMs to address unique customer business challenges, since no single vendor offers everything needed. Looking ahead, Mr. Shah predicts AI as the dominant cloud trend for 2026, with Indian firms scaling up their adoption for massive productivity gains and innovative solutions.
Key Highlights:
- Value of SME Channels Awards for learning and peer networking
- Xpress Computers’ 100% shift to cloud (modern workspace, Azure-like solutions)
- Why “vendor promiscuity” is essential for tailored customer solutions
- AI as 2026’s top cloud trend driving productivity and business gains
- Preparing teams for AI-cloud challenges in the partner ecosystem
A must-watch for channel partners, SIs, and cloud resellers navigating vendor ecosystems and AI opportunities.
