Ezra Gottheil

Editor’s note: Cisco, Microsoft, Intel and others recently formed the Open Connectivity Foundation with the aim of defining interoperability standards for Internet of Things devices. But is OCF the answer? Any numerous big names such as IBM, Google and Dell are missing. Technology Business Research analyst Ezra Gottheil offers his assessment. HAMPTON, N.H. – The Internet of Things (IoT) is rapidly evolving. IoT solutions are being built from component parts and there is a perceived lack of standards inhibiting the growth of IoT. For these reasons, a new group of vendors, including many of the largest companies pursuing IoT,...

Editor’s note: IBM is moving in a big way to further embrace the Internet of Things in its partnership deal with ARM. The deal combines IT (information technology) with OT (operations technology), says Ezra Gottheil of Technology Business Research. HAMPTON, N.H. – IBM (NYSE: IBM) extended its leadership position in creating complete Internet of Things (IoT) solutions by allying with ARM in a deal announced last week. This extends the reach of IBM/ARM systems from the things (devices with smart sensors) to cloud-based storage and analysis. The announcement termed this scope “from chip to cloud.” TBR believes this alliance will...

Editor’s note: More than 1B devices served?Symantec expands its coverage into Operations Technology to secure the Internet of Things (IoT), writes Ezra Gottheil of Technology Business Research. HAMPTON, N.H. – For Symantec, IoT is a challenge and an opportunity. The company is positioning itself as an all-encompassing security provider and partner to participants in the emerging IoT space. IoT security requirements are stringent; because IoT interfaces with the physical world, a security failure could cause physical harm. At the same time, many of the “things” in the Internet of Things will not support Symantec’s existing portfolio of IT security...

Editor’s note: Lenovo earlier this week entered the “dongle” market with its PC-on-a-stick called the Ideacentre Stick 300. And it’s the leader over Intel as well as Google and Asus, declares Technology Business Research analyst Ezra Gottheil. HAMPTON, N.H. – Lenovo’s new compute stick represents major innovations in both PCs and and connected television devices. TBR believes the full PC HDMI dongle is an important form factor in both categories, and the price and capabilities of Lenovo’s offering makes it the current leader in the category. Lenovo’s stick is not the first in the market; the Intel Compute Stick...

Editor’s note: Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella announced a host of executive and organizational changes on Wednesday, and Technology Business Research analyst Ezra Gottheil believes he knows why all the changes were made. HAMPTON, N.H. – With the merger of Microsoft’s devices and Windows businesses, CEO Satya Nadella ended a situation that made Microsoft the poster child for channel conflict. Microsoft’s Windows PC operating system is a keystone of the company’s business, but the company’s foray into devices has confused and angered Microsoft’s key partners, the OEMs that make and sell PCs, tablets and smartphones. When then-CEO Steve Ballmer announced...

Editor’s note: Dell enters the IoT sweepstakes with a strong contender, says Technology Business Research Principal Analyst Ezra Gottheil. HAMPTON, N.H. – Despite the lack of clear Internet of Things (IoT) standards, Dell has formed an IoT division, designed to work closely with customers to create IoT solutions. Dell will work to meet customers’ needs with its ability to integrate endpoint devices, data center technologies, and management, security, and analysis software and services, while providing some of its own, unique Dell-designed IoT building blocks. The result will be a series of custom IoT engagements with businesses and vendors in targeted...

Editor’s note: Ezra Gottheil is Principal Analyst in the Computing Practice at Technology Business Research. HAMPTON, N.H. – HP (NYSE: HPQ) announced Monday its plans to break its company in half over the course of the next year. The two halves — Hewlett-Packard Enterprise and HP Inc. — will be separate business with separate financials and stock, but both overseen by Meg Whitman as CEO and Chairman, respectively. Hewlett-Packard Enterprise comprises the Enterprise Group, Enterprise Services, Software and Financial Services. HP Inc. consists of Personal Systems and Printing. Based on performance over the last year, the two halves are...

Editor’s note: The new iPhones and the Apple Watch highlight Apple’s ability to use design and innovation to establish leadership, writes Ezra Gottheil of Technology Business Research. HAMPTON, N.H. – Apple’s Sept. 9, 2014 event was the largest its recent history, raising expectations and questions about how the company was going to deliver on its promises of new products. TBR believes Apple succeeded in developing a new model iPhone that will enhance its position as the premium smartphone provider, and the release of the Apple Watch (not an iWatch) elevates the smartwatch category to that of a major mobile...

Editor’s note: Ezra Gottheil, is Principal Analyst with Technology Business Research. HAMPTON, N.H. - There is no downside for either company in the Apple-IBM partnership. Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL) and IBM (NYSE: IBM) announced a partnership in which IBM will deliver software and services to leverage iPhones and iPads in delivering IBM solutions. Solutions will include security and analytics as well as mobile integration and management. Apple will service the solutions, as well as their devices, through the AppleCare extended warranty and support program. IBM will sell Apple devices with IBM solutions. Both companies benefit; Apple increases its business presence, at...