Jeff Kaplan is the Managing Director of THINKstrategies, the only strategic consulting firm focused entirely on the business implications of the transition of the technology industry from a product-centric to services-driven solution model, including cloud computing, Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) and managed services. THINKstrategies helps IT/business decision makers with their sourcing strategies, solution providers with their marketing strategies, and venture firms with their investment strategies. He is also the Founder of the Cloud Computing Showplace (www.cloudshowplace.com), the largest, vendor-independent, online directory and best practice resource center regarding SaaS, Platforms-as-a-Service (PaaS), and Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), including managed services. Jeff can be reached at jkaplan@thinkstrategies.com or 781-431-2690.

My favorite place: A window seat on a flight across the USA during the day watching the changing terrain

Something that makes me laugh: My wife’s sense of humor

I’m practically addicted to: Sports

Interesting people I’d like to spend a day with: Teachers who inspire my three sons

A few people I wish I had known: Steve Jobs, Hunter Thompson, Walter Cronkite

Something I’m particularly proud of: My sons; and the modest contribution I’ve made to the growth of the SaaS/cloud movement

What I find most interesting about technology these days: That it is increasingly user friendly and invisible

If I could change anything about technology today, it would be: That it still is too complicated and too often fails

My favorite thing to read: The sports page

Follow me on:
• Twitter  @ thinkstrategies
• LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/jeffrey-kaplan/0/39a/878
• Blog: www.thinkstrategies.com/blog

Someone I follow in social media:

Phil Wainwright, http://www.zdnet.com/blog/saas

My articles on SandHill.com:

Data Integration in the Cloud Key to Capitalizing on Big Data

How ISVw Can Cross the Chasm to the Cloud

Moving from Data Integration to Management in the Cloud

What Does It Itake to Sell Cloud Services to SMBs?

Ascending the Cloud Computing Learning Curve

The Battle Heats Up: Predictions on Winning Software Startups in 2013

2013: A “Plan B” Year for Software Firms

Back to the Future: Software Moves as Catalysts for Driving Change

Change Reigns: Software Industry Predictions for 2013

8 Perspectives on Software Vendors to Watch in 2013

The Software Spending Pulse for 2013

Channel Opportunities in the Cloud Crystalizing

Finding the Right Channel in the Cloud

SAP-Ariba Deal Goes Beyond the Cloud

Harnessing the Power of Big Data and BI in the Cloud

Cloud Analytics Opportunities Trump Big Data Challenges

Market Implications of Salesforce.com’s Acquisition of Model Metrics

Salesforce.com’s New Data Residency Option (DRO) Will Widen Door for Cloud Adoption

Building Effective Channels in the Cloud

Industry Analyst Jeff Kaplan Discusses the “Cloud Rush”

HP’s Software Transformation Cloudy without Consumer Channel to Market

Winning Moves of Software Leaders in 2011

Meet the Challengers for Software Market Share in 2012

Banking on Change: Software IT Spending Predictions for 2012

Complex Times Demand Simpler Solutions