Symposium Times

David Mitchell Smith is a vice president and Gartner Fellow in Gartner Research, where he specializes in the impact of catalytic technologies such as the Internet, Web 2.0, cloud computing and consumer technologies.

During his 13-plus years at Gartner, he has played a leadership role in several of the company’s efforts in these areas, including the emergence of cloud computing and consumerization of IT. He has served as the lead Gartner analyst covering major vendors such as Microsoft, IBM, Sun and AOL. Mr. Smith is often quoted in publications such as the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times, and has frequently been a guest on CNBC. In 2002, Adweek’s Technology Marketing magazine named him the most influential industry analyst.

SymTimesWhat new things are happening in your areas of coverage?

David Mitchell Smith: Case studies – as cloud becomes more real, we are documenting uses
First hype cycle for cloud computing just published – shows cloud itself at peak, long line of new technologies coming, based on some proven concepts

ST:What are the Top 3 trends you’re watching in your area of coverage?

DMS: First, excitement over private cloud and how this will impact overall IT strategies. Second, IT moving beyond ‘denial’ stage and using security as excuses and maturing to seriously consider cloud. And third, established vendor strategies emerging.

Filed under: Analyst Spotlights