Dreamforce is over for another year. This year there were 170,000 attendees, 400 partners and 1,600 sessions. In any measure the event is a big deal and the Launchpad for Salesforce through the next year.
The winners for the event loomed large this year, as they tend to do.
- Salesforce itself is clearly a winner to garner the attention of the technology community to the extent that Dreamforce is arguably the highest profile tech event and is a creator of cloud energy like no other vendor with the possible exception of AWS
- The integration of Microsoft and Salesforce, was very significant. Clearly the relationship is very deep between the two vendors. The integration of Salesforce into the Microsoft platform is very clear, the interface is consistent and user friendly. This was the biggest deal for Dreamforce for mine.
- Microsoft second coming as a device and platform agnostic software provider now.
- The increasing horizontal depth of SF with IOT and Analytics. Whilst the IOT capability in particular is immature and still a lot of slide-ware, the intent is real, and the history of Salesforce is clear in suggesting that it can execute.
- Salesforce increased focus on Industry based solutions. This will continue to become a critical agent of the strategy as it matures in the next 12 months.
- The depth of collaboration of the Salesforce ISV ecosystem that is unmatched in other major software vendors
- Independent System Integrators providers – The acquisition of Cloud Sherpas by Accenture just changed their dynamic, and increased their value in the eyes of investment bankers
The losers for the event were just as clear
- The keynotes. They need some reinvigoration, the customer examples, in particular Cisco was cringe worthy from both a script and “acting” perspective. Just get new Cisco CEO, Chuck Robbins up there, not Salesforce execs in tech coats.
- Large SI’s. capioIT has highlighted the strength of Accenture in the SI space for cloud services. The acquisition of Cloud Sherpas only reinforces this. A lot of the legacy SI’s risk being left behind, and quickly unless they act soon. IBM, Tata Consultancy Services and Infosys are at the front of the queue of vulnerable providers.
- The Salesforce “No Software” Logo. If Co-founder Mark Benioff is correct and Salesforce becomes the 4th largest software provider next year, then the gimmick, whilst successful has more than run overtime.
- The Microsoft Dynamics team. I understand co-opetition better than most, but this was not a good moment for Dynamics. Microsoft clearly, and rightfully considers Office to be the primary application to protect, not Dynamics.
- Stevie Wonder – You are the Dreamforce of my life. Part of my soul died with that line. “Everyone has a price” is more true today, than at any other time in human society
Focus Point
Dreamforce is clearly one of the most important events on the calendar for the integration of technology and business. It captures the attention of millions of professionals. In 2015, the clear winners were Microsoft and Salesforce. Expect these two vendors to get even closer before we hit Dreamforce 2016.
If you require further information, please contact Phil Hassey, Founder capioIT. capioIT is an advisory firm focused on helping organisations to understand emerging technology as the world becomes Digital.
