Step Two: Making Sense of Cloud Computing

I’ll spare the reader a slew of metaphors (“The Future is Cloudy,” “Cloud Computing: IT's Day in the Sun?,” etc.). Basically cloud computing means that users can access scalable computing resources over the internet. It’s really that simple, but the implications are immense. For companies providing data storage solutions (like Adaptec), cloud computing means that their traditional customer base is shifting towards outsourced cloud data centers. My first task as an intern was to make sense of what cloud computing means for Adaptec and develop a segmentation model of potential customers.

As a career changer without IT experience, I had to leverage the product team to understand the technical aspects of the market. I worked closely with the Product Manager, Marketing Manager and several engineers and salespeople. During weekly meetings we reviewed my evolving conception of the cloud computing market. Eventually we landed on a segmentation model that made sense.

With a little help from my classmate who was interning at Amazon (thank you Myles!), I was able to help arrange a meeting with several key players in Amazon’s data center group. We are in the process of vetting our segmentation model with Amazon. The model has helped Adaptec identify over 350 potential customers worldwide.

So far the internship has exceeded my expectations. I learned about a new industry, applied my previous work experience and used some of the skills I developed at bschool. It has all been possible because of the connections I made at the GSM.