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Cloud Guru Joins Cumulus Global in New York Expansion

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profilepicNew York, NY, July 11, 2013 – Cumulus Global today announced that David Watts is joining Cumulus Global as a Senior Cloud Consultant, leading Cumulus Global’s expansion into the Metro New York area. Watts brings a consultative approach to matching businesses, non-profits, local governments, and schools with the right cloud solutions. The addition of Watts to the Cumulus Global team coincides with the opening of a new office in Manhattan.

“As one of the largest Google Apps partners in New England, expansion into the New York area is a logical step for us,” stated Allen Falcon, CEO of Cumulus Global. “David’s expertise and our local office in New York helps us meet the cloud solution needs of small and mid-size businesses (SMBs) in the New York City area.”

Watts comes to Cumulus Global from White Stratus, a Google Enterprise Partner, and Cloud Guru, a Google Apps SMB partner Watts co-founded. Watts is a Google Apps Certified Sales Professional, a member of Agile Equity’s Cloud Computing Advisory Board, and has led many Google Apps for Business deployments. His experience helps companies better understand the process and results as he consults with clients to create comprehensive cloud solutions.

“Cloud for cloud’s sake is not the answer”, noted Falcon. “David expands our ability to leverage Google Apps and Drive as core components of broader solutions designed to meet business goals and priorities.”

Watts has experience looking beyond Google Apps as an email and calendar service. Google Apps is a platform for collaboration and managed file services. By integrating Google Apps for Business with legacy applications, integrating line of business applications, and providing virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) services, Watts and the team at Cumulus Global deliver solutions that organizations need to compete in today’s business climate.

 

Cloud Solutions Drive Rapid Growth for Cumulus Global

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Cumulus Global today announced revenue growth exceeding 300% for 2012 as the company’s cloud solutions business continues to expand. Sales for 2012 surpassed $3.3 million dollars compared to $972,000 in 2011. Net income before taxes jumped over 400%, to more than $200,000 for 2012. This growth reflects increasing demand from Cumulus Global’s core small and mid-size business markets, as well as the company’s expansion into new market segments.

“In the last 18 months, we have helped more than 120 school districts migrate to Google Apps for Education, deploy Chromebooks for Education, and protect their networks and in-house data,” noted Allen Falcon, CEO and co-founder. “We see increasing opportunity in the educational market.”

The company also sees increasing demand from local, municipal, and county governments and agencies throughout New England and nationally. Falcon expects revenues from Google Apps for Government and related services to “more than triple over the next twelve to eighteen months.” Falcon attributes this growth to the migration, education, and support services offered, including the company’s participation in the FCC E-Rate program for schools and libraries.

Serving the needs of small and mid-size businesses, those with 1 to 1000 employees, remains a core market for Cumulus Global. According to Falcon, “Our core SMB market grew by more than 30% last year and we see that rate of growth accelerating.” Falcon attributes this growth to the company’s focus on solutions rather than technology.

“We do not sell hype or technology,” stated Falcon. “We work with our customers to identify if and how cloud solutions can improve efficiency, expand services, drive revenue, and lower costs. We bundle products and services that overcome challenges and enable growth.” Partnering with more than a dozen ISVs and solution providers, Cumulus Global can meet customers’ regulatory compliance, security, data management, and IT administration needs.

For companies, non-profits, government agencies, and schools interested in learning more, Cumulus Global conducts regular webcasts and Q&A sessions.

 

Cumulus Global and Google Apps Host Executive Briefing at e-Marketing & Technology Summit

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Hartford, CT – February 21, 2012 – Cumulus Global and Google Apps aree-Marketing & Technology Summit hosting an Executive Luncheon at the Hartford Business Journal’s e-Marketing and Technology Summit on February 29, 2012, at Maneeley’s in South Windsor, CT.  The session, Real Business Value from Cloud Computing and Google Apps, intends to provide small and mid-size business owners and executives with research results and customer perspectives on the business value of cloud computing and of moving from on-premise systems to Google Apps for Business.  Allen Falcon, CEO of Cumulus Global, a cloud solutions provider recently awarded Premier SMB Reseller status from Google, will present the luncheon keynote.

“Beyond looking at hardware and software savings, Allen will present tangible ROI that companies gain from resulting improvements in teamwork, innovation, mobility, acquisitions, and eco stewardship,” noted Bill Kenney, Director of Events for the Hartford Business Journal.  “Adding this Executive Luncheon keynote to the e-Marketing and Technology Summit provides business owners with an unique opportunity to learn and to make better decisions.”

Allen will be joined by members of Google’s Enterprise Team, live from Google headquarters, to demonstrate some of the business-enabling features in Google Apps and to answer audience questions.

“I am honored to have this opportunity,” added Falcon.  “I look forward to sharing the research, discussing real customer experiences, and demonstrating value in a way that will help the audience better understand the opportunities that cloud computing, and Google Apps in particular, can provide to their businesses.”

The Executive Luncheon is sponsored by Cumulus Global and Google Apps for Business.  Registrants for the e-Marketing & Technology Summit may add the Executive Luncheon to their program at no additional cost.

Executives may also register for the lunch separately on the Hartford Business Journal’s website here. (https://hartfordbusiness.esecuretransactions.com/event_register.php?cf_form_name=event_cloudgoogle)

About Google Apps
Google Apps brings simple, powerful communication and collaboration tools to organizations of any size – all hosted by Google to streamline setup, minimize maintenance, and reduce IT costs.  With Gmail (including Google email security, powered by Postini), Google Calendar, and integrated Instant Messaging, users can stay connected and work together with ease. And, using Google Docs and Google Sites, which include word processing, spreadsheet, presentation and website creation tools, they can share files and collaborate in real-time, keeping versions organized and available wherever and whenever users work.

About Cumulus

GlobalCumulus Global (https://www.cumulusglobal.com), formerly Horizon Info Services, is a Google Apps Premier SMB Reseller helping small and mid-size businesses, non-profits, governments, and educational institutions thrive by delivering cloud computing solutions.  Serving clients from 1 to more than 1,000 employees across numerous industries, we align technology with our clients’ goals, objectives, and bottom lines. We leverage our expertise, vendor relationships, and a diversified range of best-of-breed cloud services to create custom solutions with tangible value.

Cumulus Global Becomes a Google Apps Premier SMB Reseller

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Premier SMB ResellerCumulus Global is now a Premier SMB Reseller for the Google Apps™ suite of communication and collaboration tools.  This new designation from Google enables customers to more easily assess a reseller’s expertise advising on, deploying, and supporting Google products.  Google moved Cumulus Global from an Authorized to a Premier Reseller based on the company’s expertise and success in helping small and mid-size customers deploy and use Google Apps.

“We are honored by Google’s recognition of our successful partnership”, stated Allen Falcon, CEO of Cumulus Global.  “We look forward to continuing to serve the needs of small and mid-size businesses, non-profits, schools, and governments.”

Beyond reselling Google Apps for Business, Education, and Government, Cumulus Global offers a range of packaged and custom deployment, migration, education, and support services.  Focusing on organizations with 1 to 1,000 users, Cumulus Global partners with customers to define and create solutions with respect to their unique technology, support, change management, and budgetary needs.  Cumulus Global packages and integrates Google Apps with internal systems and third party applications to provide complete solutions that meet its customers’ business needs and budgets.

”Participation in the Google Apps Reseller Program is a centerpiece of our evolution as a cloud solutions provider,” added Falcon.  “As a Google Apps Premier SMB Reseller, organizations interested in moving to the cloud will be better able to differentiate the skills and experience we will bring to the engagement.”

About the Google Apps Reseller Program
The Google Apps Reseller program includes companies globally that sell, service and customize Google Apps for Business for their customers. As a member of the Google Apps Reseller Program, Cumulus Global leverages training, support, and tools from Google to best serve the needs of its customers. Companies can learn more about Premier Reseller eligibility criteria and benefits by visiting the Google Reseller Program website at http://www.google.com/enterprise/resellers.

About Google Apps
Google Apps brings simple, powerful communication and collaboration tools to organizations of any size – all hosted by Google to streamline setup, minimize maintenance, and reduce IT costs.  With Gmail (including Google email security, powered by Postini), Google Calendar, and integrated Instant Messaging, users can stay connected and work together with ease. And, using Google Docs and Google Sites, which include word processing, spreadsheet, presentation and website creation tools, they can share files and collaborate in real-time, keeping versions organized and available wherever and whenever users work.

About Cumulus Global
Cumulus Global (https://www.cumulusglobal.com), formerly Horizon Info Services, is a Google Apps Authorized Reseller helping small and mid-size businesses, non-profits, governments, and educational institutions thrive by delivering cloud computing solutions.  Serving clients from 1 to more than 1,000 employees across numerous industries, we align technology with our clients’ goals, objectives, and bottom lines. We leverage our expertise, vendor relationships, and a diversified range of best-of-breed cloud services to create custom solutions with tangible value.

Allen Falcon Comments on Role of Distributors in Cloud Channel

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Allen Falcon, CEO of Cumulus Global, is quoted in the January 2012 cover story for CRN discussing the role of distributors in Cloud Computing marketplace.

Cumulus Global Partners with 4th Bin Partner for Integrated e-Waste Solutions

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Boston, MA – January 25, 2011 – Cumulus Global and 4th Bin jointly announced a new partnership designed to offer businesses, non-profits, schools, and local governments fully integrated e-waste solutions.  Through the partnership, Cumulus Global will offer its cloud-bound customers discounted, ecologically sound, e-waste recycling services for their retiring hardware and electronics.  Cumulus Global will help 4th Bin clients avoid e-Waste hazards by helping them move to cloud computing solutions, such as Google Apps and online backup services.

“Many organizations hesitate to dispose of e-waste out of concern for the legal and ecological issues and the cost,” noted Allen Falcon, CEO of Cumulus Global.  “Partnering with 4th Bin lets us help our customers solve their e-waste dilemma.”
Based on New York City, 4th Bin provides door-to-door collection and recycling services in the metropolitan New York area and can arrange e-waste collection and recycling services throughout North America.

“4th Bin is committed to reducing e-waste throughout the technology life cycle,” added John Kirsch, Partner at 4th Bin.  “Our joint effort with Cumulus Global will help companies dispose of their current e-waste and avoid creating more in the future.”

As a cloud solutions provider, Cumulus Global does more than replace servers with cloud-based solutions.  A sound cloud computing strategy reduces the need for support servers, backup equipment, and networking gear.  Moving to cloud computing has a ripple effect that includes less equipment, reduced HVAC requirements, and reduced power consumption.

Cloud computing providers, like Google, are significantly more efficient than most in-house computer rooms and data centers.

About Cumulus Global
Cumulus Global (https://www.cumulusglobal.com) helps small and mid-size businesses, non-profits, governments, and educational institutions thrive by delivering cloud computing solutions.  Serving clients from 1 to more than 1000 employees across numerous industries, we align technology with our clients’ goals, objectives, and bottom lines. We leverage our expertise, vendor relationships, and a diversified range of best-of-breed cloud services to create custom solutions with tangible value.

About 4th Bin
After seeing how much electronic waste (e-waste) is irresponsibly discarded, and knowing the City of New York will institute mandatory responsible disposal of e-waste, a team of IT professionals found a solution to this mounting problem and launched 4th Bin (http://www.4thbin.com). The company specializes in e-waste collection and recycling and is the only service in the city to do so.  Since the company began in fall of 2010, it has collected, recycled, or environmentally and ethically disposed of over 900,000lbs of e-waste from offices, schools, hospitals, factories, and residences in New York City. For the processing of e-waste, 4th Bin works exclusively with e-Stewards Certified recyclers (http://www.e-stewards.org) who have been qualified as upholding the highest standard of environmental and social responsibility. The 4th Bin is the only company in New York City picking up electronic waste from local businesses and residents. The 4th Bin’s door-to-door e-waste recycling solution is convenient, simple and inexpensive. Dedicated to educating businesses and consumers about the hazards of electronic waste and providing a simple and inexpensive means of rescue and disposal, the 4th Bin believes in the reduce, reuse, recycle philosophy. Not only do we ethically and responsibly recycle or reuse all equipment we collect, the 4th Bin is also dedicated to giving back to our local community through partnerships and events.

Friday Thought: Roads Paved with Good Intentions

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We have all hear the proverb about roads paved with good intentions.  With all of the media attention on SOPA (Stop Online Piracy Act) and PIPA (Protect IP Act) this week, it appears that we may have a well-needed detour.

While the media is portraying the SOPA/PIPA battle and the site blackout protests as a battle between big Hollywood and big Silicon Valley.  The reality is that SOPA and PIPA are bad for businesses and for small businesses in particular.

The intention behind SOPA and PIPA is good — stop online piracy of copywrited materials.  And one could argue that the current process of requesting the removal of individual items is not sufficient.  But SOPA and PIPA go too far in the other direction.

SOPA and PIPA give content holders, and the US Government, the right to shutdown entire sites and domains if they feel the site is improperly using intellectual property.  The act also forces sites that provide hosting and storage for others to monitor content and prevent illegal use.  Sounds like a good idea, but …

  • SOPA and PIPA allow sites to be shutdown without due process, forcing an accused site to prove its innocence.
  • Holding Google accountable for others’ YouTube content is like holding Verizon accountable for what you say over the phone.  It’s absurd.
  • Forcing hosting and cloud services to monitor and enforce will dramatically increase the cost of basic Internet services — from web hosting to email to file services.
  • Services you use could be shut down due to the actions of others, and you will have no recourse.
  • While the intention is to stop the big IP pirates, the laws apply to everyone.  Your web site could be shutdown if somebody violates a copyright when posting a comment on your blog.
  • The acts lack adequate protection from false accusations — unethical competitors can disrupt your business and bog you down in legal issues.

Beyond some of the big issues, both SOPA and PIPA present unnecessary risks to small and mid-size businesses.  Join us in opposing bad legislation, even if the intention is good.

 

 

Life without Power at Cumulus Global

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Good Day,

Cumulus Global’s offices and many of our team members’ homes (like the majority ofhomes and businesses in our area) are without power due to the October blizzard.

Living in the cloud, however, we are working from libraries, relatives’ houses, and the occasional pizza place.   While are responses may be slightly delayed, we are up and running and here to serve your needs.

Regards,
Allen Falcon
CEO

Cumulus Global CEO Clouds Up New England Business Expo

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Boston, MA – October 18, 2011 – Allen Falcon, CEO of Cumulus Global (https://www.cumulusglobal.com/) will be clouding up the New England Business Expo at the DCU Center in Worcester.  As a featured speaker, Falcon’s seminar — Ground to Cloud in 30 Days! — will provide small and mid-size business owners with a road map for secure, cost-effective use of cloud computing solutions.  While most small businesses are aware of cloud computing, many are unsure about how to take the first steps.  Falcon will cover the basics of planning and moving to cloud computing, including the reality of security concerns and service level agreements.

“For most businesses, cloud computing solutions hold great potential for improved efficiency and cost  savings,” notes Falcon. “This seminar will take the mystery and fear out of cloud computing and will provide a road map for sound decisions and plans.”

Ground to Cloud in 30 Days! is scheduled for 4:00 pm in the New England Business Expo seminar rooms, on the 3rd floor of the DCU Center.  Interested business owners can learn more at Cumulus Global’s News and Events page or by visiting the expo site.

About Cumulus Global
Cumulus Global, formerly Horizon Info Services, helps small and mid-size businesses, non-profits, governments, and educational institutions thrive by delivering cloud computing solutions.  Serving clients from 1 to more than 1000 employees across numerous industries, we align technology with our clients’ goals, objectives, and bottom lines. We leverage our expertise, vendor relationships, and a diversified range of best-of-breed cloud services to create custom solutions with tangible value.

CRN Names Cumulus Global to Inaugural Next-Gen 250 List

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Boston, MA, August 25, 2011 – Cumulus Global, formerly Horizon Info Services, today announced Everything Channel has named the company to the first ever 2011 CRN Next-Gen 250 list.  The CRN Next-Gen 250 is an annual listing of innovative and nimble business and technology integrators, solution providers, and resellers in North America offering solutions and services in cloud computing, mobility, unified communications, virtualization and other emerging technologies.

The CRN Next-Generation 250 list is comprised of the most exciting new solution provider organizations (founded 2000-2011) bringing new and emerging implementation ideas and business models to the market (visit www.crn.com for a sample listing).  Cumulus Global was selected for its service innovation and business model as it delivers cloud computing solutions to companies, non-profits, and schools with 1 to 1000 employees.

“In today’s competitive environment solution providers have to do more than just talk about innovation,” said Kelley Damore, VP, Editorial Director, Everything Channel. “The CRN Next-gen 250 highlights the most interesting new solution providers who are demonstrating such innovation and uncovers the new techniques and technologies that are driving their success.”

By offering a range of infrastructure and application services, Cumulus Global helps companies move IT services to the cloud when it benefits their operations and profitability, without forcing any displacement of other systems, vendors, and IT staff.  Cumulus Global works with customers to create a cloud ecosystem that fits well with their other technology solutions.

“We are honored by the recognition of our approach to the market and cloud computing and how we bring additional value to our customers,” stated Allen Falcon, CEO of Cumulus Global.  “Our team enjoys partnering with innovative vendors, such as Google, to give our customers solutions with tangible, positive results.”

About Cumulus Global
Cumulus Global helps small and mid-size businesses, non-profits, governments, and educational institutions thrive by delivering cloud computing solutions. Cumulus Global aligns technology with clients’ goals, objectives, and bottom lines, and leverage expertise, vendor relationships, and a diversified range of best-of-breed cloud services to create custom solutions with tangible value.

About Everything Channel
Everything Channel is the premier provider of IT channel-focused events, media, research, consulting, and sales and marketing services. With over 30 years of experience and engagement, Everything Channel has the unmatched channel expertise to execute integrated solutions for technology executives managing partner recruitment, enablement and go-to-market strategy in order to accelerate technology sales. Everything Channel is a UBM company. To learn more about Everything Channel, visit us at http://www.everythingchannel.com. Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/everythingchnl.

UBM plc (www.ubm.com)
UBM plc is a leading global business media company. We inform markets and bring the world’s buyers and sellers together at events, online, in print and provide them with the information they need to do business successfully. We focus on serving professional commercial communities, from doctors to game developers, from journalists to jewelry traders, from farmers to pharmacists around the world. Our 6,000 staff in more than 30 countries are organized into specialist teams that serve these communities, helping them to do business and their markets to work effectively and efficiently.