These are exciting times to be in technology, and TekScape, an IBM channel partner, is on the forefront of many new initiatives, including data architecture and a military outreach program.

Michael Goodenough, chief technologist at TekScape, joined Stu Miniman (@stu) and Dave Vellante (@dvellante), cohosts of theCUBE, from the SiliconANGLE Media team, during IBM Edge, held at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, NV, to discuss some of the current initiatives at TekScape, as well as providing a technology path to military veterans.

Role of channel partner

Goodenough talked about how he envisions TekScape interfacing with IBM and its other partners. As an IBM channel partner, TekScape can “form a consortium or partnership … and we can share products and product stacks,” he said.

He went on to state that the power of the community, as a whole, is “… the real key [to] intelligent business processes.” It’s not just about the inherent strengths of each company, standing alone, it’s about the power of all of the partners, working together as one.

“You find expertise in so many corners … and it’s a community, that’s the whole key,” emphasized Goodenough.

Data architecture challenges

Vellante pointed out the issue of where data lives and how most of it does not leave its point of origin.

Regarding how to better move data, Goodenough said, “I think the key is security … where does the device sit, and what does it do and what does it capture? … I think right now we have a small problem around being able to secure the transmission of that information back. … we’re starting to see the birth of mobile chipsets that can be put on to these devices at a very inexpensive cost … the layer around [Wi-Fi] security as a whole has been a major issue,” said Goodenough, and it’s still an issue that is needs to be better addressed, he added.

Military outreach program

As a military veteran, one of Goodenough’s major interests is getting people currently in the military involved with envisioning a career in technology.

He said that the military outreach program was “a major piece at the channel partners show in DC … looking at things from a product management perspective, from a technology perspective … from a logistical perspective,” as well as looking at what veterans can look forward to when they leave the military.”

Watch the complete video interview below, and be sure to check out more of SiliconANGLE and theCUBE’s coverage of IBM Edge 2016.

Photo by SiliconANGLE