Speaker Index:

Merrill R. (Rick) Chapman

Conference Chairman

Rick Chapman is the managing editor and publisher of Softletter, the industry's premier business publication. Rick has worked in the software industry for over 24 years with such firms as MicroPro and Ashton-Tate. He is the author of The Product Marketing Handbook for Software (Aegis Resources) and In Search of Stupidity: Over 20 Years of High Tech Marketing Disasters. (back to top/index)

 
Jeremy Aber

Owner, Aber Law Firm

Jeremy Aber is the owner of the Aber Law Firm, a firm that focuses on representing information technology companies. Jeremy is also a Senior Advisor to OpenView Venture Partners, an IT venture capital firm based in Boston. Jeremy has over 18 years experience in technology and corporate law. He previously served as General Counsel and Vice President to ScriptLogic Corporation, a Windows software tools vendor; and the Head of US Licensing for BMC Software, a Fortune 500 enterprise software vendor. In addition, Jeremy began his career as a Corporate and Finance Associate Attorney at Mayer Brown, a global law firm.
 
Jeremy received his law degree from the University of Houston Law Center, where he graduated Cum Laude and served as an Associate Editor on the Houston Law Review. Jeremy has a B.B.A in Accounting from The University of Texas, at Austin, and has passed all sections of the Certified Public Accountants' Examination.  (back to top/index)

Jan Aleman

CEO, Servoy, B.V.

Jan Aleman is the CEO of Servoy, B.V. - an application development and deployment software that specializes in assisting ISVs move their products to SaaS while maintaining their on-premises clients. Prior to helping found Servoy, Mr. Aleman was an owner of Professional Data Management (PDM) -- an IT company specializing in building data-oriented solutions. Besides custom solutions, PDM developed a number of innovative products for Internet and Database solutions, like plug-ins. More than 20,000 users are currently employing these products worldwide in companies such as: Apple, Sony, Genentech, Endemol, Lawrence Livermore Laboratory, Time, USA today and others. Mr. Aleman is a sought after speaker about SaaS and Rich Internet Applications (RIA) presents at conferences and conferences across Europe, South America and the USA.  His keynote sessions at ServoyWorld are always highly anticipated.  (back to top/index).

Tom Appleton

Vice President, Customer Success for DreamFactory

Tom brings over 15 years of customer facing software support experience to the DreamFactory team. Tom most recently comes from On-Demand software pioneer WebEx Communications. While at WebEx Tom served as the Principal Sales Engineer for Enterprise Accounts. Tom's leadership of the Enterprise SE team helped secure many of WebEx's largest Enterprise and Federal accounts. His performance earned him many accolades including the award for SE of the year three times and the award for SE of the QTR thirteen times. Prior to WebEx, Tom managed the Customer Support organization for another On-Demand software pioneer Digital Discoveries. Tom also previously served as the Technical Support Manager for CyberFlix, Inc., a company which pioneered CDROM Entertainment Software for the consumer market. (back to top/index)

John Boruvka

Vice President, Iron Mountain
 

John Boruvka, vice president for Iron Mountain’s Intellectual Property Management business unit, has been involved in the technology escrow and intellectual property management field for more than 22 years. His focus is helping companies create solutions relating to protecting intellectual property assets.

Mr. Boruvka is considered an authority in the field of technology escrow and issues surrounding the role of a neutral third party in protecting intellectual property. He has participated in the development of  strategies and review of thousands of technology escrow agreements for software, hardware and other proprietary information that established to protect against mergers, bankruptcies or other events that affect the ability of vendors to support their technology. A technology escrow agreement could mean the difference between losing mission critical software that would cripple a company’s operations and maintaining continued business success.

Additionally, escrow accounts can serve to protect software from patent, copyright or trade secret infringement.  Courts have ruled that source code kept with a neutral third party helps meet the burden of proof for conception of an idea and serves as documentation of how a technology was developed. Mr. Boruvka has also written many articles on this topic and presented extensively at associations, industry meetings and prestigious law firms across the United States, Canada, South America and Europe.

Before joining DSI Technology Escrow Services (later acquired by Iron Mountain in 1997), Mr. Boruvka was an account executive for SunGard Planning Solutions, a disaster recovery and contingency planning firm. There, he worked with Fortune 500 IT installations to implement software to manage and create disaster recovery plans. (back to top/index)

Derek Cheng

Director of Marketing and Product Strategy, Longjump

For over 16 years, Derek has filled multiple product marketing and communication roles within some of the Silicon Valley's most innovative companies including Blazent (combiner of asset management with web-based business intelligence), Cendura (web-based configuration management productivity tools - acq. by CA), Silicon Gaming (Hollywood production-level video slot machines - acq. by IGT), and Symbol Technologies (WiFi data terminals and networking infrastructure - acq. by Motorola). Derek has also provided the gamut of consulting and marketing creative services for a broad range of clients, including large technologists like IBM and Sun Microsystems. At LongJump, Derek offers his diverse skill set to everything including UI design, client project proof of concept design, product marketing, operations and helping ISVs get up to speed on the platform. He is also the primary developer of half the applications in the LongJump catalog. (back to top/index)

Peter Cohen

 Managing Partner, SaaS Marketing Strategy Advisors

Peter Cohen is the founder and managing partner of SaaS Marketing Strategy Advisors.  His firm provides expert guidance to help companies effectively market and sell software-as-a-service (SaaS) solutions to enterprises.  Peter has more than 25 years’ experience developing and implementing successful marketing strategies for technology companies, including Computervision, Lotus Development, IBM, Authoria, Xactly, Progress Software, and ATG.  He writes and speaks frequently about marketing technology and publishes a blog and newsletter entitled “Practical Advice on SaaS Marketing.”  (back to top/index)

Chuck DeVita

President, Growth Process Group
 

Chuck DeVita founded and leads GPG. He has over thirty years experience in Sales and Marketing management. He has developed regional and worldwide sales forces and has extensive international background. His experience spans Enterprise SaaS Solutions, infrastructure, business intelligence, manufacturing software, supply chain, EDA, software development, energy technology and semiconductors. As an officer, he led the initial growth of two startups and drove the turnaround of Consilium (acquired by Applied Materials), a public company. As a consultant, he has helped numerous enterprise software and SaaS solution companies in the U.S. and Europe including serving as interim VP Sales & Marketing.  (back to top/index)

Mark Dudman

EVP & GM Metanga Division, Metratech Corp.

Mark is responsible for the global vision and operations of MetraTech’s SaaS division, Metanga. In addition to running Metanga, Mark's responsibilities include software development, quality assurance, and helping to define MetraTech's technology and product roadmap. In technical operations Mark’s responsibilities include managed billing operations, data center operations, customer support, and internal Information Technology. Mark came to MetraTech from MCK Communications, Inc., where he was vice president of software development. In that role, he was responsible for software development, release and maintenance across all product lines and for managing development teams in Boston, Dallas and Calgary. Previously, Mark was vice president of research and development at eDial, where he took the product, a SIP-based audio conferencing server, from conception to a fully functional and Internet-scalable product offering. Prior to eDial, Mark spent four years at Comverse Networks Systems as the company's senior director of research and development for the Asia Pacific Region. His previous experience includes various engineering and management positions at Siemens Medical Systems, Mainstream Software Corporation and General Electric Aerospace. Mark holds a bachelor's degree in computer science from Rochester Institute of Technology. Mark is also known for his ability to drive a fast ski boat mix an incredible martini. (back to top/index)

Siamak Farah

CEO, InfoStreet

Siamak Farah is the founder and CEO of InfoStreet, a leading provider of Small Business Software as a Service (SaaS). Active in its day-to-day management, Siamak has assembled and leads a seasoned team of industry professionals at InfoStreet. Widely regarded as a SaaS pioneer, as early as 1994, InfoStreet began shaping a vision, a team and a technology which is now transforming the way business gets done.

Prior to founding InfoStreet in 1994, Siamak worked at NeXT Computer, side-by-side with industry visionaries. During his six years at NeXT, his responsibilities grew from technical sales and marketing to district sales management. Before joining NeXT, Siamak was the Chief Operating Officer of Microstat Development Corporation. During that time, he was responsible for the day-to-day operation of this publicly listed R&D firm. Siamak began his career at Vertigo Systems International. During his time at Vertigo, he was instrumental in its growth from a start up with just six people to a full-fledged business employing over 70 individuals.

A member of the Society of Industry Leaders, Siamak is a frequent speaker at conferences that focus on the Internet and SaaS such as ISPCON, INBOX: The Messaging Industry Event, the Layered Technologies Pact conference, SoftLetter’s SaaS University and more.  (back to top/index)

 

Patrick Fetterman

Vice President, Plex Systems, Inc.

Patrick Fetterman is vice president of marketing of Plex Systems, Inc, developers of Plex Online ™ on-demand software for the manufacturing enterprise, Plex Online combines the capabilities of enterprise resource planning (ERP), manufacturing execution systems (MES), supply chain management (SCM), customer relationship management (CRM), shop floor integration, quality management, and much more. Prior to joining Plex, Fetterman was with New York City-based Mi8 Corp., where he served as vice president of marketing and products from 2000 to 2005, and as president from 2005 to 2006. During Fetterman’s tenure with Mi8, the company built a reputation as a trailblazer in the software as a service (SaaS) market, and earned a position as the premium quality provider in the highly competitive market for on demand Microsoft solutions. (back to top/index)

Hank Galligan CPA

BDO Practice Office Assurance Director

He has spent over 20 years advising emerging growth middle market companies. He has advised software, technology, and manufacturing companies in various business matters such as determination of  appropriate revenue models, mergers and acquisitions and liquidity strategies. Hank’s areas of expertise include software revenue recognition, equity based compensation, SOX compliance and SEC reporting matters.  Hank has worked as an advisor to numerous startups as well mature public companies. He has also assisted his clients with numerous public and private financing transactions.

Hank is recognized as a firm wide leader on software revenue recognition matters and various other technical accounting matters. Hank previously spent 15 years with Andersen prior to joining BDO in 2001. Hank is a member of the AICPA and holds a bachelor of arts degree in Business Administration. (back to top/index)

Jim Geisman
 

President, Software Pricing
 

Jim has helped emerging and established software companies solve some of their thorniest pricing problems including how to transition to the on-demand (SaaS) pricing model. He has written extensively on software pricing and is widely quoted in the trade press. He is a frequent speaker at conferences and trade conferences and has consulted internationally on issues of software pricing and deal structuring. Jim has been a co-founder, director, advisor or mentor to early stage companies. He sits on the Board of the Professional Pricing Society and is an advisor to the Entreprenuerial Leadership Program at Tufts University.  (back to top/index)

  

Randal J. Hujar

Editor and VP of Research Publications for Softletter

Mr. Hujar’s background includes over 25 years experience with companies ranging from self-funded and venture backed start-up’s to Fortune 100 companies in the areas of enterprise, software as a service, entertainment and productivity software for Internet and PC to mainframe platforms, as well as biometric security, computer, and gaming controller hardware. Mr. Hujar has been a successful entrepreneur having built and sold three companies during his career.
 

Janaki Jayachandran

Division Manager, On-Demand Services, Aspire Systems

Janaki Jayachandran heads the On-Demand Services division at Aspire Systems. In his current capacity, he is responsible for the business development and delivery functions focused on SaaS. He has over 10 years of Software product-building and Project management experience, specifically in Microsoft Technologies and SaaS delivery model. He plays a key role in defining Aspire’s Cloud Computing Offerings (SaaS, IaaS and PaaS).  He closely monitors industry trends in SaaS and cloud computing, and collaborates with Aspire’s SaaS CoE to build internal technical expertise.  (back to top/index)

Robert Jurkowski
 

CEO, OnDemand Advisors
 

Robert Jurkowski is a Founding Partner of On Demand Advisors, a strategic consulting firm dedicated to the success of CEOs and business leaders. For the past 25 years Robert has built and scaled 9 software and services companies as an operating “hands-on” leader at every stage of revenue growth from “start up” to public companies. He is a former public and private software company CEO and an accomplished speaker at industry forums and events.  Some of these companies include Intacct, a leader in the SaaS market, Selectica, Oracle, ADP, Dun & Bradstreet, Aurum Software and Siicon Energy. Robert co-founded the IBM Software as Service Partner Council and has served a SIIA Software Division Board member. He has built an extensive network of business leaders and is passionate about serving CEOs and business leaders to assist with their success, personally and professionally.  (back to top/index)

Jeff Kaplan

Managing Director, THINKStrategies

THINKstrategies was founded by Kaplan -- formerly a leading industry analyst at IDC, Dataquest, and META Group, and successful senior marketing executive at InterOPS Management Solutions and International Network Services (INS) -- as the only independent strategic consulting firm dedicated to helping enterprise IT decision-makers and technology solution providers achieve their business objectives by leveraging the value of IT/telecom services, ranging from professional services to on-demand services, including application, hosting and managed services, as well as IT and business process outsourcing (ITO/BPO).

Jeff has over twenty years of experience and recognized expertise in IT management, managed services, utility computing and outsourcing trends.

He is a frequent speaker at industry conferences and contributing columnist for BusinessWeek Online, Mass High Tech Journal, Financial Times of London, NetworkWorld, Business Communications Review, ComputerWorld, InfoWorld, InformationWeek, and Web Host Industry Review on topics including managed services, software-as-a- service (SaaS), utility computing, outsourcing strategies; network and systems operations, service level management (SLM); and IT ROI and TCO calculations.   (back to top/index)

Tod Madderra

CTO, Salesnet

Tod Madderra is the CTO of Salesnet - a SaaS CRM provider focused on helping customers refine and adhere to their sales best practices.  Over the last two years, Tod has been responsible for leading the effort to dramatically reshape Salesnet’s offering and driving innovation to provide its customers with smooth transitions during major service upgrades.

Prior to coming on board with Salesnet, he was CTO and founder of Accelstream, developing a number of innovative, video-centric solutions to increase interaction and conversion rates for non-profit organizations.
Tod has over 20 years’ experience in the software development industry – much of it dedicated to optimizing development, deployment, and operation of SaaS-based initiatives.  (back to top/index)

Sharon Mertz

Gartner Research Director, SaaS, CRM and Russian Software Markets

Sharon Mertz is a director in Gartner Research, where she is focused on customer relationship management (CRM), software as a service (SaaS) and the software markets in Russia. Ms. Mertz is an international business professional with more than 25 years of experience in strategic consulting and management directed toward the introduction and impact of emerging technologies in the marketplace.

Prior to joining Gartner, Ms. Mertz was an associate partner at IBM, working with the global research organizations to evaluate emerging business opportunities. She held an international assignment as practice leader for IBM's strategic consulting organization in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Ms. Mertz also held management roles at KPMG, HP, Bull Worldwide Information Systems and Digital Equipment. She is an accomplished speaker and has addressed audiences at conferences and events internationally. Ms. Mertz is also a member of the faculty at the Graduate School of Business, Southern New Hampshire University.

"I enjoy analyzing the implications of global market forces and IT industry trends on our clients' strategic business models. Emerging technologies have significantly altered the international business landscape and have transformed the globalization process. Anticipating the impact of these forces on the market and extrapolating from them to form actionable strategies and opportunities for our clients is an exciting and ongoing challenge." She has a Doctorate in Business Administration from Sourthern New Hampshire University, a C.S.S. C.S.S., Administration and Management, Harvard University, Class Marshal, and a B.A., Art History and German Literature, University of Massachusetts at Amherst, Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi. (back to top/index)

David Miller

Co-Founder, President of AvidXchange

David has spent the last 11 years managing the development of web-based applications both as an entrepreneur and as a corporate executive. Prior to AvidXchange, he served as managing partner of AtlanticDirectory.com, a mortgage information services company, where he was responsible for technology and product development.

David also founded e|Calendar, a web-based local entertainment guide and interactive calendar site that merged with Creative Loafing in 1998. David began his career with Merrill Lynch after receiving a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Chicago. (back to top/index)

Mike Ormerod

Architect, Progress Software

Mike Ormerod is an Architect at Progress Software responsible for the SaaS & Cloud Computing strategy for Progress OpenEdge.  In this role, Mike is responsible for defining the SaaS & Cloud Computing Architectural Best Practices for both internal as well as external customers & partners.  Mike is an application industry veteran with over 20 years experience in building enterprise business applications. Prior to joining Progress in 2004, Mike was CTO & Co-Founder of Enigma Information Systems, an award winning UK software house. (back to top/index)

 
Jeffrey Saling
 

Vice President of Callidus On-Demand
 

Jeffrey Saling has more than 20 years experience in starting, building, and operating successful businesses in the technology arena. In his current role, Jeff is responsible for the Callidus On-Demand line of
business, since its start-up in 2006.

Prior to leading Callidus On-Demand, Jeff managed one of the company’s successful professional services lines of business. Before joining Callidus Software, Jeff worked for Chordiant Software, where he served as Americas Vice President of Field Operations, leading professional services, sales engineering, and sales operations activities in the Americas. Before Chordiant, Jeff held senior management positions with Accenture, and served as Vice President, and Director of Operations for call center and Internet-based start-ups Vehicle Information Network and Consumer’s Car Club. He also held various sales, IT management, and operations management positions between 1983 and 1991.

Jeff holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, Production & Operations Management, from California State University, Hayward (East Bay).  (back to top/index)

 Michael L. Whitener

Principal and co-founder of VistaLaw International LLC
 

Michael Whitener is a principal and co-founder of the law firm VistaLaw International LLC, with offices in Paris, London and Washington, D.C. Michael’s legal practice focuses on assisting software and other technology companies with licensing, distribution and intellectual property issues. He is the author of Creating Software Alliances (2007) and Corporate Governance for New Directors (2008).

Before co-founding VistaLaw, Michael was International Law Counsel at BearingPoint, a global management and technology consulting firm. He also served as trade adviser to the International Trade Administration. Michael was previously in private practice with the law firms of Sidley Austin and Hogan & Hartson.

Michael is a graduate of the University of Virginia School of Law. He received a Fulbright Fellowship to study Japanese law in Tokyo.  (back to top/index)

Brian Wolff

CoFounder and Vice President of Sales and Marketing, BlueLock
 

Brian co-founded BlueLock and currently serves as their Vice President of Sales & Marketing.  Indianapolis-based BlueLock was founded in 2006 as a provider of Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) via its Virtual Cloud Computing Platform.  His day to day responsibilities include executing the company’s sales, business development and brand strategy.

Prior to starting BlueLock he worked for IMS Health (RX:NYSE), the global leader in market intelligence in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry, where he held positions of increasing responsibility within sales and consulting.

Prior to IMS he served as the director of sales and marketing for General Systems Design, Inc. where he developed and implemented an ASP platform for its billing software package.

Prior to GSD he held positions of increasing responsibility in sales and sales management with Johnson & Johnson (JNJ:NYSE).

Brian holds a B.A. from the University of Michigan and is a licensed private pilot.  (back to top/index)

Need to learn more? Interested in speaking at future conferences?
E-mail Softletter editor Rick Chapman  rickchapman@softletter.com