Cloud Sherpas was a prominent cloud advisory and technology services company specializing in platforms such as Google Apps, Salesforce, and ServiceNow. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, the company aimed to assist organizations in transitioning to cloud-based solutions, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and customer engagement. Its mission was to empower businesses by leveraging cloud technologies to drive innovation and reduce IT expenses. In 2015, Cloud Sherpas was acquired by Accenture, significantly expanding Accenture's enterprise cloud services capabilities.
Key Strategic Focus
Cloud Sherpas concentrated on delivering comprehensive cloud services, including advisory, implementation, integration, and support. The company specialized in major cloud platforms:
- Google Apps: Assisting organizations in migrating to and managing Google's suite of productivity tools.
- Salesforce: Providing expertise in customer relationship management (CRM) solutions.
- ServiceNow: Offering services to streamline IT service management processes.
By focusing on these platforms, Cloud Sherpas aimed to help clients improve collaboration, customer relationships, and IT operations.
Financials and Funding
Throughout its growth, Cloud Sherpas secured significant funding to fuel expansion and acquisitions:
- May 2010: Raised $1 million in funding from Hallett Capital and other investors.
- March 2012: Merged with GlobalOne and received a $20 million investment from Columbia Capital.
- December 2012: Raised $40 million in Series B funding from investors including Columbia Capital, Delta-V Capital, Greenspring Associates, and Queensland Investment Corporation.
These funds were utilized to expand service offerings, enter new geographic markets, and acquire complementary businesses.
Pipeline Development
Cloud Sherpas' service portfolio included:
- Cloud Advisory Services: Guiding clients in developing cloud strategies aligned with business objectives.
- Implementation and Integration: Deploying and integrating cloud solutions tailored to client needs.
- Managed Services: Providing ongoing support and optimization for cloud environments.
The company successfully completed over 5,000 cloud implementations across various industries, demonstrating its capability to deliver complex cloud projects.
Technological Platform and Innovation
Cloud Sherpas distinguished itself through:
- Proprietary Tools: Developed solutions like SherpaTools to enhance Google Apps' functionality, offering features such as directory management and bulk contact management.
- Integration Expertise: Specialized in integrating multiple cloud platforms, enabling seamless workflows and data consistency across systems.
- Custom Application Development: Created tailored applications to meet specific client requirements, enhancing the value of standard cloud offerings.
Leadership Team
Key executives included:
- David Northington: CEO, previously CEO at GlobalOne and COO of Capgemini's North American Applications Services group.
- Douglas Shepard: President of the Google Business Unit, instrumental in expanding the company's Google Apps practice.
- Michael Cohn: Founder and Vice President of Marketing and Product Management, focused on product development and market strategy.
Leadership Changes
In March 2012, following the merger with GlobalOne, David Northington became CEO of Cloud Sherpas, while Douglas Shepard assumed the role of President of the Google Business Unit.
Competitor Profile
The cloud services market during Cloud Sherpas' operation was characterized by rapid growth and increasing adoption of cloud technologies. Key competitors included:
- Appirio: A cloud services company specializing in Salesforce and Google Apps, known for its global delivery capabilities.
- Cloud Technology Partners: Focused on helping enterprises adopt and manage cloud solutions, offering services similar to Cloud Sherpas.
These competitors also aimed to assist organizations in transitioning to cloud platforms, highlighting the competitive nature of the industry.
Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships
Cloud Sherpas established significant partnerships to enhance its service offerings:
- Google: Achieved Google Enterprise Partner of the Year status multiple times, reflecting deep expertise in Google Apps.
- Salesforce: Became a Platinum Salesforce.com partner, enabling the delivery of comprehensive CRM solutions.
- ServiceNow: Recognized as a Master Solutions Partner, providing advanced IT service management services.
These collaborations allowed Cloud Sherpas to offer a broad range of cloud solutions tailored to client needs.
Operational Insights
Cloud Sherpas' strategic approach included:
- Global Expansion: Established offices in multiple countries, including the US, Australia, India, Japan, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, UAE, and the UK, to serve a diverse client base.
- Acquisitions: Acquired companies like CloudTrigger to enhance service capabilities and geographic reach.
- Focus on Certifications: Invested in employee certifications to demonstrate expertise and differentiate from competitors.
Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions
Prior to its acquisition by Accenture, Cloud Sherpas aimed to:
- Expand Service Offerings: Develop new solutions and services to meet evolving client needs.
- Enhance Technological Capabilities: Invest in proprietary tools and integrations to provide added value.
- Strengthen Market Position: Continue strategic partnerships and acquisitions to solidify its standing in the cloud services market.
The acquisition by Accenture in 2015 aligned with these objectives, integrating Cloud Sherpas' expertise into Accenture's broader cloud services strategy.
Contact Information
For more information, visit the official website:
Social Media Profiles:
- LinkedIn: Cloud Sherpas LinkedIn Profile
- Twitter: Cloud Sherpas Twitter Profile
