In our third edition of ‘Getting to know’, WRIS is excited to feature an interview with Jeremy Ennis the Chief Operating Officer at xByte Cloud. Where he shares his insights on the evolving landscape of cloud technology, balancing innovation with practical needs, and his vision for the future. 

The Path So Far

WRIS: Can you share a bit about your educational background and how it has shaped your career journey so far?

Jeremy Ennis: I began my career at Consolidated Graphics, a company with 72 locations known for its national reach and local expertise in print marketing and variable print. As an Account Manager, I helped Fortune 500 clients with their marketing budgets. After Consolidated Graphics was acquired by RR Donnelley, I was promoted to Vice President of Operations, where I led the team in building one of the largest direct mail organizations in the network.

WRIS: With your extensive experience in marketing and sales, how did you decide to transition into the web hosting industry specifically? What drew you to this field?

Jeremy Ennis: In marketing and direct mail, I quickly saw the importance of digital asset management. In a data-driven industry, a cloud-based solution with a strong disaster recovery plan is crucial for managing assets and ensuring business continuity through reliable infrastructure, whether local, hybrid, or cloud-based.

WRIS: What was the learning curve like for you when you first entered the web hosting industry? Can you describe some key challenges and how you overcame them?

Jeremy Ennis: One of my biggest challenges was learning to communicate effectively with IT experts. Transitioning from a high-energy sales background, I realized that my approach could frustrate IT professionals. I learned that organizations rely heavily on engineers for managing cloud infrastructure, and adapting to varied client needs requires constantly expanding our knowledge and navigating documentation efficiently.

WRIS: What were your first impressions of ColdFusion as a technology?

Jeremy Ennis: My introduction to ColdFusion highlighted the importance of managing and optimizing the application to work as efficiently as possible with the server. ColdFusion is a robust platform that can accommodate a wide range of use cases.

WRIS: How did your initial experience with ColdFusion shape your understanding and approach to web technologies?

Jeremy Ennis: My early experience with ColdFusion taught me the value of efficient application and server management. Its robustness and versatility showed me the importance of scalable, adaptable solutions. This foundation has guided our investment in tools and expertise, shaping our approach to other web technologies with a focus on performance, reliability, and scalability.

WRIS: Do you view cloud hosting and infrastructure as a natural evolution in your career? How do you see this field aligning with your long-term professional goals?

Jeremy Ennis: Cloud infrastructures are always evolving with new solutions. Despite the changes, reliability, resilience, and expertise are essential. This ongoing evolution keeps me excited for the future  while motivating me to continually enhance our services and effectively address client challenges.

Leveraging Expertise to Propel xByte Cloud’s Growth

WRIS: How do you prioritize and balance between innovation, customer needs, and cost efficiency in cloud hosting services?

Jeremy Ennis: To balance innovation, customer needs, and cost efficiency in cloud hosting, we first understand each customer's specific needs and goals. We then offer innovative solutions that fit their budget and long-term objectives. Open communication ensures our solutions are both cutting-edge and practical. Being part of the xByte Family lets us use the latest hardware, keeping deployment costs reasonable.

WRIS: How does your company differentiate itself from competitors in terms of technology and customer service?

Jeremy Ennis: Our expertise in Enterprise Cloud solutions and ColdFusion distinguishes us, as we take pride in having the most skilled professionals in the industry. Though our pricing may be higher, clients benefit from top-tier solutions in cloud infrastructure, application management, and digital asset management.

WRIS: How do you approach building and maintaining strong relationships with enterprise clients versus small-to-medium-sized businesses?

Jeremy Ennis: For enterprise clients, we prioritize understanding their complex needs through clear communication, strategic planning, and continuous support. For small-to-medium-sized businesses, which often lack dedicated infrastructure teams, we take a hands-on approach that emphasizes collaboration and transparency, fostering stronger relationships.

WRIS: What emerging trends in cloud do you find most exciting or disruptive?

Jeremy Ennis: Several emerging cloud computing trends are both exciting and disruptive. Edge computing reduces latency by processing data closer to its source, while multi-cloud and hybrid environments enhance flexibility and resilience, improving workload optimization and disaster recovery. AI and machine learning offer advanced analytics and automation capabilities. However, these innovations may increase resource demand and affect long-term energy costs.

WRIS: What are your hopes for the future of cloud and xByte?

Jeremy Ennis: I hope for increased innovation, accessibility, and sustainability in cloud computing, along with advancements in security to enhance resilience against cyber threats. For xByte, we aim to lead in these innovations, helping clients navigate the evolving cloud landscape with cutting-edge solutions and expertise, thus driving growth for both our clients and xByte.

WRIS: What activities do you find most effective for unwinding and decompressing after a particularly stressful work week?

Jeremy Ennis: I often decompress by going for a run while listening to a book or podcast, which helps clear my mind and offer new perspectives. I also find relaxation and mental rejuvenation in spending quiet time in a sauna, reflecting on my thoughts.

WRIS: When you’re not working, what do you do for fun? 

Jeremy Ennis: As part of a large family, our lives revolve around family activities. With two boys, we frequently attend sports events and enjoy outdoor adventures. We thrive on a busy schedule that keeps us active and provides opportunities to meet new people and build relationships.

Looking Ahead

Jeremy Ennis’s commitment to innovation and strong client relationships underscores his crucial role at xByte Cloud and the expanding partnership with WRIS. His transition from marketing to cloud technology illustrates a remarkable blend of adaptability and expertise. We’ve appreciated learning about his professional journey and personal interests, and we eagerly anticipate how xByte will continue to lead the cloud industry.

Contact us today to explore how WRIS Web Services and xByte Cloud can collaborate to achieve your goals.