Darren Armstrong: Enterprise Technology Specialist
My extensive IT industry experience uses a vendor neutral approach in selecting the best solution to shorten deployment times
My Values
Data Storage Expert
I have spent over 20 successful years in the Enterprise Storage industry, constantly overachieving on sales targets.
- Winner of "President's Club" sales award multiple times
- Formal education in systems analysis and design and programming
- Enterprise architecture and infrastructure operations experience
- Five years at Compaq/HP as a presales storage systems engineer
- Eighteen years at HP/HPE in Storage Sales Specialist role
- Covered BC, AB, and NWT Territories until my departure in 2023
- Responsible for many first time technology adoptions in the region, such as virtualized and object storage
- Produced public references involving the use of solutions I sold
Multi-vendor Advisor
My most recent career was spent at a top tier manufacturer for over two decades, and this has exposed me to multiple vendors' product offerings. I hold certifications with the following technology partners:
- HPE
- Microsoft Azure
- AWS
- Google Cloud Platform
- Veeam
- Commvault
- Cohesity
- Redhat
- VAST Data
- Zerto
Solution Focused
One advantage of working for a large manufacturer is the fact I could present more than a single product line to my customers. For example, customer opportunities rarely only encompass only just storage, or just servers. I believe in making sure my customers have been informed of a complete solution.
Relationship Driven
I have spent a good number of years meeting, and getting to know, many people in Alberta. These people include customers and partners. I am a firm believer in repeat business. I want to understand my clients' issues fully so I can help solve them, and hopefully be asked to return for future business. This can take considerable time, and last longer than a single transaction.
Technology Translator
Manufacturer collateral is not always "human readable", or it tends to be too heavily focused on marketing jargon. I am able to separate the hype from the real features and communicate the actual benefits to my customers in plain language.
Rapid Learner
Everyone is aware that the computer industry changes rapidly. It's imperative to stay up to date with the latest technologies. I have become very skilled at acquiring new knowledge quickly.
Social Media Savvy
I have always recognized the value of social media as a method of marketing and promotion. My LinkedIn page is constantly updated, and I engage often with other technology thought leaders. I have even been successful lately with a series of videos using a tool named OneMob.
Community Minded
Life is not all about business and career, and I have always tried to give back to the local community as much as I can. The MS Society, Edmonton Food Bank, and Boyle Street continue to be where I focus my community efforts.