451 Research, a division of The 451 Group. has announced that Michael Cote, a highly respected infrastructure software expert, has joined 451 Research. Cote will focus on software infrastructure, providing insight and analysis that adds breadth and depth to 451 Research's industry-leading research on Digital Infrastructure — the value chain of business that integrates the physical and digital worlds.

Research Focus on Digital Infrastructure

Digital Infrastructure continues its evolution toward a converged, automated and dynamic infrastructure model that supports new service capabilities and delivery paradigms. Addressing this evolving digital infrastructure, which extends from facilities through the hardware and software stacks to cloud-based services, has profound implications for the way enterprises plan, build and manage their IT environments.

Based in Austin, TX, Cote will manage the infrastructure software team and research agenda. His research efforts will address the software infrastructure components of Digital Infrastructure — from the hypervisor to the application layer – and will include application development, systems management, VDI and cloud management and platforms. He will also closely follow the business of software — including product management, product marketing, market strategy, and M&A.

Prior to joining 451 Research, Cote worked at Dell in various management roles – in corporate strategy, where he helped launch the software group; headed the company's internal incubation program; directed Dell's cross-company cloud strategy; and ran the portfolio strategy team for the Dell Software Group. Before joining Dell, Cote was an industry analyst at RedMonk, where he covered the IT world and helped clients address the rapidly changing space. Cote has also worked as a programmer at several technology companies, from startups — including pioneering online banking company FundsXpress — to established companies, such as BMC Software.

Cote is well known for his podcasts and videos, including the DrunkAndRetired.com podcast and the IT Management & Cloud podcast.

"We are thrilled to welcome Cote," said Simon Carruthers, chief operating officer, 451 Research. "He is a highly respected industry leader with a distinguished record as an analyst and market strategist. His insight into the changing infrastructure software market and its implications for Digital Infrastructure planning and implementation will prove invaluable to 451 Research clients."