http://disqus.com/by/CiaranR/enMon, 08 Nov 2010 11:06:32 -0000http://techcrunch.com/2010/11/08/the-planet-softlayer/#comment-95087410<p>The Planet let their customers know about this back on Aug 5th, and yes Lance Crosby will be CEO of the new company</p><p></p><blockquote>Customer Announcement<br>In Discussions with Softlayer<br><br>Dear Customer,<br><br>It’s no surprise to you that the hosting market has grown substantially over the past few years, coming into its own. With the industry growth, coupled with the downturn in the economy, you’ve seen a number of equity investors enter the market. They are armed with cash and ready to participate in the next big wave of opportunity by supporting companies with their growth plans. At the same time, we’ve seen a number of consolidations in business, of which there are two kinds: those designed to protect a shrinking industry; or others, as you’ve seen in our industry, which represent opportunities for scale and growth. It’s a far cry from the days after the dotcom bubble, when investors became disillusioned with lost assets. Today, we’re seeing financial stability in hosting companies, and investors are again ready to put their money into new investments and support improved product and service offerings.<br>It’s for this reason I’m writing to share some great news about our business. GI Partners, the private equity firm that owns The Planet, has made a number of investments in our industry, including The Telx Group and ViaWest. They have announced their purchase of SoftLayer, and in turn we have entered into discussions to join forces with SoftLayer to create a new company.<br><br>From where I sit, this looks like an incredible opportunity for our customers with even better resources and financial viability. It would double the size of our already powerful network. We would have geographically dispersed data centers with operations not only in Texas, but also in Seattle, Washington and London. With additional capital, we would have opportunities to create an expanded international footprint for our data centers and operations. The automation capabilities would make it even easier for you to do business with us. In short, there’s unparalleled opportunity.<br><br>We know your greatest concern is what this means for you. I can assure you that we are committed to providing you with great service. Over the next three months, we will be working together with SoftLayer on integration plans. Our focus is all about you and how we will deliver more value, better service and ultimately move closer to delivering a new standard of customer service for this industry. Our consolidation is about growth and the value we’ll be able to deliver to you and your business.<br><br>SoftLayer CEO Lance Crosby would lead the new company. He has done a great job in his leadership role with SoftLayer and comes from this industry. Lance and I are working side-by-side during these discussions, and he knows and understands what our customers need. <br><br>We will keep you updated on our plans as they progress. Our goal would be to close the transaction during the fourth quarter. In the meantime, you have my commitment that we’ll continue to provide the same products and services you’ve always counted on from The Planet. We appreciate your confidence and continued support. <br><br><br><br>Sincerely, <br><br>Douglas J. Erwin<br>Chairman and CEO</blockquote>CiaranRMon, 08 Nov 2010 11:06:32 -0000http://www.mobileindustryreview.com/2009/09/all-change-in-the-uk-orange-announces-iphone-3g3gs-agreement.html#comment-17744393<p>Totally Patrick, Go mackins!</p><p>Sorry Ben :)</p>CiaranRMon, 28 Sep 2009 18:25:15 -0000http://seanmacentee.com/finally-getting-project-time-back/#comment-12559246<p>Hey Sean, if you're interested would love to meet up while you're in London next weekend, have a pint and a chat? Let us know anyway you should have my email, Cheers</p>CiaranRSun, 12 Jul 2009 19:16:25 -0000http://www.mobileindustryreview.com/2008/12/ben_has_just_done_the_mir_christmas_presents_draw.html#comment-4380718<p>Come on, come on, come on ...... :-)</p>CiaranRFri, 12 Dec 2008 20:22:03 -0000http://www.mobileindustryreview.com/2008/12/just_unlocked_my_t-mobile_g1.html#comment-4240337<p>Nice</p>CiaranRSun, 07 Dec 2008 20:03:38 -0000http://www.mobileindustryreview.com/2008/11/a-gps_in_a_sim_card_from_sagem_orga_bluesky.html#comment-3892914<p>Total shenanigans</p>CiaranRWed, 19 Nov 2008 07:02:17 -0000http://www.mobileindustryreview.com/2008/11/a-gps_in_a_sim_card_from_sagem_orga_bluesky.html#comment-3888770<p>I imagine it's just the 'A' bit of A-GPS and not the 'GPS' bit. So probably some cell id based LBS app installed on the SIM that auto installs with you insert the SIM like a lot the operator settings and things on SIM's. Not to dissimilar from what WuBud of maxroam are doing?</p>CiaranRTue, 18 Nov 2008 21:26:22 -0000http://www.mobileindustryreview.com/2008/11/exclusive_im_off_to_a_secret_location_tomorrow.html#comment-3888369<p>Ohh you tease</p>CiaranRTue, 18 Nov 2008 20:52:43 -0000