Later this morning, I have a call with Sage‘s Group CTO to discuss the mySQL announcement yesterday. Given all the PR caveats I was given by Sage in a pre-call briefing, I’m not expecting to hear anything earth shattering – at least not explicitly.
However, from the wink-wink, nudge-nudge style of conversation I held with the PR person, their upcoming Connections gig could be very interesting. A friend hinted at something in early October but there wasn’t enough to figure out the story so I let it slide.
Or I could be completely wrong and it could be deadly dull. Either way, Sage seems pleased I’ve agreed to attend the conference and is prepared to cover my travel expenses to get me there on what will no doubt be a wet November in Manchester – it usually is.
It will be interesting going into the Heart of the Beast for the first time in some years. Over the two and a half day gig, I get to meet with Sage’s top execs plus customers and channel partners. A bit like TechED only smaller and with people who practice on this stuff – customers in other words. You guys. Sage’ll no doubt have an itinerary pegged out but I’m used to slipping leashes when the need arises. 
To be fair they’ve said I’ll get good access to participants and to date the PRs have delivered on what they promised. This is important. Sage gets regularly caned for its service quality and they know my position on SaaS as I think it might impact their business.
This will be the best time to properly test my thoughts and those who have influenced my thinking. It will also be a chance to catch up with a few friends, like John Stokdyk. Despite our editorial differences of opinion, John and I go way back, share information now and again and swap the odd titillating rumour.
The only potential issue is wifi access. I don’t expect to get it. This is a time when a Crackberry seems like a bloody good investment. Instead I’ll have a crack (sic) at Flickr’ing some pics. BTW, don’t expect David Bailey, my cell is a clapped out Nokia 6600 on Spanish Vodafone. Say no more. I’ll record some conversations for podcasting. Sound like a plan?
Anyone in the Manchester area who’s a Sage partner (or not) and wants to meet up, then drop me a line, leave a comment or call my landline. I’m sure there will be time to down a pint or two. I’ll be there 6-8th November, arriving after lunch on 6th. I expect the days to be pretty packed. Leaving early 9th.
BTW – I did offer to refrain from speculation but…watch this space. More later in the day
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