I recently had the opportunity to attend the ManageEngine User Conference in Bengaluru (Feb 19–20), along with our VP of Sales, Sriram.
I went in expecting a typical technology conference — product announcements, feature updates, and technical discussions.
I came back with something far more meaningful.
Perspective.
This wasn’t just an event about software. It was about understanding where enterprise IT is heading, how AI is reshaping operations, and why strong partnerships and leadership vision matter more than ever.
Over two days, the experience shifted from learning about products to understanding the future of IT itself.
When Conversations Matter More Than Presentations
One of the most impactful parts of the conference was the opportunity to interact directly with ManageEngine’s leadership team — Bharath, Ananth Babu, Allan, Prasath, and Thiagu.
What made these interactions special was their authenticity.
There were no scripted answers or corporate barriers. Instead, we had open conversations about:
- Real customer challenges
- Implementation experiences from the field
- Product evolution and long-term strategy
- Partner expectations and collaboration
It felt less like speaking to leadership and more like working alongside a team committed to solving real problems.
A key realization for me:
Technology ecosystems succeed not only because of strong products, but because of strong relationships and shared vision.
When leadership listens, partners align better — and customers ultimately benefit.
A Leadership Moment That Truly Stood Out
A major highlight of the conference was meeting Shailesh Davey, CEO of Zoho Corporation.
His session was powerful precisely because it wasn’t flashy.
In a technology world often driven by hype cycles and rapid trends, his message was refreshingly grounded. He spoke about building technology patiently — focusing on engineering excellence, independence, and long-term thinking rather than short-term market noise.
What stood out most:
- Clear long-term product thinking
- India-focused innovation with global relevance
- Sustainable and independent growth philosophy
- Deep commitment to engineering excellence
Listening to his perspective felt reassuring. It reinforced the idea that lasting innovation comes from consistency, discipline, and purpose — not speed alone.
AI — Finally Explained the Right Way
AI dominated discussions throughout the conference. But unlike many events where AI feels like a buzzword, here it was presented with clarity and practicality.
The focus was simple:
AI should quietly improve operations, not complicate them.
Key applications discussed included:
- Automating IT service management workflows
- Predicting incidents before disruptions happen
- Enhancing asset visibility and operational insights
- Reducing repetitive manual IT tasks
The biggest takeaway?
👉 AI is not replacing people — it is empowering teams.
Instead of adding complexity, AI is becoming an invisible layer that helps IT teams move faster, make smarter decisions, and focus on strategic initiatives.
Vision 2026 — Seeing the Road Ahead
Another powerful aspect of the conference was gaining clarity on ManageEngine’s direction toward 2026.
Rather than vague future promises, the roadmap showed a structured and confident growth strategy.
Key focus areas included:
- Expansion of asset and inventory management capabilities
- AI-first enhancements across solutions
- Strong growth focus in the Indian market
- Continued investment in partner ecosystem success
- Scalable enterprise-ready platform development
For us as a reseller, this early visibility is incredibly valuable.
It allows us to move from being solution providers to becoming strategic advisors, helping customers make technology decisions that remain relevant for years — not just months.
More Than a Conference — A True Learning Experience
Across the two days, the environment felt collaborative rather than formal.
Instead of passive sessions, the conference encouraged participation, discussion, and shared learning.
The experience included:
- Real customer scenarios openly discussed
- Deep dives into product capabilities
- Direct clarification of product challenges
- Interactive open Q&A sessions
- Cross-learning with fellow partners
It genuinely felt less like attending a conference and more like being part of a working community.
The biggest reminder?
Real learning happens through interaction — not slides.
My Biggest Takeaway
As I reflected on the experience during the journey back, one idea stayed with me:
Technology success comes from alignment.
Alignment between:
- Leadership vision
- Product innovation
- Partner collaboration
- Customer needs
The ManageEngine User Conference wasn’t just about understanding what exists today. It was about preparing for what comes next.
I returned with:
✅ clearer strategic insights
✅ stronger relationships
✅ deeper confidence in the ecosystem
✅ renewed excitement about helping customers navigate intelligent IT operations
And honestly, that’s what made this experience truly memorable.
Because sometimes, the most valuable outcome of a conference isn’t the information you collect — it’s the perspective you gain.
Excited to translate these learnings into real value for our customers as we move toward the future of IT.
Karthikeyan – QA Manager.
