Zeus Kerravala, the founder of ZK Research, brings more than 35 years of expertise as a technology analyst and researcher.The pace of technological advancement is astonishing, but few have experienced this evolution as closely as Kerravala. With over three and a half decades in the field, his transition from a self-taught programmer to a prominent technology analyst and researcher provides a distinctive insight into the digital landscape.
Kerravala launched his tech career at the University of Victoria in British Columbia, Canada, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics and Mathematics in 1988. His initial professional chapter took place at the Royal Roads Military College as a software developer, where he significantly contributed to connecting the institution to the early Internet. Following the closure of the college in 1995, he moved on to Alex. Brown & Sons, a financial institution in the US, applying his Unix and networking expertise to meet a crucial talent requirement on the East Coast.
Kerravala’s talent for staying ahead of industry trends became apparent during his time at Yankee Group from 2001 to 2011, where he rose to Senior Vice President and Distinguished Research Fellow. He broadened the company’s research focus from telecommunications to enterprise solutions, establishing valuable relationships with key players in the IT sector. This groundwork was essential for the creation of ZK Research in 2011, a consultancy that offers both tactical and strategic insights in a rapidly evolving digital environment. “I’ve been operating my own research firm for nearly 13 years now, which is only possible due to my past experiences and my drive to grasp the nuances of modern technology trends,” he shared.
His entrepreneurial zeal and knowledge of the industry have propelled ZK Research’s success. The consultancy provides critical insights into market shifts, assisting clients—from technology vendors and investors on Wall Street to business executives and resellers—in maneuvering through the intricacies of the digital realm. His approach to research emphasizes disruptive markets, keeping ZK Research at the leading edge of technological progress.
Kerravala’s expertise extends beyond corporate environments. Through his YouTube channel, ZKast, he interviews leading thinkers across the tech industry, shedding light on the most recent trends and innovations. “My research philosophy revolves around tracking disruptive trends,” he explains. “I collaborate with tech vendors, investors, business leaders, and resellers to ease their transitions during these changes.”
His personal passions also enrich his professional endeavors. A dedicated cyclist, golfer, and analytics advocate, he perceives a strong link between technology and sports. “I’m extremely keen on the role of technology in sports and entertainment. The way data and analytics are reshaping these sectors is captivating,” he notes.
Looking forward, Kerravala aims to maintain his role as a thought leader in disruptive technologies while broadening his impact in sports technology. Currently, his research is heavily focused on AI, investigating how IT infrastructure and applications must adapt to turn AI into a practical reality, addressing aspects like networking, computing, data management, silicon technologies, and collaboration tools. “I aspire to be the leading expert on emerging trends, particularly in AI and mixed reality,” he states. “On a personal note, I’m enthusiastic about merging technology with sports and health monitoring.”
Zeus Kerravala’s evolution from a coder in the 1980s to the head of a premier research firm today highlights the necessity of adaptability and foresight within the technology sector. As he continues to weave together the threads of the shifting digital landscape, his journey serves as a motivation for both experienced professionals and aspiring tech innovators.
