ZK Research founder Zeus Kerravala has over three and half decades of experience as a seasoned tech analyst and a researcher.There is no doubt that technology has evolved at a breakneck speed. Yet, few have witnessed its transformation as intimately as Zeus Kerravala, founder of ZK Research. With over 35 years in the industry, Kerravala’s journey from a self-taught coder to a leading technology analyst and researcher offers a unique perspective on the digital revolution.
Kerravala pedaled into the tech world at the University of Victoria in British Columbia, Canada, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Physics and Mathematics in 1988. His early career saw him at the Royal Roads Military College as a software developer, where he played a pivotal role in connecting the institution to the nascent Internet. As the college closed in 1995, Kerravala transitioned to Alex. Brown & Sons, a financial firm in the US, leveraging his Unix and networking skills to address a critical talent gap on the East Coast.
Zeus’ knack for staying ahead of the curve became evident during his tenure at Yankee Group from 2001 to 2011, where he ascended to Senior Vice President and Distinguished Research Fellow. There, he expanded the company’s focus from telecom to enterprise research, forging strong connections with industry giants within the IT industry. His work laid the groundwork for the founding of ZK Research in 2011, a consultancy that provides tactical and strategic guidance in an ever-changing digital landscape. “I’ve been running my own research firm for almost 13 years now, and this is only thanks to my previous experience and the hunger for understanding the new-age technology trends,” he expresses.
His entrepreneurial spirit and industry expertise have allowed ZK Research to flourish. His firm provides invaluable insights into market transitions, helping clients – from tech vendors and Wall Street investors to corporate executives and resellers – navigate the complexities of the digital age. His research philosophy, which focuses on disruptive markets, has kept ZK Research at the forefront of technological evolution.
Kerravala’s expertise is not confined to the boardroom. On his YouTube channel, ZKast, he interviews thought leaders across the technology spectrum, offering insights into the latest trends and innovations. “My research philosophy is to follow trends of disruption,” he explains. “I work with technology vendors, Wall Street investors, corporate executives, and resellers to navigate these transitions as smoothly as possible.”
Kerravala’s personal interests also drive his professional pursuits. An avid cyclist, golfer, and analytics enthusiast, he sees a significant overlap between technology and sports. “I’m very much interested in technology for sports and entertainment. It’s fascinating how data and analytics are transforming these fields,” he says.
Looking ahead, Kerravala’s goals include continuing to be a thought leader in disruptive technologies and expanding his influence in sports technology. His current research is deeply entrenched in the realm of AI. He investigates how IT infrastructure and applications need to evolve to transform AI from a vision to reality, covering areas like networking, computing, data, silicon, and collaboration applications. “I want to establish myself as the go-to person for insights into emerging trends, especially AI and mixed reality,” he says. “On a personal level, I’m passionate about integrating technology into sports and health monitoring.”
Zeus Kerravala’s journey from coding in the 1980s to leading a premier research firm today underscores the importance of adaptability and foresight in the tech industry. As he continues to connect the dots of the evolving digital landscape, his story serves as an inspiration to both seasoned professionals and aspiring tech enthusiasts.
