Allen Falcon is a technologist and entrepreneur with more than 20 years in the industry. Allen’s background includes a unique history of software development and marketing, CIO-level consulting, and entrepreneurship. Early in his career, Allen served as a Sr. Software Engineer and Project Leader at the former Data General. In this role, he managed a strategic technical partnership with Novell, bringing Novell’s Portable NetWare to DG/UX and the new AViiON hardware platform. Allen left development in the 1991 to join Onset International, a boutique consulting firm located outside Boston, MA. At Onset, Allen consulted to the Office of the Chief Technology Officer at Citibank. Allen was instrumental in developing the strategy and methods for formalizing PC, LAN, and Client-Server support and assisted Citibank in selecting a management system for its global networks. In 1993, Allen and a partner launched Horizon Information Group, a strategic technology management consulting firm focused on information technology and services. As managing partner, Allen worked with CIOs of numerous large financial institutions and corporations, including John Hancock, State Street Bank, Bankers Trust, Harvard Medical School, Times Mirror Corporation, and the WGBH Educational Foundation. Allen’s services focused on helping clients improve management and support of local area networks and client-server systems.
In 1998, Allen helped spin off and manage IST Development, Inc., a software company focused on tools for helping businesses mitigate desktop application Year 2000 risks. From startup to January 2001, IST Development sold approximately $2.5 million in software. From 1999 through 2009, Allen continued to manage and run Horizon Information Group, focusing on the needs of small and midsize businesses and non-profits. Often serving as a part-time CIO, his experience spans industries including financial services; publishing; manufacturing and distribution; architecture, design, and construction; and professional services.
In September 2006, Allen launched Horizon Info Services, LLC, recognizing the need among small businesses for better managed IT services. Rather than focusing on traditional “break/fix” issues, Allen has led Horizon on a path that provides value-add services not normally available or affordable to the SMB market.
Re-branded as Cumulus Global in 2012, Allen leads a team of cloud computing experts helping businesses, non-profits, schools, and local governments move to Google Apps and related cloud services. As a Google Apps Premier SMB Reseller, Cumulus Global offers a range of integrated services, including Google Apps Vault and Chromebooks for Education and Business.
Allen is a recognized thought leader on technology issues for small and mid-size businesses. His work and entrepreneurial spirit won him recognition from the Boston Business Journal as on of the “40 under 40”. Allen served two terms as a director and officer of the Smaller Business Association of New England and has served a term on the board of the Institute of Management Consultants New England Chapter.
Allen holds a Bachelor of Science Honors degree in Computer and Communication Sciences from the University of Michigan.