Channel forecast good as cloud opens through Bell Micro partnership with SaaSplaza

Specialist value added distributor Bell Micro and global SaaS platform provider SaaSplaza have partnered to launch a multi vendor Enterprise Application Store (EAS) to enable the provisioning of white labelled software services through the cloud.

The EAS will be populated with online solutions initially including Microsoft Exchange, SharePoint, Online Backup and MXsweep Security Services. To avoid the associated frustrations of moving into a rapidly growing market, all the available software is provisioned through a single SAS 70 Type II certified panel, which serves to eliminate the need for multiple contracts and manages liabilities, support contacts, service levels, metering and billing systems.
 
Ben Abraham, Divisional Leader, Services, Bell Micro said: "The problem facing resellers is that most cloud providers are engaging customers through direct sales models and when the channel is given some consideration, usually in the form of a bolt-on option, it is typically an afterthought. Critically however, no processes have been established to extend credit to partners, instead payment is expected up front and this simply does not suit the cloud utility model."
 
By partnering with SaaSplaza, Bell Micro is able to extend to its reseller partners cloud provisioning capabilities that have been designed from the beginning with the channel in mind, and which measures up to the high standards that customers will expect. Bell Micro can also further support partners by extending to them an established credit process and systems which will enable those seeking to embrace the margin rich channel proposition that cloud represents, quickly.
 
"This co-operation offers resellers the best opportunity to benefit from a highly strategic growth market," added Martin Hartman, Market Maker at SaaSplaza. "The SaaSplaza availability guarantees start at 99.5% on a 24 hour, seven days a week basis as well as offering resellers a single point of contact for all technical support."
 
EAS services may be ordered and billed through Bell Micro with supporting credit facilities and can be terminated at any time, without notice, taking the risk out of selling new cloud propositions and extending much needed flexibility to customers balancing their IT demands with constrained budgets.