IBM Gets Partner Ready For Cloud

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IBM has readied its cloud, under the umbrella of the IBM Smart Business Cloud, which will be sold exclusively through partners. The company has also set up a data center which will cater only to channel-driven offerings, and unveiled its new Cloud Computing Specialty Partner (CCSP) Program.

“The adoption of the cloud is increasing, and IBM has packaged the most comprehensive portfolio spanning public, private and hybrid cloud environments,” said Akash Saxena, Vice President, Offerings Management & Development, Global Technology Services, IBM India & South Asia. “Since India is a value-conscious market, we are offering services starting as low as Rs 10 per hour.”

The data center, for its channel-driven offerings for the South Asian market, has been set up in Singapore at an investment of more than $40 million.

Saxena said that unlike other players, IBM will not have any direct engagement with the customer. “Anyone who wants to use our cloud services has to come through partners. They cannot buy our services online by using a credit card.”

He said there’s keen interest among customers to move from a capex to an opex model. In addition, interest in IBM’s cloud services is also coming from customers who require a scaled-up infrastructure for a short period. “For instance, in a segment such as BFSI, companies need to process a huge load around quarter-ending and year-ending as the number of transactions goes up. Previously, these customers were forced to invest in infrastructure which supported such loads. Today, they can lease for a short period around a high-intensity event.”

At present IBM is focusing on providing infrastructure services (including virtual machines) on lease. “Customers can opt for an hourly usage plan, or go for bulk payment, or pay per virtual machine, or bring their own software and pay just for the services they need from IBM,” explained Saxena.

The company also unveiled its CCSP Program, and has enabled Ingram Micro and Avnet Technologies to drive its cloud offerings. It plans to bring 40 business partners on board over the next six months.

“The new program has been created to bring together the broadest ecosystem of companies working together to provide a wide range of cloud computing services and technologies for clients of all sizes and industries,” said Anoop Nambiar, Country Manager, Business Partner Organization, IBM India & South Asia. “Partners need to meet three criteria to become cloud specialists—build skills which are cloud-specific and product-specific, meet revenue targets, and submit at least two references of customers who are keen on using our services. We are expecting at least eight partners from India to attain the Cloud Specialist status in 2011.”

source : crn
 
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