MSPs and VARs will now have some help expanding their cloud service portfolios. Quantum Corp. has announced a new program enabling service providers to sell cloud backup-as-a-service (BaaS) solutions powered by Quantum’s virtual deduplication appliances and vmPRO backup software.
The new program lets MSPs and VARs brand, market and sell cloud services based on a virtual, software-based approach with capacity-based subscription pricing. BaaS services may be scaled to meet fluctuating demand, which eliminates the need for a large capital investment on hardware.
"With the perfect storm of the commoditization of server virtualization, the accessibility of cloud services and the recent innovations in data deduplication, a solution like this is well timed,” commented Jason Buffington, senior analyst, Enterprise Strategy Group. “What previously held providers back has been security concerns within monolithic storage arrays and the heavy initial capital costs for starting this kind of service. Quantum is addressing both of those concerns through this new service pricing model and its virtual appliance offerings."
According to an IDC report on cloud services adoption, 69 percent of companies are evaluating or planning to use online backup services in the near future. Massive adoption is expected between now and 2015, making the market ripe for MSPs and VARs to provide these types of offerings.
Quantum’s new partner program has a number of benefits, including capacity-based licensing for virtual backup and deduplication. This means MSPs may license Quantum virtual appliances on a capacity basis and offer their own cloud-based backup services to end users. Partners may also access online sales training, marketing resources and free products for trials and demonstrations. Quantum also provides technical support and sales training.
"Quantum gives MSPs everything they need to compete in the growing online backup market with leading deduplication technology that is efficient, scalable and simple to implement,” said Henrik Rosendahl, senior vice president, cloud solutions, Quantum. “MSPs can resell this solution as their own branded cloud backup service, enabling them to add recurring incremental revenue and margin to their business lines without needing to make a large up-front capital investment."
Edited by
Blaise McNamee
