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Cloud services overview: Pursuing a new business model
Editor's note
Ever since cloud computing grew in acceptance among customers, channel partners have had to tackle a new set of business problems. For companies with roots in traditional hardware sales, transitioning to a recurring revenue stream model presented an unappealing -- if not precarious -- prospect. Additionally, cloud services demand new skill sets and strategies for sales and marketing. Yet, in spite of the reluctance within the channel community, vast partner ecosystems have sprung up around cloud platforms, creating opportunities for those who are willing to take the plunge.
In this cloud services overview, we provided a selection of articles to help you develop a cloud-based business strategy. You will learn about the top challenges that stand in the way of business model transitions, as well as opportunities for you to gain a foothold in the cloud market. Finally, we examine a number of key ecosystems that have grown around cloud platforms. Taken together, this cloud services overview aims to provide a clear assessment of how channel firms can succeed in the cloud world.
1Potential roles you can play
When approaching cloud, channel partners have many business areas that they can pursue. Here we present a cloud service overview of potential opportunities, which span from consulting customers on their cloud transitions to advising on cloud security concerns.
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Article
Cloud readiness assessments: Five questions to ask
Managed service providers can play a role in helping their customers assess whether cloud is a good fit for their businesses. Read Now
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Article
SMBs confront the cloud services market
Small and medium-sized businesses recognize the benefits of cloud yet often lack to the time and resources to vet and manage providers. Read Now
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Article
Protecting your customer's cloud data
Customer concerns surrounding cloud data security have opened opportunities for partners to offer consulting services. Learn about building a cloud security practice. Read Now
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Article
Help clients see the big picture
Become indispensable to your customers by helping integrate cloud services into their business strategies. Read Now
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Article
Clients grapple with unexpected cloud costs
Lack of a governance framework can stand in the way of the cloud investments of customers. Offering cloud governance services is one way partners can help. Read Now
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Article
Tips for integrating legacy systems
Integrating legacy systems and applications into the cloud may be easier than you think. Learn these strategies to ease the task. Read Now
2Navigating cloud platforms and partner networks
Now that you understand the inherent challenges of the cloud model and the services you can provide, it's time to survey the numerous ecosystems that have developed around cloud platforms such as Google, Oracle and Azure.
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Article
Partners tap into Google Cloud technology
Channel companies are contributing to the growth of Google's cloud platform and associated technologies. Read Now
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Article
Oracle makes progress in the cloud market
After a late start in the cloud race, Oracle has built out its channel programs for selling its cloud-based offerings. Read Now
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Article
Dropbox promotes a partner ecosystem
Learn about the partner network developing around the cloud storage and collaboration vendor Dropbox. Read Now
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Article
The impact of the AWS-VMware alliance
Partners ponder how the coalition of the two industry giants will play out. Read Now
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Article
Appirio buyout marks the end of an era
Wipro's $500 million purchase of Appirio leaves few remaining independent cloud consultancies. Read Now
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Article
Bluewolf offers IBM-Salesforce cognitive services
The integration of IBM Watson and Salesforce Einstein led consultancy Bluewolf to develop a new practice. Read Now
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Article
Partners see Azure gain momentum
Cloud services overview: Partners cite a healthy uptick of customer interest in Azure as Microsoft seeks dominance in the public cloud market. Read Now
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Article
Azure matures into key contender
Learn why Microsoft's Azure cloud platform is resonating with customers and partners alike. Read Now
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Article
Strategies for leveraging cloud ecosystems
Get insight into how channel partners can navigate the complex cloud ecosystems. Read Now