Bell serves up cloud apps

Distributor teams up with SaaSplaza to offer VARs white-label cloud services

Service with a smile: Bell claims channel firms are frequently overlooked by cloud providers

Bell Micro is aiming to help partners embrace cloud computing through the launch of its Enterprise Applic­ation Store (EAS) initiative.

The store, which is being delivered by the distribution giant in tandem with software-as-a-service platform pro­vider SaaSplaza, allows VARs to re­sell white-labelled, cloud-based services.

The services available via EAS include online backup, Microsoft Exchange and Sharepoint, and MXSweep’s email security products.

Ben Abraham, divisional leader for services at Bell Micro, said the store had been designed with VARs in mind.

“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,” he said.

Bell has confirmed that it will handle the billing for services accessed via EAS and will be offering credit facilities to participating VARs.