FixITlocal adds SaaS to cart

Dealer network signs agreement with SaaS provider Rentsoft

FixITlocal has added software as a service (SaaS) to its portfolio of services that can be sold by its network of local resellers.

The software, from Rentsoft, will be marketed under the fixITlocal brand, which was launched this year to allow local resellers to compete with the likes of PC World’s TechGuys.

The agreement allows SME resellers to move to a service and annuity-based business model, claims DMSL, the broadband and services distributor that runs fixITlocal. Resellers will sell services to their customers for a revenue share of commission on all sales.

“This is the start of a new era,” claimed John Carter, managing director of DMSL, although he conceded: “subscription-based models will not happen overnight.”

However, he pleaded with resellers to persevere. “It is just a matter of time.”

With broadband ubiquitous, Carter claimed SMEs’ confidence in software rental is growing enough to sustain the market. “They are communicating, placing orders and banking online - soon they will be running their applications online,” he said.

But some work needs to be done to gain confidence among SMEs. The service provider is to give away free monthly trial periods and to offer pay-as-you-go options. There will also be a number of special offers during the initial launch period to help resellers encourage customers to try the service.

The Rentsoft portfolio includes accounts software from MYOB, human resources, project management and CRM applications. The e-bcm credit checking service, which is also part of fixITlocal’s existing offering, will also be available.