Kelway stresses cloud transparency

Reseller argues traditional cloud reporting methods are no longer accurate enough as it launches Kelway ServiceWorks

Kelway is putting transparency at the core of its cloud strategy as it launches its first "productised" cloud services.

The corporate reseller today unveiled Kelway ServiceWorks, a suite of cloud-based services initially comprising compute, mail and backup packages. Five more packages will be launched later this year including ones relating to desktop-as-a-service, unified communications and video.

Talking to ChannelWeb, Kelway chief technology officer Andy Eccles said transparency and accountability will form the cornerstones of Kelway's cloud strategy.

"The typical preserves of cloud reporting, such as CPU usage and disk space, are no longer accurate enough to demonstrate how well a service runs," he said.

"There are some service providers that are now perceived as unscrupulous because they provide reports that only sum up averages of availability. We will have clear, transparent reporting where you can see a high-level view and then drill down into the underlying metrics."

Eccles said this would not only foster trust among customers but help Kelway "strive for excellence" in service delivery. "We cannot afford to have services unavailable as it will be immediately visible to the end user," he explained.

Kelway moved into the cloud market in 2008 and has since built up a handful of bespoke managed services customers, said Eccles.

ServiceWorks represents Kelway's attempt to scale this by productising its core cloud services, he added.

In a statement, Kelway managing director Dan Laws (pictured), said: "A barrier has been created by confusing terminology, which does not help organisations overcome prevailing business concerns such as security, cost effectiveness and delivery of a reliable user experience. With ServiceWorks we are bringing to market a practical, simple and easy-to-use set of solutions which are capable of delivering precisely the business benefits promised by the cloud hype."