Azlan adds cloud VDI service for SMBs

Cisco Powered offering to simplify virtual offices in the cloud

TDAzlan has signed up to distribute a virtualised desktop infrastructure (VDI) service for SMBs that complements Cisco infrastructure.

Mark Wheeler, director of the Cisco business unit at Azlan, said the cloud service, called Flip IT, has potential for SMB-focused resellers looking to sell Cisco cloud services - especially as support is ended for Microsoft Small Business Server and Windows XP.

"Many smaller businesses will need to consider their next steps carefully and we believe Flip IT is a good option. It enables them to build an entire virtual office inside the cloud, without having to make any long-term commitment to purchasing software or managing software deployment and licensing," he said.

Wheeler claimed Flip IT is "entirely secure" as well as cost-effective. "We can clearly demonstrate that SMBs will make significant cost savings by making use of the Flip IT VDI service instead of on-premise software," he added.

The VDI service, which targets firms with up to 100 seats, will be hosted in Verizon datacentres, according to Azlan, and available immediately through parent company Tech Data's StreamOne aggregation and billing platform. The Flip IT app store offers various apps and services on a monthly, per-seat basis.

Flip IT is a managed service from Virtu, a division of Slovenia-based Cisco developer partner NIL.

Sašo Djokovič, director of Flip IT services at NIL Data Communications, said: "We developed Flip IT to provide powerful and flexible orchestration and management that enables provisioning and self-provisioning of cloud services."

The aim is to provide SIs and VARs with a simple way to offer cloud and managed services, he said. The Flip IT service has been validated as part of Cisco's "Cisco Powered" cloud and managed services portfolio.