Microsoft Opens up Azure to the channel

Channel chief Phil Sorgen unveils new scheme set to be rolled out in the summer

Microsoft is making its Azure cloud platform available on Open licensing from the summer, meaning resellers will be in full control of customer billing.

From 1 August, the cloud-based application and service management programme will be added to Open Volume Licensing, signalling the beginning of a new credits-based purchasing programme.

Partners will be able to buy tokens in increments of $100 (£59) from their disties which can then be used for any Azure service, meaning resellers maintain a direct billing relationship.

Currently partners wanting to sell the Azure product have to purchase it direct from Microsoft or as part of an Enterprise Agreement.

In a video to partners, Microsoft's global channel chief Phil Sorgen said Azure in Open is a gateway to higher services revenue.

"To put it simply, Azure in Open makes it simpler for you to do business with us," he said. "It opens the door to more, new, profitable business models for you.

"Azure in Open provides flexibility for you... and superior value for your customers. Look at up-front, consumption-based billing, for example: it is compelling for you and your customers because of the low barrier to entry.

"You can offer an affordable, consumption-aligned billing for the service, making it easier for the customer to afford consulting and services fees which are associated with setting up the total solution. For many of you it's the services margin which drives your business."