ANS boosts cloud app focus with acquisition

Cloud services provider acquires cloud app developer in push towards more complete offering

ANS Group has acquired Webantic, a cloud transformation and application development firm.

The cloud services provider, which has Microsoft Gold Cloud Platform Provider and AWS Advance Partner status, has snapped up Manchester-based Webantic to offer ANS customers cloud native application development expertise.

Paul Shannon, CEO at ANS, told CRN: "Previously, the bit that we could not deliver to the customer was applications that needed re-platforming completely into the cloud - [in that case] we had to walk away from that part of the project.

"This acquisition allows us to not only show how to migrate applications to the cloud, but how to build applications in the cloud as that is what Webantic specialise in."

Shannon said around 90 per cent of Webantic's headcount is technical staff, while its sales team will also be integrated into ANS.

He added that Webantic is an excellent cultural fit for ANS, while two Webantic directors will have "key roles at ANS going forward".

Commenting on the demand for cloud-native applications, Andy Barrow, CTO at ANS, said organisations are using hyperscale public cloud services as the most strategic way of addressing the new-world business challenges of infrastructure and modern application development.

"Disruptive trends, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning are developing at a staggering rate and are beginning to impact on every industry.

"In response to this, we're now seeing a fundamental shift in the need to provide scalability, speed and flexibility through cloud technology," he added.

Luke Grimes, managing director at Webantic, said: "We are excited about this next chapter and are delighted to have found an organisation that shares our vision and passion for innovation.

"We believe that ANS is the perfect platform for growth and opportunity for the entire Webantic team."