HP CloudAgile Program Pursues More Cloud Services Providers
While Hewlett-Packard prepares to launch a public cloud initiative, the HP cloud strategy also includes a cloud services provider partner program. It’s called HP CloudAgile, and some big CSPs — as well as emerging CSPs — are lining up to join the HP cloud initiative.
HP Vice President Meaghan Kelly mentioned CloudAgile during the HP-Axcient Cloud Roadshow in New York today. HP CloudAgile typically involves cloud services providers that are introducing hosted, managed and cloud-based services built atop HP’s hardware. The CloudAgile partner lineup so far includes such companies as:
- Attenda
- Axcient
- Centric
- Datapipe
- Eshgro
- Latisys
- Navisite
- OpSource
- Savvis
- Shi
- Terremark
- UKfast
- Verizon
- ViaWest
That’s an impressive list of cloud services providers, considering the HP CloudAgile partner program is less than a year old. HP launched the partner program in June 2011 with three tiers:
- Premier Partner: An exclusive, invitation-only level membership. It will include top revenue-generating managed service providers that leverage HP solutions for the foundation for all service offerings.
- Select: Leading service providers that have regional or global market reach, while expanding with HP infrastructure to meet growing demand for cloud and IT services.
- Partner: Organizations new to HP or delivering ITaaS. Here, future infrastructure will be based on HP while demonstrating significant growth.
HP isn’t the first big hardware company to pursue CSPs as partners. Cisco Systems, for one, has clearly articulated a cloud partner program that includes cloud resellers, cloud builders and full-blown cloud services providers. So far, Cisco says, the most in-demand area has involved cloud builders, many of whom have been building private clouds for customers.
