Microsoft Takes Cloud Message to Small Businesses
Microsoft VP Cindy Bates surfaced on the Fort Worth Business Press web site yesterday. In an editorial piece, Bates describes how solutions providers and small business owners can benefit from software plus services and Microsoft Cloud Services. The piece was super-basic. Maybe that's why it was on the mark.
January 26, 2010
microsoft small business cloud and saas
Microsoft VP Cindy Bates surfaced on the Fort Worth Business Press web site yesterday. In an editorial piece, Bates describes how solutions providers and small business owners can benefit from software plus services and Microsoft Cloud Services. The piece was super-basic. Maybe that’s why it was on the mark.Too often, vendors and the media describe cloud computing with acronyms (IaaS, SaaS, PaaS) and jargon. In stark contrast, Bates sticks to the basics. She offers up the following example:
“Linda’s Deli sells quality meats both at its storefront and online. During holidays like Thanksgiving, Linda’s online sales are higher than in other months. Rather than purchasing additional servers to handle the temporary increase in online traffic, this small business can purchase server capacity for a fixed period of time, and for a fraction of the price.”
Like The VAR Guy said: Super basic. And even if you don’t buy Microsoft’s Cloud Computing vision, you can at least understand the business case Bates shares above.
Hybrid Solutions
At first glance, these are tricky times for Microsoft. The software giant must balance its on-premise sales with SaaS efforts. And those SaaS efforts, in turn, must balance direct sales and channel partner opportunities.
It’s a difficult balancing act. But take a closer look, folks. Microsoft isn’t alone. Every major on-premise software company is struggling to master SaaS opportunities.
Some partners applaud Microsoft’s SaaS efforts. Other channel partners view Microsoft as a rival.
Either way, Microsoft’s Bates continues to bang the drum for software plus services. And she’s using some very basic examples to explain her points. The VAR Guy welcomes the simple messaging.
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