Another Microsoft Executive Joins Parallels Cloud Push

For the second time in recent weeks, a former Microsoft executive has joined Parallels, the fast-growing software provider that works closely with hosting firms, cloud providers and SaaS partners. The latest name on the move is former Microsoft hosting specialist John Zanni, who will now serve as Parallels’ VP of alliances. Here are the details.

According to a prepared statement, Zanni “is expected to strengthen Parallels commitment to help hosters increase their profitability in the delivery of Cloud services to small businesses.  In his new role, John will be responsible for setting the strategic direction of its technology and go-to-market alliances with key partners.”

Zanni previously was GM for Microsoft’s Worldwide Software plus Services Industry team, with an emphasis on the communications sector, where he was responsible for Microsoft’s hosting strategy, Parallels says.

Deja Vu All Over Again

Zanni is the second noteworthy Microsoft executive to jump to Parallels in recent weeks. In August 2010, Microsoft Small Business VP Birger Steen joined Parallels as president.

The departures come as Microsoft strives to develop a Small Business Server release with cloud integration (code-named Aurora) and also works to make its own hosted services more reliable.

Parallels, meanwhile, seems to be emerging as a de facto software standard for hosting companies and MSPs that want to rapidly bring SaaS and cloud applications online.

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