Vendors Buying Their Way into Cloud Services
There is no argument that cloud computing is driving IT development and creating enormous service opportunities for solution providers. As a result, major vendors are buying their way into the cloud by acquiring companies with specific technology components.
It must be the holiday season, because even some vendors seem to be in the buying mood.
There is no argument that cloud computing is driving IT development and creating enormous service opportunities for solution providers. As a result, major vendors are buying their way into the cloud by acquiring companies with specific technology components.
This week alone, IBM (IBM) and Acer both made significant strategic acquisitions specifically to fill a void in their cloud expertise. This spells opportunity for solution providers as companies continue to struggle with managing increasing volumes of structured and unstructured data coming in from many areas.
First, IBM said it entered into an agreement to acquire Aspera, a provider of technology that advances the transfer of large files to securely speed the movement of massive data files. The move is specifically designed to boost IBM’s Big Data and cloud computing capabilities, as Aspera’s technology makes it easier for customer to move large data files to the cloud.
“Our experience working with thousands of clients on Big Data projects tells us that companies can better compete and win when they can quickly extract value from massive volumes of data,” said John Mesberg, vice president of B2B and Commerce Solutions at IBM, in a statement. “With this acquisition, IBM addresses a key challenge for globally integrated enterprises by allowing them to move large data files much faster to the individuals who need them, wherever in the world they may be.”
According to IBM, Aspera’s high-speed transfer technology reduces transmission times for large files or data sets by up to 99.9 percent. This potentially can cut a 26-hour transfer of a 24GB file down to just 30 seconds, IBM said.
Meanwhile, flagging PC maker Acer has been on the road to transition more into a cloud services provider. The company recently unveiled a build-your-own-cloud strategy, primarily based on its 2011 acquisition of iGware. Acer recently restructured its executive ranks, bringing back its founder Stan Shih, who is pushing the new direction.
“We are embarking on this transformation based on our existing core capabilities. On the one hand, with our PC and mobile devices we have sufficient strength and sale,” Shih said in a statement. “It can be said we have already sown the seeds for cloud technology long ago. This was further developed two years ago when we acquired iGware to focus on developing the cloud business.”
All this spells opportunities for the solution provider channel as it becomes the linchpin for selling, developing and supporting cloud environments for businesses.
Knock ’em alive!
