IBM Launches Cloud Services Initiative
IBM has launched a company-wide initiative that extends its traditional software delivery model toward a mix of on-premise and cloud computing applications with new software, services and technical resources for clients and independent software vendors (ISVs). IBM's new cloud services can help businesses of all sizes more easily adopt cloud computing models to better manage data, lower operational costs and make collaboration easier.
Businesses face a unique set of challenges as they look to grow in a globally integrated economy. A perfect storm of data deluge, a fluid regulatory environment and widening information technology (IT) skills gaps is placing additional cost pressures on top of already resource-strapped organizations. As a result, businesses are looking for new ways to drive more value out of their IT infrastructures and free up resources for strategic growth investments.
"We are moving our clients, the industry and even IBM itself to have a mixture of data and applications that live in the data center and in the cloud," said Willy Chiu, vice president, high performance on demand solutions, IBM. "IBM's cloud computing strategy was inspired by feedback from the business world's broadest IT customer base indicating a growing desire to utilize data, applications and services from any device and from any location based on open standards."
IBM has a four-pronged strategy to capture the cloud computing opportunity by: delivering its own cloud services portfolio; helping ISVs design, build, deliver and market cloud services; helping clients integrate cloud services into their business; and providing cloud computing environments to businesses.
IBM has extensive experience in building cloud computing solutions used for both public and private cloud-delivered services. IBM's cloud-building services include: server, storage and network virtualization, service management solutions to automate workload management, usage tracking and billing and a portfolio of security and resiliency offerings to enable end-user confidence. IBM offers consulting and implementation skills for organizations to leverage cloud computing as a key component of their overall business and IT strategy.
IBM's cloud services resources can help ISVs build new applications quickly using open standards-based technologies. New resources include:
• A new series of white papers, on-line demos and downloadable code to help ISVs address the common challenges of designing and building cloud-enabled services, such as multi-tenant architecture.
• Creating a new SaaS Enablement Network of infrastructure providers that use IBM server technology to help ISVs deliver interoperable SaaS solutions, which allow disparate applications to work together.
• IBM Business Partners can take advantage of a variety of new marketing resources, including free web conferencing services using the IBM Lotus Sametime Unyte service.
Symantec to Extend Online Services with Acquisition of MessageLabs
Symantec Corp. has signed a definitive agreement to acquire MessageLabs, a provider of online messaging and Web security services. Under the terms of the agreement, Symantec will acquire MessageLabs for a purchase price of approximately $695 million in cash, subject to foreign currency adjustments, payable in approximately £310 million Pounds Sterling and $154 million dollars. MessageLabs generated approximately $145 million in revenue during fiscal year 2008, ending July 31, 2008 and grew by more than 20 percent over the prior fiscal year. The agreement is subject to customary closing conditions including regulatory approvals, and is expected to close by the end of the 2008 calendar year.
With the acquisition of MessageLabs, Symantec gains a position in the rapidly growing software-as-a-service (SaaS) segment and strengthens its lead in the messaging security market. MessageLabs is the number-one provider of online messaging security worldwide with more than eight million end users at more than 19,000 clients ranging from small business to the Fortune 500. Symantec will capitalize on cross-selling and up-selling its existing SaaS offerings of backup, storage and online remote access into the MessageLabs customer base. And future SaaS offerings, leveraging Symantec technology in data loss prevention, compliance, endpoint security and archiving, will be enhanced by MessageLabs' expertise in SaaS sales, operations and support.
"MessageLabs extends our investments in the software-as-a service segment and will allow us to offer our customers unprecedented choice from a single provider of message security solutions," said John W. Thompson, chairman and CEO, Symantec. "By combining MessageLabs with our Symantec Protection Network team, we have one of the strongest portfolios of cloud-based infrastructure services and a great foundation on which to grow."
This acquisition continues the momentum of the Symantec Protection Network, the Symantec SaaS platform. By combining MessageLabs and Symantec Protection Network, customers will benefit from access to a greater number of SaaS offerings on one easy-to-use portal and the opportunity to purchase through a broader network of partners in more locations around the world. MessageLabs customers will now have access to Symantec Protection Network offerings through MessageLabs' established SaaS go-to-market model. Symantec's proven small-and-medium and enterprise channel program will expand the global access to MessageLabs offerings.
QED Connect Announces Completion of Strategic Operational and Financial Milestones
QED Connect, Inc., a software-as-a-service (SaaS) provider for the information security market, has completed a series of strategic milestones consistent with previously announced plans to restructure operations and strengthen its financial position. The company has implemented the recommendations of its advisory committee, originally formed in May, strengthening its abilities to improve shareholder value and pursue a long-term growth plan.
In August, QED completed a reverse split of its common stock and obtained a new trading symbol, QEDN. The company also initiated the process of becoming a fully reporting SEC Company by year end, in preparation of its application for a listing on the OTC Bulletin Board. QED has also secured the necessary funding to expand its infrastructure and continue increasing market share for its flagship, award-winning Omni Manager product. Omni Manager is a web-hosted software application that protects computer networks and increases employee productivity via tools such as Internet and e-mail filtering and monitoring, asset tracking and policy management. The company has hired additional sales staff and is establishing a dedicated reseller channel. New marketing programs, including a revamped web site, are also being developed that will promote QED's current strategy and positioning.
"Sales continue to grow, and we expect a record 4th quarter ending December 2008 compared to the same quarter in 2007," said Tom Makmann, chairman and CEO, QED Connect. "Fourth quarter revenues should prove to be especially strong, as Omni Manager experiences increasing demand and uptake in new markets such as the construction industry, while maintaining its stable base of customers in the small to medium sized business and education segments."
SAVVIS Unveils Plans for SaaS Hosting Platform and Enablement Services
SAVVIS, Inc. is preparing to launch a new solution to help independent software vendors (ISVs) meet the rapidly growing demand for service-based licensing and delivery models. SAVVIS’ comprehensive new software-as-a-service (SaaS) solution will provide a secure, scalable, global, and function rich hosting platform that will enable fast, economical, and reliable deployment of SaaS applications. The offering is targeted at both ISVs entering the SaaS market and existing SaaS providers wanting to outsource their IT infrastructure so they can focus on their core business.
SAVVIS’ new SaaS solution is organized into three service categories that provide an expanded and highly differentiated suite of SaaS enablement capabilities.
Core Infrastructure Services – These are SAVVIS’ core managed hosting and security elements tailored to SaaS vendor needs. New services include multi-tenancy enablement, application fire-walling, and holistic application-centered service level agreements.
Lifecycle Services – This new category of services assists ISVs through all the tasks involved in development, integration, delivery and operation of their applications.
SAVVIS Marketplace – These services create connectivity and commercial opportunities between SAVVIS customers by lowering integration barriers. Local and global high speed connectivity optimized for SaaS delivery will increase potential for provider to provider and customer integration. Additionally SAVVIS will be creating marketplace awareness tools for use within SAVVIS’ customer base.
The result will be a centralized, scalable path that allows customers to develop, integrate, operate and deliver their software to the Web to meet growing demand for virtualized applications.
“Undoubtedly, SaaS has made it easier and more cost-effective to create, distribute and manage software; however, ISVs looking to adopt a SaaS delivery model have to address a number of key challenges to ensure their application is scalable, secure and multi-tenant,” said Bill McNee, Founder and CEO, Saugatuck Technology, an industry research firm covering the SaaS marketplace. “The reality is that successful ISVs and enterprise buyers not only need world-class managed hosting support, but an end-to-end software development ecosystem and cloud-based platform as they ‘SaaS-ify’ their offerings, and create new value for end-users.”
Network Engineering Firm in China Selects Aladdin HASP SRM to Stop Software Piracy
Aladdin Knowledge Systems, an information security provider specializing in authentication, software DRM and content security, has announced that Dingli Communications, Inc., one of the largest network engineering service providers in China, selected Aladdin HASP SRM to protect its software and increase licensing flexibility and enforcement. Dingli's selection of Aladdin HASP SRM comes as the company significantly expands international sales.
Dingli provides wireless network design, optimization and other engineering services to significant telecommunications providers throughout China and Europe. To maintain control of their software trialware, annual license renewals and periodic maintenance, Dingli uses HASP SRM software-based protection and licensing to secure sensitive networking equipment.
HASP SRM incorporates both hardware- and software-based security and licensing. HASP SRM software-based protection and secure product activation stand as significant business enablers, assists in spawning new revenue streams through increased renewal rates and by facilitating the protection and license flexibility necessary for expansion into international markets.
"Because of the high price of our software and equipment, it is often attacked by hackers. In addition to an anti-piracy solution, we needed a licensing solution to strictly control the software and equipment's evaluation period and ensure that we receive yearly maintenance fees," said Wang Yun, director of software development at Dingli Communications. "Aladdin HASP is a globally recognized name and offers strong software security and secure licensing that can be consistently relied upon. It allows Dingli to expand into new markets using software-based protection from hackers, and activation and license enforcement for trialware and overseas deployment."
QAI Crosses the 35,000 Mark in Software Certifications, Individuals Certified in 43 Countries, Organizations Sending Employees in Large Numbers
The Quality Assurance Institute (QAI), having established the international standard for software auality and software testing certifications, have certified more than 35,000 professionals worldwide in 43 countries, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Hong Kong, Israel, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Pakistan, Puerto Rico, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, UK, Thailand, Philippines and the US. Also, now with QAI's partnership with Prometric, the software certifications are available in 135 countries, which has increased the reach and frequency of the examination even more, making them market leaders in this space.
Software certifications are increasingly being taken up by large organizations to give their employees global recognition. Accenture has more than 2,000 and Infosys has 4,400 professionals certified, which is testimony to the growing trend. These certifications are taken to consistently assess the employees' skill sets. For example, the graph of a testing professional could be assessed at various levels depending on his experience. The entry-level certification examination is called STP (Software Testing Professional) after which the individual can become a CSTE (Certified Software Tester). Post that, he can get recognized as an ASTP (Advanced Software Testing Professional).
Tom Ticknor, COO of QAI, said, "The recognition of the CSTE and CSQA certifications by many of the world's largest IT organizations has greatly increased the value of the certifications. In fact, many corporations require the CSTE or CSQA for continued employment." Mr. Ticknor went on to say, "The longevity of the program has allowed many of the CSQAs and CSTEs to reach high management levels in their organizations and now encourage their QA and testing staff to become certified." |
|
Software Business 2008 – Two Weeks Away • October 30-31 • San Francisco
Don’t Miss Insights of These Top Industry Leaders!
Winning Strategies for the Increasingly Competitive
Software Industry
RJ Vissers, VP, Office of Pricing and Licensing • Symantec
Matt Thompson, SVP, WW Field Operations • Adobe, Inc.
Bobby Napiltonia, SVP, WW Channels and Alliances • Salesforce.com
Robert Shimp, Group VP, Global Technology Business Unit • Oracle
CEO Panel: Growth Challenges and Opportunities
Ken Holec, CEO • Jobs2Web
Richard Muirhead, Chairman, CEO and Founder • Tideway
Chetan Saiya, Chairman, CEO and Founder • Assetlink
M&A Buyers Panel: What We Want and What We’ll Pay
Marc Brown, Managing Director, Corporate Development • Microsoft
David Lawee, VP Corporate Development • Google
Alex Lintner, SVP Strategy & Corporate Development • Intuit
Bernie Anzarouth, VP Mergers & Acquisitions • Constellation Software
Is Hardware the Future of Software?
Jean-Pierre Garbani, VP, Principal Analyst • Forrester Research, Inc.
SaaS Evolves Again: Enter Vertical Business Networks
Colleen Smith, VP, Software as a Service • Progress Software Corp.
SaaS & SLAM 2009 - Call for Presentations
SaaS and SLAM 2009 is a two-day conference focused on the economics of managing, transitioning and starting software as a service companies and the successful business development models, sales strategies, licensing technologies, partnering, channel development, growth opportunities and marketing issues facing software companies. As two separate and successful events in 2008, SaaS Economics and SLAM (Sales, Licensing, Alliances & Marketing) have been combined in 2009 to provide an extensive and comprehensive conference. Call for Presentations Deadline is October 27th.
Please click here to visit the Call for Presentations page. |
