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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Good on Microsoft for bringing this message to the masses. It looks like Microsoft is finally understanding that it must craft their message for the actual people who invest in the solutions. The Business Owner.
Cheers
Stuart Crawford
ULISTIC Inc.
http://www.ulistic.com
Stuart: The VAR Guy is watching Ulistic closely. Have you made Calgary the most SEO-savvy city in the world yet? Best wishes,
-TVG
Simplicity is definitely on the mark. Good for Microsoft to put examples a small business owner can easily relate to. It is truly amazing the flexibility that small businesses have now with on-premise and Internet-based/cloud solutions to choose from.
On hybrid solutions, I have heard the concern about the traditional on-premise channel diminishing but business owners are still going to need services to evaluate (especially now that there are double the options to evaluate with Internet and on-premise), implement and support solutions. The personal touch of the trusted local VAR is not going to be easily replaced by call centers at large hardware and software manufacturers.
Jeff Keihl
TechShortcut
http://www.TechShortcut.com
Jeff: Your URL caught The VAR Guy’s attention. Our resident blogger is giving it a closer look.
-TVG
I appreciate the interest TVG. TechShortcut is a new meeting place dedicated to helping small businesses find local tech help and learn more about technology options.
Jeff
Jeff: Please keep The VAR Guy posted as TechShortcut makes announcements and achieves various business milestones.
-TVG