Hosted messaging and collaboration provider Apptix is continuing its channel expansion. The latest moving involves HP and IBM/Rational Software veteran Aubrey Smoot being named VP of business development. I had the chance to talk to Smoot about his plans for the Apptix reseller program. Here’s the scoop.

First and foremost, Smoot says he’s a big believer in the power of the cloud. What he says Apptix needs to do for its partner base is help them provide a way to deliver enterprises the same kind of IT capabilities they’ve come to expect, but with a recurring revenue model to benefit the VAR.

To that end, Smoot says to expect a rewritten partner program — one aimed at helping partners reach out to new verticals, and retooled in line with the requests of their existing partners — at an upcoming Apptix partner event. Don’t expect any changes to the Apptix referral program, though, since Smoot says he likes it as is.

We’ve had our eye on Apptix since they announced their emergence from a self-described turnaround. And if they’re building out their partner program, Apptix will be getting an even closer look.

Meanwhile, we expect cloud-centric partner programs to generate more and more buzz in the days ahead. Already, The Planet has launched a Server Cloud effort that involves channel partners. And we’re watching as The Planet, Rackspace and other major hosting providers make additional partner pitches during HostingCon 2010 (July 19-21, Austin, Texas).

Additional reporting by Joe Panettieri. Sign up for The VAR Guy’s Newsletter, Webcasts and Resource Center. And follow him via RSS; Facebook, Identi.ca and Twitter.

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