The VAR Guy

Windows 7 is out the door, but Microsoft has its hands full with another Windows development effort: Windows Azure, which will allow independent software vendors (ISVs) to develop and run applications in Microsoft’s cloud. Here’s an update on Windows Azure, and the implications for VARs and channel partners.

Two prominent open source applications providers — Open-Xchange and SugarCRM — are partnering to integrate their collaboration and customer relationship management software. The move comes as Open-Xchange recruits SaaS partners and on-premise channel partners to battle Microsoft Exchange. Here’s the scoop.

SugarCRM remains in growth mode, and channel partners are responsible for two-thirds of the open source company’s revenue, according to interim CEO Larry Augustin (pictured). Heck, even Microsoft is helping to fuel SugarCRM’s growth. Here’s the scoop.

NetSuite Channel Chief Craig West has two messages for aspiring SaaS (Software as a Service) partners. First, NetSuite’s SaaS partners are earning 30 to 50 percent recurring revenue margins. Second, NetSuite is planning a partner summit. Here’s the scoop from The VAR Guy.

At first glance, SugarCRM has launched new programs to train customers on open source CRM (customer relationship management). But take a closer look and you’ll see the continued evolution of SugarCRM’s channel partner program and SaaS (software as a service) initiatives. Here’s the scoop.

Perhaps Zoho, the SaaS (software as a service) alternative to Google Apps, isn’t such a market underdog. Zoho now has 250 employees, expects to be profitable in 2009, and is embarking on an open source middleware strategy, The VAR Guy has learned. Our resident blogger spoke with Sridhar Vembu, CEO of Zoho parent AdventNet, for more details.