Azure platform split Cloud computing enterprise on the way to the Nuggets

Microsoft unveiled the Azure platform to split the big cake. And now cloud computing, in the fierce competition, independent software manufacturers are forced to feel the existence of the crisis. This article will describe how dealers can profit from Azure and other PAAs platforms in the intense competition of cloud computing.

As we all know, many independent software vendors (ISVs) often have legitimate reasons to view Windows Azure and other platform and service (PaaS) products as a direct threat to their revenue streams.

Microsoft, for example, is pushing customers to use Windows Azure to develop applications and then run them on the cloud rather than locally. This is obviously bad news for all vendors selling servers, but it could make planned value-added distributors profit from the transition to PAAs.

Why do value-added distributors see Windows Azure as a threat?

Windows Azure is a threat in the eyes of some independent software vendors because of the notion that Microsoft is making their businesses less. However, it is important to realize that this is a common occurrence and that Microsoft is always in some way competing with independent software vendors. For example, customers are always able to buy Microsoft Windows or office copies directly from Microsoft, rather than through a reseller. Still, the vast majority of Microsoft licenses have been sold through independent software vendors and value-added distributors.

The difference between Windows Azure and other Microsoft products is that its design is only used in host environments. As a result, customers cannot simply visit a value-added distributor and then purchase a copy of Windows Azure. This can be seen as a big problem for value-added distributors and independent software vendors, as Microsoft appears to be trying to remove local configuration and support customers running all programs in the cloud. But that's not all bad because there are several ways to resell Windows Azure.

Build Your own PAAs cloud

What are the chances of independent software vendors and value-added distributors on Azure? One possible option is to build your own Windows Azure-based PAAs cloud. While Microsoft has a monopoly over azure for some time, it released an important Windows Azure device last July, which eventually opened the door for other vendors.

This may not be good for many value-added distributors, because while Microsoft offers it as a device, it is only nominally a device. Unlike traditional network devices, which typically have small shapes, Windows azure devices are made up of hundreds of servers and storage racks. Needless to say, the complexity of this "device" will go beyond the affordability of small, independent software vendors, but large independent software vendors can use the device to provide research and development based on Windows Azure and directly service their customers.

Following the initial sale of azure equipment to a handful of partners, Microsoft has said it will use azure apps in Fujitsu Hardware in the Tokyo Data Center, which started the company in August 2011.

Value-added Distributors Alternative Azure Services

Despite the high cost of Windows Azure devices, you can still run customer workloads on Windows Azure. One option is to use the built-in Windows Azure platform mode. The basic idea behind a built-in plan is that you can open a Microsoft account and then use the Windows Azure platform to run the software you want to provide to your users. The important thing about this built-in plan is that your client doesn't have to know that Microsoft is involved, and you become a single point of contact. Of course, this means that you have to maintain appropriate metrics to figure out how to bill your customers.

Another option is to use what Microsoft calls "Windows Azure built in" mode. The idea behind this pattern is that once you have started running one or more applications as a host, you will lead the client to open a Microsoft account. Microsoft manages to use metrics and bill your customers directly.

You can still make money with Windows Azure built-in, because Microsoft allows you to charge customers a premium over Microsoft's access to basic Windows Azure.

Another way for value-added distributors to benefit from Windows Azure is to create a host application that the customer needs. For example, you might use Windows Azure to create your own hosting backup service. When a customer buys a new server, you can provide the customer with a service to back up the server to the cloud and charge a monthly fee.

Because PAAs clouds are becoming increasingly popular, independent software vendors and distributors may have to make some changes to their business model. Because flexible value-added distributors are willing to provide monthly billing services, many opportunities to generate profits exist in the use of PAAs.