The ASCII Group is partnering with Cetrom Information Technology to deliver seamlessly integrated and customized cloud computing services that solution providers can brand and resell as their own.
The program will enable members of the ASCII Group, a collaborative community of solution providers, to gain access to discounted cloud-based Microsoft and other application and hosting services provided by Cetrom.
“The flexibility should not be understated,” says ASCII Group President Jerry Koutavas. “Our members can offer a traditional suite of hosted Microsoft tools for a small to medium business to hand-select virtually any application they want delivered in the cloud.”
Differentiating the program is Cetrom’s ability to customize cloud engagements. Through the partnership, Cetrom will work with ASCII members to develop and integrate multiple applications from different software providers to meet the specific needs of customers and vertical segments.
“We’re providing the enterprise architecture and capabilities that a lot of small companies can’t afford,” says Cetrom CEO Christopher Stark.
Web-based application integration is an increasingly concerning issue to solution providers looking to enter the cloud computing market. Customers want seamless application experiences, but some VARs are finding it difficult, if not impossible, to navigate the licensing and technical complexities of getting cloud apps to communicate with each other.
Stark says Cetrom built its business on the premise that 70 percent to 80 percent of businesses can use applications as they are off the shelf or delivered through the cloud. Providing hosted applications that are tailored to specific needs fills the niche that goes unaddressed in 20 percent of the market.
Cetrom has the capabilities to integrate and customize the full breadth of the Microsoft application portfolio, as well as integrating third-party applications by vendors such as Adobe and Intuit. While it’s a Microsoft Gold partner, Cetrom also supports Linux and open-source implementations for specialized needs. Cetrom will allow ASCII members to white label the available and custom-developed services.
ASCII and Cetrom say the pricing for these services will be aggressive, making them affordable to the reseller, marketable to the end user and open for value-add opportunities for additional sales.
The ASCII Group is a strategic partner of Channel Insider.
Cloud Computing 
