Tech Data Makes Partner Moves On Microsoft Azure, AWS Cloud

Tech Data (NASDAQ: TECD) continues to bolster its cloud partner options across Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure. The latest moves involve a managed service for AWS, and a Microsoft Office 365 small business server for Azure.

On the AWS front, Tech Data will apply a fee-based service designed for partners to resell to customers. The move will help address reserved instance (RI) optimization and efficiency. An RI is a reservation of resources and capacity in a particular geographic region

The RI investment can be a tricky one if a company doesn’t properly judge how much computing time they’ll actually use in the future. Tech Data’s new offering is designed to mitigate that risk by focusing on cost savings while minimizing the risk of over-purchasing RIs, according to the company.

Specific features of the AWS RI Optimization Managed Service include consulting expertise, periodic reviews to analyze progress against goals, and a value-add service to encourage recurring engagements with customers.

Partners who opt for the Marketplace Premium option can offer their customers additional solutions including brand-ready storefronts, customized products and solutions, and the ability to test-drive solutions, which allows for timed trials by customers to evaluate products and solutions.

Tech Data SMB Cloud Server

Meanwhile, Tech Data also is making moves on Azure. The company's Small Business Cloud Server essentially blends Microsoft Office 365 and additional services for partners to offer to their end-customers. It comes with Office 365 (Exchange, Office and SharePoint), backup, storage and VPN functionality. Remote desktop is optional for remote access.

The service comes in three sizes: 1-6 users, 7-20 users, and 40+ users. Through SteamOne, partners will have access to detailed monthly usage and billing information, Tech Data says.

The offering comes as competition in the cloud-centric distribution market continues to accelerate. Established rival Ingram Micro now has more than 1,500 employees and engineers fully focused on cloud services. And upstart Pax8 now has more than 100 employees promoting a range of backup, security and business continuity solutions to MSPs. Key players like Synnex also have show momentum in strategic areas -- including Docker and Google for Education.

For its part, Tech Data us balancing its home-grown cloud solutions and acquired cloud offerings from Avnet Technology Solutions. Tech Data acquired Avnet Technology Solutions as part of a deeper push into data center, enterprise, cloud and security offerings.

Additional insights from Joe Panettieri.