CSPs, Channel technologies, MSP, VAR

PlumChoice Cloud and IoT Services Post 214% Cloud Business Growth

David Hauser
David Hauser

PlumChoice cloud and Internet of Things (IoT) support services posted 214 percent cloud business growth in Q4 2016 vs. the corresponding period in 2015 – a positive sign for cloud services providers (CSPs) around the globe.

The rising demand for cloud solutions like Microsoft Azure, Office 365 and Windows 10 helped PlumChoice grow its cloud business, according to the company.

In addition, PlumChoice pointed out the "realization by cloud resellers and distributors that they have to differentiate in a crowded channel market" accelerated the demand for the business' cloud support services.

"Cloud resellers and distributors are wrapping their products with more services that make the leap to the cloud easier and more valuable for businesses," Dave Hauser, vice president of PlumChoice's cloud business, said in a company statement. "When resellers provide these services, their customers realize more benefits and efficiencies.

This differentiates their cloud offerings, makes products stickier and ensures – and develops new – recurring revenue."

PlumChoice Cloud Initiatives

PlumChoice helps cloud and IoT companies launch and sell support services that drive product adoption. The company also continues to make moves to grow its cloud business.

In December, PlumChoice appointed Hauser as VP of its cloud business. Hauser previously served as general manager of PlumChoice's cloud and managed services businesses.

PlumChoice in November announced a partnership with D&H Distributing, a provider of customized IT solutions for MSPs and value-added resellers (VARs). The partnership enables MSPs and VARs to provide PlumChoice cloud enablement services for Microsoft Office 365 as well as Enterprise Mobility + Security (EMS) solutions.

"Consultation with PlumChoice will help ease any concerns VARs and MSPs may otherwise have had regarding data migration," Peter DiMarco, vice president of VAR sales at D&H Distributing, said in a prepared statement.

Public Cloud Services Market Growth

The push for public cloud services will continue in the foreseeable future.

Gartner has predicted the worldwide public cloud services market will grow 18 percent this year to total $246.8 billion in 2017, up from $209.2 billion last year.

Also, the technology research firm has projected the cloud system infrastructure services market will increase nearly 37 percent this year to $34.6 billion, and the cloud application services segment will grow 20 percent to $46.3 billion.

"While all external-sourcing decisions will not result in a virtually automatic move to the cloud, buyers are looking to the 'cloud first' in their decisions," Gartner Research Director Sid Nag said in a prepared statement.

Dan Kobialka

Dan Kobialka is senior contributing editor, MSSP Alert and ChannelE2E. He covers IT security, IT service provider business strategies and partner programs. Dan holds a M.A. in Print and Multimedia Journalism from Emerson College and a B.A. in English from Bridgewater State University. In his free time, Dan enjoys jogging, traveling, playing sports, touring breweries and watching football.