Microsoft puts collaboration in the cloud for 'deskless workers'

By Stephen Withers
Wednesday, 09 July 2008 06:09

Market

The services are being sold through the company's partners, giving those companies an upfront payment of 12 percent of the first-year contract price and 6 percent of ongoing fees.

Accenture and Unisys are among the first Microsoft partners to become authorised resellers of Microsoft Online Services.

"The introduction of online services by an established software company like Microsoft that understands the complex enterprise needs of large companies will be a catalyst for the adoption of the cloud computing model," said Bob Hersh, global managing director for workplace technology and collaboration at Accenture.

"Many of our clients are attracted to the flexibility and lower costs promised by cloud computing and online enterprise solutions, and Accenture looks forward to working with Microsoft to bring the benefits of this new approach to our clients."

"Unisys sees a significant growth opportunity in the Microsoft Online Services partner program and the software-plus-services model," said Bart De Maertelaere, vice president and partner for global IT outsourcing service strategy and portfolio management at Unisys.

"By adding Microsoft Online Services offerings to its extensive services portfolio, Unisys helps users remain current with the latest Exchange Server versions and updates, while effectively and efficiently monitoring and managing their IT budget."