Microsoft, Citrix Partner on Desktop as a Service for VARs, MSPs

Microsoft Corp. and Citrix Systems are offering a service automation pack tool for Citrix VARs to more easily create Desktop-as-a-Service (DaaS) solutions for SMB cusotmers. I spoke with representatives from Microsoft, Citrix, and the channel community at Citrix Summit 2011 in San Francisco this week to get deeper details.

Let’s start with the Microsoft angle. Deniz Tortop, sales director and partner for cloud services in North America for Microsoft, explained how Microsoft’s partnership with Citrix is helping SMBs. “We leverage Citrix for end customers and deliver their Desktop-as-a-Service tools so that they can focus on applications,” said Tortop, who stressed that clients want a DaaS solution, along with increased automation and optimized operations. Citrix Systems serves about 4,000 VARs and MSPs in the United States alone, so this partnership could allow Microsoft to get its stack of applications to a wider range of channel partners

Citrix Angle

Microsoft’s application allows Citrix partners to further their mobility and accessibility efforts, no matter their vertical. “It’s not tailored to a vertical,” said Citrix Systems Product Marketing Manager Scott Lindars. “It’s generally a horizontal solution for SMBs.” To that end, the automation pack is available as a white label service. VARs and MSP’s can take it, tailor it to the needs of their SMB clients and integrate it into the desktop. Lindars did mention that a lot of interest is coming from SMBs in the health care vertical.

VAR Angle

I spoke with Robert Bye, president NGENX, to get the perspective of a Citrix VAR. NGENX has been reselling Citrix solutions since 2000. NGENX has close ties with both companies. It’s a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner and was one of the first cloud computing companies to team with Citrix and deliver applications through a monthly subscription. “This solution lets IT support any device,” said Bye, who reiterated the need for SMBs to have mobility and accessibility. “Both [mobility and accessibility] are key for SMBs.” Citrix will be helping VARs like NGENX develop ways to market and sell the automation package.

Stay tuned for more insights from Citrix Summit 2011.

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