Microsoft SaaS: Host It Or Resell It? July 2009

It could be a sign of things to come. Heading into the Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference 2009 (WPC09), Computer Sciences Corp. (CSC) has agreed to resell Microsoft Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS).

Joe Panettieri, Former Editorial Director

July 6, 2009

2 Min Read
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WPC09

It could be a sign of things to come. Heading into the Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference 2009 (WPC09), Computer Sciences Corp. (CSC) has agreed to resell Microsoft Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS). CSC’s move represents an inflection point for managed service providers, many of which are trying to decide whether to host Exchange and SharePoint on their own — or simply resell Microsoft’s own hosted services.

CSC says the Microsoft BPOS reseller agreement covers:

  • Microsoft Exchange Online

  • Microsoft SharePoint Online

  • Microsoft Office Communications Online

  • Microsoft Office Live Meeting

BPOS will surely be a hot topic of discussion at the Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference 2009, starting July 13 in New Orleans. Some VARs wonder if they can make reasonable margin reselling BPOS. (Check  out this Directions on Microsoft article for a good overview of the BPOS strategy.)

Multiple Routes to Success

Meanwhile, Microsoft partners like Azaleos, Intermedia and Level Platforms continue to push forward with hosted and managed services initiatives of their own.

At the same time, some VARs and MSPs are opting for third-party SaaS alternatives — such as the Google Apps Reseller program or the Zoho Alliances Partner Program.

We’ll be sorting through more Hosted Exchange, Hosted SharePoint and BPOS strategies during the Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference.

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About the Author

Joe Panettieri

Former Editorial Director, Nine Lives Media, a division of Penton Media

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