FD Insights Issue 7 | Page 42

.Hosted Solutions ‘Cloud’ is a computing model, not a technology. In this model of computing, all the servers, networks, applications and other elements related to data centres are made available to IT and endusers via the internet in a way that allows IT to buy only the type and amount of computing services that they need. Many software vendors have now adjusted their licensing programmes to cater for cloud providers, allowing them to pay for their software in the same way that they offer the services; monthly, based on usage. First Distribution’s ‘Cloud Solutions’ focus on these licensing programmes as well as other solutions that better enable cloud providers. Microsoft SPLA: Hosters, independent software vendors (ISVs) with hosted offerings, and rental agents can license Microsoft software on a monthly basis to provide services and hosted applications to their end customers. VMware’s VSPP is a framework that allows service and hosting providers to consume VMware virtualisation solutions in a monthly rental model, aligning with their business model. CommVault MSP: CommVault has formalised a software subscription programme for partners offering or planning to offer managed dat