independenceIT Offers Cloud-based App Services to Channel

Cloud service provider independenceIT, an Allentown, PA company, said that it has opened a program for channel partners to provide customers with access to its cloud-based business applications, data storage, email and backup.

The company said that its new channel program equips partners with a fee-based, desktop-as-a service model that will deliver recurring revenue, win repeat customers and allow them to move clients to cloud computing without significant financial outlays.

Officials said that channel partners may participate in the program as an authorized partner, authorized reseller or referral partner. The authorized resellers and authorized partner levels feature sales and technical training in the company’s cloudIT services, custom support utilities and its Freedom Control Panel, an interface from which resellers can provision and manage their clients’ cloud services.

“Partners and resellers have been asking for an option that will allow them to get their clients into the cloud without having to make the investment in the infrastructure, product development and support organizations,” said Tony Whitton, independenceIT chief executive.

“We believe this solution will address their needs and help them establish even stronger partnerships with their customers,” he said.

Under the channel program, authorized partners can contract with independenceIT to provide Tier 1 technical and administrative support to customers, gain marketing support and materials. The program is fee-based. Authorized partners are granted a 20 percent commission for support sales.

Authorized resellers are allowed to re-brand or co-brand independenceIT’s services for sale to end customers. Those partners retain the client relationship for administrative, service and basic support.

Referral partners offer customers access to independenceIT’s cloud solutions while retaining account control.

“As a partner we’ve been able to offer our clients instant access to a robust group of proven cloud services, while developing a new recurring revenue stream,” said Gene Marks, The Marks Group PC president.