Pham Tran Anh (centre), director of Microsoft's Small Midmarket Solutions and Partner Group, said the new model offers customers three choices -- private, public cloud, and partner hosted.— VNS Photo

The model, they said, enables local information technology (IT) solution providers to host Microsoft's technologies and deliver hosted cloud services to businesses.

This is the future of technology for businesses. Instead of buying servers and owning software as well as managing IT infrastructure, companies can now have it delivered from a local hosted cloud.

It is cheaper, better, safer, and more reliable.

Pham Tran Anh, director of Microsoft's Small Midmarket Solutions and Partner Group, said the new model offers customers three choices -- private, public cloud, and partner hosted.

He said his company, its partners, and reseller Win Technology found that there were many customers in Viet Nam and their demands were varied. Many companies in banking and insurance, for instance, need higher security, he pointed out.

"That is the reason why Microsoft and its partners quickly studied and brought hosting service to Viet Nam," he said.

"With that service, customers can choose one, two, or all of the offers at the same time.

"Cloud on your terms."

This represents a breakthrough for Viet Nam, Tran Hoai Phuong Chi, sales director of Win Tech Distribution Company Ltd said.

Businesses would now be able to access and use technologies without having to pay for software and server hardware upfront, she said.

They are now free to use technologies to improve control over, communications, and operations of their business by simply paying a monthly fee based on volume.

Microsoft and its reseller did not disclose the product's retail price, saying it depends on the service providers.

The locally hosted cloud technology will help resolve two major problems faced by many local businesses: pirated and illegal software.

These are an embarrassment to every business and entrepreneur as we seek to grow our economy and expand into the global markets.

Studies show that counterfeit and pirated software expose businesses to significant security risks as they are often infected with dangerous bugs, viruses, and security holes.

Using illegal software has resulted in companies being raided by enforcement authorities and facing huge fines, criminal records, the threat of imprisonment, and permanent damage to the reputation of the business.

The new model will give Vietnamese companies affordable access to essential technologies to better operate and control their business. There is now a better way for all of us to progress in future.

Microsoft and its reseller are willing to provide training for IT service providers as well as customers to effectively use their technologies.

Over the course of the coming weeks further details of Vietnamese service providers offering Microsoft technologies via a locally hosted cloud will be announced.— Source: Microsoft