SugarCRM, the specialist in open-source CRM software, and Parallels, a provider of virtualization, automation and cloud enablement software, have jointly announced that Sugar 6, the latest version of SugarCRM’s (News - Alert) open-source CRM platform, has been successfully certified to run in Parallels’ Application Packaging Standard format.

This development now means that enterprises that are part of Parallels’ partner network are now able to bring cloud-enabled CRM to their customers worldwide. APS is rapidly becoming the global standard platform to bring web applications to the cloud.

Hosting companies and other such service providers are now able to work with Parallels, using cloud applications like SugarCRM, to bring winning convenience to their end user clients through providing swift and seamless maintenance, deployment and purchasing experiences to customers. Parallels is currently the cornerstone of the cloud-computing efforts of many service providers and independent software vendors today.

Nick Lallas, vice president of cloud services at Parallels, said that the company is currently enabling more than 5,000 service providers to deliver cloud services to small clients. Now that Sugar 6 has been certified for APS, this worldwide network of service providers can also access and use this CRM software as well.

He described SugarCRM’s commitment to “run anywhere” open cloud deployments as a perfect fit for Parallels’ partners. Lastly, Lallas said that the company remains committed to give its cloud service operators the latest software-as-a-service (SaaS (News - Alert)) solutions to help them reduce churn, differentiate their offerings, and increase average revenue per user.

Chuck Coulson, vice president of business development at SugarCRM, said that the certification of Sugar 6 displays the power of the flexible and open solution on the open cloud. Any Parallels partner who utilizes the APS standard is able to differentiate him- or herself from competitors by offering competitive open CRM solutions to his or her customers on top of the normal range of services, and can also increase average revenue per user as well.

SugarCRM recently announced general availability of Sugar 6.