While cloud has surpassed the “hype” phase, the next juncture for many businesses is no longer the “who” but rather the “what” and the “how.” The cloud is forcing IT service providers to make changes to their business models.

IT research firm Gartner (News - Alert) recently predicted cloud services brokerage will represent the single largest revenue growth opportunity in cloud computing through 2015. Consequently, service providers are feeling pressure to launch cloud-based offerings to help generate additional revenue. But, how can you monetize the cloud? As many companies quickly learn, it’s not as easy as simply racking servers or SKU-ing software.

There is no “one size fits all” cloud solution for end users. Resellers and service providers must build a broad portfolio of cloud services and solutions so they can tailor solutions to meet the specific needs of each end user. From wireless operators to MSPs, the cloud is opening up many new revenue opportunities.

Earlier this month, a new report from the Strategy Analytics (News - Alert) Wireless Operator Strategies, “Three Ways Mobile Operators Can Monetize Cloud Service Value,” identified three key areas where mobile operators can capture value in cloud networks, which are the following:

• Integrate real-time, two-way or multi-party interaction, including voice, video and data, with web data sessions, content sharing and social networking.
• Offer “always connected” devices, such as cloud phones and terminals, that derive superior functionality primarily from the network. These “white label” OEM cloud phones and terminals are differentiated by network branded services and content.
• Create Software Defined Networks (SDNs) and virtualized connectivity. Cloud services virtualized servers and now operators can virtualize network resources.

An upcoming webinar will discuss, among other critical “how tos,” how to capture the biggest share of customer IT budgets with a hybrid portfolio of traditional and cloud-based solutions. To be successful in the new IT era of cloud, MSPs need to implement business model changes to expand into cloud offerings without disrupting current profit streams.

Want to learn more about cloud computing solutions geared specifically towards small to medium-sized businesses? Then be sure to attend the Cloud4SMB Expo, collocated with ITEXPO West 2012 taking place Oct 2-5, in Austin, TX. Cloud4SMB Expo is the first event of its kind to focus on the unique needs and challenges of SMBs seeking to leverage the benefits of cloud computing solutions. The conference is dedicated to real-world business strategies and implications for growing businesses utilizing the cloud and will provide the knowledge and information SMBs need to compete and succeed. For more information on registering for the Cloud4SMB Expo click here.

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