Ingram Micro Adopts Parallels Automation For Its Cloud Marketplace

Parallels, a major cloud services enablement outfit which delivers automation software that lets vendors bundle cloud-based software packages together to provide tailored solutions for businesses, has announced a partnership with wholesale tech distributor Ingram Micro.

Ingram Micro will use Parallels Automation as the platform for its new Cloud Marketplace, enabling the system to deliver a wider variety of cloud services, from private through hybrid to public cloud offerings.

The platform already boasts some 70 vendors and 200 cloud solutions.

As part of the deal and to show commitment to the system, Ingram Micro will be unloading an equity investment in Parallels, although the firms didn't disclose the size of that investment.

Ingram Micro hopes that its cloudy marketplace will help it to snag a bigger chunk of the money SMBs will be pouring into cloud solutions over the next few years – citing an IDC report which predicted a 20 per cent increase in small business spending on cloud services through to 2018.

Nimesh Dave, executive VP of Global Cloud Computing at Ingram Micro, commented: "As cloud computing moves further into the mainstream, Ingram Micro is ideally positioned to help our channel partners, vendors and IT professionals capitalise on the opportunities and growth potential cloud computing brings to businesses of all sizes."

He added: "This strategic alliance with Parallels will enable us to execute against our vision of a global cloud services marketplace and further empower channel partners and IT professionals with the IT industry's most in-demand and comprehensive portfolio of turnkey cloud services."