Web hosting provider Verio (http://www.verio.com) has taken a new direction with the launch of on-demand software services for SMB and mid-market companies, it was announced yesterday. Application solutions provided through the service include Microsoft Exchange, SugarCRM Suite, McAfee Desktop Security and Accrisoft Business Applications.
While Software as a Service (SaaS) is increasingly accepted as a solution for companies in the enterprise bracket, such solutions are often out of the reach of small- to medium-sized organizations. The Verio Business Solutions suite allows companies of all sizes to utilize business-level applications which they can manage in-house to address communications, productivity, security and customer relationship management needs. The service enables companies to avoid the extensive upfront costs related to such solutions and manage financing them with a monthly payment.
The move brings Verio into line with the strong current trend of providing “manageable, cost-effective application solutions and management for small and midsize businesses”. As research by IDC reveals, the expected revenues generated by software-on-demand are expected to reach $14.8 billion by 2011.
“Businesses clearly have a need for easy to use, practical business solutions and reliable IT applications that they can launch quickly and which help them manage their data and operations more effectively,” explained Verio’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Kiyoshi Maeda. “This model means companies can now have a fully managed solution with predictive monthly costs, no upfront investment, and no need to worry about upgrades or updates. Verio has long provided the infrastructure to enable application delivery, and we can now offer customers the business solutions to deliver improved productivity and data management.”
The solutions provided by Verio’s service include Microsoft Exchange 2007, an industry-standard email messaging and collaboration solution; McAfee Total Protection for Small Business, an integrated security solution providing anti-virus, anti-spyware and a personal firewall for SMB desktops and file servers; SugarCRM Professional, an Open Source Customer Relationship Management (CRM) solution; PC Data Backup, an online data backup solution; and Accrisoft Business Management and Productivity, which includes an online storefront application and customer billing and invoicing that includes Intuit QuickBooks Pro integration, email marketing and membership management.
Verio is a subsidiary of NTT Communications providing global network access reaching over 200 countries. The company caters for customers in more than 146 countries. Its infrastructure also enables Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) and other businesses to host their SaaS applications in a secure environment.