VAR500: IBM Global Services Expands The Cloud; CDW Virtualizes SMBs

VAR500 Solution Providers In The News

Based on findings from its August business survey, CDW developed a tool that will help small and medium-sized businesses determine whether and how to employ server virtualization.

In other VAR500 news, IBM has a new cloud computing offering, thanks to its partnership with Nirvanix; Wipro is gearing up to create jobs in South Africa, Capgemini launches a competency center in support of the SAP HANA platform in India and Accenture helps veterans get into the IT workforce.

CDW Tool Helps SMBs Go Virtual

CDW, a VAR500 solution provider, has launched its CDW Server Virtualization Preparedness Self-Assessment Tool, a self-administered questionnaire that helps small businesses determine their readiness to deploy and manage server virtualization. This summer, the CDW Small Business Server Virtualization Roadmap reported that 25 percent of small businesses have some server virtualization that lets them run multiple, independent, virtual operating systems on one server. On average, small businesses that have virtualized said they are freeing 18 percent of their IT budget, or $19,400 per year, for other uses. CDW's self-assessment tool acknowledges small businesses have unique requirements. The tool assists SMBs in figuring out their needs and readiness to virtualize.

IBM Global Services Integrates Cloud Storage

IBM Global Services has integrated cloud storage technology from Nirvanix as part of an expanded IBM SmartCloud Enterprise storage services portfolio. The integration of Nirvanix cloud storage technology provides IBM customers with a solution that supports millions of users, billions of objects and exabytes of data. Under the terms of the OEM deal, IBM will include cloud storage technology from Nirvanix designed to enable customers to upload any size files from anywhere in the world and access them from any location.

Wipro Gets Strategic In South Africa

Wipro Technologies plans to set up a strategic delivery center in South Africa and create opportunities in the region for roughly 1,000 skilled professionals in the next three years. The IT solution provider projects its spending will increase from $10.7 billion in 2011 to approximately $17.4 billion in 2015. The largest industries contributing to South Africa's GDP include financial services, business services and manufacturing. The South African government has launched a number of initiatives to drive IT sector growth and bolster the position of the nation in the global economy.

Capgemini Debuts Indian SAP Center

VAR500 solution provider Capgemini, has launched a competency center in support of the SAP HANA platform at its global customer Business Information Management (BIM) Experience -- the CUBE -- in Mumbai, India. The CUBE has state-of-the-art, in-memory computing technology to drive high-performing, ’big data’ analysis. It handles large amounts of data in real time for instant business insight. The center adds to Capgemini’s Global BIM Service Line capability, with India as one of the key centers of innovation. Capgemini is one of the first IT solution providers to launch a dedicated Competency Center for SAP HANA. Customers will be able to experience new SAP HANA-based information management solutions at the center.

Accenture Gives $500K To Vet Organizations

Accenture announced on Veteran's Day that it has awarded four grants totaling more than $500,000 to help equip veterans with the skills they need to re-enter the workforce. The grants include pro bono contributions of time and Accenture employee skills and reflect the company’s Skills to Succeed initiative, which will equip 250,000 people around the world by 2015 with the skills to get a job or build a business. Grant recipients include: American Corporate Partners; Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities; Kauffman FastTrac; and New Sector Alliance.