The 10 Coolest Cloud Product Launches In May

Heard Through The Din

Cloud-based technology announcements bombard the mailboxes of all types of VARs, resellers, integrators and solution providers of all description. Wading through them can often be a major undertaking. Not to worry, CRN has done the legwork for you. Here's a roundup of May announcements that can help partners build their revenues and profits.

Averail Offers Secure Access To Box And Shared Drives

Averail, a San Jose-based SaaS mobile content solution provider for enterprise customers, has updated its Averail Access product to support secure access to content stored in Box file sharing services, as well as on corporate shared drives. Averail Access connects directly to existing infrastructure as a means of driving added simplicity and security. Mobile users can browse, search, edit and share content in a variety of locations, including those located behind a firewall or in the cloud. IT administrators establish document, device and user permissions to further support security. They can also push documents to specific folders on the mobile app so that users will automatically see the content when they sign onto their device.

Eaton, CA Technologies Team Up On Data Center Power Management

Eaton and CA Technologies are teaming up on a bundled solution that includes data center monitoring, management and control by leveraging Eaton's power management hardware and software and CA's Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) technology. The Eaton component of the solution, which includes uninterruptible power systems and power distribution units, is intended to reduce costs through the reduction of power consumption in large data centers, typically operated by cloud providers, managed service providers and large enterprises. The CA component involves a Web-based interface for monitoring power, cooling and related expenses.

Lockbox Cloud Privacy Service Enters U.S. Market

Australian-based cloud privacy service Lockbox is extending into the U.S. market with its Lockbox Cloud privacy service. The offering combines document encryption and client-side key management with intent to differentiate based on ease of use, thereby enabling individual users to leverage the technology without assistance from IT staff. The offering is aimed primarily at the financial services market, and the company stresses that Lockbox does not retain encryption keys as part of an effort to further strengthen security. Subscriptions start at $500 per year.

ManageEngines' Self-Service For Cloud Passwords

ManageEngine has added support for cloud applications and storage services in its password synchronization software, which is marketed as ADSelfService Plus. Under the new capability, changes to Active Directory passwords can automatically roll to cloud-based services, including Office 365, Azure, Google Apps, Oracle E-Business, Salesforce apps, Box and Dropbox. The system works on a self-service basis, and it includes a variety of features such as a password strength analyzer, mobile support, and a variety of push notifications. Users can also opt in and out of different email groups without administrative support.

Rackspace Rolls Out Developer Support Program

Rackspace, a San Antonio, Texas-based cloud provider, has extended its support offerings to the developer community through a new program intended to provide expanded tech support for SDKs related to PHP, Java, Python, Ruby and .Net. Similar kits for node.js are currently in development and are expected to be released soon. The new Rackspace Developer Support program enables developers to work with Rackspace personnel on analysis and optimization of code, resolution of any API or SDK coding issues, architecture questions, and best practices.

Tech Data, Intermedia Offer Hosted PBX And Cloud Server

Tech Data is now distributing Intermedia's Hosted PBX and Cloud Server offerings through TDCloud, which is the Clearwater, Fla.-based distributor's cloud ecosystem of partners. The move enables cloud channels to offer enterprise-grade cloud-based PBX services for small-to-medium business customers who are looking for new ways to trim expenses while at the same time maintaining the necessary levels of functionality. The service can also be bundled with a variety of other managed services. White labeling options are also available.

Tibco Announces New Integration Platform As A Service

Palo Alto, Calif.-based Tibco Software has launched a new subscription-based Integration Platform-as-a-Service (iPaaS) offering that is intended to simplify processes and reduce costs associated with migrations of applications and workloads to the cloud. Subscribers can identify and configure SaaS and on-premise application integrations that fit their particular circumstances. Changes are reflected in all connected applications as they happen, without the need to wait for the next batch update. The company claims more than 4,000 customers worldwide. The iPaaS capability is soon expected to be offered on the VMware vCloud Hybrid Service.

Tier 3 Debuts Enterprise Cloud Services For Resellers

Tier 3, of Bellevue, Wash., has developed a channel-facing version of its cloud management platform. The Tier 3 Cloud Reseller Edition is intended to bring cloud infrastructure, platform services and advanced management functions into a unified platform that can be customized and white-labeled by partners pursuing mid-tier to large customers. Features include support for management, monitoring, and billing; an API library; single sign-on; content management; and cloud management portal rebranding. The service is supported by a partner program that includes a variety of components, including support, enablement and referral incentives.

TwinStrata Rolls Out DRaaS For VMware Users

TwinStrata, a Natick, Mass.-based cloud-integrated storage company, has announced a new disaster recovery-as-a-service offering that is based on the company's CloudArray storage product. The service, which is designed specifically for VMware customers with fully virtualized IT environments, promises lower costs and simplified deployment over a period of two to four hours, without the need for dedicated hardware. Configuration and recovery data is stored and managed through the vendor's portal. The service is now in operation, and bundled pricing is available.

Verdasys Takes On Managed Security

Waltham, Mass.-based Verdasys has rolled out its new cloud-based Managed Service for Cyber Defense (MSCD) offering, which extends the company's Digital Guardian data protection platform into the service arena. By leveraging visibility into all data transactions and systems events while at the same time blocking data exfiltration, the new service is intended to prevent cyber attacks on end-point devices. The system also interoperates with most next-generation firewalls, virtual and cloud-based Web malware protection systems and SIEM solutions. The company says more than 240 global 2000 customers and government agencies are currently using its Digital Guardian data loss prevention product.