Dell Launches Cloud Business Applications

The Dell Cloud Business Applications, also available direct from Dell, include a "family of integrated SaaS applications with cross-application cloud analytics supported by end-to-end Dell services," according to the company.

Specifcially, Dell plans to offer:

• Access to SaaS applications, initially from Dell and Salesforce.com, but hinted that future applications will be added;

• Integration of cloud applications with existing software using Dell Boomi;

• Real-time business visibility and analytics through cross-applications and reports delivered as a cloud service;

• Implementation services available in Basic, Professional and Premier editions.

Dell Cloud Business Applications will be delivered through a Dell-branded cloud service complete with business grade single sign-on and security, according to the company.

Dell's expanded strategic partnership with Salesforce.com includes an integrated CRM solution that connects the Salesforce Sales Cloud to several back office applications including Intuit QuickBooks and Microsoft Dynamics GP, according to Dell.

Pricing for the integrated CRM solution including Salesforce.com and Dell Boomi integration starts at $565 per month and pricing for Dell implementation services packages start at $5,000, according to the company. Dell's Cloud Integrated Analytics service will be available in the first half of 2012.

"As I meet with customers around the world, it becomes clear to me their top priority is increasing productivity -- and that's the business we are in," said Steve Felice, president of Consumer, Small and Medium Business at Dell, in a statement. "Dell Cloud Business Applications is a perfect example of how Dell is delivering technology solutions -- in this case SaaS -- that increase productivity and the return on investment our customers' demand in today's tough economy."