Ingram Micro offers up CloudBlue smarts to telco giant

Colt Technology Services has partnered with Ingram Micro and Microsoft to launch Colt Intelligent Communications, leveraging the distributor’s CloudBlue platform.

Headquartered in the UK, the telecommunications giant operates as a managed network and voice services provider, with presence across Europe, Asia and North America.

Representing a major coup for Ingram Micro’s newly formed cloud division, the agreement will offer a “one-stop IT capability” for the communication needs of Colt’s enterprise customers.

Specifically, the solution will integrate Microsoft’s cloud productivity applications with Colt’s voice and data networks, in a bid to boost performance, security and reliability.

Globally, the CloudBlue platform powers more than 200 service provider cloud marketplaces, providing customers access to an ecosystem housing more than 200 independent software vendor (ISV) solutions and over 80,000 resellers.

“We are delighted to be working with Colt on a transformational Cloud and Unified Communications project,” said Isidoro Porquicho, vice president of EMEA for CloudBlue at Ingram Micro.

Through combining Colt’s SIP trunking services, premium internet or cloud access as well as Microsoft’s Office 365 product offerings such as Teams, Porquicho said the business can now drive gains across productivity and collaboration.

“Our strong Microsoft CSP [Cloud Solution Provider] know-how, combined with our pan-European Cloud Marketplace, CloudBlue platform and support services, provide Colt with the scale to fulfil the ambitions of its Colt Intelligent Communications Service,” he added.

Microsoft capabilities

Furthermore, Colt will also leverage Microsoft’s Office 365 cloud-based platform to deliver applications to its user base, spanning desktop, voice, connectivity, collaboration and professional services.

Colt is already a key connectivity partner through Microsoft’s Azure Express Route, with the new alliance extended to include a telephony experience through Direct Routing with Microsoft Teams.

Alongside Microsoft, the Colt IQ Network connects to more than 850 data centres globally across Asia, Europe, and North America’s largest business hubs, as well as more than 27,500 buildings via its fibre footprint.

“The way business is done has dramatically changed,” said Rajiv Datta, chief operating officer at Colt. “Colt’s extended partnership with Microsoft ensures our customers have everything they need at their disposal to power their digital transformations and next wave of business growth.

“At Colt, we have a 26-year track record of being a business voice provider with a wholly-owned, globally connected network ensuring high bandwidth access to the cloud.

“This extended partnership with Microsoft further fuels businesses ability to collaborate and innovate – a mission that has long been at Colt’s core.”

As reported by Channel Asia, CloudBlue was created to help service providers build, scale and monetise cloud and digital services, following more than US$500 million investment.

The practice sells CloudBlue commerce platform and services directly to service providers, including managed service providers (MSPs), telecommunications providers, large value-added resellers and other distributors.

The launch also involved a “one-of-a-kind” strategic alliance with Microsoft, allowing both parties to co-sell the CloudBlue commerce platform to new service providers joining the vendor’s CSP program.

Expansion

The partnership with Ingram Micro and Microsoft comes amid Asian expansion for Colt, with a strong focus on Singapore, Hong Kong and Australia.

In kick-starting 2019, Colt unveiled an expansion of its SIP Trunking offering to two new territories in Asia; Hong Kong and Singapore, taking the provider’s global SIP trunking footprint to 23 countries globally.

Furthermore, the business is also bringing its Colt IQ Network to Australia.

The initial expansion will be to the Sydney metro area, with this IQ Network extension opening up new routes between Australia and key Asian hubs; Singapore and Japan.