PLDT Group, Microsoft launch cloud-computing solutions for local firms

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine businesses will soon experience the benefits of more powerful software applications for cloud computing as Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) recently partnered with global software giant Microsoft and Asia’s leading IT solutions company Datacraft, a subsidiary of Dimension Data of the Japan NTT Group.

Cloud computing is network-based computing, where software, data storage and other resources are provided over a shared network. It allows users to access their company’s business applications securely through the “cloud.”

PLDT and Microsoft have recently signed a service provider licensing agreement, allowing PLDT to distribute cloud-based Microsoft software services in the country whereas Datacraft will provide the necessary infrastructure and support for the project.

“This partnership allows us to really serve our customers better as this provides best-of-class, and high quality services and solutions that are available today,” PLDT senior vice president Eric Alberto said.

Through PLDT, Microsoft business applications are made even more accessible for local business use. Companies will be given the option to implement the cloud-based versions of the Microsoft applications within their businesses in a full or partially-private managed scheme, or via a fully-hosted cloud-delivered model.

Datacraft will ensure a best-of-breed cloud infrastructure and provide expert support to the clients. The applications will be made available through a monthly subscription arrangement instead of the traditional licensing model which entails significant upfront investments.

With such a set-up, local businesses are provided with a cost-efficient solution without having to worry about the underlying infrastructure and maintaining costly operations support.

“Our collaboration with these two companies is the next big step into really building up the application portfolio of our existing cloud computing brand, PLDT AppFarn,” PLDT vice president and head of corporate business group Jovy Hernandez noted.

“With cloud computing emerging as the operating platform in corporate business,” Hernandez said, “investments on bulky and costly physical infrastructure to support and access massive amounts of data and applications are now a thing of the past.”

Through this tie-up, PLDT is set to strengthen its hold in providing leading technological advances in the country with its new ICT partners.

Microsoft Asia Pacific President Tracey Fellows said: “The two organizations can really help build the market, and even create a new market and great value for our customers.”

Microsoft’s renowned software portfolio expands PLDT AppFarm’s already well-established cloud computing services. It is seen as a huge step in accelerating local cloud computing adoption, beginning a symbiotic endeavor to meet the growing demand from an evolving market.

“We are happy for this newest development in our ongoing strategic partnership with PLDT. We’re confident that Microsoft’s dynamic cloud solutions will help bolster PLDT’s existing AppFarm platform,” according to John Bessey, Microsoft Philippines managing director.

“We’re also very optimistic that it will solidify PLDT’s position as the telecommunications leader in this part of the region,” he added.