Intel AppUp Small Business Service Overcomes Cost and Complexities of Integration
By Brendan Peters, Print Imaging Segment Manager, Intel
In the past, many OEMs have been reluctant to adopt new print imaging technologies because of the perceived costs and complexities of integration.
Our solution is an integrated print services delivery platform, the Intel AppUpSM Small Business Service based on the Intel® Hybrid Cloud Program, that combines the responsiveness and security of on-site hardware with the service flexibility of cloud computing.
The service, which has tripled in scale since its launch by Intel in May 2011, provides MFP dealers with a cost effective way to help their end-customers shift the cost of IT, including print services, to a subscription-based, pay-as-you-go expense.
The platform includes a custom virtualization layer and simplified management interface that enables remote monitoring, management and configuration of the customer’s on-site server appliances through a management portal.
The results have been very positive. Service providers are experiencing fast time-to-revenue from advanced remote management services and the ability to offer cost- effective software usage models for small businesses through monthly software subscriptions.
MPS providers are seeing important benefits, among them:
- Lower costs, by facilitating turn-key deployment and management of the solution
- Improved cash flow, based on a “pay-as-you-go” pricing model that allows business customers to consume IT on a subscription basis
- Branding, pricing and terms controlled by the service provider
- Service differentiation through flexible bundling opportunities
- Recurring revenue from value-added services that can be scaled to meet customer needs
- Reduced overhead, enabled by hardware-based technologies for remote manageability.
The combination of cloud-like flexibility and on-premises server hardware provides a solid value proposition for business customers. The platform enhances service availability and uptime through a remote management portal that service providers can use to activate servers, download new applications, provision new services and monitor customer usage and perform certain maintenance tasks, all from a central console.
The flexibility to run multiple applications and add new applications on a pay-as-you-go basis also helps end-users minimize total cost of ownership (TCO). The combination of cloud services with on-site hardware has the additional benefit of providing data control and security that business customers are looking for, particularly in market segments like financial services, insurance and health care.
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