PLDT teams up with 2 IT firms to upgrade its cloud computing brand AppFarm

MANILA, Philippines—Businesses today face the challenge of getting access to the right set of tools and support to boost crucial operations through cloud computing technologies.

Cloud computing is network-based computing where software, shared resources and information are provided over a shared network.

The Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company Co. Inc., together with Microsoft and Dimension Data, launched last Monday at the Makati Shangri-la hotel the Managed Microsoft Solutions under the PLDT AppFarm Private Cloud Services portfolio.

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

Software giant Microsoft has added to the PLDT AppFarm’s evolving collection of enterprise-grade cloud solution its latest version of Microsoft Exchange Server 2010, Microsoft Sharepoint Server 2010, Microsoft Lync Server 2010, and Microsoft Windows Server 2008  R2 with Hyper-V.

Meanwhile, Microsoft’s general manager for Southeast Asia, Faycal Bouchlaghem, said that their partnership with PLDT went through a “thorough work” of choosing the “best” partner.

For the private cloud computing solutions, PLDT provides the broadband networks for data connectivity while Microsoft puts its capabilities in “innovating cutting-edge” business productivity software. Dimension Data, one of Asia’s leading IT solutions companies, sets up and manages infrastructure and technical support for all projects using its globally established “onecloud” network.

“We have the proven track record in integrating and virtualizing complex network infrastructure and data centers as well as capabilities in hosting and managing IT assets under our onecloud framework. The collaboration among our three companies will enable us to help our clients to accelerate their transition to cloud computing,” said Lum Puay-Koon, Dimension Data Asia-Pacific’s regional director for ASEAN.

In the private-cloud approach, enterprises can fully outsource the end-to-end implementation of their chosen Microsoft solutions on a turn-key arrangement, while ensuring information security and maintaining full control on the system, with the infrastructure residing at their own premises.

“This partnership allows us to really serve our customers as this provides them best of class, high-quality services and solutions that are available in the ICT today,” said PLDT Senior Vice President Eric Alberto.

The partnership with Microsoft beefs up PLDT AppFarm’s well-established cloud computing services. This is seen as a huge step in advancing local cloud computing adoption to meet the growing demand from a dynamic and evolving market.

“We are happy with this newest development in our ongoing strategic partnership with PLDT, and we believe that Microsoft’s dynamic cloud solutions will help bolster PLDT’s existing AppFarm platform,” said John Bessey, Microsoft Philippines managing director.

PLDT AppFarm Microsoft Solutions is available through an opex monthly-subscription arrangement instead of the usual licensing model, which entails major upfront investments, including infrastructure and technical support. With this, enterprises are provided with a cost-efficient solution without having to worry about significant capital expenditures and costly operations support.