NTT and Microsoft Collaborate on SaaS Over NGN.

According to recent news, Microsoft Corp and Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corp (NTT) have agreed to launch discussions on collaboration aimed at creating services for integration of networks with applications. "As a company that understands the transformation that is taking place in Japan's network environment and the value and potential of Next-Generation Networks, Microsoft is a valuable partner for us," said Noritaka Uji, senior executive vice president at NTT.

Planview Offers its Market-Leading Portfolio Management Solution in SaaS Delivery Model.

The portfolio management solutions provider, Planview has announced a new SaaS delivery model for Planview Enterprise application suite. Organizations of all sizes will be able to realize portfolio management benefits quickly with negligible impact on infrastructure and budget with Planview Enterprise On-Demand. “From on-premise, to hosting, to pay-as-you-go SaaS, Planview is able to provide the true 'what you need, when and the way you need it' portfolio management solution." said Patrick Tickle, executive vice president of products, Planview.

SaaS App Egnyte to Bring Unlimited Online Storage to Netbooks.

Egnyte has released a new file server solution that will turn netbooks into a mobile office. This will provide unlimited online storage as well as the ability to access and share files from anywhere at anytime. “As solution providers like Egnyte deliver added functionality such as on-demand and unlimited online storage, the netbook has the ability to evolve into a vital business tool for mobile workers across numerous industries.” said Rob Enderle, Principal Analyst for the Enderle Group.

Microsoft, HP Open Private Label SaaS To VARs.

According to recent news, Microsoft and HP have unveiled plans to give VARs the tools and guidance necessary to provide their own branded Microsoft SaaS offerings that are hosted by managed service providers. "This is about helping make VARs more comfortable with -- and equipped for -- the cloud, and allowing customers to acquire capacity they would not be able to afford otherwise," said Allen Clark, industry director of hosting at Microsoft.

Open-Xchange Announces Four Additional SaaS Providers.

Four web-hosting companies have been chosen by Open-Xchange that will offer online collaboration to their customers with system integrators and service providers in SaaS offering. "SaaS is a great business model for system integrators and service providers because it provides an additional source of recurring revenues, along with a tight customer linkage." said Rafael Laguna, CEO of Open-Xchange.

SkillSoft Partners with Sun Microsystems to Deliver Sun-Authorized e-Learning Courseware.

SkillSoft, a provider of e-learning and performance support solutions and global enterprises and SMBs, and Sun Microsystems announced a new agreement where the former will distribute Sun-authored e-learning courseware for Sun’s latest Java and Solaris software solutions.

IBM Lotus Sametime Unyte Calls on InterCall to Fight Cisco WebEx.

Lotus Sametime Unyte 8.2 was launched by IBM with the help of conferencing software giant InterCall. This will help net workers initiate web conferencing sessions through their web browsers, as the service will be available for subscription to users. An IBM spokesperson noted that InterCall also distributes Cisco WebEx, "so the InterCall engagement with IBM validates Lotus Sametime Unyte. InterCall's distribution of Sametime Unyte puts it on a level playing field with Cisco WebEx."

Netmagic surges ahead with increased focus on strategic alliances with ISVs.

The managed IT service provider from India, Netmagic solutions has announced an alliance with four ISVs to extend its industry leading services. It is partnering with Wrench, iWeb, Acumen and Base, and will now be able to address the infrastructure and related technology requirements of SMBs. Commenting on the collaboration, Sharad Sanghi, CEO and Founder, Netmagic Solutions, said, “Web hosting is mandatory for any web application today. Through Netmagic’s world-class internet datacenters we are partnering with these companies in a significant step towards furthering our expansion and growth plans in India.”

Yugma Introduces Linux (Beta) Version of Web Conferencing Service.

Yugma, a leading provider of web conferencing solutions, announced a latest version of their popular Yugma software for Linux platform. "With our new Linux Beta version, Yugma is now the first full-featured, SaaS web conferencing service that provides desktop sharing and interactive collaboration for the Linux community. Linux users now have an alternative to higher priced, Microsoft Windows-centric online meeting solutions that do not support Linux offerings,” said Lingaraj Mishra, Yugma founder and Chief Strategy Officer.

Asplundh Selects Ketera for On Demand Spend Management.

The on-demand Spend Management provider, Ketera and Asplundh Tree Expert Co. have announced plans to use the former’s solution as a part of Asplundh’s on going efforts to improve productivity and profitability. “Through our relationship with Ketera, we now have access to on demand technology that will enable us to better analyze spending trends and establish spend intelligence best practices to help us improve bottom-line results,” said Asplundh Procurement Services Director Scott A.

Sonoa Systems Expands Offering With Analytics for Cloud Services and APIs.

Sonoa Systems Inc has announced the availability of Sonoa Analytics, a solution that enables business-level visibility and decision support for cloud services and APIs. The company is a regular provider of cloud service gateways. "No executive would run a Web site without the analytics to understand and make decisions around customers, partners and investments. APIs require the same level of visibility," said Chet Kapoor, CEO of Sonoa Systems.

Axway Introduces Enterprise Service Plan for Customized Solutions.

Axway is now offering a service plan for companies using its custom products by the name of Enterprise Service Plan (ESP). This can be added to standard Axway maintenance plan for custom applications, modules, components and solutions. “Dynamic customization of applications is becoming standard in the marketplace. Over time the ESP will lower cost of ownership and will preserve the value of such dynamic, specialized applications,” said Rohit Khanna, SVP of NA and UK consulting and professional services at Axway.