The company plans to control 20% of the cloud solution distribution market in Russia in 3 years based on its unique partner ecosystem.
On September 6, MERLION, the leading VAD distributor in Russia, announced its entry in the cloud distribution market and launch of its proprietary MerliONCloud ecosystem designed for partners promoting their own and third-party cloud solutions and services.
MERLION's approach to creating a network of cloud product providers is unique because it helps minimize partner costs when rolling out this type of project. For this purpose, MerliONCloud provides free access to a billing platform based on the world-class Velvica technology developed in Russia. It fully automates document flow, subscription processes and billing for cloud services, as well as the creation of reports. The technical capabilities of the platform meet the requirements of both service providers and their customers. Velvica lets customers start using the service just five minutes after selecting the desired product. At the same time, developers of cloud products can seamlessly integrate their solutions through the platform's simple and fine-tuned API.
The Velvica billing platform has been successfully developing for more than nine years. Last year, developers of this project led by Ivan Volchenskov joined MERLION and now continue their work as a separate business unit.
In addition to free billing, each MerliONCloud partner has access to the distributor's entire portfolio of cloud solutions. Providers are therefore not required to enter into agreements with foreign and Russian developers and rights holders.
The third important feature of the MerliONCloud cloud ecosystem is the ability to create bundles based on third-party cloud solutions, as well as the proprietary partner products and services. In addition, all processes, from pricing to reporting, are automated and simplified to the greatest possible extent.
Another important advantage for partners collaborating with MERLION in the field of cloud distribution is the ability to promote cloud solutions both through a single showcase and through the partner's own website. In both cases, the partner also receives all the benefits of the Velvica billing platform.
"MERLION and its partners have everything they need to gain the top position in the Russian cloud market," comments Yulia Pechnikova, Business Development Director, MERLION. "We have 1,700 VAD partners, a portfolio of 650 well-known brands (190 of which are VAD solutions), and direct relationships with 400 vendors, including major IT corporations, who we're expanding our cooperation with by signing separate agreements on cloud distribution."
"Within three years, we expect to connect about 300 partners to the MerliONCloud ecosystem to bring the number of cloud solutions in our showcase up to 100," shares Anton Salov, MerliONCloud Project Manager. "MERLION plans to control more than 20% of the cloud products distribution market in Russia. At the same time, we intend to continue to function solely as a distributor, and we will not claim any additional profits from our partners, nor their exclusive right to interact with their customers."
"Creating a partner ecosystem in the cloud market is a very long process," says Mikhail Stepanyuk, Director of Software Department, MERLION. "We started working in this area two years ago, and in 2018 we are now moving towards an active phase of cooperation with vendors and providers. The Russian cloud market is still in its infancy, but today it is necessary to start working actively in this area because tomorrow, when this segment goes mainstream, it will be almost impossible to make it into a leading position ahead of those who came before you."
70 engineers from the MERLION Engineering Center, as well as about 1.5 thousand employees from other departments, will participate in the development of MERLION's new cloud line. Partners will receive comprehensive support, including in the field of technology and marketing, as well as consulting and training for product managers. They will also receive services for the customization and certification of cloud solutions based on the conditions of tenders and requirements of corporate users.
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