What is cloud automation and why should you bother?

Ever since the world adopted cloud computing technology, its future has been unpredictable. In the initial days, making the shift to the cloud was a big game-changer in the business and market. However, now it has become the need of business and every business relies on this technology for data and cloud. 

So where does the automation fit in?

Deploying and operating enterprise workloads is time consuming. There have been a lot of repetitive and laborious processes like redundant billing procedures, understanding cloud budgets was a painstaking task and many others. With cloud automation all of this is streamlined using Cloud automation tools. The laborious processes are automated and the ultimate goal with cloud automation is to reduce manual efforts.

With cloud automation, one major component that has been improved is security. Cloud automation also caters to the scalability needs of companies opting DevOps. In general, there are 3 types: private cloud automation, hybrid cloud automation, and multi-cloud automation.

What are a few use cases where cloud automation can be applied to?

• Infrastructure provisioning

Configure multiple virtual servers is a time consuming task. With cloud automation tools, such tasks are automated where a template is defined based on how an individual virtual server needs to be configured. Other cloud resources like network setups, storage buckets etc. can be configured using cloud automation tools based on your provider. Such type of provisioning is known as infrastructure as a Code or IaC tool.

• Application deployment

Another key use case is Application deployment. Developers often face difficulties in releasing apps to production environments and testing if everything works fine as it had been in the development environment. Cloud automation tools support continuous integration and continuous delivery platforms for easy deployment.

• Data classification

Another use case that will be very well applicable in near future is Data classification and discovery. Cloud automation tools are capable of automatically scanning cloud environments for sensitive data. Such a task, if done by hand, would be extremely laborious. Deploying the right tools also makes enterprises meet compliance goals.

ALSO READ: CLOUD ORCHESTRATION BEST PRACTICES FOR CLOUD PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT

Cloud Automation Vs Orchestration

Cloud automation and orchestration both are closely related to automation in general. However, the key difference is that Cloud automation mostly revolves around automation of individual processes whereas cloud orchestration automates entire cloud computing workflows.

MachPanel Automation Module for Microsoft CSP

MachPanel offers cloud orchestration and lets you focus on provision with its easy to use management platform. With MachPanel, Providers can easily fulfil their CSP complaint requirements and manage entire life cycles with just a few clicks. Whether you are a Direct or Indirect CSP, your wish to become one, MachPanel Automation module for Microsoft CSP has got you covered.

Stay in line with the latest trends on Cloud computing and Get on with MachPanel for increased revenue flows.

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The post Cloud Automation: Use Cases and Benefits for Cloud Businesses appeared first on MachSol Blog.

CSP business is quite popular these days. Having a CSP Partner business is not only profitable; it is also sustainable over time. The cloud is the next big thing in business landscape.  In CSP Partner Program, CSPs sell services related to Office 365 and Azure by setting their own margins and profits. The Microsoft CSP Partner program allows for directly managing customers entire lifecycle and utilize the built-in tools to directly manage and support customer relationship.

The Two Programs

CSPs work directly with Microsoft to resell the services to customers. There are two methods by which CSPs can resell services. First is the Direct Method and other is the Indirect Method. Let’s explain the two one by one

Direct CSP

In the direct CSP Partner program, CSPs work directly with Microsoft and resell their services. However, there are a few requirements that need to be met before starting the Direct CSP journey. CSPs who opt for this journey need to have an infrastructure for billing and also have to provide customer support. Microsoft provides little technical support for customers. So Direct CSP Partners need to have a strong base for customers support.

Microsoft has released a few requirements for its Direct CSP Partners where they have to fulfill some billing requirements and maintain infrastructure on-premises. Furthermore, they either need to provide a managed service, facilitate customers with an IP service or provide them with a solution application. These requirements have come into effect after 31^st August, 2018. All those Direct CSP Partners are able to continue their subscription as distributors who have fulfilled these updated requirements. If, however, they have not been able to fulfill, they can still continue as Indirect CSP Partners.

Indirect CSP

For Indirect CSP Partners, processes are quite easier. They do not have to meet strict requirements. They work with a Direct Partner and set their profits and margins and then resell the services from their end. A lot of Providers offer white-label-services that the Indirect Providers can make use of. Most of the heavy lifting can be done through the Provider’s Infrastructure and experience. Indirect Partners do not deal directly with Microsoft; rather their Provider is their guide which provides them with services and products for reselling. CSPs do not have to worry about the initial infrastructure investment cost. This model serves best when you want to focus on the strengthening of your business and make utmost use of cloud capabilities.

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New CSP Direct Bill Requirements

MachPanel and CSP Partners

MachPanel is a reliable Cloud Service Provider. It provides CSPs with necessary bundle to deal with state-of-the-art challenges. With MachPanel, all the CSP requirements can be easily met. It offers complete business automation and Lifecycle management Delivery, you can experience reliable IaaS and SaaS Delivery and ardent customer support. The Control Panel makes you have maximum profits and flexible margins that facilitate your business. MachPanel is the solution by which your CSP business can flourish beyond measures.

MachPanel the Multi-Cloud Service Orchestration & Delivery Platform (MSOP) is an ideal solution that fits for your need, supporting feature that no other control panel can provide.

Lets TalkRequest a Demo

The post Become a CSP partner and increase profitability appeared first on MachSol Blog.