The cloud distribution channel has swiftly become a crowded arena, with cloud licensing experts Rhipe – formerly NewLease – joining the fray.

The launch of Rhipe’s Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) Program. comes hot on the heels of launches from rival distributors Westcon, Ingram Micro and Distribution Central, which have all gone live with marketplaces in a busy few weeks.

Rhipe was appointed as a “two-tier” CSP in April, allowing the company to wholesale Microsoft SaaS licensing to resellers on monthly billing. Ingram Micro was also appointed to the program, which allows the channel to onsell Microsoft’s public cloud products on a monthly pay-for-what-you-use basis.

Initially, Rhipe’s offer extends to Office 365, Windows InTune and Enterprise Mobility Suite, with plans to add public cloud services from Azure as well as CRM Online later this year.

SOURCE: crn.com.au