Colt Buys ThinkGrid To Sell Cloud To SMEs

Service provider Colt is buying ThinkGrid, a cloud platform provider that sells services such as virtual servers and virtual desktops, in order to build up its business with small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs).

ThinkGrid operates through a network of around 200 resellers and software suppliers, all of whom build their own business using a turn-key platform and management  tools that will now be available to Colt’s other partners. The deal will give ThinkGrid and its partners access to Colt’s data centres and network, and helps Colt reach smaller customers.

Colt comfort

“The SME market for managed services is set to grow at 15 percent annually during the coming years,” said Colt executive vice president François Eloy.  Colt plans to reach these smaller customers indirectly, he explained, adding that buying ThinkGrid “strengthens our position with the addition of a complementary range of cloud-based services.”

ThinkGrid’s technology is a good fit too, making it possible to get those smaller companies on the cloud quickly and cost-effectively: “We gain a reseller-oriented management platform and portal which will reduce our time to market across our European markets.”

Colt would not say how much the acquisition cost.

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