Richard Humphreys |
German IT service provider Siewert & Kau has been a top-10 German distributor since 2010. To ensure its partners and companies can always benefit from the latest technology, the company aims to offer cloud automation solutions that can be easily integrated with existing ERP systems and processes already in place as part of existing service life cycles.
After taking a decision to further automate and expand its Microsoft cloud services delivery channel for its reseller network, Siewert & Kau chose to fully integrate the Cloud Distributor Solution from Microsoft partner interworks.cloud. As a result, the company can handle high transaction volumes from its established partner network and is better prepared for future expansion.
The project was implemented using a phased approach, ensuring a seamless transition to the new model, and helping manage and reduce the risks that often arise in complex projects. The project started by deploying the solution on Siewert & Kau’s site, with training sessions taking place soon after.
In parallel, the project teams redefined the integration layer between the cloud platform and Siewert & Kau’s core systems. The first phase was completed shortly after this, in November 2017, with the roll out of the platform to a production environment, and the support of customers’ orders through the interworks.cloud platform. The second phase saw a specific segment of Siewert & Kau’s partners brought onto the platform, the activation of Siewert & Kau’s online portal, and the deployment of the first integration deliverables. Phase three was delivered in February 2018, with the system becoming fully operational for all Siewert & Kau partners, and the integration elements fully deployed.
By leveraging an own-branded marketplace for cloud services – powered by the interworks.cloud platform – Siewert & Kau enhanced its resellers’ user experience and achieved a significant increase in revenue and productivity. Additionally, the interworks.cloud platform helped the company provide partners with more advanced and powerful tools to improve the processes for subscriptions, automated provisioning, billing, and invoicing of cloud services. Making use of the interworks.cloud platform’s open APIs, Siewert & Kau was also able to integrate its existing ERP system into the platform, enabling processes to be standardised—while maintaining business continuity.
During all phases of the implementation, Value Added Services (VAS), interworks.cloud’s German country partner, offered valuable support. As a trusted business partner, it ensured that the needs of Siewert & Kau were fully met – and in the timescales required.