Parallels Summit 2013: 5 Cloud Computing Trends to Watch

Parallels Summit, a major cloud computing conference, kicks off today in Las Vegas. CEO Birger Steen says SMB cloud computing has gone mainstream. So what's next for VARs, MSPs and aspiring cloud services providers (CSPs)? Talkin' Cloud offers these five trends and news tips, which are worth tracking at the conference this week.

1. Telcos Become CSPs: It sounds like about 15 of the top 30 top telcos are leveraging Parallels' automation software to build out their cloud services. I need to double-check those figures, but the overall trend is clear. Classic telecommunications companies, ILECs and other phone service specialists see Parallels as a path to offering cloud services.

2. Cloud Marketplaces: A prime example here is LuxCloud -- which operates a global, channel-centric marketplace for cloud services. Sales partners can use the marketplace to launch and deliver cloud services, by private labeling and/or syndicating all or parts of the marketplace, LuxCloud claims. In some ways, LuxCloud sounds like a cloud services aggregator -- potentially competing with Ingram Micro Cloud and Tech Data TDCloud, among other emerging players in that market.

3. More ISVs: Parallels continues to enhance and promote its Application Packaging Standard (APS) as a means to integrate applications with the cloud. This is definitely an area worth watching at the conference. 

4. Financial Strategies: Cisco Systems recently invested in Parallels. The company seems to be on a growth trajectory that involves a $1 billion long-term revenue goal, though CEO Birger Steen says that's not a ceiling. 

5. Open Source Meets Parallels: Here, CloudLinux will likely promote its shared hosting OS to the crowd. CloudLinux has been a regular at the conference since at least 2011.

6. Bonus -- Security and Storage: SilverSky is looking for new channel partners to promote its cloud-based email protection suite; Identity Synchronizer will demonstrate a way for hosting firms to synchronize Microsoft Active Director with Parallels APS; and companies like SpamExperts and MessageSolution (cloud archiving and eDiscovery) will also be on hand.

The bigger picture: Parallels Summit has emerged as a gathering place for established (VAR, MSP) and emerging (telcos) players in the cloud services market. Talkin' Cloud will be covering the conference all week.

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