Microsoft welcomes Aplana into Windows Azure Circle Program - the first company in Russia to join

During the previous year Aplana confirmed its ability to join the Azure Circle by working closely with Microsoft and several customers on the first Windows Azure projects. Since then, Aplana has been building a strong set of capabilities around Azure with actual commercial experience of the platform. Today, Aplana is a Microsoft Cloud Accelerate Partner; a Member of the Azure Circle Program; has a team with hands-on Windows Azure project experience and internal Windows Azure and Office 365 usage rights, as well as preferred partner pricing and marketing resources. Aplana is now officially able to offer all Windows Azure related services – from prototype development to business process changes consultancy. By joining the Windows Azure Circle Program Aplana is now able to deliver Windows Azure Deployment Planning Services – a structured consulting engagement that is designed to help customers understand what Windows Azure can do for their business. This is a chance for customers to leverage their investment in Software Assurance (SA) and receive the included training and consulting, and to develop assessment plans for applications to run on Windows Azure.On top of the Windows Azure Deployment Planning Services Aplana can provide the following:

“Cloud computing is still a new concept to many companies, but it offers a far more cost effective alternative to traditional on-premises solutions, increasing flexibility and productivity - ultimately contributing to business growth“ - said Alexey Fedorov, Head of Cloud Computing Department, Aplana Inc., - “and Aplana’s mission is to evaluate, understand, and deliver new technology so that our customers can benefit from innovation right away. Aplana recognized early that Windows Azure will change the IT landscape and we have invested heavily in research and training so that now we are helping our customers to effectively use Windows Azure services”.