whitepaper on aps

7/29/2019 Whitepaper on Aps

1/10A GlowTouch Technologies Industry Insight 0

Top 6 ThingsYou Need to KnowBefore Beginning Your APS App

A GlowTouch Technologies Industry Insight



The Application Packaging Standard (APS) has rapidly emerged as a valuable tool forweb hosting providers and independent software vendors (ISV) seeking to capitalizeon the benefits of packaging SaaS applications and software products for sale tomillions of web hosting customers. According to the APS website, APS is now theprimary way to deliver applications for all Parallels products [including] Parallels PleskPanel with 10k+ hosters [and] Parallels Automation with 160+ service providersreaching 90% of active sites worldwide hosted by service providers.

A set of specifications and standardized technologies, APS was created in 2007 andintroduced to the market by Parallels, a global leader in hosting and cloud servicesenablement and desktop virtualization. The packaging standard initially coveredprovisioning and management of simple web applications in shared hostingenvironments, but continues to be extended and enhanced to cover a wider variety ofbusiness applications, application licensing, integration, and more. Today, APS is astrategic enabler to deliver an array of services to businesses and consumers on agrand scale with a single click.

As the APS standard continues to evolve alongside the industry, a fundamentalunderstanding of the Parallels ecosystem and APS platform becomes paramount. As acertified Parallels APS System Integration (SI) partner, GlowTouch has capitalized ona decade worth of experience in the web hosting industry and deep technical expertiseto identify six APS must-knows any business should carefully consider beforebeginning its APS initiative.



1. How are web hosting providers and their customers different fromother resellers and customers outside the industry?

The web hosting industry operates in a unique, trust-based ecosystem wherepartnerships and alliances between companies are the norm. There is a certain levelof credibility and trust between web hosting providers and their customers. Thesecustomers are typically more inclined to purchase services from trusted resourcesrecommended by their hosting provider, as opposed to outsiders. This way of doingbusiness makes it much easier to propagate an application within the web hostingcommunity.

The decision for a business not currently operating in the web hosting industry toventure into the space could prove valuable if properly executed. For starters, thesheer volume of businesses and opportunities that dwell in this sector is promising for

any newcomer. Additionally, the various channels and markets within the industry aretypically receptive to niche products, assuming they have applicable value. Lastly, theexposure to different verticals could be eye-opening for a business seeking to expandits product portfolio.

Recognizing and understanding the relationship-based philosophy that pervades theweb hosting industry can prove fruitful for businesses looking to extend their digitalfootprint. Partnering with a well-connected, experienced APS specialist is the first stepin determining how to best capitalize on this booming market.

Does your business application have tangible value for web hosts and their

customers? Are you prepared to integrate into this trust-based ecosystem? Are youtaking full advantage of a channel that provides exposure to millions of potentialusers?



2. Parallels offers multiple platforms to promote your application orservice. Which is which? And why does it matter?

Businesses seeking to penetrate new markets and attract new customers can use theAPS standard to package their web application as a cloud service aimed at users oftodays leading web hosting panels.

The more common domain of the two, Parallels Plesk Control Panel, is used daily bymillions of web hosting customers, and millions more use its counterpart, ParallelsAutomation Panel, every day. Here are some important considerations for bothrespective marketplaces:

Parallels Plesk PanelThe Parallels Plesk Panel is the most complete panel solution for web hosting

providers. With countless providers currently utilizing its integrated web design tools,SaaS storefront and fully automated billing and provisioning capabilities, the Pleskecosystem continues to expand.

The marketplace within Plesk is known as the Partner Storefront. Featuring hundredsof products, the Partner Storefront offers a diverse collection of applications that areinstallable within the hosting end-user environment, on the hosting providers servers,offered as SaaS applications, or even as products that have little to do with the webhosting environment. Leveraging the Partner Storefront, web hosting providers canefficiently monetize their customers through the sale of commercial applications.

Providers can offer their Panel customers a wide variety of applications,without development effort by partnering with Parallels and APS-certifiedsystem integrators in a revenue-share business model.



The APS Business Model

With more than 10 million subscribers, the revenue opportunities for softwareproviders are boundless. By capitalizing on the domain expertise of certified ParallelsAPS SI specialists, these businesses can realize valuable revenue opportunities.

Parallels Automation PanelContrasting with Plesk, Parallels Automation (PA) allows hosting service providers torapidly deliver large-scale shared hosting and cloud services. Equipped with powerfulautomation and virtualization, PA offers more control and functionality to the end userand the hosting providers. The limited number of service providers in this domain

reflects the extensive level of complexity and integration involved with APSdeployments in PA. These service providers are typically much larger, however,making the overall opportunity in this market staggering.

The marketplace within PA, known as the Parallels Automation for Cloud Marketplace(PACM), is more expansive than the Partner Storefront. The product offerings in thismarketplace are typically more dynamic applications, tightly integrated into the serviceproviders systems for billing and provisioning. This makes for a very uniqueopportunity, which many name brand application providers are quickly embracing.



3. How do I know which versions of the various platforms I shouldsupport in APS?

With multiple versions of both Plesk and PA in regular use, identifying how to properlyconfigure and deploy your APS application is vital. While the majority of users are onthe newest versions (Plesk 10.3 and 10.4 and PA 5.2 and 5.3), adoption can take time,and there are still a number of older installations - some supporting older APSstandards - running today. Many software providers choose to implement differentAPS packages for different environments and versions, to ensure the best experienceand functionality to the end users, while giving themselves more opportunities toattract new users.

In addition to providing valuable consultative counsel, certified Parallels APS SIpartners also possess an arsenal of development resources to efficiently integrateyour business application and ensure compatibility with more versions of Plesk, PA orboth. With deep experience helping businesses optimize their service offerings, theseAPS specialists can help your business properly position its application within themarketplace to ensure it aligns within the needs of the dynamic Parallels ecosystem.

Whats the difference between versions? How will that impact my APS integration andthe features available to my new customers that sign up for my application throughtheir hosting provider?



4. What is KA and why do I care?

Parallels Key Administrator (KA) integration is especially important for businesses

seeking to target and capture revenue opportunities within the PA environment. Withmillions of subscribers today in KA-enabled environments, the ability to secure even aportion of that burgeoning market could prove incredibly profitable.

KA is a comprehensive licensing system that allows Parallels to manage andseamlessly integrate its licensing and billing activities with that of software and SaaSproviders, to create an automated recurring revenue stream that benefits hostingproviders and software companies, and is simple and painless to end users. Thereason KA is so beneficial to software and SaaS providers is because it gives them aneasy way to license their products to end users. It drastically streamlines the salesprocess and allows for more responsive interaction, and all within the trusted

environment of the end users control panel.

Internet service providers can expect to benefit from KAs package and deliver modelwhich enables them to utilize a wide set of software applications, with minimal effortand zero installation costs, to provide added value to their customers. If you are asoftware provider, this is a key distinction to consider.

Are you prepared to integrate with KA for maximum exposure of your product to theexpansive Parallels audience? How do you formally receive the stamp of approvalfrom Parallels and have your application featured within StoreFront and MarketPlace?Will a certified Parallels APS SI be able to help you navigate the challengesassociated with this issue?



5. How do upgrades and new product releases affect how I managemy APS application?

In the world of software development, upgrades and version enhancements are ascommonplace as development iterations. Almost as commonplace is the collection oftechnology laggards - users who choose not to upgrade to the latest softwareversion.

While there are resources and tools that enable companies to upgrade their ownapplications, these programs are limited in their capabilities. Certified APS SIs rely ontheir experience in the Parallels ecosystem and their intimate knowledge of the APSplatform to optimize your business application, not just upgrade it. Effectivelymanaging and upgrading your APS integration requires knowledge of the specificfeature-set within the latest Plesk or PA version, and the technical expertise to adapt

the integrated solution in a way that enhances performance and offers value to theend user.

Arguably just as important as being able to optimize the business application in thelatest version is the ability to do it quickly. In a fiercely competitive marketplace, beingfirst-to-market could likely result in additional revenue, improved market share, andincreased customer loyalty.

Have you planned for the long term future of your application? Do you know whatversion your users derive the most value from? Employing proactive measures toguarantee your application continues to perform flawlessly regardless of version

and your customers are satisfied is essential.



6. Who can I rely on to support my APS initiative?

A successful APS deployment requires everything from resources, technology,

knowledge, personnel, and more. Securing a reliable, well-connected APSdevelopment resource could pay off with instant time and cost savings. Thatsprecisely the reason that Parallels has chosen to partner with just a few, trustedtechnology providers and subjected them to rigorous training and certification toensure theyre fully immersed in the inner-workings of the Parallels ecosystem and theAPS platform.

This network of official certified Parallels APS System Integrators is designed to helpservice providers and application vendors seamlessly package and deliver theirofferings into the cloud. These SIs can make it remarkably easy for you to enable,promote, sell and profit from using the APS standard.

GlowTouch is one such certified Parallels APS SI who leverages extensive webhosting industry experience and a wealth of technology expertise to help companiessmoothly navigate the APS development process. Easily the most accessible APS SI,GlowTouch draws from a deep and talented resource pool to provide its customerswith unmatched quality and responsiveness.

With locations around the globe, GlowTouch leverages a hybrid resource modeldesigned to provide customers with the optimal combination of cost-savings andcustomer service. A long-standing Parallels partner, GlowTouch relies on its intimateknowledge of the Parallels ecosystem and proficiency with emerging technology

platforms to help companies like yours cloud-enable their business applications.

Deploying a dedicated and highly-trained development team, GlowTouch offers end-to-end product support for your APS initiative, including everything from development,deployment, enhancement, maintenance, optimization, and more.

GlowTouch is ready to help you through the process, so engage us today and enjoythe benefits of APS integration in the Parallels ecosystem. To learn more about howGlowTouch can provide APS SI services smarter, faster, and easier, visitwww.glowtouch.com/aps.



About GlowTouch TechnologiesGlowTouch Technologies is an award-winning IT services company delivering custom

technology services to businesses of all sizes. The companys suite of technologyservices includes application and software development, technical support servicesand website development. With more than 850 employees and growing, GlowTouchhas been recognized by Inc. Magazineon the Inc. 500/5000 list of Americas Fastest-Growing Private Companies for three consecutive years. To learn more aboutGlowTouch, visit www.glowtouch.com.

About ParallelsParallels is a worldwide leader in virtualization and automation software that optimizescomputing for consumers, businesses, and service providers across all majorhardware, operating system, and virtualization platforms. Founded in 1999, Parallels is

a fast-growing company with 800 employees in North America, Europe, and Asia. Tolearn more about Parallels, visit www.parallels.com.

About APSThe APS standard is a set of specifications that covers provisioning, management andintegration of cloud-based services and applications. APS covers the full service lifecycle of applications and was designed from the ground up to address requirements ofSoftware as a Service (SaaS) and cloud computing paradigms, such as fullautomation and role-based access control. To learn more about the APS Standard,visit www.apsstandard.org.

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