03/25/2008

Parallels announced it is offering service providers an Application Packaging Standard (APS) Certification Service, which is administered by the independent firm Tier 1 Research. The certification recognizes SaaS application providers with either an APS Gold or APS Silver Certification, which designate that service providers offering APS-compliant applications have the highest quality service.

ebizQ received the following:

Parallels is collaborating with Tier 1 Research to offer this program, which includes start-up services for certification, audits, as well as a support structure to make the initial certification as smooth as possible. Part of the certification involves running a test suite of software applications with the entire process estimated to take approximately 30 days. In addition, the program has an annual re-certification process to maintain or upgrade a certification level.

"Parallels wants service providers to be able to easily deliver a broad range of software applications to their customers with the assurance that those applications will be up-to-date, integrate and perform as expected," said Serguei Beloussov, CEO of Parallels. "The APS Certification Service offers service providers an opportunity to differentiate themselves in the market as they strive to meet the growing needs of their customers."

The certification ensures that the service provider uses a high-quality, redundant infrastructure for application delivery. That is assurance for ISVs (independent software vendors) that the most up-to-date version of their applications can be delivered by the service provider. And, for end users of SaaS, the certification ensures that the application will integrate smoothly and can run off premises in a high-quality operating environment.

"Tier 1 Research looks forward to working with Parallels and service providers from around the world to ensure compliance with the open APS standard," said Dan Golding, vice president and research director, Tier 1 Research. "As an impartial, independent research firm, covering the hosting market, we're happy to help the industry move towards open and interoperable standards like APS."

The initial certification fee is $10,000 for the Gold level for the first year and $5,000 for renewals each year after, while the Silver level is $2,500 for the first year and $1,250 for renewals. The Gold level is suited for service providers that intend to deliver the highest quality SaaS support. There is also a no fee, base level "APS Partner" designation for service providers that use Parallels' products, which establishes a basis for delivering APS-compliant applications.

"We were the first to implement APS and look forward to being the first company to be certified," said Andreas Gauger, chairman of the board, 1&1 Internet. "The standard is an important one for our industry helping to attract ISVs to deliver their applications in the SaaS model, as well as for our customers who can enjoy a wide variety of solutions."