Apptix Revamps Its Tecos Platform, Reaches Out To VARs

In the past, Apptix has partnered with service providers such as Digex and XO Communications, but now the software vendor also wants to work with VARs interested in rebranding application services developed on the Tecos platform as their own.

The latest Tecos platform adds a variety of .Net applications and Web services to the hosted messaging and collaboration applications of earlier Tecos versions, said Alex Hawkinson, CEO of Apptix, based here. New applications will range from CRM and security to desktop applications, he said.

In a few months, Apptix plans to introduce a road map of applications that will be available to VARs on Tecos, Hawkinson said.

The new platform also has a centralized console so VARs can manage several customer applications from a central location vs. having to sign on to one console for dedicated environments, another for shared environments and another for customer premise environments.

The recruiting has already started with Apptix winding down an eight-city tour with Hewlett-Packard during which HP introduced Apptix to about 60 VARs, Hawkinson said.

"We have been very actively pursuing a VAR channel strategy," Hawkinson said. "Right now we're working through some of the challenges and nuances of possible programs. For instance, many VARs are also working with network service providers, so we are looking at programs that form relationships between different types of channels. But a lot needs to be sorted out as far as who owns the customer and through what channel the services would be delivered."

As an early adopter of the Tecos platform, XO is firmly behind Apptix's channel play, said Barbara Branaman, director of hosting services for the service provider.

Branaman said Reston, Va.-based XO has a large direct-sales force, but welcomes the opportunity to work with the VAR channel. "The indirect channel is where a lot of the growth is right now, and we really love the fact that Apptix is really pushing to open up new channels for us," she said.

Branaman said that despite the pullback in the applications outsourcing market, she is optimistic that a resurgence is under way with companies such as HP and Microsoft backing Apptix's efforts.