The Latest News from GROUP Live

On-demand simplified: GROUP Business Software AG enters the cloud computing market with GROUP Live

Frankfurt am Main – Demand for Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions is rising around the globe. Current studies suggest that "in-the-cloud" models are becoming increasingly popular among companies of all sizes as a cost-saving and efficient alternative to managing software purchasing and operation themselves. Appropriately priced broadband internet, established security technologies and permanent online availability ("always-on") are serving to promote this trend.

Analysts predict that SaaS solutions will gain between 20 and 25 per cent of the software licensing market by 2011, putting conventional software providers in particular under enormous pressure to act. Vendors will have to react to growing demand and render their solutions cloud-capable if they are to remain competitive. GROUP Live, the PaaS and Cloud Services division of GROUP Business Software AG, is about to launch a unique Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) solution on the market.

The term "PaaS" refers to a technology which enables independent software vendors (ISVs) to offer their applications as part of a cloud model. "Our PaaS solution provides us with access to a growth market in which cost-effective and easily manageable cloud concepts have a crucial role to play. The GROUP Live platform is designed to integrate all aspects of development, administration, provision, operation and management for cloud solutions," explains Joerg Ott, CEO of GROUP Business Software AG.

The foundations for entry into the cloud market were laid by the former business applications provider on the basis of IBM Lotus Notes/Domino in February 2009, with the acquisition by GROUP Business Software AG of the technologies of Denmark-based cloud computing specialist IT Factory. "Our new PaaS platform enables independent software vendors to offer their solutions in-the-cloud without time-consuming and costly adaptations, thus paving the way for completely new business models – for providers and their customers alike," explains Constanze Zarth, GROUP Live Managing Director Europe.

GROUP Live is set to launch its new PaaS solution for ISVs, computer centres and companies this November.

For further details, please visit www.group.de.