OREANDA-NEWS. CROC has become a member of the Microsoft Cloud OS Network Russia partner program and has achieved new cloud status for its high level of competence in creating state-of-the-art architecture for data centers and cloud services and for its experience in implementing hybrid scenarios and storing personal data.

"Corporate customers are ready for clouds and expect service providers to be able to offer a wide variety of services: from Infrastructure-as-a-Service to application business systems on demand. We understand these trends and are, therefore, constantly expanding our cloud offering. Last year, for instance, we launched a contact center based on CROC's Virtual Data Center that promptly creates new agent workstations and boosts contact center performance during season campaigns. We also began providing Security-as-a-Service-advanced protection against both typical and cloud-specific threats. In addition, we develop relationships with almost a dozen cloud vendors, thus contributing to our diversified service portfolio. Microsoft Cloud OS Network Russia status allows CROC to strengthen its position and launch new Microsoft-based cloud services such as Microsoft Office, Microsoft Dynamics CRM, and Microsoft Azure Pack," said Ruslan Zaedinov, Deputy Director General and Head of Data Centers and Cloud Computing, CROC.

"As a member of the new partner initiative, CROC will receive Microsoft's expert and financial support regarding the development of cloud services. In addition, we are ready to assist our partner in building a service platform that will meet both Russian and international requirements. All these advantages will help CROC become more competitive and enter the global market if necessary," noted Pavel Betsis, President, Microsoft Russia.

Currently, Microsoft Cloud OS Network Russia comprises only six members-the largest Russian cloud service providers which offer services based on fault-tolerant and certified data centers. In order to become a member, CROC, jointly with Microsoft, evaluated existing cloud infrastructure maturity and the ability to provide high-quality service support to customers.

CROC's Virtual Data Center is the first cloud in Russia and is based on data centers distributed over the country, with the largest Kompressor Data Center being certified for Tier III compliance. CROC provides nearly 20 cloud services, including hybrid platform building, Disaster Recovery-as-a-Service (DRaaS), and Software-as-a-Service (12 business applications). Until March 31, 2015, the first 30 days in CROC's Virtual Data Center will be free of charge, with further cloud service being billed in Rubles at a favorable exchange rate.