Yell signs Microsoft pact for cloud services

Directory services group aims to become cloud services provider

Classified advertising group Yell has signed up to become a reseller of Microsoft's cloud computing tools, in a partnership aimed at providing growing businesses easy access to essential online tools.

Under the terms of the deal, Yell will use search technology from Microsoft and Yahoo, enabling businesses to deliver targeted local and mobile adverts via Yell. Meanwhile, Yell will provide a full range of Microsoft's cloud computing products, including Office 365 and Dynamics CRM, along with a raft of hosted communication services.

The partnership would allow Yell to offer growing businesses the type of enterprise-class products that has previously required too great a capital outlay, said Mike Pocock, Yell Group chief executive.

"Small and medium-sized businesses are looking for digital solutions to help them grow their businesses, transact with customers, and be more efficient," he added.

The deal marks a sea-change in the type of reseller partner that Microsoft has engaged with, as cloud services make it possible for non-IT companies to deliver services.

"Whether Yell can attract them to its services has yet to be proven, but it has an unparalleled database of existing clients and prospects and billing relationships in place," said Andrew Buss, service director at analyst firm Freeform Dynamics. "It's also important that yell has an existing brand and reputation, but it will still have to prove its capabilities and support."