Center for Business Innovation enters strategic partnership, strengthens cloud services

When you hear the word 'cloud' associated with Lansing, you can start thinking of something aside from the city's reputation as one of the nation's most overcast cities.
 
In mid-March, a Michigan managed technology service provider headquartered in Lansing announced a new partnership to offer Microsoft Office 365 services to businesses and organizations. By pairing with AppRiver—a software-as-service organization—the Center for Business Innovation will build on 14 years of cloud computing experience by becoming an authorized reseller for Office 365.
 
"We're excited to partner with AppRiver for our Office 365 service offerings," says Douglas Horne, CBI technology services director. "Our partners will not only receive anywhere access to the latest version of Microsoft applications, but will also have access to the CBI Partner Care Center for personable, technical support."
 
The CBI provides business-to-business cloud, networking, imaging and professional services to thousands of customers across Michigan and the Midwest. The new partnership with AppRiver is an extension of CBI's cloud services in the mobility market.
 
"People are wanting to work on phones and tablets and from coffee shops and homes," says Katie Saglimbene, CBI marketing and communications director. "The new service and software will serve the workforce more from the mobility aspect."
 
Saglimbene says that CBI provides technical support for nearly 2,000 customers. The same will hold true for the new partnership with AppRiver when customers need to resolve issues related to the use of Office 365.
 
"It's easier for our partners to call us than to try and call Microsoft directly," she says. "We can provide that personal relationship and level of support that you might not get from a big conglomerate."
 
CBI has regional offices in Lansing, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Southfield, Flint and Saginaw. About 45 people work in the Lansing office, with potential to add more trained specialists to service Office 365.
 
Source: Katie Saglimbene, Marketing and Communications Director, Center for Business Innovation
Writer: Ann Kammerer, Development News Editor