Clastix for Managed and Cloud Service Providers

The role of MSPs and CSPs in the Cloud Market Landscape

In the evolving cloud market, dominated by the major hyperscale providers, MSPs and specialized CSPs find new growth opportunities beyond the broad offerings of these giants. They play a crucial role in deploying vertical and industry-specific cloud solutions, often collaborating with System Integrators (SIs), Independent Software Vendors (ISVs), and Application Providers (APs). They can address strict data sovereignty requirements, fulfill local market demands, and provide infrastructures requiring low latency at the network edge for applications like digital twins, finance, and online gaming. Additionally, the rising demand for Machine Learning, AI, and Large Language Models (LLMs) opens avenues for providers offering cost-effective computing power, especially in GPU technology.

The Need for New Kubernetes Solutions

Kubernetes has emerged as the de facto standard for managing containerized applications, providing a robust framework for automating deployment, scaling, and operations. Kubernetes offers a convenient and unified way to run modern workloads in a standardized way. Despite its numerous benefits, managing Kubernetes presents a complex set of challenges, especially for organizations without extensive cloud-native expertise. These challenges include:

• Complexity of Setup and Maintenance

• Operational efficiency

• Consistency

• Expertise Gap

• Security, Compliance, and Isolation

In this context, the role of MSPs and CSPs is becoming more and more relevant. As most end users of Kubernetes are not interested in managing Kubernetes themselves, MSPs and CSPs have the opportunity to fill this gap. Their ability to offer tailored vertical solutions and less costly alternatives to the hyperscalers, addressing specific industry needs, presents value for the end users.

Many MSPs and CSPs try to replicate the success of the large hyperscale providers, but most of their Kubernetes solutions are not fully functional or poorly integrated. They make mistakes because most available Kubernetes solutions out there were predominantly designed for enterprises and lacked scalability and automation, which are essential for MSPs and CSPs.

This gap in the market presents two main issues: standard vendor solutions such as OpenShift, Tanzu, or Rancher, were often too costly or too complex to manage for MSPs/CSPs requirements, missing the appropriate level of automation and scalability. On the opposite side, homemade solutions (DIY) suffer from poorly featured implementations and often require an operational effort that is not affordable at scale by MSPs and CSPs.

As a pioneering company in efficient Kubernetes and Cloud Native infrastructures, we can help MSPs and CSPs address these challenges. Having worked with MSPs and CSPs since the beginning, we're well-positioned to embrace the Cloud Native Computing landscape from the right angle and help MSPs and CSPs create new revenue opportunities with an innovative mix of Software, Support, and Professional Services.

Overview of Clastix's MSP and CSP Program

At Clastix, we have been using Kubernetes in production environments and managing it for many years. We know what a truly Managed Kubernetes Service should be like. Our portfolio includes cases of organizing automatic Kubernetes provisioning on bare-metal servers, as well in virtualized environments. We have extensive experience in building private and public clouds for Kubernetes, and we know how to do it right.

According to our proven experience, we decided to structure our support for MSPs and CSPs with a specific Partner Program based on a unique blend of Expertise, Professional Services and innovative Solutions to empower Managed and specializedCloud Service Providers.

Program Goals

Our MSPs and CSPs program is crafted with the following goals in mind:

• Increase Kubernetes Adoption: We aim to make Kubernetes more accessible by empowering MSPs and CSPs with the tools and knowledge to offer Kubernetes service efficiently.

• Boost Innovation in Cloud Computing: Clastix supports MSPs and CSPs in creating innovative solutions that adapt to the specific needs of their clients.

• Enhance Kubernetes Expertise: Through our program, we aim to bridge the knowledge gap by offering extensive co-design and setup of the solution, training, hands-on, and direct access to our team of Kubernetes experts.

Build new innovative revenue streams 

Recognizing the diverse needs and emerging trends in the cloud computing landscape, our program is specifically designed to help MSPs and CSPs unlock new revenue streams in various domains:

Managed Kubernetes Service

Enable MSPs and CSPs to offer Managed Kubernetes with comprehensive support from setup to operations. This includes automated cluster provisioning, integrated monitoring, and advanced security features, allowing partners to support customers at different stages of their Kubernetes journey.

Platform as a Service (PaaS)

Empower providers to build and offer multi-tenant platform solutions on top of Kubernetes, facilitating the deployment, management, and scaling of applications securely.

Specialized Technology and Vertical Solutions

Assist MSPs and CSPs in developing solutions tailored to specific industries, such as gaming, finance, or manufacturing. This includes compliance-ready environments, industry-specific workflows, and integrations, enabling partners to address the unique challenges and regulations of these sectors.

Edge Computing

Enable partners with the tools and expertise to deploy and manage Kubernetes at the edge. This opens up opportunities for MSPs and CSPs to support use cases requiring low latency, data processing at the source, and connectivity in remote locations, thereby creating high-value edge computing services.

GPUs as a Service

Guide and support MSPs and CSPs in building AI and ML platforms powered by Kubernetes, leveraging our extensive experience in computing infrastructures. This includes offering GPU-as-a-Service, enabling partners to cater to the growing demand for AI training and inferencing workloads with optimized resource utilization and cost efficiency.

Key Benefits of Partnering with Clastix

Participants in the Clastix MSPs and CSPs program will have access to a wide array of support and resources:

Technical Support and Consulting

Direct access to Clastix’s Kubernetes experts for technical support, consulting, and troubleshooting. This ensures that MSPs and CSPs can confidently manage complex Kubernetes deployments.

Training and Certification

Comprehensive training modules covering everything from basic Kubernetes principles to advanced deployment strategies. This includes opportunities for certification, enhancing the credibility and expertise of our partners.

Tools and Software Solutions

Access to Clastix’s suite of automation tools and software solutions designed to streamline Kubernetes provisioning, management, and scaling. This includes solutions for multi-cloud, multi-cluster, and multi-tenant, on both bare-metal and virtualized environments:

• Clastix Kubernetes Platform: our Enterprise Platform to build efficient Kubernetes services at scale. Built on top of rock solid opensource projects, it combines the innovative Hosted Control Plane model with robust enterprise grade features.

• Kamaji: the open source Kubernetes Control Plane Manager bringing the Hosted Control Plane model and Cluster API, a declarative approach to Kubernetes cluster provisioning.

• Capsule: the open source policy engine for Kubernetes Multi-Tenancy, designed, implemented, and maintained by Clastix and now donated to CNCF as Sandbox Project.

• K8sGPU: a new solution offering on-demand, scalable, and easy-to-use access to remote GPU resources from any GPU Provider.

Shared Revenues Model

Clastix is committed to mutually beneficial partnership with Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and Cloud Service Providers (CSPs) through a Shared Revenues Model. Designed to minimize entry barriers and maximize profitability, this model is tailored to empower our partners at every step of their journey in delivering Kubernetes and cloud-native solutions.

Zero Entry Cost

We’ve eliminated the financial barriers to entry, making it completely free for MSPs and CSPs to join our program. This approach ensures that businesses of all sizes can access the tools and support necessary to offer cutting-edge Kubernetes services to their customers.

No Upfront Investment Required

Clastix believes in a risk-free collaboration, which is why we don’t require any upfront investment from our partners, except for the Professional Services. This empowers our MSPs and CSPs to focus on building and scaling their Kubernetes offerings without the burden of initial financial commitment for licenses or subscriptions.

Tailored Support

Benefit from the expertise of Clastix for co-designing, setting up, launching, and supporting in production your services. Our team works closely with partners to ensure a customized solution that fits your and your customers’ unique needs, ensuring a successful go-live.

Flexible Payment Models

We offer a variety of payment options to suit your business model, including Pay As You Go, monthly, annual, and multi-year plans. This flexibility allows our partners to choose the model that best aligns with their cash flow and business strategy.

Usage-Based Billing

Our billing model is designed to reflect your actual usage, ensuring that you only pay for what you and your customers consume. Monthly reporting and invoicing based on usage provide transparency and predictability, enabling better financial planning and customer billing management.

Joint Marketing Initiatives

Participants to Clastix MSPs and CSPs Program will receive marketing support to help promote their Kubernetes services. This includes co-branded materials, case studies, and access to Clastix’s expertise to help MSPs and CSPs reach new customers.

By joining the Clastix MSP and specializedCSP program, providers gain access to industry leading Kubernetes management solutions. We invite you to explore this opportunity and embark on a journey to redefine Kubernetes services, together with Clastix.

Success Stories and Use Cases

Sharing some examples of MSPs and CSPs that have successfully joined the Partner Program and leveraged Clastix to enhance their service offering.

Netsons

With a strong foundation in cloud computing backed by OpenStack, Netsons, an Italian leading hosting and cloud service provider, has successfully pioneered a transformative approach from Hosting provider to Managed Kubernetes Services provider through a strategic partnership with Clastix. This collaboration, featuring the integration of Kamaji with an OpenStack infrastructure, marks a significant advancement in delivering top-tier cloud native solutions to their clients across Italy and Europe.

Seeweb

Seeweb is a leader in Cloud Computing Infrastructure in Italy, offering a wide range of services, from Hosting to Cloud Solutions. Recently, Seeweb started to offer hardware accelerators (GPU) for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) addressing the growing demand in these fields. To innovate how AI and ML teams access GPUs, Seeweb collaborated with Clastix on developing a service that seamlessly integrates GPUs into local or cloud-based Kubernetes clusters, offering a Serverless and scalable solution.

Program Details and How to Join

Our program is structured to accommodate varying levels of Kubernetes familiarity and deployment complexities, ensuring every partner finds a pathway tailored to their needs.

Running the Exploration

To capture the full value of its Kubernetes solutions, Clastix created the Kubernetes Explorer program to guide MSPs and CSPs across the adoption of the technology with confidence.  

Basic Explorer Package

Ideal for partners new to Kubernetes, offering standard training and a predefined architecture setup to quickly get started with Clastix solutions.

Advanced Explorer Package

Suited for partners with specific deployment needs, including cloud, virtual, or bare metal environments. This package includes detailed co-design sessions and extended support for custom integrations.

Advanced Plus Explorer Package

The most comprehensive package, offering all benefits of the Advanced package with additional support for developing custom add-ons to meet unique requirements.

Piloting

Following the exploration phase, partners will engage in a pilot project to implement and test the designed solution within a controlled environment, ensuring readiness for broader deployment.

From Pilot to Production

Transition from pilot to full-scale production with continuous assistance from Clastix, ensuring scalability, security, and operational efficiency.

Support in Production

Understanding that different partners have varied levels of confidence in the technology and unique business requirements, Clastix offers flexible support options in the production phase.

L3 Support with or without SLA

Clastix provides Level 3 support to address complex technical issues that require in-depth expertise. Partners can opt for this support with a defined Service Level Agreement (SLA) for assured response times or without an SLA, based on their confidence and requirements.

Partner-Leveraged Support

For partners with in-house expertise and resources, there is an option to primarily leverage their own support teams. Clastix will still provide L3 support as a backup to ensure no issue goes unresolved.

Support Pricing Model

Our support model is straightforward and scalable, billed per number of deployed Kubernetes clusters, independent of the number of VMs, CPUs, or RAM. This pricing model ensures that partners can scale their operations without worrying about escalating support costs.

Included in Clastix Support

Partners enrolled in our support program will benefit from a comprehensive suite of support services designed to maximize the uptime, security, and efficiency of Kubernetes environments:

• Dedicated Communication Channels: Private slack channels and email support for timely and effective technical inquiries and assistance.

• Monthly Office Hour: Scheduled monthly meetings for advisory and consultancy, providing partners with direct access to Clastix's Kubernetes experts for strategic and operational guidance.

• Upgrade Support: Assurance of up to three major upgrades per year and unlimited minor upgrades, helping partners stay current with the latest Kubernetes features and improvements.

• CVEs Resolution and Bug Fixing: Prompt resolution of Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) and diligent bug fixing to maintain the security and stability of the Kubernetes infrastructure.

• Features Prioritization: Influence over the development roadmap of Clastix solutions, with the ability to prioritize features that are critical to the partner's operational success and customer satisfaction.

Conclusion

The Clastix Partner Program offers a unique opportunity for MSPs and CSPs to enhance their service offerings with Kubernetes, also to explore new revenue streams in the rapidly growing field of cloud-native computing. By joining our program, partners gain access to our comprehensive support system, including innovative software solutions, training, and co-design services, ensuring they can meet the complex needs of their customers. Our flexible support options and straightforward pricing model are designed to provide the scalability and affordability necessary to thrive in today's competitive market.

Whether you are looking to transition your services to Kubernetes, enhance your existing offerings, or explore new market opportunities, we're here to support your journey. Together, we can unlock the full potential of cloud-native technologies and drive success for your business and your customers.

For more information about our program and how to apply, please visit our website or reach out to us directly at partners@clastix.io