Dimension Data leverages on its relationship with Microsoft to launch a private cloud service based on the Microsoft Cloud Platform, one allowing businesses to develop and host Microsoft applications in a dedicated cloud environment.

Dubbed Private Compute-as-a-Service (CaaS), the service provides enterprise-class security, compliance and control, with support for hybrid 32- and 64-bit Windows and Red Hat Linux environments.

The Microsoft Cloud Platform is built on Windows Server 2012 with Hyper-V, System Centre 2012 R2 and Windows Azure Pack.

HP launches a rebranding of its open source cloud product, now known as Helion, together with a $1 billion investment (spread over 2 years) in OpenStack technology and hybrid IT delivery.

The Helion portfolio covers existing HP cloud offerings, new OpenStack-based products and professional and support services.

“Customer challenges today extend beyond cloud. They include how to manage, control and scale applications in a hybrid environment that spans multiple technology approaches,” the company says. “Helion provides the solutions and expertise customers need to select the right deployment model for their needs and obtain the greatest return for their investment.”

Juniper Research reports enterprise Sofware-as-a-Service (SaaS) revenues are to total $53.5 billion by 2018 (up from $23.2bn in 2013) and represent 59% of the enterprise public cloud market.

As a result SaaS will remain the dominant cloud model during the forecast period, thanks to relative maturity, widespread acceptance and recognition of the benefits/risks of cloud-based software.

However in the meantime Platform- (PaaS) and Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) have been hit by security, compliance and portability concerns, even if Juniper forecasts growth for both segments during 2014-2018.

Equinix launches Cloud Exchange, a cloud interconnection solution it claims allows seamless, on-demand and direct access to multiple clouds and networks worldwide.

It all sounds similar to Intercloud, the Cisco effort in bridging private cloud services with multiple public clouds.

According to the company Cloud Exchange provides a secure path to cloud resources at higher throughput than public internet connections, allowing customers to build hybrid cloud solutions within Equinix International Business Exchange (IBX) data centres. A Cloud Exchange Portal and APIs simplify connection to multiple clouds, with real-time virtual circuit monitoring and provisioning.