Originally published on MSP Today

In today’s world, where the use of cloud computing has become not just common among enterprises but a necessity, cloud marketplaces are one of the fastest-blossoming cloud applications available. Providing organizations with a convenient way to find and compare different cloud services and products, it’s no surprise that the cloud marketplace valuation is expected to surge considerably.

Experts are predicting a substantial rise from the cloud marketplace valuation of $15 billion in 2023 to over $100 billion by 2026, estimating growth of over 500 percent across the three year time period. Apart from the overall increase in cloud usage, the rapid growth of cloud marketplaces can be attributed to managed service providers (MSPs) and the goal of cloud optimization.

As MSPs are more frequently tasked nowadays with the challenge of cloud optimization, cloud marketplaces can play a pivotal role in MSPs in their quest to combat cloud waste. For example, MSPs can leverage cloud marketplaces to find advantageous cloud optimization tools, such as data analytics, that can help MSPs understand past cloud usage and model and forecast future spending needs with the analytical data needed for visibility across the entire cloud environment.

However, as propitious as cloud marketplaces can be for MSPs, they must ensure they have the right marketplace for their unique needs. While cloud marketplaces offer a variety of benefits, in general, by searching for a cloud marketplace designed specifically with MSPs in mind, MSPs can begin to truly unlock the full potential of cloud optimization.

Such is the case with Pax8, the leading cloud commerce marketplace, which recently announced its partnership with Kalibr8, a provider of a comprehensive, multi-tenant cloud management platform enabling managed service providers (MSPs) to understand better and adjust cloud computing environments to ensure efficient operations, eliminate waste, and enhance security and compliance in the cloud.

“In today’s digital landscape, cloud optimization and efficient cost management are essential for organizations to thrive,” said Nikki Meyer, Pax8 Corporate Vice President of Vendor Global Alliance. “We are pleased to welcome Kalibr8 to our Marketplace as a unique new offering, empowering our partners to enhance their customers’ cloud operations and eliminate unnecessary expenses.”

Designed for MSPs, Kalibr8’s multi-tenant capabilities, detailed billing and reporting features, and automated cloud exploration tools make it easy for partners to identify optimization opportunities for their customers. The platform also enhances security and compliance in the cloud, incorporating observability and alerting features to prevent fraud and potential hijacking of resources. Partners can also now use Kalibr8 with their Azure operations, with more cloud providers available in the future.

Through Kalibr8’s advanced analytics and actionable features, partners on the Pax8 Marketplace can now optimize cloud usage and spending patterns, identify underutilized resources, make necessary adjustments such as downscaling and decommissioning resources, and take advantage of reserved instance opportunities. By automating scheduling to balance peak and off-peak needs, Kalibr8 ensures that organizations pay only for what they need, reducing costs, improving operational efficiency, and delivering up to 65 percent monthly savings to partners through its optimization platform.

“Pax8 has changed forever how MSPs can discover, provision, and deliver cloud services to their end customers, with a marketplace that simplifies operations and dramatically improves margins,” said Ben McGahon, Founder and CEO of Kalibr8. “After working closely with the Pax8 crew, we are proud to make our cloud optimization automation software available to the tens of thousands of MSPs Pax8 serves, making it easier than ever for them to manage cloud resources and maximize margins with little effort required.”

Kalibr8 will be exhibiting at Pax8’s flagship Beyond 2024 partner event June 9-11 at the Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention Center. To learn more about Pax8 and Kalibr8, please visit www.pax8.com.