TORONTO -- (Marketwire) -- 11/29/12 -- Sigma Systems, the authority in provisioning broadband IP solutions, today announced that the Sigma Cloud ServiceBroker®, an integrated SaaS service fulfillment solution for the selection, provisioning and management of SaaS services and applications, is now generally available to service providers around the world.

The Sigma Cloud ServiceBroker platform reduces costs, removes operational silos and reduces overall CapEx and OpEx by providing a product for managing all telecommunications business services, including VoIP and high-speed broadband, as well as cloud-based SaaS applications. The Cloud ServiceBroker enables service providers to extend value-added SaaS services to their small and medium business (SMB) customers, as well as residential subscribers, in a scalable, economic manner while shortening overall time to deployment.

In addition, the Cloud ServiceBroker features an end-user portal that facilitates the process of adding and modifying services, users and preferences for the business customer. The portal offers an easy-to-use and intuitive interface, which reduces support requirements and gives the SMB more control over their services.

"By offering the Cloud ServiceBroker as an extension of our existing OSS fulfillment platform, Sigma has created a way for service providers to rapidly and efficiently realize new revenue opportunities from SaaS applications," said Tim Spencer, president and COO of Sigma Systems. "Business customers, many of whom lack the time or knowledge to investigate, select and deploy SaaS services on their own, will benefit from having a single, trusted source for cloud services that will help them to better manage and grow their businesses."

Strengthening SMB Customer Relationships
The Sigma Cloud ServiceBroker provides the SMB end-user portals, order management, provisioning, billing integration and single sign-on (SSO) across a strategic suite of SMB SaaS, including online, data and remote back-up and storage solutions, CRM tools, anti-virus, security and information management solutions, social media and marketing tools, hosted office solutions such as email and document sharing, and other business-critical applications.

Among the many global SaaS providers that integrate with the Sigma Cloud ServiceBroker are Mozy, SugarCRM, Symantec.cloud, Vertical Response, Google Apps, F-Secure Antivirus, and others.

With its unified architecture, the Cloud ServiceBroker allows service providers to offer their SMB customers a single source for access and management of the 3rd party SaaS applications. Providers can establish and grow a unique and integrated catalog of SaaS applications that complement their suite of network services, and allow for flexible bundling to meet their business customers' needs. Sigma plans to add set of new software options each quarter to ensure that service providers' product catalogues continue to add value to their SMB customers.

Ease of Deployment
Capitalizing on existing network services and systems, the Sigma Cloud ServiceBroker is built upon Sigma's award-winning Service Management Platform (SMP), a multi-service fulfillment solution that enables the quick and seamless delivery of IP service offerings. For existing users of SMP, the new solution can be added seamlessly. The Cloud ServiceBroker also integrates with existing BSS and other back-office systems, so operators can bring cloud services to their subscribers quickly, accelerating time-to-revenue.

"In a fast-moving environment where service providers must develop new bundles and services to be competitive, creating opportunities for new revenue quickly is paramount," said Spencer. "Service providers that have already deployed SMP can deploy the Cloud ServiceBroker within 90 days, with that investment often starting to pay back within twelve months."

In addition, unlike other offerings, service providers may choose to deploy the Sigma Cloud ServiceBroker on-premises or opt for Sigma to host Cloud ServiceBroker from a multi-tenant deployment in the cloud.

Adding Value While Reducing Churn
Leading IT industry research firm IDC sees cloud service brokerage as an important way for service providers to add value and evolve their portfolio of offerings to stay competitive.

"Offering cloud services as an extension of their existing product portfolio is an important way for service providers to further monetize their existing infrastructure while delivering new and differentiated value to customers," said Deb Osswald, IDC Research Vice President of CSP Operations. "Service providers that take advantage of opportunities to become a trusted supplier of mission-critical business solutions to their enterprise customers, such as offering cost-effective access to vital software applications that enhance operational efficiency, are in a far better position to improve customer retention, loyalty and grow ARPU."

Availability
Sigma Systems' Cloud ServiceBroker is now generally available for service providers worldwide.

For More Information:
Sigma Systems Cloud ServiceBroker: http://sigma-systems.com/solutions_cloud_services.htm
Sigma Cloud ServiceBroker Datasheet: http://www.sigma-systems.com/pdfs/Datasheet_Cloud_ServiceBroker.pdf
Cloud Brokerage with John Frame (video): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2wBKJaOSf4

About Sigma Systems
Sigma Systems is the proven global leader in delivering converged broadband services. Sigma Systems' powerful solutions enable the world's Next-Generation Operators (NGOs) to deliver a rich consumer experience through communications and entertainment services--over any access technology to any device. The company's award-winning solutions include order management, provisioning and activation, and active mediation of residential and business VoIP, broadband, video, and triple-play and quad-play services. With the support of Sigma's Professional Services, NGOs around the globe -- including Charter, Cox, Rogers, TELUS, Cogeco Cable, YouSee, Tiscali, NET Servicos, Technology Networks, iTSCOM and ZON Multimedia and more -- are leveraging Sigma's solutions for service transformation and rapid, reliable delivery of today's -- and tomorrow's -- new services. For more information about Sigma Systems, visit http://www.sigma-systems.com and follow the company on Twitter at http://twitter.com/sigmasystems.

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