SoftwareOne, a leading global provider of software and cloud solutions, has announced the successful integration of its channel business with Crayon across Asia Pacific (APAC), bringing together two established technology organisations under the SoftwareOne brand to create a stronger and more connected regional partner ecosystem.
The integration combines the complementary strengths of both companies, including extensive partner networks, technology expertise, vendor relationships and specialised capabilities in software asset management, cloud computing, cybersecurity, data, artificial intelligence (AI) and managed services.
Through the combined business, SoftwareOne aims to provide technology partners with greater access to specialist resources, expanded service offerings and new commercial opportunities while preserving the customer relationships and local expertise that have been central to both organisations.
According to Varun Paliwal, President of APAC at SoftwareOne, the integration marks an important milestone in bringing together two businesses with established regional capabilities and strong relationships across the technology channel.
He explained that the combined organisation would enable partners to access a broader range of services and expertise while continuing to benefit from the local knowledge and relationships they have developed over the years.
Paliwal emphasised that the success of the integration would not be measured solely by the size of the combined organisation, but by its ability to generate additional service opportunities, support partners in meeting customer demands and help them achieve sustainable business growth.
SoftwareOne contributes its global scale, extensive technology vendor ecosystem and established expertise in software, cloud and IT portfolio management, supported by advisory, implementation and managed services. Crayon complements these capabilities with its strong channel relationships and experience in cloud technologies, software solutions, data and AI across APAC.
Together, these strengths establish a broader platform that enables partners to access technology expertise, specialist services and commercial opportunities through a single organisation.
The integration also gives partners access to a larger pool of specialist resources, including solution architects, cybersecurity professionals, vendor specialists, technical consultants and business development support.
These capabilities are particularly valuable as organisations face increasingly complex technology requirements involving cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, AI adoption and digital productivity solutions.
Rather than requiring partners to independently develop every technical capability or recruit additional specialists, SoftwareOne can provide resources to support more complex customer projects and help partners expand their existing service portfolios.
The integration comes at a time when technology investment across Asia Pacific continues to accelerate, driven by growing demand for digital transformation, cloud infrastructure and artificial intelligence.
According to projections cited from International Data Corporation (IDC), regional information and communications technology spending is expected to reach US$647 billion in 2026. Meanwhile, spending on AI and generative AI is projected to reach US$370 billion by 2029, representing a compound annual growth rate of 38.4%.
As enterprises transition from experimenting with artificial intelligence to deploying AI solutions at scale, technology partners are increasingly expected to provide comprehensive services that go beyond supplying software and infrastructure.
Businesses now require expertise in implementation, integration, cybersecurity, data management and ongoing technical support to translate technology investments into measurable business outcomes.
SoftwareOne believes the combined channel business will help partners respond to these evolving requirements by offering access to specialised capabilities without the need to build every service function internally.
Its partner-focused delivery model supports services provided directly to customers, through partners or in collaboration with partners. This includes solutions delivered under a partner’s own brand and joint delivery arrangements for larger or more technically demanding projects.
Importantly, partners will continue to retain ownership of their customer relationships, with SoftwareOne providing additional expertise and resources where required.
This approach is designed to strengthen existing partner businesses rather than compete with them, allowing organisations to expand their capabilities while maintaining control over their customer engagement strategies.
SoftwareOne’s global operations further strengthen the combined business, with a presence in more than 70 countries and approximately 12,000 professionals worldwide.
The company also provides access to more than 7,500 software vendors through its global marketplace, creating opportunities for partners to explore additional technologies, vendor programmes and specialist services.
Among its initiatives is the Partner Connections programme, which connects resellers with specialist delivery partners to support opportunities that may require expertise beyond an individual organisation’s existing capabilities.
Its ISV Innovation Hub also helps independent software vendors and technology partners commercialise their intellectual property through vendor marketplaces, incentive programmes and development support.
The combined channel organisation will continue supporting partner development through market intelligence, vendor programme guidance, professional certifications and technical practice development.
Across APAC, where technology maturity, regulatory requirements and customer expectations differ significantly between markets, SoftwareOne intends to combine global resources with established local relationships.
Paliwal highlighted the importance of maintaining local market understanding while expanding access to global technology capabilities.
He noted that partners require not only advanced technology solutions and specialist expertise but also teams that understand their business environments, customers and operational requirements.
By bringing SoftwareOne and Crayon together, the organisation aims to provide greater scale and a wider range of capabilities without losing the local relationships that have contributed to the success of both businesses.
The integration will also provide partners with access to SoftwareOne’s Cloud-iQ platform, which is designed to simplify the management of cloud and software subscriptions.
The platform includes subscription management, automated billing, usage intelligence and business insights, helping partners reduce operational complexity while improving visibility into customer technology consumption.
These capabilities are expected to support partners seeking to improve operational efficiency, develop new technology practices and pursue more sophisticated customer engagements.
Vikas Bhonsle, Head of Channel, APAC at SoftwareOne, said the integration creates greater possibilities for partners by expanding their access to expertise, services and connections across the technology ecosystem.
He explained that the combined organisation would enable partners to strengthen their portfolios, explore additional commercial opportunities and deliver greater value to customers.
Bhonsle added that the ultimate objective is to help partners grow their businesses, secure new opportunities and strengthen their ability to serve customers in an increasingly competitive technology landscape.
The completion of the Crayon channel integration represents more than a corporate branding transition. It establishes a unified regional organisation with broader technical capabilities, an expanded technology ecosystem and greater resources dedicated to supporting channel partners.
With increasing demand for cloud computing, cybersecurity, data management and AI-driven solutions, SoftwareOne is positioning its combined APAC channel business to support partners throughout the technology lifecycle while creating opportunities for long-term growth.
For more information, visit https://www.softwareone.com.
