XO, Jamcracker offer hosted services for SMBs

XO Communications is moving beyond telecommunications services, with hopes of becoming a one-stop IT and communications provider for small- and medium-size businesses.

On Wednesday, XO said that later this year it will start offering customers a range of hosted applications, including Microsoft Exchange e-mail, BlackBerry hosted services, McAfee security for small businesses, Microsoft SharePoint and Arsenal Digital Solutions desktop backup.

While the operator already offers an array of hosted applications, they have focused on telecom and Internet services, such as Web site hosting or virtual private networking.

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XO Communications is moving beyond telecommunications services, with hopes of becoming a one-stop IT and communications provider for small- and medium-size businesses.

On Wednesday, XO said that later this year it will start offering customers a range of hosted applications, including Microsoft Exchange e-mail, BlackBerry hosted services, McAfee security for small businesses, Microsoft SharePoint and Arsenal Digital Solutions desktop backup.

While the operator already offers an array of hosted applications, they have focused on telecom and Internet services, such as Web site hosting or virtual private networking.

XO's small- and medium-size business customers "typically wear many hats," said Charlie Cary, vice president of small business services for XO. "As technology changes, a lot of them are frustrated with having to invest in new servers and spend time with it," he said. "We're thinking they're going to embrace the opportunity for a one-stop shop to handle all this."

The IDG News Service is a Network World affiliate.