Crayon unveils revamped Cloud-iQ to streamline APAC cloud billing
Crayon has launched the next generation of its Cloud-iQ platform for partners across the Asia-Pacific region.
The redevelopment of the Cloud-iQ platform follows a period of extensive collaboration with Crayon's partners throughout the region, who contributed feedback on operational challenges and specific requirements encountered in cloud service management. The latest release unifies features from Crayon's previous Cloud-iQ and PRISM systems to create a global platform tailored for both small and large partner operations.
The upgraded platform is intended to address complexities arising in cloud licensing, particularly in light of industry shifts such as Microsoft's transition to the New Commerce Experience and the growth of cloud offerings. These factors have placed additional administrative burdens on partners as they manage SKU selection, renewals, and billing activities.
"Cloud licensing has become increasingly complex," said Ramon Mueller, Vice President of Platforms for Crayon APAC. "Microsoft's transition to the New Commerce Experience, along with the explosion of new cloud services, meant partners were spending more time navigating SKUs, renewals and billing, and less time growing their business. This latest version of Cloud-iQ changes that."
Platform features
According to Crayon, the new Cloud-iQ platform is a complete rebuild, designed to streamline how partners manage cloud services across increasingly complex environments. The platform introduces smarter licence management, automated billing and reconciliation, and utilises AI-powered insights to identify cost-saving opportunities. These features are accessible through role-based dashboards, intended to provide users with relevant data for their specific responsibilities.
The system integrates with existing partner operations via APIs and supports a diverse range of billing formats. Partners can now select between detailed breakdowns or aggregated billing views, while automated processes help to minimise manual intervention and the risk of billing errors.
Additionally, guided actions and proactive alerts are built into the platform to prevent overspending. Persona-based dashboards allow users to view information relevant to their duties, whether onboarding clients or administering large-scale environments with thousands of licences and multi-tenant requirements.
The platform's billing tools also aim to support partners working across both legacy and modern environments, helping avoid duplicate charges and manual reconciliation overhead.
"But our work doesn't stop here - Cloud-iQ is designed to evolve," said Mueller. "Through our ongoing Beta Program and constant engagement with partners, we're continuously refining the platform based on insight from daily use. This collaboration ensures Cloud-iQ stays aligned with our partners' needs today, and well into the future."
Industry impact
The redesigned Cloud-iQ platform is intended to serve as a strategic resource for partners who manage growing service portfolios and face rising client expectations. As demands for efficient management and transparency have increased in the cloud services sector, there is a greater emphasis on platforms that enhance visibility and support prompt, informed decision-making.
Crayon stated that Cloud-iQ aims to empower partners by enabling optimisation of licensing costs, improved management of customer environments, and reduced reliance on manual work. AI-driven insights pinpoint areas for budget efficiency, while the self-service tools have been designed for usability even in complex licensing scenarios.
"Cloud-iQ gives partners the tools to reduce waste, increase transparency, and better manage their clients at scale," said Mueller. "We've also created a more intuitive self-service experience, so users feel confident and in control, regardless of how complex their licensing needs are."
Enhanced scalability and options for integration with partner systems are positioned as key differentiators. The platform's design supports scalability from small businesses to enterprises operating across multiple markets. Consistent refinement of the platform is expected, with feedback from collaborating partners influencing further development.
Long-term outlook
Mueller described the upgrade as a significant investment focussed on transforming cloud service management for partners in the Asia-Pacific region. The redesign prioritises customer usability and operational flexibility, with the intention to shift partner time away from administrative operations towards business growth.
"This investment is about more than just upgrading a platform - it's about changing the way our partners manage cloud services," said Mueller. "We've rebuilt Cloud-iQ from the ground up with the customer in mind, creating a solution that's simple to use, yet powerful enough to meet complex needs. Every enhancement reflects our belief that technology should support people - not the other way around. With this next-generation platform, partners can spend less time on operations and more time growing their business."
