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Attaining a Security SPD
In the second article in our Security SPD series, Michael Brooke offers tips to help partners gain the insight track from start to finish.
Cloud-iQ is Crayon’s centralised solution for software and cloud services procurement, management, and billing. Originally designed for procurement needs, it has evolved into a robust platform helping channel partners streamline processes, gain insights for optimisation, and scale services efficiently.
For more than a decade, we consistently expanded Cloud-iQ’s features to meet our partners’ needs. However, as our operations grew to serve a global network spanning over 40 countries, it became harder to maintain the simplicity and speed that were Cloud-iQ’s initial strengths.
We recognised the need for a powerful, future-ready platform that would grow with our business. We have thoroughly transformed Cloud-iQ, rebuilding it from the ground up to set new standards in innovation and user experience.
Introducing the redesigned Cloud-iQ experience
In 2025, Cloud-iQ is evolving through comprehensive upgrades that will make cloud procurement, management, billing, and analytics more efficient. Building on the robust features of the current Cloud-iQ platform, we crafted a new experience advancing usability and effectiveness.
This latest version further simplifies day-to-day operations and empowers Crayon partners to focus on delivering value to their customers and driving their business forward.
Feedback from our partners and customers worldwide underpins this modernisation project. Every decision we have made in redesigning Cloud-iQ addresses your pain points, enhances features you like, and supports your operational growth.
What’s better in this version of Cloud-iQ?
Cloud-iQ maintains its core functionalities focused on these areas: Procurement, Management, Insights, Billing, and Administration. This latest version delivers more speed and simplicity for a better user experience. Here’s what you can expect:
Intuitive user navigation
The enhanced Cloud-iQ experience begins with a refreshed look and feel. Prioritising usability, the redesign empowers our channel partners to navigate the platform with ease and confidence, even when logging in for the first time. Clean, modernised user interfaces retain familiar workflows while streamlining them. Many routine tasks now require fewer clicks instead of jumping from page to page.
Powerful procurement automation
Cloud-iQ next gen simplifies the way you order, provision, and manage cloud resources. The improved and fully digital procurement process speeds up ordering tasks and provides clearer, real-time visibility into your licenses, subscriptions, and quotes.
All major software and cloud vendors are accessible on the platform, including Microsoft’s Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) program. The multi-provider software catalog includes a search bar and advanced filtering options, so it is easy to find the solutions you need. We have also streamlined the process of requesting additional services or providers.
This evolution of Cloud-iQ leverages automated tools such as scheduled renewals and spending alerts. Customise usage and spending limits and receive notifications when you approach or exceed these thresholds. Edit licenses and subscriptions with immediate provisioning.
Advanced reporting tools
Actionable intelligence is integral to the value Crayon offers. Cloud-iQ’s advanced reporting capabilities help drive decision-making and cost optimisation. However, we received feedback that some dashboards and insights were hard to find on the existing platform.
We have corrected this in Cloud-iQ next gen. It’s now easier to retrieve comprehensive analytics and business intelligence (BI) reporting, including usage estimates and live cost reports. Choose whether to look at high-level overviews or go into the granular details of your subscriptions. Easily export reports to Excel or CSV formats.
Equipping you for the future of cloud and software management
Offering powerful features such as actionable analytics and an enhanced digital ordering experience, Cloud-iQ next gen simplifies your processes and empowers you to innovate, scale, and position your business for long-term success.
Frequently asked questions
The transition to the latest version of Cloud-iQ will roll out gradually throughout 2025, with different timelines per country. A Crayon team will support you through the transition.
We are implementing a side-by-side approach. As Cloud-iQ next gen becomes available, users can continue to access the current version. You will be able to switch between the old and new versions until we complete the migration worldwide.
Yes. Aside from providing comprehensive vendor support, including full integration with Microsoft CSP, the Cloud-iQ upgrade also offers easier ways to browse our catalog and request additional services.
Cloud-iQ next gen provides a modernised invoicing and billing solution that also aligns with Microsoft’s standardised billing structures. The migration to the enhanced Cloud-iQ will not change or affect Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).
For most users, billing processes will also remain unchanged. Some partners, such as those transitioning from the PRISM platform, may experience adjustments in their billing structure. In these cases, Crayon account managers will communicate directly with affected partners. We want to emphasise that TCO will stay the same, regardless of any changes in billing.
Our support team will assist you through the migration and beyond, ensuring a smooth transition to Cloud-iQ next gen.
Our support team will assist you through the migration and beyond, ensuring a smooth transition to Cloud-iQ next gen.
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