portfolio of cloud-based services, which incorporates a turn-key management platform and commercial and technical training, aims to allow channel partners to become cloud providers in their own right.

For , the deal adds approximately 200 resellers and ISV's to its partner community in the UK, which it hopes will increase strength in the cloud-based services market.

"The SME market for managed services is set to grow at 15 percent annually during the coming years. Colt is well positioned to penetrate this market through our indirect channels," said Francois Eloy, executive vice president at Colt.

"The acquisition of ThinkGrid further strengthens our position with the addition of a complementary range of cloud-based services."

He added: "We also gain a reseller-orientated management platform and portal, which will reduce our time to market across European markets. This acquisition allows us to extend our channel community to include skilled managed services resellers who will help us to accelerate our growth."