MPS Partners, a provider of business process management (BPM) solutions built on Microsoft technologies, announced it has appointed Keith Franklin, an experienced software architect, to lead the delivery of its cloud and .NET (News - Alert) services.

The company also reported continued growth in demand for its cloud computing solution.

Franklin oversees the MPS team that conducts cloud readiness assessments for clients and provides strategic direction on platforms such as Windows Phone (News - Alert), Silverlight and Windows Azure, according to MPS officials.

Prior to joining MPS, Franklin worked as chief software architect and general manager for Magenic Consulting.

Franklin is the founder of Empowered Software Solutions, a Microsoft (News - Alert)-focused professional services organization, which was acquired by Magenic Technologies in 2004.

With more than 20 years’ experience, Franklin is an active and respected thought leader in the .NET community, say officials at MPS. He is the long-time president of the Chicago.NET User Group and a member of the team that created and launched the Chicago Silverlight User Group.

MPS conducted a pulse survey of IT executives in December 2010. According to the survey, more than 53 percent of the respondents feel that cloud computing strategy is in place, up from 34 percent the year prior.

Commenting on the results of the pulse survey, Chris Kabat, vice president of Connected Business Systems at MPS Partners, said, “Cloud computing is revolutionizing the IT function, and Keith brings the leadership, technical depth and strategic insight required to lead our cloud and .NET team.”

“In addition, Microsoft and other vendors solidified their cloud computing options making the solution a reality,” Kabat said. “Finally, customers have a better understanding of what cloud computing is and how they can benefit from it. It's the perfect storm for this revolution.”