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We ’ re an example of this at work – VIRTUS is a colocation specialist whose facilities are crucial intersections for major networks . And , our experience tells us that every business which wants to benefit from the cloud should start its journey a bit closer to the ground . Together with choosing the right mix of public , private and hybrid cloud services to meet their individual ( and changing ) needs , organisations must look for cloud service providers who have the right data centre capabilities to provide crucial security , connectivity and quality guarantees .
On-ramp to cloud : the connectivity factor
In a hybrid model , companies need to reach multiple cloud providers and other enterprises , exchange traffic and connect systems , platforms and applications . So , connectivity to the right carriers is critical if the cloud is to work . And , as businesses consume and connect more and more geographically dispersed devices and clouds , their appetite for network connectivity and bandwidth becomes even stronger .
Connectivity starts in the data centre too . Companies should be aware that whilst some data centre providers can build the best high performance computing platform and a facility that is cost effective to run , without connectivity provisioning on-ramp to other clouds , businesses simply won ’ t be able to adopt a hybrid cloud strategy .
Specialist data centres will provide on-ramp to cloud services , so customers have direct access to multiple clouds that can work for them to provide increased computing power and performance . Forward looking providers have made the investment of fully diverse multi sub-duct networks so carriers can easily interconnect and businesses can cross connect to a multitude of public clouds . They can easily put a piece of fibre from a company ’ s own systems straight in to Google , Amazon or Microsoft for the most direct connection . The most effective data centre providers make it easy to connect public and private clouds to deliver high performance computing .
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Colocation providers are already designed to be connected to multiple carriers , in a network neutral environment . This means that cloud providers can trust and rely on them - and , in turn , the businesses they serve can be assured that their connectivity challenges are met .
The right partner for long-term success
Few organisations can afford to invest in advanced networking capabilities themselves - so access to operator and interconnected networks comes hand in hand with third-party relationships . It ’ s crucial then that businesses choose the right partners to allay apprehensions around connectivity , uptime and reliability .
Best-in-class colocation providers already offer high grade infrastructure for cloud connectivity , including diverse fibre duct infrastructures and multiple network connectivities , that cloud providers can take advantage of without having to manage and run their own data centres . These benefits are ultimately passed on - benefitting the organisations trying to leverage the potential of the cloud .
In the next ten years , the evolution of emerging technologies such as network functions virtualisation , software defined networks and Platform-as-a-service will further challenge cloud and colocation providers - who will need to adapt to support the scale and functionality needed by evolving businesses . And , the explosion of data which comes with connected
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‘ Data centres are where the cloud lives and the gateway to cloudcentred IT ; they provide colocation to extend or support cloud services .’
VIRTUS London
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technology ( broadly the internet of things ( IoT ) or the internet of everything ) will require even more processing power , bandwidth and network capability .
So , it ’ s vital that businesses build effective partner ecosystems , from cloud services providers to the colocators and data centre firms that power them . And , we ’ d tell all organisations to begin any relationship by asking the tough questions - for guarantees around network connectivity , data security and uptime . And to look for assurances that they can support businesses ’ rapidly evolving , and growing , needs .
Ultimately then , while we talk at a high level about cloud being crucial to business success - and , that to be truly disruptive , companies must leverage the cloud to innovate and differentiate - to really benefit from the cloud , businesses must begin their journey a little closer to the ground ; in the data centre . Success begins by looking to the experts to help overcome connectivity issues - ensuring reliability , and promising adequate processing power .
Many commentators talk about meaningful cloud adoption being a journey — an iterative process that allows organisations to move faster and devote their resources to the things that matter . For us , though , it ’ s clear that , for all but the most technically adept businesses , assistance and advice is vital in this . Guidance , support and partnership is crucial for a successful cloud future .
For further information visit : www . virtusdatacentres . com
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August 2017 | 15 |