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TOGL - Choosing a Cloud Provider - Video
Summary: How do you know if cloud computing makes sense for your organization? And if it makes sense for your organization what sort of services should you buy into? Here are the questions to ask.
How do you know if cloud computing makes sense for your organization? And if it makes sense for your organization what sort of services should you buy into? Even though cloud computing is everywhere, is being offered by all the major technology players, and all agree you need it, definitions vary.
Cloud Computing refers to the delivery of infrastructure components and services. Its name is derived from architecture diagrams where a cloud is used as a metaphor for the Internet. A cloud is used to abstract and represent the complex infrastructure environment.
The components that are housed in the cloud on the diagram are client devices, servers and data centers. Client devices include mobile devices, think and thick computers. While the data center in the cloud are defined as servers or collections of servers, for small organizations the cloud may represent a portion of a server. Being able to provide a portion of a server, or storage space, called capacity on demand is one of the hallmarks of cloud computing.
The as a service paradigm in cloud computing has vendors offering Software as a Service (SaaS), Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Database as a Service (DaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and more. In addition to getting the right balance of cost to benefit, availability, scalability, capacity, and regulatory concerns will drive the decision process.
Additionally, determining your organizations risk profile will be key to understanding if cloud computing and associated service is right for you. So what service makes sense for your organization? Here are the questions to ask.
1. Does the cost benefit justify the disruption?
Data center migrations are disruptive, costly, and complicated. Tightly coupled mission critical systems that make up the minority of the data center take the most time and expense to migrate. Though savings range from project to project and will vary by organization, the greatest savings will be found with labor, hardware, and software. The key is that the cost benefit outweighs the disruption the migration will cause.
2. Do your applications require specific hardware components or speed of delivery?
Some applications cannot be virtualized as they require specific underlying hardware components. While tempting, it is best to not migrate these to the cloud. Additionally, some applications require minimal delivery speeds. If latency is an issue, it is best to keep the entire system (i.e., all the system components - web, application, database, middleware servers, etc.) local. Simply look for other cloud opportunities within your environment (e.g., end of life servers hosting non-critical applications).
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Cloud Computing: Is it right for you?
International Business Machines Corp. (NYSE: IBM) said it was deploying cloud, or Internet, computing services for the website of the French Open so that it can handle as much as 100 times normal traffic.
IBM, the No. 2 computer company, will deploy three separate computer servers at remote locations tin France to operate as one throughout the tennis tournament, which started May 22 and ends June 10.
Last year, fans drove traffic on the French Open site to 330 million page views and 37 million daily visits, compared with only 31 million in 2010. IBM, of Armonk, N.Y., has devised other private clouds for sports events including the U.S. Open, Masters Cup and the Australian Open.
For the French Open, IBM also devised a new "slamtracker" feature that analyzes seven years of Grand Slam tennis data, or 39 million data points. Before each match, the feature will present on-screen data about each player's record, style and performance to provide an indication of how he will play.
IBM shares closed at $194.53, down $1.93, in Wednesday trading. They've gained nearly 6 percent this year.
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IBM Deploying Cloud Servers For French Open Fans
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Using Symantec's Backup Exec.Cloud To Protect Your Small Business - Video
BATON ROUGE, LA and MARLBOROUGH, MA--(Marketwire -05/29/12)- Venyu announced today that its recently-launched VenyuCloud virtualization platform, a low-cost, easily-deployed alternative to physical servers, is now available through its trusted channel partners. VenyuCloud, a VMware vCloud Powered Service, provides a controlled, secure platform where IT managers can quickly provision cloud servers and virtual cloud data centers on demand that are compatible with their on-premise VMware based infrastructure. Venyu's channel partner program helps IT solutions resellers and systems integration professionals develop, grow and support their business. Channel partners can expand their portfolio of enterprise-grade cloud computing, virtualization, disaster recovery and data protection solutions with a cost-effective, end-to-end IT infrastructure solution that is part of the VMware vCloud initiative.
"The addition of VenyuCloud to our channel portfolio enables our agents and value-added resellers (VARs) to expand revenue streams by offering a comprehensive, competitively-priced IaaS solution built on VMware cloud infrastructure," said Shawn Brazeau, Director of Channel Sales, Venyu. "Venyu is committed to supporting the continued success of our partners by providing premium sales and technology training support as well as delivering a scalable, highly-available virtualization platform for their end-users."
Venyu offers partners a variety of participation levels, aimed at companies of all sizes. As a channel partner, members receive customized programs and support from Venyu to develop revenue opportunities and secure new business. Venyu's engagement levels include:
"Venyu's depth of experience in cloud and virtualization, outstanding sales and tech support, and overall breadth of end-to-end solutions make the company an ideal channel partner," said Dean Wittig, President of Wittig Associates, Inc. "The three stages of partnership offered in Venyu's channel partner program give companies like ours flexibility to participate at the level of commitment that best meets our needs. With VenyuCloud added to the mix of services, we can now offer a robust, easy-to-use IaaS platform powered by industry-leading VMware virtualization and cloud computing technology, namely VMware vSphere and VMware vCloud Director."
"There is a growing ecosystem of skilled and trusted service and solution provider partners that work in concert to serve the industry with turnkey solutions to deploy and manage VMware vCloud Powered Services on demand," said Joe Andrews, director, Cloud Product Marketing, VMware. "We are pleased to be working with Venyu to bring their channel partners an innovative offering that continues to transform the way IT services are constructed and utilized today."
For more information on Venyu's fast-growing channel partnership program, please visit http://www.venyu.com/partner-us.
About VenyuVenyu is a premier provider of off-site data center services, cloud-based virtualization and battle-tested data recovery solutions that maximize business continuity. By leveraging Venyu's portfolio of ROI-focused solutions within secure, highly-available data centers, organizations can reduce IT costs while increasing security and scalability. For more information about Venyu and its industry-leading solutions for cloud hosting, physical and virtualized recovery, managed hosting, online data backup and co-location, please visit http://www.venyu.com. Your Data Made Invincible.
VMware, VMware vSphere, VMware vCloud Director and VMware vCloud are registered trademarks and/or trademarks of VMware, Inc. in the United States and/or other jurisdictions. The use of the word "partner" or "partnership" does not imply a legal partnership relationship between VMware and any other company.
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Venyu Expands Channel Offering With VMware vCloud(R) Powered Service
LONDON, May 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --
Cloud hosting provider, Virtual Internet, has had its fantastic work and dedication recognised this month as the company has been nominated for two awards in July's Internet Services Providers' Association (ISPA) Awards.
The ISPA Awards commemorate the achievements and ongoing work of internet service providers in a variety of categories. Virtual Internet has been nominated in the 'Best SME Business Hosting' and 'Managed Service Innovation' categories.
Virtual Internet's Managing Director, Patrick McCarthy, is thrilled to have been nominated for two awards: "To have been nominated for such awards is very satisfying for us as a company as it's clearly an indication of our brilliant and ongoing work. It's wonderful to have been recognised as one of the leading hosting and managed services companies in the UK. To go on and win the awards really would be the icing on the cake."
The ISPA Awards bring together the UK's finest companies within the industry and this year is the 14th annual awards. Over 40 companies have been nominated across 12 different categories. This year's award ceremony will take place on July 3rd at the Park Lane Sheraton Hotel. An independent panel of ISPA Awards judges will decide on the category winners. Virtual Internet will most certainly be feeling optimistic in the build up to the awards.
Virtual Internet has established itself as a market leader in cloud services and exceptional managed services with tailored SLAs whilst also offering website hosting and applications without the need to manage the infrastructure that goes with it.
Virtual Internet is also a provider of high availability hosting solutions for corporations of all sizes. Virtual Internet can offer cloud servers, private cloud and hybrid cloud amongst others.
For further details about the services provided by Virtual Internet please do not hesitate to visit their website.
Contact: Yana Kryuchkova yana.kryuchkova@vi.net +44(0)207-854-6678
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Virtual Internet Nominated for Multiple Awards
ANDOVER, MA--(Marketwire -05/30/12)- NaviSite, Inc., a premier provider of enterprise-class hosting, managed application, managed messaging and managed cloud services, today announced that Cooper Gay Swett & Crawford (CGSC), the leading independent global wholesale, reinsurance and specialist retail insurance broker, has selected NaviSite Europe Limited for Cloud Hosting, MS Exchange Managed Messaging Service and managed MPLS network services.
"We looked at a number of large technology service providers and chose NaviSite because of its innovative approach to the cloud and comprehensive managed services, together with its flexibility and professionalism in getting the job done," said Brent Kruger, Group CIO at Cooper Gay Swett & Crawford. "With managed services, NaviSite removes some of the daily IT operational and management headaches from us, allowing us to focus on our core business and the growth of our company."
"NaviSite prides itself on the partnerships we create with our customers to develop and deliver innovative cloud based solutions. We are extremely pleased to be working with CGSC on their new global broking platform for Cooper Gay, 'Eclipse for Broking,'" said Brooks Borcherding, NaviSite President. "CGSC's new platform will enable their worldwide offices to collaborate more effectively on international client business to achieve more efficient and cohesive service offers to its clients and markets. We are looking forward to being an integral part of their strategic direction to grow their business more cost-effectively and efficiently."
About Cooper Gay Swett & CrawfordCooper Gay Swett & Crawford is one of the world's leading independent insurance and reinsurance intermediaries. The Group has a global network with over 1,400 professionals operating from more than 60 offices across the Americas, Europe, Asia and Australasia.
About NaviSiteNaviSite, Inc., a Time Warner Cable Company, is a leading international provider of enterprise-class, cloud-enabled hosting, managed applications and services. NaviSite provides a full suite of reliable and scalable managed services, including Application Services, industry-leading Enterprise Hosting, and Managed Cloud Services for organizations looking to outsource IT infrastructures and lower their capital and operational costs. Enterprise customers depend on NaviSite for customized solutions, delivered through a global footprint of state-of-the-art data centers. For more information about NaviSite's services, please visit http://www.navisite.com. All logos, company and product names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
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Cooper Gay Swett & Crawford Moves to the Cloud With NaviSite
BOULDER, Colo., May 29, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via PRWEB - Today Open Automation Software is proud to announce the release of its Live Data Cloud application which harnesses the power of open standards to enable secure real-time, and historical, data hosting utilizing a standard Internet connection.
The addition of Live Data Cloud to OPCSystems.NET the Complete SCADA product eliminates the need for dedicated IP addresses and expensive hardware additions at the data source to achieve the same level of secure data access. Live Data Cloud leverages exclusive Open Automation Software technology to enable the utilization of any standard Internet / Intranet connection to provide complete enterprise access to data. This data access is available from both remote and local sites with no additional licensing fees 24 hours a day. Data security is maintained at all levels by implementing binary encryption of the communication packets and then transported over Windows Communication Foundation (WCF) technology, which provides additional encryption, and X509 certification validation. Now every company can afford to provide live accurate data to all levels of the enterprise and incorporate that data into its most critical decision making processes.
"At Open Automation Software we are continually developing new solutions which will enable our customers to share their data openly and easily. The development of Live Data Cloud is our most innovative communications feature to date since the original release of OPCSystems.NET in 2004. Live Data Cloud provides our customers with the ability to share real-time and historical data from OPC Servers, OPC Clients, databases, Microsoft Excel, and .NET applications from any Windows PC that has a standard Internet connection. Customers can host data directly from their own PCs easily and securely," said Ken Eldridge, President of Open Automation Software.
Existing users of OPCSystems.NET can update to receive the application by contacting Open Automation Software. New customers can download a demo application by following the steps in the video at the following link: http://tinyurl.com/726sm3z
For more information about Live Data Cloud, please navigate to: http://www.livedatacloud.com.
About Open Automation Software:
Open Automation Software was formed in 1993 with the vision of empowering end-users and OEMs with the freedom to create the applications they needed to truly build "best of breed" systems. Open Automation Software achieved this by providing the tools to quickly and easily develop SCADA products using Microsoft Visual Studio. The culmination of this vision was the creation of OPCSystems.NET the Complete SCADA solution. OPCSystems.NET is the flagship product for Open Automation Software and leverages OPC standards from the OPC Foundation to enable secure communications and support for Smart Clients, Web-based Clients and Server, Mobile Clients, and Mobile Devices. http://www.completescada.com
Like Open Automation Software on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/OpenAutomationSoftware Follow Open Automation Software on Twitter at: http://www.twitter.com/opcsoftware Watch Open Automation Videos on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/OpenAutomation
For editorial information contact:
Ken Eldridge President Open Automation Software 5077 Bear Mountain Dr. Evergreen, CO 80439 USA ken(at)opcsystems(dot)com
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Open Automation Software Enables Secure Data Hosting Over the Internet Using Live Data Cloud
LONDON, May 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --
UK cloud and managed hosting provider reports 68% rise in profits & 33% revenue growth
iomart Group plc (IOM), the UK cloud computing and managed hosting services provider, has today (29 May 2012) announced strong annual results for the year ended 31 March 2012, with profits up by 68% to 11.2m (2011: 6.6m).
Revenue grew by 33% to 33.5m (2011: 25.3m), while pre-tax profits grew by 91% to 6.9m (2011: 3.6m) - all ahead of the record amounts achieved in the last financial year. For full details click here.
Financial Highlights
Angus MacSween, CEO of iomart Group plc, said: "This is another great set of results and shows that we continue to consolidate our position within the large, highly fragmented and growing UK cloud hosting market. We are investing in both storage infrastructure and in our network connectivity to maintain our leading position and offer premium levels of service to customers."
Revenues from the hosting division grew by 38% to 24.3m (2011: 17.7m), mostly due to iomart Hosting which, in the last four financial years, has experienced a five-fold increase in revenues from 4.6m in the year to March 2009.
Over 600 new orders were won, including a substantial amount of additional orders from existing customers - recurring revenue levels are around 95%.
The Group also bought three hosting companies in the last financial year- Switch Media, EQSN and Global Gold.
Angus MacSween added: "Since the end of the financial year, trading has been encouraging. All three acquisitions have been fully integrated and we have the financial firepower to do more. We would expect to make at least another two or three acquisitions in the next 12 months."
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Profitable Cloud Growth Helps iomart Group plc Post Strong Annual Results
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Understanding Private Cloud Computing - Do It Yourself vs. a Managed Solution - Video