Based on Cisco’s 2022 Global Hybrid Cloud Trends Report, which surveyed 2500 IT decision-makers in 13 countries, 82% of IT leaders have adopted the hybrid cloud. However, the same survey also found that when deploying a hybrid cloud, the top 3 challenges are:

1. Security (37%)
2. Increased operational complexity and cost management (33%)
3. Compliance and privacy (31%)

What are Some Hybrid Cloud Best Practices?

To address the challenges mentioned in the previous section, businesses can implement a set of best practices to optimize their hybrid cloud deployment and mitigate potential risks. These are some of those best practices: 

Evaluate your needs and requirements

Evaluating your company’s needs and requirements ensures that your hybrid cloud deployment is tailored to your specific needs while avoiding unnecessary costs. This involves assessing storage needs, computing power, and network bandwidth. However, it’s important to note that this evaluation is an ongoing process. Regularly tracking resource usage and evolving needs allows you to optimize resource utilization and prevent unexpected costs. 

Additionally, consult with your provider to see if they allow you to pay only for what you use, or provide bundled service packages that can help you save money and avoid overspending. 

Check the hybrid cloud provider’s SLA

A provider’s Service Level Agreement outlines the provider’s guarantees regarding uptime, performance, availability, support, and security. Thus, before choosing a hybrid cloud provider, make sure that you review and understand their SLAs. By making sure that the SLA aligns with your organization’s requirements, you can minimize the risk of downtime and ensure business continuity.  

Implementing security measures

Security is a crucial best practice for hybrid cloud usage as you want to make sure all private information related to your business is kept confidential. Implementing security measures in your cloud environment can be done through encryption strategies, managing access controls, and regularly patching and updating your systems. Moreover, you should also continuously monitor your systems for potential security threats and make disaster recovery plans for your business, so that you can respond to any security issues quickly. It’s recommended to consult with your provider to see if they can help you with implementing these security measures so you don’t have to manage all that on your own.  

Who should use a hybrid cloud?

Small medium businesses (SMBs) 

Hybrid cloud is the perfect solution for small-medium businesses as it allows them to store their sensitive data securely in a private cloud while still utilizing the public cloud for scalable and cost-efficient resources. This ensures that the business has optimal website performance and delivers an excellent and secure customer experience. 

Software developers

Hybrid cloud provides software developers with an affordable and flexible platform to build, test, and deploy applications quickly and efficiently. Developers can still keep their sensitive data on the private cloud while using budget-friendly resources from the public cloud for development and testing needs. 

Regulatory-driven businesses

Hybrid cloud allow businesses that have strict compliance requirements to maintain control over sensitive information by safely storing them in the private cloud while still enjoying the scalability and cost benefits of public cloud services. This is so they can comply with regulatory standards and ensure data privacy and security, while still saving some costs.  

Media and entertainment industry

Businesses in the media and entertainment industry has to deal with large files that require big-sized storage. This includes high-resolution video, images, and graphics. Using the this type of cloud can help them store and process those data cost-effectively. They can also use the public cloud resources for their content distribution and streaming while safely storing their valuable assets and information on the private cloud. This helps them to ensure a smooth content delivery while maintaining the protection of intellectual property. 

Educational institutions and research organizations

Hybrid cloud can help educational institutions and research organizations as they allow them to keep their students and research data secure on the private cloud while taking advantage of the public cloud for hosting online courses and learning platforms. This way, they can enjoy easy and convenient access to resources, while still keeping their sensitive data private.  

Overall, a hybrid cloud is a perfect solution for organizations or individuals who want flexibility, scalability, affordability, and secure data management by combining private and public cloud environments to meet their specific needs.

Click here to learn more about how Hybrid Cloud works. 

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There are a lot of things that you can do with a dedicated server. This includes hosting online games, e-commerce sites, websites, and applications.  A lot of users choose to use a dedicated server because of its security, performance, and customization features. 

To put it simply, a dedicated server is like a powerful computer that you can rent to play a game with your friends. Using your computer to run the game may cause technical problems, and you have to solve them on your own. However, you don’t have to worry about all that when you rent a powerful computer that is made specifically for running that game. This explains why renting is a popular option these days for both businesses and end-users.

Trends and Statistics

Based on research published by Maximize Market Research, the global dedicated server hosting market was valued at USD 12 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach USD 24 billion by 2029. The study also mentioned that the growth in demand is mainly driven by the increase in virtualization and cybersecurity awareness. Dedicated servers provide users with more control and security, allowing them to handle their own security measures instead of relying solely on the provider. Moreover, the region that is expected to hold the highest share in the market is North America. 

Dedicated vs Shared Server

There are some differences between the two kinds of hosting services, which are:

Performance

Dedicated server offers better performance and faster speed than a shared server as it gives you full access to all the resources of the server. This includes the CPU, RAM, and storage. Meanwhile, with a shared server, you have to share those resources with other websites, which can slow down the speed. 

Prices

A dedicated server is often more costly compared to a shared server because you are paying for the entire server’s resources. Meanwhile, with a shared server, you will share the cost of those resources with the other users. 

Security

A dedicated server offers a higher level of security as it allows you to be the only user who has access to the server. This gives you more control over the security aspects of your server. Meanwhile, a shared server is more vulnerable as your website can be affected by security problems from other users.

Scalability

A dedicated server is more scalable than a shared server due to the difficulty of upgrading the RAM and CPU on the shared server. Albeit, there is a heavy upfront cost, you will see savings overtime. Like a car payment, once you pay off the car loan, the only bill you have left is gas and maintenance resulting in a consistent predictable bill. Opposed to a shared sever which charges for the amount of resources you use causing an unpredictable and potentially high monthly payment.

Customization features

You can always customize a dedicated server to fit your needs, as you have complete control over the server. However, when using a shared server, the number of features you can customize may be very limited. This is because you still have to share the resources of the server with other users.

Technical expertise requirement

Typically, a dedicated server will require the user to have more technical expertise compared to a shared server. This is because the user will handle the server maintenance and management. Meanwhile, with a shared server, the server management will be handled by the provider.

Who Should Consider Using a Dedicated Server?

Software developers

If you are a software developer that is looking for a server with customizable features, then you should consider using a dedicated server. It gives you the freedom to scale the resources up or down according to your needs. Additionally, it provides you with greater power and reliability.

Companies that manage large amounts of data

Security is key when it comes to handling sensitive information. If your business has to handle lots of sensitive information, then a dedicated server will be the right choice for you. This is because you will be fully in charge of your website’s security aspects. With full control, you can apply the security measures and configurations that you need to protect both your business and customers. With a shared server, there is a chance that a threat actor will be able to break through your security system due to another organization’s lack of due diligence.

E-commerce or business sites

No one likes to wait for too long. Thus, having a website that loads very slowly can lead to a high bounce rate. This can therefore lead to low engagement rates on your site. The good news is, utilizing a dedicated server can help you prevent them. Dedicated servers can also help you give a better experience to your customers as it allows you to customize the security aspects of your site. Thus, dedicated servers can help to give your audience a reliable and secure user experience.

Online gaming companies

If your website is designed to host online games, then a dedicated server is a good choice for you. This is because dedicated servers are reliable, and also very scalable, making it possible for you to upgrade your resources at any time, depending on your online game’s workload and/or needs, making sure your website has a stable speed. Thus, using a dedicated server can help to provide the best gaming experience for your clients.

Overall, a dedicated server is the best option for people or businesses that need a reliable, secure, yet customizable infrastructure.

When it comes to choosing the right provider for your business, you should make sure that your provider can meet your support, scalability, security, and performance requirements as it impacts your IT operations and business’ overall success. You can contact one of our IT experts here to learn about how we can help you integrate a dedicated server into your business.

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Private Cloud

To see the difference between cloud solutions, we must have a basis at first. So, let’s take a look at the private cloud.

Private cloud only allows one user or tenant to use the cloud environment. A special connection is often necessary in accessing the private cloud. This allows the “private” element of the setup by not sharing anything with other customers or users of the vendor.

This setup allows the user of the private cloud to easily customize and scale the setup according to the user’s need.

While the idea of “private” might highly interest you, not all kinds of businesses need to use this setup. The following are the kind of workloads that are ideal in using a private cloud:

• Sensitive data
• A business that requires strong security for its IT workload and infrastructure
• Enterprise that demand high performance and customizable IT infrastructures
• Company that requires a complex and customizable data center
• Highly regulated industries and government agencies

Before using this solution, it is better to know the pros and cons of using the private cloud.

Pros:

• Flexibility: As the space of the cloud is only meant for one tenant or user, it is easy to transform the cloud based on the ever-changing need of your business.
• Higher Security: Users who require strict regulation regarding the safety and security of their data can easily apply protocols, measures, or configurations within the cloud as necessitated.
• Scalability Without Tradeoff: Users can easily scale the private cloud without sacrificing the security of the system and reduction in performance.
• Efficient in Performance: Private cloud is always known for high reliability and performance.

Cons:

• Higher Price: The privilege of being “private” does not always come cheap, as private clouds always tend to cost more than public clouds.
• Difficulty for Mobile User: Private cloud sometimes require special arrangement such as VPN to be able to connect into the cloud. Thus, mobile devices may have none to limited access within the cloud.
• Planned Scalability: While the private cloud can be scaled like any other cloud solution, the private cloud cannot be scaled at the spur of the moment and require planning.

Public Cloud

A public cloud is a cloud computing model in which the space within the cloud is shared between the customers.

This form of cloud computing is the most popular one out of the three that we will be discussing today. The public cloud could offer a wide arrange of choices for the growing need for IT solutions and computing resources.

The use of the public cloud could range from a small service such as email, apps, or storage. An enterprise-grade infrastructure environment can also be supported by public cloud..

You can look at the pros and cons that need to be considered before using this cloud service.

Pros:

• Affordability: Flexible pricing options are available based on the specification that you use makes it easily affordable to use.
• Business Focus: As the third-party vendor taking care of the necessary infrastructure and maintenance, user can put their focus straight into their business.
• Easy to Scale: Public cloud is very easy to scale and can be done at a moment’s notice, allowing it to be adaptable against a spike in the network.

Cons:

• Lack of Security: Unlike the private cloud, the public cloud is used by multiple tenants within the same cloud. This reduces the amount of security and protocol that can be used in the environment.
• Lack of Cost Control: Generally, the TCO or total cost ownership can skyrocket when using the public cloud for large-scale usage.
• Low Technical Control: The public cloud is a poor choice if certain compliances are required to be met. This is due to little to no control and visibility of the infrastructure.

Hybrid Cloud

Lastly, we have hybrid cloud as the last form of cloud computing model. This form of cloud computing is a unique one. In a sense that it combines elements of the private and public cloud into one.

You can find some of the common set up used by hybrid cloud:

• Businesses use private cloud environments for their day-to-day operation and IT needs while employing public cloud in case of a spike in network traffic, or
• Enterprise use public cloud as the common workspace and private cloud as a place to store sensitive data or information.

Other than combining two cloud solutions, the user of hybrid cloud could also choose to be homogeneous or heterogeneous.

Homogeneous refers to the use of cloud solutions from the same cloud provider. Meanwhile, heterogenous refers to the use of cloud solutions from two different cloud providers.

Combining two cloud solutions caused a whole new pros and cons that you need to consider. Thus, you might find the difference between cloud solutions in the hybrid cloud as a mix of private and public cloud.

Pros:

• Scale with Security: Hybrid cloud combination between two clouds allows this system to be able to scale without sacrificing security as the private cloud could.
• Cost Control: With the division of tasks that is possible with a hybrid cloud, businesses can choose which cloud to be scaled based on the workload.
• Reliability: The distribution of workload across two different cloud – or even services – allow businesses to have maximum reliability and data retention.

Cons:

• Complexity: Combining both public and private cloud adds another layer of complexity. This is true both in the operation and management of the cloud environment.
• Higher Price: Using both public and private clouds can be overwhelming and hard to track. Thus without proper management, the cost of the service could balloon.

Wowrack Cloud Infrastructure

Understanding the difference between cloud solutions is the first step in using a cloud environment. Wowrack offers all forms of cloud solutions from public, private, to a hybrid cloud. All of which, you can choose depending on your workload needs.

With data centers located all around the world and reliably certified by such as ISO 27001 and SOC 2 Type II/SSAE 18, Wowrack to assure your data availability and security to the highest standard.

So, are you ready to drive your workload to the cloud? Let’s start with us today!

The post The Difference Between Cloud Solutions appeared first on Wowrack Blog.

By enabling applications to manage the demands of specific workloads, the hybrid cloud will strengthen the infrastructure of businesses as well as ensuring policy-driven management of resources. Using high-end predictive analytics to improve the availability of resources it automates processes and subsequently increases productivity. In addition to this, it will also perform reactive tasks to free up resources.

Passionate Employees

By running seamlessly in physical, virtual or cloud computing environments it is easier to manage workloads across geographies. With faster and more efficient systems employees are able to work smoothly in coordination with each other resulting in fewer errors taking place. With such a system in place decision-making and time management become far easier too.

Customers on Cloud Nine

Hybrid cloud solutions come with the next generation cloud computing and data center technology to elevate your business and take it to the next level. Customers of hybrid cloud services will enjoy agility, adaptability, and automation as some of the many features that enables them to run their business with optimum cost-efficiency.

With the availability of resources, reliability and readily available infrastructure resources, customers are able to enjoy integrated, policy-driven services around the clock for 365 days of the year. Quicker onboarding of business apps increases speed and efficiency in running global businesses.

Added Benefits of Hybrid Cloud solutions

Hybrid Cloud solutions undoubtedly increase efficiency, reduce risks, and ultimately revolutionize businesses. Here are some added benefits below.

Value Creation
With improved resource management, your staff can now finish tasks on time and are available to rather give their attention to tasks that add more value to your business.

Agile Business
Gain the flexibility to scale your costs and infrastructure resources as per your requirement.

Greener Technology
Reduced carbon emissions and higher energy efficiency is achieved by tackling issues that lead to over provisioning of data servers.

Integrate User Experience
One single integrated system with uniform look and feel between the cloud applications and existing application are responsible for a rich user experience.
Nowadays, simply focusing on technology doesn’t suffice in the way of meeting today’s needs and upscaling business operations. Businesses need to focus on solving business problems whilst keeping themselves up-to-date and in-the-know with the latest technology or in this case, shall we say, the hybrid solution.

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More and more, stakeholders are realizing the benefits of managed hybrid cloud solutions, as it is the perfect marriage between the public cloud vs private cloud debate. There are advantages to both environments, so why not utilize both? That’s the core concept of hybrid cloud solutions, and the added benefits of having a managed component to the service can help disaster mitigation and optimal performance assurance.

Top 3 Benefits of Managed Hybrid Cloud

Custom Resource Allocation

As mentioned above, there are benefits to both public and private cloud environments that entice businesses. The hybrid cloud was created to bridge the gap between the two types of cloud infrastructures so that a company can utilize containers to divide up their applications as needed to best suit their business plan.

You can segment your data into these environments tailored to your goals – applications that require high performance would require a private cloud, whereas application testing might favor better within a public cloud environment such as Google, AWS or Microsoft Azure:

Hybrid Cloud Security & Compliance

Specific to a managed hybrid cloud environment, and similar to the customization point above, hybrid cloud security & compliance can be adequately addressed and deployed without ongoing concerns. By partnering with a cloud service provider such as Wowrack, you can ensure that all applications within your hybrid cloud are allocated in the correct container, and therefore all adhere to your specific compliance regulations or security concerns.

This is especially prevalent for those looking to utilize a hybrid cloud environment for healthcare companies, or other companies (such as legal firms) that handle very sensitive data. Instead of limiting the potential of the overall environment from a performance or scaling perspective due to privacy concerns, hybrid clouds adequately remove those limitations.

Managed hybrid cloud environments are the most protected against DDoS attacks, performance issues or other security breaches that can not only damage your performance output but put your data in jeopardy – potentially costing you precious time and money to recover from. Utilizing a managed team can ensure consistent monitoring and performance evaluations to provide top output for your hybrid cloud infrastructure.

Furthering customization opportunities, Wowrack is one of the few cloud service providers that allows the customer to combine company-owned equipment into the equation via local colocation services.

This way you can host privately-owned equipment in Wowrack’s SSAE-16 audited data center, connect to public cloud infrastructures such as Microsoft Azure, AWS and Google on top of a private cloud infrastructure. Through our managed hybrid infrastructure services, your colocation, public & private cloud environments are protected up to the application layer.

Hybrid Cloud Cost Management

Optimal performance and efficient use of cloud environments ensure the available cost savings within a managed hybrid cloud. By utilizing one cloud service provider, you’ll be able to see a breakdown of exactly where your resources are allocated and can easily make transitions or scaling decisions.

Similarly, by partnering with a cloud service provider, you can remove all cloud-related tasks from your internal IT team, freeing them up for other resource-generating tasks. This helps ensure 24/7/365 coverage of your hybrid cloud environment without putting pressure on your team to worry about disaster mitigation needs or compliance concerns.

If your business hasn’t yet migrated to the cloud, it’s not too late – and encouraged to do so. As IT expenditures continue to increase into 2019 and beyond, it’s important to allocate funding to what will best support performance and revenue output – contact Wowrack today to discuss the benefits of migrating to a managed hybrid cloud for your enterprise.

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Very quickly, healthcare IT professionals are seeing the immense power that cloud hosting can provide to their digital infrastructure, as it supports two of their overarching goals: creating and maintaining cost-effective services and providing high-quality patient care. Companies like Wowrack provide varying levels of managed hosting options and provide a full spectrum of services that can be customized to fit the needs of your team, from private cloud hosting, managed security, disaster recovery and more.  

Cost-Effective Management

Transitioning to cloud technology can bring about significant cost savings to healthcare providers by limiting their expenditures to only the infrastructure and storage capabilities they utilize. One of the cloud’s continuous advantages is its ability to transform data analyzations in multiple, collaborative ways that can be useful to many groups of people quickly. This limits the manpower needed to drive these reports and instead can be automated based on the set-up of the servers. Additionally, the scalable accessibility of the cloud is extremely helpful in rolling out new applications, whether remotely or in-house.

Elevated Patient Care Standards

Year over year, standards continue to rise for patient care, and this doesn’t just include a physician’s bedside manner. Security protocols are continuously being scrutinized and tested to ensure the maximum amount of protections possible against possible data breaches. Similarly, the customizations within the cloud are endless, allowing the facility to tailor the data to whatever output is needed on an analyzation and reporting basis. Additionally, hosting patient information on a secure private cloud can greatly help with the accuracy of patient information and decreased number of errors that can occur with manual handling of data.

Healthcare Cybersecurity Measures

Undoubtedly, one of the biggest concerns healthcare administrators have towards transitioning to cloud computing is security. When dealing with classified information such as patient data, one can’t be too careful with the security protocols put into place. Luckily, the cloud can be customized to provide exactly the right amount of security needed to protect your data, and added security measures can ensure peace of mind when an in-house IT team isn’t available 24/7. For those in the industry, HIPAA compliance is something that needs to be addressed in all areas of data storage and management, and through cloud computing, services like HIPAA compliant data storage and HIPAA compliant email are possible without as many risks as past methods.

The future of the healthcare industry, and individual providers, will ultimately largely be based on the quality of their network infrastructure. Companies with a healthcare-focused cloud specialization like Wowrack analyze and implement aspects that result in seamless and secure cloud hosting for your patient information and applications. For those in charge of IT services within various healthcare organizations, taking on the architecture and implementation of cloud-based digitization protocols can be a hefty undertaking, and can greatly benefit with the expertise and guidance of a professional managed hosting provider.

Contact us today if you would like to speak with one of our specialists. Wowrack is always happy to discuss new ways we can help  your company grow.

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