All MSPs may offer you different cloud hosting options, disaster recovery solutions, dedicated servers, and compliance options — just to name a few. But, does it offer you these perks as well? And, how do these perks compare to the competition?

A Specifically-Designed Architecture vs. A General Infrastructure

No two companies are the same, and depending on what kind of business you are running, your system’s architecture needs to be appropriate. What works for one business likely won’t work for another, and therefore, you can’t settle for something generic. Before choosing an MSP, know whether or not they can design an architecture specifically for your business, or if they are just going to give you what they claim is a “one-size-fits-all” package?

A Combination of Different Hosting Options vs. No Flexibility

Not quite on the cloud yet? Or, are you on the public cloud but need more time before transitioning to a private option? What if you have features you like from public and private cloud options – a hybrid? A reliable MSP will give you the opportunity to combine various hosting options in addition to choosing features from different types of infrastructure programs. You shouldn’t have to settle for something that’s “close enough.”

The Ability to Host Customer-Owned Hardware vs. Being Required to Use Unfamiliar Tools

If you have hardware you’re already comfortable with, why give that up?  It’s one thing if your managed cloud hosting provider offers hardware options for you to use, but it’s another thing if they force you to use their stuff instead of your own.

A Customized Price vs. Set Prices

When your MSP takes different factors into account before giving you the price, you can feel good knowing that you’re paying for exactly what you’re getting. If an MSP only gives you the option to choose one package at one price, you could be spending a lot of money on features you don’t need. And, what about scalability? Don’t you want to be able to have the price adjusted fairly when business is slow or if business starts to boom? An MSP who only advertises set-prices can cause you to lose out long term.

Compliance Hosting Options vs. No Compliance Package

If you work in any industry that handles sensitive data, whether it be financial, medical, or personal, individuals and companies need to be protected by being compliant with the law. If this is a requirement for your company, then why get a package that doesn’t have compliance added to it? Otherwise, you’ll have to pay separately for something that could already be included.

Wowrack understands that there’s no “one-size-fits-all” when it comes to your cloud hosting options. Contact us to learn about the

Fully Managed Services vs. Periodic Check-Ups (At the Very Least)

You can’t really call it a managed cloud hosting provider if they aren’t actually “managing.” You should never have to feel like you’re ‘bothering’ your MSP because you have a question or something breaks and you need urgent attention. This is their job. If your network isn’t being fully managed and the only thing you’re getting is periodic check-ups, it kind of defeats the purpose.

One on One Support vs. Waiting in Line to Speak to a Representative

Speaking of managed services, in what form are you getting that management? Can you actually talk to an individual who will walk you through what you need to know and will the MSP send someone to your data center? Or, do you need to call up and deal with a different representative each time, who can’t get to the job until tomorrow?

When it seems like your prospective MSP if offering the whole package, ask yourself whether or not there’s more to be had.

The post Your MSP May Offer These Things, But Does It Offer These? appeared first on Wowrack Blog.

But, as you start to use Internet more and more for your business, you might end up learning the hard way that there’s a lot more that goes into having good Internet — and good Internet service overall. Obviously, both need to be reliable in order to get the best bang for your buck. Of course, part of investing in reliable Internet service is knowing what you’re getting, or in some cases, not getting.

Do you understand how your Internet service really works? These points should help you make sure you’re asking the right questions to your prospective ISP.

The Right Fiber Technology

The way people have connected to the Internet has changed dramatically over the years. As technology has improved, Internet Service Providers want to make sure they are providing the best packages possible to their customers.

That being said, you want to make sure your ISP is using the right fiber technology. Fibers can allow for the fastest possible connection, up to 10gbps.

That’s fast.

But, is it right for your business?

What Do You Get in Addition to High-Speeds?

Okay, high-speed Internet — that’s good, right?

Yes, it is. But, speed isn’t everything.

When you’re investing in the support of an Internet Service Provider, you want to see what else you get in addition to that high speed. Is there cloud backup available, and to what degree? How much server space are you getting? And, what about actual SERVICE? Will your ISP be there when you need them, without having to pay extra?

When you take all those questions into account, it’s clear that just having fast connectivity speeds isn’t the only thing that makes Internet services “good.”

Wowrack offers scalable Internet packages at a competitive price. Contact us today to learn more.

Is it Scalable?

As we mentioned before, the quality of the Internet is one thing. But, the quality of the Internet service itself is another. Part of having good Internet service is understanding whether or not the package you’re getting is scalable.

Much like the advancement of Internet technology, your business’ needs can change overtime. So, you don’t want to sign a contract with an ISP that keeps you locked into the largest, most expensive package, especially if money is tight.

Business might become slow. Business might grow rapidly. The thing is, you never really know.

You want the ability to change your Internet package whenever you need to. Because, if it’s not scalable, it’s not good Internet.

There are tons of Internet Service Providers out there. But, what is it that they are really providing, and how does one company stand out from the competition?

The post Do You Understand How Good Internet Service Really Works? appeared first on Wowrack Blog.

Among a few other steps in the process, one of the main things to read up on are storage appliances. These appliances are a key tool when moving data from your local network to the cloud. Read on to learn more.

What Are the Basics of Storage Appliances?

A cloud storage appliance is a specific type of equipment whose main job is to move data which exists on a local site, over to the cloud. The goal of them is to make backup and recovery as simple as possible. Of course, with your cloud hosting provider handling all of this, you don’t even need to lift a finger to do what you need to do. You’ll also have this system set up so that you can access your storage in the cloud as if it’s on your own local system.

Who Storage Appliances are Good For?

Storage appliances obviously have a very specific purpose, but unlike other cloud storage features that may only be good for companies within certain industries, storage appliances can really be used by anyone. Any company who needs to access primary data, backup their files, or archive past files will find themselves using storage appliances in the midst of their cloud hosting lifecycle. You might not even realize you’re using these appliances, but as mentioned before, it’s important to know what’s going on behind the scenes.

What are the Different Kinds of Storage Appliances?

Even though this technology can be utilized to fit virtually any company, there a quite a few different types of storage appliances to choose from. When it comes to a business, you’ll choose your appliances based off of the size of your company’s network. If you’re just starting out, you might choose from an entry-level open appliances, and if you’re already running quite a large business, you might choose an enterprise grade solution. Either way, your managed cloud hosting provider will walk you through which option would be best for your company.

The Additional Benefits of Using Storage Appliances

Storage appliances help make business a lot easier, by making your data and files that much more accessible. They use less hardware than other forms of cloud transitioning devices, allow users to only pay what for they use, and are easy to log into from any device. Best of all, you can get the specific kinds of tools you need for your company. When it comes time to invest in the right storage appliances, you’ll work with your managed cloud hosting provider to engineer the best SAN solution for your cloud.

In conjunction with Wowrack’s cloud hosting services, we will help you find the best storage appliances for your network.  Contact us today to learn more.

The post Why Do You Need to be Using Storage Appliances? appeared first on Wowrack Blog.

Even after your potential hosting provider has sold you on their various packages, level of support, reliable data centers, and overall costs, there’s still one thing left you should ask.

And, that question is, how long has this hosting provider been around?

Why History is Important

Technology changes every minute, and the way computers were handled twenty, ten, or even five years ago, has changed dramatically. While on one hand it might be good to go with a hosting provider that’s new to the game and definitely up to date on all the new technology, they’re lacking that relevant and reliable history. On the other hand, a company who has been around for ages has been able to grow with the times. They’ve likely seen it all, and they have experience taking on new or different responsibilities.
After all, would you rather go with a doctor in his residency or one who has been healing patients for twenty plus years?

It Takes Time to Develop a Business

Just like your business is growing, your potential hosting provider has also grown a lot, especially if they’ve been around a while. In this time that they have grown, they have learned what they’re are good at and have had time to learn from their mistakes as well. A hosting provider has had time to build upon the different structures they’ve been using, build more data centers, follow steps to becoming compliant, and have overcome any obstacles they’ve hit along the way.

Like any new company, an up and coming hosting provider may not quite yet have the tools to support you in the best way possible, since they are still learning how to do many things themselves for the very first time.

Going with a hosting provider that has a long, qualified history, can leave you feeling more certain about who and what you’re investing in.

Wowrack has been around since 2001 and has an impressive timeline. Contact us today to learn more about how our long experience as a hosting provider can help your company more than the new guy on the block.

Compliance and Security is a Priority

As a hosting provider that collects sensitive information from their clients, it’s imperative that they follow compliance laws, and that they guide you into practicing compliance laws with your own clients, too. If one party isn’t practicing this, it can put the other at risk. But, how does one come to perfect their compliance?

After years of experience, of course.

Going with a hosting provider who has been around for quite some time will leave you with less concern in this department.

Experienced Staff and Expert Equipment

When a hosting provider company is just a start-up, they need time to figure out who they are. Time that you don’t have to waste. Even if they have the best staff and they’re working with great equipment, they haven’t yet had time or money to expand on what they can potentially  offer in the future. But, a hosting company who has been around for awhile, likely does. Additionally, a company with history can also provide reliable testimonies that you can use to help you make your decision.

So, who will you go with?

The post Why It’s Important that Your Hosting Provider Has Been Around a While appeared first on Wowrack Blog.

Doesn’t your company deserve the same protection? After all, how do you plan on keeping business moving when the unexpected happens?

The Cost of a Disaster on Your Business

It goes without saying that even the smallest of IT disruptions can wreak havoc on your business. According to research done by Information Week, out of the 200 companies surveyed, the total cost of any IT downtime was over 26 billion. That translates to $150,000 lost annually by each company.

Not only is it a financial loss, but it’s also a long-term catastrophe. Companies who experience any type of IT shut-down, whether it’s due to a hack or a power-outage, can leave a bad taste with their clients. Their clients are going to be less likely to trust this company in the future, and may go with a competitor instead. Ultimately, the effects are long term.

Therefore, it’s no question that having a plan when disaster strikes is imperative. Just choosing the right provider with a solid approach is a major step in the right direction.

What is DRaas and How It Can Specifically Help YOU

Disaster Recovery as a Service, or DRaas, is a unique solution to disaster recovery designed by an expert provider catered specifically to your company’s needs. No two businesses are the same, whether it’s the size of their clientele, the type of industry they’re in, or the profits made. This means that your DRaas solution will be quite different from the next guy’s.

Your provider will help plan and design, architect, and deploy your disaster recovery solution from start to finish. This way, you’re fully prepared if and when a problem occurs. It will be your very own, fully managed, custom environment, that you can rely on. And, it doesn’t need to be expensive, either, as your provider can help you find a solution that fits your budget just as well as everything else.

Wowrack offers budget-friendly and high-quality DRaas packages that will fit your company’s’ needs. Contact us today to learn more.

How Your Provider Keeps Business Continuity

The most important thing any DRaas does is allow your business to keep moving if you get stalled by an IT interruption, whatever that may be. Sometimes, these interruptions can take some time to discover and solve, and you don’t want to have to keep your business waiting around in the meantime. As mentioned before, that can result in huge loss for your business.

Wouldn’t it be better to pay a little more to have that peace of mind? Knowing that you’ll be okay even if disaster strikes is a huge weight lifted off your shoulders.

With the right DRaas solution, you provider goes through a series of steps to make sure your business continues running in the event of a disaster.

After your provider audits you in order to understand what your current IT situation stands, they’ll engineer a plan using their own internal procedures and tools that will be very similar to the infrastructure you’re already using. Once that’s taken care of, your provider will get ready to deploy that solution any time, anywhere, and will test it first to make sure it’s ready to go. Finally, your provider will constantly monitor your systems to make sure your data stays safe and your disaster recovery solution is ready to go at any moment.

With a DRaas, there’s no need to worry anymore. If something happens, your data will be protected and easy to retrieve in an instant. Meanwhile, your provider handles everything behind the scenes, so you can keep business going without IT interruptions getting in the way.

The post How Your Provider Can Help You When Disaster Strikes appeared first on Wowrack Blog.

That’s why Virtual Desktop Infrastructure is a great solution for your business. And, when you have an expert manage this infrastructure, you’ll be in for a real treat. Here’s how it works.

What is VDI?

Virtual Desktop Infrastructure, or VDI, gives you the opportunity to access the workings of your entire company with just a click of your button. Every task you need to handle can be configured from your smartphone, computer, or another device. This means if you’re on the go, leave your laptop behind, or need to sneak out of a movie theater to quickly take care of something, it can be done.

What Industries is a Virtual Desktop Infrastructure Ideal For?

Any company could really benefit from a VDI, but there are certain companies within specific industries where it may be more ideal. For example, one industry you may see VDI is within construction and project management companies. These companies need to keep their workers, contractors, investors, and anyone else who may be involved, kept in the loop of what’s going on. With VDI, it’s very unlikely that any form of miscommunication will occur.

Additionally,  tasks can sometimes change from day-to-day, and if you want to stay organized, a VDI will help you with that. That being said, you don’t want just any VDI solution. You need a VDI that has an environment properly deployed and managed thereafter by your provider, as well as training services for you as the user, and of course, security.

Wowrack offers flexible plans for your virtual desktop infrastructure, which are fully scalable and reliable. Contact us today to learn more.

What Can I Expect if I Start Using a VDI for my Business?

The great thing about a virtual desktop infrastructure is that it can be designed to cater to the specific needs of your business. No matter how large or small your business is, any project that’s important to you should be equally as important to your provider. In addition to making work on the go a possibility, you can also expect these benefits from a virtual desktop infrastructure:

• Real-time markup capability on construction plans.
• Instant updates on blueprints and plans, so everyone is up to date.
• Lots of storage space (scalability).
• High performance rates.
• The ability to instantly message your team.
• Instant break/fix solutions if something goes wrong.
• Multi-cloud connection abilities if you’re already deployed.
• Maintenance when you need it.
• End-to-end, compliant security.

Does it sound like a VDI is right for you? Give it a try, and decide for yourself. It’ll be the best decision you made for your company.

The post What Is Virtual Desktop Infrastructure and How Can It Benefit Your Business? appeared first on Wowrack Blog.

Here’s why that’s something you’ll want to consider:

Same Service, No Permanent Commitment

You can rent a house, a car, a bicycle, or even a DVD. Why does one choose to rent these items as opposed to buying them? Well,  these items generally depreciate in value you moment you buy them, so renting them is often a safer option.

The same goes for renting hardware from your provider. Server lifecycles can depreciate in value in just a few years. Because new technology is always coming out, the hardware  you’re currently using might be completely obsolete before you know it. Therefore, leasing your hardware for however long you need it (or until the next upgraded version comes out) will save you a lot of money and a lot of headache in the long run.

What Are You Actually Leasing?

Whatever hardware you need that is essential to the efficient operation of your server or service, can usually be provided by your MSP. Some examples of hardware you might rent out include routers, firewalls, switches, and cabling.

Insuring the Equipment with an SLA

It’s never a good idea to rent something without some kind of insurance or agreement. Your MSP needs to be sure you don’t damage their equipment, and you need to be sure you’re not charged for problems that weren’t caused by you. This is why your managed hosting server provider uses something called a Service Level Agreement, to make sure you and they both are protected. Your SLA will outline all the “what-if’s” so you can rent hardware without a worry.

Need the appropriate hardware for your Internet, but want to make sure you’re getting the right stuff? Wowrack provides a competitive HaaS package for companies that care about their business’ connectivity and network infrastructure, but don’t want to make such a big financial commitment. Contact us today to learn more.

Benefits of HaaS and Renting Gear Overall

Hardware as a Service is just one of the many services you can utilize for your company. When renting this gear, here are some of the great benefits that you can expect:

• Pay-per-use: Don’t pay for what you don’t need.
• Option of fixed-monthly rates.
• Let business growth dictate what you’ll need and when you’ll need it, without paying extra in the meantime.
• Hardware that’s already PCI-DSS compliant.
• Flexible lease terms.
• Simple IT management. They will handle any problems, from connection interruptions to device changeovers.
• Consistent upgrades when relevant.
• Constant support.

You don’t need to invest in the hardware when you can invest in the services that provide it.

The post Why Renting Gear from Your Hosting Provider is a Good Idea appeared first on Wowrack Blog.

But, before you even get there, here’s how to know if a potential managed service provider is worth it for you, and, if it’s the best choice of all the options out there.

What’s the Cost?

Before your business invests in any type of service, you need to make sure the cost is manageable with your budget, and if those services will actually pay off in the long term. While hosting services can really be beneficial for any business, there are some businesses that are just not financially ready for such a commitment. Additionally, you want to know what you’re getting into with those costs, and whether or not you may be overpaying or simply paying for something that you really don’t need.

How Does that Cost Compare to the Competition?

Nothing is free, but you don’t want to sign a contract just to find out there was a better option just around the corner. Even if you’re incredibly eager to get the process started, you need to take your time comparing the costs to others.

How Quick Can You Be Up and Running?

Speaking of being eager to start the process, you probably have a lot of expectations from the get go. One of your first questions is likely, “How long it will take to get me up and and running?” It would be a shame to put money down on a service you were expecting to receive much sooner, only to find out it’s going to take weeks before you’re on their radar.

Wowrack’s services provides businesses with all of these great features and more, all at a competitive cost.  Contact us today to learn more.

Are Contract Terms Flexible?

Some hosting providers have tight contracts. Once you sign them, that’s it. Obviously, that’s not an ideal scenario for a business who can’t quite predict how things will look like in a year or even a few months. While most businesses have a good sense of how they’re progressing, there’s never a hundred percent certainty that you’ll either have to downsize or add more space to your server in the future. And, if you signed a contract saying that you’re going to pay for something regardless, you could quickly find yourself in a money-draining rut.

Knowing that you’re signing a contract that’s honored but also flexible and serves as a living document is one of the most important factors in choosing the right managed service provider.

What’s the Process If and When There’s Problem?

There’s one keyword in “managed hosting provider” and that word is “provider.” This person or company you’re hiring is supposed to provide a service for you, and keep an eye on things 24/7. After all, what’s the point of paying for such a service if they aren’t going to be available when you need them? Your business doesn’t sleep, and neither should your server or the team overlooking it. Therefore, your MSP should be on-call, prepared with new hardware, equipment, and in-house services, as well as security monitoring and protection.

If you’re unclear about your current MSP candidates would respond to these questions, that you may need to keep looking.

The post How to Know if Your Potential Managed Hosting Provider is Worth It appeared first on Wowrack Blog.

Here’s why:

A GPU Server Gives You Access on Any Device

That’s right. You don’t need a big, fancy computer to work all those graphic-heavy applications on. After all, that would kinda defeat the purpose. A company who relies on a strong GPU system might need to use a tablet out in the field or be able to download a complex document on their phone. If you can only do what you need to do at your computer located in your office, you’re not being efficient. And, that’s exactly the kind of thing a GPU server wants you to be more of.

Offices in Various Locations

If you’re a big company who has offices in every part of the state, country, or world, you need to make sure everyone can see and work on the same things. Especially if your company provides time-sensitive services, you need each office to have the ability to get things done without any slow downs. A GPU server gives you the ability to run all your applications no matter where you are in the world.

Wowrack provides the option for your business to utilize our reliable GPU servers, so you can have perfect access no matter where you are in the world.  Contact us today to learn more.

Send Messages and Look Over Things

When you’re traveling or on the road for whatever reason, you still need to do your job. Even if you’re in an area where the Internet access is slower than you’re used to, you can’t afford to be held up. You need to be able to get in touch with your colleagues, and look over things so you can approve them before they go out to a mass audience. A GPU server can handle your work wherever you are, so you don’t need to worry about your travels getting in the way of you conducting your business.

The whole reason a company chooses to invest in a GPU server is because they have very specific needs. The programs a company uses, or is looking to use, functions at its best when the right technology is their to support it. Even if you spend most of your time at your office, you want the ability to get work done when you’re on the go. The right GPU server can do that for you.

The post Always on the Go? A GPU Server Has Your Travel Plans Covered appeared first on Wowrack Blog.

While a GPU server is best for businesses working in certain industries like Media & Entertainment, Data Analytics, and Computer Design, their starting to become more popular among other industries as well; industries whom may have put aside the idea of a GPU server until further notice.

But,  if you have never considered a GPU server before, here’s why it might be time to jump on the bandwagon.

Are You Using Technology to Advance Your Business?

More and more companies are finding ways to incorporate technology in their businesses; ways which weren’t even thought of twenty, or even ten, years ago. For instance, take a look at oil and gas companies. When planning development for an oil field, scouters don’t have the ability to see through the ground and determine whether or not the place is a good place to start building. But, having a supercomputers that can demonstrate oil-rig simulators will help these companies save resources in the long run.

But, you can’t expect to use a supercomputer and utilize graphic-heavy workloads when you don’t have a server that can manage such a workload. If you find yourself using technology in a similar way, then it’s not out of the question for you to inquire about a GPU server for your own company.

Are You Getting Frustrated from Things Slowing There?

All computers and servers have chips in them to display images onto your monitor or device screen. Nowadays, most CPUs, or central processing units, are well-equipped enough to handle the basic images and videos we need to work. But, with so many complex apps out there that companies are now using, servers need to be able to handle it. If you’re finding that your current system is performing at too slow of a rate, it might be time to upgrade to something that is capable of handling such demanding environments.

A GPU server could be a great idea for your company. Contact us today to learn more.

The Bottom Line

Even though GPU servers may be more suited for some companies more than others, that doesn’t mean exceptions can’t be made. A GPU server is for any company who feels that they’re not getting enough from their current CPU server, and believes they need a serious upgrade to support their work.

Speak with your managed hosting provider about your concerns and why you feel a GPU server could be best for your company. They’ll walk you through the benefits and whether not it’s the right choice for you.

The post Why More Businesses are Turning to GPU Servers (And You Should, Too) appeared first on Wowrack Blog.