There are three other types of cloud computing service available other than IaaS which is service-as-a-service (SaaS), platform-as-a-service (PaaS), and serverless.

There are many advantages in considering using or migrating workload into IaaS. For example, users of IaaS can use any kind of operating system or application disregarding the maintenance and operational cost.

IaaS service also provides access to servers throughout the world and a service-level agreement (SLA) regarding the uptime and performance of the service. This allows businesses to eliminate the need to manage and provision their data center manually.

How to Implement IaaS in Business

IaaS represents the general purpose of computing resources, thus it is capable of supporting all use cases of all types. The question of “how to implement IaaS” then becomes insignificant. However, there are 5 ways of implementing IaaS that are commonly used by businesses.

• Lift-and-Shift Migration

Lift-and-Shift Migration is the fastest and least expensive migration business can take when migrating into IaaS service. It allows businesses to scale the size, enhance the performance, and reduce the cost without many works.

• Test and Development

IaaS is also useful a field of test and development. Users can quickly set up and scale environments suitable for the need of the test, thus bringing results faster and better.

• Storage, Backup, and Recovery

In-house IT infrastructure often requires a huge amount of investment and cost to maintain. Employing an IaaS service will help businesses in handling the growing need for space for storage and simplify the process of backup and recovery data.

• Web Apps

IaaS can also be used to support web apps needs, from the networking resources, storage, and the web and application itself. The ease of scaling the IaaS service also means users can simply scale the service according to demand.

• High-Performance Computing

Completing the calculation of complex variables or analyzing large data can also be achieved using IaaS. IaaS flexibility allows focusing computing capability into one single demanding task or workload.

Wowrack’s IaaS Service

Wowrack is a global leader in various IaaS services. Our service include Disaster Recovery, Private & Hybrid Cloud solutions, Colocation, Backup Services, Managed AWS & Azure, SD-WAN services and more.  All of these can optionally be co-managed or fully managed by Wowrack 24/7/365 team of experts.  With a workforce that is 80% engineering, you can rest assured that no matter what challenges you face. Wowrack is by your side to help.

Get in contact today to schedule your no-obligation consultation!

The post How to Implement IaaS into Your Business? appeared first on Wowrack Blog.

Without further ado, here are the biggest cloud trends we intend on seeing this year.

Larger Cloud-Storing Capacity

With more companies moving more of their data onto the cloud, there needs to be the physical space to handle it all. With a higher demand of cloud-storing capacity, there must be more data centers with the necessary equipment. Consumers will be looking for managed service providers that have the kind of space they need available, even if they don’t quite have the need for it yet. Along with this, consumers will be looking for providers that offer more scalable options, in order to make sure their needs can be met in the future.

More Applications Created Solely for Cloud Environments

While we’re still in this period where legacy companies are finally making the transition to the cloud, there are also companies who aren’t wasting time. They are placing their entire network on the cloud from the get-go. So, in order to accommodate this trend, cloud hosting providers will need to have access to the software and tools necessary to make the cloud accessible to absolutely everyone — especially smaller, newer businesses who have no prior systems to move over. This means the acquisition of more applications that are created solely for the cloud, as well as apps that can be used across multi-cloud environments. This will make workloads more user-friendly and portable, allowing consumers to take care of their business needs whenever, wherever.

The Rise of Open-Source Cloud Connectivity

Speaking of multi-cloud environments, another trend you can expect to see this year is the rise of open-source cloud connectivity. With so many data storage and management needs to be met, consumers will likely be reaching out to multiple vendors for their services, unless they can find a provider that can truly manage it all. That being said, the need for open-source technology will change the attitudes that consumers have towards owing their loyalty to just one vendor. It’s no secret then that MSPs who embrace this trend by offering solutions that are accessible over multiple cloud systems, are going to be more desirable.

Wowrack is up to date on the latest trends so that we can meet all your cloud hosting needs. Contact us today to learn more.

Less Patience for Consumers on Internet Speed and Quality

This year, we will be honing in on 5G. Yes, 5G. It will no longer be a matter of “my Internet is too slow” but, instead, “it’s just not fast enough.” Internet speed and quality is absolutely necessary for businesses in 2018, and anything less than amazing simply won’t be tolerated. MSPs need to keep this in mind and be sure all their services can keep up with the Internet speeds that their customers expect.

More Emphasis on SaaS

Last, but certainly not least, 2018 will be the year of Software as a Service, which will be the #1 deployed solution worldwide. With so many great software options out there that businesses rely on, they need a place where it can all be properly hosted. Although IaaS and PaaS will still be used, SaaS will be the simplest and most desirable option this year, and it’s pretty clear why. Companies need flexibility to do things their way, and a provider that will support them throughout their journey.

With so many people relying on a stable and flexible cloud environment, finding the right vendor who acknowledges these trends is critical. 

The post Check Out 2018’s Biggest Cloud Trends appeared first on Wowrack Blog.

1) “Am I giving IT too many responsibilities?”

Regardless of whether or not you outsource your IT, your in-house team has a lot on their plate no matter what. Because of this, companies generally choose to have an in-house IT team working alongside managed services to make sure their network is constantly at the top of its game. If you are giving IT too many jobs to do, then they are going to have a hard time making sure all the roles are being met. So, if your IT person or team has already expressed this to you, then it’s time to hand over some of those responsibilities to a managed cloud hosting provider.

2) “What happens if there is a data breach?”

If a data breach is one of your biggest concerns right now (and, it should be), then that’s a good enough reason as any to begin outsourcing your IT. There’s no sense in taking any risk at all with how far your company has come. Why take any chances? A managed hosting provider can take this worry off your hands. In addition, they can come up with a disaster recovery solution just for your company, while also helping you pass compliance standards if you’re dealing with sensitive information from your customers.

3) “Is my business expanding at a rapid rate, but support isn’t measuring up?”

Perhaps when you first started, you just had a website, hosted by one of those generic providers. But, now, things have changed (for the better). Now, your website has consistent traffic 24/7 a day, and you cannot risk a potential traffic jam slowing down your business. If you require a network that can support what you’re dealing with, then don’t stress. Just hand it over to a managed hosting provider and let them deal with the rest.

Wowrack can help you answer all your questions about hiring a managed cloud hosting provider. Contact us today to learn more.

4) “Does my network require a specific infrastructure?”

Speaking of expanding your business, are you even set-up to do something like that in the first place? This has probably got you thinking. If you’re not sure how all the stuff works behind the scenes — a cloud architecture, different types of products, etc. — then don’t sit around trying to do it by yourself. It’s time to talk to a professional about the best options available.

5) “Am I too busy to worry about any of this?”

If any of the previous questions have come up at all, then you’ve probably dismissed them with a, “Wow, I’m too busy to even be concerned with this right now.” We get you. You shouldn’t have to be concerned with managing your your network on this scale. While that doesn’t mean you’re excused from all responsibilities, you have other things you need to take care of in the office. Let someone else do the worrying.

It’s hard to know when is the right time to finally move your network over to a managed service provider. If you’ve been asking yourself any of these questions, then you know what it is you need to do!

The post If You’re Asking Yourself These Questions, It’s Time to Outsource Your IT appeared first on Wowrack Blog.

That’s why you should consider doing a tour of your prospective data center, before signing a contract.

Why Visit the Data Center

Even though your data is going to soon be managed in the cloud, that cloud still has to exist in a physical space somewhere. A data center is a place where a network of servers is kept. These servers handle a lot of data (in this case, your company’s data) and keep it safe, secure, and accessible for whenever you need it. Of course, some data centers are better at doing this job than others.

By visiting the actual data center, you can have a first-hand look at these servers. Just like the same way you would check out a building before signing a lease or scoping out a restaurant before choosing to sit down, it’s very similar.

What You Should Be Looking Out For

When you go on a tour of the data center, there are a few things you want to be paying attention to. One is you want to see the overall conditions of the center. If it looks pretty dusty, there are wires all over the place, and you can feel the intense heat coming off the machines, then those are all big red flags.

You want to make sure this data center is secure, has a cooling system that you can feel, and that it seems to be organized and well maintained. If this is where your data is going to be stored, it’s important that things are in a good place.

Wowrack offers potential clients tours of our data centers, so you can feel certain about signing on with us. Contact us today to schedule a visit.

What You Should Ask and Think About During and After Your Visit

While you’re visiting your prospective data center, you’re going to want to ask some questions about the place, so you can know information beyond what you can just see with your eyes.

• What’s this data center’s network capacity?
• Is the location of the data center in a place that’s prone to storms natural disasters?
• Does it have a generator or some other kind of backup solution if the power goes out?
• What were some challenges this data center has faced and how did they recover?
• How’s the physical security of the building?
• In addition to 24/7 management, is there in-house support in case something goes wrong?
• Is the data center facility free of any law-suits/financially secure?

When inquiring about the services of a managed hosting provider, ask them if you can take a tour of their data centers. If that’s not something they offer, move on to the next candidate.

The post Why You Should Consider Doing a Tour of Your Prospective Data Center 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.

It’s no shocker that forward-thinking organizations want to be very fast and as 2016 is nearly over we figured it was time to recap on some of the important trends this year has brought to the cloud industry, but most importantly to the consumer cloud experience.

Based on the survey Computer Economics performed in their 2015/2016 report, many organizations find themselves “increasing their operational IT budget” this year.

With cloud infrastructures on the rise and data center infrastructure spending declining, we’ll be covering what some of the major benefits of going “off-premise” and into the cloud brings to the table.

If you have your own “on-premise” data center, you know that you have to buy your own servers, take care of them, and to replace them once they reach their end-of-life. Let’s get this out of the way: hardware is expensive; to buy, maintain, and operate. Not every business can support having a dedicated IT team to manage all that.

And if any hardware breaks down, enough can be said. So instead, an IaaS approach or Infrastructure as a Service takes the infrastructure out of your IT, literally. By renting out IaaS, you end up paying a monthly subscription to have all your servers taken care of, patched with the latest updates and maintained daily to keep performance stabilized.

How does this relay to a common problem?

Maybe you want to do a migration to update an SQL server for a month in order to test out applications to see if they work properly. With an IaaS approach, you can provision a server for a month and then de-provision it when you don’t need it anymore.

Think of it this way, ever needed to just make one super-important phone call to someone but your own phone wasn’t working for whatever reason? Your options are:

• Borrow a friend’s phone (with the risk of private information on the line? Next.)
• Email or chat with technical support and hope to reach your provider over the dozens of other support tickets they may be currently dealing with.
• Since you can’t call them, run to the nearest vendor to get technical support in-person and wait until your problem is resolved.
• Figure out how to fix the problem yourself by following wikiHow DIY guides online.
• Buy a prepaid burner phone.

Wait, prepaid burner phones still exist? Yes exactly, who wants to get caught making a shady phone call on some early 2000s flip phone that is too often associated with criminal TV shows…

“If IaaS was a cell phone plan, your provider would already have been alerted that your phone wasn’t working and would send you an immediate working phone before you even became aware a problem existed.”

Oh, if only that plan existed in real life! But alas, this is just relaying a simple example of telecommunications. In a more realistic setting with actual business functions hanging on the balance, you can’t really compare a cell phone going down to a server meltdown. Those differences are slightly more grave.

A reliable infrastructure is not cheap. A reliable 24/7 infrastructure is not easy

Remember that IaaS is a core business for providers, which means they will be extremely focused on their infrastructure’s reliability. If a client isn’t satisfied with the infrastructure, that provider will likely go out of business.

Dependable infrastructure is much harder to accomplish internally and in-house because it’s so expensive and time-consuming to maintain. Sometimes when workloads suddenly expand, your IT department might not have the resources to cover the immediate expenses that happen so quickly on the fly and this can cause major downtime. This will not happen with Infrastructure as a Service since everything you need is readily available and with N+1 redundancy, you can be sure backup components are also on standby to provide true around-the-clock resilience.

Infrastructure as a Service needs to be flexible in order to handle customer requests for more infrastructure or computing power; something akin to “Anything as a Service” or XaaS. Having technical expertise on your side is never a bad perk in any industry. Whether you need more storage or don’t even know how much storage you need, IaaS providers can give you adjustable volumes because the infrastructure is entirely scalable so nothing is ever wasted.  Maybe you simply start with a few gigabytes of files and eventually that size grows into a few petabytes over the next few days, you simply pay for exactly what you use right then and there.

It’s important to note that not all providers come with the luxury where you can cherry-pick your solution. Many large providers may have cookie-cutter packages etched in stone, while other smaller ones operate on a niche. Many times it could be all up to you and your team to navigate your own way through a maze of decisions and XYZ outcomes from packages A, B, or C. When all you really needed was some insurance to know your data would be protected if “worse came to worst.”

The need for market speed

The provisioning of a server can become a matter of minutes to deploy, instead of days and hours, or sometimes even months. With an IaaS approach:

• No more having to buy an order of servers online while interrupting your business flow waiting for them to be delivered to your doorstep.
• Eliminate the time it takes to install the operating system and then secure them into a proper cabinet with all the correct settings for bandwidth, cooling, and ventilation.
• Reduce spending vital resources to perform daily or weekly maintenance on your servers to check if they are working optimally.

Instead, if you need a server, IaaS providers can grant the entire provisioning process in a matter of minutes, instead of days or weeks.

Finally, the à la carte suite of options for that extra oomph

Critical features such as Disaster Recovery and Backup solutions are also quick and painless to arrange as well since a provider’s infrastructure is designed to deliver seamless integrations to their native solutions. If you have a DRaaS solution in place and the data center burns down, then that data just switches to another data center, automatically. If an accident happens to your data and you need a specific file version, regular backups can quickly recover your lost files. As great as these options sound, they are not for everyone, and that’s okay.

What matters most is to select the right solutions that directly solves your current and foreseeable problems, but more importantly, it also depends on the people you choose to entrust your data with.

Our advice: find a Business Associate’s Agreement or a BAA that you can live with

In the end, you can get all the bells and whistles to create a redundant and secure infrastructure straight from the source of any one provider. Or you can just get the bells separately and whistle your own tune if so desired. There’s more than one way to skin a cat just as there are more ways to design a cloud. That’s where the strength of IaaS shines; it gives you options.

The post Driving Businesses Forward With Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) appeared first on Wowrack Blog.