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Choosing Between Cloud and Colocation Services
Comparing the cloud to colocation facilities for outsourced IT services.The classic make/buy decision revolves around doing things in-house versus outsourcing. For IT managers, this has often come down to a comparison between running an in-house data center and moving everything to a colocation facility. Now there’s a third wrinkle. It’s the cloud.
They're Both Outsourced
Both colocation and cloud services have the similarity of being purchased from outside vendors. To the end user, the difference may be trivial. But to someone close to the situation there is a world of difference between colocation and the cloud. Or, is there?Colocation Advantages
The advantage of colocation facilities is that they provide a physical environment optimized for information technology needs. The colo center is a robust building with rack space all set up with power and cooling. It’s the same support system you would install yourself to support your servers and other data center equipment. You’ll need backup power, of course, fire suppression and physical security. You can’t afford to turn your back on expensive, demanding and possibly temperamental systems, so you need technical staff on duty or nearby. Then there’s the matter of bandwidth connections.More Bandwidth At The Colo
One factor driving many companies to colocation facilities is the need for far greater levels of bandwidth than are available at their current location. This is especially true in smaller towns and rural areas. You need fiber optic services and the best you get is bonded T1. But move to a colo and you’ll be surrounded by carriers who have points of presence in-house and within an easy drop of your equipment cage. You can get all the bandwidth you need, virtually on demand, and at lower prices than you’ll find locally. Why move the whole company when you can simply move a few racks of gear and meet your requirements?Purchasing Services From The Cloud
This is the territory that is also now being served by the cloud. The “cloud” is a nebulous (pun intended) term for outsourced information technology services owned and operated by a third party. With a colo center you buy a server and ship it to the colocation operator. In some cases, you rent a server and perhaps the tech support to manage it. But you are responsible for the applications software and operation of the system. When you buy from the cloud, you don’t worry about hardware or software. You are simply purchasing a service. The mechanics behind how that service operates belongs to the cloud service provider.What can you get from the cloud?
Perhaps a specific service. Perhaps everything you need to run your business. This is a new field exhibiting the rapid growth that typifies introduction of a disruptive technology. Buy supercomputing in the cloud when you can’t justify or afford full-time use of a supercomputer on-premises. Get all your office applications through the cloud and say goodbye to software patches and upgrades, not to mention racks of servers in the back room. Perhaps all you need is cloud networking to create a worldwide converged voice and data network for your international business.MPLS Network Quotes and Instant Access Line Pricing
Does an MPLS network or cloud service sound like it might be a match for your business connectivity needs? Our Telarus expert consultants will provide you with prompt competitive quotes to match your requirements and sites to be connected, nationwide and internationally. Most wireline and Ethernet fiber access connections to 1 Gbps display prices instantly online. Use this handy form...You may call a Telarus bandwidth consultant toll free anytime at 1-866-436-7868 and mention Reference #: 129701 to get our best MPLS network and other bandwidth service prices, for business and organizational locations only. Sorry, no residential service available.
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