Most people have been introduced to the concept of software as a service (SaaS) and the potential benefits and challenges of this form of cloud computing. Fewer have, however, heard of infrastructure as a service (IaaS), the provisioning of the hardware aspects of a data centre as a service.
According to Greg Hatfield, General Manager for Dimension Data Cloud Services, IaaS relieves companies of the expense of buying and maintaining servers and storage systems in their own data centres, using both private and public data centre services in the cloud.
“Public cloud services comprise shared infrastructure used by multiple clients located at the service providers' premises, offering flexibility and efficiency for a monthly cost,” explains Internet Solutions' Cloud Services Executive, Greg Montjoie. “Clients can easily increase or decrease their capacity as required with public services, ensuring they only pay for what they need, when they need it.”
Many clients are aware of and comfortable with cloud services in the consumer space, such as Google Docs, where multiple clients use services on the same infrastructure. However, there is still some apprehension about using cloud technology for applications that use confidential data or contain corporate secrets. Some corporations are nervous about using multi-client shared infrastructures in this scenario, and this is where private services play a role.
Private cloud services comprise infrastructure used by a single client exclusively. The exclusive use guarantees security and privacy of the infrastructure and information used, and can be located at a service provider's or client's premises.
"The benefits of a virtualised infrastructure is that resources can be deployed as and when required, ensuring the client always has the computing power needed without the hassles," says Hatfield. "Moreover, when combining public and private services into one hybrid IaaS offering designed to serve the best interests of the customer, virtualised public and private cloud services deliver optimal computing value.”
IS offers a mature public services platform delivered from three geographic locations, and Dimension Data has been providing private cloud services for years. The two companies have now announced a joint venture that will empower clients to make use of their leading private and public cloud services with ease. This market-leading IaaS services includes a hybrid public/private service that meets the privacy and security, as well as the efficiency needs of clients in a virtualised infrastructure.
“The hybrid service offers clients the best of both worlds by allowing them to manage the solution as one service with one number to call,” adds Montjoie. “One account manager will handle clients' public and private requirements, assuring them of the most reliable and simplest hybrid service designed to meet their needs and change as their businesses change.”
Dimension Data and Internet Solutions are first to market with this exciting new hybrid cloud service, addressing a multitude of infrastructure needs. Not only can clients choose both private and public services from one company, but the services can be expanded automatically as required. For example, should the private service run out of storage space, the application will use the public service's storage until administrators can rectify the situation. Expansion in the other direction is also possible.
"Selecting the hybrid solution takes advantage of the proven competencies of both Dimension Data and Internet Solutions, delivered in a single, comprehensive package," adds Hatfield. "The solution is customised and packaged to each client's requirements, ensuring value is delivered from day one, enabling our clients to operate more efficiently and realise tangible cost savings."
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