Unisys and Interoute are bringing us a new type of IaaS
Some things are just destined to be together because they work so well together, take ice cream and cake for example. This is the kind of situation that exists between Interoute and Unisys. Interoute’s IaaS (also called “virtual data centre”) is a unique take on this type of model; it works just like any other form of IaaS, but is actually capable of being deployed as either a private or public cloud. VDC is basically an all-in-one solution when it comes to cloud computing as storage, apps, and hosting are all covered. Additionally, Unisys’s attached management tool put a great deal of power into the hands of users and allows them to both quickly set things up as well as fine-tune their infrastructure.
What is it that’s setting this new partnered form of IaaS apart from others, you ask? To make a long story short, it is security abilities. In essence, this new IaaS service is among the best in the world when it comes to scalability, but all of this power won’t come at the cost of security. As previously mentioned, Interoute’s VDC allows for shifts between public and private cloud scenarios. So, you can access thousands of remotely positioned servers, yet also engage them as if you were utilizing private cloud-type security. Quite simply, this is a bit like “having your cake and eating it too” (to use an oft-quoted phrase). Clients get all of the benefits of an extended network of remotely positioned servers with virtually none of the drawbacks associated with security lapses.
Another interesting facet of this partnership is Interoute’s forward-thinking attitude toward impending European cloud commission legislation. Basically, users are able to pick and choose exactly what servers they want to tap based on what country they are located in. Once more formal conditions for cloud computing operations emerge; there will likely be a slightly confusing period of adoption to contend with where cross-border agreements are concerned. In this way, the Interoute and Unisys partnership is helping to provide potential solutions for disagreements which might crop up amidst cloud computing vendors across the Europe.
It is these types of new partnerships which are doing a great deal to boost cloud computing sales and steer future developments toward “greener pastures”. As you are probably already aware, specific companies are often better in certain areas. In other words, company A might produce this awesome application for the cloud which everyone wants, and company B might possess the most stable form of infrastructure for deploying it. To say that it’s in the best interests of both companies to work together in bringing this app to consumers is an understatement. At the very least they should be forging a partnership to boost their own business interests and capabilities.
That was of course, a very specific and simple example, but it illustrates an important point about the cloud computing world, which is that there needs to be even more collaboration taking place. Unlike the networking / computing model of the past, cloud computing actually offers cloud providers a very unique opportunity to form strategic partnerships. This is largely due to the fact that, in the past, alliances between these types of service companies could only be facilitated through the production of software.
Well, when you begin factoring in the costs associated with producing software and the tangled web of control that will result from trying to enable two separate organizations to work together, the end results aren’t usually worth the trouble. In the cloud however, one business can create their own service / app in their own “vacuum” and simply allow the second business to experiment with deploying it in their environment (or vice-versa). Then, once a suitable arrangement has been reached, it’s only a matter of simply making this new offering available to potential customers.
What does all of this add up to, you might be wondering? In a nutshell, partnerships like those forged between Interoute and Unisys are actually helping to make business-focused cloud computing much simpler. For example, IaaS has been the infrastructure of choice for businesses across the board, but it’s not perfect, especially when it comes to shifts between private and public “clouding” and the addition of servers. At the end of the day it’s really about options. This new type of emerging service gives its consumers even more control and options to choose from than ever before. However, it’s important to note that we’re not talking about options on one level; it is greater control over both interior and exterior variables (infrastructure design and hardware usage). IaaS from Unisys and Interoute
If your organization wants to take advantage of cloud computing, IaaS or even jump into areas like cloud app development, you’re going to need some qualified personnel, right? Currently, online cloud certification programs are “all the rage” because they allow businesses to bring their IT staff up to par without having to invest a fortune in the process. You can’t afford to ignore this crucial component of any successful cloud operation.