Cloud Computing Solutions

Hybrid cloud infrastructure and more

Empowering your company’s digital transformation to the cloud.
Ensure performance, reliability and scalability before, during and after migration or change processes.

Cloud Computing and Migration Planning through FCX

Increase performance

The Cloud makes growth possible. Access to virtual servers, a fully managed NoSQL data base service and a content delivery network can increase performance and are essential for modern core applications like e-commerce pages.

Improve security

One of the reasons business choose to house data in data centers, is enhanced physical security. Data centers utilize integrated security systems and have round the clock security staff onsite to protect equipment and your data.

Experience reliability

Cloud offers superior performance capabilities. Organizations see up to 60% increase of reliability when connecting at the edge of the AWS network backbone for example.

Cloud infrastructure, platforms, connect and colocation

The IT ecosystem must run efficiently and be adaptable for the present and future. As a result, FCX offers cloud, interconnection and colocation solutions to meet the needs of today’s modern business.

Working with a single cloud consultant and multiple vendors offer the benefits of full life cycle support. Strategic planning, solution design, implementation, and ongoing support are all part of the collaboration strategy.

By leveraging the unique strengths of each vendor, cost reduction and performance improvement can be achieved. As a result of strategic conversations and a defined roadmap with clear goals, FCX supports clients with creating a well-rounded ecosystem. Our team of consultants bring strong references and proof of concept of vendors in consideration.

Innovative Cloud solutions to fit your organization

Public Cloud

Public cloud is a type of cloud computing service that allows individuals and organizations to access and use computing resources, such as applications, storage, and servers over the internet. The technology is based on the concept of virtualization, which allows for the separation of hardware and software - making it possible for multiple users to share the same physical resources without affecting each other's performance. The public cloud is managed by a third-party service provider who owns and maintains the infrastructure, while users can control and monitor their usage through a web portal or API.

Public cloud is also used for data storage and backup purposes. With the increasing amount of data being generated by businesses and individuals, storing and managing it can be a significant challenge. Public cloud providers offer secure and scalable storage solutions, where users can store their data and access it anytime, anywhere. Additionally, the public cloud also offers data backup services, providing an off-site storage option for businesses to protect their data from disasters or system failures.

Another example of where public cloud is used is in web hosting. Companies can rent computing resources from a public cloud provider to host their websites, without having to invest in their own hardware and infrastructure. This allows for easy scalability and cost-effectiveness, as businesses can only pay for the resources they use.

Overall, the public cloud is a cost-effective and efficient solution for businesses and individuals to access and use computing resources. Its virtualized nature, easy scalability, and flexibility make it a popular option for various use cases, including web hosting, SaaS applications, and data storage and backup. As technology continues to advance, it is expected that the use of public cloud will only increase in popularity and importance.

Private Cloud

Private cloud is a type of technology that allows organizations to create an exclusive network of computing resources, including servers, storage, and networking components, for their own use. It is a computing model that provides an organization with the privacy, control, and dedicated resources of a traditional on-premise data center, while also offering the flexibility and scalability of cloud computing.

At its core, private cloud utilizes virtualization technology to pool together hardware resources and create virtual machines that can be allocated to different workloads as needed. This allows for efficient use of resources, as well as the ability to quickly and easily provision new environments for testing, development, or other purposes. Additionally, private cloud may employ software-defined networking and storage to further streamline and optimize the management of resources.

One example of where private cloud is commonly used is in the financial sector, where organizations have strict security and compliance requirements. By utilizing a private cloud, financial institutions can store sensitive customer data in a secure, isolated environment that is only accessible to authorized users. This not only ensures the privacy and security of customer information, but also allows for better control and management of data.

Another example of private cloud technology in action is in the healthcare industry. With the digitization of medical records, there is a growing need for secure, accessible storage and processing of patient data. Private cloud allows hospitals and healthcare providers to store and manage patient data in an on-premise environment, reducing the risk of data breaches and maintaining compliance with HIPAA regulations.

Ultimately private cloud is a technology that enables organizations to have the control and security of their own data center, while also leveraging the benefits of cloud computing such as flexibility and scalability. It is used to store sensitive data, streamline IT management, and improve overall efficiency and collaboration.

Hybrid Cloud

Hybrid cloud is a technology that combines the benefits of both public and private clouds, allowing organizations to have more flexibility and control over their data and applications. This is achieved by integrating on-premises infrastructure with external cloud services, creating a seamless and dynamic environment for workloads to operate.

One example of where hybrid cloud is used is in the healthcare industry. Healthcare organizations often deal with sensitive patient data that must be stored and processed securely and in compliance with strict regulations. A hybrid cloud approach allows them to keep patient records and other sensitive data on their private cloud, while utilizing public cloud services for less sensitive tasks like email and storage.

Another example of how hybrid cloud is used is in e-commerce. Retailers often experience spikes in website traffic during peak shopping seasons. By using hybrid cloud, they can scale their website on-demand by leveraging public cloud resources, while still keeping their customer databases and other sensitive data on their private cloud. This not only ensures faster and more efficient performance during high traffic periods, but also saves costs by only utilizing additional resources when needed.

Hybrid cloud is also widely used in the financial industry. Financial institutions must comply with strict data security regulations and have a high demand for data processing power. Hybrid cloud allows them to keep sensitive financial data on-premises, while using public cloud services for non-sensitive data analytics and processing. This not only ensures compliance, but also allows for greater scalability and cost savings.

While Hybrid Cloud offers options, creating the architecture for it and ensuring it works as planned requires expertise. Ensuring compatibility between the different cloud environments can be challenging. This can be addressed by working closely with cloud providers to ensure that integration and interoperability strategies are in place. Another challenge is managing the workload distribution between public and private clouds. This requires a deep understanding of the client's business needs and an effective allocation of resources to both environments. Providers can help by offering services such as workload optimization and cloud bursting. Additionally, cost optimization is a common challenge in hybrid cloud setups, as it involves managing and optimizing costs across multiple environments. Providers often offer cost management tools and services to help clients keep their hybrid cloud expenses in check. As a result, the FCX implementation project manager remains engaged for the entirety of the project to ensure the envisioned solution is implemented as planned.

As technology continues to advance, the use of hybrid cloud is expected to increase, providing organizations with even more control over their data and applications.

Cloud Connect and Cloud Direct Connect

Cloud Direct Connect and Cloud Connect are two services that enable organizations to establish a dedicated and private connection between their on-premises infrastructure and public cloud providers. The primary difference between these services lies in the type of connection and control they offer to users.

Cloud Direct Connect, also known as Direct Connect or Dedicated Cloud Connect, is a service provided by public cloud providers like AWS and Azure. It allows organizations to establish a direct and dedicated connection to a single cloud provider through a physical or virtual network link. This type of connection provides a higher level of security and consistency as it does not go through the public internet.
This option replaces a standard Internet connection, which offers more protection and reliability. This way, businesses can rest assured they can access critical data stored in the cloud.

Obtain access to AWS, Google Cloud, and more to utilize virtual machines for:

Running applications and executing workloads,
Cloud storage,
Managed database services for popular database systems like MySQL, PostgreSQL, and Oracle, and leverage the fully managed NoSQL database service for handling large amounts of unstructured data,
Fast delivery of web content, and more.

In comparison, Cloud Connect is a service offered by network providers that allows organizations to connect their on-premises infrastructure to multiple public cloud providers using virtual connections, such as VPNs. While this option offers more flexibility and scalability, it may not have the same level of security and consistency as Cloud Direct Connect. It is designed for users to access and store data on remote servers through the internet. By utilizing cloud computing, the need for storing and managing data on local devices is eliminated.

The initial step in using Cloud Connect is to upload data onto a remote server, also referred to as the cloud. This can include a wide range of digital information such as files, photos, videos, and documents. The data is securely stored on the cloud using firewalls and encryption methods for maximum protection. Once data is stored on the cloud, it can be accessed by users through various devices, including laptops, tablets, and smartphones.

The convenience of Cloud Connect allows users to access data on the go, without requiring physical access to their devices. Additionally, Cloud Connect enables collaboration and data sharing between users, making it an essential tool for businesses and teams.

As remote working continues to rise, Cloud Connect and Cloud Direct Connect have become essential tools for businesses to manage and store their data. These forms of access technology enable employees to access company data and documents from anywhere, increasing productivity and flexibility.

Co-location

Co-location, also known as "colo," is a technology that refers to the practice of housing multiple network or computing devices in a single physical location. This tend to lead to cost savings, as businesses can share overhead expenses, such as rent, utilities, and office equipment. Additionally, the organization's hardware and equipment will now be stored in a secure and reliable facility and rather than having to maintain their own on-site data centers, the organization can now free up space on-site and reallocate resources to other initiatives.

Co-location facilities are typically provided by specialized service providers, who offer secure, high-speed data center environments for clients to store and manage their equipment.

The process of co-location begins with a client renting space within a co-location facility, usually by purchasing a fixed amount of rack space. The client then installs their own servers, storage devices, and other networking equipment within this space, which is then connected to the internet via high-speed network connections provided by the co-location provider. These connections ensure that the client's equipment has reliable and fast access to the internet, making it ideal for businesses that rely heavily on the internet for their operations.

One example of where co-location is commonly used is in disaster recovery planning. Many businesses rely heavily on data and IT systems for their day-to-day operations, making it crucial to have a backup plan in case of a natural disaster or system failure. Co-location facilities provide an off-site location for businesses to store their backup equipment and systems, ensuring that they can quickly recover from any disaster and minimize disruptions to their operations.

Co-location is also popular among e-commerce businesses. These businesses require fast and reliable internet connections to manage their online storefronts and process transactions. By using co-location, they can offload the costs of maintaining their own data center and instead take advantage of the high-speed connections and security provided by co-location facilities.

Back-up, Data Storage and DR (DRaaS)

Back-up, data storage, and disaster recovery (DR) are essential components of any organization's IT infrastructure. These technologies ensure the safety, availability, and accessibility of digital data, which is crucial for the functioning and success of modern businesses. Back-up refers to the process of making copies of important data and storing them separately in case of data loss or corruption. Data storage, on the other hand, is the method of storing and managing data in a secure and organized manner for future use. DR is the plan and strategies implemented to recover data and IT systems in the event of a disaster or disruption.

The process of back-up involves creating duplicates of data and storing them in separate physical or cloud locations. This ensures that if the primary data is lost or damaged, there is a backup available for retrieval. The types of back-up technologies used include on-site storage devices, such as external hard drives, and off-site storage options, such as remote data centers. Real-time back-up is also becoming increasingly popular, where data is continuously synced with a remote location to ensure the most up-to-date version is always available.

Data storage involves the use of various technologies and methods to store data in an efficient and secure manner. This includes traditional data storage devices like hard drives, solid-state drives, and tape drives, as well as cloud storage services. Data is organized and managed through file systems and databases, ensuring quick and easy retrieval. Advanced data storage technologies, such as network-attached storage (NAS) and storage area networks (SANs), provide high-performance and scalable storage solutions for organizations with large amounts of data.

DR technology ensures business continuity by having a plan in place to recover data and IT systems in the event of a disaster. This includes natural disasters, cyber attacks, and human errors. DR involves creating redundant systems and data backups that can be quickly recovered in case of any disruption. It also includes regular testing and updating of disaster recovery plans to ensure they are effective and up to date.

Educational institutions for example heavily rely on back-up, data storage, and DR technologies to store and protect student records and academic data. With the increasing use of online learning platforms, reliable data storage and backup systems are necessary to ensure students have uninterrupted access to their coursework and materials.

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)

IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service) refers to the provision of virtualized computing resources, such as servers, storage, and networking, over the internet or a private connection. It allows organizations to access and use these resources on a pay-per-use basis, eliminating the need for physical hardware and reducing costs.

As a result, IaaS allows businesses to easily scale their IT infrastructure and focus on their core competencies without the burden of managing complex hardware and data center operations. Additionally, because of how service packages are structured, IaaS offers greater flexibility, agility, and security, making it a popular choice for businesses of all sizes.

Platform as a Service (PaaS)

Platform as a service (PaaS) is a cloud computing model in which a third-party provider delivers a complete platform, including hardware, software, and infrastructure, for businesses to develop, run, and manage their applications.

This means that instead of investing in and maintaining their own datacenter, organizations can use a platform provided by a PaaS provider, which includes all the necessary tools and resources for their development and deployment needs. Just like with IaaS, this service solution allows businesses to focus on their core competencies and save time and resources that would have been spent on infrastructure management.

PaaS in data centers has become increasingly popular due to its cost-effectiveness, scalability, and flexibility, as it allows business to streamline their processes and improve their overall efficiency.

Private suite

A private suite in a data center is a dedicated and secure section of a data center that is exclusively used by a single business or organization. It provides a customized and isolated environment that allows businesses to store and manage their sensitive data, servers, and other IT infrastructure.

This in turn allows organizations to have full control and privacy over their data while also benefiting from the data center's infrastructure and services.

Private suites are commonly used to ensure the security and reliability of data, as well as to comply with industry regulations and standards.

CDN

CDN stands for Content Delivery Network, and it is a technology used to deliver web content to users more efficiently. The basic idea behind a CDN is to distribute a website's content across multiple servers in various locations, closer to the end-users. This helps reduce the distance between the user and the servers, resulting in faster, more reliable, and secure content delivery.

CDNs are used in various scenarios, such as delivering large media files, streaming services, and e-commerce websites. For example, Netflix uses a CDN to deliver its vast library of movies and TV shows to users globally. Similarly, e-commerce giants like Amazon and eBay use CDNs for faster and more reliable delivery of product images and listings.

Interconnect

Interconnect in a datacenter refers to the physical infrastructure and technology that enables the high-speed connection and communication between servers, networking devices, and other equipment within a datacenter.

This interconnectivity allows for efficient and reliable data transfer, storage, and processing, which are essential for modern businesses.

Interconnect supports critical operations and manage large amounts of data, allowing organizations stay competitive and improve their overall performance. It also enables businesses to access cloud services, connect with other datacenters, and expand their network capacity as needed.

Open cloud exchange and carrier peering

Open cloud exchange and carrier peering in a data center are two interconnected services that allow businesses to efficiently and securely connect to multiple cloud providers and carriers.

Open cloud exchange provides a platform for businesses to access and manage different cloud services, while carrier peering enables direct and faster connections to internet service providers and other networks within the datacenter.

These services can improve network performance, reduce latency, and increase reliability when accessing cloud services and exchanging data with other organizations. This allows for more efficient and cost-effective operations, ultimately helping businesses to scale and grow and remain competitive.

Hosted e-mail

Although collaboration platforms have experienced a surge in popularity, email remains a powerful communication tool.

Instead of managing an email server on within the company, outsourcing management and maintenance of email system to a hosting provider offer convenience and cost savings. Besides utilizing the application on a desktop or laptop, when hosted, email can accessed from anywhere and on any device, making it a flexible solution for organizations of all sizes.

FCX offers hosted email services for businesses by popular providers including Google's G Suite, Microsoft Office 365, and Zoho Mail.

Selecting and working with a reliable email hosting provider who specializes in email and office productivity remains an relevant decision. FCX can bring in various vendors to choose from.

Desktop as a Service (DaaS), Virtual Desktop (VDI)

Virtual Desktop, Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) and cloud-based Desktop as a Service (DaaS) are technologies that host a desktop operating system on a centralized server in a data center. This allows companies to access their desktops and applications remotely from any device with an internet connection, eliminating the need for physical IT infrastructure.

DaaS providers, such as Amazon Web Services and Microsoft, offer subscription-based services for businesses to securely store and manage their desktop environment, including operating systems, applications, and data and with that is a fully outsourced solution that provides virtual desktops to businesses.

In contrast, VDI environments are usually located in an on-site data center managed by IT administrators and staff.

While VDI has seen a decline in demand over the last few years, DaaS, the newer technology, is seeing an increase in popularity due to the remote work and work-from-home trend.

The FCX Difference

Complete portfolio

10+ providers

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Framework in place

Cloud Summit 3

FCX has 4 proven methods to guide you and your team through the process of selecting the most suitable on premise, cloud or hybrid cloud infrastructure

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Broad range of solutions

Innovative

Not sure about which direction to take or how to solve a problem? We're here to help. Within our broad network of partner providers we'll get you the solution you need

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PARTICIPATING PROVIDERS

On-prem, colocation or cloud : which to select?

As technology continues to advance, businesses today have more options than ever when it comes to managing their digital infrastructure.

The three main options that businesses have are on-premises, colocation, and cloud solutions. Each of these options has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, making it important for businesses to carefully consider which option suits their needs best.

Each option has pros and cons, as well as the challenges and benefits.

With on-premises solutions for example, the biggest advantage for businesses is having complete control over their infrastructure. This means that businesses can customize their systems to meet their exact needs and can also have a higher level of security, if well executed, since they have direct oversight.

The downside to on-premises solutions however is the high upfront costs for purchasing and maintaining hardware and software, as well as the need for an IT team to manage and monitor the infrastructure. This can be a substantial financial burden for smaller businesses or those with limited IT resources.

Colocation, on the other hand, offers a middle ground between on-premises and cloud solutions. With colocation, businesses can have their physical servers and equipment stored in a third-party data center, where they can take advantage of the facility’s advanced security and infrastructure. This option also allows for scalability and the ability to quickly add or remove equipment as needed.

The downside to colocation is that businesses still need to maintain and monitor their own equipment, as well as deal with potential downtime or service disruptions if there are issues with the data center.

The third option, cloud solutions, has become increasingly popular in recent years. Cloud solutions offer a variety of benefits for businesses, including cost savings, flexibility, and scalability. With cloud computing, businesses can avoid the high upfront costs associated with on-premises solutions, as well as the need for a dedicated IT team. However, there are also challenges associated with migrating to the cloud, such as potential security risks and data privacy concerns. Additionally, businesses may face a learning curve when it comes to managing and optimizing their cloud infrastructure.

In conclusion, each option of on-premises, colocation, and cloud has its own set of advantages and drawbacks for each organization. When considering which option is best, businesses must carefully weigh their specific needs, resources, and budget. Migrating to the cloud offers the potential for significant cost savings, so it’s an option worth exploring.

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