Ensuring High Availability In Data Centers and Networks

Data centers have become synonymous with the concept of high availability and redundancy. Based on virtualization and utilizing cloud computing technologies, these data centers are known for offering their clients a level of availability they would be unable to achieve on their own. This virtualization allows the data center to treat the various servers like appliances. Not all work at the same time to achieve the desired result. Rather, one network or server runs while others are in place to support when needed. The result? Continuous availability for customers and increased reliance on data centers.  What many fail to realize, however, is that there are a number of factors related to availability and redundancy to consider when designing a data center.

Considerations For Designing High Availability Data Centers:

More Is Not Always Better: People mistakenly believe that the more redundancy a data center offers, the higher the level of reliability. This is not always the case. Availability and redundancy should be designed around the needs of the infrastructure. Data centers with excessive levels of redundancy (those that surpass the needs of the business) actually tend to experience less reliability because the complexity of the network lends itself to failures and outages.
Generators Fail: One place where redundancy is vital is with your data center’s generators. A recent report showed that up to 15 percent of generators fail after a mere 8 hours of running time and, even if the generator does not fail, the system is opened up to a host of issues that result from continuous generator use. Backup generators are critical to your data center and network’s availability.

Redundancy is About More Than Tier Requirements: Too many companies believe that the level of redundancy your data center offers is directly related to the tier technology level being utilized. In reality, physical location, building construction and equipment quality all factor into determining the level of redundancy experienced in your data center. Be sure to assess these factors when designing your data center and network.

Read More »

Benefits of Cloud Use For Healthcare Companies

Healthcare today is run by regulations that are consistently changing and require a computer and server system capable of meeting the ever expanding EHC (Electronic Health Records) needs. CIO’s and healthcare company owners are required to secure and protect patient data and comply with HIPAA regulations. Healthcare companies and their CIOs have started moving from scrambling to keep up with the quality of electronic records that are now required to tasking cloud software with the job at increasing rates. As of last year, 30 percent of healthcare companies were utilizing cloud technology to store and access patient health information. Utilizing a cloud network to manage the data systems for your healthcare company offers a number of benefits.

Benefits of Cloud Use For Healthcare Companies

· Reduced costs
· Improved performance
· Reduction of human error
· Increased ease and effectiveness of access

How Your Healthcare Company Can Use Cloud Technology

Healthcare providers are tasked with communicating with teams of doctors, insurance providers, patients and patient advocates in an effective and streamlined manner. A cloud based network of patient health information gives providers the ability to share notes, collaborate on treatment decisions and avoid redundancy of data input. Experts are predicting that this aspect of cloud technology has the power to change the healthcare industry by reducing misdiagnosis, streamlining effective communication and giving patients and providers immediate access to up to date information.
Analysts predict that secure text messaging the next frontier of cloud based technology in the healthcare industry. As it stands, automated text messaging is an effective communication method for appointment reminders, office hours information and other administrative tasks but it comes with a number of privacy concerns. Secure, cloud based networks are predicted to alleviate this concern and allow for reduction in staffing and increases in effective administrative communication in the upcoming years.
Lastly, cloud based networks are providing healthcare providers a whole new set of networking possibilities. With these server networks, healthcare professionals can connect and collaborate with other healthcare professionals around the world in real time with ease – allowing for the continued growth of team based care.
If your healthcare company is looking to reduce costs and increase effectiveness through cloud technology, visit the Volico website today or call 888.865.4261 to learn more about which cloud hosting services would best meet your company’s needs.

 

Read More »

Explanation and Comparison of Private Versus Public Cloud

Cloud Hosting offers businesses ease of access, reduction of infrastructure costs and various levels of customization. Public cloud hosting relies on a shared, public network of resources that simultaneously services multiple clients. Private cloud services are systems of hardware, storage and networks devoted entirely to a single client. Determining which cloud hosting model will integrate most effectively with your business’s needs is based primary on three factors.
1. Security Needs: Private clouds are dedicated to a single company. Therefore the hardware, data storage and network used within the cloud are designed so that they are unable to be accessed by those outside the company – thereby providing a level of security not found in public cloud hosting options. Furthermore, for this same reason, private cloud hosts can be customized to be in compliance with Sarbanes Oxley, PCI and HIPAA regulations – whereas publically hosted clouds cannot.
2. Budgeting Capabilities: As a result of the “pay as you go” rate structure, public cloud hosting is the most commonly used cloud hosting option. For small and mid-sized enterprises, this allows for a reduction of wasteful spending by eliminating the need to pay for unneeded services. Larger enterprises often possess greater infrastructure and security needs and therefore are more likely to utilize the larger scale, more secure hosting option, despite the disparity in pricing.
3. Self-Management Capabilities: Public cloud hosting services require self-managed systems that work well for technical buyers with an interest and competency in the setup and management of servers but serves as a significant disadvantage for businesses looking for a fully managed system. The ability and willingness of your business to setup and manage your servers is a key factor in determining which cloud hosting service is best for your business.
One additional note worth mentioning is the hybrid cloud option. A hybrid cloud works for large scale enterprises that wish to utilize the security of a private cloud while managing their non-confidential information on a public network. The integration of the two systems results in a hybrid cloud hosting option for businesses.
Determining whether to opt for a public or private cloud starts with establishing the needs and goals of your company. Assess your needs, determine a budget and contact Volico for further information on both cloud-hosting options.

Read More »

Ways of Boosting Server Efficiency

Data centers are always searching for a means to boost server efficiency. Organizations put a lot of pressure on IT experts to operate critical applications while at the same time maximize cooling efficiency and minimize power consumption. Some of the ways IT managers can make their servers efficient while maintaining cloud security include virtualization, use of monitoring tools and refreshing servers.

Virtualization

If you do not want to invest in additional servers and instead wish to get the most out of the existing servers, virtualization is a suitable solution. A virtual server is one computer acting like many. Virtualization is achieved by utilizing sophisticated software to partition the computer’s hard disk into several parts such that each part acts as a separate hard drive. Virtualization allows you to use several operating systems on the same machine. It also enables you to cut down on expenses and to save space.

Management Tools

Implementing management tools helps you optimize the performance of your server per watt and maximize server uptime. For instance, a simple management tool can use power management policies to guard against a power trip and maximize the computer resources available. Furthermore, management tools provide a central point where you can determine the server’s health across the data center and in a cluster to make decisions on planning workload assignments across various servers.

Invest in Recent Models

A server refresh is another good way of improving server efficiency. Invest in the latest technology of servers that offer you improved energy efficiency and better I/O and CPU performance gains. It is advisable to refresh your servers every three years to ensure you have highly efficient servers in your organization. Server refreshes provide you with the opportunity to future-proof your IT department for where your organization may be headed in the future. You should invest in servers that meet the needs of your organization, including servers that are optimized for customer applications.

Every organization wants the fastest and most powerful servers in their data center. Virtualization, the use of management tools and investment in faster models are a few ways of ensuring your servers are more productive.

 

Read More »