As the data center industry becomes more efficient, company user requirements have become more advanced. The increased need for additional services, specifically access to cloud services, creates a unique partnership between colocation and cloud providers. While cloud offers flexibility to scale up critical infrastructure, colocation provides the security standards and robust facility infrastructure often needed to meet compliance requirements. This has led many companies to believe using cloud in tandem with colocation is an attractive option. As existing challenges created by future technology unknowns grow for data center users, having flexibility with cloud providers and services now – and in the future – is key to a successful IT strategy.
One of the largest challenges for IT organizations is predicting how increasing IT demand will impact their strategy. For instance, the Cisco Global Cloud Index: Forecast and Methodology, 2014 – 2019 White Paper predicts the below:
The Importance of Cloud Flexibility
Upcoming increases in demand and uncertainty in the future creates the need for data center user service flexibility, especially as it relates to cloud. Data center users should look to partner with data center operators that share this view for the following reasons:
Business Strategies Change
Companies are consistently seeking ways to improve IT strategies. When organizations commence a new product roll out or introduce new services, it can directly impact IT infrastructure needs. Data center users should be cautious to assume the same operator can meet both your colocation and cloud needs effectively with their product alone. Users with access to a variety of cloud providers are positioned well to handle their future needs.
Technology Budgets Change
Business changes often create budget challenges. As a company is left with more or less of their resources to spend, flexibility with cloud partners is extremely important. An increase in IT spending can provide a company access to increased and better cloud providers and services. Conversely, a reduction in a company’s technology spend creates an importance around being able to evaluate the best economic solution. Both scenarios present similar situations – a company’s ability to choose a different cloud approach is extremely valuable.
Cloud Services Change
The cloud market is growing more competitive. The attached list of cloud providers (that provide cloud solutions, not colocation) shows 2015 market share and also reveals their impressive revenue growth. Services offered by these providers are changing rapidly and improving as they strive to remain competitive. This competitive environment is driving better solutions and will for the foreseeable future. Companies with access to multiple cloud providers and services increase their ability to serve their company more effectively because of their access to these resources.
Stream Data Centers – Our Commitment to Flexibility
At Stream Data Centers, we are committed to understanding the current and future needs of our customers. Our data center infrastructure is purpose-built and designed to provide flexibility, which includes connecting our customers with multiple cloud providers. Our cloud solutions offer the ability to monitor and manage public and private clouds in one interface, and the ability to transition financial commitment from colocation to cloud services.
As the data center industry continues to evolve, flexibility is increasingly important in all aspects of a company’s IT strategy, including cloud services. Having a pathway to answer the unknown questions of the future with cloud services is critical and will ensure IT challenges and demands can be met down the road.
