Application Storage, Data Storage
Article | July 12, 2023
Every business or organization has spent a lot of time and energy building its network infrastructure. The right resources have taken countless hours to establish, ensuring that their network offers connectivity, operation, management, and communication. Their complex hardware, software, service architecture, and strategies are all working for optimum and dependable use.
Setting up a security strategy for your network requires ongoing, consistent work. Therefore, the first step in implementing a security technique is to do so. The underlying architecture of your network should consider a range of implementation, upkeep, and continuous active procedures.
Network infrastructure security requires a comprehensive strategy that includes best practices and continuing procedures to guarantee that the underlying infrastructure is always safe. A company's choice of security measures is determined by:
Appropriate legal requirements
Rules unique to the industry
The specific network and security needs
Security for network infrastructure has numerous significant advantages. For example, a business or institution can cut expenses, boost output, secure internal communications, and guarantee the security of sensitive data.
Hardware, software, and services are vital, but they could all have flaws that unintentional or intentional acts could take advantage of. Security for network infrastructure is intended to provide sophisticated, comprehensive resources for defense against internal and external threats. Infrastructures are susceptible to assaults like denial-of-service, ransomware, spam, and illegal access.
Implementing and maintaining a workable security plan for your network architecture can be challenging and time-consuming. Experts can help with this crucial and continuous process. A robust infrastructure lowers operational costs, boosts output, and protects sensitive data from hackers. While no security measure will be able to prevent all attack attempts, network infrastructure security can help you lessen the effects of a cyberattack and guarantee that your business is back up and running as soon as feasible.
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Hyper-Converged Infrastructure
Article | October 3, 2023
Businesses are depending more and more on information technology to accomplish daily objectives. The viability and profitability of a firm are directly impacted by the necessity of putting the appropriate technological processes in place. The misunderstanding that "the Internet is down" is often associated with poor internet connectivity shows how crucial network maintenance is since troubleshooting should always begin and conclude with a network expert. In actuality, though, that employee will spend time out of their day to "repair the Internet," and the money spent on that time is the result of the company's failure to implement a dependable network monitoring system. The direct financial loss increases with network unreliability.
Because expanding wide area network (WAN) infrastructure and cloud networking have now become a significant component of today's enterprise computing, networks have grown much more virtualized and are no longer restricted to either physical location or hardware. While networks themselves are evolving, there is a growing need for IT network management. As organizations modernize their IT infrastructure, they should think about purchasing a network management system for several reasons.
Creating More Effective, Less Redundant Systems
Every network has to deal with data transfer through significant hubs and the flow of information. In order to avoid slowing down data transfer, not using up more IP addresses in a network scheme than necessary, and avoiding dead loops, networking engineers have had to carefully route networking equipment to end devices over the years. An effective IT management solution can analyze how your network is operating and provide immediate insights into the types of changes you need to make to cut down on redundancy and improve workflow. More productivity and less time spent troubleshooting delayed data transfers result from increased efficiency.
Increasing Firewall Defense
Given that more apps are being utilized for internal and external massive data transfers, every network must have adequate firewalls and access control setup. In addition to screen sharing and remote desktop services, more companies require team meeting software with live video conferencing choices. Programs with these features can be highly vulnerable to hackers and other vulnerabilities; thus, it's crucial that firewalls stop attackers from utilizing the software to access restricted sections of corporate networks. Your network management tools can set up your firewalls and guarantee that only secure network connections and programs are used in critical parts of your system.
The bottom line is that your company network will constantly require security and development, and your underlying network must be quick and dependable to satisfy demands for both workplace productivity and customer experience. Which IT network management system, nevertheless, is best for your company? Effectiveness doesn't require a lot of complexity, and if it works with well-known network providers, there's a good chance the cost will be justified. Rock-solid security will be the most crucial factor, but you should also search for a system that can operate on physical, cloud, and hybrid infrastructure.
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Hyper-Converged Infrastructure
Article | October 3, 2023
Simplify server maintenance with managed services! Hybrid and multi-cloud systems work together in harmony, gaining advantage of both storage systems. Explore IaaS providers for your business needs.
Contents
1. Introduction
2. Multi-Cloud vs. Hybrid Cloud
2.1. Multi-Cloud Storage Systems
2.2. Hybrid Cloud Storage Systems
2.3. Choosing between Multi-Cloud and Hybrid Cloud
3. Managed and Unmanaged Services
4. 5 top companies providing IaaS platforms
4.1. ScaleMatrix
4.2. Faction
4.3. Expedient
4.4. PhoenixNAP
4.5. Rackspace Technology
5. Conclusion
1. Introduction
Several leading companies are providing IaaS platforms, offering managed and unmanaged services, and multi-cloud and hybrid cloud solutions to meet the growing demands of businesses in today's digital landscape. In addition, these companies offer various services to help organizations manage their IT infrastructure, including computing power, virtual machines, storage, and networking, while also providing additional value-added services such as security, disaster recovery, and automation.
2. Multi-Cloudvs. Hybrid Cloud
Multi-cloud and hybrid cloud are cloud deployment infrastructure models
2.1. Multi-Cloud Storage Systems:
Multicloud refers to an organization utilizing cloud computing services from at least two cloud providers to run their applications. Instead of relying on a single-cloud stack, multi-cloud environments usually consist of two or more public clouds, two or more private clouds, or a mix of both.
2.2. Hybrid Cloud Storage Systems:
A hybrid cloud refers to a heterogeneous computing environment where applications are executed using a blend of computing, storage, and services across distinct environments, such as public clouds, private clouds, on-premises data centers, or edge locations.
2.3. Choosing Between Multi-Cloud and Hybrid Cloud
2.3.1. Opting for a Hybrid Cloud:
For businesses that require control over certain data or workloads, a hybrid cloud strategy may be necessary. This involves hosting some applications in the public cloud while running critical workloads locally to balance the benefits of cloud technology with the need for local data control. - To avoid vendor lock-in, carefully select the best cloud services for each application or task. - Choose cost-effective services to engage in more effective business planning. - Ensure flexibility and adaptability for the cloud team. - Enable a company to use best-in-class services for each app/task
2.3.2. Selecting a Multi-Cloud:
Businesses often rely on multiple cloud providers for different services, such as public clouds for virtual machines and SaaS for business applications. They may also access AI, ML, or language cloud services from other providers. - To test and validate a cloud computing platform before migrating its resources and workloads. - To enable a centralized identity infrastructure across disparate systems. - To ensure a blend of self-service resources (private cloud) and a platform to run test workloads (public cloud), for DevOps based firms However, hybrids and multi-clouds can operate together. For example, a company can establish a private cloud for internal operations and then merge it with a public cloud to form a hybrid cloud. Additional clouds, whether IaaS, PaaS, or SaaS, can be added or integrated to provide specific resources or services to the business. Alternatively, a company can create a hybrid cloud with one public cloud provider and still use resources and services from other public clouds outside the hybrid cloud environment.
3. Managed and Unmanaged Services
IaaS comes in two main forms: managed and unmanaged. Managed services can simplify server maintenance by providing support and expertise. With managed dedicated servers, clients can focus on other aspects of their business while the host takes care of day-to-day maintenance, including software upgrades. This option is also safer, as self-managing a server without the necessary expertise can create security vulnerabilities. Unmanaged services are cheaper but don't include extras or support. Standard or custom control panels are used for task management. However, managing servers can only be done with experience. In addition, unmanaged hosting services are limited to providing a default solution configuration, and the applications must be installed on the cloud server by the user.
4. 5 Top Companies Providing IaaS Platforms
4.1. ScaleMatrix
ScaleMatrix offers IaaS solutions that empower businesses to manage their IT infrastructure while minimizing expensive capital expenditures (CAPEX) and reducing operational costs (OPEX). With ScaleMatrix's IaaS solutions, companies can have complete control over their infrastructure, utilizing the Ping, Power, Pipe, and server hardware. This allows businesses to tailor their infrastructure to fit their specific needs, with the option to make changes as required. Additionally, businesses can deploy hardware without significant capital investment, avoiding a CAPEX spike. Instead, they can pay for their infrastructure on an OPEX basis, allowing them to manage their expenses more efficiently.
4.2. Faction
Faction is a top-tier IaaS provider that offers a wide range of customizable solutions to meet the unique needs of its clients. Their IaaS offerings provide flexibility and agility to grow businesses while controlling costs. Clients can choose from various infrastructure options, including dedicated servers, private clouds, and hybrid cloud solutions. Faction's managed services portfolio differentiates it from other IaaS providers. The company's managed services are designed to provide clients with a more integrated ecosystem of managed services that can handle complex business needs across client on-premises and cloud environments. This includes services like monitoring and management, security and compliance, cloud backup, and disaster recovery, providing clients with a complete end-to-end solution for their IT infrastructure needs.
4.3. Expedient
Expedient provides infrastructure as a service solutions, including their flagship Expedient Enterprise Cloud, enabling clients to purchase resource pools and dedicated nodes. This cloud offering allows businesses to quickly scale resources without needing to refractor applications or learn a new platform. The platform offers a single management interface with self-service network provisioning, monitoring, and analytics. Expedient also provides a dedicated private cloud solution for applications like Citrix, reducing the infrastructure maintenance burden while maintaining scalability and flexibility. Expedient's Private Cloud Anywhere service allows businesses to have a cloud node within their own data center, providing a cloud-like experience within the proximity of mission-critical functions like manufacturing lines or retail stores.
4.4. PhoenixNAP
PhoenixNAP is a leading provider of bare metal cloud infrastructure solutions that empower businesses to innovate and achieve agility by deploying a flexible, cloud-native-ready infrastructure. Another significant advantage of PhoenixNAP's Bare Metal Cloud is the flexible billing models, which allow for fast scalability and cost optimization. The solutions offer the performance of dedicated hardware with cloud-like flexibility, allowing for automated provisioning of physical servers in minutes. Reserved instances are available for up to three years, providing cost-effective options. As a cloud-native-ready IaaS platform, PhoenixNAP's Bare Metal Cloud delivers high-performance, non-virtualized servers for even the most demanding workloads.
4.5. Rackspace Technology
Rackspace Technology is a leading provider of IT-as-a-Service (IaaS) solutions that enable businesses to leverage the latest technologies and gain a competitive advantage. Their IaaS solutions are designed to meet the unique needs of the FinTech industry, which demands highly secure, scalable, and reliable infrastructure to support mission-critical applications. Its IaaS offerings are designed to provide flexible and scalable infrastructure that can be customized to meet the specific needs of businesses. They offer a range of infrastructure services, including public and private clouds, dedicated servers, and managed hosting, as well as hybrid cloud solutions that combine the benefits of both public and private cloud environments.
5. Conclusion
The future of the top leading companies providing IaaS platforms looks promising as the demand for cloud computing services continues to grow. With the ever-increasing need for businesses to store, manage, and analyze large amounts of data, the demand for IaaS platforms is expected to increase in the coming years. This includes enhancing their security measures, network capabilities, and data center footprints. Furthermore, as the industry moves towards hybrid cloud and multi-cloud environments, these companies will need to adapt and provide solutions that can seamlessly integrate with various cloud platforms. This will require collaboration with other cloud service providers and investment in interoperability technologies. As businesses increasingly rely on data-driven decision-making, cloud providers will need to offer services that enable customers to process and analyze large amounts of data quickly and efficiently using AI and ML. The future of the top leading companies will require continuous innovation, collaboration, and investment in new technologies to meet the changing needs of their customers. As cloud computing continues to transform the business landscape, these companies will enable businesses to scale and grow in the digital age.
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Application Infrastructure, Application Storage
Article | July 19, 2023
Unlock Courses and HCI certifications focused on hyperconvergence providing individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to design, deploy, and manage these advanced infrastructure solutions.
Hyperconvergence has become essential for professionals and beginners seeking to stay ahead in their careers and grow in infstructure sector. Hyperconvergence courses and certifications offer valuable opportunities to enhance knowledge and skills in this transformative technology. In this article, explore the significance of hyperconvergence courses and certifications, and how they enable professionals to become experts in designing, implementing, and managing hyperconverged infrastructure solutions.
1. Cloud Infrastructure and Services Version 4.0 (DCA-CIS)
The Dell Technologies Proven Professional Cloud Infrastructure and Services Associate (DCA-CIS) certification is an associate level certification designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the technologies, processes, and mechanisms required to build cloud infrastructure. By following a cloud computing reference model, participants can make informed decisions when building cloud infrastructure and prepare for advanced topics in cloud solutions. The certification involves completing the recommended training and passing the DEA-2TT4 exam. Exam retake policies are in place, and exam security measures ensure the integrity and validity of certifications. Candidates receive provisional exam score reports immediately, with final scores available in their CertTracker accounts after a statistical analysis. This certification equips professionals with the necessary expertise to excel in cloud infrastructure and services.
2. DCS-SA: Systems Administrator, VxRail
The Specialist – Systems Administrator, VxRail Version 2.0 (DCS-SA) certification focuses on individuals wanting to validate their expertise in effectively administering VxRail systems. VxRail clusters provide hyper-converged solutions that simplify IT operations and reduce business operational costs. This HCI certification introduces participants to the VxRail product, including its hardware and software components within a VxRail cluster. Key topics covered include cluster management, provisioning, monitoring, expansion, REST API usage, and standard maintenance activities. To attain this certification, individuals must acquire a prescribed Associate Level Certification, complete recommended training options, and pass the DES-6332 exam. This certification empowers professionals to administer VxRail systems and optimize data center operations efficiently.
3. Certified and Supported SAP HANA Hardware
One among HCI certification courses, the Certified and Supported SAP HANA Hardware program provides a directory of hardware options powered by SAP HANA, accelerating implementation processes. The directory includes certified appliances, enterprise storage solutions, IaaS platforms, Hyper-Converged Infrastructure (HCI) Solutions, supported intel systems, and supported power systems. These hardware options have undergone testing by hardware partners in collaboration with SAP LinuxLab and are supported for SAP HANA certification. Valid certifications are required at purchase, and support is provided until the end of maintenance. SAP SE delivers the directory for informational purposes, and improvements or corrections may be made at their discretion.
4. Google Cloud Fundamentals: Core Infrastructure
Google Cloud Fundamentals: Core Infrastructure is a comprehensive course introducing essential concepts and terminology for working with Google Cloud. It provides an overview of Google Cloud's computing and storage services and resource as well as policy management tools. Through videos and hands-on labs, learners will gain the knowledge and skills to interact with Google Cloud services, choose and deploy applications using App Engine, Google Kubernetes Engine, and Compute Engine, and utilize various storage options such as cloud storage, Cloud SQL, Cloud Bigtable, and Firestore. This beginner-level course is part of multiple specialization and professional certificate programs, including networking in Google Cloud and developing applications with Google Cloud. Upon completion, learners will receive a shareable certificate. The course is offered by Google Cloud, a trusted provider of innovative cloud technologies designed for security, reliability, and scalability.
5. Infrastructure and Application Modernization with Google Cloud
The ‘Modernizing Legacy Systems and Infrastructure with Google Cloud’ course addresses the challenges faced by businesses with outdated IT infrastructure and explores how cloud technology can enable modernization. It covers various computing options available in the cloud and their benefits, as well as application modernization and API management. The course highlights Google Cloud solutions like Compute Engine, App Engine, and Apigee that assist in system development and management. By completing this beginner-level course, learners will understand the benefits of infrastructure and app modernization using cloud technology, the distinctions between virtual machines, containers, and Kubernetes, and how Google Cloud solutions support app modernization and simplify API management. The course is offered by Google Cloud, a leading provider of cloud technologies designed for security, reliability, and scalability. Upon completion, learners will receive a shareable certificate.
6. Oracle Cloud Infrastructure Foundations
One of the HCI certification courses, the ‘OCI Foundations Course’ is designed to prepare learners for the Oracle Cloud Infrastructure Foundations Associate Certification. The course provides an introduction to the OCI platform and covers core topics such as compute, storage, networking, identity, databases, and security. By completing this course, learners will gain knowledge and skills in architecting solutions, understanding autonomous database concepts, and working with networking and observability tools. The course is offered by Oracle, a leading provider of integrated application suites and secure cloud infrastructure. Learners will have access to flexible deadlines and will receive a shareable certificate upon completion. Oracle's partnership with Coursera aims to increase accessibility to cloud skills training and empower individuals and enterprises to gain expertise in Oracle Cloud solutions.
7. Designing Cisco Data Center Infrastructure (DCID)
The 'Designing Cisco Data Center Infrastructure (DCID) v7.0' training is designed to help learners master the design and deployment options for Cisco data center solutions. The course covers various aspects of data center infrastructure, including network, compute, virtualization, storage area networks, automation, and security. Participants will learn design practices for Cisco Unified Computing System, network management technologies, and various Cisco data center solutions. The training provides both theoretical content and design-oriented case studies through activities. By completing this training, learners can earn 40 Continuing Education credits and prepare for the 300-610 Designing Cisco Data Center Infrastructure (DCID) exam. This certification equips professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to design scalable and reliable data center environments using Cisco technologies, making them eligible for professional-level job roles in enterprise-class data centers. Prerequisites for this training include foundational knowledge in data center networking, storage, virtualization, and Cisco UCS.
Final Thoughts
Mastering infrastructure in the realm of hyperconvergence is essential for IT professionals seeking to excel in their careers and drive successful deployments. Courses and HCI certifications focused on hyperconvergence provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to design, deploy, and manage these infrastructure modernization solutions. By acquiring these credentials, professionals can validate their expertise, stay up-to-date with industry best practices, and position themselves as valuable assets in the rapidly evolving landscape of IT infrastructure.
These courses and certifications offer IT professionals the opportunity to master the intricacies of this transformative infrastructure approach. By investing in these educational resources, individuals can enhance their skill set, broaden their career prospects, and contribute to the successful implementation and management of hyperconverged infrastructure solutions.
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