14 technology
Cloud creates new benefits for SMEs
Pulsant is inspiring SMEs in the Thames Valley to look at cloud infrastructure not just as a shared, utility-based resource that can be accessed on a ‘pay-as-you-go‘ basis, but as a strategic business tool that can be fine-tuned to address their own specific operational goals
This involves companies taking a more proactive look at how data storage contributes to their success – thinking beyond boxes, racks and back-ups to the benefits of reliable and unlimited storage to their business. Pulsant is quick to point out that those who do can create a more effective roadmap for growth, risk reduction and competitive success.
Mark Howling, CEO of Pulsant, explains: “We have been providing cloud infrastructure and services for over 10 years. During this time we have become well aware of when and where cloud works best and how to get the most out of any infrastructure investment.
“It is clear to us that the most successful cloud adopters are those SMEs who map their cloud requirements closely to their key business objectives. Using cloud as a means to achieving commercial goals faster, more cost effectively and with much lower risk. In this way, SMEs not only reap the obvious practical benefits of cloud but also ensure that it provides real ROI and tangible benefit across their business.“
Working with over 3,000 SME clients, Pulsant has identified the following strategic priorities that are common to all – no matter what the size or nature of the business. Here it shows how cloud storage can be used to contribute to their realisation.
Encouraging growth
Unlike physical servers that have a storage limit, cloud‘s virtualised platform is ‘elastic‘ and can be scaled up as your business grows. It removes the constraints of having to add and configure new hardware to accommodate major projects, new applications or expanding digital presence.
Reducing cost
With cloud, not only do you pay for what you use but virtualised platforms are built on the latest server technology and utilise more of the storage capacity making it highly efficient. This can reduce power consumption and operational costs by as much as 40%.
www.businessmag.co.uk Improving service
Cloud‘s flexibility lets you respond faster to the changing digital requirements of your business. Using a cloud provider like Pulsant means you don‘t have to constantly monitor and manage your servers allowing you to focus your own IT resources on customer facing activities that improve service.
Environment concerns
More efficient than traditional server solutions, virtualised platforms can reduce power consumption dramatically. Make sure your cloud provider has an environmental policy. Pulsant is committed to creating a ‘Green Cloud‘. By October 2012 all its energy will come from renewable sources. This move is combined with the introduction of new technologies such as Cold Aisle Containment and Secure POD rack systems which are designed to reduce power consumption even further.
Managing risk
There has been much debate about cloud resilience, particularly from large-scale commodity-based public cloud providers. However, if properly managed and supported cloud offers more resilience than traditional systems. If a server fails, then the load automatically switches to other servers in the cloud to keep your applications and website live.
Governance requirements
For SMEs working in tightly regulated environments then the cloud solution needs to be properly assessed in terms of compliance, security and data location. Pulsant can offer ‘private‘ cloud facilities that provide the flexibility and cost advantages of a virtual platform but in a controlled environment that is specific to that client. It also offers PCI compliant platforms for ecommerce, and can specify UK-based or even single location clouds to help users conform to European data legislation. In addition, all Pulsant‘s facilities are ISO certified.
RECOGNISED CLOUD EXPERTS
Pulsant is a member of the HP CloudAgile Partner Programme which provides access to the very latest HP server innovations, and new business models. This allows it to facilitate even more reliable and resilient private, public and hybrid cloud services specifically targeted at cost-sensitive, performance focused SMEs.
Howling confirms: “Many of our customers operate in the mid-market where cost and performance are crucial to maintain competitive advantage. As an HP CloudAgile partner, we can now make the design and roll- out of cloud services even easier, faster and more financially compelling for SMEs striving to manage their data more effectively. With the best HP technology at the right price, we can extend our optimised cloud resources to a broader customer base.“
HP predicts that the worldwide cloud services business will reach $143 billion by 2013 and it is helping to fuel this using CloudAgile to invest in key partners across the globe.
“Connecting and collaborating with service providers like Pulsant will help us to drive the uptake of cloud,“ states Andrew Duce, head of the service provider business at HP. “Through CloudAgile we can provide them with access to unique services and the skills needed to drive this evolution as well as the technology to address key areas of business development – building differentiated cloud offerings and managing, governing and securing the entire environment. In addition, they will also benefit from priority access to system enhancements, such as dual bursting capability for more efficient peak workload handling, thereby providing tangible cloud benefits that can be passed on to new and existing customers.“
Details: Mark Howling 0870-252-3600
info@pulsant.co.uk www.pulsant.co.uk
THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – SOLENT & SOUTH CENTRAL – JULY/AUGUST 2012
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