Cloud Data Centers: By definition Cloud Data Centers are internet -based data centers. There is no actual central location, and data and applications can be hosted in a wide variety of locations-on-site, in the cloud or even on a self-service basis. The most popular choice, by far, is the cloud. Here are the top 5 data center companies of this tech era.
The biggest winner when it comes to the cloud-based data center market is Microsoft. The leader in the cloud-based enterprise software space, Microsoft now holds the top spot in the cloud bracket with its Office 365 suite of products. The chief advantage for Microsoft is the fact that it can be used in any number of environments-on-site, off-site or in the cloud. This means that once a customer uses Microsoft software, it can be moved to a new location-even in the cloud. All that is required is a minor change in the server operating system or application settings.
IBM is also well positioned in the cloud computing arena. Its recent purchase of SoftLayer has made it the de facto standard in the data center industry. IBM’s main selling point is its low latency and its ability to scale up to large amounts of capacity very quickly. Its main disadvantages are that it is generally not designed for the small business and that it requires a lot of training for its workers. It is also fairly expensive.
Dell was the first company to really challenge the established data center companies in the late 1990s. With its successful laptop sales, it challenged the dominance of Compaq, which held the previously dominant position. In response, Dell built its own brand-new network infrastructure using the most recent technology available at the time. This built a solid reputation as a provider of excellent connectivity solutions for the personal and commercial markets.
Data Center Companies
In the early part of this decade, Sun Microsystems was also active in the cloud market. But it would eventually become an industry leader in cloud infrastructure and retail cloud services. Its acquisition of Calista, however, was meant to position it as a serious competitor to IBM. Sun’s success in this arena is due largely to its use of powerful new networking hardware and software called Sun Grid. This has made it a far more formidable opponent in the cloud infrastructure market.
As companies have begun to realize the need for reliable and scalable cloud solutions, they have focused on acquiring either a direct partner or a distributor that can offer them access to a low cost provider of their preferred solutions. This method of buying a cloud provider for data centers has several advantages over purchasing from a traditional provider. The first advantage is that you don’t have to be locked in to a long term contract with the provider. You can negotiate a short term option with a quick sale to close the contract and move on to looking for another vendor. This approach is especially attractive for small and medium sized businesses that need scalability without tying them to a long term contract.
Another advantage of looking at cloud computing options is the availability of low cost centers in various locations around the world. Companies looking for solutions in the data center market are now finding it more advantageous to buy solutions from established vendors instead of developing their own data center. In addition, by buying in larger quantities, the companies can make economies of scale. And, by being able to buy solutions in various locations around the globe, they are better positioned to take advantage of tax incentives and low labor costs in regions where they are geographically located. These factors have all combined to make buying a cloud hosting service a popular move among companies in the data center market.
The biggest data centers and the most successful players in the market have a few things in common. They have solid technological and operational foundations. They have streamlined systems that allow them to serve customers effectively. And, most importantly, they are all located in world class facilities. Companies that want to make a difference in the competitive environment must be aware of this key selling point of cloud services.
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