Dimension Data debuts global cloud services to accelerate adoption of cloud computing
February 23, 2012
Dimension Data plc, an ICT services and solutions provider, unveiled Thursday a comprehensive range of cloud services aimed at making it easier for companies to accelerate their adoption of cloud computing. Available on a global basis, Dimension Data’s Cloud Services enable companies to be more agile, lower IT infrastructure management expenses and reduce cloud migration complexity and risk.
The global provider’s cloud offerings simplify planning, design, deployment and management of private, public and hybrid clouds. Dimension Data also introduced its Managed Cloud Platform, a global delivery platform for its cloud services, and Dimension Data CloudControl, its cloud management system that automates provisioning, orchestration, administration and billing…
The Dimension Data Cloud Services suite is designed to address the many requirements of an organisation’s path to the cloud, whether it’s at the beginning of its usage of cloud and virtualisation, or well on its way to leveraging the benefits of self-service, hybrid cloud models. As all Dimension Data’s Cloud Services are delivered on the same platform, it’s easier and more cost-effective to expand from one cloud model to another as the demands of the business change.
Dimension Data Cloud Services offer cloud enablement through its advisory and consulting services to help clients understand cloud readiness, governance, IT optimisation, data center consolidation and technology architecture, and cloud and system integration services across traditional on-premise IT systems and private, public or hybrid clouds. The Compute-as-a-Service (CaaS) through virtual servers and storage provided as a service in both shared (public) and dedicated (private) environments, public CaaS to offer compute resources through a flexible, shared service with both pay-as-you-go and monthly plans. The service includes CPU, RAM and storage on demand as well as a web-based user interface and access to an API for provisioning and orchestration. The service includes 24/7 access to a Service Desk and an online Community support portal, private CaaS that provides a pre-determined set of compute resources as a dedicated service deployed in a client data centre. The service includes CPU, RAM and storage as well as a web-based user interface and access to an API for provisioning and orchestration. The service includes the cloud infrastructure, implementation, cloud orchestration and automation technology and ongoing management by Dimension Data, hosted private CaaS, hosted in a Dimension Data data center, and provider CaaS designed for service providers to offer a branded cloud service, the service can be customised with an organisation’s own brand and deployed in a Dimension Data or client data center.
It also offers managed hosting through dedicated infrastructure and application management services interconnected to public and private cloud, as well as management of applications, data, databases, networking, virtual and physical servers, optimisation, and performance. Its managed services is a set of support services, including patch management, device configuration and backup, and advanced cloud services offer value-added services, including cloud-based back-up and disaster recovery, implemented on the Managed Cloud Platform (MCP), and Application Services through applications hosted and operated on the MCP.
Dimension Data Cloud Services offer differentiated capabilities, including guarantees on availability, performance and service experience, self-service, web-based administrative interface and API for control of both public and private cloud, Dimension Data CloudControl, an integrated cloud management system that provides automation, orchestration, provisioning, metering and billing, control of hardware-based networking for configuration cloud-based VLANs, firewalls, load-balancing multicast and NAT, technical operations through a set of support services available on request covering areas such as patch management, device configuration and backup, and common architecture across private cloud and public cloud environments enabling organisations to interconnect cloud environments to support bursting or community clouds.
“Our clients realise the transformational potential of cloud computing, whether it’s moving into new markets, launching new products, or improving IT efficiency,“ said Steve Nola, CEO of Dimension Data’s Cloud Solutions Business Unit. “They’re also aware that migrating to the cloud is complex, with significant implications to their business across operations and IT. Our Cloud Services are designed to help clients reduce cost, move faster and manage risk effectively.”
Chris Lewis, Group Vice President International, Telecom & Networking at research firm IDC said: “Although the adoption of cloud services will grow over the upcoming years, organisations have varying requirements, assets and expertise to throw into the cloud pot. Some organisations want a fully-managed service while others may want to build their own. As companies evolve their cloud thinking, they will aim for a balance between automation and control – inevitably ending up in some form of flexible hybrid cloud solution but, most importantly, without disrupting service or processes."
The Dimension Data Cloud Services are available immediately. Private CaaS can be deployed in client data centres across more than 100 countries. Public CaaS are provided through Dimension Data Public MCPs in the San Jose, California and Ashburn, Virginia, United States; Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Sydney, Australia; Johannesburg, South Africa (March 2012); and Hong Kong in the second quarter of this year.