Cloud Computing – whether private, public or software as a service in origin – requires good hardware in terms of servers, storage and routing equipment.
With the advances in virtualisation technology and storage systems many vendors now provide certified platforms based on the leading technologies. Within the cloud computing space there are a number of efforts to standardise systems and software to ensure that interoperability and deployment of cloud services is easily achieved.
Building a solution whether internally or externally requires significant investment and in most cases the use of consultants or system integrators to aid your journey.
Here are the most common categories of hardware used in building a cloud-delivery infrastructure yourself:
We don’t need to tell you what’s so great about hardware of course, but we can tell you why you should enlist our help in exploring your options:
Compare the Cloud has a partner database of vendor certified systems integrators and hardware vendors.
Our advice is independent and impartial and is based on customer satisfaction. Through Compare the Cloud and our affiliates you’ll have access to some of the brightest minds in the UK IT industry.
- Access to new innovations
Being at the forefront of Cloud Computing, Compare the Cloud has access to early stage technologies usually months before general release.
Working with a local partner to fulfil your hardware requirements enables your organisation to reap the benefits of enhanced on-site support contracts. Use our tool or contact us to find suitable partners in your area.
When purchasing new hardware there are always areas of consideration to ensure smooth deployment. To aid your decision we have listed out key points below;
Is your hardware system interoperable with other systems or software within your IT systems?
What vendor support and installation options are available either directly or through the partner channel? If you’re using a system integrator what levels of support is the vendor offering the partner in terms of high level incident support?
Is your proposed hardware choice certified independently as compliant with standards? And example being the energy star standard.
If you’re purchasing hardware from a system integrator always ask for previous reference sites with proven deployment of the hardware your considering.
When using a consultant or vendor to implement a solution if possible always try and work to a total project cost rather than daily or weekly charges.
- RMA (Return Materials Authorisation)
With any hardware purchase there are always concerns with hardware failure – so what is the vendor’s policy in terms of authorising an RMA and replacing faulty parts?
At Compare the Cloud, we’re here to help you get started and to help you identify suitable hardware providers to evaluate and work with. Take a few minutes to tell us about your company in our Cloud Comparison Tool, and we’ll present you with some informed options – and help you take full advantage of hardware solutions for cloud computing.
