IBM X Series Servers can make your infrastructure great
Posted on June 26, 2013
For companies on the leading edge with a need for IT on demand, real-time access to accurate information is no longer a luxury, it is a necessity. Companies of all sizes need a flexible yet simple Business Intelligence solution to help speed the access of company data into the hands of their decision makers. IBM has demonstrated the power and scalability of the X series server by running nearly 1500 concurrent users. Further, IBM xSeries platform delivers a flexible, scalable, cost effective Business Intelligence solution to the marketplace.
As solutions go, this architecture can be custom designed for your infrastructure requirements or you can move to a cloud solution, reducing your infrastructure costs, and resource requirements while maintaining easy access to your network from anywhere, on any device, at any time.
Essential Data Solutions provides solutions, whether building a solution for your infrastructure or providing a cloud based solution, utilizing high performing and reliable IBM X series servers. Essential Data Solutions is a proud and trusted IBM certified partner providing individualized service, from on-site support to consulting, to the private cloud, SAAS solutions, we provide the right solutions for you.
Cloud Computing – Public Cloud, Private Cloud, which is it right for your organization?
Posted on June 24, 2013
There is a lot of talk these days about “cloud computing” and it seems to be catching on with many companies. It really makes sense to “C” level executives, because it means they don’t have to spend so much money on IT infrastructure or the internal resources required to manage it. Online data storage has been around for about as long as the internet, but now that there’s such a big push in that direction, one must ask, what does it mean for data security? Companies are having a hard enough time keeping their local network safe from hackers and data breaches. What happens now, when they put it out on “the Cloud”?
The basic idea of cloud computing is that your information is stored out there on the internet “somewhere”, available for you to access it whenever you want, from any computer. It’s a great concept that really appeals to companies looking for ways to reduce their costs – and in this economy that’s pretty much everyone. Online data storage seems like a reasonable alternative to buying expensive servers and keeping an IT resource on hand to manage and administer; including setting and enforcing security policies and procedures, managing backup, monitoring activity, and the list goes on.
Some believe that the public Cloud may be fine for pictures and music, but when you start thinking about the data a business keeps on their clients and customers, the stakes go way up. For one thing, you don’t really know where the data is being stored, so you don’t have the first idea what the data security will be like.
Essential data provides a private cloud environment, and enforces strict security standards, starting from the A class certified secure facility housing their server farms to the managed services provided, including monitored; backup and virus protection, redundancy, guaranteed up-time, and business continuity programs. Essential is a certified IBM partner and uses quality hardware from IBM, exclusively. IBM X series servers are made to support a cloud environment and provide exceptional performance, quality and dependability.
V.A.R. (Value Added Resellers) play an important role as an IBM partner
Posted on June 17, 2013
What roles do server and support vendors play, and why? Enterprise IT departments virtualize IT infrastructures to support emerging business intelligence and analytic applications, software distribution,application hosting and other support functions, emphasizing the importance for vendors to provide efficiently managed enterprise server networks.
IBM servers attribute to a successful and efficient IT operations. Enterprise customers reported they more highly value a partner that can provide a server solution that excels in TCO.
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): TCO is one of the most important factors in infrastructure purchase decisions. Enterprises determine long-term value by evaluating the longevity of the server hardware and the strength of the services provided to support the servers’ up-time. Historically, purchase price was one of the primary decision factors for potential x86 server customers; however, enterprises are increasingly leveraging TCO to gain a more accurate view of long-term business impact. Customers recognize the added value servers provide as they are tasked with increasingly demanding workloads such as analytics, leading TCO to outweigh initial price in purchasing decisions.
Virtualization, Efficiency, Scalability: Enterprise IT departments leverage virtualization to improve server efficiency and cost-effectiveness by reducing overhead and operating expenses. Additionally, customers seek to efficiently scale network resources and maximize server hardware capabilities by centralizing administrative tasks through automation based on activity or applications. As more enterprises virtualize IT infrastructures, energy efficiency is increasingly important to manage the costs associated with the demanding workloads placed on servers.
Value Added Resellers and Service & Support: Enterprise IT departments deploy hardware that meets the demands of business processes and applications, and choose vendors as partners to enhance their in-house support organizations.
Essential Data is a proud IBM partner, and IBM VAR offering quality IBM hardware and managed services to small and medium sized businesses.
Enterprise customers’ indicate IBM System x hardware quality and support services are the key differentiators that separate IBM from the the competition.
Posted on June 13, 2013
Enterprise customers view IBM as a trusted partner and provider of x86 hardware and support services. The increased usage of virtualization in server environments and private, public and hybrid cloud
computing architectures intensifies the requirements of its IBM System x solutions. These technology trends play a significant role in the growing amount of mission- and business-critical data streaming through server hardware and analytics software, leading to a higher frequency of user interaction. In addition to providing near-instant access to important data, today’s servers are responsible for managing the entire lifecycle of data storage and transmission. Enterprises rely on IBM’s engineering and product expertise, proactive hardware management tools and support services, as evidenced by IBM’s No. 1 ranking in all three satisfaction indices: product, sales and service satisfaction.
Hardware Quality and Reliability: Enterprises deploy servers in increasingly diverse environments, tasking servers with a growing number of business-critical applications and demanding workloads. Some key determining factors for the quality of server hardware and their manufacturers are: evaluating the total value of the servers’ capabilities at the time of purchase as well as ongoing maintenance costs. Enterprise customers reported that vendors with an established reputation of high-quality products and support services have a competitive edge in their server purchasing decisions.
Service and Support: Enterprise IT departments deploy hardware that meets the demands of business processes and applications, and choose vendors as partners to enhance their in-house support organizations.
Essential Data is a proud IBM partner, and VAR offering quality IBM hardware and managed services to small and medium sized businesses.
Why Should You Protect Your Data?
Posted on June 3, 2013
Sooner or later – by mischief, misfortune or mistake – it is statistically likely that you will lose precious data.
A 2007 Carnegie Mellon study indicated that 2 to 4% of hard drives have to be replaced every year. That’s just one indication of the threat from hardware failure. The study didn’t look at other causes of data loss: accidental file deletion, file corruption, viruses, hackers, stolen equipment or natural disasters. So, when your data is suddenly gone, how will you get it back?
It’s About the Recovery
Many people think the only question is “What is the best way to make backups?” That’s certainly a critical question but business data is the very lifeblood of your business. You can’t afford to look at only half the equation. Questions about recovering data are even more important and to the point:
• Is there any doubt that what I’ve backed up can actually be restored in the event of a crisis?
• How difficult will it be?
• How long will it take to get everything running again?
• How much money will I lose waiting for data to be restored? For an hour? A day? A week?
• Will I have the right help if I need it in an emergency?
Data backup is a little like buying car insurance: Should you focus on an insurance company’s price and how easy it is to buy insurance? Or should you focus more on what might happen if you actually have an accident when you really, really need the company’s support and a quick settlement?
Ultimately it comes down to trust. Trust in the professionalism of the people advising you on data protection. Trust in the backup and restore processes. Trust in the hardware and software.
Making the right choice is critical to your success. We can help you with choosing a cloud backup service provider that:
• Meets your needs
• Provides comfort in their level of support and is easy to work with
• Uses the right technology
• Provides value beyond the software
How to Choose a Cloud Backup Service Provider:
Key Considerations When Assessing Prospective Cloud Backup Service Providers.
Trust in the Service Provider
- Does the service provider have a good reputation?
- How long have they been in business?
- How stable is their company?
- How many customers do they have?
- What kind of customers do they have?
- Are their customers of a similar size and environment to your company?
- Does the service provider have experience in the same or similar industry (vertical) as yours?
- Do they have experience helping with data disaster recovery under conditions seen in your business?
- Are they familiar with laws and standards of your industry?
- What sort recognition have they received?
- Is their recognition based simply on price and brand image, or on their history of supporting customers in a data crisis?
- Is their press recognition mostly from consumer or business press?
- Do they have customer testimonials on web sites?
We at Essential Data Services, are positive that we can be the partner your business will thrive with. We maintain long lasting relationships with our clients and the reason for this is because we care about their business, and treat every client like a partner. (testimonials) linked to http://www.infinitynetwork.com/?q=about-us/testimonials)
As an IBM partner, Essential’s Cloud backup and recovery service provides end users the assurance that their backup solution is secure, reliable and predictable because it is utilizing the industry’s leading cloud backup platform, and is running on IBM quality and dependability.
Trust Essential Data Services, Trust Infinity Network Solutions, Trust IBM.
Essential is owned and operated by Infinity Network Solutions.
How well defined is your organization’s Network Security Policy ?
Posted on May 24, 2013
Policy allows staff to understand the expectations of their employer and provides direction with regards to protecting their company, other employees, customers and data. Development of policy is a critical and often an overlooked activity in security programs.
Many industries today are subject to federal, local or industry specific laws and regulations as well as industry standards and best practices. These regulations will drive business and compliance operations for many organizations. The regulations are critical to the development of company policy.
Technical people love to deal with technology and many times skip the policy that should be driving the implementation of technology. Policies can exist on several levels in an organization; there are regulations, laws, corporate policies, division policies, local policies, issue-specific policies and procedures.
Policies and procedures need to be SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Reasonable, Time-Based). Policies address who, what and why, procedures address the how, where, and when.
Development of a network security policy will drive the business cases and outline what is the organization needs to protect and set a framework for implementing compensating controls. The success of a database security logging and monitoring program will depend on Setting Up a Database Security Logging and Monitoring Program and upon having goals and guidelines in place.
By first understanding business goals, laws, regulations, and resources that require protecting an organization can create an effective policy and base business cases on all this information. This preliminary work is critical, but often skipped by many organizations.
Preparing the foundation will not guarantee success for an organization, but it will better prepare an organization for the work that will build a successful program.
We are a certified IBM partner and use only quality IBM product to build your IT infrastructure.
Weak Authentication is a seasoned hackers dream
Posted on May 14, 2013
Many companies implement elaborate and effective security policies to protect from a “perimeter breach” the network in effect, but neglect to implement strong policies in order to protect the corporate jewel, the database. In most cases the password is the gate to entering the database, the security of the database lies in the hand of the strength, hence the policies surrounding the naming convention of the password. There are a few strategies hackers utilize to gain access to the prize. A brute force attack is the most common, where the perpetrator uses common credential combinations hoping to get lucky. More sophisticated brute force strategies include the use of automation and rainbow tables to gain access.
Another method to “getting in” is to find the treasure map so to speak, the credentials stored on a shared environment, where everyone can access it. Administrators often implement utilities, or scripts in order to simplify their daily routine, these codes or macros may include access codes that can be easily accessible from process tables or unprotected file.
The worst risk and most difficult to manage, plays on human nature and the need to be helpful, where hackers call in posing as a help desk or official department requesting access to repair something on the network.
Finally when companies initiate an implementation they leave the passwords as the default or worse, blank. You can find 1000’s of default passwords easily on the internet, making the database an easy target for any seasoned hacker.
Essential Data Services has a complete strategy on security to help Small and Medium sized businesses stay safe. If standard basic security policies are implement, a risk factor of 98% due to hacking, is mitigated.
If you have questions or would like us to review your security policies, and receive recommendations on how we can help you improve your security. Please contact us.
Essential Data Services offers Security, cloud data storage S.A.A.S and recovery solutions through partnerships with IBM and Asigra. For more details, contact us today at 1.866.408.2737 or [email protected].
Essential data services is a certified IBM partner and supplies IBM servers, the most dependable servers on the market today. As an IBM partner we can offer you the most competitive prices available.
Visit us at www.essentialdata.ca
10 Myths Of Cloud Computing
Posted on April 22, 2013
Myth 1: You Still don’t know what the cloud is.
Yes you do, most likely. Some of the cloud technologies that the majority of businesses have used at some stage include Facebook and LinkedIn among many others.
Myth 2: I Should make the move to reduce costs.
If you are a business then you will likely be able to save money, depending on the current and future requirements of your business, but you need to understand that it’s not all about cutting costs. There are many other benefits that should not be ignored, including reliability, scalability, security and remote access.
Myth 3: The public cloud is the cheapest means of obtaining IT services
This may seem like a good idea because you are meant to pay for what you use and it’s seen as being easy and inexpensive to set up. But what if we take a closer look? When resources are needed frequently other models can be more appropriate. This includes shared resources through a private cloud, which could be more cost-effective since your core requirements, such as security, performance, and availability, will be implemented.
Myth 4: My critical applications and the cloud won’t mix
Businesses require more and more from their IT infrastructure in order to cover the development of their business models. They want to cut costs, be able to adjust their service levels and deliver applications at greater speeds. But what is to be done with applications critical to the running of a business? When choosing a cloud system it is essential that you outline your needs for transition and future developments.
Myth 5: It’s unreliable and insecure
If the data isn’t stored on your PC then it’s at risk because of lack of security and reliability. But wait, no, in actual fact, if you lose that PC then it really is all the important data lost. But with cloud the data will be remotely accessible and protected by a service-level agreement, with strict security protocols in place to keep it secure.
Myth 6: Productivity will be reduced
No, in actual fact, business owners are able to take advantage of advanced applications and servers, with support from experts who will maintain their data through the latest security and hardware. Data becomes accessible remotely and provides greater access capabilities, thus working to actually improve productivity.
Myth 7: Virtualization is the first step
Virtualization can improve the utilization of existing resources and provide greater flexibility. However, cloud computing has the potential to reduce overheads and improve infrastructure, providing the ability to reduce time-consuming tasks and automate workflows without taking this initial step.
Myth 8: 100 per cent, all the time
Once you get the cloud there will be no worries and everything will run smoothly and there will be no downtime. But we all know technology and that it can never be relied upon entirely. With that in mind you need to make sure that there is a service-level agreement in place to cover the occurrence of any downtime. And, also, remember to structure the SLA to a level that makes most sense for your business. So, if a supplier guarantees 99 per cent uptime be aware that this could mean your system or application process is unavailable for several hours a month.
Myth 9: The cloud is too complex
There are different types of systems out there and they have differing levels of complexity. There are models that simplify management and require little change of how you do things, while others offer more control and will lead to further change in application architecture.
Myth 10: Security is the same for all cloud systems
Not necessarily. There are different types of systems and as a result the levels and types of security will differ. Just think about how businesses have to follow varied guidelines in order to handle their sensitive data. As a result a private system may seem like the best solution, but it still has vulnerabilities if there is an Internet connection. Insider attacks are also not to be ignored.
Are you ready with a Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP) or Business Continuity Plan (BCP) ?
Posted on April 17, 2013
A disaster recovery plan (DRP) – sometimes referred to as a business continuity plan (BCP) or business process contingency plan (BPCP) – describes how an organization is to deal with potential disasters. Just as a disaster is an event that makes the continuation of normal functions impossible, a disaster recovery plan consists of the precautions taken so that the effects of a disaster will be minimized and the organization will be able to either maintain or quickly resume mission-critical functions. Typically, disaster recovery planning involves an analysis of business processes and continuity needs; it may also include a significant focus on disaster prevention.
Disaster recovery is becoming an increasingly important aspect of enterprise computing. As devices, systems, and networks become ever more complex, there are simply more things that can go wrong. As a consequence, recovery plans have also become more complex. According to Jon William Toigo (the author of Disaster Recovery Planning). For example, fifteen or twenty years ago if there was a threat to systems from a fire, a disaster recovery plan might consist of powering down the mainframe and other computers before the sprinkler system came on, disassembling components, and subsequently drying circuit boards in the parking lot with a hair dryer. Current enterprise systems tend to be too large and complicated for such simple and hands-on approaches, however, and interruption of service or loss of data can have serious financial impact, whether directly or through loss of customer confidence.
Appropriate plans vary from one enterprise to another, depending on variables such as the type of business, the processes involved, and the level of security needed. Disaster recovery planning may be developed within an organization or purchased as a software application or a service. It is not unusual for an enterprise to spend 25% of its information technology budget on disaster recovery.
Nevertheless, the consensus within the DR industry is that most enterprises are still ill-prepared for a disaster. According to the Disaster Recovery site, “Despite the number of very public disasters since 9/11, still only about 50 percent of companies report having a disaster recovery plan. Of those that do, nearly half have never tested their plan, which is as bad as not having one at all.”
Should You Run Your New Business in the Cloud?
Posted on April 15, 2013
Why wouldn’t you? Most mid to large-sized companies have old infrastructure and investments in hardware (servers, network, datacenter), licenses and personnel/resources that limit their ability to move to the cloud given the cost already sunk into a physical environment. CIOs and security officers also have concerns about security in the cloud. However, just because your applications and data are no longer sitting on premise, doesn’t make them any less secure. The reality is that most cloud providers are leaps and bounds ahead of companies in creating an incredibly secure architecture with multiple layers of physical and virtual security.
Startups and small to mid-sized businesses (“SMBs”) in particular are well-positioned to take advantage of the cloud – they can avoid making big investments in hardware, perpetual licenses and resources, and don’t have a legacy infrastructure to worry about; instead the cash can be used to grow the business and focus on innovation. Startups and SMBs now have a leveled playing field – they can have access to the same resources their enterprise counterparts have had for decades. They can also benefit by leveraging the cloud service provider’s expertise and resources as most of them don’t have staff with the capacity or necessary certifications. This could help make a business more agile as cloud providers give a business the ability to scale up/down, reduce costs, and assist with IT management/support headaches. Pay per use is the new trend and businesses that don’t capitalize on that may not be around for much longer.
The truth is most businesses already know about these benefits. Some are making the move to the cloud, but most recognize that the paradigm shift is happening – it might not be this year or the next, but eventually all things will be cloud. It just doesn’t make sense to have on-premise hardware and do all the management and support in-house. The question then becomes how much cloud and what cloud? Public? Private? Hybrid?
Most companies are working with over four cloud providers – this seems shocking until you add up all the different components like SaaS (CRM, accounting, etc.), IaaS (servers, network, storage, desktops, etc.) and other hosted services (VoIP, UC, etc.). While SaaS and other hosted service providers will be tough to consolidate given the vastly different nature of the services, it would be a prudent business practice for companies to consider consolidating their IaaS cloud needs. When there is a disaster or any issue with business continuity, companies should demand a single point of accountability (SPOA). This ensures quick recovery and getting back online with little impact to day-to-day business activities. Some companies might think the best idea is to work with the largest IaaS provider in order to ensure a smooth and stable environment – but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. When disaster strikes or even for normal support calls, companies stand a much better chance of higher quality of service if they aren’t customer number 103,857,365. Furthermore, several of the larger IaaS providers had major outages last year leaving customers without access to their infrastructure.
Essential Data Services offers cloud data storage and recovery solutions through partnerships with IBM and Asigra. For more details, contact us today at 1.866.408.2737 or [email protected].
