The Role of Edge Computing in Modern Data Center Strategies

The Role of Edge Computing in Modern Data Center Strategies

Authored by Sam Zurzolo

Edge computing has revolutionized the data center landscape, offering unprecedented opportunities for businesses to enhance operations and deliver superior user experiences. At 365 Data Centers, we’ve seen the transformative power of edge computing and its impact on modern data center strategies firsthand.

Edge computing has several advantages, bringing data processing closer to the source and enabling faster response times and more efficient data handling. This approach offers key benefits. For example, by processing data closer to its origin, edge computing significantly reduces latency, enabling real-time responses crucial for applications like autonomous vehicles, telemedicine, and augmented reality.

In addition, edge computing analyzes and filters data locally, reducing the amount of information transmitted to centralized data centers and optimizing bandwidth usage. Organizations can also expand capacity incrementally, allowing for improved scalability without overburdening core infrastructure. Plus, distributed edge nodes provide redundancy, ensuring continuity of operations even if one node fails.

When considering whether edge computing is the right next step for your business, it’s important to assess current infrastructure to determine specific areas where edge computing would address limitations or improve performance. If your business has applications that require low latency, real-time processing, or improved data security, these are areas in which edge computing could enhance your infrastructure.

Analyzing data needs is also beneficial. Consider the volume of data your organization generates and determine whether processing it closer to the source would be beneficial. Next, evaluate the potential cost savings in data transmission, storage, and processing that edge computing might provide. Edge computing can also offer enhanced security due to localized processing, which may be beneficial if your organization handles sensitive data.

Edge computing is a powerful tool for businesses looking to better their data processing capabilities and drive innovation and growth. If adopting edge computing aligns with your company’s overall digital transformation strategy and business goals, 365 Data Centers is here to help you navigate this transition with reliable and secure solutions and expert insights.

By embracing edge computing, businesses can unlock new levels of performance, efficiency, and innovation. In today’s landscape, prioritizing edge computing in data center strategies is essential for enterprises to remain competitive. At 365 Data Centers, we’re committed to helping our clients leverage the power of edge computing. Our comprehensive infrastructure-as-a-service solutions, available across 20 data centers with reach to an additional 125 network PoPs, makes it easy for businesses to implement robust edge strategies.

Maximizing Data Center Availability: Strategies from an Independent Provider

Maximizing Data Center Availability: Strategies from an Independent Provider

Authored by Derek Gillespie

As an independent provider with 20 data centers across the United States, we at 365 Data Centers know firsthand how important it is to be able to maximize data center availability in today’s digital landscape. Businesses today need more than just space and power when it comes to their data centers; they need a trusted partner dedicated to ensuring their critical infrastructure remains operational, secure, and responsive to evolving demands. Some of the robust strategies we’ve developed to ensure maximum uptime and reliability for our clients and deliver on that promise include redundancy at every level, scalable infrastructure, continuous monitoring, and more.

We implement redundancy across all critical components, including power sources, networking equipment, and hardware infrastructure. This approach minimizes the risk of downtime due to component failures. In addition, to ensure our clients’ data and systems are protected against various threats, we employ a meticulous approach to backup and recovery. This also helps us minimize downtime in case of data corruption, hardware failure, or cyber attacks. Having a proactive stance on data protection and system resilience is key to maximize uptime and maintain the trust of our clients when it comes to our ability to safeguard their valuable information and maintain business continuity.

In a similar vein, we have stringent security protocols to protect our clients’ critical infrastructure. 365 isn’t just our name; it’s our commitment to clients, who can expect 24/7/365 monitoring by trained professionals in our facilities. We also maintain strict compliance with industry standards and regulations. These measures prevent unauthorized entry and potential tampering with critical infrastructure. Plus, we continuously monitor system performance and optimize resource allocation, which allows us to adapt with agility to changing business needs and technological advancements.

When it comes to keeping up with the changes as the industry evolves rapidly, our data centers are designed with scalability in mind, allowing us to accommodate growing demand for our clients’ businesses and expand seamlessly without disrupting current operations. Our flexible services, which include customized solutions alongside standard offerings, ensure that our customers’ IT infrastructure remains adaptable and responsive. This flexibility is also reflected in the high-speed, nationwide network connectivity offered between our facilities, points of presence, and customer locations, with access to 86 carriers including top telecom and cable providers. Our carrier-neutral environments allow clients to choose their preferred network providers, ensuring optimal performance, and resilience in network connectivity.

These strategies are a few of the ways we ensure our clients’ digital infrastructure is accessible and ready to take on their needs at any time. The flexibility, tailored solutions, and personalized services we offer set us apart from larger providers while enabling us to deliver enterprise-grade solutions. Whether you’re looking for colocation, cloud, hybrid services, or managed IT solutions, 365 Data Centers is committed to keeping your critical infrastructure available and at optimal performance 24/7/365.

Hybrid Solutions: Seamlessly Integrating Colocation and Cloud Services

Hybrid Solutions: Seamlessly Integrating Colocation and Cloud Services

Authored by Eric Thelen

As enterprises navigate the complexities of digital transformation, many are discovering that a one-size-fits-all approach to application architecture and IT infrastructure no longer works. While some applications benefit from the scalability and flexibility of public clouds, others may require the security, control, performance, and cost benefits offered by colocation or data center-provided cloud services. This realization has led to the popularity of hybrid solutions, which combine these approaches.

Colocation services, often referred to as “colo,” involve housing an organization’s IT infrastructure (such as servers, storage, and networking equipment) in a third-party data center. Instead of maintaining their own data centers, businesses can rent space within these facilities, which provide power, cooling, physical security, and connectivity. At 365 Data Centers, we offer carrier-dense, state-of-the-art colocation facilities across 20 markets in the U.S., providing businesses with a secure and reliable environment for their mission-critical infrastructure. These services include 24/7/365 support, monitoring, robust power and cooling systems, high-level physical security, and compliance with industry standards.

Cloud services, on the other hand, deliver the flexibility and scalability of on-demand access to a shared pool of configurable resources, including servers, storage, and networking along with other value-added services. Public clouds have become a popular choice; however, for some applications, public cloud is not the answer. For instance, some companies seek a higher degree of control, security, and privacy for certain applications. Also, some applications are cost-prohibitive to run in public clouds due to the high costs of egress, servers, storage, and network. Further, some applications have challenges associated with latency and performance. At 365, our cloud solutions can help alleviate some of the challenges associated with public cloud.

The Power of Hybrid Solutions

By combining colocation, data center-provided clouds, and public clouds, companies can create a tailored IT architecture that addresses their unique requirements, effectively achieving the best of both worlds. For example, bandwidth-intensive, performance-sensitive applications can be hosted on customer-owned hardware in colocation or on data center-provided clouds at the edge. Not only can it be more cost-effective, but having their applications closer to their end users, achieves a better user experience. Since you can seamlessly connect these architectures to public cloud, you can still complement the benefits of public cloud to support other needs of an application.

Another use case is industries with strict regulatory requirements; a hybrid solution can strike an ideal balance. Sensitive data can be collocated in secure facilities, adhering to compliance standards such as HIPAA or data residency. Meanwhile, data and applications that do not require the same measures can leverage the scalability and flexibility of data center-provided cloud or public cloud. In a similar vein, leveraging both colocation and cloud services enhances disaster recovery and business continuity, since critical data and applications can be replicated across multiple locations.

When considering a hybrid solution, it is essential to carefully plan out application architecture and IT infrastructure to ensure seamless integration between colocation and cloud services. Keeping future growth in mind is also critical. With a well-planned hybrid solution, businesses can unlock an optimal balance of cost, performance, security, and scalability to maximize the business value of their applications.  At 365 Data Centers, we are committed to helping businesses leverage the full potential of hybrid solutions.

 

Colocation vs. Cloud: How to Choose the Right Solution for Your Business

Colocation vs. Cloud: How to Choose the Right Solution for Your Business

When it comes to managing your IT infrastructure, choosing between colocation or cloud for your enterprise may be overwhelming. Both options offer unique advantages, and choosing the right solution can significantly impact your organization’s efficiency, scalability, and bottom line. At 365 Data Centers, we pride ourselves on being able to guide you in making the right decision for your business.

While colocation involves renting physical space in a third-party data center to house your own servers and hardware, cloud services provide virtualized computing resources over the internet, eliminating the need for on-site hardware management. Each option brings to the table unique factors to consider, such as cost effectiveness, security and compliance, and customization potential. Some organizations also opt for a hybrid approach, combining the strengths of each solution to optimize costs and enhance business continuity and disaster recovery. Whichever route you choose, it’s essential to select a solution that integrates well with your existing IT infrastructure.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution, since each enterprise presents a unique scenario with its own set of needs. To identify the best fit for your business, consider the following:

  • Assess Your Current Infrastructure: Do you have existing hardware investments? If so, colocation may be the most cost-effective option.
  • Understand Your Customization Needs: Will you need full authority over your hardware and software components? Colocation provides more options for control, allowing for extensive customization depending on the requirements of your business.
  • Evaluate Your Growth Trajectory: At what rate do you anticipate your business to grow? Fast-growing startups might benefit from the instant scalability that cloud offers, while businesses with predictable, steady growth may favor colocation’s planned expansion.
  • Consider Your Technical Expertise: Does your business have an in-house IT team? Cloud services often come with built-in support, while colocation requires more in-house expertise.
  • Analyze Your Budget Structure: Do you plan for monthly expenses or long-term investments? Cloud services may be more appealing if you prefer predictable monthly expenses with their pay-as-you-go models, while colocation requires a higher payment upfront for long-term savings overall.
  • Review Compliance Requirements: Does your industry have strict data handling regulations? If that is the case, colocation may be the best fit for your business since it allows you to implement custom security measures and maintain physical control over data.

At 365 Data Centers, we are committed to helping you navigate these questions and choices. Our team of experts can assist in designing a tailored solution that aligns with your business objectives, whether that’s a pure colocation setup, a cloud-based infrastructure, or a hybrid model that combines the best of both worlds. Our cloud services include dedicated, secure high-speed connectivity to all major public clouds, design, delivery, and management of a secure cloud infrastructure in our cloud environment, disaster recovery and business continuity, and data and file storage solutions. We also provide robust colocation services, with 20 facilities managed by our experienced technical staff to ensure that your equipment stays online. With a broad portfolio of solutions, we work to ensure that your IT infrastructure aligns with your business strategy and needs so that you are positioned for long-term success in the digital age. For more information on how our solutions can benefit your business, visit: https://365datacenters.com/

Space and Power Management: Optimizing Your Data Center Footprint

Space and Power Management: Optimizing Your Data Center Footprint

Efficient space and power management are increasingly crucial for data centers to maximize performance, reduce costs and minimize environmental impact in today’s digital landscape. At 365 Data Centers, we understand the importance of optimizing our data center footprint to meet the ever-growing demands of modern enterprises without compromising reliability, efficiency or scalability.

Efficient Space Utilization

The 365 Data Centers network spans 20 interconnected data centers across the United States, so maximizing the use of available space is essential to ensure data center optimization in each location. Strategies to achieve this goal can include:

  • High-Density Configurations: Implementing high-density server racks can significantly increase computing power per square foot, allowing for a more efficient use of space while reducing the data center’s overall footprint.
  • Hot and Cold Aisle Containment: Proper airflow management is crucial for both space and power efficiency. Implementing hot and cold aisle containment systems helps separate hot exhaust air from cool supply air, improving cooling efficiency and allowing for higher rack densities.
  • Modular Design: Adopting a modular approach to data center design provides opportunity for scalability and flexibility, allowing for capacity to be added as needed, which optimizes space utilization while preventing overprovisioning.

Capacity Planning and Management

Effective capacity planning is crucial for optimizing your data center footprint. Utilizing predictive analytics and machine learning algorithms can help forecast future capacity needs, allowing for proactive planning and avoiding overprovisioning. The implementation of robust asset management systems can also ensure efficient utilization of  resources and help to identify underutilized or obsolete equipment. In addition, integrating cloud services helps optimize on-premises infrastructure usage and provide flexibility in capacity management.

Power Management Strategies

Effective power management goes a long way in reducing energy consumption and operational costs. At 365 Data Centers, we strive to ensure optimal power usage across our facilities. Monitoring a data center’s Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) regularly helps identify areas for improvement in energy efficiency. In addition, the implementation of intelligent power distribution units (PDUs) allows for real-time monitoring and control of power consumption at the rack level, enabling better capacity planning and helping to identify opportunities for power optimization.

Continuous Monitoring and Optimization

Maintaining an optimized data center footprint is an ongoing endeavor that entails continuous monitoring and improvement. Conducting periodic audits of data center infrastructure and ensuring that staff is well-trained in best practices for space and power management are crucial aspects of that maintenance. 365 Data Centers provides 24/7/365 monitoring by trained professionals, ensuring security and reliability. For that reason, we guarantee 100% uptime of power for customers with primary and redundant circuits and are equipped to offer an ideal perfect environment to scale with growing business needs.

At 365 Data Centers, we are committed to optimizing our data center footprint through effective space and power management strategies. By implementing these approaches, we can ensure that our data centers operate at the highest possible efficiency, reducing operational costs and minimizing environmental impact. As the demand for data center services continues to grow, optimizing infrastructure and ensuring seamless scalability are essential. For more information on how our solutions can benefit your business, visit www.365datacenters.com.

The Power of Connectivity

The Power of Connectivity

How Our Proprietary Network Enhances Your Colocation and Cloud Experience

Authored by Derek Gillespie

In today’s fast-paced digital world, the power of connectivity cannot be overstated. As businesses increasingly rely on digital infrastructure, the demand for robust, seamless and secure connectivity solutions has never been more critical. At 365 Data Centers, we understand that connectivity is the backbone of successful colocation and hybrid-cloud experiences, and our proprietary network is designed to ensure and elevate such experiences for our customers.

The Backbone of Seamless Connectivity

Our proprietary network is the result of seven years of meticulous development, positioning 365 Data Centers as a leader in network-centric colocation and cloud solutions. This network spans 20 interconnected data centers and an additional 125 network Points of Presence (PoPs) across the United States, ensuring that our customers benefit from a seamless and unified network-centric colocation and cloud ecosystem. These PoPs, equipped with advanced network servers and routers, enable efficient data transfer and connectivity, crucial for meeting the demands of modern businesses.

Enhancing Colocation with Advanced Network Solutions

Colocation is not just about housing servers; it’s about ensuring that these servers can communicate effectively and securely with the outside world. Our network-centric model includes substantial IP address ownership and partnerships with over 700 peering partners. This extensive network infrastructure provides our clients with cost-effective internet connectivity and strategic advantages, enabling them to focus on their core business operations without fear of connectivity issues.

Security: A Cornerstone of Connectivity

In an era where data breaches and cyber threats are rampant, security is a top priority. Our connectivity solutions are fortified with robust security measures, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems and encryption protocols. These measures ensure that our customers’ data is protected against cyber threats, while also complying with industry regulations and data protection standards. Secure connectivity practices also help mitigate potential downtimes, ensuring business continuity even in the face of disruptions.

Driving Efficiency and Sustainability

Effective connectivity is not just about speed. Efficiency and sustainability are key components in measuring the true effectiveness of any connectivity solution. By optimizing data routing and reducing latency, our network solutions help minimize energy consumption, aligning with the sustainability goals of today’s businesses. This operational efficiency translates into cost savings for our customers, making our colocation and cloud services not only reliable but also economically advantageous.

Simplifying Growth with Comprehensive Solutions

At 365 Data Centers, we simplify growth for businesses by offering a comprehensive suite of services under one roof. Our offerings include colocation, connectivity, IP transit, direct cloud on-ramp, cloud compute, cloud storage, back-up services, disaster recovery solutions and business continuity services, all bundled under a single master service agreement. This integrated approach ensures that our customers have access to the resources they need to scale their operations seamlessly and efficiently.

The power of connectivity is the keystone of the digital age. 365 Data Centers is committed to providing our customers with the connectivity solutions they need to thrive. Our proprietary network not only enhances the colocation and cloud experience but also empowers businesses to meet the demands of a data-driven world with confidence and security. For more information on how our solutions can benefit your business, visit www.365datacenters.com.

The Advantages of Choosing a Data Center Provider with a Proprietary Network

The Advantages of Choosing a Data Center Provider with a Proprietary Network

Authored By Bob DeSantis, CEO

Data is the new currency and choosing the right data center provider is a strategic decision that can significantly impact your business’s success. As CEO at 365 Data Centers, I want to share why opting for a data center provider with a proprietary network is a decision that offers unparalleled advantages.

Data center providers like 365 Data Centers offer a level of flexibility that is often unmatched by larger, more rigid institutional providers. Our entrepreneurial culture allows us to tailor solutions to meet the unique needs of each client, ensuring that businesses can scale efficiently and respond swiftly to market changes. Our proprietary network, developed over the past seven years, is a testament to 365’s commitment to providing bespoke connectivity solutions that cater to diverse business requirements.

Enhanced Security and Superior Connectivity

Security is a paramount concern for any business handling sensitive data. By choosing a colocation provider with a proprietary network, you gain enhanced control over your data security. Our network-centric model includes advanced security measures such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems and encryption protocols. These are designed to protect data from cyber threats while ensuring compliance with industry standards. The ability to manage and customize security protocols provides peace of mind and reduces the risk of data breaches.

365’s proprietary network spans 20 interconnected data centers and 125 additional network Points of Presence (PoPs) across the United States, ensuring seamless connectivity and high performance. This extensive network infrastructure supports efficient data transfer, reduces latency and enhances the overall performance of your IT operations. With over 700 peering partners, we offer cost-effective internet connectivity that is both reliable, diverse and robust, enabling your business to operate without the hindrance of connectivity issues.

Cost-Effective Solutions and Strategic Partnerships

Operational efficiency and cost savings are critical in today’s competitive business environment. Our network solutions are designed to optimize data routing and minimize energy consumption, aligning with sustainability goals while reducing operational costs. By choosing an independent network-centric colocation provider, you benefit from competitive pricing models and the ability to negotiate terms that best suit your business needs. 365 Data Centers are not bound by the pricing, contractual and/or operational policy and procedure constraints inherent to the business culture of larger providers. This enables 365 to forge strategic partnerships and tailored solutions that drive innovation. Our direct connectivity to public clouds and enterprise cloud solutions facilitate hybrid cloud deployments, offering the flexibility and efficiency that modern businesses require. This ability to innovate and adapt quickly to technological advancements ensures that our customers are always at the forefront of digital transformation.

We are committed to providing exceptional service and support, ensuring that our clients have access to the resources they need to thrive. Our comprehensive suite of services, including colocation, cross connects, Layer 1, 2, and 3 network connectivity, cloud compute and storage, back-up, disaster recovery, and business continuity, is bundled under a single master service agreement, simplifying administration and management  to enhance the client experience.

Choosing a network-centric colocation and other managed services provider with a proprietary network offers significant advantages in flexibility, security, reliability, connectivity, cost efficiency, management and innovation. At 365 Data Centers, we are dedicated to delivering this value proposition to our clients, empowering them to succeed in a data-driven world. For more information on how we can enhance your business operations, visit www.365datacenters.com.

The Strategic Advantages of Network-Centric Colocation

The Strategic Advantages of Network-Centric Colocation

AUTHOR: Bob DeSantis, CEO, 365 Data Centers

Colocation has been an important element of the data center industry since the inception of the internet. In fact, early on, colocation was commonly described as being available at “internet data center facilities.” However, not all colocation is created equal. Network-centric colocation is a strategic approach to data center infrastructure investment that prioritizes both connectivity and interconnectivity. It is important for data center customers to understand how a data center operator is positioned to provide interconnectivity within and between its data centers and other connectivity options outside of the data center. The more network-centric the data center operator the more harmonious and streamlined the colocation and connectivity solution will be. 365 Data Centers is proving out the model for how network-centric colocation can be successful and provide the service provider and its customers with strategic advantages.

Interconnectivity

Unlike traditional colocation, where the focus is primarily on physical space and power, network-centric colocation places equal emphasis on creating a network ecosystem within the data center facility. This approach enables customers to leverage the benefits of a carrier-neutral interconnection platform, allowing seamless interconnection to a significant number of international, national, regional, and local carriers. 365’s colocation customers include about 110 such carriers that maintain approximately 275 Points-of Presence (“PoPs”) within 365’s 20 data center facilities. As the facilities operator, 365 can arrange instantaneous interconnection to all of these carriers via cross connects. In addition to carrier interconnection within a network-centric facility, each of 365’s data centers are redundantly interconnected to each other to enable 365 multi-site customers to transport its data efficiently and cost effectively between their production and back-up colocation deployments. Strategically, 365 partners with its carrier colocation customers to secure the transport circuit element. An important distinction related to 365’s network-centric colocation model is that the network equipment element of the network ecosystem is owned, operated, and maintained by 365, not the carriers that provide the transport circuits.  As such, in this network-centric colocation model, the data center operator controls and manages the speeds and feeds of the interconnection.

By co-locating in a network-centric data center, customers gain the ability to interconnect with any carrier, business partner, or data center within the colocation operator’s network ecosystem, regardless of the geographic location of the interconnected facility. Network-centric colocation facilities provide customers with interdependent routing capabilities, traffic engineering, and a backbone of networks that constitute “digital bunkers” during manmade or natural disasters. 365 consistently makes major investments in the network equipment and circuit elements providing interconnectivity. As a result, the company’s data center facilities serve as important regional network hubs and is one of the nation’s densest network centric-data center operators. This positioning provides customers the strategic advantages of network access flexibility, bandwidth scalability, and redundancy, which ensures optimal performance by mitigating risks associated with service disruptions.

Connectivity

The second pillar of network-centric colocation is the provider’s ability to connect outward through a nationwide fiber network with initiation and end points managed by the operator’s owned network equipment infrastructure. In addition to its 20 redundantly interconnected data centers, 365 maintains 125 additional network PoPs throughout the US that house the Company’s state-of-the-art network servers and routers which are also interconnected with each of its data centers. This model not only allows for interconnectivity within the data center ecosystem but also for customer connectivity solutions to and between each of the combined 145 PoPs within and beyond the 20 data centers.

Another critical aspect of the 365 network-centric model includes a robust internet access capability. Unlike non or lesser network-centric business models, 365’s model includes registered ownership of a substantial number of IP addresses and more than 700 peering partners. The combination of in-place nationwide PoPs for data transport connectivity, and substantial IP address ownership coupled with significant peering partner connections to deliver the lowest cost internet connectivity, provides a full spectrum connectivity value proposition that further solidifies the strategic operating and cost advantage to both customers and the network-centric colocation provider.

Cloud services are also an important component of connectivity. Network-centric data centers, like 365, are designed to best serve a customer’s hybrid cloud requirements by providing several public cloud direct connectivity options. Customers are empowered to connect steady workloads that run in either the data center operator’s colocation or cloud instance with peak and valley workloads that are run in a public cloud environment. This combination best enables and supports the customer’s public cloud initiatives.

With the demands of AI technology for colocation space and power already on the horizon, colocation providers that are also network-centric and equipped to provide all of the interconnectivity and connectivity solutions described above and their customers will have a strategic competitive advantage. This is because the explosion of AI data which will be stored at colocation facilities will, to a great extent, also need to be transported. Colocation operators that are truly network-centric and their customers are best prepared to both store and transport the anticipated increases in data volume in the most flexible and cost-efficient manner. In addition, a significant portion of AI data will need to be stored close to where it is created and used. This also provides network-centric colocation service providers located in “edge” second tier markets and their customers a strategic advantage. 

365 Data Centers has spent over six years honing its network-centric colocation business and leading the way in delivering network-centric solutions. We have first-hand knowledge of what it looks like and how to define it. We trust this overview provides a front row seat to the operator and customer strategic advantages of network-centric colocation.

Contact us at [email protected] to learn more about our network-centric collocation and hybrid cloud solutions for your digitally savvy business.

 

365 Data Centers adds eight new data center locations across the U.S.

365 Data Centers Adds Eight New Data Center
Locations Across the U.S.

Through the recent acquisition of the US colocation and network business of Sungard
Availability Services, 365 Data Centers has added eight new data centers across the country.
The new locations (indicated with red pins) include:

  • Alpharetta, GA
  • Aurora, CO
  • Carlstadt, NJ
  • Marlborough, MA
  • Philadelphia, PA
  • Rancho Cordova, CA
  • Richardson, TX
  • Smyrna, GA

365 Data Centers now features a total of 20 network-centric data centers spanning the country from coast to coast (existing locations indicated with gold pins.) With these new data centers, 365 now serves approximately 1,700+ carrier, content, and enterprise customers in these high-demand markets. For more information on colocation and networking services offered by 365 Data Centers, contact [email protected]

The Top 5 Network Challenges Faced by IT Professionals (Infographic)

The Top 5 Network Challenges Faced by IT Professionals (Infographic)

IT professionals have more to deal with today than they ever have before. In organizations of all sizes, across all disciplines, networking has become a complex and interconnected maze of technology possibilities and dangerous pitfalls. The challenges come from all corners: old infrastructure, a rise in cybercrime, increased demand for capacity, and the list goes on and on.

In a recent study conducted by InformationWeek with Network Computing, 300 IT professionals were interviewed extensively, and they reported five key themes that have arisen as the core issues they’re facing. See the infographic for a visualization of these findings ›

Challenge #1: Network security (40%)

Over the last several years, the reports of cyberattacks, phishing scams and other forms of malware releases have increased as much as 59%. Networking professionals report spending nearly half of their time ensuring networking security. As networks become larger and more complex, and organizations try to plan and position for growth, these concerns are understandable: more nodes require more security protocols.

Challenge #2: Reducing Costs (21%)

While many respondents reported that their organizations are increasing their networking budgets and deploying new technologies, roughly one in five respondents still cited reducing costs overall as a challenge. More than half of respondents reported that network security spending has increased by five percent to more than ten percent in the last two years. As a result, their budgets are stressed in other areas, and they seek cost-cutting measures across other areas, such as network maintenance and staffing.

Challenge #3: Staff/Training Issues (19%)

Perhaps as a result of increased spending on security and other networking requirements, staffing and training new team members are two areas that have grown as a concern for IT managers. Whether it was employee burnout from COVID-19 or linked to other causes, the respondents in this survey cited this as a key challenge. As an example, network managers must train both IT professionals and non-professionals how to spot basic phishing scams. And it goes further: respondents also cited issues with “training” upper management on understanding the complexities of IT networking and related costs, particularly when executives and boards are hyper-focused on profitability.

Challenge #4: Network Resiliency (15%)

For most IT managers, ensuring smooth and continuous uptime across their network is practically a full-time job. While some opt for network redundancy, costs can again become an issue for the additional physical or virtual hardware. Those who opt for more advanced recovery operations (usually at more competitive costs,) are choosing SD-WAN controllers and other software-driven network automation solutions to prevent bottlenecks, reduce complexity and increase network visibility.

Challenge #5: Supporting Hybrid and Remote Workforces (15%)

In addition to the staff/training issues reported by respondents, they are equally concerned with figuring out how to support an organization that is either entirely remote or a hybrid mix. This also includes ensuring end-user productivity, unified communications systems, and other network stressers. While Internet access and local network strength at every remote point is always an unknown, organizations now must deal with more remote VPNs and/or authentication structures, and how to route traffic to keep network performance high.

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We see you, IT professionals and network managers. At 365 Data Centers, our network services are designed to help you address these day-to-day challenges. Reliability and security are our forte, and our network services can offset the technical challenges associated with a remote workforce. We run a robust, never-oversubscribed nationwide network with peering partners to route traffic through multiple diverse paths that minimizes network congestion and maximizes uptime. We also leverage military-grade encryption to further ensure uptime by bolstering the security of your network.

Our highly experienced engineers can also help supplement your existing IT staff, whether that be through our 24/7/365 monitoring and support, helping you migrate to a cloud solution, providing expert advice, or more.

If your organization needs dedicated Internet access, private wavelengths, or even dark fiber deployments, our skilled technicians and helpful account representatives can help you meet your challenges, and gain piece of mind with a healthy and secure network. Contact [email protected] today for a review of your network, and let’s #transformyourtech together.

About 365 Data Centers

365 Data Centers is a leading network centric colocation provider operating 13 carrier-neutral data centers located in strategic, primarily edge markets. We offer a comprehensive suite of solutions that includes secure and reliable edge colocation, nationwide network connectivity, cloud compute and storage, DRaaS, BaaS, and business continuity services.