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The Best Business Cloud Storage Service Providers in the World

The Best Business Cloud Storage Service Providers in the World

There are a lot of different storage needs with different businesses. If there is a small business company with 5-10 employees, it needs some amount of cloud storage and if there is a company with thousands of employees then the storage capacity obviously tends to increase. Now there are several Business Cloud Storage Services which will fulfill your cloud storage needs even it is more than a terabyte.

The Best Business Cloud Storage Service Providers in the World

Now companies can take a step forward and leave all the data in the hands of these cloud storage service providers without bothering a lot on their security, hence can invest time and resources in business development. Some encrypt once and some may do it twice. Some storage services allow you to set your own encryption key ,which means no one can get into your important data including those who work for the business cloud services.

 

Here Are The Best Business Cloud Storage Service Providers:

 

Zoolz:

It is the first cloud service to provide Tribrid Backup, next generation of hybrid, in which it allows you to backup your data in three storage types: Instant, Cold and Local Storage. This means companies can select where to backup and the rest will be handled by zoolz automatically.

 

It encrypts your data with military level AES 256-bit encryption before it leaves your machines and then data is transferred to the secured Amazon S3 server and encrypted with AES 256-bit encryption and then stored.

 

It provides enterprise level features like scalability, centralized management and data tiering and more at reasonable price. Zoolz has a powerful and lightweight file browser which allows everything that a file manager allows with ease. It has centralized web console which allows you restore the files to any computer at any time. The deleted files are in the cloud storage forever even after deleting.

 

OpenDrive:

It provides unlimited online storage, backup and cloud content management. It can backup data from a range of sources which includes external drives and servers. Its manual backup program includes in the price and allows you transfer up-to 1.5 Terabyte to an external drive and mail it to OpenDrive.

 

Once your data is stored it can be assessed with ease. It allows you to edit your files and can even be re-saved. OpenDrive deletes your deleted files after 120 days. It does not use re-duplication, which is compression technique that can improve the efficiency of backup.

 

It mainly concentrates on the integrity and security of your data. It also encrypts your data in two stages, once before transit and again in data centers. It provides full administrative control with your account.

 

JustCloud:

Something we like in JustCloud is that it can accommodate any storage need. The basic business plan starts with 100GB and can be expanded to unlimited amount according to your needs, so your cloud storage can be increased with your business growth with ease.

 

In this cloud storage there is no limit for the file size, which resolves most of the problems with huge size files. It provides 100% automated backups, because losing a day’s data could prove to be agonizing.

 

All your data is encrypted with AES 256-bit encryption. It can help you recover stolen or lost laptops by mapping the location of your laptop on a hourly basis to track where it is. You can share files with friends easily by sharing your own custom link or by inviting your friends through social media. It provides 24/7 technical support and even live chat.

 

Mozy:

The best thing in Mozy cloud storage is that all your files are encrypted before they even leave. It is a good option for those who don’t need unlimited storage because it won’t be providing you unlimited cloud storage.

Mozypro makes everything very easy with their data Shuttle services. It starts with Mozy sends you a drive in the mail. You select your data which you want to backup in cloud, transfer it to Shuttle drive and then ship it back to the Mozy data center that’s it your work done.

 

The Shuttle is a one-time service and costs more but it makes the initial cloud transition much easier. It deletes files after exactly 30 days from when they are deleted, so you’ll have to hurry and make decisions as soon as possible because it is very less time when compared to the competitors. It encrypts your files with AES 256-bit encryption.

 

Carbonite:

This cloud storage service also encrypts your data before it leaves your computer. It mainly aims on security and support. It is also a very good option for small businesses cloud storage needs. Its business plans starts form 250GB.

 

It keeps your deleted files for 3 months before it is completely deleted from the cloud storage, which is longer than provided by many other service providers.  Its security options include establishing an own encrypt key which is the added benefit of Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which means no one out of your company can see your files even the folks who work at the Carbonite data center.

 

It also provides a lot of physical protection to your data with biometric scanners and lots of electronic key cards. It provides collaboration with iOS and Android only at this point it lacks. Its support system is very good with fast response through phone, email and even chat.

 

Is your company linked with any of these business cloud storage service providers already? Do write in your experiences as comments below.

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Cloud

Cloud Computing vs Virtualization: The Difference

Cloud Computing vs Virtualization: The Difference

Don’t know the difference between these two hottest terms, i.e. the cloud and virtualization? Well, you don’t have to worry because there are a whole lot of people like you, who often undermine the differences. In this article we highlight whether or not there are any differences between cloud computing and virtualization, if so, their nature and their form as well.

Cloud Computing vs Virtualization: The Difference

The first basic reason for any such confusion with these terms is purely because they are related, and more or less are similar technologies. But careful, that doesn’t mean they are actually interchangeable or so. Each of these terms has their own specific meaning and their difference is significant enough to make matters worse, if used in place of another. Hence this article will relieve you from any of such perplexities on cloud computing and virtualization.

 

Virtualization – What is it?

In a nutshell, virtualization is one among the many technologies that make cloud computing a reality. A text book definition of which looks like this: Virtualization is a means that can separate the available hardware resources or the physical infrastructure into various dedicated partitions, thereby effectively utilizing the entirety of the resources at hand. The three main areas where virtualization is most effective are network virtualization, storage virtualization and server virtualization.

 

A more detailed introspection into what virtualization actually means shows that a technology named something like the virtual machine monitor (VMM) is its back bone. Also called the virtual manager, it separates the computing environments from the actual hardware resources. To put it in another way, the virtual manager is the technology gives virtualization the power to make servers, storage and all the other systems independent of the actual physical infrastructure.

 

But the reason behind all this muddling is while implementing a private cloud, both virtualization and cloud computing are used together. In private cloud, with virtualization, the quantity of physical infrastructure required to host the entire enterprises’ data can be reduced moreover, the utilization of this infrastructure gets better than ever. Thus helping businesses reap large scale benefits on the long run.

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Choosing The Most Suitable Cloud Computing Model Isn’t So Tough

( Check ) What is the model of Cloud Computing suitable for your company?

Choosing The Most Suitable Cloud Computing Model Isn't So Tough

There are public, private and hybrid clouds. So what are the advantages of each type of cloud and how to decide what is the optimum for the company? These are usually some points every business must have clear cut answers for selecting the more suitable cloud computing model.

Moving to the cloud or not is no longer an uncertainty, the more bothering debate now in the market is choosing the most suitable cloud computing model for a particular organization.
In its annual survey of executives in the technology industry, “2013 Technology Industry Business Outlook” , KPMG concluded that cloud computing will be one of the biggest drivers of revenue for companies in the next three years. Also, most of the companies surveyed already had or are in the process of adopting such technology, while only 15% do not have or do not plan to use it in the short or medium term.
Cloud computing has different options. There the public, private and hybrid clouds . So what are the advantages of each type of cloud and how to decide what is the optimum for each company? Besides the size of an organization, there are other factors that determine a wise decision. Among the most important is the level of security and control required and the type of industry you belong to.

 

Here’s How To Pick The More Suitable Cloud Computing Model For Your Business:

These are some of the characteristics of each scheme, according to FJ Gould, Executive Director of Operations and Director of Channels VMware Latin America.

 

Public Cloud :

The public cloud is a set of services, applications, computer networks and infrastructure provided by a supplier on the Internet. Its popularity is because the configuration is quick and easy, since the hardware, applications and bandwidth are provided by the same vendor. Many companies offer these clouds with the business model of pay per use.
Its main advantage is the economy of scale, since the costs are shared among all users, similar to the electricity company in which each customer pays for what he consumes. Another important advantage is the ability to increase computing capacity according to particular needs and that the process is transparent to the user.

 

The public cloud is the suitable cloud computing model for a company if:

  • The applications are used by many people from different types of devices. For example, email.
  • Requires additional computing capacity to cover demand in times of increased use.
  • Need an environment where one can develop and evaluate applications quickly.
  • Collaborate on projects with other companies.

 

Private Cloud :

As its name suggests, the private cloud replicates the functionality of the public, but is for the exclusive use of a single organization. This cloud allows you to store business cloud applications while offering a high level of control and security, but requires greater capital investment. “Private clouds can be managed and physically located within the organization or can be administered by a third party.

You should opt for the Private Cloud if:

  • Control and security of your applications and data are critical.
  • The business is engaged in an industry with strict safety laws and data privacy, for example, health care.
  • Want more control, performance and at the same time enjoy the benefits of the cloud.
  • The company has the resources to manage a private cloud efficiently.

 

Hybrid Cloud :

Finally, hybrid clouds combine two or more clouds (public and private) from multiple vendors that although remain as separate entities, join to take advantage of each scheme. For example, in a hybrid cloud one can use public cloud resources to increase processing capacity of your private cloud peaking of bandwidth consumption without the capital investment that would entail. The biggest challenge of these clouds is to unify safety and ensure that all providers can communicate with each other.

Hybrid Cloud is the most suitable cloud computing model if your company:

  • Uses the public cloud for customers external information technology and privacy for inmates.
  • Provides services to different markets. You can use a public cloud to interact with users while maintaining their protected data in their private cloud data.
  • Needs to increase the capacity of a private cloud but do not want to invest or do not have the capital for infrastructure.
  • Intends to use a SaaS application (Software-as-a-Service) , as a service to a company in the public cloud, but are concerned about security. The application vendor can create a private cloud exclusively for the company inside your firewall.

Like we always mention, cloud computing is easier than it seems and understanding both the similarities and differences between the three models will surely help you choose between one of them.
“It is critical that a detailed analysis of the current infrastructure of information technology analysis is performed, how it is used and, above all, their present and future requirements,” recalls Gould, “in this way, you can select the type Cloud that optimally meet your needs and give you the infrastructure and support to achieve the objectives of the organization.

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10 Things About The Cloud You Should Know Before Its Implementation

10 Things You Should Know About Cloud Computing Before Implementing

10 Things About The Cloud You Should Know Before Its Implementation

Here is a quick guide for developing an IT strategy for Cloud Computing.

Today, the question is not whether your organization will adopt Cloud Computing or not but when. Such is the prominence with almost 75% of even the small businesses either already into or getting ready to enter the cloud  In case you really aren’t so sure about deploying your resources into the cloud, then here are 10 common questions that will help to identify and therefore define the correct Cloud Computing strategy for your organization.

 

1. What is Cloud Computing ?

It is the virtual distribution of shares that the end user uses as a service. There is talk of cloud in two contexts: (1) what type of cloud is built and (2) how to use it. IT professionals tend to think in terms of cloud infrastructure (Eg:  public, private or hybrid cloud). Business decision makers can focus more on the type of service to be distributed: Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) and Platform-as-a-Service (SaaS). Align the two perspectives help to articulate a great cloud.

 

2. Why should your organization implement Cloud ?

The cloud can help to manage the pressures faced by IT organizations to cut costs, respond rapidly to requests, and ensure data security and compliance. These pressures can be reduced by adopting the cloud as it exhibits better use of resources and services on demand and also better security management policies.

 

3. What should be your first step in planning the strategy?

You could start by developing a strategic document that includes:

  • A broad description of the business case.
  • Implementing steps defined
  • The definition of cloud architecture
  • The plan’s / client computers
  • Plan monitoring and management
  • Plan Association business and IT

 

4. How do you ensure that your Cloud strategy is complete?

Document how it will impact the business processes on migration from a model that uses applications in virtual machine (VM) to a cloud model. Consider categorization of  workloads based on various infrastructure needs.

Standard : productivity applications and non-core work loads or applications that are used daily.

Strategic : applications and core workloads that create value and differentiate the business.

Pilot : applications and workloads that drive innovation and create new opportunities for business.

 

5. What is the right delivery model service for your organization?

The best is the one that fits their workloads to environments to provide the services your end user needs. To determine the correct model consider the factors that are specific to your data center and its organization (eg: type of workload demand, scale, security requirements and service level expectations).

 

6. Is “virtualization” similar to that of “cloud”?

Virtualization abstracts computing resources-usually as VMS (Virtual Memory System) – connectivity and associated storage capacity. The cloud determines how to assign, deliver and present these virtualized resources. While not required virtualization to cloud “bare metal” (or cloud with dedicated hardware), cloud-based virtualization allows you to scale resources more quickly in a way that in non-virtualized environments is difficult.

 

7. How to implement a secure infrastructure?

Find an architecture that is reliable and remember these principles:

  • Secure residence: understand where the data is stored and how to access them.
  • Secure the movement: understand the networks through which data are disseminated.
  • Secure method: understand how data is transmitted through the networks storages.

 

8. How do you evaluate the current status and map to follow your strategy for Cloud ?

Are you running an application on a server or virtualized their servers to improve efficiency? Both solutions work, but can impede innovation or limit scalability. To take the next step, outlining this vision for service delivery and compare to three constraints: service agreements, the budget and the optimal use of servers.

 

9. How can the cloud affect current business practices?

Change of manually provisioning to an automatic infrastructure.
Evolve to support static to dynamic services. Adopt the principles of  “DevOps”. Let it act as an intermediary services, promoting the business rather than just support it.

 

10. Are there terms and concepts related to cloud you should know about?

Expansion cloud ( Cloud bursting): an application running in a private cloud or in a data center and “expanded” into a public cloud with increasing demand for computing power.

Virtualization network function (NFV): virtualize entire classes of functions node network building blocks that can be connected or chained together to create communication services.

Software Defined Network (SDN): Allows administrators to manage networks and provide network services through automation and software defined networks.

Storage defined by software (SDS): A storage environment defined by software, that can scale massively. Levels and provides automated data and media management in high-volume servers.

Software Defined Infrastructure (SDI, for its acronym in English): allows an environment in which applications systems defined by sets of resource management, service assurance and provisioning.

Have you already applied these technologies in your business? Tell us about your experience.

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Cloud Computing – Types of Cloud and Services

Cloud Computing

Cloud computing has very fast evolved into a basic methodology for building IT structures and services. The number of companies opting for cloud deployment has been rapidly increasing; proving that the cloud isn’t just a technology. However, cloud computing is classified based on cloud location or services offered.

Types of cloud and cloud computing

Image Credits: Mashable

In this article we will take you through the difference the various types of cloud have in them based on the cloud location. You can find the differences in clouds based on services they offer here – IaaS, SaaS, PaaS are the fundamental models of cloud services.

Different Types of Cloud

Public Cloud:

In a Public Cloud, the entire computing infrastructure is provided to the general public by a service provider, who hosts the entire infrastructure. However, there would absolutely be no control over the infrastructure on part of the customer. These service providers are companies which hold data of customers and this data is available for the customers on the Internet.

In a nutshell, customers have no control or rights over the infrastructure location or maintenance. Also since all customers on the public cloud share common infrastructure with limited configuration there are several advantages and disadvantages associated with this public cloud model which will be listed in some other article later on.

Also Read: The Ultimate Cloud Data Security Mantras For Individuals and Businesses

Private Cloud:

In the private cloud model, the infrastructure is all in the hands of one particular organization. The control and visibility that’s lacking in public clouds is with businesses within this cloud model. The private cloud is implemented within the enterprise firewall and can also be remotely located from the enterprise.

Since there is no sharing of infrastructure with others, the security risks are minimal. With a private cloud there’s more security and more expenses.

Also Read: A Personal Private Cloud In Your Home Isn’t A Bad Idea

Hybrid Cloud:

The Hybrid Cloud model is simply the combination of both public and private clouds. Suitable cloud model is utilized based on purpose. Hence costs are reduced without compromising on security. Many organizations follow this trend in hosting critical applications and the relatively less important applications are hosted on the public cloud.

The only downside is in keeping track of all the cloud security platforms and managing them properly for them to communicate with each other effectively.

Also Read: Difference between Cloud Computing and Virtualisation

Also Read: Differences between Managed Cloud and Unmanaged cloud

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These are the 5 Best Cloud Storage Services of 2015

cloud storage

Cloud storage has already become an essential part of our present and mobile lives. Services like the Dropbox, Google Drive, iCloud etc., have been storing our data on their servers for a while, but which of them suits you the most, is the billion dollar question. So, we present to you some of the best cloud storage services of 2015. The takeaway from this article is that you will understand why these cloud services are on top. But before that here’s appreciating the cloud.

 

Today laptops, smartphones and tablets have all become the basic need of everyone and are hence owned by greater sums of people. The scheme that your data locked away in your desktop hard drive seems quite outdated. Cloud storage has emancipated from these problems, providing access to files we require anytime from anywhere. By these email servers sharing of larger information with others has become easier than ever. By simply sending a link of files stored within the server to your colleagues or friends, they can have immediate access to that information.

 

Dropbox

It is the only cloud storage service which offers services to users from various platforms i.e. Mac OS X, Windows, Linux, Blackberry, iOS and Android platform, the only exception is the Windows Phone app which is still elusive. The basic free account provides 2GB of data storage and you can upgrade to the 1TB (Tera Byte) plan with £7.99 per month. Recently, Samsung offered 50GB of free Dropbox storage on purchase of a new handset.

 

Dropbox functions by creating a local folder on your device or PC which syncs with an online version. Immediately after placing the files in the Dropbox folder of your PC, they appear online quickly, and you can also choose the option of making the selected files offline on your tablet or smartphone.  The Dropbox servers are encrypted by 256-bit AES encryption.

 

Google Drive

It is very much similar to OneDrive, which is going to be discussed below. It links iCloud to Apple and Microsoft products. Google Drive is at the center of various online services offered by Google. It provides 15GB of freely available space as soon as you setup your Google account or link to an existing account.

The cloud storage is shared across all these services, like Gmail, Google Calendar, or even YouTube.  Unlike Dropbox and OneDrive, Google Drive doesn’t have any way of adding extra storaging details though any way. Google Drive works similar to most of the cloud storing service solutions, with a local folder on your desktop which is linked to a duplicate cloud version.  The newer version is supported, as is real-time alliance on documents via the Google Docs app. The storage is encrypted in 128-bit AES encryption,

 

OneDrive

OneDrive which is previously called as SkyDrive has most of its functionality similar to that of Dropbox, whose apps are available to Mac, Windows, iOS, Android, naturally Windows phone users. It offers additional 3GB storage when you link OneDrive to your mobile phone’s camera roll, enabling it to automatically backup your photos online.

 

This cloud storage solution also offers 15GB data storage like Google Drive and the referral system is limited to 5GB, which means OneDrive can offer up to 20GB of storage space. There is also a social element to the web version, as popular social networks are available to be linked to your OneDrive account. There’s also a feature which allows you to remotely access files on another Desktop via the OneDrive website. The OneDrive servers are encrypted by 256-bit AES encryption.

 

Apple iCloud

As of October, Apples’s  iCloud has become decidedly  the alternative cloud service people like.This is owing to the expansion of its services allowing you to store any document, even if it wasn’t  crested in an Apple app and that can accessed from PC rather than iOS and OS X devices (PC : iCloud.com or iCloud for windows).

Now it is possible to store any file in iCloud drive and apps like Pages and Numbers can now create their own folders in iCloud drive. By syncing your safari bookmarks across devices, you can see a list of all open web pages on other idevices. The con with this cloud storage is that  there is no app yet for Android, Blackberry or Windows phone. So, it’s not a good option for those who use  tablets or smartphones anything running other than on the iOS. Even with iCloud the there is a AES 128-bit data encryption.

 

Box

This Cloud storage solutions are started in 2005. This is less well known cloud storage because its company’s mainly aims on business sides of market and build up an impressive enterprise reputation. It allows 10GB of cloud storage for every new account, but it has a problem that is, it only allows files sized less than 259MB.

It provides you an option to upgrade to the personal plan by paying £7 per month which allows a storage of 100GB data and it gives you a max file limit of 5GB. The other plan for upgradation i.e.the smart plan is worth £3.5 per month which allows you to store 100GB data and maximum size limitation as 2GB. It has mobile applications for Windows phone, Android, iOS  and Blackberry models whose interface is well designed. The data is encrypted using AES 256-bit encryption.

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The Myths Of Cloud Computing Are A Risk To The Market

The Myths Of Cloud Computing Are A Risk To The Market

The Myths Of Cloud Computing Are A Risk To The Market

The cloud is on everyone’s lips , transcending the boundaries of specialized IT environments. It is the result of an increasingly accelerated expansion of the cloud solutions, powered by constant advertising campaigns.

However, just as with everything that becomes popular, that notoriety has also led to frequent errors and confusion when interpreting what cloud computing really means, and to identify their advantages and disadvantages. In many cases it is advertising itself, whose commercial intentions are sometimes well above the offer honest service to potential customers, which leads to misconceptions.

The customer disappointments can lead to mistrust, and ultimately this would be a distraction to the results, progress and innovation. That’s why the analyst firm of Gartner has recently published a report to demystify all those made ​​statements about the cloud , which have contributed so much ambiguity.

The vice president of Gartner, David Mitchell Smith ,stated that ” cloud computing, by its nature, is particularly vulnerable to the risks of myths. It’s about capabilities delivered as a service, with a clear boundary between the service provider and the consumer. From the consumer perspective, ‘cloud’ means ‘where the magic happens’ where implementation details are supposed to be hidden “.

The issue becomes particularly severe on the understanding that by now most have already accepted a formal definition of cloud computing. And nevertheless still many perspectives and opinions that seem bent exist which feed the myths.

Gartner has listed the following ten myths about the cloud :

1. The cloud is becoming cheaper again : This, like most, is a half truth because it is true that in many cases cloud computing saves more and more money, not all prices lower cloud services, as in the case of SaaS (Software as a Service).

2. To be good you have to be in the cloud : Gartner denies that this is necessarily true, as many organizations can get better benefits with other solutions, such as its own data center to a company operating in places with strict data protection laws .

3. Cloud computing should be used for all : Its not at all it! There are applications and workloads that do not benefit of cloud services.

4. Call cloud strategy to what he says CEO : Cloud is a means to an end, not an end in itself; therefore, you must first define the purpose and not the CEO dictates cloud computing as a strategy, nothing more.

5. Believe that you should only have a single strategy cloud : Each type of business objective will be better supported by different cloud models, such as IaaS, PaaS or SaaS , and different types of clouds (public, private or hybrid), which should lead to various strategies.

6. The cloud is less secure than the facilities themselves : As some of the above myths were the “overly positive” type, there are those who give negative ideas and induce fear of customers, as is the case of the latter, based on the idea that accommodates valuable data to third party infrastructure increases the risk for them. It is something that Gartner believes more based on distrust in the facts, since if the cloud provider meets the requirements of security required, the result should be less reliable than using own infrastructure .

7. The cloud is not suitable for mission-critical applications : Although there are cases where this is so, more and more organizations using cloud workloads for mission-critical, and even those that fully utilize the cloud environment entire business; not for nothing that many are “born in the cloud”, and are not just small startups.

8. Cloud = Datacenter : In most cases, the outsourcing of data centers , updating and strategies should not be construed as equivalent to cloud computing strategies.

9. When migrating to cloud are achieved all its features : Since each cloud type has its own characteristics, they are not completely portable, and therefore no benefits.

10. Private Cloud Virtualization : Virtualization is only the first step in developing a private cloud, but then you have to implement solutions with ability to provision resources on demand , adapt to processing needs , and monitor and measure usage .

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Here’s What 2015 Has In Store For Storage Virtualization

Storage Virtualization

Virtualization continues to be one of the more reliable ways of effective resource utilization as we enter into 2015. Anyways, 2014 was no exception with IT companies getting into the act and making use of virtualization solutions.

 

It’s obvious that with huge data and applications, raised the overwhelming need for storage systems and storage virtualization is an alternative which could not be resisted. In this article we talk about what exactly Storage Virtualization is and a brief introduction of the world’s best virtualization solution provider, VMware.

 

What Is Storage Virtualization?

Storage virtualization is the apparent mixing of multiple storage devices which then pose as one storage unit which can be managed through a central console. This virtualization, however, is implemented by software applications and many solution providers have emerged with time. The overall essence of Storage Virtualization is not only to create more storage for large scale IT firms and organizations but also to improve reliability and control over data stored.

 

In the world of big data where more and more firms are into collecting, analyzing and even generating loads and loads of data; for the benefits storage virtualization offers, it only could reach greater heights in 2015.

 

This is not the case only with Storage Virtualization; the other types of virtualizations are also more likely to see immense implementations across various firms. With the solution providers like VMware on the raise, the future looks bright for all these virtualization technologies.

 

VMware – The Leading Virtualization Solution Provider

VMware, undoubtedly dominates all the remaining virtualization solution providers with most efficient services in server virtualization and desktop virtualization. Let me put it this way, there aren’t many data centers in the world which prefer other solution providers than VMware; such is the dominance this U.S software company could establish after it was founded in 1998.