Windstream taps into the burgeoning hybrid cloud opportunity

Windstream's (Nasdaq: WIN) Hosted Solutions unit is stepping up its cloud service capabilities with its second-generation platform.

Of course, Windstream isn't going it alone in driving its cloud initiative forward. Instead, its offering incorporates a number of technology enhancements via key partners including VMware, NetApp, and EMC.

Windstream cloud services diagram

Diagram of Windstream's cloud service

But the new suite is not just about technology alone.

To craft a solution that meets a specific customer's diverse needs, Windstream's new cloud service includes a "Hi-Touch" consultative approach, including self-service capabilities through the use of VMware vCloud Director, custom RTO/RPO capabilities utilizing NetApp SnapMirror, and EMC RecoverPoint, all of which work in tandem with together with VCE Vblock compute. 

A key point of the next-generation service is to respond to its customer's needs for hybrid cloud connectivity that offers the best of both the private and public cloud capabilities. While some customers aren't worried about the location of their cloud service, others want to be able to have a solution that combines colocation and other systems that can protect physical services.

Without naming any customers yet, Windstream said it has a number of hybrid cloud deployments on tap to go live early next year.

For more:
- see this release

Download our eBook: Cashing in on the Cloud Services Opportunity

Related articles:
Windstream introduces even faster Internet speeds for small business customers
Could FairPoint be ready for a sale?
PAETEC's Windstream deal faces shareholder scrutiny
Windstream's Q2 earnings get boost from broadband, video subscriber additions