365 Data Centers, a company that emerged after purchasing 16 of Equinix's data centers in 2012, is making its move into the hybrid cloud market with the launch of its storage-as-a-service (STaaS) offering in 17 markets.
Ideal for applications such as clustered databases, big-data analytics, file storage and archiving, 365 Cloud Storage will provide businesses a mix of security and controls, self-service provisioning, security and pay-for-use pricing.
The new service supports both Storage Area Networks (SAN) for block-based storage and Network Attached Storage (NAS) for file sharing and can be accessed securely via a data-center cross connect within 365's facilities or by using Carrier Ethernet or metro fiber. Colocation and non-colocation customers can use either a 10 Gbps or 1 Gbps private network connection access via cross connect or metro fiber.
"We have combined colocation and cloud to provide all of the on-demand flexibility and automation and have those be accessible and be available locally by launching a local cloud, which is important because many companies are reluctant to move their applications and data into the cloud," said Keao Caindec, chief marketing officer for 365 Data Centers, in an interview with FierceTelecom. "By launching 365 Cloud Storage, customers will be able to collocate with us and connect to our cloud."
Caindec added that customers can also "establish a network connection to us, whether it is fiber or Ethernet, and get access to unlimited block and file storage."
Another key element of the new service is cost savings. The 365 Cloud Storage service is available for 5 cents per gigabyte per month.
While 365 Data Centers is keen on selling its own cloud-based services, the service provider knows that its customers also work with third parties so it is also providing integration with Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure environments.
365's Cloud Storage is powered by Zadara Storage's Virtual Private Storage Array (VPSA) technology.
It appears that 365 Data Centers' debut of the STaaS offering is part of a broader effort to expand its overall service portfolio and position itself as a hybrid cloud and data center provider serving the North American market.
"While public cloud is growing, it still is a small portion of IT and most of the customers we have are still looking for a combination of hybrid cloud and IT where they can maintain control of their applications, host them in a dedicated environment or keep them on premise, but storage is one of those things that never stops growing," Caindec said. "We think being able to provide a combination of secure colocation, managed services, and on demand access to storage is a powerful combination in the local markets."
The STaaS service is available now and can be trialed for free in all 17 U.S. markets where 365 Data Centers operates.
For more:
- see the release
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