When people talk about the cloud, the image is of something vague “up there” that everyone shares and uses. And that can be true. (Not really the “up there” part; clouds run on servers located in data centers here on Earth.)
Organizations can have their very own private cloud that only they can access, and they can be 100% responsible for managing their cloud, how it works, and who has access to it, However, private clouds also require providing and supporting the necessary infrastructure, including hardware, software, and carrier services infrastructure.
If you’re looking for a cloud-based communications solution, consider the pros and cons of hosting your communications in a public cloud vs. a managed private cloud.
The Basics: Multi-Tenant vs. Multi-Instance
At its core, the cloud consists of virtual servers in multiple data centers. Those resources can be allocated and managed in one of two ways.
The less expensive way—used by most Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) providers—is muti-tenant, where several organizations share the same virtual servers. The second option is multi-instance, where each organization has its own unique, dedicated virtual servers.
With a multi-tenant architecture, the organizations on the virtual servers share an operating system and applications. This approach keeps costs down but means that organizations can’t choose and/or modify their own operating systems or applications. Even upgrades fall beyond the control of each organization that shares space on the virtual servers.
Think of it as an apartment building filled with tenants. The building owner, not the tenants, decides when to upgrade the locks or repair the loose banisters. Tenants can request security cameras or laundry facilities, but the building owner decides whether to install them.
Multi-tenant architecture can also be less secure. If a hacker gains access to the files or space of one tenant on the virtual servers, he or she may be able to access sensitive files and data of other organizations that share the servers.
Multi-instance, on the other hand, gives each organization much more control. Each organization has its own dedicated, purpose-built virtual servers, with complete control over operating systems, upgrades, and applications. No resources are shared with other organizations, and hackers who compromise another organization’s virtual servers have no access.
For maximum reliability, VOIP Networks uses multiple virtual servers per unique application, located in two separate, geo-redundant (active/active) data centers to host Mitel’s MiVoice Business (MiVB) and Mitel-related licenses, with automatic failover if one server has any issues. This type of architecture supports the entire suite of Mitel applications, including MiCollab, Mitel Interaction Recording (MIR), Mitel Revolution, Mitel Contact Center (MiCC), etc. Data centers are geographically independent, so even in the event of a large-scale natural disaster, a data center will continue operating at full efficiency.
Expert Management
In addition, our managed private cloud solutions are managed and supported 24/7 by U.S.-based personnel. Because each organization has its own dedicated virtual servers, changes and upgrades take place on a schedule determined by the client—not VOIP Networks. The result: secure, flexible, reliable communications available virtually anywhere.
Backed by White-Glove Support
VOIP Networks provides full set-up, training, and support, so you can quickly and easily take advantage of everything a managed private cloud offers. We can also help integrate existing applications and hardware with our Cloud9 unified communications (UC) system, in one or many locations. Plus, VOIP Networks provides white-glove, U.S.-based support (no overseas call centers!) 24/7/365 to every client of every size.
To learn more and discuss your needs, please contact us at 800.494.0000 or sales@voipnetworks.com.
