As cloud computing companies start to establish themselves, internet service providers and similar carriers are developing their own cloud services. This creates a challenge for IT professionals and business owners who need to choose the best option.

It’s important to recognize that cloud computing is still in its early stages. Like any new technology, it will take time for it to fully develop. As the technology progresses, we will see a lot of activity from many different companies. New businesses offering cloud services will constantly emerge, and existing computer and networking companies will try to capitalize on this growing market. If they don’t, they risk being left behind.

Windstream, a major provider of T1 lines, MPLS networks, dedicated Ethernet internet, and enterprise VoIP, recognized this trend when they acquired Hosted Solutions last year. Combining Hosted Solutions’ resources with Windstream’s existing data centers allowed them to enter the cloud services market for their current customers. These services include options like cloud storage, Infrastructure as a Service, and private, public, and hybrid clouds. Other carriers, such as Level 3 Communications, also offer cloud services.

Many carriers have large data centers for their own operations. They often maximize these assets by offering colocation services within their secure and dependable facilities. Colocation acts as a precursor to the cloud. The provider supplies racks and cages for your servers and network devices. They provide electricity with backup power, climate control, and security. Another advantage of colocation is its proximity to large amounts of bandwidth. Many companies either struggle to obtain or afford fiber optic connections to their own facilities. In a colocation center, the carrier is easily accessible for a simple cross-connection. It’s the most affordable bandwidth option available.

Recently, colocation centers have started offering contracted technical support and even server rentals for those who prefer not to buy their own. Essentially, the colocation center becomes your data center, eliminating the capital expenses, operational costs, and staffing needed to run your own. This begs the question: how do cloud services differ?

The key difference between colocation and the cloud is the incorporation of outsourcing and virtualization. Cloud infrastructure consists of massive computing power and storage, all virtualized to be divided and allocated according to user requirements. In the cloud, you share resources without even realizing it. The same servers running your applications could be simultaneously running dozens or even hundreds of others. Virtualization creates the illusion of having one or more physical servers dedicated to you.

A well-designed cloud offers more than just shared resources. Not only do you rent instead of buy, but you also pay only for what you use based on the number of servers and the duration of use. You can easily add or remove virtual servers as needed and only pay for the ones you are actively using. The same applies to storage. You can increase or decrease storage capacity on demand, paying by the byte without worrying about physically upgrading when you run out of space.

This ability to instantly adjust resources is a unique and highly beneficial feature of the cloud, especially for companies with fluctuating workloads or those experiencing rapid growth. You no longer need to constantly purchase and upgrade equipment when you can simply log into your cloud account and add resources as needed.

Carriers provide the convenience of a one-stop solution. They already offer last-mile access, multi-site connectivity, and converged voice, video, and data networks. By adding cloud services, you have a single bill and a single point of contact for resolving any issues related to latency or availability. Independent cloud service providers will need to stay competitive by offering more advanced services and lower prices to thrive in the long run.

Are you ready to embrace the cloud? The range of services and competitive pricing make cloud computing and storage, colocation, and managed services more cost-effective than ever before. Inquire about availability and pricing for the networking and computing services you need for your particular applications.