FEATURE
Microsoft environments and Azure Public Cloud , Microsoft offers ExpressRoute as a low-latency dedicated connection , it is only available as a trunk connection to certain colocation , public cloud and connectivity operators . These can connect directly with ExpressRoute at core data centre speeds and so largely minimise latency issues , improve security and ensure bandwidth is optimised and predictable .
But for those organisations not using private or colocation data centres directly connected to Microsoft ExpressRoute , the only alternative is to set up a fast and predictable connection from their facility to an ExpressRoute partner endpoint . This means that there are two ‘ hops ’ to get to Azure rather than one , doubling the costs as well as the possibility of additional network problems . This is the case even where connectivity providers are offering ExpressRoute to a private or colocation facility as they are layering their own connectivity from the edge of their network and the ExpressRoute core to the edge of the user network . Moreover , enterprises connecting from on-premise data centres will probably need two network paths to the cloud to ensure resilience and availability , adding further cost and network management effort .
In summary , as more organisations use colocation facilities for hosting some or all the hybrid cloud environment while keeping legacy workloads operating , the colocation providers begin to play a more strategic role in hybrid IT and should offer a range of diverse connectivity options . Multiple connections running in and out of the facility assure maximum performance and resilience . At the same time , the data centres supporting hybrids should have fit-for-purpose IT infrastructure , suitable cooling and sufficient power to scale and manage the increasing draw of highdensity racks . Highly skilled engineering personnel on site is also a prerequisite as hybrid clouds are complex and cannot be built , tested and managed successfully without suitable facilities and training .
For colocation facilities to succeed in hybrid cloud architectures , providers must find ways to support customers in improving efficiencies between public www . intelligentdatacentres . com
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