Here at AiNET, we spend a lot of time discussing cloud computing. How far it’s come, where it’ll go, and how to utilize it. But right now, it’s time to take a step back and appreciate what the cloud does for us as a society.

1- The Cloud Keeps Your Business Afloat

We know the saying goes, “the multitude is always wrong,” but that’s not the case with cloud computing. In fact, it’s taken off so much that Forbes wrote about how 90% of companies utilize it. If you don’t use the cloud in your own business, you’re in danger of going under or becoming irrelevant, especially if you lose your data. (We all know how the cloud protects it!) Take a moment to think about where your company would be without cloud computing. Pretty different, right? And much less convenient!

2- The Cloud Has Options

Before, and in the early days of cloud computing, you didn’t have much of a choice in how to back up your data. Now, the cloud’s flexibility means you can utilize a public, private, or hybrid model—or all three! (Wondering which option is right for you, whether it’s for business or personal use? Click here). And, you have the option to access your data at home, work, vacation, or wherever you are.

Talk about a game changer! Especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, where businesses were required to work from home. Our lives would have been drastically different during that period without the cloud.

3- The Cloud Makes Life Easier

Overall, the cloud has changed our lives simply by making it easier to work and preserve important data. No more stressing if the power goes out, or wondering how you’re going to pay for storage space or infrastructure. Cloud computing is cost-effective and usually easily transferrable—a win-win. While it’s not foolproof and does take some time and planning to get started, the cloud is far better than any option before, and allows technology to advance into the future. So next time you’re using the cloud, don’t take it for granted!

Excited about cloud computing again? Explore our services here at AiNET!

Discontent against the public cloud is on the rise with many big players pulling out their IT workload from the cloud. While the once public cloud was thought to be the most cost-effective option, that notion is now changing, and it’s changing fast. 
Lets talk about Cloud Repatriation.

Recently, a growing number of organizations have expressed their intention to migrate their workload to the traditional IT infrastructure, a phenomenon termed “cloud repatriation”. A June 2022 survey conducted by IDC (sponsored by Supermicro) reports 71% of the respondents (out of 2,325) want to migrate their workload, fully or partially, to a dedicated IT environment from the cloud in the next two years.

Why are Companies Pulling Out of the Public Cloud?  

While there are other disadvantages of public cloud, such as lack of control and security issues, one of the primary reasons for the companies migrating out of the public cloud is its ever-rising and unpredictable cost. 

A decade back, the cloud was first used by small and medium-sized companies. Start-ups lacked the resources to construct and maintain physical infrastructure. The public cloud provided them the opportunity to offer their services to a larger number of users at a relatively lower cost. The cloud-first strategy soon became a buzzword in the industry. Especially as a growing number of companies, including large enterprises, began migrating their workload to the public cloud. This was to leverage its scalability, innovation, and cost-effectiveness.

However, as time passed by, many of these organizations realized the cloud was actually eating into their bottom line. While the catchphrase ‘only pay for what you use’ seemed attractive in the beginning; the clients soon realized it was nothing but an illusion created by the hyper-scale cloud platform providers. In reality, these companies end up paying a lot more than they expected. With the data transfer cost and all extra charges, companies soon lose track of their Amazon Web Services (AWS) or Azure bill.

What the Math Looks Like

Recently, at least two corporations have come up with precise calculations on how they can save millions of dollars by moving back to traditional IT infrastructure.    

Efim Mirochnik

Efim Mirochnik, data center executive of Ahrefs, claims in a blog post that the company saved $400 million in 3 years by not using the public cloud. In 2020, the company rented space in a colocation data center in Singapore. Mirochnik consolidated all the costs spent on the data center. Then, compared it with the cost of running similar infrastructure in AWS. While doing the calculation, in order to find the total cost, Mirochnik considered the colocation center rent and the cost of:

• Initial equipment
• Power
• Network
• dark fiber connection
• Internal networking
• IT Transit.   

His calculation shows they spend $1,550 per month per server in the colocation center. His estimates say they would pay a monthly bill of $17,557 for running an equivalent rig in AWS. 

Mirochnik concludes that the company ‘Wouldn’t be profitable, or exist if our products were 100% on AWS’.

David Heinemeier Hansson

A similar view is expressed by David Heinemeier Hansson. Hansson is the CTO of SaaS project management outfit 37Signals. It is a company that announced its decision to pull out from the cloud in October last year. In February, Hansson came up with a detailed calculation showing that the company will save $7 million over the next five years on its IT expenses. 

Final Words

The public cloud is facing criticisms, and the reasons are legit. Many experts have already predicted that cloud repatriation is the next generational leap. They think migrating to a physical data center is soon going to be the trend. That is with more and more companies realizing the cloud is not sustainable. 

Companies should periodically review their cloud benefits and cost-effectiveness. This might help them understand whether it’s time to go back to the traditional data center with physical servers. If building an on-premises data center seems like a lot of tasks, the option of managed colocation is always there to save you the pain. Colocation and private cloud are not only cost-efficient, but it also offers more control and greater security.  

Liked what you read and want more? AiNET is waiting for you!

The digital age has brought about incredible advancements in technology. This has made it easier for people to stay connected than ever before. With the proliferation of smartphones, laptops, and other devices, it’s easier than ever to stay connected with loved ones and colleagues. That’s even across vast distances. But along with these advancements comes the risk of digital security breaches. This makes it essential to stay connected and secure in today’s digital age.

One of the best ways to stay connected in today’s digital age is by using cloud storage providers like AiNET. Cloud storage providers offer users the ability to store and access data from anywhere in the world, as long as they have an internet connection. This means that users can access their data from any device whether they’re at home, in the office, or on the go. This makes it easier to:

• Collaborate with colleagues
• Share files with friends and family
• Access important documents from anywhere in the world.

However, it’s essential to stay secure when using cloud storage providers. The internet is full of malicious entities looking to steal sensitive data. It’s important to take steps to protect your data when using cloud storage providers. One of the best ways to do this is by using strong passwords and two-factor authentication. Strong passwords should be at least eight characters long. It should contain a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to enter a code sent to their phone or email address in addition to their password.

Another important factor to consider when staying connected and secure in today’s digital age is to be aware of phishing scams. Phishing scams are a type of online fraud where attackers trick users into giving up sensitive information. This happens by pretending to be a legitimate entity, such as a bank or email provider. It’s important to be aware of the signs of phishing scams. The signs are such as emails asking for sensitive information. Or emails that look like they come from legitimate sources but contain suspicious links or attachments.

In addition to using cloud storage providers and taking steps to protect your data, it’s also important to keep your software and operating systems up to date. Updates often contain security patches that address known vulnerabilities. So, it’s important to install them as soon as they become available. This helps to prevent attackers from exploiting known vulnerabilities to gain access to your data.

In conclusion, staying connected and secure in today’s digital age is essential for both individuals and businesses. By using cloud storage providers like AiNET, using strong passwords and two-factor authentication, being aware of phishing scams, and keeping software up to date, users can continue enjoying the benefits of modern technology- all without risking safety, security, or their information.

As companies weigh the benefits of cloud vs. on premise IT infrastructure, the cost is often the deciding factor. While cloud services have gained popularity due to their scalability and flexibility, some companies still prefer to keep their infrastructure in-house, believing it is cheaper than the cloud. Let’s talk more about the 2 factor cost analysis.

Take Ahrefs, a Singaporean search engine optimization tools provider, for example. The company claims that keeping its infrastructure in-house will save a whopping $400 million over three years compared to using AWS. Although the comparison is not entirely accurate, the cost savings are still substantial.

But does that mean that on premise infrastructure has the same cost benefit for businesses of all models and sizes? Is on premise infrastructure cheaper than the cloud?

To get to the bottom of the debate, this article dives deep into this topic and examines the various factors that impact the cloud vs. on premise costs. Let’s hop in!

Cost Comparison Between On-premise Infrastructure and Cloud Computing

Businesses have long relied on on premise IT infrastructure to keep their operations running smoothly. However, in recent years, cloud computing has sparked a lively debate about the more cost-effective option.

So, let’s pull back the curtain and give you a glimpse of our two-factor cost analysis for cloud vs. in-house IT infrastructure:

1.   Upfront Costs

On premise infrastructure comes with high upfront costs. The organization needs to purchase the necessary hardware and software, and have the infrastructure to support it. This includes power, cooling, and physical security. These costs can add up quickly, especially for smaller organizations with limited budgets.

Cloud infrastructure, on the other hand, is scalable and requires no upfront investment. Organizations only pay for what they use, making it a more cost-effective option for many businesses.

2.   Operational Costs

Cloud infrastructure comes at a minimal operational cost. With cloud infrastructure, the vendor manages the maintenance and upgrades, reducing the need for a dedicated IT team.

Conversely, on premise infrastructure requires a dedicated IT team to manage and maintain it, which can be costly. The IT team needs to be trained and have the necessary skills to manage the infrastructure effectively. Nonetheless, on-site IT infrastructure does give you greater control over the IT environment.

Bottom Line: Reap The Benefits of Cost-effective Cloud With AiNET!

Whether on premise infrastructure or cloud computing is cheaper depends on various factors, including the size of the organization, the level of control required, and the business’s specific needs.

Our analysis concludes that cloud computing is generally cheaper and more manageable than in-house infrastructure. Not only does it offer greater control and flexibility, but it also allows for easy scalability, making your business agile and adaptable to change.

However, you must choose an affordable and quality cloud service provider like AiNET — the one-stop solution for all your cloud computing needs!

With AiNET’s unparalleled suite of cloud solutions, you can enjoy the benefits of public, private, and hybrid cloud storage, or dedicated data centers, all while keeping your costs under control.

Choose AiNET and start reaping the rewards of cloud computing today!

In the 21st century everything has been digitized. The need for reliable and secure online storage solutions and high-speed internet connections has become increasingly important. As a result, many companies have emerged in the market to provide these services, but not all are equal. AiNET stands out among them as a provider of both online storage and fiber optic internet services.

AiNET offers online storage solutions that are both secure and flexible. Their cloud storage solutions provide businesses with the ability to store and access their data online, eliminating the need for physical storage devices. This not only saves space. This also provides peace of mind. The data is backed up regularly and stored securely. AiNET storage solutions are also scalable, allowing businesses to expand their storage capacity as their needs grow. This means that they can adapt to changes in their business. And guess what! They do not have to worry about running out of space or migrate to a new storage provider.

In addition to their online storage solutions, AiNET also provides fiber optic internet services. Unlike traditional broadband internet services, fiber optic internet provides higher speeds and better reliability. This makes it the preferred choice for businesses and individuals who require a fast and stable internet connection. Fiber optic internet also has a higher bandwidth capacity, allowing multiple devices to connect to the internet without any slowdowns. This is particularly important in today’s world. More and more devices are becoming connected to the internet.

A dedicated support team also backs up AiNET’s fiber optic internet services. This ensures that any issues are resolved quickly and efficiently. This means that businesses can focus on their core operations without having to worry about internet connectivity issues. AiNET’s fiber optic internet services are also scalable, allowing businesses to increase their bandwidth as their needs grow.

One of the unique features of AiNET is that they provide both online storage and fiber optic internet services. This means that businesses can get both their storage and internet needs met by a single provider, saving them time and money. It also means that businesses only need to deal with one provider, simplifying their operations.

Conclusion.

In conclusion, AiNET is a reliable and trusted provider of online storage and fiber optic internet services. Their cloud storage solutions provide businesses with secure and scalable storage solutions, while their fiber optic internet services provide high-speed and reliable internet connectivity. The fact that AiNET provides both services means that businesses can get all their storage and internet needs met by a single provider, saving them time and money. If you’re in need of online storage or fiber optic internet services, AiNET is definitely worth considering.

Almost all of us take advantage of the cloud, whether it’s for work, a hobby, or just everyday life. Uploading pictures and documents to store online is just about second nature. But have you ever wondered how it began, and how we got this far? Read on to learn a brief history of the cloud!

The 1950s and 1960s

Can you believe cloud computing data was imagined as early as 1950? Like many pieces of technology, it was first proposed by the military as a way to connect computer terminals. At the time, though, this was insanely expensive. A decade later, the scientific community got ahold of the idea. Forbes writes about J.C.R. Licklider, a computer scientist and psychologist who envisioned both the internet and the cloud in his papers. The Advanced Research Projects Agency Network (ARPANET) also began development partly due to his work. This would lead to the cloud that we know and love today.

The 1990s and 2000s

The term “cloud computing” was officially coined in 1996. Then, just a few years later in 1999, Salesforce became the first company to utilize Software as a Service (SaaS). Naturally, this would lead to Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), which would become invaluable tools in the industry.

Google CEO Eric Schmidt, however, gets the credit for introducing the term “cloud computing” later, at a 2006 industry conference. After that, other huge companies began following suit. Amazon, for instance, created EC2 in August of that year, and Netflix launched its first streaming site in 2007. You may not picture the cloud when you think about binge watching shows, but it’s all connected.

Present Day

Today, the cloud holds many functions. Before, only the public and private clouds were well known, but now hybrid cloud models are becoming more and more common in business settings. Global spending even exceeded $480 billion last year—wow! So what does that mean for the future? Well, an influx in spending means advancement, and new opportunities for growth within the cloud, particularly with the newer hybrid models. Maybe they will even become the norm! What do you think will happen with cloud computing technology?

Now that you know more about cloud history, are you ready to go to the next level with cloud storage? Check us out at AiNET, where we will keep your systems running smoothly.

The cloud adoption rate is growing rapidly and doesn’t show any sign of slowing down. Data shows more than 90% of organizations utilize cloud technology for their IT needs. Although the public cloud is still often the first option considered by many companies, the efficacy of the public cloud is not beyond doubt. In fact, in recent times, public cloud giants such as AWS have received adverse criticisms from business leaders and experts in the field for their non-transparent billing structure and limited usability. 
What about the private cloud?

Private cloud, on the other hand, is becoming more popular among medium-sized and enterprise-level businesses. Here we talk about three industries that benefit the most from it. However, remember the usability of the private cloud goes beyond these sectors, and businesses operating in other industries can also benefit from adopting the private cloud.     

Healthcare

Healthcare companies deal with sensitive patient data and need to comply with strict regulatory requirements like HIPAA. The private cloud provides a dedicated and secure environment that can be customized to specific security and compliance needs. This can help to protect patient data and prevent unauthorized access or data breaches.

While compliance and data protection are the key reasons for the healthcare industry to use it, the industry can benefit from a private cloud in many other ways. Moving the workload to the cloud enables greater collaboration and improved data management and accessibility. It also helps the organization to reduce expenses on hardware and software. 

Finance

Companies operating in the finance sector also require to maintain strict security measures and comply with various regulatory requirements to protect sensitive financial information. Even a minor incident of a data breach can be disastrous for financial organizations. The secure and isolated environment offered by the private cloud can minimize the threat of cyber-attack and help protect the data.

Additionally, financial institutions can benefit from other advantages of the cloud, such as reduced cost, efficient data processing and collaboration, and scalability. Using the cloud for data storage and other IT needs allows finance companies to respond faster and achieve overall business agility. To exploit the benefits of the cloud, finance organizations must migrate their IT infrastructure to the private cloud at least partially, because they cannot use the public cloud to store and process sensitive data. 

Education

One of the key challenges of the education industry is the fund crunch. The private cloud allows educational institutions to create an improved environment for collaboration between students and educators within a limited budget. A private cloud helps educational institutions to bring down the IT infrastructure cost. Utilizing it also reduces electricity expenses and maintenance costs. The institution can also save the cost of hiring a dedicated IT team.

Besides, the enhanced security allows institutions to have better control over data access. It enables easy sharing of resources, study materials, assignments, and grades in a secure environment. The confidentiality of information can be ensured by implementing encryption protocols.  

Ai.NET offers private cloud solutions for businesses of all sizes. We customize our services according to your business need. Get in touch with us to learn more about the services we offer. We will answer all your questions before we design a comprehensive solution suitable for your organization.  

In today’s digital age, the importance of data storage and security has never been greater. Many businesses have already recognized the benefits of cloud storage services, and are making the switch from traditional storage methods such as physical servers and hard drives. If you’re still on the fence about whether your business needs a cloud storage service, here are some reasons why you should consider making the switch:

1- Accessibility

One of the primary benefits of cloud storage is that it allows employees to access important files and documents from anywhere with an internet connection. This flexibility is particularly important for businesses with remote or traveling employees, as it allows them to access files and collaborate from anywhere in the world. Additionally, cloud storage eliminates the need for physical storage devices such as external hard drives or USBs, which can be lost or damaged.

2- Security

Cloud storage providers typically have robust security measures in place to protect your data. They use encryption to secure your data in transit and at rest. Often have additional security features such as two-factor authentication and granular permissions for shared files and folders. Cloud storage providers also typically comply with various data protection regulations, such as GDPR and HIPAA, providing peace of mind that your data is being stored and managed in a secure manner.

3- Cost-effective

Cloud storage services are often more cost-effective than traditional storage methods. They eliminate the need for costly hardware, maintenance, and upgrades. Additionally, many cloud storage providers offer flexible plans that allow you to scale up or down depending on your storage needs. Meaning you only pay for what you use.

4- Collaboration

Cloud storage services often include collaboration tools. These tools allow employees to work on documents and projects together, regardless of their location. This can increase productivity and streamline workflow. Multiple people can work on the same file simultaneously and see real-time changes.

5- Disaster recovery

One of the biggest risks of traditional storage methods is the potential for data loss in the event of a disaster such as a fire or flood. Cloud storage services typically offer robust disaster recovery options, such as regular backups and redundant storage. These recovery options ensure that your data is safe and can be recovered in the event of an unexpected event.

In conclusion, cloud storage services offer a range of benefits for businesses of all sizes. From increased accessibility and security to cost-effectiveness and collaboration tools, the advantages of cloud storage are hard to ignore. If you’re looking for a reliable and secure data storage solution, consider making the switch to a cloud storage service.

In 2023, most of us know that the cloud is not some mystical internet entity collecting your data. You may also know that there are three kinds: public, private, and a hybrid. With these, the U.S. public cloud market is projected to reach $206.1 billion by the end of 2022, according to Zippia. That’s a lot of business! And yet, people are still worried about what it is they’re getting into. Read on to ease your mind about using the “utility storage” for your company.

Data in the Cloud is Encrypted

As the National Academy of Sciences explains, anyone who wants to access your data in the cloud needs to have the digital encryption key, so it is actually extremely hard to get into. In fact, “…most of the biggest data breaches have exploited traditional computers at companies, not data stored in the cloud.” This does not make it foolproof for hackers or government agencies that may need to access your files, but it is far better than most people believe.

Cloud Technology has evolved

And with any good evolution comes improvement, so naturally the evolution means increased security measures. With the hybrid model in particular, companies have more control over their servers and access to strong backup recovery. Now, you won’t have to worry as much about losing data or uploading unwanted information. (Check out “How Has Cloud Technology Evolved Over the Past Decade?” for more information!)

You can Choose Which Model to Use

Maybe the public cloud still gives you some anxiety, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. After all, its infrastructure is shared. That doesn’t necessarily mean it’s unsafe, however, but it will have more security risks than a private one. Private clouds are on servers that no other organizations can access. And don’t worry—while something private is usually more expensive, private clouds have a more cost-effective model, so you don’t have to sacrifice security for budget.

No matter which model you utilize is absolutely a secure tool for your business. Ready to learn more? Explore our cloud tab on AiNET, and utilize our powerful data centers, fiber optic networks, and cloud storage!

In today’s digital world, data centers form the backbone of a business. Depending on the industry you operate in, your business’s success can be determined by the performance of the data center you choose for your company. 

More and more companies are now depending on third-party data centers to exploit the benefits of having a well-equipped dedicated space for their IT infrastructure without building an on-premises data center. The global data center colocation market is projected to reach 131.8 billion USD by 2030. Migrating your IT infrastructure to a third-party data center can be one of the best decisions if you do it right.  

Here are the 5 key considerations you should keep in mind when choosing a colocation data center for your business. 

Location

The location is important for several reasons. Don’t choose a colocation facility that is located in a disaster-prone area. Natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes, and forest fires can significantly impact the performance of the data center. You can also face data loss if they do not have a proper disaster recovery plan in place. 

Distance between the server and the end-user impacts the user experience. Thus, it is recommended that you host your server in a colocation center located near your end users to minimize latency. Also, choose a data center near your office premises. It will be easier for you and your team to visit the site if your IT equipment needs your attention.      

Reliability

Reliability is one of the key considerations when choosing a data center. The reliability essentially means how much uptime it can offer. Power supply, cooling system, and network connectivity are three of the key components that keep a data center running. Make sure it has proper power backup and effective means to control the temperature inside the facility.

If you plan to host mission-critical apps and data, make sure the data center employs redundant infrastructure. It will ensure that capacity or distribution failure will not impact the site’s operation.  

Hybrid infrastructure deployment

Make sure it offers you the opportunity to deploy a hybrid IT infrastructure. As the global IT landscape is evolving every day, it is critical to have the flexibility to switch to a hybrid IT model if needed. There are several advantages of availing both cloud and colocation infrastructure from the same service provider. Try to make sure your colocation service provider can offer both.   

Network connectivity

Make sure it has access to multiple reliable network paths. Also, go for a colocation center that uses a fiber network. They ensure faster connection and symmetrical speed. Fiber optics is also more cost-effective than the other available options in the market.  

Security

Choose a data center that employs a robust security system. Your servers and other hardware need to be fully secure in terms of both cyber security and physical security. The place should have access control so only authorized personnel can enter the facility. Also, make sure it implements state-of-the-art technology to keep the network and server safe. It should also regularly check the vulnerabilities in the system and upgrade the security measures accordingly.

Here, at AiNET, we take a holistic approach to our client’s IT infrastructure needs. Our services include data center colocation, cloud storage, and fiber optics network. When you get all these services under one umbrella, it becomes remarkably easy to plan your IT infrastructure as you need.