About the session

In this webinar, Angus Scott, Account Manager at Digital Realty was joined by Neil Clark, Director of Cloud Services at QuoStar for a discussion focusing on simplifying cloud transformation and the role of managed service providers (MSPs). They explored the challenges and successes they’ve experienced in their organisations, the importance of multi and hybrid cloud, and the future of IT trends. The session also included a Q&A segment.

Takeaways

Takeaway 1: Cloud transformation and the significant role of Managed Service Providers (MSPs)

Angus and Neil emphasised the pivotal role MSPs play in cloud and digital transformation for both small-medium businesses and enterprises. Clark elaborated, "we work a range of sectors... each of those sides has a real different need." To meet these diverse needs, MSPs must provide an 'agnostic approach,' flexibility, and experience in all aspects of cloud services, not just one element.

They discussed how MSPs, such as QuoStar, can provide the right solutions by understanding their clients' business needs and financial perspectives. Clark stated, "I think it's that agnostic approach looking at it from a high-level view... for that certain industry or that certain client... ensuring you're picking the right piece for their business need."

They highlighted that the MSPs' partnerships with data centre providers like Digital Realty are also crucial. Clark pointed out, "one of the pieces... when you're looking at your MSP is... looking at their partners and ensuring they're partnered with the right people to be able to provide the different elements all the way through."

Takeaway 2: The role of colocation in cloud services

Angus and Neil highlighted the importance of colocation in providing private cloud and public cloud services. Clark stated that QuoStar's need for colocation is driven by the need for cost control, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance. He emphasised, "having your private cloud or utilising colocation for your own infrastructure allows you that cost control that potentially you don't get from unmanaged use of public cloud."

Scott and Clark also highlighted the sustainability benefits of colocation data centres, which can be up to 25% more efficient than on-premises facilities, and how Digital Realty's data centres have contributed to QuoStar’s 100% uptime over the last 12 months. Clark emphasised, "we've utilised yourselves... because if we have an issue in our data centre, then obviously that affects your private cloud... and we don't want that."

Scott also touched on the continued importance of colocation for the future. He mentioned that Digital Realty's colocation services will continue to be essential due to their sustainability efforts, high-speed connectivity, resilience, security, and scalability.

Takeaway 3: Future trends for cloud services and MSPs

The webinar shed light on future trends that MSPs like QuoStar are looking at in terms of cloud services. Clark mentioned that while there will be a continued shift towards public cloud, it will be more measured, with clients taking a more hybrid approach using a combination of private and public cloud services as well as Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions.

He stated, "I do think that over the next 5 to 10 years... as applications develop further, you're going to see that large scale to SaaS modern workplace-based solutions for each of the clients." However, Clark also noted that certain applications would still require colocation and private clouds because they won't catch up quickly, especially in certain verticals.

In conclusion, the webinar emphasised that MSPs need to provide an agnostic, experienced, and flexible approach to meet the diverse cloud service needs of their clients. Colocation will continue to play a key role in offering cost control, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance. The future of cloud services will see a more measured shift towards public cloud, with a hybrid approach gaining popularity.

April 2018: Cloud and Services Opportunities in Ireland