Four key reasons for using private connectivity to the cloud

For an enterprise to get maximum value from its cloud assets it must assess different connectivity models to ensure its specific requirements can be met. One size does not fit all and it may be that an organization needs to use a mix of different connectivity types and even service providers to optimize access to its cloud-based investments and, by extension, to optimize its business.

Given the prevalence of cloud-based applications and services, it’s clear that the public internet is a convenient and affordable way to deliver access to a large number of people - and quickly. But it’s unlikely that the internet will meet increasingly stringent privacy and security requirements or the performance capabilities required.

To meet these requirements organizations are increasingly turning to private connectivity options such as MPLS, VPLS and dedicated Ethernet links, especially when it comes to the more mission-critical cloud apps.

So what are the four key reasons for choosing private connectivity to the cloud?

1. Security

It took some time for the cloud to win the C-suite over in terms of security, but with increasingly sensitive information being stored in the cloud it makes sense that the connection to a from should be secure as well.

Private connectivity such as MPLS ensures organisations benefit by segregating and isolating traffic from the public internet. In many cases private connectivity will actually be necessary in order to comply with stringent regulatory requirements, such as in financial services.

2. Performance

Private connectivity is one way to ensure a consistently reliable and high-quality delivery of services and applications. MPLS can be configured to prioritize certain classes of service, ensuring applications that are more latency-sensitive have their specific demands met.

3. Scalability

Combined with an SDN-powered interface, such as Console Connect, Ethernet, VPLS and MPLS become flexible and scalable technologies that can have their bandwidth dialed up and down on demand. New ports can be created on the fly interconnect capacity can be modified on demand. This is a particularly attractive option for a fast-growing business or one that requires frequent large data transfers and backups to the cloud.

4. Cost efficiency

Private connectivity can actually optimize infrastructure ROI by leveraging the existing investment in the WAN.

With the advent of SD-WAN, organizations with a single access circuit for cloud connectivity can split the network traffic across their private network and public internet connectivity depending on its sensitivity or criticality. This ensures optimal performance of the investments by balancing premium connectivity for business-critical services with low-cost broadband internet access.

A Tier 1 network provider will be able to offer internet, cloud interconnect exchange, and direct WAN connectivity, to ensure your needs can be met. It’s likely an enterprise will need a mix of connectivity and your requirements may well change over time.