How desktop virtualization satisfies changing business needs

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Desktop virtualization is the natural evolution of a changing business operations landscape. With flexibility and availability becoming higher priorities than ever before, making user interfaces available anywhere can increase productivity, enhance management strategies and cut costs – three outcomes vital to continue fielding a competitive business model. 

In a nutshell, desktop virtualization involves the abstraction of a user's desktop workspace from the physical machine onto a server. It allows the user to log on to his or her desktop interface from anywhere, connecting to applications and files via a data center instead of a single PC.

The nature of work with respect to technology has evolved rapidly in the last few years. Many employees use multiple devices for business, connect through the cloud and conduct a high percentage of their business activity via the Internet. Adherence to traditional workstation technologies would effectively put a cap on how fast an organization can move, mobilize and communicate. A business model based entirely on virtualization and Internet connectivity – which would include laptops, mobile devices and voice over Internet Protocol – could recreate the office for employees located anywhere. BusinessNewsDaily contributor Sara Angeles pointed out.

In today's business world, leaner is better. Changing environments, however, tend to make it easier to add than subtract. More devices, more applications, more security concerns, more equipment – many organizations are hard-pressed to keep costs from escalating out of control. Desktop virtualization helps companies not only corral escalating spending, but keep budgets down in the long term. Organizations can use existing infrastructure or small, targeted investments to build up a robust, virtualized environment quickly and problem free, wrote ZDNet contributor Simon Bisson. Cost-effectiveness is a significant driver for cloud investment, but virtualized infrastructure enables businesses to stretch the benefits of the cloud to all infrastructure as well. It gives companies the resources and breathing room to be able to invest in emerging developments and attack new challenges.

Managed services key to making disaster recovery planning stick

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Managed services can help organizations eliminate one of their biggest pain points – disaster recovery. Establishing and upholding continuity and contingency plans can be complicated and resource-intensive. Many businesses, especially fledgling ones, choose to shove disaster recovery planning on the back burner. Over time, the lack of attention paid to disaster recovery planning puts organizations at risk.

According to a recent study by The Disaster Recovery Preparedness Council, many organizations are woefully unprepared for disaster to strike. Its global survey of more than 1,000 organizations, from small businesses to large corporations, found that a whopping 73 percent of organizations do not have adequate disaster recovery plans in place. Its other findings include:

  • 64 percent of respondents said that their organizations' disaster recovery efforts are underfunded.
  • More than 60 percent do not have fully documented plans.
  • Among the 40 percent that do have documented plans, 23 percent have never actually tested them to see if they work.
  • Of respondents that experienced outages, almost 30 percent lost data center functionality for days or weeks at a time.

Since there's no way of knowing when and how a potential disaster may occur, companies are gambling with their future every day they don't do something about their disaster recovery and business continuity planning efforts. Being proactive is the only way to successfully combat the effects of unplanned events.

Managed services can help organizations establish a meaningful, up-to-date disaster recovery system. They can provide concentrated data backup and system recovery services beyond those a business has the budget or time to uphold, noted MSPmentor. Keeping systems current, especially when an organization adds a new application or hardware, is key to eliminating vulnerabilities that stem from outdated disaster recovery plans. 

Proactive risk mitigation is important. Managed services providers can help organizations develop recovery time objectives for business-critical applications and conduct automated recovery testing. Having a dedicated IT staff on hand relieves companies of having to make their forays into the difficult science of disaster recovery and business continuity planning alone.

Connecting the dots: Bandwidth as a business model

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Few developments have affected businesses in the past few years as much as the burning desire for bandwidth. As enterprise environments expand, complications are inevitable. Proper information storage and security are increasingly vital as more businesses transition to data-driven initiatives. They're also becoming harder to attain. Many organizations find themselves caught in a tangled web of carriers, data centers, service providers and connectivity requirements. A lack of interoperability between services and poor communication among stakeholders can make undoing these knots an expensive and resource-intensive slog. It induces broadband rage and burns a lot of bandwidth in the process.

Optimizing connectivity needs to be a foremost concern in today's business model. In theory, it means providing enough bandwidth to create sufficient breathing room for all locations and stakeholders. In practice, an organization needs to centralize its connectivity support. Data Center Knowledge contributor Bill Kleyman recently discussed some fundamental changes in information technology that should compel companies to consider building their business model around their data center network. 

"Business used to establish their practices and then create their IT department. Now big (and smart) businesses are approaching data centers and technology from a completely different angle," Kleyman wrote. "These visionaries see that the future revolves around complete mobility and true device-agnostic connectivity."

Examples Kleyman highlighted included cloud-based data distribution models, which support expanding application development and processing environments. He also observed that new ways of computing, such as virtualization and software-defined networking, place more emphasis on minimizing granular infrastructure management and centralizing IT. Complexity in digital compliance and data governance can also be assuaged by a centralized connectivity platform.

Looking at bandwidth as a business model involves seeing technology as a critical role player rather than simply as a means to get things done. Connectivity infrastructure can and should contribute directly to bottom-line thinking. Paring down the number of service providers to a basic carrier-agnostic data center model can provide more bandwidth integrity and fewer headaches. 

How to choose a colocation provider

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Colocation is an advantageous infrastructure model for any company concerned about supporting its data storage needs. Among the variety of data center, server placement and management options available, it's the one that directly marries an organization's desire to maintain control over its equipment with its need for better network and security support.

In a colocation environment, an organization leases data center space for servers it owns. The data center provider offers server racks, power, bandwidth and physical security. The organization retains control over server management, unless it chooses to outsource these needs to the provider as well. 

Simple, right? Because the colocation business is booming, it attracts a lot of upstart providers. Not all of them offer the same level of service. That's just the reality of the situation. Additionally, one provider's solutions may be right for one organization and match up poorly with another's needs. Misfiring on this selection can be a costly decision, not only in wasted capital expenses but potentially down the road if business continuity is affected, according to ComputerWeekly. 

Determining the most pressing concerns is a company's first step. For example, a company with its central location in an area more susceptible to natural disasters should look for a colocation facility in a safer area. Connectivity is another issue. While every business wants to stay online, some may be able to afford less than 99.999 percent uptime ("five-nines uptime") in exchange for a more cost-effective colocation plan. A financial services firm or federal entity may need to pay a premium to ensure servers are always available. It's simply a matter of weighing financial costs with the price of availability.

Security is a near-universal concern, while many organizations may be dealing with increased complications related to industry compliance, according to Data Center Knowledge contributor Bill Kleyman. A company needs to make sure its colocation provider is certified for adherence to compliance standards. A variety of physical and facility safeguards can provide additional protection, which may be the way to go if a company's colocation center is in a more populated area.

ISG Announces Executive Responsibility Changes

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The Twin Valley family of companies announced leadership changes among their C-Level executives, effective for 2014. John Gunn, President and Co-Founder of ISG Technology, will transition from his current role as President and COO to Chief Strategy Officer of ISG Technology. Gunn will focus on supporting and defining the strategy of ISG Technology.  Gunn currently serves and will remain on the board of directors for all three companies.  Ben Foster, current CEO of all Twin Valley companies, will assume the general management of ISG Technology previously handled by Gunn. Foster will remain President and  CEO for the Twin Valley companies.

“When Twin Valley acquired ISG Technology in 2011 the roadmap and evolution of our company was clear to both John and me,” said Foster. “John has served and will continue to serve as a critical business leader and advisor to the Twin Valley family of companies.  This is a carefully planned transition that will enhance our clients’ ability to attain their organizational goals.”

Additionally, Scott Cissna has joined the Twin Valley companies as CFO, effective January 6, 2014.  Cissna brings more than 20 years of finance experience from the telecommunications, cloud services, and wireless industries.  With his broad base of experience ranging from performing sophisticated analysis to building scalable teams, Cissna is an analytical leader and decision maker hired to help navigate the complex, growing, and rapidly changing landscape where the companies operate.

The Twin Valley family of companies is a privately owned business with diversified investments and holdings in the telecommunications and IT space. The company is diversified through three separate operating entities; Twin Valley Telephone, Twin Valley Communications, and ISG Technology.

Twin Valley Telephone and Twin Valley Communications is the largest privately owned independent telecommunications company in the state of Kansas, providing voice and advanced services in rural areas for more than 65 years.  Over state-of-the-art FTTP infrastructure, Twin Valley’s portfolio includes voice, broadband, television, cloud services, hosted voice, wireless, and security.  Through strategic acquisitions and organic growth, the company has experienced a tenfold growth in the past decade.

ISG Technology is a full spectrum Data Center and IT Infrastructure partner uniquely positioned to provide complete solutions from client premises all the way to the cloud. With more than 30 years of experience, ISG has the unique ability to provide IT equipment (IT Infrastructure), cloud services through a regional Network of Data Centers https://isgtech.com/data-centers (Data Center Services), the required connectivity (Bandwidth) to connect it all together, and the ongoing support to help manage client’s IT environments (ITaaS). ISG places a premium on enduring client relationships and reference-ability – attributes only achievable through deep understanding of client business objectives, authoritative vision of what’s possible, and the relentless commitment to deliver successful solutions.

ISG Technology Announces New Data Center in Topeka

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ISG Technology announced today a new Data Center facility being constructed in Topeka, KS.  The new 17,000 square foot building will house both a 10,000 square foot Data Center as well as ISGs local Topeka operations.  The Data Center will be the fourth in ISGs network of Data Centers and is scheduled to be online in early 2013.

The Data Center will offer businesses the ability to co-locate production systems, have off-site disaster recovery or the option of running their business systems in ISGs Cloud.  For those companies that require additional security, the new Data Center will be able to offer private cages and suites.  This provides an added layer of protection to business critical data.

Midwest businesses understand the importance of having an off-site solution for critical business data, states John Gunn, President of ISG Technology.  Whether it’s a fire, power outage or even a server failure, businesses can’t afford to be down. The addition of this Data Center will give businesses access to another state-of-the-art facility for their disaster recovery needs.

In addition to co-location and disaster recovery, the new Data Center in Topeka will be connected to ISG’s Cloud Services Data Center using high bandwidth connections.  With Cloud Services, a business can run specific applications or their entire business system on ISGs virtual server infrastructure.

This is one of the biggest shifts in the IT industry as businesses look to move away from managing and upgrading their own IT equipment so they can focus on running their business, states Gunn. ISG is a proven and trusted Data Center Services partner. While there are many companies announcing their intentions to provide Cloud Services, the Topeka Data Center is a continuance of ISGs nearly decade long commitment to the cloud. We’ve been managing our clients off-site business data for more than 10 years.

ISGs full suite of Data Center Services includes infrastructure as a service to host and manage a businesses complete IT environment, web and email hosting, data backup services, disaster recovery, collocation services and more.

ISGs new Data Center in Topeka will be an addition to their existing network of Data Center facilities.  Currently, ISG operates an underground Data Center in Columbia, Missouri, a Data Center in Wichita, Kansas and offers Data Center services at 1102 Grand in Kansas City.  The Data Centers will be connected by fiber, allowing for communication and DR capabilities between all facilities.

The Topeka data center represents our first major infrastructure investment in ISG that leverages ISGs existing expertise in cloud computing and managed services, added Ben Foster, Chief Executive Officer of ISG Technology & Twin Valley Communications.  ISGs ability to offer small & medium businesses the full spectrum of solutions ranging from complete off-site computing to premise-based solutions has been enhanced by our strategic relationship with Kansas Fiber Network and its partners.  For the first time, clients will be able to deal with one IT vendor for their bandwidth and equipment solutions.  As our clients continue to recognize the potential of the cloud on their business, we will continue to invest in the technology infrastructure that will give them an advantage in their markets.

ISG TECHNOLOGY is an industry leading information technology firm delivering business solutions to organizations of all types.  ISG specializes in all areas of communication and IP technology, including Virtualization and Storage, Unified Communications, Managed Services, Physical Security, Networking and Cloud and Data Center offerings.

Founded in 1982, ISG serves businesses throughout the Midwest, with nine locations in Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma and more than 160 employees company-wide.  For more information about ISG visit www.isgtech.com or call (877) 334-4ISG (4474).

Twin Valley and ISG Technology Announce Acquisition

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Company will Deliver Cloud, IT, Advanced Data Networking and Telecom Solutions

SALINA, KS — November 1 – Twin Valley, an industry leading provider of voice, data, advanced telecom networking, and entertainment services, and ISG Technology, Inc., a nationally recognized cloud, IT solutions and technology integrator, today announced Twin Valley is acquiring a majority ownership stake in ISG. Co-founder and current ISG CEO, John Gunn, will retain a minority ownership stake in the company. Combining Twin Valley’s advanced telecom and data networking expertise along with ISG’s expertise in integrating advanced technology solutions the company will deliver a one-stop shop for businesses of all sizes with fully integrated communication and technology solutions.

Benefits from the acquisition include:

  • Consolidated delivery of a meaningful client experience helping businesses gain efficiency and profitability, hallmark of both companies
  • Integrated bundles of high-growth cloud, IT, and advanced data networking and telecom solutions
  • Launch of new wholesale and private label reseller channels allowing other telcos and technology integrators access to the high-growth sector of cloud and IT solutions
  • Cross-selling and up-selling opportunities across the combined client base
  • Expansion of geographic footprint

A strong business product portfolio is a key element to a successful growth strategy for both companies, said Ben Foster, Chairman and CEO of the newly formed company. Twin Valley has had great success deploying our cloud based voice service through our Hosted IP PBX platform. We had a choice of continuing to drive product innovation and revenue growth organically or by seeking a partner. Having previously worked together, the companies quickly recognized the synergies between our strategies. It’s both comforting and exciting to know that we’re stepping to the plate with an all-star team in ISG and their employees. The value that John and ISG provide their clients is an unparalleled differentiator compared to larger corporate competitors.

Both companies will remain headquartered in their current locations, Salina, KS and Miltonvale, KS for ISG and Twin Valley respectively. All current locations will remain fully intact and operational, with plans of expanding those locations along with the long-term growth of the company and its services.

I am very excited to have Twin Valley as a partner, they are a fourth generation company who buys and holds, said John Gunn, President and COO of the newly formed company. With ISG’s push into cloud computing it is a natural marriage between our companies. The Twin Valley family has the same core values as ISG, and this will provide long term stability for our employees and clients. Whether a client simply needs dial tone or a more advanced large scale IT solution, we now have the ability to meet all of those needs.

Ben Foster will remain President and COO of Twin Valley and serve as Chairman and CEO of ISG. John Gunn will serve as President and COO of ISG. Mike Foster will remain Chairman and CEO of Twin Valley and serve as Executive Vice President of ISG. Gary Abbott will remain CFO of ISG.

ISG and LANDesk Software Announce New Partnership

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Salina, KS; September 7, 2011:  ISG Technology announced today a new partnership with LANDesk Software.  This new partnership will allow ISG to offer LANDesk’s award winning software platforms to its client base in the Midwest.

“As the personal computing and tablet market continues to grow, I.T. budgets for support aren’t necessarily growing with them, states John Gunn, President and CEO of ISG Technology.  Tracking and managing all of those devices is becoming increasingly difficult for clients.”

“LANDesk’s Management and Security Suites offer the ability to manage those endpoints, including patch maintenance, security, data encryption and more.   As the I.T. landscape continues to expand, we feel that LANDesk’s software fills that need for our clients.” “LANDesk is extremely excited to engage and support this new partnership with ISG Technology,” said Stephen Casolari, LANDesk Software’s Director of Channels – The Americas. “LANDesk’s relationship with ISG will bring local resources and support throughout the Midwest with ISG’s nine locations throughout Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma.  With a credible team of pre-sales engineers, implementation specialists, and post-sales consultants that can provide a high level of client satisfaction. We truly look forward to our mutual success within the model that ISG will be providing.”

ISG TECHNOLOGY, INC., is an industry leading computer technology firm delivering business solutions to organizations of all types.  ISG specializes in all areas of communication and IP technology, including Virtualizations and Storage, Unified Communications, Managed Services, Physical Security, Networking and Cloud and Data Center offerings.

Founded in 1982, ISG serves businesses throughout the Midwest, with nine locations in Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma and over 150 employees company-wide.  For more information about ISG visit www.isgtech.com or call (785) 823-1555.

LANDesk Software is a leading provider of systems lifecyclemanagement, endpoint security, and IT service management solutions for desktops, servers and mobile devices across the enterprise.  LANDesk enables IT to deliver business value by gaining control of end-user computing with a single console, light infrastructure, and ITIL solutions that deliver significant ROI for thousands of clients worldwide.  LANDesk is headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, with offices located in the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific, and can be found at LANDesk.com.