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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.

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.

ISG Technology Named as HITREC Preferred Partner

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Salina, KS; April 14, 2011:  ISG Technology announced today that the company has been selected as one of the Kansas and Missouri HITREC preferred partners, as selected by Associated Purchasing Services (APS).  ISG was named as a provider of Technology and Consulting Services.

The HITECH Act, part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), provides funding for eligible hospitals and physician clinics to purchase technology that will allow them to move to Electronic Health Records (EHR).

EHR provides electronic access to a patient’s medical records, giving doctors the instant access they need to provide critical care, says John Gunn, President and CEO of ISG Technology.  We see an opportunity with EHR to improve the quality of care given by healthcare providers as well as reduce costs and improve efficiency.  ISG is proud to be a part of this exciting change.

In order to implement the HITECH Act, each state has created a Health Information Technology Regional Extension Center (HITREC).  These HITRECS act as an outreach to help eligible providers achieve and attest to meaningful use of their EHR systems. The HITRECs in Kansas and Missouri contracted with Associated Purchasing Services (APS) to vet vendors and service providers.

APS brings together the purchasing power of all its Participants, establishing contracts with vendors such as ISG who provide exceptional service, pricing and terms, Linda Gerber, Contracting Division Manager, said, For our Participants, it eliminates the labor involved with negotiating and managing individual contracts and helps to expedite and simplify the HIT purchasing phase.

APS selected preferred partners based on a number of different criteria, giving healthcare providers confidence in selecting their technology partner.  APS leverages resources to provide technology and services that would otherwise be unattainable for stand-alone healthcare organizations.

ISG TECHNOLOGY, INC., is a leading technology solutions provider specializing in business solutions for all areas of communication and technology, including data and voice network integration, security, storage, virtualization and unified communications solutions.  ISG has a keen understanding of the unique business and technology challenges facing healthcare clients.  Headquartered in Salina, Kansas, the company has over 27 years experience serving businesses in the Midwest and operates nine locations throughout Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma.  For more information about ISG visit www.isgtech.com or call (785) 823-1555.