Verizon launches cloud-based computing as a service

As companies make increasing use of cloud (IP-based) computing and server-based services such as SaaS, Verizon Business believes that it has taken the principle to a new level with what it claims is the industry’s most comprehensive on-demand, cloud-based Computing as a Service (CaaS) solution.

The CaaS solution can be used for either Web-based or corporate applications running over Verizon’s public IP network or its MPLS-based private network, Private IP. The service is said to enable mid-market and larger companies them to use a Web-based portal to employ computing resources in the quantities and duration dictated by their business needs.

Verizon believes that customers will be able to access enterprise-class computing services on an on-demand model, giving mid-size firms in particular capabilities more on a par with larger and better resourced players, something that could be a crucial edge in today’s dynamic marketpla

Commenting on the significance of CaaS, Melanie Posey, research director, Hosting & Telecom Services at IDC said,  “CaaS’ combination of flexibility, security, performance and resiliency is well positioned to serve certain enterprise requirements in a nimble, next-generation fashion.”

In order to adress cloud-based security issues built into the CaaS offering are features such as secure connections to customer-provisioned resources, as well as multi-tiered network with virtual firewall and an audit trail for all changes. Customers can also opt for a third tier of optional, add-on security services including identity and access management, host intrusion detection, application vulnerability assessment, network application assessment and professional security services.  

Verizon Business sees CaaS as ideal for new development projects, major events, mergers and migrations so that organisations can enable IT resources as and when required with minimum disruption to the business. CaaS allows companies to do internal charge-backs for resources consumed by individual departments or business units and provides a foundation for IT expansion. A real-time, self-service portal allows firms to manage and provision dynamically physical and virtual servers, network devices, storage, and backup services.

Available immediately in the U.S. and Europe, the CaaS offerings are said to be designed to meet the stringent security and performance requirements of users and will be supported by service level agreements to ensure enterprise-class performance and server provisioning.