With the migration of applications to the cloud, the need for secure, scalable and easy-to-manage connections to them is an increasing reality. To date, connectivity providers have taken the following approaches to building their connections to the world’s largest cloud service providers:
Direct End-to-End
These cloud connections are built by the carrier to offer private connectivity from the customer’s LAN to every cloud service provider the carrier reaches – typically the largest cloud service providers in the world – entirely over that single carrier’s private network. These connections are built out directly into the data centers of these global cloud service providers, meaning no third-party network is utilized. This is the fastest, most secure, and easiest to manage connection to the cloud.
|
AT&T NetBond Connections: AWS, Microsoft Azure, BlueJeans, Box, Cisco, CSC, Google, HP Helion, IBM, Salesforce, Sungard, VMware |
|
|
CenturyLink Cloud Connection CenturyLink’s “Cloud Connection” connects CenturyLink MPLS customers to their cloud service providers via their private CenturyLink network. As of January 2017, there are 3 cloud providers available – CenturyLink Cloud, AWS (Amazon Web Services), and Microsoft’s Azure. Other cloud providers may be added in the future (i.e. SoftLayer, vCloud Air, etc). Both AWS and MS Azure connectivity are available in certain regions/areas, both domestic (AWS/MS) and International (AWS/MS). Connections: AWS, Google, Microsoft Azure (Domestic & some availability Internationally) |
|
|
NTT Multi-Cloud Connect Connections: AWS, Microsoft Azure, Dynamics, NTT, Office 365 |
||
|
PCCW Online Cloud Connect The Online Cloud Connect service leverages the capabilities of PCCW Global’s Software Defined Network (SDN) and is an evolution beyond traditional and existing cloud connect services in the market. Enterprises and institutions gain flexibility, scalability, reliable performance and control over their connectivity to the cloud to fit their requirements at any given time. Connections: Microsoft Azure |
|
|
TATA IZO Cloud Enablement Platform IZO™ is a flexible, one-stop cloud enablement platform designed to help you navigate complexity for more agile business performance. This includes IZO Private Cloud, offers high performance, scalable, self-service capabilities across multiple Tata Communications global data centre locations. And, IZO Cloud Storage, which lets you scale your infrastructure up and down effortlessly in a durable and secure environment. Connections: AWS, IBM Softlayer, Microsoft Azure, Salesforce, Office 365 |
|
|
Telstra Cloud Gateway The Cloud Gateway changes the traditional method of connecting clouds into your private network. Through its integration into Telstra’s IP VPN network, it makes your Telstra Cloud Services appear simply as just additional endpoints on your private network. You will be up and running within 5 days and have the simplicity to change connection configurations at whim through its online portal. By bringing cloud and network together, Cloud Gateway gives you the tools to truly embrace rapid and dynamic test and learn environments. It also enables you to bring new products or services to market faster, through public and private clouds. Connections: AWS, Microsoft Azure, IMB, Bluemix, VMWare |
|
|
Verizon Secure Cloud Interconnect Secure Cloud Interconnect (SCI) can connect any business to the cloud service providers Verizon has connected with. Verizon customers can utilize a private node to access the SCI platform that links them directly to the CSPs. Non-Verizon customers can either use their Internet connection to access Verizon’s SCI (although that negates the private end-to-end connection) or have one private Verizon node added to their network to then privately access SCI. Connections: AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google, HPE, IBM, Oracle, Salesforce |
|
|
Zayo Cloud Connectivity Cloud Connectivity joins Zayo customers directly to the CSP’s domestic and European data centers. Zayo customers use a private Zayo node on their LAN to connect to the Cloud Connectivity platform of cloud service providers. Connections: AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google, Salesforce |
Access this information in a PDF Download.
Hybrid Direct & Equinix Cloud Exchange
These cloud connections utilize a mixture of direct connections to some cloud service providers and link to Equinix’s Cloud Exchange to access others. Customers will purchase a connection from one of the below carriers and, depending on the cloud service provider they want to reach, will either utilize that carrier’s direct end-to-end connection or be routed over the Equinix Cloud Exchange by that carrier.
Using the Equinix Cloud Exchange requires a cross connect from the carrier to the Cloud Exchange within an Equinix data center – this means that data traffic is now traversing a separate network to reach the desired cloud service provider. Equinix’s Cloud Exchange network is far-reaching and reliable, but it is important to note for customers that not all cloud service providers will be reached with a direct end-to-end connection by the carrier.
|
Colt Dedicated Cloud Access
With most businesses now using cloud services from the likes of Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, IBM Cloud, Google Cloud and other Cloud Service Providers, a reliable – and secure – connection is essential. Colt’s Dedicated Cloud Access (DCA) service gives businesses a superior cloud networking experience when compared to relying on public internet. You can establish private connectivity from your data centre, office or colocation environment, which can reduce your network costs, increase bandwidth throughput, and provide a more consistent network experience than Internet-based connections. And it is all seamless. Direct End-to-End: AWS, Google, IBM, Microsoft Azure, Office 365 |
||
|
Comcast Business Ethernet Direct End-to-End: AWS & Microsoft Azure (domestic data centers only) |
|
||
|
GTT EtherCloud Direct End-to-End: AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google, IBM |
|
|
|
Lightower Cloud Connect Direct End-to-End: AWS (NY & VA data centers) |
|
|
|
Masergy Cloud Marketplace Direct End-to-End: BCS Global, iland Internet Solutions, Providea Conferencing, Telx, Videocall Ltd., VSGi |
|
Access this information in a PDF Download.
Equinix Cloud Exchange
These cloud connections use carrier networks to connect the customer’s LAN to the Equinix Cloud Exchange within Equinix data centers. The Equinix Cloud Exchange then connects customers to cloud service providers in both domestic and international markets. Using the Equinix Cloud Exchange requires a cross connect from the carrier to the Cloud Exchange within an Equinix data center – this means that data traffic is now traversing a separate network to reach the desired cloud service provider. Equinix’s Cloud Exchange network is far-reaching and reliable, but it is important to note for customers that cloud service providers will not be reached with a direct end-to-end connection by the carrier.
To continue learning about cloud connects, take TBI's training on the University of TBI. If you’re not currently a member of the University of TBI, you can enroll here and begin learning today.
This article was originally published on December 7th, 2016 and updated on April 4th, 2018.
