Many organizations are turning to a cloud-first model for more flexible, cost-effective operations. According to Cisco, 94 percent of workloads and compute instances will be processed by cloud data centers by 2021.  

For cloud providers, this means being nimble enough, and having the necessary capacity, to deliver cost-optimized cloud infrastructure. Configurable hardware designs and open source software are quickly replacing a one-size-fits-all approach.

The right infrastructure partner can provide innovative design, engineering, manufacturing, real-time supply chain insights and logistics services to deploy the cloud environment that meets your customers’ business requirements. Here’s how to find them.

The four keys to finding your data center infrastructure partner infographic

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1. Standards-based, custom design services

A flexible physical infrastructure is a must for competitive cloud services. Standards-based, custom-designed servers allow companies to take advantage of new designs, platforms, innovative technologies and services as they emerge.

Open Compute Project (OCP), Central Office Rearchitected as Datacenter (CORD) and the Open19 Foundation have all contributed to an emerging set of hardware standards that allow companies the flexibility and scalability they need to make the most of cloud computing. As a founding member and collaborator with these organizations, we help author these standards.  

Our data center infrastructure solutions utilize open standards to offer you a more dynamic cloud foundation. And thanks to our custom design services for hardware, you can deploy the specific capabilities that benefit your customer and incorporate the latest enhancements. 

2. The open source software integration that's right for you

Software is critical for efficient cloud operations. Open source software is a great way to innovate while cutting costs. A universal standards-based common core foundation can help you onboard new applications faster and with more flexibility.

Integrating the right software into a cohesive, secure and reliable stack is critical. It’s important to work with a partner prepared to help you test and integrate a variety of software applications to speed time to market for applications.  

We are an active contributor to many open source communities, including OPNFV and OpenStack, and understand best practices for integrating open source software into production environments. So we can optimize applications and deliver a fully-tested and operational system.

3. An established, global supply chain with insights and logistics

Being nimble is key to cloud data center infrastructure. You want your customers to be able to adopt the latest technologies and efficiencies that boost their computing power.

A partner with a strong continuity of supply can keep the equipment coming when demand peaks. And expertise in supply chain insights and logistics can help you make needed updates without interrupting operations.

We have a worldwide manufacturing and logistics presence, providing more supply chain agility, scalability and reliability. Our end-to-end support helps you take advantage of local and regional manufacturing capabilities for faster delivery, cost efficiencies, tax advantages and protection from unexpected global events.  

4. The collaborative ecosystem

Communities of businesses, individuals and industry organizations developed many of the most popular cloud technologies on the market. In this atmosphere of collective invention, many new compute, storage and networking suppliers are emerging.

The options are many, lines between traditional segments are blurring—and competition is increasing.

To succeed, you need partners and vendors that can adapt quickly to competitive and technological changes. We have a rich ecosystem of supply partners, allowing you to take advantage of the latest offerings, regardless of supplier. We can also help protect your business against volatility in a fast-changing landscape.

The first step in digital transformation is making your data infrastructure agile enough for the evolving needs of today’s customer. Partner with us for help building and operating the ideal cloud environment for your customers’ business.