Monthly Archive for July, 2008

Windows Server 2008 Hyper-V-based Virtual Private Machines Available at Layered Tech

Dedicated Hyper-V-based virtual machines now available from the leader in virtualization hosting

( PLANO, TX – July 30, 2008 ) – Layered Tech, Inc., a leading worldwide provider of on-demand IT infrastructure, announces the availability of Windows Server 2008 Hyper-V-based virtual private machines. The announcement marks one of the first offerings of a hypervisor-based virtual private machine, allowing customers to take advantage of the control, efficiency and overall cost-effectiveness of server consolidation and virtualization. The release follows on the heels of Layered Tech’s recent launch of dedicated servers running Microsoft Windows 2008 and Hyper-V. Layered Tech made the announcement at HostingCon 2008, the premier conference and tradeshow for the hosted services industry.

The Microsoft Hyper-V platform allows Layered Tech to deliver a category-leading product that outperforms traditional VPS offerings generally available in the marketplace,” said Jack Finlayson, Chief Executive Officer, Layered Tech. “These are full virtual machines with complete control over everything, right down to the operating system. Customers now have a greater range of control than ever before, combined with a much higher degree of security and reliability.”

As a key feature of Windows Server 2008, Hyper-V allows virtualization of multiple operating systems, including Windows and Linux, all on the same server. The technology provides a scalable, reliable and highly available virtualization platform along with a single set of integrated management tools to manage both physical and virtual resources. Windows Hyper-V also offers large memory support and provides backup/restore, snapshotting and easy transition of virtual servers from one physical server to another.

The Hyper-V-based virtual private machines are delegated virtual instances from top-of-the-line servers, which are either IntelVT (IVT) or AMD-V-enabled processors for true virtualization. Windows Hyper-V allows both 32-bit and 64-bit Linux or Windows virtual machines to be created independent of the underlying operating system. Standalone applications such as Microsoft Exchange and Microsoft SharePoint, for example, will now be able to run on one physical server, allowing users to consolidate multiple systems into a single environment without compromising control, security features or performance.

We are excited that Layered Tech is among the first hosting providers to bring dedicated Hyper-V-based virtual private servers to market,” said John Zanni, General Manager of Worldwide Hosting, Microsoft Corp. “Their offering, combined with the tremendous advantages of a hypervisor-based virtualization tool, will help extend the savings realized through server consolidation and deliver on the vision of true virtualization. In addition, Hyper-V will enable Layered Tech to continue to run a heterogeneous environment by running both Windows and Linux on the same server using a single management interface.”

Pricing for Hyper-V-based virtual private machines starts at $89.00 per month, and additional virtual machines are available on a pay-as-you-grow basis to support customers’ specific needs.

For additional information on Layered Tech, please visit http://www.layeredtech.com.

For additional information on the Hyper-V-based virtual private machine offering, please visit http://www.layeredtech.com/dedicated-servers/microsoft-hyper-v.php

For questions, please email: sales@layeredtech.com >>

HostingCon'08: Something Old, Something New…

Visit BOOTH 301 for Live GRID/Cloud Computing DEMOS

This year “Booth #301″ will be stocked with something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.

Something OLD, Something NEW…

Returning to HostingCon for the 4th year in a row (OLD) will be some familiar faces from FastServers.Net. However, they will have a new-found image and a glitzy new booth sporting the (NEW) LayeredTech brand. Combined, you’ll see the latest “hosting vendor of choice” providing both self-managed and fully-managed hosting solutions as well as innovative virtualization and utility-based offerings.

Something BORROWED, Something BLUE…

Leading the way in technology innovation focused on virtualization (BORROWED term) is LayeredTech’s primary focus. In conjunction with our standard hosting solutions, we’ve been deemed the pioneers in on-demand virtualization offerings including Grid computing, Hyper-V, Citrix, Sun Solaris, as well as many others. All this taken into account, LayeredTech’s recent rebranding efforts include a new (Yes, BLUE) logo which reflects the layers of products, services and innovation being offered today. So stop by and CHECK IT OUT!

Witness the power of the GRID with a live demo!

Booth 301: The Grid is ready. Are you?

Stop by Booth 301 and learn more about LayeredTech’s unique “GRID/CLOUD” computing solution, the ultra reliable multi-server configuration that is scalable, affordable, reliable and yes, simple to use. Come by, ask questions, see a live demo and let’s talk about the technology that can enable your organization to offer GRID/CLOUD Computing.

Wed 8:30am Presentation: “Every Cloud has a Silver Lining” by John Pozadzides, CMO, Layered Tech

Have you ever wondered how Cloud Computing is going to change this industry? If yes, then grab your coffee and come listen to John Pozadzides, CMO of LayeredTech, who will be presenting WEDNESDAY from 8:30am to 9:15am. He will bring to light key trends in hosting virtualization. After this AM session, you’ll walk away smarter and more stimulated (ahhh coffee!). If you miss it, stop by Booth 301. We’ll be happy to answer your questions.

We’re looking forward to this event – seeing friends old and new. If nothing else, stop by, say hi and pick-up some of our cool free schwag.

If you are not attending HostingCon 2008 and want educate yourself on GRID/CLOUD computing you can schedule a web demo and one of our highly trained GRID Experts will walk you through the features and benefits.

Schedule a GRID DEMO NOW!

Layered Tech Announces New CIO

Former CIO of FastServers.Net to lead research and development at Layered Tech

PLANO, TX – July 17, 2008 – Layered Tech, a leading worldwide provider of “on-demand” IT infrastructure, announces today the appointment of Mr. Terrance Bush to Chief Information Officer. Bush will be responsible for research and development, as well as technology strategy for the organization.

“We are excited to have Terrance on our executive team,” said Jack Finlayson, CEO, Layered Tech. “His technology expertise and leadership experience, combined with the other new additions to our management team, will position Layered Tech for continued growth and success in the grid computing and managed Web services space.”

Bush began his career at FastServers.Net in 2000, and held a number of key management positions prior to taking on the CIO role in 2003. Mr. Bush has over nine years of system administration experience, as well as more than five years in system engineering management. Prior to his tenure at FastServers, Bush held senior positions with several Fortune 500 companies, including AT&T and StockPoint (now a division of CBS MarketWatch).

“I am thrilled to lead the research and development team at Layered Tech,” said Bush. “It’s an exciting time at the company, as we put our energies into managed hosting and virtualization services, as well as concentrate on servicing the enterprise market. I am looking forward to the new challenges this role will bring and am confident our team will deliver many exciting solutions in 2008 and beyond.”

Layered Tech recently acquired FastServers.Net, a leading Chicago – based managed hosting company. The acquisition combined the expertise of FastServers.Net in managed dedicated hosting with Layered Tech’s leading virtualization and on-demand IT infrastructure offerings. 

For additional information on Layered Tech, please visit http://www.layeredtech.com.

Layered Tech to Speak at HostingCon 2008

Company executives speaking in multiple sessions

PLANO, TX – July 15, 2008 – Layered Tech, Inc., a leading worldwide provider of on-demand IT infrastructure, announced today that they will participate at HostingCon 2008, the premier conference and tradeshow for the hosted services industry. Layered Tech will be a Gold Sponsor for the event, as well as have executives, John Pozadzides and Aaron Phillips, participating in two different speaking sessions. HostingCon 2008 will take place July 28-30 at the Navy Pier in Chicago, Illinois. All HostingCon attendees are invited to Layered Tech’s booth (booth #301).

“We are very pleased to be participating at Hosting Con,” said John Pozadzides, Vice President and CMO, Layered Tech. “It’s a great event that brings together the best and brightest from the industry to learn about the latest news, ideas and technologies affecting the industry, and ultimately their businesses.”

During the conference, Layered Tech will have two speaking engagements. Aaron Phillips, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, will be participating in a marketing panel discussion, where he will be joined by moderator Brett Tabke, CEO, WebmasterWorld.com; and fellow panelists Amy Armitage, Director of Business Development, Lunarpages Web Hosting; Ben Fisher, Vice President, TechPad Agency, LLC.; Hartland Ross, President, eBridge Marketing Solutions Inc.; and Derek Vaughan, VP Marketing, HostMySite.com. The panel will take place Monday, July 28 from 9:00-11:00 a.m., and will be fielding audience questions regarding online and offline marketing, branding, SEO and SEM, and social media marketing.

John Pozadzides will have his own speaking presentation titled, “Every Cloud Has a Silver Lining.” The presentation will take place Wednesday, July 30 from 8:30-9:15 a.m., and will examine how cloud computing, grid computing, and virtualization are changing the hosting industry. Topics also include challenges and solutions to market adoption of cloud computing.

“One of the goals of this event is to provide a forum to explore the key trends and issues that are shaping the hosted services industry today and into the future,” said George Roberts IV, President and CEO, Interjuncture Corp., producers of the HostingCon conference and tradeshow series. “Having industry leaders, such as Layered Tech, participating is well aligned with that goal and the overall theme of this executive conference.”

Layered Tech recently acquired FastServers.Net, a leading Chicago-based managed hosting company. The acquisition combined the expertise of FastServers.Net in managed dedicated hosting with Layered Tech’s leading virtualization and on-demand IT infrastructure offerings. 2008 marks the fourth year of attendance for Fastservers.Net at HostingCon.

HostingCon is the definitive conference and tradeshow for the hosted services industry. Hosted services professionals around the world gather to learn more about the industry, network with their peers and vendors, and help grow their business. HostingCon is produced by Interjuncture Corp., a Crystal Lake, Illinois-based producer of technology-related tradeshows, conferences and events.

For additional information on HostingCon 2008, please visit http://www.hostingcon.com/.

For additional information on Layered Tech, please visit http://www.layeredtech.com.

Virtualization and MS Hyper-V : Interview with Todd Abrams, COO of Layered Tech

Recently, Layered Technologies announced that the company became the first hosting provider to launch dedicated servers running Microsoft Windows 2008 and Hyper-V. In this exclusive interview, we talk to Mr. Todd Abrams, COO & President of the company, about the challenges and promises of virtualization technology.  Read actual article >>

HostReview: Layered Technologies’ Hyper-V dedicated server offerings are most likely meant for professionals. Nevertheless, how would you explain the benefits of LT’s Windows Server 2008 based virtualization solutions to a less tech-savvy audience?

Todd Abrams: I’ve seen a lot of people overcomplicate the concepts behind virtualization. This seems to make those of us who are less technical shy away from experimenting with the technology. But the reality is that virtualization actually simplifies installation and management of operating systems and applications.

One example of how virtualization could make life easier comes in the form of pre-packaged applications. Let’s say a business wanted to use the popular SugarCRM application. Instead of having to install an operating system, install the application, optimize both, and secure them, one could simply download a virtual machine created by a SugarCRM expert and run it instantly.

Indeed, once a server has been virtualized, it has a number of capabilities that were simply not present previously:

•Snapshots and backups
•Instantaneous provisioning of Virtual Machines
•Easy migration and upgrade paths
•Simplified management of multiple machines

Why did you choose Hyper-V? Did you initially consider similar open source technologies?

Microsoft and Layered Tech have a long-standing relationship. In addition to supporting many Microsoft operating systems and applications we are strong believers in the future of data center virtualization. From this perspective supporting Hyper-V is a necessity.

In addition to working with Microsoft, Layered Tech also has experience with supporting other major virtualization offerings from 3Tera, VMware, Xen, and Parallels.

What did being the first hosting company to implement Hyper-V involve? How long were the planning and implementation phases, and did you work with Microsoft experts on this?

Hyper-V was implemented in essentially the same manner as any new product roll out. However, Layered Tech’s extensive experience in supporting virtualized environments, including our Grid computing platform, enabled us to move much more quickly than other hosting providers.

We worked very closely with the Microsoft team in all aspects of the roll out including training, implementation and product development.

What kinds of clients are you targeting with the new Hyper-V offerings?

We believe Hyper-V will be particularly attractive for Enterprise level clients with a large investment in equipment powered by Microsoft operating systems. Hyper-V fills a gap for clients who previously found competing products either too expensive on a per VM basis, or too unsupported for serious investment.

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About: Todd Abrams, COO & President

Todd Abrams, Layered TechnologiesTodd leads the Layered Technologies team and oversees daily operations. Prior to founding Layered Technologies, he served as CEO and founder of FX-Directors Solutions, a leading technology services company in the funeral services industry. At FX Directors Solutions, Todd worked to build a solid technology and financial foundation that was acquired to form Aldor Solutions in late 2003. Previously, Todd served as Vice President of North American Operations for EDGE Technologies, a large wholesale computer component and white box system distributor. While at EDGE, Todd built the North American Operations and grew sales from $2 million to over $110 million within 2 years, while also establishing 8 U.S satellite locations. Earlier in his career, he worked for EDGE Internet Services Australia (EISA), an ISP that was publicly traded on the Australian Exchange. EISA aggressively grew in the US market by acquiring other ISP’s across North America.