Archive for the 'Utility Hosting' Category

Layered Tech Brings 3Tera’s AppLogic for Windows to the Grid

Published on November 4, 2008 in LT News, LT's The GRID Layer, Utility Computing, Utility Hosting and Virtual Private Datacenter. Closed Tags: , , , .
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Plano, TX – Layered Technologies, Inc. (Layered Tech), a leading worldwide provider of on-demand IT infrastructure, today announced that it is the first hosting company to give enterprise customers the option of transferring their Microsoft Windows operating system (Windows OS) environment to an AppLogic-based cloud computing solution. Layered Tech will use 3Tera’s AppLogic™ 2.4 to enable customers to run their Windows OS platform in a virtual computing environment, which means customers will have the same high-availability as their dedicated physical servers but with far more scalability, all for a fraction of the cost. Learn more >>

Virtualization creates profound cost savings for the Windows OS environment for several reasons, including that customers:

>> No longer have to buy and maintain hardware including servers, load balancers and SANs.

>> Save money because virtualization enables them to reduce the complexity of their operating environment by consolidating multiple physical servers onto a handful of virtual machines.

>> Save time when setting up new servers because virtualization software’s templating and snapshot capabilities can replicate entire OS and application set-ups in 10% of the time it takes with physical dedicated servers.

>> Eliminates the cost and complexity of maintaining and installing their OS because The Grid Layer® solution from Layered Tech means that management of virtual machines is handled by Layered Tech data center employees.

“In the current economic conditions where everyone is looking to spend less but still achieve their business objectives and profitability, Layered Tech is presenting customers with a particularly compelling opportunity to significantly cut costs by consolidating their Windows OS server operations onto our virtualization platform,” said Jack Finlayson, CEO of Layered Tech. “By bringing Windows OS onto The Grid Layer, we are literally creating a market that didn’t have a place before. To achieve virtualization’s high-availability, scalability and replication in a physical server environment would cost customers millions, yet with Layered Tech their cost is a tiny fraction of that.”

In conjunction with its new Windows OS/virtualization offering, Layered Tech has launched an Early Adopter Program (Request info) so that existing customers can transfer some of their Windows OS servers to Layered Tech’s grid to evaluate cost saving opportunities, as well as operational and performance improvements that come with Layered Tech’s virtualization solutions.

“We’re very excited to bring this offering to the market because our customers have been asking for Windows OS virtualization support, and now we’re making that possible by being the first to provide AppLogic 2.4,” said Layered Tech Chief Marketing Officer John Pozadzides. “Even in this tough economy we still have many customers who need to rapidly scale their computing capabilities because they’re experiencing explosive growth, are bringing on new customers or even that they’re expanding R&D. Having their Windows OS servers on a virtualization platform means they can consolidate servers with Layered Tech and have the scalability and redundancy they need, all while still operating within a fairly lean IT budget.”

In addition to the Windows OS environment, Layered Tech continues to offer The Grid Layer to enterprises and companies that use other operating systems, such as Linux and Unix. Customers of Layered Tech’s Grid Layer, including those operating on Windows OS, are now available to take advantage of its DEFCON managed services, enabling enterprises to scale the level of data center and server management that best fits their individual needs. 

To learn more, visit www.layeredtech.com or www.thegridlayer.com >>

HostingCon'08: Something Old, Something New…

Published on July 25, 2008 in Hosting Industry, Layered Technologies, LT News, LT's The GRID Layer, Utility Computing and Utility Hosting. Closed Tags: , , , , , .
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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 to Speak at HostingCon 2008

Published on July 17, 2008 in Dedicated Server Hosting, Hosting Industry, Layered Technologies, LT News, PR Bites, Utility Computing and Utility Hosting. Closed Tags: , , , , .
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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

Published on July 9, 2008 in Dedicated Server Hosting, Hosting Industry, Layered Technologies, LT News, PR Bites, Utility Hosting and Virtual Private Datacenter. Closed Tags: , , , .
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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.

Enterprise Cloud Computing with Layered Tech

Published on May 29, 2008 in LT's The GRID Layer, Utility Computing, Utility Hosting and Virtual Private Datacenter. Closed Tags: , , , , .
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Interview with Todd Abrams, COO, Layered Technologies

Todd Abrams, COO, Layered Technologies1. Tell me your vision of “Enterprise Cloud Computing?”

Historically, the only option available to businesses with large mission-critical applications was to distribute them across a number of dedicated servers intermixed with firewalls, switches and load balancers.  These enterprise grade solutions have a high degree of complexity, require a staff of system administrators and engineers to provision, and are extremely expensive to deploy with 100% redundancy.

Layered Technologies cloud computing offering, The Grid Layer, solves all of these problems by providing users with a powerful graphical configuration interface which lets them create entire virtual infrastructures within the Grid comprised of a wide range of devices including firewalls, load balancers and servers.  Switching, routing and monitoring are all built into the Grid as well as complete physical redundancy and RAID 1 network duplication of data across physical nodes.

We believe that cloud computing services are the next generation of infrastructure and that as more businesses learn about these offerings the huge cost reductions, inherent redundancy and extreme scalability will compel CIOs and CTOs to migrate their sprawling applications to service providers like Layered Technologies.

2. Why do you choose AppLogic OS and 3Tera?

The choice to use 3Tera’s AppLogic operating system was a simple one.  When Layered Technologies began to work with 3Tera over two years ago there were no natural competitors.  Even today the 3Tera OS is unique and still developing.  AppLogic allows service providers like Layered Technologies to deploy and support standard enterprise grade hardware and to aggregate resources to mimic much larger and more expensive supercomputing systems.

3. What kind of industries use your services?

Layered Technologies currently has a number of Web 2.0 clients like Nexplore and Woopra who utilize The Grid Layer for redundancy and scalability.  These companies rely exclusively on their online presence so their infrastructure requires 100% uptime.  We also have a wide range of enterprise customers ranging from global telecom companies, to healthcare providers, to educational institutions using The Grid Layer.

As far as Cloud or Grid computing is concerned, virtually any enterprise can take advantage of the capabilities of the Grid.  We offer services that range from individual Grid-based Virtual Private Servers to large multi-node Virtual Private Data Centers which allow clients to build and deploy their own complete hosted architectures on demand.

4. Do you have any plans to launch your services to the Japanese Market?

The Japanese market is very important to Layered Technologies.  Not only do we currently have a number of Japanese clients, we view Japan as a strategically important market with huge growth potential.  

Layered Technologies recently signed an agreement with Bit-Isle in Tokyo and as begun to deploy infrastructure in Tokyo.  We intend to make our full range of services available including The Grid Layer to any clients who require Japanese localization.

Find out more:  Layered Technologies, The Grid Layer, VPS, VPDC, Cloud Computing