Fiber Too Expensive? Try EoC

As business applications become more and more demanding and dependent on IP and Ethernet protocols, Carrier Ethernet has emerged as the WAN technology of choice for enterprise access.  Carrier Ethernet promises an efficient, simple, scalable and cost-effective solution whether you are using it for dedicated internet access, connections to cloud applications, or VPN. 

Ethernet for business applications is estimated to grow substantially through 2015.  Of course, fiber optic connectivity is the preferred method service, but Ethernet over Copper (EoC) has become a strategic choice as well for its competitive price and service.  There are a few main reasons why companies may choose EoC, among them :

1.  It’s Ethernet.  Some new technologies promising broadband service may only be used for internet access or basic voice service.  Ethernet meets business-class symmetric service requirements, providing scalable, reliable and manageable features.  EoC delivers the service businesses have come to expect. 

2.  Fiber options may be very limited.  Currently only about 30% of businesses have access to fiber.  The cost to upgrade is very expensive, and it takes anywhere from 6-18 months to install.  Many companies do not want to wait that long, or invest so much money in the service.  Most facilities are connected to the legacy copper voice network, which makes it easy to transition to EoC in a matter of weeks.  Many providers have found they can increase speeds ten-fold with EoC, which may be enough for most companies.

3.  EoC is on par with fiber.  Nearly all service providers have multiple service classes, including many premium products,  in order to deliver the customer experience your company needs.  Most of them are able to provide a service equal to fiber-based Ethernet services.

4. Innovations in technology have advanced EoC capabilities.  New generations of EoC edge and aggregation equipment have increased capabilities to over 15 Mbps symmetric per copper pair, and providers can now deploy 200+ Mbps Ethernet.  This gives you the service at a fraction of the cost. 

The popularity of carrier Ethernet for business WAN service creates the demand that can’t be completely met with fiber.  Advances in EoC give businesses a good alternative that provides equal service at a fraction of the cost.

How Can the Cloud Save You Money?

Although at first glance it may seem that a move to a cloud computing solution will be cost prohibitive, take a closer look at short and long term financial benefits.  You may be surprised at the overall cost reductions and control that will come into play.  If you are looking to cut cost while improving on critical services, the cloud may be the best option for you.  Consider these areas of cost savings:

Facilities consolidation:   By consolidating your data center, you may be able to save significant amount of overall cost.  Many resources can be pooled together in your cloud, such as memory, storage, and network bandwidth. Because cloud services are “location independent”, there are no real estate or energy costs, and your company can reduce its carbon footprint too!

Optimization of workforce:   The workforce needs in a cloud based option are significantly less taxing on your IT support team.  A cloud deployment does not require as much provisioning, development (software) or ongoing maintenance as a traditional infrastructure does.  Thus, your organization may find better use of your valuable IT professionals redirected from routine tasks to mission-critical tasks and new projects. 

Utilization of assets:  This is especially true for larger companies, that have by necessity had duplication of equipment and efforts across departments.  When applications, storage and computing power can be shared, many companies find that they can remove redundant equipment and protocols.  This is also helpful if it is time for an upgrade but a company does not have the resources to complete it across the board. 

Reduction of capital costs:  By its very nature, cloud computing will reduce the incremental capital expenditures that companies are used to seeing.  Initial outlay of capital is low, and operating expenses may go down as well. 

Pay for only what you need:  A cloud solution can improve your cash flow in a few ways. First, you can “meter” services, paying only for what you need, not the whole solution if you don’t need it.  Most companies also have multiple payment options, including pay per use, subscription services, and fixed use billing. 

Be sure that you are looking at the overall picture when it comes to cost and moving to the cloud.  You may find that the long term cost savings makes this a worthwhile switch.