Running Quickbooks on a Cloud Server

Posted on by CeraNet

CeraNet recently designed and developed a secure custom hybrid solution for a client to run their production management software, Quickbooks, and virtual desktop applications for 14 users (Excel, Word, Outlook).

The solution combines two Windows cloud servers with a private network, a managed Cisco ASA VPN/Firewall for all users in 5 different locations, Cisco AnyConnect VPN client software, and a dedicated point to point secure VPN connection using an onsite ASA securing their internal LAN connection to the servers.

Each user has their own personal virtual desktop where they can use software and share data once they connect to the secure virtual private network.  CeraNet manages the network and connectivity, server hardware, firewall install and setup, software setup and config, individual application setup and data migration (including Quickbooks), end-user setup and support, and on-going patches / security.

Email sales@cera.net with your info and we’ll design a custom solution for you!

Posted in Cloud Servers, VPN | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on Running Quickbooks on a Cloud Server

Another Custom Solution

Posted on by CeraNet

Received the following quote request — We’re looking at migrating to a new host. We’ll be migrating 2 web servers (Win 2003), 1 App server and 2 SQL servers (SQL 2005). We’ll also need backup services for the SQL databases (approximately 75 GB).

Here is a summary of the proposed solution:

  • For the 2 x web servers – cloud servers with the following specs:  2 processors, 2gb of memory, and 100gb of storage (keep in mind this is a cloud server that we can add/change resources as needed so you would want to minimize the storage space to slightly over what you actually using and then add when you might need more – just in time resources that save you $$$$), Windows Operating System 2008 R2, Standard Edition (unless your software/aps require 2003, 2008r2 is better)
  • For the app server – cloud servers with the following specs:  2 processors, 2gb of memory, and 100gb of storage, Windows Operating System 2008 R2, Standard Edition (unless your software/aps require 2003, 2008r2 is better)
  • For the 2 x SQL servers – because they require extensive resources, I suggest you do dedicated servers as they are the most economical solution:  2 x quad core procs, 16gb of memory, and 1tb of RAID protected storage, Windows Operating System 2008 R2, Standard Edition (unless your software/aps require 2003, 2008r2 is better), SQL server 2012 Web Edition (can you use this?  It is FAR less expensive than the version listed below —  http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc645993(v=SQL.110).aspx)A significant reason we suggest Cloud servers over dedicated is normally flexibility, control, ease of use, redundancy, etc – however with something like this, it isn’t always the most economical solution.
  • To tie it all together, PCI compliance, security – Secure Firewall / VPN networking (Virtual Private Network) – We can tie everything together in a hybrid cloud / IaaS solution using our custom networking and configuration.  We also recommend using the Cisco ASA if you are processing financial and personal data that would detrimental if it fell into the wrong hands.  We would setup a firewall / VPN hardware, configure it to work with your setup, and work with each of your users to make sure that they are connected and using the secure connection.  http://www.cera.net/cloud-computing-dedicated-colocation-hosted-applications-data-center/software-as-a-service/firewall-virtual-private-network

Hybrid-cloud service using cloud, dedicated, and Cisco firewall / vpn.

 

Posted in Cloud Servers, Dedicated Server, Firewall, Security, VPN | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Another Custom Solution

Custom Solutions

Posted on by CeraNet

We’ve been diligently working towards better solution descriptions and information when prospects ask for quotes with less formality.  Please check out this link:

Custom VPN Firewall Compliant Solution with Cloud Server

This was a piece of a quote for a prospect (now a customer) that spelled out how he could use a secure firwall / vpn service with a cloud server to run specialized Ebay Blackthorne software, Quickbooks, etc. using remote desktop services on remote devices such as Ipads, laptops, and smartphones.  One of their critical issues was enabling printing on network printers across multiple locations, so we laid out a solution using network bridging using virtual private networking to make it happen…

This is just one of the many solutions / services we offer.  Give us a call (614.856.2096 push 4 for sales) or email sales@cera.net to see how we can help you.

Posted in Cloud Servers, VPN | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Custom Solutions

Data as a Service (DaaS)

Posted on by CeraNet

There’s a new aaS in town — data!   If you can use application as a service (Gmail, Office 365, etc.) and infrastructure as a service (CeraNet – colo service or dedicated server hosting), then why can’t you use the data as a service?

We’ve offered this service for many years through our database server hosting service where clients run a ‘hosted’ SQL or MYSQL database and access a single data source with external applications.  Here are two examples:

  • ERP applications like SAP and Oracle.  The applications access data through a combination of client installed apps (on their local computers), web sites, and direct database interfaces (API calls).  Data is stored in one place, on a server in our data center, and accessed by many people in many ways.
  • EMAIL using mobile devices and Outlook or Thunderbird.  Email is probably the most common use of data as a service.  Millions of people use email that feeds several different devices.  Each phone, tablet, and client computer access the same data feed service enabling mobility and data portability.  This is slightly different from ‘application as a service’ in that there are multiple applications access the same data stream.  The data stream is application independent.

The US government has recently released standards for cloud computing as well as, plans for migrating to a data independent platform.  This would allow for more transparency across gov agencies and eliminate costly duplications of data.  Of course, all of this is in theory since most GOV data is in paper format.  It might be good to put millions of people to work electrifying not only our data infrastructure, but also the pocketbooks of out work Americans.

Posted in CeraNet, Cloud Servers | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Data as a Service (DaaS)

Don’t overpay for poor performance and no support

Posted on by CeraNet

A prospective client called in this week looking for info on dedicated servers, colo, and hosted firewall/vpn service.  He said that he was paying too much for cloud servers from a large national provider and was very unhappy with their performance and ‘lack’ of support.   In addition to these issues, he was told:

  • Colo service for a 1u server for development would be $450 per month.  We charge $99.95 per month + offer a 100% uptime SLA, 30 day satisfaction guarantee, etc.
  • They wanted to sell him a Cisco PIX firewall for $150 per month.  Cisco hasn’t sold PIX firewalls since early 2008.  We offer the Cisco ASA line starting at $50 per month for managed / dedicated service OR $10 for the box colo.
  • Here is a quote re their support “Another issue we have at SERVICE PROVIDER NAME is our server is somehow screwed up and service pack 1 keeps failing to install.  MS had 2 suggestions, repair install or download this 300MB app to fix the issue and neither worked they both failed.  SERVICE PROVIDER NAME cannot or will not support a fix.”  We offer management services on contract or as needed by experienced and knowledgeable engineers (something most places are not even capable of, let alone offer to their customers).

He is overpaying for ‘cloud’ servers that are most likely underpowered and over subscribed (they must have worked for AOL back in the day).  We offered a free trial of our cloud servers – two of them with a private network between them for his secure database transactions to interface with his application / web server in addition to secure public access, colo for his development server, options for dedicated servers, and the Cisco ASA 5505 entry level firewall / vpn service, plus offered service and support to help him with migrating his servers to our infrastructure — all for less than what he is paying for his current inadequate service.

Unfortunately this is not uncommon.  There are MANY companies offering what they call ‘high performance cloud servers with fanatical / inspired / full service support’ that are doing a great disservice to their customers and the entire community.  Their incompetence is cloaked with a good sales pitch, their low prices overshadow cheap & oversold resources.  If you are looking for economically priced cloud servers, colo service, dedicated servers, etc — please email us at sales@cera.net and give us the opportunity to show you how we help out customers do more with less & sleep better at night knowing that their services are backed by professionals that care of their success.

Posted in CeraNet, Cloud Servers, Co-Location, Dedicated Server, Firewall, Security, VPN | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Don’t overpay for poor performance and no support