Network, colocation and cloud services provider Hub Network Services (HNS) has introduced its GeoCirrus data centre infrastructure optimisation platform which enables users to reduce the risk of data loss and downtime.
While it is accepted best practice to duplicate data and all critical components by using dual data centres often hundreds of miles apart, complications can arise. This is most apparent when separating the data, power feeds, networking equipment and servers deployed at each location. By providing users with clear holistic views GeoCirrus addresses the significant leap in complexity and cost involved in geo diverse infrastructure management, while also eliminating any potential additional points of failure which may leave data and applications vulnerable.
“The launch of our GeoCirrus platform allows user organisations of all sizes to more easily and cost-effectively achieve highly redundant geo-diverse data centre and network infrastructure,” explained John Volanthen, Technical Director, HNS. “Traditionally the cost and complexity of managing dual infrastructure has meant only larger organisations with dedicated network functions could take advantage.”
GeoCirrus clusters two or more rack enclosures in separate data centres and uses them as if they were one single environment. In the unlikely event a data centre should go offline, IP addresses are switched seamlessly between cluster members. On recovery traffic can be switched back automatically, or routed as required. This geographical intelligence is built in to GeoCirrus and requires no intervention from the customer.
Public IP addresses are presented to both locations simultaneously, with racks linked internally across HNS’ high speed backbone network. Sites can operate as active / passive or active / active. Internet traffic can be output at either site regardless of where it entered the cluster. GeoCirrus can also present private circuits, leased lines and even ADSL to multiple locations simultaneously.
