E-Business

Navigating the Virtual Server Vendor Selection Process

Published

3 years ago

October 4, 2021

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Servers are an important part of computing architecture. It’s what holds your files, applications, and websites. When a request is made over a network, it goes to the server, which accepts and responds to that request. In simple terms, servers make the networks deliver the results they exist to provide.

Traditionally, servers are “bare metal” hardware located on-premise or found in off-site data centers. But more recently, a second option—the virtual server—has become sought after and available from IT service vendors.

What Is a Virtual Server?

A virtual server is a server that’s housed on an offsite data center (away from the user business’s premise) and is split into multiple virtualized instances. Each of these multiple virtualized compartments functions just like a hardware server would.

A result of this is that hardware servers can attain full utilization—something that wasn’t often achieved for traditional servers on their own.

Why Virtual Servers Are an Attractive Option

The main difference between hardware and virtual server is that the former runs only a single operating system, while the latter (the virtual server) can run multiple operating systems. As such, virtual servers can save businesses a lot of space, and help them avoid the cost of acquiring extra physical servers.

Although the advantages of having a virtual server are clear, the quality of service around any virtualized server may differ across vendors. Businesses looking to enjoy the scalability and cost-savings of the virtualized server will do well to examine and compare providers offering this product before signing on with them.

There are a number of things that businesses can look for in a prospective virtual server provider. They are discussed below.

Uptime and Performance

The server uptime refers to the total duration for which a server is functional. Downtimes are the period in which the server is offline or not functional.

Organizations looking to sign up with a server virtualization vendor should go for one that provides the highest possible uptimes (i.e. lowest possible downtimes). This is important because it determines the performance of the applications and websites you will host on a server.

Higher uptimes will make your files, websites, and applications available more often. If the duration of your downtimes is too long, it could impact your business’s IT performance, and may ultimately affect bottom lines negatively.

The closer your uptime is to 100%, the better. Go for providers who deliver at least 99.9% uptime.

The quality of the server will also determine other performance metrics like network response speeds and load times. If it’s subpar, these things will also be affected. Ascertain that your prospective provider doesn’t have any of these issues.

Maintenance and Customer Support

With virtual servers located off-premise, you will have to depend a lot more on your vendor to help out with maintenance and support. This is crucial if you need to troubleshoot something urgently, and don’t want your server issues to negatively impact your business.

When weighing up server providers, find out how many hours they are available. Do they promise round-the-clock support? Also find out whether they can attend to you via the channels you prefer, whether it is email, live chat, or phone.

If it’s possible, also look for reviews concerning the quality of support they give. It’s one thing for service providers to promise a steady response and quite another for them to tackle your issues satisfactorily. By learning from their previous or existing clients, you can have a good feel of the sort of service you can expect from them.

Managed Versus Unmanaged Service

With your virtual server, you can either choose a managed or unmanaged service plan.

If you go for managed service, you outsource management and maintenance of your virtual server to the service provider. But if you settle for unmanaged service, you have greater control over your server. Both these options come with advantages and challenges.

Managed service ensures that experts at your vendor’s end will take care of your server issues, including maintenance and optimization.

This takes the burden of the technical details off you and allows you to focus on your core business concerns. However, you don’t have as much direct control of the servers as you would get with an unmanaged plan.

Unmanaged plans, on the other hand, let you customize your server as you wish. However, you will have to monitor, manage, and maintain it, all of which require time and, potentially, extra costs. It’s also not an advisable option for businesses that do not have the technical know-how required to take care of virtual servers.

Pricing And Budgetary Considerations

Virtual server costs vary across service providers. Organizations will want to go with a vendor that offers them the best possible product at a decent cost—where ‘decent’ is defined as fit with their budget.

Navigating this aspect of the acquisition process can be tricky, especially because it involves balancing budgetary constraints and quality. Nevertheless, the scalability that comes with virtual servers takes care of some of these concerns.

It is also worth finding out what the components of the total costs are. This may give you an insight into whether the stated prices are worth bearing.

Things like hard drive space, CPU cores, and RAM are part of the package and may cause the wide differences observed between price quotes across various providers. Knowing how these things contribute to the final price could help you choose a vendor with a decent offer.

Final Words: Go for a Vendor You Can Trust

Businesses dependent on IT need virtual servers that are efficient and effective. But they also want these servers from competent providers who offer good prices and great customer support. Without these, their operations may suffer.

Layer3Cloud takes care of these concerns with its best-in-class virtual server offerings. Our services leverage the expertise of our engineers and consultants, our deep knowledge of organizational needs, and our years of experience in the Nigerian terrain. Clients from diverse industries trust us to give them IT solutions that are tailored for them.

If you would like to learn about our virtual servers, cloud products, and other services, you can do that here.

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E-Business

Mastercard, Alerzo, and e-Trade Alliance Unite to Enhance Financial Inclusion for 10,000 MSMEs

Published

6 hours ago

December 3, 2024

Ugo Onwuaso

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Mastercard has collaborated with Alerzo, a leading Nigerian B2B e-commerce company, and the USAID-funded e-Trade Alliance to accelerate the digital transformation of and enhance financial inclusion among micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria.

This collaboration aims to empower over 10,000 MSMEs with cutting-edge digital and financial solutions, enabling them to achieve sustainable growth and thrive in the digital economy.

Despite Nigeria’s progress in digital technology adoption, MSMEs still face significant challenges, including complex supply chains, reliance on manual, error-prone inventory management, and limited access to essential financial services.

This collaboration addresses these obstacles with user-friendly digital and financial solutions tailored to local MSMEs, such as Alerzoshop, Alerzo’s digital B2B marketplace; and Veedez, a comprehensive digital payment and business management tool, complemented by training initiatives to boost financial and digital literacy.

“Mastercard is committed to driving financial inclusion and empowering small businesses worldwide. Our collaboration with Alerzo, and the e-Trade Alliance in Nigeria provides MSMEs the digital tools and resources needed to thrive in today’s digital economy. By facilitating seamless digital payments and offering comprehensive business management solutions, we are fostering a more inclusive financial ecosystem and driving innovation and growth within the sector.

“This collaboration demonstrates the immense possibilities that can be unlocked through the power of public-private partnerships,” said Folasade Femi-Lawal, Country Manager, West Africa, Mastercard.

Alerzoshop enables MSMEs to stock up using their phones, enhancing their access to suppliers and facilitating secure, efficient and seamless digital payments via Mastercard’s global network.

Veedez is redefining how small businesses operate by helping them digitize processes, unlock new sales opportunities, and increase revenue, with micro-lending services providing vital financial support.

Adewale Opaleye, CEO, Alerzo Limited, added: “We are delighted to collaborate with Mastercard, and e-Trade Alliance for this digital transformation project in Nigeria.

“As the leading partner of choice for informal retailers and MSMEs, we recognize our responsibility to introduce digital retail solutions that will strengthen the economy and facilitate the adoption of a cashless society for the collective benefit of all.

“This initiative is part of our commitment to connecting millions of MSMEs in Nigeria to a world where digital connectivity is integrated into their businesses, making them more profitable and fulfilling.”

This collaboration aims to deliver targeted financial and digital training to 10,000 MSMEs across Nigeria by year-end. Introducing innovative, cost-effective payment solutions like Mastercard’s Tap to Pay, QR codes, Pay-By-Link, and Payment Gateway Services will accelerate digital payment adoption.

Upgrades to Alerzo’s infrastructure will enable seamless payment processing through the Mastercard network, benefitting MSMEs immediately upon signing up for Veedez, available on the App Store and Google Play.

Michael Poor, Senior Manager, Nextrade Group, e-Trade Alliance implementing partner, said, “This public-private sector collaboration underscores our dedication to fostering inclusive economic growth through digital transformation.

“By combining our expertise in skills development for ecommerce, inclusive trade, and access to finance, we aim to support Nigerian MSMEs in overcoming the challenges they face in the digital economy.

“Together with Alerzo and Mastercard, we are committed to empowering small businesses with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed to power more inclusive, sustainable growth in Nigeria.”

This collaboration underscores the commitment of all parties to empower Nigerian MSMEs by furthering the digital transformation of the economy and enhancing financial inclusion.

It supports Mastercard’s goal of bringing one billion people and 50 million micro and small businesses into the digital economy by 2025 and deepening collaborations with international institutions to drive more sustainable, inclusive economic development.

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E-Business

Naija Shopping Festival: Konga Offers Unbeatable Christmas Deals

Published

1 day ago

December 2, 2024

Ugo Onwuaso

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Nigeria’s leading e-commerce platform, Konga, has unveiled the Naija Shopping Festival, a Christmas sales event designed to offer shoppers extraordinary discounts and unbeatable deals.

This exciting shopping extravaganza begins on December 1 and runs through December 30, promising an unforgettable experience for all.

With discounts of up to 70% off on your favourite products, the Naija Shopping Festival is Konga’s way of spreading festive cheer and ensuring no one misses out on amazing deals.

This event caters especially to those who could not participate in Konga Yakata, giving everyone a chance to save big this holiday season.

The festival boasts a wide array of incredible offers across multiple categories, including mobile phones, electronics, FMCG, fashion, groceries, and accessories.

Shoppers can also enjoy specially curated deals such as Christmas Eve Deals, Flash Sales, Santa Shop, and Hamper Packs, ensuring there’s something for everyone this festive period.

Konga is partnering with top global brands such as Apple, Starlink, HP, Zinox, CeraVe, Lenovo, Haier Thermocool, Samsung, and Infinix to deliver the best possible deals. Customers can expect discounts of up to 70% on premium products, ensuring maximum value on every purchase.

Speaking on the launch, Onochie Melvin, E-commerce Manager at Konga, stated, “The Naija Shopping Festival is our way of giving back to our customers and making this Christmas season special for every Nigerian.

“We remain committed to easing the financial burden on Nigerian consumers, especially during challenging economic times. Also, we want to ensure shopping is fun, affordable, and stress-free. With our trusted partners, we’ve curated the best deals to meet the needs of every shopper during this festive period.”

As always, Konga is committed to making shopping easy and convenient for Nigerians.

“By offering substantial price cuts and collaborating with trusted brands, Konga continues to set the standard for e-commerce in Nigeria.

To have a feel of Konga’s Naija Shopping Festival, visit www.konga.com today and make your Christmas shopping a joyful experience.

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E-Business

TD Africa Joins Forces with Check Point to Enhance Cybersecurity in Nigeria

Published

1 day ago

December 2, 2024

Ugo Onwuaso

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TD Africa, a leading technology distributor in Sub-Saharan Africa, has joined forces with Check Point Software Technologies Ltd., a global cybersecurity leader, to enhance Nigeria’s cybersecurity resilience.

This strategic partnership, announced at a partner roundtable event in Lagos and attended by industry executives, stakeholders, and IT professionals, facilitated discussions on emerging cybersecurity trends and fostered strategic partnerships.

Participants explored innovative approaches to digital security, concluding with a networking session designed to spark future collaborations and strengthen Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.

Abiodun Idowu, Assistant General Manager for TD Africa, highlighted the company’s dedication to delivering cutting-edge technology solutions, saying: “This partnership with Check Point reflects our commitment to providing advanced tools that safeguard businesses against today’s complex cyber threats.”

Check Point’s Security Manager, Victor Ugwu, who underscored the partnership’s significance in strengthening cybersecurity frameworks in Nigeria, said, “With this collaboration with TD Africa, we aim to deploy innovative solutions like Harmony and CloudGuard to protect organizations across the country.”

TD Africa now offers Check Point’s Harmony and Email Collaboration solutions, incorporating Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) technology to enable secure connectivity for remote and hybrid work environments.

Additionally, the partnership provides CloudGuard, an end-to-end cloud security solution, and Quantum Firewall appliances, which scale to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes.

This partnership reinforces TD Africa’s position as a driving force in Nigeria’s technological advancement. By delivering robust cybersecurity solutions, TD Africa empowers businesses to navigate the digital age with confidence and resilience.

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