Level 3 Launches Cloud Connect Solutions update from October 2013

Level 3 launches Cloud Connect Solutions, Latisys IaaS is selected by Collaborative Learning, Savvis UK data centers earn the Carbon Trust standard, and Windstream Hosted Solutions gains PCI certification.

Level 3 Cloud Connect

Level 3 Communications (LVLT) launched Cloud Connect Solutions, which offer the underlying network connectivity and services for global enterprises to more effectively integrate the cloud into their evolving IT architecture. With private network access the solution creates a secure, reliable path for customers to realize the efficiency and flexibility of the cloud without compromising productivity or revenue. "Highly reliable, secure and performance-optimized network connectivity is becoming an increasingly important component of an enterprise IT strategy as mission-critical business processes and applications become more network dependent, especially with the widespread deployment of IT cloud environments," stated Melanie Posey, research vice president at IDC. "Level 3 Cloud Connect Solutions provide the flexibility and performance capabilities for enterprises to dynamically interconnect with their cloud ecosystem, enabling them to run their applications efficiently and securely."

Latisys selected by Collaborative Learning

Latisys announced an IaaS agreement with Collaborative Learning (CLI). Under the agreement CLI's IT infrastructure will be delivered from the Latisys national platform and SOC2 and SOC3 audited data center in Chicago. Latisys was selected based its SAN solution being the right fit and familiar, that its SAN was secure, and that the storage-as-a-service solution was backed by aggressive service level agreements to ensure enterprise-grade reliability and redundancy. “Latisys understands that peace of mind is paramount for web-dependent businesses like CLI,” said Pete Stevenson, CEO of Latisys. “Managing IT infrastructure and related costs is challenging as technology rapidly evolves. Latisys is focused on right-sizing hybrid IT infrastructure solutions for today’s growth businesses, but with an eye toward ensuring we can support future requirements.”

Savvis awarded Carbon Trust standard

Savvis, a CenturyLink company (CTL) announced all five of its UK data centers have met the prestigious Carbon Trust Standard for energy-efficient best practices. the award from the Carbon Trust recognizes Savvis' on-going efforts to reduce its carbon footprint within its UK data centers in London, Slough and Reading. Savvis is one of only a few service providers to achieve this standard across all of its UK facilities. "As the world increasingly moves online, the emissions from powering and cooling a growing number of data centres have been increasing as well," said Darran Messem, managing director of certification at the Carbon Trust. "This is why it is significant that companies like Savvis take a robust approach to cutting carbon intensity from their operations. By achieving independent certification from the Carbon Trust, Savvis is setting a positive example to its customers, stakeholders and the rest of the industry."

Windstream gains PCI certification

Windstream Hosted Solutions (WIN) announced that its cloud and hosting data centers have validated compliance with the Payment Card Industry (PCI) Data Security Standards (DSS) version 2.0 as a “Level 1” certified service provider. The Windstream PCI assessment provides assurance and compliance services to global companies. As a “Level 1-certified” service provider—the highest certification achievable—Windstream can store, process, and/or transmit an unlimited amount of transactions annually. “As businesses continue to store, process, and transmit credit card information in data centers, we must work to minimize the risk of security breaches that impact customers while also putting businesses at risk of critical data loss and monetary liability,” said Chris Nicolini, Windstream’s senior vice president of data center operations. “Because of our commitment to our customers and the security of their data, Windstream has proactively met this service provider responsibility, alleviating some of the compliance obligations and costs placed on individual businesses.”