Cloud Collaboration FAQs
What are the differences between cloud-based and on-premise Unified Communications (UC) solutions?
While on-premise solutions provide greater control over UC infrastructure, features and customizations, they also require greater initial capital outlays. A cloud-based UC solution combines all the benefits of an on-premise solution with the flexibility of the cloud, freeing up your IT staff so they can focus on other initiatives. Through centralized administration, cloud-based models shift the burden of management to an external service provider. This makes it faster and easier to scale capacity and availability.
I currently have an on-premise UC solution. Should I consider supplementing it with a cloud-based solution as well?
Absolutely. By migrating in stages, you can better gauge whether UC cloud implementation makes sense for your organization’s objectives and technological requirements. If so, you could then fully migrate to the cloud at your own pace.
How complex is cloud-based UC deployment?
Cloud-based deployment is relatively less complex than on-premise deployment, as its infrastructure is more standardized.
Where will my data be hosted?
Services are hosted in our state-of-the-art data center in Chicago. At more than 485,000 square feet and with 8.2 megawatts in total power, our highly secure facility boasts 24x7 security staff and two-factor authentication (keycard and biometrics).
Should I choose a cloud-based solution based on cost alone?
No. It is important to consider factors outside of costs, such as data security, network security, scalability, end-user application needs, deployment cycles and available IT resources, such as staff and time. You should partner with a provider who can customize their offering to accommodate these individual needs.
How do I keep my users at the latest patch or version levels if I am not managing the system myself?
CDW implements all patch management and software versioning needs for you. Users receive these updates straight from our data center, no matter where they are.
Are there security risks associated with a cloud-based UC solution?
As with all Internet-based technologies, security risks are ever-present. Cloud-based UC solutions host your applications in an external data center off site, so it is especially important to ask the right questions and examine the right considerations to help build a “trust and verify” relationship with a cloud provider that will support success.
What elements does a CDW Cloud Collaboration solution include?
Powered by the Cisco Hosted Collaboration Solution (HCS), CDW Cloud Collaboration offers all the Cisco applications for an on-premise UC solution and delivers them from the cloud. It is available in a wide range of collaboration capabilities, including voice, video, voicemail and integrated messaging, presence and instant messaging, mobility services and Web collaboration.
What are the main benefits of working with CDW for this solution?
While most providers either host or manage services, CDW does both. With years of experience and over 4,000 UC deployments, we can host your services in our secure, state-of-the-art data center using industry-leading Cisco technologies. It’s managed by our highly trained, Cisco-certified professionals and engineers, giving you the freedom and the confidence to focus on other IT initiatives.
How do we handle the telecommunications piece of this solution?
CDW Cloud Collaboration is based on a “bring your own dial tone” structure. Customers use their existing telecommunication carriers for Public Switched Telephony Service (PSTN). CDW supports SIP, PRI and POTS services. These services can be delivered to the customer’s location, CDW’s data center or a combination of both locations for redundancy.
Whom can I contact if I have any questions? Can I call you 24 hours a day?
Our network operations center is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. This operations center fully supports the CDW Cloud Collaboration offering.
