Cologne, 10 November 2009 – According to recent studies on cloud computing and software as a service (SaaS), modern online IT supply models require that providers have an especially strong technical infrastructure. Pironet NDH is one of the best-known providers of SaaS to German SMBs. By expanding its data center and network infrastructure further, it is creating an important basis for the high-performance, secure use of ICT services from the cloud.

Second data center to meet demand for more sophisticated availability scenarios
Pironet NDH has recently put a second high-security data center into operation in Hamburg, the location of its first data center. The two data centers are around ten beeline kilometers apart and are connected via a metropolitan area network (MAN). There is also a direct and multiple redundant connection to Pironet NDH’s new core backbone via the ICT outsourcing service provider's inner-city network.

The new data center is equipped with everything needed for IT and building security. By facilitating parallel operation of their business applications, it offers customers the possibility of implementing sophisticated and geographically-distributed load balancing, backup, and high availability scenarios. Even in the unlikely event of a catastrophe or outage, the IT systems continue working without interruption.

In response to the latest market analysis surveys, Pironet NDH executive board member Felix Höger states: “With respect to SaaS and cloud computing, SMBs in particular value comprehensive service, high availability of their applications, and business-critical data within the national jurisdiction. We only provide our solutions on the basis of our own infrastructure and consistently focus on data center locations in Germany.”

New MPLS backbone ring with 10 Gbit/s throughput
A new core backbone has also been put into operation across Germany. The high-speed network with a direct connection to the central German Internet exchange DE-CIX now boasts 10 Gbit/s throughput, facilitating high-performance, secure online access to the applications and cloud services operated at Pironet NDH’s data centers. The new backbone also represents the heart of Pironet NDH’s corporate networks products with which companies’ branch offices and locations can be securely and efficiently linked to one another.

Business cloud for German SMBs
“Despite the clear and significant cost advantages, German companies are still hesitant about online IT use as they value customized service and, understandably, are not comfortable with their data going halfway around the world to be stored in an unknown manner or location," adds Felix Höger. “We see great opportunities in a specifically German cloud comprehensively serving the current needs of SMBs. We are in an excellent starting position, given our holistic service spectrum and dedicated high-performance infrastructure.”

PIRONET NDH AG offers the market a unique portfolio of solutions for handling digital content and data. This includes consultancy, software, integration and outsourcing services. PIRONET NDH AG is a corporate group that brings together three companies specializing in the different business areas ICT outsourcing, consulting and design as well as content management solutions. PIRONET NDH AG was founded in 1995 and is based in Cologne. Since 2000, it has been listed on the German stock exchange. The Group of companies employs more than 350 people and posted sales figures of around 55 million euros in the last financial year (2010).

Press contact:
Pironet NDH
Thomas Sprenger
Press Office
Maarweg 149-161
50825 Cologne, Germany
Tel.: +49.221.56939-2415
Fax: +49.221.56939-2424
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