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WHITE PAPER

AWS Direct Connect Service

Learn how Astound offers low latency, high quality, direct connections between enterprises and the AWS cloud.

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There are several ways to connect to the cloud, with multiple types of cloud-based infrastructures, platforms and software services to choose from, along with multiple cloud service providers. The undisputed leader in the public cloud computing world is Amazon Web Services, or AWS.

This white paper explores the motivations behind enterprises’ move to the cloud, the types of clouds and services that are available, why AWS is the cloud service provider of choice and why businesses should choose to partner with Astound, an AWS Partner, to deploy and support direct high bandwidth fiber connections to the Amazon cloud.

AWS Direct Connect

Types of cloud services
  • Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): This is the hardware layer of the network, meaning the servers, compute power, storage arrays and switches that comprise the physical network. AWS currently has a 48% global market share in providing IaaS solutions.
  • Platform as a Service (PaaS): Platform services are used by application developers. They build on the infrastructure layer using middleware, business intelligence tools and database management systems to write the code to deliver the functionality that each service requires. AWS claims a 25% global market share in providing PaaS solutions.
  • Software as a Service (SaaS): Software is held in the cloud and purchased on a subscription basis. End-users simply login to the system and launch the desired application. AWS provides a low cost, reliable and secure foundation for businesses to build and deliver SaaS solutions to customers through the AWS marketplace.
  • Public cloud: Businesses rent public cloud space to store their software and live application data apart from the enterprise’s data center. Different cloud service providers offer different levels and types of data storage and compute resources, with scalability available on demand.
  • Private cloud: This typically means both enterprise data and cloud resources are hosted on-premises within an organization’s data center, behind the firewall. A private cloud strategy allows companies’ internal IT teams to manage the cloud and control all aspects of network performance.
  • Hybrid cloud: A combination of public and private clouds, some critical data resides in the enterprise’s on-premises private cloud, while other data is stored and accessed from one or more public cloud environments. Because workloads can be deployed either in a distant public cloud or on-premises, hybrid cloud environments are often more flexible.

AWS has the largest infrastructure footprint of any cloud provider, capable of delivering myriad low latency services through a worldwide dark fiber network of servers. AWS is ubiquitous, offering 24 regions and 76 availability zones globally, reaching hundreds of millions of users on a daily basis

AWS is constantly deploying new services and upgrading existing ones. Today, AWS offers over 175 services, up from just 70 in 2017. In addition to Compute, Storage, Databases, Analytics, Networking, Mobile, Developer Tools, Management Tools, IoT, Security and Email services, AWS offers high bandwidth, scalable connections for enterprise-class services.

Astound’s AWS Direct Connect Service establishes secure, private connectivity directly between an AWS node and the customer’s environment—whether that is an office, data center or colocation facility.

Astound maintains a robust national network, with high bandwidth fiber interconnection points into the AWS cloud network in several major markets and surrounding areas. Astound customers can connect to any AWS connections to more than 100 data centers nationwide. That makes Astound a one-stop shop for enterprise and cloud connectivity featuring the leader in cloud computing, AWS.

Astound offers two types of connections directly to AWS, dedicated service and hosted service.

Dedicated service employs a physical Ethernet Private Line (EPL) connection from the data center to an AWS port in a choice of 1 GB or 10 GB bandwidths. A more expensive service, the dedicated connection is faster, private and secure. Offering higher bandwidth, it is best for large enterprises that need access to powerful data processing AWS cloud services, but do not resell networking services.

Hosted service provides a virtual Ethernet Private Line (EVPL) connection from the customer’s enterprise data center or colocation through Astound’s network-to-network interface to the AWS cloud in a choice from 50 MB to 500 MB bandwidths. Hosted service is a more cost effective option and is best for lower bandwidth, smaller accounts with more transactional applications.

View the White Paper

Partnering to Solve Your Complexities

Astound Business meets you where you are and how you want to communicate. We're focused on taking out friction points and delivering solutions that scale.

Listening & Discovery

Understanding the key issues that need to be solved is first, we won’t sell you a fixed set of products. We listen and provide a diversity of connectivity solutions aligned to your specific business. Up front, our experts learn how your business works, to uncover how things could be done differently to find efficiencies and new profit centers. Getting the pulse of our clients, then right-fitting solutions and delivering on time is how we operate.

Solution Planning & Design

Meeting your needs where you are, technical experts provide unique solutions by creating a project plan that covers scope, timing, cost and execution. A dedicated account team aligns to design a custom network that delivers secure connectivity. From kick-off to site survey to construction and integration — your account manager and solutions engineering team provides comprehensive project management.

Implementation

You’ll receive end-to-end build management from a dedicated account manager and an implementation driven by local experts. We are never bureaucratic. We respect your time, while handling all the details. We offer flexibility in infrastructure and expansion, where others can’t, through dark fiber delivery.

Monitoring & Maintenance

Focused on your connectivity, we care about our own network and are not overextended. Experienced staff are monitoring the infrastructure around the clock to deliver stability, while adhering to SLA metrics. We pick up the phone immediately. Astound’s organizational structure is set up for superior response & support.

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Disclaimers

Not all services, speeds and product features are available in all areas. Taxes & fees apply to all services and are subject to change. All services a governed by Astound Business Solutions Terms and Conditions. Other restrictions may apply. Internet speeds may vary & are not guaranteed. Certain equipment may be required to reach advertised speeds. DOCSIS 3.1 modem with 2.5GE physical LAN port is required for 1 Gigabit speeds and higher. Learn more on why speeds may vary. To view Astound’s FCC Network Management Disclosure see below. Modem required for Internet service. Wi-Fi Security provided by eero. ±Astound Internet is powered by fiber and connected to the premises via coaxial connection or fiber, where available. Delivery methods may vary by area.

TV rates are not promotional and are subject to change. Availability of channels, packages, TV tiers and other offerings may vary by location and is subject to change. Any additional services (such as equipment, add-on channels and other tiers of service) are subject to additional charge & regular increases. Minimum internet speed of 250 Mbps is required for Business TV service. Programming subject to change; availability may differ by location; certain on demand, events and pay-per-view titles are available an addt’l cost. High definition may not be available in all markets. Refer to your on-screen guide for details.

Available phone services may vary based on market and location. Additional charges apply to new or moved phone jacks and may apply to additional cable jacks as well as custom or non-standard installation work. Other restrictions may apply. Read phone equipment and battery backup details. CA/OR RESIDENTS: pricing for phone does not include 2% Regulatory Administration Fee.

New business customers only, and other restrictions apply. Customer consents to texts, emails & calls by Astound for purposes relating to customer’s account. All services are governed by the Astound Small Business Services Subscriber Agreement.

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