Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.
Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.
INDIANAPOLIS – March 24, 2025 –Scale Computing, the market leader in edge computing, virtualization, and hyperconverged solutions, has been honored by CRN®, a brand of The Channel Company, with the prestigious 5-Star Award in the 2025 CRN Partner Program Guide. This annual guide is an essential resource for solution providers seeking vendor partner programs that match their business goals and deliver high partner value.
“We have always been a partner-first organization, and we take great pride in the Scale Computing Partner Community. Earning a 5-star rating for the seventh year in a row is the ultimate testament to Scale Computing’s ongoing commitment to being the best solution in a partner’s portfolio,” said Jeff Ready, CEO and co-founder, Scale Computing. “We’re proud of how we have been able to help our partners and customers navigate the industry disruption caused by Broadcom and VMware by switching to Scale Computing Platform (SC//Platform). Our solution offers a significant upgrade from VMware that provides a hypervisor alternative, while simultaneously enabling edge computing and AI inference at the edge. We look forward to continuing to heavily invest in our partner community this year and beyond.”
SC//Platform combines simplicity and scalability, offering a unified, easy-to-manage, and cost-effective solution that replaces complex infrastructure and ensures high availability for workloads. With the zero-touch provisioning (ZTP) feature in Scale Computing//Fleet Manager (SC//Fleet Manager), managing edge computing infrastructure becomes as simple as managing cloud resources. Administrators can pre-configure clusters prior to nodes arriving on site, reducing deployment time of edge infrastructure by up to 90%.
Scale Computing is currently offering two promotions to further ease the transition from VMware to SC//Platform. Customers seeking a VMware Alternative can save 25% or more — and get a free VM migration tool and $200 Amazon gift card — when they switch to Scale Computing. With the SC//Fast Track Partner Promotion, new partners who sign up for the award-winning Scale Computing Partner Program can receive a free hyperconverged edge computing node to experience the company’s industry-leading technology firsthand.
The 5-Star Award is an elite recognition given to companies that have built their partner programs on the key elements needed to nurture lasting, profitable, and successful channel partnerships. For the 2025 Partner Program Guide, the CRN research team evaluated vendors based on program requirements and offerings such as partner training and education, pre- and post-sales support, marketing programs and resources, technical support, and communication.
“Being featured on the 2025 CRN Partner Program Guide highlights the dedication these technology vendors have to evolving with solution providers, driving innovation, and supporting mutual success,” said Jennifer Follett, VP, U.S. Content and Executive Editor, CRN, at The Channel Company. “This critical annual project empowers solution providers to identify vendors that are committed to enhancing their partner programs and meeting the always-changing business needs of the channel and end customers. The guide provides deep insight into the distinctive value of each partner program so solution providers can make strategic partnership decisions with confidence.”
About Scale Computing Scale Computing is a leader in edge computing, virtualization, and hyperconverged solutions. Scale Computing HC3 software eliminates the need for traditional virtualization software, disaster recovery software, servers, and shared storage, replacing these with a fully integrated, highly available system for running applications. Using patented HyperCore™ technology, the HC3 self-healing platform automatically identifies, mitigates, and corrects infrastructure problems in real-time, enabling applications to achieve maximum uptime. When ease-of-use, high availability, and TCO matter, Scale Computing HC3 is the ideal infrastructure platform. Read what our customers have to say on Gartner Peer Insights, Spiceworks, TechValidate and TrustRadius.
About Version 2 Digital
Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.
Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.
Summary: Cyber threats, compliance demands, and costly breaches make Data Loss Prevention (DLP) a must-have. Learn how to stop data leaks before they happen.
As businesses rely more on digital tools and cloud-based SaaS platforms, keeping sensitive data safe is more important than ever. Cyber threats are evolving at breakneck speed, regulations like GDPR and HIPAA are getting stricter, and data breaches are now hitting the bottom line harder than ever before. Traditional Data Loss Prevention measures (DLP) in consumer browsers don’t cut it anymore.
That’s where enterprise browsers come in. Built with security in mind, they offer stronger DLP capabilities to protect your confidential data.
In this blog, we’ll share simple tips to build a strong DLP strategy. You’ll also learn how enterprise browsers with network security solutions can keep your most valuable assets safe.
Key takeaways
DLP includes strategies and tools that protect sensitive data safe from unauthorized access. These tools also help businesses meet regulations like HIPAA, GDPR, and PCI DSS and support SOC 2 compliance.
Data loss can happen due to human error, insider threats, cyber-attacks, or hardware failures. By understanding these risks, businesses can take steps to protect their critical data.
DLP tools like encryption, access control, and backups ensure data stays secure.
Best practices for DLP include setting clear policies, using advanced technology, and maintaining constant monitoring.
What is data loss prevention?
Data breaches are becoming more costly and harder to manage. In 2024, the global average cost of a data breach hit a record $4.88 million, up 10% from the year before. According to Statista, the healthcare sector took the biggest hit, with an average cost of $9.77 million per breach, while the financial sector followed at $6.08 million.
To combat these rising costs and risks, businesses need robust data protection measures in place. Data Loss Prevention (DLP) is about protecting digital information from loss, theft, or unauthorized access. It ensures data stays private, accurate, and available while helping businesses comply with security regulations like HIPAA for healthcare data or PCI DSS for payment card information.
Key measures include encryption, which secures data so only authorized users can access it, and access controls, which restrict who can view or modify sensitive information. Backup and recovery solutions help restore lost data, while data masking hides confidential details. By implementing these practices, organizations can prevent breaches, protect customer trust, and comply with industry regulations.
Common causes of data loss
Data loss occurs when important information is deleted or corrupted. Some causes are more common than others, and each requires specific prevention measures. Understanding these threats helps businesses protect their data.
Human error
Mistakes happen, and human error is one of the main reasons data is lost. For example, accidentally deleting files, entering the wrong information, or mishandling sensitive data can lead to serious problems. In fact, IBM’s Cost of a Data Breach Report 2024 found that human error is behind up to 95% of cybersecurity breaches.
While checking entries twice and limiting access to important files can help, these methods depend on manual actions and still leave room for error. To lower the risk of data loss, businesses should use automated security policies and tools that centralize data protection.
Data Loss Prevention (DLP) strategies, whether through enterprise browsers or other solutions, enforce security policies across all users, reducing errors and ensuring consistent protection. Regular training and clear data-handling procedures further support a strong culture of security.
Insider threats
Insider threats come from employees or trusted individuals with access to sensitive data. Sometimes, mistakes, like sending an email to the wrong person, cause data security incidents. Other times, disgruntled employees may intentionally steal or expose information. The IBM report also states that insider threats account for 34% of data leaks.
Strict access controls and user activity monitoring can help. Government agencies, like the U.S. Department of Defense, use advanced monitoring to prevent insider threats. While most businesses don’t need military-level security, they should still take insider risks seriously.
Cyber-attacks
Cybercriminals use malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks to steal or damage data. IBM X-Force data shows that malware deployment was the most common attack method in 2024, making up 43% of incidents. Ransomware accounted for 20%, while backdoors and crypto miners were found in 6% and 5% of cases, respectively.
Strong cybersecurity measures—such as firewalls, antivirus software, and employee training, are crucial for protection. But in web-based SaaS environments, enterprise browsers add an extra layer of defense. They help protect against threats like malware, ransomware, and phishing by using centrally managed security policies, access controls, and other built-in functionalities. This works alongside traditional security measures to keep your systems safe.
Hardware failures
Storage devices can fail, causing data loss. A server crash, hard drive failure, or power surge can make critical data inaccessible. While less common, hardware failures can be devastating.
Regular backups and redundant storage solutions help prevent permanent data loss. Think of it as having a spare tire ready in case of a flat.
Natural disasters
Floods, earthquakes, and fires can destroy physical storage devices. For example, Hurricane Sandy in 2012 caused widespread data loss for businesses.
While natural disasters can’t be prevented, businesses can prepare. Off-site backups and cloud storage solutions keep data safe and accessible, even if disaster strikes.
Why Data Loss Prevention matters to your business
As businesses rely more on digital tools, data flows across various devices, cloud services, and networks, creating a “borderless” environment. This is further complicated by:
Hybrid work models
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies
Increased use of contractors
The rapid growth of web-based SaaS apps
These factors introduce new risks, making it harder to track and protect sensitive data. Without strong security measures, your data could be exposed, stolen, or misused.
Data Loss Prevention (DLP) helps businesses secure their most valuable information, including customer data, financial records, and intellectual property. DLP also ensures compliance with regulations and helps prevent costly data breaches caused by accidental leaks or cyber threats.
As this environment grows more complex, traditional security measures are often no longer enough. A tailored approach, especially within web-based SaaS environments, is critical to safeguarding your data effectively.
Do you know where your sensitive data is?
In modern work environments, traditional DLP methods are no longer enough, especially as more people use their own devices (BYOD) and rely on web-based SaaS apps.
Why is DLP critical? Because it helps businesses gain full visibility into how data flows across their network. It allows IT and security teams to monitor and enforce policies, preventing unauthorized sharing of sensitive information like customer records and financial details.
Enterprise browsers provide a more granular solution. They track data flow within the browser in real time. This allows IT and security teams to block the unauthorized sharing of sensitive information, whether employees are using corporate or personal devices.
With granular access and centralized security policy control, businesses can create stronger, more flexible security rules to protect their most valuable assets.
Employees can also put data at risk, not only external threats
Most companies focus on external cyber threats but overlook insider risks, employees, or partners who unintentionally or intentionally expose sensitive data. According to Verizon’s Data Breach Investigations Report, 28% of breaches involve insiders.
Traditional Data Loss Prevention (DLP) tools have primarily focused on preventing accidental data leaks. They do this by blocking sensitive files from being shared through unsecured channels like USB drives or personal email accounts. These tools also detect unusual activity and restrict access to prevent data theft. If a security incident occurs, traditional DLP can quarantine or encrypt the data to protect against exposure.
Enterprise browsers take DLP a step further by offering a more granular, real-time approach. This is especially useful in today’s web-focused environments. With centrally managed security policies, enterprise browsers can implement DLP controls directly within the browser, addressing data risks at the source.
This includes features like:
Copy/paste restrictions to prevent unauthorized data transfer
Download limitations to control sensitive file movement
Real-time monitoring to spot and block risky behavior instantly
By using these advanced controls, businesses can protect data more effectively and prevent accidental or intentional leaks.
The cost of a data breach is higher than you think
A single data breach can lead to financial penalties, reputational damage, lost customers, and legal consequences. According to IBM’s Cost of a Data Breach Report 2024, on average, it takes 191 daysto detect a breach, giving hackers plenty of time to steal valuable information.
DLP minimizes this risk by enforcing strict security policies, reducing the chances of a costly data breach. Organizations that protect their data avoid regulatory fines, lawsuits, and the financial impact of lost business.
Stay compliant and avoid costly fines
Regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS require businesses to implement strict data protection measures. Non-compliance can lead to fines of up to 4% of global annual revenue or restrictions on business operations.
DLP helps businesses meet compliance requirements with built-in policy templates and reporting tools. It simplifies audits and ensures sensitive data is protected according to industry standards.
Secure data across all devices, including BYOD and IoT
With employees using personal devices, data moves beyond traditional networks. Add IoT into the mix, and the security challenges grow even more complex. That’s why businesses need to adopt BYOD security practices, such as DLP.
DLP, according to security policy, monitors and protects sensitive data across all devices, whether it’s being accessed, stored, or transmitted. By working alongside other security measures, DLP helps businesses prevent unauthorized data sharing and reduce security risks in an increasingly mobile world.
Take control of your data before it’s too late
Data protection isn’t just about avoiding breaches. It’s about maintaining trust, staying compliant, and keeping your business secure. Implementing a strong DLP strategy gives your organization the tools to prevent data loss, control sensitive information, and stay ahead of advanced threats.
Top 7 best practices for data loss prevention
Implementing a Data Loss Prevention solution combines cybersecurity best practices with advanced technology to protect sensitive information. DLP solutions typically focus on four key areas:
Prevention: Monitors data in real-time and blocks unauthorized access or suspicious activity
Detection: Identifies unusual behavior and improves data visibility to catch potential threats early
Response: Tracks and reports data access and movement to streamline incident response
Analysis: Helps security teams understand high-risk activity and improve future protection strategies
DLP gives businesses real-time visibility and control, helping safeguard data, reduce risks, and stay compliant. To learn more, download our free PDF on best practices for data loss prevention.
Step 1: Conduct a data inventory & risk assessment
Start by identifying and classifying all sensitive data within your organization. Determine where the data is stored, how it moves, and who can access it. Conduct a thorough risk assessment to understand potential vulnerabilities and threats.
Use data discovery software to automate this process. By gaining insight into your data’s landscape, you can tailor your DLP efforts.
Step 2: Use encryption to protect your files
Encryption turns data into a code that only authorized users can read. It helps protect sensitive information from cybercriminals. When data needs to be accessed, a decryption key is used to turn it back into its original form.
Encryption safeguards data both when it’s stored and when it’s being transferred. Encryption is required by data protection laws like GDPR and PCI DSS, as it helps reduce the risk of data loss and helps businesses stay compliant with regulations.
NordLayer’s advanced encryption protocols, such as AES 256-bit and ChaCha20 encryption, further strengthen your data’s confidentiality and integrity.
Step 3: Enable access controls
Access controls limit who can see your sensitive data. This can include defining data classification, access controls, encryption standards, and incident response procedures. You can strengthen access with the following solutions:
Network Access Control(NAC) ensures that unauthorized users and devices are kept out of your business network.
Network segmentation restricts access so employees and contractors only see the data they need to do their jobs, nothing more.
Cloud Firewall lets you control who and how to access internal resources and cloud tools, adding an extra layer of protection.
Step 4: Monitor data access
Monitoring allows you to track who accesses data and helps quickly spot unauthorized activity. By tracking user interactions and reviewing logs, businesses can detect breaches and respond faster. Real-time monitoring solutions can alert security teams about suspicious behavior.
Additionally, Device Posture Security monitors access to every application on every device. Real-time alerts inform security teams about suspicious behavior, while automated monitoring tools help identify anomalies and uncover potential breaches. Regular audits should measure incident detection and response times, data breach reductions, and cost savings.
Step 5: Conduct regular security audits
Regular security audits help identify vulnerabilities in systems that could lead to data loss. These audits examine software, hardware, networks, and policies. Once vulnerabilities are found, businesses can take steps to fix them, such as updating software or improving security protocols.
Evaluate your DLP using these key performance indicators (KPIs):
Incident detection & response times: How quickly data breaches are detected and resolved
Reduction in data breaches: A decrease in the frequency and severity of data breaches
Cost savings: Financial benefits from preventing breaches and avoiding regulatory penalties
Regular monitoring and audits, combined with the integration of NordLayer’s security solutions, will help optimize your DLP strategy. This approach ensures ongoing data protection and supports your SOC 2 compliance efforts.
Step 6: Train your team
Employee training is key to preventing data breaches caused by human error. As we have already mentioned, 95% of breaches happen because of mistakes made by people. That’s why teaching staff to spot phishing emails, use strong passwords, and follow data protection rules can reduce these risks.
Regular training keeps employees aware of current threats and reinforces their role in protecting sensitive information. It also helps build a strong security culture.
Step 7: Create a strong incident response plan
Data breaches can still happen, so it’s crucial to have a plan for responding quickly. The plan should include identifying the breach, containing it, notifying affected individuals, investigating the cause, and taking corrective actions to prevent future breaches.
A clear incident response plan minimizes damage and helps businesses recover quickly. In short, having an incident response plan is crucial for managing data breaches and minimizing their impact.
Why choose NordLayer for enhanced data protection?
We provide robust solutions for Data Loss Prevention to protect your business:
Network Access Control (NAC): Ensures only authorized users and devices can access your network by enforcing security policies.
Identity and Access Management (IAM): Allows only authorized users to access your resources.
Network Segmentation: Restricts access to data, ensuring employees and contractors only see what’s relevant to their roles.
Cloud Firewall: Network segmentation with customized access controls ensures only authorized users can access sensitive data and reduces the risk of insider threats or data leaks.
Two-factor authentication (2FA): Adds an extra layer of security with a second verification step.
Advanced traffic encryption: AES 256-bit and ChaCha20 encryption protect data in transit, ensuring data confidentiality and integrity.
NordLayer’s solutions seamlessly integrate into your existing infrastructure, offering advanced monitoring, threat detection, and incident response capabilities.
Strengthen your data protection strategy today and prepare for even more with our upcoming Enterprise Browser. Don’t wait for a breach—join the waiting list now!
Joanna Krysińska
Senior Copywriter
A writer, tech enthusiast, dog walker, and amateur pastry chef, Joanna grew up in a family of engineers and mathematicians, so a techy mind is in her genes. She loves making complex tech topics less complex and digestible. She also has a keen interest in the mechanics of cybercrime.
About NordLayer NordLayer is an adaptive network access security solution for modern businesses – from the world’s most trusted cybersecurity brand, Nord Security.
The web has become a chaotic space where safety and trust have been compromised by cybercrime and data protection issues. Therefore, our team has a global mission to shape a more trusted and peaceful online future for people everywhere.
About Version 2 Digital
Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.
Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.
Open-source cloud computing platform OpenStack has transformed companies’ use and control of cloud infrastructure. Organizations have chosen it because of its adaptability, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. Five years from now, the OpenStack market is set for notable expansion and change. Technological developments, growing adoption in many different fields, and the ongoing change of corporate needs all affect this estimate.
Market Growth Projections for 2025-2030
The OpenStack industry is predicted to reach $30.11 billion by 2025. Its present value reflects the general adoption of the platform across several sectors. This includes telecommunication, banking, and healthcare as well. OpenStack is becoming the preferred choice for companies in different sectors looking to create both public and private clouds. This demand to migrate to the cloud results from a need to save money and improve operational effectiveness.
The OpenStack market is undoubtedly on a fast growth path. Analysis indicates that the industry will reach $120.72 billion in the next five years, a 32.01% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) rise. Comparatively, other studies indicate that 2032, the market might reach $147.8 billion.
Driving Forces for OpenStack’s Growth
Rising in prominence, OpenStack is becoming a popular participant in cloud computing for various underlying factors.
Cost-effectiveness and adaptability: OpenStack is less expensive than proprietary cloud solutions so companies can save money. Companies can also customize their cloud architecture to fit their requirements.
Increasing Adoption of Cloud Services: Enterprises are discovering the benefits of cloud environments. This discovery has led to an increase in migration to cloud-based environments like OpenStack. The scalability, efficiency, and lower running costs of cloud computing platforms are major factors drawing in these businesses.
Support from Major IT Vendors: Leading IT firms invest in and endorse OpenStack. This growing adoption has enabled OpenStack to be projected as a credible platform among a wider spectrum of companies.
Community and Ecosystem Expansion: The OpenStack community is growing and strengthening it. Through innovations and collaborations, this expansion has helped develop new features and improve source systems.
Hybrid Cloud Implementations: Many organizations are now adopting hybrid cloud strategies. This deployment model is a mix of on-premises infrastructure and public cloud services. As a result, OpenStack has become a favorite for such implementations.
Technological Advancements
The OpenStack market is largely shaped by how technology is developing. Its growth in the coming years is predicted to be influenced by several technological trends:
Edge Computing: People and companies increasingly turn to edge computing which lets them process data closest to them. This helps companies to lower latency and handle data in real time.
Containerization and Kubernetes Integration: Combining OpenStack with Kubernetes will help companies run their programs more effectively. Kubernetes oversees and scales the containers housing these apps, while OpenStack provides the cloud platform. This arrangement allows companies to remain flexible and efficient by making it easier to build, distribute, and adjust applications based on demand.
Enhanced Security Features: There have been growing concerns about data security. As a result, OpenStack keeps improving its security features. Through the implementation of sophisticated identity management and compliance capabilities, OpenStack is becoming a safer option for companies managing private data.
Major Industries Adopting OpenStack
Several sectors are adopting OpenStack because of its ability to fulfill their needs:
Telecommunication: Using OpenStack, the telecom sector manages Network Functions Virtualization (NFV). This enables more scalable and effective network services.
Healthcare professionals: Healthcare professionals use OpenStack to manage vast amounts of patient data safely. This guarantees compliance with health standards while preserving flexibility.
Finance: OpenStack’s strong security capabilities and capacity to support high-performance computing tasks like real-time transactions appeal to financial organizations.
Regional Insights into OpenStack’s Growth
The Asia-Pacific region is expected to hold significant growth in the coming years. This growth is driven mostly by the fast digital transformation of its telecom and hyperscale cloud sectors. Big Chinese companies like Tencent and China Mobile are leading this adoption. Their widespread use of OpenStack technologies is already determining the pace for the rest of the region. Their success emphasizes OpenStack’s capacity to effortlessly interface with innovative technologies like Kubernetes while supporting high-demand, large-scale cloud operations.
Tencent has included OpenStack in its processes to improve dependability and scalability. The company is the software behemoth behind WeChat and is among the biggest cloud service providers in the area. Likewise, one of the biggest telecom companies worldwide, China Mobile, has embraced OpenStack to run its next-generation phone network. China Mobile offers public and private cloud solutions with OpenStack. This maximizes cost-effectiveness and efficiency in telecom operations.
Beyond China, OpenStack is becoming increasingly popular across Asia-Pacific as businesses use it with Kubernetes to handle challenging infrastructure problems affecting China’s great engagement in the open infrastructure ecosystem. China alone is estimated to account for almost half of the OpenStack installations worldwide. Third, in terms of OpenStack Foundation (OSF) membership, the nation is dedicated to helping advance the technology. China Mobile has created an automated testing tool called AUTO based on OpenStack as the fundamental cloud deployment technology.
Additionally, Chinese companies are making major contributions to OpenStack’s StarlingX cloud-native edge computing infrastructure initiative. FiberHome, China UnionPay, and 99cloud are among the leading research and development initiatives.
Beyond China, South Korea is also dramatically advancing OpenStack adoption. A leader in 5G and cloud innovation, SK Telecom has been aggressively creating cloud-native infrastructure technology. The company has significantly contributed to OSF projects, particularly Airship, which targets automating Kubernetes and OpenStack lifecycle management.
OpenStack has proven necessary to Asia-Pacific’s cloud architecture as the digital revolution speeds over the region. OpenStack will likely remain a fundamental pillar of the region’s digital development as cloud-native technologies, edge computing, and AI-driven networks inspire innovation.
Challenges and Considerations for the Next Five Years
Over the next five years, the OpenStack market stands to face various difficulties:
Data Protection
OpenStack’s distributed and complex architecture, encompassing diverse services like compute, storage, and networking, presents significant data protection challenges. As deployments scale, managing security across numerous interconnected components becomes increasingly difficult. The dynamic nature of virtualized and containerized workloads, coupled with software-defined networking, requires flexible and adaptable security mechanisms. Rapid resource provisioning and evolving cybersecurity threats further complicate matters. Ensuring compliance with stringent data privacy regulations like GDPR and CCPA adds another layer of complexity, demanding robust data protection measures across the entire OpenStack environment.
In the upcoming years, these challenges will persist and evolve. The ever-changing threat landscape and the need to manage increasingly large and complex OpenStack deployments will require a strong focus on automation, zero-trust security models, and robust data encryption. Misconfigurations and patch management issues will remain critical concerns, emphasizing the importance of ongoing monitoring and proper security configuration. Effective access control, using techniques like RBAC, will also be vital as the number of users and services interacting with OpenStack grows. Ultimately, successful data protection in OpenStack will rely on a proactive and adaptive approach that addresses the platform’s inherent complexities and the evolving security landscape.
Skill Shortage
One major obstacle is the dearth of experts competent in OpenStack. According to a poll, 86% of companies feel that the lack of private cloud professionals will cause problems with implementation and management. This knowledge gap has contributed to failed OpenStack implementations. Half of the companies trying OpenStack installations cite problems stemming from insufficient expertise.
Vendor Lock-in Concerns
Organizations are cautious about possible vendor lock-in even as they use OpenStack technologies. This anxiety can prevent companies from totally embracing OpenStack since they worry about depending on particular vendors. This could restrict flexibility and, over time, raise prices.
Deployment complexity
Many times, using OpenStack is thought to be complicated. Its complex deployment requires significant knowledge and resources, which can easily discourage companies without internal capabilities or the means to engage professional support.
Evolving Technology Landscape
The fast development of cloud technology forces OpenStack to constantly change to remain relevant. Rising technology and evolving industry standards need constant development and integration efforts, challenging OpenStack’s competitiveness and appeal.
Market Competition
Major players in the competitive cloud computing industry provide proprietary solutions that are sometimes considered more user-friendly or better supported. OpenStack faces the challenge of differentiating itself and proving original value propositions to draw in and keep users among fierce competition.
Future Forecast for the OpenStack Market
Driven by the rising demand for flexible and cost-effective cloud solutions, the OpenStack market is expected to grow significantly. OpenStack will be used more broadly as more businesses discover the advantages of open-source platforms. Major IT companies’ ongoing support and an expanding community of developers will improve their capacity and help solve current issues.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the OpenStack market has a bright future five years from now. Companies trying to remain competitive in the changing digital scene should consider including OpenStack in their cloud plans to utilize its capabilities fully. OpenStack is destined to be very important in the future of cloud computing, tackling present problems and welcoming technical developments.
About Version 2 Digital
Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.
Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.
About Storware Storware is a backup software producer with over 10 years of experience in the backup world. Storware Backup and Recovery is an enterprise-grade, agent-less solution that caters to various data environments. It supports virtual machines, containers, storage providers, Microsoft 365, and applications running on-premises or in the cloud. Thanks to its small footprint, seamless integration into your existing IT infrastructure, storage, or enterprise backup providers is effortless.
How Kolbe Windows and Doors Transformed Their Manufacturing IT Infrastructure with Scale Computing
Behind every high-performance manufacturing operation is an IT system working just as hard to keep things connected, secure, and scalable. Recently, Kolbe Windows and Doors shared their experience modernizing their IT environment with Scale Computing, highlighting how their IT modernization journey streamlined virtualization, simplified disaster recovery, and improved system performance.
At our Platform 2024 event in Las Vegas, Scale Computing’s Director of Product Marketing, Kris Schultz, alongside Luis Apodaca, Technical Services Engineer at Scale Computing, led the session “Unveiling the Journey: A Customer’s Perspective on Implementing Scale Computing,” featuring John Stuplich, Systems Administrator at Kolbe Windows and Doors.
Below is a recap of their discussion and some of the key lessons from Kolbe’s IT transformation.
Meeting Manufacturing IT Challenges with a Lean Team
Kolbe Windows and Doors, a leading manufacturer of premium windows and doors, operates multiple facilities, including three separate manufacturing locations across Wisconsin as well as additional locations in Arizona and Minnesota. As a rapidly growing company with nearly 2,000 employees, Kolbe faces a number of diverse IT challenges, particularly in managing infrastructure across dispersed sites with a relatively small IT team.
Responsible for overseeing network-connected devices, servers, and the broader IT infrastructure, Stuplich described how Scale Computing provided a much-needed solution to their resource constraints. “With a relatively small IT team, we needed a system that was easy to manage, reduced complexity, and gave us more time to focus on strategic projects.”
Kolbe’s previous IT environment was built on VMware, requiring a separate storage system and a complex interface that added to their administrative burden. “VMware is powerful but can be overwhelming. We had issues with detached storage, and managing it all became cumbersome. We needed to consolidate these systems, streamline our hardware, and looking forward, wanted to deploy extra nodes to improve our disaster recovery capabilities. Scale Computing provided an all-in-one solution that just made sense.”
While transitioning from VMware was initially a high-stakes decision, the benefits of Scale Computing became quickly apparent: simplified management, a consolidated hardware footprint, and significant cost savings. “The cost difference alone made it an easy choice,” notes Stuplich. “And the interface is so much more intuitive. At first, I thought I might be missing features, but as I became more familiar with it, I realized everything we needed was there, just easier to use.”
Ensuring Uptime for Mission-Critical Manufacturing Operations
For Kolbe’s IT team, few metrics are more important than uptime. Their manufacturing software, which includes ReynaPro and WTS Paradigm, drives everything from sales quoting to CNC machine operations. Additionally, MasterPoint, their production tracking system, ensures seamless workflow coordination on the shop floor. Any disruption to these applications could lead to costly downtime and production delays.
Says Stuplich, “If Master Point goes down, our employees don’t know what the next step in production is. At first, they can work based on previous instructions, but after a few hours, things start to fall apart. That’s why reliability was such a key factor in our decision to move to Scale Computing.”
Kolbe partnered with Scale Computing for an on-site installation, with Technical Services Engineer Luis Apodaca assisting with deployment and integration. “Luis and the team were great to work with. He worked closely with our third-party network provider, Solaris, ensuring that our network stayed up and running throughout the deployment.”
While most migrations went smoothly, Kolbe learned that no two workloads are the same. For some applications, they found that alternate migration methods, such as Clonezilla, provided better results than traditional tools. “We had one instance where an application moved over, but the web interface wouldn’t start. Switching migration methods solved the problem, but that was a good lesson – always have a backup plan.”
The Road Ahead: Disaster Recovery and Future Expansion
Kolbe is already seeing improved performance with Scale Computing, with applications running faster and infrastructure management becoming more efficient. “Even simple tasks like taking snapshots for quick rollbacks are much easier now,” Stuplich said.
Looking ahead, Kolbe plans to implement a disaster recovery (DR) site using Scale Computing. “Right now, we rely on Acronis for cloud backups, but we’re exploring a Scale-based DR cluster in our Minnesota office. Having an easy-to-deploy solution for disaster recovery was another big selling point for us.”
Beyond delivering a powerful IT solution, Scale Computing is dedicated to ensuring customers have the resources and support needed to maximize their investment. From hands-on assistance during deployment to ongoing technical support, the Scale Computing team works closely with customers to streamline migrations, troubleshoot challenges, and optimize performance. “One of the really cool things in the Scale Computing interface is the click-to-chat feature. You can just click, get on chat with tech support, and they’ll take care of you.”
Kolbe’s journey underscores how Scale Computing can simplify IT for manufacturers dealing with complex operations and limited IT staff. Their advice for others considering a move? “Explore Scale Computing’s migration services as it will save you a great deal of time,” says Stuplich. “We’ve been able to move workloads ourselves, but if we had migration services handle it, we’d be even further along.”
For manufacturers looking to streamline their IT infrastructure, Scale Computing offers a cost-effective, easy-to-manage, and resilient platform that enables teams to focus on growth rather than maintenance.
About Scale Computing Scale Computing is a leader in edge computing, virtualization, and hyperconverged solutions. Scale Computing HC3 software eliminates the need for traditional virtualization software, disaster recovery software, servers, and shared storage, replacing these with a fully integrated, highly available system for running applications. Using patented HyperCore™ technology, the HC3 self-healing platform automatically identifies, mitigates, and corrects infrastructure problems in real-time, enabling applications to achieve maximum uptime. When ease-of-use, high availability, and TCO matter, Scale Computing HC3 is the ideal infrastructure platform. Read what our customers have to say on Gartner Peer Insights, Spiceworks, TechValidate and TrustRadius.
About Version 2 Digital
Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.
Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.
