Continously Monitor and Track Your Cloud Services Provider...
Posted by Sean Armstrong on Tue, Dec 01, 2009
Last week we announced the new Cloud Performance Center (CPC) - a free online service that offers performance data on leading cloud services providers such as Amazon, Google and GoGrid as well as performance reports and advisories on issues that can affect customers' LAN, WAN and cloud-based infrastructures.
One of the key features of the CPC service is the Cloud Provider Scorecard (CPS). Based upon PathView Cloud technology, the Cloud Provider Scorecard is a free web-based monitoring system that continuously tracks the performance of cloud service providers from various cities throughout North America. The map below shows the main CPS screen which scores how each provider performs from these cities and highlights the best performing provider in each city.
The CPS can be customized to match your particular needs. For example, you can adjust the performance characteristics used in the scoring algorithm to more closely match the service you're running, choose which providers you're interested in, and choose the cities from which to measure. Below are some helpful tips to keep in mind when using the scorecard to assess your cloud connection and the performance of your outsourced cloud services - for free!
1. The CPS allows you to choose the cities that are of most relevance to your business as well as the providers that are of most interest to you. Click on the "Select cities and providers" button to see a full list and select the ones that you would like to see. The chart will automatically update based upon your selections.
2. The CPS uses a proprietary algorithm to score each provider. Inputs to this algorithm include jitter, packet loss, latency and bandwidth capacity. You can adjust this algorithm to meet your specific needs (e.g. transaction processing has different requirements than data backup) by clicking on the "Customize scoring" button.
3. Roll your cursor over any city and you will see how the leading
provider performed in that city.
4. The CPS keeps track of the performance data over time and therefore you can see how various providers perform over a selectable timeframe. To do that, click on the timeline below the map.
5. We have just added a new feature - a heat map that shows you how any one provider is performing across North America. And, we will soon be adding new cities and providers. If you have a favorite provider or city that is not represented or have feature ideas, please let us know by sending an email to hero@apparentnetworks.com.
