Silver lining for IT innovator

A GOLD Coast company has pioneered an innovative computer model that is saving its clients in IT costs.

OntheNet has launched VStrata, a comprehensive form of ‘cloud computing’. Under the model, all or some infrastructure that supplies the back office functions of a company’s computer network are supplied and hosted offsite by another company. Servers and software needs are accessed through high-speed internet connections.

OntheNet director Tak Woo, says the model will allow businesses managers significant savings. He says VStrata users do not need the IT expertise to maintain the ‘cloud’ that supports them.

“There is a lot of unused capacity within most IT networks. For example, most people when they buy a new computer only use a small proportion of its capabilities,” explains Woo.

“The same applies to company’s information networks. What we are doing with VStrata is supplying the network services on a large scale model to many different clients.

“As a result, OntheNet carries the large upfront costs associated with the setting up of the IT infrastructure and the clients can focus on what they do best, which is running their business.”

Woo says the cloud computing model is being used extensively in international markets and some companies had already introduced the model in Australia.

“We feel the time is right to introduce VStrata to the Gold Coast and expect the national market to come to us too,’’
he says.