If you are mixing and matching a variety of public and private cloud platforms to get the breadth and depth of functionality required for your cloud computing solutions, a strategic network partner will be the lynchpin in helping you to build and manage your multi-cloud environment. This checklist provides a list of what you need to inquire about—and expect from—prospective network partners.

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© 2014 XO Communications, LLC. All rights reserved.
HOW TO PICK THE RIGHT NETWORK PARTNER IN
THE AGE OF MULTI-CLOUD:
AN ESSENTIAL CHECKLIST
If you are mixing and matching a variety of public and private cloud platforms to get the breadth and depth
of functionality required for your cloud computing solutions, a strategic network partner will be the lynchpin
in helping you to build and manage your multi-cloud environment. This checklist provides a list of what you
need to inquire about—and expect from—prospective network partners.
1) Intelligent Network Connectivity & Traffic Routing
Look for a partner that allows you to easily configure and reconfigure how your network behaves under an
increasing load in a multi-cloud environment. Select a partner that is capable of helping you prioritize your
network traffic, monitor network traffic, and perform demand load balancing. Specifically, insist your multi-
cloud network partner offers:
2) Integrated Network Security
When choosing a network provider, security MUST be built into their offerings. Optimally security should
be systemic, spanning your applications, your databases, your storage systems, and your network. Specif-
ically, ensure your potential partner offers:
Highly scalable IP-VPN and IP network services
Bandwidth on Demand capabilities
Traffic type prioritization, or Class of Service (CoS)
Network optimization service
Cost sensitivity around usage
Integrated policy-driven security
Intrusion detection and proactive protections
24/7 monitoring and management
Cloud-aware security services

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© 2014 XO Communications, LLC. All rights reserved.
3) Network & Applications Performance Management
In a multi-cloud environment, it’s imperative that you be able to detect, analyze and react to network
performance issues. In any network, you can expect to occasionally see applications performing poor-
ly—what’s important is to know why they’re underperforming so you can take corrective action and re-con-
figure your network to better meet the needs of the business. Specific functionality your network vendor
should offer include:
Correlation of application with network performance analysis
End-to-end visibility of network using single unified console
Analyze and predict performance of cloud applications
Discover and resolve cloud application performance issues
XO Communications is a leading nationwide provider of advanced IP communications, intelligent networking and cloud computing services for business,
large enterprise and wholesale customers. These customers include more than half of the Fortune 500, in addition to leading cable, mobile wireless and domestic
and international telecommunications companies. XO offers a superior customer experience through its innovative solutions, its employees’ focus on customers
and the proven performance of its advanced network. To learn more about XO Communications, visit www.xo.com or blog.xo.com. XO Communications is also
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This serves as a guide to selecting a vendor for a multi-cloud network solution, but is not intended as an endorsement of any given method, solution or device. XO
makes no representation of warranty, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this document, and nothing con-
tained herein is, or shall be relied upon as, a promise, representation, or legal advice.
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