Hybrid cloud solutions are now commonplace, providing the flexibility and scalability organizations require today and into the future. For enterprises using this approach, data and applications are divided between servers on-premises configured as a private cloud and the public cloud, with an IT team supporting and managing it all. But SMBs -- which would greatly benefit from the flexibility, scalability, cost benefits and control afforded by the hybrid cloud -- typically lack the budget and other resources to support and manage this type of environment.

Zynstra's Cloud Managed Server Appliances present the first-ever solution to this dilemma designed from the ground up for SMBs and delivering enterprise-class IT without the enterprise cost. The hybrid IT solution merges the key benefits from on-premises IT with the cloud and is sold as a service for a monthly fee, making it affordable for SMBs. Zynstra's appliances, which are delivered exclusively on HP ProLiant servers at the SMB location, can be selected, installed and put into production quickly.

Key standard features include:

    --  Core IT services -- A private cloud on one or more clustered servers,
        pre-integrated with network gateway, Active Directory, file and print
        servers, a range of managed applications and a managed virtual machine
        "infrastructure as a service" environment are all included on the
        Zynstra appliance. Backup management and disaster recovery capabilities
        are built in.
    --  Automatic updating -- All support and management are conducted
        automatically and behind the scenes, so routine maintenance by the SMB
        is eliminated. Upgrades and security patches are always kept current.
    --  Local security -- The Zynstra solution includes behind-the-firewall
        security, anti-virus and intrusion-detection software.

Zynstra's hybrid IT solution addresses another, more urgent need facing SMBs: the looming Windows Server 2003 end-of-support deadline. Set for July 2015, the deadline means that patches and support will no longer be available for a key platform in the market, and without it organizations will be vulnerable. With the Zynstra solution, SMBs can face the deadline with confidence that their data, applications and systems will be current.