Karlson UK

Demystifying the Cloud

2012-02-23T09:29:00.000-08:00

Just what is the 'cloud' - Karlson tells it how it is:

Cloud computing is a general term for anything that involves delivering hosted services over the Internet. These services are broadly divided into three categories: Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS).

The name cloud computing was inspired by the cloud symbol that's often used to represent the Internet in flowcharts and diagrams.

A cloud service has three distinct characteristics that differentiate it from traditional hosting. It is sold on demand, typically by the minute or the hour; it is elastic -- a user can have as much or as little of a service as they want at any given time; and the service is fully managed by the provider (the consumer needs nothing but a personal computer and Internet access). Significant innovations in virtualization and distributed computing, as well as improved access to high-speed Internet and a weak economy, have accelerated interest in cloud computing.

A cloud can be private or public. A public cloud sells services to anyone on the Internet. (Currently, Amazon Web Services is the largest public cloud provider.) A private cloud is a proprietary network or a data center that supplies hosted services to a limited number of people. When a service provider uses public cloud resources to create their private cloud, the result is called a virtual private cloud. Private or public, the goal of cloud computing is to provide easy, scalable access to computing resources and IT services.

Infrastructure-as-a-Service like Amazon Web Services provides virtual server instanceAPI) to start, stop, access and configure their virtual servers and storage. In the enterprise, cloud computing allows a company to pay for only as much capacity as is needed, and bring more online as soon as required. Because this pay-for-what-you-use model resembles the way electricity, fuel and water are consumed, it's sometimes referred to as utility computing.

Platform-as-a-service in the cloud is defined as a set of software and product development tools hosted on the provider's infrastructure. Developers create applications on the provider's platform over the Internet. PaaS providers may use APIs, website portals or gateway software installed on the customer's computer. Force.com, (an outgrowth of Salesforce.com) and GoogleApps are examples of PaaS. Developers need to know that currently, there are not standards for interoperability or data portability in the cloud. Some providers will not allow software created by their customers to be moved off the provider's platform.

In the software-as-a-service cloud model, the vendor supplies the hardware infrastructure, the software product and interacts with the user through a front-end portal. SaaS is a very broad market. Services can be anything from Web-based email to inventory control and database processing. Because the service provider hosts both the application and the data, the end user is free to use the service from anywhere.

Toshiba Annual Conference

2012-02-23T09:10:00.000-08:00

Steve Todd represented Karlson at the annual Toshiba conference. This prestigious evening is hosted by Toshiba and is noted for its quality and exceptional entertainment.

Karslon Supports Charity Golf Day

2012-02-23T08:39:00.002-08:00

A fantastic day was had by all at the East Herts Golf Club - Karlson are proud sponsors and show on the tee looking ultra relaxed is Karlson's Sales and Marketing Director, Steve Todd.

iPad winner at Karslon's Tech Bar event

2012-02-17T08:27:00.000-08:00

Karlson's Tech Bar event held downstairs at Minster Exchange was a resounding success. An enjoyable evening of good food, drinks and banter was enjoyed by all.

Winner of the quiz, Richard Mumford from ASB Law was the winner of our monthly quiz and takes home a brand new Apple iPad. Richard was a guest of Karlson client Steve Edkins from Fusion.

Karlson MD Martyn Kidd comments "The Tech Bar this month was our best so far, a great opportunity for customers to spend some quality social time with Karlson and technlogy partners. The evening was very successful and we now look forward to the next one".

To see a full set of pictures from the evening click here

For an evening of knowledgeable banter and entertainment and a chance to win another fabulous prize at the next Karlson Tech Bar event simply register your interest here

The five rings symbolize the five significant continents and are interconnected to symbolize the friendship to be gained from these international competitions.

2012-02-15T01:31:00.004-08:00

In 1894, Pierre de Coubertin, proposed a revival of the ancient tradition, and thus the modern-day Olympic games were born.

2012-02-15T01:31:00.002-08:00

The Olympic motto: Citius, Altius, Fortius translates as Swifter, Higher, Stronger.

2012-02-15T01:30:00.002-08:00

Karlson Tech Bar, NOW ON Thursday 16th Feb!

2012-01-09T07:29:00.000-08:00

STOP PRESS!

Unfortunately we are unable to hold our Tech Bar event in January (originally planned for Thursday 19th January 2012 at Corney & Barrow, 19 Broadgate Circle, London EC2M 2QS). However - to make up for this we WILL be holding a superb February Tech Bar, with great prizes and more...

We hope you will join us for this event - back by popular demand - the Karlson Quiz, don't worry if you do not have a complete team - come and join in with your Account Manager or one of our vendor Partners.

This is scheduled for Thursday 16 February downstairs at Minster Exchange, Minster Court, Mincing Lane EC3R 7PP be sure not to miss out; register now or get in touch to find out more dtulip@karlsonuk.com

Keep an eye for an update on the venue, which will be in the City.

Healthcare Giant and Karlson agree 5 year partnership

2011-11-30T09:21:00.000-08:00

HCA Healthcare, American Healthcare giant and Karlson agree 5 year contract. HCA who and own and run; The Princess Grace, Lister, Harley, London Bridge, Portland, Wellington and UCH hospitals partner Karlson on a managed Print agreement, creating significant savings and bolstering green credentials for the company going forward.

Feb 2011 ~ “10 months ago we commenced the activation of a new service and all sites will be fully operative from the end of this year. This has been a tremendous project for Karlson and one that has allowed us to demonstrate our full range of services and showcase the impact we can have on an internal printing enterprise, providing control, visibility, improving productivity, reducing operating costs and positively impacting carbon credentials” Stephen Todd, Director Karlson UK Ltd

Karlson Tech Bar to visit the TUC, Holborn

2011-11-16T01:11:00.000-08:00

Karlson UK typically hold a Technology (Tech) Bar on the third Thursday of each month and we are excited to announce that during the course of 2012 that we will be holding one of our events at the Trades Union Congress (TUC) facilities in central London.

More news soon!

November quiz night at Technology Bar

2011-11-16T01:10:00.001-08:00

Karlson "Technology Bar” quiz night, Thursday 24th November 2011

Karlson entertains at Hall of Fame dinner

2011-11-16T01:09:00.001-08:00

Karlson takes partners and customer to LMA - Hall of Fame dinner.

8^th November 2011

Partnerships in Care select Karlson as partner

2011-11-16T01:08:00.000-08:00

‘Partnerships in Care’ demonstrate their care for the environment by selecting Karlson as their partner of choice for Managed Print Services.

Kyocera deployment across River Island stores

2011-11-16T01:07:00.000-08:00

Karlson and River Island partner on deployment of Kyocera devices across all retail stores.

A winning team!

2011-11-16T01:06:00.002-08:00

Karlson, partners and customer enjoy relaxing day at Newmarket races.

Pulse Recruitment partner Karlson

2011-11-16T01:06:00.000-08:00

Pulse Recruitment partner Karlson on nationwide managed print, bolstering green credentials for the company going forward.

NetApp new partner

2011-11-16T01:04:00.000-08:00

NetApp and Karlson agree partnership.

A sound financial decision for Thomas Murray

2011-11-14T08:22:00.000-08:00

Thomas Murray selects Karlson as IT partner of choice.

EMC accreditation

2011-11-14T08:20:00.002-08:00

Karlson expand portfolio with EMC accreditation.
Feb 2011

Karlson strengthens relationship with WMware

2011-11-14T08:20:00.000-08:00

VMware expand its relationship with Karlson,
Jan 2011

Toshiba joins Karlson supply chain

2011-11-14T08:19:00.000-08:00

Karlson expands its supply chain to include Toshiba, further enhancing their customer offering.
June 2011

TUC selects Karlson as national managed print partner

2011-11-14T08:14:00.000-08:00

TUC selects Karlson as their national managed print partner of choice and are looking forward to seeing significant savings on typically one of the most expensive variable costs for an organisation.
August 2011

A carbon-friendly collaboration

2011-11-14T08:13:00.001-08:00

Innocent Drinks and Karlson create "fizz" as they partner on managed
print service.
April 2011

Healthcare Giant and Karlson agree 5 year partnership

2011-11-14T08:11:00.000-08:00

HCA Healthcare, American Healthcare giant and Karlson agree 5 year
Managed Print Partnership, creating significant savings and bolstering green credentials for the company going forward.
Feb 2011

Karlson expands it operation to cater for its extended national growth and service expansion.

2011-09-01T01:41:00.000-07:00

Karlson has opened a new office in Cambridge.

"The office will allow us to continue to enhance our new customer acquisition, retention and expansion across the Suffolk and surrounding area as Karlson business expands across the UK"

Martyn Kidd, MD

Sharepoint and Document Management Integration

2011-05-01T01:56:00.000-07:00

INVU, Karlson's document management partner develop credible Sharepoint integration solution.

To find out more please read our case study

Serious about Saving Money?

2010-02-01T01:59:00.000-08:00

Then join us at the Karlson Technology Bar. Your opportunity to get the information and resources you need to stay ahead of the competition and increase your profitability. Enjoy all this in a relaxed and hospitable venue.

Register your details now!

Karlson UK now Partners with VOW

2009-10-01T02:00:00.000-07:00

Karlson is delighted to announce a new partnership with VOW, one of the UK's leading office products wholesalers. With over 25,000 quality products from the world's leading manufacturers this truly further enhances the Karlson solution offering. Your stationery, office furniture, printer cartridges and even your coffee requirements can all be ordered online for next day delivery... everything your office needs at your fingertips.

Karlson & Sega make it to level 1 playing the right game

2009-07-01T02:33:00.000-07:00

Karlson is delighted to announce a new agreement with Sega. Karlson have a agreed a long term contract for the Provision of a Managed Print Solution that will improve productivity, output quality and reduce operating cost.

Karlson & the Professional Football Association at Ascot

2009-07-01T02:02:00.000-07:00

Karlson management team, partners and customers enjoyed a well earned break at Ascot on the 10th July. The Karlson team were joined by hosts Mike Chanon & Willy Thorne and a number of football legends, such Ossie Ardiles, John Pratt, Jason Cundy, Perry Groves, Steve Sedgley, Neil Webb, Steve Finnieston, Tommy Langley and many more.

A great day was had by everyone!