The Internet of Things (IoT) encompasses many avenues and aspects of modern technology and life. Our devices have enabled us to become a more connected society because they have been designed specifically to connect to one another. But with this connection comes many challenges. As data is shared between the ever-expanding network of "smart" devices, we have to look at how we can protect that data in ways we haven't previously had to.

What is IoT?

The Internet of Things is basically a network of connected devices. Or as one Forbes writer excellently described it: "...the concept of basically connecting any device with an on and off switch to the Internet (and/or to each other). This includes everything from cellphones, coffee makers, washing machines, headphones, lamps, wearable devices and almost anything else you can think of. This also applies to components of machines, for example a jet engine of an airplane or the drill of an oil rig.". When we talk about IoT, we're talking about the revolution of technology-driven smart devices that have changed the way we live, work, and play. As more and more devices are developed and connected, there are just as many questions and issues that come into...

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What does a Digital Transformation look like?

Organizations everywhere are embarking on Digital Transformations — going beyond simple automation and cost savings to reach into new areas, revolutionizing their business models and discovering new growth opportunities by taking advantage of leading-edge technologies to conduct business differently. In doing so, they’re enhancing their processes, their value propositions, and their relationships with both internal stakeholders and external customers.

Innovative enterprises continue to lead the way by pursuing new solutions for digital innovation. For example, large retail companies used to rely on physical stores to showcase, house, and ultimately sell their product a decade ago. However, that industry underwent a complete Digital Transformation, ushering an e-commerce boom that demanded new platforms, processes, and standards were developed to take full advantage of digital technologies that are easy to use, deploy, patch, and maintain.

Leading companies invest heavily in developing a sound Digital Transformation strategy, and the quality of that strategic approach is paramount to the overall success of transforming a business.

Even as the IT industry is rapidly evolving, it's important to keep in mind that Digital Transformation is less of a sprint and more of a marathon. To maximize the efficiency of their digital strategy, companies must...

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CenturyLink is excited to announce the launch of our newest European public cloud node: DE3. This announcement increases our global footprint to 16 locations, including four in Europe and two in Germany.

DE3, which is physically located in Frankfurt, Germany, is an example of how CenturyLink Cloud is increasing its worldwide infrastructure presence. CenturyLink global customers now have more options when planning their IT strategy, including the ability to optimize the distance between their cloud workloads and end users.

Customers hosting workloads in our existing German site (DE1) now have the ability to strengthen their Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery strategies in DE3, while adhering to German data sovereignty policies.

A core focus at CenturyLink is to help our customers through their digital transformation. Visit our location page to see how our services can help plan your business around the world.

CenturyLink Cloud enables customers with an easy-to-use interface, compelling value-for-performance and integrated managed services. This provides our customers with the business agility they want from a cloud provider, while delivering the security and scalability they need to host mission-critical enterprise applications.

While not available at launch, our Bare Metal Servers and next generation Object Storage products will also be offered in our DE3 location...

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