Selection criteria for a professional IaaS provider

In search of a hosting provider? Which selection criteria we, as a SaaS provider, kept in mind while searching and choosing, read on here:

• German / European data security
  Due to stringent data security requirements in Germany and Europe, we consider it necessary to choose a provider with data centers that are located there.
• Data centers in different zones
  Also, at least two data centers spaced apart from each other should be usable for customers. Due to distribution of the resources in several data centers, a SPOF (Single Point of Failure), relating to disasters, (e. g. fires, earthquakes, floods) can be avoided
• Fast Storage
  There should be a fast storage solution to achieve optimal performance, e. g. SSDs.
• Resources
  Flexible resources are useful, e. g. by meticulous billing: you only have to pay for what you actually use. The capacities are scalable on demand.
• SLA
  Not only a reliability of 99,95 % is recommendable, but also a guarantee for detailed reportings and credits, in case of incidents.
• Certifications
  A professional provider fulfills at least the standard safety measures in accordance with ISO 27001 (certification based on the BSI concept of IT security).
• Automation
  Possibilities for automation should necessarily be given, e. g. via API or a snapshot scheduler.
• Agreement on contract data processing
  An agreement on contract data processing following § 11 BDSG is a requirement for hosting of data and applications in Germany. With the hosting provider, you should agree in writing on the requirements for the contract and if necessary sub-contractual relations.

By the way, our IaaS provider is gridscale GmbH from Cologne.