CirruServe Website Home Resellers Investors Careers
In China, call us at 186 168 52379
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Click a question or scroll through the list to find answers to frequently asked questions.
What is cloud computing?
Cloud computing is the general term for a system of software applications and computing resources housed in centralized data centers operated by public cloud computing service providers like CirruServe. These computing resources consist of high-performance servers, memory, storage, and network devices that are operated, monitored, and maintained in a highly-secure, environmentally-controlled building.

Service availability is assured through the use of redundant systems and backup solutions. For most companies, these features are too costly to purchase, operate, and maintain on their own. Cloud computing service providers rely on scale to be able to offer these services at an affordable price to customers.

Connectivity between cloud computing end users and the data center is usually achieved through the public Internet through high-speed, high-bandwidth, and highly-reliable Internet connections directly with major Internet carriers.

Some of the benefits of cloud computing include being able to scale up resources quickly and on-demand. Users get the resources they need almost instantly rather than having to wait weeks for procurement cycles to scale up in-house IT capability. Another major benefit of cloud computing is only having to pay for computing resources when you use them.

In cloud computing, cloud computing service providers like CirruServe offer various types of services to customers based on the cloud computing model. The basic distinctions are: Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), Software as a Service (SaaS), and cloud storage services. Users who want to use these services sign up with the service provider for the various services that meet their needs and typically access them through the Internet using a browser-based interface.

For SaaS applications, the actual software is executing on the data center side and accessed through browser-based interfaces while some software applications require client-side software to be installed on the users local computer to access the server-side (cloud computing data center) software. SaaS applications are usually paid for on a per-user license, or "seat", basis. Billing usually occurs on a periodic basis (hour, day, month, year).

IaaS services consist of fundamental computing resources like CPUs, RAM, disk storage, and network resources that are allocated at the service provider's data center and accessed by customers through the public Internet. Customers can use these resources to deliver their own applications to their customers using the cloud computing data center as the computing engine. These resources are also used in development and testing of software applications by product development companies. IaaS services are usually paid for on a per-CPU/memory/storage/bandwidth basis and can be billed to customers based on CPU cycles used or on a time basis.

PaaS services consist of a computing platform made up of hardware, operating systems, and software that are used for creating and running software applications. In the past, to develop software, users had to buy development tools, databases, hardware (servers, networks, storage devices). Then they needed a location to house these resources and IT staff to install and maintain everything. PaaS services allows customers to focus on developing applications and not building and maintaining a costly development environment.

Cloud storage services provide customers with various types of storage solutions at the data center. These solutions include: file synchronization, file sharing, backup and recovery of data, and disaster recovery in the case of data loss. Cloud storage providers offer large amounts of storage at very reasonable rates backed up with highly-redundant storage devices. Users typically pay for these services based on the amount of storage space they are allocated and how much bandwidth they require for data transfers. Other add-on features are offered that the customer can select depending on their particular needs.

Is my data secure?
The primary concern of most people who consider using cloud services is that of security of their company's data. A company's data is one of the most important assets of any business and must be protected. In some countries, it is mandated by the government. Cloud security is not only concerned with protection from outages, viruses, and service attacks, but also threats like spying and stealing of company proprietary information.

For this reason, CirruServe employs many different techniques at all levels, from physical security to security in virtual environments. We have hands-on experience and expertise in cloud and Internet security and have designed security into the system at all levels. For more details, check our cloud security page.

How does CirruServe's cloud computing service work?
CirruServe provides a convenient way to sign up for cloud services. CirruServe's cloud computing customers select which type of service meets their needs by viewing the service information on CirruServe's Website or discussing their business goals and needs with a sales representative. These services might be software applications (SaaS model), computing resources like CPU/memory/storage/network devices (IaaS model), or cloud storage solutions.

Many of these services can be purchased and configured directly from CirruServe's Website. Once a customer has signed up for a cloud service, they are given password-controlled access to the service they have paid for. They are also given a secure account with access to a customer management console where they can log in to configure features, generate and review various reports, and monitor service activity.

What are the benefits of cloud computing?
The major benefits of cloud computing include reduced IT costs, affordable access to many Web-based software applications, scalability, rapid deployment of computing resources, use of highly-secure, high-performance computing systems, and access to applications and data any where/any time users have an Internet connection. One of the greatest benefits is only paying for those resources you use, when you use them.

Cloud computing also significantly reduces a company's capital expenditures and operational expenses associated with buying, installing, maintaining, and operating IT equipment in-house. The responsibility to track and install software license updates, patches, and security updates fall on the cloud computing service provider.

What types of cloud computing services are available at CirruServe?
CirruServe primarily offers IaaS, SaaS, and cloud storage solutions.

SaaS services include applications for email, CRM, ERP, and other functions.

IaaS services include dedicated, bare-metal servers or virtual server instances which can be configured for the resources you need. This includes the number and performance level of CPUs, amount of RAM needed, amount of disk storage space needed, and network resources including bandwidth requirements.

Storage solutions include file synchronization between multiple user PCs or laptops, file sharing, backup and recovery, and disaster recovery. With these storage solutions available in the cloud, you have access to your data any where you have an Internet connections. Our storage solutions also include access from mobile devices which typically are limited by how much storage is available on the device.

Check our Website often to see what products we offer.

What does localization mean?
Localization is the process of converting a product that was developed in one country and adapting it for a local market in another country. This entails more than simply translating on-screen text into a local language. Graphics, documentation, training, and support functions must also be localized to ensure they meet all language, cultural, and business goals for the local market.

CirruServe's engineering services organization offers localization services for companies in the West that want to offer their software products on the cloud in China. Our staff is experienced in translating, editing, and preparing graphics, documentation, and training resources for the China market. The primary reason for providing these services is to give CirruServe access to a greater number of products that are cloud ready and only need to be "localized". In turn, CirruServe's access to markets and customers is a major advantage for software vendors interested in selling their products in China.

Can my proprietary software applications be moved to the cloud?
The answer depends on a number of factors—some technical, some viability. There is no single answer that fits all proprietary applications. The advantage a public cloud provider like CirruServe has is to offer a catalog of standard software applications. The effect of this is to reduce the overall costs for companies that need these standard applications but don't have the scale to implement them 'in-house' at a reasonable price. Proprietary software by its nature has a much smaller distribution and therefore is more expensive to maintain. There are many other factors to consider.

Contact CirruServe Support to have an engineering services representative discuss your needs and help you make a determination if your proprietary application is a good candidate to move to the cloud.

What does “Pay-As-You-Go” mean?
One of the major advantages of cloud computing is only paying for the cloud services you need only while you are actually using them, or, as it is often referred, "pay as you go". An analogy is often used to describe this aspect of cloud computing using power service to your home or business. When you turn on a light switch, you begin to be charged for the additional electricity you consume. When you are finished and turn off the light, you no longer consume electricity and therefore you are no longer charged for it.

Cloud computing offers this same feature by tracking your use of applications and infrastructure resources from our data center. Only when you are using these services, will you be charged a specific rate for those services. We track everything for you. When you are no longer using those services, you will no longer be charged for them. Contrast this with your company having its own IT capability and where you must pay for those resources 100% of the time. Even when nobody is using those resources. That would be like leaving the lights on all the time, even when nobody is there. These costly resources include: IT personnel, hardware infrastructure, software applications, physical building facilities, and so on that drain capital and operational expense budgets.

This is one of the reasons why the pay-as-you-go model of cloud computing is so attractive for small businesses and large enterprises alike.

What does “On-demand” mean?
"On-demand" refers to the ability for you to change the type and/or amount of services and features you need at any time. If you need more software licenses or "seats" for a SaaS application, or if you need more server instances, it is easy to add these services.

What is scalability?
In cloud computing, scalability generally refers to being able to add or subtract resources in small or large-scale increments. Cloud computing data centers include vast arrays of available servers and computing resources that can be configured in real-time. This means if you suddenly need dozens, hundreds, or thousands of additional software licenses or "seats", or infrastructure resources, you can quickly and easily make the changes to fit your business needs.

What does elasticity mean?
In cloud computing, elasticity means you can increase or decrease the resources you need easily and quickly and at any time as your business needs change.

What is virtualization?
In cloud computing, virtualization is the ability to create multiple, virtual instances of computing resources on a single CPU. These resources include virtual CPUs, memory, storage, and operating systems that are configured, and appear as, discrete physical computing systems. A single, high-performance, multi-core CPU can run several virtual instances of servers. This provides the same functionality, for the most past, as a physical device with the benefit of being software configurable and at the same time increasing the density of servers. Virtualization reduces hardware costs, data center floor space, power requirements, and cooling requirements.

Where is CirruServe located?
CirruServe is located in the People's Republic of China. We have a sales office in Shanghai and our data center operations are located near Shanghai in Changshu (Jiangsu Province). For complete contact information, click here.

Why does CirruServe primarily focus on the China market?
China represents a major opportunity for CirruServe and its cloud computing services. The market is currently underserved and most service providers are located outside of the People's Republic of China. This places various physical and service limitations for China-based businesses. The sheer size of the market is also another factor. Although market size doesn't guarantee success, it doesn't hurt either.

Can companies based outside of China benefit from CirruServe’s services?
Yes! If your company is based outside of the People's Republic of China and has a business unit or operation in China and needs computing resources, Cirruserve offers many advantages. Since our data center is located inside the People's Republic of China, you don't have to worry about latency issues (slow data turnaround) or other performance issues. You also do not have to worry about not being able to access data that is blocked from access inside of China. This could cause serious disruptions in service for companies with operations inside of China.

Why should my company “move to the cloud”?
The decision to move to the cloud should be based on the particular needs of your business. In almost every case, it is possible to see the cost benefits of using cloud computing services over in-house IT capability. Everything from reduction of capital expenses and operational expenses, to the ability to respond quickly to changing business needs, cloud computing is the right solution.

How can I become a customer of CirruServe?
CirruServe offers a vast array of services and resources that fit every business model from single proprietorships, to small and medium businesses, to large enterprises and public agencies. It's easy to become a customer by browsing our Website or calling a sales representative. Let us show you how we can save your business money by moving to the cloud.

How can I become a reseller or channel partner for CirruServe?
Cirruserve welcomes resellers and channel partners to help us find customers in several vertical markets. If you are interested in becoming a reseller or channel partner, fill out this application and we'll get back to you quickly with a response. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us here.

How can I become an investor in CirruServe?
We are currently seeking investors to grow the company. If you are a qualified investor, you can contact us here to request an investor package. Feel free to call our business office to discuss how to get involved as an investor.

How can I become an employee of CirruServe?
CirruServe is always looking for talented, bright people to join our company. You can check out our career opportunities page to see if we have any current openings that you feel are a good match for your background and qualifications. Check back often as we are growing fast!