Previously at HostingCon and here at the HostingCon blog, we have discussed the gradual move from Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4) to Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6). The larger Internet service providers and hosting companies took strong steps towards IPv6 support, ensuring they were prepared to change to IPv6 without service interruption.

But now, in 2013, the move to IPv6 is no longer a distant prospect that only bigger organizations should be thinking about. We are getting ever closer to the depletion of IPv4 addresses, and now is the time to make sure your hosting company is ready.

At HostingCon 2013, you can attend “Now is the Time for IPv6” and learn from a panel of Internet experts as they discuss best practices for the IPv6 transition. Additionally, session experts have all taken part in large-scale IPv6 projects, giving them practical knowledge that is essential for every host.

How IPv6 uptake looks in 2013

If you have any doubt about focusing time and resources on IPv6 support, take a look at what the biggest names in the Internet services industry are doing.

According to statistics gathered by World IPv6 Launch, most major network operators around the world are rolling out IPv6 in a big way. Verizon Wireless and Swisscom have deployed IPv6 for more than 10% of connections.

In addition, according to Google’s own collection of IPv6 data, the overall availability of IPv6 connectivity worldwide now stands at approximately 1.46%. In some developed countries such as France, IPv6 adoption is as high as 5.06%.

At first glance, these statistics seem to show a relatively small adoption of IPv6. After all, if worldwide IPv6 adoption is 1.46%, 98.54% of organizations are still using IPv4. However, the most interesting observation to take from these statistics is not overall uptake, but the speed at which adoption has grown.

At the start of 2012, Google estimated that IPv6 connections made up just 0.75% of traffic. In a twelve-month period, IPv6 adoption almost doubled, making 2012 the fastest period of growth for IPv6 ever.

The web hosting and Internet services industries have realized IPv4 depletion is incredibly close, and growth looks set to accelerate even faster in the coming twelve months. If you are not prepared for IPv6, you risk falling behind your competitors as they prepare for this significant change.

Expert advice on IPv6 deployment at HostingCon 2013

Transitioning to IPv6 is not a simple task. The process will affect every aspect of your business, from technology to management and staff training. To guarantee a smooth transition and successful IPv6 launch, you need expert advice from people who have been there before.

In “Now is the Time for IPv6,” six industry professionals will review the business case for IPv6 adoption and why waiting is not an option. The panel includes John Curran (ARIN), Kenneth Power (cPanel), John Jason Brzozowski (Comcast), and others who have played key roles in successful IPv6 implementations. With their insights, you can be better prepared for IPv6 and begin planning your own projects to protect the future of your business.

“Now is the Time for IPv6” takes place on Wednesday, June 19th at 9:00am.

To get your pass for HostingCon 2013, register now.