In the past, companies stored their data on in-house servers and networking equipment. But with advancements in technology, colocation facilities emerged. Now business owners can rent out space for their servers in an off-site data center. There are a lot of factors that go into finding the ideal colocation facility. Here are a few guidelines that will help you find the most trusted one for your business.
- Security and Safety
Both physical and digital security are non-negotiable. In order to keep the client’s data safe, the facility should implement restricted access and necessary safety protocols.
The constantly running servers generate a large amount of heat that needs to be sucked out and replaced by cool air. Any faults in the cooling system could force the closure of the entire operation. There are some risks involved that can be caused by natural disasters such as floods, storms, and tornadoes. Look for the best colocation facility that is equipped to deal with all these problems.
- Network Redundancy
Data centers cannot afford to lose power for a long time as it will cause the entire business to come to a grinding halt. A backup in case of failure of the primary system or power outage is extremely important. By looking at the information found at ServerMania, it is visible that a good redundant design should ensure independent power and cooling setup for every rack. Having agreements with numerous networking agencies to guarantee the uninterrupted flow of data is the key to keeping the business running at all times.
- Location
Location is a key factor when searching for a colocation center. To begin with, you’ll have to transfer all your equipment to the new facility. If it’s close to your place of operation, you will be able to move your equipment quickly and this will save you money. You will also need to make occasional trips to physically access the machinery or fix any technical faults. Having a colocation facility near you will make these trips easier and enable you to reach the facility quickly in case of an emergency.
- Reliability
Uptime is a metric observed by businesses to better understand a system’s reliability. Providing maximum uptime is crucial for any colocation facility. A trustworthy facility should offer up to five 9s, meaning they are reliable up to 99.999% of the time. A reduction in uptime can result in loss of customers and financial loss to the entire business.
- Flexibility and Capacity for Expansion
As your business grows, you’ll need more space for servers and higher power density to keep up with the demands. Therefore, a provider that will be capable of scaling alongside your company is very important. In addition to standardized offerings, it should also be able to come up with customized solutions for your requirements. When deciding on the location, remember where most of your customers are situated. Try to collocate near them as it’ll significantly decrease the latency.
When evaluating different types of facilities, search for the one that is most closely aligned with your requirements. From network redundancy to security and locations, there are several elements that should be kept in mind. We hope our guidelines will help you find a trusted colocation facility provider with the right solutions for your business.