Due to exponential advancements in internet usage in current global business environment, datacenter colocation has emerged as a viable solution for every organization which needs space, power and support infrastructure for their information technology to grow but they do not want to invest in owning assets and buildings. If a company rents a space in a data center colocation facility they are able to have access to very stable infrastructure and access to service without needing to focus on it. Nevertheless, not all colocation centers are the same. There are several aspects that define the premier colocation facility so it is imperative that these are well understood to facilitate a successful partnership. Innovative technologies that turned data center colocation facility requirement as follows;
1. Reliability and Redundancy
The primary driver for colocation is the requirements for the underlying physical infrastructure for the firms’ systems to remain fully operational. Availability in datacenter can often be measured down to the percent; that is the amount of time that a given system is up and functional. This level of the uptime corresponds to the so called (or labeled as) “five nines” of reliability and the best facilities provide it with virtually no chances of failure.
Reliability also has high aims of success and one of the most important aspects of it is the redundancy scheme. Top facilities have multiple layers of redundancy, including:
Power Redundancy: Use of back up power such as UPS and generators is crucial. Check out the outcomes of facilities with established power redundancy performances, which can include N+1 or 2N.
Network Redundancy: A reliable colocation facility will have multiple network connections and carriers so clients do not experience IP address loss and no interruptions of internet connectivity.
Cooling Redundancy: Temperature and humidity fluctuations are something of a taboo that should stay away from servers due to tremendous importance to equipment stability. The best facilities design a dual or tripartite HVAC system to ensures ideal conditions are kept even if there is a system breakdown.
2. High Security Standards
The protection of data is very important in any datacenter colocation service provider. Effective security in a datacenter requires a multi-layered approach, combining both physical and cybersecurity measures:
Physical Security: Ensure that the target facilities employ guards who should be stationed on site all time, use bio-metric cardiac access, vision and other access control methods, surveillance cameras and other forms of recommended secure entry points. Those academically advanced centers also use mantraps and security segmentation to restrict the entrance to some areas.
Cybersecurity: A firewall at an advanced level is useful, DDoS guard, and security audits should be conducted frequently. Moreover, if the facilities are compliant with SOC 2, HIPAA or ISO 27001 certifications which are standard frameworks for compliance in the management of data information.
3. Scalability and Flexibility
Just like any other things in life, as business expand, they need to expand their base of operations. A good colocation facility should encompass numerous choices of expansion flexibility. It means that the possibility of scaling the networks is critical to the adaptability of the future business requirements, whether it is a need for space, power or bandwidth. Look for providers that offer:
Rack and Cabinet Flexibility: They should have different rack space that can range from single rack space up to a private cages and suites.
Modular Power Upgrades: This makes it possible for businesses to always have their power supply improved depending on the fluctuations experienced.
Bandwidth and Connectivity Options: Select a provider that will offer several forms of connectivity with the ability to expand to accommodate your network needs.
4. Network Connectivity and Carrier Diversity
Connectedness is another is sometime of importance if not sensitive to colocation especially for organizations that demand few and quick connections. One thing one is likely to find in a top colocation service provider is multiple connectivity possibilities together with the carriers. This means that businesses can select from a number of internet services, meaning that there isn’t a single failure point.
Some facilities are multi-tenant, and more and more often they allow for a greater number of connections, or in other words – more providers. This in turn makes it possible for the business to deploy a network configuration that is right for performance while at the same time being cost effective. There should also be a direct connection to major cloud service providers also; this will also help with addressing the issues of adopting either a hybrid or multi-cloud model.
5. Effective PSG Infrastructure
Continuous fine power and cooling systems play an important role in avoiding degradation of server performance, as well failure of equipment. Power demands of datacenters are high and therefore the importance of effective power usage. Consider facilities with energy-efficient designs, such as:
Advanced Cooling Solutions: Perimeter cooling methods such as hot and cold aisle containment, liquid or free air cooling are ways of cutting down power use while protecting the hardware.
Renewable Energy Options: Some colocation facilities provide an option of using renewable power sources for powering equipments hence enhancing environmental friendly power usage by companies.
6. Compliance and Certifications
Pecuniary and business regulations sometimes demand businesses hold and process data in a legal way. Known certificates prove that the colocation facilities provide secure protection for data and confidential information, as well as compliance with various industry requirements. Some valuable certifications include:
SOC 2: Which pertains to data security and accuracy.
HIPAA: The following to healthcare data security.
ISO 27001: In information security management. These certifications also help to reassure clients who need to be certain that the facility remains up to par with the rest both in terms of service provision and in terms of annual auditing.
7. Support and Remote Hands Services
Last but not least, great, all-round customer care services, especially in a colocation facility are invaluable. Premium data centre providers provide round the clock support and also the remote hands facilities through which the technicians can do routine operations on behalf of the clients. Hardware installations, reboots and visual checks for example constitute the remote hands services which is cheaper than any on-site assistance.
Conclusion
Selecting the right datacentre colocation provider is a strategic business decision that may affect every company’s IT infrastructure, security, and flexibility. While choosing a facility, the corresponding requirements include reliability and uptime, security, flexibility, networking, power usage, regulatory compliance, and maintenance services. With these basic components in mind, it is possible to collocate in a manner that will be efficient, effective and cost-wise for the business as it grows.