As we all know IT, digital devices, servers and computers, network and the internet have become an inevitable component of every business. Maintaining an active data storage has become essential. Whether the business is about software and information technology or it is using IT as a function to support core business activities. To execute the computing needs, they either maintain an in-house facility or outsource infrastructure, space and services from a third party. Their aim is to reduce the total cost of operation after reducing the headcount and electricity consumption, while free up floor space also for better reasons.
Now a day’s IT management companies are offering a wide range of services to facilitate businesses to meet their commercial and financial goals. When it comes to free up the floor space without losing personal control on their equipment and machines; Colocation becomes the hot choice. As it allows companies to own, use and maintain equipment on their own, while sharing power, cooling, communication and floor space with other tenants. It is very suitable for businesses who essentially need a complete control over their equipment. In simple words, these services can be defined as the data centre in a data centre.
Obviously, no one wants to outsource services and infrastructures at the cost of performance. In order to maintain the overall performance, businesses must consider a few key things before choosing a colocation service provider.
Power density of the system
Newer technologies have greatly increased the power densities required to run data centres. Vendors usually offer a standard density for all customers; however, this can be increased or decreased depending on the needs of individual customers. To make a wise choice, select a contractor whose system has the scalability to grow and meet the rising needs in future.
Enhanced levels of physical security
Double check the physical security arrangement in the data centre to find what security measures they are using to ensure internal and external security. Are they using CCTV cameras for complete coverage? Is their facility well-constructed and equipped to handle natural disasters? Also, ask them, if they allowed customers to install personal cams at their floor areas?
Perfect location
Before you adapt the rapid transitional trends to relocate your IT equipment to the distant location to manage the system remotely; carefully observe the occurrence of natural disasters in the vicinity of the facility. To reduce the occurrence of natural incidents, it is suggested to pick the third party facility located at a considerable distance. However, it significantly increases the networking cost. Whereas a facility located in the close proximity will not only reduce the cost, but also makes it easier to respond to issues. Ideally, the service centre should be located within 50 to 100 miles from the location of your setup.
Efficiently designed space
Although the size of the facility matters a lot, as you are choosing a third party to clear the floor space at your facility. Don’t get mesmerised after watching a data centre with a space of thousands of yards. Rather, you should focus on how efficiently they have managed the largest number of machines and appliances in the smallest area. As leasing a commercial space is expensive, tenants have to pay a handsome amount for per square footage for the rented space. Your aim is to reduce the overall operational cost. So, wisely observe, how they are utilising the space.
Perfect alignment with business continuity plan
You can’t expect business growth after choosing a service provider who is less capable. As your aim is to avail enhanced services and better protection at affordable prices, you can’t pick the service provider whose infrastructure is weaker, less efficient and smaller. Also, ask your vendor about his technical expertise and capabilities to resolve client issues efficiently. Also, check the overall space of their unit to identify, whether it can accommodate your technical team when required or not. This will ensure safe tackling of disaster recovery.
Industry certifications
Before hiring a service provider, it is important to forget to check specific certifications. These certificates validate their skills and capabilities to provide state of the art facilities and services to their clients. Never select a company who is unable to execute the compliance requirements.
End Note:
However, you are only renting a space to store data devices and servers, keeping these points in mind before choosing a colocation service provider ensures security and business growth in future.
by http://www.ehdf.com/web-server-hosting-solutions/co-location
