Do you understand the importance of proper infrastructure when running your business operations? Understanding the basics of colocation can be critical for establishing a reliable, cost-effective, and secure IT infrastructure. Colocation is an effective solution that allows businesses to outsource their entire data center by hosting their servers in offsite third-party facilities. From reducing capital expenditure costs by taking advantage of existing resources to high availability levels guaranteed by on-premise engineers, there are numerous advantages associated with using colocation services. In this blog post, we’ll explore all the pertinent information you need about colocation.

What is Colocation Infrastructure?

Colocation infrastructure houses privately owned servers and networking equipment in a third-party data center. Instead of keeping servers in-house, in offices, or at a private data center, companies can ‘co-locate’ their equipment by renting space in a colocation center. Therefore, the colocation definition can be summarized as a service where the data center provider offers a shared and secure space for multiple clients to store their hardware and servers while providing power, bandwidth, cooling, and physical security necessities. Clients can take advantage of the inherent benefits of these facilities, such as high-level security measures, reliable power supplies, and advanced cooling systems, to ensure the optimal performance of their servers. 

The use of colocation infrastructure also allows for significant cost savings as clients only pay for the space they use, helping them avoid the substantial investment and ongoing management required for constructing, maintaining, and updating a private data center. Furthermore, colocation centers are strategically located in areas with stable power grids and connectivity options. This means businesses can also save money on energy costs and reduce latency issues by choosing a location close to their customer base.

Features of Colocation Infrastructure 

Colocation infrastructure offers several features that make it a highly desirable solution for businesses looking to outsource their data center operations. These features include:

• Redundant Power Supply: Colocation facilities offer multiple power sources, including generators and redundant utility feeds, to ensure a constant server power supply.
• Advanced Cooling Systems: With many servers in one location, colocation centers deploy advanced cooling systems to prevent overheating and maintain optimal server performance.
• Physical Security Measures: Colocation centers are equipped with state-of-the-art security measures such as biometric scanners, surveillance cameras, and 24/7 staff to protect their clients’ equipment.
• High-speed Connectivity: Colocation facilities have multiple connections to different carriers and internet service providers, ensuring high-speed and reliable connectivity for client servers.

Benefits of Colocation Infrastructure

Colocation infrastructure has been gaining popularity for its potential to offer businesses a reliable, secure, and cost-effective solution for their data center needs. Here are some additional benefits of using colocation infrastructure:

• Scalability: One of the major advantages of colocation is its scalability. It allows businesses to easily expand their IT infrastructure without having to worry about the constraints of physical space or resources. If a company needs more server space, it can simply rent more in the facility.
• Disaster Recovery: Colocation facilities are often built with disaster recovery in mind. They have systems in place to mitigate the impact of disasters, such as natural calamities and power outages, ensuring business continuity.
• Technical Support: Colocation facilities are staffed with IT professionals who are on hand to monitor systems and respond to any issues. This means businesses can have peace of mind knowing that experts are looking after their servers around the clock.
• Reduction in IT Staffing Costs: As a third party manages the data center, businesses can see a reduction in the costs associated with hiring and training IT staff to manage an in-house data center.
• Environmental Responsibility: By sharing resources in a colocation facility, companies can reduce their carbon footprint. These facilities are designed to be energy efficient, making them a more environmentally friendly option compared to running a private data center.

How to Choose a Colocation Provider

When choosing a colocation provider, there are several factors to consider, such as location, pricing models, security measures, and technical support. It’s important to do thorough research and assess your business needs before deciding. Here are some tips to help you choose the right colocation provider:

Location

The location of a colocation provider plays an integral role in shaping its effectiveness for your business. A facility near your business operations or customer base can minimize latency issues, maximizing efficiency and customer experience. It’s also important to consider the region’s stability—areas prone to natural disasters or power outages may pose risks to your data. Furthermore, local laws and regulations regarding data security and privacy should align with your organization’s compliance requirements. Lastly, easy accessibility can benefit your IT team should they need to perform hardware maintenance or upgrades.

Pricing Models

Colocation providers offer various pricing models, including per rack unit, per kilowatt-hour (kWh), and flat-rate monthly fees. Understanding your business needs and comparing the costs associated with each model is crucial. For instance, if you have a small IT infrastructure, including just a few servers, opting for a per-unit model may be more cost-effective than committing to a larger flat-rate fee.

Security Measures

Security measures are paramount in choosing a colocation provider, as they ensure your hardware and data’s physical and digital safety. High-quality colocation facilities implement multiple security layers, including restricted access, CCTV surveillance, biometric scanners, and 24/7 on-site personnel. Additionally, advanced cybersecurity measures should be in place to protect against virtual threats like malware or data breaches. These may include firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and regular vulnerability assessments. Lastly, the provider should comply with leading industry standards, such as ISO 27001 and SOC 2, which demonstrate their commitment to maintaining high levels of data security.

Technical Support

Technical support is crucial in ensuring the uptime and performance of your servers. When IT issues arise, you want to be confident that a team of experts is available 24/7 to resolve them before they cause significant disruptions to your business operations. Therefore, it’s essential to inquire about the provider’s technical support processes, response times, and expertise levels.

Colocation infrastructure offers a cost-effective, reliable, and secure solution for businesses outsourcing their data center operations. Its numerous features and benefits make it a popular choice for organizations looking to improve their IT infrastructure. Understanding the basics of colocation can help you decide whether this solution is right for your business needs. So, consider all the factors and choose a reputable colocation provider to ensure the success of your IT operations. 

Share Article

Follow Us

Return to Previous Page