How to Choose a Colocation Data Center
Important Points for Seamless Onboarding
IT infrastructure installation and maintenance can impact the revenue of a business. It is cheaper for businesses to use colocation.
Equipment
A good data center provider gives you fast, safe and reliable access to your equipment. And it allows you to access your equipment throughout the day.
Uptime
Check the Tier level and redundancy of the data center provider’s facility. Do not forget to check every sub-system that provides critical supply and services.
Security
The facility of the data center provider houses critical IT infrastructure. So, you need to check the manned personnel, remote monitoring, restricted access policy, and the physical security of the facility.
Location
The location of the facility is important. You must also consider the network latency, accessibility, cost and quality of service, scalability, and capacity, before making your choice. Use these areas of services to make an informed decision. For instance if in London use an LD4 data centre.
Customer Service
A good data center provider has the necessary resource to respond to their client’s needs, throughout the day. Once they receive your questions or requests, they usually respond to them within one hour.
Connectivity
You need to consider low latency. Check how the data center provider is connected and whether the correct routes for establishing links to remote infrastructure and sites are available.
Network
Do proper research on network connectivity. You need to expect copper (RJ45) and fixed terminated fiber connects for full private rack services.
Flexible Contracts
The minimum term contract of these data center providers is 12 months. However, some data centers are flexible. Exploring all the different options is vital. And you should inspect the charges relating to over usage.
Standards and Compliance
The providers adhere to standards, such as data security, sustainability, and quality management, because they are committed to these essential business responsibilities.
Future-Proofing
Looking for a long-term occupancy? If so, then you need to take into consideration the technologies of the provider. You should know the benefits of the systems and plans you need to replace.
Scalable Capacity
Even though size matters, bigger is not always better. Having underutilized space can negatively impact the operational efficiency and environment. Make sure the provider is flexible to meet your business growth.
Remote Monitoring
You can use environmental monitoring for optimizing your efficiency and increasing your infrastructure’s resiliency. Use remote monitoring for choosing the right size equipment and identifying small issues before they become major issues.
Status and Stability
Check if the data center provider owns the facilities. You should know if it is better to work with a sub-space operator or if it is better to form a direct relationship. Check the track record and financial status of the provider.
Reputable Partners
Check the partners of the provider to make sure the provider is working with reliable and trustworthy vendors. Make sure the partners provide quality of service.
Ask several questions to help you choose the right IT infrastructure solution. Make sure the service of the provider will meet or even exceed your expectations. Ensure the onboarding process is simple and seamless.