Server Colocation is a popular option for small and medium-sized companies that are heavily dependent on Internet services and technology. Colocation lets you place your servers in a data centre that is specifically designed for security, power, cooling, redundancy, reliability, and fast connectivity. Not only does the technology help companies reduce IT and infrastructure costs, but there’s also a host of other benefits including enhanced reliability, improved security, and many customization options.
Below, you’ll find out more about colocation and the benefits it offers to businesses.
What is colocation?
Colocation allows a company to focus on its core business without having to worry about the logistics and infrastructure involved in building an in-house data centre or server room. The client hosts its servers, storage, and network equipment from space rented in a data centre that is custom designed to provide power, space, cooling, security, and reliability for server colocation. Colocation is a popular and cost effective option for maintaining the security and availability of vital server equipment.
What are the top 5 benefits of server colocation?
While there are many reasons why businesses choose colocation services over traditional in-house server and data centre infrastructure, below are 5 primary reasons that make server colocation a better alternative.
Enhanced reliability
Server colocation allows a company to store all of its sensitive data, services, and applications on its own servers in an off-site data centre. After the server is installed at a provider’s data centre, it becomes the provider’s responsibility to take care of its overall maintenance. Every co-located server has a dedicated IP address backed by high-quality fibre optic internet bandwidth. With 24/7 technical support and on-site assistance, servers are monitored at all times and technicians are always available in case there is an emergency. Some data centres take reliability one step further by offering Tier III design certified facilities, redundant power supply systems, and separate disaster recovery sites. These steps give you maximum uptime and additional fail safe features to help secure business critical data.
Reduced costs
Data centres are a cost effective way for small and medium-sized businesses to enjoy the full benefits of a state-of-the-art IT infrastructure. On an average, it would cost anywhere from $2000-4000 per usable sq. ft. to set up an in-house data centre. And this doesn’t take into account the expenditure required for ongoing maintenance, staffing, bandwidth, power backup, security, downtime losses, etc. Put this all together and you will understand why a server colocation is a more cost effective option.
Improved security
When it comes to managing data that is critical to business continuity, security features play a key role in ensuring your data stays secured and protected at all times. Many service providers offer enhanced security with closed circuit cameras, biometric systems, controlled access, and background checks.
Highly customizable
Different businesses have different needs and it is not always necessary for a business to opt for all the features and functionality of a data centre. This is why most data centres offer facilities that are tailored to meet the clients’ requirements of power, space, security, and support. The space can be further assembled into private suites depending on specific client requirements.
One-shop-stop solution
Apart from the multitude of customization options, many service providers also offer a range of value-added services to support and manage your IT infrastructure needs. These services include fibre optic, broadband, and wireless internet access solutions along with cloud and telephony services. This makes it easy for businesses to pick and choose from a range of services that best suits their business needs.
To conclude, it’s no secret why a rising number of businesses are opting for colocation. With a range of services to choose from, including dedicated servers, cloud servers, cloud solutions, hybrid colocation with high speed internet and even disaster recovery solutions, enterprises can now quickly and easily scale up their data centre capacity or outsource existing services in a cost effective manner.
