The workloads for data centers have more and more stress being put on them year after year as more data needs to be stored. It also needs to be easy to access. Many companies have been choosing to move to the cloud for their data needs. However, this is certainly not the only option, and colocation facilities have started to become a popular option and an alternative way to store data. It tends to have more benefits than choosing a privately-owned data center, as well. Let’s take a closer look at what colocation means to get a better idea of why it is becoming so popular.
How Does a Colocation Facility Work?
These facilities are data centers, and they will have space available for servers and other types of hardware. This space is then rented out to individuals or businesses that need to keep the equipment at the facility rather than their property. The colocation company will be able to provide more than just the space necessary for the machines. They will also be able to provide the power needed, as well as cooling and bandwidth. Physical security is also common at these locations, as businesses need to know that their data and machines are safe.
These types of services have been around for some time now, and they continue to grow in popularity because of the many advantages that they can offer. Let’s take a look at the benefits.
Why Choose a Colocation Center?
One of the biggest reasons that companies will want to consider this option is because the cloud hosting colocation centers will generally have a redundant setup and better connectivity. This means that the critical applications and information that you need to access will always be available. The network security, not just the physical security, tends to be higher at colocation centers, as well. They will generally have high-quality firewalls, as well as systems that will prevent unauthorized access.
With most of the colocation centers, you will also find that there is room for growth for your business. If you find that you need to increase your infrastructure, it is easier to do through a colocation center than it would be at your physical location. It also tends to be cheaper. Having the servers and information available through the colocation center means that you will not necessarily need to have your own IT professionals on-site. Everything that needs to be done can happen at the facility. The colocation centers will often have remote hands that can help with any issues that might arise.
Overall, using a colocation center tends to be a smart and cost-effective option that can work well for a wide range of businesses of different sizes. Getting set up with a colocation center tends to be easy, but various centers have distinct features and requirements. It is always a good idea to research the centers you’re considering before committing.