First things first…
What is a Collocation Data Center?
A collocation data center, also known as a carrier hotel, is a secure building or a physical site where multiple customers deploy and install their network infrastructure (primary or secondary), interconnected to different data communications media.
This allows businesses to save on expenses incurred in procurement of infrastructure resources by sharing the investment cost with other users.
Mostly, web hosting companies, telecommunication companies and cloud storage service providers use collocation data centers. However, there is no restriction to a type of business that can use the service as long the option supports the business’s goals.
What Is It Mostly Used For?
A collocation data center commonly serves as:
- A company’s primary data center;
- An organization’s secondary site to support certain critical system applications;
- Or, as a disaster recovery site.
And, it is this last option that has gained significant traction as a solution for many businesses spaced across different industry verticals over the last few years.
So, if you too are planning to use a collocation data center as your organization’s recovery site, there are few things to make note of to ensure that you choose the right service provider for your business.
Selecting a Reliable Collocation Partner
Here are some tips to help you out:
Quality of internet network should be among your top priorities
The reliability of your DR plan depends on the quality of your internet network connection available at the collocation site. Before contracting a collocation service provider always ask them about their internet network connection.
Choose a site that comes equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure
This includes considerations such as availability of redundant UPS systems and other power backup sources, an around the clock functional HVAC unit, a 24/7 on-site support availability and a system supported by robust and secure networking protocols.
Select a provider that has been in the industry for a while
Only an experienced collocation provider can fully understand your needs of a DR site and what it should have to support your restoration operations. Therefore, when short listing a provider, select the one who has significant experience in providing DR as a collocation service solution.
The Cost
There are many collocation providers operating in different major U.S cities that can provide you with a tailored package to suit your business needs. Some providers offer space for housing small data center solutions, charging in the range of $1200 to $2500 per month. Then there are service providers who accommodate large data center installations and their monthly packages can be as high as $35,000 per month.
Be sure to evaluate your current and future network infrastructure needs, all the while keeping your budget constraints under primary consideration, and then choose a collocation provider that ticks all the boxes.
And if you need help with the managing of your IT operations at your newly acquired collocation DR site, feel free to reach out and we will be happy to serve you. Rete Consulting has been providing managed IT services and technology planning consultation in Austin to small businesses for several years and can help you as well to run your IT operations efficiently, productively and securely.