Such as a single rack unit (RU), a partial or server colocation full rack, or even a private cage or suite, depending on the size of the equipment and operational requirements. The colocation provider ensures that the servers are kept secure, connected to the internet, and maintained properly.
Key elements that are provided as part of the colocation service include:
Physical Security: Colocation data centers are often equipped with advanced security systems like biometric scanners, video surveillance, and 24/7 onsite personnel to prevent unauthorized access.
Power and Cooling: Maintaining servers requires a constant power supply and controlled temperatures. Colocation centers ensure that these needs are met with redundant power sources, backup generators, and sophisticated cooling systems.
Bandwidth and Connectivity: These data centers offer high-speed internet access and often provide a variety of connectivity options, including fiber optic cables and multiple ISPs (Internet Service Providers), ensuring low latency and high availability.
Redundancy and Reliability: To ensure uptime, most colocation centers have backup power systems, including uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) and generators, to prevent disruptions caused by power outages.
24/7 Monitoring and Support: Colocation providers usually offer ongoing remote monitoring services and technical support. They handle issues like hardware failure or environmental problems, ensuring that businesses have access to quick assistance when necessary.
Benefits of Server Colocation
Cost Savings: Although there are upfront costs associated with purchasing your own servers, colocation can save businesses money compared to hosting servers internally. It eliminates the need for expensive infrastructure, such as dedicated office space, power backup systems, and cooling solutions. Additionally, colocation providers buy infrastructure in bulk, passing on cost savings to clients.
Improved Security: Data centers are often located in secure facilities with measures in place to protect your hardware. This might include restricted physical access, monitoring, fire suppression systems, and disaster recovery solutions. This is especially crucial for businesses handling sensitive information.
Scalability: As a business grows, so do its IT infrastructure needs. Colocation centers offer scalability, meaning that companies can quickly expand their capacity by adding more servers or upgrading their existing infrastructure without needing to worry about the limitations of their physical space.
Reliability and Uptime: Colocation centers are designed for maximum uptime. The presence of redundant systems and high-quality support ensures that servers remain up and running, with service level agreements (SLAs) guaranteeing a certain level of uptime. This is crucial for businesses that depend on their servers to provide continuous services to their customers.
Performance: Data centers typically have robust infrastructure in place, ensuring faster and more reliable internet connections. By colocating servers in such a facility, companies can optimize the performance of their web applications, databases, and services.
Focus on Core Business: By outsourcing the management of physical infrastructure, businesses can focus more on their core operations instead of dealing with day-to-day IT infrastructure management, such as server maintenance, power management, or cooling systems.
Who Uses Server Colocation?
Server colocation services are particularly beneficial for businesses that require high-performance infrastructure but do not want to deal with the complexity of maintaining their own data centers. This includes: