A Colocation space acts as a third-party Data Center allowing multiple customers to install their network, server, and storage devices and stay interconnected to multiple telecommunication and network service providers.
Colocation services can be used by companies as a primary data center, provide a secondary site to the main data center to support specific critical systems, or provide a technology DR facility. For such a facility, the colocation center is distant from the main location and to restore and resume operations in the face of disaster.
With the help of Colocation services, companies can position backup assets including network services, data storage in their facilities.Â
Why should colocation be included in a disaster recovery plan?
Colocation provides opportunities to establish alternate DR facilities where equipment and data can be securely stored for emergency use in a disruptive incident.
The colocation vendor typically provides secure space in its building, and it’s up to the customer to populate the storage cage with racks of equipment. If the disaster recovery strategy designates remote storage of equipment and access to data and applications, then a colocation component can be added to a DR plan.
Benefits of colocation for disaster recovery
There are many different approaches to a disaster recovery plan, but if colocation is not part of your plan, it may be time to reconsider. The benefits of colocation for disaster recovery are dependent on an organization’s recovery plan, how they are replicating their solutions or technologies, and how its applications get accessed remotely.
Geographical benefit :
Colocation Data Center allows your data to be stored in multiple centers to create redundancy. An organization’s primary Data Center and its DR site can be located distant places from one another. This is done to protect the sites from storms or natural disasters. Choosing a suitable geographical location for colocation is crucial in providing redundancy for critical IT infrastructure and its ability to recover applications quickly.
Cost efficiency :
Few larger companies have hot sites to support efficient operations meaning they run two locations simultaneously so that one picks up in case the other goes down. This can be extremely costly for smaller companies. Instead of building multiple data centers in multiple markets to create similar redundancy, a company can partner with a Colocation service provider and save significantly on the cost and staffing expenditure.
Advanced security
Good Colocation Data Centers will have advanced security features to counter threats and network outages. Physical security includes 24-hour electronic monitoring with onsite staff, locked cages for customer equipment, with two-factor authentication for access.
Things to consider while choosing a Colocation Services provider
The average colocation contract is three to five years long, while a wholesale colocation agreement can last up to 15 years. Even if one has a short-term agreement, the costs, inconvenience, and potential downtime associated with changing data centers every three years are not worth it.
That is why you must select a provider that not only meets your present requirements but also fits your future needs.
Security:
Do the colocation providers have fences? Secure entrances? Cameras? How long is video stored for? Can I get readers and biometrics on my environment? Can I get access logs for my environment? What happens if I pop a door open?
Accessibility:
How long does it take to get into the Colocation facility, and do I feel they have adequately balanced security and convenience? Are there loading docks and storage spaces? How do they handle shipments?
Redundancy:
How many power sources? What is the generator run-time capacity? Fuel storage? Have they endured any major events? How long can the UPS systems run if the generators fail to start? Is there any backup for generators(mobile generators)?
Fire protection:
Sprinklers or gas? What systems are they using? If there are sprinklers, are they wet or dry pipes? Do they have a nitrogen system or equivalent? What is the response time from the local fire department? Do they have in-house fire fighting staff or tied up with any agency?
Safety:
Are they near any major disaster risks? Are earthquakes, flooding a regular event? Are they under a flight path for a nearby airport? Do they have documented processes with Standard Operating Procedures in handling any eventuality?
Cooling:
What temperature do they operate at? Do they use Hot- or Cold-aisle containment? Meat curtains, partitions, or something else? How accessible are the cabinets? Can I get, if needed, visual barriers, a roof, or under-floor protection?
Network:
Are the vendors I want to use able to deliver service? Can they offer structured cabling solutions? What are my media options (RF, Fiber)?
Staff:
Do they have 24/7 independent security? Do they have rovers to do rounds and checks? How often do they do those rounds? Do they have technicians on staff to assist with remote-hands work? How skilled are those technicians? Can I get them to help me troubleshoot or rebuild a server, or are they limited to pushing buttons?
Compliance:
Do they have set policies, and do they enforce them? Is there cardboard all over the floor? Are walkways clean and clear? Is maintenance being performed? Do they have logs and records readily available? Can they assist in my assessments by providing those records on short notice? Are they certified for anything? If I’m doing Federal work, what level are they at?
The physical characteristics of the colocation center are just the start. How the colocation center is managed, how long-term clients are treated, and what sort of flexibility the facility has with space, power, and cooling for customers to scale are all crucial factors to consider.
Check what additional services are provided. All of these factors are crucial to the success of your colocation server hosting experience.
You can rapidly progress by utilizing managed services, higher power density, and the cloud. It’s crucial to find a colocation facility that is your partner and can assist you in scaling your IT over time.
Micronova Data Center Colocation
Micronova is a tier 3 compliant Data Center having zero downtime since inception. We offer colocation services with state-of-the-art infrastructure facilities providing you complete autonomy from connectivity to security protocols.
Our affordable rack space solutions will help you house all your needs and suit your budget. With us, you will be able to run your operations smoothly without having to worry about downtime or connectivity issues.
Our customer-centric approach, backed by robust facility, efficient designs, and best-in-class Disaster Recovery (DR) management procedures, makes us the ideal and one of the most sought-after Data Centres for Colocation services in Bangalore.
Looking for Co-location Services? Visit our Data Center today! Reach us at salesblr@micronova.in or +91 8147090194.
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