Overview
A colocation center (colo) or "carrier hotel," is a data center facility in which a business can rent space for servers and other computing hardware. Many colocation providers sell to a wide range of customers, ranging from large enterprises to small companies. Typically, a colo provides the building, cooling, power, bandwidth, and physical security while the customer provides servers and storage. Customers retain control over the design and usage of their equipment, but daily management of the data center and facility is overseen by the multi-tenant colocation provider.
Why Colocation?
For companies who want to use colocation data center services, there are many great benefits to enjoy. The following are some of the most significant to be aware of when deciding if this type of solution is a good option.
Lower Costs
When comparing the costs of a colocation data center with the option of building your own facility, the choice is obvious. Unless your equipment requires a huge amount of room, costs are far lower when using the colocation option.
Exceptional Reliability
Colocation data centers are typically built with the highest specifications for redundancy. This includes backup power generators, excellent physical security, multiple network connections through several telcos, and much more.
Predictable Expenses
The costs associated with a colocation data center will be very predictable. You can often sign contracts that last one or more years, so you can know exactly how to budget your IT needs.
Easy Scalability
When your business is growing, new servers or other equipment can be quickly and easily added to the facility. When your equipment is in a small local data center or server closet it can be much more difficult to expand.
Geographic Location
You can choose the location of your data center so that it is near your users.
Fewer Technical Staff
You don’t need to worry about things like running cables, managing power, installing equipment, or any other technical processes. In many cases, the colocation data center will even be able to replace components or perform other tasks as needed. This means you don’t need to employ a large IT staff to handle this work.
Why Choose NorthStar for your Colocation Needs?
Although colocation seems very straightforward, the reality is that there are multiple factors to consider when selecting the right partner to house your mission critical business applications.
Assessments
We can help you identify what features, performance, security and compliance requirements you need to meet to choose the correct Colocation solution providers to bring in.
Audit Services
We will audit your current data center services and platform solutions to determine if you are using the best and most cost-effective solution for your business.
Design
We can recommend Colocation solutions based on current industry trends and best practices, so you can be sure that you are receiving a quality solution.
Selection
We are Colocation supplier agnostic and work with numerous providers. We can offer the best options from multiple suppliers.
Implementation
In addition to securing the correct Colocation solution, we can often assist you with implementing new solutions.
Cost Management
We want to provide you with a great Colocation solution within your budget and will work to make sure you are investing your money well.
Working with an independent solutions consultant allows us to analyze your needs and source the best Colocation solution provider(s) that meet requirements and exceed expectations. This is done agnostically, letting you focus on the project at hand without being tied down by endless supplier discussions.
Is Colocation Right for Your Organization?
Determining if colocation is right for your organization depends on several factors specific to your business requirements, IT infrastructure, and future goals. Here are some considerations to help you evaluate if colocation is suitable for your organization:
Control & Ownership
Consider whether you prefer to have direct control and ownership over your IT infrastructure or if you are open to outsourcing the physical management and maintenance of your equipment to a colocation provider.
Reliability & Redundancy
Colocation facilities typically provide robust infrastructure and redundancy measures, including power backups, cooling systems, and network connectivity. This can enhance the reliability and availability of your IT infrastructure, reducing the risk of downtime.
Cost
Efficiency
Evaluate the cost implications of colocation compared to building and maintaining your own data center. Colocation eliminates the need for upfront capital expenses associated with building and operating a data center, allowing you to convert capital expenses to predictable operating expenses.
Business Continuity
Colocation can support your organization's disaster recovery and business continuity plans. Colocation providers often have backup power generators, redundant network connections, and disaster recovery services available.
Scalability & Growth
If your organization anticipates future growth or requires scalability, colocation can provide flexibility. Colocation facilities often offer options to easily scale up or down your infrastructure as your needs change, without the need for significant upfront investments.
Security & Compliance
Colocation facilities often have advanced security measures in place, such as access controls, surveillance systems, and fire suppression systems. If your organization has strict security requirements or needs to comply with industry-specific regulations, colocation can provide a secure and compliant environment for your infrastructure.
IT Staffing & Expertise
Consider your organization's IT capabilities and staffing resources. Colocation can alleviate the need to hire and train staff for data center operations, as the provider takes care of physical maintenance and facility management.
Connectivity & Performance
Colocation facilities typically offer robust network connectivity options and high-speed internet connections. Assess whether the colocation provider's network capabilities align with your organization's needs, such as low latency, high bandwidth, and connectivity to important network hubs.
Proximity
Evaluate the geographical location of the colocation facility and assess if it aligns with your organization's needs, such as proximity to your business operations, access to markets, or compliance with data residency regulations.
