The three most common myths about colocation

Introduction

Welcome to our blog where we debunk some of the most common myths about colocation. In the dynamic landscape of data management, colocation services are growing in popularity, but misconceptions still exist. Let’s dive deeper into the intricacies of colocation and debunk three common myths to give you a clearer understanding of this important aspect of modern IT infrastructure.

More about colocation

Before we tackle the myths, let’s quickly examine what colocation entails. Colocation or Data Center Colocation means housing private servers and network infrastructure in a third-party data center. This shared environment offers numerous benefits, including enhanced security, redundant power, and high-speed connections. Colocation hosting is a viable solution for businesses seeking reliable and scalable infrastructure without the burden of managing their data centers.

How does colocation work?

The colocation process is a strategic step that includes several important steps:

1. Space rental in the Colo data center:

Companies choose to rent dedicated space in a state-of-the-art colocation data center. This is an important decision that lays the foundation for a reliable and secure IT infrastructure. Colocation data centers offer a range of options, from private suites to individual cabinets, allowing companies to choose the space that best suits their needs. This flexibility guarantees that any type of business can benefit from the advantages of data center colocation services.

In addition, colocation providers often offer additional amenities such as redundant power sources, modern cooling systems, and physical security measures. These features contribute to the overall reliability of the leased space and create an environment where companies can be confident that their critical IT resources are housed safely and efficiently.

2. Installation in dedicated racks or cabinets:

Once space is secured, the next step involves installing servers and equipment in carefully organized racks or cabinets on the data center premises. Colocation hosting services typically provide standardized racks with features such as cable management and power distribution, simplifying the deployment process for businesses.

This organized infrastructure not only ensures efficient use of space, but also makes maintenance and upgrades easier. Careful arrangement of equipment in dedicated racks contributes to improved air circulation, eliminating the risk of overheating and increasing overall system reliability. The attention to detail during this installation phase reflects the colocation providers’ commitment to providing a high-quality hosting environment.

3. Use of a robust infrastructure:

Making full use of the data center’s robust infrastructure is a key aspect of the colocation process. Colocation providers invest heavily in advanced technologies to offer reliable power, high-speed network connectivity, and top-notch cooling systems. This infrastructure is designed to meet the demanding needs of modern businesses and provide a foundation for optimal performance and scalability.

Companies that use data center colocation services benefit from the provider’s continuous efforts to stay up to date with technology. This ensures that their IT infrastructure operates in an environment equipped with the latest developments, ultimately increasing efficiency and supporting seamless growth.

4. Outsourcing for focus:

By strategically outsourcing IT infrastructure, companies can focus on their core competencies and let colocation providers handle the intricacies of maintaining and securing the physical environment. This shift in responsibility allows companies to allocate resources more efficiently and focus on innovation, strategy and other mission-critical activities.

Colocation hosting services not only provide a secure and reliable physical environment but also managed services that further reduce the burden on businesses. From routine maintenance to troubleshooting, colocation providers take responsibility for infrastructure management, allowing businesses to operate with confidence in their IT capabilities.

5. Rationalization of operational processes:

By entrusting their IT infrastructure to colocation hosting services, companies can optimize their operations to ensure efficiency and scalability. Optimized operations go beyond the physical infrastructure and include network management, security protocols, and overall system optimization.

Colocation services allow companies to easily scale their IT resources as demand increases. Whether it’s expanding server capacity or adopting new technologies, the flexibility offered by colocation providers allows companies to quickly adapt to changing requirements. This scalability is a key advantage for companies looking for a dynamic and responsive IT infrastructure.

6. Expertise of the colocation providers:

The expertise of colocation providers becomes a valuable asset, contributing to the seamless integration of specialized skills and the overall success of the IT ecosystem. Colocation data centers are staffed with experienced professionals who specialize in various aspects of data center management, including security, networking, and system administration.

Companies that use colocation services can tap into this pool of expertise without having to build a dedicated team for every aspect of IT management. Colocation providers offer support services from 24/7 monitoring to technical assistance, ensuring that companies can operate safely in a reliable and secure IT environment. Collaboration between companies and colocation providers creates a synergy that improves the overall performance and resilience of the IT infrastructure.

Here are three myths about colocation

Colocation services have become a staple for modern businesses seeking reliable and efficient data management solutions. However, certain myths about colocation still persist, which may prevent companies from making informed decisions. Let’s debunk the three biggest myths surrounding colocation.

Myth 1: Off-site equipment is less secure

A common misconception about colocation is that housing equipment off-site compromises security. In reality, data center colocation service providers emphasize security strategies to ensure your infrastructure is protected. These facilities implement robust physical security protocols, including monitoring, access controls, and climate-controlled environments. By opting for colocation hosting, companies often improve the security of their equipment compared to on-premises solutions.

In addition to physical security, colocation providers use advanced cybersecurity strategies to protect against cyber threats. The colocation data center environment ensures that your equipment is housed in a secure facility protected by intrusion detection systems, regular security audits, etc. This multi-layered security approach significantly reduces the risk of data leaks and unauthorized access.

In addition, colocation services often have redundant systems and disaster recovery plans in place, further improving the security of your equipment. These measures guarantee uninterrupted operations even in the event of unforeseen events and demonstrate that data center colocation is not only secure but also resilient.

Myth 2: The customer has no control over the infrastructure

Some people believe that choosing colocation means giving up control over their IT infrastructure. Contrary to this myth, colocation hosting offers a flexible and customizable environment. Companies retain control over their hardware, software and configurations while benefiting from the advanced infrastructure provided by colocation providers.

Colocation services allow businesses to design and manage their IT environments to meet their unique needs. Colocation hosting allows businesses to choose specific server configurations, network setups, and storage solutions, building a customized infrastructure that meets their goals. This level of control promotes agility and scalability, allowing businesses to quickly adapt to changing needs.

In addition, colocation providers often offer remote management tools that allow companies to access and control their infrastructure from anywhere. This flexibility not only improves control but also streamlines operations, making data center colocation an attractive solution for companies with diverse and dynamic IT needs.

Myth 3: There are no availability guarantees

Another misconception related to colocation services is the lack of availability guarantees. Reputable data center colocation providers offer service level agreements (SLAs) that define availability guarantees. These SLAs ensure a high level of availability for your IT infrastructure and minimize the risk of downtime.

Colocation data centers invest in redundant power sources, network connectivity, and backup systems to meet their SLAs. This commitment to redundancy ensures continuous operations, even in situations such as power outages or others. In addition, colocation providers perform regular management and testing procedures to identify and resolve potential issues before they impact service availability.

When companies choose colocation hosting, they benefit from the expertise and resources of data center colocation providers, resulting in higher levels of uptime than many on-premises solutions can achieve. These guarantees are not just a promise, but a reflection of the colocation providers’ commitment to providing their customers with a reliable and stable environment.

Also read: How does data center colocation work?

Closing words

For companies considering data center colocation services, it is crucial to dispel these common myths about colocation. Recognizing the security, control, and availability benefits of colocation can lead to informed decisions, allowing companies to take advantage of offsite hosting. When selecting colocation providers, it is important to prioritize those that meet your specific needs and ensure a seamless and secure environment for your critical IT infrastructure.