5 things to look for in a colocation data center

It’s a growing trend: According to an Uptime Institute survey, nearly ever company polled said that it was deploying off-premise computing as a data center solution — with colocation accounting for 26 percent of the deployment mix in 2015 (up from 25 percent the previous year). Owned data centers located off premises accounted for 65 percent of that total, down from 68 percent in 2014, while the public cloud accounted for 9 percent — up from 7 percent in 2014.

Whether you’re considering a colocation data center solution to save costs, access upgraded equipment, minimize risks or to scale, selecting the right provider is key to a successful partnership. Here are 5 things you should consider before signing a contract with a colocation data center.

1. Flexibility to handle your growth. You need a colocation center that can handle your data center demands today — as well as two, three or more years from now. With data center power densities increasing as a result of advanced technologies, it’s important to identify a colocation provider that has a history of accommodating increased data center power densities.
2. Ability to meet your compliance needs. Check the history of the colocation center with compliance and audits for a variety of industries, including yours, of course. Make sure you’re confident that the facility is familiar with various audits, including SSAE 16, NFPA, FDA, HIPPA, FISMA and Sarbanes Oxley. Inquire about its in-house compliance team. It should have one.
3. Network carrier redundancy. A colocation facility should be able to provide network carrier redundancy through numerous network carriers. Ask for details about how the facility ensures this redundancy.
4. Experience. As with any provider, check the colocation center’s history with other clients and its level of expertise in providing services and solutions, and handling any challenges.
5. A secure environment. While security of your data, of course, will be a primary topic in your discussion, don’t neglect to talk about the security of the physical data center. Ask about any technology, including cameras, to maintain the security of the location.

As you seek options for a colocation center, asking the right questions is key to finding the ideal solution. If you’re seeking a colocation center in the Midwest, consider Lifeline Data Centers. We’re looking forward to answering any questions you may have. Contact us to learn more.

Other resources:

• Infographic: The 22 Data Center Compliance Acronyms You Need to Know
• White Paper: Why Data Center Compartmentalization is Important
• Lifeline One Sheet: What You Need to Know About Lifeline Data Centers

Rich Banta

Managing Member at Lifeline Data Centers

Rich is responsible for Compliance and Certifications, Data Center Operations, Information Technology, and Client Concierge Services. Rich has an extensive background in server and network management, large scale wide-area networks, storage, business continuity, and monitoring. Rich is a former CTO of a major health care system. Rich is hands-on every day in the data centers. He also holds many certifications, including: CISA – Certified Information Systems Auditor CRISC – Certified in Risk & Information Systems Management CDCE – Certified Data Center Expert CDCDP – Certified Data Center Design Professional