Advantages Of Data Center Colocation For Small And Medium Sized Companies

Advantages Of Data Center Colocation For Small And Medium Sized Companies

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Small and medium sized companies are turning toward data center colocation as a secure and affordable option for their online assets. Todays online environment holds too many security risks for business owners to simply ignore. Servers need proactive management and aggressive protection against attacks. Colocation includes the hands-on management, speed, space, power, and redundancy of premium hosting options for a much lower cost.

What is Data Center Colocation?

Colocation is a hosting solution in which you share server space with other businesses. But rather than storing those servers in some basement or office building, those servers are actively maintained in a data center, designed with strict safety and security specifications and manned 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Your server that you own is on their rack in a safe environment. You also get an IP, bandwidth, and reliable power to your server.

Why Pay for Colocation?

Speed.
Superior bandwidth. For the same reasons a giant chain store can sell canned goods for a lower price than a mom and pop grocery, data center colocation providers can sell you business-grade bandwidth for less than you can buy it on your own. Remember, bandwidth equals speed. Speed equals a more responsive website. More responsive websites get the sale while slow, clunky ones do not.

Power.
The tech world uses the word redundancy. What that means is simply this: if your area experiences a wide-scale power outage, your servers keep running because of advanced power back-up systems.

Security.
The World Wide Web is a dangerous place for any company lacking a vigilant and aggressive security plan. Reputable data center facilities are manned for physical security breaches and require proper identification just to enter the building. Most hosting companies maintain firewalls and run scanning software to monitor server activity and alert your business to suspicious activity.

Look for These Features in a Data Center Colocation Partner:

Redundant power and network connectivity
A network that can handle large amounts of bandwidth
A datacenter with power backup, proper cooling, and state-of-the-art security
Access to your equipment when you need it
Flexible cabinet and cage plans
Full-range of expert services

Additional features that Are Recommended if Available:

50-foot setbacks
Internal and external closed circuit TV surveillance with constant monitoring
Around the clock, 24x7 on-site security that requires proof of authorized entry
Biometric scanners at multiple checkpoints offer an additional layer of security
SAS 70 Type II certification
Accommodates nearly 12 megawatts of critical IT load
Both N+1 and 2N UPS configurations
Redundant power fed from two separate substations helps prevent power loss
Two 20,000-gallon diesel fuel storage tanks for backup generator power in case of regional power loss

Keep your companys online assets up and running smoothly. Data center colocation is a great option for small- and medium-sized companies who need a robust hosting environment but cannot afford the cost of going it alone. Colocation offers economies of scale for the kinds of premium services much larger companies rely upon.



(C) 2011 Iohan Reyes

About the Author:
Iohan Reyes is the Division Director for Managed IT Services at Comtech, a company the provides full-service IT services for small and mid-sized businesses in Washington, D.C., Virginia, and Maryland, and civilian and defense agencies since 1998.

Learn more about Iohan Reyes and the Comtech IT management services team.



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


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