Disaster Recovery At A Chicago Colocation Facility

Are you considering acquiring the services of a Chicago colocation facility? Are you considering outsourcing your disaster recovery to a Chicago colocation facility? Then this article is for you. This article will discuss the disaster recovery services provided at a Chicago colocation facility as well as what to expect from a reputable colocation provider.

A Chicago colocation facility enables you to outsource your disaster recovery as opposed to setting up your own on site or remote location. Colocation facilities allow businesses to house their network, servers and storage in highly secure, climate controlled environment.

Chicago Colocation Facility: Disaster Recovery
A colocation facility is basically a facility where multiple businesses can install their servers, network data storage and other mission critical applications in order to reduce overhead and optimize other efficiencies. These facilities also serve as a great place for disaster recovery because they are separate from your primary location.

Benefits of Outsourcing Disaster Recovery
Outsourcing your disaster recovery completely can benefit your business. However, often you can lose control over what is going on as the outsourcer takes over. However, with colocation you do not lose control. Your data center is simply relocated to a Chicago colocation facility so you still have control over the software, hardware, communications and any other applications you need to access.

Choosing a Secure Colocation Facility
The best way to ensure a Chicago colocation facility is secure is to physically visit the site and check the facilities security and environmental control measures. Ensure the facility has numerous back-up generators and check the accessibility of these generators. Also, look for video cameras and 24-hour surveillance, security procedures, and power and cooling redundancy.. Finally, look for a Chicago colocation facility that is SAS 70 compliant.

Good Chicago colocation facilities offer the following:

- Relentless Service - Know that everyone at the colocation facility is empowered to deliver enthusiastic support to meet your business's data center needs.
- Unsurpassed Flexibility - Find a facility that offers flexible contract terms. Look for a provider that allows you to adjust and evolve your relationship as your business requirements change. Don't get locked in to an ill-fitting, long-term contract.
- Connectivity Freedom - Choose a Chicago colocation facility that allows you to receive the benefits of network neutrality with access to over 40 carriers
- Rock Solid Security - Find a provider with a stringent approach to physical security. All facilities should have a combination of mantraps, biometric identification systems, and on-site security personnel. And, a SAS70 Type II audit that confirms controls are operating effectively and securely.

It is important to do your research when choosing a colocation provider. Choosing a reputable colocation provider will offer your business the following benefits: improved uptime for mission critical applications, ability to scale without infrastructure concerns, reduced capital cost for facility infrastructure and reduced labor expenses associated with facility management.