Important Considerations for Your Colocation Needs

After deciding that you need colocation, your work is far from done. There is so much that must be carefully considered outside of the price. This is a very important business move, and one that should not be rushed into by any means. When drawing up your colocation plans, keep this list of key factors in mind.

Proximity

Because colocation is a solution that provides you with access to the facility, it would be convenient to choose a location that is in the proximity of your place of business. Having to purchase an airline ticket or plan a road trip ruins many of the benefits this type of service delivers. Being that this is a service that isn't necessarily prevalent in all geographic locations, you may also want to consider options that provide you with remote control of your server. This will ultimately prevent you from venturing out to the facility every time the server requires a reboot or other minor tasks.

Company Track Record

Before entering an agreement with a colocation provider, it is highly recommend that you check into the company's background and find out how long they have been in the business. Some firms simply offer this service on the side, while others specialize in it full time. You can end up with a quality service in either scenario, but it best to consider vital aspects, such as reputation and commitment, when making such an important investment. Ask for a few references, and if the company cannot comply, consider this as a sign to move on.

Bandwidth Options

There are essentially two types of colocation: carrier neutral and carrier specific. Carrier neutral tends to be the most highly sought after variation, as it provides you with more flexibility in terms of bandwidth options. This basically means that the host is not locked into any exclusive bandwidth commitments with specific providers. A good carrier neutral facility will offer redundant connections from a nice variety of carriers, in addition to reliable peering arrangements with other networks connected to the internet. The more dependable connections you have, the better chance you have of eliminating downtime.

Stability and Scalability

Choosing a colocation facility with lightning-fast, scalable internet connections should be one of your top priorities. Your current bandwidth requirements may not be suitable once your business grows and demands more resources. Tier-1 facilities with large OC (Optical Carrier) connections tend to provide the stability and scalability a business needs to flourish with their internet infrastructure. It is crucial that you inquire about these aspects, as they can be dramatically impacted by a colocation provider that oversells its bandwidth for the sake of profits.

Data Center Features

The colocation features you require will all depend on your individual needs. For the most part, you want to keep your focus on data center features that provide adequate protection for your equipment. Some to look out for are surveillance systems, physical security, fully air conditioned server rooms, environmental controls and backup generators among others.

Rack Space

Very few businesses these days operate in static fashion. Therefore, the colocation arrangement that suits your organization today just may not be enough tomorrow. For example, you might only require rack space for two servers at the present time, but could need room for an additional three down the road. Can the provider comfortably meet the needs without costing you a fortune? Never hesitate to ask a prospective host about meeting such demands and finding out how quickly these upgrades can be made, and how much they will cost.

Cost of Service

While the price of a colocation service is not exactly the most essential factor, it is definitely of paramount importance. When comparing services, make sure you understand all the pricing terms and will receive all the features and services for which you have been quoted. Don't focus on a company that offers the lowest price, but instead one that offers the best value for your money. Once you speak with a few firms, you will quickly understand what is too high, too low or just right. After you have found a colocation provider that offers a fair price, evaluate them based on the factors discussed in this article to determine if they are an ideal suitor for your business.