5 Features to Look for in a Top-Performing Colocation Center

As is the case with many company IT departments, your team is likely exploring colocation centers as an alternative to expanding your onsite data center solutions. It’s a significant move — one that requires research to determine the best fit.

Colocation facilities can clearly address the need to quickly expand capacity at a reduced cost. However, it’s important to make sure you’re partnering with a colocation center that is able to meet your needs for the long haul.

Here are 5 qualities you need to consider to ensure that a data center colocation provider is up to your standards.

1. Invests in new technologies/innovations. The industry is constantly facing new demands — particularly those coming as a result of the demand for the Internet of Things (IoT) devices and data for various business functions. Seek colocation centers that have the power density to meet these demands.

2. Meet compliance regulations. Check out the facility’s certification with the Uptime Institute to determine how it rates for site infrastructure performance, uptime, and operational complexities. The classification system, which ranges from Tier 1 to Tier 4, helps you determine which center adequately provides the solution for your needs.

3. Addresses environmental concerns. Along with capacity, data centers should be investing in energy-efficiency measures that meet federal regulations — not only to be conscientious about the environmental footprint but to keep utility and overall costs to a minimum.

4. Network carrier redundancy. The ideal colocation facility should be carrier neutral, enabling it to use a variety of network carriers that can provide connectivity to ensure redundancy and the ability to negotiate for the most competitive pricing on your behalf.

5. A secure location. In addition to measures to ensure security against cyberattacks, don’t neglect checking the physical security of the facility. Not only should the center be located in an area that is not susceptible to natural disasters, it should be equipped with security that ranges from security cameras and access panels to security staff.

Want to learn why EMP shielding, FedRAMP certification, and Rated-4 data centers are important?

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Alex Carroll

Managing Member at Lifeline Data Centers

Alex, co-owner, is responsible for all real estate, construction and mission critical facilities: hardened buildings, power systems, cooling systems, fire suppression, and environmentals. Alex also manages relationships with the telecommunications providers and has an extensive background in IT infrastructure support, database administration and software design and development. Alex architected Lifeline’s proprietary GRCA system and is hands-on every day in the data center.