Almost every business needs IT infrastructure. In a world where data performs a critical role, companies have to invest in reliable systems. Data storage is part of the investment you must consider for your enterprise. While some businesses have all their assets in the cloud or host servers on-premises, a majority of companies are picking a more efficient solution – colocation. Also called colo, colocation refers to renting space from a third party to store network infrastructure. This storage alternative allows you to buy space from a data center. The vendor caters for the bandwidth, power, cooling and other demands. Colocation is becoming increasingly popular among businesses because it offers certain advantages.
Enhanced Reliability
Running a data center requires substantial resources. Your enterprise needs access to its information around the clock. Therefore, any issues in the network affect operations. Downtime can cost your business a lot of money. For this reason, you must ensure that your IT infrastructure is dependable, which is not always easy. The equipment used has to perform optimally at all times, which means having the right environment. TRG data centers have servers in temperature-controlled settings, with power backup and other redundancies. The carefully dedicated environment ensures reliability. A colo facility can have multiple network connections to prevent downtime in case of an outage in one system. Vendors know what it takes to keep servers running as they should, and are not shy to invest in the right solutions. They stake their reputations on making sure that clients can always access data. So, you can be confident of reducing downtime if you partner with a colocation provider. When choosing colocation services, check their track record to see the uptime rate offered.
Robust Security
Data needs to be secure. You must ensure that the information you store is safe from various threats. Additionally, data storage must adhere to specific regulations. For example, if your company handles payment details, any storage solution used must comply with the corresponding standards like PCI DSS. Colocation providers invest in security and compliance. Since these centers deal with different clients, they can afford to spend resources on premium security measures. Of course, the level of security varies from one vendor to another. However, you can count on protection solutions, such as advanced firewalls, detection intrusion, and anti-malware. Multiple tiers of access control who come into contact with the servers. Besides network security, colo locations also provide physical protection solutions. CCTV cameras, biometric access and locks are some of the measures you will find in these facilities. A provider will also ensure it abides by the latest security regulations and standards, saving you the trouble of handling compliances from scratch. However, your company must play its part in guaranteeing compliance because it remains liable for whatever happens to customer information.
Cost Efficiency
The investment it takes to set up data servers on-premises and keep them running is out of reach for most businesses. Colocation provides an affordable alternative. When you have another company handling your IT storage needs, you save on several fronts. For one, you only have to pay for what your business requires. Colocation facilities sell space according to demands. If you are a small enterprise with minimal requirements, you can rent a shelf for your two or three servers. A medium organization may take several cabinets. The point is that you don’t have to overpay for data storage. Working with a colocation vendor saves you a considerable portion of the setup expenses. You don’t have to pay for overhead, data recovery systems or physical security. By housing multiple clients in one place, a colo vendor reduces operational costs and passes on those savings to the customer. Maintenance is another area where you save money. Keeping a data center functional 24/7 comes with comprehensive maintenance needs, which the provider takes on. You don’t have to keep an IT maintenance team on standby to handle repairs. A colocation facility will have trained experts and the necessary equipment ready for clients.
Scalability
As your business grows, so do your IT needs. Over time, you will have to expand your infrastructure, which means more storage. Colocation offers incredible flexibility when it comes to scaling up or down. When your company need to increase its data storage, all it takes is negotiating with the vendor for the right package. Compared to on-premises storage, colocation doesn’t require you to buy new equipment and train additional staff every time business needs grow. Hosting with a third party gives you room to adjust storage according to demands. If your organization has a busy season that necessitates more servers, you can up usage for that period and scale down when it’s over. Therefore, you don’t have to fret when your company experiences a peak in demand. This flexibility is why colocation is suitable for businesses of all sizes. A startup can get quality services for its computing resources without shouldering the burden of keeping servers in-house. If you are in an industry with rapid growth, then colocation is the right solution for hosting your IT infrastructure.
Working with the right colocation provider offers value to your enterprise in different ways. As many benefits as colocation might offer your business, however, the data storage option is not without its downsides. Ensure you understand what colocating your servers would mean for your company before making the decision.
