Factors to Consider When Choosing a Colocation Data Center

Migrating IT infrastructure to a colocation data center is a pivotal strategic decision for any growing enterprise. It is a commitment that directly impacts system performance, security, and long-term operating costs. 

A thorough evaluation of potential providers is crucial, as the wrong choice can lead to significant operational disruptions and financial penalties. 

When selecting a colocation data center, businesses must look beyond the quoted price and deeply assess the facility’s infrastructure, service quality, and ability to scale. This careful consideration ensures that the chosen partner is a true enabler of business continuity and future expansion.

Reliability and Redundancy Standards

The primary factor for evaluating any colocation data center is its commitment to uptime and reliability. This is typically measured by its Tier classification (Tier I being the lowest and Tier IV the highest, offering the most redundancy). 

Critical infrastructure must be N+1 or 2N redundant, meaning there are backup components for every critical system, including power and cooling. 

Businesses must investigate the power infrastructure, checking for the presence of Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS), reliable battery backups, and sufficient fuel contracts for generators to guarantee continuous operation, even during prolonged grid outages.

Robust Physical and Cyber Security

Security protocols must be paramount when entrusting mission-critical equipment to a third party. A professional colocation data center implements multiple layers of physical security, starting with the perimeter. 

Look for features such as 24/7/365 on-site security personnel, multi-factor access authentication (like key cards and biometrics), CCTV surveillance, and secure cabinet or cage access. 

Network security is equally vital, requiring the provider to offer robust firewalls, DDoS mitigation services, and network segmentation to isolate your equipment from other tenants and external threats.

Connectivity and Carrier Neutrality

Network connectivity defines the performance and resilience of your hosted applications. A high-quality colocation data center must be carrier-neutral, meaning it allows you to choose from a diverse selection of telecommunication providers. 

This carrier diversity ensures optimal redundancy and allows the business to negotiate the best possible pricing and service level agreements (SLAs) for bandwidth. 

Evaluate the number of fiber entry points into the facility and confirm the availability of low-latency connections to major cloud providers and internet exchange points, which is essential for latency-sensitive applications.

Scalability and Floor Space Capacity

Future growth is a certainty, so the selected colocation data center must be able to accommodate evolving IT needs. 

Assess the provider’s ability to offer additional contiguous rack space, increase power capacity to your cabinets, and handle higher density cooling requirements without requiring a disruptive migration. 

A flexible contract and ample available floor space within the facility are indicators that the provider can scale their services alongside your business expansion, avoiding the premature need to switch providers.

Location and Accessibility

The physical location of the colocation data center must be carefully considered from two perspectives: operational risk and accessibility. Geographically, the facility should be situated away from areas prone to natural disasters like floods, hurricanes, or seismic activity. 

Operationally, consider the distance from your company’s offices. If your IT staff needs frequent physical access for maintenance or upgrades, a facility within a reasonable travel time is preferable. 

Conversely, if you plan to rely heavily on the provider’s remote “smart hands” support, proximity becomes a less critical factor.