What is Data Center Colocation and How It Works
Data center colocation, often simply referred to as "colocation," is a service provided by data centers where businesses can rent space for their servers and other computing hardware.
In essence, data center colocation allows businesses to leverage the infrastructure and expertise of a dedicated data center while maintaining control over their own hardware and software. This can be especially advantageous for companies that need reliable and secure data storage and processing capabilities but do not want to invest heavily in building and maintaining their own data centers. In a colocation facility, businesses can place their equipment in a professional, highly secure environment.
Middletown Data Center provides a robust and reliable facility for businesses seeking to house their IT infrastructure off-site. This colocation center offers advanced security, redundant power systems and scalable solutions to meet varying business needs.
Data Center Colocation Benefits
Physical Security
Colocation centers typically have advanced security measures including surveillance cameras, security personnel, biometric access controls, and locked cages or cabinets to protect the equipment.
Environmental Controls
These facilities are designed with redundant climate control systems (HVAC) to maintain optimal operating conditions for hardware, ensuring proper temperature and humidity levels.
Power Redundancy
Colocation centers offer robust power infrastructure, including backup generators and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), to ensure continuous power availability.
Network Connectivity
They provide access to high-speed internet and multiple network carriers, offering redundancy and increased reliability.
Scalability
Businesses can easily scale their infrastructure by adding more equipment without worrying about space constraints or the need for additional capital expenditure on facilities.
Cost Efficiency
By sharing the infrastructure and overhead costs with other tenants, businesses can benefit from reduced costs compared to building and maintaining their own data centers.
Compliance and Certifications
Many colocation centers comply with industry standards and regulatory requirements (e.g., ISO, HIPAA, PCI DSS), ensuring that the facility meets specific operational and security criteria.
How Data Center Colocation Works
Data Center providers supply businesses with a space to house their own servers and other computing hardware within a third-party facility. Here is a step-by-step overview of how data center colocation typically works:
1. Selecting a Colocation Provider
Businesses choose a colocation provider based on factors such as location, security features, scalability, cost, and service level agreements (SLAs).
2. Leasing Space
Businesses lease space in the colocation facility. This space can come in various forms:
- Rack Units (U) - specific slots within a server rack;
- Half Rack - half of a full-height rack;
- Full Rack/Cabinet - a complete enclosed rack;
- Caged Space - a dedicated area enclosed by a metal cage, providing additional physical security;
- Private Suite - a dedicated room within the facility.
3. Installing Equipment
The business installs its servers and other hardware in the leased space. This can be done by the business's IT staff or by the colocation provider’s technicians if remote hands services are available.
4. Power and Connectivity
The colocation provider supplies power to the equipment, usually with options for redundant power supplies and backup generators.
The provider offers network connectivity options, often with access to multiple internet service providers (ISPs) for redundancy and reliability.
5. Security and Access
The facility employs various security measures such as surveillance cameras, biometric access controls, security personnel, and secure entry points.
Businesses can access their equipment as needed, typically through secure access protocols and pre-approved personnel lists.
6. Environmental Controls
The facility maintains optimal environmental conditions for the hardware with redundant HVAC systems to control temperature and humidity, ensuring the equipment operates efficiently and reliably.
7. Monitoring and Maintenance
The colocation provider often provides 24/7 monitoring of the infrastructure, including power, cooling, and network connectivity.
Providers may offer remote hands services for routine maintenance and troubleshooting, reducing the need for on-site visits by the business's IT staff.
8. Scalability
As the business grows, it can easily scale its infrastructure by leasing additional space or upgrading to larger spaces within the facility.
Data Center Colocation vs In-house Data Center
Data center colocation involves renting space from a third-party provider to house servers and other hardware in a shared facility, leveraging the provider's advanced infrastructure, security, and maintenance services.
In-house data center means that a company builds, owns, and operates its own data center within its premises, providing full control over the hardware, data, and management but requiring significant investment in physical space, equipment, and ongoing operational costs, including staff, energy, and maintenance.
Benefits
| Data center colocation | In-house data center |
| Lower capital expenditure as the facility and infrastructure are provided by the data center colocation service. | Full control over hardware, software, security, and infrastructure. |
| Easier to scale up or down based on business needs without major capital investments. | Tailored solutions to specific business needs. |
| Typically includes robust redundancy for power, cooling, and connectivity, enhancing reliability. | Direct physical access for maintenance and upgrades. |
| Often located in geographically diverse areas, providing better disaster recovery options. | Ensures compliance with specific data regulations and governance policies. |
Disadvantages
| Data center colocation | In-house data center |
| Less control over the physical infrastructure and some aspects of security. | Significant capital expenditure for building and maintaining the infrastructure. |
| Limited physical access to hardware, which might delay emergency maintenance. | Ongoing operational costs for power, cooling, and staffing. |
| May have restrictions on the types of equipment and configurations that can be used. | Limited by physical space and resource constraints. |
| Recurring fees for space, power, and other services can add up over time. | Higher risk and responsibility for implementing robust disaster recovery solutions. |
Conclusion
Data center colocation is a service where businesses rent space in a third-party data center to house their servers and IT infrastructure, benefiting from shared resources like power, cooling, and security. It works by allowing companies to leverage the colocation provider's advanced facilities and expertise, enabling them to scale efficiently and reduce capital expenditure.