Tips Before Collocating Your Servers

Well, let us first define the true meaning of server Collocation - it is basically renting a space from a data center provider who can take care of the maintenance and operation of the servers. Being a business owner, you can leverage these facilities and still gain control over the hardware.  

There are a few important things to consider while thinking about server colocation in order to guarantee a seamless, safe, and economical operation. Allow me to lead you through these things to think about, with a few tips thrown in.

1.Selecting the Appropriate Site for a Data Center

They say that location is everything. This proverb is especially applicable to server colocation. When you're making decisions, the data center's actual location is quite important. The data center ought to be situated in close proximity to your main business operations. 

Your users will experience less latency thanks to this proximity, which also makes maintenance and upgrades easier. Imagine having to take a fast trip to the data center rather than a lengthy flight to replace a broken hard drive. Isn't the former unquestionably more appealing?

There's more to it than convenience, though.Your cloud servers may be susceptible to natural disasters recovery depending on the local region. Therefore, the corresponding disaster recovery might cost you accordingly. Hence, be vary of these unforeseen events.

2. Evaluating bandwidth and connectivity

Connectivity reigns supreme in the digital age. The colocation facility's bandwidth and network connectivity are essential to your servers' functionality. Make certain that the data center has reliable and redundant network connections in order to reduce downtime and maintain steady performance. I consider this all the time, just as when I'm picking a commute. You wouldn't choose a route that is frequently blocked by traffic or is always under construction. In a similar vein, you wouldn't want your servers depending on a shaky or frequently overloaded network.

Find out the number of carriers available, the data center's uptime history, and its peering relationships. Don’t underestimate the effects of minimalist downtime issues that are often neglected and yet, they have the potential to disrupt your business majorly. Therefore, make sure you mention a Service Level Agreement (SLA) with the data center that offers at least 99.99% uptime. 

3. Assessing Safety precautions

Security cannot be compromised. Because you're giving a third party access to your vital cloud infrastructure when you colocate your servers, their security protocols must be excellent.

Multiple physical security layers, such as video surveillance, biometric access controls, and round-the-clock monitoring, should be present in the data center. Your data deserves the kind of security you can only imagine—walking through a vault-like setting complete with security personnel and cameras.

Ask about the data center's cybersecurity procedures in addition to its physical security measures. How do they defend against attacks by DDoS? What standards do they have for encryption? Are incident response teams available when needed? These inquiries are crucial to guaranteeing that your data is as safe as possible; they go beyond simple due diligence.

4. Examining Redundancy in Power and Cooling

Regarding colocation, redundancy is your friend. Having redundant systems is necessary for your cooling systems and power outage problems. It is almost like putting on a seatbelt. You may find it unnecessary but it may help you from fatal damage in events of major accidents or disaster. 

Verify whether the data center has redundant cooling systems, backup generators, and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS). To make sure they function when needed, these should be tested and maintained on a regular basis. In addition, the establishment needs a thoroughly recorded disaster recovery plan to manage the worst-case situations, like protracted power outages.

5. Expandability and Prospective Analysis

Consider the long term. Even though your company is currently tiny, it will eventually need more resources and rent server space as it grows. Future needs should be met by a qualified colocation partner without necessitating a total rebuild of your system. Similar to purchasing a home with a large backyard, you may not need it at first, but as your family expands, you will value the additional space.

Talk to the data center about your choices for scalability. Is it simple for them to increase your rack space or supply more bandwidth when required? Do they provide contracts that are flexible enough to let you scale up or down according to your needs? These elements are essential for protecting your investment in the future.

6. Knowing What to Pay

Let's finally discuss money. Although colocating your servers can save money, it's crucial to be aware of all the expenses involved. In addition to the base leasing costs, there could be additional costs for bandwidth, power consumption, remote hands services, and other extras like improved security or quicker connectivity. Similar to eating a la carte at a fine restaurant, the base cost may appear affordable at first, but the extras can add up rapidly.

Make sure you obtain an accurate accounting of all expenses and weigh them against the possible savings from avoiding the need to construct and manage your own data center. Recall that sometimes the best solution isn't the cheapest one. Value for money is what you're looking for, not just a cheap price.

In summary

To sum up, server colocation is a strategic choice that needs to be carefully thought out in light of a number of variables. Everything from location and connectivity to security and scalability is important to make sure your servers are secure, usable, and ready for the future. Remember these pointers while you explore the colocation space, and don't be afraid to pose challenging queries. Since your servers are the foundation of your online business, they should only receive the best care.