by Dermot Lahey, Head of Client Services
Picking the right colocation provider is a big decision for your business. You’ll need a partner that not only checks the boxes in terms of operational excellence, but one that can also help you achieve your long-term strategic objectives.
A colocation facility isn’t just a house for your data; the colocation space is designed to match the needs of your business and offer you better control over your IT strategy. We’re seeing many enterprises using colocation to house on-premise infrastructure, access multiple networks, clouds and SaaS providers and for data storage. Your colocation provider should be viewed as the ideal hub for your IT infrastructure.
So, what key considerations should you have top of mind when evaluating a colocation provider?
1. Connectivity and Reach
When choosing a colocation provider, connectivity should be a primary consideration, especially if your IT future involves hybrid or multi-cloud strategies. Factors to consider include:-
The availability of Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and internet exchanges to provide the connectivity enterprises required to conduct their business.
The availability of public cloud on-ramps to Azure Express Route and AWS Direct Connect. The ability to directly and securely access public clouds results in lower latency and a significant reduction in costs.
Depending on your business being able to connect directly to SaaS providers might be a priority. Highly connected colocation facilities provide simple cross-connects allowing you to connect to clouds quickly and securely, SaaS providers, networks, ISPs and Internet exchanges.
Depending on your own specific business requirements, confirming that your supplier is carrier neutral with a wide range of network providers may also be a priority for you.
2. Experience and Approach
When assessing providers, it is important to investigate their credentials. Have they worked with other companies in your field? Are there case studies or testimonials available to prove their success? Are you in a position to take a tour of the facility? Take the time to research and analyse their capabilities and reputation to ensure your infrastructure is in safe hands.
It’s also important at this stage for you to consider what happens after you sign the contract. Has the supplier established or an onboarding process or set out timelines?
3. Compliance and Security
In recent years, there has been a regulatory focus on protecting data. Protecting access to your physical equipment is as important as protecting from threats online. Consider, the layers of security that your supplier has in place and how easy or difficult it is to access your collocated equipment. You should ensure that your supplier has strict 24/7 multi-layered controls in place to keep your data safe.
Data protection regulations should not be the only consideration when choosing a supplier. Look at local compliance requirements and seek advice where necessary.
4. Sustainability
Is a lower carbon footprint a priority for your business? By leasing space in a shared facility that continually invests and improves its consumption of renewable energy, you can lower your carbon footprint.
Look for continual investment in sustainability improvements and energy innovations. Examples to look out for are the use of seawater or groundwater as cooling methods for the facility or renewable energy for power. Some suppliers like Interxion also source electricity from renewable resources and operate under a carbon neutral model, helping you to achieve your green objectives.
Colocation with Interxion: A Digital Realty Company
Interxion: A Digital Realty Company is a leading provider of carrier and cloud neutral data centre services across EMEA. As part of Digital Realty, customers have access to 49 metros across six continents. With 4 dedicated colocation data centre facilities around the Dublin area, Interxion tailors solutions around customer’s specific requirements from an entire data hall, to secure private cages to single cabinets. With access to over 45 network carriers, 3 local fibre routes, 7 subsea cable networks, and as the only colocation provider in Dublin with both AWS Direct Connect and Azure ExpressRoute locally deployed, Interxion Dublin is the ideal home for your IT infrastructure.
If you’re interested in learning more about colocation in our Dublin facilities, please get in touch.