Data Center Colocation for IT Operations: 7 Best Practices for Enterprises + Limitations of Hybrid Cloud

Businesses, especially those with IT-focused operations, generate large volumes of data daily. Because of this, organizations require a data processing and management system that can run different data-driven operations securely and efficiently to align with business growth and internal changes. Most businesses rely on traditional data centers to cover most of their data needs. However, these data spaces often have limited capabilities that may become challenging for businesses to sustain for the long term, thus requiring them to upgrade to better solutions, such as data colocation.

But what is a colocation? It is a data management and storage system that works via cloud-supported servers, allowing businesses to oversee different data-driven operations and making it suitable for IT businesses to undertake their data services more effectively. Data colocation allows organizations to have a scalable system that will help them manage their IT services without worrying about interference to pre-existing data.

This ensures that data colocation for all IT operations can run smoothly and align with what the organization seeks. However, to successfully implement data colocation services, businesses must undertake a few practices to help the service providers conveniently integrate the needed system requirements. Hence, here’s a look at some of the best practices businesses must undertake to facilitate efficient data colocation for their IT needs.

7 Best Practices for Data Colocation that Businesses Must Consider

1. Lay Out Business Goals 

Businesses focusing on IT operations must establish their operational objectives as it helps narrow down the exact requirements for a data colocation service. Organizations must lay out short-term goals for immediate changes they would like to make, such as transferring pre-existing data onto an accessible cloud colo server, or long-term goals, such as scaling operations by the end of the next financial year. Depending on what a business needs, it will be convenient to integrate colocation systems to align with these goals. 

2. Establish IT Requirements

Understanding what the business needs to have its IT functions run smoothly is critical for integrating a colocation system. Is the organization looking for a data infrastructure that provides access to their customers, are they looking for a disaster management network, or do they want a cloud server that facilitates instant results? Understanding these requirements will help businesses determine the most suitable ways to integrate a data colocation system.

3. Understand the Colocation Spectrum

Not all data colocation service providers will undertake the services the business needs for its IT operations. While some may provide a range of services, they may not have the support to assist customer requirements on immediate notice. Other providers will have a higher-efficiency network that focuses on different business targets while consistently providing them with engineering support. Understanding these spectrums can help organizations identify the best colocation channels for their operations that will help maximize their data requirements.

4. Research Colocation Providers

There are multiple data colocation service providers in the market. Businesses must look for those whose services align with the organization’s needs, are reliable with their operations, have the skills and knowledge to tackle emergencies, etc. Conducting thorough research will allow businesses to identify the data colocation providers who will work efficiently for their IT services, thus facilitating better data-driven performances.

5. Requesting Consultations

Businesses should request a service consultation from their chosen data colocation provider. It helps them familiarize themselves with how the service provider functions and the steps they can take to shift from traditional data management to a colocation system. It also helps the provider understand the business deeply and provide efficient solutions catering to different IT requirements.

6. Learn the Pricing and Contracts

Depending on the colocation services, the service providers will have their terms and pricing plans for different business requirements. Enterprises must thoroughly understand these provisions before moving forward. It will help them avoid overheads that do not align with their operational goals and undertake only those operations that will serve their requirements.

7. Work on Building a Healthy Professional Relationship

Being on good terms with the colocation provider can contribute to a long-term partnership which will be highly beneficial for an organization’s growth. Maintaining a healthy professional relationship with the data colocation provider can lead to higher efficiency data solutions that will enable a diverse set of IT operations and ease the data management needs that come with these operations. 

Limitations of a Hybrid Cloud Data Colocation System

While undertaking a cloud-supported data colocation system can be highly advantageous for businesses, there are a few limitations that organizations must be aware of. Here’s a look at a few that one should keep in mind.

1. Increased Complexities

Because a colocation system has to focus on a multitude of IT operations for data handling, there may be a rise in system complexities that can slow down the pace of integration, which can delay critical services that need immediate data results.

2. Higher Expenses

Businesses may have to spend higher for integrating data colocation services, which can impact other operations within the organization. Unless an enterprise dedicates a budget, it can become challenging to take on efficient solutions, affecting the quality of data management a business needs. 

3. Lack of Knowledge

Organizations may not have the adequate knowledge needed to take on colocation services, which could affect how a colocation system is integrated. If businesses do not have a detailed understanding beforehand, they may fail to use data colocation most efficiently, affecting their long-term goals.

4. Increased Security Risks

When more complexities arise, it can be challenging to equip the needed security measures on time. Hence, colocation services must be able to make security changes and adapt to any complex changes as and when they arise. Failure to do so can leave the data system open to several security threats that may lead to data loss.

Endnote

Data colocation is a promising way for businesses to achieve efficient data processing and management solutions. With increased flexibility and cloud-supported operations, organizations can consistently take on effective data-driven IT operations. However, companies must adopt the most suitable practices to facilitate smooth colocation services and achieve high-performing results at all stages.