Choosing the right colocation provider is an important decision for businesses that rely on secure and reliable data hosting. Switching to a new provider can mean improved performance and security for your IT assets, as well as more support for your long-term growth goals.
But with so many options available, finding the right colo provider for your organization can be challenging. Read on for six colocation best practices to help you choose a best-fit data center provider.
1. Assess Your IT Needs Before Choosing a New Colo Provider
Before evaluating providers, take some time to define your IT infrastructure requirements. Understanding your space, power, and scalability needs helps you ensure that any potential provider can support both current and future growth.
2. Prioritize Security and Compliance
Security is a top concern when choosing a new colo provider. Look for a provider that offers comprehensive physical and digital security measures, including:
- 24/7 on-site security personnel
- Biometric access controls
- Multi-layered cybersecurity protection
- Fire suppression and climate control
- Disaster recovery capabilities
Compliance is just as important, especially if your business is in a regulated industry. Make sure your provider meets compliance certifications such as SOC 2, HIPAA, and PCI DSS to maintain regulatory adherence.
3. Evaluate Facility Location and Connectivity
Your colocation provider’s location can impact their performance, accessibility, and overall reliability. Choose a data center close to your business or a key disaster recovery site to help reduce latency and improve response times.
You might also consider switching to a carrier-neutral facility, which provides access to multiple connectivity options. These colocation facilities let you select the best network providers for your organization’s needs.
4. Verify Redundancy and Uptime Guarantees
Downtime can be costly, making redundancy and uptime guarantees non-negotiable when choosing a new colo provider. Look for providers that offer:
- N+1 or 2N redundancy in power and cooling systems
- Backup generators and uninterruptible power supply (UPS) solutions
- Industry-standard uptime guarantees, typically 99.99% or higher
These factors help data centers minimize risks associated with power outages or network failures so your business can avoid unplanned downtime and disruptions.
5. Look for Managed Services and Support Options
A colocation provider should offer more than just space and power. Look for a colo provider that offers managed services, such as:
- Remote hands support for troubleshooting and hardware maintenance
- On-site IT support to assist with configuration and monitoring
- Cloud and hybrid integration to enable seamless infrastructure expansion
- Monitoring solutions tailored to your specific equipment needs
Choosing a provider with comprehensive support services reduces the burden on your IT teams – and improves operational efficiency.
6. Ensure Transparent Pricing and Scalability
Pricing structures for colocation services vary among providers, so evaluate costs carefully. The right provider should share clear, upfront pricing without any hidden fees for bandwidth, power, or additional services. They should also offer flexible contracts and expansion capabilities to meet future demands as your business grows.
Simplify Your Data Center Provider Selection With OnDemand
Following these colocation best practices can help you choose a provider that meets your long-term goals. Remember that the right colocation partner isn’t just a facility for your hardware but a foundation for your digital infrastructure’s reliability, security, and growth potential.
At OnDemand, we simplify the selection process by helping businesses find the right-fit colocation partner. We’ll evaluate data center security, compliance, redundancy, and scalability on your behalf, then match you with the best solution for your needs.
Looking for expert guidance in choosing a new colo provider? Contact us today.