Guide to Colocation
Last Updated: February 9th, 2023 6 min read Servers Australia
What is colocation?
Colocation involves leasing a Data Centre facility along with its infrastructure, power, connectivity, and bandwidth. This arrangement allows businesses to integrate their own server hardware within the facility know as colocation services.
What are the benefits of colocation?
Colocation offers businesses a strategic advantage by providing a secure and reliable environment for their critical IT infrastructure. By opting for colocation services, companies can leverage state-of-the-art data centre facilities equipped with advanced security measures, redundant power systems, and climate control to ensure the optimal performance and safety of their servers. This not only reduces the risk of downtime but also allows businesses to focus on their core operations, leaving the management and maintenance of the IT infrastructure in the hands of experienced professionals.
Colocation offers businesses a strategic advantage by providing a secure and reliable environment for their critical IT infrastructure.
Additionally, colocation facilitates enhance connectivity and network redundancy. Data centres, serving as hubs for various telecommunication providers, offer businesses access to high-speed internet connectivity and multiple network carriers. This diversity ensures that even in the event of a network failure from one provider, there's a seamless transition to an alternative, maintaining uninterrupted access to critical applications and services. Overall, choosing colocation empowers businesses to enhance their IT infrastructure reliability, security, and scalability while minimising operational complexities.
Save money and office space
Once you get to a “Critical Mass”, moving to Colocation and managing your own hardware can save you a significant amount of money. Colocation also has many great CapEx vs OpEx benefits.
Running servers from your office can cost a fortune! Power prices fluctuate and are always expensive. But with Colocation, you pay a set fee, that can be locked in for a fixed term.
The list of onsite hosting costs is long and includes everything from expert staff to run the setup to valuable office space needed to grow your business. Choosing Colocation means that you can deploy your equipment into a top-tier Data Centre, which offers redundancy and around-the-clock monitoring with the added bonus of freeing up physical office space.
Save on power and cooling
Save on office space and office rentals
Save on infrastructure and hardware costs
Redundancy
Data Centres offer redundant power, cooling and systems that ensure that your business is always online and profitable. Instead of waiting for disaster to strike, Data Centres design, monitor and maintain support systems dedicated to ensuring that your equipment is running at top performance and is always reliable.
Security
Colocation offers unmatched physical and data security. Data Centres are set up to prevent your equipment from physical threats like theft, water damage and fires that would result in significant losses in terms of cost and critical business information. Any reputable Data Centre will offer 24/7 onsite security as well as a key card or biometric entry to ensure that no one but you has access to your equipment. If the worst does happen, they will also have redundancies in place that will ensure that you can continue operations without impact.
Performance
Servers and electronic equipment perform best in a constantly cool and dust-free environment. Professional Data Centres offer the most effective air filtration and cooling systems available. This means consistently high-performing equipment which wouldn’t be achievable in an office environment.
Finding the right Data Centre for your Colocation needs
Finding the right data centre for colocation is a critical decision that can significantly impact your business's performance and scalability. First and foremost, consider the location of the data centre. Proximity to your business operations can reduce latency and improve overall network performance. Additionally, assess the facility's security measures, ensuring it has robust physical security, biometric access controls, and surveillance systems. Research and find the difference between tier rated data centres.
Equinix Australia's Data Centres
Data Centres such as Equinix Australia offers businesses a robust and reliable solution for their colocation needs. With strategically located facilities in key business hubs, Equinix ensures low-latency connectivity, fostering optimal performance for critical applications.
Equinix's data centres in Australia boast state-of-the-art security measures, including stringent access controls, surveillance systems, and compliance with industry standards. The company's commitment to reliability is evident through redundant power systems, advanced cooling infrastructure, and diverse network connectivity options, minimising the risk of downtime.
Equinix provides scalable solutions, allowing businesses to easily expand their IT infrastructure as demands grow. With a focus on technical support, compliance, and certifications, Equinix Australia's data centres stand out as a trustworthy partner for businesses seeking secure, scalable, and high-performance colocation services.
Some of Equinix Australia's Data Centre Locations include central CBD locations such as Sydney Equinix SY4, Sydney Equinix SY3, Brisbane Equinix BR1, Melbourne Equinix ME1 and Perth Equinix PE2.
Reliability and Redundancy
Look for a data centre with redundant power systems, cooling infrastructure, and network connectivity to minimise the risk of downtime.
Scalability
Choose a data centre that can accommodate your current needs and offers scalability for future growth. This ensures you can easily expand your infrastructure as your business evolves.
Technical Support
Evaluate the level of technical support provided by the data centre. 24/7 support and proactive monitoring can be crucial for quickly addressing issues and ensuring optimal performance.
Compliance and Certifications
Ensure the data centre adheres to industry standards and regulations. Certifications like SSAE 18, ISO 27001, and PCI DSS compliance indicate a commitment to security and reliability.
When selecting a data centre for colocation, a thorough assessment of these factors will help you make an informed decision that aligns with your business requirements and goals.
Getting started with Colocation
You’ve done your research, spoken to our sales team and you’ve decided Why choose Servers Australia for Colocation? The next question is; where to after you sign on the dotted line?
If you’re brand new to Colocation, it may seem daunting, but it’s really simple and to make it even easier, we’ve put together these steps to help you started as well as a cheat sheet for Colocation.
How do I migrate my server to a Data Centre?
Migrating your server to a data centre involves a systematic process to ensure a smooth transition. Begin by thoroughly assessing your current server environment and requirements. View the Colocation Data Centre Migration Guide.