Evolve IP Launch New Training Hub To Empower Reseller Knowledge
The ‘ucSKILLS’ digital adoption platform offers valuable tools
News
2 min read
TOP 10 QUALITIES TO SHOP FOR IN A DATA CENTER IN 2017
3 Feb, 2017
JANUARY 20, 2017 | TELNET
Technology changes fast – we all know that. What’s top of the line this year is often seen as obsolete the next. Because of this, it’s crucial for organizations in the tech industry to find a quality data center that won’t let them down. A data center that can keep up with the ever-changing world of software, networks, and security. Below are some of the most important qualities you should keep in mind when looking for a data center in 2017.
1. Location. Thanks to the cloud and the simplicity of remote access, your data center can live virtually anywhere. While this is convenient, there’s still a lot to consider when deciding on the best location. Factors such as natural disaster vulnerability, proximity to fire departments, the building’s structural integrity, and how easy it is for your staff to access the facility are all important considerations that shouldn’t be overlooked. Latency in data transmission is a factor in location selection.
2. Physical Security While the importance of data security goes without saying, having ample on-site security is just as crucial. When looking for the right data center, make sure the facility utilizes 24/7 video surveillance, on-site personnel, multi-layered access control, reinforced doors and walls, and anything else that ensures no one is getting in who doesn’t need to be.
3. Financial Stability The financial history of the provider you choose as a data center should be thoroughly vetted. You don’t want them going out of business unexpectedly, leaving your organization scrambling to establish new roots elsewhere. You also don’t want them cutting corners on infrastructure to save money. Having a data center that will provide consistent services for years is a must.
4. Network Redundancy Ensuring you have access to your data at all times is crucial for any business. Choosing a data center with several levels of
redundancy is a must. Not only should there be multiple network devices setup to take over if one fails, but it’s also a great idea to utilize two separate ISPs. Not only does this reduce congestion, it also creates another level of assurance that the network will always be up and running.
5. Scalability If you’re interested in expanding your business at some point (which you probably are) you’ll need a data center that can handle changes and expansions. While many providers offer one-size-fits-all models, it’s important to find a data center that is flexible and can meet your organization’s current and future needs.
6. Connectivity Options Speed and cost are two extremely important factors to consider when thinking connectivity. Whether your office needs to connect to a data center or you need multiple data centers connected to each other, a lot of thought needs to go into making the right decisions. Things like necessary bandwidth, fiber utilization, and carrier-neutral capabilities are all elements that need to be addressed.
7. Customer Support What good is a top of the line data center if there’s not a responsive and helpful staff to ensure things run smoothly for your organization? Having a quality help desk with experts to assist around the clock is something you don’t want to be without.
8. Monitoring You’ll want to be able to easily and reliably
keep tabs on the utilization of your data at all times. Knowing the usage of bandwidth, storage levels, and physical floor space, as well as being alerted of outages are just the tip of the iceberg. Because of this, finding a data center that provides high-level monitoring is a must.
9. Disaster Recovery Plan It’s impossible to tell when disaster will strike. By maintaining a strong disaster recovery plan, your organization can stay one step ahead of what could otherwise be a devastating situation. This is especially important for data centers. The provider you choose should have experts on board to constantly review, plan, and test various disaster protocols.
10. Think to the Future What works fine today will most likely be outdated in the near future. Tech moves fast; the data center you choose needs to able to
keep up. Factors like energy consumption, needed capacity, and operation costs are undoubtedly going to change and you’ll want to make sure updates are well-planned in advance.
