If your business is on the up-and-up, data storage is likely top of mind as your organization grows. 

Are you confident in your data storage partner? If not, you may want to consider the benefits of choosing a colocation data center that can keep up with your rapidly increasing data needs. 

Today, we’re discussing some of the most important elements of a data center for a growing business – 

• Power 

 

While this may be a potentially obvious consideration, the power supply of your data center partner is absolutely essential to the overall success of your business. This is amplified significantly when scalability comes into play. 

 

Your business likely relies heavily on storing and accessing your data, so a colocation data center that is unable to power your organization’s data once it reaches it’s goal size will result in one of two outcomes. Either, your data will have to be moved to another storage solution once your power needs become too large for the colocation center you choose, or that data center simply is not a good solution for your company to begin with. 

 

The ideal solution is to parter with a colocation data center powerful enough to supply as much power as your business is projected to require over the long term. 

 

• Security

 

Depending on your industry, you may be storing highly sensitive or even regulation-protected information – for example, HIPAA data. This type of data is particularly at risk when it comes to physically storing it anywhere. Whether you’re using an on-premise storage solution, a colocation storage partner, or storing data in the cloud, that sensitive information is prone to hacking, tampering, or even physical damage to the servers themselves. 

 

When you’re looking to partner with a colocation data center for the long-haul, their security measures should be taken into account for compliance with regulations like HIPAA, safety from hacking, and physical protection from intruders. 

 

Your data is a core building block for your scaling business. Don’t leave security to chance. Look for features such as uniquely keyed cabinets, 24/7 security staff, and cages with proximity card readers. 

• Access Control 

 

Who is the colocated data center letting into the building? Do they pose any threat to your business-critical stored data? These are questions you’ll want to ask, particularly if you’re working with confidential data. 

 

You’ll want to consider what kind of entry or check-in process your chosen data center requires from its customers and/or guests. Some require a photo ID and approved-entry lists, while others can be more relaxed about this. 

 

It’s important to understand your level of comfort with these access rules as you’re deciding which data center is the best fit for your needs. 

• Reliability

 

Reliability is arguably the most important element of a colocation data center that you should consider when it comes to deciding on a data center partner for scalability. 

 

Imagine this – your data is highly powered, safe from hackers, and accessible physically and digitally but a storm comes through and knocks out the power to your data center and you then lose all access to your most critical data. Scary, right? 

 

A high-quality colocation data center will have plenty of measures in place in the event of an outage, malfunction, or disruption of any kind. The precautions in this type of situation include secondary generators, backup cooling measures, IT staff on site, and much more.

 

It boils down to a simple question – Do you trust your growing business with the reliability of this data center? If the answer is no, you’ll want to keep looking elsewhere. 

 

Data Centers for Scalability 

 

Ultimately, a colocation data center is an excellent choice for scaling your business, as you just need to focus on the business, and your data center of choice is ready to expand your capacity as you are. 

If you’re looking for a highly scalable data partner in Oklahoma, Rack59 provides more critical power than all of the other data centers in Oklahoma combined, and we pride ourselves on our ability to grow alongside our clients and partners. Learn more about our scalable offerings here.