Data centers are the backbone of any enterprise. Selecting the right data center connectivity solutions can significantly influence your business’s uptime, security, and scalability. So, what should you consider before making that crucial decision? This comprehensive guide is your checklist for choosing the perfect data center that aligns with your operational needs.
Choosing Data Center Connectivity Solutions: Tick on the Checklists
Before selecting data center connectivity solutions, it’s vital to consider multiple factors that affect performance, security, and cost-efficiency.
Choosing a Secure Facility
A secure facility is the cornerstone of data protection. Look for centers equipped with biometric authentication, 24/7 CCTV surveillance and restricted access controls. These measures will considerably mitigate the risks of unauthorized entries and potential data breaches.
Risk-Free Environment to Ensure Stability
Environmental stability is crucial. The facility must be equipped with advanced cooling systems and temperature controls to prevent overheating servers, ensuring uninterrupted operations and minimizing downtime.
Safe from Natural Disasters and Man-Made Attacks
Geographic location plays a pivotal role. Centers should ideally be situated away from flood zones, earthquake-prone areas and other potential natural disasters. A robust security protocol should also be in place to counteract man-made attacks such as hacking, terrorist attacks or sabotage threats.
Catering to the Shortage of Technology Experts
Human resources can’t be overlooked. Your chosen data center should have a team of in-house technology experts available around the clock to troubleshoot and manage any issues that may arise, ensuring the seamless operation of your servers.
Lowering Power Cost
Power consumption can significantly impact your bottom line. Check if the data center uses renewable energy or employs advanced energy-efficient cooling systems, as these can drastically reduce your energy costs.
Tax Exemption
Financial benefits like tax exemptions can be a boon. Some facilities offer significant tax breaks, which can reduce your operational costs and give your ROI a substantial boost.
Data Hosting and Physical Security
Physical security goes hand in hand with cybersecurity. Look for facilities with multiple layers of security and physical barriers, such as fortified walls or moats, to thwart unauthorized entry.
Advanced Monitoring System
Monitoring is the key to preemptive action. Centers that offer sophisticated, real-time monitoring systems can help detect issues before they turn into major problems, thereby preventing downtime and potential data loss.
Incredible Layered Security
The concept of layered security includes a range of features, from firewalls and intrusion detection systems to DDoS protection and regular security audits. This multi-faceted approach maximizes your data’s security.
Physical Security for Barriers
Additional layers like perimeter fencing, bollards, and vehicle entry barriers can deter unauthorized physical access, making it extremely challenging for intruders to penetrate the facility.
High Bandwidth and Greater Network Speed
Speed and accessibility are crucial in today’s fast-paced business environment. Opt for centers offering high-speed bandwidth options and low-latency network connections to ensure smooth and swift data transactions.
Redundant Backup Connection
The facility should have backup connections to multiple ISPs. This redundancy ensures that your operations won’t be halted in case of a network failure, allowing for business continuity.
Attesting Compliance
Verify that the data center complies with industry-specific regulations like GDPR for data protection, HIPAA for healthcare and PCI DSS for payment card information. It can save you from legal complications down the road.
SSAE 18 Requirements
Compliance with SSAE 18 (Statement on Standards for Attestation Engagements No. 18) is a crucial marker of a data center’s commitment to security and operational excellence. SSAE 18 compliance means the facility has undergone detailed auditing to verify that they have robust controls and safeguards in place for handling and securing customer data. This standard combines and replaces the earlier SSAE 16 and SAS 70, making it a more comprehensive benchmark for security and data integrity.
SOC Reports
For reliable data center connectivity solutions, SOC Reports—comprising SOC 1, SOC 2 and SOC 3—are invaluable tools for evaluating security and compliance. SOC 1 focuses on financial controls, which are essential for sectors like finance. SOC 2 delves into data security and operational integrity, while SOC 3 offers a summarized, public-facing version of SOC 2. These reports collectively serve as essential guides for businesses to assess the robustness and reliability of a data center’s control mechanisms.
Why Are SOC Reports Essential?
- Transparency: SOC Reports offer a transparent view of a data center’s operations, enabling clients to make informed decisions.
- Risk Mitigation: By adhering to the standards laid out in these reports, data centers show their capability to mitigate potential risks, including data breaches and system failures.
- Compliance: For regulated industries, SOC Reports are often a requirement, making them indispensable in the selection process.
- Building Trust: These reports are a testament to a data center’s commitment to maintaining high standards, thereby building client trust.
Providing On-Site Amenities
Some data centers offer on-site amenities like lounges, meeting rooms and even sleeping quarters, ensuring your team can function at peak efficiency during extended on-site visits.
Available Technical Experts Around the Clock
A facility that offers 24/7/365 technical support ensures that any technical issues can be promptly addressed, thereby minimizing operational downtime and financial losses.
At Our Center, Premium Connectivity Meets Unbeatable Security
Are you Seeking unparalleled data center connectivity solutions? Make the smart investment and turn to Rack59 Data Center for secure, scalable, and efficient data management. Reach out to us now.
