Managed colocation is a service that combines the physical infrastructure of traditional colocation with managed services.
In this setup, businesses rent space in a data center to house their servers and other hardware, but unlike standard colocation, managed colocation includes additional support services such as hardware maintenance, monitoring, and management.
This blend allows companies to focus on their core activities while the colocation provider handles the operational aspects of the IT infrastructure:
Physical Infrastructure
Managed colocation begins with the physical infrastructure provided by a colocation data center. This includes space for your hardware, power, cooling, and physical security measures.
Managed Services:
The primary differentiator of managed colocation is the suite of managed services offered. These can include hardware maintenance, system monitoring, data backups, disaster recovery, and IT support. The service provider takes responsibility for these tasks, ensuring your systems run smoothly and efficiently.
Network Connectivity
Data centers offering managed colocation provide robust network connectivity. This includes high-speed internet connections, redundant network paths, and various connectivity options to ensure minimal latency and high availability.
Security
Security is a critical component. Managed colocation facilities offer advanced physical security (e.g., biometric access controls, surveillance) and cyber security (e.g., firewalls, intrusion detection systems) to protect your data and hardware from threats.
Managed Colocation:
- Assessment and Planning: The process begins with assessing your IT needs. This involves understanding your current infrastructure, future growth plans, and specific requirements. Based on this assessment, a tailored colocation plan is developed.
- Hardware Deployment: Once a plan is in place, you can deploy your hardware to the colocation facility. This involves transporting and installing servers, storage devices, and networking equipment. The colocation provider typically offers assistance with installation to ensure everything is set up correctly.
- Managed Services Integration: After hardware deployment, the managed services are integrated. This includes setting up monitoring systems, configuring backup solutions, and establishing protocols for maintenance and support. The provider continuously monitors your hardware and software to preemptively address issues.
- Ongoing Support and Maintenance: With managed colocation, the provider offers ongoing support. This includes regular maintenance, software updates, and troubleshooting. If any hardware fails, the provider often offers rapid replacement services to minimize downtime.
- Scalability: Managed colocation services are designed to be scalable. As your business grows, you can easily add more hardware or upgrade your existing setup. The provider can adjust the services accordingly to meet your evolving needs.
What Advatnages Does It Provide?
Reduced IT Burden
By outsourcing the management of your infrastructure, your internal IT team can focus on strategic projects rather than day-to-day maintenance.
Enhanced Security
Managed colocation providers invest in advanced security measures that may be cost-prohibitive for individual businesses to implement independently.
Improved Reliability
With robust infrastructure, redundant systems, and professional management, managed colocation offers higher uptime and reliability.
Cost Efficiency
While there is a cost associated with managed services, it can be more cost-effective than maintaining an in-house data center, especially when considering the expenses of power, cooling, and staffing.
Scalability and Flexibility
Managed colocation allows you to scale resources up or down based on your needs without the significant investment required for expanding an in-house facility.