What Features To Look For in a Data centre

Organizations are always looking for the most up-to-date data and server protection, and data centres are now more than ever delivering that peace of mind. However, not all data centres are created equal. Redundancy, location, and support are just a few examples of crucial traits to consider. This article will go over If you're looking for the best data centre facilities, have a look at our top features below.

What is an Ideal Data Centre?

The ideal data center should possess crucial features that guarantee your business can operate effectively and grow. Reliability, security, and scalability are some of the most essential traits that make up an excellent data center.

Features to Consider When Looking for a Data Centre

When selecting a data center, there are several features that you should consider. These features may include location, power supply, security measures, network connectivity, cooling systems, scalability options, and customer support. It is important to assess each of these factors before deciding to ensure that you choose a data center.

  • Location and Accessibility

The geographical location of a data center plays a pivotal role in determining its suitability for your business. Proximity to your organization's headquarters can significantly reduce latency, ensuring faster data transfer. Additionally, consider the ease of accessibility for maintenance and support, as quick response times are crucial in maintaining uninterrupted services.

  • Redundancy and Reliability

High availability is a non-negotiable requirement for any data center. Look for facilities that boast redundancy in power, cooling, and network connectivity. This includes backup generators, multiple internet service providers, and redundant HVAC systems. A reliable data center minimizes the risk of downtime, ensuring your services remain accessible to users.

  • Scalability

Businesses evolve, and so should your digital infrastructure. Opt for a data center that offers scalability, allowing you to seamlessly expand your IT resources as your business grows. Scalability ensures that you can adapt to changing demands without disruptions to your services, providing a future-proof solution for your organization.

  • Power Density and Efficiency

Assess the power density the data center can support per square foot. An efficient data center not only accommodates high power densities but also incorporates green technologies to reduce environmental impact and energy costs. Sustainability is increasingly becoming a priority for businesses, and a green data center can align with your organization's commitment to environmental responsibility.

  • Security Measures

Security is paramount when it comes to data centres. Look for facilities that implement robust security measures, including biometric access controls, surveillance cameras, and 24/7 security personnel. Fire detection and suppression systems should also be in place to safeguard against physical threats. A secure data center is essential for protecting sensitive business and customer data.

  • Connectivity Options

A well-connected data center is a strategic asset. Ensure that the facility provides a range of carrier options, giving you flexibility in choosing internet service providers. Direct connections to major cloud service providers can also enhance the efficiency of your digital operations, facilitating seamless integration with cloud-based services.

  • Compliance and Certifications

Data centers must adhere to industry standards and regulations. Verify that the facility complies with relevant certifications such as ISO 27001 for information security or SSAE 18 for auditing controls. Compliance with these standards assures businesses of a data center's commitment to best practices and ensures the security and integrity of their data.

  • Service Level Agreements (SLAs)

Understanding the Service Level Agreements (SLAs) offered by a data center is crucial. Pay particular attention to uptime guarantees and support response times outlined in the SLA. Clear and realistic SLAs provide transparency and set expectations, helping businesses assess the level of service they can expect and plan accordingly.

  • Technical Support

The quality of technical support provided by a data center is a key consideration. A responsive and knowledgeable support team is essential for addressing issues promptly, minimizing downtime, and ensuring the smooth operation of your digital infrastructure. Evaluate the data center's support capabilities and responsiveness to ensure a positive customer experience.

  • Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity

Unforeseen events can disrupt operations, making disaster recovery and business continuity capabilities critical. Choose a data center with a robust disaster recovery plan, including data backup and recovery processes. This ensures that your business can quickly recover and resume normal operations in the event of a disaster or data loss.

  • Environmental Controls

Precise environmental controls are essential to maintaining optimal conditions for IT equipment. Evaluate the data center's systems for temperature and humidity control, preventing hardware malfunctions and ensuring the longevity of your equipment. Reliable environmental controls contribute to the overall stability and performance of your digital infrastructure.

  • Network Performance

The efficiency of a data center's network infrastructure directly impacts the performance of hosted applications and services. Assess the network design and capabilities to ensure high-speed and low-latency connectivity. A well-designed network contributes to optimal performance, enabling your business to deliver seamless digital experiences to users.

  • Cost Structure

Consider the overall cost structure when selecting a data center. Evaluate pricing models, additional fees, and any potential hidden costs. A transparent cost structure allows for accurate budgeting and cost forecasting, ensuring that your chosen data center aligns with your financial considerations and provides value for your investment.

  • Data Center Tier Level

The Uptime Institute's Tier classification system is an industry standard for evaluating data center reliability. Data centers are classified into tiers based on their infrastructure design and reliability levels. Higher tier levels indicate greater redundancy and reliability. Understanding the tier level of a data center can help businesses assess its suitability for hosting critical applications and services.

  • Customer Reviews and Reputation

Before finalizing your decision, research customer reviews and testimonials about the data center. Insights from existing clients can provide valuable perspectives on the facility's performance, reliability, and customer service. A positive reputation is indicative of a data center's commitment to delivering quality services and meeting the expectations of its clients.

Read More: Pros And Cons Of Server Colocation For Your Business

To Sum Up

To sum up, achieving the perfect data center requires a careful balance between technological expertise and operational excellence. By placing importance on factors such as reliability, security, scalability, energy efficiency, compliance, strategic location, strong support, redundancy, and advanced monitoring tools, businesses can create an infrastructure that not only protects data but also delivers a seamless performance in the constantly evolving technology landscape.

At Server Colocation UK, we put our customers first and continuously strive to improve our services. Our cutting-edge data centers are built to meet the highest standards of security, compliance, reliability, and sustainability. We are proud to have a customer satisfaction rate of 90%, and our clients often recommend us to others. To know more about how Server Colocation UK is leading the industry, please check out our vendor profile for data center and digital infrastructure services. If you have any questions or would like to learn more, please feel free to contact us at any time. We hope you find this information helpful, and thank you for your interest in Server Colocation UK.

Colocation FAQs

About Server Colocation UK

Our servers are located in our own data center which is located in Derby, United Kingdom.
The data center is fully owned and managed by Data center plus, giving us the flexibility to work with our customers requirements and provide unrivaled levels of support.

Our data center is located next to Mansfield Road, Derby, UK. We are very accessible.
Our address is: Suite 18, Parker House, Mansfield Road, Derby, DE21 4SZ

Tour of our data center facilities is reserved for customers who are looking for colocation services with Data center plus.
If you would like to visit the data center, we must receive at least 24 hours notice.
You will also require to bring a form of ID in the form of a passport or driving license. We cannot allow anyone into the data center failing these requirements.

If you would like to place an order please contact us directly.
You can contact our sales team directly on 0808 169 7866 or emailing info@servercolocation.uk.
If you are an existing customer, log in to the site and simply check out after selecting your new service and proceed to payment options. The details of your new service will be added to your account portal.
If you are placing an order that is an upgrade to your existing one, get in touch with your account manager or raise a support ticket at info@servercolocation.uk.

Support

If you are experiencing issues with your server, we recommend that the first you do is to raise a support ticket with our support team.
This can be done by sending an email to info@servercolocation.uk.
Alternatively, if the matter is time sensitive, feel free to give us a call on 0808 169 7866 and select the option for Support.
We have a 30 minute SLA response time to any ticket raised.

Remote hands cover requests made within office hours.
Our Remote Hands service covers assistance with the following items:
– Server reboots
– CDROM connect/disconnect
– Cable checks and moving network cables.
– Checking/relaying diagnostics information back to the customer.
If you require services outside of the above (for example, installation of software), we can provide this as part of our Additional Services, which is chargeable. Please contact your account manager or our helpdesk for further information.

Support for hardware failure is 24/7/365 on our Managed Servers.
Most failed hardware components can be replaced within 1 hour (during office hours and subject to parts being in stock.
Office Hours: 08:30 – 18:00

Emergency support work