Given the number of companies that offer colocation space in the Carolinas, it can be difficult to choose a single one, let alone compare the Charlotte colocation centers to their Raleigh counterparts.
Most companies in both cities will provide the necessary connectivity, cooling, storage space, and high-security levels, so how do you narrow the search down to the best option?
The most important factors when looking into colocation services are outlined below. Businesses seeking to host their network hardware off-site must decide what features and options are most important to them to make more effective comparisons.
Connectivity
Downtime means lost revenue for companies that conduct business online, so when you’re evaluating colocation companies in Charlotte and Raleigh, ensure that all candidates have redundant connections with different carriers, so your web traffic can be re-routed if a single connection fails.
Cooling
Different methods exist to keep hosted servers cool, from raised floors to dedicated ‘hot aisle / cold aisle’ configurations. Which colocation provider you select should partly depend on how hot your equipment can get. Keeping the machinery cool is vital to your valuable servers' functionality and longevity.
Security
To protect your sensitive data from intruders, inquire closely about a prospective facility’s security levels. Some colocation centers only allow access with a keycard and have security personnel on site 24/7. If you operate in the financial services industry or another sector where data breaches can result in a significant loss, do not cut corners when it comes to information safety.
Disaster Recovery
Hardware failure can be a catastrophe or minor inconvenience, depending on how efficient and robust the colocation provider’s disaster recovery program is. Confirm that any Charlotte or Raleigh facility being considered has escalation procedures to address emergency situations. Most places will have a set of reactive protocols to protect hosted servers, but their response times and extent can vary.
Systems Monitoring
Hardware and network monitoring should be a core component of any colocation provider’s service model. If there are any connection issues that could potentially slow down work at your office, the facility staff should not only notify you but remedy the situation before it even becomes a problem.
Certifications
If you have industry-specific compliance measures that must be met, make sure that the facility has the appropriate certifications, such as SSAE 16 recognition. While data centers with these certifications will charge more for their services, service levels will also be higher, and regulations concerns are minimized.
Relevant links:
- Colocation facility selection requires careful planning
- Understanding the business benefits of colocation
Also see:
- Comparing Raleigh Data Centers to Other Options in the Carolinas
- How Charlotte Data Center Connectivity Options Stack Up
The Bottom Line
Both Charlotte and Raleigh colocation providers can meet most business requirements at a competitive cost. They also have the ability to grow alongside their client organizations, increasing power, bandwidth, and connection speeds as customer needs dictate. The ideal colocation solution will be comprehensive and flexible to ensure a perfect fit as time passes.
How do Charlotte colocation centers fare when compared to their Raleigh counterparts? Let us know your thoughts in the Comments box below.
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