Data centers are becoming even more important for companies that are facing digital transformation and need to store and process sensitive information. Data centers are the crossroads of connectivity – they provide secure locations to house hardware and software, connect networks, and run operating systems without exposing sensitive information to the public network.
There are several things to check when exploring a data center. You should think about these factors when you’re evaluating potential partners: Are they flexible? Can they meet your temporary or long-term needs? How trustworthy are they? Do they have the necessary experience and resources to meet your needs?
Below are some tips to find a great data center partner who will help unlock value from your technology investments.
Decide what you want from your data center partner
As you’re planning your data center, you’ll want to know what sort of support you need from your partner. If you have a very specific set of requirements, talk to the data center pro early and often. Find out if they can meet your needs with their current resources, and make sure that their service level agreements (SLAs) apply to your situation.
If you’re looking for a partner who can help with more day-to-day issues like hardware configuration or monitoring, ask them if they have staff available to respond quickly when things go wrong. It may be worth it to pay a premium for extra staff and/or a broader range of services.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for someone who can handle all your technical needs, make sure they’re well-equipped to do so. They should be able to provide the right equipment and service at an affordable price. When in doubt, ask questions until you have a clear picture of what you need.
Review the providers you’re considering
Before you start your search for a data center provider, it’s important to do some research. First, review data center provider websites to learn more about their services and offerings. It’s also a good idea to speak with current clients or industry experts to get a sense of the quality of service they’ve received from the company. In addition, it’s important to note that not all data center providers offer the same range of services. For example, one company might offer colocation services while another might focus exclusively on hosting. By taking the time to review each provider’s offerings before deciding, you can ensure that you’re getting the right fit for your business needs.
Commit to on-site visits and get multiple quotes
When evaluating data center providers, the first thing to do is make sure that you can visit the facility and see for yourself what it looks like. Not only will this help you evaluate the area, but it will give you an idea of how comfortable you would feel being there. Look for physical security, raised floor vs slab floor, power and cooling redundancy, cleanliness, and professional appearance. Ensure there are no obvious safety violations, and tools and materials are safely stored out of common passageways. Look for a clean environment with racks of servers well organized and no messy cabling infrastructure.
While you should consider the price, don’t look only at the sticker price. Look at other factors, such as square footage, vendor reliability, and staff qualifications.
If you have any doubts about a company or facility, reach out to other customers so that you can get a second opinion.
Ask the right questions during your conversations
Data centers are complex facilities that house a lot of equipment. It is important to know exactly what you are looking for when researching data center providers.
You should start by asking the right questions: What is the company’s history? What are its core values? How many employees does it have? How many data centers does it operate? What systems do they use? How big is the facility? How many square feet of space does it have? Do they offer security cameras? What kind of power sources do they use? Compare an open floor plan that is easy to maintain against a facility with multiple rooms or pods.
Be Discerning When You Evaluate a Provider
When you’re evaluating a data center provider, it’s important to be discerning. You shouldn’t just accept the first proposal you receive. It’s important to do your research and make sure the company is reputable and has experience in the industry. Think about things like customer reviews and ratings, as well as the past performance of the company.
Like all other decisions, when you’re choosing a data center provider, you should always do your due diligence. Make sure that you are getting a quality service for your money, and don’t hesitate to ask questions if you have any concerns.
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