In the past few years, the increasing demand to do more with less has led to the disappearance of high-maintenance server rooms and closets from the traditional office setting. Hardware has moved to fully equipped data centers of mammoth proportions; these centers support everything from routine jobs and basic functionality to high-density setups.
The movement towards colocation began with virtualization. Multiple systems and servers could be moved onto virtual servers that lived offsite in a data center. This was especially relevant once software and storage transitioned to Cloud-based environments.
As exciting as this virtual trend was, there were still significant limitations once the situation included all things mobile, massive amounts of data, and heavy video streaming. Data handling became very difficult and hard to manage.
The solution was the architecture of high-density setups that made passing this data burden more efficient, but the demands of this setup are significant. Hence, colocation found its place in technology as an optimal complement to a high-density system.
Robust Power Structure
The number one benefit of using a colocated data center is that it comes with an incredible power grid that is well equipped to handle huge amounts of energy.
High-density setups are hungry for power and can be quite a challenge to manage at the office level, making it a perfect fit for a colocated data center. Power is supplied in an instant so that all racks have the necessary energy quickly and without a delay that could translate into a performance lag.
In addition, these grids are extremely reliable from their foundation and also use a variety of energy sources to feed the voracious need. Multiple utility providers may be used or another main type of power generation could occur on-site. If the utility source is interrupted for any reason, backup switches and multiple redundancies are in place to provide a seamless stream of energy without fail.
The configuration of energy supply and delivery is efficient and sophisticated, and the data centers can add power capacity without any real work from the customer.
Support
An added perk of using a colocated data center is the service level provided. This is critical for a business that has significant demands or must have zero downtime.
Many data centers operate in a network of building locations that leverage a high-quality staff and an ample selection of management tools across all locations. This provides flexibility to the customer and permits growth for them as well.
Lack of Latency
Managing big data means that networking needs to be stable and fast. Delays or lag in information transmission is absolutely not an option. Colocated data centers have a complex infrastructure, yet one that is built to handle the flow of data with efficiency.
As high-density setups become more popular with the growth of big data and intensive system demands, the colocation solution most likely will grow and accommodate these needs as a response.
